OOTD: Not enough uni makes a girl even lazier than usual

ASOS Cable Pom Beanie (here)

Cotton On 'Miranda' Denim Shirt (similar here)

Cotton On 'The Crew' Black T-shirt (here)

ZIGGY 'Swizzle Sticks Jeans' in Bright Blue Denim (here)

Converse All Star Ox Plimsolls (here)

So this semester (MY FINAL SEMESTER, EEEE!) is mostly done via distance/online education. I really only go on campus once or twice every fortnight. Prior to starting classes, I was super excited to have all this free time. I think I believed (for some unknown, unjustified hopeful reason) that this meant I would become magically productive, and spend all my time doing amazing, useful, effective and efficient things with all this wonderful *free time!* But, sadly. Reality has hit, and I'm two weeks in and have done barely anything except clean my room a bunch of times, organise every folder on my laptop and donate a bunch of clothes to charity. Well, I'm happy about that last one, but it's not highly beneficial to me sorting out my life and (scary word ahead) 'career,' on the large scale. 

Also, not having to go to uni means not having to dress up nicely every day during the week. Or even, ahem, get dressed at all. After two days of just wearing my pyjamas and then my work uniform for the evenings (I did shower though, promise) my brain was telling me to make one of two choices. (Yes, my brain talks to me. Myself and my brain are two separate entities. Ask Karl Pilkington about the scientificalness).

1. Throw out all your clothes and just wear pjs to uni on the rare occasions you actually go. Or:

2. Get out of bed you lazy sod, get dressed and go outside because you're actually starting to look a bit pale and that isn't really even biologically possible. 

So here's what I mustered up today. The usual 'lazy girl uni uniform' of beanie, t-shirt, jeans and sneakers. I used to dress nicely for classes. Something about post-grad study makes me even more dull... Anyway, so on another note, today I also started doing my readings/taking notes properly, and I'm (kind of) determined to make sure that I do well this term to keep up my marks. Let's see how long this lasts...

PS: That's Harry Styles behind me, not a random phantom human. 

PPS: A cut out. Not actual Harry Styles, unfortunately.
PPPS: I remember kids used to always write 'PSS' in primary school. No. It's 'Post Post POST Script,' not 'Post SCRIPT SCRIPT SCRIPT.'

Polyvore Outfit 004: Cheap Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Cheap Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday by judeswardrobe

Tank: Cheap Monday 'Bruce' T-shirt

Shoes: H&M Velcro Sandals
Jean: Topshop Deconstructed Skinny Jeans
Bag: Elizabeth & James Leather Purse

Necklace: Sportsgirl

Hat: Rag & Bone Fedora

Sunglasses: Cheap Monday Tortoise Shell Cat-Eye Sunglasses 

Lipstick: NARS 413 BLKR Semi Matte Lipstick 

Journal: Monica Rich Kosann Hand-Stamped Leather Journal

Click on the image above to go to Polyvore.com, which will have links to each individual item! 

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! 

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!