It’s no secret that men can often be difficult to buy for. They tend to have simpler tastes and less desire for material things. This can be tricky when it comes to a gift giving occasion. Something that looks great while being practical is ideal. Here are some gift ideas that most men will use, especially for your male fashionistas!

A tie

Most guys wear ties at some time or another, whether it’s daily for work or just for special occasions. Having a few nice ones that they can rotate is useful and if you know your guy would have use for one then this makes a nice gift. You could go with an expensive designer one as a main present, or a less expensive one towards a main gift or just a stocking filler. If they’re a little more quirky go with a bow tie, this article from Wardrobe Hackers explains how to tie one.

A wallet

Wallets get a lot of daily use, and so do wear out after a while. If the guy you’re buying for hs had his for far too long then a new one could make a great gift. If you’re unsure of their style, a plain black designer wallet with a simple logo is an easy choice and would suit just about everyone. If you know more about their tastes then you could go with something a bit more unique.

A watch

Watches are both stylish and practical. Whether it’s a smart watch, a watch for every day or an elegant dress watch, it’s something most people would love to find under the tree at Christmas. A nice watch will cost a bit more so it’s perfect if you’re after a main gift and are looking to spend a little more on the guy in your life,

A belt

Another practical yet stylish item, a nice leather belt is perfect to wear with a suit or just jeans. Again, since belts are used often they do wear out, and so even if the guy you’re buying for owns a belt, chances are an upgrade would be appreciated. It’s easy to get right when it comes to styling, unlike say clothes which are much harder.

Sunglasses

Buying sunglasses for someone else can be tricky and isnt always a good route to go down. This is because it really depends on the persons face shape and features as to what will suit them, you can’t always guess from looking at sunglasses in a shop. However, if you have a similar pair of their sunglasses that you know they love but need upgrading then you have this to go off. If your guy only ever wears simple aviators for example, chances are a similar pair will be easy to find- just make sure you’re going for the same size.

Going on holiday means something different to every person. Some people are looking for a relaxing trip to a beach and an all-inclusive resort; an escape to somewhere warm in the sun for an opportunity to get a tan. Other people are looking for a time to sightsee and experience new places whilst learning about different cultures. Of course, some people might be looking for the best of both worlds. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday with sightseeing opportunities, here are 3 best destinations to visit.

Lisbon, Portugal

The capital of Portugal is a beautiful city to visit if you’re looking for a sightseeing experience coupled with stunning views. The idyllic city of Lisbon is a spectacular place. You can start by exploring its aesthetically-impressive winding streets in one of the city’s iconic yellow trams. This will give you a real feel for everything that Lisbon has to offer. You’ll find colourful street art painted onto the side of buildings, and that really gives the city a lively and exciting vibe. There are plenty of ancient and historically significant buildings in Lisbon, too. Take some time to visit the Jeronimos Monastery if you’re interested in seeing an architectural masterpiece that took a century to build. The capital of Portugal has both an intriguing modern and ancient side. It takes great pride in its history, but the city isn’t afraid to move forward with the times.

 Source

The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

You can also consider a trip to the utterly incredible Galapagos Islands if you want a holiday to remember. Part of the Republic of Ecuador, these magnificent islands are beautiful havens that you simply have to see for yourself. You might want to do some research on how to tour Galapagos. The islands can either be toured on land or by boat, but it’s all about choosing the option which best suits you and your goals for the trip. A trip to these islands wouldn’t just be a beach holiday; it would be an opportunity to witness new types of wildlife and a precious ecosystem. Make sure you explore all of the islands if you want a true experience of this beautiful archipelago.

Source

San Francisco, U.S

Last but not list on this list is San Francisco. A beautiful little city on the west coast of California, San Fran is one of the most exciting destinations in the entire state. It might not be as big as Los Angeles, and it might have a slightly more relaxed vibe, but that works in the city’s favour. Quaint cable cars serve as a fun and culturally significant form of transport in the city; you can use them to get around San Francisco at some point during your stay. Make sure you visit Alcatraz Island. Its history as a military position of defence and prison will intrigue you, but it’s also a beautiful place. The island is now full of vibrant and colourful gardens. It even has its own ecosystem. Obviously, it wouldn’t be a trip to San Fran if you didn’t see the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, too.

