Oh, This Old Thing?

flower child

2011-01-24T20:33:00.000-08:00

flower headband, Sportsgirl
floral maxi dress with lace, eBay

article round-up

2011-01-19T20:52:00.000-08:00

Article Round-Up

Local News
Clinique is running a promotion where you can trade in your own old gunky mascara (of any brand) for one of their new, top of the range mascaras. Get down to your nearest counter now!

Portraits of criminals from Australia's history - criminals back then sure dressed well.

Behind the scenes at the David Jones casting session - a career maker for some models.

Horselove Clothing, one of my favourite brands, is having a massive sale, so get in quick for their quirky range.

Alice Euphemia (in Melbourne) is having a sale to raise funds for the QLD floods. Get down there on the 29th to get some stylish clothes and help people at the same time!

We Are Handsome presents it's new collection: The Aviary.

The Vine presents Thurly's new glamorous AW11 range.

Arabella Ramsey shows off her Australian roots with her latest collection.

International News
Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist shares how he views his career, fashion and photography.

Rachel Zoe is caught up in a (minor) plagiarising scandal.

Tumblr is sending 20 of their bloggers to New York fashion week! Are you jealous? Because I know I am.

Kate Moss features in a short film by Baliman.

Net-a-Porter creates it's new line of men's wear - Mr. Porter.

Universities collaborate to create a air-purifying dress - fashion can be useful!

Fashion illustrator Phillip Mimms draws the Nasty Gal girls.

Behind the scenes of the SS11 Topshop lookbook.

Coco Chanel's first TV interview - watch history in action.

The highs and lows of TV teen's fashion.

Get your eyes to stand out this new year with Refinery29's guide.

Topshop presents it's latest designer collaboration with Ashish Gupata's food-themed collection.

Get a sneak peak at what Romanian fashion designers have to offer with Look Scout.

child of summer

2011-01-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

In my last post about summer clothing I covered summer florals, but flower-themed clothing isn't the only thing you can wear for summer.

Summer's also the perfect time for denim dresses. The Gem Chambray Shirt dress from Bec and Bridge and the Denim Tunic from Strummer (both via The Grand Social) can both be dressed up or down, and they're a great choice for a picnic or a day at the beach.

I love this photoshoot by Miles Aldridge for Vogue Italia. It's such a good mixture of bright pop and housewifery (found via the Nasty Gal blog) - great inspiration for summer!

I don't know what it is about this style (with the short train at the back of basics), but I'm really loving at the moment. It works really well with a basic style tee, or with a plain maxi dress, like the Ocean Grove maxi from Mod Cloth or the Flutter Frill dress by Arabella Ramsey (via The Grand Social).

Of course, it's not summer until you break out the denim mini! I love the pocket detailing on this one from the Cassette Society (via Black Not Black).

Another of my summer essentials is the floppy brim hat. Practical and cute, I tend to favour a brightly coloured ones, like this Catarzi felt hat (via ASOS).

Summer is a great time to break out the singlet tops again, and this Emma Printed Singlet from Twenty8Tweleve by S.Miller (via The Outnet) is a great example of what I like my summer singlets to be - cute and bright.

the first article round-up for 2011

2011-01-06T23:16:00.000-08:00

Article Round-Up

Articles
Vouge editor Carine Roitfeld resigns this January.

RJ Cutler is producing a fashion reality show and you could be a part of it!

Lady Gaga collaborates with Polaroid to create the world's most awesome sunglasses.

Blake Lively officially named as Chanel's ambassador for it's MADEMOISELLE handbag range.

Kanye's stylist shows his top picks for these holidays.

Make your own Miu Miu collar thanks to Urban Outfitters.

The best fashion campaigns of 2010.

The year in review from Refinery29.

Topshop's lookbook for SS11 takes a page out of the 60s and 70s.

Teatum Jones's debut collection will add a touch of glamour to your wardrobe.

Jenni Kayne premiers it's luxurious fall collection.

