Bad Luck

Wearing: Asos blouse, vintage crochet top from Tunnel Vision, MarinaFINI earrings, Target shorts and Dr Martens boots.

In an interview with Leandra Medine of Man Repeller, Iris Apfel agreed we don't live in a glamorous world anymore. As much as I'd hate to admit if she's right- they're both right. Now and then Leandra wears something both glorious and outlandish, such as a gold blazer with matching shorts and Balenciaga boots but even the blogging world's brightest star rarely dresses with the same panache. I've been thinking a lot lately, about accessories and their relevance in day to day life. Both Iris Apfel and Leandra frequent garish bangles and bracelets, with little method to their madness. Medine has coined the term "arm party" for the collection of shiny bangles and bracelets she wears on her wrists. And Apfel appears to prefer wearing elaborate jewellery in lieu of going to the gym, or as a kind of armor. I'm citing both these fabulous women in this outfit, which seems fitting given that this bracelet is a gift from yet another fabulous woman- my mom. 

Trial and error

Wearing: Vintage blouse, Romance was Born jacket, Target trousers and Chloë Sevigny x Opening Ceremony boots.

If I had a super power it would be owning a lot of cheap, dollar store make up without the cool and ironic 90s colour palette (i.e. icy blue, pearl pink and rare shades of purple and green). This brings me to my next point, note to self: someone with my complexion should never wear this colour gloss.Maybe it would have been more effective if it was a lipstick? Err?? I don't know. The disadvantages of being young and ignorant is that you aren't completely self-aware and know the nuances of your body. I guess the advantage is that there's plenty of time to figure all that out. For now the only proven method I have is trial and error (which I seem to be pretty good at). I thought I'd hate wearing such plain and basic trousers with these two prints but in hindsight it looks pretty good. Plus it's not a total shock when you look at my feet, which seem to be covered in tiny belts rather than an actual pair of shoes.

Au neutural

Wearing: Thrifted blouse and scarf, Target shorts and Dr Martens boots.

It's no secret that I love mixing prints, but normally I'm more comfortable wearing a lot more colour. Unless of course it's the middle of semester, I forgo washing my hair, I have an assignment due and some kind of presentation to give. In which case clothing isn't part of the equation and I become the most basic human being and more or less exist rather than actually live. So it felt a little strange and somewhat challenging coming up with a cool outfit in a neutral colour palette. I've been dying to buy some silk scarves since I saw the 'How to tie a neck scarf' video by Man Repeller on Youtube (for you intellectuals out there, you can also read the blog post here) Now I obviously lack the cool sunglasses needed to complete this look, as well as any sign of pigment as evidenced by my moon face and long pale legs, but it's still just as effective. Also I feel like I was unconsciously channeling Chloë Sevigny Fall 2012 campaign for Miu Miu. Minus the amazing boots, David Bowie make up and cropped hairdo.

Young Professional

Wearing: Blouse and shoes from Asos, trousers from Target. 
 
Last week I presented my research to the academics from my faculty and managed to memorise everything that I wanted to say. All in all my presentation went for fifteen minutes, followed by five minutes of questions. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to present my research to others, but I also managed to impress the structural geologists and gophysicists. As a paleontologist, and the only one from my cohort studying fossils I was bound to stand out, but I'm so relieved everything went well. My supervisors were also pleased that I was able to place my work within the context of previous research, and emphasise why the project was important. Dressing in an outfit which made me feel sassy and confident was a big help though, these shoes were a little uncomfortable new, but that kind of helped me not fidget or move on the spot. While we were never explicitly told what the dress code was, I was more interested in those who were wearing business casual. This is obviously really different than what I tend to wear day to day, but I do love the blouse I bought!

First you get close then you get worried

Wearing: Turban Hats4Ladies (etsy), Miss Shop blouse, Target pants, Miu Miu clogs and Deadly Ponies bag. 

It's strange how my sense of style has changed within the last year, whilst many days I try to challenge myself staples are becoming more and more important. These simple black trousers (something Mum picked up for me) are plain but I'm really into the tailoring and tight cuffs. It's also nice to create an outfit around one piece but then revisit some of the pieces I already have in my wardrobe. Feeling like I have so many things to do but in such a short amount of time has really taken its toll- both on my health and how I manage stress. It comes as no surprise I haven't had much time to indulge in the creative process, aside from how I dress and apply my makeup for that day. Even then documenting each outfit and curating images on this blog has become harder and harder. I can't wait to sit down and fill all my empty notebooks with lots of lovely thoughts and writing, as well as create mountains of different collages and sketches! 

Kissed by a rose

Wearing: Vintage blouse, Simone Rocha X J Brand jeans and Dr Martens boots.

You know that little voice inside your head that tells you not to buy a really nice pair of jeans without trying them on first? I think it's called common sense? Apparently, I don't have any. I bought these jeans without double-checking whether they'd fit me properly. To be fair the last time I bought a pair of jeans was probably seven years ago and since then I haven't fallen in love with a pair I had to have. Simone Rocha's collaboration with J Brand proved an exception to the rule, combining her unique silhouettes with rigid denim in stark contrast to her sheer dresses. Unfortunately the collaboration was so expensive and sold out really quickly. I bought these on eBay for a song but they don't fit me (you can totally hide an undone zipper with loose shirttails guys, it's fine). I really love the frilly embellishments and the colour is so unique, but I don't know if I should keep them or not! Have you ever loved a piece of clothing that didn't fit you? 

Growth

Wearing: Marina FINI earrings, Vintage jacket, thrifted blouse, school uniform skirt and Dr Martens boots.

I've been obsessed with personal development and growth over the last couple of weeks. It's been difficult for me but I've finally reached a point where I can be honest with myself about my personal relationships and when to move on. To celebrate my new found freedom I dressed like a plant witch, although to be honest I look more like a character from Dynasty. This has largely to do with my slightly padded shoulders and the amount of clashing prints in this outfit. Most of my time has been spent learning about plants lately as they are an integral part of my honours thesis. I've also learned more about mushrooms than I ever thought I would in a lifetime. It just goes to show that life never really turns out the way you thought it would be. Also, I thought wearing body glitter on my eyelids was a good idea but after about an hour or so the glitter had slowly migrated onto my cheeks. I'll probably find glitter in the bathroom and around the house for the next month.

 3- Eleanor Hardwick for Rookie Mag, 6- Susie Bubble wearing Simone Rocha X J Brand, 8- Don't Go Into the Woods via Rookie Mag, 10- Rookie Mag Road Trip Diary: Week Three.