Heading for the Highlands

I have always had a love affair with tartan. This has only been fuelled by my Scottish ancestry, and attending a Presbyterian school where tartan made up about 50% of the uniform (we also had a pipe band which was pretty cool). Tartan is one of those cool weather staples that seems to enjoy its time in the spotlight every few years. Luckily for me, this year is one of those years. Below I have pulled items from around the internet that are fashionable, without making you look like a child, wallpaper, or like you're going to a costume party (the biggest problems of wearing tartan).

I own this dress in green (it also comes in red) and it's so comfortable and versatile. If I want to look ladylike I belt it, add black stockings, flats, and a string of pearls. If I want to be comfortable I add black leggings, boots, an oversized cardigan and leave the smock to hang free. 

This is my clan tartan and I have always wanted a scarf in it to represent my family and clan. This seller on ebay provides tartan scarves (and other goods) for a variety of clans so all you have to do is know to which you belong (or choose the tartan you think is prettiest). 

A tartan skirt is pretty much a winter wardrobe staple and the most classic of ways to incorporate tartan into your winter look. While I personally could never wear the blackwatch tartan (it's identical to my old school skirt) I think it is the classiest tartan to wear and looks more ladylike and less grunge compared to its red counterparts. 

For the tartan timid this jacket allows you to incorporate the trend into your look without looking like you're heading to Balmoral Castle with the Queen. Please note that unfortunately this is only available in sizes 8 and 10 (all the others are sold out) so act quick if you want it. 

 

Sadly I am not a student, and no longer have the need for a beautiful leather satchel. However if you do this beauty from Cambridge Satchel Co. is a subtle way to add some tartan to your look while also being incredibly practical. 

Obviously you can't forget your hair when decking out in tartan. This adorable tartan headband would be a fun pop to an otherwise black winter outfit. 

Tartan shoes peeping out from under jeans are the perfect way to inject some tartan into your casual wardrobe. This adorable offering from ModCloth even have little black bows to up the cute factor. 

Finally what post about tartan would be complete without the classic comfy tartan flannel shirt. This staple can be dressed down with jeans or up with pearls. It will keep you snugly and warm through cold winters and you can find them in an endless array of colours. 

So there you have it. My round up of tartan from around the internet. Just remember, when wearing tartan less is definitely more...unless you're going for an Alexander McQueen look in which case layer it up!

x Stacey

Handbag Essentials

I've never been the type of girl who carries my entire life around in my bag...or so I thought until my boyfriend recently commented on how much stuff I have in my bag. 'But I need these things, they are essentials' was my reply to which I was met with raised eyebrows. Who knows maybe men really are from Mars and women from Venus. 

Anyways, aside from feeling the need to justify myself to the internet I've always loved stickybeaking in other peoples bags on youtube and blogs. So here is my contribution of what is constantly in my bag, to some it may seem like a lot and to other it may seem very spartan. The bag featured is sadly one I do not own but have been lusting after for a while, you can purchase it here.

Clockwise from top left. 

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation: This in combination with Fix + creates an amazing foundation that's easy to apply. I keep the compact in my bag for touchups as well as to use the mirror if needed. 

Neutrogena Naturals Lipbalm: I love love love this lip balm, it's super soothing and the peppermint smell reminds me of Christmas all year round.

L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream: This is my absolute favourite hand cream ever! I have praised it before on this blog and adore the full size one for at home. To make sure I'm never without I always have a mini in my bag for dry skin emergencies.

Chanel Coco Shine in Boy: While I always put whatever lipstick I am wearing on a particular day into my bag, I like to keep a tube of Chanels Coco Shine in Boy in there as well. This sheer nude pink colour is great for touchups or to use incase I forget to put lipstick on that day. 

Phone: Like many people from my generation I would feel lost and naked without my phone, it has my life on it!! Phone cases are a fun way to add a cute touch of your personality to any outfit and I am definitely loving this Belle case from Queen of Cases on etsy. It comes for a variety of phones, and if Belle isn't your cup of tea there are many other princesses to choose from. 

