BY THE RIVERSIDE

I have been feeling a real urge to get creative recently - whipping out my ukulele and booking out my schedule for shoots! I am really excited about sharing new projects in the works, it's just hard to find time to sit down and make progress on publishing them online and assessing how to get where I want with my blog. A reliable outlet for me in my busy working life has been fulfilled to a large extent by blogging. When I work with one of my good friends, like JEVGENIJA, on a shoot, it's that stellar combination of hanging out, catching up and being able to also produce some great pictures at the end of it all.

Looking back across my blogging history, I can't believe I've been at this for some time now! I hope to continue building TORN + POLISHED and I think that right now, it's time to reflect. Where better to do so than one of my favourite spots in the City of London, the riverside? JEVGENIJA has been such an inspiration to me, her work is incredible (check out the link below), and she's continuously supported me throughout! We went for a spot for tea, did a bit of soul searching, and I guess now, it's thinking about what's next!

shirt MONKI

turtleneck FOREVER XXI

leggings ARITZIA

photo JEVGENIJA

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IN LOVE WITH LONDON

I realise that I live in London the most when I look across my shoulder and looking back at me is the Tower Bridge. I love relaxing by the riverside (when it doesn't rain!) and enjoying the stunning views of the London skyline. It's one of the most dynamic and wonderful cities to explore; no matter how much I walk around, there's always something new around the corner. Feeling nude and beige colours to complement the overcast sky, I love this MONKI jacket which genuinely goes with everything and anything. 

trench MONKI

dress CLUB MONACO
bag COACH
sunglasses FOREVER XXI

shoes LK BENNETT

photo JEVGENIJA

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SLEEK IN BLACK

The trench. The staple classic for every lady's wardrobe. However, a good quality, sleek trench doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg - this one from ZARA, for example, still gives that subtle look of luxury. In particular, I am a sucker for the faux leather sleeves. I've paired this number with LK BENNETT heels, with the statement strap (highlighted beautifully in white!). Add in a plain black dress, and voila! Winning formula? 

I think I've said this millions of times, but you can't get more comfortable than LK BENNETT. Although I love ridiculous shoes from time to time, comfort is essential. This pair fits wonderfully, and they're unique! What's more, can be worn for work or leisure. 

dress FRENCH CONNECTION

trench ZARA

shoes LK BENNETT

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FAUX REAL

London is one of those places where, even if you've seemingly explored every nook and cranny, there's always something new around the corner. As the seasons change, it's hard to get totally accustomed to leaving the safety of a warm piece of outerwear behind. I love this ASOS faux fur coat, which pairs really well with any outfit. I've matched it with this maroon dress from FRENCH CONNECTION, which fits really well and gives some form to the overall outfit. 

To make it a little more casual and better for on-the-go, I've also added my favourite VAGABOND booties, giving that perfect Londoner style edge! 

faux coat ASOS

dress FRENCH CONNECTION

photography

JEVGENIJA

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THE OVERDUE FAREWELL

I've been seriously waiting to see the back end of winter for the longest time. On the bright side, I get to wear this timeless BURBERRY scarf a few more times before retiring it for spring! 

I've always loved pieces with a lot of texture, and that's why this black and white number from ZARA is a clear favourite. It's really warm and cosy, goes with almost anything, and can be transitioned from a winter to a spring wardrobe easily. 

cardigan ZARA

scarf BURBERRY

boots RUSSELL & BROMLEY

photography

JEVGENIJA

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BLACK AND VELVET

FOREVER XXI always provides me with easy to style pieces (at great prices); love this hat! I find getting the right length brim is quite important as my face is quite round - it's a good fit and doesn't flatten my hair too much.

I've always loved form fitting velvet pieces; they exude an age-old elegance that I can't get enough of! Here, I'm wearing a daring crop top with leggings ensemble - these ARITZIA leggings are some of my favourite pieces, this pair is extremely high quality and multi-purpose! Basically, I can do a session at the gym in them or utilise them as a standalone pair to go with almost any casual outfit. What's your must-have basic in your wardrobe?

hat and top FOREVER XXI

leggings ARITZIA

photography

JEVGENIJA

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A LITTLE BIT OF DRAMA

Still pinching myself out of sheer disbelief that I was selected to participate in the YOINS blogger network! Had so much shooting this lace black dress for YOINS [ BUY IT HERE ], pairing it up with these sleek D&G heels. As I'm of petite stature, I am sometimes scared of taking on dresses with long lengths - but I find that if it's sufficiently form-fitting, then you've got no troubles there. I quite like the elongating way it hugs my figure.

I'm a bit fan of open backs, and this dress has a beautiful "V" shape that draws one's attention to the natural curvature of the waist. A very nice evening dress for a night at the theatre or fine dining - and extremely affordable too!

Had a blast with photographers FYI PHOTOGRAPHY, ANPARASAN and JASON ARBER who were on the scene shooting for their portfolios. 

dress YOINS [ BUY IT NOW ]

shoes D&G

photography

first three images FYI PHOTOGRAPHY

last image ANPARASAN

WINDSWEPT IN RED

So honoured to have joined the YOINS blogger network! First up, I'm totally in love with this red, billowy dress from YOINS [ BUY IT HERE ]. It romantically catches the wind and keeps you on your feet for that magical Monroe moment! In particular, the slit at the side provides that little hint of glamour that sets it apart from your typical red maxi. I always find that black and red go so well together, and so I paired this billowy showstopper dress with these heels from D&G. 

For the location, we decided to shoot in the industrial, angular architectural landscape of the BARBICAN. It contrasted well with the strong red colour of the dress. I can imagine the dress fitting perfectly in a scene at a gorgeous holiday location - where the heat is high and where the surroundings are picturesque with water and cliffs. If you've got any holiday plans coming up, think about investing in this little number - which is also extremely light and affordable. 

It was so fun working with FYI PHOTOGRAPHY and ANPARASAN as photographers for this blog post set of shots, but I must say it was a bit intimidating having two camera shutters going off spontaneously at the same time! Both are wonderful photographers, and I've worked with FYI PHOTOGRAPHY multiple times; each time, she never fails in bringing her signature positivity and unfailing professionalism across. This was the first time I worked with the talented ANPARASAN, who is a young prodigy of sorts! I also had the opportunity to pump up my generic portfolio with JASON ARBER, whose work is always interesting and of an edgy quality. Check them out!

dress YOINS [ BUY IT NOW ]

shoes D&G

photography

full length FYI PHOTOGRAPHY

close ups ANPARASAN

ALL YOU NEED IS RIPPED JEANS

I've recently become obsessed with the concept of ripped jeans. They feel quite carefree, which is quite reflective of my personality. A good pair tends to complement my everyday style, as I'm all about messy hair, simple makeup (oftentimes sporting a red lip when I'm feeling a little more daring) and crop tops.

I never seem to find jeans that fit as well as those from HOLLISTER. As I'm a petite girl, I need something leg-elongating, hence my favourite type of cut is when the waist goes up quite high and the rips are right at the knee. Pair it with some platforms? Sorted. I like my platforms comfortable, explains why I'm a loyal frequenter of VAGABOND, which never fails to channel chic with attitude! Can wear them for a number of hours without the usual complaints of pressed toes and aching soles! 

jeans HOLLISTER

shoes VAGABOND

top HOLLISTER

art direction NISA YANG

photography

JEVGENIJA

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BE A SPORT

Sadly, I've never really been a fit person. Stereotypical high school situation: netball class - picked last every single time! Basically, I wouldn't blame any of my friends for making the decisions they made in overlooking my "athletic abilities" - footballs, netballs, and rounder balls - all appeared to be magnetically attracted to my face... not ideal! But, it's never too late to pick up sports and activities to introduce a bit more balance in one's life - the hours I've been working (as a professional in training) have been quite tiring at times, so it's really important to refresh my mind and body with a few sessions at the gym!

From that though, I've started to develop an appreciation for matching my gym wardrobe with my daily wear. One thing I quite like is the sports trend, and I had a go mixing it up with these D&G heels. I paired this FOREVER XXI neon pink crop top and BERSHKA sweatpants to play with clashing tones. 

shoes D&G

sweatpants BERSHKA

top FOREVER XXI

photography

JEVGENIJA

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CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

All the leaves are brown... and the sky is grey... Seriously though, although I'm lamenting the end of summer, I am just taken by the beautiful yellow colours surrounding me in the beauty of Regent's Park in London. I love the golden leaves and the gentle, cool breeze - a recommended walk if you happen to be popping by the city. They have a stunning rose garden and gorgeous architectural details in fountains and statues reminiscent of Renaissance Europe and antiquity.

One thing I am looking forward to is swapping sandals for winter boots, like this gorgeous pair from STUART WEITZMAN. I like pairing camel tones with black, hence why I've brought together this combo of a MONKI jacket and ALL SAINTS dress. The MONKI jacket is light enough for a comfortable stroll and does the job in protecting you from the fall chill. I am obsessed with ALL SAINTS' ability to make gorgeous pieces with intricate ruffles, complementing feminine silhouettes whilst retaining some attitude.

boots STUART WEITZMAN

jacket MONKI 

dress ALL SAINTS

photography

FYI PHOTOGRAPHY

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