29 October 2011

outfit post: leopard pleats




River Island via ASOS leopard print pleated skirt;  Country Road black silk tiered tank;  Zara black suede pointy heels;  Lovisa black wing necklace;
Ulta3 Scarlet nail polish;


Just a quick outfit post, as it's been nearly a week since I've posted.  I took these photos before I went into hospital, as I'm not sure when I'll be able to stand up long enough to take new outfit shots!

I'm back at home now, and armed with my crutches, pain killers, magazines, Macbook and hard drive full of TV shows, and I'm determined to get through the next few weeks with minimal pain and boredom!  I'll be blogging as much as I can as well :)

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!

23 October 2011

beach days







2Chillies one-piece swimsuit;  Roxy denim shorts;  Mimco 'Catfurther' tortoiseshell sunglasses;  Hat from markets;
Essie 'Vermillionaire' nail polish;

I very rarely go to the beach, I burn too easily and I hate the feeling of sand!  But the weather was too lovely today to not take advantage of it, so off we headed to Balmoral beach, towels/books/hats/sunscreen in tow.

It was a gorgeous day, and floating on my back in the (admittedly still quite chilly!) water, was so relaxing, I felt like I was on holidays!

21 October 2011

outfit post: casual friday

 


 

 

Sportsgirl sleeveless collared dress (worn as top);  Sportsgirl sheer pleated midi skirt;  Jeffrey Campbell 'Uniform' silver glitter oxfords;  Lovisa cross ring;
NARS 'Heat Wave' lipstick;  OPI Do You Lilac It? and OPI Koala Bear-y nail polish;

 Another Friday, another casual Friday outfit post.

My obsession with collars is clearly continuing straight into spring, particularly with this Sportsgirl dress that I plan on also wearing as a top whenever I can.

This is the second time I've worn my Jeffrey Campbell glitter oxfords and I'm still not 100% sure about them.  I'm just not used to wearing such...boyish? shoes, and I can't help but worry that they make my legs look stumpy.  Coupled with the fact that a male colleague last week dubbed them my Michael Jackson shoes, I feel a little self conscious wearing them!  They're just so cute though, so I think they're just something I'll have to get used to.

This is my last weekend of relative maneuverability before I go in for surgery next Wednesday, so I'm determined to make the most of it! It's going to be around 30 here in Sydney both days, so spring has definitely sprung!

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

20 October 2011

review: ulta3 spring 2011 summer siren collection


Ulta3 Blue Marlin;


Ulta3 Mojito;


Ulta3 Sunset Pink;


Ulta3 Mermaid Green;


Ulta3 Tangelo;


Ulta3 Frangipani;


Ulta3 Tahitian Lime;

One of my favourite nail polish brands, Ulta3, released their Spring 2011 collection 'Summer Siren' a few weeks ago, and being only $2, I naturally bought the entire thing (minus Orchid, which I thought was similar to other colours I had, but I think I'm regretting that now after seeing other swatches).

I was pretty pleased with this collection overall, I don't own a lot of bright colours so these nicely filled the hole in my collection.  It's quite unusual to have 3 greens in one collection, and Mermaid's Tears is pretty similar to Pacific Fever from the Autumn 2011 collection, just without the shimmer.  Still a gorgeous colour.

My favourite would have to be Sunset Pink, even though I own many many different shades of hot pink, the neon in this means it just glows, and I can't stop looking at my nails when I have this on.  Close runner up would be Frangipani, I literally did not own one yellow colour and I just love how this looks.  It will look even better when I have a bit more of a tan!

Special mention has to go to Iowntoomuch, from the Vogue Forums, who very very kindly sent me her bottle of Blue Marlin when I mentioned I couldn't find it!  Thank you so much <3

What did you think of this collection?

17 October 2011

outfit post: chinos





 

 Wrangler pussy bow blouse;  River Island via ASOS tan chinos;  Forever New tan belt;  Zara black suede pointy heels;  Mulberry black oversized Alexa;  Hermes clic clac;
NARS Heat Wave lipstick;

Well it's been a while since I posted an outfit, so here's some quick shots of what I wore to work today.  It's finally starting to feel a bit like spring here in Sydney - about time too, since we're halfway through October!  

We had a great weekend this weekend, our best friends came back from their honeymoon, so we spent many hours catching up, looking at photos, and listening to adventure stories all while eating yummy food and having a few cocktails.  Yesterday the boy and I went to Ikea and got some new furniture (including a Helmer for my nail polish collection, so exciting!), so we've been decluttering and redecorating, and our place looks great now!  Will be sure to share a few photos once it's all finished.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend! x

14 October 2011

guest post: asos summer fashions

This post comes courtesy of Emma, on behalf of ASOS, who is going to chat about the upcoming trends for Australian summer!

