Dot dot dot

Given that I am just over 5’1, I will always gravitate towards the highest heel I can find.  The smallest heel in my closet is 4 inches…..until I moved to Sydney.  Just like NYC, DC and any other large city, Sydney is best explored on foot….and those feet must be stylish.  I hesitantly set out on my first “flats” shopping trip and was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of amazing options.  I just couldn’t resist these speckled Chuck Taylors.

Scarf: Olga de Polga (similar here, here & here), Jeans: THVM (similar here,  here & here), Tee: Gap (similar here), Shoes: Converse (here & here), Clutch: Clare Vivier, Nails: Chanel “Rouge Noir”, Sunnies: Karen Walker number one (here & similar here), Bracelet: Vingate & House of Harlow (here & similar here)

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Object of Affection ~ Clare Vivier

I discovered these fabulous clutches several years ago through a friend of mine.  I love the simplicity combined with the luxurious leathers and suedes.  Ms. Vivier started this line as a solution to a stylish laptop case and soon parlayed it into a fabulously successful handbag line.  Her chic simplicity is reflected in every piece which gives all women a bit of Parisian flare.

  My pick is this tan with pink stripe flat clutch.  The pop of pink is just enough to take a simple accessory up a couple of notches.

Katie Holmes wears Clare Vivier neon flat clutch

~Guide to the perfect Clare Vivier clutch:

Pick your shape:  The foldover and the flat clutch are my two favorite styles.  The foldover has a bit more versatility simply due to the fact it folds.  It also comes in an oversized style and can double as an iPad or small laptop cover. (I love this & this)

The flat clutch is the smaller sibling to the fold-over and is just as amazing.  Carried by Katie Holmes, this stylish pouch is the perfect clutch size. (I recommend this).

Pick your texture:  I gravitate towards the pebbled leather.  It is the heaviest of the leathers and handles wear and tear effortlessly.  The smooth leathers are a bit thinner but butter soft.

Pick your color:  It’s hard to pick just one from Clare Vivier’s collections.  Good luck!

Clare Viver newbies, I recommend starting with a basic like the black pebbled leather or a cognac.  I am currently obsessed with the neon zip that has added a twist to this basic black clutch.  A good leopard print is also top on the priority list.  Clare Vivier’s leopard clutch is stunning and done in a beautiful pony hair.

Sun-day

This weekend was simply amazing weather wise, so of course we headed towards the coast for some sunshine, stunning views and yummy eats.  Hugo’s Manly is the beach-side location of this fantastic eatery which is known for its pizzas. (I am obsessed with the mushroom pizza ~wild mushrooms, taleggio, goat’s curd & caramelized onions~)  I like this recipe.

Jean jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch – old (similar here & here), Jeans: Rag & bone/jean (here & here), Scarf: Theodora & Callum (similar here & here), Shoes: DVF (here & here), Clutch: Clare Vivier, Bracelet: vintage (similar here), Nails: Essie “too too hot” Sunnies: Ray-ban (similar here & silver version here)

Playing dress up

My go to outfit is always an amazing pair of jeans and a comfortable, chic top and of course a pair of statement flats or heels.  Casual chic is always what I will opt for when heading out with friends or out and about on my weekends.

This past week, I found immense enjoyment in playing a bit of dress up for a rather formal affair.  With high tea in order, I decided to channel a bit of a garden party vibe with my wonderfully colorful dress.  The chain detailing and black accessories gives this otherwise sweet look a bit of an edge, which I love.

Dress: Zara (solid version here & similar here), Shoes: Christian Louboutin (similar here), Bag: Chanel medium flap, Jewels: House of Harlow (here & here), Nails: Chanel Rouge Noir, Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Puppy love

I absolutely could not resist the sweet little “Frenchies” scattered across this shirt.  Animals, lips  and chic french phrases all adorn soft tees and cozy sweaters this season…and I have to say I love it!  Its the perfect twist on an otherwise basic.  I decided to go casual with solid jeans and shirttail out, but take the puppies to work with a pencil skirt, heels and blazer.

Top: Zara (similar here & here ), Jeans: J brand, Shoes: Christian Louboutin (similar here & here), Bracelet: vintage (similar here), Clutch: Christian Louboutin (similar here), Sunglasses: Wayne Cooper (similar here), Lips: MAC “Vegas Volt”