StyloCharlo

Travel Post: Thanksgiving in Germany

2015-12-17T21:18:00.001-05:00

Hellooooo....long time no talk! Hope everyone's doing fabulous and ready to kick off the holiday season! I know this post of Germany is a little late but it took me so long to sort through our photos, and I'm super excited to share my experience of this wonderful trip!

Germany, particularly Berlin and Munich have been on the top of my list of cities to visit in Europe for quite some time. Many moons ago, I did a Europe tour, but the only part of Germany I saw was the outside of the Neuschwanstein castle. Yes, I had pork knuckle for lunch that day and hiked up that big hill to the castle. So worth it! ;P

This time around I was determined to see Berlin and Munich after hearing rave reviews of both cities for years. Our first stop was Berlin and we spent about 5 days there. We did a walking tour the day we landed. The tour provided such a great overview of this historically important city, it was easy for us to decide where to explore in detail for the next few days. This is what we like to do all the time ;) Our guide was so passionate and knowledgeable, it was a really interactive and enjoyable way to learn about Berlin!

Reichstag Building, home of the German Parliament

Many parts of the city really made me quite sad especially the Berlin wall. It broke my heart to think that Berlin was only reunified 25 years ago. The city and the nation was divided for so long and many families were separated from their loved ones from this divide.

Berlin Wall, East Side Gallery

I think Berlin is so gracious in accepting its past, learning and rebuilding to be the economic, cultural, arts, science and political influencer of the nation. I absolutely loved all aspects of the rich culture and history Berlin offered.

Berlin Cathedral

Inside Berlin Cathedral

Holocaust Memorial

Museum island

Our next stop was Munich; a little less serious and a whole lot more beer...(Munich is the home to Oktoberfest). This city also went through so much during World War II. The entire city was nearly destroyed and had to be rebuilt. I'm grateful that the people of Munich chose to rebuild to how it was originally so we get to enjoy the history just that much more!

The New Townhall

Fountain of Fish Market

Munich city view

Virtualienmarkt May Pole

Munich Residenz

Enjoying Gluwein at the Munich Christmas Market

During our stay in Munich, we took 2 day trips: one to Salzburg and the other to Neuschwanstein castle. Salzburg is on the border of Germany and Austria and has alot of significance to me. It is the birth place of Mozart and he is one of my favorite composers of all time. Having played piano when I was young, I really enjoyed many of his music pieces. Salzburg was also where Sound of Music was filmed and who doesn't love Sound of Music? So...I didn't get to run along the hills where Maria once did but I really loved exploring this little town, including the Christmas market.

Inside the Abby from Sound of Music

Mozart's birth place

Our second day trip was to see the Neuschwanstein castle. This majestic palace and its surrounding is where fairy tales are made. We really lucked out on the day we went because it snowed for a week leading up to the day and the entire area was decorated by blankets of snow. A truly magical and breathtaking experience, a stunning winter wonderland.

If you haven't visited Germany yet, I hope this post sparked some curiosity to go and explore this wonderful country and enjoy everything that Germany has to offer ;)

Thank you so much for reading!

Fall Layers: Leather, Faux Fur & Tulle

2015-11-17T20:40:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone, happy Tuesday! Hope you are having an awesome week! I'm sorry that it's been a while since my last post, I have been a little busy lately. Although we are now well and truly into November and Christmas is really just around the corner, the weather in New York has been a little warmer for this time of the year. I don't really mind at all; more time to play around with fall layering ;)

On a separate note, I am heading to Germany tomorrow and will be back after Thanksgiving. I can't wait to explore and learn more about this beautiful country that is filled with historic significance and culture! Stay tuned for my Germany travel post in the coming weeks! :)

Leather Jacket: Zara; Top: Forever 21; Skirt: Anthropologie (similar); Faux Fur Stole: Zara; Ear Cuff: BaubleBar; Clutch: Miu Miu (similar); Shoes: alice + olivia

Layering in fall is key to staying warm and looking chic. Before the snow storms hit and we have to pull out our heavy winter gear, there's still time to enjoy our lighter layers. I really enjoy mixing and matching various textures in brisk weather when I can still kinda get away with bare legs for a little while :P

This tulle skirt is absolutely beautiful in person and is very intricately made. I paired the delicate tulle material with the tougher and edgier leather to bring down the girliness a notch. This combination in my opinion becomes a little more casual, and the tulle skirt is not limited to an appearance at a more formal occasion. I also threw on the faux fur stole to add an extra layer of warmth and to compensate for going bare legged. You can take it off easily indoors and the outfit is still put together.

I hope you are also enjoying layering your lighter pieces before the weather gets seriously cold. Happy Thanksgiving next week to all my American friends!

Leather Jacket: Zara;

Top: Forever 21;

Skirt: Anthropologie (similar);

Faux Fur Stole: Zara;

Ear Cuff: BaubleBar;

Clutch: Miu Miu (similar);

Shoes: alice + olivia

Thank you so much for reading!

