Luck of the Irish

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Dress: Diana Ferrari stretch lace

Shirtdress (worn as Jacket): H&M synthetic

Ankle Boots: Wittner patent leather

Tights: Razzamatazz 40 denier nylon

Bag: Vera May patent leather with gold hardware

Ring: Inkuku lapiz lazuli

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There are few places better to eat lunch in the wintertime than an Irish pub... & not just because of the proliferation of "comfort food" options or the fact that there's lovely, warming Guinness in practically ever dish on the menu, although that may play a VERY large part in the decision-making process... Irish Murphy's Pub in the middle of Brisbane is absolutely full of those cosy details (bulky leather couches, wooden floors, polished wooden bannisters, taxidermy, antiques, good craic) that just transport you to the Emerald Isle & make you feel right at home.

For the occasion - a day of shopping in the city followed by lunch on the pub's upper floor - I decided to wear one of my all-time favourite cold-weather ensembles: a gorgeous royal blue & black stretch lace fit-to-flare dress from Diana Ferrari, chartreuse & royal blue swirl-printed synthetic long-sleeved shirtdress (worn as a jacket) from H&M for those bohemian vibes, shiny black patent leather ankle boots from Wittner, 40 denier nylon tights from Razzamatazz to keep my legs toasty & a funky chartreuse patent leather "statement" handbag with gold hardware from Vera May that I purchased from the Simona Ricci store at Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre. Jewellery was kept minimal - a chunky lapiz lazuli ring from a Fair Trade store called Inkuku in my hometown.

Scroll down for a closer look...

Guinness Pie with Mashed Potato

Side of Crispy Chips with Aioli

Earning My Stripes

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Dress: Diana Ferrari twill

Heels: Wittner leather & suede

Clutch: Wittner beads, suede with chrome hardware

Bangle: Autograph Fashion chrome

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Finally posting again as this Australia Day long weekend draws to a close with some desk-to-dinner inspiration for you in the form of this black & white striped twill fit-to-flare dress from Diana Ferrari. No longer available on the website but still in stores & dramatically reduced due to administration, this monochrome marvel is ideal for the office with a pair of black heels & a blazer nipped in the waist but it's after dark that it really shines...

I decided to mix it with brighter accessories that were perfect for a summer evening in the River City - a gorgeous pair of vibrant orange leather & suede t-bar heels that leave most of the foot exposed to elongate the legs & a matching beaded clutch comprising of black & white stripes with a floral motif on top, picking up on the pops of orange inherent in the tropical flowers. Both items are from Wittner, my go-to place for amazing footwear & were UNDER $75 each (on sale), which is a massive bargain, considering the quality of the craftsmanship. When it came to jewellery, I kept it simple but statement-making due to scale, wearing one woven chrome bangle that I picked up a few years ago from Autograph Fashion for $3. Yes, really. If you are at the shops & have time on your hands, it pays to go into ALL the stores that are advertising sales/reductions on their products as you just don't know that you might find for an absolute rock-bottom price... there are hidden gems everywhere.

If you liked this look, then stay tuned - as the weather cools down (fingers crossed that it happens soon!) ankle boots, faux fur, textured tights & shiny patent leather will all come into play, showing the true versatility of classic horizontal stripes.

Brisbane in Wintertime

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Dress: Diana Ferrari stretch lace

Duster: H&M chiffon

Ankle Boots: Wittner patent leather

Bag: Forever New vinyl with gold hardware

Necklace: Karen Walker gold & silver

Bracelet: Karen Walker gold & silver

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I love Brisbane, particularly in the wintertime when the temperature drops enough to pursue outdoor endeavours & explore this great city by foot as the sun shines above. Here I am, posing against the stone wall (under the arch) at the Hector Vasyli Memorial* - at one end of the Victoria Bridge that connects Southbank Parklands to the Queen Street Mall - before walking across to Irish Murphy's Pub for a delicious "traditional" lunch with my parents. I'm wearing a gorgeous black & electric blue stretch floral lace dress with black jersey underlay (including tulle!) from Diana Ferrari, a yellow & electric blue psychedelic printed chiffon long-sleeved shirtdress-turned-duster from H&M, comfortably yet stylish shiny black patent ankle boots from Wittner with matte 40 denier Razzamatazz tights, black vinyl cross-body bag with gold hardware & khaki quilted backpack from Forever New. A matching gold & silver "bow" necklace & bracelet from Karen Walker was added to complete the look.

*For those who don't know, the Hector Vasyli Memorial was erected in 1918 to commemorate the life of a patriotic eleven-year-old Greek/Australian paper boy who was tragically & accidentally killed by a military service vehicle as he threw chocolates (purchased with his own pocket money) to returning World War I troops as they crossed the bridge during a welcome home parade. Every year since, the Greek Orthodox Community pay their respects to this special little boy on ANZAC Day by laying wreaths at the memorial. 

"...in the breast of a child he carried the heart of a man."

Traversing the bridge in their matching shades of black, white & grey...

Best Guinness Pie E-V-E-R!

Mother & Daughter Selfies on our favourite shady bench in Southbank Parklands, drinking coffee (mine's a Chai Latte!) & looking out at the sunlight dancing on the Brisbane River... PURE BLISS. For those who asked on Instagram, Mum is wearing a black coated cotton shift dress with unbelievable origami-style collar from Dogstar, crinkled grey poly-blend cardigan (tied in the middle to create shape) from Spicy Sugar that I found at a store called Fair Mart in Ipswich City Square & vintage "ice skater" brooch from a now-defunct store called Hobohemia in Paddington. It really is something particularly special.

Gotta love these pretty & festive biodegradable take-away coffee cups!

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