Dressing Up Round 1: Hostel Ball

Last weekend was our hostel ball. It was so much fun and everyone looked super nice! There were some people there who I had only met once before, but everyone was making a huge effort to be more friendly! (The presence of alcohol probably also had a bit of an influence!) The theme for the ball was 'Once upon a time' and a lot of people came in costume - I obviously didn't get in on that though!

Dress: Forever New, size 6. Shoes: Forever New, Size 5

Classy Skater Dress

Glassons often have very good deals, especially as they have new products coming in all the time. So, they need to get rid of anything that isn't new anymore! They also offer free shipping of any purchase within NZ.

I am a fan of practically all skater dresses. I just feel that they are so flattering and feminine, and can be worn in so many different ways. This one that I found at Glassons was only $15 (still available, check link below) and can be dressed up or down.

Paired with pearls, nude heels and a simple belt, this is an easy but elegant look for a special occasion  The bonus is that the fabric is stretchy, so you don't even have to worry about overeating and feeling uncomfortable in your dress (as long as your belt isn't too tight!)

This is it dressed up for a birthday! (Apologies for the awkward cropping, someone didn't want to be featured in their socks!)

Burnt orange skater dress, size 6, $15; Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps, in 'Sweet Biscotti', size 5.5

And featured here in a formal casual look for colder weather.

Target Children's blazer, sz 10; Skater dress (above); Alphabet Tights by House of Holland (this brand is stocked at Farmers, although these were a gift sent from the UK; Faux Suede wedges from Rubi Shoes (similar here).

Clothes swap!

Yesterday my flatmate convinced me to go to a women's clothes swap night! It ended up being a very good evening. The whole night was free, and included food, drinks, and pizza made by the guys! I was a bit dubious as I wasn't sure I would find anything to fit. But, it seems that people seem to be giving away all the things they no longer fit!

I found five items that all seem like quite good quality, and in very good condition (one thing even has the tag still on it!).

More Wintery Purchases: Boots and a Heavy-Duty Raincoat

I recently purchased a pair of boots from Ebay (admittedly more fashionable than practical), and a very heavy duty raincoat. For those of you who don't know, when it rains in Wellington, having an umbrella is practically useless. My previous rain jacket, although it claimed to be waterproof, didn't do much at keeping out a downpour!

This is the style of boots purchased. They are actually a better quality than I expected. The sole is rubbery and non-slip, and the inside is nice and soft. I was a bit concerned that there was no other layer underneath where it has been laser printed with a design, hence the water would just come straight through. But, it appears to be an extra layer on top! However, I'm not sure of their water-resistible abilities yet!

When I initially tried them on they seemed a little big (and wide around the ankle), with tights on. But with jeans, I'm glad they aren't any tighter! Otherwise they would just be uncomfortable as a few of my pairs of jeans have zips around the ankle.

There were lots of pairs of these boots at varying prices, all from different sellers. I just searched 'chelsea boots' on Ebay and refined by size. The majority are just plain chelsea boots, but I thought the pattern made them a little more unique (admittedly this is a little ironic as there are probably thousands exactly like these). I had to search around a bit to find some that shipped to NZ, but if you are anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere you generally won't have any trouble.

Desserts at Strawberry Fare

A friend was having a birthday at Strawberry Fare last weekend, which is a restaurant that is known for their desserts! They are pretty pricey just for dessert ($15-$17 each) but are very large and very rich. My flatmate and I decided to share one, as last time we went there we both came out feeling sick! The desserts are filling as well, as I realised in my rush to get ready (I'd been a bit reluctant to start), I had forgotten to eat dinner! But I wasn't anywhere near starving after that! Although, I did still eat dinner afterwards - it just felt wrong to just have dessert!

Necklace: Markets, gifted; Dress: XS by Zara; Tights: Gift; Shoes: Size 5 - The Warehouse; Bag: Gift

Classics: Chanel, bows, and full skirts

I stumbled across a vintage Chanel scarf when I was visiting home in the holidays, and instantly fell in love. It is similar to the thrifted scarf I already own, but slightly darker toned.

I'm not sure of it's authenticity, but I love it nonetheless. My Mum thinks it has come from my grandmother, who would really only buy the real thing! 

Cardigan: XS (Abercrombie & Fitch);  Plain cream 3/4 sleeve top: XXS, Supre (I'm pretty sure they sell these all year round!); Belt and scarf, both inherited from family; Corduroy Skirt (Khaki): Size 6 (Glassons); Shoes: Size 5 (The Warehouse)

Student Life: Travelling with carry-on

I am originally from the Auckland area. When I go home, I tend to be quite cheap about my airfares and often don't book a checked bag. On Jetstar, you are allowed a 10kg limit for carryon, but AirNZ only allows 7kg. So... Usually my issue is trying to get as many outfits as possible under the 7kg limit! I've started to plan outfits before I go now, instead of just randomly throwing clothes I think I might wear into the bag then realise later I have nothing to wear with it!

This is what I took on my first trip home about a month ago now: (It's taken me this long to get the photos!)

I will admit, I did also wear some of the clothes I had left at home to supplement these items. However, that was because I had not anticipated such a different temperature between Auckland and Wellington! I hadn't brought enough summer clothes to last the time! I also planned to take another jacket, aside from the blazer, but forgot, so another item would have probably been on the list!

I took the red skirt and black shorts along with pair of maroon and black tights, so that I could wear them in colder/warmer weathers. Turns out I didn't need them!

Please excuse the very pale legs! I had no idea that my legs were so untanned! Especially after a beautiful summer!

When I was younger I always thought that higher necklines on smaller chests just looked downright ugly (although my experience of higher necklines at that point was basically just turtlenecks, which I still don't find particularly attractive).

The red and white top in the last photo was one of the first tops that made me realise how attractive they can be. Although you can't see in that picture, the back of the top is actually scooped out at the back, giving a subtle hint of sexy without need to show too much of something I don't have! The other great thing about that particular top, is that at the back, although it has a low back, it is a wide scoop rather than a deep scoop, and so it's still very easy to wear a bra underneath.

One of my pet peeves is backless tops where women wear an ordinary bra underneath and you can see everything! I try to avoid low-backed tops/dresses unless they cover where a bra sits, otherwise they are just too much trouble (excluding for special occasions of course!)

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!