LA Diaries | Part Un

hmmm.. so where do I start for the La diary ? I actually thought this would be easier but to be honest the weeks have gone by so quickly, it feels like it was a long long time ago.

I’m going to try my best to re-tell it through photos for you all.

But before I do that, I just want to touch on the word “Family”. Family to me is a very important thing, especially my immediate family. We are a tight, loyal bunch who are always there for each other no matter what. Here, in Australia I don’t really have as much family as I do overseas. So there is always this sort of… hole in my heart, and I do miss them often, quite alot actually. It’s funny though when I tell people I miss my cousins, they look at me in shock. I guess sometimes people don’t appreciate and realise just how lucky they are to have the warmth of loved ones around them in the same state or country.

So in saying this, I just want to let my family know that wherever you are in the world, no matter how far apart we are I love you and Miss you and I wish we could be with each other always. And if you are reading my blog, thankyou, I just wanted to let you know just how important you are to me, even if you already knew that.

Travelling overseas, isn’t always about experiencing the culture, the surroundings, the food, it’s also about spending as much time as you can with the people you love. This time around though, I didn’t get to do that much, too little time and busy running around – before I knew it, Time was up and it was a long flight back home. But I guess that’s okay because there will always be a next time, another opportunity to catch up.

What I love though, Is that every time I go back, It is like I never left and that I had been there with them everyday. That hole in my heart just fills right up, infact it overflows with warmth, acceptance and love ❤ Love you all from the bottom of my heart.

So, Where do I start ?

Let’s just let the camera roll do most of the talking Shall we ?

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You know when you’re in California when you see those Palms…

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Honolulu in Montrose was so beautifully lit up with Christmas Lights and decorations – It looked so beautiful in the night.

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I love landscapes.

LA scenery really trips me out – It always look fake.

I always just want to scrunch my hand up against it because it looks like really good wallpaper or something.

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IN N OUT ! Seriously if you don’t eat this while you are there you are completely missing out.

Animal Fries because I was hungry like animal –

and ofcourse appropriate tags – #YESiateboth #dontjudgeme #onvacation

(Don’t count the calories, seriously…don’t!)

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Just the start of my shopping…

(I did this much damage in a few hours… but hey if I really have to look at it –

The above photo is a minor dent compared to the overall shopping on this trip. #quickhideyourbankstatement)

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USarmenia!?

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BIG WANGS !!!!

Say what ?

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Okay, honestly – I HAVE NEVER SEEN “PEPSI-COLA” THIS SIZE !…

IT WAS MASSIVE….. OMG who needs REFILLS HERE !!!!!!

One of the best places to have spicy-ass hot wings, a great hangout with friends, and karaoke (if that’s what you’re into) !

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Follow that up with some hooka – The night is not over until you have had some hooka

p.s we look so white – we have such GLOW !

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Christmas at my Aunties place is always incredibly decorated.

Gotta love Christmas Spirit !

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Why look – Where could we be ?

It is the happiest place in the world #disneyland

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Spending New Years Eve at Disneyland

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mmm Candy… Lots of Candy

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Ahoy ! Pirate Ship time.

 

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It’s a small world After all…

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Every time I am at Disneyland I visit Esmerelda.

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Just quietly, Some more shopping… I did good Winking smile

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Two weddings and no funerals.. Thankgod !

Thankyou to my amazing cousin for doing my makeup and going out of her way to get me where I needed to be on time looking like a doll !

And to my auntie who did my hair – Love you both so much !

– – – – –

I’ll have to wrap it up now – But don’t worry There is a Part Deux Coming soon !

Oh oh oh and before I forget I hope everyone had a great Valentines day and weekend and that everyone has a safe and happy work week.

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Join me on instagram @Ratavosi

and please don’t forget to subscribe to this blog

 

Bonnuit Lovers !

 

xoxo Much love, Yours Truly

RHYversusWORLD

Neon Lace <3 | My Sister in Law’s wardrobe

neonNEONneonNEON…!!!

So if you haven’t already guessed, today’s trend topic is NEON. Below is my lovely sister-in-law sporting this trend.

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Vana wears this BOLD neon lime Lace top from Bardot. It has a super cute black tie up bow at the back and also a very nice timeless scalloped edge on both the hem and sleeves. Matte black A-line mini skirt from label Whitney Eve.

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Accessories !

She has accessorised her look with a big Michael Kors Tote Bag.

She also wear a Silver Jewelled Necklace to tie in the look.

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When accessorising with neon Lace it is important to remember not to overdo the entire outfit.

