H&M

Yesterday I got the chance to head to H&M for a spot of shopping. The weather was pretty yucky so I was hoping the queue to get in wouldn't be too long. Luckily it only took about ten minutes of waiting in line before I took my first steps into what seemed like every girl's paradise. 

In my opinion, H&M has so much appeal because of the space they've chosen to set up in. The GPO building is an amazing location but even more appealing is the impeccable visual merchandising inside. This is the first shop I've seen that looks like an interior designer has swept through the building and worked their magic. I could try and explain it, but instead I'll let some of these photos I took do the talking. My favourite thing about the shop (other than the incredibly cheap prices) was the set of mannequins at the front. Taking a photo with them was obligatory as they're the first thing you see when you walk in and the thing you remember most when you walk out. Lighting was also one of the store's key features. Bright lights set the mood and make it much easier to peruse items. The array of mirrors everywhere was another bonus for me as I managed to avoid the massive queue for the change rooms. 

All in all, H&M Melbourne lives up to the hype surrounding it. Despite wanting to go more for the experience and to snap some great pics, I managed to pick up a pair of ankle strap boots for just $50. There's a huge variety of clothes and accessories at prices for every girl and, although I've always been much more of a Topshop and Zara girl, the opening of H&M in Australia has evidently been enough to convert me! 

Free People jacket (old) | Zara top | AG Adriano Goldschmied jeans | Forever New bag

Winter Inspiration

Some of my favourite bloggers strutting their stuff...

Solace

Paint It Red Solace crop top and shorts | Forever New cardigan | Jessica Buurman sandals | Bag via The Iconic | Bracelet set (old) | Coach bangle | Samantha Wills necklace | Dogeared rings

I'm officially making the most of the last days of summer (well, summer weather anyway) in this Paint It Red twosie. The fabric is so soft and I don't think I could ever feel more comfortable in neon orange tweed!

Despite these pieces providing me with almost a complete outfit, I wanted to make it my own still. Given it was a little chilly, a lightweight cardigan was perfect to throw over the top. The neutral colour was then complimented by these cute boho inspired sandals and, sticking to neutrals, a tan crossbody bag to complete the look. However, no look is complete without jewellery, so I added a chunky set of bracelets that matched the colour scheme as well as some obligatory gold hardware. 

I love this set because I can mix and match it with a number of other items in my wardrobe. Given that tweed is more of a winter fabric, I can also wear these pieces with layers throughout the colder months. This is the first twinsie I have ever bought but my oh my Paint It Red designs the cutest sets and I've been tempted more than once to invest in another two-piece matching outfit. 

Get the look. Check out some of my other favourite matching two piece sets at the moment.

Beginning Boutique two piece sets

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

All About Eve crop tee | Zara shorts (similar here) | Forever New crossbody bag (similar here) | Forever New cut out flats | Samantha Wills bracelet | Tiffany & Co. heart bracelet | Burberry sunglasses

Here I am out and about in my typical summer getup again - denim shorts, crop top and crossbody bag. Nothing beats easy and relaxed weekend style. I took these photos a little while ago and now, looking back, it's hard to believe that my denim + crop top days are numbered as summer is finally coming to an end. I'm going to miss bikinis, the beach and of course eating ice-cream in bikinis on the beach. All good things must come to an end though. Time to start embracing the layers!

Ladies of the World

I absolutely love following the who's who of fashion throughout the fashion week circuit. My favourite is NY Fashion Week, but I love following the many visual diaries (aka Instagram feeds) of those amazing and incredibly fashionable humans who get to travel from country to country to view runway shows and immerse themselves in the wonderful world of fashion. 

I mainly follow bloggers such as Song of Style (Aimee Song), The Blonde Salad (Chiara Ferragni) and Shine By Three (Margaret Zhang) as well as many others, but then there's those whose lives and style I can only dream of having such as Olivia Palermo and Miroslava Duma. And who can forget the behind the scenes/inside scoop from magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and the street style snaps from Tommy Ton. Not to mention style.com covers pretty much anything and everything you want or need to know about Fashion Week. 

There's something magical about Fashion Week that makes me wish I could travel to an amazing city and lose myself in the aura of a fashion obsessed society, where women are fleetingly treated like princesses and extravagant, over the top dressing is not only encouraged but required because, naturally, the outfit is everything. One day I wish I could holiday in NY during this iconic week and feel what it's like to be a part of the buzz. That's probably as close to Fashion Week as I'll ever get but I can't imagine a more exciting and perfect time to visit my ultimate holiday destination. 

Meanwhile, here's some serious Fashion Week street style inspiration via Tommy Ton (style.com):