21 December 2017

One Day. The Melbourne Summer Checklist

It's the most wonderful time of the year!... And even if that doesn't mean snow for us here in Australia, the summer season, and Christmas, is a favourite of many - including me! In the spirit of exploring my [somewhat still new to me] city, I thought I'd better pop together a list of all the things you simply must do if you're a Melbournite [or a visitor] this season!

17 December 2017

Plate Up. Traditional Gnocchetti Spatzl

My heritage on my mum's side is Italian; northern Italian that is, right up near the border of Austria. A little town called Trento. As fate would have it, one of my best friends who I met in London in 2014 is also from the same region. She comes from Merano, a quaint village merely 30mins drive from Trento.

I've been lucky enough to visit the region twice now, most recently this year. Every time I go, I spend the weekend with her family, eating possibly the best [and largest amount of] food in my life. Last time I was in town, this little dish was on the menu.

14 December 2017

Eat Me. Lunching With A View At Park Hyatt Sydney

To dine at Sydney's Park Hyatt certainly puts you in good company. Frequented by celebrities, dignitaries and prominent figures alike, it's no secret why they go...

It really is the best.

With its enviable view of the Opera House and its prime location nestled under the Harbour Bridge, this hotel's magnificence speaks for itself... But I got to experience it for myself last weekend, and despite the fact that it was a rainy, dreary Monday, The Dining Room at Park Hyatt still glinted with promise.

10 December 2017

Eat Me. Rooftop Brunch at Zephyr, Sydney

Waking up in a king size bed [tangled in some of the softest sheets] overlooking Darling Harbour was a real treat last weekend. And the day was only going to get better... It was time for brunch, on a rooftop nonetheless.

7 December 2017

Suitcase. A Weekend Away - Hyatt Regency Sydney

Having not been to Sydney since February, it seemed I was overdue for a visit! Time to escape the onslaught of rainy weather that whooshed in through Melbourne last weekend and jet for sunnier skies...

Home for the weekend was the lovely Hyatt Regancy, who has just celebrated their 1st birthday.

3 December 2017

Must Have. My Christmas Wishlist 2017

Is that sleigh bells I can hear? I hope you've been extra nice because it's nearly Christmas! To help you take the guesswork out of gifting this year - I've popped some helpful suggestions below - whether it's for someone else or a treat for yourself - these luxe pieces can't wait to be unwrapped...


26 November 2017

Plate Up. Tres Leches (Milk Cake) With Honeycomb

If you read my Charleston post then you'll remember that I had an amazing dessert whilst in the south. A milk cake called Tres Leches, typical of Latin America that had me 'mmmming' so much I think the people at the table next to me thought I was mad. I knew as soon as I ate it that I had to try and recreate it. Now you can too...

22 November 2017

Must Have. Black Friday Sales 2017

Whilst we seem to be a little behind the eight ball here in Australia when it comes to Black Friday sales, there are still plenty around to be snapped up, both from local and international retailers.

The fun has started early this year with several offers kicking off today. I've got my eye on a few delights for myself as well as some Christmas shopping. Check out the best sales and their codes below...

19 November 2017

One Day. What's In My Bag...

It's been one crazy week. Jetting around for meetings, completing freelance work, pitching for more, seeing friends and family, attending events, hosting a dinner party... oh and putting up the Christmas tree - did you see it on my Instagram story? I feel mid-November is a totally acceptable time to start the festivities that I enjoy so much.
Don't judge.

It feels like I've crammed a month into the last 5 days. Dashing around has certainly kept me busy and when you're on the go you need all the essentials to hand. I'm a sucker for carrying a big bag with half my life in it. Here's a peek at the items you're sure to always find in my bag...

16 November 2017

Eat Me. Yagiz, South Yarra

One place I really wish I'd had the opportunity to visit whilst living in Europe is Turkey. Sadly, what with the current world affairs, I never made it over the Aegean Sea to see it. I can however say that I had the opportunity to try some incredible Turkish food whilst living abroad, but I'm sure not as good as the real thing. Although I must say, this new Turkish restaurant in South Yarra comes pretty close. Welcome to Yagiz...

12 November 2017

Must Have. Beauty Basics

Since my early 20s now feel like a distant memory and  the big 3-0 is just a few years away, I've started to really take some care and consideration with my beauty regime.

