It's a short way to the Top Shop.

The long awaited launch of the popular 'Top Shop' filled the streets of Brisbane on December 5th. With special Australian celebrity appearances and an overwhelming crowd the first Queensland store opened it's doors. I have been a devoted Top Shop customer for many years now, but it is so fantastic that I can wonder through the store and try things on in my home city! Given the chance I couldn't resist but too have a look, and I came out with a few lovely style essentials and fixes that will both brighten up your summer wardrobe and can be transeasonal too. 

If you're like me and love to buy pretty dresses that are a little too formal and then find yourself without any 'casual' outfits, I might have a quick fix for you. I have always been torn between liking the look of grungy, baggy shirts but never wearing them when I do buy them, however, they are a fantastic basic top for your wardrobe. The solution is a very feminine baggy top. This might be a little hard to find, but I think this cute little baggy white top (pictured below) is perfect! The delicate lacy detailing balances the grunt raw edges and the plain t-shirt shape. I also love classy, colourful high waisted shorts which can be a little dressy if done up correctly. My solution: pair the super classy high waisted shorts with a soft casual top, such as the Top Shop top (below). This creates a easy, comfortable casual look and leaves you free to buy all the pretty little skirts and dressy fabric shorts your heart desires, while being able to dress them up or down with the right tops and accessories. Add any jewellery that you like and a pair of sandals, flats or converse (or heels for a more formal look) to finish the look. While the shorts are an easy summer style, to take this top into Autumn and Winter, simply layer is with a cute denim jacket or trench coat and pants or a skirt and tights. 

Top: Top Shop, $56

Shorts: Universal Store, $39.99

(The feminine detailing)

(left) Windsor Smiths- Octopus, Myer, $89.95

(centre) Corellie - Giana, Williams, $69.99

(right) Converse- low cuts, Hype DC, $89.95

Top Shop have a range of basic vests, two for $19, that are perfect for lazy summer days and layering with special little cardigans, boleros and jackets. If you're not lucky enough to have a store near you, have a look online: http://www.topshop.com/?geoip=home. xx

The rule for basic clothing: simple timeless cuts, easy to care for, usually stretch materials, plain colours. Black, white and grey are colours that you can mix and match with all other colours so aim to only purchase these colours for you basics. Basics and transeasonal clothing are fantastic because they save you money! It's worth learning how to utilise them and buy cheaper garments (like cardigans, scarves, jackets, ect.) to make your outfits unique that often fall out of fashion quickly. 

What are you favourite summer pieces? What do you like to keep as wardrobe basics? Please comment and let me know! xx

Sunny Days

After spending so much time cooped in school a beach trip is exactly what is needed! A friend and I took advantage of the warmer weather and set off to one of Australia's beautiful beaches. Despite living so close to this gorgeous scenery, it's easy to miss it while our busy lives take over. Spending a day in the sun is absolutely one of the best anti-stress activities I can think of; sun, fresh air and yummy summer treats! We indulged in a Ferrero Rocher ice-cream and curiously looked through rock pools. 
As we sat on the sand we noticed many summer trends this year, foremost solid, bright colours and 'Triangle' bikini's (have a look online: http://www.triangl.com.au). 'Triangle' bikini's feature a very simple design that is very flattering to most body types. They incorporate the brilliant bright colours and play with textures and mix matched looks. There are many shapes and patterns that are popular lately however the simple triangle and bandeau tops are trending this spring/ summer. If you're feeling a little run down take a trip to the beach or spend some time in the sun; coming home with a fresh summery glow, soft salty hair and happy photos what's not to love?

What's your favourite beach memory? 

Thank you for your support so far, leave a comment letting me know what you want to see next! xx

Angels on Bare Skin

"Angels on Bare Skin" is a natural cleanser from Lush. 

Made from all natural ingredients such as almond milk to tone and brighten skin, kaolin to absorb grease and gently cleanse, vegetable glycerine to soften and moisturise the skin and a beautiful blend of essential oils, all chosen for their abilities to balance and tone the skin. This cleanser is absolutely amazing! I love its lavender smell, the texture and being able to mix it with water myself. In theory, all of the ingredients are supposed to be extremely beneficial for your skin, and I don't doubt it. However I find that although it is very gentle and nursing, there is something missing. If you have problem skin as I do, maybe this isn't for you. I have used an entire container of this cleanser and found that at first it looked very promising. That said, it is a good cleanser and everyone needs a different combination of products. It minimised any little oily spots, reduced blackheads, redness was less noticeable and generally gave a fresh glow to my skin. Towards the end of the jar, I felt like my skin needed a change. Perhaps it's the fact that this is a natural product (which is a huge plus) and it does expire quite quickly that changed how it worked for me but none the less I did enjoy using it. Given the type of product it is (natural, not tested on animals, vegan and fresh) it is quite well priced. I would use this again but not necessarily continuously. The soft grainy texture, smell and ability to control oiliness and redness absolutely make this product worth trying.

Lovely Lush.

After being enticed into the Lush shop by the wonderful smells many times, I have hardly bought anything. However, now I have tried a few things I absolutely love Lush! I have used:

"Cupcake Mask" - A brown chocolaty mask that smells good enough to eat.
"Angels On Bare Skin" - Angelic medieval rose & lavender Cleanser
"Mask of Magniminty" - A deep cleansing clay mask with aduki beans, evening primrose & peppermint oil.
"Ocean Salt Scrub" - A citrus & sea salt scrub 
"I Love Juicy" - Deep cleansing vegan shampoo
"Dark Angels" - Charcoal and sugar scrub to brighten skin 

After trying these products and a few other masks with friends I can't really fault them. They smell delicious (mostly, some are a little overpowering or odd), they do their job and they are fun to use. Some products such as "Dark Angels" are a bit messy to use but I think the fact that they are all natural and clean outweighs the cons. Although I love the store, I went online (http://www.lush.com.au/) and read up about all the different products...it's seriously so much fun haha. When the packages arrive, they're wrapped in paper and looked gorgeous! All of the products are a little bit cute and quirky, I love that they have a sticker on it saying who had packaged it all.
If you haven't already, check out their website (http://www.lush.com.au/) and try a few things. Pop into the store and you can collect a few sample to try! If you want a review on any of these products let me know :)