Breton & Blush

Nundoobah Retreat, Taree

2014-01-26T21:38:00.000+11:00

Perfect Palette Tag

2014-01-14T07:00:00.000+11:00

Best of Beauty 2013

2014-01-12T08:17:00.002+11:00

Instagram lately

2014-01-09T07:00:00.001+11:00

Outfits of 2013

2014-01-05T07:00:00.000+11:00

I can't believe I only posted six outfit posts throughout 2013! I will have to step it up this year. I'm not surprised that half of them involved some form of stripes, I can't stop wearing them. I am also not surprised that most of these are wintery outfits, I much prefer dressing for Autumn/Winter than I do for Spring/Summer.

Welcome to Breton & Blush!

2014-01-03T08:23:00.000+11:00

I started White Winters over two and half years ago and I really haven't felt connected to the name for a while. I no longer spend all of my time in winter and I'm not travelling to the UK nearly as frequently so I don't even experience white winters anymore. I chose my original name by searching through about twenty things until blogger said that whitewinters was available.

I think feeling disconnected to the name of my blog was one of the reasons that I didn't post much in 2013. I have been trying to think of a new name for a few months and I finally thought of something. My initial idea was Blush & Stripes but after discussing it with Rob (my in-house designer) I changed it to Breton & Blush.

My brother sent me a message thinking that my instagram had been hacked and he was a bit confused so I thought that I better write a post to stop others getting confused too.

I am still working on switching everything over so I'm sorry if you come across broken links.

2014 Resolutions

2014-01-01T12:38:00.000+11:00

I have written one of these posts every year since I started White Winters so thought I better continue the tradition. I managed to achieve about half of my 2013 resolutions but it was a big year. Rob and I moved in to our own apartment, I graduated my degree, started my graduate job, got a promotion and Rob's Australian visa was approved.

2014 Resolutions:

Save more money
Begin further study
Read more
Blog more regularly
Buy less and enjoy what I have

What's In My Bag?

2013-12-11T07:20:00.003+11:00

I have been meaning to put up a 'What's in my bag?' post for about two years. I know that a lot of these posts contain old receipts and random bits and pieces but I like to clean my bag out everyday so it stays pretty organised. The bag that I have been using almost daily for about eight months is the Michael Kors Selma. The first photo was taken a while ago, I wish it still looked that clean!

I always carry around both sunglasses and an umbrella as the weather can be very unpredictable in Sydney. This Cath Kidston umbrella has been in my handbag for two years which amazes me considering most of my past umbrellas have only lasted a few months before breaking. It is small which makes it perfect to carry around but also means that when it rains I still get a bit wet.

The pen is one of many my dad has given me from the Langham hotel, it is one of the only pretty pens I have that has blue ink (I much prefer blue ink!). The contents of the Cath Kidston pouch have changed since this post so I might do an updated post soon.

The Michael Kors Wallet was a recent birthday present and I love that it matches my handbag. The final things I carry in my handbag are my iPhone (not pictured) and iPad.

It doesn't look like that much but my bag always feels heavy.

Burberry Beauty GWP

2013-12-03T07:12:00.000+11:00

I found out after I got my Burberry Mocha Palette in Melbourne that there was an amazing Burberry Beauty GWP going on including many full size products. I was a bit annoyed that I hadn't received it with my palette as we were served by someone from another counter. However, I instantly fell in love with the Burberry eyeshadow formula and already had my eye on some of their most famous shades, Pale Barley and Midnight Brown.

I decided that if David Jones in Sydney had any of the gifts left I would purchase the two shades to qualify for the gift (minimum spend of $79). After searching in every draw the lady at the counter found two left so I decided that fate had told me to go for it. I received the Sheer Eye Shadow in No.08 Khaki, Lip Mist in Camelia Pink, Eye Shaper No.11 Brush, Burberry Body perfume deluxe sample, Beauty Glow and a mini kabuki.

I think this is a generous gift with purchase and it really helped me justify the luxury price. I have seen that others have received different coloured lipsticks and eyeshadows and a different eye brush so that is something to keep in mind if you are planning on hunting this gift down. I was lucky with the colours I received as I will use them both.

What I'm Wearing #56

2013-11-29T07:00:00.000+11:00

Saba 'Kylie' Striped Top // Topshop 'Leigh' Jeans in Black // Seed 'Ava' Leather Espadrilles in black/white // David Lawrence Trench Coat // Tiffany & Co. Necklace

These photos were taken last weekend in St Kilda. I adore this trench coat, it is the exact length that I wanted to find and I love that it is grey toned rather than beige. I am also wearing the leather espadrilles that I got for my birthday. I tried to resist these as I already had the striped canvas version but I have realised that as most of my clothes are striped I can't wear them as much as I had hoped.

