2017 Favourites

We have made it through another year, kids! As today is New Years Eve, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on the positives of this past year, rounding up my highlights and favourites of 2017.

One of my favourite outfits of 2017

100th Post + An Exciting Announcement

Merry Christmas Eve Eve! 

As we get closer to Christmas, I can't help but reflect on the past year and anticipate the one to come. Which is only fitting as this is my 100th blog post here on The Aussie Prep! Can we believe that this is my 100th blog post?! Considering I have been blogging on The Aussie Prep for almost two years, 100 posts isn't all that much. However, I am proud of how, even though I have taken a couple of "breaks" over the past two years, I have still stuck this out. At the moment, this blog is probably my favourite things in my life. I love it so much! It is so much fun to come up with outfits and post ideas, write, and share my love of fashion with others. I am very much looking forward to another year of blogging in 2018. 

Feeling 22 in Draper James

We are taking a small break from Christmas content because today is my twenty-second birthday! 

Looking back on the past year, twenty-one did not turn out exactly like I thought it would. There was more lows than highs than expected. However, I am feeling incredibly optimistic about twenty-two. I am starting a new, exciting chapter in my life (details to come soon!) with the truly most loveliest friends and I can't wait! Also, as an identical twin, I can't help but feel drawn to the number 22, which is an identical number. #twinjoke

The Best Of: Gifts for Guys

The other day my friend was asking for help as she was struggling to come up with a gift idea for her boyfriend. Luckily, I was still brainstorming ideas for my next gift guide, so here it is: my Best Of Gifts for Guys!

Christmas Party Outfit Ideas

December is always hectic with how many Christmas parties are held. As someone who always loves to dress for the occasion, I always try to incorporate a bit of Christmas into my Summer attire for Christmas parties. For example, at the Christmas party I am attending on Thursday I am tossing up between a red jumpsuit or green dress (help me choose?). Today I am excited to present my holiday party outfit guide! Especially because this is the biggest guide I have created so far. I have rounded up a few wardrobe options, for different types of Christmas party for your outfit inspiration! From the more formal event, work appropriate, the outdoor party (barefoot bowls anyone?), to just a casual hang out with your friends. 

The Best Of: Beauty Gift Sets

We are back with my second gift guide post for Christmas 2017! Today I (with the help of two of my friends who are so much more in the loop with beauty products than I am), have rounded up some of the best beauty gift sets which are perfect to give at Christmas.

Striped Shirt Dress

Welcome to Friday! If you are following along on Instagram, I have just arrived at the lake town where my parents live to celebrate my Dad's 50th birthday this weekend. Before my parents moved here, we used to visit every Summer and it always felt like my second home. Now my parents do live here, it really is! My Hometown Glory will always be my home, even though I, and my parents, no longer live there.  

Speaking of homes, I'm so excited today to show you another post featuring photos taken in a classic Melbourne landscape. Hello bluestone laneways! 

The Best Of: Personalised Gifts

Personalisation is well and truly booming at the moment, especially in the Australian market leading up to Christmas. It is no secret that I tend to follow Reese Witherspoon's wise words of wisdom "if it's not moving, monogram it." Seriously, Claire has had to stop me from going overboard with the monograms on a few occasions.

The Perfect T-Shirt Dress

No matter who you are and what your style is, you always have a go-to outfit. Something where when you are in a rush and need to put an outfit together quickly and you know it will look good. In the cooler months for me, it is a white button down shirt, blue jeans, navy pea coat and flats. For the warmer weather, I can never go wrong with navy and white stripes, especially in the form of this t-shirt dress!

Perfect Halloween Movie Snack

Happy Halloween! 

Halloween is still a developing concept in Australia. Yesterday we were putting Halloween decorations up at work and so many people asked me when Halloween actually is, and one guy made a complaint about how Halloween is an American holiday. I think I shattered my friend Devon's world when I told her that Australian's don't really celebrate Halloween (as in, there's no trick or treating) and actually just have a love-hate relationship with America in general. Sorry Dev! 

Pyjama Sets

My favourite part of the day is when I get to change into my pyjamas. I look forward to it so much, I have gotten into the habit of switching into my pj's not long after I have gotten home from work! I love matching pyjama sets. Not only are they super cute, I am always a fan of anything which makes me feel put together, even when I'm in bed! 
Today I have rounded up some of my favourite matching pyjama sets I can find on the internet. 

