Instagram Obsession

For those of you who follow me on instagram you'll have noticed a recent pattern....my current obsession with two pieces of clothing I received for my 26th birthday last April. 1) Mint green jeans and 2) Grey scarf. So I thought I'd dedicate this post to those favourite items to thank those who gifted these to me {you know who you are}.

Follow Me via Instagram - @DD_Believers - Instagram is an obsession in itself. hahaPhotographer: ©EllynSheyr  

My Week With Marilyn

I finally got my hands on a copy of the film "My Week With Marilyn" starring Michelle Williams (I know very behind the times). This film is based on Colin Clark's (British Documentary Film Director and Writer) memorable and private week with the Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe. At first I thought this film would be another movie about the starlet herself - the glitz and glamour - but I was mistaken. It showed a more intimate fragile side; a very human side. Of first love, of her casual style, her innocence, her welcoming of others and above all else her dream to be simply understood and loved for who she really was; not for the glamourous starlet that she portrayed herself to be; after all being Marilyn Monroe was her most difficult role / character. Michelle Williams hands down was brilliantly moving in this role. She captured Marilyn's essence all the way down to her beauty mark; the resemblance was uncanny but more importantly her performance was believable. She certainly deserved the Oscar nominations!

"beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world"
- Marilyn Monroe

image sources: here & here & here

One Year of Daydreaming

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAY DREAM BELIEVERS. My blog turns one today! This time last year I was eagerly and stressfully getting myself packed for my first trip to Europe {my first solo trip ever}. What better reason to finally create something I'd been dreaming to do for a long time - a personal online diary to post the photographs I planned to take during my epic euro trip; a much easier version than a scrapbook style diary in a notebook. It would be my platform to express and share the things I hold dear: style, travel and photography. 

Now as twelve months have passed, I am again running around getting things organised for another epic euro trip. Though this time round I have surprised and shocked all the people around me by making the exciting {yet equally scary} decision to move to the UK. When July 22nd comes around I will be getting on a big jet plane and saying goodbye to my home of eight years {Brisbane} and all those familiar faces and places. So, here's to the next 12 months in which you'll be seeing more and more of my travels to exotic places; hopefully inspiring you, my beautiful readers, to step outside of your comfort zone and start living the life you want to lead. 

Below is a picture of the girl who started it all - Nicole Warne from Gary Pepper Vintage {whom I'd love to meet one day}. Her beautiful shot photographs and exciting adventures inspired me to finally do the things I've always wanted to do but too scared to actually do it. Thank you Nicole xx

image sources: here & here

Coco & Marie

Chanel Resort 2013

Karl Lagerfeld has done it again! In the beautiful surroundings of Versailles, Mr Lagerfeld himself has refreshed our love affair of Parisian beauty from the Antoinette era, with a twist: punk rock youth with a slice of Sofia Coppola. This collection feels so familiar, as in you still feel the core values of Chanel: femininity, strength, and attention to detail. But you also get a dose of fun, modernity and edge. Chanel successfully fuses old and new to the point where the line of indifference is no longer relevant. In fact the rules are simply thrown out. Platform sneakers worn with delicate sun dresses. French footman hairstyles with a splash of funky pastel colouring through the edgy bob. The make-up worn by the models is so hypnotising that you get lost in the baby pink hues. I just want to hop on a plane to France and munch on macaroons and cake. Oui?

image sources: Chanel, Garance Dore, Studded Hearts, Vogue

The Met Gala

Camilla Belle

Each year the Metropolitan Museum hosts the annual Costume Institute Gala (aka The Met Ball); hosted by Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. The red carpet evening where celebrities arrive dressed to impress is described as the fashion industry's "Night of Nights". I always get excited when the press pictures get released; going gaga over each red carpet look. However, this year there was an absolute knock out: Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren. She looked so serene, like right out of an elegant 1920s silent film. The perfect balance of skin, glamour, class and mystery {thanks to those luscious dark lips}. It's hard to fault Ms Belle. 

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 Which look was your favourite?

The Green Thumb

Flowers In Bloom

For the last nine months my mother and I have been in gardening mode. I recently had my small courtyard re-landscaped so keeping the plants alive and thriving has been a challenge. I'm no green thumb but thankfully my mother is a horticulturist, landscaper, and plant whisperer in disguise. Talk about wonder woman! We spent our whole Sunday afternoon plant positioning, replanting, and weeding. Well, to be honest, mum did. I learnt that I was great at supervising and daydreaming about what this will all look like in spring.

Here's a sneak peak {have you noticed how beautiful the colours blend together in flowers? I'm not surprised to see so many floral prints in both today's streetstyle and runway trends}

all photos were taken by me on an Olympus PEN Lite EPL-2

Anna Dello Russo

Accessories Collection for H&M

Say what?? 

