Pool Time

Today I am off to the Astoria Pool with a couple of friends. I can not wait to dive into the water. It is just my luck that it's a bit overcast today but that won't stop me. Even if it is as busy as the image below it will be so nice to cool off in the water with the view of Manhattan across the East River.

 Image Credit: Daniel Avila

Here are some of my pool essentials...

1. Panama Hat
2. Missoni Beach Towel (in my dreams)
3. Prism Puerto Viejo Bikini Top with Uluwatu Bikini Bottom
4. Havaianas Flip-flops*
5. Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday Spray
6. J.Crew Ikat Tunic

*Being Australian my first instinct is to write thongs here, but I realise that means something completely different in the US so I stuck to the more neutral name.

Black Rims

Image Credit: Pinterest

I was long over due for the eye doctor for three reasons. One I had been down to the same last pair of contacts for I'm-embarrassed-to-tell-you-how-long; two I was struggling to see out of my old prescription; and three I never liked to wear my old frames as they were quite daggy!

So I finally went to the doctor and had my eyes tested. I got in trouble for wearing said pair of contacts so long, my prescription has doubled in strength and I now have a lovely new pair of frames that I am not embarrassed to wear.

I pretty much knew the type of frame I wanted, it was just a matter of finding the pair that was right for my face. Here are some of the frames I had a look at...

Ray-Ban - RB5121 - 2000

Warby Parker - Colton

Warby Parker - Owen

Ray-Ban - RB5244 - 2034

Ray-Ban - RB5228 - 2000

And the pair I chose...

Barton Perreira - Lucky

I can see clearly now, and I like it.

Nautical Musings

With all of the hot weather we have been having, all I want to do next weekend is find a nice beach to take a dip in. We have a few options in New York but unfortunately most invlove a long sweaty train ride. I think it will be worth it though to take the plunge into some cool salty water.

With that in mind, here are some inspirational pics for all things nautical...

Image Credit: all images from Pinterest

Packing Up

With the impending travel back to Australia for our wedding, I am starting to look at luggage options that look chic as well as being practical. We have two flights to get home, then I have an internal flight to visit family and then we are back to New York after a stopover in Hawaii for our honeymoon. It's a month of travel and with the wedding in the middle I am already hoping that I will be able to pack smart enough for this trip. Due to the different climates and Melbourne's unpredictable weather at that time of year, I am very concerned, packing light is not my strongest skill.

I came accross this bag on Pinterest, its the Virginia Johnson Sack Luggage 2 and you can find it at Beklina (this website has some seriously gorgeous finds). I am in love with it, although at $310 I am not going to be rushing out to buy it any time soon. The hunt will continue as I really do need a large carry-on bag so that I can get everything I need back to Australia with me.

What do you think, gorgeous right?

Friday Heat

Well if the weather forecasts are to be believed the heat is peaking today. The top temperature is expected to be a lovely 99 degrees F (37 degrees C), factor in the humidity and they expect today to feel like 

a whopping 115 degrees F (46 degrees C)!

These wine/popsicle combos are going to look pretty good later today!

Image Credit: Pinterest

Enjoy your weekend!

Bar Carts

I really want a bar cart in our apartment. I can't really explain why, I don't even drink spirits all that often. I do enjoy entertaining though and I love the idea of being able to mix a drink for friends, so maybe that has something to do with it. I love the way they add colour and think they look attractive in any space. 

And to be honest it doesn't even have to be a cart, I love the look of any bar on a tray.....

Image Credit: Refinery29

Image Credit: Lonny Magazine

Image Credit: Lonny Magazine

Image Credit: Cupcakes & Cashmere

Image Credit: Cupcakes & Cashmere

Image Credit: Glitter Guide

Many bar carts are way out of my budget so I have come up with what I think is a fairly great alternative. An Ikea night-stand topped with all sorts of bar goodies. Plus, I can use the drawers to store bottles of wine and some other odds and ends that don't fit in our tiny kitchen. While I know it's not a cart, I still can't wait to set it up in our apartment.

West Elm tray and metallic vase; Ikea Aneboda 3 drawer chest

What do you think, a good alternative?