Source

What's on your list for a perfect destination to travel?

I can't believe summer is already over and October arrives in a blink of an eye. While I was putting away my tank tops in exchange for my fall sweaters, I also dug out some of the outfits that I wore for Halloween in the past. They gave me so many fun memories. So today, I wanted to share some of my favourite Halloween moments with you along with the tutorials for making these costumes! These costumes are easy to put together, especially when you don't have a lot of time.

Sushi Halloween Costume Tutorial

If you like to be cute for Halloween (which is what I usually go for), sushi costume is a perfect choice. I made this costume to wear for work one year and everyone loved it! I even got voted for the best costume that year! The piece of shrimp sashimi was sewn from a piece of orange and white fabric. To go with the look, I referenced the sushi condiments and made a hairpiece out of felt. This costume can easily be done in other fish sashimi, which makes it a group sushi platter costume! Read more on my tutorial where I showed you step-by-step on how to make this costume for Halloween.

Check out my Sushi Costume Tutorial here

Spice Girls Group Halloween Costume Tutorial

If you're looking for a group costume this Halloween, this is definitely a fun one to do with your gang! My group got pretty creative with thinking up the spice names for each of us. If you look closely, they're also culturally appropriate! This is a great group costume idea to add some humour to the Halloween festivity. In my tutorial, I'll show you how to assemble the costumes for your group. I also offered a free template for you to download in which you can print at home.

Check out my Spice Girls Group Costume Tutorial here

White Rabbit From Alice in Wonderland Costume Tutorial 

I decided on this White Rabbit costume at the last minute for Halloween one year which was quite fitting for this character from Alice in Wonderland. The entire ensemble was from pieces that I already have in my wardrobes. All I did extra was the pocket watch that I made out of cardboard and a chain. You'd be surprised just how easy to put together this costume. Hence this is why this is one of my favourites. It was effortless.

Check out my White Rabbit Costume Tutorial here

Bullet Bill Halloween Costume Tutorial

Not a lot of people are aware of the side characters in Super Mario Brothers. But Bullet Bill always has a place in my heart. And it's super easy to replicate! The most important element for this costume is the hat! In my tutorial, I showed you how you can also create one yourself!

Check out my Bullet Bill Costume Tutorial here

Mad Men Halloween Costume Tutorial

I actually didn't really dress up as a character from Mad Men for Halloween, it was actually for a friend's birthday themed party. But I absolutely love what I put together and just had to share it with you. Do you have vintage pieces that are sitting around the house? If you do, then you could easily pull this off. A simple and low-budget costume that's also great for work and as a group.

Check out my Mad Men Costume Tutorial here

What's your favourite costume?

I know it's been a while since I last shared some DIY tutorials. Don't worry, they are coming! And today, we have guest blogger, Lori Wade with us to share some of her quilting craft tutorials!

-

If you like quilting crafts as much as we do, then this article is for you. Today we will share with you a few easy crafts that you can make for your home. They're so easy that even beginners can do! Let's get started.

1. Fabric Basket

Source

A cute quilted fabric basket is perfect for storing knick-knacks in the living room or bedroom. It’s also the perfect project to discover quilting and patchwork fabric. You’ll need ½ yard of exterior fabric and ½ yard of lining fabric, as well as medium-weight fusible interfacing.

To start, cut two 18” squares out of all three fabrics. Attach the squares of fusible interfacing to the exterior squares by placing the glue side of the interfacing on the “wrong” side of the exterior squares. Use an iron to melt the glue so the interfacing sticks to the fabric.

Next, stitch a ¼” seam on three sides of the exterior fabric. Stitch the lining fabric the same way, but leave a 4” opening at the bottom edge. On each square, turn the bottom seam over so it meets the side seam, creating a triangle. Perpendicular to where the folded edges meet, measure 4½” down and stitch along that line.

