Freedom of speech is something that I've always taken for granted. I had never thought about how incomparably lucky I am to be a straight, white, cis-gendered woman with access to incredible education and resources to extend my understanding on the world. Never in my life have I had to think about things as being not just as they are. As a woman I deal with implicit sexism in all parts of my life, the littlest things that are embedded so far into our culture that people don't actually think that they're sexist. 

Our unconscious forms of sex-bias are arguably, far more dangerous than the explicit oppressive acts of patriarchal males. Our unconscious racism, homophobia and discrimination of all sorts has created a society of morally ignorance. Is it excusable for these implicit forms of discrimination to continue, given that we've never been criticised for all the ways that what we are doing is wrong? 

My whole life I chose to be morally ignorant to the realities of animal abuse, because doing so benefited me. I chose to be morally ignorant of the realities of the daily discrimination of people because of class, race and sex, because these issues never affected me. It has gotten to a point where we are so used to how our lives have been built on the oppression of those around us, that rather than acknowledging our wrongdoings and serving to address them, we feel guilty. Rather than turning guilt into a productive emotion, we donate money to charities that do more harm than good for the 'benefactors.' We vote for the 'better' political party, so at least when the other party stuffs up you can justify your guilt because "I didn't vote for them!"

In order to create change we need to evaluate ourselves and our understanding of the world on a microscopic scale. We need to become aware of the implicit discrimination that clouds our individual judgement of others. We need to stop feeling guilty for things we have no control over and start using what we have been blessed with to create change. Rather than feeling guilty that I was raised in an upper-middle class environment and have the ability to think and speak freely when millions can't, I'm working to realise the power of thought and grasping onto how lucky and grateful I am that I can actually cause change. 

This is not a macroscopic issue, it's an issue that starts with us as individuals. It starts with calling our friends out if they say something that isn't okay. It continues with gaining the foresight and the self reflexivity as individuals to the point where we won't even need to filter what we are saying and thinking, in turn destroying our preconceived discriminatory views on others. I no longer believe, (in my white girl wonderland) that ignorance is an excuse to destructive views on anyone different to us, we have the world at our fingertips and need to educate those around us. Change starts at home. Change starts with swapping negativity with positivity. One single thought can start a revolution within yourself. We have no excuse.  

 

5/12

As tedious as it is for every single person in every month to say "Wow! This year has flown!" it is the absolute purpose of this post. The first five months of this year have been filled with extremes both socially and relating to fashion. There are so many trends and icons and such an influx in style tips and it is giving me so pleasure to sift through them. I personally have been living on substantially less money than I was this time last year, and as an extension I've unleashed a new talent of creating rad outfits (if I do say so myself) on a shoestring budget.
Everyone featured in these photos have influenced me incomparably and have forced me to be creative in what I wear, which I'm thrilled about.

I'm obsessed with layering, loose dresses, long coats and good shoes.

Liv xo

no one man should have all that power

The end of 2014 and beginning of 2015 have successfully placed themselves as the absolute best months of my life. The change from working seven days a week at a job I only just tolerated to a month away in Byron Bay and most excitingly, Japan has enhanced not only my appreciation for life, but also fashion and the power it has in unifying people from around the world.
This journey, so to speak began at Falls Festival and has concluded where I am now, in Tokyo with a newfound appreciation for style and intense passion for fashion (realistically, this started when I first got a Bratz doll.) I've been fortunate enough to experience and observe two entirely different worlds and how not so different they are as fashion has combined to create the pinnacle of all generations, social groups, interests and climates to create what we have now. It's both overwhelming and brilliant.

Falls Festival was excruciatingly hot, the shower situation grew dismal as the days went on and all aspirations for perfect hair and makeup, for me at least were made futile. However, rising from this saw people like me, go out to idealistically pick up men wearing no makeup, having not shaved in a week and wearing yesterday's socks. I don't necessarily condone the last point however you've got to do what you've got to do. What I liked about this was that it was genuine and people were taking control of what they had, and working it. Surprisingly though, this has been paralleled in Tokyo. I've seen countless women who while they may be clean shaven and showered, are wearing subtle, if any makeup and looking so unbelievably powerful because they're confident and also dressed immaculately. What I've picked up the most from Byron and Shibuya is that 2015 is a year of power and my aesthetic for 2015 is powerful but stripped back. I'm not even sure that description will make sense however, if 2015 is to be as powerful a year for me as intended I want my clothes to reflect such. The stripped back part of this ideal comes in with wanting to be powerful, however not intimidating. Moreover, coupling oversized coats of bold colours with slim lined pants and six hole doc martens combines the hyper-femme with masculine whilst not being too far one way or the other. Dresses tailored to fit coupled with statement jewellery, reflect control and furthers the image of power through refinement.

From my perspective, 2015 is about having clothes that fit properly, healthy bodies, healthy attitudes and a culmination of all the best experiences we have had and will have. The past month for me, has been the happiest of my life, going unrivalled against anything else I've done. I want this attitude to be reflected in my work and clothes, bringing the summer into winter and vice versa. If I've learnt anything from the remarkable people I've seen and met from my travels it's that power comes through fashion and that is a trend that has been cultivated around the world, and one that won't die.

I can't attach any photos from my phone but rest assured, when I get home there will be a bombardment.

