Giveaway! Make Up Forever! [CLOSED]

To celebrate hitting the 10000 views mark (small by comparison to most, but a mini milestone for me), I’ve decided to celebrate the occasion with my first giveaway! Up for grabs – Makeup Forever’s beautiful Aqua Rouge Waterproof Liquid Lip Colours in shades 1, 8 and 15.

Friday Favourite - Perfume

A couple of years ago, when I worked as Beauty Editor at Shout magazine, I remember everyone’s favourite day at work. And no, it wasn’t Friday…

It was the day, every month or two, when we held a free-for-all with all the awesome beauty products sent in by various PR companies. It resulted in us walking away from the office with bags of goodies, stuffed full of perfumes, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, skin treats, fake tan, false eyelashes, nail polish and everything else one could possibly need to look hot in time for the weekend.

From Bobbi Brown to Burberry, you name it, they were in there, but no matter how many awesome eye shadows, lipsticks or hair products I might rake through, my favourite part of this cosmetic playground was always the perfumes.

It was the easiest way to form a collection (and an addiction) that cost me absolutely nothing, and not only that, these gratis perfumes provided me with a temporary streak in the popularity contest when friends realised I had more than enough for myself and was handing them out.

But there was always one perfume that had to remain mine. That one perfume I didn’t mind buying so long as I didn’t have to wait for it, and the one perfume that no matter how many others I buy, is always my failsafe reach-for regular on any occasion.

Meet Dolce & Gabbana, The One.

The World On A Wall...

My job has taken me across continents, and to corners of the world that I never thought I would peek around, and I feel so lucky, every time I step off the plane and smell the scent of a new country, a new city and some new adventure.

That’s not to say that I don’t quite often smell the scent of freshly washed hotel linen, and dive under the duvet for the best part of 24 hours (oh yes, it is possible to sleep for 18 hours… in case you too will be stopping off in Lagos, Nigeria!)… but most of the time, on my first visit to any destination, I love to walk. What I love about walking around a city for the first time, is seeing all those sights you’ve seen in books, magazines and brochures, pop up around an unsuspecting turn, and to find quirks and scenes in that city that no amount of pictures can quite capture.

Since I first started flying, I've always been intrigued by the street art that appears so diversely and so frequently, wherever I set foot. And this post is just a glimpse of what I call, ‘the world on a wall…' I hope you like the pictures I've been lucky enough to take on some of my many stopovers.

For me, it’s a gallery of spray paint talent, raw art, and everyday messages. It’s something of an international language as each decorated stone portrays a story, a feeling or just an individual’s love of colour. Interpret as you will…

Bondi Beach, Australia

The Monday Makeover - Happy Hair Day

I don’t know about you, but personally, I don’t care for putting pictures of myself minus makeup on tinternet. It goes against my highly shallow principles.

But for the purposes of The Monday Makeover I shall show you how my hairdresser (and a little makeup) helped me swap a pasty face and bad hair day for a slightly more presentable get-up. And I'll share some of my favourite products along the way…

Friday Favourite – Bourjois Foundation

In the second of my Friday Favourites, the item in question is my foundation, which is, singlehandedly, the most commented-on part of my makeup regime.

I often flick through magazines, marveling at the brilliant Photoshopping job done by all those art directors, wondering if that ‘all-natural’ model really does look that bloody brilliant when she nips out for her aubergines. Well? Does she?!?!

Chances are, like most of us, a bit of prepping when it comes to your skin can make the world of difference and can let you off with skimping on other makeup essentials when you’re feeling lazy… or popping out for those aubergines…

Dining With Dolly - Zucca, London

The nature of my work and the constant travelling it brings, demand that I can’t always eat at home and to be honest, I’m (usually) perfectly happy to eat out, try something new and taste something fabulous. When that happens, I’d like to tell you about it so you too can all stuff your pretty faces.

Along with a short brief on where/what, I’ll end with my review in 5 words.