Almost all of the photos we took made me look like Cousin It so I had a hard time trying to put this post together! Windy piers are pretty but not practical for outfit photos!

Turning Twenty Four

2013-11-27T17:54:00.000+11:00

As you might have seen on Instagram or Twitter it was my birthday last weekend and I spent the weekend in Melbourne with Rob. We have been there a few times together so we stayed away from the tourist attractions and spent most of the time shopping and eating. The weather lived up to Melbourne's reputation, sunny one minute and pouring with rain the next then changing back again.

We stayed in St Kilda which is an area of Melbourne that we had never been to before. We enjoyed walking along the beach and spending some time out of the CBD. We discovered a little cafe/restaurant called Fitzrovia which I would highly recommend for breakfast, we ended up going there twice!

For my birthday I received the Burberry Complete Eye Palette in No.02 Mocha, Seed Ava Leather Espadrilles in black/white and a Michael Kors Wallet to match my bag.

We left on Monday night so missed the Muji opening by a day. Hopefully it doesn't take them long to open up in Sydney.

My Weekend

2013-11-21T07:00:00.000+11:00

Last weekend in Sydney was pretty miserable, storms and constant rain. I decided to make to most of it and have a weekend at home. Fresh flowers, new magazines and burning my first Glasshouse candle almost made up for the dismal weather.

My Skincare Routine

2013-11-17T08:38:00.000+11:00

I have been meaning to put up my skincare routine for over a year. The problem was it kept changing and I wasn't happy with my skin. A few months ago I decided to stop constantly switching products to whatever Caroline Hirons had recently reviewed and instead switched back to products that I knew my skin reacted well to. A big order to Liz Earle later and my skin is the best it has been in years.

Morning:

In the morning I use the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser in the shower to cleanse my skin. I then mist my skin with the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic. I follow that with Indeed Labs Hydraluron as a serum and Indeed Labs Eysilix as my eye cream. For my morning moisturiser I use the Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser for combination and oily skin.

Night:

At night I like to double cleanse, first I take my makeup using Dermalogica Precleanse then cleanse with Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. I then mist my skin with the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic. I follow that with La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo as a serum and Indeed Labs Eyesilix as my eye cream. For my night time moisturiser I use the Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for normal and combination skin.

Extras:
My favourite mask is the Ren Invisible Pores Detox Mask, I use it about twice a week to decongest my skin. I often use the Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask after the Ren mask to inject moisture in to my skin. I also really like the Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque when I am breaking out but I recently finished my tub and haven't purchased another one yet. Another product not pictured that I use a few times a week is the Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator.

What is your favourite skincare brand? (Not that I'll be switching for a long time!)

Clarins Luscious Lips

2013-11-15T07:00:00.000+11:00

Clarins Luscious Lips Gift Set

I bought the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in No.02 Coral about six months ago and it quickly became my favourite lipgloss. The formula is lovely, it's moisturising, sticky enough to stay on the lips but not sticky enough to have your hair permanently connected to your face. I had been planning on picking up No.01 Rose next but then saw the Clarins Luscious Lips Gift Set that is out as part of the Clarins Christmas collection.

It contains six miniature Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors. The colour selection is a bit strange given that there are six colours in the range and only five are featured in this gift set. It has two miniature tubes of No.01 Rose and doesn't contain No.02 Coral. I didn't mind as I already had that shade but it is something to keep in mind if you don't already own it.

I had a $20 Myer voucher lurking in my wallet which meant that I paid $25 for this set but I think it is good value at $45.

New In: More Kors

2013-11-13T07:28:00.000+11:00

Michael Kors 'Silver Slim Runway' Watch

I got my rose gold Michael Kors 'Dylan' watch almost two years ago and I still love it but have recently moved on/back from rose gold to silver jewellery. I don't mind mixing metals but recently I have been craving all silver so I decided it was time for a new addition to my watch collection (not sure I can really call it a collection yet). I was going to wait and put it on my birthday/Christmas list until I found out about Shopbop having a 20% off everything sale. I caved and I am so happy I did, this is my favourite online purchase of the year!

It has a huge face but is also nice and slim. My mum doesn't like it and says it looks like a mans watch and the watch maker was similarly confused when I got it sized to fit my wrist but I love it!

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse

2013-11-11T06:43:00.000+11:00

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse

I first tried this oil back in April when I signed up for Bella Box. I used it for a while and then moved on to the next new thing in my stash. Last weekend I was shopping in Priceline and discovered that they stock Nuxe. I love that I can now go in to Priceline to pick up La Roche-Posay, Bioderma and Nuxe. I almost picked up another tub of my beloved Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm as I finished my last pot a couple of months ago but I might wait until I finish my Lanolips 101 Ointment.