Travel Post: The Maine Half-Marathon Adventure

2015-10-13T21:23:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Tuesday! Hope you are having an awesome week! I recently took a road trip to Portland, Maine, for a fun weekend. This trip was initially planned just to enjoy the fall foliage and to eat fresh lobsters by the harbor. As it turned out, the Maine half & full marathon fell on the same weekend I was hoping to go. So I thought, why not....let's run a half marathon! ;P It has been quite a few years since my last marathon and this half would be a great way to get back into doing some long distance.

The drive up to Portland from New York took around six hours. We stopped by Hartford Connecticut along the way for a little stretch and to have lunch at this cute Italian restaurant. The further north we drove, the more firey and vibrant the leaves turned. Around NY at this time, the leaves are still predominantly green. Despite the rain, we still enjoyed seeing the beautiful bursts of orange and crimson red trees lining the highway leading to Maine. New England at this time of the year is truly breath taking!

Portland Maine Observatory

Met my new friend Rumpelstiltskin, the Nigerian Dwarf Goat, at the market

The next few days (race day included) turned out to be beautiful. Cold, crisp and sunny! We spent some time walking around town, soaking up the fall vibe and checking out the local sites. Aside from the Portland Observatory, the Portland Head Light is definitely worth a visit. It is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth and one of the most photographed lighthouses in US, for good reason too. It is stunning, and a photographer's dream ;)

Aside from the picturesque landscapes in Portland, the food is also super yummy! I thought it was just going to be seafood focused, but this town really has a lot more to offer than just mouth-watering lobsters. The Green Elephant is a wonderful vegetarian bistro that exceeded all expectations of vegetarian food. If you like duck then you are going to love Duck Fat. It is a very casual restaurant with a seriously delicious menu of all things duck. We also tried The Holy Donut, made with Maine potatoes. Such a delightful experience!

On our way back home, we stopped by Applecrest Farm Orchards to pick our own apples and raspberries. I never knew fresh apples tasted this good!!! A truly amazing, fun filled and delicious weekend of sightseeing, food, exercise and great company! Thank you Portland Maine, till next time...xx

Thank you so much for reading!

Getting Fall Ready in Stripes

2015-09-29T20:11:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Tuesday! Hope you are having a fabulous week so far ;) Even though we are not quite in beanie weather yet, I could not resist this one. I actually spotted this little guy way back in summer and could not wait to wear him. At the first sign of a temperature drop, I pulled him out of my closet :P It's probably not enough for the middle of winter but for right now...it's perfect! Casual attire with a touch of cheekiness...yep, that's my kind of weekend uniform.

Dress: Zara; Beanie: Zara; Sunglasses: Karen Walker; Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim; Shoes: Sam Edelman

As the weather gets cooler, a knitted dresses like this one is a great transitional piece to wear to the office or for a casual weekender. Add on a trench coat when it gets even colder and layer on a scarf for some added warmth during your morning and night time commutes.

I adore stripes, this timeless pattern has always been a favorite in the closet. When choosing stripes, the ones set on a dark background with white stripes are the most flattering as they create a slimmer illusion ;)

This weekend I head to Portland Maine to run a half marathon. I can't wait to see the fall foliage on our road trip and eat all the fresh seafood when I get there! I hope you are taking some time to enjoy the early days of fall and smile as you watch the beautiful foliage unfold!

Dress: Zara;

Beanie: Zara;

Sunglasses: Karen Walker;

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim;

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Thank you so much for reading!

Blushing Pinks

2015-09-22T20:44:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Tuesday! Hope you are having a great week! We are slowly getting ready to go into fall, my favorite season of the year. Transitional seasons are often very short in New York, and there is a small window between the leaves turning into a rusty burnt orange color and me taking out my trusty trench coat. Before long, winter will be here. In these last few days of summer, I'm still trying to enjoy the last bit of the season in some soft blushing pink hues ;)

Top: Anthropologie; Pants: Zara; Sunglasses: Dior; Earrings: Jeweliq (similar); Watch: C/O JORD; Bag: Lauren Ralph Lauren; Shoes: ShoeMint

I think this is such a soft feminine mix of both color and fabric, and you can easily dress it up for a special occasion. I stayed with the same color family but opted for jeans to achieve a more fluid and casual feel, but you can also pair it with leather shorts to give it a tougher edge. The top has such a beautiful balance of intricate details, making it quite versatile to dress up or down. This combination marks a beautiful end to a wonderful summer here in New York.

I hope you are enjoying the end of summer and excited for fall! To all my Australian friends, I hope spring is bringing you lots of sunshine and new beginnings!

Top: Anthropologie;

Pants: Zara;

Sunglasses: Dior;

Earrings: Jeweliq (similar);

Watch: C/O JORD;

Bag: Lauren Ralph Lauren;

Shoes: ShoeMint

Thank you so much for reading!

