Chambray & Stripes

Lets me start off by apologising for the dodgy photos, I only realised they were out of focus afterward and by then it was to late to retake pictures.

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Once again the Chambray makes an appearance to the closet remix challenge as promised and some other  usual suspects. I have sneaked in my LV Speedy 25, it was collecting dust in the closet and I love the tan on this bag, it just seems to get better with age. This was a bag my husband (boyfriend at the time) part bought for me with some winnings I collected at Crown Casino for inserting $1 into pokies, it was the first time I had ever played. It was by far a lucky evening so I walked straight to the Crown Casino boutique with my winnings and picked me up my first Vuitton, that was nearly ten years ago and it still looks new.

My niece A, will be loving life in 50+ years when she inherits the best designer bag collection.

x Babs

All that glitters

Well I had high hopes of continuing with my closet remix challenge and paying tribute to chambray this week, however this morning as I made my way into the city I was reminded that summer is well and truly over. It was about 8 degrees, and I could not feel my toes as I made my way to Southbank.

As I made my way home via Bourke street mall, I succumbed and purchased a pair of glitter boots, granted I have wanted a pair since last year, but couldn't really justify $250 for them. I was pleased to find them for $50 at Rubi and in my size!

x B

"Pasha" Greek Easter Traditions

You may or may not have gathered from my instagram photos that this week was the Orthodox Easter or "Pasha" which is Passover a holy week. It was five weeks later that the Catholic easter, I really didn't feel like it was easter, but to be honest easter is my favorite time and greek tradition/holy event. It is filled with fasting, midnight services, baking of sweet biscuits "koulouria" and bread "tsourekia" and cracking the red died eggs. When it comes to easter, it needs to be said that the greeks certainly know how to do it the best (well I think so anyways).

I spent most of Saturday morning baking "Tsourekia" which is a tradition I have been doing ever since I got married. I use my mother in laws recipe and it has yet to let me down. I usually take this as a gift to family and god children that I see prior to Easter Sunday.

Saturday evening was Anastasi, and for those that may not know, we attend church and moments before midnight the priest spreads the light which represents Christ, which people share with each other, the service is usually held outside and can be a little cold in Melbourne. The priest follows by saying "Xristos Anesti" (christ is risen) and we respond "Alithos Anesti" (Truly he has risen) followed by lots of kissing with family and friends around us. Apologies for any inaccuracies on the direct translation, perhaps if Father Emanuel is reading this he may like to help me out.

We hosted Anastasi dinner which followed the midnight service, we had about 20 family members join us, needless to say all the wedding crockery and cutlery were put to good use last night. My grandma made "Avgolemono" (Egg lemon soup) and my mother in law made "Magiritsa" (Tripe) and I cooked a few roast chickens, light really!!! (not really) as that evening many people broke there fast and were looking forward to having dairy or meat. It was a wonderful evening with the family and finished up around 2 am after the dishwasher was stacked.

Jacket: Seed Heritage | Pants: Sussan (not on website) | Boots: Jo Mercer (Texas)| Bag: Prada

As with all major holidays we tend to celebrate at both families and start with my hubby and then to my side of the family, it certainly makes the day exhausting but at the same time rewarding that we get to spend time with all the family.

Kallo Pasha to all....(Happy Easter)

Babs

Chambray Layers

Shirt: Target: Hot Options (old) | Dress: Caroline Morgan (old) | Boots: Jo Mercer (last season) | Bag: Louis Vuitton Medium Shopping Tote | Nails: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Midnight in NY 

I am not kidding when I tell you I have had this dress for over a year and totally forgot to ever wear, it still had the tags, its short sleeve so I had intention to wear it to the office with a nice blazer, and we all know how that turned out. I decided as this week is Chambray week, to layer it with my favourite shirt from Target which I purchased close to 18 months ago and have been living it ever since.

My hand bag is from LV and was purchased a couple of years ago from the New York City Boutique, it took me a week to purchase and has been a great bag, have not regretted the purchase to date, I can literally throw everything in this bag, water bottle, diary, kindle, magazines and my lunch for the day.