Yes, really, just 5. So you can skip my self-indulgent wittering, and head straight to the end unless you're interested in my wee visit ;)

The Monday Makeover - Lacy Nails

After coming up with the ever-so-originally-titled ‘Friday Favourites’, I decided to commit to another regular post, focusing on something that I love / am mildly obsessed with.

Makeovers.

And to top it off, I aim to publish these every Monday when we all need a little makeover boost the most!

If you know me well, you’ll know that I do not own a television, nor do I wish to. You might also know that when I do on occasion watch television, I freaking love makeover shows.

Whether it’s Gok and his Fashion Fix, Supersize vs Superskinny, MTV Made, 10 Years Younger, or any of the numerous shows from the make-me-prettier brigade, I won’t be able to tear my eyes from the screen for a moment.

I love seeing how someone can fulfill their potential, whether it’s by changing their clothes, makeup, hair, or even their home interior. Yes, I really am that superficial.

This is my very own makeover ‘show’, starting with today’s racy, lacy nail transformation... I’m currently on leave, and thanks to that lovely break in flying, it means I can depart from the red/French/clear stale-nailmate that I’m permanently stuck with thanks to airline ‘uniform standards’. The following nail art makeover is definitely not allowed onboard!

My Travel Wardrobe – A Trip to Bangkok and Sydney

I have a love/hate relationship with this particular trip. It’s a weeklong adventure which takes me to Bangkok for a day, followed by three days in Sydney and another day in Bangkok on the way back to Dubai.

I love the destinations.

I hate packing for two different continents and trying to leave enough room for potential shopping ;)

So here’s what happens when you try to pack for two different climates, two different continents and two different plans, without overloading my poor, beaten Samsonite. Did someone say capsule wardrobe?

Day 1 – Bangkok

Sightseeing… a trip to the floating market at Damnoensaduak demands flats (Havaianas), easy tee (H&M) + wear-anywhere jeans (H&M). And a camera, duh.

Day 2 – Sydney

For me, a casual maxi dress (Topshop) together with gladiator sandals (Old Navy) is perfect for a wee spot of shopping along George Street in Sydney, working 'laid-back chic' or, in other words, I couldn’t be assed thinking of a whole outfit so I threw a maxi dress in the suitcase :)

Diamond's Are A Girl's Best Friend... (Jewellery Storage DIY)

…but even more useful, is somewhere nice and pretty to store said diamonds / fake-ass costume jewels.

And that, my friends, is where a simple Martini glass and retro cake-stand come in.

World Catwalk: Destination Manila

Weekend shopping in Robinsons Galleria Mall, Manila, seems to demand a uniform of the giggling Filipinas. The uniform goes a little something like this: colourful t-shirt, shorts/leggings, flat pumps. And so I set about finding those who wore it best...

One of my favourite outfits came from Jean Pedreno, who did biker on the bottom with simple black shorts and boots, then switched it up with girly sunglasses and a blast of pink on top. Filipinas (from my observations in Manila, and in Dubai) tend to dress simply, keeping accessories to a minimum and applying Coco Chanel's tactic of taking one thing off before leaving the house. Jean proves that the latest arm-party craze isn’t a must and opts for sunnies and a watch instead…

Friday Favourite… Neom Candles

If there is one thing my best friend Nicola is good at, it’s present-buying. I’m not talking about special occasions, birthdays, etc… I mean random saw-this-and-thought-of-you moments which result in me now being proud owner of a Neom Home Candle, amongst other thoughtful treats.

From Tokyo, With Love (and shopping tips!)

There seems to be a unanimous answer whenever you ask cabin crew heading to Asian destinations “What are you going to do when you get there…?”

SHOPPING.

Followed by a close second. SLEEPING.

In Tokyo, despite the shopping appeal, I’ve spent most of my trips roaming around in search of cultural brain stimulation to make sure my grey stuff doesn’t vegetate due to the routine nature of my job. Temples, cherry blossom hunting, sushi bars, people-watching in Harajuku, ryoken, public baths… Doesn’t leave much time for shopping now, does it?...