Bringing Back '90s Denim Skirt in Atlanta

2015-08-27T20:14:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Thursday! I recently went to Atlanta and fell in love with this beautiful city. From the endless green canopy that covers the entire metropolis to the hearty southern food and generous southern hospitality, Atlanta really has a lot to offer an enthusiastic traveler. The weather there was similar to New York, pretty hot and humid at the moment, so I packed easy summer outfits that are versatile enough to wear to dinners at night. I particularly adore this cute denim skirt I picked up during the recent Nordstrom sale with that '90s vibe.

Top: Joe Fresh (similar); Bottom: Topshop; Earrings: BaubleBar (similar); Sunglasses: Quay Australia; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff; Shoes: J.Crew (similar, similar)

To keep things easier for daytime sight seeing, I paired the denim skirt with an equally adorable graphic tee. For a night out, I just switched to a crop top, easy peasy ;)

Did you know that Atalanta is also the home to many large companies like Coca-Cola? While I was there I checked out the World of Coca-Cola and tasted over 100 different sodas from around the world. My favorite is the melon Fanta! :P I also went to the Georgia Aquarium, which is one of America's best aquariums. If you are ever curious about shark whales, their habitat, real life sizes and what they eat daily, I recommend checking them out in action at the Georgia Aquarium. Of course the aquarium also houses many other interesting marine species and habitat that are worth checking out.

People told me that the peaches in Georgia are super sweet and delicious. I had a few while I was there and yes, everything's peachy in Georgia! ;) I hope you are enjoying your week and the end of your summer!

Top: Joe Fresh (similar);

Bottom: Topshop;

Earrings: BaubleBar (similar);

Sunglasses: Quay Australia;

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff;

Shoes: J.Crew (similar, similar)

Thank you so much for reading!

White Out

2015-08-05T21:46:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Wednesday! Hope you are having a fantastic week! I love a good white combo, especially in summer. There's something super refreshing about an all white palette. So clean and crisp. It is my secret weapon against the humidity and the heat.

Top: Banana Republic; Bottom: J.Crew Factory; Sunglasses: Chanel; Necklace: BaubleBar; Ring: Mouche; Clutch: Miu Miu (similar); Shoes: Banana Republic

To elevate this simple look from day to night, I also added a statement necklace. Silver jewelry is extremely complementary to white because it has that same cool tone. This statement piece is quite a standout, and it pulls the entire outfit together to focus on the interest.

I also love to add in some black and a dash of red to an all white ensemble. Black & white as a combo is such a classic and definitely a favorite of mine. If you are going from the office to dinner, all you need to do is to switch out your accessories, put on a classic red lipstick and you are good to go ;)

I love easy outfits like these that simplify dressing, improve my time to get ready and increase pairing versatility. I hope you are also enjoying some refreshing color pairings in this sweltering heat!

Top: Banana Republic;

Bottom: J.Crew Factory;

Sunglasses: Chanel;

Necklace: BaubleBar;

Ring: Mouche;

Clutch: Miu Miu (similar);

Shoes: Banana Republic

Thank you so much for reading!

Rosy & Golden Colored Casual Elements

2015-07-22T21:03:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Wednesday! Hope you are having an awesome day. My favorite summer weekend gear = cute tee + destroyed denim shorts + plenty of accessories (hats, sunglasses, jewelry, watch...load 'em on ;P). This past weekend I lived in this rosy pink and ocean blue color combo. I'm absolutely in love with this cheerful color concoction especially after adding in some complementary rosy and golden toned accessories.

Top: J.Crew Factory (dress); Denim Shorts: American Eagle (similar); Baseball Cap: J.Crew; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Earrings: C.Wonder; Watch: C/O Jord; Shoes: J.Crew Factory (also love this)

As many of you know, I love colors and don't generally shy away from them ;) During summer, I naturally tend to gravitate towards cooler color combinations such as blue and white, but this is just too much of a happy top ;) With such a loud top , I kept the accessories relatively minimal. In my opinion, the best summer accessories come in rosy and golden hues, particularly rose gold. It is universally complementary to many skin tones, and it also brings out that beautiful healthy summer glow you have developed.

I recently came across this brand of watches called JORD. These watches are designed in St.Louis, are meticulously crafted in natural wood, and come in many styles for both men and women. I particularly love the natural and earthy look & feel of the design, without having to sacrifice style. This watch is so much lighter than many of my metal based watches, which I find a little cumbersome to wear during hot summer days. The natural wood has that airy and breezy feel I love in summer. You can check out their entire collection here. I personally love this Sidney maple & rose gold one :)

I hope you are enjoying the long summer days and rocking in plenty of cute summer accessories!

Top: J.Crew Factory (dress);

Denim Shorts: American Eagle (similar);

Baseball Cap: J.Crew;

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban;
Earrings: C.Wonder;

Watch: C/O Jord;

Shoes: J.Crew Factory (also love this)

Thank you so much for reading! Wood Watches by JORD

Emerald: Shade of Jewel

2015-07-09T21:30:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Thursday! Hope you had a fabulous 4th of July celebration / long weekend and are recharged for the new week. By now summer is well and truly here. Hello rooftop drinks, weekend gelato (or everyday for that matter ;) and late night river walks. Whilst we love summer, humidity is an unavoidable issue in New York and a daily battle. I'm constantly looking out for pieces to tackle this problem. My weekend dinner date became a whole lot easier to get dressed for with this beautiful emerald flowing dress ;).

