Springs Top 10

Now that spring has finally arrived in New York I though I would compile a list of my top 10 must-haves. Here they are in no particular order:

1. J.Crew Straw Hat
2. Marlene Birger Shorts at ShopBop
3. Thakoon Dress at Net-a-Porter
4. Valentino Bag at Neiman Marcus
5. Topshop Wedges
6. Bing Bang Earrings at ShopBop
7. J.Crew Belt
8. Burberry Sunglasses at Sunglass Hut
9. Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday Suncreen at Sephora
10. Rebecca Taylor Dress at Bloomingdales

Friend of the Highline

One of my favourite places in New York has to be the Highline park that stretches from the Meatpacking District over the streets to Chelsea. I had a great walk along these disused raised rail-road tracks turned public park yesterday with my future sister-in-law. The Park is looking the best I have seen it, see for yourself...

Happy Easter

Today is Good Friday which means this weekend it will be Easter Sunday. 

Wishing you all a  very Happy Easter!

Image credit: Design*Sponge

How cute are the eggs above, they were embroidered by Brett Bara of Manhattan Craftroom.

Colour-Blocking

Growing up on the coast in Australia I used to wear a lot of colour. In fact I never really owned anything black. It dawned on me the other day when I was staring into my wardrobe that I don't really have that much colour any more. My wardrobe is filled with black, grey, denim, and all shades of neutral.

That's why I am so excited by the colour-blocking trend this spring. I have decided that this will be a look that I am going to embrace whole-heartedly. Colour-blocking is a trend that everyone can try because it's not restricted by budget or body shape. Plus, colour has the power to not only lift your appearance but it can also lift your mood.

 Alexandre Herchcovitch, Jil Sander, Rachel Roy on Style.com

 Aquilano Rimondi, Lanvin, Fendi on Style.com

Jil Sander, Julien Macdonald, Issa on Style.com

Personally, I can't wait to pull on some green, it has always been my favourite colour and it has the power to be very calming. Maybe it's because I love the ocean so much, or why seeing the trees starting to bloom in spring gives me such a thrill. What is your favourite colour and why?

Flower Arranging

I have always loved flowers. I can remember when I was (much) younger I used to pick all sorts of flowers and arrange them, thinking I was a florist. I can actually remember that for a time, I thought I might like to be a florist. Sometimes I still think it would be a great business to have.

Now that I am planning a wedding, flowers have been on my radar more than usual. I have had to learn the names of some of my favourites (that I can never remember), and what time of year they bloom. There are so many gorgeous colours to choose from, it has been hard to decide on what I want. All I know for certain is that there will be an abundance of flowers on the tables.

Here are some of my favourite flowers, not just for the wedding, these are the flowers I like to buy and keep in my apartment too.

RANUNCULUS

Season: winter, spring

Colour: white, pink, red, orange, yellow

The tight buds can fill in bigger flowers, but the blooms can also be full and showy.

Image Credit: Style Me Pretty

HYDRANGEA

Season: summer, fall

Colour: white, pink, green, blue, purple

Oversize blooms look bountiful with no filler.

Image Credit: Style Me Pretty

PEONY

Season: spring

Colour: white, pink, red

A beautiful flower, whether in a large bunch or just a few, they look fluffy and lush.

Image Credit: Wedding Flowers

LISIANTHUS

Season: year-round

Colour: white, pink, green, purple

These full stems have several blooms, or you can cut off the flowers for tighter bunches.

Image Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

DAHLIA

Season: summer, fall

Colour: white, pink, red, orange, yellow, purple

These big fluffy flowers make a great impact.

& 

SWEET PEA

Season: winter, spring

Colour: white, pink, red, purple

These live up to their name with their sweet smell.

Image Credit: Style Me Pretty

I love that in New York you can buy gorgeous fresh flowers at almost every street corner. They are cheap and cheerful, and a sure-fire way to put me in a better mood.

What are your favourite flowers?

My Favourite Coachella Looks

While I have never been to the Coachella Music Festival, I have long admired the looks that the festival goers put together. It is great inspiration for a weekend or holiday wardrobe with a relaxed vibe. My wardrobe tends to be full of casual pieces and I definitely lean towards a more casual approach to dressing.