Liv xo

trend setter

I've touched on this in the past, but as I've started figuring out my style and how I want my style to evolve, the concept of a 'trend' as opposed to 'style' has been taking up my thoughts more so than it probably should. I'm not the most stylish person I know, I'm not the most trendy person either but how I dress on each day is a direct portrait of how I feel. I use clothes as more of a means to represent what's going on with my life, this started off as a subconscious thing but I've recently tuned on to this phenomenon that has ruled my life and here we are, I've been wearing black nonstop for the past week because I'm stressed with uni work, have a chest infection and am 300% done.

However, the other night I was out and I bumped into a group of my friends who were all wearing the exact same thing; a denim mini skirt, cropped top, converse and with their long straight hair in a ponytail. For me, this was completely ridiculous and I felt both uncomfortable and out of place as I wore a sheer black top, black shorts and flatforms. Yet, they seemed so content with all being dressed in the same way. All of my friends, some of whom the most stylish people I know have mentioned it to me and how weird it is that they were perfectly comfortable being dressed in the same uniform of sorts, and how if we had been in the same situation we'd have changed. It was remnant of when we were twelve and would go to the local shopping centre (to attract boys) wearing a quirky shirt from Jay-Jays, denim shorts, converse and maybe on a chilly day, leggings under the shorts. 

I don't know whether it was the culmination of this, or the consistent boyfriend jeans/stripy t-shirt/converse seen at university that made me go through all of my clothes and throw out any garments that I've seen a maximum of five other people wear.  It's part of the superiority complex that's reached it's pinnacle since turning 19. The thing is, people who have a unique style pervade an image of confidence and effortlessness, this image is something that I'm yearning to emulate. I know that when I am dressed well I'll have a good day, it's a combination of people stopping to comment on how nice I look and feeling content with life. 

There's a certain uniform that envelopes so many teenage girls, apparently, according to my mother this phenomenon is called a trend. However this same phenomenon removes individuality from clothes, it removes the dressing for a mood as being a way of expression and makes doing such appear as an anomaly. I think building up a style is something that evolves over time and with age, but when you see so many girls all dressed the same, it's very easy to put them all in the same category of the masses. It's only enhanced by the mass reproduction that clothes are made now and how much cheaper it is to buy basics that coincidently everybody has. I think that socially we should promote an image of individuality in the way you dress as being good for the soul, because it is. When you are dressed head to toe in an outfit that you've worked hard to create as a representation of you it's a really positive thing. We live in a society ruled by fashion dos and don'ts but dressing in a style that represents you is probably the best thing one can do, this retired artist walks her dog with me every week. She's dressed as you'd expect a retired pop-artist to, and she looks immaculate which is what I can only dream of.

Kylie Jenner sporting the Sydney University (unofficial) uniform

Fran Fine/Drescher. I truly love her and what she wears more than life.

Grimes being cool (as usual)

Solange Knowles, ultimate goddess.

Liv xo

lara bingle

Since I cut my hair short I've been obsessed with Lara Bingle and her street style and hair style and just everything.

This year has been iconic and I think I'm in love.

Slowly but surely making the metamorphosis into her. 

Liv xo 

but shiiiit it was 99 cents

There are a few things in life that make me feel infinitely happy and when I do said things my whole life changes and rainbows appear and I realise the beauty of life again and again. One of these things is going shopping at vinnies/salvos etc, far more so than just going shopping at a centre. Purely because of the sense of accomplishment that comes along with finding treasure within someone else's trash, which is why I find myself going to various 'thrift shops' weekly. I use no exaggeration when I say weekly because I genuinely go out of my way to make the commute to my local vinnies every week because well, there's always something new to discover and a new project to start.

Now, I'm not making this post to be like "yeah I just LOVE vinnies all my clothes are either designer or from op shops haha!" Because people who make a point of where they purchased their clothes are the worst kind of people but rather, make a point of just how good op shops can be and how the negative stigma surrounding vinnies is both unwarranted and unfair. For me, shopping at second hand shops was something my father instilled in me as he was quite into making the most of ones means and living sustainably. I used to hate the idea of wearing someone who I didn't know's old clothes (that's not to say I didn't live in hand me downs up until I was about 12) because if they were in vinnies someone obviously died in them???? gross???? I'll just wear my brothers' old sneakers and live in peace??? But not really, because once you discover that all of these preconceived values are dumb you live a lot more simply and gain sincere fulfilment from scavenging through the racks and racks of clothes until you find the kind of treasure that all of your friends resent you for.

Which is exactly what happened to me and what changed my entire life, because Vinnies stock the same things you would find at the markets but for a quarter of the cost and the money you spend goes to a really good cause which I think is the most important. Most of the staff at vinnies stores are volunteers, the donations are given by people who don't want anything in return and the money made goes to people in need. Moreover, you find some serious gems that General Pants try to stock in store to mimic, it's a win-win and I can't sing my praises enough.

I'm going to conclude this with a few dorky images of the some best things I've bought whilst 'thrifting' and encourage you to do the same. I've found some serious gems at a Vinnies in the snowy mountains, and equally as good items in Paddington, the world is your oyster.

Dress - $5.00 

Leotard - $5

Skirt - $3

Skirt - $8

Faux Fur Coat - $15

This doesn't even cover an eighth of the things I've found thrift shopping, and I wish you all the luck in the world. 

Liv xo

where have you been?

The concept of finding yourself, in my humble opinion is a drastically overrated and unrealistic one. I say this because this whole year when people have asked me what I'm doing with my life I've replied with "I'm just sticking with this degree until I find myself and what I want to do with my life." The issue with this statement and the supportive "I hope it works out for you" that comes in response, is that it implies that the current state by which I find myself isn't really the one that I'd like to, or should have for the rest of my life.

