Celine & the School Run..

Did you miss me?


I'm back and I am fully recovered from the life changing experience that is a child heading off to school for the first time.  We are in week 8 now & supported by my (newly acquired) Celine handbag and my shiny Mini Cooper, I am managing the dual roles of (private) school mum & chic bitch with aplomb.  They kind of go hand in hand, darlings.


In truth, my son starting school has been liberating for me.  My independent spirit is (still) firmly in place & I am enjoying standing out in the crowd, given I am always the only woman in 6 inch heels with a bright red Celine!


I'm just loving my 'new' life & looking forward to sharing many more of my experiences with you.


I'm embracing the school social event calendar as a way to make new friends and dress up! I have a mothers day luncheon at the local yacht club, and a Ball at the NGV coming up...& I can't wait to style my looks for these events!


Below are some pics from the weekend (and my Celine, that I love more and more every second!).  Hope you enjoy my styling!


Follow me on Pinterest, Pose & Instagram: monbulktomiumiu


TRx


PS - I am off to Sabah next week so I think a resort wear/bikini post is due next x

My husband spoils me - her name is Celine and I love her (almost as much as him!)

Blue Tongue, Elwood.  Drinking Moet & admiring my Chanel 

Today is my 6 year wedding anniversary - these are my flowers courtesy of the husband

Isabel Marant 'The Who' earrings from Net-A-Porter

Dinner date at Newmarket: Blouse: Sass & Bide; Shoes: Mimco; Leather Pants: Joseph

Late afternoon engagement party.  Shirt: Day Birger et Mikkelsen; Shoes: Joie; Leather Pants: Joseph

KARL x Net-A-Porter

Like most fashionista's globally, I was tres excited about Karl Lagerfeld's 'KARL' collaboration (with my Bank's favourite friend of mine) net-a-porter.


So I browsed the full collection upon it's release very early on 26-Jan-12.  I purchased 2 pieces - a (silver) metallic blouse & a faux leather black mini skirt (with a risque split!).


Costing me just under $400 delivered, I was expecting something special, as although priced at a lower end than his usual collections, the KARL collection had been well hyped and still not sold at what I consider a 'bargain' price point!


My (great) expectations were met.  I LOVE both items!


The blouse is a very light lurex in a chic shade of silver.  The (just before) the wrists cuffs are buttoned and there is a modern diagonal fabric split up the front.  I tried it on with a white pair of jeans I was already wearing & it looked amaze!  KARL has styled this blouse with the skirt I purchased from this collection so the outfit is complete as it arrived (say for my black Chanel booties & a chunky black bracelet.


The skirt is really chic but in the most part - totally sexy!  The faux leather looks & feels real.  The waist is elasticised so comfortable and somewhat flexible.  The skirt has a zipper and closes with several hook & eyes at the rear.  The front of the skirt has a VERY high split that will require opaque tights or patterned leggings be worn underneath at all times!  I can imagine that I will get a LOT of wear (and compliments) from this skirt once the Melbourne weather turns colder this year (and many thereafter).

The sizing is in Italian and it would seem, so is the cut - it fits the figure sharply.  Italian clothing is PERFECT on my frame, so both my KARL pieces fit like a dream.

My verdict - believe the hype!

Some photos (thanks to net-a-porter) below...& I will definitely feature my own looks with these pieces via my Pose & Twitter accounts (both monbulktomiumiu)!

Enjoy xx

That front split is too high for bare legs ladies!

This skirt is amazing - so chic, so sexy, so perfect for Autumn/Winter

GORGEOUS!  I will wear with skinny leather pants...

Dior VIII Watches - New Collection Launch - The Westin, Melbourne

Dior VIII 33mm watch with set bezel (black ceramic & steel bezel set with diamonds) modelled by my chic girlfriend!

Dior, in partnership with Anton Jewellers, held a high tea at The Westin in Melbourne on 15 September 2011 to launch the latest Dior watch collection.


Naturally, it was a fabulous event, with the stylish Melbourne social set enjoying a delectable array of sweet and savoury bites whilst sipping Moet and trying on the new (and stunning!) collection of Dior VIII watches.