There is no need to bling it out excessively. Just one simple Necklace will do if the neckline allows it, as there is already a lot going on in not only the lace pattern but the colour too.

Now I know it’s usually a Summer trend, which is now frequently seen on icons and bloggers in the northern hemisphere. ( Wish we were enjoying it with you too boohoo!) but you can always bring it back during winter to add a nice pop of colour to your outfit.

Actress and Blogger Ashley Madekwe recently blogged a similar look.

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Ashley wears a playsuit made from neon lace, faux leather and ruffles. I couldn’t have thought of a better combo in a playsuit myself !

I absolutely love when lace and leather are combined in pieces, it gives it character – it becomes more of a statement piece.

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To purchase Ashley’s Playsuit Simply go to her blog or Click here

To Checkout Ashley’s Blog and to see her other posts Click here !

I have also created A StyleBook on Style Saint dedicated to Neon. Search me, “Rhaya Ratavosi” on stylesaint and it should be on my profile if you scroll down ❤

 

xxxx Much Love,

Yours Truly

RHYversusWORLD

It’s Naughty Meets nice, an attitude Splice | RhyheartsJEFFREYCAMPBELLS !

Like any other fashionista I have a weakness for shoes !

The bigger the better !

Big platforms, unusual wedge cut-outs and shapes, fierce looking features – an easy way to add a touch of KABOOM to any outfit !

What I’ve been eyeing for some time now would have to be Jeffrey Campbell’s, one-of-a-kind, YES READ IT AGAIN  “one-of-a-kind” platforms. I know we say that about every pair of shoes, but if you ask anyone who owns a pair, or knows of them, they would most definitely agree with me ! Not only that, but they are so uniquely designed that you can spot a pair of JC’s from a mile away !

So in case you hadn’t heard of Jeffrey Campbell here’s a few quick notes to save you the embarrassment and awkward silence if its ever, EVER on topic !
Hailed from none other than ( my favourite) L.A
Their designs are based on vintage inspirations as well as combining runway/fashion trends.
Sold across all of Asia, Canada, Australia, UK, New Zealand and the list goes on as they continue to grow.

Hope that helps, however if you’d like to read more on JC’s Bio Click here !

One of my Favourite and regular online shopping destinations NASTYGAL also stocks them ! What caught my eye the most this week was these 3 pairs ! It’s Naughty Meets nice, an attitude Splice !

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Like the shoes above ??? Check out NASTYGAL’s collection and more from their Jeffrey Campbell range here

or better yet, if you live in OZ like I do, then head down to your nearest Tuchuzy store and check them out !

Locations:

Womenswear
Shop 11, The Beach House, 178 Campbell Parade
Bondi Beach
Sydney Australia 2026

Menswear
90 Gould St
Bondi Beach
Sydney Australia 2026

Trading Hours
Mon to Wed 9-6
Thurs to Sat 9-7
Sun 10-6

Other Stockists within Australia include:
APEX
Dragonberry Stride
Zomp

like this post ? Leave me a comment.

xxxx Much Love, Yours Truly
RHYversusWORLD

Photo-shoot Prep | Rainy day outside but a rather sunny one at T.L.O.R Headquarters !

Woke up this morning and let’s be honest – who didn’t want to go back to bed with the weather being so S#!t ????? As you could of imagined what was supposed to be a bright summer awakening started to feel like a rather sluggish wintery morning! BUT that didn’t necessarily mean a fun days of work wasn’t about to begin.

Here at T.L.O.R head quarters I have been busy expanding the RATAVOSI men’s and women’s collection with additional women’s looks for our Amore Amore Photo-shoot.

I’ve been crazily sourcing props and accessories from all over the place as well as locations to give the right touch to all our looks.

In fact, Perfect Timing for Valentine’s Day !!!!

Mid last week, I ordered a cute red wide brimmed hat and some cat eye sunnies to go with the “midnight rendezvous dress” (oh and a pair of white ear muffs JUST FOR FUN hahaha)– what felt like a knock and run today, brightened mine and my best friends day.

2 brown parcels from ASOS… oh yes oh yess !! Happily tearing apart the boxes, there they were ! It always feels so exciting and rewarding when you get a parcel at the door, I love the feeling, it almost feels like it’s your birthday ha !

And well knowing the two of us ( the usual ) decided to do a silly little luvo session with the new pieces.

