BIRKS

(Birkenstocks - Arizona Amalfi Leather Black, Elizabeth and James 'Nirvana Black' Eau de Parfum 1oz, Michael Kors Chronograph Layton Watch)   

So...I finally caved. Welcome to BIRK-NATION!

 I'm not going to waste your time by telling you all about how ghastly Birkenstocks are, or how much of a struggle I went through pondering whether to buy or not to buy. I'm sure that has been covered by every other fashion-blogger out there. The truth is; a) This trend is so far gone that I no longer feel like  a freak for donning a pair, b) I like them and c) my word they are comfortable. 

The lady serving me at the Birkenstock store (which by the way is a terrifying place filled with all manner of nurse shoes) assured me that "they are so durable and will last for years and years and years," which was mildly terrifying, as my real question is more along the lines of, do I want them to last that long? 

In my time I have done some strange things fashion-wise, but this sartorial choice doesn't rank nearly as highly on the bizarre-scale as the time that my seven year old self paired sneakers with her oshkosh b'gosh mum jeans. Man was that embarrassing and I agonised over those photos for a great deal of my teen years ....but wait it would seem that now it's ok to do that as well! *Normcore fashion high five*. Fashion is a funny thing, isn't it? I think that all I have learnt is not to hate on any trend...at all...ever, as sure enough next season you will find yourself eating your words and wishing you had kept your big mouth shut.   

P.S. On a side-note, after a week of intoxication with every roll and the increasingly despairing thoughts regarding how quickly my rollerball of the Elizabeth and James 'Nirvana Black' will run out, I did the unthinkable and got the medium sized bottle (my first bottle of perfume in two years.) No regrets so far as I am well and truly hooked! 

N.B. apparently it's quite like Black Orchid by Tom Ford (here) so if you're a fan of that you should really check it out.  

NIRVANA ON FRIDAY - ENLIGHTENMENT SMELLS WAY BETTER THAN TEEN SPIRIT!

(Elizabeth and James Nirvana (Black) For Her, Michael Kors Chronograph Layton Watch, Nuxe Rêve de Miel Lipbalm, Jules Smith Wishbone Necklace)

Nirvana - the imperturbable stillness of mind after the fires of desire, aversion and delusion have been finally extinguished. 

Friday is the day of the week that I get stuff done and tick a multitude of items off my ever-growing to-do-list. Funnily enough it is also usually a day that I feel the most connected, present and mindful, irrespective of what the day may have in store for me. This desire to remain present and to live fully in the moment has stemmed from my introduction to the teachings of the vietnamese born Buddhist monk, Thîch Nhât Hahn through the book 'You are Here'. I would really recommend this book as it was an important wake-up for me to remember to be considerate and mindful as we only live once and we are all here together. Please excuse the impending irony of my material consumption in the face of a spiritual release from materialism but when I saw this new Elizabeth and James fragrance called 'Nirvana Black' in Sephora the other day, it seemed very fitting. The scent won me over as it is not too sweet but not too masculine with the perfect amount of smokiness. Nirvana Black is more of a winter fragrance in my mind but that's not going to stop me from spritzing it all summer long!      

 Another element of my renewed zest for life has come in the form of a desire to balance myself nutritionally and as such this morning's craving for a healthy power smoothie came as no surprise. 

My go-to smoothie of the minute consists of the following:

- Maca powder (for fertility) - I use the HealthForce MacaPower (here). 

-Berries (for chemoprotective and antioxidant benefits as well and the prevention of macular degeneration)

-Spinach (for flavonoids, which protect against free radicals)

 -Watermelon (as it is the greatest natural source of Lycopene, an antioxidant that promotes heart health.) Watermelon, due to its high water content - 90% water - is also great for fighting off dehydration during this intense Los Angeles heat wave.  