ASOS Spring 2011 lookbook covers a wide array of decades from the sweeping maxi dresses of the 70s to the pin-up girls-esque hot pants and halter tops.

summer is finally here

2010-12-29T18:12:00.000-08:00

Since the weather has finally started being sunny/warm for more than two days at a time I thought it was a good chance to break out my new* playsuit!

Playsuit, Kate Moss for Topshop (via eBay)

*And by new, I mean 'bought second-hand off eBay'. But it's still new to me!

article roundup

2010-12-13T01:47:00.001-08:00

Article Roundup

Local News
Our very own Adelaidian blogger, Katherine of Caught Couture did a fabulous job of her very first fashion show, Fabrication. Congratulations!

One of my favourite Australian brands, Limedrop, has launched it's very first concept store.

Have a look at Ellery's AW2011 collection.

The Spirit of the Little Black Dress is on again, and they're taking entires now!

Eleventh Hour designer interview and SS11/12 lookbook sneak peak.

Other News
Fabrican: spray on fabric in a can!

Opening Ceremony lets you be the designer with it's new 'create your own tote' feature.

One man's quite spot-on interpretation of Carrie Bradshaw.

P Diddy vs Kanye: who's style is better?

Topshop presents two new designers, Mathew Harding and Lily Heine.

Pantone presents it's next colour of the year: Honeysuckle.

Collaborations
Missoni collaborates with Toywatch just in time for Christmas!

MAC and Marcel Wanders get together to create a gorgeous range of design-fabulous makeup.

Grey Ant and Teva create a stiletto.

DC Comics and nOir create awesome jewellery.

flower child

2010-12-06T02:25:00.000-08:00

Summer is here again (yay heatwaves!), which means it's time to break out the summer florals once again.

Karen Walker sweetheart dress

2adorn flower fascinator, via ASOS

from Jessie Hill's SS10/11 collection

Sessun cherry girl liberty print trousers, via ASOS

dandelion print romper, via Nasty Gal

floral bandeau from Lonely Hearts winter 2011 collection

friday roundup

2010-11-25T15:03:00.000-08:00

Friday Article Roundup

First up, some local news: Photographer Ryan Polei did a series of photographs featuring Adelaide's own Clothes Line Saga girls!

Vouge UK shows us horoscopes in clothes.

Business of Fashion releases their 50 Most Creative list.

Transgender model Lea T lands her first cover.

Tavi of the The Style Rookie is set to collaborate with Sassy founder to create a new magazine. Stay tuned for something awesome!

Russh magazine get a sneak peak at Mypetsquare's inspiration boards for their SS10 collection.

Prada introduces its new 'Made In ...' line.

Maison Martin Margiela's S11 line shows it's hip to be a square.

Sarah Burton unveils her gorgeous second collection for Alexander McQueen.

I pretty much want all of Thom Browne's SS11 French-themed collection.

Miu Miu's S11 collection is full of bright pop prints and colours.

First look at H&M's 60's/70's themed S11 range.

And continuing my stalker-ish love for Jeffrey Campbell, I would be remiss if I didn't include their lookbook for SS11.

Collaborations
Amy Winehouse for Fred Perry looks surprisingly classy and wearable. Unsurprisingly, Lanvin for H&M looks gorgeous (show video here).

OPI and Katy Perry bring you: nailpolish!

Jason Wu bridal wear for Net-a-Porter.

Nylon presents the first look at Henry Holland for Roxy.

Karl Langerfield is soon to unveil his line for Macys.

And, last but not least, you could be collaborating with Rebecca Minkoff to design a handbag!

out and about: sportsgirl superstyle me

2010-10-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

I managed to wrangle myself a ticket to tonight's Superstyle Me event, held by the wonderfully blogger-friendly Sportsgirl. Before the start of the event there was a brief period of wandering around while we waited for everybody to arrive, which was a great opportunity to snap a few of the outfits from the night.

It was a great night, and it ended up being somewhat of a impromptu-blogger-meet-up, which was fun.

I also ended up standing with the winner of the $250 door prize. She was still shopping when I left, I was soooo jealous!

This amazing record bag reminded me a lot of the ones available via Caught Couture.

