WINDS OF CHANGE

The last post for 2012. And how things have changed. For the better of course. I feel more comfortable in front of the camera. I can see how my style has grown and matured (if only just a little bit...). Even creating posts comes with a lot more ease. It's taken a few months. But I finally feel settled into blogging. Hang on. That doesn't mean there aren't going to be some changes. I've got some plans for this little space. Just you wait and see.

Life is about improving. You're shaped by your experiences, by how you deal with change. Change is inevitable. And that means that your ability to grow is endless. It's time to strap yourself in. The winds of change are upon us. 2013 is going to be a wild and rewarding ride.

Playsuit: Cameo

Necklace: Diva

Watch: Michael Kors

Shoes: Wittner

Photos by Annisa

Summer Lovin'

Seeing as it's the summer holidays here in Oz, I'm itching to get to the beach. I want to walk along the sand, feel it between my toes. I want to taste the salty sea breeze. I want to dip my toes in the ocean. I want to discover whole worlds in tiny rock pools. I want to lay on the beach and read trashy gossip magazines. But as I'll have to wait a little while longer, I thought I'd dream up an ideal beach outfit. Minimal clothes. Maximum colour. And of course the most important accessory. Sunscreen.

Beach by itsizzybea featuring clinique

ON THE ROCKS

Everything's better on the rocks. The view of my beautiful city... and holiday drinks. I hope you all have a relaxing day, filled with love and the people you care about. I hope you get to wear your favourite outfit. You know, the one you've been saving for a 'special occasion'. (I hope you don't spill too much on it.) I hope you get everything you wanted. But most importantly, I hope it's a day where everyone is kind to one another. 

Keeping it short and sweet. Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. And here's to many more!

Dress: Mooloola from City Beach
Belt: Vintage
Rings: Asos
Shoes: Lipstik
Sunglasses: Minkpink

Photos by Annisa

EAGLE ATTITUDE

It's been a long time since I channelled some serious 'tude' on my blog. We all know clothes are a great and often unique means of self expression. But as seasons, trends, and personal style go through phases, there are times when I feel like my wardrobe just cannot dress me for my mood. That's why regardless of current styles I like to hold on to a few favourite pieces. And this outfit is the lovechild of a few of those pieces.

Recently, any new clothing additions tend to lean toward a 'classic chic' style. While I love the modest, fresh, tailored look, I'm on the younger side of Gen Y and still have some grungy, unpolished statements to make. Queue the old faithfuls! Muscle tank with cartoon eagle. Check. Spiked collar necklace. Check. Maroon pleated skirt. Check. Talk about comfort and versatility. These pieces have it all. (And that's why they're so over-worn and over-loved.) Together they let me express my inner badass. Don't believe me? Check out the 'tude' in the last picture. 

Top: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: (Midi worn as mini) i.d.s from Verge

Necklace: Asos similar here
Rings: Magnolia

Boots: Roc

Photos by Annisa

Wardrobe Wishing

Beautiful clothes deserve beautiful homes. The problem is when it comes to the 'real world' we have to make do with the space we have. And unfortunately luxury walk in wardrobes aren't usually on the cards. Recently, I had to perform one of the most undesirable tasks, a clothes lover's (and occasional hoarder's) cardinal sin. A closet clean out.

Now this made me realise two things. Number one. I don't have enough room in my wardrobe. If I had more I wouldn't need to be doing this. Number two. My wardrobe cannot be organised. No matter how hard I try to have some sort of system- colours, seasons, whatever- things just go array. Clothes fall of their hangers. Pieces somehow drift into the abyss that is the back of my closet. And things just get covered up by other things until I have an extreme Russian doll situation on my hands.

So I figured while my wardrobe and it's whole presentation is an absolute disaster, I'll show you some beautiful, inspiration closet and showroom designs. If I could something like any of these I would be one happy camper.

IMAGES FROM GOOGLE

POSTER BOY

Sometimes it's hard to stand out from the crowd. To make your mark and not have it blend into the background. Sometimes it seems like your wants and needs get neglected, covered up by those of others projecting themselves on you. Well, dear readers, it's time to take a stand and express what makes you unique.

When it comes to fashion, nothing is more unique than a hand picked vintage piece. Though there is one exception. This customised vintage top. The addition of the lace collar has turned this blouse from 'eh' to 'I-must-stop-at-nothing-to-get-this-in-my-wardrobe'. So take the time to find that something extra-special about you. Reinforce it with everything positive and amazing you're known for. (Like pleather skirts, sliver jewellery, Ray-Bans and leather boots.) And you've got an unstoppable (and comfortable) combo set to take on the world. 

Top: Bree Bennett Customised Vintage

Skirt: Ally

Boots: Roc

Rings: Sportsgirl

Photos by Annisa

Tumbling XVI

Hey Barbie. Turns out you were right about one thing. Plastic is fantastic. But of course like all things Barbie endorses, practicality and real-life application haven't really been considered. While I can appreciate the creativity of using plastic in fashion, I doubt it will be making much of an appearance in my closet. But I can see for some people why it's a clear winner.

IMAGES FROM TUMBLR

GREEN WITH ENVY

So it's getting close to that time of year again. The few days where we all. Pause. And take the time to reflect on lives. It seems like every December two of my dear friends, Hindsight and Retrospect, come to visit and together we're able to work out who and what I'm most thankful for.

Throughout the year it's easy to spend a little too much time with Jealousy and Envy. Together they make ungrateful thoughts consume me. Everything is about what I don't have. I don't have that dress, I don't have that phone. Hanging out with Hindsight and Retrospect reminds me I have a lot of amazing things and non-things (I guess that's my way of saying people) in my life. I think we should all try not be so green with envy, and invite Hindsight and Retrospect around a bit more. You can never be too thankful, humble or grateful.

Shirt: Asos

Shorts: Avocado

Boots: Roc

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Rings: Magonila

Photos by Annisa

Twelve Twelve Twelve

 Seeing as it is such a special date I figured I should mark the occasion with a blog post. It's strange to think that never again (for another 89 years) will the dates line up again. Creating quite the triple threat. I mean how can other dates even compete. But despite this overarching phenomenon my day was nothing special. Sure it was lovely, roaming the town and art galleries with a great friend, but I thought it was nothing remarkable... until now.

Blessed with retrospect we're able to recognise the beauty and magic in the everyday. Whether its a small detail like the way a person smiled, or an unexpected event that added some extra to your ordinary. These little bits of magic don't just happen on dates like today. They could happen tomorrow, or the next day, or the next day...
So here a few pictures that I hope add something a little special to your 12/12/12. And an afternoon shot of my sleepy city.

DESIGNER SKYLINE

I've always loved cities. And at the risk of oversimplifying my reasoning, it's because things happen there. I, like many others, thrive on my 'big city dreams'. Just a glance at a city skyline and I'm head over heels. Totally awestruck. 

But what to wear when you're amongst it? Exploring the secret life of the city's sidewalks and shops. Here's my answer. A well structured top will immediately add elegance and a touch of formality to an otherwise casual pair of shorts. Statement necklace, keep other jewellery simple (if any at all). And flat shoes. It all makes for a well dressed, casual look. Or at least I think so. 

Top: Mossman
Shorts: Charcoal
Shoes: Lipstik
Rings: Asos 

Photos by Annisa