Winter in Melbourne

Last week I had the pleasure of going to Melbourne for four nights. For anyone thinking of visiting, I really recommend it. It was my second time going to the city in the winter and while the wind is bitterly cold and shopping with layers of clothing on can be a bit of a hassle, I quite enjoy popping in to cosy cafes and enjoying a good cup of coffee and/or meal in between exploring the city streets. Plus, Melbourne is known for its excellent coffee, food, and shopping. What more could a tourist need? 

This time around I didn't get out of the CBD except for a quick visit to Brunswick, so I didn't see or do as much as I would have liked. However, I have made a mental note of a few favourite spots to go back to next time I'm there in December.

For a good breakfast, I like Hardware Société. I had the baked eggs which they are apparently known for. Luckily, we didn't have to wait for a table but a line quickly formed after we sat down. Manchester Press serves tasty bagels and good coffee. Also offering good coffee is Dukes Coffee Roasters.

For dinner, Mamasita served up a delicious Mexican fusion feast. My favourites were the chargrilled corn and the quinoa salad. This, however, is another place where you should expect a bit of a wait—it seems to be quite popular, even at 10pm.

If you're into quirky boutiques, there are plenty in the laneways in the CBD and in Brunswick, just north of Melbourne. Chapel St is also good for shopping, but quite a few of the bigger stores or designer boutiques can also be found in the CBD. 

If you're in the city for the first time, I'd try to check out the street art on Hosier Lane, maybe after breakfast on Degraves St. Obvious points of interest are also the gallery and museum. Melbourne is bursting with culture and there is always a comedy show, concert, or play showing.

If you have any recommendations for my next visit to Melbourne, please let me know!

Last two images are from my Instagram @_carys

Interior Inspiration: Veronica Toub's Parisian Apartment

I love the elegance of fashion and jewellery designer Veronica Toub's apartment in Paris's Left Bank. The classic black and white tiles in the bathroom and the lavish details like the curtains and coving give the space a sophisticated finish.

For the full story and more pictures head to Architectural Digest.

Pastels and Lace

Burberry Prorsum SS14, Zimmermann camisole and dress, Stella McCartney bra and briefs, Lover skirt, Jimmy Choo heels, Oroton wristlet, street style shot by Tommy Ton, Lonely bra and briefs, Kate Spade flats, Pandora ring, Witchery camisole.

It's often awkward to find weather-appropriate clothes to wear in between Summer and Autumn. Pastels are often associated with Spring but I think they're just as fitting for Autumn, especially coming up to Easter when there are pastel-painted egg shells everywhere. Light, simple and feminine, how could anyone go wrong with pastels and lace?

Interior Inspiration: White and Gold

From gilded frames to fresh white flowers, it's all in the details.
Images: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Urban Couture Pop-Up Runway

Looks from Cenote Swimwear

 Swimwear from Natalie Rolt and jewellery from Little Dove

While I think I still have sand in my shoes, the sun setting over Sorrento Beach was the perfect backdrop to the Urban Couture pop-up runway over the weekend. The weather gods were good to the fashion pack as they came to see swimwear designs from Cenote Swimwear, 2Wink Australia and Natalie Rolt with Little Dove and a live performance from Boys, Boys, Boys! Urban Couture Ambassador for 2014 Samantha Harris made a guest appearance, charming onlookers as usual with her stunning features and captivating presence. 

Cenote Swimwear's pieces were inspired by a road trip through Central America and feature feminine cuts and flirty frills. Natalie Rolt's most eye-catching design (while not necessarily appropriate for swimming) was a detailed beaded two piece fit for the most glamorous beach goer.

Urban Couture Industry Launch

Playful illustrations with pops of vivid colour lined the walls at the Blend(er) Gallery for Urban Couture's 2014 media launch. Mekel illustration's second solo exhibition complimented the fashion shown by labels House of S K Y E, By Emily Lewien, and Natalie Rolt.

Now in its fourth year, Urban Couture is another WA initiative to support the local fashion industry. Free runway shows provide the public with an easy and fun way of discovering new designers, not to mention highlighting other talented industry professionals such as artists, models and make-up artists. This year's ambassador is the stunning Australian supermodel Samantha Harris- one more reason to head down to one of the shows and see what all the fuss is about.

The event runs until March 30.

Love Thread Garden Party

Topshop dress, ASOS clutch, Witchery shoes.

Over the weekend I was lucky enough to attend  a special afternoon tea that was put on by Angeline from Love Thread to raise awareness and funds for The Esther Foundation. The foundation does excellent work in caring for troubled women aged 13 to 33. Hosted at the picturesque Peninsula Tea Gardens by the Swan River, it was a delight of an afternoon. Ladies came in their best fifties frocks to sip tea from dainty tea cups and nibble on scrumptious sandwiches, scones, cakes and petit fours.

Unfortunately I didn't bring my SLR so these pictures don't do the setting justice. More photos of the event can be found on the Love Thread Facebook page. Visit Angeline's blog here.