Dress: Banana Republic; Belt: Anthropologie; Bracelets: Zara; Rings: H&M (similar); Bag: Lauren Ralph Lauren; Shoes: DVF

I picked up this dress recently and it's the perfect date night dress. The color is a rich emerald green, and I don't own any other dresses in this color. The material is silky smooth and a cute hilow cut that moves beautifully with the wind. I can also see this being dressed down for a weekend brunch, then maybe a shopping affair in the village with a fedora and a pair of flat sandals.

I hope this summer you won't shy away from rich jewel tones like emerald, blue sapphire and ruby red. Play around with these beautiful shades and explore their full potential for your next summer soiree!

Dress: Banana Republic;

Belt: Anthropologie;

Bracelets: Zara; Rings: H&M (similar);

Bag: Lauren Ralph Lauren;

Shoes: DVF

Thank you so much for dropping by!

Going Cropped

2015-06-24T21:19:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Wednesday! Hope your week's going well. I'm dressed in summer colors today. This skirt is seriously vibrant, it makes me happy every time I look at it, and it's exactly what I felt like today ;) It's been sweltering the last couple of days, which does not make dressing easy if you cannot live in shorts all day as appropriate office attire. This little crop top is also helping me to manage the humidity and keep things a little cooler.

Top: Banana Republic (similar); Skirt: Anthropologie; Sunglasses: Fendi; Necklace: Tiffany & Co.; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (summer colors); Shoes: H&M

I have been really into crop tops recently. I purchased a few last summer and they were on constant rotation, and although this is only the start of summer, I'm pretty sure they will be well loved again this season. I think crop tops make an excellent pairing partner. Throw on a cute skirt or a pair of shorts and you are ready to take on the world. For all the shorter ladies out there, cropped tops do amazing things to create an elongated silhouette ;) If you are on the taller side, crop tops can also work for you. I would just choose ones that are not overly short (especially if you have a longer torso) so it will look in the right proportion to the rest of your body.

For those who are interested in this Anthropologie skirt, aside from the beautiful punch of colors, it is also a really well made skirt. It comes in both regular and petite sizing. I absolutely love the floral print and all the small details that come with this skirt (e.g., pretty lining inside, thoughtful zipper etc.).

I hope you are also rocking a cute crop top this summer and enjoying the freedom of going cropped!

Top: Banana Republic (similar);

Skirt: Anthropologie;

Sunglasses: Fendi;

Necklace: Tiffany & Co.;

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (summer colors);

Shoes: H&M

Thank you so much for dropping by!

Jungle Fever

2015-06-17T21:49:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Wednesday! We have launched right into summer very quickly here in New York. There is just no escape for the early humidity that sticks to you all day, and it is only June! This little jumpsuit reminds me of the jungle, quite fitting for this current weather condition in the city :P

Jumpsuit: Loft; Earrings: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Sunglasses: Prada; Bag: Lauren Ralph Lauren; Shoes: Sole Society

I enjoy wearing jumpsuits and rompers in summer because they thrive in the heat. They are also time savers, easy to wear and style. Select one and you are done, easy peasy. Most jumpsuits look streamlined and rompers are just too cute to resist. For all the romper lovers out there, you know what I'm talking about ;)

I often look for cotton or linen materials as they work particularly well in the heat to combat the humidity. These materials are quite breathable and a lot easier to take care of than silk. When you are are sweating more, you don't want your clothes to stick to you, and you also have to wash them more often. A more durable material will save you a lot of hassle.

I hope no matter where you are, you are enjoying your longer summer days or your cozy winter nights!

Jumpsuit: Loft;

Earrings: Marc by Marc Jacobs;

Sunglasses: Prada;

Bag: Lauren Ralph Lauren

Shoes: Sole Society

Thank you so much for reading!

Cancun Getaway

2015-06-03T22:51:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Wednesday! Hope you are having an awesome week. I recently returned from an early summer Cancun getaway and thought I would share some happy snaps. We've been having terrible weather in New York the last couple of days; rain, rain go away, take me back to Cancun!

Beautiful and sunny Cancun has much more to offer than just its party town reputation. We stayed at the Westin Resort & Spa and had such a fabulous time at the resort. The hotel has rooms with a lagoon or beachfront view. We were lucky enough to be facing the ocean. It really doesn't get much better than watching the sun rise and set over the white sandy beach and turquoise water everyday. The staff at the resort were also super friendly and very attentive. It takes a lot to impress an Australian with beaches, I must say, Cancun, you did a great job! :)

Our 5 days at the resort turned out to be action packed, including getting up at 3:30am to see Chichen Itza. In terms of water activities, we really enjoyed the jungle tour, which included driving a stingray (think lowrider jet ski) across the Nicupte lagoon, and then snorkeling the Punta Nizuc reef. This area was full of sea life, creatures and coral reef formations. We also took to the air in the Sky Rider, which was like parasailing, but you sit in a seat instead of a harness. From way up in the sky, we could really enjoy an astounding view of Cancun. Of course, there was always time for chillin' by the beach with a good book, and watching the sun set across the horizon.