The co-hosts for the night was Grazia's market editor Anouk Colantoni and a Sportsgirl stylist. They went through each outfit, tying the clothing an accessories to their own trend predictions and global styles.

The Sportsgirl stylist who was rocking these amazing overalls.

Anouk, who looked amazing! The skiiiiiirt. I saw a bunch of people buying the top afterwards, inspired by her look I think.

The Outfits
The main messages of the night were that you shouldn't be afraid to try colour. There's a tendency in winter to go into muted colours and blacks and not come out again, but with the sunshine coming back again it's time to get some colours out (I mean, don't dress like a rainbow, but still = try something new). The styled outfits followed two of the returning trends, 70s festival/hippie and 90s grunge.

The Shoes
Basically, I wanted them aaaaalllllll (except the clogs, which I'm still undecided about). Clogs, or shoes involving wooden heels re still going to be very big the coming months. Sockets, an item which was much loved by Anouk, was used in almost every item of the night. And they're so cute, I can see why. Wedge heels, of course, are still here to stay.

The Headwear
Boater hats, or other straw hats, are making it big this season even if you don't usually think of yourself as a hat person I'd suggest at least trying it out.

The Bags
Big bags are back again, which is great if you're like me and can't seem to travel anywhere without lugging a huge bag around.

The Accessories
Sportsgirl is usually pretty on-trend with it's accessories. Feathers are coming up in a very big way, which I love. And big flowers are back again. I loved the enormous ones that have a clip and a pin, so you can wear it two ways.

You can also book your own styling session over at the Sportsgirl website, and they're completely free!

the art of fashion

2010-10-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen decided to examine the old is-fashion-art debate recently, commissioning five designers to create new works. While obviously unwearable, they are certainly impressive.

Deer Cape, Christophe Coppens's Dream Your Dream collection, 2006

Soundsuits, Nick Cave, 2009

Bedtime Story Collection, Viktor & Rolf, 2005-2006

Remote Control Dress, Hussein Chalayan, 1999

The Red Wall, Charlie Le Mindu, 2009

Maybe if I'm really lucky they'll make it a travelling exhibit and come to Adelaide.

and now for something different

2010-10-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

It's always great to have an item of clothing that's a little unusual, a little different that everybody else's. And so here's my top five favourite unusual clothing items for this week.

Spanish Cloud Jacket, Limedrop

I adore almost everything Limedrop does really. Their fun twist on basics are actually fun, and their upcoming Spring/Summer range looks to be no different, with gorgeous screenprint singlets and bright, floaty dresses I'm defiantly adding them to my (increasingly long) 'want' list.

Comic Book-inspired Fascinator, Janine Basil (Etsy)

Or really, just anything from Janine's store, they're all pretty amazing.

Bunny Stripe Beanie/Scarf/Gloves, Fairground

I love the home-made quality of the whole range of these animal-theme winter wear from Fairground. It's so cheerful and cute.

Cut-Out Boot, L'Wren Scott (via Barneys NY)

Yes, they are ridiculous expensive, and yes, I know I'll never be able to afford them. But a girl can dream. Also available in a still-unaffordable ankle boot form.

Hersheys Reese's Dress, Fashion Rocks (via Market Publique)

Okay, so it's bright orange and you'd probably crave chocolate the entire time you were wearing it. But still, you have to admit, it would be eye-catching.

the best wardrobe in the world

2010-10-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

I take it we all know of the wardrobe from Clueless? The one that tells you when your outfit clashes, and can select pre-planned out fits for you at the touch of a button? Well, apparently you're not the only one.

Japanese designers TeamLab have created a system of hangers which will do just that. When a shopper picks up a hanger, nearby screens show the shopper which other items will go with the one they just picked up. And it could be in store sooner than we think given that TeamLab says that they've had "confirmed heavy interest" from top retailers. It's not flying cars or jetpacks, but it's certainly closer to the wardrobe of the future.

oh, i'm a lumberjack and i don't care

2010-09-12T02:04:00.000-07:00

vintage pussybow lumberjack shirt, Vantage Point Vintage
denim dress, Mink Pink via Gilles St Markets

This weather seems to be finally warming up (although it is supposed to get rainy again on Monday), so today it seemed like a good choice to break out my denim minidress.

compare and contrast

2010-09-11T03:56:00.000-07:00

I was out today when I saw it: a gorgeous vintage sheer maxi skirt. This prompted a conversation with the lovely shop assistant (from Clubhouse Lane Boutique) about the rise in popularity of maxi skirts and dresses for the summer season. And with skirts like this, why wouldn't you want to wear a maxi skirt this summer?

