Outfit

Today my look is all about tartan, and it’s a great time for it since tartan is such a massive trend at the moment (although I wish I’d had the opportunity to take these photos a week ago because I missed out on some super exciting and fun tartan link ups recently). I have always loved tartan and I think I always will. When I was a young girl, I owned a gorgeous tartan dress and it has been one of my favourite prints ever since; how I wish I still had that dress! When I saw the dress pictured below at Alannah Hill (and on sale) I knew I had to add it to my collection because it reminds me of my very first tartan dress all those years ago. Do you have memories like that? I adore the tight pencil style fit of this dress, the pink lining, the low cut neckline and the subtle pink detailing. These girly elements are the perfect contrast with the harsher tartan print.  I love the composition of this dress- the wool feels so beautiful to wear. For more of my opinion on tartan see my post here about my favourite tartan pieces.

I purchased my ‘Love’ necklace from Sportsgirl a few days ago during my lunch break at work. I’m finding this a frequent problem. Despite there being minimal clothes stores where I work (that’s probably a good thing given the absence of any self control on my part), there are a myriad of beauty, accessory, trinket and stationary stores in the area. I always fall into the trap of thinking- that’s only $10, it doesn’t matter if I buy it (of course not thinking how much it will all add up). So I am watching myself! Anyway, I love my 'Love' necklace. It reminds me of the key chain in the Sex and the City movie. Also, I've commented on many blogs recently saying that I'd like to own a necklace of such description. It's great that I now have one! 

It's that time of year again when everyone is crazy busy. In the coming week I have a number of work related social events which will provide a wonderful opportunity for dressing up. Since I'm not a very outgoing person, I'm a little nervous about this, but at the same time, it's very exciting. It's my first six months out in the workforce and the concept of going to a fancy restaurant with important colleagues is still very much a new novelty for me. Work has changed my life in ways I never thought possible. I've been at my current job for two months now and it's one of the best things that's ever happened to me. When I left my last job, it was the most devastating experience and my whole world fell apart. I can't believe I found a job which I like more and provides a healthier work/life balance. This experience made me believe, for the first time, that things happen for a reason. One of the reasons I like my current job is because I'm made three wonderful friends; I value them so much and we get on really well. I also reunited with an old school friend that I hadn't seen for ten years and it's like we'd never been apart. There aren't many people that, in person, I don't feel self conscious around, but it is the case with this one special friend. It means so much to me.








This week I purchased the ‘HOPE’ keychain from the Butterfly Foundation. As many of you know, the Butterfly Foundation represents all people who are affected by negative body image and eating disorders; is all encompassing and recognises the impacts of people with the illness as well as family and friends. It operates a national support line to assist those effected by eating disorders and provides a wide range of recovery programs and support groups, while advocating for additional services from independent sources and the government in seeking treatment for recovery.I have a number of reasons for wishing to show my support to such an organisation; long story short- I've possessed unhealthy views surrounding body image ever since I was very young. However, in recent times it's anxiety and depression that I've struggled with and have completely consumed by life. Objectively I have a good life but underneath the surface (ie. behind the bright and sparkly clothes, excessive spending, pretty decorated apartment, kitty cats and unicorns etc.) I still very much fight 'the black dog' every day. While I'm doing much better these days (work helped me gain  sense of purpose and forcing myself to keep busy takes my mind off various troubles) I wouldn't describe any day as easy. I've learned a lot in recent times but I know I will be susceptible to the above-mentioned issues probably forever. What I'm trying to say is that I bought my 'HOPE' key chain with my own personal struggles in mind. I believe it can be interpreted in a wider context and can remind us all of the light no matter what we are going through. This is why I attach my 'HOPE' keychain to whatever bag I'm using for the day. I tell myself that I'm holding onto hope. While it doesn't fix things, I want it to serve as a constant reminder to maintain hope (no matter how small and even on the bad days when it seems impossible to dismiss my negative thoughts). It's for all of us really. Wow, that was very deep and personal...on a lighter note, it just screams Tiffany & Co. green!










I can't believe another working week is over; this week went so fast. This weekend I should be attending my husband's work Christmas party which is the annual cruise around Sydney harbour (if weather permits- what's with the weather at the moment, I heard it was the wettest November in over 25 years). It's looking like a 50/50 chance that we will attend at the moment. My sister is also moving in for five weeks. What are you doing this weekend? 

 Bowknot Shaped Earrings c/o Romwomen
Alannah Hill 'This Charming Girl' Dress
Kitty Cat Heels 
Kmart Hair Flower
Guess Bag
Sportsgirl 'Love' Necklace
'Hope' Keychain

Linking to: What I Wore Wednesday, Monday Mingle