A Few Faves

It's been a while, but as always, I've been busy with school finishing, life happened and I forgot.Oops.So here we are again. It's almost the end of 2015, and I'm vowing to try and start this again. And keep at it. But no promises.So, as usual, after a long time away, I'm coming back with a few of my favourite things. Speaking of, the other day, I watched the Sound of Music. Brings me back to my childhood. I used to watch that movie every day after school for about six months. No joke. I loved it. Julie Andrews is incredible.Okay, back to my monthly faves.

Wide Swing Dresses.

I recently bought this dress from The Fifth Label for my high school graduation dinner, and I'm obsessed with it. I bought the white version with black polka dots because I though it looked nice and summery. I wore it to my grad dinner with a belt and nude strappy heels like the ones in the picture, But it could also look great with some low top converse, and a denim jacket for a more casual look, or black booties and a leather jacket to toughen it up. It's super versatile, great for dressy occasions or even beach barbecues.

Purchase here.

Peppermint Truffles

As Christmas comes upon us, holidays parties, family dinners, and friends popping over become the norm. Also, a lot more baking tends to happen, cookies, fruit cake, pavlova (meringue dessert). These truffles are really simple to make, and make a great homemade gift. They'd be great in the evenings with a hot cup of tea, as a decadent treat at Christmas parties, and a really festive sweet to have on hand when friends come over. They're definitely on my baking list this year (although, they are technically no-bake truffles, even better!).

Get the recipe here.

Simple Christmas Wrapping

I love the idea of having such simple gift wrap. It make gifts look polished, but a little rustic at the same time. I mean, who doesn't love "brown paper packages tied up with string"? (here I go with The Sound of Music again!). I love the added sprig of pine, not only does it look really fresh, but the scent is a nice added element. A sprig of rosemary or holly could also look really nice. Just add a simple tag, some string or twine, and you've got a beautifully wrapped gift!

You do you. Do whatever makes you happy. Because that's all that matters. You have the power to choose how you want your life to go, and it may not always be smooth sailing, but you decide whether or not to make the best of any situation, or who you have in your life. Be happy

Until next time,

Elise xo

The Life of a Fashion Intern - Pt.3

I found this old post in my draft box that never made it out. It's a little old, but I figured I should just post it anyway. Enjoy!

Hey everyone,

As I've been doing this internship, I have learnt a lot about myself, and about being in a "work" environment. Being in my last year of high school, I know that next year, as I start university, and working more regularly, getting the opportunity to spend one full day a week, pulling a 9-5 has made me realise what the real world is like.

No more sleep ins, or just skipping the odd class or two. When you work, you have to show up, stand up and pull your weight. Some mornings I would lay in bed thinking to myself, "Should I just call in sick?". But as an adult, you can't that easily pull a sickie every day.

I realised that starting from the bottom is hard, but necessary. Doing the heavy lifting and those odd jobs that you think are silly are really not that bad. Because every little bit counts.  And those who have gotten somewhere also had to start somewhere. And this is where I'm starting.

To not even be out of high school yet, but to already have a job working in retail and have done an internship with a high level fashion designer, already puts me above where I thought I would be at.

I know that I for sure want to be in this industry, and through this internship experience I've figured out what area I want to be in. I know what I like, and what I don't, what it takes, and what I've got to give. I may need a bit more time to be 100% confident in my choice to pursue a career in this industry, but it's where I want to be.

Elise xo

The Life of a Fashion Intern Pt.2

Hi everyone!

Back again with another post about my fashion internship. As I'm only going in one day a week, I try to cram in as much work as I can, and considering I work at my regular job from 3-5:30, on the same day, its tricky to balance my time. But we're managing for now.

I thought I'd just share a couple highlights from my day and a few things I did. Here we go!

1. I spent at least two hours staring at clothes and lookbooks from the last few seasons putting them in order and range which seemed like it took forever but it didn't.

2. I got to pack clothes and shoes going down south for a show. Had to match photos with garments, in the order they'll go down the runway, with the specific model and shoe options (because their profiles "never have the correct sizes"). I literally sat on the floor staring at a rack of clothes and writing descriptions. It was better than it sounds.

3. They hosted us for a celebratory end of busy fashion week/welcome new person/you've all worked really hard lunch. We had Indian food, people were drinking wine (it was 12:30pm), I ate some really good butter chicken, cucumber raita and naan, and there was a cute thank you speech. But my boss ate turkish food because she "doesn't like spice".

4. I got personally thanked by the designer herself today as she was leaving for the afternoon. I think I said something lame like "you're welcome". I try to act cool calm and collected, but I guess speaking is still not a strong point when it comes to conversing with important people in the fashion industry. I'll work on it.

  

So that was a little insight into my day. Lets see if I can come up with something better for next week!

Elise xo

The Life of a Fashion Intern

Hi everyone,

So just last week I got a part-time internship with a top NZ designer.

I thought I would start sharing a few things I pick up on during my time.

1. You've got to be prepared to start from the bottom.
You've got to start somewhere right? Whether it means sweeping or vacuuming, coffee runs, making up boxes for packaging and generally doing a lot of more manual labour type tasks, they love someone who is competent and willing.

2. Always be polite.
No matter who you're talking to. Whether it be the designer her or himself, your supervisor, the receptionist or even other interns. Good manners will take you far.

3. Do your research.
Before you start your internship, or before an interview for the position, make sure you know the brand. What their style is, the type of demographic it serves, the collections they have etc. Knowledge is power and they're sure to be impressed if you are a fan of the brand and what they stand for.

