Country Bumpkin

A couple of weeks back, I was up to my ears in bikinis. While playing with all these swim suits, I noticed a few trends, which I mentioned here. But one that particularly caught my attention was gingham. I've always loved gingham. So too my mum and big sis. When I was little, my sister had these swimmers that were red gingham and super cute. And I used to call them her "country bumpkin cozzies."

In memory of those beloved cozzies (the one item I actually wanted as a hand-me-down never even made it to me- she wore them out before she could grow out of them), I have done a post with a whole bunch of pretty gingham pieces. Hope you like.

Seafolly longline bustier and mini hipster with ruffle edge

The Karen Neilson Collection picnic check frill pom pom one piece

Topshop black gingham push up bikini

Agent Provocateur stacey halterneck bikini top and briefs

Antipodium mini gingham dress with cutaway sleeve and collar tips

Peter Alexander gingham tie front slinky


Miranda x

The Boyfriend Watch

I’m in the market for a new watch. My current one, Nixon’s The Small Playa, has served me well for nearly four years now. It’s everything I love in a watch; large, silver, men’s, too big for me, minimalistic, polished look. It’s also got a black face, which I am partial to, but it’s not essential.

Checking all of these boxes, my Nixon and I have a great relationship. But, once again, a day at The Weekly has me lusting after some new items. Specifically:

I love this Marc by Marc Jacobs watch. I feel it’s more of an updated, feminine version of my current watch, whilst still retaining that hint of masculinity. Plus, the way I wear my watch halfway up my arm accentuates the “boyfriend watch” feel.

Although it's a stray from my usual preferences, I also came across this red Adidas watch and was immediately drawn to it. I love the bright colour combined with its large size. Although I’m sure I’d never purchase it; it has more of a sporty feel than the rest of my wardrobe, I can’t see how it would apply.

Here are some fabulous other boyfriend-style timepieces that might take your fancy.

Michael Kors silver oversized runway watch

Billabong boyfriend watch in charcoal

Roxy the marco leather watch

Fossil maddox analogue champagne dial

Nixon chronicle watch in black saddle

Nixon private SS watch - raw steel

Nixon the mariner watch in brass

Marc by Marc Jacobs large blade watch

Billabong boyfriend watch in black

Billabong boyfriend watch in silver

Adidas silicone cambridge watch in silver


Invest in a boyfriend watch today to liven up any outfit. Add an edgy touch to a polished or preppy look. Highlight the masculine feel when wearing a boyfriend blazer or jeans with an aptly named time piece. Or make your outfit the canvas for your boyfriend watch by wearing something plain, like a black maxi dress.

Miranda x

UPDATED: Summer is Coming

You know summer is nearly here when the fashion department gets sent approximately 15 million bikinis.

I spent yesterday at The Weekly unpacking said swimwear, ordering them by brand and lusting after summer. Just the sight of a bikini was enough to conjure the smell of salt, sweat & sand at the beach, the memory of warmer weather & minimal clothing, and the feeling of warm sun on your skin.

I hate Winter and I couldn’t help but imagine myself in (nearly) every single one of those bikinis, with a few notable exceptions, like Nancy Ganz. However, one 'kini in particular took my fancy.

Surely this is the cutest swimsuit you’ve ever seen in your life? This is from the Karen Neilson Collection, an Australian designer located on the Gold Coast. It's called the Cabot Cove 2 Piece. Her entire range of cotton swimwear has a distinct 50’s feel to it and is all equally as cute.

Also available from Miss Neilson is the (Top to Bottom) Picnic Check Frill Pom Pom, the Aloha Frill Plain and the Wonderland Frill 2 Piece.

Seafolly is a favourite of mine. They always have really cute swimwear, following the latest trends while maintaining a practical edge. This Summer, all their pieces are very feminine and flirty.

(L-R) Seafolly Shimmer underwire bra and pant, Seafolly Tea Rose bustier and skirted pant, Seafolly La Vita bustier and skirted pant

Seafolly Goddess Bella bandeau maillot

Tigerlily also has a lot of cute items coming out this season. Not only bikinis but also beach wear, I spotted a few items that would be great for throwing over your costume when going to the kiosk for ice creams.

Moontide is a brand I wasn't very familiar with previously, but they have a lot of cute, fun swim wear, like these two.