For those who may not be aware, Chichen Itza is one of the seven wonders of the world. It is an impressive archaeological site located to the southeast of Merida, Yucatan's capital city. During its golden years, Chichen Itza was the most important political, economic and religious center for the Mayan civilization. Once you are there and standing in front of this architectonic beauty, you can understand why UNESCO has considered this archaeological city a World Heritage Site. If you plan to visit, I highly recommend going on a guided tour with a local archaeologist so you can understand and appreciate this historic site. Also, go early to avoid all all the tourist crowds, heat waves and insect bites (it's tough but it's worth it!).

I hope you are excited about your next planned summer getaway. If you have not been to Cancun, I highly, highly recommend it!

Thank you so much for reading!

Spring Fresh

2015-05-18T22:37:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Monday! Hope you are having an awesome week! I'm so sorry it's been a while since my last post, I have been a little MIA since getting back from Australia. I'm trying to get back to the swing of things now, so hopefully posting will become more regular. On a happier note, Spring is finally here! I'm heading to Cancun, Mexico this week and I can't wait to share my experiences with you. NYC has already experienced a couple of muggy days in between the cherry blossoms blooming and gelati in the park. I opted for some clean colors today and am definitely getting ready for this almost summer weather :)

Dress: Ann Taylor; Jacket: American Eagle (similar); Belt: Reiss; Sunglasses: Karen Walker; Earrings: Banana Republic; Bag: Chanel; Shoes: Alice and Olivia (in nude & black)

White has always been my preferred color choice for the warmer weather, and you really can't go wrong with a LWD (Little White Dress) ;) The meshing detail has an airy feel, which is a great compliment to this weather. It also adds texture and dimension to this dress, giving it more character.

For a more casual look, I paired it with a short denim jacket as it can get a little chilly once the sun has set. A dress like this one can also be appropriate for the office if you add a blazer (we all know the power of a/c in the office!).

I hope you are all enjoying this spring weather and I'm hoping there will still be a few more in-between season days left for NY!

Dress: Ann Taylor; Jacket: American Eagle (similar);

Belt: Reiss;

Sunglasses: Karen Walker;

Earrings: Banana Republic;

Bag: Chanel;

Shoes: Alice and Olivia (in nude & black)

Thank you so much for dropping by!

Little Black Cape

2015-03-10T21:40:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Tuesday! Hope you are enjoying your week :) After that massive snow dump last week, NYC is finally heading into some warmer early spring weather. I am super excited and for the first time in a long time, I no longer need to reach out for my puffer jacket to keep warm. During my trip back home to Melbourne, I brought along one of my recent fashion favorites - the cape coat. I tried one out during fall (see here) and loved it so much that I decided to pick up another one in a lighter material. This little black cape is more structured, so I decided to dress it up a little.

Top: Banana Republic; Cape: Nasty Gal; Shorts: Theory; Necklace: BaubleBar; Sunglasses: Karen Walker;
Clutch: Miu Miu; Shoes: Zara

The cape coat is really an old fashion favorite, and I'm excited to see this trend continue. If you are a girl who enjoys a good sleeve on your clothes, don't be put off to give this piece a try. I suggest transitioning into one gently. Avoid a costumey look and go for colors that are more neutral (e.g., black/grey/brown/cream) to maximize utilization and versatility. The silhouette of the cape suits many body types. They are an easy, chic and effortless piece to add to your wardrobe.

I just realized that black has been the theme in recent posts :P This is a slight departure from my usual color choices. With Spring on its way, I can't wait to share more bold, floral prints and colors on the blog :)

Top: Banana Republic;

Cape: Nasty Gal;

Shorts: Theory;

Necklace: BaubleBar;

Sunglasses: Karen Walker;

Clutch: Miu Miu;

Shoes: Zara

Thank you so much for reading!

The Contemporary Romper

2015-02-25T20:39:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone, happy Wednesday! Hope you are having a wonderful week :) I went back to Australia for the past two weeks. It was so wonderful to see my family, catch up with great friends and enjoy the Aussie summer. It's always nice to be back home and take a break from this gruesome NYC winter, but now I miss summer! This outfit was taken near my home in Melbourne while I was on my way to drinks with friends.

Romper: Zara; Sunglasses: Karen Walker; Clutch: Miu Miu (similar); Necklace: J.Crew; Shoes: Ann Taylor (love this)

I love the cut of this romper, classic with a contemporary edge and an overall minimalist look. This romper is so easy to wear, no fuss, no muss, just the way I like it. From the front this outfit actually looks like a dress, but from the back this is definitely a romper. I also love the sheer paneling on the back as it is visually interesting, and reduces the weight of the outfit (as black tends to be heavy for the eye).