Don’t ask how I managed it, but on my last Tokyo trip, post-elation on discovering cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, and before rushing back to the hotel (a trip which takes over an hour on the train), I took a stroll through the nearby city area to see what I could find. Some weird plastic food displays, the weirdest kinds of manga, and lots of teeny banzai trees later, I came across a small chinaware shop, tucked between a ramen restaurant and a shop selling a weird selection of DIY hardware and outdoor clothes…

This is Tokyo.

Strange. But true.

Enticed by the floral chintzy printed rice bowls carefully heaped outside, I unknowingly wandered in to Japanese homeware heaven. Yep, actual heaven. Teapots, teacups, rice bowls, bentos and everything else that the average tourist-filling-their-home-with-foreign-stuff would sell their grandma for.

I heart MAC... / The Beauty Of Louise

Exciting news from The Trolley Dolly! I recently teamed up with lovely Louise over at The Beauty Of Louise, detailing a joyful visit (or five) to MAC and the beautiful buys I invested in. Click hereto see my guest post and visit Louise’s gorgeous blog :)

Alongside the items bought there I also purchased these beauties from the Limited Edition Style Seeker collection and I wanted to give you a review based on my own experience of MAC, as an avid eyeshadow-buyer and Fluidline fan.

Eyeshadow Duo in On The Hunt...

The gold is hyper-pigmented and the red can be built up to the desired strength as you like it...

Fluidline in Dark Diversion...

First of all, I just have to talk about this Fluidline. ^^^ My poor mother… what I put her through whilst we were shopping. I stopped for goodness knows how long, just staring at this plummy, aubergine-y, charcoal purple-y pot of perfection. And then along came the delightful MAC salesperson… she saw me coming.

World Catwalk: Destination Copenhagen

I confess that I didn’t do my research before I set off for Copenhagen (nothing new there then). I had a rough plan to visit the famous Tivoli Gardens, the world's second oldest amusement park (apparently), and, quite frankly, that was about it.

To be honest, sometimes it’s nice to enter a city with no preconceptions, no expectations and then be pleasantly surprised (I had a similar experience in Hong Kong – read about it here…). Copenhagen achieves the impossible in its ability to be beautiful, even in the rain. The falling drops simply bring out a moody, almost magical atmosphere in this calm Scandinavian haven.

As far as my World Catwalk is concerned, I was intrigued by the street fashion in Copenhagen because it seemed to be a little different from most other cities. Like the odd wacky-fashion kid in class, or that one in the office (face it, you know who I'm talking about), she’s the one who shocks you by stepping in with interesting combinations that are unexpected and a tad weird, but on the whole, enviably cool.

On my first walk around the city, I took in the sights of the Tivoli Gardens, and for the most part I didn’t spot too many stylistas amongst all the touristas. What I did notice though, was a recurring theme of very yummy mummies! I’m sorry, but I draw the line at tearing Mother away from Baby whilst I snap their style but I will report that the streets of Copenhagen were full of svelte, stylish, poised mums, pushing prams in heeled boots and swishing big bouncy blonde hair around – making me feel a bit frumpy yet simultaneously inspired. Hats off to glam mums everywhere – I’m sure it’s not as easy as you all make it look!

I stopped for dinner in the superb Nimb Brasserie, a restaurant on the border of Tivoli Gardens. It was there I spied Seul Ki, from Korea, who was looking perfectly quirky in her printed tea dress with dainty collar and plimsolls. I’m not sure how anyone achieves skin as luminous and perfectly porcelain as Seul Ki’s, but regardless of the mechanics as to how, this amazing combination of flawless skin and floral print, is refreshingly simple yet stylish.

Finding Maccheroni

You know that earliest part of the day when the clouds are light and pink, and the air is fresh and the wind is just enough to make your eyes bright? I don’t get to see it too often as I’m always in my bed at that time of the day… but on a trip to the truly beautiful, postcard-perfect Roma, I experienced it midday. Pure loveliness. 

