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

Winter Bucket List

Winter has well and truly hit with the storms we have been having over the last few days. Everywhere I look on pinterest I see pictures of peoples summer activities and it makes me long for warmer weather. I started creating my spring bucket list but then thought to myself 'stop being so silly, winter is a wonderful time of year', and even though winter is half over I decided to make a winter bucket list.

Watch a Christmas In July Movie

I love Christmas movies so any excuse to watch them is good enough for me. I have a feeling after this post goes up I'll find myself snuggled up on the couch with a blanket and one of my favourite holiday movies National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Snuggle up at the movies

I love going to the movies all year, but there is something extra special about going in winter (maybe it evokes memories of my Gran taking all us cousins every school holidays). One movie I'm dying to see is The Great Gatsby. It's closing here on Monday and one of the theatres has a $12.50 movie and malteasers deal. Comparing that price to the regular ticket only price of $19.00 I'd be crazy to pass this opportunity up. 

Visit the Art Gallery

I love spending lazy days at galleries and museums (I actually completed a Graduate Diploma of Museum Studies before realising my love of teaching). Right now the Art Gallery of Western Australia has a fantastic exhibition from MoMA called Van Goh, Dali and Beyond. I've always loved the work of Van Goh and hope to see this exhibition before it closes. 

Hot Chocolate Date

Winter and hot chocolate, there was never a better pair since Batman and Robbin. I love hot chocolate in any form, real, powdered, milo (although it's technically not chocolate), the only thing better than drinking hot chocolate is drinking hot chocolate with someone you love. I think one weekend I will recruit Chris and go sip some hot chocolate while people watching.

Go to the Ballet

Mum, my sister and myself are all season ticket holders to the WA Ballet. We love it and there is nothing better than getting all dressed up for a night at the theatre. This winter the St Petersburg Ballet is coming and performing one of my favourite ballets Swan Lake. Obviously Mum jumped on tickets as soon as humanly possible, and I'm counting down the days until I can see this wonderful ballet in all its Russian glory.

Go to a winter Sunday Session

Sunday Sessions are something you usually associate with summer; beer gardens, live music and cotton dresses. However one of my friends runs a winter Sunday Session and Chris and I have promised to swing by at least one of them. 

Crochet a scarf

Technically this should read finish crocheting a scarf, however that didn't sound as nice. I started crocheting a scarf at the start of July and got halfway through before putting it down and leaving it. Now with winter half over I am determined to finish the project so it can be worn.

So there you have it, my winter bucket list. What is on your winter bucket list (or summer one if you're in the northern hemisphere), do you think I have missed anything?

x Stacey