Generally speaking, I prefer navy over black especially in summer, but I like to pack more black while traveling for easy maintenance.

For those who celebrate, I hope you had a fabulous CNY and received many red packets! Have a great rest of the week my friends :)

Romper: Zara;
Sunglasses: Karen Walker;

Clutch: Miu Miu (similar);

Necklace: J.Crew;

Shoes: Ann Taylor (love this)

Thank you so much for dropping by!

Pop of Bright: Chartreuse Yellow

2015-02-03T23:10:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, happy Tuesday! Hope you are having an awesome week :) I am warming up the cold winter days with chartreuse yellow today. Just looking at this color makes me feel warmer and happier. I think it's crucial to introduce mood elevators such as vibrant colors during the frigid winter to remind us that we are more than half way through the cold, and spring is just around the corner.

Sweater: C.Wonder (also loving this); Shirt: Ann Talor; Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar); Earrings: BaubleBar; Bag: Chloe; Shoes: ShoeMint

Chartreuse yellow is one of my favorite colors, and this color is anything but shy. It is a mixture of small amounts of green with yellow, giving it that slightly fluorescent undertone. When I'm dressing in the morning and faced with gloomy weather, I often reach for brighter colors. These colors really add that pop of life and energy to your day, making everything just that little bit better :)

Next week, I'm heading back home to Australia for a quick visit. Summer, here I come! For those who are still stuck with winter days, don't despair, the cold days are almost over. I cannot wait to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom :)

Sweater: C.Wonder (also loving this);

Shirt: Ann Talor; Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar);

Earrings: BaubleBar;

Bag: Chloe;

Shoes: ShoeMint

Thank you so much for reading!

Winter Wonderland in Central Park post Juno

2015-01-29T19:39:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone, happy Thursday! Hope you are looking forward to your weekend :) After the recent snow blizzard Juno, which was less scary than predicted (thank goodness!), I took a snow day and spent some time in Central Park. I always find the park to be extremely peaceful and beautiful after a snow storm and this time was no different.

Boots: Hunter Tour; Socks: Wigwam 40 Below Crew Socks; I also recommend Hunter Welly Socks and Shearling Insole

Growing up in Melbourne, it was not common to experience snow fall in the middle of our winters. We do have ski slopes a few hours drive away, but the Melbourne winters are just not cold enough for snow to form. Having spent the last two winters in NYC, I learned quickly to appreciate what mother nature gives us. After almost every snow fall, I try to head to the park and take in that picture perfect winter wonderland.

After last year's polar vortex, I purchased a pair of the Hunter Tour boots. These Tour boots are a lot lighter in weight than the Hunter's Original tall boots. They are also very convenient because they are packable, so they can be easily folded and transported. This year, I also purchased a pair of shearling insoles and a pair of Hunter fleece Welly socks (my feet get cold easily!).

At the time these photos were taken, the socks nor the shearling insole were delivered yet, so I layered my trusty Uniqlo heattech socks with Wigwam 40 Below Crew Socks. These Wigwam socks were pretty awesome at keeping my feet nice and warm. I was out for a few hours in the cold and my feet were not cold.

If you are somewhere cold, I hope you are keeping warm and safe. If you are somewhere tropical, I hope you are also enjoy what mother nature gives us and make full use of that beach! ;)

Boots: Hunter Tour;

Socks: Wigwam 40 Below Crew Socks;

I also recommend Hunter Welly Socks and Shearling Insole

Thank you so much for reading!

Bella Italia!

2015-01-15T22:17:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, hope you are having a great day! This post is kinda long overdue but I wanted to share my Italy trip during Thanksgiving with you all. Although this is not the first time I've been to Italy, I still loved every part of the trip and discovered many new things. I think Italy is a country that ages beautifully and graciously with time. Whether you are a cultural enthusiast, a world traveler, a devoted catholic, an art appreciator, a fashionista or a food lover, you will be sure to love everything Italy has to offer ;)

St.Peter's Basilica

We started our trip here in Rome. An ancient city filled with historical and religious significance. The entire city is like an open museum for you to browse and appreciate. From culture to religion, from food to fashion, Rome was definitely not built in a day :)

Cupola of St. Peter's Basilica

Outside the Colosseum

The cross inside the Colosseum

Obelisco Agonale and Sant'Agnese in Agone

Outside Piazza del Popolo

Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Roman Forum

The Spanish Steps

Next stop, Venice. Ah Venice...you are so pretty and surreal, you are a photographer's heaven. This peaceful and world heritage site was once a flourishing trade center between Western Europe and the rest of the world. When you are faced with this exquisitely unique city of serene lagoons, quaint bridges over winding canals and elegant architecture, it's impossible to take a bad picture! :P

Gondolas outside the Doge's Palace

St. Maria of Salute Basilica

St. Mark's Square

Bridge of Sighs

Gondola statues

Arches at the Doge's Palace

Canal Bridges at night

Venetian Carnival Masks

Finally, we arrived in Florence, the capital of Tuscany. I am no artist, but in Florence, I almost believed that I should be one ;P. Not only did we love the cultural significance of the city, but the food was amazing! We were lucky enough to be in town for the 'first press' of olive oil for the season, which gave an additional richness and flavor to the oil. Truffles were also in season which we ate on top of our mountains of pasta. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Ratto di Polissena

David

Florence Cathedral, The Duomo

Cupola del Brunelleschi

Piazza della Repubblica

Leaning tower of Pisa

If you have not visited Italy yet, I highly highly recommend it. No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something to love in Italy. Beyond the famous sights, Italy presents one of Europe’s richest cultures. Traditions still live within a country that is vibrant and fully modern. Bella Italia, thank you for being a wonderful host!