School Spirit in Gingham

This Sunday is the Australian Boat Race, where The University of Melbourne and University of Sydney battle (or rather, row) it out on the Yarra river. It is basically Australia's Harvard-Yale Boat Race. I am such a fan of rowing. There is something about watching the boats glide along the river which makes me feel serene. For those who don't know, I graduated from The University of Melbourne last year and whenever the Australian Boat Race comes around I always feel the school spirit. Although, I do have a confession to make... I have never made it to the race! During Uni I was too busy studying or was working when it was on. I was so excited to be invited to the race as an Alumni this year. I thought this would finally be my chance to make it! Alas, the race collides with my parents visiting Claire and I in Melbourne and let's say my parents don't share my enthusiasm for rowing. There's always next year! 

Even though I am not making it to the river this weekend, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to plan a fun outfit for the event in the Melbourne Uni colours, navy and white. 

Facing Fashion Fears

Okay y'all, let's talk about a little thing called confidence. I am all for wearing what you want and makes you happy. However, even I sometimes find those pieces which I love the idea of, but am too scared to take the plunge. Those items you see in store but never take through to the dressing room, or something you see online and have it sitting there in your cart but never confirm the order. This dress in today's post is one of mine.

The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture

Since I graduated from Uni I have found that I am talking about art a lot less than I used to. Mainly because I am no longer learning about art history in all of my classes, spending hours researching and writing art history essays, and volunteering weekly at a contemporary art gallery. 

Photo by Miriam Bertagnolio

48 Hours At Melbourne Fashion Week

For as long as I have remembered, I have loved fashion. Since I first got my Vogue Australia subscription for Christmas when I was 17, I have dreamed of one day attending Fashion Week. This year, I decided to cash in one of my weeks of leave at work and attend Melbourne Fashion Week. After a couple of days of relaxation, because I was taking leave off work for a reason other than MFW, I filled my schedule for a whirlwind to days of events, exhibitions and screenings. 

Wednesday afternoon - Dries screening at ACMI

The New Go-To Cocktail Dress

A couple of weeks ago I attending the wedding of a friend of mine. It was an amazing night and I am so lucky I was able to be there. As it was an evening reception, I decided to dress up a little more than you would for a wedding during the day. 

How To Balance Work And Your Creative Outlets

My friends and I are currently at that point in our lives where we are finishing up with our undergraduate degrees and deciding what to move on to next. Most of my friends, with myself included, have recently completed Arts degrees in creative fields such as art history, cinema studies, and writing. With constant funding cuts to the arts, the creative industries have become more competitive than ever as the number of jobs minimises while uni graduates in those fields increase. This means the reality for a few of us is to find work outside of our chosen industries and work on our creative outlets/passions/side-hustle's outside of work. There is the popular idea at the moment to work towards making your side-hustle your day job. However, in order to do this, you need to cultivate your skills in order to get to the point where you can create a full time career of your creative pursuits.

(Yarlaa manu yapa (left) and Ngapa manu yapa (right) by Yulyurlu Lorna Napurrurla Fencer, 1999)

Favourites | July 2017

June was a bit of a rough month for me, but I really managed to bounce back in July. I have made some changes in my life this month and I am having a great time! Life is good, y'all. So I thought I will do a Favourite's post for July so I can look back and remember the things which have contributed to my changed attitude.

Sunday At The Footy

I am not sure if any of y'all have noticed, but this year I have really been into going to the football. I have always been a fan of football, as I grew up watching my older brother play every Saturday during Winter. However, whether you are a fan of the sport or not, every Melbournian at least once in their life needs to go to an AFL game. 

I have been to an AFL game three times (so far) this season, and I have been loving it. A couple of weekends ago, Claire and I went to the Carlton v Western Bulldogs game as they are our teams and they were playing against each other. It was tense between Claire and I leading up to the game as we didn't know how it was going to go. We did make a bet that whosever team loses has to cook dinner and wash the dishes that night. It is possibly the meanest we will ever be to each other!

My Current Wishlist

At the moment, my Instagram feed is filled with summer snaps from Nantucket, Charleston, Greece, France, New York and London. I always hit a fashion slump during Winter and seeing so many cute outfits suited for the summer is giving me major wardrobe envy! I am so ready to pull the trigger on cute summer dresses and adorable sandals but then I remember that I am in the middle of winter and I can't wear those clothes for at least another three months. So, instead I am keeping my wishlist and signing up for sale alerts, ready for the end of season sales and get these items on a discount just in time for the warmer months. 