I was forecasting sunshiney, gelato-friendly weather, but instead this intermedium of daybreak and dusk was following me around town – and conveniently creating an amazing backdrop for my photos. How nice.

My mission on this one-day venture was to find really tasty Italian food. Yummy pizza, amazing gelato and blogworthy pasta. No mean feat when my available time extended to an afternoon and early evening (must get back and sleep before working the flight back the next day).

I started my search, as I’m sure many do. Lonely Planet guidebook firmly grasped in one hand, map in the other, camera over one shoulder… and some sniggering locals behind the other I’ve no doubt. Laughing, and rightly so, at my comedic over-enthusiasm. I might as well have been walking around with a neon sign saying ‘TOURIST’ plastered to my head with a Big. Flashing. Arrow.

Anyway, me and Lonely Planet Guidebook (LPG), hit the streets of Roma. Wandering in amongst the beautifully architectured streets in Trastevere, down shy cobbled lanes, and past rows and rows of scooters, their slim parking spaces surrounded by decorative drapes of pretty flowers. And all the while, with this dawny-dusky sky overhead, giving the buildings a sort of burnt glow, and adding warmth to all the colours around me. It was the perfect antidote to the busy flight I’d worked just hours before.

Do I really have to leave tomorrow?

Cobbled streets, trattorias, motorbikes, really bad parking... yep, I'm definitely in Rome.

About an hour into my meandering, I gave up on LPG. 

Much as I love their handy tips, I fancied the idea of chucking the map and just taking myself wherever I felt was the right direction.

That sort of thinking obviously led me straight to a little gelateria for my sugar fix. My obsession with all things dessert-related called me in to visit Alberto Pica. That’s the name of said restaurant/gelateria, by the way. Not some handsome Roman. Just for the record.

As my good friend Laura might say, YUMOLA.

World Catwalk: Destination Ghana

Ghana is like a painting.

One of those paintings where you can’t quite figure out what it’s supposed to be, but you like it anyway… its many colours, textures and fabulous patterns draw you in and make you forget that you’re supposed to be figuring it out in the first place.

Just a brief walk along the dusty streets is an experience in itself here in the country’s capital.

Buses whiz past packed with people squeezing their bodies out of the windows to catch the breeze.

Women in bright, patterned clothes carry everything and anything on their heads and talk / chat / run / argue / carry children at the same time.

Stalls selling barbequed plantain serve up this delicious cross between potato and banana and wrap it in pages torn from a jotter, so you don’t burn your fingers…

People laugh loudly, talk loudly, and love to make jokes.

People make things, make music, make fun…

It really is a jolly place from where I’m standing. But then that’s perhaps a silly statement, as most places seem pretty jolly from where I’m standing in my little red hat, with my manicured nails as The Trolley Dolly!

I was reading a pro-tourism publication here in Accra, Ghana and I was inspired by what was said of the nation’s unfailing belief that ‘tomorrow will be better than today’. I like love this hopeful, resilient sentiment.

As you pass all the brightness of the city’s building success, you see the real meaning of this statement when your pretty picture is scratched by the image of real poverty. One man leads his blind mother amongst the heaving smoky traffic, another sits in a wheelchair at a traffic signal, with a big smile, missing his legs. And children with no shoes come to the windows of your car, putting their hands to their mouths, asking for any spare Cedis (Ghanaian currency).

As I walked amongst this bizarre network, it didn’t really cross my mind that this might pose as a backdrop for one of my World Catwalk features. Even if I wanted to take a few pictures, most of the women here are suspicious of the camera and I’m not about to start a row in the middle of downtown Accra. Would you?!

To my surprise, as I went in search of a restaurant, two stylish ladies walked onto my World Catwalk radar. 