Star jump at St. Peter's Basilica

Thank you so much for reading!

Winter Whites

2015-01-06T19:33:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone, happy new year! Hope everyone's having a fabulous start to 2015! I must first apologize for being MIA, it has been a while since my last post. I went to Italy during Thanksgiving, came back from vacation, got caught up with work and all the general holiday craziness. Happy to report that I am back to blogging and looking forward to an exciting new 2015! First post of the year, I dedicate this to a fresh, clean start and a beautiful NYC winter :)

Jacket: Loft; Shirt: Ann Taylor (similar); Jeans: Loft; Beanie: Gap (similar); Necklace: BaubleBar (also love this);

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim; Shoes: ShoeMint

So, until today we had not had much luck with the snow this winter, and the temperature has been pleasant enough to get by without too much bundling. I'm sure more snow days are just around the corner (the arctic freeze is coming!), but while I still have the chance, I'm making the most out of this relatively mild weather. I love whites in winter, the perfect complement to the fresh snow.

I wish everyone a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous 2015! "Dear past, thank you for all the lessons. Dear future, I am ready."

Cheers to a fabulous 2015!!

Jacket: Loft;

Shirt: Ann Taylor (similar);

Jeans: Loft;

Beanie: Gap (similar);

Necklace: BaubleBar (also love this);

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim;

Shoes: ShoeMint

Thank you so much for dropping by!

Fall Cape

2014-11-13T21:34:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone, hope you are having an awesome week! I'm embracing this season's cape trend and decided to pick one up and try it out. This little guy makes me feel very English and also reminds me of Sherlock Holmes. Now, I'm no detective, but it's not a mystery why the cape trend has been so popular ;)

Cape: Ann Taylor (love this & this); Top: Uniqlo; Shorts: Theory; Choker: Jules Smith; Ring: YSL; Sunglasses: Karen Walker; Bag: Louis Vuitton; Boots: Ann Klein (similar)

There's nothing not to love about a great cape in this weather. I think fall ushers in a season filled with layering up in luxe looks, and a great cape is a chic piece to build into your fall to winter closet. The one I have on is a coat cape. Although it does not extend past my knees, I consider it to be a functional piece to own. It is made from wool, and the thickness is great for the current weather conditions. As the temperature drops, I will opt for skinny jeans instead of shorts underneath the cape.

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather and embracing new trends this season. Stay warm my friends, winter is coming!

Cape: Ann Taylor (love this & this);

Top: Uniqlo; Shorts: Theory;

Choker: Jules Smith; Ring: YSL;

Sunglasses: Karen Walker;

Bag: Louis Vuitton;

Boots: Ann Klein (similar)

Thank you so much for dropping by!

Fall Essential Faux Fur Vest

2014-11-05T21:07:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone, happy Tuesday! Hope you all had a scarily good Halloween :P I went to a pumpkin carving party a week ago and braced the cold in this fur vest. It was the first really chilly day of the season, and I guess there is no turning back from this point on. The cold is upon us and it's time to get cozy! I love a good faux fur vest, it might not be enough in the middle of the NY winter, but for right now...it's just right :)

Top: J.Crew; Vest: Zara (similar in black); Pants: Ann Taylor (similar); Hat: Zara (similar); Necklace: C.Wonder;

Belt: H&M; Bag: Chloe; Shoes: Sole Society

I love a warm, comforting fall look and you really can't go wrong with a faux fur vest pairing. It's a chic statement piece not only free from animal cruelty but it also makes a versatile layering piece. I generally like to mix this fluffy material with a different texture like silk or leather as I find the fabric contrast achieves a much more pleasant overall balance. Since fur has a lot of volume, pairing this with a smoother texture and a tighter bottom takes away some of the excess volume on top. I also belted the vest to cinch in the waist.

On a separate note, one of the things us Aussies don't get to do much of growing up is carving a good pumpkin in fall. Since living in NY, I have been going to pumpkin carving parties every fall and have thoroughly enjoyed selecting my own pumpkin, deciding what to carve, while sipping on apple ciders and munching on various pumpkin flavored candies and desserts. Of course these parties are really for little kids, but I'm just a big kid at heart.

I guess this is what fall is all about...harvests, orange everything, Halloween candies and of course a good faux fur vest ;) .