"Nirvana is the Ultimate Truth. If it is ultimate there can be nothing after it. If there is anything after Nirvana, then that will be the Ultimate Truth." (Rahula, p.40)   

PAPAYA AND ROSE

(Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Colour Stick in Fresh Papaya, Bourjoir Blush in 16 Rose coup de foudre, L'Oréal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé Blush in 844 Angelic, Brooklyn Charm California State Necklace and Ring)  

With the onset of spring I have recently been turning my attention back to some of the peachier shades in my makeup bag-  primarily those for lips and cheeks. I definitely prefer to keep my makeup to a minimum on the daily but every once in a while it is nice to add a little colour.

This Bourjois Blush is possibly my favourite as it is super compact (travel-friendly) and the formula is not too shimmery with the perfect colour pay-off. I would also love to pick up another one of these in the shade 37 Rose Pompon which is a slightly lighter peachy colour but unfortunately Bourjois is not yet stocked in the US. On the slightly creamier side of things is this apricot- hued cream blush from L'Oréal Paris. Although a little trickier to apply, it is the perfect blush when i don't want to look too pink.    

PINK IN PARIS

(YSL Rouge Volupté Shine in '13 - Pink In Paris', Dior 'Diorshow' Mascara in '090', Odacité Beautiful Day Moisturiser from The Detox Market, Urban Outfitters 'Calf Hair Small Wallet, Hu Crunchy Mint Chocolate Bar from Hu Kitchen.)

Here are a few of my saturday brunch-time favourites. The packaging of these products (aquired yesterday in the Sephora VIB sale) is so damn fine that I have taken to staring at them lovingly while eating an early pre-brunch breakfast this morning.

The Sephora VIB sale, which has been my undoing the past few days prompted me to try out a few products that I would otherwise not get and so far I am loving these two new products, with the YSL Rouge Volupté being my absolute holy grail purchase. It's so creamy and the muted dusky rose hue is so perfect for the springtime.

Pictured here, in amongst all my other morning-time favourites, is the best chocolate in the world which is more of a with tea of an afternoon favourite, but hey when isn't chocolate a good idea? Everyone visiting NYC must head to Hu Kitchen on 5th to pick up a block and have some home-cooked lunch and on the note of reccomendations, if you're in LA don't hesitate to stop by 'The Detox Market' and check out their great range of organic and non-toxic skincare- their own 'Odacité line is my absolute favourite! 

No. 3

 (Ksubi Channel Tee, Zara Pleated Lingerie Style Shorts and Sandals (similar), Robyn Rhodes Limited Edition Ring Sold Exclusively at M Dot Design Studios LA)

This is my last sunny sunday in Los Angeles for a month as I fly out to New York again on wednesday, this time for a longer stay. I have spent my last weekend day relaxing and soaking up this beautiful ninety degree weather in the most comfortable and free-flowing pyjama style outfit I could find.   

Although I'm looking forward to being in New York again, it's no secret that I am going to sorely miss everything about Los Angeles but luckily thanks to my new friend Michelle at M Dot Design Studios, I have a little reminder of LA in the form of a M Dot Candle Travel Set. I'm looking forward to trying them all out after I land although I think that number three is my favourite so far. 

I'm also trying to get my immune system back to a happy place after being sick for quite a while so I have taken to trying out this Immunity Tonic  from The Detox Market to try and get things back on track. 

SUNDAY MORNING

(Aesop Amazing Face Cleanser and Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque)

My sunday mornings in LA are usually spent relaxing, drinking green tea and catching up on some of my favourite magazines. Allure is hands down the best beauty bible on American shelves and is an absolute steal at lest that 20 dollars for a yearly subscription; you can thank the failing print industry for that one.  

After flying back from New York on friday I am still having a little trouble acclimatising, especially given that it was pouring with rain upon my arrival which is seriously bizarre for LA. Luckily I stocked up on some of my favourite Aesop products while in NY (there are about a million Aesop stores in NY - new yorkers really can't get enough of this Aussie brand) which is helping my skin recover from the seriously less than ideal aeroplane environment.   