When I saw the Huile Prodigieuse I remembered how much I loved it so I decided to buy the full size bottle. I had a Priceline voucher (it is worth signing up for a Priceline card if you spend lots of money in there!) which helped me justify the purchase. It retails for $39.95 and I paid about $23 for it.

I tend to use this product as a body oil but it can also be used for your hair and face. It smells amazing and soaks in to the skin very quickly. It is not as moisturising as my favourite body moisturisers (Kiehls Creme de Corps and L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate) but that should make it perfect for the upcoming summer months.

The packaging is beautiful, it is a lovely thick glass bottle with a spray top. I leave mine out on my dresser as it is too pretty to put away.

What are your favourite Nuxe products?

Style Staple: Topshop Leigh Jeans

2013-11-07T21:14:00.000+11:00

Topshop 'Leigh' Jeans in Vintage Wash, Indigo and Black

I have always been someone who invests in jeans. For the last few years I have been all about Sass and Bide, before that it was Nudie and back in my school days it was Bettina Liano. I was about to move on to J Brand but I kept hearing amazing things about the Topshop 'Leigh' Jeans. I already had a red pair of Topshop 'Baxter' Jeans as I didn't want to invest in a pair of coloured jeans. As soon as I tried on the Leigh Jeans I realised how incredibly comfortable they were and understood the hype. I started with the Vintage Wash pair and recently picked up the Indigo and Black pairs for 20% off. I have purchased all of these in the Sydney Topshop but they are slightly cheaper online. I would recommend trying them if you haven't already! I have been converted from expensive jeans (at least for the moment).

What I'm Wearing #55

2013-10-27T17:48:00.000+11:00

Seed Heritage Denim Tencel Shirt // Topshop Leigh Jeans in Black // Zara Sandals // Michael Kors Selma Handbag // Najo La French Knot Ring* // Najo Fleur Delirium Ring* // Tiffany & Co. Ring // Najo Bracelet // Tiffany & Co. Bracelet

These photos were taken last week in the back streets of Paddington but if I'm honest I wore the same outfit again yesterday. I have been wearing the Seed top at every opportunity as it is very comfortable and goes with almost everything. I picked up these sandals in Zara recently, I like that the silver detail makes them look a bit more dressed up.

I know that I am probably the only one but I have really been enjoying the weather for the last few weekends in Sydney and am not actually looking forward to the temperature rising again. I am a bit jealous of everyone in the northern hemisphere going in to Autumn/Winter. I haven't had a proper winter in two years and am missing it!

*PR Sample

Najo Rings

2013-10-24T07:20:00.000+11:00

Najo Fleur Delirium Ring* & Najo La French Knot Ring*

Najo is a brand that I have loved for years and have quite a collection of their pieces. I have featured them on White Winters many times. Even though I have been familiar with the brand for a long time I didn't know much of the history until I started researching for this review! I found it interesting that the different collections are inspired by different trips they have taken. They have documented some of these trips on their blog here. I assume that these two pieces were inspired by a trip to France.

I have very little costume jewellery as I have sensitive skin and it tends to irritate me so I prefer to have sterling silver pieces. Both of these rings are sterling silver and are pieces that I can layer together with other items or wear by themselves on an everyday basis. I have been wearing them both everyday since I got them last week.

I noticed one problem though, I have a lot of silver jewellery and a rose gold watch. I used to quite like mixing metals but recently I have been getting over rose gold and have become reacquainted with my love for silver. I may have made a cheeky purchase during the Shopbop sale last week that will fix this problem though!

I think the little boxes that they come in are adorable and would be perfect if you are giving a gift. They also send you a silver cleaning cloth so that you can make sure your jewellery stays nice and shiny.

I am very happy to recommend Najo jewellery as I have had some of my pieces for four years and they are in the same condition as when I bought them.

*PR Sample

New In: White & Denim

2013-10-22T07:57:00.000+11:00

J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tee in White // Zara Shirt // Seed Heritage Denim Tencel Shirt // Topshop Leigh Jeans in Indigo and Black

I've been shopping again. As I mentioned here I have been looking for a white t-shirt. I gave up looking in stores and started looking up reviews online and came across lots of positive reviews of the the Vintage Cotton Tees from J.Crew. The white one was on sale when I got it which helped convince me to get it. I was very impressed with the packaging and delivery time (less than a week!). I bought the white Zara top after missing out on this Topshop top in white.

I never thought I would own a denim shirt but I absolutely love it and have worn it constantly since I bought it a few weeks ago. I picked up the Topshop Leigh jeans in another two colours because I love the ones I have. I am going to dedicate a post to my love of these jeans.