The gorgeous Cecile of Anton (she designs some stunning pearl & black onyx necklaces, by the way) and stylish Allisha of Dior, did an outstanding job!  The goodie bag was amazing...still enjoying the too-chic-to-eat Dior chocolates!


I am personally not one for big, bling-bling watches but if I was, Dior would be up there with my watch of choice.


My girlfriend invited me along as her plus one and boy, is she one hooked up fashionista!  We had such a fun afternoon and after one (or two) too many champagnes, we whisked each other into the adjoining Chanel boutique...equally as keen to shop.  And, as my husband (and perhaps my girlfriend's husband)reads my blog, the ending of this little story will remain secret girls business :)


Anton Jewellers stock the full Dior watch collection and are located in the CBD (Melbourne), Chadstone and The Glen.


What I wore: Cobalt high waist matte silk slacks from Country Road, White linen t-shirt from Witchery (tucked in), a navy with magenta/aqua florals tasselled knee length kimono from Truffle Hunter and Joie nude suede wedge sandals.  Accessories: Kenneth Jay Lane gold leaf & leather necklace, Miu Miu teal leather buckle bracelet, Cartier yellow gold Love bracelet, Samantha Wills 'romancing the stone' gold and crystal ring & my Chanel (classic, large) bag. My watch is an Omega constellation.  


Below are some of my photos from the day.  I hope you enjoy! xx

My Chanel bag & My (about to be refilled) Moet 

White Roses were displayed in abundance

Lemon tarts

Some of the Dior watches we sampled

My girlfriend on her third(?) glass of Moet!

Fruit Flans

Vogue Fashion Night Out - Sydney, 8 September 2011

VFNO - a personal snapshot 

On Thursday 8 September, just a few days ago, I flew to Sydney to attend the Vogue Fashion Night Out.


I did not attend the event with any expectations and tried to clear my mind of any preconceptions.


My verdict?  It was a great night!


I think it was Pitt Street that my equally fashion-addicted girlfriend and I were dropped off in by her (seriously) patient boyfriend.  We walked toward Westfield in the Mall and the crowds just got larger the closer we got.  There were hardly any men and zero children amongst the hoards of fashionista's and their designer shopping bags.  It was not even 7pm and my heart soared!


To make a long story (much) short(er), we hit up Chanel, Miu Miu, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Wolford and Paul & Joe.  At the end of the night, when my Chanel booties could feel comfortable no more, we searched DJ's quickly...and could only stare in awe at the array of fresh and bright flowers literally owning the cosmetics area.


Darling, the champagne was flowing and the canapes most fancy.  Naturally, I've discovered that this is the only way that a lady should shop. Unfortunately for the boutiques that we visited, I had already bought myself a pair of Prada Cats Eye sunnies at the airport and felt guilt ridden before I even took my first sip of the champagne intended to part me from my hard earned cash.  My girlfriend, shopped out from 2 weeks in NYC, was equally close to her cash.


My finds?  A Miu Miu teal bracelet (my girlfriend and I loved it so much we each bought one as a friendship bracelet for each other.  Such a cute idea (and perfect for when girlfriends like the same thing..).  Loving how it looks with my Love bracelet!!!

Miu Miu Leather bracelet in teal (amazing with my Love bracelet!)

I bought a gorgeous Salvatore Ferragamo red leather skinny belt.  I love a subtle look and this belt is definitely subtle...yet it is chic and for those in the know, a classic fashion find.  I have already worn the belt with white skinny jeans and a cobalt striped shirt (another find, this time from Country Road @ David Jones).

Ferragamo Belt 

Finally, I would like to share my one "I must get when I go to Vogue Fashion Night Out" item. The Wolford Bonny Dots pantyhose.  I LOVE a polka dot (or 50) so these pantyhose represent all that I love in fashion - having fun!  These, naturally, were worn at their first opportunity - today at work...and yes, the ladies (and the men!) LOVED them too.

Wolford Bonny Dots 

I will attend Vogue Fashion Night Out again next year and I have already had more than a handful of "please take us with you next year" requests and naturally, I will oblige anyone who loves to shop & can keep up with me!


