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.