Style It. Sequin Shorts + Michael Kors Hamilton

Sequinned shorts by Blur, Shirt by Witchery, Shoes by Sportsgirl, Hamilton Tote by Michael Kors (of course!)

I took my Michael Kors Hamilton Tote for a spin on the weekend (those who know me know that I'm a bit of a hoarder of nice things, I buy them and then I'm too scared to take them anywhere so this was a rather momentous occasion!).

Another example of "you can't go wrong with black and white;" I paired these flashy sequinned shorts with a simple black blouse. Of course my outfit was made complete by this gorgeous bag [so in love].

These are my first pictures with my new SLR camera. I hope you're impressed. I think there's already a massive difference and I haven't even taught myself half the functions yet! Just wait til I'm a whizz.

Photos by Krissie.

Must Have. Fuji Instax Mini 8 Polaroid Camera

What's not to love about this gorgeous little thing? Not only does it snap gorgeous pictures, but it's a polariod (tick!), portable (tick!), and comes in a range of pastel colours (tick!, tick!). If I hadn't just splurged on my SLR camera I would be grabbing this one immediately.  It's a clever little camera with inbuilt technology that determines the correct light for every shot so you're left with great momentos.

Shake it like a polaroid picture for $99!

Photo by Fuji.

Suitcase. Mission Beach, Queensland

I had the pleasure of heading up to Mission Beach last month for a wedding. One of my beautiful school friends walked down the aisle atop a hill that overlooked this tropical paradise (it was quite a surreal experience). Having lived in Australia my whole life would you believe I'd never visited North Queensland; the furthest I had ever travelled north was Rockhampton. We flew into Cairns and then drove south to Mission Beach; it's about a two hour drive through sugar cane regions and you'll be astounded by the number of mountains surrounding the area. I felt like I was in a movie in the lush, hilly Asian rainforest.

Mission Beach itself is a small little place but is ideal for a quiet weekend. Don't get me wrong this is a sleepy little town (one evening at 8pm we felt like an ice-cream and asked where the nearest service station was, 30 minutes away we were told!) but for a relaxing few days soaking up the sunshine it's a great place to visit. There are several accommodation options, beautiful beaches and access to the Great Barrier Reef is easy from here. We took a day trip out on a boat to Eddy reef where we saw spectacular fish and coral plus the occasional reef shark! We stayed at Mackays Mission Beach motel, which if you're on a budget is a great choice. The rooms were basic but clean and provided everything you could need for your beach getaway. Castaways is another accomodation option that is slightly more expensive. In my opinion the rooms aren't great but the facilities are lovely with a nice beachfront pool, tropical garden and restaurant on the deck.

The vibe is very laid-back here; you can kick-around and spend your days as you please (we even had beach bonfires everynight!). I would definitely recommend Mission Beach if you're looking for a weekend getaway to somewhere less touristy.

Photos by Krissie

Plate Up. Ginger Loaf

I must say I do love my loafs, particularly my date loaf. They make such a great morning or afternoon tea snack and are really easy to whip up. I'm stumbled across this Ginger Loaf recipe after a friend at work was talking about eating it as a child at home in NZ. Great, another loaf recipe! And this one doesn't disappoint. Again, it's super simple, moist and light, and really delicious.

What you'll need
50g butter
1 tablespoon golden syrup
1 egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons ginger powder
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup milk

What to do
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease a 25cm x 11cm loaf tin. In a medium sauce pan, gently melt the butter and golden syrup together. In a mixer, cream the egg and sugar until they are looking like a smooth caramel sauce. Add the melted syrup mixture and mix together. Sift in the flour, baking powder, ginger and mixed spice and mix well. Then in a jug combine the milk and baking soda and gradually stir this into the mix. Your mixture should be quite runny (like a smoothie consistency). Pour into your loaf tin and cook for about 35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Enjoy warm from the oven with a cup of tea.

Photos by Krissie.

One Day. 2013's Top Fashion Collaborations

There's plenty going on in the fashion world at the moment with the imminent launch of all the new season ranges. I, myself, have been keeping on an eye on some pretty exciting new collaborations. For those who don't know, a collaboration or a co-lab, is when a designer or brand teams up with an other designer or celebrity icon, to produce a capsule collection that is part of their range. Co-labs are known to be innovative ranges that inject some excitement into a brand's collection. Here are some of the collaborations I'm frothing over this season:

4th & Bleeker for Billabong

Much loved Aussie surfbrand Billabong has teamed up with one of the most influential bloggers around; Alexandra Spencer of 4th & Bleeker. This Aussie-born, New York based model has seen immense success in her fashion career and through her blog; 4th & Bleeker. Alex has teamed up with Billabong to create a fashion-influenced 17-piece range that features mix and match pieces for any occasion; from dining in New York, to beaching in Oz. The collection includes basic tanks and tops that are perfect for layering, it also has flashes of animal prints and stylish evening dresses. Released today, you can shop the collection here.

Whitney Port for Cooper St

Australian brand Cooper St has announced their first ever designer collaboration with Whitney Port; launching this September. The range is said to encapsulate an Australian spring with an LA edge. We can expect bright feminine prints, eclectic patterns, chic pants and sassy cocktail dresses. I can't wait for this one. The range will be available in Myer and select boutiques.

Kendall & Kylie for Pacsun

I know, I know, it's the Kardashians... haven't they already got enough fame and enterprise? Perhaps so but I must say this Fall co-lab is pretty darn cute. This pair of sisters are known for their great style and they've certainly had a headstart when it comes to brand building. The range for American retailer Pacsun has a chic yet edgy Californian vibe to it and features dark colours, leathers, printed tees, washed denim and aztec inspired prints. Their favourite slogan from the range? Kalifornia with a K. Shop here.

