FLAT ATTACK

(Sandro Talisman Tunisian T-Shirt, Steve Madden Lanii Flats, Ray Bans (Similar), H&M Black Skinnies, Zara Animal Print Messenger bag.) 

 Introducing my greatest discovery of the past month...these Steve Madden (**ahem Celine Spring '14 knock off**) pony hair espadrilles. I can't believe how similar these look to the real deal, although I am sure that the exorbitant price difference ($500odd) is totally justifiable...for some people. They also come in leopard print which I am seriously thinking also needs to be assimilated into my wardrobe.  

These flats are my first pick of the 5 piece french wardrobe - spring edit, which is possibly a little soon for everyone in NY/Paris/London, but here in LA it is certainly well underway. 

Speaking of NY, in less than a week i'll be heading back to the big apple for an exciting project that I've been talking about for a while and I can't wait to prepare a photo diary for you while I'm there.  

DEERPATH

(Sandro Magie Coat (Soldout), Choies Over The Knee Boots, Vince Black Sweater, Thrifted Mango Jeans, UO Delicate V Necklace, Luv AJ Sharktooth Handpiece.)

 More black and basics from yesterday. It has been super cold of late and I am not quite sure how I am going to swing NYE in Chicago city tonight, since it is so freezing. I think that boots and jeans may be the way to go to avoid getting sick again (since I have only just recovered from a bad cold.)

These boots along with the boots in my last post, make up my 4th French Warbrobe Pick. I am going to admit this is probably cheating but I have counted two pair of boots as one here. My reasoning for this is one of practicality; I needed a more basic pair of waterproof boots for the snow and a seasonally relevant pair for wearing out. I know its not exactly sticking to the rules but I am definitely cutting back on the spending and streamlining my wardrobe so I figure that it isn't really doing any harm...right? And anyway i chose a cheaper option that the Stuart Weitzman 5050, so even by buying two pairs, I have still saved money!

I hope you all had/are about to have a wonderful new years eve and best wishes for 2014; its going to be a good one!

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. 

FIRST OF 5 -THE COAT

 (Sandro Magie Coat, Virginie Lynn Leather Pants, Acne Two-Toned Sweater, Vintage Salvatore Ferragamo Boots, Urban Outfitters Snood, Prada Saffiano Bag, Assorted Rings - Michael Kors, Mr Kate and Maple (Newtown). 

So first of all...I'm in Chicago - Lake Bluff to be exact, which is a train ride north of the city. This picturesque little town is such a wonderful place to visit especially for the holiday season and is perfectly off the grid. 

However, beautiful though it may be, it is so, so bitterly cold... and not just LA or Sydney cold; It is the kind of cold that seeps in through a multitude of layers and chills you right down to your very bones. 

So needless to say, after months of cogitating and procrastinating over and about the perfect winter coat; last week it all became a bit too real (with glances at my iPhone weather app confirming that frostbite would ensue lest I was able to get my act together). This all culminated in the purchase of this beautiful long Sandro Paris coat on sale from Bloomingdales last friday. 

This is the first of my five picks for my Fall Five Piece French Wardrobe (lifted from Sabrina at After DRK). After experiencing the piercing cold of an English winter a few years ago and after two months in Tokyo last winter, I have seen first hand how inadequate Australian winter coats are for colder weather pretty much everywhere else in the world. With the temperature coming in at about -2 Celsius (19 Fahrenheit), I am so, so glad I picked this up before coming to Chicago. Next on the list for my Fall 5.... perhaps a pair of over the knee (or knee high) boots or maybe a mini cross body bag? TBC...