I was initially unsure of the crop-top trend but I am loving it paired with high-waisted shorts and skirts. With a recently purchased pair of high-waisted shorts maybe I will be brave enough to try the trend this summer. 

Image credit: Refinery 29

Has Spring Sprung?

After what has been a very long winter and a so far temperamental spring, I was encouraged to be in Central Park on the weekend and see that the trees have finally begun to bloom.

There is still a little way to go until the park looks like it did this time last year. 

I'm hoping that spring will be in full bloom soon so I can get out of my woollen coats and into my new spring wardrobe of maxi dresses and skirts, and floaty tops and shorts. Fingers crossed I won't have to wait too much longer.

Dreamy Brooklyn Apartment

A few weeks ago on Refinery 29 they showcased Jane Herman's (Director of Concept at Gap) Brooklyn apartment. I have poured over these pictures so many times, I just love it. It's such a casual and inviting home. I love the neutral background with the use of coloured knick-knack's and flowers to add a little spice.

Stacks of books, bright pillows and throws, sentimental objects and colourful art play the starring role. I especially love the bar set-up and wish that I had one of my own - its nice and small, and I think I could find the space to do so. Most New York apartments really aren't big enough to swing a cat, let alone have the luxury of a bar. Herman proves that you don't need a lot of space to create a beautiful and welcoming home.

All images are from Refinery 29

New York Eats

One of my favourite things about New York is all the delicious restaurants. This is a city where you can eat what you want, when you want. Lucky I tend to walk a lot in New York, otherwise I think I would have gained a few dress sizes by now. I enjoy sampling all that the city has to offer.

In no particular order, here are ten of my highlights so far:

1. Buddakan

    My first special meal in New York and still one of the most memorable.

2. Employee's Only

    A fun speakeasy style venue with a great menu and delicious cocktails.

3. De Santos

    For Italian food that melts in your mouth and a great wine list to match.

4. Inoteca

    Popular with the hipsters, this place is all about the small plates of cheese, meat and panini.

5. The Park

   A great choice for brunch and dinner, its the place I keep going back to.

6. Pulino's Bar & Pizzeria

    Thin crust pizza just the way I like it.

7. Ed's Lobster Bar

    For a delicious afternoon Lobster Roll.

8. The Fat Radish

    Fresh food that is beautifully presented and a great modern setting to match.

9. Le Gigot

    The most amazing Bouillabaisse I have ever eaten.

10. Old Shanghai Deluxe

      This place is not pretty by any means, but it's a favourite for dumplings.

Spring Colours

Orange and pink

You might never think,

But they make perfectly 

Smashing partners.

I am loving the colour combination of pale pink with poppy orange this spring. I only wish spring would actually show up so I can start wearing this trend.

Clockwise starting top left: Derek Lam, Jenny Kayne, Derek Lam, Matthew Williamson, Loewe and Acne. 

Images thanks to Style.com and Refinery 29

Fashion Inspiration

While I look to many different things for fashion inspiration, there is definitely one person who stands out to me, Alexa Chung. I love the way she mixes vintage with high street and high-end designer.

While I must admit I'm not much of a thrift-shopper, it is certainly something I would love to get better at. In the meantime, I can look to Alexa to find inspiration on how to give new life to some of the old clothes that have been hanging unworn in my own closet.

Images: 1,2,3,4 & 5 from Who What Wear; 6 from Vanessa Jackman

Who do you look to for fashion inspiration?

The Weekend

Some weekends I have grand plans of getting out into New York and seeing some new place that I haven't been to before. These weekends usually become just like any other weekend though. I am hopeless at making decisions and end up walking out the door without a plan, only to walk around the same neighbourhoods again and again.

Here are some of the things on my to do list this weekend...

Place my new JewelMint order

JewelMint Romantic Pine Pendant, $29.99

Get a bright manicure

Essie Nail Polish in Mango Bango, $8.00

Run along the Hudson

Looking across the Hudson River toward New Jersey at sunset

Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park

Photo Courtesy of Julienne Schaer

Eat a lobster

Photo Courtesy of Hannah Whitaker / New York Magazine

Enjoy your weekend!