Winter certainly seems to be almost on the backburner here in Auckland. While I love donning coats and any excuse for multiple blankets, I will not miss the cold. Winter isn't all bleak and this season, I've found a bunch of new favourite things. From stationery to fashion, podcasts and writing...

High As Hope: I couldn't not mention this album, Florence and the Machine's fourth. I feel like fourth albums seem to generate a varied response from fans. High As Hope easily feels like Florence's most candid yet. Every song is well considered yet intimate. My favourite, favourite track is still Patricia, written for Patti Smith. It gets me every time. I also love 100 Years and South London Forever but the whole album is a beaut. It's barely left my car stereo, yes I am that level of old school, since its release at the end of June. 

Olivia Laing's Writing: The Lonely City has sat on my shelves for a while, I remember trying to read it years ago and I don't know if I just wasn't patient or appreciative enough but I couldn't get into it. Flash forward a couple of years and I love her work. So far I've finished Crudo, her novel set in 2017 that naturally feels incredibly real yet personal at the same time. I've been thinking how best to articulate why I love Laing's words so much, wish me luck here. I feel like as well as writing incredibly personally, she also has a universality to her words as well. I don't mean that in a, cult book you'll see everyone reading almost ironically on public transport. What I mean is those who do choose to read her work will more than likely notice some glimmers of resonance among the pages. I'm still slowly making my way through The Lonely City and it's more than likely going to come away with me on my travels soon. I also have The Trip To Echo Spring sitting on my shelves as well. 

How To Fail w/ Elizabeth Day: Whenever anyone catches me listening to this podcast they usually give me questioning glances and want to know why. My response usually is to read the description and then realise I am not indulging in a series of bleak listening sessions. How to Fail essentially explores what hasn't gone right for people and how that in turn is cause for celebration and a chance to succeed better. My favourite episodes so far have been with Dolly Alderton, Olivia Laing and Phoebe Waller-Bridge but I highly recommend giving this a listen. 

The navy Moleskine: To know me is to know Moleskines are probably my all-time favourite notebooks. I have been using them for years, ever since discovering I could use my student discount to buy them cheaply from an art supply store here in Auckland. They were my tutorial notebook of choice, travel diaries, to-do style notebooks, heck I even used to use one way back to write out blog posts by hand first. It's only in the last year really that I have started using them again and I recently treated myself to one of their softcover, leather navy gems. My only gripe is NZ isn't the best place to find the variety of colours, styles etc so I am hoping I find some newbies when I am in Melbourne.

father rabbit's card selection: Ok so I rarely venture to the Jervois Rd side of Auckland, which is probably a good thing because I'd buy all the cards from Father Rabbit. So many gems guys! Their in-house range of floral illustrations is beautiful, but they are also home to Hotel Magique. The latter, a brand Liv bought to my attention. They also have gorgeous tags, wrapping paper and beautifully selected gifts. Well worth a visit pre or post-brunching from Dear Jervois. I highly recommend the smashed avo with smoked salmon. Such a good time. 

Loafers: Hi, my name is Sophie and I have this thing with loafers. I blame Alexa Chung for this. Yeah it's naturally all her fault. Ahem, I also blame Gucci for the revival and sudden reappearance of these classic, comfortable, stunning shoes. Anyway, these have been my Winter shoes of choice and I love them. Do I want more? Absolutely. Do I need to get out of my shoe comfort zone? Absolutely. Will I? Stay tuned...

-What have you been loving this Winter?

I discovered this tag over on lipstickwithsomesunshine's blog last week and it's not one I've seen around before so I thought it'd be fun + interesting to do. It's also nice to share the love for fellow bloggers every so often as well don't you think?

-What was the first blog you ever came across?

The first blog I remember reading was an Australian one called Girl With A Satchel. The author is no longer writing it sadly but it was about fashion and offered up some interesting critiques on feminism and fashion from what I can remember.

-Favourite blog reads?

There's so many! The first and most obvious choice is of course Vivianna Does Makeup. I also love and frequently read Gh0stparties, I Covet Thee, lipstickwithsomesunshine and What Olivia Did. My Bloglovin follow list also features the many blogs I like to read.

-Best blogging friend?

I'm really lucky to say I have a few blogging friends, both locally and internationally. Hannah from A Lovely Look is probably my blogging BFF though. We used to go to University together so we've known each other for a while. We txt most days about all things blogging and it's often the centre of our discussions when we catch up-along with some beauty+retail enabling of course!

-Name a blog that enables your purchases?

Surprise, surprise, Vivianna Does Makeup. Ever since I stumbled upon Anna in a Daily Mix video I have been captivated by her reviews of all things beauty and fashion. Let's be real here, Anna could probably sell me anything. We have similar tastes in beauty and fashion as well which helps things along. I have her to thank for many of my now favourite products. There hasn't been a single Anna recommendation that I have not liked!

-5 blogs everyone should be reading?

VDM, lipstickwithsomesunshine, Nouvelle Daily, Shop Style Conquer and Liana Beauty. Again, see my Bloglovin list!

-Your favourite way to read blogs?