The Edit: Neutral Eyes

2013-10-15T07:00:00.000+11:00

Urban Decay 'Naked' Palette & Stila 'In The Light' Palette

I think that I should start this post saying that I'm not really an eyeshadow girl. When I was younger I had one black eyeshadow that I would wear if I was going out. I got my Urban Decay Naked Palette about two years ago and for a while I used it everyday. When the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette was released I was planning on picking it up but decided to buy the Stila In the Light Palette instead. I still prefer my Urban Decay Naked Palette but the Stila palette is lovely too.

These days I only really wear eyeshadow if I am going out at night. Most days I settle for black liquid liner on my lash line and black or brown pencil liner on my waterline and tightline.

How often do you wear eyeshadow?

Style Staples: Black Ballet Flats

2013-10-12T17:43:00.000+11:00

Bloch 'Fonteyn' Ballet Flat

I have given up on my Country Road flats, after having them for about six months they were still making me want to cry every time I wore them. I have been reading reviews of black ballet flats and was originally looking at getting some from French Sole, Repetto or Porselli. I really wanted to try them on before buying to make sure that they were comfortable so my search continued.

I stumbled on some reviews of Bloch flats. Bloch is an Australian company that have been making ballet shoes since 1932. The Bloch ballet flats are currently on sale so there aren't many in stock but the Bondi store had a few colours in different sizes. I would have also picked up the red pair if they had my size. They live up to the reviews that I read, they are very comfortable and seem excellent quality. I like that the elastic bows can be used to tighten the shoes if they stretch.

Lanolips

2013-10-10T07:00:00.000+11:00

Lanolips Lemon Aid / Lanolips 101 Ointment / Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour in Rhubarb

I have mentioned some of my favourite lip balms in this post and this post but I have finished most of those. I decided to try out Lanolips as I have always heard really good things. I went searching for the 101 Ointment and couldn't find it in three different Priceline stores so I picked up the Lanolips Lemon Aid instead. Later that week I was in David Jones and stumbled across the Lanolips 101 Ointment and received the tinted balm as a gift with purchase.

I remember my first lanolin lip balm, my Grandmother gave it to me when I was about 12. It was a pale pink colour in a lipstick tube and she had found it in some country town. Every time I use the 101 Ointment I think of that lip balm.

I think the packaging is very cute and functional, I like that it is more sanitary than lip balm in little pots. My lips are still very dry but they haven't become chapped or split since I have been using this trio. The Lemon Aid is very lemony so I only like to use it throughout the day rather than first thing in the morning or before bed. My favourite of the three is the 101 Ointment, it is very moisturising and lasts for a long time on the lips. The tinted balm now lives in my handbag, it only gives a hint of colour but leaves a nice glossy finish. If you are only looking to buy one Lanolips product, I recommend the 101 Ointment.

New In: Milu

2013-10-07T17:26:00.000+11:00

Milu 'Lucy' & Milu 'Gold Mine Gum'

Before I started working full time I spent weeks trying to find my perfect pair of work heels. I finally found a pair and then had to spend my first three weeks in pain whilst I wore them in. Six months later the leather had ripped and the heels were broken beyond repair. It took me a month to find replacements (It felt strange to wear flats to work everyday!). I wanted patent leather this time as it wouldn't tear as easily and would hold up a bit better in the rain.

After a month of searching I started going in to shoe stores I would normally walk straight past. Milu was a store I had never noticed before but decided to explore. I ended up walking away with two pairs of black patent leather heels. They were very reduced, I managed to get them for $55 each (down from around $150). I wear the 'Gold Mine Gum' pair as my everyday work shoes and they never had that awkward wearing in stage. The 'Lucy' pair on the other hand are a bit small, I am thinking about getting them stretched about half a size. I recommend checking out the Milu website, I love the layout.

New In: Saba Scoop Neck T-Shirts

2013-09-24T07:00:00.002+10:00

Saba Striped Scoop T-Shirt // Saba Scoop Neck T-Shirt

I have been trying to restock and upgrade some of the basics in my wardrobe. T-Shirts were an area of my wardrobe that didn't really exist. I had an idea in my head of what I wanted them to look like and how I wanted them to fit. I saw something similar to what I wanted on the Saba website and having always been impressed by the quality of Saba clothing, it was a good place to start. After sizing down I loved the style and quality so the grey and striped versions made their way in to my wardrobe. The white Saba Scoop Neck T-Shirt was a bit too sheer so I am still searching for my perfect white T-Shirt. I recommend the Saba VIP program, it means that you get 10% off all full priced items.