J. McLaughlin Wicker Crossbody | Jack Rogers Palm Beach Sandal | Tuckernuck Packable Bow Sunhat | English Factory Shirt Dress | Lilly Pulitzer Pearl Shift Dress | Draper James Gingham Halter Dress

I have started getting into cross-body bags more lately, and this wicker version looks like the perfect accessory for the warmer months. I am in love with each of these dresses! I am hoping to pick up the Lilly Pulitzer shift to wear to my dad's 50th, and this gingham dress with a modern twist on the halter neckline will be so cute to wear for my birthday.

What items are on your wishlist for the upcoming season?

Love from Australia,
Grace.

Wedding Guest Outfits For Winter

So I may be a little late into the season to have a post dedicated to wedding guest dresses specifically for winter. However, last week I received my first wedding invitation (that wasn't from a family member) in the mail! I'm going to be completely honest with you all though... I bought my dress to wear to the wedding before I received the invitation. As soon as I saw the dress I knew it was perfect, and it was on sale! How could I not?

Three Ways to Style A Pink Houndstooth Skirt

Something I am currently obsessed with this winter is the woolen/tweed mini-skirt. I have already purchased three, and there is no way of stopping me from buying more! This houndstooth skirt from Princess Highway is one of my favourites. I mean, it is hot pink and navy! That is only my favourite colour combination (tied with navy and white of course). 

The beauty of this piece is that it is versatile for a number of looks, which automatically makes it a worthy addition to your wardrobe. I couldn't decide which outfit to shoot to show of this skirt, so I went with all three! 

Look 1

A Melbourne Weekend

Melbourne is one of my favourite places in the world. Well, so far... I haven't been everywhere yet! So when I was talking to my friend Devon (btw she just started a blog, go check it out!) and she suggested I should write a blog post on things to do in Melbourne, I knew that I had to do it. It was the perfect timing too, as my parents visited for the Queen's Birthday long weekend and we had the most Melbourne weekend ever. We actually did everything on my list of the perfect weekend.

(who wants to count how many times I just "weekend" in that intro?)

Things to do

Brunch like a Melbournian

My brunch at Tusk, Chapel St

Ruffle Sleeved Shift

 It is not a secret that I automatically reach for navy as a default in my wardrobe. The shade perfectly matches my pale skin and it looks classy and sleek without opting for black. Every once in a while I have to remind myself to wear different colours, in which I always reach for hunter green. I always get so many compliments when I wear green and who doesn't love a compliment? 

Life Update

G'day y'all! 

Well. It has definitely been a hot minute since I last posted on here. The first half of 2017 has been crazy and sadly I needed to take a break from blogging. However, with some re-evaluating of what is important to me and a burst of inspiration, I am ready to get back into The Aussie Prep. Before we do, I wanted to write a little life update to share with you where I have been.

Hobart | April 2017

G'day y'all! 

In case you have not been following along on Instagram (p.s, you can follow me here), this past weekend I travelled to Hobart! Claire, Miriam and I (also known as the Rosé Golden Trio), like to plan a trip together at least once a year. I have been hearing a lot of good things about MONA's exhibition 'On The Origins of Art' and knew that I could not miss it. Claire and I had also never been to Tasmania before, so we figured out when Miriam's mid-semester break at Uni will be and booked the trip in. 

J Crew Style Steal

Towards the end of last year, I came across a photo on Tumblr from J Crew and I instantly thought, "I wish that I was cool enough to wear an outfit like that." Until I thought, "what is stopping me from actually wearing that outfit?" I am a strong believer of wearing whatever makes you feel like your best self, and this outfit is one of those for me. A few months later, and I have finally tracked down all of the pieces! Now that I have worn it, it was definitely worth the effort and money. This outfit has officially become my favourite look I have posted on this blog to date!

The Perfect Monogrammed Wallet

For the second half of last year, my trusty bright orange wallet I have had since 2012 was experiencing the end of its days. I was instantly on the hunt for the perfect wallet to replace the one that brought me through my late teenage years. What could top a bold orange patent leather? When Miriam gifted me this navy beauty from The Daily Edited for my 21st birthday, and she nailed it on the head. This is The Daily Edited's Continental Wallet in Midnight Navy, and I am in love. The best part? It's monogrammed! 

Ribbon Ballet Flats

While the warm weather of Summer is still lingering in Melbourne, I have already switched my mind on to thinking about Autumn. Autumn is my favourite season in Melbourne. There is something about the cooler weather and the fallen leaves which makes me fall in love with the city every year. Autumn is also my favourite season for fashion, and I am way too excited about all of the possibilities! While I did manage to sneak in one last wear of my bright Lilly Pulitzer shift to a friend's 21st on the weekend,  I also purchased my new pair of riding boots in anticipation for the cooler weather. 

