After A Day Out In The City ...

I thought you'd enjoy a little look into some purchases I made over the weekend whilst wandering around Brisbane's Queen Street Mall and South Bank.

Lipstick: I've been looking for a dark lipstick mixed between a burgundy and purple for a while. I've seen the Rimmel Lasting Finish By Kate Moss Lipsticks popping up everywhere so I decided to give them a go. I bought mine in shade 31 and was so disappointed that they weren't given names instead of numbers, one of my favourite things is when companies given there products interesting names. Anyhow It's a beautiful lipstick with amazing pigmented colour and it felt smooth and silky. Next time I'm out I'll be keen to pick up other lipsticks from the range in shades 10 & 38. 
 $9.95 at Priceline Pharmacy 

The Time Machine By H G Wells: I've always been drawn to Penguin Books, I think it's because the covers give nothing away about the actual content of the novel and every time I then pick one up it's like a little hidden surprise inside. When I stumbled upon this little novel it was on the bottom shelf next to some CD's and records of a small music/ bookstore located in Brisbane (South Bank). I picked it up one because it was the slimmest there (I seem to have commit issues at the moment with reading thick pieces of literature) and because after reading the blurb it sounded like the most odd and weird novel I've seen in a long time. I'll update you on instagram about how I'm finding it in the future, so remember to keep an eye out for that (instagram @rileyjxo).
 $10.00 at Title - Link HERE

Sunglasses: These cat eye styled sunglasses from Factorie are just what I've been looking for! I've been on the hunt for glasses with a classic and versatile shape that can be worn to many different occasions from the beaches to the city centre. They are definitely on trend with their 60's/ 70's retro shape. I was surprised how much I did like them since in the past glasses with a circular lens have made my face look overly angular and insect like. I feel very Audrey Hepburn sporting this little gem.
 $12.95 at Factorie 

I hope you enjoyed this little look into some purchases I made on my day out in Brisbane city. It's so great to be able to check out brands that I wouldn't normally be able to see because their stores aren't yet on the Sunshine Coast, but I guess thats what online shopping is for... 

. Stay Cool and Remember To Always Find Something To Smile About .

Have We Let The Internet Replace The Streets For Fashion Inspiration & Creativity?

Fashion has always been defined by the decades culture influences such as music, political events, art movements, role models or idols for teens, controversial pieces of literature and photographs. These are the things that street fashion have come to encompass and I believe that we will always continue to dress in accordance with the music we like or what our friends find cool and the “it” thing of the moment. This is because we surround ourselves with people of similar interests and values. If you look close enough I think you can see through the use of social media we've been able to create online communities that allow the concept of “street fashion” to become more expressive and more widely seen, but less physical, actually out in view of the public.

I can think of a few examples where street fashion has developed our perception of events through out history, the most prevalent I can think of that I have a connection with is the birth place of peace and free love on the streets of Haight Ashbury in San Francisco. If there is one place on earth where tie dye is the appropriate dress code this is it. If you haven't been there it's definitely a place stuck in a different time, a lot different from any street I've seen in Australia. It's a little rough around the edges but you can picture Jimmy Hendrix or Janis Joplin walking down the street smoking a joint. 

. Source . 

On a different note I myself am a great example of the minimalist trends that has set down it's roots, on the Sunshine Coast streets its kind of an unwritten dress code where girls my age you will see often wearing a white t-shirt, light blue denim shorts and white converse as the "safe" option – this look is originally inspired my Scandinavian minimalist fashion trends. Let’s be honest who ever really likes choosing the safe option. I admire people who stand out because I myself am not always willing to do the same. Those of you who wear timeless classic wardrobes or vintage pieces not recycled trends everyone has seen before a million times are the people who are noticed. In reality I could go all “As an artists who respects creative integrity and intellectual property I am disgusted… Do you not have any value of respect for individuality?” on you, but seriously that lady is the definition of a twat. 

As we allow the Internet to fully expose street culture through social media, I believe the street has begun to shrink, as the Internet grows bigger. This is probably one of the reasons I personally admire professional Vlogger's on YouTube because we as the viewer are able to glimpse that little be extra into their likes and dislikes than a simple “sit down” video each week can provide. This also raises that question if we take to much inspiration from bloggers about what our day-to-day lives should look like. I think I can confidently say no we don’t, nobody is a carbon copy of another person we've just been exposed to people with similar interests. I find interesting that a lot of Youtuber's dress nicely from the waist up because they’re on camera at home. I've seen a lot of mixed reactions from people on this subject such as (and I’m paraphrasing from memory)  “It’s not a fair representation of themselves” or “It’s deceitful”. My own personal opinion is that the Internet it’s self is the world put through a camera lens it’s never going to be 100% accurate or as reliable as the “street” we once took inspiration from but it’s given us the opportunity to connect with so many like minded people, that maybe this concept of ‘how the people around you dress must be how you dress’ was only holding us back until now.

