Aloha from Hawaii

Well it's been a week...reality has set in and I've well and truly slumped into post-holiday depression (first world problems I know). But, they say the best thing to do is recount your experiences and well, plan your next holiday! At the moment I'm thinking it could be a fabulous plan to escape every Australian winter and head to a tropical destination instead. Could I call it market research?

But first I'll take a step back and give you some of my tips and suggestions, rookie errors and favourite moments from Hawaii. Aloha to the sunshine, salt and sand...

Tips & Suggestions:

• Use Hawaiian Airlines
  If you're stuck trying to find a hotel I suggest jumping onto the Hawaiian Airlines website. We booked our flights and hotel stay as a package and managed to get it cheaper than any where else. However, even though it is an Australian website the prices are still in USD. We got a little bit over excited and then realised a bit further down the track. There's plenty of other options when booking your stay but for a couple that haven't traveled much this was easy, fast and reliable.
• Do stay at The Modern Honolulu!
  
  This was our hotel for the whole duration of our stay and it was so beautiful! 5 star rating (reasonable pricing - we got every 4th night free), cocktails by the pool, comfortable yet beachy decor. It's not right in the middle of Waikiki so you beat the hustle and bustle but it's certainly not too far. One quirky fact is that the hotel smells amazing, they had their own 'hotel scent' fabricated and it is divine - the essence of Plumeria. It has now taken to the top of my list as favourite Island scent

The Rooms (Image from The Modern Honolulu)

Our View from the Room

Daybeds by the Pool

• Eat local!
  Sure we tried our fair share of American eats but when you're in your togs and on the beach there's only so many cheeseburgers you want to stomach for the fear of sinking...My personal favourite was a cafe not far from our hotel - GOOFY Cafe & Dine.
  Their tagline was "Local First, Organic Whenever Possible" and it truly made a difference. Great service and delicious fresh food! It's safe to say that we went there a couple of times.

What's island living without an Acai Bowl?

Eggs Benedict with Taro Potato and Kale

Omlette, brown rice and kale - delicious!

• Visit Pearl Harbour -
  I found the experience moving and educational. I would suggest reserving your tickets online the day before as the USS Arizona Memorial only has 2000 tickets a day. Not booking online means getting up earlier, not being guaranteed a ticket and having to wait for your time slot which could be a couple of hours. We opted not to do a tour because we prefer to do things in our own time and it turned out to be a lot cheaper. We also did the USS Missouri experience which proved to be worth the entry cost! If you don't mind a selfie get involved on the #BattleshipSelfie.

USS Arizona Memorial 

#BattleshipSelfie

• Catch Public Transport!
  Depending on your disposable income or holiday budget, catching the bus can be one easy way to save money! Consider Pearl Harbour - public transport was only $2.50 each, each way, as opposed to $40 each for tour packages. The travel time was relatively the same and we were relaxed as we didn't have time constraints!
• Be a Tourist!
  I was not ashamed to take too many photos, buy inflatable sun lounges from the cheap store (and float for hours I might add), get too sunburnt (unintentionally), google "how to tip", eat at chain restaurants, see below, and buy silly souvenirs - it added to the whole experience. I could say that I had an instagram worthy holiday the whole time but that would be a lie, and the experience was so much better than the photos (one would hope). 

One of many cocktails!

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co

Rookie Errors:

• Pack a Straw Hat:
  You wouldn't think I worked for a lifestyle brand because I packed a felt hat - and yes, it did look good...but in 30 plus heat my head felt like it was on fire. Invest in a good hat before you leave - the tourist prices were inflated big time for headwear!
  
  
  Shop Hats
• Pack Plenty of Kaftans:
  I honestly over packed, I think the thought of 32 kilos of baggage excited me too much. I hardly wore any of my day outfits and absolutely LIVED in kaftans. Should have packed more - I only had a couple on rotation.
  
  
  Shop Kaftans
• Pack Your Own Sunscreen:
  You can clearly tell we hadn't travelled much because my partner and I didn't know that you could take liquids in your suitcase. We thought that you had to put everything in 100ml bottles - yes we squirted the shampoo into these, talk about a rookie error.
  I realised the thing I missed most was my sunscreen and the retail for it in Hawaii was expensive!
  
  
  Shop Eco Tan

I could go on forever but I simply think I could be borderline gloating and wasting your time. If you have any questions please post them below! Finally, check out some of my favourite moments -

What's your favourite tropical holiday destination? 

Where should we travel next?

Style File: Felt Hats

 

I don’t know about you but I love the way a hat looks on people but I’ve never know when or where to wear it or how to style. So I took it upon myself to try and work out where and how I can wear my hat without looking out of place or looking to Boho. So here's a little style guide to felt hats! 

To the Beach

Straw hats seem to be the go to 'beach hat' but why can't the felt hat? Look effortlessly stylish when you pair your felt hats with a casual summer outfit.

Outfit Ideas for the beach:

• Shorts
• Plain Tee
• Flip Flops/Sandals
• Summer Dress 
• Kaftan
• Long Necklace 
• Beach bag 
• Togs

Outdoors:

Wear it when you're going for a walk in the park, picnic or even to watch kids play sport. The felt hat is your best friend. It's bound to keep you warm especially in the winter months or it can keep you protected from the sun in the hotter months. 

Outfit Ideas for the Outdoors:

• Jeans 
• Tee 
• Cardigan
• Leather bag 
• Sunglasses
• Flats/Runners
• Scarf 

In the City:
Strolling through the city, is definitely a place for the felt hats. You want to look stylish and its seem that the felt hat is the key piece to add an extra edge to the outfit.

Outfit Ideas for the city:

• Scarf
• Leather bag/tote
• Day dress
• Jeans 
• Boots
• Coat
• Flats
• Skirt

The felt hat is such a versatile piece as it can be taken from the warmer months all the way through to the cooler months. It always seems to make you look that much more stylish. 

Shop our hats: here 

Byron Bay & What to Wear to a Beach Wedding

Today's post is a quick recap on a fantastic and delicious, weekend coastal getaway. My family lives down Casuarina (NSW) way and so honestly I try to take the trip as often as possible. In no way is this a "What you should do whilst visiting" post but a visual ode to what I wore to a beach wedding and of course pictures of (some) of the things I ate! If you want a comprehensive guide of what to do, sing out, because I could go on forever...there's too many things to do!

You may only be 1.5 hours from Brisbane city but being able to see and hear the ocean is relaxing, and simply put, just perfect.

As I said, on this particular weekend we attended a wedding on gorgeous Cabarita Beach Headland, the day was magnificent! Australian winters are wildly fabulous - warm, sunny and pleasant! Just look at that view!?

I managed to grab a sneaky picture of Dad and I - I happened to be wearing Blue Bungalow (when am I not?) and so I thought for once I thought I'd come out from behind the camera...I wore the Camilla Tie Sleeve Kaftan Dress which is ideal for a beach wedding - colourful, doesn't cling and breathable, tick! Considering this style is $55, I was impressed that the key component of my outfit was under $100! A customer in-store actually convinced me to try it on. It's funny how when things are under your nose for so long you forget about them, I owe her one!

1. Camilla Tie Sleeve Kaftan Dress $55: Shop Now

2. Gold Clutch with Pom Pom Keyring $79.95: Shop Now

3. Flower Earrings (Orange) $29: Shop Now

When considering a beach wedding shoes play an important role! We don't stock the pair above (they're Siren Nude Heels) but this height may not be for everyone. I might suggest a wedge for most - I wear heels everyday so I'm quite comfortable in this height and style. But I will be honest...trudging up a grass headland is never graceful unless you're blessed with model genes. 

I opted to belt this style as I'm larger busted and feel more comfortable this way. However, most people wear this style loose and relaxed (so perfect for fitting in a banquet later).

On that note...just look at dessert! Sticky black rice, ice-cream and lychees!

The reception was at Spice Den - modern asian cuisine in Casuarina. Everyone complimented the food (it was outstanding) and especially the service. The waiters were wonderful - they were never intrusive but somehow always knew when my wine was ready to be refilled...I'm just going to say I must have looked thirsty from "gracefully" trudging up the headland in heels! If you're concerned about Gluten Free options have no fear...most of the menu was Gluten Free bar a couple of meals. The lighting was quite dark (romantic) so I didn't match to get too many photos, that or the banquet was eaten too quickly for me to capture it. Now that's a good sign!

Sunday was well spent with a day trip to Byron, shopping the local Sunday markets and having a coffee at the ever faithful "Nat's Coffee"! If you get to Nat's, it's in the main part of town, the brownies are a must! Gluten Free and oh so delicious!
All in all, I'm pleased to say the weekend was a success and I feel well rested...despite a few vino headaches of course!

Where do you love to visit?

What's your favourite coffee/restaurant/shop in northern NSW?

How to Wear a Poncho

The first of July marks the middle month of winter and that means more cold days and nights to ensue! You may not be interested in donning this trend because you don't fancy yourself a caped superhero, but pulling off this outerwear essential is surprisingly easy!

We love this trend because it flatters all shapes and sizes (plus-size included), is functional (actually keeps you warm) and is fantastic for those days when you honestly couldn't face thinking about what to wear!

Images via Pinterest

Above is just two examples, of the many, from the sea of Pinterest - there are so many style ideas. However, we have one particular poncho in mind and it is of course one of ours! Meet the Speckled Poncho $69: Shop Now

1. Speckled Poncho $69: Shop Now

2. Graffiti Print Scarf $29: Shop Now

3. Black Leggings $19.95: Shop Now

4. Tan Ava Zip Leather Tote $199: Shop Now

5. Martin Place Boot $149: Shop Now

When you're planning on wearing a poncho, remember to keep it simple - let your outerwear do the talking! That said, keep your accompanying pieces fitted to avoid looking like you've rolled out in your pyjamas and thrown on the couch throw! The key is to keep the items underneath simple and structured. We love with black leggings or jeans, boots and a scarf for a bit of textured highlighting!

A cape is ideal for the weekend, embrace the outdoorsy aspect and wear to the sporting sidelines or cosy up in the grass for a picnic - afternoon delights! The look reads relaxed, but yes you did try this morning!

If you're still not convinced, or you're a little bit on the shorter side - I think a textured and/or longer knit would suffice. There's no need to wear too much fabric if there isn't much of you to begin with!

1. Grey Patterned Knit $59: Shop Now

2. Cobalt Wide Brim Hat $69.95: Shop Now

So the next time you go to throw on a chunky sweater, put on a cozy knit poncho instead! The poncho piece serves as the ideal layer over your favourite wardrobe basics.

The Poncho - Would you & why? Do you & how?

Top 5 Winter Knits

If we're completely honest with ourselves here in sunny Queensland we get about 4 weeks of actual winter. 4 weeks of wearing jackets, layering, sipping on hot beverages and eating soup...any longer than that and I'm sweating beneath my layers and find I have sula (sweaty upper lip alert) from sipping soup.
We prepare too early for it, but when the time comes you've either got too much, or in my case too little! 
When it's 8 degrees and all you've got to choose from is kaftans, singlets and kimonos you start to re-evaluate your wardrobe choices, if you're in the same boat as me, definitely keep reading!
We've picked our top 5 knits for this week to beat that winter chill...

1. Striped Knit Vest

1. Striped Knit Vest $49: Shop Now

2. Black Ponte Midi Skirt $39.95: Shop Now

3. Tan Ava Zip Leather Tote $199: Shop Now

Jumping in on the knit vest trend - but we're still not interested in showing our arms. Layer up with a fitted basic underneath and pair with a fitted skirt or your favourite denim. A roll neck means you don't have to think about jewellery, perfect rolling out of bed on a Monday?

2. Exposed Seam Drape Jacket

1. Exposed Seam Drape Jacket $59: Shop Now

Cosy and warm - you honestly feel like cuddling yourself in this style. Wear over just about everything but we love an all black combo with a colour popping scarf!

3. Starry Nights Cardigan
 

1. Starry Nights Cardigan $49: Shop Now

2. Coral Shell Top $49: Shop Now

3. Black Pony Crossover Satchel $109: Shop Now

4. Three Strand Necklace $49: Shop Now

Every woman needs a little bit of bling in her life - especially in Winter! This knit cardigan is an easy throw-on-the-go style which is perfect for the day to night transition.

4. Monochrome Knit Jacket

1. Monochrome Knit Jacket $79: Shop Now

2. Chartreuse Felt Fedora $64.95: Shop Now

3. Cat Hammill Necklace $69.95: Shop Now

Make a statement in this absolutely gorgeous jacket! It's something a little bit different but the monochrome ensures you can get enough wear. This style is ideal for down south, a little bit thick for QLD but perfect our super chilly mornings!
If you're determined to wear this style through out the day in QLD, consider just layering over a basic tank - that way your underarms are able to breath.

5. Terracotta Waterfall Cardigan

1. Terracotta Waterfall Cardigan $59: Shop Now

2. Black Felt Fedora $64.95: Shop Now

3. Turtle Neck Midi Dress $39: Shop Now

4. Black Pony Crossover Satchel $109: Shop Now

The colour and shape of the Terracotta Waterfall Cardigan is classic and flatters all sizes. Even those of us at BB who are big busted have been a fan of this one. Less bulky than a jacket this one is good for errands and/or travel. If you're on the shorter side you can still enjoy this little number - the hemline comes up at the back so you're not swamped in fabric.

What's your favourite knit style?

Lisa's Pulled Pork & Slaw

No word of a lie these photos were taken in store and from straight from Lisa's tupperware! I was jealous, starving and needed the recipe asap! We all sampled a taste and decided it was too good to keep it a secret! We all thought that this combo would be perfect for a burger - but seeing as it was lunch time best not to be too naughty! Lisa threw this recipe together off of the top of her head so if there's any blanks just fill in the gaps...