Now you can turn the fabric squares right sides out. Place the exterior fabric inside the lining fabric and stitch along the top of the basket where the fabrics meet. Pull the exterior fabric through the opening you left in the lining fabric. Stitch the opening closed and fold the top edge of the basket down to expose some of the lining fabric.

2. Lined-Back Tab Curtains

Source

Bring any room up a notch with this fun quilted curtain project. These drapes are meant to hang from high, wide curtain rods, so keep that in mind when you’re measuring your fabric and add 10 extra inches. So, if the finished curtains are going to be 85 inches long, cut the fabric to 95 inches.

Due to the size requirements, extra wide quilt backing fabric will be the ideal choice for this project. Along with fabric, you will need lining, bias tape, and thread. When it comes to cutting your lining, add 2½” to the finished product. So, in this example, the lining would be 97½” (95 plus 2½).

Next, at the bottom of the fabric, fold the edge up 4” and iron the fold. Fold it up another 4” and iron that fold, too, before pinning the fabric folds in place. Stitch along the hem.

Then, take the lining fabric and fold it 2” up from the bottom and iron the fold. Fold it up another 2” and iron that fold. Pin it in place and stitch along the hem.

The next step is to stitch the lining to the curtain fabric. Do this by laying the curtain fabric flat on the floor and placing the lining on top of it. Make sure the curtain fabric is right side up and the lining is right side down. Line up the left-hand sides of the fabric so one is on top of the other. There should be 1½” of curtain fabric showing beneath the lining.

Pin the sides down so they stay, then stitch the two sides together. Next, line up the opposite sides of the curtain fabric and lining. The curtain fabric is wider than the lining, so for the two sides to meet, the curtain fabric needs to be a bit wrinkled and bunched underneath the lining. Pin the sides down and stitch the two sides together.

At this point, turn the panels inside out so that the right side of the curtain fabric is showing. You might have to move the curtain fabric around so that there is equal bunching on each side before ironing the side edges.

Cut the bias tape into 10 or so 2.5”-long tabs. Fold over 1” of the top edge of the curtain and iron it. Intersperse the tabs along the top edge of the curtain (on the back) and pin them in place before stitching along that top edge. Then, sew the bottom of each tab to hold them in place.

3. Seat Cushions

Source

You can use these adorable seat cushions indoors or outdoors for gatherings with friends and family. They ensure that everyone stays comfortable while adding some hominess to the dining space.

To get started, you will need the fabric of your choice, 1” foam, and a Velcro One-Wrap pink strap. The amount of fabric and form you will need depends on how big the seat is. For this example, the cushion will be 12” x 14”.

Start by cutting out a piece of foam the same size as your seat. In this case, it would be 12” x 14”. Cut your fabric so that there is an extra 1½” to account for the hem. Cut the Velcro strap into four 4” long strips.

Lay your fabric flat on the seat, the wrong side out, and decide where you want to put the Velcro strips. Stick two of the strips together, giving them about 1½” of overlap lengthwise. Wherever you place those two strips, do the same thing on the opposite edge of the fabric. There should be about ½” of each strip hanging over the edge of the fabric.

Next, stitch along three edges of the fabric, making sure that you stitch over the Velcro strips to keep them in place. There should be one open edge remaining. Stitch halfway across this edge, and then turn the fabric inside out.

Through the opening, insert the foam and smooth out all the corners. Then, stitch the fabric shut. You should now be able to secure the cushion to the seat, using the straps to keep it in place on the chair.

This post is contributed by: Lori Wade
Lori Wade is a journalist from Louisville. She is a content writer for who have experience in small editions, Lori is now engaged in news and conceptual articles on the topic of DIY and quilting. If you are interested in crafting or lifestyle, you can find her on Twitter & LinkedIn. She has good experience and knowledge in the field. 

Most people like to be a trendsetter or be seen as fashion forward. But sometimes old pieces that were popular many moons ago can make their comebacks once again. One particular style of antique jewellery that is getting a lot of interests lately is the Art Deco style rings - as seen on Cressida Brondas' engagement ring. Its abstract designs and geometric patterns in contrasting colours easily makes itself stand out among antique jewellery styles.

The Art Deco movement was a popular style that began in the mid-1920s, continuing throughout the 1930s.  Jewellery produced during this period are considered as antiques and as such bear significant value. But how could you identify an authentic Art Deco diamond rings from other antique rings?

First, you must be familiar with antique jewellery. For any item to qualify as an antique, the age of the item is the principal criterion. Appraisers continue to debate on the length of time necessary for such a label, with some declaring that the item must be at least 100 years old and others stating a more lenient age of at least 50 years old. Art Deco rings are now over 50 years old, approaching a century in just a few more years.

There are rings that look like antique pieces but are actually not, so be extra careful with your purchases. Check to see if these items are marked as reproductions or are modern rings designed to look a lot like antiques. If you want to be sure about the authenticity of antique jewellery, make sure that you are dealing with reputable antique dealers who can assist you in identifying authentic antiques. You can also consult qualified appraisers and gemologists for accuracy of dates to know which design period your ring belongs to.

Here are some characteristics that can help establish the age of a ring:

1. Motif - The overall style of a ring is a spot-on identifier of age. The symbolisms, the choice of embellishments, the lines and patterns on the ring reflect the spirit of the times when it was first produced. Significant events, whether historical or cultural, can also influence motif.
2. Gem Cutting Styles - With the advancements in techniques and resources, gem cutting styles also progress and change with the different time periods. The gem facet styles and the shapes of cut gemstones can help pinpoint which era the antique engagement ring belongs to.
3. Popular Gemstones - Different gemstones became available at different periods in history, and their popularity as ring stones tend to follow colour and fashion trends. For example, diamonds on engagement rings were non-existent until the Renaissance. The first of which is Archduke Maximilian of Austria’s betrothal ring for Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
4. Metal Used - The types of metals used or the combinations used to create the ring can also help date a jewellery piece.

Art Deco Jewellery

Art Deco rings are currently considered as the most popular antique engagement rings. These are also the most abundant styles in the market. You might be wondering how could you tell if they are  authentic Art Deco engagement ring? Here are a few things to consider:

1. Motif - Popular motifs are from nature, such as the sun, animals, trees, and nudes. Egyptian, African, Oriental, and American Indian art influenced their designs and enamel accents were widely used. Bold geometric patterns and colours were also in style during this period.
2. Gem Cutting Styles - A distinctive characteristic of Art Deco rings is its choice of intricate cuts, ranging from Old European to calibre cuts.
3. Popular Gemstones - Diamonds were huge hits during the Art Deco era, but other precious gemstones such as emerald, sapphire and ruby were also used.
4. Metal Used - Majority of jewellery made in the Art Deco era were fashioned in either platinum or white gold. In fact, white gold was first introduced at around 1915, bumping yellow gold down the popularity scale. Plus, in the late 1920s, jewellers had perfected the art of filigree, which made it another feature typical of Art Deco jewellery.

Follow the above tips and they should help you spot an authentic Art Deco jewellery piece to start your collection.


How to Care After Your Silver Jewellery

There are tons of beautiful and interesting custom necklace and silver jewellery pieces available nowadays. For example, like these infinity necklaces. But, it is also very important to take the time and effort to care after your silver. Because you do not want your jewellery to get damaged or lose its shine. This post will give you the basics that you need in order to ensure that your silver jewellery stays in top condition.

Every now and then it's a good habit to clean your jewellery to ensure that it does not deteriorate. How you do this is actually a lot simpler than many people imagine it to be. All you have to do is fill up a small basin, such as a washing up bowl, with warm water and a very mild detergent. Be careful not to use bleach or any other strong cleaning products as this will damage your silver even further. Once the bowl is filled, carefully wash each piece of silver and then leave it on a towel to dry. If you have stones on your jewellery, you can use a soft toothbrush to lightly brush in between the claws. It really is as simple and as easy as that!

There are certain precautions you can take whilst wearing your jewellery to ensure that it does not come into contact with anything which may cause a substantial amount of damage. One of the best things you can do, which you will be glad to hear about, is wear your silver as much as possible. If you leave your silver laying around in the bottom of your jewellery box, it is more likely to tarnish then if you are wearing it on a frequent basis. It is also advisable that you try to avoid contact with rubber as much as possible whilst wearing silver.

Sterling Silver Infinity Necklace

You also need to consider the type of jewelry you are wearing when determining the best way to go about washing it. After all, washing jewelry like helix piercing or any other sort of jewelry that is going to go inside of your skin needs to be considered even more carefully. You do not want to do something that is going to cause skin irritation. The vast majority of studs and pieces of jewelry like this are going to come with instructions so that you know exactly how to clean and wash them in the most effective manner. This will not only make sure that your jewelry lasts for as long as possible but it will also help to make sure you don’t suffer an infection or anything like this.

So there you have it… It really is that simple to clean and maintain the quality of your silver jewellery and avoid an unwanted hasty trip back to the jewellers.



Things Your Shoes Say About You

I confess that I'm a weaker for everything in stripes. They're timeless and will never go out of style. I gravitate towards them when I see dresses and tops in this classic pattern at the mall. But sometimes wearing stripes can be tricky. Vertical stripes can help create an illusion of an elongated body. Horizontal stripes on the other hand can put emphasis on width and create a broader body frame.

Colours and size of the stripes can also make or break the look as well. Black and white stripes are bold and can be very busy to look at. I remember wearing this long pinstripe dress and was told I resemble Beetlejuice or a referee. You certainly want to avoid associations like that!

Today, I’m sharing my latest obsessions that I’ve added to my wardrobes in this beautiful stripe pattern.

Striped Dress Try-On

I wore this lovely striped dress from Blooming Jelly recently on a road trip to Ottawa. The fabric is light and very comfortable on my body for the entire 4-and-a-half-hour car ride. I love that the dress comes with adjustable spaghetti straps. I’m usually iffy with spaghetti straps because they are sometimes too long and they keep falling off my shoulders. Or they are too short and tight for my armpits. With these adjustable straps, I can make them however long I want. And I didn’t have a problem with them walking around in Ottawa or sitting in transit.

I especially love the asymmetrical buttons that lead to a front slit. The slit just falls right on my thigh without being too high. The fit is perfect for me. I’d say it is very true to size with a bit of room around the waistline. One thing to note is that the dress doesn't have a lining but it's not see-through as well so I don't mind it at all. The bottom skirt is slightly A-line so I still have room to move around. I also adore the hidden zipper detail on the side. The last thing I want is to unbutton the entire dress in order to get it on and off me! The back also has an elastic and is stretchy, so there’s room for those with wider chest. This dress also comes in different colours and is on sale now!

Button Up Wrap Dress - C/O Blooming Jelly // Tulip Phone Case - C/O Ideal of Sweden

How I Wore a Striped Dress

I chose a light grey and the colour is perfect for summer. It’s neutral enough that I can pair easily with my basket handbag and accessorize with either a wide brim straw hat or a pearl hair clip that’s so in-style now. For shoes, this dress can go with a pair of platform sandals like how I wore here. Or for a casual chic look, a pair of white sneakers can work really well. Because I’m only 5’4, I needed the extra height in my shoes to give me better proportion with this dress.

Button Up Wrap Dress - C/O Blooming Jelly // Basket Handbag - Similar // Wedge Sandals - Just Fab // Pearl Hair Clip - Yesstyle

Button Up Wrap Dress - C/O Blooming Jelly // Basket Handbag - Similar // Wedge Sandals - Just Fab // Pearl Hair Clip - Yesstyle

Striped Swim Suit Try-On

To be honest with you, this is my 3rd striped swimsuit I have in my closet. I thought the swimsuit was super cute when I first opened it from the package. I’m usually hesitant to buy swim suit online because I worry about the fit and the size. But this swim suit blew me away. Not only it’s flattering on me, it also fits all the right spot! This baby blue colour is bright but not too bold and really pops on fair skin complexion. I don’t have a lot of chest so the lace details on the front area give something there to see. The halter V-neck line is very flattering. The chest falls in the right areas and is also slightly padded which I love. The torso is not too long nor short for my height. I also love the fact that the bottom has enough coverage for the bum so I feel confident wearing it to the pool or the beach. And the good news is right now they're doing 40% off and only cost $28.99!

Halter Lace Patchwork Swimsuit - C/O Blooming Jelly // Tulip Phone Case - C/O Ideal of Sweden

Halter Lace Patchwork Swimsuit - C/O Blooming Jelly // Tulip Phone Case - C/O Ideal of Sweden

Halter Lace Patchwork Swimsuit - C/O Blooming Jelly // Tulip Phone Case - C/O Ideal of Sweden

Cute Dresses to Wear to Your Next Brunch Date

We've all probably dreamt of what our dream marriage proposal would be like. A marriage proposal can be both nerve-wracking and exciting to plan and execute, especially if the marriage proposal is done somewhere a bit off the wall. There've been many documented marriage proposals that have taken place somewhere a bit out of the ordinary and today, I'm sharing with you some of the unique ones that I've encountered during my visit in Sydney.

If you're considering proposing to your loved one in the near future and want to do it somewhere really different, please read on. The marriage proposal needs to be as memorable as the wedding itself, so whether you’re looking into helicopter flights or even underwater on the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll never be short of venues in Australia.

Source

A Surprise With A Difference

First things first, although you may have lots of weird and wonderful ideas as to where to make your marriage proposal you need to be sure that your loved one will appreciate it as well. I know some people prefer proposing in public, but this can be excruciatingly embarrassing for the other person, especially if the answer is negative. Sunset on the beach may be a nice idea but it's been done before. Choosing something that's memorable and that your partner would appreciate is important. For example, if she is scared of heights, a roof stop restaurant, hot air balloon ride or even a helicopter flight, your marriage could be over before it starts! However, if your future spouse has no fear of heights and is up for anything that's adventurous and different, what would you choose? A hot air balloon trip? The top of a bungee jump? A helicopter tour over Sydney? There're many cool options out there but in my opinion, a marriage proposal in the sky represents the utmost in romance and can be very memorable.

If you are based in or around Sydney, one of those helicopter flights is probably the best option. Affordable, convenient and close to home are 3 ingredients that can make your marriage proposal an occasion to remember for all the right reasons.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 🍀🇦🇺 (@_mairecarroll) on Jul 21, 2019 at 4:35pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by heyam (@heyamlawati) on Jun 26, 2019 at 2:31am PDT

What Can I Expect With A Sydney Helicopter Flight?

The companies that run Sydney helicopter flights are eager to give you the best possible experience and will generally offer some type of package when you enquire.

The flights will generally consist of 25-30 minutes air time direct from Sydney Airport. If you select a night flight (recommended for romance!), you will see the illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the city lights that outline the harbour.

Most packages include:

• Complimentary refreshments before/after the flight
• Photo opportunities in front of the helicopter
• Informative expert commentary with BOSE voice activated headsets

This is the ultimate marriage proposal venue and as an added benefit, leaves you with more than enough time for a romantic meal after the flight. Even if it's just touring around Sydney, a helicopter ride is still a fun way to site-see and make those lasting memories.

A well-regarded, long established helicopter tour company may even put on something special to mark this special occasion - call them and find out, you won’t know until you ask! 

What's your dream marriage proposal like?

Check out my down under travel guide!

30 Feet Under the Great Barrier Reef - My First Scuba Diving Experience

What You Can Eat and Do in Sydney
Travelling to Australia in a Short Time

Okay, I'm not going to lie. I love wearing dresses and cute outfits to brunch! Anyone out there who's on the same boat as me? Dressing up and going to brunch is like cookies and milk to me. They go hand in hand. And I do think that wearing something pretty or something I love is an instant mood booster. It’s a great way to start the day!

Lately, I'm in love with all the wrap dresses I see online. They're flirty and flowy, so perfect for hot, humid summer days. And today, I'm sharing a round up-of some of my favourite AND affordable dresses under $30 from Zaful that you can wear to brunch dates!

Wrap Dresses I Love

I love prints. I think I've said it far too many times in my outfit posts. Whether they are animal prints, floral, geometric pattern or stripes, they always catch my eyes first. I just think that prints are more playful to wear in summer.

I especially love the V-necklines on these dresses. They're sexy without showing too much chest. Not that I have much to show any way…but you get the idea.

While wrap dresses are quite feminine and girly, they are extremely comfortable to wear! And that’s a huge deal. I remember the times when I had to remove my belt or unzip my skirt after a substantial meal because I wore something that was not stretchy. How embarrassing and silly of me! But with wrap dresses, I can easily create more room by loosen up the tie knot at the waistline. And nobody would even notice the difference! Wrap dresses have now become my favourite wardrobe of choice to wear to any brunch dates.

How to Wear Wrap Dresses

There’re many ways you can wear your wrap dresses. For a chic look, I like to pair with wedges and a woven tote. This is a great look for brunch and just strollin’ around town. For a more casual look, like heading to a beach, a pair of crossover sandals will make you look more effortless. Depending on where I’m going, I’d wear a wide brim hat or tie my hair back in a bun.

You don’t need a lot of accessories with wrap dresses, since the prints are loud already. But I like to accessorize with a pair of bright colour tassel earrings. They are so fun! Here are some of my favourites:

What do you like to wear to a brunch date?



*This post is sponsored by Zaful but all opinions are my own.

Australia is a big country, and it has so much to offer! It’s a popular place to visit for very good reasons. And everyone who visits has something amazing to say when they come home. If you're planning a trip to Australia, you might be wondering how do you go about planning a route around the whole place? And how do you plan and structure your itinerary?

Well, with the tips I’ve collected for you below, you’ll have a much easier time planning out your days. Travelling around Australia isn't as hard as you think, so don't worry, I've got you covered!

Image Credit

Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton, Australia

Know the Distance

There’s a lot of ground you’re going to have to cover, even when you’re only visiting one or two cities whilst you’re on vacation in Australia. So, before you jet off and touchdown, it’s important to know just how far you’re going to need to travel. After all, you’ll be much better informed on how many miles you’ll have to cover each day, and the amount of fuel you’ll need for your tank. And that’s if you’re deciding to use a car!

When I was travelling to Australia, I booked a flight from Toronto to Sydney. But after doing more research, I decided to visit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reefs while there in Australia. So I ended up booking another flight from Sydney to Cairns. If I had done my homework properly before booking my airfare, I would have flown from Toronto to Cairns then to Sydney and back home. It would save me some time and money.

If you’re interested, you can take a look at a table of the most common distances people need to travel right here.

Got a little taste of what paradise looks like at Cape Tribulation, Australia. A remote headland where the world's oldest rainforest collides with the Great Barrier Reef. Serene beaches, laid-back vibe, small village, I could retire here.

  

Get in a Car

Speaking of using a car - renting out a vehicle for your time in Australia is usually the most cost-effective method to get around the country. If you’re on a time limit, and you can’t waste precious minutes on buses that are late and trains that stop at every single station along the way, you’re going to want to take out a rental.

Thankfully, you’re not short on options, especially in Perth, Western Australia. There’s plenty of car rental companies available around the airport, and you can always get in a car share if you’re not able to take out a vehicle of your own at this time. There’s plenty of options, as long as you know where to look!

On our way to Cape Tribulation, a 140 km journey, we drove along one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef drive.

Stay in the Middle of Town

And finally, the accommodation you book in for definitely matters. After all, the closer you stay to your destination of choice, the less you’re going to need to travel. You might even be able to cover the distance on foot most of the time! Just make sure you pack a couple of water bottles if that’s your plan.

So, if you stay in the town centers, you’re going to be much closer to all of the action. You’re going to be able to use city center transportation to get around, and then there are the convenience stores you’re always going to have access to. And remember, you’ll have plenty of landmarks to act as a reference if you get lost.

Three Sisters, Blue Mountain, Australia

Travelling around Australia, when you're short on time, doesn’t have to be a struggle. Use tips like these to move around effectively.

Check out my down under travel guide!

30 Feet Under the Great Barrier Reef - My First Scuba Diving Experience

What You Can Eat and Do in Sydney