Although not my particular style, Zoe Elizabeth has a wide range of fun, patterned cotton bikinis available too.


I've noticed a lot of gingham coming out in time for summer. There was a definite nod to the 50's and other retro eras in a lot of collections. High waisted bottoms, frills and skirted pants were all very popular. Expect colour blocking, mix 'n' match prints and retro styles this summer. Start scrubbin' those pins and get the sun block out; summer is nearly here!

Miranda x

H&M Love

That H&M's online store does not allow international delivery is a blessing in disguise. For my wallet, anyway. But not my wardrobe. And not my sanity, either.

It's a crime that high quality, up to the minute fashion at such affordable prices is available elsewhere in the world but not Down Under. After 8 months back in Oz, I'm still a subscriber to H&M's fashion update e-mails and I just can't bring myself to click that unsubscribe button. The newsletters come complete with discounts and special offers, such as 25% off. The last two have me lusting after a few basic items that would make great staple pieces and translate easily into a number of outfits and occassions.

Like this jumper, for one:

How cute would it look with jeans? In fact, the exact outfit shown here. And the best part is, it's only 12.99 pounds. I also love these:

Or this handbag:

I've got a serious problem with oversize handbags, in that I'm addicted to them. Each time I buy a handbag it's larger than the last. I just don't feel secure if I don't have the World's Largest Handbag containing approximately 50% of the items from my bedroom. It seems like this bag would have enough room to calm any anxieties I could possibly ever have about leaving things behind.

Not altogether unlike the versions available in Australia, these ballet flats are super cute and super cheap. You could buy a pair in every colour if you so desired!

I love coats. Somewhere along the way from teenager to adult, I developed poor circulation and zero tolerance for the cold, so I've been wearing my thick woollen coat since about May. I get a lot of use out of them, so it's good to have a few. One of the main things I love about H&M is that they provide a range of pieces, like these coats, suitable for any budget, meaning you can afford to update your staples every year, if you so desire.

So. Show H&M some lovin' and let them know they're wanted in the Land of Oz!! Do it for your wardrobe's sake, if not your own. Or even my sake.

Miranda x

Brief moment of handbag jealousy

My boss came back from a two week holiday with this bag.

I know. I know. I want it too. Go here.

That’s all.

Miranda x

Boston Babe

While sorting through the fashion cupboard, returning clothes and shoes as an intern for a women's magazine, I came across the brand Boston Babe. I'm surprised I've not heard of them before, as their website states they've been in the biz for over 20 years.

From the samples I was returning (read: admiring) their next lines will be very cute, up to the minute with the latest trends. Think colour blocking, strappy sandals, chunky heels. I'll be sure to keep an eye and ear for any new arrivals at Boston Babe.

In the mean time, if you're loving the recent trend of suede wedge shoe boots but looking for something other than the same old black or taupe versions, why not try this lipstick red pair?

Miranda x

New Shoes

I managed to slip in the purchase of new shoes before uni this morning, and they were on sale! Shoes and a sale: definitely two characteristics of a great day.

These $20 brogues are super comfy and will be great for running around town & doing errands in as part of my intern role; a welcome change from ballet flats. This trend has been around for a while now, but I think that the all black style is more versatile than white and black versions. Brown or tan varieties are also popular, but I'm not a huge fan of those and prefer this simple black pair. I'm already envisioning all the outfits I will wear them with!

Miranda x

Welcome to my blog!

Hi everyone, and welcome to my blog.

I’m 20 years old and live on the NSW Central Coast. I’m a communications student, aspiring writer, journalist and editor. With this in mind, and a little nudging from one of my lecturers, I have decided to create a blog. I’m a little bit green when it comes to the world of blogging. I read many, but have not done much blogging of my own, except for a brief foray into tumblr.

In this space, I plan to combine my two great loves, words and fashion. As Charlotte York once said, "Everyone knows you only get two great loves in your life." Mine are words and all things fashion; shoes, clothes, beauty, trends, magazines. (Apologies to potential suitors, my quota has been fulfilled!)

I like to wander around cities, exploring, making observations. I enjoy discovering new things, whether it is new blogs, brands, products, places, trends, books or music; anything to brighten my day. I collect snow globes from all the places I visit on my travels and I hoard magazines.

Stay tuned for this space for a collection of quotes, words, blog entries, pictures and fashions.

Miranda x