Fashion From Abroad: Rocking My Thongs

Get your mind out of the gutter.

In Australia, thongs mean sandals. The most common brand of thongs is Havaianas Australia {pronounced ah-vai-YAH-nas}. I have seen these sandals back in the United States but not to the degree they are in Australia. Literally everyone on college has a pair if not two or three.

These rubber flip flops are so comfortable and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

So many choices!

For sandals, I took my classic tan Rainbows with me to Australia.

Big Mistake!

People immediately knew I was American becuase my thong straps were so thick. Huh? One of the trademarks of Havaianas or any other brand of thongs is the thin straps.

Oh well I go through these trials so that my sratty readers don't have to make the mistake of looking like tourists abroad.

Funky Ad

I do admit Havaianas bring me back to high school when I had about seven pairs of Old Navy flip flops. {oh how I wish I could go back and tell myself not to leave the house wearing certain outfits especially the one time I wore baggy jeans under a skirt! I just gagged a little but you need to know that was a one time thing.} Only these sandals are a little more grown up.

I am debating about getting a pair before I leave. Does anyone have a pair of these kind of thongs ;)

Cheers for now,

Kim

What I'm Playing Thursday

I'm taking it easy today and linking up with Sarah Elizabeth at Belle in the City.

In Newcastle, a raging pre-drinks playlist is essential. Australians love therir techno beats and are more influenced by American music than I thought.

Here are a few of my favorite Aussie party songs: 

Dirty Talk

Wynter Gordon

Party Rock Anthem

LMFAO

Barbra Streisand

Duck Sauce

Price Tag

Jessie J

Flashback

Calvin Harris

Enjoy darlings!

Cheers for now,

Kim

Fashion From Abroad: Peter Alexander

While out shopping one day, I came across the most adorable store ever: Peter Alexander. Basically think the chicest pajamas you can imagine. I wanted everything from their new winter collection.



Wild Nights All-in-one: The sexiest onesie I've ever seen 

 Spotty Waffle Legging: Tucked into Uggs for an extra cozy feel

 Ribbon Strip Bow Shorts: I'm considering wearing these shorts in public because they are too cute with that bow

 Lace Pearl Bow Top: I like the school girl feel 

And for the men in y'alls lives, who wouldn't want to wake up to this? 

  

 Mens Bow Tie Pj Set: Fratdaddy!

And Peter if you want to send me this I would be thrilled :)

Chiffon Alpine Nightie: Perfect for lounging in front of the fireplace at the mountatin cabin

What are your picks? Don't you just want EVERYTHING?

Cheers for now,

Kim

{All pictures are screenshots from the Peter Alexander website.}

Fashion From Abroad: Bohemian Layers

The cool May weather has put a damper on my summer wardrobe as I study abroad in the Southern Hemisphere where the seasons are reversed. Gone are the days of colorful sundresses and tank tops; replaced now by the bulky layers of sweaters and jackets as I struggle to stay warm.

That was until I ran into this Australian Fashionista in my creative writing class. Chloe's self-described “classic nerd” style blends a fitted button down shirt with a loose sweater and flowing skirt. She combines timeless pieces with a bohemian touch, making layers work during these brisk days in Newcastle, Australia.

{Photo Shoot in the Courtyard}

A 2nd year journalism student at the University of Newcastle, Chloe hopes to one day write for the European versions of Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar. She looks for inspiration from the high fashion boutiques in her hometown of Sydney. Since she has yet to purchase winter wardrobe staples like a long skirt, she donned a summer maxi dress instead, opting for tights underneath for added warmth. Petite boots, reminiscent of the days of Jane Austen, add to the lengthening effect of the continuous black dress. 

Her Moschino floral oxford was a salvaged treasure from her mother’s closet. I love the crispness of the open collar. Paired with a crochet jumper and a simple pendant necklace, the ensemble flows without looking sloppy or adding extra weight to her petite frame. A chic bun, Lovisa intertwined silver earrings and pink lipstick completes her bohemian look.

{I am obsessed with her earrings}

Her layered look can easily be replicated using some of your summer essentials. A cropped cardigan can be worn over a tight long sleeve shirt. Scrunching up the sleeves add a more relaxed Aussie feel. Pairing shorts with tights is another way to work in warm weather favorites. Keep the color palette fairly neutral for the fall; your hot pink mini shorts should be retired for the season.

Do you just love Chloe's bohemian nerd style?

Cheers for now,

Kim

Aussie Inspiration

My first impression of my room at Evatt was 'Brick walls?!'. How incredibly boring having brick walls in your room. Nothing could be more bland than walking into this 10 by 10 living space.

Luckily I came up with a quick solution. I turned to the magazines I had with me for some sort of pick-me-up. Ripped from the pages of the latest fashion magazine came campaigns from Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs. The 'Your Spring Hot List' spread from the March edition of Seventeen (guilty pleasure at the age of 21) added the pop of color that my Aussie room so desperately needed. The mismatched bikini and tribal necklaces are so colorful and inspire me everytime I enter my room.
 The bright colors and fun jewelry is perfect for the Aussie culture. It reminds me to step outside my comfort zone and try something eccentric-something that I normally would never wear back in South Carolina. I think about how designers must be constantly inspired in order to stay in business. They aren't looking to be like everyone else; they are the trend setters. For me, this new surrounding is bringing me inspiration and a new  wardrobe outlook.
What inspires you?  Cheers for now,Kim