C O N S T E L L A T I O N .

(Just Cavalli Dress, Jennifer Hawkins for Siren Heels)

It's that time of year again when Luke packs his bags and leaves me for the sunny shores of Hawaii, where he will be shooting a surf tournament for the next four weeks. We just celebrated our five year anniversary together so I think after this many years of Hawaii stealing him for my birthday and Valentine's day I'm a pro at dealing with time apart. We thought for our last shoot together we'd just have some fun. Sometimes shooting outfit posts can be a little stressful if all the elements aren't working (weather, location etc) so with an open mind and no expectations we walked down to the beach and quickly took these photos. Never would I have imagined myself in such a beautiful dress but after seeing this whimsical water colour print by Just Cavalli it was just too hard to resist! Strangely enough it's been overcast here all week but we happened to luck into one of the most intense sunsets I've seen all summer. It emitted a beautiful golden glow over the entire beach and made me feel somewhere between the night sky and constellations, but I think I'll post those photos a little later on as there's already far too many photos for this one post!

Photos by Luke Shadbolt.

M O N O C H R O M E .

(Zara Skirt/Top, Vintage Necklace/Bracelet/Bag, Jennifer Hawkins for Siren Heels)

I don't know if it has something to do with the start of a new year and my 'try new things' mentality but all I feel like wearing lately is simple black and white combinations. This is something my wardrobe usually tries to avoid but at the same time so desperately needs. Of course it had to be Zara who ignited my love affair with monochrome pieces, with this simple black skirt with a cropped front and fishtail back being one of my absolute favourite Zara purchases to date. A simple yet sultry piece that shows the perfect amount of leg and easily compliments a bold red lip and a messy bed hair bun without being too over the top. Sculptured shoulders and cut out detail also help to keep this minimalistic look bold rather than boring (well, I hope so anyway) and have inspired me to work towards building a more balanced and diverse wardrobe this year.

Photos by Luke Shadbolt.

D A R L I N G .

(Zara Top/Pants, Vintage Jacket/Belt/Bracelet/Bag)

One of the things I love most about vintage is the entertaining comments you receive when wearing something that isn't deemed mainstream. This pale pink jacket has to be one of my favourites finds and after nearly six years together I still can't bare to part with it. Strangely enough I've only ever worn it twice before, and on both occasions had complete strangers strike up a conversation about how it reminded them of Marge Simpson. I can only hope you will all know the reference I'm talking about (Marge's Chanel Suit she keeps changing to make it look different) and hope I'm not the only one who finds it amazing. Sadly this isn't Chanel, but seeing as my daily life somehow always comes back to a Simpson's reference or quote I'm more than happy to bring this little Marge Simpson number to life by adding my own simple and modern twist. Vintage always keeps life interesting.

Photos by Luke Shadbolt.

P O O L S I D E .

(Amber and Thomas Bikini, Shona Joy Shirt Dress, George Jensen x Red Cross Bracelet, Ray Ban Aviators)

Is it just me or is finding nice clothes to wear at the beach or poolside a lot harder than you thought? I often steer clear of denim shorts and singlets but living so close to the beach makes it hard to find pieces I can just throw over my bikini when I'm running out the door. So when I found this maxi shirt dress by Shona Joy I couldn't stop layering it over all of my beach attire, nor could I stop twirling beside the pool in it too. Perfect to wear buttoned up as a light, summery maxi dress or unbuttoned as a cool addition to throw over your beachside bikini. The thigh high splits also make you feel sexier than you should when you're sitting alone by the pool... which is something I seem to be doing a lot of lately (sitting by the pool, that is. Can't say that I ever feel sexy) as I'm officially stuck in holiday mode. It's the summer that I never want to end.

This is just a sneak peek so head over to Harper's Bazaar Style Network to see my latest post HERE.

Photos by Luke Shadbolt.

A Q U A R I U S .

(Stolen Girlfriends Club Dress, Beginning Boutique Necklace, YSL Ring, Jennifer Hawkins for Siren Heels)

So it seems when this time of year rolls around I always fall off the face of the earth. I think it's a mix of taking holidays, visiting my family in Tasmania (with absolutely no reception) and sitting down to assess the year that's been and the year that is to come. A little time to yourself is always healthy but I do apologise for my lack of posts! Here is my first post for Harper's Bazaar 2012. Often I'll try to steer clear of darker colours and floral prints but this pretty little number by New Zealand designer Stolen Girlfriends Club was the perfect mix of both. A nice little addition to my usual soft, feminine wardrobe or brightly coloured pieces. With a new list of goals I want to achieve this year and ideas I want to bring to life, I'm hoping it's not just my wardrobe that changes this year.

You can read my latest post for Harper's Bazaar HERE.

Photos by Jessica Stein.