The pressure we place on ourselves to figure out what we want to be or who we want to be is the most toxic of all the things we can do to ourselves. The seven month European holidays where we hope to find enlightenment, thrusting ourselves into degrees because it might work out or going on drastic lifestyle changes in the quest to find the meaning of life - to varying degrees each place a pressure on ourselves that we need not have or deserve. I mean, we underestimate our current self and attributes to such a large extent that we're constantly pursuing the life of perfection. When I finished school I was very lost and unsure of what I was going to do with myself, I put a lot of pressure on the first half of the year and ended up disappointing myself in that I still haven't figured out what I'm doing with my life and feel as though I'm doing a degree simply for the sake of doing a degree. However, I've realised that all life choices we make help to obtain the final goal. For me, I just genuinely want to be happy and I can't give myself a time frame in accomplishing that goal because then I'll inevitably end up disappointing myself, which I don't deserve.

That's not to say that all quests of self enlightenment are futile and end in disaster but I feel as though finding yourself is a state that comes organically from all experiences had in life and not something that can be made. So really what I'm saying is that we should relieve pressure from ourselves because we have enough pressure from other aspects of life, just be happy in what you do and you'll find yourself when the timing is right.

Liv xo

broke with expensive taste

Never in my life have I found comfort in an album title like I have with Azealia Banks' 2014 album name and coincidental title of this post. But recently, if someone were to ask me to describe myself in a sentence "Broke with expensive taste" would be the only appropriate answer. This never used to be who I was, in fact I was a self proclaimed 'bargain hunter.' But then something switched inside me and here we are - I'm soon to be $200 in debt to my brother and I'm the only one to blame.

The problem began when my feet stopped growing. It was a really really good discovery initially, as was Jeffrey Campbell. My $12 an hour only extended so far, so instead of doing the wise thing and saving I just started buying shoes. With shoes it's not so much an issue, because they're more of an investment. People don't gossip about someone wearing a nice pair of shoes too many times because nobody really notices your feet unless you point them out, also your feet are going to be this size for the rest of your life, that's probably going to be one of the only stagnate things in your life.

I study this subject at university called Analytical Thinking, basically it identifies different kind of arguments and fallacies and other pretty dull things but there's a certain argument that applies to this situation and it's called the 'Slippery Slope Argument.' Basically, it implies that once an individual takes a step in one direction, they ultimately will go to the extreme of that direction. Now, normally us 'analytical thinkers' think this argument is a fallacy. In the case of my life as of late, that couldn't be further from true. I've literally gone from buying a few pairs of shoes to justifying spending $200 on a t-shirt. (It was Emma Mulholland and a total bargain but even so, I definitely am meant to be saving for a trip to Japan.)

It doesn't stop there though, recently I've acquired a Josh Goot dress, am in the process of buying a vintage nike jacket (for probably more than its worth) and other amazing beautiful things and I'm so excited. It's exciting because now I've figured out my style I can buy these things, and now I have a relatively well-paid job can afford them without too much sacrifice.

Now, obviously I should cut back spending and I should save up. I shouldn't spend heaps of money on things that are so disposable, but they make me happy so whatever. As my mum always says "you're a long time dead"

So while I'm not ballin' in cash I am ballin' in expensive clothes, and they're kind of the same thing but hold more sentimental value. So at least I look expensive when buying lunch from the loose change menu of McDonalds in a desperate attempt to save.

Liv xo

once you go black you never go back

Also, despite my blase approach back into writing my last post, I'd like to apologise for my 5 MONTH hiatus?!?!?? I've been so extremely busy but I'm going to get back into weekly posting now!

In saying that within this five month break - a lot has happened in terms of my own personal style and developing my aesthetic which I'm so extremely excited for. There's been a recent influx in designer garments and expensive shoes that I can nil afford as well as a volunteering role at MBFWA which was so inspiring. But what I've gained mostly from this period of 'self discovery' is a new favourite and mostly uninspiring colour; black.

I just can't really put into words why black is such a good colour, an all black outfit is so effortlessly sophisticated and pervades an image of angsty jazz musician who doesn't really try to get fashion, it was just something that evolved. This very image is one that I've religiously been wearing to university of late. The versatility of a pair of high waisted black jean (Solitaire's by Dr Denim are a fave) coupled with a black turtleneck or other iconic black top can express whatever aesthetic you ultimately want through the choice in shoes and accessories. Which is why I love black so so much.

While, don't get me wrong I absolutely adore wearing colour, it is something that I shy away from in favour of wearing exclusively black. In fact the girl I nanny once asked me if I owned anything other than black because I always wear something black, it's not even intentional it's genuinely circumstantial but I've been trying to make an effort to splash out a little bit more. Yet it always manages to creep into my outfits, hence the title of this post.

Generally and genuinely, I think that the benefits of wearing black go deeper than the versatility, it goes into the flattering nature of the colour, the slimming benefits and the way that you can go unnoticed or be the Belle of the ball in just the one colour. You can go black on black on black and you'd look perfectly normal, and that is why I'm such a big advocate for the uninspiring nature of the colour, and why I wish for everyone to splash out and by 7 LBD's and backless black tops and dresses and low Dr. Martens - just everything.

goals

if the queen herself is wearing a turtleneck, something must be right here.