Where once I would slather on whatever moisturiser that was to hand (and that was only when I even remembered!), now I've taken to investing a little more time and $$'s into some tried and tested products.

Here are the favourites in my beauty cabinet...

9 November 2017

Plate Up. Easy Summer Lentil Salad

Believe it or not, prior to this moment, I'd never cooked with lentils. Often something I would eat as lunch from a cafe, I'd refrained from making them myself because I'd always had the idea they were really fiddly. Happy to report - that is not the case!

This little salad makes a great standalone option for lunch, or you could have it with fish or chicken for a healthy dinner. I have a feeling it's going to become a staple of your summer repertoire!

5 November 2017

Must Have. The Cult Brands You Need To Know

Variety is the spice of life, and I must say, one should always have plenty of spice in their wardrobe! We are all a little guilty of falling into a habit and visiting the same stores season after season, but I'm here to ensure you broaden your horizons and keep that closet intriguing!

Every now and then I like to do a little digging for some designers I've not encountered before. Check out my top picks for the cult brands you need to know this season...

Cushnie et Ochs
If you're looking for something suitable for a cocktail event, I think you'll find it here. Between bell sleeves, asymmetric details and alluring cut outs, all eyes will be on you.

Shop the pieces here

2 November 2017

Suitcase. Savouring San Francisco

Before I knew it, it was the final leg of my adventure. Last stop? San Francisco. I arrived in the city by the bay to find I’d timed my visit perfectly with Fleet Week. A yearly event where, for a few days, the nation’s air force and navy congregate to celebrate Bay Area naval tradition and honour men who serve.
  

29 October 2017

Eat Me. The Darling, Charleston

I bloody-well love seafood. Oysters in particular. I'm such a lover in fact that I don't even eat them with any toppings or vinaigrettes (much to my friends' distaste). Just a squeeze of lemon and I'm in seventh heaven.

26 October 2017

Suitcase. Discovering The Charm Of Charleston

After the big city lights, it was time to head for some southern charm. Charleston is somewhere I'd been wanting to visit for a while now and boy did it have plenty to offer... Why don't you pull up a chair and make up cuppa, because there's plenty to see here!...

22 October 2017

Suitcase. Dreaming In The City That Never Sleeps, NYC

They say that New Yorkers love talking about New York... So that must make me one too because I literally haven't stopped babbling about it since my most recent visit last month. The third in what I must now call a true trifecta!

19 October 2017

Suitcase. A Weekend In Cape Cod

Ahhh the famed Cape Cod. A long, sandy peninsula in Massachusetts, renowned for its summer homes and fantastic seafood. Of course I had only impressions from the movies to go off, hence why I wanted to see it for myself. I quickly discovered it is pretty much everything you would imagine...

15 October 2017

Suitcase. Marvelling At Marblehead, Massachusetts

It's quite funny how I came to be in Marblehead; a town which few outside of Massachusetts have actually heard of. It pretty much happened because of a finger-map scenario. You know, where you take a map and point to a random place. After being in Boston I knew I would have a few days before I needed to be down in New York and after looking at the state map Marblehead stuck out at me. After a little research, and discovering it was a historical fishing town with ample colonial homes, I was sold!

12 October 2017

Suitcase. 3 Days In Boston

With the end of September came the end of my European adventures, it was time to hop across the Atlantic to the US of A. First stop? Charming Boston. Of course I had heard many speak of the English influence in the New England region and I was keen to see it for myself.

8 October 2017

Style It. A Period Of Transition

My last days in London marked the first days of autumn. And where better to head on an autumnal day than Richmond Upon Thames? An undeniable favourite of mine that I’ve told you about before, you truly can’t beat this spot along the river bank.

5 October 2017

One Day. Belgravia Wanderings

I'm fairly certain that everyone who's ever lived in London would agree with me when I say that a home in Belgravia is life goals. Possibly London's most elegant suburb, each street oozes sophistication and style.
    

3 October 2017

One Day. Picnicing In Regent's Park

Returning to London after the European sun, there was a noticeable autumnal snap in the air; the kind that calls for you to abandon your skirts and dresses in favour of something a little cosier. Whilst the air was crisp, the sun was bright, so I figured, what better day for a picnic?...

1 October 2017

Suitcase. Bologna & Modena, Italy

By the time we'd wrapped up in Sicily, I'm fairly certain the 4 of us had eaten enough to feed a family of 10... But oh what trouble I was in because where was I off to next? Bologna and Modena - only Italy's food capitals. But my, it certainly was heavenly...

