The Leather Fetish

From L to R: Charisma Leather Jacket by Sheike, Suede Biker Jacket by TopShop, Leather Biker by Witchery, Washed Leather Biker by TopShop, Holland Jacket by Kookai

While I was overseas I had my leather jacket with me everywhere, and I mean everywhere. It was mainly due to it being the only jacket that I had brought along with me and it did cause a problem because it was winter in Hong Kong! Nonetheless, it was my trusty jacket and I honestly loved it to pieces. 

I didn't lose it overseas, I lost it when I arrived home! 

I'm a little devastated even though it was months ago but I've been on the hunt for a new jacket ever since. 

Here are my top 5 pieces right now. 

My ultimate pick from the 5 is definitely the Charisma Leather Jacket from Sheike because of the texture of the leather, the gold and the belt along the bottom. I'm a gold lover compared to silver because it adds a little something against the black. The runner up is the Suede Biker Jacket from TopShop. I actually tried the jacket on and I fell in love with the texture. I hadn't ever liked a suede jacket before but the biker look fuels the tomboy inside me. 

And it's not a coincidence that all the jackets I have picked have the biker look. Each one has something that I like: the zips everywhere especially on the sleeves, the buttons, the texture, and the quilt pattern on the sleeves. The one that isn't like the rest is the Kookai jacket and the reason is because of the draping. It has the futuristic 'Ghost in the Shell' vibe closed and when it's opened, it drapes across giving an effortless effort. I like biker jackets because when it comes to styling, it can be casual or dressed up. I think it adds that little touch of chic to any outfit. I loved wearing it to uni in the early mornings with a heavy scarf and it would be perfect in winter. I loved pairing my jacket with skirts and dresses to tone down my outfit and to give it a chic look. 

Hopefully I'll be able to show you ways I style a biker jacket and hopefully add more to my leather collection! 

Stay beautiful. 

Mon x 

Return

Tank by Topshop | Bag by Zara | Shoes by Rubi Shoes

Mon in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

It has been a long couple of months, I think a hello is in order. HELLO! I'M STILL ALIVE!

Although I've been missing here, I've been really busy and I think it was all worth the hard work and dedication. What does that mean? Well, it means my volunteer marketing coordinator position is extending to 2016 AND I'm finally graduating university, yay!

With graduating and more adulthood responsibilities kicking in, I'll be turning 25 in March - quarter of a century. 

I'll be updating this blog twice a month and please watch this space to see my Singapore and Hong Kong travel diary, my first ever Chinese New Year celebration, and more fashion loves.

Have an amazing year beautiful people and with Valentine's Day coming to an end, I hope you've had an amazing day whether you've spent it with your partner or loved ones.



Mon x


Photo by Jayne | @tomototan 

Adventure is Everywhere

Hat by Cotton On | Top by Deus | Shoes by Vans

I spent a day venturing the city on Tuesday and my perspective was very different to how it normally is – I unleashed my inner Tomboy and usually that means having a very different attitude. My quirkiness, bubbliness and personality come out by 10 and I’m sorry to my photographer; I made him laugh when he was supposed to make me laugh. 

Especially when I was trying to do the Mario jump. 

This is one of my favourite basic and simple outfits because it still has some style and comfort. My favourite pieces have to be my hat and my slides. They are both in my opinion staples and a hat is always an amazing choice as an accessory. I try not to complicate things too much or mix too many patterns but hopefully with time, I get a lot better at this and I can get out of my comfort zone. 

Overall it was fun doing this shoot; it was my first time shooting with him and from being sick with a high fever the day before from the flu I was told to take a ‘lazy day’. This meant wearing whatever I could grab with being the most comfortable.  

We searched high and low to find this brick wall in the heart of the city. We didn’t want to venture too far so on the way to walking to Darling Harbour I saw this wall and thought, let’s try it! I wanted a blank canvas and I think this was it. We did some stupid things in front of it, it was too fun that we kept going regardless of how people saw or thought of us. Could this be one of the reasons for so many similar shoots? I’m kidding of course. 

I’m always on the hunt for the next adventure. 

Mon x

Photos by Ramy 

Valentine's Day Outfit Inspiration

It is the last day of January and I know it's only the end of the month but the presence of Valentine's Day is everywhere and very present. In saying that, of course preparation is key when it comes to the most romantic day of the year. 

With the day fast approaching, my reaction and attitude towards it all is pretty much the same as last year – very chill and I have no idea what I’m doing. The only thing that is very guaranteed is that I am working on the actual day, which I’m not too fussed about. My question will always remain the same, what are your plans and can I please become your 3rd wheel? 

Being as it is the most romantic day of the year, I chose some amazing outfits, which I hope inspire you. I love each outfit and I focused on blush tones and tulle because both elements are very cute, quirky and chic. It’s something that can’t go wrong in any situation (in my opinion) and they’re outfits I think everyone can get a little inspiration from. 

I just love how each outfit can be worn at different occasions, not just Valentine's Day but then can apply throughout the entire day of it as well. I don't have a favourite, although I did try to pick just one. It was too hard but I will say that I am trying to hunt down a tulle blush midi tulle skirt! I probably won't give up. 

So for my plans this year, I do have some lined up to spend the evening with friends, nothing flash and of course, there’s going to be food involved. Preferably pizza, please! Now, although it won’t be romantic, it’s always a day where I spend it with those I love and are very thankful to have in my life. Happiness is hard to come and sometimes, we don’t know it was a happy moment til we look back and smile about it. Please don’t think about it and become sad. It can also be a day where you spoil yourself and pampering yourself is never a wrong option. 

