The Holiday Gift Guide 2015: For the Ladies in Your Life

Hi loves,
Merry Christmas!

Gosh, it's been such a crazy lead-up to Christmas for me, but still, I could never be more excited for the holiday than I seem to always be whenever December rolls around.
Ever since I could afford to, I've absolutely loved picking out the perfect gifts for my family and friends. Seeing their faces light up when they unwrap it may be the sole purpose for my excitement, but also because I love shopping, and Christmas is a reasonable excuse to confess my addiction. I'm not shopping for myself; I'm shopping for the people I love (including myself.)

Now hopefully you've seen my Holiday Gift Guide for the Men in Your Life, because tonight I'm bringing to you a gift guide for your mum, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, best friend, girl friends and any other leading lady in your life.

For the organised gal: As Christmas nears, so does the end of the year, and with the end of the year, comes the "new year, new me" quotes, and 2016 diaries and planners! If you're having a hard time finding a gift for that girl who has everything, get her a diary or planner to help her keep track of everything she's got.

The Holiday Gift Guide 2015: For the Men in Your Life

Hi loves,
Merry Christmas!
Well, almost. But Christmas is basically everyday when it's December.
Unfortunately I won't be participating in creating holiday looks this year. Things are too crazy right now, but instead, I did however shoot a Holiday Gift Guide which will come in 2 instalments; YAY!

For the sweet tooth: Excluding people allergic to hazelnuts, you'd have to be insane not to be in love with Nutella. If you head into MYER, you can get a Nutella jar personally personalised to fit the name of the Nutella lover you're gifting it for. It's simple, it's sweet, and it's inexpensive.

Thank You, The Fashion Institute Sydney

For a couple of weeks now, I've been thrilled about finishing up my time here. I've been feeling like I'm ready to venture off into the real world and leave behind TFI, but my last few classes have left me feeling sentimental and emotional over leaving such an incredible year I've been through.
I really am going to miss the beautiful white interior, the inspiring speeches from industry leaders and the friendliest and stylish classmates known to the Sydney area.

The experiences I had the opportunity of partaking in this year has been truly remarkable. My assumptions about the entire fashion industry has been perceived so differently through this past year because of the amount of incredible and inspiring people I've had the chance of meeting while studying at TFI.

It's a time for mixed emotions; I'm excited about leaving and finally starting my fashion career, but I'm devastated that I have to leave the one place that nurtured me and molded me into the career woman I want to be one day.

This isn't goodbye, it's see ya soon, TFI, because I promise you, you will be seeing and hearing a lot from me to graciously thank you for the opportunities you have provided for me.

If you are thinking about a career in fashion, I suggest you follow these groovy links to TFI's website and social media accounts to find out the fun you yourself can endure if you choose to study there!

TFI Website

TFI Instagram

TFI Facebook

TFI Twitter

TFI Phone Number: 1300 FASHION

Filled with love,

Danica x

A Few of My Favourite Things: June

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper packages tied up with strings. These are a few of my favourite things."
Not only are those Julie Andrews' character in The Sound of Music's favourite things, they are also mine. Although, I don't think you'd be seeing much of those in this post right now.
No, what you will be seeing is my favourite buy, my favourite thing to do, my favourite meal to eat, my favourite read, and my favourite thing to wear for the month.

*BUY*

It's hard to pin-point which of these could possibly be my favourite thing, but above all else, Chanel is my favourite. It was obvious from the moment I saw this phone case in an inspiration photo on Tumblr that I had to have it. If I want to feel fabulous in the best clothes, why doesn't my phone get the same recognition?

Thank goodness for Etsy because if not, it would have been incredibly difficult to find this from a reasonable and trustworthy seller. You can find this case right here.

*DO*

I've honestly had the best year of my life, and it's all thanks to this beautiful place: The Fashion Institute. Fashion school has been an incredible experience, and if I had to, I would do it all over again exactly the same. Attending my final classes in June, I learnt to appreciate every 2 hour lecture from fashion geniuses. I learnt to appreciate the beautiful space we call our school. I learnt that chasing after my dreams was the smartest thing I'd ever decided to do. So, as I leave behind a chapter of my life, I want any of you who are residing in Sydney to open up your choices, and seriously consider taking classes at The Fashion Institute. You can learn more about them here.

*EAT*

Always have been a major fan of sushi, but apparently June was the month where my obsession grew. Without fail, I would have sushi twice a week. Possibly because I'd stepped outside of my comfort zone and at that one moment, had decided to try salmon instead of my usual tuna and avocado roll. Anyway, I was obsessed. It was as if the vinegar rice and fresh salmon was bleeding through my blood stream.

I'm probably making you feel uncomfortable by now, but if you haven't tried sushi, I suggest you go out and do so. My favourite place to buy sushi is, hands down, Sushi Hub.

*READ*

Lovely friends equals lovely gifts. One of my great friends had gifted me this hilariously sarcastic fashion book for my 21st birthday, and I actually finished it with my nose dug into the book within a couple of hours. It's basically a humorous dictionary on fashion things, and Michi's definitions are both witty and true! Her arty illustrations accompanied the humorous definitions giving us a bit of fashion eye-candy.

You can buy this book here.

*WEAR*

It would be cliche for me to share a photo of my favourite top or pair of jeans, but instead, I want to show you something I've been wearing a whole lot lately because who knew Victoria's secret were the ingredients to some snazzy and delicious smelling body sprays? Love love love.

You can buy these at the QVB Sydney store or here.

Filled with love,

Danica x

Heart, Style & Grace: The Brand

It's been a long time since I said I would post this up. Getting caught up in life can be so great but also really time-consuming, but no worries, I'm back!

Last year, a few days before Christmas, I had an assessment due at college. Yep, my Branding Assessment was due 5 days before Christmas, so I definitely had to get cracking. Getting my Christmas shopping done, doing my assessment, working my Summer job, plus being a devoted mother and girlfriend definitely had me running around like Super-mum, but at the end of each day, I'd come home and work on my assessment because I wanted it to be perfect. I really loved the idea of this assessment but the work was just very time-consuming, so every bit counted as I went.

Anyway, this is my brand (I wish anyway, hehe) and I hope you like it!

Until my next post,

lots of love,

Danica xo

Simple Interior

For someone like me, my bedroom is my getaway. It holds everything I own and hold close to my heart. I think it's important to have your room represent you. Let it speak for you in the best of its abilities. Decorate it the way you want to. Add your favourite things, and make sure to put them on display so that anyone who visits your room can see.
I've had my own room ever since I was 12, and I never fully understood the terms of "interior decorating". Now don't be fooled, I attempted many tries to decorate my room to represent me, but it just never felt right. Obviously, at such a young age, I gave up because it didn't mean so much to me. As long as it had a bunch of my stuff in it, and was clean, that's all I cared about.
Until this year, I created a wish list, wrapped my head around it, got to saving, and managed to gather up enough dollars to buy everything that was on my "reinvent my room" list.
This image is half of how my room looks. I simply wanted to parade my clothing rack and television stand.
Also, that magazine pile has stacked up even more. I just can't help it.

My room is finally up to the standards I want it to be, my only wish is to have a much larger closet (praying for a walk-in someday like Sex and the City.)

Until my next post,

XO

Birthday Wishlist: 20 Items For My 20th

I'm always so excited for my birthdays every year. There's something about having the people you love most in your life, gathered around you to celebrate the years you've been in their lives is just overwhelming but beautiful. Birthdays always make me feel appreciated of everyone who's been apart of my life up until now and hopefully for such a time longer. It's not even my birthday yet, and already I'm being spoiled to such an extent that I couldn't be any more grateful for. I'm aware materialistic items aren't what's important, but being a fashion blog, I assume a wishlist of what I'm admiring around the time of my birthday would be appropriate, and who doesn't love a little fashion eye candy?
In no particular order, for my 20th birthday, I am wishing for:

1. White iPhone 5. I've been wishing for a new phone for so long now. I've dropped my iPhone 4 (yes, 4, not 4S, but the one before that) so many times and it's gotten slower and slower. No cracks or chips or anything, but the software/program is slower now. Not sure if my dropping it has anything to do with it but it's one of the main reasons why I want the new iPhone. Plus, the camera quality is fantastic in the newer versions of the iPhones, and it's sooo much lighter. I'm sick of my black one, so I'm opting for a white one this time.
2. Chanel nail polish iPhone case. I've wanted one ever since the first time I ever laid eyes on one (online). Although, I've basically promised myself not to purchase any more iPhone cases for my iPhone 4 since I will be getting a new phone rather soon. They're just so stylish, and irresistible! A must for when I get my new phone.
3. Jelly Bean Jelly Sandals in Pink. I've been told that there is a white version of these sandals, and if I could find them, I would definitely get those ones! But since I can't seem to find the white one anywhere, as a girl who believes you can never have enough pink, I prefer the pink ones. I've walked into Princess Polly a bunch of times and my size is always always always sold out, it sucks!!!! I'm thinking of purchasing them online and just having to wait for them by post, I guess.
4. Gift Cards. Ah, gift cards, the master of all shopping cards. For my last few birthdays, all I've asked for were a bunch of gift cards because then I can't spend it on food, but on some of my fashion essentials which is basically perfect! In my opinion, it's better to give gift cards if you don't know the person too well and wouldn't want to get them a gift that they wouldn't actually like. Unless you know them well enough to know that they would actually like a gift card.
5. Chanel bag. Completely out of reach, but it felt good to put it on the wishlist anyway. But seriously, who wouldn't want a Chanel bag this beautiful? Ultimate want! One day, I will have a Chanel bag.
6. Dior bag. Another completely out of reach bag, but it's such a pretty and girly bag that the first time I saw it I knew I must must must have it. Some day, I will have this bag also. It's too perfect not to get!
7. White iPad.  I've contemplated on getting an iPad for over a year now.. I don't know if I should or shouldn't. Is it necessary or not? The only reasons I really want it is for when I'm in bed and my laptop's off, and I'm on Instagram/Tumblr on my phone, an iPad is the perfect medium to just snuggle up in bed with. That's basically it, and I don't feel like that's ever good enough.. Plus, the cute cases and bags for it are another addition as to why I'd want one, but other than that, it's really not at all necessary for my daily activities.
8. $$$. Who doesn't love getting some beautiful cash from their grandparents/parents for their birthdays?
9. MAC Cosmetics. Who doesn't love some MAC lovin'? (see what I did there)
10. MOR Cosmetics/Candles. Their packaging is absolutely beautiful! Their candles smell mesmerizing, too. Ah, I'm so happy they're being brought into Target/Priceline!
11. Benefit Cosmetics. I love love love Benefit cosmetics! The packaging is super cute but the quality of the products is even better!
12. Wildfox Couture Fashion. So many of their items are definitely right up my alley. Girly, sassy, sweet, but with a hint of edgy. Just perfect.
13. Vivienne Westwood Melissa shoes. I've wanted these shoes ever since I first got Tumblr and saw pictures of them on there. I recently stepped into a store which had all of these cute beauties in stock and in my sizes (wooooo!) which means it's even more irresistible. I just want a pair of each of these styles in my shoe closet, for sure.
14. Victoria's Secret Fragrance. My mum recently bought a bottle called "sheer love" and it smells absolutely divine. I'm sneaking it into my arms at every opportunity I can to smell the sweet whiff of it. Therefore, I definitely need my own collection of these gorgeous scents.
15. Sportsgirl Team Tee. They made a gallery of old sports team tees on their website a little while ago and I knew if they ever got any team tees in, I had to get them, so guess what I'm going to be buying myself for my birthday?
16. Cat Eye Sunnies. Been lusting over a pair for quite some time now. I'd definitely classify it as totally my style. It's classy, chic and super stylish. There are a lot of styles for this kind of sunglass though, so it's about finding the right balance with the right one.
17. Winter Coat. I desperately need one for this cold weather. As I study in the city, it obviously gets really cold, and the perfect Winter coat can take you from frozen to mega warm in an instant. They're stylish and an important staple to your wardrobe. A must for every girl everywhere!
18. Fashion Books. I can never ever have enough. I mean, let's be honest. I love fashion, and I love books. Put those together and voila, you've got a match made in heaven!
19. Peonies. Favourite flower. It's beautiful, it's elegant, it comes in pink! What more could I want?
20. DVDs - Gossip Girl season 6 + Sex and the City Boxset. Two of my absolute favourites, and two that I don't have as part of my DVD collection (insert sad face.) I still haven't seen any of the sixth season of Gossip Girl, but I enjoy watching it late and on DVD anyway! I love the Sex and the City movies, but I've never properly seen any of the actual TV series. So both of these would be absolutely love-leh!

So, there it is. I'm 20 years old in a couple of hours and I spent my day creating a fantasy wishlist. That really says a lot about my life..

Well I have a Magazines class at college tomorrow and my teacher is a Vogue editor, so I am super duper excited!!!!!

Until my next post,

XO

Birthday Inspiration: I'm turning 20!

In two days, I'll be leaving my adolescence behind and stepping my toes into my twenties. As I've been pretty busy lately, I started planning my birthday three weeks in advance, eventually though, two weeks passed by without my noticing, and now my celebration's in less than a week and I've still got nada.
I recently started at The Fashion Institute and I actually attended my 'Event Management' class the other night and one of our activities was to create an event with a $100,000 budget. It was fantastic and brain storming ideas of planning events was so much fun!! It got me excited for my birthday and I ended up dreaming bigger.
Tumblr's a great impact on one's inspiration and expression, so I was really glad to have found a ton of inspiration for how I would want my 20th party to turn out (although, rather impossible, but it's okay to dream big.) I think I'll scrap book this and keep it in mind for my 21st next year, which I am hoping will be quite big considering I didn't get to celebrate my 18th two years ago!
My main ideas for my 20th are:

• The perfect dress
• Castles of macarons
• Milkshakes with cream and a cherry on top
• Cute cupcakes
• Pretty bunting inside and outside (creating this with my own craft paper!)
• Strawberry tarts
• Floral garlands
• Pink and white balloons
• Little lipsticks as giveaways (and thank yous)
• Chanel bag cake
• Piles of magazines on coffee tables
• Pretty, pink and beautiful room decor
• Candy bar
• Cute giveaway bags (most likely for my 21st though actually)

So here's a massive (218 photos, to be precise; honestly, I tried to cut down) of digital scrap book of some inspiration for my birtrhday celebration:

*DISCLAIMER: IMAGES ARE NOT MINE. FULL CREDITS TO THOSE WHO OWN THESE IMAGES.*