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Big Love,

Falala Mele.

NYC Summer Day 4

Dress Thrifted Best & Less /  Shoes Converse / Bow found in Manila 

Day 4: NYC wanderings.

After the WHITE CRUISE and our late night after party at Pie Face we finally had our first sleep in. I can't remember exactly what time we woke up but after lazing about in our room and contacting everyone quickly at home via our online portals, by the time we walked out of the hotel it was lunch time.

Perfect time to get the 2 course $10 lunch special at the Thai place that was next door. I needed some fresh food so I got the green mango salad and a delicious eggplant curry. Pretty sure I have pics on my instagram feed @mele2541. The food was so fresh and delicious and since then eggplant has been my current obsession of late. I've recently made eggplant and quinoa lasagna and yesterday I made a sweet potato & eggplant curry for the week. YAYURR!

So we ate and we wandered around and chilled before we made our way back to the pod. We were going to the Bloomingdales FFFW event that evening. I'll post on that soon.

Big Love,

Falala Mele.

NYC Summer Day 3 MOMA

Thrifted Skirt $2 / Knitted Tank Factory $5 / Converse $50 / Hat $2 Ken Done Bag $2

Hiiiii! Guys I'm so excited because I'm back and I officially have the internet at home now!!! Seriously we have spent the last year living on prepaid net that barely loaded a page. Now I have the net I'll be able to keep up to date with blogs and shows and all the important things.

So now that I'm back online I thought I'd get right back to posting up my New York trip. I'm hoping that now I have my net back on I will be more inclined to post and share with you guys. So this was day 3. We wanted to have a kick back day because we had the White Cruise that evening and we have the worst habit of going ALL DAY and leaving only about 20 minutes left to get ready.

So we decided to head off to the MOMA and soak up all the greatness that is within it's doors. I have been 2 years earlier but it was so nice to watch my cousin Sia walk around and see all the art she had studied in high school. She was like "I don't remember the names of the art but I remember the artwork and this is awesome."

I'm always excited to see Gauguin's works especially his art with strong Micronesian themes from his time spent in French Polynesia.

 

I miss this. 6 more months. 6 more months.







Big Love,

Falala Mele

Summer NYC 2 Day

Blouse Thrifted / Double Coloured Top Supre / Shorts Kmart / Shoes Converse

So after getting to bed at 4am in the morning, we woke up at 8am ready to hit the pavement and take Sia out for her first full day in New York. After getting dressed and taking our outfit shots we headed off to Ess-a-bagel to get some bagels for breakfast. This place was around the corner from our Pod hotel and it was a late discovery last year. We lined up and kept up with the ordering pace this year. Damn! People know what they want and it's so busy in there....you need to have it all ready to roll off your tongue when it's your turn to order. They don't play....luckily it wasn't as busy this year.

photo courtesy of @sikilou

Next we bought our unlimited subway tickets at 53rd and Lexington for the next 7 days. We may have fist pumped the air when we made it to our destination with little trouble at all (okay so we were so excited to find our line that we got on without checking which train  it was that we got on BUT we got off at the next stop and corrected our route). Then we made our way down to Battery Park and jumped on the free Staten Island Ferry to see Lady Liberty. We met this nice guy (yeah his green eyes, big arms and cute accent were an added bonus) named Carlos who was just as intrigued with Australia as we are with New York. After we got off in Staten Island we chatted for like 40 minutes talking about Australia and the Bronx and places to eat Puerto Rican & Dominican Republic food. I was like "So are you gonna show us around the Bronx?" I have no shame.