Pleated Maxi Skirt, Acne (via Farfetch)
$387

Although I love the colour of this skirt (Selena wore one to a photoshoot once, and it was absolutely lovely), I'm going to pull a Rachel Zoe and do a 'parallel universe' version of this:

Pleat Maxi Skirt, Topshop
£45

flying high

2010-09-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

Even though we're coming into spring now (or rather, we're supposed to be - right now it's the middle of a thunderstorm), there's a new jacket style that I'm loving right now: the aviator jacket.

Sparkle and Fade Faux Leather Aviator jacket, Urban Outfitters

Rita Leather Aviator Jacket, Acne (via Net-A-Porter)

Shearing Giant Collar Aviator jacket, Burberry

Fur Collar Flying Jacket, Topshop

fashion challenge

2010-09-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

If you're in Adelaide and just starting out in fashion design industry, or if you've got a label you're just starting to create one, then this might be for you! Fellow Adelaide blogger Katherine of Caught Couture has created the Uglee Challenge. It's all about taking some bad fashion-disaster-level item and turning it into something amazing! Like this for example, done by Katherine herself:

From this ...

... to this!

It's a great opportunity to get some exposure for yourself and to meet other fashion types! Head over to the Caught Couture Uglee Challenge brief for more information.

event: Divine Madness fashion show

2010-09-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

Divine Madness is an up-coming label, from my own lovely city Adelaide. The creator, Alice Rawlinson, will be showcasing her two collections at the Hotel Richmond with two short parades at 6pm and 7pm on the 3rd of September (that's tonight people!).

See more information over on the facebook event page.

2010-09-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

White dress (worn as top), The Paisley Heart
Vintage swing skirt, second hand
Black waist belt, second hand
Poker tights, eBay
Wedge shoes, eBay

I love the shoulder detail of this dress.

I finally have wedge shoes! I can't even being to express how happy these shoes make me. And they're really quite comfortable. Defiantly more so than heels anyway.

spring is finally here! (sort of)

2010-08-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

It was sunny this weekend, and it was sunny most of today, so I'm going to declare it an early spring! Mainly because I've been looking forward to warming dresses without having to lug big coats/scarves/gloves/hats around in order to not freeze*. Dresses like the one I wore today!

Patchwork dress, Finders Keepers via the Gilles St Markets
Maroon t-shirt, Crossroads (second hand)
Tan corset belt, Mogil (second hand)
French lace tights, eBay
Thigh-high grey socks, eBay

Soft pink bow flats, Dandelion

Mimco straw cap (with belt from the Finders Keepers dress used as a band)

* Yes, I know, I could wear something warmer, but I just don't want to. Plus, I hate wearing pants, unless I'm in exactly the right mood (for context on this mood - I wore pants two days out of last year). I have to wear them for work, but that's pretty much the only time I wear them.

take a photo, it will last longer

2010-08-24T02:11:00.000-07:00

I harbour quite love for photography. I'm sure most people do. So I tend to have a fondness for photography-themed clothes. And not just the picture-of-a-camera-tee either. There is quite a bit out there. It seems to work especially well in swimwear, or maybe I'm just thinking that it does because I'm suddenly seeing it everywhere.

The Moonwalker and The Ribs, Black Milk

The Miami, The Bordeaux and The Los Angeles, We Are Handsome

That's not to say photographic prints can't work in the non-swimwear-clothes though. In fact, they can look even more amazing sometimes.

