IT IS HOLIDAY TIME

Dear All,

Just letting you know that I am dropping out of the blogosphere for a while.  It is holiday time, again, but this time is not going to be that long, only a couple of weeks.

We are off to Bali for a week to shake off the winter blues and get a suntan just in time for our summer.  On our way back to OZ, we are stopping off in Melbourne, primarily to attend a family wedding which is a big affair spread over 3 days of various ceremonies, dinners and lunches. 

During this busy time we will try to squeeze in a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria to view an exhibition of Degas’ art and somehow find the time to have dinner at the acclaimed Om Nom restaurant at the Adelphi Hotel known as the world’s only “dessert-themed” restaurant.  Apparently their desserts are out of this world and I simply have to taste at least one.  

And then, who knows what else might occur.

All the details later on the blog and Instagram.

Until then

BLACK, READ AND BLUE - CHAMBRAY COAT (LOOK #2)

Hi everyone,

Previously on Looking Fabulous @ 50 I was showing you my new chambray dress that I wore it as a coat over my summer outfit of cropped linen pants and a tee (Look #1).  However, lately I discovered that it looks as good with darker, heavier fabrics which means a few extra outfit combos.

Someone made an interesting observation the other day: "Weekends are precious, "Two glorious days devoid of responsibility and overflowing with possibility". My sentiment entirely provided that I know or at least have a slightest idea of what u want to do, where I would like to go, what would I want to see and what kind of food I feel like eating, otherwise I am in tatters and every member of my household is keeping as far away from me as it is physically possible.

I don’t think I have ever been spontaneous, I belong to a group of people who like to plan their holidays, meals and weekends well in advance. I can’t just wake up on a Saturday morning not knowing what to do and just “go with the flow” and it definitely does not work for me when someone suggests that I should just "veg”, I need to be somewhere doing something. Could it be that I am suffering from some kind of FOMO syndrome?

Anyhow, that how I was feeling last Saturday. We didn’t have any plans for the day, there was nothing to see at the movies and I couldn’t make up my mind about what I would like to have for lunch and so my husband suggested that we should get dressed and get out of the house and be spontaneous. Besides, we had no food in a house so we were forced to go out to eat anyway. So as you can imagine, it didn’t go very will with me and thus my mood remained in the dark.

Studies show that our outfit choices are made to reflect the mood we are in at the moment and my clothes on that Saturday morning was a living proof of this statement – black pants, black jumper, and black shoes and, you guessed it, black coat. Of course, the situation was not that bad, I guess I was a bit of drama queen but we are allowed to act like one sometimes, right?

Then the phone rang, did I hear someone just said "saved by the bell"? It was a dear friend of ours who just returned from the trip interstate asking us to join him and his latest lady-friend for lunch at the local bistro. Had it been someone else, I would’ve said “no” but I was very curious to meet his latest conquest, besides spending time with him is always a lot of fun. Oh well, that changed everything, almost. My mood immediately soared and so should my outfit.

Since I was already dressed, I didn’t want to change my clothes, however I was well aware that my look was quite sombre and in dire need of injection of some fun. And what could be an easier way of doing it? By wearing some bold and colourful accessories, what else?

Few years ago my daughter, knowing my penchant for statement pieces of jewellery, brought me a very funky multi-coloured necklace that was exactly what I needed. Its brightly coloured pieces looked even more strikingly against my black Cos jumper. Ever since this brand has opened its doors in my local shopping centre few months ago, I’ve become a regular visitor to it. I already bought a dress that I find myself wearing quite often (worn here) and this jumper is my latest acquisition.

But I didn’t stop there. Some people say less is more and some, others, like the stylist to the celebrities Rachel Zoe for example, say more is more. Today was the day for the latter. I discarded my black shoes and handbag and instead put on lace up flats in red patent leather that I bought many years ago at Gallery Lafayette in Paris and added a matching colour LV bag.

When I checked my outfit in the mirror, I thought the pants looked rather long, so I rolled up the cuffs and that added a relaxed feel to my outfit. Once again, my new chambray coat came as a perfect addition to my casual look.

