Saturday 27 December 2014

SMOKE AND MIRRORS

The title of this post might be a little misleading. There is magic, nor real smoke or mirrors. But there definitely is a mirrored smoke print on my shirt. So I guess there is partial truth. I'm always on the hunt for modern, wearable prints. I used to live by the motto: the brighter and busier the print, the more I must have it. Now I tend to stick to creative and striking, yet subtle, prints. Preferably black and white (of course). And this older Cameo blouse, while regrettably under-appreciated when I first got it, has now taken pride of place in closet for meeting all of those criteria. What's your perfect print?







Cameo Blouse | Vintage Skirt | Senso Heels

Saturday 20 December 2014

SCHOOLS OUT

It may have been many years since I've last ran free out the halls of a school. But that doesn't mean that I can't enjoy a little nostalgia with this prep-meets-punk inspired outfit. If I had my time again (and went to a school that doesn't enforce uniforms which cripple self-expression) I imagine my day-to-day would be a little something like this. 






Asos Dress | Ray Ban Sunglasses | Roc Boots

Sunday 14 December 2014

BRIGHTEN THE CORNERS

Sometimes things can seem a little dark. You may not feel your best, perhaps a little under the weather. Things might not have gone as you had hoped. Or an unexpected event could cast a shadow over everyday. A little bit of gloom is completely normal, but don't let it tarnish everything. A shine or a sparkle can often be hard to find in each day. But if you start by brightening the corners, your whole perspective on a rough day can become a little lighter. 







Jaggar the Label Dress | Sportsgirl Bag | Senso Heels

Monday 8 December 2014

THROWING SHADE

Why can't we all just get along? I feel like that's a question I ask all too often these days. Of course, I'm not completely ignorant as to how the world works; I know that we wont actually befriend all who we meet. But there's something to be said for maliciously throwing shade. 

Talking poorly of people behind backs or needlessly spreading gossip - it's an exhausting, mean-spirited waste of time. I thought the older I got, the less petty drama I'd have to deal with. I was wrong. I've met so many self-serving people who care little for even their 'friends', that it genuinely has me concerned for the future of compassion in the human race. It's time to stop throwing shade and frolic in the sunshine. 






Sabo Skirt Top | Vintage Pencil Skirt | Senso Heels

Thursday 4 December 2014

TWENTY ONE

"They only want you when you're seventeen. 
When you're twenty-one, you're no fun."

This past year has seen more change than so many before it. I've met new people. Some of them I'm lucky enough to call my friends. I've done new things. Some of them positive, all of them something to learn and grow from. And throughout it I've tried to nurture the constants in my life - old friends, family, and study. 

It's hard to let go of old habits. Even though you know that they were holding you back. The easy thing to do is wallow in your unhappiness. Yes, change is scary. And you'll probably never be ready for it. But it will happen eventually. And it will make you a better person. For me, changing myself and my circumstances has definitely been a conscious effort. After getting comfortable with being unsatisfied I've had to put myself out there, and the fear of rejection was something that had always stunted my growth as a person. 

As I'm writing this, I am twenty-one years and one month old, and things are really looking up. Friends, family, study, jobs - everything has improved ten fold since this time last year. Why? Because I took a chance on myself and I tried. Like really, really tried hard to improve so many aspects of my life. Sure, there's a long way to go until I reach my highest heights, but I feel as though I've made a tangible start. This is the first time I properly feel as though I am my own woman. And at the moment, and I hope forever, I'm having a lot of fun being Izzy. I am woman, hear me roar laugh! 



Tuesday 28 October 2014

FORGET THE REST

I've found myself lost. I'm trying to navigate this new world that I've become increasingly involved with, and quite obviously failing. I know I talk a lot about 'taking the first step' and 'grabbing opportunities', but what happens when you've done that? What happens when you're on the second or third step? 

My decision to be more involved in university life has been rewarding- the people, the experiences, the memories- but it's also challenging. There is gossip, drama, and history that rears its ugly head into conversations and friendships. I'll admit, I got a little caught up in it all. While it's nice to feel a part of something, it shouldn't comprise my integrity or identity. So I'm choosing to not take a step back per se, but rather just forget the rest. Forget the temptation of 'he-said-she-said's. Forget the petty arguments. And put my time and energy into being the trustworthy friend I was before I lost myself. 






Asos Top | Monki Jacket | Ally Skirt | Sportsgirl Bag

Monday 20 October 2014

INDUSTRIAL GROOVE

Apologies for the two week hiatus. Things have been a little trying. Exhaustion levels are high. As are frustration and tiredness. I hate to complain because I know there are other people in more difficult situations, but I only have my own experiences to go off. And recently everything seems to come with a side of sadness. While I won't go into specifics- do I ever?- I am trying to get my groove back. When I think groove, I think of the seventies. And so here is my take on a chic, seventies inspired outfit.






Sabo Skirt Top | Asos Pants | Senso Heels

Monday 6 October 2014

GONE BAD

Please excuse the Rihanna reference, but this outfit cannot be described more accurately than 'Good Girls Gone Bad'. This is the most feminine and delicate dress I own. As the quintessential good girl dress, I feel too uncomfortable to wear it alone. White with frills and romantic lace is just not my style. Then here is where it goes bad- or in my opinion, gets much better. Adding a tough, rugged leather jacket with badass zipper and stud details; paired with rough, lace up boots. The good girl is still under there somewhere. Just coated with the attitude of a bad girl exterior.







Viparo Leather Jacket* | Tree of Life Dress | Roc Boots

Tuesday 30 September 2014

UNDER A HALO

I am under a halo. Or so it appears. But I guarantee you that everything isn't necessarily as it seems. If anything it is a somewhat ironic setting and an unfortunate angle. I am far from angelic. I am far from grand. Rather, I am understated. I am simple. Just like my sense of style.







Maurie & Eve T-shirt | Viparo Leather Skirt* | Senso Heels

Saturday 27 September 2014

COMING OF AGE

Despite living in denial this past year, it's time to accept that my 21st birthday is fast approaching. I still have just over a month until the big day, but that hasn't stopped me doing a lot of thinking about coming of age. I'm sure this will be a theme of future blog posts, however, I just wanted to touch upon while an experience is fresh in my mind.

I saw the movie 'Boyhood' last night. While the circumstances weren't always ones I could relate to, the story was. It follows a boy's life from pre-school to adulthood. Naturally, it made me reflect upon my own life experiences. I realised that I've been unnecessarily dreading turning 21, for the fear that makes me somehow a 'real' adult. Growing up is inevitable. I need to welcome it open arms; let go of my preconceived ideas and expectations; take advantage of the new opportunities that age and experience presents; and realise that 'coming of age' is not something that will happen on my birthday, but rather it's just another name for the life-long journey we all are on. 







Cameo Dress | Viparo Leather Jacket and Bag* | Senso Heels