Printed silk Tunic, Solve Sundsbo for Surface to Air

Printed silk tunic, Solve Sundsbo for Surface to Air

From Nhu Duong's SS11 Collection

Malted Milk shorts, Camilla and Marc

Silk Reptile print dress, Alexander McQueen

Angular Zipped Dress, Krystof Strozyna

The Great Wave leggings, Black Milk

zara is coming to Australia!

2010-08-20T02:25:00.000-07:00

Or to Sydney anyway, which means they'll probably have a store in Adelaide when I'm like fifty. Oh well.

See more at Zara's website.

(via The Vine)

I'm wth the band

2010-08-20T02:10:00.000-07:00

'Oh No' tee, from 'Pictures For Sad Children's TopatoCo store
Valleygirl vest, second hand
Blue tartan miniskirt, FCUK via Gilles Street Markets
Vintage yellow tuba badge, Gilles Street markets

Also shown: my terrible hair.

another tie creation

2010-08-12T05:48:00.001-07:00

A while ago I made a skirt out of ties, but I wanted to try something a bit more challenging this time, so I've made a tie dress. No hand sewing this time (since I entirely hand-sewed the tie skirt), so it was done much faster! Obviously, I didn't do the top part myself, it was on old Garfunkle bustier I had lying around.

get this look: Brooklyn Industries

2010-08-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me know that I'm kind of a stinge when it comes to shelling out for clothes. I love clothes. I haaaate spending hundreds of dollars on something that looks the same as something I could get for under fifty. And doesn't everyone? And so, with that in mind, I introduce you to a new segment:

Get This Look

Today's Look to get for cheap(er) comes from Brooklyn Industries.

Cobalt Shirt Dress, $88 Rope Skinny Belt, $28 H Bag, $64 = $108

Blue Jean Babydoll Mini-dress, Vantage Point Vintage, $10

Vintage 1960s Coat Belt, Etsy, $5

Hail Mary Thigh-Highs, Nasty Gal, $12

Tandy Peep Toe Lace-Up Boot, ASOS, $17

Hurley Graffiti bag, via Tilly's, $28.70

Now taking into account that I included shoes and socks in the look price (not just the bag, dress and belt), it comes to $72.70 for the entire outfit!

what i wore today

2010-08-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

Lace head scarf, Globalize
Vintage red Spanish tuxedo top/coat, Clothes Line Saga
Vintage white skirt, eBay
Red bow belt, Nadia's House of Serendipity
White 'Bonny' tights, Les Queues de Sardines
Vintage red heels, Nadia's House of Serendipity

I love these tights so much. They just came out with their new collection, so I guess I know where my money's going.

light up the town

2010-07-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember those UFO Lamps? I always wanted one of those, but maybe I'm a little too grown up for them now, so I'll just get the shoe version instead.

nerds are in fashion

2010-07-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

'Uncool' t-shirt, Evil Twin

You might have noticed it on the street: thick frames, high-waisted pants and brogues. Think about an outfit that contains all of those. At one point that combination would have meant you were probably a dressed by your mother in the 1950's, but now it more likely means you're a 20-something hipster-ish girl. That's right people, being a nerd is cool now, so here are some preppy styles to help you blend in with the cool-uncool kids.

Oversized Jacket, Julian David

He also collaborated on the DC Superhero range.

Baroness Shirt Dress, Woodford and Co

Bugsy Bowtie necklace, Geronimo

Rocky Raccoon jumper, Secret Squirrel Clothing

High Collar Dress/Wedge Sandals/Leather-Trimmed Bag, APC

Foxy Mama glasses (in black), Nasty Gal

from Alexander Wang's fall 2010 line

Skinny Cargo Pant, Silence and Noise (via Urban Outfitters)

Checked Skirt, Sylvester by Kate Sylvester

Pants of the Hour, ModCloth

Tartan Stockings, Look From London

little red riding hood

2010-07-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

California Fleece Cape, American Apparel

Winter's here, and so it's time to find a good covering for the journey to and from my house to uni classes. And ever since I saw this cape in the window of the Rundle st American Apparel I've been in love with it. I love red clothing, I love capes, I love things with hoods. But at $105, it's a little out of my price rage, so I've been scouting around for some cheaper options.

Woollen Cape, eBay

from Kate Sylvester's 2007 Wolf Winter Collection

Handmade Red Riding Hood Cape, Lovers Dovers

i enjoy dressing like a secretary from the '60s

2010-07-28T03:37:00.000-07:00

vintage David Jones skirt, eBay
vintage white shirt, Irving Baby
vintage tartan sweater vest, Vantage Point Vintage

Have I mentioned how much I love tartan? Because I absolutely do.

i love Joan Holloway

2010-07-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

Mad Men continues to be an incredible influence on fashion trends, even as the show moves into its fourth season. Horn rimmed glasses, brooches and ornate hats are everywhere throughout the show, so it's no wonder it's started to filter into fashion.

Cooperative Double Play Dress, Urban Outfitters

Ready-to-wear 2008 Spring collection, Marc Jacobs

Claudette Hat, ModCloth

Lo-Res heel, United Nude

set sail

2010-07-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

I have a few styles that I absolutely love. Tartan is, of course, first and foremost, but my love of nautical items comes a close second. It's one of those styles that's just fun.

Feeling Bubbly Dress, ModCloth

BB Dakota Fonda Striped Pea Coat, Nasty Gal

Platform sandals, Stella McCartney (via Net-a-Porter)

Slouch v-neck vintage cardigan, Vantage Point Vintage

Just My Stripe cardigan, ModCloth

via Mr Newton

Ship Shape vintage dress, Nasty Gal

Mystery T-Shirts

2010-07-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

I love getting mail, especially when that mail is clothes (despite what it does to my bank balance), and like most people I love the anticipation of gifts. So you can imagine how happy I was when I found the Hipstery, and website that sends you a mystery t-shirt for about $20. Their t-shirts come from a miltitude of different sites and their website is full of quirky humor. There, there bank account, it's worth it.

Truly, Madly, Deeply 'I'm Not With Stupid' tee found on Urban Outfitters

tribal style

2010-07-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

It doesn't take an expert to realize that certain themes in clothing will continue to come back, even if the styles change slightly. The 'tribal' style is one of those that usually comes in around the start of summer. It's not summer here now, but it is unusually sunny today* so I'm pretending it's still summer.

from Suno NY's 2010 Spring/Summer collection

Creeper Wedge in Mexican (left) and Alligator (right), Maurie and Eve

Frame sandals, United Nude

Dolce Vita Selma dress, Urban Outfitters

Tie dye is also a good way to emulated this style. And you can do it yourself pretty easily too.

*not that I'm complaining. Last winter it just rained the entire time, so any sun is good sun.

the future has giant shoulders

2010-07-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

The 80s styles are coming back, and with it comes the all the space-themed clothing items a gal could want, especially if you like enormous shoulder wings and sequins.

Sexy Dance Dress, Maurie and Eve

Eamz pump, United Nude

Steel Blue trench, Furi

Jack Juana skirt, Urban Outfitters

Men's collar, Lanvin (via Jack and Jil blog)

Graffiti peep toe heels, United Nude

limited addition Armored Ankle Boots, Iris Van Herpen for United Nude

Space Woman Shades, Nasty Gal

Alternatively, you could check out the slightly cheaper Tortoiseshell and black styles, but I love the craziness of these. The next time I get new glasses frames, I'm getting these.

Synesthesia Chain-Link Dress, Iris van Herpen

i wish it were summer

2010-07-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong, I love winter too - watching a downpour of rain from the inside never fails to make the house feel cosier, and it gives me a chance to show off my rainbow umbrella when I go out. However, after seeing the new collection by We Are Handsome, I have to say, I can't wait for summer.

The screen-printed scenery is like wearing a gorgeous photo.

and some have a touch of the '80s to them.