Liv xo 

'out there'

When someone says something or someone is a 'little bit out there' it's implied that the subject in question is a little bit kooky or odd, not necessarily in a good way. When we worry about the future, what's around the corner or what's behind the endless streets and houses out of sight; we worry about what's 'out there.' Or, when we put ourselves 'out there' it's supposedly a big courageous act, yet something we shy away from.

The term 'out there' is so ambiguous, and in such, has been taking over my thoughts for a considerable amount of time. More specifically, the repercussions of putting myself out there and how those on the receiving end of me putting my cards on the table will view me. I mean this in terms of actually telling people how I feel, dressing how I genuinely want and investing a lot into relationships with people, both romantic and otherwise. You see, the thing is, being 'out there' isn't and shouldn't be seen as a bad thing. Being mysterious and keeping the actualities of your emotions in can be extremely important at times but when these emotions relate to another person, I think it's invaluable to just be honest.

The only thing really preventing us from nurturing our upmost desires is fear. From within, from what other people will say and as an extension, how it will tarnish our reputation. However, those who put themselves out there and are 'out there' are the ones who are iconic. Look at Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales for Romance was Born, they're Australian fashion icons purely for pushing the boundaries. The same can be said for Emma Mulholland, or even Alexander McQueen before his untimely death. Those who put themselves out there are the ones who are often the happiest, as even if things don't work out, they do all they can and so there's no situations of 'what could've been.'

This newfound realisation has altered my life quite drastically. After a relationship ended my friend gave me the advice to "do what you actually want, text him if you want, do what feels right." At the time it was the most absurd thing I'd ever heard, why would I text him can you imagine how clingy I would look?!!??!? But then I did what felt right, in every other aspect of my life and even in the aftermath of this relationship. In texting an old flame, I rekindled a lost friendship. In asking a guy if he wanted to grab a coffee I've kinda sorta started something. And in doing what I wanted in terms of contact with an ex, I've realised everything that was wrong with 'us' and realised that I don't actually have any interest regarding their life whatsoever.

I think one of the most important parts of life is staying true to yourself and dressing and behaving in a way that is what you ultimately want. I don't mean this in the sense of being awful to people because you're in a bad mood, because while what we want is the most important thing to us, we are still only a small part of the big world and we need to coexist with one another to ensure that everyone has a good time.

Anna and Luke 

Emma Mulholland (my love)

Liv xo

 

sporty chic

As the fitness obsession continues to flood all means of social media, so too is the obsession with fitness clothes which are creeping their way into fashion scenes all over the world. The 'sporty chic' trend is becoming more of a lifestyle for many than just a fashion choice. It began (for me at least) with Nike's Free Run range whereby one can wear their sneakers in a social environment without looking ridiculous as the lightweight style of the free run combined with the classic appeal of the nike tick connects comfort and style in a relatively effortless way.

But sporty chic isn't limited purely to shoes, with t-shirts donning the oversized logos of Nike and Adidas becoming a must have item in the wardrobes of many and for me, wearing a netball skirt complete with bike shorts when not playing netball but actually going clubbing, no less. This trend of combining exercise clothes and fashion is one that is equally condoning, albeit unintentionally, sun safety as caps make a comeback in a really trendy way, leather caps are the ultimate, but American Apparel have some caps that are absolutely fabulous and not as domineering as their distant cousin, the snapback.

The best part about sporty chic is that I've been able to wear my New Balance sneakers with jeans and be so unbelievably comfortable yet still looking marginally 'fashun' or even with skirts which is one of my new favourites. But at the same time, a friend of mine wears her adidas shirt with her windsor smith junky sandals and looks the epitome of fashun. And I especially love how guys can also get into the sporty chic craze, the jeans and joggers look has really evolved and changed over time and I'm quite happy to see the end of wide legged jeans with old reebok sneakers be replaced with slim lined jeans and nike roches. The sporty chic craze is certainly taking off and I'm really excited for what'll come next.

Liv xo

new favourite item: $15 from the childrens section of Target

Leather caps, literally stocked almost everywhere

NB's in fashion

Nike Roches

formal

For many, their school formal is one of the most exciting and anticipated events of their schooling life, while for others, they're a bit more of an inconvenience than anything else. However, despite your own views on them, it's guaranteed that as term four of school comes around, the main topic of conversation turns into something formal related. "What are you wearing?" "Who are you taking?" "Who's having pres?" "Who's having afters?" "Can you get your brother to get me some alcohol?" So much hype surrounds the event that when it arrives you realise that it was all a bit of an anti-climax and you're stuck with a dress (in some cases) that you spent lots of money on and that you'll never wear again.

Having been invited to seven formals in my lifetime, certain themes have started to occur in terms of people's approach to what they wear. There are a few key ways in which people go about their formal that once mentioned you'll begin to notice and pinpoint with everyone at your own. These are: The online shopper, the handmade dresser, the vintage lover, the extravagant and elaborate and the subdued spender. 

The online shopper: There's no denying that online shopping is possibly one of the greatest inventions since probably the invention of the wheel in the 4th millennium BC. But as wheels can lose air, online shopping too has its faults especially when shopping for a formal dress. Shops like ASOS, Princess Polly, Nasty Gal and thereformation are the go to shops for formal dresses, and while it's convenient and in some cases cheap. The chances of someone wearing the same dress as you is heightened drastically. The problem with online shopping is that the dresses and shoes are very 'in' at the moment, so your shoes and dress aren't necessarily going to be unique or make you stand out in the way that you'd like. At my year ten formal, someone bought her whole outfit online, off a pretty conventional website and someone wore the exact same dress and the same shoes in a different colour. For my formal this year, I looked for a dress for ages and couldn't find one. So eventually, I just asked my mum to find me a dress online. I've admittedly bought my whole outfit online this year which I'm a little bit concerned about as it was all from Topshop but I tried imagining anyone else in my year wearing the same dress and I can't picture it, so hopefully that's a good sign.