It was a fabulous night & I loved it!!

Miu Miu's pretty packaging 

Perfect Complexion

I'd love to share my skin & make-up must-haves.


I'm in my mid-thirties and desperate to fight off any visible signs of ageing!  Over the years (and there have now been quite a few), I have tried many different products from the entire spectrum of price range (think 'Simple' to La Prairie).


I have had a few facials recently and have been rather shocked at each therapist who informs me that my skin is in wonderful condition and weathered well for "my age".  Lately, others have been commenting and I have an answer for everyone: La Mer.


I switched to La Mer Gel De La Mer 6 months ago.  I also started using La Mer The Eye Concentrate.  And....WOW!!!  I have combination skin but I also break out if anything is too heavy.  Many moisturisers are too rich for my skin - the Creme de La Mer is to heavy.  The Gel, however, is perfect.  And as for The Eye Concentrate?  Hello early 30's and goodbye bags & fine lines :)

Gel De La Mer available at David Jones nationally 

La Mer The Eye Concentrate available at David Jones nationally 

 I also use Philosophy 'the supernatural' airbrush canvas mineral powder (15+ SPF). Underneath, I use a Primer (Nars Pore Refining).  These products combined give a naked feel to the face but with the coverage of a foundation...just with a natural look & feel to the face.  I pop on a Chanel bronzer, a Nars blush (in the massively popular Orgasm) and I use the cheap & cheerful (but very effective) Maybelline Great Length Mascara.  I usually finish off with Chanel lipstick in Cambon (of course).  I am not a huge fan of eyeshadow and eyeliner but I do own Dior & Witchery (very good if I may say so) eyeshadows & a Chanel eyeliner pencil.

and then...I'm at work, playing on the weekend or enjoying the evening...voila!

Always remember ladies - remove your make-up before going to bed and always moisturise & apply eye cream morning & night.  An application twice a day keeps the botox away!

xx

Philosophy 'the supernatural' airbrushed canvas mineral powder available nationally from Mecca Cosmetica

Nars Pore Refining Primer available nationally from Mecca Cosmetica

On Trend: The LBD (that is...Long black dress..)

I am rapt about my ever so chic yet ridiculously cheap LBD, picked up today during a random wander into Sportsgirl.


Ladies, I am talking about the Milly Tee Dress (as pictured below) available to all for the grand total of $79.95.


This dress is figure hugging, has a scoop neck and the cutest cap sleeves.  My favourite feature is the on-trend "mullet" cut whereby the dress is long as can be at the rear (the hem skims my feet) yet short at the front (just short enough to be super sexy & stylish without being trashy & cheap).


Styled below, this is how I plan to wear this dress during the coming Spring & Summer seasons.  


I'm excited about this dress and all the stylish days I will have wearing & accessorising it. Oh....my fabulous cherry Gucci hat!!  I am in heaven, this dress is 'da bomb' xx

Sportsgirl Millie Tee Dress

Chanel Chain Sandals from the Chanel Boutique

House of Harlow Starburst Ring from Mocha boutiques

Bettina Liano Tied Up Pony Bag 

Spring Festival!

The on trend look of the moment "festival" is all about strutting the streets as if you are en route to Glastonbury or Lollapalooza.

I love the festival trend.  But as I am not an 18 year old secretly applying Clearasil & my Cover Girl bronzer in between sipping Strongbow with my girlfriends, I need to adapt this look into an age appropriate form.


I always like the idea of mixing different outfits with the same accessories.  I maximise my accessory investments and I rarely ever buy a "trendy" item. I see the festival trend as a way to feminine up my look and have some fun with short length dresses & shorts, of course, distracted with fabulous shoes & jewels.


Here are my favourite festival trend finds and they are highly unlikely to be found on any actual festival attendee except perhaps if your name is Kate Moss or Kate Hudson!


The necklace, bag & shoes looks fabulous with the cut offs & silk shirt.  They look equally as fabulous with the cheap and cheerful Carmen dress from Sportsgirl (this is one that I could not resist purchasing myself!).