Lulu Frost for JCrew

In the jewellery world, iconic brand Lulu Frost, who is known for creating pieces that amalgamate antique and modern elements, has teamed up with American brand JCrew. The collection features a selection of designs that range from chunky bold necklaces and bracelets that feature coloured stones, to dainty, fine rings and chains. Shop here.

Photos by Billabong, Cooper St, Pacsun and JCrew.

Beach Bag Must Haves for Summer

It's nearly here! And this new-found warmth in the air means only one thing... Beachtime! Growing up on the coast I have so many fond memories of days spent at the beach; riding my boogie board, building sandcastles and making friends with other kids in the water (as an only child this was a neccessity!).

So now that summer's coming again I thought I'd share with you my beach bag must haves for the season.

• First you need a decent beach bag. I love my Billabong bag, it's plenty big enough to fit my towel, has a little zip pocket for valuables and soft rope straps that don't cut into your shoulders. You can shop it here. 
• Next is a favourite bikini, of course! I'm loving neon colours as they compliment your tan.
• Then some comfort necessities: a nice big towel and a beach pillow. I've had this little blow-up one for years and years. it's such a great idea and makes it so much easier to read your book!
• Skin essentials include Reef tanning oil (there's nothing better than the coconut scent!) and some Burts Bees lip balm. Make sure you slather your lips because there's nothing worse than when they feel chapped from the sun.
• Whatever book you currently have on the go, I love reading in the sunshine.
• And finally your drink of choice, I vote coconut water, it makes everything seem tropical!

Here's to many happy beach days ahead! I kicked off my beach season a few weekends ago with a day at Fingal (above) and Byron Bay then last weekend I was at Noosa. Cheers to sunshine, salty hair, sandy toes and brown skin. Happy Beachin'!

Photos by Krissie

Plate Up. Iced Tea

Now that the warmth is returning to the air I thought I'd share my recipe for iced tea with you. I love this little drink, it's so American in it's heritage ("would ya' like some iced tea hunni?') and so refreshing. To top it all off it's so simple to make and a jug of it will keep in your fridge for 3-4 days, although I'm sure it won't last that long!

What you'll need
6 tea bags
4 cups boiling water
4 cups cold water
1/2 cup caster sugar or honey
1 orange
Iced cubes
Optional: apple juice or cordial

What to do
Place your tea bags in a tea pot or sauce pan and let them steep in the 4 cups of boiling water with a lid on. Leave for 8 minutes but not a minute longer otherwise the bitter tea flavour will start to come out! Stir in your honey or sugar until dissolved and then pour this into your jug along with the cold water. Leave to chill in the frigde for a little while and serve with ice and some slices of orange. If you want to play with flavours, then try adding some apple juice, it always adds a nice flavour, or alternatively, add your favourite cordial; I find mango goes very well.

Photo by Krissie.

One Day. Today’s Ten

I’ve had some lovely followers emailing me lately asking me all kinds of questions about my blog and myself. I’m chuffed that you want to get to know me so I thought I’d introduce a new post where I share some tidbits of information about myself that you probably, in fact definitely, wouldn’t know (unless you’re a creepy stalker). Here’s today’s ten.

1. What is your first memory in life?
I was about 3 years old and playing in the bath. I distinctly remember discovering that if I let my arms and legs go floppy they would float to the surface. Amazing. This was quite an epiphany for a 3 year-old. I also remember how scratchy that bath tub was.
2. What has been the best vacation you have ever been on and what vacation are you looking forward to in the future?
New York, New York, New York. I’ve been lucky enough to visit that amazing city twice and have had the time of my life both times. It truly is the most incredible place in the world. If you’ve been you’ll know what I’m talking about and if you haven’t then what are you waiting for, book a flight now! I can’t wait to live there some day.
3.  Coffee yay or nay?
Not really a fan of coffee. I know, I know. Weirdo right? But I worked as a barista for 2 years and I think smelling it everday has just turned me off, so now it makes me feel sick.
4. Flowers or chocolate?
As much as I love chocolate I think if it’s a gift then I’d have to say flowers. There’s something so touching about receiving a bunch.
5. What is your normal bedtime and wake up time?
I’ve always been a night owl so having a job that starts at 8.30 hasn’t exactly complimented my routine but I think I’ve found my ideal times now. I aim to be asleep by 11.30 (this is often hindered by a fantastic book I can’t put down!) and awake by 7.30. Have to get your 8-hours beauty sleep!
6. When going out, do you wear your hair up in a pony tail or down?
I go through phases with this. Up, down, up down. Of late (I’ll admit this most recent phase has lasted for 3 years!!) I wear my hair up in a top knot or bun. Probably about time I change it up again so I’ll say down!
7. Favorite form of exercise?
I have a funny relationship with exercise, although it’s probably the same one as the majority of the population. I go through phases. There will be 2-months of extreme exercise and then nothing for a while. If I had to choose my favourites I’d definitely say pilates, yoga, netball and tennis. Oh and dancing, does that count?
8. Favorite place to shop?
New York!? But if we’re talking in Australia you can’t go past Melbourne. In terms of actual stores I like Sportsgirl, Kookai, Myer, David Jones and Forever New. But honestly my clothes are from so many places I can’t say I have a favourite.
9. Do you have a favourite cuisine to eat when dining out? What is it?
Italian! Pizza and pasta. Oh and some seafood!
10. Favourite season?
That’s a tricky one as it depends on where in the world I am. I love summer but here at home it often rains so winter is kind of my summer as the temperature is always in the twenties. I love winter in New York because it means snow, coats and ice-skating in central park. Autumn is lovely in Melbourne, to see the leaves falling from the trees and Springtime is always beautiful because it means flowers! In other words I can’t choose!

Photo by Krissie.