Polyvore Outfit 003 - Harry Styles Inspired

HES Inspired 002 by judeswardrobe featuring Butter London

So maybe this is super lame, but I really do have a (not-so) secret love for Harry Styles. I could write an essay about how lovely and cute and caring he is, but maybe I'll save that for another time. Or just keep it in my diary, who knows. This Polyvore outfit is directly inspired by one of my favourite looks on Harry - slouchy beanie, skinny jeans, winter coat, baggy sweater and his classic brown boots. Definitely a look that I tend to wear a lot during winter when I can't be bothered being too creative with clothing. But still a classic outfit! 

Polyvore Outfit 002: Who The &*#$ Are The Arctic Monkeys? Dressing for festivals and concerts

   

Top: Arctic Monkeys Band Tee (here)

Shorts: Reiss Rosie Grey Geo Print Silk Shorts (here)

Shoes: Windsor Smith Lily Sandals (here)

Bag: Old Navy Cross Body Tassel Bag (here)

Top: Mlle Mademoiselle 'Yaman Boyfriend Tee (here)

Cardigan: Vera Moda 'Essie Lace Cardigan' (here)

 Leggings: Black Milk Clothing 'Union Jack' Leggings (here)

Shoes: VANS Canvas Trainers (here)

Bag: Wallis Black Lock Cross Body Bag (here)

In January last year, I went to see the Arctic Monkeys on their 'Suck It And See' tour (and wore the outfit in the second photo above but not all the exact same items because I'm a poor student). It was downright amazing, especially being in the standing area right near the stage. Ah, Alex Turner. You make a girl's heart swoon. There were definite lulls in the crowd's enthusiasm when the band played songs from 'Humbug' and 'Suck It And See,' and insane amounts of jumping around and singing along when songs from 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' and 'Favourite Worst Nightmare.' Totally understandable. I started liking AM because of their loud raucous sound, thrashing guitars and frenzied drums and, like many, was disappointed by their new laid back drawling style (think psychedelic acid trip).

HOWEVER. I am loving their new album. While lyrically, all their albums are strong, this one is particularly good. As soon as I heard the first 10 seconds of 'Do I Wanna Know,' the leading single from their fifth album 'AM,' I fell in love. Seriously, just take a listen. It's so sultry and smooth, but unmistakably Arctic Monkeys.

Why the whole Arctic Monkeys spiel? Tickets just got released for their May 2014 tour and I am desperate to go again! Concert tickets are super expensive though, and Christmas is coming up.. I'm hoping there are still some available when I possess a little more moolah.

Some ideas when dressing for concerts/festivals:

1. Comfortable and closed shoes. To avoid your toes being stomped on, rendering you unable to stand (I speak from experience). A little heel is good (especially for short people like myself) to gain a bit of height. You need to be able to dance around! Nobody likes that concert-goer who stands immobile.

2. A cross-body bag. To be able to have both hands free, and also have cash/phone close by. You really don't want to have to worry about holding onto your bag.

3. A light cardigan. I always take something pretty thin that's able to be folded up and put into my bag, just in case it gets chilly (unlikely if the venue is packed) or it rains (highly likely because.. Melbourne).

4. Bag essentials: Lip balm, band-aids, tissues, eyeliner/mascara for touch-ups, coin purse or wallet, phone, camera (hidden in a zip if necessary), sharpie pens, ponchos. It's really a bummer that you're usually not allowed to take in water bottles, but buy one as soon as you get into the venue!

5. Avoid wearing anything that is: too valuable or holds sentimental value and anything too tight or restrictive (personally, I would avoid strapless tops too..)

Happy concert or festival going! It's summer in Australia, though you wouldn't tell it from all the rain, and festival season is starting up again soon so I'm preparing for all the side-shows that will hopefully be announced! 

Polyvore Outfit 001 - Teenage Runaway

  

Jumper: London Loves LA 'Teenage Runaway Sweatshirt'(here)
Boots: Topshop 'Atrium Pointed Boots' (here)

Jeans: Bardot 'Melrose Vintage Jean' (here)

Beanie: Barts Hudson Beanie in 'Heather Grey' (here)

Sunglasses: Quay Eyewear Australia 'Ohmi' Sunglasses (here)

Nail polish: NARS in 'Tomorrow's Red' (here)

Lipstick:  Topshop Lipstick in 'Infrared'

I love, love, love Polyvore! I only recently downloaded the app and I'm amazed by how simple it is to create a quick collage of outfits, beauty and home looks. I call this 'Teenage Runaway,' for achingly obvious reasons. It's the basic the look I wear most days (though my nail polish changes daily and I stay away from vibrant red lipstick) because I'm incredibly lazy - jumper, jeans and boots. These Topshop cut out boots are pretty cute. I'm a sucker for buckles and pointy toes. Also for red nails and slouchy beanies. I'm a sucker in general.

PS: I have no shame in admitting my love for Harry Styles. Or Niall. Or Liam. Or Louis. Or Zayn. No. Shame.