Without thinking, I casually walked ran over and introduced The Trolley Dolly, explaining that their cool style had caught my eye. To my further surprise, they were from London, and yes, they wouldn’t mind me featuring their outfits in World Catwalk… job done.

Natalie was keeping up with the bright theme that skips through Accra by teaming a multicoloured print tee with super fresh turquoise skinny jeans, rolled up to reveal a bright beaded anklet. Top marks for the Raybans and sweet pink lipstick. And the holiday hat is the cherry on the cake!

View From A Tuktuk...

So, here I am in Bangkok again. Destination of choice for extremely cheap shopping, extremely good massage, and extremely yummy mango. Oh, and did I mention, extreme numbers of tourists, travellers, and of course Thai people, making this one of the busiest, most blindingly buzzing cities I’ve visited.

I’ve been to Bangkok more than 10 times – and despite the heat, the dirt and the constant haggling for anything from a boat ride to a banana, I usually use Bangkok as my down time.  Time to get scrubbed, massaged, manicured, pedicured and quite frankly, royally pampered for about 10 quid (50 AED).  Many of the temples, palaces, buddhas and interesting sightseeing-y things lie unseen, as I am usually far too wrapped up (sometimes literally) in my favourite spa to be tempted outside.

But it is in fact outside, on those grubby streets, where you get a peek at the real life of this very unique, very intriguing city.

Stalls selling strange food, massage parlours that look like laundry rooms, old women cleaning noodle bowls behind tiny restaurants, young girls cooking meat on sticks, wrinkly old men hacking coconuts, helpful police officers that know how to say hello in any language, young guys sitting on motorbike taxis drinking coke waiting for customers, tuktuk drivers shouting over the noise of their engines… It makes for some very colourful photographs and some clever manoeuvring around the city to avoid being ripped off by sly salespeople who can spot a tourist from a mile, no matter how well you pronounce sawadikaaaa.

And hence this mini photo diary was formed. 

I’ll call this, ‘View From A Tuktuk…’ a mere glimpse of a city that might take more than a lifetime to capture fully.

Clearly a football fan...

I love the garish colours and the pink taxis...

Our tuktuk driver found my incessant photo-taking rather amusing...

Carrying laundry on a motorbike taxi - no problem.

World Catwalk: Destination Bangkok

Despite Bangkok regularly cropping up on my schedule, it has taken me several months to gear myself up for a ‘World Catwalk Bangkok’. Partly due to the fact that when I imagine explaining my little blog to anyone whose English isn’t close to perfect, I give myself a migraine, and also partly (read mostly) because most of my time there is spent on a massage couch.

This time I ‘sacrificed’ some of my massage time and went sightseeing - shock!
I took in the little streets that line the higgledy-piggledy edges of the Chao Phraya river, hopped on a boat to take a short cruise and marvelled at the beauty and shimmering detail involved in The Grand Palace. I had a fabulous day exploring the well-tromped tourist trail.

Not only did I exhaust my poor camera with all the wonderful sights en route, but I also had the chance to catch some very stylish daytrippers. I can’t really judge the style of the Bangkok fashion pack from this kind of outing so in future I will try to make it to Siam Square (apparently the place to be for fashionable-people-spotting) and report back on my observations...
In the meantime, these three street styles stood out in the crowded capital.

First on my camera roll was the beautifully chic, perfectly put-together Praewpilin who was taking a walk with her man. And to be honest I can’t think of a better outfit for a day soaking up Bangkok’s history and culture with your other half.
By choosing a simple white tee, Praewpilin starts with a blank canvas for her striped ankle-skimmimg flares and sleek grey bag. Minimal accessories allow shiny hair to take centre stage and she’s even achieved the unachievable – a panama hat that doesn’t look try-hard. Perfection!

The next stylish street walker to cross my radar was the delightful Guo Junyao from China.

What's In My Bag?

Summer is here!

