Since I last posted I have been admitted to hospital for a week and subsequently pretty much been on a first name (and gift swop for christmas, soon) basis with nurses at the hospital on the basis of the amount of time I spend there (bacteria in my left eye), got a more senior position at work which equals a crapload more work, celebrated my 27th birthday, been to see Metallica in concert, caught up with local and international friends and just enjoyed my life for what it is.
A few weeks back a girlfriend and I headed off to Queenstown, New Zealand to hit the slopes and learn to ski. It was my first visit to New Zealand, and even though it was limited in terms of where we went (just Queenstown in the South Island) and time we had to adventure (a week off of work), it was amazing.
The South Island is ridiculously beautiful, the panoramic views in Lord of the Rings are even more stunning in real life, and the New Zealand sense of humour is just the icing on the top. Can you tell I loved it?
So as requested, here is a snapshot of my time in Queenstown. And here's to being able to return and maybe campervan it from the North Island to the South, being able to discover more and witness the brilliance that is New Zealand. Oh and be able to do some more snowboarding (switched over to it on day 3 and absolutely LOVED IT!!!), bungee jumping and try out zorbing, of course :)
Apologies for the over-sharing (I just couldn't narrow it down!)
But how can you blame me, given this constitutes my favourite things (Navajo print, cloak AND massive hood!!).
And my shopping restriction was going so well up until a few days ago when yoox.com got the better of me (J Brand flares, American Retro floral print 3/4 frill skirt and Marni platform sandals, I'm looking at you!) with the ridiculous 80% off sale...
It is my birthday in a month so we can call the above birthday presents to myself.
I recommend checking out yoox as I think they still have the 80% off sale....such gorgeous stuff, so cheap...its hard to know when to stop clicking to "add to cart" ;)
So I'm back from Queenstown, New Zealand. Spent the week there with a girlfriend snowboarding, jumping off of cliffs for fun, drinking and generally being on holiday. And man oh man am I wishing I was back strapped in and boarding away....
We were very glad we didn't get there via Christchurch (earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter Scale), and wish all the folk there the very best!
Before I left, the stunningly gorgeous Laura of laurawire (click to see her fab blog) and myself decided to do a musical guest post swopsie. I think she got gipped, because she clearly knows her music and has brilliant taste in said music and her blog reflects that....whereas I err do not.
Anyway, I'm not complaining, I got the better end of that deal.....here's her fab words of musical wisdom. Take note :)
"Little else but elephants and lions..." (Laura)
In the spirit of this wonderful blog, I decided to do a five-track takeover with a twist: all of the songs have to feature an African animal in the title. It sounds easier than it is; it’s one thing to bung together five songs about lions (although let it be known, I was seriously tempted) but it’s quite another to find five songs that I’d happily be associated with. Although as some might point out, when you own as many Britney Spears CDs as I do, there’s not much else you can sully your good name with.
1. Mumford and Sons - Little Lion Man
We all knew it was coming, so let’s get the most obvious choice out of the way. Most people are quite aware of Mumford and Sons and their work so I shan’t patronise anyone by telling you they are a folk quartet, originating from London. Their music is pretty polarising when it comes to how people feel about it, but with summer on the horizon in the UK (at long last), I challenge anyone to not enjoy the Mumford album as the sun is going down at a festival, and you’re armed with a beer. Admittedly, some people might need more beer than others to get through the whole album, but it’s still jolly atmospheric.
2. Beach House – Zebra
If there is one thing that is guaranteed to have me reaching for the bin, it’s reading press releases for bands who have tagged themselves with a pretentious-sounding genre to try and make themselves sound more interesting. And on that note, may I present to you, dream-pop band Beach House. I know this sounds quite negative and I’m not going to help matters by saying that I wouldn’t normally listen to this (ridiculous) genre of music but like Mumford and Sons, there is a direct correlation between how listenable Beach House are and how much alcohol I’ve had to drink. But this song has grown on me, even while sober. What a review.
3. The Flaming Lips - This Here Giraffe
Is there anyone who can say no to a bit of the Flaming Lips? I think not. I’m not going to lie, I was struggling to think of any giraffe-tastic tracks until someone pointed me in the direction of this obscure single from 1996, but I think it is a wonderful discovery. The thing that I like most about this song is that, of all the tracks I’ve researched for this blog, all of them – bar this song – used the animals as metaphors for something else in their life, while this song is literally about a giraffe that doesn’t give a fuck about anything. It’s amazing, and ironically has more meaning for the listener than anything else here. Wonderful.
4. The Strokes – Elephant Song
This is not the Strokes’ finest moment, by far. But even when it’s not the best, the Strokes are still heaps better than a lot of crap that’s filling up the charts at the moment (Glee, I’m looking straight atcha). This song was written by Albert Hammond Jr. for some college project, and is occasionally played by the band live, despite the fact it’s never properly been released. I love love love the guitar riffs in this song, and quite staunchly believe that if it had a gritty bassline and a 4/4 timing on the drums, it could be quite a good song. Or even better than it is now, I should say.
5. Elton John/Tim Rice – Circle of Life
Oh come on, I can’t write about Africa and not mention the title track of my second favourite film of all time. I know, strictly speaking, there’s no animal in the title but if you actually need a justification for this, one of the greatest Elton John moments of ALL TIME, then I think it’s safe to say that we shall never get on.
Love the selection...get acquainted with Laura, visit her here now!
I'm terrible (for ignoring the blog) but have been crazy-busy with work, applying for a senior position at work and sorting out my New Zealand trip....
...and with that I'm off to ski/bungee jump/white water raft/all of the above for a week in Queenstown.
I've noticed I'm dressing more and more like a girl these days. Not saying I've lost any of that crazy love I have for menswear inspired styling but I now incorporate the other end of the spectrum.
Win win, as Stuart would say.
Wore this outfit to a friend's birthday dinner and drinks.
Went to a "Meet the Designer" champagne breakfast this Sunday gone past at Billie and Rose on King Street. Was fabulous getting to meet Anjali (one of the design duo) from twentysevennames. Looooove love love this New Zealand designer so much! And oh sweet mercy, the latest offerings?
Perfection.
The blush scalloped high waisted shorts? Divine.
New Zealand designers, just get it.
Hope you're all having a blast and enjoying life :)
floral dress, live. over the knee suede boots, mollini (off of ebay). slip underneath, cotton on. bag, vintage. rings; vivienne westwood, fashionology, sportsgirl, vintage, ebay, cheap monday.
I decided it was time to part with the some beautiful new designer pieces and some vintage gems from my wardrobe. I have way too many things and would rather sell them for a cheaper price than I paid for them to people who will actually make use of them than have them sitting unused in my wardrobe. So they are on ebay, listed until Saturday night (AEST).
The gorgeous new rare designer pieces are listed for for a fraction of the RRP, so get an absolute bargain!
Click on each link to take you to the item.
I offer international shipping, and will make it as cheap as I possibly can. Just email me on ebay to establish shipping costs to your country.