Mon x 

Bring on 2015!

Bag by Zara | Shoes by ASOS | Skirt by Forcast | Denim Jacket by Topshop | Sunglasses by Portmans

Christmas is finally over and although it has passed, it just means that the end of the year is drawing closer. It’s a time where a lot of us plan New Year’s resolutions and it’s also a time where we reflect back on the year - for the better or the worst and whether we fulfilled our plans we set out for 2014 from the plans in 2013.

Alike many others I admit that I’m a part of the group who doesn’t fulfill New Year’s resolutions but unlike last year, I’ve changed them slightly. It was more about enjoying life like I’ve written before, like enjoying the little things, take more photos, write and read more, go on picnics, etc. Things where I would appreciate things more and I could reflect back and go, ‘that was an amazing day’.

Like every year, before the end of the year I spend the day with my best friend. It’s always an amazing catch up and just like every 6 months, we ask ourselves, ‘where will we be in 6 months time?’ Of course where we want to be as opposed to where we will be are two different things but it’s something that’s become a ritual now.

As we demolish our eggs benedict and venture around the garden café, we realise that we just become stronger as individuals and we learn along the way. I believe that every person changes a little by little as each year passes and we learn a lot from the year about ourselves and about the people in our lives.  Sometimes when you feel like you haven’t accomplished much in the year, that’s a good time to take a step back and think about it - most of the time I didn’t think it would be possible and I’m always surprised. 

In saying that, I’m returning back to uni next year as a part timer and it’ll be my last year so fingers crossed that everything goes well! I hope that my internships and all the ventures I try and undertake go well as well because I’m kind of staking on it.

This year has been amazing and a roller coaster! I wouldn’t have changed much about it and I can’t wait to see what next year unleashes. Hopefully it’s something good and fingers crossed that I get to go on more adventures. I know my next stop is Palm Beach with the lovely E. I can’t wait!

May your 2015 be better than this year and I’m wishing you great health and amazing opportunities. Have a great New Years Eve!

Mon x

Photos by Esra Y

Christmas Loves and Wants

L to R: Tile Print Bikini by Topshop | Daisy Dream by Marc by Marc Jacobs | Marc by Marc Jacobs Blade Watch | Taylor on Ear Headphones Rose Gold/ White by Frends | Instax Mini 90 Black by Fujifilm| Chuck Taylor All Star Leather by Converse

It’s that time of the year again where we have to put our ideas together and buy Christmas presents. It’s a daunting time for some, it’s amazing for others and for the majority, a fun occasion. As I work in retail, I started to dislike Christmas the moment November hit but it hasn't changed how I love the occasion and how it brings everyone together - spending it with those you love and cherish. 

This Christmas for me will be quite quiet as my mum is spending most of her December in Thailand – I’m jealous. I’d love to be sipping on coconuts, lying by the beach and I’m imaging all the food and fruit. She will be back before NYE but in the meantime I'll be spending my Christmas Day with my godparents and my silly little munchkin of a cousin, E. 

So, here are my little wants. I will say that some of these items I have wanted them for quite some time. One of the ones I am most excited for is Daisy Dream. When I first smelt Daisy Dream it was perfect because of the floral scent and just how light it was. It’s subtitle with its sweetness and what’s amazing is how Nicole Warne interpreted it with If Life is but a Dream. It was incredibly amazing when I saw this editorial and she continuously inspires me with every post.

Have an amazing Christmas and New Years Eve everyone!

Mon x

Summer Days

It hasn’t hit December yet but summer has definitely kick started in Sydney. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks and although it’s pretty intense with the heat, I haven’t been able to go to the beach! A place that’s on top of my list!

In the spirit of summer and beaches, here are my picks for swimwear this upcoming season. I’ve pinned it down to pastels, print and statement bolds. I’m sorry for the heavy load of Zimmerman swimwear, they’re just amazing, I can’t keep my eyes off of them!

L to R: Mint Box Pleat Bikini Top & Mint Box Pleat Pants by Topshop | Lilac Scallop Swimsuit by Topshop | Tile Print Bikini by Topshop | Lilac Frill Triangle Bikini by TopShop

L to R: Confetti Waterfall Bikini by Zimmerman | Georgia Floating Halter 1 Pc by Zimmerman | Hydra Mesh Tri Bikini by Zimmerman

L to R: Porcelain Quilted Tri Bikini by Zimmerman | Sundown Bonded Curve Bikini by Zimmerman | Georgia Bonded Halter Bikini by Zimmerman | Milly – New York Noir by Triangl

I personally love each one that I have picked and I cannot just love one. I tried and I failed miserably. I am a very indecisive person and I feel for my friends who have to put up with me but my top 3 from each category would be the Tile Print Bikini, the  Confetti Waterfall Bikini and the Porcelain Quilted Tri Bikini. Let me know which ones are your favourite and which one you definitely want this summer. There is always something extremely fun with buying new swimwear and these are no exception. The print, colour and detail in the simplest form are amazing. 

So another reason for this colourful post is that next week on 1st December is Audrey and Jasper’s 1st Birthday. It’s going to be an amazing week - I’ll be celebrating in style and with a bang! Ill be doing a reflection post and hopefully show some snaps of the night. 

I honestly didn’t think I would get this far and to come this far has been a journey which I hope continues, and just keeps getting better and better. I have always tried to make this a reflection of my style, of me and to give some insight to trends. Hopefully next year I will be able to show my geeky side into the mix as well.

Mon x