Needless to say, to my husband’s greatest relief, I left home with a big smile on my face and, as I hoped, the four of us had a ball.

The moral of the story:  take it easy, go with the flow and be spontaneous.

Linking up with High Latitude Style, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Fashion Should be Fun, Sydney Fashion Hunter, Style Nudge, Fine Whatever, Not Dressed as Lamb

MY ANNIVERSARY PRESENT AND WHAT I WORE FOR DINNER AT QUAY

Hi everyone,

When my husband and I went to a gallery to view a new collection of South African artist Michael Taylor few weeks ago (more about it in this post "What I wore for a gallery opening), there were, like in every art gallery, the works of other artists on display a few of them which we really liked.  Particularly the one, depicting a very strange looking cat, totally got my attention.  Knowing that we are not hunting for any artwork at the time, I jokingly pointed out to my husband saying that it would be nice if we get it as a gift for our upcoming wedding anniversary, which is on the 29 of July.  

Traditionally, on the 29th day of every month my husband spoils me with a gift to mark the day.  It could be a pair of earrings or a voucher to the beauty salon or a coffee table book or anything he could think I would like to have.   Then, on the actual day of our wedding anniversary, he presents me with some lavish gift:  either an expensive piece of jewellery or a fancy handbag or a pair of gorgeous shoes.  That does not mean that I have to wait for the whole year if I need a pair of shoes but those gifts are not what I need nor even want, it is my husband’s and I quote "To spoil me rotten".  I have no objection to it, except occasional pang of guilt that the gifts should be for both of us, not just for myself but it does not bother him in the slightest.  We also celebrated this day by going out in the evening to one of the top notch restaurants in Sydney.

Anyhow, back to the story.  The time went on, I totally forgot about the cat but as the day of our anniversary grew closer, I started thinking more and more about what gift would I get this year or what restaurant we would go on the night.  My husband was keeping the plans close to his chest except for asking me to be ready by 7 pm.  Clearly, I had no idea about the surprise that he had in store for me, I did, however, felt slightly puzzled when I returned home after doing a school run and found no gift waiting for me.

As the day wore off, my puzzlement grew and with it came some disappointment.  Then, as if on cue, someone buzzed our security phone.  By the time I came downstairs to see who that might be, I found my husband standing in the middle of our dining room staring at the wall.  I followed his gaze and there, leaning against the wall, was the painting of a cat I had seen at the gallery.

Turned out, it was not just a picture of a cat, it was a cat called Behemoths, a character from the novel by a Russian author Michail Bulgakov, "Master and Margarita" painted by a talented Australian artist Jody Clark.  When my husband saw me looking at the painting, he quietly made an inquiry about its provenance and when he learned about its Russian connection, he decided to buy it for me.

We both absolutely love it.  If you take a closer look, you will be able to see that the letters on the door are Russians and so is the coin in cat's paw.

Technically, it was a gift for both of us but deep down I know that he bought it for me to honour my Russian roots and for that I am forever grateful to him.

When the time came for me to get ready, even not knowing where we were going for our anniversary dinner date, I thought my gold metallic pleated top with tuxedo pants and matching high heel shoes would rise to the occasion.  I found this shimmering top in Zara, Cape Town, when we were there earlier this year.  It was just hanging off the rack on its own as if someone left it there in a hurry.  I have always loved the tops with boat necks, not too high and not too low just, enough to show off your collar bone.   Besides, metallics and pleats are very hot right now and this top has it all.

My pants were also purchased on the same trip but this time it was in Lisbon.  I like the silk stripes running along the length of the leg and around the waist like a real tuxedo style making them look rather special.

And last but not least, the shoes.  I am sure it is not the first time I am stressing about an  absolute power which this accessory possesses over an outfit and its ability to make or break it. With that in mind, tonight I am wearing my newly acquired Louis Vuitton black shoes called Betty pump "accessorised with tone-on-tone resin marbles engraved with the LV initials".  Believe it or not, they were also purchased on the same trip but this time in Athens

All was left for me to do is to grab my mini Chanel purse and put on my coat and we were off.