Regular Dosage: Rain rain, go away

 

I spent the last few days away in Phillip Island with a group of teenagers from my church. We enjoyed the time immensely, three study sessions of Hebrews 12, plus ample free time to spend at the beach, fishing, playing card and board games, mini golf, cooking and (my personal favourite past time) playing music. A few guitars and an electric drum-kit and some pretty creative and amusing individuals made for some interesting improvised lyrics. It's just too bad that the weekend always ends so suddenly. Back to reality and back to work! 

The weather in Melbourne has been shocking. It's the second week of summer, but you'd never guess it, considering the non-stop rain we've had today. I actually wore a coat and scarf. I should be wearing shorts and singlets now! I'm also considering bringing my heater back out of storage. Boo!

Happy Monday! 

Rest in Peace, Nelson Mandela.

To one of the greatest men who ever walked this earth. To a man who was compassionate, strong and inspiring. A genuinely good man, who sought after the most honorable of dreams - a world of equality and justice for all. A man who never stopped believing in this dream, and spoke of the prospects of a better world for all his years.

Words cannot express the sorrow and heartache that many feel, knowing of your passing. You changed this world, and the lives of so many I know. I remember seeing the prison cell that held you for 27 years, and not being able to fathom how someone could emerge from that miscarriage of justice not bitter - but empowered. You were South Africa's hope for redemption. Our hope that one day we may all be perceived not by the color of our skin, but seen as equals. I truly believe that my family would not be living in Australia if it weren't for your great passion, and your great rule of a land locked in disparity.

One is not able to walk the earth forever. But your words, dreams and influence will forever inspire generations to come.

Rest in peace, Nelson Mandela.

1918-2013.

OOTD: Spring Racing Carnival 2013

Shoes: Jo Mercer (here)

Dress: Gingham & Heels (here)

The Spring Racing Carnival was on recently. I went to the Caulfield Cup with a few friends from work, and despite the intense heat and the pain my feet were in, it was a good day. I bought these Joanne Mercer heels for the occasion, plus the dress from a boutique. The fascinator was from Target because I'm never going to wear it again. When I was leaving the house, my sister greeted me with a lovely 'I like the dead crow on your head.' Lovely.

Also! These shoes are called 'Hermione!' I didn't know that till just now. Argghh!

Blah blah blogging

Oh my goodness, what a year it's been. First year of Masters, and we finally finished semester, which is a massive relief. Results come out soon, but um, let's just ignore that fact and allow me to live in ignorant bliss for now.

I spent the whole day redesigning this blog and tweaking the layout and I'm finally pleased with it. I'm really keen to get back into blogging regularly and properly and I think the pretty layout will help to increase motivation, haha.

Below the photo on the right, there are several links to social media sites that I have profiles on. (Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr). Let's do this!

Lipstick Collection

1. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in '04'

2. MAC Amplified in 'Dark Side'

3. Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in 'Raspberry Bite'

4. MAC Matte in 'Viva Glam I'

5. Revlon Color Burst Lipstick in 'Raspberry'

6. Covergirl 'Really Red'

7. Revlon Color Burst Lipstick in 'Cherry Ice'

Anyway, off to uni now for a one hour lecture (ugh!) and then some hardcore study time! It's the last week of semester so I'm so excited but first I've gotta get through three more assignments...

Purchased: Market HQ - MOTEL Jodie Trousers

Motel Rocks 'Jodie' Trousers from Market HQ ($104 - $59)

I bought these pants recently from Market HQ online, and the doorbell ringing at 8am was worth it when I saw the package contained these babies! Market HQ stocks some amazing brands; Minkpink, Somedays Lovin', Bless'd Are The Meek, Finders Keepers, Evil Twin and Motel to name a few. It usually takes just under a week to get to me, which is great, and the packaging is always really cute. If you ordered this week, you got a copy of Famous magazine so I've got my supply of trashy gossip ready for those late nights. 

The website states that the model is wearing a size small, but only the extra small, medium and larges were in stock. I took a chance and ordered the xs, and when it arrived, it looked super small. I feared the worst, but luckily the material is amazingly stretchy and it fit alright! Little big snug on the waist, but it's such a cute item. It's also extremely high waisted, I'm berry pleased! I wore it today going strawberry picking with a long black pocket t-shirt from Sportsgirl and a pair of classic black Vans. 

Swatches: China Glaze 'Flip Flop Fantasy'

Hello to anyone who might be reading this! Today I decided to use one of my all time favourite nail polish colours, China Glaze's 'Flip Flop Fantasy.' I bought this polish from eBay, and it shipped in like two weeks from the USA, which I was so pleased about. I hardly ever use it though, because even though pictures may be deceiving - this colour is seriously blindingly bright. FFF is a neon orangey pink colour, and it absolutely pops, in sunlight, shade and even in the dark. No exaggeration. 

Because I hadn't used this polish in about 6 months, it required a good shaking to re-thicken the formula. It still took about three coats though. Even though the formula is kind of thick, it dries matte and so can look quite streaky, and so I kept layering until most of the streaks were covered. This is the only China Glaze polish I own, is this typical of their formulas? Even though I like matte polish, I used a clear top coat purely out of routine and I love quick dry top coats.. Laziness shining through.