Sorry I began to ramble but I had so many things I wanted to include. I'd love to know your thoughts on this subjects so feel free to leave a comment below.

. Stay Cool and Dress In Whatever The Hell You Want To .

Clutch Bag Essentials

For Christmas, I was gifted by my Aunt this amazing clutch bag from Sportsgirl - Linked HERE -. It's amazing and I absolutely love it to death. They're a really good bag to be able to go from day to night and black is obviously going to go with just about everything. I like the imprinted text because I feel like it reflects one of my favourite hobbies ie Blogging. Obviously I'm not world wide famous but a lot of the time when you have a virtual space people remember what you've written rather than you, which I kind of like in a way.

Any how, I went shopping today with a few of my friends (Hi Steeley!) and here's a look at what I took with me. Firstly I took my wallet which is quite old and from Rip Curl, it's the perfect size but because the stitching has begun to fall apart I'm going to have to get a new one. It's a shame because I've absolutely loved it for the last two years. Next is my Matte Finishing Powder incase my face becomes shiny through out the day and the Burt's Bee's Lip Balm in Red Dahlia - Both mentioned in a past post HERE-. My phone which would be like leaving a child alone at home, had to come along. Unfortunately I rely on it way to much (my mum says it's a generational thing pfft...). I also have to bring it so I can take many happy snaps of the day. An old perfume (Still by Jay Lo) at the bottom of my bag never goes to waste, the smell always seems to go by lunch-time-ish whenever I wear perfume which sucks (maybe I don't put enough on? My dad would disagree..). You're going to find me odd but wherever I go out I always take a tea bag with me, I usually have a "tea of the month" which I can't get enough of. This month it's Cocoa and Chilli By Higher Living - Mentioned in a past post HERE -. It's just nice to be able to have the one I prefer if a friend offers. Boby pins and scrunchies because they always seem to disappear at the most inconvenient of times.

I hope that everyone has been enjoying my posts recently and if you written a post you think I should check out do leave a link in the comments below!

. Stay Cool and Happy Beautiful People .

V Day | A Style Guide Dedicated to all the Girls Who Get Butterflies

Rather than have my usual cynical approach to the one day a year everyone gets all loved up, I've decided to put together a little V Day Style guide which is sure to turn heads and our eyes into hearts. Whether you're at home with the girls eating tubs of Ben & Jerry's, in your Peter Alexander onesie (the notebook playing in the background whilst you discussing your latest boy drama) or your man has booked a romantic dinner out at your favourite restaurant and even if ladies you're heading out on the first date with that special someone you've been making eyes across the classroom with for the last 6 months - I think I've got just the thing for you...

"No, I don’t think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That’s what’s wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how." 

. Gone with the Wind . 

. GirlFriend Material Dress . From Free People | . Hand Painted Wooden Brush . From Free People | . Lace Bralette . From Peter Alexander | . Pepe Sleep Tee . From Peter Alexander | . Ladies Love Scuffs . From Peter Alexander| . Hannah Check Pinafore Dress . From Boohoo | . Samia Patent Tassie Trim Loafer . From Boohoo | . Lipsticks in Shades Relentlessly Red // Russian Red // MAC Red . From Mac Cosmetics | . Velvetines in the Shade Wicked . From Lime Crime | . Nail Varnish in the Shade Milky Ways . From Lime Crime | . High Stakes Top . From Shine Boutiques | . Sweet Love Playsuit . From Shine Boutiques | . Pink Round Sun Glasses . From River Island | . Black Half Frame Retro Sunglasses . From River Island | . Brown Cat Eye Glasses . From River Island | . Cross Over Trousers . From Free People | . Sex Bomb Bath Bomb . From Lush | . Prince Charming Shower Gel . From Lush | 

. The Comforter Bubble Bar . From Lush

. Stay cool and all loved up lovely people .

January Favourites 2015

t feels like a life time ago when I sat down and wrote my last favourites post. We've had Christmas, New Year, my adventure to America and I've begun back at school. As I've been in America the majority of January a lot of things I've been loving were bought on my trip. We had to buy two extra bags for all shoes we purchased let alone all the other goodies that seemed to fall into our baskets. 

Being back at school I've begun to sink slowly into my old routine, which involves leaving my warm cocoon like blankets at 6am each morning.

Curses!

Friends. Brace yourselves. It's going to be a long year...

BEAUTY

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation (Liquid Form) 115

Maybelline for a long time has been my automatic go to foundation brand. Before that I was content with just wearing a light BB cream, even though the colour didn’t always match my skin correctly *cringes*.  I found my exact shade, which is 115 all year round (with a little help from a bronzer in the summer months). It provides great coverage and doesn’t wear off through out the day. I now have all three Fit Me products in 115 because I love them so much - the Liquid Foundation, the Shine Free Foundation Stick (often used as a blemish concealer) and the Powder Compact. I purchased the liquid foundation whilst grocery shopping on my holiday in America. I was so excited that my foundation cost less that half price of what it would have in Australia.