The handmade dresser: I have a lot of respect for the seamstresses amongst us who are talented and committed enough to make not only their own dress, but dresses for their friends as well. There's a few in every year who wear the most stand out dresses that are an absolute reflection on their personality and style. Some, who are unable to sew go to dressmakers to manifest their dream dress into reality, the best dresses I've seen at any formal I've been to have been handmade. But at the same time, often these handmade dresses are so to one's own personal taste that nobody else appreciates it. That's okay though, because in all honesty if you're dressing to fit in with other people's style, you'll end up in an unhappy and unmemorable dress and situation. 

The Vintage lover: There's no denying that vintage dresses are absolutely fantastic, I personally love wearing a vintage dress and knowing that someone else wore this to a similar event, it's like you're wearing a part of history which I find really cool. In fact, there's this vintage dress shop near my house and I went there to find a formal dress with my mum, as well as being whisked away into a dressing room with my own personal dresser whilst being served coffee and tea, I found the most beautiful dress ever and it fit perfectly but it also cost $1000 which nor my mother or I were willing to pay. The people who wear vintage dresses to formal are often the most gutsy and memorable, often going for total vintage vibes, they look elegant and timeless which I adore. For one of the formals I'm going to this year I'll be wearing a handmade dress designed and made for my grandmother which really excites me as I know that nobody else will be wearing the same thing, and that someone who I never got to meet but whom I've heard so much about had really lovely experiences wearing this dress. 

Extravagant and Elaborate: Without fail, this person graces every formal with their $90 makeup from mac, their $180 hair design from an elite hairdresser and their $400 dress with $200 shoes to match. These are the people who have counted down to their formal from when they were five years old and whose parents are living vicariously through them to make up for what they didn't have growing up. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this though, as many people have different priorities but one thing is for certain, money doesn't equate to style and while I've heard of someone wearing an $8000 Versace dress, I'm sure that someone who spent $100 on a dress will look equally as beautiful. The Extravagant and Elaborate formal go-er will be trying to make formal the night of their lives and remember spending what some would consider their life savings on a dress shouldn't be intimidating to those of us without that luxury as it's like when people ask how much you've studied just to brag about the ten hours of maths they did, your two hours was just as effective and got the job done. 

Subdued Spender: The subdued spender is often envied by many, they're the person who managed to pick up a killer dress for a steal. They're the person who watched youtube tutorials for their hair and makeup and it looks professionally done. Some of the best formal looks I've seen have been found for under $200, even cheaper than that for some cases. I'm personally a big fan of this person in the formal situation as rather than spending their savings on a dress they'll wear once, they buy something a bit more versatile and can wear it again and again, which I've not been able to do and regret immensely. I'm trying to be as cheap as possible this year with formals as I'm currently not in the best financial situation so will be doing everything myself, which I'm looking forward to.

Now the above list is a drastic generalisation, I'm not going to say that everyone who attends formals will fit into five handy categories but I like to think that everyone identifies loosely to some of the categories. But most importantly, enjoy your formal, dance lots, laugh lots and be comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. Confidence shines brighter than any outfit would.

Liv xo

Obsession

Over the past few months an overwhelming obsession has built up over all things iridescent, holographic, perspex, white, minimalist and flatform. It's sort of like I've turned into a magpie and suddenly flock to everything shiny, this hasn't been an occurrence necessarily of my own accord either as I have a group of extremely fashionista friends who were tuned into this obsession long before I was. But it has developed and I'm embracing it, blogs like love-aesthetics inspired perspex clutches or cool cut-out perspex panels in jumpers (not my creation but fashionista friend Niamh is right onto that bandwagon). And obviously holographic stuff isn't necessarily a new thing but it's kind of sea-punk and futuristic and has so many good vibes like really, when you look at holographic stuff all you can think of is the future and flying cars but also wearing a pair of holographic flatfoms can spice up ANY outfit.

This brings me to my next point: flatforms. As a pretty tall person I've always struggled with wearing heels as I've always towered over my friends and for a long time, boys. Then for a while I became really self conscious of my height and so slouched and ruined my posture and then missed the vital training years of how to walk in stilettos and it was just a disaster. Thankfully now I love being tall and don't really care of how much taller heels will make me because if you can't work what you've got then whats the point in having it. But you know, obviously not every day is an occasion to wear heels so I've heavily invested in the clog, chunky sandal and flatform bandwagon. Flatforms particularly are so versatile and give you added height without the inconvenience of heels and can be worn casually or to go out, which is why I think everyone should invest in at least two pairs because you need one for summer and probably a chunkier ankle strapped one for winter. Sportsgirl has been the source of my last two pairs and they're insanely comfortable and are the cause of many compliments on a very regular basis. There are so many varying heights on flatforms now too which I really like so you can go for a very statement, almost artistic option or a more subtle option that gives you some nice extra height, and they're so insanely comfortable. Honestly, if you're going to invest in one shoe this summer make sure it's a flatform, seriously.