Yep you heard me! I checked my emails today and found this piece of wonderful news! Anna Dello Russo (ADR) is partnering up with high street label H&M. Her loveable personality, her daring flare, her over-the-top sense of style will be available to H&M customers in the form of jewellery, sunglasses, shoes and bags. What more could a fashionable girl ask for. You will be able get your own piece of ADR glamour in your pretty little fingers from October 4, 2012 (marking that one in my calendar). 

Head over to the H&M website to read up on the press release announced today or follow her blog:

image source: H&M News

image source: H&M News

John and Ginger

The Family Home

While I was in Sydney last month I visited my cousin Tanya Mahoney's quaint little store, John & Ginger, found in Freshwater minutes away from Manly. Her home wares store (named after her two adorable children) is unique because it's styled in the sense that you walk into a very stylish home. A fresh change from simply stocking goods on a shelf that we see in countless home ware stores of late. It allows the buyer to imagine how each piece can be styled in their own home. Well that's how I feel each time I visit. I only wish my home was big enough to house everything she sold. {One day I'll upgrade from my two bedroom apartment to a four bedder; which she's kindly promised to give me a hand in styling, thanks couz} 

Did I mention Tanya's an interior decorator; with over 10 years experience; taking in inspiration from her travels around the globe; who's also an absolute sweet heart. I've admired her (and her sister Jackie) since I was a very young impressionable girl. I sound bias but I'll let the pictures I took speak for themselves. If you ever are in the neighbourhood do pop in; it's a destination in itself. 

all photos were taken by me on an Olympus PEN Lite EPL-2

What's The Time Mr Wolf

Can't Decide

I'm currently craving these two watches: left is Marc by Marc Jacobs; right is Michael Kors. 

They are both different but very much the same. One has a much more feminine modern appeal; while the other has a classic masculine grandeur. Both have large faces, gold, a clean aesthetic, and similar price points. Decisions Decisions; very difficult when you're indecisive such as myself. Let's put it to a vote. Which one's your favourite out of the two?

L: Marc by Marc Jacobs
R: Michael Kors

PS: It's my birthday in two days!! I'm so excited I'm jittery. I'll be posting regular pics on the day via instagram for those curious cats {how addictive is instagram. I love it} 

Rookie No More

Tavi Gevinson

It amazes me that she's only 15! 
I found these pictures of the one and only Tavi Gevinson while she was attending last weeks New York Fashion Week. Tavi looks all grown up! Her style evolving as she grows but staying true to her personality. Tavi is considered a veteran in the fashion arena rubbing shoulders with the elite such as Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, and the Mulleavy sisters from Rodarte. Her resume is quite impressive for someone who hasn't even finished high school. From regularly posting her thoughts on her blog Style Rookie to becoming founder & editor-in-chief of her own online magazine Rookie. She's even lent her voice to upcoming animation film Cadaver with Christopher Lloyd and Kathy bates. Wherever does she find the time? This is one teen who truly is comfortable in her own skin. A shining example!

image source: The Black Sheep

image source: Style Rookie

image source: Style Rookie

Here's Tavi singing a Neil Diamond cover:

Tavi Gevinson Performs "Heart of Gold" from CADAVER @ The Standard East Village, NYFW 2012 from JAMS on Vimeo.

Industrial Chic

Dream Rooms

I bought my 2 bedroom apartment two years ago and I find myself being more drawn to interior style rather than wearable style. This might be because my wardrobe is overflowing and all I can do now is decorate my home. After all your home is also a reflection of your personal style. So these days I find myself in homeware stores going gaga over furniture, nic nacs, and paint colour! I even find myself on a Friday night with a glass of wine watching renovation shows! 

Since I've bought my place I've redone my kitchen and courtyard (I promise I'll post some pictures up soon). Next on the DIY project is the upstairs bathrooms. But I simply can't decide how to style it. Flavour of the month is Industrial Chic - which I think I might start restyling the rest of the apartment as well. How cute are these  as great inspirational start points. 

image source: Desire To Inspire

image source: Design Shuffle

I have two arm chairs similar to this in a creamy white
image source: Desire To Inspire

image source: Ideal Home Magazine UK

image source: Studio Ten 25

Hmm I think I'm also a huge fan of teal! That settles it, the bathrooms will be white, grey and teal!

I Think I Saw A Puddy Cat

New York Fashion Week

Yep, it's New York Fashion Week right now, which means street style at its best, despite the cold. Though this type of weather does bring out the best in layering options. 