28 September 2017

Suitcase. Sunseeking In Sicily - Part 2

We quickly discovered that the more we explored Sicily, the more we fell in love. Whilst completely enamoured with our little town of Castellammare del Golfo, each new place we visited, also stole our hearts.

24 September 2017

Suitcase. Sunseeking In Sicily - Part 1

From fields of lavender to unlimited gelato. After Provence I made my way over to sunny Sicily in the south; you know, the rock that is kicked by Italy's famous boot! Having travelled solo for a week, it was time for a trip with friends, I met 3 of my best on this wonderful island and so the adventures began...

21 September 2017

Suitcase. Provence: Fontaine De Vaucluse, L'Isle Sur La Sorgue & Eygalieres

With quiet sadness, I woke to my last day in stunning Provence. I honestly think you could easily pack up your life and spend 3-6 months living here. I know I could. It really is a region that celebrates all of life's little pleasures; good food, great wine, rendezvous with friends, expansive rolling hills... I would say Provence is good for the soul.

17 September 2017

Suitcase. Provence: St Saturnin Les Apt, Roussillon & Goult

Day three arrived and I headed east to St Saturnin Les Apt to check out their local market. This old town is brimming with personality; like a wise grandparent who, despite their age, still oozes style.

14 September 2017

Suitcase. Provence: Bonnieux, Lacoste, Oppede & Menerbes

Should you find yourself in Provence, then you simply must get a car. There is so much ground to cover, so many towns to visit, you'd be remiss not to take full advantage. The great thing about the region is that each of the towns are relatively close to each other but they all boast their own personality.

13 September 2017

Suitcase. Provence: Le Mas Des Etoiles, Gordes

It is rare that you can travel to a country on the other side of the world and yet still feel as though you are being welcomed by family. Well. It happened to me in Provence.

Rewind to last week and my adventure began in Avignon. After collecting my hire car I hit the winding country roads, heading for a spot on the outskirts of Gordes - Le Mas Des Etoiles. My home for the week.

31 August 2017

Suitcase. Upton House & Garden, Warwickshire

Should you find yourself in Warwickshire anytime soon, then I have a place to share!... It's full of history, offers a delightful tearoom and did I mention how beautiful it is?...

27 August 2017

One Day. A London Love Affair

I paused on the first sentence of this blog post for a long time before I started writing it. Why? Because it's about London, and like all things you really, truly care about, it's always hard to express your feelings with mere words. My love affair with this city is no different.

24 August 2017

Suitcase. A Whitstable Weekend

Let's be honest. We're pretty spoilt for beaches in Australia but that didn't mean I didn't snap up the opportunity to head to the British seaside whilst I'm here. Having already done the southern coast around Brighton, this time a trip out to the east was in order. Where? Whistable of course!

20 August 2017

Suitcase. Coppa Club + London Eye

After crashing hard and fast due to lack of sleep on my first day in town, by the next morning I was chomping at the bit to get out and explore my old stomping ground. The sense of familiarity even after being away a year is so incredibly overwhelming for me here in London. It really does feel like no time has passed at all. That I never left. That I still live here. That all is just as it was before.

That obviously means I'm home which is a comforting feeling.

18 August 2017

Suitcase. A Singapore Stopover

I’d never been to Asia…. Until now. First stop on the adventure was a convenient stopover in Singapore. Having always done 24hr long hauls all in one go, I’m not sure why I’d never stopped-over before… it turned out to be a fantastic idea.

14 August 2017

One Day. Looking Forward...

Just a quick one today. I'm writing this over the ocean, somewhere between Australia and Asia, thrilled at the prospect of a new adventure. Those beside me are busy watching movies and no doubt secretly frowning at my furiously, loud typing. But I don't mind.

10 August 2017

Must Have. Warm Weather Must Haves

For those of you who haven't seen my Instagram stories of late, you may not know that Pearls of Style is off on a round the world adventure. I can't tell you how excited I am to do some jetsetting - the idea of going travelling again just brings me such joy; a way to invite change, provoke curiosity and see the beauty in everything with fresh eyes.

Throughout August, September and October I'll be travelling around Europe and America which means I'll be escaping the tail-end of winter here in Oz and heading for summer/autumn in the north. Accordingly, a warm weather wardrobe is in order! Check out my top picks and click to shop...