Top: J.Crew;

Vest: Zara (similar in black);

Pants: Ann Taylor (similar);

Hat: Zara (similar);

Necklace: C.Wonder;

Belt: H&M;

Bag: Chloe;

Shoes: Sole Society

Thank you for dropping by!

The Cropped Trench

2014-10-22T21:31:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone, hope you are having a great week. I would like to start the blog by commemorating Oscar de la Renta, one of my all time favorite designers. I am deeply saddened by his passing. This great fashion icon and inspiration led me to live in this wonderful city of NY I now call home. RIP ODLR.

As the temperature gets noticeably chillier, I imagine there aren't many more bare leg days to go before having to put on stockings and knee high boots to keep warm. While we are still in this relatively mild and breezy weather, I wasted no time in enjoying my short trench jacket. I absolutely adore them and try to wear them as much as I can during transitional seasons.

Dress: Anthropologie; Trench: Ann Taylor; Sunglasses: Prada; Ring: YSL (similar); Belt: Ann Taylor (similar); Clutch: Lauren Ralph Lauren; Shoes: Alice + Olivia (in black)

Trench jackets are just perfect for this time of the year where you discover summer is really behind us, and one layer of clothing is no longer sufficient as you head out the door in the morning (also see posts here and here). They are such classic and versatile pieces that never go out of style.

This fall, I invested in this little number. I think of her as the little sister to the full trench :P Short, cropped and 'fresh-faced', yet, still a timeless piece to keep in the closet for many years to come.

I hope you are enjoying fall weather and getting excited for Halloween!

Dress: Anthropologie;

Trench: Ann Taylor;

Sunglasses: Prada;

Ring: YSL (similar);

Belt: Ann Taylor (similar);

Clutch: Lauren Ralph Lauren;

Shoes: Alice + Olivia (in black)

Thank you so much for reading!

Soho Straight Lines

2014-10-16T21:49:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Thursday, hope you are having a fabulous week! One more work day to go and it's the weekend! Yay... :) This week was hectic for me preparing for a major event at work, I am definitely ready for a cheeky Friday night cocktail and a relaxing weekend. Last weekend, I went super casual with this cozy sweater and striped pants for some Soho shopping with friends.

Sweater: J.Crew; Pants: Zara; Earrings: Chanel; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff; Shoes: Gap (similar, similar)

As the temperature cools down, it is most definitely sweater weather. I love injecting an extra pop of color in the colder climate, it instantly cheers me up.

I hope you are getting ready to pull out that favorite sweater of yours and sip on some pumpkin latte by the fire ;)

Sweater: J.Crew;

Pants: Zara;

Earrings: Chanel;

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff;

Shoes: Gap (similar, similar)

Thank you so much for reading!

Spotting Fall Elements

2014-09-30T21:39:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Tuesday! I apologize for the recent slow down in posting as I've been battling the flu for the last couple of weeks. Now that I feel much better and fall is here, I wanted to share some seasonal elements in today's post. Leopard print is a great starting point, along with some (faux) leather elements ;)

Top: Zara; Skirt: Topshop (similar, similar); Sunglasses: Fendi; Earrings: Jeweliq (similar); Ring: JewelMint;

Clutch: FCUK; Booties: ShoeMint

I love the four distinct seasons we get in New York, but fall is my all time favorite. There is just something so refreshing, calming and cozy about this season. Aside from the weather, I also love the fashion during this time too. There are more layers, textures and accessories to play with. Finally, after a whole summer of neglect, jackets and blazers can make an important appearance, along with light scarves and cute booties.

Leopard print and leather both make fantastic transitional season staples. They are such statement pieces that add a tougher texture and richer pattern to your wardrobe as we move into the colder months.

I hope you've had a fabulous summer and are getting ready to adjust to the cooler climate in style!

Top: Zara;

Skirt: Topshop (similar, similar);

Sunglasses: Fendi;

Earrings: Jeweliq (similar); Ring: JewelMint;

Clutch: FCUK;

Booties: ShoeMint

Thank you so much for reading!

Sunny Side Up

2014-09-10T19:09:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, happy Wednesday! We've been having a pretty mild summer until recently. It's gotten so hot, humid and uncomfortable in the city the past week that it feels like summer just started. To survive the humidity, light, breathable layers are a must ;) I've had this cheerful maxi skirt for a while, but never had the chance to take her out for a spin all summer, until now. She was definitely a great choice in this heat and a splash of enthusiastic optimism I needed for the week.

Top: Forever 21; Skirt: Ann Taylor (similar); Sunglasses: Karen Walker; Necklace: JewelMint; Bag: Mimco; Shoes: Loft

I was all ready to transition into fall until this recent heat wave, but looks like it's short lived and the new season is just around the corner. I am super excited for fall, one of my favorite seasons in the city.

NY fashion week has started, can't wait to see what's new on the runway and share the fashion inspiration with everyone! Have a wonderful week my friends!

Top: Forever 21;

Skirt: Ann Taylor (similar);

Sunglasses: Karen Walker;

Necklace: JewelMint;

Bag: Mimco;

Shoes: Loft

Thank you so much for reading!