PURCHASED FROM CITY MARKET STEAMBOAT COLORADO ~ BETWEEN 6 – 10 DOLLARS

Benefit Lash-Hugging Gel Linear Pen

When I was in San Francisco I saw a Sephora store and just about died with excitement. So far in Australia we have one Sephora located in Sydney, my closest capital city is Brisbane and Sephora is yet to open a store there. This means that I don’t have access to so many amazing brands (unless I order online). I went in and gravitated straight to the Benefit area where I found one of the most blogged about gel eye linear pens. I actually love it; I often find that getting my linear close to the lash line is really a hassle. However I’ve had a lot of success with this product. It goes on easily and hasn’t rubbed off or smudged like other brands I’ve tried. It really provides a clean slick lash line and flick.

PURCHASED FROM SEPHORA SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA ~ BETWEEN 24 – 30 DOLLARS

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Mist

If you’ve read my blog before you’ll know I love The Body Shop (A lot!). So whilst I was wondering around the airport waiting for a flight I decided to have a glance. They were having a big sale on top of the already cheaper American prices so I purchased this body mist and two body balms. This body mists scents reminds me of chocolate and fudge, the same kind of smell you get when you walk into a sweet shop. I think that this isn’t an everyday scent because it is a little heavy but I will be wearing it often.

PURCHASED FROM SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA AIRPORT ~ 6 DOLLARS 

FOOD

Extra Dessert Delights Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Gum

I've only found one place that sells this in Australia, which was a big confectionary warehouse in Brisbane. I wish they would make a perfume in this scent because I would spray it all around my house (and all my friends houses...), it really does smell and taste exactly like the ice cream flavour. 

+ the taste lasts for ages and with other flavours like strawberry cupcake - we are finally able to confirm that there truly is a God. ;)

PURCHASED FROM STEAMBOAT COLORADO CITY MARKET ~ 2 for 4 DOLLARS

Cookie Dough Oreo's

I bought these in America and now looking back on it I could probably find some where in australia, but let's be real though I was never going to regret buying Oreos. I found the filling a little weird only because it didn't really stick to the biscuit like the original ones do. None the less - again another sweet thing America has excelled at! 

PURCHASED FROM STEAMBOAT COLORADO CITY MARKET ~ 5 DOLLARS

OTHER

Pumpkin Gingerbread  & Gourmet Espresso Candles

Just when I thought I couldn't fit another thing in my carry on luggage... *Smells Candle*. 

I'm definitely going through a phase where I'm loving scents that smell like food. I probably find these more of a winter/night time scent than something for this time of year (Australia is in Summer BTW).  

PURCHASED FROM BATH AND BODY WORKS CAESARS PALACE LAS VEGAS NEVADA ~ 2 for 4 DOLLARS

FASHION

Ivory Woven Lace Blouse

All my recent clothes purchases have had a really Boho relaxed vibe, which I'm really starting to enjoy wearing. I've started to build up a really cohesive and put together wardrobe. This Blouse is gorgeous! I'm especially in love with the lace detailing on the chest and the cuffs. I really like when I find a piece of clothing that I'll get a lot of wear out of but it is slightly different to anything I'd buy back home.

. Monochrome.  Lace . Thick Woven Knits . Brown & Black Faux Leathers . Wooden Jewellery . Washed Out Denim . 

PURCHASED FROM FOREVER 21 SIZE S - contemporary - LAS VEGAS NEVADA ~ 27.90 DOLLARS

Redwood Hexagonal Earrings

Made from the roots of the oldest and largest trees on earth, I'm sure to love these beautiful earrings for many years to come. Since purchasing them from the Muir Woods gift shop whilst staying in near by San Francisco I've only worn a few other pairs of earrings and I always seem to come back to this pair. They match my every mood and outfit.

PURCHASED FROM MUIR WOODS CALIFORNIA ~ 2 for 4 DOLLARS

The Best Pair of Boots I've Ever Seen 

When my friends talk about love at first sight I didn't know what they meant until now. I love them they are just superb! Comfortable and could go with anything, which I guess is what everyone looks for in their perfect pair of boots. They are my Little Black Dress of Boots!

PURCHASED FROM AEROSOLES LAS VEGAS ~ ORIGINALLY 89.99 reduce to  69.99 DOLLARS

I do apologise for not posting anything that last week, school and work have been very hectic. I do have several posts lined up for the next two weeks so keep your eyes on this space. If you have any questions do leave a comment below. 

. Stay Cool & Safe .