Also it would be remiss of me to not mention that I bought the Sally Hansen "Complete Salon Manicure" a few weeks ago and really loving the colours and look. It gives me a real glossy look without having to turn to Shellac. I am wearing the darkest colour in the range - Midnight in NY. The instructions say two coats but I have three on as I like solid colours and nothing thats transparent, just another random comment.

Let the Closet Remix Challenge Begin

My Closet in slightly better order these days.

A while back I started what was know as #closetremixchallenge via Instagram. I had been inspired by all the bloggers out there that were trying to recycle what already amazing clothing they had, and mix and match outfits to create current looks.
Now I certainly am not claiming to have any such "style", in fact I'm in leggings and UGG boots as we speak, but in a effort to lift my game, and save a little bit of money given the unfortunate circumstance regrading my last employment, I to have embarked on this adventure.

The aim was to go without buying a single item if clothing, jewellery, shoes or bags. This obviously didn't include anything ordered before the start date or gift cards, as it technically isn't spending "my" money.

Here are some looks I pulled with clothing I had totally forgotten about last time I started the challenge. It was actually quit fun and I learnt that pulling items which were photo/ Instagram worthy took longer than my usual jeans and white t-shirt.

Sweater: Big W | Shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren | Jeans (not photographed): Sass & Bide

Top: Caroline Morgan | Pants:Kmart | Necklace: Collette | Watch: Michael Kors | Shoes: Duchess

Jacket: Custom Made in Bali by Puma | Dress: Country Road | Boots: Jo Mercer | Scarf: H&M

As you may have perhaps gathered, I have a slight obsession with polka dots, thankfully this has subsided of recent and I wear far less, that may have something to do with the Melbourne weather. One thing remains however, I am loving everything chambray and denim, so in honour of this I might start my first week as a tribute to Chambray!!

Ready? here goes....I will apologies in advance for the dodgy selfless, my hubby is not a camera person and this is the best I can do.

Babs

J Crew Fan Necklace....finally on its way!

I am super excited that I finally have ordered this necklace from JCrew, I'm looking forward to mixing and matching with a few tops and dresses.

Dont stress, it was done before the #closetremixchallenge, so I am still adhering to my own rules

You have got to love international shipping!!

Babs

J Crew Fan Necklace

Its my Birthday: Celebrating my 30th with a Fiesta!

On Saturday I turned the big 3-0 and whilst I will have a post on how that feels later in the week I wanted to share with you some photos of the night!

It was a huge hit, and most of the guest came dressed according to the invite which was to come dressed in your Mexican best.

A huge thank you to all that helped with the success of the night, including the amazing taco truck who as always did not disappoint with awesome prawn tostadas and fish and chicken tacos. My guests were shocked to see the van in the driveway and even more surprised by the festive decorations which overtook my outdoor space.


I think in total I would have had 80 or so friends and family, and it was so great to see them all and celebrate such a important milestone. As i mentioned in my speech the last year has certainly been challenging for myself and my partner and without the support of my family and friends I certainly wouldn't be in the place I am right now. As such, the party was more of a thank you to them more than anything.

I had ordered Jaritos soft drinks for the kids and a range of alcoholic drinks for the grown up, party punch, tequila, margaritas, and plenty of coronas. I really should have hired a bar man as it was hard to keep up with the drinks, and everyone was having such a good time that we didn't want to stop dancing. It helped that I hired a dj at the eleventh hour, (great idea get onto starlight dj)

It was great to see all the different interpretations of Mexican dress, some did the red lips and roses in the hair and others went all out on hiring costumes, regardless the party was cheerful and full of colour. Special mention to my brother who may have been slightly confused between spanish and mexican, I have to say even with that he may have still won the "Best Dressed Award!"

Later in the evening my brother poured me a shot containing the worm and felt a little pressure to consume, needless to say I instantly regretted and took care of it moments later.

I certainly felt an overwhelming sense of love and joy that evening being surrounded by all the people that love me and more importantly I love dearly. I received some amazing gift including two new charms for my bracelet.