After meeting my friends Deja and Gabby and Candice I've confirmed two things. It's like a gazillion times better to be shown around by a local because you get a real feel of the place. I know you're probably thinking "STRANGER DANGER ALERT" but if you get the sense that people are good then 99.9% of the time you are right. Don't underestimate your gut feeling. Just think about how amazing your brain is. It's stored all of your life's experiences and memories and we humans learn from experience and routine so if for some reason something in your head is sending out warning signals than you should follow your instinct. I just don't want y'all to think I foolishly bash about with anybody. We met and talked and teased and shared jokes so before I asked for a tour I was thinking 'yeah he seems legit and cool". ANYWAYS back to the story..... He said he would show us around and we swapped numbers, social networks and email addresses but we ran out of time to make our way out to the Bronx during our stay. I'll keep in touch with good old Carlos so it's definitely sorted for next time.

After that we walked over to the Native American National Museum and wandered through the museum. It was full of beautiful artefacts, delicate carvings, spears and traditional dress attire. Next we ran through the rain and caught our subway (successfully) back to the hotel. More on our first night out in New York on the next post. Stay tuned.

Big Love,


Falala Mele

Joan and Karl's pre-wedding party

My lovely ladies Sia, Dasa, Arlene, myself & Angela

So I basically have the worst habit ever. I take photos, I edit them and they're ready to upload on the blog and then I forget or just become preoccupied with work and life and the photos never see the light of day.

To be fair though, this is the first time since the start of the year that I have had any real time so sit on my computer, read blogs and update my own. I've been busy with work and travel amongst it all. I made the right choice in only spending 2 weeks in New York. I was getting ready to book 3 weeks with multiple stops to try and squeeze every ounce of freedom out of my holidays (like I usually do) but I decided to come back early and save money. 

This is my second day at home and the cold weather and jetlag (and lack of winter clothes in my summer suitcase) has left me uninspired and happy to stay in bed. I'm going to give myself one more day of this. After today it will be back to the usual routine. Up early, exercise, eat and get to visiting all my friends around home. I will try to be a good blogger and keep you all posted. I am also keen to share the New York trip with you guys and make my photo book. 

Last night my sisters Pulu, Sia and Niva  and I met up with Dasa, Moala & Joan. We talked about our holiday, our Boracay trip and Joan's post wedding life. It was really nice just to catch up even though I was struggling to stay awake. The chocolate pancakes at Pancakes on the Rocks were a nice way to help soften the jetlag ;) anyways it got me to thinking "Shit I still haven't uploaded the pre-wedding pics!!!!" so I thought I'd do it now while I remember. Joan's family booked out a little beachside bar for the evening. We enjoyed drinks, food (oh the sisig rice HOLLLA) and we were able to meet all of Joan's family (some had just arrived on international flights). It was a nice way to relax before the big day. See my post on the wedding day HERE.

Theresa, Nela & Dasa clowning around

My sisters Sia, Dasa and Pulu looking all pretty 

The instruction was "Gimmie your happiest face ever" Lol look at Joan and Karl.....sah cute <3

I met Karl's sister Paua and she is so sweet and kind always looking out for the workers and others on the trip.

Joan's gorgeous family.

These photos have given me another chance to remember how wonderful this trip was. EVERYONE got along, the weather was perfect and the wedding was soooo full of love. Thank you to everyone who made this one of my most memorable holidays ever.


Big Love,

Falala Mele.

ps. Don't worry my NY posts are coming soon.

Aussie Curves: Time Saver

Hi Ladies,


I'm back after the longest ever hiatus in history. So I'm back with the timesaver post and I have to say that this challenge IS my daily life!! I am ALWAYS busy. Throughout the school term I'm up Mon-Fri at 5:30am and I shower at get dressed at the gym. On the weekend I'm up trying to get ready for church and on Sunday I'm up cleaning the house before heading back into my classroom to prep for the week and then I pack my gym bag and I do it ALL OVER AGAIN!

During the holidays I always try to cram in so much when I'm at home so I'm often travelling from the south coast, to sydney, to new castle. Up and down the coast I go and I'm always throwing together whatever I pack (which is usually a night before-throw-together-whatever is clean type of deal).