I was procrastinating so did a funky lil photoshoot

Big Clutch: Target! $20.00

Holographic phone case: Target $15.00

White Chunky Sandal: Jeffrey Campbell, $125.00 (bought from the markets for $70.00)

Perspex clutch: Made by me out of a bag carrying a quilt cover

Holographic Stilettos: Topshop $124.00 (worth every cent)

Other phone case: Sportsgirl $5.00

up close, they're so so beautiful

Someone was wearing these at a Tavi Gevinson talk I went to, so so cool in real life.

Stella McCartney, just look at the perspex.

Liv xo 

the best thing ever: childhood nostalgia

So lately lots of things have been changing around me; I've graduated school and have just turned eighteen, amongst the most stand out of events. But I hate this idea that once you turn eighteen you have to make adult choices and whatever because really I don't want to be an adult, or make adult choices and the only reason I was even looking forward to turning eighteen was at how easy it'd be for me to buy alcohol.

So while in the eyes in the law I'm an adult, in my eyes I'm still quite firmly a child. And, the other day whilst cleaning my room I found a selection of some fantastic accessories from when I was about 7 and it brought back so many childhood memories that I'd forgotten entirely about. Now, my childhood wasn't really stand out in the sense that I never really went overseas or did really cool camps and whatever, but I did have two older brothers. So even though I was born halfway through the 90s I still had very much a 90s childhood, and as a result of that had some very 90s/early 00s outfits and accessories...some of these accessories I found the other day. But also, since the 90s are 'back', I've been able to buy so many things that just take me back to my prime; 1999.

This is what I love about fashion, you can try on a skirt that you wore on your first date and all of the butterflies and awkwardness come flooding back. You can buy a pair of sparkly socks and you're taken back to the school disco in 2001. This has been happening to me more and more recently and I was taken back to my Avril Lavigne punk stage of 2002, my Baby Spice phase of the late 90s and even my Lizzie McGuire phrase of 2004. That's also what I love about the recycling of fashion, at the moment we're in a mix of pretty much every decade before ours and I absolutely love it, I love how I can wear my mum's jeans that she fondly bought in the 70s and she can recount the last time she wore them and what was going on in her life at that time.

There is a problem with this though, I've turned into the worlds biggest clothes hoarder because I keep seeing my mum wearing things in the 70s and getting angry at her because she didn't keep them. Or even seeing photos of me from like 2005 and doing the same??? But even so, just looking back at photos of old outfits are one of my newly found favourite past times, how nice is it looking back at a dress you wore and being flooded with memories? I think it's probably just my way of coping with the impending 'adult choices' that have to be made.

(the fake hair was part of my punk stage)

and here's me in 1999 wearing a cool jumper that is actually radiating!?

5 stars for mum

Liv xo

the saddest people in the world club

This post is going to have a bit of a sadder undertone because I've been thinking about this a lot recently and just really want to express my thoughts on this new 'fashion' of being sad.

Sometimes I find myself thinking about all that's going on in the world and my position within it all. I mean this in the sense that my emotions are sometimes so disconnected to what's going on in other countries and vice versa. It's when I'm thinking about this that I tend to completely disregard my own feelings about boys or school or money as being stupid because there are people all over the world who don't have the luxury of going to school or are forced into marriage with someone abusive and while I'm complaining about having no money to pay for my clothing addiction, millions around the world don't have enough money for food. But this complete disregard of my feelings as being stupid can be just as toxic as disregarding the reality of the world because you're so trapped in your own world. I mean this in terms of, if your melodramatic problems are problem enough to make you sad then you should work to make yourself happy and not downplaying your emotions as stupid. 

At the same time though, my dad died in 2010 and I spent a solid year disregarding everyone around me's 'issues' because they hadn't suffered the heartbreak of losing a parent to the point where they didn't deserve to be sad. This supposed right to be sad is this stupid thing manifested by angsty people to further exile themselves from the world they're physically part of. It's almost turned into this elitist club of the saddest people in the world, and for a while I actually craved acceptance into this club. It seems so romantic to be sitting in a cafe with your sad friends, drinking coffee and smoking non stop whilst listening to 70's punk and dwelling on how sad you are and how the regular society really just don't 'get you.'

It's this idea that sadness pervades mystery and boys love mysterious girls who need rescuing. But in reality the only one who can do the rescuing is the victim themselves. Once we establish what our feelings actually are it's a lot easier to accept who we are and what we're worth. The problem is once people lose their self worth they're on a path leading to loss of oneself entirely, which is the point in which in your own eyes at least, you can become president of the saddest people in the world club.

It's a this point where I need to make a particular comment, nobody can be the judge of how someone feels or reacts to a particular event or situation. Even when, in your own eyes you've felt all the sadness in the world and know what it's like you still don't have the right to comment on how petty it is for someone to be crying over a boy who doesn't like them. I've been in both situations and I can tell you they both suck and so if they want to cry over boys or girls for that matter they are allowed to.  

I'll conclude with the following points

• You don't have the right to judge ANYONE on their emotions
• Being sad and losing all self worth is not fun and it needs to stop being romanticised
• Smoking causes lung cancer: not romantic when you're dead.
• Coffee is delightful but to excess can cause many issues
• Feel sad if you want, feel happy if you want, but feel how you really feel, don't do anything because it's cool.

So after this very serious post I'll be writing a post on fashion very shortly.

Liv xo 

School is cool (?)