TO THE TABLE

(Zara Faux Leather Combination Dress, UO Midi Ring(Similar)

Yesterday was just another lazy sunday in Los Angeles spent lounging, watching the football and finishing some assessments for uni. I ordered this Zara dress online during their sale as it has come to my attention that I don't really have any evening/event appropriate dresses.  Although it looks much shorter in the above, I can assure you that its length is also quite event appropriate falling just short of the knee. Made from a thicker fabric and faux leather it feels more substantial than most of my dresses and its belted waist details makes it look more interesting than your average LBD. I'm looking forward to giving it a solid workout. 

THE MESSENGER

Five piece French Wardrobe Picks. 

So it's time for my second purchase for this seasons Five Piece French Wardrobe. The aim of this game is to only buy 5 items per season (excluding basics and accessories) with the goal being to streamline and simplify my wardrobe. I got this idea from Sabrina of After DRK and although she doesn't include high street bags in her 5, I am going to, simply because I don't want an excuse to buy a multitude of cheaper bags.

My first pick was The Magie Coat from Sandro (see post here) and now I introduce number 2: the messenger bag...

2. Zara Animal Print Messenger Bag

I was in desperate need of a smaller over the shoulder bag for nights, events, casual trips to the supermarket and the myriad of situations that requires only keys phone and a few cards. I'm suffering from a bit of a leopard/cheetah print obsession at the moment - which is somehow possible even after recently re-watching 'Josie and the Pussycats'. My obsession, along with the inexpensive price tag, made this bag a no-brainer.   

JUXTAPOSE

Photos By Braeden 

(Kenzo Paris T-Shirt, Sandro Magie Coat, Nu Sandals, Zara Animal Print Messenger Bag and Skirt With Lace Aplique, Michael Kors 'Layton Chronograph Watch.)

LA weather is kind enough to permit not only bare legs but also bare toes. 

Therefore this coat meets bare legs and sandals ensemble seems completely relevant in my mind. 

Kenzo Paris has long been a favourite of mine; I particularly love their sweaters and crazy prints. Their french stores - especially those in Paris - are so gorgeous and well laid out. The incredibly close proximity of one of the Kenzo stores to the original Diptyque at 34 Boulevard Saint Germain encouraged me to spend a ridiculous amount of time in that area while I was in Paris earlier in the year. On one of my first visits to Paris this year I picked up this t-shirt. I really wanted a sweater but knew full well I had a hot European and American summer ahead of me and a t-shirt would be far more seasonally appropriate. I'm still loving this shirt all these months later and i'm sure it will be in my wardrobe for years to come. 

A FEW THINGS

(Allure Magazine (December Issue) Neutrogena Colour Stick in Fresh Papaya, Cuff From The Los Angeles Folk Art and Craft Market, Shape of Things Ring From UO, Miu Miu Sunglasses, Candide by Voltaire from Barnes and Noble.)

I've been back in LA since saturday and although I am glad to be back in the warmer weather -with all fingers intact and frostbite free - I am certainly missing that 'traditional' holiday spirit that goes hand in hand with the cold weather. Here in LA we have set up the Christmas Tree and hung the stockings, which is certainly a good start for making our home feel more seasonally friendly. However, we haven't quite decided if having fake snow in the apartment is a good idea or not...tbc. 

Introducing a few things I have been getting into recently...

Neutrogena Colour Stick in Fresh Papaya

My MUA friend brought this back from an event she worked for Nike and Neutrogena in San Francisco. Fresh Papaya is the perfect 'your lips but better' colour, is so so silky in texture and easy to apply. I'm definitely thinking about picking up a few other colours. 

Gold Cuff

After months and months of wanting to check out The LA County Museum of Art (LACMA) I finally got around to it a couple of weeks ago for the James Turrell Retrospective Exhibition. I found this cuff at the Craft and Folk Art and it has quickly become a favourite. 

