Holly Jolly

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Dress: Anthea Crawford stretch lace

Mules: Country Road leather, wood heels

Bag: Renee Loves Frances painted cane

Hinged Bangle: Wallace Bishop silver

Bracelet: Karen Walker silver, cameo

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Feeling festive on the first day of December by sharing all of the gorgeous photographs of this wonderful day in Brisbane City with my mother, reveling in all of the seasonal displays at department stores David Jones & Myer (including the traditional "Christmas Windows") & the historical Brisbane Arcade, as well as enjoying a delicious & leisurely brunch at the new Stanton Cafe & Bar in Queens Plaza before heading over to the art-deco grandeur of City Hall for a brief viewing of the "New Woman" exhibit at the Museum of Brisbane, revealing the personal stories & enduring legacies of some of the city's most ground-breaking female artists from the last 100 years. 

Whew! What a line-up!

For the occasion, I'm wearing a beautiful blue & white feather printed stretch lace wiggle dress with deep v-neckline & ruffled "cha cha" hem from celebrated Aussie designer Anthea Crawford, white leather point-toed mules with wooden cylindrical heels from Country Road, retro-inspired white painted cane handbag from Renee Loves Frances' boho-fantasy boutique in Bulimba, a chunky silver hinged bangle bangle from Wallace Bishop & a kitschy silver belcher bracelet with blue & white ceramic "girl with a ponytail" cameo from Karen Walker to complete the look & stay within the self-imposed blue, white & silver colour scheme.

Scroll down to see how it all unfolded...

Having fun helping the Brisbane Arcade to celebrate 95 wonderful years!

A mother/daughter selfie on the top floor of the Brisbane Arcade...

The ambiance of Stanton Cafe & Bar...

"Mushroom Medley"

Sauteed & lightly seasoned mushrooms tossed with double cream & on toasted sourdough

Iced Latte

"Traditional Breakfast"

Two organic eggs (done your way; in this case: scrambled) on toasted sourdough with tomatoes

Pot of Earl Grey Breakfast Tea

Rhubarb & Custard Danish

Carrot Cake with Walnuts & Candied Peel

Resisting the urge to purchase LITERALLY EVERYTHING in the David Jones Christmas section...

Having a laugh with the characters from this year's featured Christmas picture storybook, "Bear Stays Up for Christmas" by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman...

Posting my letter to Santa Claus!

"New Woman"

100 years of significant women artists in Brisbane, Queensland

Choosing the semi-circular window...

Can any Aussie children of the 1980s relate to this "Playschool" reference?!

Art Deco Vibes in the foyer of City Hall... avid readers of this blog will already know that is my absolute favourite design period due to all of the sumptuous curved features.

All Aboard the Santa Express for a magical journey to the North Pole!

Happy Travelers!

Can't resist a quick peek at this year's Christmas Window display before leaving...