I recommend a visit to online stars Asos, Topshop, Forever New & Sportsgirl for the clothes.  The trick to the festival look is to spend on the accessories and save on the trend...it stops a 30+ woman looking like a tragic fashion victim.


Oh...and one final piece of advice: If you are 30+ and larger than a size 8, do not EVER wear short denim shorts under ANY circumstance! Steer clear, also, of any dress length that has you questioning whether your privates are flashing when you bend over to pick up your child's dummy..or whatever!

Alkemie 7 coin necklace (from my own collection) purchased from Husk Toorak

Cleobella Tiva small Zuni bag @ Shopbop approx $330

Pepe Jeans denim shorts $109.95 @ Asos

Stylestalker Blouse $169.95

Wide brim fedora @ Asos $18.95 (on sale)

Carmen Dress @ Sportsgirl $89.95

"SPLURGE!!" Chanel tan wedges @ Chanel boutique - POA

The Statement Necklace

I am a HUGE fan of a statement necklace.


Currently in the midst of a cold and wet Melbourne winter, I leave the house each morning rugged up in a coat and scarf but, always, I am wearing a necklace underneath that I cannot wait to unveil when the coat & scarf come off!


A statement necklace, when styled correctly, can turn a simple and practical outfit into fabulous & chic!  Wearing your statement necklace is a great way to show personal style and ensure that your look is unique, most definitely noticed and, most likely, envied by the fashionista's surrounding you!


Here, I am sharing 4 of my current favourite pieces from my own collection.  I personally favour a unique style that is most definitely eye catching and almost always commented on, even by the men in my life :)

Pictured above is my absolutely forever favourite piece - it's a Fiorina design (need I say more!) that was purchased from Salt boutique in Brighton, Victoria.  Fiorina have a flagship store in High Street Armadale - www.fiorinajewellery.com.au 
I wear this necklace probably more frequently than any other in my collection.  It completely transforms a simple jeans & t-shirt combo and is beyond chic when paired with a maxi-dress.  This Fiorina design is their best seller and I totally understand why!  Precious stones & silver findings including the always on trend European coin.  LOVE!

Next up is one of my Swarovski pieces.  Pictured above, it was purchased from a Swarovski boutique in March 2011.  It is very dear to my heart as it was an anniversary gift from my husband.  This very unique necklace looks fabulous with a leopard print blouse or an all black ensemble with leopard print heels!  I wear this necklace to work very often as it is very appropriate for the corporate look and lifts many of my work wardrobe staples, including a knee length, long sleeved red dress.  The gold plated necklace consists of 2 'discs' - one is covered in Swarovski crystals and the other is simply gold with the trademark Swarovski swan pattern.  It's a timeless piece - genius from this year's collection.

Here is my latest TRES chic addition to my jewellery collection - a vintage Chanel necklace.  I am forever in debt to the (obviously very stylish) lady that sold this to a local recycled vintage boutique.  It is a gold plated double loop necklace that has gold coins (yes, I am right into the coin trend!) scattered amongst a few cultured pearls.  I am not sure of the age of this necklace but it is in perfect condition.  I think it may be from a 1980's Chanel collection.  I have only had this necklace for less than one week and have already worn it twice!!  I wore it to work paired with a sea-green tunic belted dress, black cropped blazer, opaques and ankle boots.  It looked fabulous!  I also funked it up a bit for a dinner in Melbourne's Chinatown, accessorising a pair of leather pants and black felt t-shirt top with this gorgeous piece.  The top had an exposed gold zip at the back and worked so well with the gold Chanel sitting at my front.  The possibilities with a chic, vintage necklace such has this are endless.  I am so looking forward to making this necklace one of my best styling friends!

My final piece is this $16.95 necklace that I picked up recently from Forever New when shopping with a girlfriend.  It is a long, double-looped chain with several gold flowers that have a coral stone centre on each.  It is just so simple yet terribly chic and feminine.  I have worn this necklace several times and usually with a feminine, fitted blouse to work.  The trick to wearing a cheaper style necklace is to style it with well cut, quality fabric and prints.  Refrain from spraying perfume on any necklace (especially cheaper necklaces) and from getting them wet.  This will ensure the longevity of your (cheap &) chic jewellery!


xxx