This year, summer in Australia is revealing a perchant for neutral tones.  White based colours such as vanilla and bone have hit the Australian fashion scene in a big way.  The newest fashions are quite feminine, with a decidedly pristine look that is never boring.  The thing that keeps them exciting is the wave of new pedigree accessories with gold accents that are all the rage.  Belts, shoes, handbags, scarves and hair accessories all fit into this catagory.




Evenings in Australia are seeing many more sparkles than in past years.  High shine fabrics that have been generously embellished help make sparkly glamourised statements.  Metallic accessories top off the glamourous look.  Sequins, jewels, and glittery red lipstick are hot items in the hot summer, along with multi-layered pearls in the form of many-stranded necklaces and wide bracelets.  That small silver clutch bag or gold handled evening bag make perfect choices.  Shiny high heels in glitter finishes, patent leather or encrusted with rhinestones make big, fashion-forward statements this year.
Summer street styles in Australia are all about the attitude.  Whether sweet and innocent or rebellious and irreverent, this year's summer fashions make a definite statement.  Look for the simple, black body-hugging miniskirts or short, paired with the simple black tank.  Push up the sleeves on a lightweight, light coloured, cotton over jacket and get ready to rock and roll in ultra-high gladiator, strappy heels.  The thing that completes this particular look and gives it its bad girl attitude, is the bright pink lipstick and colourful sunglasses.  Just small punches of bright colours have summer written all over them.  That bright turquoise scarf or the fluoro yellow handbag are small, but bold additions of colour that give a real "pop" to the overall look.

black


Vintage clothing is also making a welcome appearance on Australian streets this year.  Cool sleeveless summer classics are back, along with the once-more-famous cat-eye sunglasses.  The only difference between the original look and now are the shorter skirts and dresses, and the accessories are more brightly coloured.  These vintage styles are punched up with modern-day styling such as tri-wrap, narrow belts, heavier, higher shoes or short summer boots.  It is the perfect blend of the old and new and results in a fun, light hearted look.

floral


Australia, this summer, will also see some very intense Asian-influenced florals that use the Chinese cloisonne technique.  Watch for tight, skinny pants and matching short sleeved tops with Mandarin collars. Mixed florals are also expected to make a big appearance in Australia this year.  Exquisite floral silk scarves, along with cloisonne jewellery such as dangle earrings, metal cuff bracelets and cloisonne rings, will be huge.  All of these Asian-influenced fashion statements impart a younger, hipper look than in years past.



Finally, Australia beachwear is seeing an exciting new line of ultraviolet protective swimwear.  These colourful bikinis, tanks and tankinis contain a special fabric addition that offers maximum protection from the sun's dangerous rays.  The fabric can also be found in aline of summer skirts, tops and large-brimmed or floppy hats.  Beachwear is fun and in eye-catching colours and prints.


Thank you so much Emma for contributing this post to The Autumn Castle!  What styles are you looking forward to this summer?  aelie x

10 October 2011

weekend recap


 
 

 

 

Just some photos from my weekend.  Silly me didn't get any outfit photos whatsoever, so these will have to do.  The weekend consisted of drinks with the gorgeous Elyse, markets and movies with the boy, and a family lunch outside in the sunshine (when it appeared for a couple of hours).

07 October 2011

outfit post: leopard + leather


 



Zara leopard print skirt;  Bardot white sheer shirt;  BCBGMaxAzria black leather jacket;  Ferragamo black patent Varina ballet flats;  Asos gold spike ring;  Lovisa bird skull necklace;
OPI The Thrill of Brazil nail polish

This is what I wore to work today for casual Friday.  I love casual Fridays, I usually use it as an excuse to try out different outfits that are probably a bit too dressy for the weekend but still too casual for work.

I dyed my hair again, it was fading out to a yucky orangey-brown colour.  I love the feeling (and the smell - is that weird?) of freshly dyed hair, it's so soft and shiny! 

I hope the weather lets up this weekend, I'll be out and about for once, and I'm really looking forward to it!  I'm going in for surgery on my knee in 2 weeks and I'll have to be on crutches for quite a while after that, so who knows how long it will be before I can go out again!

Have a lovely weekend x

05 October 2011

long weekend (via instagram)











1 & 2.  Pretty flowers in my suburb on my way to the post office.
3 & 4.  Presents my lovely boy brought me back from Brisbane!  An adorable ring holder and a KINDLE!  I've wanted one forever, and I'm already hopelessly attached to it.
5.  The chocolate block that didn't survive the weekend.
6 & 7.  Hanging out at my parent's place, playing with my brother's puppy and watching him ride around on his new peewee motorbike!
8.  New polishes from Pro Nail Supply, OPI Uh Oh Roll Down the Window, China Glaze Solar Flare and China Glaze Sky High Top.
9.  Freshly polished shoes.
10.  Wearing fishtail braids every day!

How was your long weekend?