Trixie!

Trixie top c/o Bernie Dexter
Trixie skirt c/o Bernie Dexter
Shoes - Betts

Like I said - this summer is going to be all about two piece sets! As you know, I love my Bernie Dexter dresses so you can only imagine my excitement when Bernie Dexter released a beautiful range of matching skirts and tops! The tops and skirts are sold separately so they can be mixed and matched according to size to ensure the best fit so it is important to measure yourself carefully. My measurements are 32 - 26 - 34 and I am wearing the top in an XS and the skirt in an S. The Trixie top is boned and has an elastic back, so it can be worn with or without a bra as it is structured and not only is it very comfortable, it also provides good support. When it comes to skirts I like mine to be fitted - but still have a bit of room to spare just in case I expand after a big meal, so for me the size S was just right!

Tropical Flowers

Dress - Trashy Diva
Shoes - I Love Billy
Parasol (gift)

Waking up to the sound of cicadas in the morning is like waking up to a siren trying to warn me that its going to be hot and I need to barricade myself inside. But November is not without its charm - it's actually a time of year I'm really fond of because it means eating mango's for breakfast and lunch, and drinking lychee mocktails with dinner. This morning I felt like exploring the inside of this domed building I always pass on my walk through the gardens and I was not disappointed as the lilies were in bloom and everything inside was beautiful and tranquil. It would be the perfect place to go and meditate because its easy to sit down and drift off for a few moments, even on a day as hot as today was.

You Say 'Tomato', I Say 'Tomato'

It has been a busy week and the weekend is going to be even busier! I have had my younger brother, who is still at school, staying with me and these photos were taken on a very windy morning (which is why my hair is standing on end in some photos) before doing the school run. This has given me a chance to try out my parenting skills, by which I mean putting a pizza/chicken nuggets in the oven and parking my brother in front of the TV to watch back to back episodes of The Walking Dead. Which is the way it's supposed to be done - right?

The past few days have been hot, stormy and muggy so I have reverted to my summer uniform of Bernie Dexter's Chelsea dresses, which I would have to say are my all time favorite style. At this point I have packed away nearly everything that doesn't have a halterneck or skinny straps, with the exception of a few rayon dresses. I am really looking forward to getting out of town this weekend and going on a mini road trip with some friends to attend a wedding in New South Wales where hopefully it will be a bit cooler. I'm also excited about having my hair and makeup done and getting the rare opportunity to wear a formal gown!

Jungle

Top & Skirt - Tara Starlet
Shoes - I Love Billy

This summer is going to be all about two piece sets! I am not the biggest fan of wearing separates, but what I do love is matching sets and during this past winter I managed to get a hold of a number of adorable playsuits that I can't wait to blog about! Sets like this are so perfect for our Queensland summers that I have no idea why it's only now that I finally own a few. I wore this set by Tara Starlet to the Finders Keepers markets today and had a wonderful time drinking iced tea in the shade and browsing all manner of lovely stalls selling vintage dresses and knick knacks. I resisted the urge to buy some gorgeous 60s dresses but now that I'm home I'm really kicking myself for not doing so!

Tickled Pink

Dress - Trashy Diva
Sunglasses - Mink Pink
Shoes - Novo

I first bought the Slap and Tickle dress by Trashy Diva a few years ago in a different style and at the time I felt that it didn't look right with my coloring, and so off it went to a new home. Of course I later regretted it because I loved the print so much, and when I recently spotted it for sale again I decided that what the hell - who cares if the color looks a little funny on me - I'll wear it anyway!

Saying Farewell to the Roses

Dress - Bernie Dexter

When I look at my wardrobe there seem to be three types of prints that I am irresistibly drawn to and cannot stop collecting: tropical, gingham and roses. I saw this dress and then tried to count how many other things with roses I already own and quickly lost track. The unique way the roses looked like they had been painted on was hard for me to resist, so I bought one for myself and the yellow version for my friend for Christmas!

As it nears the end of spring, the roses have all started to wilt away and these pink ones were some of the last ones left unscorched by the sun. Delicate European flowers do not fare well here, or at least not in Queensland as our summers are far too much for them, and for me as well.

Postcards from Montmartre

Dress - Bernie Dexter
Parasol - Ebay
Shoes - Novo

It's been much longer than I would like since I last posted! A few months ago now, I got a new job and time has just sped by and I haven't had much of a chance to blog. In the meantime I've been using Instagram and have been keeping up with the blogs I love to read through there!

Modern Mid Century Interiors and Tropical Cocktails!

It's that time of year when I'm starting to look at swimsuits and dreaming of getting away for a few days, so I found myself looking at these pictures I took in April when we stayed at QT Hotel on the Gold Coast. A few years ago we came across this hotel while looking for a place to have lunch and I was immediately blown away by the atomic era aesthetic of the hotel. When I got home I made a booking to spend a weekend there right away and the rest is history! Nowadays we like to go back twice a year and always stop by The Stingray for cocktails and something to eat when we're in town.

Guest post: GracefullyVintage

Dress - Trashy Diva
Cropped Jacket - 1950s vintage
Shoes - I Love Billy
Stockings - Ebay
Umbrella - Vintage

Hi, I'm Kayla from GracefullyVintage and I am very excited to be guest posting for the wonderful Harlow!

I wear a range of reproduction and vintage clothing. This dress has been one of my favorites since buying it at the start of the year, it is versatile for both hot and cold weather, and can be easily dressed up too.

I always enjoy wearing warmer clothes during winter but am very excited to bring out summer clothing again!

You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram.