It's a love triangle with Fashion, Tea, and me.

Today was my Mum's Birthday!! What better way to celebrate than High Tea at the Observatory Hotel?

After starting our day by going to yoga, we took some photos in front of the beautifully gorgeous Swarovski Crystal Christmas tree in the QVB. (Apparently it's the largest Swarovski tree in the world) We probably looked like Japanese tourists hahah! Say Fuji!

Then we cabbed it to the Observatory Hotel. I was such a dork. When I put my foot out of the car, my heel got caught on the inside of my dress. So there I was, hopping on one foot, trying to untangle myself. Once I did, you'd think that would be the end of it. Not with dorky me. I was re-enacting to my Mum what happened, and then my foot got caught again! All in front of the door men. I am one classy lady.

We were ushered into the absolutely devine Globe Bar, which is stylised to look like a library in an Old English Manor. For our choice of tea, I chose a "first flush finest quality Assam" and Mum chose the Darjeeling. We were then presented with the oh-so-difficult task of devouring *mini* creme caramels, quiche lorraines, chocolate cakes, cheese cakes, panna cotta, plain and fruit scones with home-made strawberry jam and cream and 4 kinds of sandwiches. Oh. My. God. D.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s. The scones were my tied favourite with the creme caramel. We've already planned a return visit!

In continuing with the total classiness, we just had to take some pictures in the bathroom... I mean, lavatory.

And of course, we had to get dressed up for the occassion! (Pictures below in Martin Place)


I decided to wear a grey Metalicus cross-over dress, with a white Portmans floral singlet underneath, and my black and white bow Nine West heels. My bag is from a department store in Japan I bought as part of some special promotion they were having in wchih all these Italian leather bags were down from around $300 to $120. For accessories I wore the diamond earrings from Arpege my Mum gave me for my birthday this year, and a heart-lock silver bracelet from a jewellery stall next to the Opera House my mum gave me last year for Christmas.

Mum wore my black floral dress I bought in Maroubra for $20, my purple diamond ball necklace, heels from Isetan in Malaysia, and a bag from Ginza Kanematsu (Japanese designer shoe brand).

So Happy Birthday Mum! You are the most wonderful mum in the world. I love you!

:::Paddington: Sydney's version of heaven:::

Now what type of girl doesn't like to spend her day(s) strolling the streets of Paddington? That is a rhetorical question, because if there is a girl out there who doesn't love Paddington- then I don't want to know! Today I spent an incredibly relaxing day in Paddington with my mum. It was one of those days that just makes all of life's silly little problems dissolve, at least temporarily. It's based on this beautiful concept called retail therapy. I hear it's become quite the trend in current years... A flat white and a pear danish later, we made our way down William St...

Mum and I walking down to Five Ways

The first shop we entered was Sami & Sita. The mother-daughter owned boutique specialises in its own collection of clothing and accessories which take inspiration from the 1940's, '50's and '60's and are designed by the daughter, and also stocks other Australian designers such as Peep Toe Shoes. The cosy size of the store and the friendly owners makes you feel as if it like a little treasure chest of all things pretty.

The shop was having a fantastic sale. I fell in love with the sweetest black and white-spotted woollen scarf. We had actually seen it in David Jones the other day for $90, and when I saw it was down to $45 I just had to have it! The scarf is made in France (need I say more?), and is something a bit differest as the white spots are raised against the black wool. It's quite thick and fluffy, so it will help keep me warm in this harsh winter weather. I was a bit naughty and also bought a white woolen tiered hat with a flower decal ($40). I haven't bought anything in a while, so I think it was a combination of holiday jubilation and the torrential rain outside that provided the perfect excuse for winter accessories shopping!

The damage

The other standout stores on William St were Rose and Ruby, Shop No. 2, and the consignment store of shoes. We also made our way to 5 Ways, and checked out the divine Parlour X. I was captivated by the Comme de Garcons collection, which truly lives up to its reputation as wearable art with its architectural design. Not to mention the beauty of the Balenciaga and Isabel Marant pieces. Just sifting through the racks and racks of carefully crafted garments was enough to make my heart skip a beat. What a wonderful, wonderful day.