As I'm nearing graduation the prospect of going into the 'real world' and getting a 'real job' is becoming a very real and scary thing. Yet what's got me most concerned is what I'm going to wear every day without the school uniform. You see, from the ages of about 5 to 14 I absolutely hated the concept of a school uniform, I hated how you couldn't express yourself, I hated how it fit, I hated everything. But then I had a realisation; school uniform enables one to express themselves in a far safer environment then anywhere else I'll go. I mean this in the sense that, you can experiment with makeup at school in readiness for a party on the weekend, you can break in black shoes that you want to wear out but don't have time to break in, you can experiment with different variations of the uniform. And really, you're surrounded by people you've known for ages so who's going to care. I know most schools probably aren't as lenient as mine when it comes to uniform, but school has really allowed me to test out how I want to be perceived. 

One day I can be Blair Waldorf and wear my hair and uniform in a more sophisticated manner.

The next day I can be more of a Serena Van Der Woodsen and be casual and relaxed.

Or if I'm feeling really adventurous I can go for a Jenny Humphrey inspired look, but I'm still yet to try that.

And I think now, 13 years after starting school I've really become aware of the convenience of school uniform and all the possibilities it holds. The other day I went to my friend's really glamourous 18th birthday breakfast at the Glass Brasserie (definitely go there, I would thoroughly recommend) and was the only one in uniform as I had an exam. I dressed for the occasion and wore a ribbon tied around my hair, a high necked jumper and the rest of my uniform as is. It probably didn't seem like much but I didn't even feel as though I was wearing uniform and people told me I looked like I was just wearing a cute outfit.

Cute outfit and school uniform??? I never thought I'd see the day.

But that's the thing, people are so confined in their belief that school uniforms are stupid and boring that they wait for the weekend to express themselves through fashion. They make use of only 2/7 of the days (or 28.47% of the time) to really reveal who they are, and to me that's a waste of the remaining 5 days or 72.63% of the time. I know to some they don't have a choice when it comes to uniform, but even just wearing funky socks, different school shoes or even in stationary or school bags - one can really make a name for themselves in how they wear the uniform. Of course that's not to say I make a special effort in my uniform every day because let's be real here there are days where I put my hair up and wear no makeup whatsoever and don't really give a remote interest in my uniform (which are becoming more frequent as school becomes less fun.) But I like having the freedom to manipulate the uniform in a way that suits me and it scares me that next year I'm 100% going to run out of clothes to wear and so my aimed image for uni (it's the hot indie fashionista if anyone's wondering) might not come into fruition. Despite all the negatives of uniform, the convenience and ease is something I'll honestly miss.

So when you're sitting at home in January of 2014 and crying about having to wear a uniform for the next 4 terms, just think of all the possibilities and start saving so that you can have enough clothes to fulfil your uni image dreams of hot indie fashionista. 

Liv xo

Feast for your eyes

A couple of months ago I discovered the world of instagram fitspos/cleaneating/raw vegan advocates. Now to me, this whole concept seemed ridiculous (I mean why would you dehydrate food when you can steam it and it'll be a lot nicer?) Until I discovered the response that these photos get.

Clean eating has become the latest fad, or rather instagramming your clean eating or the view from your run or a cup of tea and a book or even, the juice/smoothie in a jar. By no means am I disputing this because I'm a serial instagram clean eater and I honestly hopped on the clean eating bandwagon purely as a result of instagram.

This however, is not a bad thing. A couple of months ago when I initially discovered this crazy world, I started running every day at sunset. I'd get to this point on my route and honestly think "Oh goodness this would look so nice on instagram" as a result of this, I became so confident in my body and felt so good all the time and finally after way too long, I got into the next round of my school cross country carnival. This, by no means was the problem, because as well as improving my health and fitness, I became more motivated in every aspect of my life and studied exceptionally hard for my exams and in so doing, got the marks I've always wanted. Weirdly enough, this was mostly because of instagram.

The problem however, is that now I've slipped into old habits as the stress of my final year of school builds up and the time to run everyday is scarce...yet I still eat cleanly enough so that on occasion I can instagram my fabulous food or the view from my run and still fool my followers into thinking I'm a health advocate but really I'm only fooling myself. If the photos are there, I become a part of the instagram community. This however, guarantees that I haul in the likes for my photos because if someone is eating healthily and doing healthy things then in liking their photos, you're encouraging them and live through them and even become motivated by them. (Well this is my theory anyway) Which again, I don't think necessarily is a bad thing. It becomes bad however when you become inspired to make something really clean but it just tastes appalling and you never want to eat clean again. 

But it can't be a bad thing to have a community of people who in just by living their life and posting about it, inspire those who follow them to follow the same lifestyle. At the end of the day, this kind of thing "Isn't a diet; it's a lifestyle"

To conclude, here are some of the photos I've taken and edited on some app in my phone to show people how cool and trendy I am.

My first homemade juice (it was awful, pretended it was nice)

Recent creation; raw cocoa and coconut balls

Caption: Run to paradise 

(spent whole time running actually taking photos)

The view from my normal running route (note the vsco effect)

Fog on my run this morning! (Didn't instagram this one though)

View from my run 2.0

Whole foods market in Perth that I didn't buy anything from because it was too expensive. 

Again

First jar juice!

One of the more recent; edamame (so cultured)

Liv xo

my god I'm awful, I haven't written anything in two months and I'm possibly the worst!!

(sorry to my two fans who read this blog)

But I've got so many things to write about so this weekend after my assessments have cooled down I'll make a long post!