Coleslaw
Ingredients:

• 1/2 White cabbage - finely sliced
• 1/2 Red cabbage - finely sliced
• 1 Carrot - grated
• 4 Celery stalks - finely sliced
• 1 Fennel bulb - finely sliced
• 1 Apple - grated

Dressing
Ingredients

• 4 Eggs - whisked
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 400ml Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Whisk dressing ingredients together in a bowl and then combine with coleslaw ingredients. The dressing should be poured to desired coverage - any excess can be kept in the fridge for a couple of days!

Pulled Pork

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg Pork shoulder
• 1 Onion - diced
• 1 Garlic bulb - finely diced
• 1 tbsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Tumeric
• 1 tsp Garam masala
• 1/4 cup Tomato paste
• 2 cubes Vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup Maple syrup

Method

On stove top cook off onion, garlic and spices with a little oil. Add tomato paste and maple syrup then combine with vegetable stock cubes. Add a little water extra water if necessary.

Remove rind from pork and add to slow cooker. Baste shoulder (using sauce you just made), top and bottom, and cook for 6 hours on slow. Turn your pork every hour and re-baste each time.

This recipe is simple but it does take time! However, for how tasty Lisa's lunch was I'd say it's worth it! If it's just you, or only a few, cook a bit extra and use it for a couple of days. You could use in salads, or as a burger! We think this is the perfect Sunday cook up...

What's your favourite Sunday meal?

5 Winter Accessories You Need Right Now

Sometimes you're on a budget or you feel too fat to try on clothes...it's in these dark moments that I turn to accessories. I justify accessories as investment pieces because I almost always wear them more than once and they generally fit without trying them on. In winter I use accessories to jazz up my outfit - I can easily grab them when running for the door!

This post is dedicated to five of our favourite winter accessories - a chunky scarf, felt hat, ankle boots, sunglasses and a gorgeous leather bag!

1.  Green, Orange and Purple Scarf $39: Shop Now

2. Black Felt Fedora $64.95: Shop Now

3. Navy and Red Scarf $39: Shop Now

4. Red Felt Fedora $64.95: Shop Now

5. Black Martin Place Ankle Boots $149: Shop Now

6. Tan Chance Ankle Boot $179: Shop Now

7. Sage Blue Tortoiseshell Glasses $79.95: Shop Now

8. Tan Ava Zip Leather Tote $199: Shop Now

9. Black Pony Crossover Satchel $109: Shop Now

1. Chunky Scarf

A chunky scarf is practical and can easily lift your outfit. For $39 you're not breaking the bank, can hide it from hubby and if it gets a bit warmer through the day you can always take it off. If you wear a lot of block colours we suggest a print or texture to create another element to your look. The two scarves we featured for this post are on the heavier side (perfect for you ladies down south) but they're also super soft!

Felt Hats & Chunky Scarves

2. Felt Hat

A felt hat has winter written all over it! If you invest in a quality style it should be made from 100% wool - the two styles pictured above certainly are! If you're unsure on how to wear a hat or whether you can, read out previous post "How to Wear a Fedora". My personal pick is the Red Felt Fedora, it is the perfect pair to our Navy and Red Chunky Scarf.

3. Ankle Boots

If heels aren't your thing i.e you're running around after children, or on your feet ALL day, flat ankle boots are for you! With winter about to hit us with it's full force its important to keep your toes warm (simple logic but true). Boots can be worn with socks, stockings or jeans. However, if you opt to tan we would avoid wearing black tights - it tends to cut you off and make your legs look shorter than they actually are!

Tan Chance Boot

4. Sunglasses 

Sunglasses are really an all year round accessory - but if you're a seasonal shopper like I am the new collection from ROC is too hard to resist! The Blue Sage pair we pictured earlier looks black at first glance but shines blue in the winter sun!

5. Leather Bag

Remember how I said sometimes I buy accessories when on a budget? Well leather bags are the exception to the rule. If you're spending a little it's PU, not leather, and I tend to only invest in one style and wear it until its worn! The Tan Ava Zip Leather Tote is affordable when compared to other brands on the market and can fit everything, maybe a little bit too much. I recently won a competition at a baby shower where you won points for everything in your handbag...yes I do need a USB, camera, hand sanitiser, baby wipes and the list goes on...
Our other featured piece the Black Pony Hair Crossover Satchel speaks for itself - it has gorgeous pony hair on one side. We've put pony hair in the winter basket as it is too textured and heavy for summer! This style is easy wear and is appropriate for both night and day. On the plus side its available in three colours - black, red and grey!

Styling up our Pony Hair Crossover Satchel

Have we missed something?

What accessories do you swear by in Winter?