Kikki-K Diary: I'm such an old fashioned pen and paper kinda girl, there is something so lovely and tactile about writing down all my events, appointments and to-do's in my diary (it's also super handy if my phone dies). I received this Kikki-K diary for Christmas and absolutely love how adorable and cute it is. If you want one you best snap it up quickly as they are sold out online, so check your nearest store (they have other cute diaries online if you can't make it to a store).

Kikki-K Pen: To write in my diary with (duh). But also for filling out forms, taking down numbers, lending to strangers etc. 

Keyring: Yes I'm one of those people with a Tiffany keyring, my grandparents gave me one for my 18th birthday (it's not the one pictured as they don't make it anymore but it's super close). Keys are a pretty essential part of life, you use them everyday and a pretty keyring makes them easy to find and also can brighten your day.

Tissues: Because sometimes I sneeze/cry.

Bobby pins: I'm currently growing out my fringe (I think, I may change my mind) so these are super helpful for taming my too long but not long enough hair.

Hair Lackies: Most of the time I wear my hair down, but throughout the day I may encounter situations where I wish/need to pull it into a pony tail. While I can't vouch for their effectiveness (haven't tried them) these lackies are super cute!

Wallet: I bought myself a Coach wallet a few years back when I was in America and it has held up really well. They don't make the one I have anymore, but this one is similar in design and super pretty. 

So there you have it, my handbag essentials. In addition to this I may add items specific to what I'll be doing each day, cardigan for the movies, book if I'm going on a train etc. But this is the stock standard basics that I always have with me regardless. Does this seem like too much or too little for you? Let me know what you keep in your bag in the comments.

x Stacey

Teacher Tuesday

Oh my gosh it's a miracle, I'm actually posting a Teacher Tuesday on a Tuesday!

Unfortunately no freebies today, however I do have some good news (well for me at least). Today I received my final prac placement allocation which is cause for celebration for two reasons:

1. The uni was able to find me a placement so I don't have to go hunting for one like last time

2. My placement is in a kindergarten which I was hoping for since it gives me a chance to experience using the EYLF.


So please excuse me while I leave you to go scrub up on my EYLF reading. To make up for the lack of freebie today I leave you with an outfit set that you could wear for teaching during the coming Spring (for those in the southern hemisphere) or for Autumn/Fall (for my readers in the northern hemisphere).

yay for mustard

x Stacey

Princesses and Heroes

Under the Sea

Growing up I loved going to see Disney on Ice shows. If memory serves me correct I saw three of them during the 1990's; Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and World on Ice: 10th Anniversary (or something similar). Every winter during this period of time, Disney would be back in my corner of the world with a new ice show to see. Going along, eating a snow cone, and getting some ridiculously overpriced light up toy make up some of my favourite childhood memories. However the arena where Disney on Ice was housed was sadly closed its doors in 2002 (and was later demolished in 2011) and so for 11 long winters Disney on Ice did not come back. All of this changed this winter when the new Perth Arena hosted Princesses and Heroes. 

My real life Prince Charming and myself bought tickets for his younger sisters third birthday, however since she ended up on a overseas holiday we ended up taking my sister instead.

Doesn't he just look thrilled to be there

Sunday came and off we headed to the arena to battle the massive lines of people, both nostalgic adults, and excited children. We met up with one of my best friends and her boyfriend before the show (he was just as equally thrilled to be there as my boy was). We had decided to 'disneybound' for the show (as all good Disney fans should), her as Minnie Mouse and myself as Snow White, as I am always told I look like her (or my personal favourite 'you're whiter than Snow White').

The show was everything I remember Disney on Ice being and more (and by more I mean more special effects...technology has come a long way since 1997 you know). It was overly romantic and all the songs sent goosebumps up my spine, even though some of the songs have been redone for a more modern appeal. Apparently they will be back next winter with a show featuring Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan (amongst others) and I'm already figuring out how to get my name on a wait list. 

If you are heading off to a Disney on Ice show, or perhaps even to a Disney Park (lucky duck) I have created a little Snow White outfit for you below (click the caption to find the link). My favourite part about this outfit is that all the items can easily transition to your non-Disney side of life.

Fairest of Them All

Just make sure you don't forget the lips as red as a rose.

x Stacey