My time saver is usually an oversized blouse with shorts or tights. It's quick and comfy. Makeup is a dust of bronzer and I will either do lips or eyes. Today I got ready for church in like 15 minutes because we were running late. So I went to cupboard and pulled out my sisters oversized black and white patterned blouse. I would normally wear it with short tights or a tube skirt because the blouse is really big but being church I decided to go with my sisters newly thrifted berry split skirt to keep it modest.

The blouse has a really long tail and it was a little too big and swallowed the skirt so I chucked on a contrasting blazer to pull it all in and tidy up the silhouette. Whenever I want to look clean and fresh faced I always dust my eyes with my gold Victoria Secrets eyeshadow. I chucked on my final contrasting colour (being the red lips) and I left my hair as is. It air dried like that. I like the look because it's not too polished and I seem to be opting towards that look lately.

Thrifted Wonders: Millers Blazer / Polkadot Blouse / Berry Skirt / Ken Done Bag 

So here are my tips for all you busy ladies out there:

1) Always have a bold staple piece that catches the eye. It could be a bold colour, tailored blazer or a patterned blouse. This will draw the eye and keep your overall look interesting even if the rest of your outfit is made up with your basic jean or tights.

2) Wear bronzer! Wear bronzer! Wear bronzer! This is my ONLY must have beauty item. Bronzer makes me feel fresh faced even if I don't get to do the rest of my face.

3) A lick of lipstick does the same for your face as your bold piece of clothing. Draws and attention and  interest and it is much quicker to apply than mascara and liner.

4) Finish the look with a pair of glasses. I have LOADS of glasses and even when I wear a basic black, I keep it interesting with a different pair of glasses. And instead of looking a little frazzled when you're marching out of the door late, you like a woman on a mission!



Big Love,


Falala Mele

Aussie Curves Sydney Meet

A few weeks ago I attended my first ever blogger meet......Is that even what you call them? I'm kinda decades behind everything in the blogger world. I just know what blogs I like and I share the things that I like with you all. 

I was really excited to meet some of the ladies that participate in the Aussie Curves weekly challenge. I had watched these ladies interpret themes, challenge themselves, encourage others and  confront social norms and expectations. It's really grown into a wonderful community of ladies who share everything from shopping tips and discount codes to personal advice on everyday trials and situations and I finally got to meet some of them in 'real-life'. 

I invited my cousin and my niece to attend. I wanted them to meet some fab ladies and experience one of the coolest things ever to come from the internet and blogging; the meeting of diverse, like-minded individuals who lives would never normally cross paths. When you share personal stories and experiences and read someone else's for an extended period of time, a openness and honesty develops and it's weird but you really do become friends without having met them. 

As I'm typing this my mind flips to that show Catfish when online lovers are excited to meet, usually only to be disappointed with lies and dishonesty. Don't get me wrong there are some crazy ass mofos out there but the difference between those people and the blogging community is that there is really nothing to gain from the lies okay so maybe people lie to get a gazillion followers and free shit and theres so many different blogs around you are really free to follow your tastes and interests.

Anyways we were late, we got caught in the rain (don't sweat it......we found some cardboard boxes and used them as umbrellas) and we were backwards in using our smart phones for accurate directions. To cut a long story short we found our way there EVENTUALLY and after a few quick hellos and some awkward moments thinking "I know them but I don't really know them" sorta deal.... I just decided to relax and chat. My sister and I did our usual tag-team story telling thing (we're famous for doing this amongst our friends) and we all started to relax and bust out laughing.

Back: Tay, Niva, Claire, Mele, Caitlin, Theresa Front: Dani & Jo

The glamorous Claire with my sissy and cousin Niva. Don't they look beautiful?

After we left the Aussie Curves meet up we walked to the casino to have a crazy buffet feed with my college girls. I miss them all the time. I was telling Dani that we all lived on the same floor in our dorm and it was the best ever. Rooms were always open. Clothes, food, dvds, shoes and harddrives were always mysteriously moved from room to room. We shared EVERYTHING and in all respects we became sisters. Try to imagine us reunited.
It was loud, and crazy with loads of mocking, giggles and food. Such a blessing.

Worn: Thrifted Polkadot Blazer $2 Thirfted Tie-Dyed Top $2 City Chic Skater Skirt $10

I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to all the cool cats who made it out to the city in the rain. It was honestly really cool to meet you all and put your personalities to your blogs. 
I can't wait to do it again.



Big love,


Falala Mele xo

USA Summer Outfits of 2012

Hello my lovely friends,

How are you all? I hope life is treating you well and that your banks are full and your bodies are strong. Today all Australians had a day off work to remember the fallen ANZACs (see my post from last year HERE ) and all those who have or are currently serving our country. It was so nice to have a day off work and to spend time with my sister and friends in the sunshine. We ate pastries and drank tea and I let the day roll on by without doing an ounce of work (even though I packed my to-do list with a million things to complete).

Another thing I did today was book my next trip! I was supposed to be heading over to Spain, Italy and France during the mid year school holidays but for a number of reasons I wont be able to make it this year :(
I admit I am disappointed that I won't be there to soak up the European sun and food this year but I plan to move to the UK for a few months next year. So I'm going to save the money that I would have spent on this trip and make an extended one next year.

Sooooo back to the tickets that I did book...... I'm soooooo very very very very very excited to be heading back to New York this summer with my sister and cousin. I'm also OVER THE MOON to be able to check out some of the FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK 2013 events. Not only will I get to visit my friends like Deja from Just Daisy and Gabby and Candice but I'll also get to tee up with our Aussie blogger ladies like Danni from DANIMEZZA and Ashley from This is Ashley Rose and Olivia from Wait Until Sunset.

My bank may be empty but my head is full of all the exciting things to come.  So as I prepare to trawl through my cupboard and pack another New York wardrobe I thought I'd compile a set out outfits worn on my last US summer trip to New York and Vegas.

I still plan to wear a lot of colour and pattern this year but I also need to find something white for the White Cruise. For those of you that are going what are you excited to wear?






Big Love,


Falala Mele xo

What I've been wearing lately

Hello lovely readers.

I know it's been a while since I have communicated properly and I have to thank all those loyal and interested readers who have stuck around. So I have been extremely busy with the first term of the school year. I have also recently returned back from the Philippines as well as spending the last 2 weeks at home in Nowra with my family and friends. Life has been good and they breaks off school have been magical but it also means that I will have to get back to the grind very soon.

I hope you have all been well. 

Just wanted to share with you a few recent outfit shots. I've been really bad at taking proper outfit shots since I have finally got an iphone. So if you follow me on instagram then you would have seen all of these outfits. Sorry bout that.....I'm no social media maiden so I'm still learning how to juggle all the networks whilst keeping things fresh and relevant. Anywhoooo back to the outfits yeah? What's your fave look?

Church Look:  Dress Kmart / Hat Thrifted / Glasses Big W / Shoes Rivers 

Casual Shopping: Vintage Blouse Thrifted / Shorts Target / Bag Thrifted / Shoes Kmart / Chain Thrifted 

Quad biking and Adventuring in Philippines: Top Kmart / Bag & Glasses Local Vendor / Shorts Kmart / Hat Von Zipper

Church: Singlet Target / Skirt Big W / Shoes Converse / Earrings Thrifted

School Easter Hat Parade: Dress Target / Shoes Target / Glasses Big W

Lunch: Shirt Kmart / Shorts Big W (these were full length pants but I cut them) / Shoes Kmart / Hat Thrifted

I have had a change in my travel plans. My mid year Europe trip has to be put on hold but that's okay because I plan to live there next year. So it's back to the drawing board and I'm hoping to get to New York for Full Figured Fashion Week instead so the possibility of meeting fellow bloggers is really exciting. 

Please bear with me. I plan to be better.

Big Love,

Falala Mele xo