In Scotland, you never really come to terms with having no summer. It’s one of our seasons, we are supposed to have a summer, so where on earth is it?! We flock in our thousands to Spain, Greece, Turkey, Thailand, Australia… (read: anywhere without torrential rain) every year, just to get a dose of sunshine and return home smug, showing off how much browner we are than when we left.
And when we are lucky enough to experience the rarest (but most beautiful) sunshine, you will see everyone and their grandma marching out in shorts and sandals, exclaiming that this is the first time they’ve had the chance to wear anything less than a duffle coat this year. If you’re Scottish, I’m sure you’ll know what I’m talking about…

Can you spot the Burj in the background?

Here in Dubai, this is clearly not an issue. In fact, the endless supply of sunshine was one of the factors which convinced me to move. I love the fact that every day starts with a positive, bright, and er, sunny, vibe. It’s that air of holidays, freedom and no-work (even though you’re not on holiday and you’ve got to be at work by 8) that sunshine inspires in me. I love it. I love summer. And that’s one of the reasons I love Dubai.

It also means that every day I can ask myself, “pool today Nadia?”
Today I said, “yes”.

And so I thought I’d reveal what’s in my pool bag today :)

World Catwalk: Destination London

To describe London's style is as if to ask Kim Kardashian to stop taking pictures of herself and posting them all over the internet. That is to say, it's entirely impossible.
There are a truck-load of perfectly-fitting adjectives that spring to mind and with London being home to so many nationalities, backgrounds and cultural sects, you really do have a whole world of fashion contained within one citysphere.

London's answer to Burj Khalifa...?

The capital city lives, breathes, perspires style. The 'London Look' (as coined by Rimmel/Kate Moss) is unique. Daring. Chic. Futuristic. Eclectic. Punk. Classy. Multicultural. Traditional. Evolving. Retrospective. Exciting. Involved. So many contradicting terms, so many individual takes on the meaning of what it is to be fashionable.
That is why this post is likely to be the first of many World Catwalk features from London... Every time I visit (on average, once a month), I always see so many well-dressed candidates for the World Catwalk crown so you can expect more of the below. Hope you enjoy!

Gushing complete... The real reason I came to London was in fact to lunch with my dear friend Helly (who also happens to feature below, she is one of THE most stylish people I know), and I had no intention of (read: no time for) doing shots for my regular 'World Catwalk' post. However, upon getting lost somewhere between London Bridge Station and Bermondsey Street, these street style darlings crossed my radar...

Sairah's outfit was the first thing I saw upon stepping onto the train platform. The floral scarf caught my eye with its playful fringing and summery splashes of coral and turquoise. With a (clearly very on trend) denim jacket and flowing maxi dress, this is an example of modest hijab worn with both pride and panache. Sairah, your style is simply gorgeous!

Gorgeous colours, and amazing skin - great combination!

World Catwalk: Destination Sydney [PART 3] and THANK YOU!

I never like to start anything with an apology, but... Sorry this is a day late.
I've been busy studying and training for a new chapter in my lovely airhead, sorry, of course I mean, airhostess career... Business class awaits!
Currently my brain is close to melting point, so full of posh cheeses, wines and cocktails I feel like my grey matter is equivalent to a rather tipsy afternoon tea. And my poor hands are tired from taking notes on chauffeur driven transfers, fabulous seats and possibly the most amazing lounge service I can imagine. If only it was all for me... Oh well. One can dream! And what better way to start today's post than with a dream. For me, it's a little dream of luxury, and the finer things (read: better salary!). Even though sometimes, the roughest diamonds are the most beautiful and true happiness can stem from the most unexpected sources. Amen.

Now that that's out of the way, let's get shallow! The above really has not much to do with the following outfits. In saying that, these street style posts are providing me some happiness from some unexpected sources so I guess there's the tenuous link...

Before I do any more fashion rambling, I'd just like to say a huge thank you to my lovely little group of followers.
As a blogger who is new to the scene, it's so nice to see genuine interest from other talented bloggers from all over the globe, and I didn't realise my writing could lead to an exciting network of hopefully will-be friends. You guys are the best - thanks!