6 August 2017

Eat Me. Eleonore's Chateau Yering, Yarra Valley

I hope you’re not too hungry because this post is sure to tantalise your tastebuds… Ready? OK.

Whilst in the Yarra Valley we had the pleasure of dining at Eleonore’s at Chateau Yering; well-renowned for its fine cuisine. Before we even sat down to the try the food I fell in love. The dining room is like something from a periodic movie. Long and lean with windows either side, fine china and white tablecloths, I half expected to find The Queen at the other end. Much to my disappointment, I didn’t.

3 August 2017

Suitcase. Historical Charm At Chateau Yering

Undoubtedly, my favourite part of my time spent living in Europe was the abundant historical significance. Every town, every building, every culture had an incredible story to share. In Australia, that history is harder to find. But when you do stumble across it, boy is it wonderful.

30 July 2017

One Day. Exploring Yarra Valley With BMW

Growing up in a family associated with the car business, I’ve had the opportunity to drive many vehicles in my time. Some good, some bad, some even requiring a push start, but that’s another story… One thing’s for certain [and a surprise to many people], I’m definitely a bit of a rev head. I LOVE a good set of wheels. It makes every excursion like a little adventure.

27 July 2017

Suitcase. Relaxation In Port Douglas - Niramaya

I find it hard to relax. I’ve been blessed [or some might say cursed] with one of those minds that just never stops. I’ve tried meditation and yoga… but whilst I’m supposed to be breathing deep and clearing my head, my mind always seems to trail off on its own – deep breath, ooh what’s that smell? Incense? Perhaps Sandlewood. It’s lovely. I really must buy more scented candles for home, particularly before my friends come for dinner on Saturday. Speaking of, I need to do the grocery shopping. Now, what will I make for dessert?…

23 July 2017

Suitcase. Discovering The Daintree

Growing up on the Gold Coast, I felt rather familiar with the rainforest as we would often go for walks at Springbrook or Mount Tambourine. Naturally, the Daintree was high on my list so we spent a full day exploring the tropics whilst in Port Douglas.

20 July 2017

Suitcase. Totally Tropical – A Week in Port Douglas

If you’ve been following my Instagram this past week, no doubt you would have seen that I traded in chilly, raining Melbourne for a taste of the tropics. Who can blame me? After a nasty bout of laryngitis that completely stole my voice (I was OK with not being able to speak but my inability to sing in the shower really got me down!), I was more than ready for some sunshine and humidity. Despite growing up in Queensland, the northern region of the state is virtually unknown to me. Having never visited Port Douglas before, I decided it was time to see it for myself.



We stepped off the plane to a welcome blast of 27degree heat and made a beeline for our hotel – The Sheraton Grand Mirage. With a recent renovation, this 30 year old property is spectacular.

This new blue bikini is a total steal from Zaful, but I've also popped some alternatives below.


Boasting more than 20 hectares of ungated pools, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere – it really is a sight to behold. The beach waves lap in the background whilst the palm trees rustle from above. Each day I walked the gardens, falling particularly in love with the striking red lipstick palms.



Life has a slow pace up here, which is exactly what we desired. Other than a journey out to the reef and a day exploring the Daintree, we spent much of our time wandering the beach or poolside, devouring our books.

This series of books is a particular goodie – I honestly couldn’t put them down.

The town of Port Douglas itself is sleepy and quaint. Its main street Macrossan is dotted with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Venture all the way to the end and you’ll find the marina, Rex Smeal Park and the charming St Mary’s By The Sea. This church was originally built in the late 1800’s and suffered several beatings thanks to tropical cyclones. Nevertheless, the locals caringly rebuilt it each time, restoring her to her former glory.


If you’re in town of a weekend, be sure to take a trip down to the docks and pick up some seafood fresh off the trawler. We enjoyed some delicious prawns, oysters and scallops. This town is seafood heaven.


A venture up the hill to the lookout is also well worth it. You’ll find a clear view down the coastline where the reef meets the rainforest.


With an abundance of food, wine, salt air and swimming, Port Douglas truly is good for the soul. Most days we woke to the calls of the Kookaburras and fell asleep to the soothing whispers of the waves. For this beach baby, it was heavenly.

Book your own stay at the Sheraton here.


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Photos by Krissie.