leather theory

Theory jumper, Bassike striped tee, ASOS leather skirt, Celine trio bag in 'rust', Converse sneakers, Karen Walker 'deep freeze' sunglasses

I'm really been enjoying the recent cold chill in the weather. It is most definitely my favourite time of the year (and not just because it's around my birthday). I love watching the trees in my backyard turn into a spectacular fiery hue, except for the Frangipani who is still standing strong and blooming. I've been trying to spend some time cleaning out my wardrobe and so far, all I've managed to do is to dig out a few jumpers and cause a greater mess than before. 

Every year, I try to organise my wardrobe before buying for the new season. It's especially important with the shop on the verge of launching and going live, I can't emphasis how much I've ordered for myself. If I don't familiarise myself with what I already have, I will undoubtedly end up with something new but very similar; I really don't stray away from the tried and tested monochrome. Things like this Theory jumper, which I've had for almost a year and half now, has been on high rotation lately and if I hadn't found it in my winter stack in time, I most likely would have ended up purchasing something in that family. 

I'm really enjoying shopping from my own wardrobe these days. I am so excited to share my "curation" with you guys!

x karen

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science club

A Fine Line 'Science Club' t-shirt, Alice & Olivia 'butterfly' shorts, Superga sneakers, Chanel 'Boy' Bag, Karen Walker 'Super Duper' sunglasses

It's not everyday you find the perfect graffiti wall to take photos in front of, but when I do, it really emphasised the almost-all-white outfit that I'm wearing. It could not be more glaringly obvious that here that colour is has pretty much disappeared from my clothing and can only be found in the background. But I really shouldn't make overarching statements like that because then something like this happens. 

Either way, these photos make me miss the sunshine like crazy because all we've had in Sydney for the past few weeks are rain storms interspersed with random bursts of sunshine. 

x karen

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and so in conclusion ...

T by Alexander Wang tee, Zara leather skirt, J Crew denim jacket, Chanel boy bag, Seed sneakers

If I didn't live in perpetual fear of "outfit repeating", I'd probably find myself in this exact outfit until the mercury drops so low that I start getting frost bite on my legs. Which is precisely why I always end up wearing outfits that are at various levels of resemblance to each other, the technicality of not actually wearing the same outfit on loop relieves me of the hives and anxiety that would normally ensue. Meanwhile, this outfit gives the best summary of my typical outfit (and current wardrobe obsession): stripes, leather, denim, animal print and then some more leather for good luck. Colour is so sadly lacking that I could probably pass for a black and white photo, if it wasn't for my residual Bali tan (I obviously don't consider denim to be a colour). 

These Seed sneakers are the perfect fun ballet-flat (or even black boot) alternative, without the Celine or Givenchy price-tag. I almost allowed myself to walk away with the leopard print version, because that's exactly what my wardrobe needs, more leopard (not true, fyi!). The monochrome python skin is a fun new animal print for me to obsess over, and I was truly grateful to wear some flat shoes after the torture I put my feet through during fashion week. 

x karen

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MBFWA Day 3

Zimmermann silk tank, Willow skirt & 'Work' boots, Camilla & Marc coat, Chanel 'Boy' Bag

Fashion Week is always great for people watching, to see the mass of extremely well-dressed personalities in person rather than from a computer screen always gives me a buzz. To see either Margaret Zhang's layering prowess in live action or Christine Centenera's endless supply of perfectly tailored black blazers gives me such levels of excitement that only someone from #farshun can understand. 

Or to see the exquisite Camilla Freeman-Topper the day I wore my favourite knit coat from Camilla & Marc, I had to visibly stop myself from hurdling my way through the crowds towards her just to y'know, casually walk pass and share a glance of appreciation with her. I really dream big, don't I?

After all the anecdotes that I've recounted to my boyfriend, stories that were suitably interjected with squeals of excitement, he has come to the conclusion that I've been brainwashed by Celine and now repeatedly says "Hail Celine!" (Captain America style - Hail Hydra) whenever I prattle on. I'm just surprised he understands the goddess that is Phoebe and the importance of Celine. 

x karen

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tree of life

Tree of Life dress, Chanel 'boy' bag, Chloe 'susanna' boots, Celine 'audrey' sunglasses, Hermes 'clic clac' bangle

During the summer months, one of my favourite places to shop is Tree of Life. They offer a great range of bohemian style tops and dresses which are perfect for Sydney's sweltering heat. Considering the mild heat wave that we've been experiencing these past few days, summer is definitely still here and what better way to embrace it than in a perfect white Summer dress?

Whilst I'm all for bohemian fashion, my inner-Karen still wants to wear this (and everything) with black leather boots and still the most perfect black bag in the world. I love the idea of pairing a white embroidered dress with harsh black leather, especially in the studded and quilted variety. It's the perfect way to incorporate a bohemian touch into your everyday wardrobe. 

x karen

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revisiting the suede

Bassike tee, Forever 21 suede skirt, Kahlo vest (seen here), 3.1 Phillip Lim d'orsay heels (seen here), Celine clutch, Karen Walker sunglasses

Lately, I've been trying to "revisit" old pieces in my wardrobe rather than buying new clothes; I'm not saying it's working but I've been trying. This is mainly for 2 reasons, I really really want to cull my wardrobe so that it's more manageable (lack of outfits is primarily due to too much choice rather than lack thereof) and with the new shop I've been absolutely horrible and sneaked way too many personal orders in. Whoops. 

This suede skirt was a miracle find from Forever 21. It's the perfect mini skirt cut and the fabric really adds a little something extra to any outfit. 

x karen

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London baby!

On arriving in London, after 25 hours of transit, my sleep-addled brain really wasn't able to compute that this is quite definitely the furthest I've ever been from home and I was finally in London. A place that's I've only ever dreamed of visiting, was finally a reality. 

Europe has always been at the top of my Bucketlist, which is admittedly filled mostly with travel destinations (thrill-seeking activites gives me the hives and threesomes are much too generic). I hate to admit it, but up until my late teens, Europe for me really only consisted of England. Not from a lack of geography lessons, but rather from an unadulterated, overwhelming and nerdalistic love for English history. Yes, I'm that person. 

So, for me, to be able to visit London was unbelievably nerve-wracking. What if it didn't live up to my expectations? What if I didn't live up to its expectations? What if I fell in love with the city only to never return? How will I explain that to my parents? 

To be able to walk on the white-terrace decked streets, to be able to take the tube, to visit suburbs that are distinctly like Privet Drive and to be able to visit the Tower of London. It was a dream come true and a spoonful more!

x karen

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