 

As we were about to leave the house, my husband finally revealed to me our destination, a dinner at Quay.  It is Australian's most awarded restaurant and one of only two Australian restaurants on the prestigious S Pellegrino World's Top 50 list and to get a table there, one must book at least 6 months in advance.  You are not going to Quay for just dinner, you are going there to have a whole new experience of culinary world.  Situated in the historic district called The Rocks, Quay is not only famous for its unique food but its position offers the most breathtaking harbour views in the city:  over the Harbour Bridge on one side and the Sydney Opera House right across from it.  When it comes to food,  I quote "At Quay, our passion is to deliver a truly unique dining experience, one which is completely removed from the everyday".  Which they did with utmost excellence.

Needless to say, the food was sublime, the service - excellent, and the reflection of sparkling lights on the Harbour Bridge dancing in our wine glasses was absolute magic.   I couldn't wish for more.

HOW I MADE A CHAMBRAY DRESS INTO A COAT (LOOK #1)

Hi everyone,

When it comes to clothes, the one thing that really makes me happy is the knowledge that the items in my wardrobe are worn to their full capacity.  As you know, versatility in clothes combined with an ability to mix and match them, results in a significant increase in the number of outfits in your wardrobe which in turn leads to saving clothet space and money.

Of course, you cannot wear a ball gown to do your grocery shopping and jeans and a tank top will always be what they are no matter how gorgeous the shoes that you wear with them are but certainly, there are some pieces in your wardrobe that would fit multiple purposes or weather seasons: a polo neck under a cami dress to keep that effortless everyday edge in cooler months or if you are facing a day-night scenario, you could wear a jersey tee under a sequin slip dress during the day and easily get rid of it for a night out. 

EVEN SMALL ACCESSORIES LIKE SCARVES, SHAWLS AND TIES WORN 

DIFFERENTLY COULD BE ALL YOU NEED TO NAIL YOUR OUTFIT OF THE DAY

As I mentioned previously, my shopping mantra for clothes is to buy them from the places where I can easily get a refund if I change my mind, so when I bring a new piece of clothing home, I try to figure out how it will fit in with my existing wardrobe and how many potential new outfits I can get out of it.  By following this rule, I have managed to avoid many disappointments and save myself a small fortune on otherwise unreturned and unwanted items.

This method, clearly, is not applicable when I travel, here I have to take a chance and hope for the best.

A case in point is my new chambray button down dress.  If you read my previous post, (A Chambray Dress for Stroll in the Park) I mentioned that I bought it in such haste that I didn’t even have time to think what I was going to wear it with and it took me a couple of months to finally put it on.

Now that I feel comfortable wearing it, I started thinking what else can I do with it.  The answer came sooner than I expected.  I was getting ready to meet our out-of-town friends to take them to one of my most favourite places in Sydney, Parsley Bay, when it occurred to me that the jacket that I was planning to wear over a t-shirt had been borrowed by my daughter and was not in sight.  It was also a possibility that I might never even see it again (if you live with a teenager, you probably know what I am talking about, right?  I was running out of time and started panicking when I my eyes set on the chambray dress, so I just grabbed it and headed for the door hoping that it would work.

 My outfit on that day was white cropped linen pants and a yellow t-shirt and multi-coloured open-toe shoes – very bright and summery.  I was carrying a messenger bag in muted blues and greys but it looked like it needed an injection of bright colours too, so what did I do?  I grabbed my skinny scarf in yellows, pinks and blues and tied it up around the bag.  It looked much better now. 

The day was sunny and quite warm but as the sun began to set, I felt a slight chill in the air and I put on the chambray dress, or shall I call it a coat now? Surprisingly, it seemed to match my outfit quite well.

To make it more cohesive (and to illustrate the point that I was making earlier), I used the same thin scarf but this time rather than wrapping it around my neck as you do with a tie, I just threaded it through the top button hole of the coat.  This unexpected accessory was just what I needed to give my outfit the desired twist.

Do you follow any rules when clothes shopping? Would like to hear your thoughts on the subject

Until then,

.