And now, to the rambling.
This is the last post in my trilogy of World Catwalk: Destination Sydney street styles. I hope you have enjoyed the previous entries and if you're intrigued or missed out, you can click on the 'World Catwalk' tab at the top of this page, or simply click HERE for Part 1 or HERE for Part 2.

Today starts with Amel, originally French-Algerian, who is sporting one of my favourite looks of the year. The colour blocked blazer. These things aren't called blazers for nothing - I like the fact the word 'blaze' is in there because that's exactly what this hot peppery pink does. It shines! And makes an otherwise understated outfit something modern and exciting. I also love Amel's luxurious jewellery statements which are not too bling for a daytime get-up, but shiny enough to show a bit of it-girl cool. Trés jolie, ma cherie!

What a blazer... what a backdrop! I love Sydney's amazing architecture... and the handbag too!

World Catwalk: Destination Sydney [PART 2]

So I'm hoping you all thoroughly enjoyed yesterday's instalment in my little World Catwalk Sydney series!

As I mentioned HERE my day of street style hunting was a lot more fun than I thought it might be despite the rain, and I discovered so many stylish girls, hence why this is the first World Catwalk post I've split up to allow full street style digestion. Oh yes.

To continue with showcasing some of said looks, here are the lovely ladies who allowed me to snap them for The Trolley Dolly, this lovely little creative space blog of mine...

On the lower ground floor of Westfield shopping centre, there lies a scattering of painfully cool vintage stalls, boutiques and find-weird-stuff-here businesses that sell one-off wardrobe updates, interesting interiors and generally too much stuff for me to ship home in my suitcase. Booo.
However, it's not all bad... the place was so full of stylish people I genuinely didn't have time to snap them all! Two of these stylish people were Michelle and Julie.
I chose to feature Michelle (LEFT) and Julie (RIGHT) because this pair of shopping friends looked so relaxed and comfortable in their outfits that it added an extra element to the look.
Blazer, platforms, velvet, studs, socks-with-shoes, knits... these girls cleared out the fashion cupboard with their list of trends and then they go and act all surprised when I stop to tell them how great they look! Modesty, too?! That's not very Anna Wintour now is it? It really was a pleasure chatting to these lovely girls!
Michelle's blazer is so stylish the way the colour is slightly masculine with the shorts. I also love the combination of grey socks and purple shoes. Genius!
Julie's eye-catching blue velvet skirt reminded me of the Olsens and their/my love for nods to distant decades. I on the other hand, am not quite smart enough to imagine it with a striped knit (original thinking points go to Julie).

Style with a smile... Michelle (left) and Julie (right) look great!

Enjoying the winter colour combo

World Catwalk: Destination Sydney [PART 1]

So this is the weather I was expecting... (which came a day later!)

And this was the day World Catwalk happened - umbrellas at the ready!

I had almost given up on the idea of walking around Sydney, camera tucked away in my little baggie, and umbrella clutched close. I really was another raindrop-in-my-eye away from turning around and just marching right back down Pitt Street. Back to the cosy Marriott bed with all its varieties of pillow, fluffy duvet appeal and hot tea (with lots of sugar please).

After a 9 hour overnight flight from Bangkok, I really had to use all the power of my tired little mind to force myself onto the high street on the hunt for stylish Sydneyettes.

I performed my old trick of assuming things about a city. Assuming that, as it is a rainy day, no-one will have bothered their behinds to dress stylishly or perhaps even have bothered to venture out at all… I personally can think of many more exciting things to do than slosh my way round sodden streets on a Sunday morning… Really must stop thinking about those Marriott pillows – this is not healthy!

And once again, my assumptions were proved wrong by hoards of shoppers all piling in and out of the collection of shopping centres and department stores that busy one end of Pitt Street in central Sydney. These little retreats from the rain provided the perfect backdrop for my World Catwalk activity. And I’ve never had such an easy day of it!