I think this one might be my favourite:

Meta fashion!

what i wore updates

2010-07-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ladakh blue batwing dress (worn as a top), Nadia's House of Serendipity
French Connection skirt, Gilles st market
red bow belt, vintage, Nadia's House of Serendipity
blue wool legwarmers, vintage, Gilles st market

Valleygirl vest, second hand
Alba Fan Club shirt dress, Gilles st market
two-tone tights, eBay

Print Liberation t-shirt
Tartan skirt, vintage, Irving Baby
Thigh-high gray socks

oh 50s, i love your skirts so

2010-06-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

It could be just my love of Mad Men, but Peter Lindbergh's Vogue editorial looks absolutely wonderful. Let's just hope we don't have to wait another 18 years to see the next one.

Via Fashionologie

the facts were these ...

2010-06-14T03:49:00.000-07:00

As soon as I saw this editorial for June's Numéro Tokyo, I thought of the show Pushing Daises. Bright colours, lots of patterns, vintage-esque clothing.

If you haven't seen the show I would heartily recommend it. Without getting too much into the story (childhood sweethearts, a pie-maker who can bring the dead back to life, a sarcastic detective, a waitress with a bad case of unrequited love, Ned being the world's most adorable man*), I can say that it's defiantly worth watching, and it always makes me smile.

*and making an all-black wardrobe look non-gothic!

happy anniversary comics

2010-06-14T03:19:00.000-07:00

For DC 75th anniversary, the fashion world gave them a present. Oh, fashion and comics might not always get along, and they both have some pretty hardcore friends who probably wouldn't get along too well, but this year they decided to get them something special. Colette got a group of designers together to create a line based on some of the more notable characters.

Batdog tee

The Flash ballerina flats

Wonder Woman headband

Green Lantern gloves

Wonder Woman silk dress

Joker bow-tie

Catwoman boots

Even though it would be a little silly, I kind of wish they'd done a big lot of capes (or Wonder Woman's shoes).

oh, shoes

2010-06-14T03:16:00.000-07:00

See, this is why I love shoes. Because sure, they're good for keeping your feet warm, or for being taller, but sometimes, they're just plain amazing.

Titanic Ballerina Pumps, from Alexander McQueen

See what I mean? That's just awesome. And I didn't even like Titanic that much.

addiction is a terrible thing

2010-06-14T02:52:00.000-07:00

Recently, I seem to have developed an addiction to black ankle boots. It's all Jeffrey Campbell's fault really. I saw this shoes on Nasty Gal, and ever since then I have a terrible, terrible need to buy the world's supply of black ankle boots.

Jeffrey Campbell Xanadu wedge boots (or any Jeffrey Campbell boot ever, really), from Nasty Gal

pretty much any shoe from Raphael Young's Fall 2010 collection

Black and Pink Wedge Boot, from Finsk

Also, apparently Danielle Steele owns 6000 pairs of Louboutin shoes. So by comparison, I barely have any shoes at all.

the upside of wearing glasses

2010-06-14T02:34:00.000-07:00

Due to my incredibly terrible eyesight, I have to wear glasses all the time. I've worn them for so long I don't even really notice I'm wearing them any more, but they never really bothered me. In fact, the only time I wish that I didn't have to wear glasses is when I see a truly awesome pair of sunglasses*.

Space Woman Shades in Gold, from Nasty Gal

I want these so very badly. I'm considering getting them and then asking the optometrist to change to lenses.

*and when I go swimming. Although that's really more of a safety thing, since I everybody turns into blurs, and it's hard to tell if that blur is someone you know or if it's just some random person/something being blown in the breeze.

if i dress like it's summer, will it turn into summer?

2010-05-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

QUAB T-shirt, from Natalie Dee
Red mini skirt, Gilles st Markets
Blue ribbed knee high socks, American Apparel

what i wore today

2010-05-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

Mink Pink top, from the Gilles Street Market
Vintage belt, thrifted
Vintage skirt (altered, since it was floor-length), from the Irving Baby $2 sale
Tights, from American Apparel (which I got for 30%, thanks to Not So Naked alerting me to the sale)

wearing shorts

2010-05-22T00:11:00.000-07:00

Vintage t-shirt from Vantage Point Vintage

I rarely wear pants, or shorts. I do own some*, it's just that I rarely ever feel in the mood to wear them. And before you say "don't you get cold in winter?", yes I do. But I wear tights and not wearing pants for the last ten or so years has built up quite a high tolerance for cold (in my legs at least).

