Escape

I love the way images can transport you straight to that part of your brain where there are no boundaries. Where dreams are limitless, travel is imminent and the right outfit can enable you to feel like a whole new person.

For the first time in two years I have no travel planned for the immediate future, and as a result wanderlust has kicked in full swing. My friends and I seem to spend a lot of time discussing where we want to go, what we want to see and everything we want to explore. Unfortunately barriers are always there (ugh money and work), but I have promised myself that I will travel somewhere, soon.

In the meantime, there's a whole lot of pinterest-ing, tumblr-ing and instagraming happening. Most notably, I think that escape is possible in the everyday, whether that's through the perfect outfit, styling your space to inspire you, or reading and browsing books and magazines.

Here are some images that are inspiring me of late.

xx

Pineapple Love

Summer isn't summer without some fruit adorned printed shorts. These little pineapple shorts are my faves this season, due mostly to their refreshed take on the typical print. Teaming them with this Zara black mesh tank makes for the perfect outfit for escaping the heat. They are on sale now at Chip Chop, so head over there to grab a bargain!

These photos were taken on a typical Saturday for me - coffee in hand, traipsing around the inner city. Gnome Expresso was the source of this large skinny flat white (my caffeine of choice) and I was also lucky enough to pick up these shiny flatforms half price at a little boutique on Crown St. I love how they add a little something extra to my outfit,  plus their height is super comfy. 

Happy Australia Day Weekend!

xx

#lifegoals

Documenting this years goals via inspiring imagery

* Lovely interiors *

* Simplifying my wardrobe with beautiful basics *

* Beach days and plenty of sun*

* Palm trees and carefree exploration *

* Coconuts and brunches with my favourite humans *

* Travel (both real and imaginary) *

* Love *

Bonjour Paris!

J'adore Paris! I have always adored everything French. I studied the language at school (oui oui), own too many stripes, and buy anything moderately French related, channeling my inner Parisienne on a daily basis. Even my pillow cases and iPhone case are French! So my first glimpse of the tip of the Eiffel Tower as we drive towards the Champs de Elysee was one of the top ten most surreal moments of my life. And despite many warnings that Paris is overrated, I was far from disappointed. Paris is simply magical and there is no other words that can describe the ambience of the city so perfectly. 

If I was impressed by all the old buildings in London, I was doubly impressed by them in Paris. Everywhere you look there are charming exquisite architecture, which contributes to the city exuding this inexplicable magical vibe. 

One of my favourite moments of Paris was simply wondering around the streets and drinking in the city, watching the sun set on the Eiffel Tower, turning it a golden hue. It was also stunning wondering around the Latin Quarter, trying out pastries at boulangeries and the best dark chocolate ever at a choclateriè.

On my second night in Paris, I enjoyed an amazing meal in a cute little restaurant overlooking the Notre Dame and we marvelled at how beautiful Paris was. After our dinner we had a little picnic and watched the Eiffel Tower light up - again such a surreal and magical moment.

I spent my last day in Paris eating breakfast or petite dejuner - soft boiled eggs with toast soldiers, strong French coffee, orange juice and plenty of pastries (all for 15 euros!). After wandering around the Latin Quarter, we strolled along the River Seine, stopping off at the Musee de Orsay. One of my friends and I found wifi and contacted some others we had lost in the morning- we agreed to meet under the Eiffel Tower. With wifi lost and no map, we strolled through the city towards our destination by looking in the sky and following the landmark of Paris. We got lost and found a side street full of Chanel, YSL, Chloe etc and indulged in some window shopping, before stopping off at a boulangerie to purchase baguettes, croissants and eclairs.

After finding the others we had a little photoshoot (of course) and then escaped the rain with a spot of shopping on the Champs de Elysee, before catching the mètro home to our hotel to get ready for a French dinner and a night our in the Montmarte district.

Overall Paris was indescribable and solidified one of my dreams of spending at least a month in a little apartment in the city some time in the future.

Salut!

xx

My Christmas Wishlist

I recently wrote a guest bog post for BONDS- check out the full post here.

My Christmas wishlist is all about making sure I have all my summer essentials sorted! That includes only the most carefree clothes that can be thrown over my bikini – such as this classic Bonds tank and the comfiest grey shorts! 

Also required; salt water hair spray to help create easy beach waves instantly and a fun clutch that screams summer.

Accessories in the form of a cute visor and some bold jewellery finish off the look. I also couldn’t help but add Bonds fruity themed undies into the wish list mix – a girl can’t wear her bikini 24/7 after all!

ELLESE’S WISHLIST:

Bonds Jersey Placement Print Tank – SOLD OUT ONLINE but still available in Bonds stores, Bonds Collectibles Skimpini in Pineapple Party & Watermelon Crush, Bonds Terry Roll Up Short in New Grey Marle, Bumble & Bumble Beach Spray, Zara Clutch, and Sportsgirl Sun Visor.

Bonds Giveaway Time

It's giveaway time! To celebrate the festive season, I've teamed up with Bonds to giveaway some of my favourite pieces from their new "Shine Bright" range!

Regram this image on instagram and #BondsxEllesechloe plus tag and follow @bondsaus and @ellesechloe for your chance to win one of TEN packs including these star gazer tights and gold muscle tank (valued at $69.90). 

Australian entrants only. 

Good luck! I'll be picking the winners on Dec 2nd 

xx

Freedom

If you follow me on insta you'll probably know, thanks to my abundance of celebratory posts, that my honours thesis is officially submitted (yay!). One of the best lessons I learnt over the year was about time management. There were lots of things I just didn't want to miss out on over the year, so I became obsessed with not wasting time. That meant getting stuff done at any little window of spare time, such as bus rides, work lunch breaks and early mornings (it's amazing how productive you can be between the hour of 6:30am-7:30am).

Anyway, now that I finally have some time to breathe, I've realised that what I'm enjoying the most is an absence of guilt. I no longer have this thing constantly occupying some nether region of my brain at all times, and so I thoroughly enjoyed my first free weekend since Europe in July.

These pics are some of my favourite from Sunday; a late leisurely lunch of the vegan breakfast plate and the largest mugs of (extra hot) coffees at kawa Surry Hills with some of my favourite people, followed by a spot of grocery shopping at the new About Life across the road.

I am wearing a new skirt that resulted from a bout of procrasti-shopping a few weeks ago from Misguided Fashion. I'm in love with the pastel pink colour, so I kept it the focus of the skirt by paring it with a staple black H&M tank and my fave Cheap Monday denim jacket.

This weekend reaffirmed my excitement for summer holidays, to be filled with endless cafe dates, plenty of exploring and beach days.

Good luck to all those finishing off final exams and assessments!

xx