Sorry guyz


Liv xo

Style

As I'm writing this, the distant sound of 12 year olds getting drunk for the first time and the more comforting sound of rain on my tin roof fills my ears. This past week has been filled with some beautiful chilly, sunny days and the wet wintery mornings that Sydney's grown accustomed to from the past couple of years. This can only mean one thing, Winter is looming and I cannot tell you how thrilled I am for it.

Thus far the wintery trends I'm seeing are the punk-rocker seemingly androgynous staples coupled with chic black dresses and lush capes and coats. (On the topic of lush capes I bought this beautiful black cape the other week, I'll post a photo when I wear it out. Its $200 of bliss.) But regardless, so far the wintery trends have failed to disappoint. There's studs, gothic romance, bright colours, florals and luxe prints. There's something (in Australia at least) for everyone. But I'm not into the 'Westfield style shopper' pamphlet on how to look trendy this season because I found this quote by Edna Woolman Chase - "Fashion can be bought. Style one must process." I love this quote, because while I'm not necessarily the most fashionable or even stylish person I know, but the people who are most admired in the fashion field are the ones who aren't afraid to wear their own personal style. If you look at Sydney, Copenhagen, Melbourne, Paris, London or wherever's street style websites you'll see a collaboration of quirky people wearing quirky clothes that look beautiful because you know, it's their style. The fashions in shopping centre's are just fashions and at the end of the day people who just wear what's in season will end up wasting looooads of money because fashions go in and out but style is eternal.

That's not to say wear like jeggings if that's your style because that's not stylish, I'm talking grab a whole mix of items and see what you can come up with. Draw inspiration from people, places, photos, songs, movies...whatever floats your boat. I'm slightly in the process of figuring out my style now, at the moment it's darkish lipstick and boots but that's mainly because I just got my braces off so am revelling in the freedom of lipstick. But I have this friend, who as well as being a superstar fashionista has such a unique style, that while I wouldn't necessarily wear everything that she wears (and I'm sure that the same can be said from her to me), but I can still appreciate that that's her and that she looks a lot better than me when I'm wearing some weird dress my nanna bought me with some heaps buckled boots because I'm trying to be a grunge queen. She's got her style and she's not changing it for anyone, and there's a certain admiration that goes along with that because while I can rant on on a blog about the importance of having a unique style I myself don't put these words into practice, which is my mission for winter.

I can do 90's because that's an era that appeals to me, but at the same time I can do 2013 fashions too because that's also kind of a year that is somewhat appealing, I don't know I feel like this is a lot wankier than I intended it to be. But I'm talking, don't not wear heels because you're already tall, seriously only in the past like month I've discovered this...people would love to be 5'10" just embrace it.
You never know, some of your best outfits can come out of you being creative.

Liv xo

Cafe crawling

Quite a few months ago someone I know told my friend that she didn't know what to do when hanging around with us because all we do is go to cafes and markets and all we talk about are cafes and markets. I'd never even realised this before but actually my ideal weekend would be going to some form of market with my friends, buying some fab clothes then going to a trendy cafe and basking in how alternative and indie we are. If not with my friends, my mum's new years resolution was to try a new cafe or restaurant every month so often my response on Monday morning when someone asks about my weekend is "Oh my god I went to the nicest cafe on Saturday..."

And then I got a job in a cafe so really, I'm spending like 70% of my weekend in a cafe or foodery of some description. Spending money that I earn't in pretty much the same place? Sounds crazy but it's shamefully true. Now don't get me wrong, it's not like I spend literally all my time at cafes but I can now safely say that I know all the 'trade secrets' of cafes and how important cafe etiquette can be. I don't even just mean cafe etiquette in the manners aspect but in the what one should wear aspect as well.  

Generally the people who hang around cafes are there to be seen. It may not seem like it, but it's true. Cafes are the nightclubs for the under 18's who rate themselves as cultured. Including me. In order to make a lasting impression at a cafe, because who knows who you might bump into, one needs to dress the part.

I plan my outfits around which suburb the cafe is in, most people don't do this but if I was going to a trendy grungy cafe in Surry Hills I'd be dressing far differently than if I was going to Starbucks. It's a fact of my life. One time my friend who lives a 10 minute bike ride away and I went to the other side of Sydney for breakfast because she'd heard of a really nice cafe over there. 

Family Friendly cafes are a no go zone. Dog friendly cafes are a no go zone. Cafes with play equipment are a no go zone.  Cafes where you're likely to see someone who was on Australia's Next Top Model are where you want to be. I think this is why you have to dress the part because at the end of the day, you need to look like you belong to the elite crowd. It's like Sydney's equivalent to the Upper East Side, except you're from Brooklyn. 

Now once you're all dolled up in the season's latest trends, ready to be snapped up by Sydney Street Style you can finally venture the 45 minutes it takes you to get your morning coffee. Then once you're there, you have to order something off the menu that will photograph well on Instagram. It's a constant struggle, the days of going to a cafe simply for a coffee are long gone. But not after you've scoured the internet for markets in the area or warehouse sales or looked out for signs of a garage sale. It'll look desperate when the Barista asks you what you're doing today if you don't answer with "oh just going shopping you know, then I'll probably go to this gig or art opening I don't know, whatever happens."

Even if you just go to cafes to pick up a bacon and egg roll to nurse your hangover on a Sunday morning, just keep a lookout for those of us who are living the cafe lifestyle. Normally they're 17 year old girls using their iphones to update their instagrams. I'm allowed to say this because I'm one of them, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Liv xo

PS Proper fashion post coming soon!!! (this time it's about winter 2013) x