Could I stick my neck out and say that Sydney is home to some of the world’s best street style? Well, according to The Trolley Dolly that is… and I’ve not yet set Mr Nikon (yes, I have named my camera) free in London, Paris or New York. But really, this was an individualist fashion-fest with some of the coolest girls I’ve seen.

You know, I didn’t get the feeling that these girls were wearing their clothes by way of grabbing attention/scoring points. The general vibe was more, “hey, I pulled this cool skirt out of my closet this morning, and I teamed it with the next thing that I happened to lay my hands on.”

Relaxed, cool, upbeat and friendly – Sydney girls.

Unleashing my inner geek, I took some notes whilst taking my snaps. Just a jumbled scribble of popular themes, micro-trends if you will, that popped up most commonly. So here’s my example of perfect handwriting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

I was tired... is that a good enough excuse for 'INDIVIDUAL' and 'INDIVIDUALIST'?

And so to the part I always take longest to get to (sorry folks) – the stylish people!

I’ve actually decided to split this story over a couple of blog posts as there are quite a few to show you all!

1 Top: 7 Ways >>> PART 3

Today sees the last of my seven looks created with just one top! I hope you've enjoyed this mini-series... sometimes it's fun to see what you can create from your own wardrobe, knowing there's no post-retail guilt trip to come. It's all very well throwing money around with designers and buying up every new collection from Zara and H&M but it's nice to know how to 'recycle' a piece without looking like you only need one coathanger for your entire closet.

You can take a look at Part 1 (looks 1 & 2) here, and if you want to see what else I did with my LBT (Lovely Black Top), you can click here for Part 2.

And finally, here are looks 6 and 7 - let me know if you like them! :)

LOOK 6

Goodie two-shoes

Cardi, Primark | Jeans, Salsa
Jewellery, Barcelona street stall / talented Spanish man :)

[Wear it for... a family do | lunch with the 'rents | shisha date]
[Style it: neckline under your arms creating the illusion of a strapless top - and then you can decide whether you'd like to tie the sleeves in a bow in the middle of your back, or tuck them inside the neckline. If you're not wearing a cardi, I think the bow would look better. Just a thought.] 

LOOK 7

Slimline

I personally love this look with black jeans, as I think it would look too complicated with another colour -
but leather-effect leggings (and very big hair) could also look very rock n roll :)

I like the look of these skinny jeans tucked into the shoes.
It's a little bit edgier and shows off the bright orange suede.

[Wear it for... a date | work (with a coloured blazer) | dinner somewhere posh (how about a sequinned blazer this time?)]

[Style it: one arm in, one arm out. The unused sleeve is then brought around your back and under your bust to create a sort of belt and the end is neatly tucked away under the exposed arm.]

And that's that - 1 top, 7 ways!
Let me know which little ensemble you liked best - I'm tied between Look 3 and Look 7... what do you think?

Love from orange-suede-obsessed Dolly x

1 Top: 7 Ways >>> PART 2

Welcome to the second part of my little one-top-trilogy, using just one ingeniously versatile black top from Salsa Jeans and a limited wardrobe selection... click here to view Part 1 if you want all the details!
I hope you like my ideas, pretty much slapdashedly put-together one sunny afternoon when I was feeling a wee bit creative...
I think my personal favourite is LOOK 3 - which one do you like best?

LOOK 3

Attention to detail

Top, Salsa Jeans | Jeans, Salsa Jeans | Shoes, Zara

I'm having a moment with these a.ma.zing Zara shoes -
bought in Madrid for 29 euros, I love shopping Mango and Zara in Spain!

[Wear it for... a first date | rooftop cocktails | posh bbq]
[Style it: Simply place the elasticated neckline under your arms to start with, and then drape the sleeves from the either side at the front to the back of your neck, where you can secure them with a pin, or with a simple knot. I kept accessories to a minimum, and just brought out my big earrings (always a winner).]

LOOK 4