Loose

These loose chambray pants from Sass & Bide have been serving me well during this in-between season. Definitely worth the $30 I paid at their warehouse sale last year. I'm not sure you can see, but they have plaited chambray and rose gold details that are also featured on the back pockets.

 Top from Country Road; Bag from Alexander Wang; Shoes from ASOS

 Chambray spot shirt and cotton jumper, both ASOS

Mimco necklace

Last rays of summer...

I'm already missing laid back summer dressing. These ASOS sandals were a worthwhile buy for around $40 - so comfy and amazingly go with pretty much everything. And my Alexander Wang Emile bag, whilst not as cheap, is making up for it in versatility. As you can see, it now needs to house baby goods, from toys to nappies to lunch bags.

I'm thinking spots are carry me through Autumn and into winter. I'm finally starting to make some purchases, after a long stint of not buying anything. I started with plain and spotty chambray shirts and a maroon coat, all from ASOS. I'm thinking of returning the coat and plain chambray, but the spots are a definite keeper.

Still on my shopping list are dark blue, white and black ankle skinny jeans, replacement navy loafers, red ankle boots and a red leather skirt.

What are your key pieces for this Autumn/ Winter?

Beached as...

Well, here we are on the cusp of another weekend and I still haven't updated on my last one... 

My lovely little family packed up and headed for the coast. It was hot. A simple tank and pleated skirt were in order. I opted for the yellow over the blue.

The main event of the weekend was to see American band Beach House as part of the Spunk Tones festival in the Byron Bay hinterland. I wore my new Karen Walker whale print dress. Very beach appropriate.

We stayed at The Summerhouse. It was honestly one of the most lovely places I have ever stayed. It was like staying at a beautiful mansion in the hinterland. It's hard to explain the laid back vibe of the place; there was a communal kitchen and living area, yet it felt like we had the place to ourselves; there was a lovely trust-system where you could keep food and drinks in the fridge and help yourself to herbal tea, coffee and Byron Bay cookies at any time; there was just such an amazing feel to the place.

Plus an amazing view from the pool right down to the ocean, including the iconic Byron lighthouse.

The next day we had lunch at Kirra Surf Club on the way home, and our daughter had her first beach swim! Perfect weather for it:

Talk about a beach babe!

As great as it is to have a getaway, I love the view as we drive back into Brisbane. Feels like home.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Sale purchases... I've been good, promise!

 This time of year is rife with temptation... but I think I've been quite conservative, and have tried to only buy things that will see constant use.

First and foremost...

Ta-da! I have admired this one for ages. The size is extremely practical (it can fit my baby change mat etc!) and, well, it looks pretty stylish.

The perfect go-with-everything sandal. Unfortunately, the ankle strap slips down at the back, so I think I may be returning these :( Back to the drawing board on the sandals...

 Tops from Country Road and Seed. 

I find that if I want to wear something right away, it's more likely to last in my wardrobe. So far, so good with the basic tanks:

Top: Seed; Pants: Sass & Bide; Necklace: Mimco (later added sandals from Nine West)

Top: Country Road; Culottes: Sportsgirl; Sandals: Nine West; Bag: Alexander Wang

Nihon e ikimashita!

It's been quite some time since I have posted. Don't think I don't have excuses ready though. Excuse no.1 - family holiday to Japan! Our first overseas trip as a happy little family of 3. 

I can 100% recommend our hotel in Osaka - Swissotel Nankai. It was literally right at a major train station, in an area with fantastic shopping, eating, etc. It is also worth going for a drink or meal in the restaurant on the top floor, just for the sparkling 180 degree view.

The aquarium was also worth a visit. They were very much into the Christmas spirit - Santa even went diving with the sharks and sting rays. 

These crabs fascinated me - they were so huge and creepy. 

My husband, meanwhile, got really into taking artistic shots of the jellyfish. 

Bub was a bit tired and loved being fussed over by the owner of a local restaurant.

 I wish Australian public toilets had these baby seats - so convenient. 

 Nara was a favourite spot, particularly Todaiji. 

We travelled between cities via Shinkansen, and couldn't resist the cute snacks.

These artworks at the Hiroshima Peace Park were made from tiny origami cranes! 

 All of the sightseeing really wore her out. 

Tokyo is a crazy place: a truck advertisement for a robot restaurant, we couldn't get the song out of our head for the rest of the trip; a karaoke bar; the largest and most expensive apples I have ever seen; plastic food lined the windows of most restaurants... I'm hoping this was an all-you-can-eat buffet?!

The Ghibli Museum was another highlight, so adorable and such attention to detail.

My husband's idea of heaven.

There is always music amongst the trees and in the garden. But our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.