Just a regular day at the office. Check it out  haha
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Wearing My very own RATAVOSI “Sinuous Senorita Jacket” being all snobby and that with my best friend in one of my wardrobe favourites, my biker vest with a fur collar and of course our accessories from ASOS, Red hat, cat eye sunnies and our fluffy white ear muffs.
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I’m so classy that sometimes I do This and she just smiles. REDHOTEVIL VS PRETTYSNOWANGEL.
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Oh and I also forgot to mention that while I’m classy I also B.O.L – BLAARRRRRR OUT LOUD and she pouts innocently ofcourse.
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Showing off the non-viciously-torn side of the parcels hahaha

xxxx Much love, Yours Truly
RHYversusWORLD

And the Asos sale continues ! <3 it

So if you haven’t read my blog about intense retail therapy, I suggest you:

1 – Read it

&

2 – Do as it says

Why ?

Simply because Asos still has their Sale on !!!!
AND all of the items below are just a small handful of my picks – all below $30, so if you’re feeling a little blue and feel as if you haven’t done something “productive” today you really can’t go wrong with this link !!

asos items under 30 dollars

Enjoy Ladies… and men ?

xxxx Much love,

Yours Truly.
RHYversusWORLD

Retail Therapy | Diagnosis by a Fashionista

There comes a time at the beginning of the year when a women (in this case ME and probably you as well ) needs a little something called RETAIL THERAPY.

Retail Therapy occurs when an individual is experiencing such things as depression, Shopping Withdrawals etc.

This very common disorder (specifically after/during the Jolly Christmas and New year season) is referred to as, (what I LOVE to call) Post-NYE depression.

It is a form of depression that most commonly effects women rather than men. It mostly occurs after the period of Christmas to New years and reaches its peak on new years day until about well… The time you purchase something, Many things…preferably online ( because you can have a zillion tabs open and shop from a zillion places at the one time – “PANTS HEAVILY AT THE THOUGHT OF IT – MOOD: ECSTATIC” !) to ease that sector of your brain that bleeps out every once in awhile begging for some retail attention.

Other cases of Depression that also result to Retail Therapy include :

Pre/post-exam Depression : When one is far to stressed to deal with “anticipation”, of an exam paper or the results, often resulting to procrastination at pre stage and anxiety yet relief at post stage. One can always busy themselves at the “mall” by window shopping/purchasing and also “check-out” stage if done via online shopping. This process takes hours as it helps block out any negative energy built up from an exam.

Post Relationship-was-a-Fail Depression : When one is simply depressed due to a failed relationship and/or sudden breakup. Individuals often result to copious amounts of food which is also referred to as “demolishing”, as well as isolation and/or I’m-a-tough-soldier-let-the-next-one-come-at-me stage. After This, ( heroic imagery) a lady steps up and faces the world with her wallet because fashion doesn’t stand still for heartbroken suckers !

Pre-important-Event Depression: The “oh I have nothing to wear”,or  “oh I can’t fit into anything” phase – grouped as whinging with mild tantrumitis in most women. This particular one covers many areas. ( Post – NYE depression is a sub category of this)

Many women (within this group are also referred to as Shop-a-holics) come up with such excuses, some of them you may have heard or may have come out of your own mouth:

  • Yes but I don’t have it in (whichever colour)
  • I don’t have anything to wear
  • I shared a coke with my Wardrobe, had a deep-and-meaningful conservation , made a promise to it that I’d replenish stock.
  • I’m Fat
  • None of them fit me
  • It’s so Last season/It’s So last year
  • I want something new
  • I’m depressed
  • I can’t help it – its a sickness
  • PAY DAYYYYY
  • Everyone has already seen me wear everything ( Dam Facebook tagging !!)
  • My shoes have to match the handbag which has to compliment my dress which has to be appropriate for the evening, then we have the hair that works with the makeup and i need a jacket in case its too cold and if that doesn’t work then… oh never mind – its too complicated let’s just get a whole new look for the evening ? yeah ?

Symptoms

Symptoms include ( before and during) :

  • Sadness ( not feeling spoilt and special)
  • Distracted
  • Low self-esteem.
  • Constantly on shopping apps.
  • “Watching/stalking” certain items and/or beings.
  • disturbed vision – e.g Seeing Chanel handbags instead of clouds.
  • immense ogling ( to individuals with colour blocked outfits or desired items).
  • Rage upon others (who buy your shoe size out in the only colour it comes in).
  • Hallucinating from the smell of pure leather.
  • Drooling at the touch of fabric and luxurious textiles.
  • mood swings combined with Hyperventilation and ecstatic-ness ( often occurs during checkout).
  • Obsession (with websites and certain stores).
  • Caressing/conversing with the credit card.
  • withdrawals (of anything) .
  • Sleep and eating disturbances.
  • Muscle pain in the calf/leg region from excessive walking in Shopping centres
  • Throwing tantrums at Clothes Racks, Registers or at people working at the store.
  • The art of being Oblivious (Maxing out and avoiding credit card bills)

If this is starting to sound like anything you are experiencing or have experienced don’t Fret, You are not alone, It happens to everyone

You may not experience all or any of the above but it doesn’t mean your hands aren’t itching to get themselves on some new items for a) the sake of it b) the health reason as discussed above or c) all of the above.

