Colour palette : neon green + grey.

(Images: Columbine Smille, Elora)

There was a period in my life when I would have been stalwartly opposed to wearing green, let alone neon green, but these beautiful girls carry the look with such aplomb that I bought my own version at Sportsgirl the other week. Matched with a grey marle tee or slouchy knit, it is perfect for adding an effervescent pop to any outfit! 

Love, Mandy. xx

Lusting : ear confectionary.

1. Elena Gloria 'Art no. 101' 

2. Samantha Wills 'French Lace earrings'

As the sunlight stretches the days a little longer, party invitations are sent (and delightfully received) and the stilettos emerge along with svelte, tanned summer bodies in swathes of gorgeous cocktail dresses. 

... And with such beautiful imagery, wouldn't these delectable ear candies increase the glamour factor exponentially?

Love, Mandy. xx

Ruffles and scalloped hems.

(Scalloped hem shorts - Finders Keepers, ruffle top - ASOS, shoes - Bamboo, bracelet - eBay, rose gold watch - Michael Kors)

The weather is quickly becoming too balmy for material beyond the shoulders so I'm lamenting the fact that I can't wear this beautiful ruffle placket blouse more frequently. It's such a versatile piece that is so lovely paired with loose nude shorts with scalloped hems or structured pencil skirts for the weekdays.

Love, Mandy. xx

Holiday staples.

(Sunglasses - Sabre, shoes - Stella Jewel,  faux fur coat - Romwe)

The holiday trilogy that will last me through the season : feline sunglasses that make any outfit chic, the obligatory black stiletto with intricate details, and a pink faux fur coat to appease my yeti proclivities for my impending vacation to Hong Kong. 

Happy holidays, everyone!

Love, Mandy. xx

Liberated.

(Top - Witchery, shorts - Rachel Rachel, necklace - Alannah Hill, wedge sandals - Elizabeth & James, purse - Guess)

Exams are over (and I seem to have emerged unscathed!) and finally, I am able to capitalise on the beautiful sunny days that were teasing me a week ago when I was still oppressed by the rigmarole of study. 

Thank you to everyone who helped me survive the longest year of med school - you are all so incredibly precious to me. 

Oh, and this is an outfit I wore to lunch with my family (after three long weeks of withdrawals)! I love the ease that neutral combinations impart - such a perfect canvas upon which to layer copious amounts of accessories. 

Lots of love, Mandy. xx

Wanted.

Tom Binns 'Antoinette Crystal Collar' necklace via GILT

One of those moments when something you adore is on sale and you still can't afford it. 

Can't wait to rectify this situation one day! 

Love, Mandy. xx

Nerd mode.

(Dress - Joveeba)

Photo taken with Instagram. Follow me (frocks_frivolities)!  

The only way to approach study week is with a grin of denial, an academic facade, and copious amounts of glucose by your side. 
Sending love and positivity to everyone whose brains are working far beyond their intended capacity! 

Love, Mandy. xx

Hanneli & Lover.

(Images: Hanneli)

Wistfully sighing at the perennially immaculate Hanneli Mustaparta dressed to perfection in the most exquisite white lace dresses by one of my favourite Australian labels, Lover.

Good luck with exams for everyone who has them! 

Love, Mandy. xx

Anomalies.

(Top - River Island, skirt - Sass & Bide, shoes - Charles & Keith, bag -  Guess, assorted rings)

I seem to have a rather odd proclivity for olive greens and bronze tones lately - somewhat uncharacteristic considering my love for bright colours and every hue of pink! 

I hope you don't find the magnitude of the images as confronting as I do ... haha. 

Love, Mandy. xx

The week in summary.

 (Portentous skies from my balcony completely sans editing)

(Birthday celebrations for my beautiful mummy and a cute puppy cake that is almost too adorable to eat) 

(Procrastibaking - melting moments pre-assembly. Recipe coming soon!)

(Taking snaps with my SLR as a respite from my academic agenda. Photo courtesy of Karen Li.)

It is indeed difficult to fit in any semblance of a life with the hectic schedule that med school throws at us, but somehow, sitting back and reflecting on the week's insanities imparts me with an obscure sense of peace that forms the impetus to continue another week. 

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Love, Mandy. xx

The one.

(Miu Miu bow-embellished halterneck bikini from Net-a-Porter)

I'm quite frugal when it comes to bikinis. I find it so difficult to justify such a scant amount of material but I am completely enamoured by this Miu Miu confection that somehow manages to look incredibly demure despite the minimal coverage.

Apologies for the lack of posts of late - this week has been a wonderful mix of chaos! I don't think it will dissipate over the next few weeks with impending exams but I promise to make it up over the holidays. :) 

Much love, Mandy. xx

Food hedonism.

(Images: hardtoexplain)

I find these images so incredibly invigorating. They instil me with the feeling of wanting to abscond from the city humdrum to a small seaside village with my own little beach shack, running errands barefoot and living the organic life .... 

Hope your weekend is filled with a little hedonism. :) 

Love, Mandy. xx