While flipping through the numerous photographs seen from one blog post to another; site to site; there is one trend, nay, one piece that I keep seeing worn by some of my favourite trend setters: The Opening Ceremony x Glamour kitty cat sweater (available in black or white). This cute little piece isn't even available yet to buy - NOT UNTIL TOMORROW - FEBRUARY 15, 2012!! So get ready! I personally would want one in black; and with it only being $99 I think I just might get in line.

Kelly Framel
image via TheGlamourai.com

Hanneli Mustapart
image via Hanneli.com

image via Oracle Fox

Susie Lau
image via Style Bubble

a day in the life of...

The Style Hunter

Hello my fellow day dream believers. I'd like to introduce to you the wonderful duo Philippa & Chiara; style hunters from online retailer boticca.com.

Boticca is the place to find the most unique jewellery and accessory pieces from all over the world, created by emerging, talented and independent designers. Boticca's slogan "I'd rather wear a unique story" holds true to their core values by supporting up and coming designers who often get overshadowed by the big brands.

Philippa & Chiara

I've always been curious to what a day holds for someone in the fashion industry. In a nutshell what does your day or week consist of? And how did you break into the industry?

Philippa: During the week, our main focus is sourcing for the most unique and talented designers of fashion accessories from all parts of the world. This allows us on a weekly basis to visit exhibitions, trade shows and concept stores to keep an eye on any emerging talents or trends. Each week we meet or set up conference calls with a variety of designers spanning across many different specialisms within the creative industries. We explore their history, unique stories and exciting processes in which they use to create their stunning accessories. Travelling is an exciting part of the job, and it's so amazing to visit designers in their natural work spaces and see behind the scenes footage of these beautiful accessories being made. As for breaking in to the industry, I come from a woven textiles and business background, therefore art and design has always been a true passion of mine. 

What would be your favourite thing about your job? And why?

Chiara: Discovering a new designer that would fit perfectly on Boticca. It's so exciting to discover so many individuals stories and their inspirations on a daily basis and allow them the opportunity to showcase their work to the world! 

I believe that right now fashion as a whole is embracing personal style. How would you describe your style?

Philippa: I wouldn't say I had one particular style as it completely depends on my mood in the morning. I love eye catching, shoe stopping pieces but I'm also drawn to delicate and intricate hidden detailing. My guilty pleasure is textiles, so I am always fascinated by designers who experiment with a mix of materials and techniques.

Does your personal style reflect on how you find new designers? Or are there other factors you look at when "hunting" for a new designer?

Chiara: Personal style will always affect people's opinions, however, we always try and focus on our customers, rather than ourselves. As a result, we aim to provide our customers with the most unique fashion accessories from all areas and styles. This allows everybody who shops on Boticca to decide and create their own unique styles from a beautiful selection of designers. We look at many factors when "hunting" for new designers; ranging from design, materials, type of accessory, and of course quality.

Being a Style Hunter who's always looking for new designers and trends what are your predictions for the next season?

Philippa: I think many interesting designers are taking inspiration from everyday life and the current world we live in. This shines through in designs demonstrating raw qualities allowing us to truly appreciate the beauty of irregularities and imperfections. 

Thank you for chatting with us girls! It's great to see that fashion is continuously evolving through the emergence of independent designers (throughout the world) who are being nurtured and supported through Boticca's great efforts and attention to fine detail. In the end it all comes down to creative passion which makes a piece so unique and precious. A shout out also goes to Nathalie who made this interview possible! Thank you and big kisses!!

Below is a taste of some beautiful accessory finds which you can currently find on Boticca.
Hurry before they find a home in someone else's jewellery box or wardrobe.

tiny rabbit gold ring by british born designer Emilie Thomas

cable knit collar by british based Hortensia Handmade

tajos brown suede leather bag by Sabrina Tach

"amity" trilby hat by Bundle MacLaren Milinery

feather ear cuff by estonian designer Anni Jurgenson

Visit Boticca to view more of the collection from hobo bags to cocktail rings. The selection is endless. 
Happy browsing. Happy Shopping!

Mint Anyone??

I'm not afraid to admit it but I'm a huge Lady Gaga fan! 
Not only is she a musical genius and 100% committed entertainer she's also fashion forward. After all fashion is about self expression and this fine lady isn't afraid to just be herself - as we all should. But when her most anticipated music video (slash short film) for "Marry the Night" was released last month (December 2011) who knew that her fashion prediction (you can hear it at 1:10 into the clip) would come round so quickly: MINT being revived and all out flaunted so soon by the masses; both in vibrant or subtle shades. 
The street stylers have attempted and conquered! All hail the power of Lady Gaga! 

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