Cures

No Medication can be taken.

The only cure is to fulfil your Shopping urges.

To help with the process of curing your withdrawals and coming out of the POST-NYE depression bubble I have Listed some online Hotspots – So Please, set yourself a limit, Take out that credit card, Crank up the volume on your recent playlist and Browse away – There are millions of items waiting to be owned … BY YOU !

The Favourite Five

    1. Place to be: ASOS
      Link: 
      http://www.asos.com/au/?hrd=1
      Why: Just switch up the currency in the top right corner to your country and you can get just about anything you like on this site, From shoes and accessories, to clothing covering both genders ! If you’re looking for a great bargain or a designer gift for him/her there is a 70% off sale now on and is definitely worth browsing through – I know I already have – Ordered, processed and KA-ching !
      ASOS SALE !!

    2. Place to be: Oroton
      Link:
      http://www.asos.com/au/?hrd=1
      Why: Need a new wallet or handbag ? Oroton gives you the best of both worlds catering to him and her. you can view their new arrivals or simply skip straight to their fabulous sale. Luxury Accessories at a generous cost – happening NOW !
    3. Place to be: Nasty Gal
      Link: http://www.nastygal.com/clothes/
      Why: A new favourite of mine ! Exactly the place to go for a new Trendy outfit or a vintage look ! It is a great customer-friendly site with everything for the NASTY GAL Winking smile, Dress, tops, bottom, intimates you name it – even vintage ! If by this stage you want to save some money on dresses, or need to stock up on some tees and bottoms you can get them in the sale section for as little as 11 dollars. They Also stock a unique variety of Messeca, Sam Edelman, and Jeffrey Campbell Shoes. It’s too hard to pick just one favourite from all the cool pairs they have so here’s a few to tease you until you get your butts to the site !

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      sh44
      sh22
      sh1
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      sh2
      ss1
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    4. Place to be: Ladakh
      Link:
      http://shop.ladakh.com.au/sale/w1/i1001242/
      Why: Gorgeous Prints, Awesome Trendy styles and a quality label at a reasonable price. What more could you want? Having worked with the Ladakh team as I am the intern I must say i Cannot wait to go back to Ladakh HQ – i miss them ! Checkout the collections and all the other sub-labels like Hungtingbird, and Anise – Each have their own Flava ! Having expanded their collections beyond clothing to accessories and footwear you can now be dressed head to toe ! oh and great news for the Aussies – Free shipping on orders of two or more garments within Australia !
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    5. Place to be: The Grand Social
      Link:http://www.thegrandsocial.com.au/
      Why:
      The marketplace for Australian and New Zealand Designers – Top Labels – everything at its very best ! A great selection of collections all in the one spot ! Search by gender or Sale or designer they have it all sorted to make it that little bit easier.

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Happy Shopping Smile

xxxx Much love, Yours Truly
RHYversusWORLD

Bumping into Alannah Hill

Meeting Alannah Hill

The New Semester has begun with Men’s and Womenswear being our main focus and project before our major and final semester !

What better way to explore different designers collections and tastes this season by hitting up none other than Sydney’s Westfield.

The day began with ZARA, just casually hanging around in front waiting for the class to arrive.

In the distance this Sparkling Tall Lady Approaching, her hair and makeup magnificently done with a lovely floral printed skirt that swept the floor – It looked like her ? Could it be ? Really ? OMG it actually was ALANNAH HILL !

Following her around in Zara wondering whether we should approach her like annoying paparazzi clogging up space to ask for a photograph. An excited Bunch we were !

Finally I decided that I just couldn’t possibly leave the store without approaching her so I did.

She was one of the nicest designers I’d ever Met ! When we were told by Zara’s staff we couldn’t take photographs inside their store she even offered to drop her shopping and for us to come outside and take photographs before commencement ! How lovely was that !

Image above | Me, Alannah Hill and my good friend Jessica.

over and out xx

RHYversusWORLD