Bloglovin for sure! It's like a daily magazine of all my personally chosen content to follow. I love how you can easily see what posts you'll want to read and which you'd rather not. The handy 'heart' button is useful later on if you want to refer back to something as well. When I can I also like to steal my brother's iPad to read blogs in bed but when that's not an option, my MacBook Pro does the trick.

-Bloggers that inspire you?

This'll seem so cheesy but I find Zoe of Zoella inspiring. She's only 24 and has done so well with her blog, YouTube channel, and of course now she has a book deal. She's living my dream basically! I've always loved her aesthetic, particularly in terms of fashion and decor. Seriously, she has decor down. I wouldn't be surprised if she became an interior designer further down the track. I also find her inspiring because she never shies away from showing viewers when she's having a bad day and her openness with anxiety and her other struggles in life make me feel less...crazy. She's such a gem! Anna of course inspires me as well! Particularly with her editorial style content and her videos. She's always so professional and well spoken in her videos. 

-Favourite blog design/look?

Lily's of Lily Pebbles. Her design was actually also done by the designer I purchased my new template from. I love her layout, the fonts, all the different features, the clean design. Most of all I like that mint green stripe at the top of her page. It's all so beautifully presented. *insert heart-eyed cat emoji here*

-What is your favourite thing about blogging?

There's so many things I love about blogging. I always enjoy taking photos for my posts. My favourite thing though would definitely be being able to connect with readers and other bloggers from all corners of the globe. I'm lucky to call some pretty amazing bloggers friends and that leaves me feeling so grateful. Oh and I also love when I hear from readers that they've loved a product I recommended after going out and buying it themselves. That always makes my day.

-Name a blogger you would most like to see write a book in the future?

I agree with Tamira, Lisa Eldridge needs to write a book. Although not a makeup tips and tricks sort of thing. Maybe a memoir detailing the amazing shoots and experiences with some of her clients. Something along the lines of Grace Coddington's book. Leandra of Man Repeller also needs to write a follow-up to her brilliant book from last year.

So it's not quite monthly favourites time yet but over the last month there's been a few non-beauty things that I have been loving lately and they all deserve a mention.

John Green Books-I'm usually the slowest reader ever so the fact that these were both finished within two weeks is testament to just how good they are. I won't say too much about the book's plots but if you're yet to read any of John Green's books then you should start with either of these two. His writing is addicting and he gets into the minds of teenaged misfits better than any other novelist, in my opinion.

Diva Midi Ring, part of a set of four and Karen Walker Daisy Ring-I love flowers, flower rings, and midi rings. In short, this is the perfect jewelry combo for me right now. You don't want to be layering yourself in hefty statement jewellery during the Summertime and dainty rings like these ones are perfect.

Soap and Glory Hand Food-Most of my hand creams have found new homes recently because I love this one so much. Hand creams are one thing I'm very particular about. If they're too thick or greasy then I tend to not like them. Thankfully, Hand Food is neither of those things. It smells divine and leaves your hands feeling so soft.

First up we have Mac's Pro Longwear Paint Pots. Longtime Mac fans will know just how popular the original Paint Pots are & these ones look set to continue to spread the love. Each paint pot is now in a rich, creamy formula with a lustrous pearlized finish. As well as wearing these colours on their own you can also use them as an eyeshadow primer to add a shimmery base to your colours & help them last longer on the lids.

There are so many beautiful colours in the collection that it was hard to pick favourites, but here are the ones I love!

Vintage Selection

Let's Skate is my absolute favourite! This one's on my wishlist.

Chilled on Ice

Click through for more Mac Goodness!

Lucy & the Powder Room in Newmarket! For those of you who don't know, Lucy & the Powder Room is a beauty parlour haven where you can go to relax & unwind surrounded by; exotic flowers, porcelain cats, comfortable couches, vintage vases, fashion magazines and every rejuvenating treatment you could want. This is the home of serious skincare brought to you by the specialists. Stepping into Lucy & the Powder Room is like entering what I'd imagine a 1950's beauty parlour to be like, it is just gorgeous.

Click through for the recipe!

My birthday MAC treasures. They've got Dorothy's seal of approval too.

Avenue M is the brainchild of Maria from Australia. She describes herself as a vintage enthusiast with a love for art, photography cups of tea & her family. Her blog is crammed with inspiration; from her personal style through to the DIYs & pretty pictures she finds via her Pinterest.

Maria's blog interface! I told you it was stunning.

More after the jump!

Alexa Chung is a constant style inspiration. 

Love all the elements of this look!

There will be 30 different colours to choose from. Some are completely new to MAC, others are based on popular lipsticks, like the Impassioned lacquer. The polish comes in a new high gloss formula & there are three finishes to choose from; Cream, Sheer & Frosted. I've never used MAC's lacquers before but a friend of mine tells me the Cream finished polishes are amazing. They also contain conditioners & UV protectants. 

See my favourites after the jump;

Here's mine, Shade #169-Jalousie.

Now she has a stunning new series of prints featuring a menagerie of animals & cute cards to send on to lovely folk. Standout pieces include the Gypsy Cat series & this Cockatoo.

I was lucky enough to have Evie answer a few of my questions about her work this week. Read on if you want more insights into this designer's work.