The best part about working in this industry are the clothes you see, the people you meet and the opportunities you get. It can be a lot of fun, and sometimes its just what you expect to be involved in when you think or being a "fashion intern". For instance, in the designer's building I work in (just downstairs from the designer's studio) the office and workroom girls do yoga every Monday during the lunch break! And there are endless green smoothies and salads being eaten in the staffroom. Also, as a word to the wise, wear comfortable footwear! Or at least bring flats with you, because you will no doubt be on your feet a lot. And unless you practise wearing heels 6+ hours a day, flat shoes are the way to go. Fashion is such a fun industry, and I'm hoping this opens a lot of doors for me in the future.


Elise xo

A Few Faves

Hi all!

With the month of June coming to an end, I decided its high time I posted some of my favourite things!

Its getting well into winter here in New Zealand, and I've woken up many a morning with my windows all foggy, and frost on the ground. Here are a few things that make me feel all super cozy during the cooler months.

Sweaters!

Perfect for layering under a jacket, or just on its own on slightly warmer days.  Love this ribbed brown sweater from ASOS. Purchase here.

Macaroni Cheese

My favourite comfort food of all time. To quote the character Haley James Scott from One Tree Hill, its "The Food of the Gods". This twist on your classic mac and cheese recipe includes greek yogurt and spinach. Yum! Find the recipe here.  

Breakfast Nooks

These little areas just scream "cozy" to me. Imagine having your morning cup of coffee and scrambled eggs on toast here! All cuddled up with a book on lazy weekend mornings. Sounds like bliss to me.

Remember to cherish the little things. Make memories for only you and your friends without posting them on Instagram. Explore your city. Go on that blind date. Visit Art Galleries and create things. Working is great, but take some time to just, be.

Hope your June has been wonderful. I'll see you soon.

Elise xo

Street Style

Hi everyone,

With Fashion Weeks coming up, street style post are going to become a more frequent occurrence on my blog as my mind will be overflowing with all the inspiration. Here are a few of my favorites as of late,

Dresses and sneakers. Love incorporating something so casual and super comfortable with a girly dress. I love the pretty silhouette and peplum aspect this midi dress has, and the black and white accessories that toughen up the ensemble.

Graphic sweaters and lots of white. Who says you cant wear all white? With a few little pops of colour (red handbag and lippy) theres nothing saying you cant. Love the addition of oversized sunnies and subtle print on the skirt.

Always a fan of the oversized coat and a bit of tartan, paired with a simple white shirt, this cozy, classic look is perfect for cooler weather.

Get excited for more stylish posts to come! May even introduce a new feature on the blog in the coming weeks... stay tuned!

Elise xo

Trends: Denim

Hi everyone

Recently I've noticed a huge denim comeback. Far from the classic "James Dean" look of blue jeans and a white tee, denim is back, with people sporting the denim shirts, overalls and of course jacket. Don't we all remember Chad Michael Murray wearing that oversized denim jacket with that sheepskin collar in One Tree Hill ?

Here's a few of my favorite looks:

Navy midi dress, black booties and classic denim jacket

Grey tank, black sandals and denim overalls

Black cape, Grey Tee, black booties and denim button up skirt

Hope this has inspired you to incorporate denim into your wardrobe in new ways!

Elise xo

(images not mine unless otherwise specified)

How To Style: Black White And Grey

As the seasons change, and it starts to get cooler over here in New Zealand, I start to rely on these three basic colours as the base of most of my outfits. They work well in monochromatic styles, all together and with pops of colour making them super versatile.

Here are a few of my favorite ways of styling these colours:

Black Base.

Black is such a easy colour to wear. Super slimming, easy to wear, and suits everyone's colouring. I love this look with black skinny jeans, open back blouse, felt hat with an oversized grey and white sweater for when it gets chilly. Really casual for a late lunch with friends, or even wear it to the office!

Black and White.

Love this casual look that incorporates one of my favorite things... sneakers. Anything that's stylish, but comfortable is a winner in my book! This simple white shirt, tucked into a black leather-look asymmetric skirt with black and white sneakers and big round sunglasses is the perfect, throw-together look for lunch out, or running errands.

Grey Monochrome.

Love this comfortable but stylish look of all-grey. The slouchy high neck sleeveless top tucked into matching grey wide legged pants is taking the term 'separates' to a new level! Perfect for going out to dinner, or a dressy event. Love it paired with the chunky tan heels and bright red lip to break it up a bit.

Hope this has given you a bit of inspiration for styling those neutral pieces together!

Elise xo

(images not mine unless otherwise specified)

Street Style

Hi everyone, hope you've all been well.

The craziness of the past few months has been insane and what with lacking in inspiration and in time, I have put off  writing up a post.

But nevertheless, I'm back again after a long hiatus, here to share some of my favorite street styles of the moment.

Tweed Coats

A long-time favorite of mine, I'm so glad to see the tweed coat coming back in. This classic cut is sleek and comfortable, making it so easy to wear. I love it paired with this classic chambray and black jeans.

Blanket Capes

With the weather currently transitioning into fall (in New Zealand), i am loving this really easy, throw over blanket cape. So easy to wear and super comfortable, not to mention stylish, worn with leggings or skinny jeans and a t shirt it instantly becomes a trans-seasonal outfit.

Tartan

Another classic print, I love this outfit of a simple tartan skirt and boxy white shirt. Really easy to wear as a flannel tied around your waist with a white tee and skinny jeans, or as a coat over an all black outfit. It gives a cozy, almost lumberjack feel which I love.

Hope you have enjoyed seeing some of my favorite street styles at the moment as we transition to slightly colder weather.

Till next time,

Elise xo