Allure and Candide

Ok ill admit these two are a bit of an odd couple as far as reading material goes, but somehow they compliment each other perfectly -cue some kind of cliche about the necessity of balancing out the serious with the frivolous and superficial. Both are great reads although the december issue seems a bit more advertisement heavy than most issues but maybe that's just me.   

Miu Miu Sunglasses

What can I say...LA has no concept of the holiday season, how december in the northern hemisphere should be or winter at all for that matter. It is as bright and sunny in LA as ever and sunglasses are still very much a staple.

SHIRTY PERFECTION

(Zara Sheer White Cross Front Shirt (Similar), Ksubi Alberquerque Cutoffs, Shape of Things Rings, H&M simple Stack Rings (Similar), Converse Low Chuck Taylors)

Photos By Jasmin 

There is something so comforting about knowing you have found the perfect white shirt. For me this shirt from Zara is just that - with its rollable sleeves, wafer thin breathable fabric and deep v open-drape front. Both super casual with a pair of cut-offs and sneakers, and easily dressed up with some leather for a night out or an event, you really can't go astray with a shirt like this. I am currently on the hunt for a thicker cotton/ men's wear version with a boxier cut, akin to those on offer at Acne and Equipment. However, I am holding out for the moment to see how cold it really gets in LA before investing too heavily in wintery basics.  

   

I wore this for a casual day off late lunch at the Larchmont Bungalow which I have mentioned in a few posts and is one of my favourite cafes at the moment. It has a great atmosphere and seriously tasty food and is the perfect place to lose yourself in a good book get some emailing and work done.

SETTLE

(Assorted Rings From Michael Kors, Mr Kate, Maple Newtown, Urban Outfitters and H&M.)

One of the best things (wardrobe wise) about being stationed in one place and actually having a home for the first time in a long while, is being able to actually have accessories and shoes. When you are travelling with your worldly belongings and you know that you only have 20kgs it is almost impossible to have multiple shoe and jewellery options because you need the weight allowance for more important things such as computers and visa documents (fun I know). Anything that I wasn't able to wear on me during a flight pretty much had to go, so by the end of the trip I had nothing but 5 rings and a watch. Since then I have expanded my collection to include a few more rings and I was given this Australia pocket watch necklace as a gift from a New York flea market a couple of weeks ago. I love the way it looks however I haven't bothered to set the time yet as my watch has things covered in that respect. I just keep all my jewellery on my bedside table as i love to look at this necklace and remember how far I have come this year and as a reminder of home. I love the way that jewellery often has a tendency towards sentimentality and reminds us of specific places, events and people in our lives. Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery that reminds you of something or someone special?   

IN THE MORNING

(Vintage Harley Davidson Men's Tee from Cream on Crown, Shape of Things Rings, Bed Bath and Beyond Owl Mug.) 

This is what the average morning consists of at my place; The sunrise, an oversized tee, some ambient/chill radio and most importantly an owl mug or two full of the great morning elixir (which is indeed coffee in spite of my earlier nonsensical ramblings about green tea which was optimistic at best). Combined, these wonderful elements form the perfect way to ease myself into the day. 

 The many wonderful perks about doing what we do for a living is that we get to treat more than two days a week like the weekend...although some weeks we also have to treat the weekend like the week but in my mind that minor tradeoff still trumps a predictable routine in a heartbeat. There is something so rewarding and challenging about the knowledge that you have to just take each and every day as it comes, with little expectation and an open mind. We often talk about how wonderful it is to be able to spend most mornings together soaking in the sunrise with the fireplace lit and the soft sounds of the early morning floating in on the eternally tepid californian breeze. It takes a week of pre-6am starts to fully realise how incredibly lucky we are at this particular moment in time and to remember to be grateful each and everyday to be able to lead the lives we do. 

And as a side note...how awesome is this mug from Bed, Bath and Beyond? A little more kitsch than my usual selection but our pair of owls have become quite a fixture in this place and I couldn't envisage my mornings without them.