Hot Child in The City

It only occurred to me the other day, that before we moved to New York I threw out at least two dresses that were pretty much the only thing I could wear in the kind of heatwave that we are having in New York right now. It is so hot and humid that everyone (okay maybe just me) is walking around in a big sweaty mess. This kind of heat calls for lightweight, floaty dresses, strappy sandals and lots of sun protection.

So I ducked into the Zara sale and always cheap H&M to see if I could find some cheap replacements. Here are the dresses I found and how I plan to wear them...

Zara dress, hat and bag; Ray-ban sunglasses; Steve Madden sandals; J.Crew bracelet; Gap belt

Zara dress*, hat and bag; Steve Madden sandals; J.Crew belt and necklaces; Ray-ban sunglasses

Zara dress; J.Crew necklace and handbag; Kate Spade black & gold bracelet and belt; 

Ralph Lauren bangles; Steve Madden wedges

Success! Three cheap and cheerful looks to beat the heat. What do you like to wear when the temperature soars?

*I didn't actually buy this dress - I bought a super cheap orange t-shirt dress at H&M but I couldn't find a picture of it.

Blue Lagoon

I know I have written before about my love for blue and green, and with the risk of sounding a bit repetitive I couldn't resist another post about all shades of blue (with a hint of green). I am loving all the gorgeous liquid shades I have been spying on the runway. They are so glamorous and luxurious looking. I just want to dive right in.

From Left to Right: Oscar De La Renta, Gucci, Gucci, Emanuel Ungaro, Antonio Berardi, Issa and Halston

Image Credit: all images from Style.com

Looking Down

In my post about shopping for men last week I mentioned that I got Michael a helicopter tour of New York for his birthday. It is something that he has wanted to do for a really long time. We had our tour on Sunday and it was fantastic. The helicopter moves quicker than I expected, so you need to have the camera ready the whole time if you don't want to miss any of the big landmarks (sorry Lady Liberty). The tour also goes quickly too, but I think that is just because there is so much to see. 

Here are some of our favourite shots...

New York is huge. I mean, I knew it was big but when you see it from the sky, it is huge. 

Friday's Motto

Image Credit: Pinterest

This is something I need to remind myself of regularly. I always thought I knew what I wanted to do for a career, but having time to re-evaluate over the last couple of years I am now certain that what I thought I wanted to do is definitely NOT what I still want to do. This means I am having to set new goals and in a way start again. 

Taking that leap of faith into something new is scary and it is not something that I have found easy to do. But I am a firm believer that if you are doing something that you are passionate about and makes you happy then it will all work out in the end.

I have some hard work ahead of me and I am excited as well as scared. Here's to dreaming a new dream and finding success through following your heart not your head.

Favourite Things

Here are a selection of my favourite things right now....

 

From top to bottom: 

West Elm Allegra Hicks Wave pillow covers

I don't own these (yet) but they are such gorgeous cushion covers I am sure I can find room for them on our lounge.

Aldo Iveans Wedges 

A new purchase (on sale), I cannot wait to take these babies for a walk.

Jewelmint Farrah Necklace

Another new purchase, I love gold chains and this one has a great 70's vibe.

Pedestal Tray Set

I love this tray set. I found it reading through my favourite blogs one day. It not only keeps my jewellery and perfume organised but is also looks lovely on my dresser.

New York House Numbers & Transit Guide Map

I purchased this map in Sydney and have it by the front door of our apartment in New York. It not only looks good but it is also functional when I am running our the door not sure which direction I am going in.

Crate & Barrel Rug

I love this rug, it is made out of fabric scraps. Up close you can see all the different prints and colours but from far away it just looks like multicoloured stripes. It was very affordable too (although I don't think they sell it any more).

YSL Parisienne Perfume

I bought this to wear on my wedding day. I have hidden it in the back of my closet so I don't use it and so far I have been pretty controlled. I have only broken and worn it once. Can't wait to make it a staple after the wedding.

Neutrogena Body Oil

A new find, I bought this body oil to try and combat my dry over-exposed summer skin. I am not going to lie, I love a tan but I need to make sure I look after my skin as it is quick to dry out when I have seen too much sun.

Queen's Wardrobe Lovely Wave Shorts

These shorts are my absolute favourite. I would wear them everyday if I could. They can be dressed up and dressed down and they go with almost everything in my closet. I love them.