Thank you to all the made the night the best one yet!

Babs

Baby Julia's Christening - 13th of April

On the 13th of April my hubby and I both had the pleasure in christening baby Julia, the orthodox ceremony was held in Geelong and the celebrations followed with a lunch in Barwon Heads. We were  both very thrilled and honoured to be Julia's god parents and be a part of her life

Early in the week I managed to catch a terrible cold (I blame all the outdoor exercise) and spent the week alternating between the couch and bed on antibiotics trying to get better. I wasn't completely myself on the Saturday of the christening but pushed through the church service and the afternoon celebrations and made sure that my hubby kept a close on me to ensure I wouldn't pass out. 

Julia's dress is from a Melbourne designer called Purple Pips and are handmade and made to the child's measurement, which was an extra tick for me, I fell in love with a while back and the other the christening details such as the candle, box and outfit where all purchased from a local christening shop in Sydney road called Evie and Johns Boutique, they have been in business for 30 years and at first glance the store can be a little overwhelming. In saying that if you go in and be specific with Evie you can walk out of there with gorgeous stuff at probably the most reasonable price. I shopped around for baby Julia's christening dress and the price was as high at $800 including the booties and headband and Evie was by far the cheapest of about five different christening shops.

The dress I wore had been planned since the start of the year, and travelled all the way from the US from my favourite designer Diane Von Furstenberg, there is just something about the way the dresses are made which seem to fit me like a glove, I rarely have to try them on, just get my standard size and away we go. I purchased the Navy Zarita dress as I am certain that I will be wearing this dress for years to come.

I have kept the photos to the more of the details of the christening in fear that my family may not want there faces on my blog, I guess by now they know what they are in for when I say cheese with the camera. Also I forgot to mention the amazing shoes which recieved the greatest attention were from Jo Mercer, I have been a little obsessed with this store, they have the best shoes at the most reasonable prices and they also have really good sales on just about all the time. It makes it easier to justify to husband when they are 25% cheaper.

As a thank you, I received this gorgeous Hermes bangle from the family, which i was needless to say very surprised and overwhelmed at such an amazing gift.

Until next time

Babs

I'm back......I promise!!

I was having lunch today with some old work colleagues and i was reminded about my blog and questioned why I hadn't blogged. I know, I haven't blogged for forever, and I really don't have anyone or thing to blame, I kinda have forgotten my online journal and there isn't really a reason for it.

I promise I am back...yes I will probably all bore you with random facts and comments and the odd misspelled word or sentence, (I am mildly dislexic). Forgive me, or move on to another blog. Expect lots of superficial post, about handbags and shoes, parties and outfits, holidays and shopping, but for the moment that is what makes me happy and what I will write/blog/share with you. That's not to say there isn't more important things or issues going on in my life, but this blog for the moment is about lighter topics, trust me you don't want to see me in my dark place, it ain't pretty.

Needless to say, I have had a challenging 12 months and whilst I have gain enough perspective to last me a lifetime I think it's best to deal with those challenges in private. I am however open to ideas about blogs, comment away!!!
This Saturday I'm turning 30 and I have a special post followed by birthday photos of my Mexican Fiesta so subscribe and be sure to see all the fun!

+39...Coldplay....Baking....Beach & KitchenTea party

What another amazing week, I had a great opportunity to catch up with a few girlfriends and share a Nutella sweet pizza from +39. If you haven't tried totally recommend it is full on but 1 piece is enough for me , there goes my sugar free trial!!
A huge congrats to LKG on the arrival of her baby girl Matilda, cutest name ever!

Tuesday I attended the Coldplay concert at Ethihad, whilst I am a fan, I wasn't sure how much I would like it! Let me tell you it was AMAZING! The had these great "xylobands" which glowed to the beat of there music. It was a sea of coloured fairy light, looked amazing and have me chills coupled with their songs. I am so glad we whent we had an awesome night with our cousin and a friend. I guess I should thank him given he organised the seats!

And lastly, I made my way with my cousin to Victoria Market Night Market where you can find the best Sangria!

x Babs