loco.

musings of a modern gypsy.

 

this afternoon B and i decided to make the most of the pleasant weather and go for a walk a few blocks away from my parent's house. as we were strolling we passed a vacant paddock where a brightly painted caravan standing on its lonesome caught our attention. i had never seen such a unique caravan before and was immediately intrigued. i wondered if anyone was living in the vehicle or if it had been abandoned, however within seconds i came to the conclusion that it looked too pretty for anyone to discard and the odds and ends laying around haphazardly within a two metre radius of the van (a pair of shoes, a bucket and a chair) made it look occupied. i really wanted to take some photos but thought it would be rude to do so without permission first and i didn't want to get caught sneakily taking snaps, especially if someone called it 'home'. feeling daring i told B i was going to knock on the door and ask if i could take some photos- afterall the worst they could do was say no. he reluctantly followed (clearly not as enthralled by the spectacle as i ha). a minute or so after knocking an older looking woman wound down a window and greeted us. i apologised for bothering her and explained how beautiful i thought her caravan was. she informed me that she had hand painted it herself over a twelve year period and had travelled all over the world in it, re-locating every few months. after a few minutes of small talk she opened the door and invited us in to see her humble abode. upon entering, i was completely in awe of the magical gypsy chamber we had stepped inside. from wall to wall, floor to roof the van was overflowing with random artefacts and trinkets from various countries, dreamcatchers, windchimes, tapestries and mystical artworks etc. the floor had been painted in florals similar to the exterior and fake leaves had been glued in an intricate pattern across the ceiling and down one of the walls to appear like an ivy vine was growing indoors. i couldn't stop staring at everything, it was utterly mesmerizing! the woman introduced herself as W- a seventy four year old nomad, and although quite eccentric and a bit scattered she was nice enough and very interesting. she offered us both a cigarette and we sat down whilst she showed us photos and told us stories about her travels and life experiences. she had a tendency to go off on different tangents so it was a bit difficult to follow some of the conversation but nonetheless we ended up staying for three hours, or rather she talked non-stop for three hours and we didn't have the heart to interrupt her because she seemed to enjoy the company. among musings about spirituality, astrology, numerology, art and literature, she spoke about the importance of living in the moment rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future- funnily enough this sentiment echoed that of both my psychologist and psychiatrist, and really any mental health professional i've encountered that works from a mindfulness based framework.

 

by the time we departed i hadn't managed to take that many photos but you can kind of get a rough idea from the above images. not quite your average saturday afternoon but an inspiring one  nonetheless. i think i've fallen in love with the idea of being a free-spirited, modern day gypsy- at seventy four W was as vibrant as ever and full of life- her parting comment before we headed home "have fun kids...don't do anything i wouldn't do!"



i dream of you amid the flowers.

 

as i spend more time at my own place in the city i've been inspired to revamp my two bedroom apartment. while it's quite nice as is, it's become an almost ghostlike dwelling in my absence over the past twelve months. i'm a strong believer in one's environment influencing one's mood, therefore i want my home to reflect the present 'me' instead of being littered with depressing remnants of my pre-breakdown life. the truth is i still mourn for the life i previously had but i'm choosing to accept the events that have occured over these dark twelve months and try my best to look forward rather than back. these images encapsulate the ambiance i aim to achieve for my sanctuary- whimsical, enchanting and romantic whilst still being modern and fresh.

it's no secret that re-decorating can potentially cost a small fortune so where possible i plan to set myself 'diy projects'; in addition to being more affordable, i think there's something really lovely about having bits and pieces displayed around an apartment that your mind has envisioned and your hands have created.

 

wish me luck!



spring is in the air.

 

 

 

after a particularly dark winter (both literally and metaphorically) i'm delighted that the warmer weather is now upon us. i've always found the return of spring to be naturally uplifting, perhaps because the season encapsulates the ideas of 'rebirth' and 'renewal' which provides someone like me with a glimmer of hope for improved wellbeing...or perhaps because it signifies the gradual winding down of another year i've somehow managed to scrape myself through. either way, i've been longing for clear, blue skies and to feel the first golden rays of the season warm my bare skin. for the air to be infused with the sweet fragrance of blossoming florals and to laze on a carpet of lush green amongst the swaying dandelions.

fashion wise, i'm envisioning a wardrobe consisting of a neutral colour palette with splashes of neon brights and gelati pastels. abstract floral and geometric prints. intricate lace and sheer textures. lots of rose-hued metal and understated jewellery. fresh makeup and melon toned lipstick.

aside from these whimsical musings, i am also a spring baby at heart- turning twenty four in fourteen days...i can hardly believe it.


obsessions.

rose gold (hardware/ watches/ jewellery).

 

 

tiny skulls.

bralettes.

chloe 'love' fragrance.

lana del rey's sultry voice.

glasshouse candles.


i received my tax return last week and have been ever so tempted to splurge on an alexander wang diego with rose gold hardware which i've been fantasizing about for ages now. i used to hate rose gold when i was younger but now i think it's simply beautiful and want rose gold everything!
the past twelve months have been a total write off for me financially due to my ill health so while my heart is telling me to "confirm order", with the justification "you've had the worst year of your life and deserve a little happiness in the form of some delicious wang", my head is telling me to let the money sit safe and sound in my savings account. it's no secret that my head is on the cray side though, so in this instance i think i'll conveniently choose to listen to my heart- much to my advantage.
 

delicate jewellery featuring tiny skulls is another one of my current obsessions. there seems to be no shortage of skulls around either of late, from mania mania and house of harlow to sportsgirl and lovisa. in the past i've been drawn to bold, statement type jewellery, however i'm increasingly favouring rings, bracelets and necklaces that are more simplistic in design.

i've recently fallen in love with bralettes in neon brights, soft nudes and sheer lace- fortunately my chest is small enough to do without the support of underwire. sass and bide, american apparel and one teaspoon make some pretty ones that i'm keen to add to my collection. i'm looking forward to sporting them in the warmer weather with plain, loose singlets for a 'peek-a-boo' effect.

chloe love is, well, lovely. enough said.

finally, lana del rey and glasshouse candles, preferably together while i'm laying in bed. i find the combination of her voice and the sweet scent of a burning candle wonderfully calming.



you're a stone fox.

even if i told you i know you won't believe.