Pink Gingham Dress

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Valentine's Day is all about love, which I am sure you all know. With the beginning of the year bringing a lot of negativity in the world, I think that a day dedicated to thinking about love is just what we need. Some of the things I love most is fashion, gingham, and the colour pink. This is why this perfect pink gingham dress is perfect to share on today's holiday! 

The Everyday Work Tote | Investing

Let me tell you something: Turning 21 and graduating Uni in the same week was such a kick into adulthood. Suddenly I am an (albeit young) twenty-something working full time. Who allowed this to happen? Now that I am no longer a student, Claire and I have both been thinking about beginning to invest in ourselves and our future adult lives. However, the things you should invest in changes depending on how old you are - and what stage in your life you are in. So today I am starting a new series I on the blog which focuses on investment pieces!

Favourites | January 2017

I haven't done a Favourite's post in a while, and January was such a good month that I wanted to think back on the last four weeks. From starting a new job, catching up with old friends (and making new ones), to getting in to the very early stages of planning a trip overseas, January of 2017 was a great start to the year! 

The Aussie Prep's First Birthday!

I have been so busy this month that I totally missed The Aussie Prep's first birthday! The 17th of January was when I officially launched this blog with my 'Welcome to The Aussie Prep' post. That means I am 10 days delayed in celebrating... Whoops! 

To celebrate, I thought that I would share some of my favourite outfits I have featured on this blog in the past year. 

Mid-Summertime Scarf

A trend that has been developing, which I am loving, is the return of the silk scarf. From tying a colourful scarf onto the handle of your handbag to draping it around your neck, the silk scarf is the perfect accessory for the second half of Summer as we prepare for thicker scarves in the upcoming Autumn.

Housewarming Gifts

I don't know about you guys, but it always seems like the beginning of the year is when people are moving house left right and centre. Even Claire and I are planning on moving appartments in the coming months

Therefore today I wanted to share with you some of my ideas for the perfect housewarming gift.

Romantic Wrap Dress

January has truly flown by, and now it appears that February 14th is quickly approaching. I am a big fan of any reason to celebrate, and while I have never had a Valentine's date (so far), I love the idea of getting dressed for the occasion. I am bringing you two different looks for the Valentine's Day season - starting this week with this fun and flirty dress, perfect for a date night! 

Style Inspiration | Jackie Kennedy

The biopic, Jackie, which follows First Lady Jackie Kennedy after the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy comes out in Australian cinemas on Thursday, and I am too excited for it! It has been a while since I have written a style inspiration post. This is because I felt like I had decided the type of person I wanted to be with my style and no longer had to look to others. However, with so much discussion about Jackie Kennedy (later Jackie Kennedy Onassis) lately, I cannot deny that she is definitely someone who's style I admire. In my latest shopping spree for a work wardrobe, I purchased two items which immediately had Claire and I declaring, "that is so Jackie."

Paper Bag Belted Shorts

It is the first fashion post for 2017! Who is excited for another year of classic-with-a-modern-twist style? I know that I definitely am! What better way to start the year than with an outfit I am head over heels for? 

Art and Fashion Reading List

Welcome to 2017! 

I hope that you all had a great New Years Eve. I spent the night with Claire and Miriam, cooking dinner, drinking sangria and watching movies - all in matching pj's, of course! After December being such a busy month, it was great to have a chill night with some of my favourite people. Now I am ready to march into this year to continue building and growing. 

Image Source

In November, I shared with you my reading list for the summer. Today I am sharing with you some of the books I want to read throughout the year to help me learn more about those two things I love most - art and fashion. Not going to lie, these books are mostly research for my possible, future thesis. This does not mean that I will be going back to Uni any time soon, but I am entertaining the idea for after a year off. Even if I never go back to studying, it will never be a waste to read about art or fashion. 

ART:

How to Be Both by Ali Smith | The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art by Don Thompson | Art of the Deal: Contemporary Art in a Global Financial Market by Noah Horowitz | The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel and Bret Witter

FASHION:

Capture Your Style by Aimee Song | Fashion is Freedom: A Girl from Tehran and Her Rise to the Runway by Tala Raasi | Lilly by Kathryn Livingston | Tales From the Back Row by Amy Odell | The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane Von Furstenberg | Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style by Jeffrey Banks and Doria de la Chapelle

Do you have any books that you want to try to read this year? I am always open to recommendations!