But yesterday the planets aligned and I woke up feeling like I wanted to wear some shorts. Of course it was still quite cold, so I ended up also wearing my huge mustard-coloured** fisherman's jumper from the Clothes Line Saga. But still. The first appearance of shorts for the year!

Mink Pink shorts, from the Gilles St Markets

Rubix Cube Converse sneakers, from Nadia's House of Serendipity
vintage grey socks, eBay

*four pants and three shorts, which for someone who maybe wears them once or twice a year, is probably enough.
**also known as 'the only shade of yellow I can wear without looking odd'.

in which i also create things

2010-05-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been quite a long time coming, but I finally properly completed it: The Tie Skirt. It feels like I've been working on it for aaaaaages, but really it's only been like two months, and out of that, it was only really about two-weeks worth of evenings.

I didn't use a pattern, but with something like this you don't really need one. Just make sure you got the ties at the right length, pin then to a ribbon big enough to fit around your waist (or your hips, if waist-height's not your thing), and then sew all the ties together. Use any leftover tie ends to fill in the gaps, and you're done!

late night shopping in style

2010-05-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I love street style blogs. The photography mixed with the woman-or-man on the street wearing inspiring/weird stuff will always have me coming back for more. Ever since I found The Sartorialist, I've sort of wanted to do one as well.

And so it was that, out while searching for stuff to send to my partner (Jess of 'The Amazing Adventures of Lady Times' blog) for the Package Project that I decided to finally start doing it. This is one of the few scenarios in which having glasses works in my favour, as it makes me seem extra-non-threatening, even when I'm approaching people in the dark, asking to take pictures of them.

I started off down Rundle st until I saw a very nice lady in Sta travel wearing an awesome-poncho/cape top. I had to stop for that, partially because of my love of 80's jumpers eccentricity, and partially because capes and cape-style things* coming back in (or so I keep being told by various websites).

Tarnia, who took time out of busily working to let me ~~harass her~~ take a photo.

I've been seeing this style around a lot lately, although mainly in the form of button-up jumpers, so it's nice to see some variation. An 'ethnic' prints are always nice, especially this time of year when I start getting a bit tired of black/grey/beige jumpers, and want something with a splash of colour to it.

The Wanderer Cape from ModCloth

From Yangdu Duyang's A/W09 Collection, 'Budda and Pest'

70's Vintage Cape via Lookbook.nu

Another wardrobe staple this winter is the duffel coat. You might remember duffel coats as something you wore when you were little and you went to the beach in winter. I bought a more adult-sized one recently. I think it's something about the big toggle-button-things.

Sujini, in a very nice dark blue duffel coat.

The Heart Coat in Ann from ModCloth

Duffle coat from Gloverall

via Style Clicker

Of course, the classic large-button coat is back again this winter, so if you don't already have one I would defiantly advise picking one up before winter really starts. They're a good standard piece that never seem to go out of style, and getting them in a block colour ensures that they will go with pretty much any combination of clothes that you throw at them.

Natalie, of the 'A Hat and White Gloves' blog. It's always nice to meet another Adelaide blogger, especially one who has such lovely style.

Kitty Wool Jacket, from FCUK

Umbrellas of Cherborg raincoat, from Fred Flare

*ie shrugs, capelets, ponchos.

store: Supermarket Sarah

2010-05-12T04:08:00.000-07:00

There is a wondrous place, where all your dreams can come true. Although Supermarket Sarah might not be exactly that place, it is pretty close. Featuring a collage-type wall of products which regularly changes to display more of the fabulous finds, Sara showcases vintage pieces as well as up-and-coming designers.

Sadly, some of the stuff it a little* out of my price range, but it's still wonderful to look at.

L-R: Rainbow Cape**, Dazed Dorothy Clutch, Red Party Dress, Electric Fish Disc Hat, Bauhaus Blouse

Some of it is reasonably affordable (and a great way to get something interesting for your wardrobe/house/good friend***).

L-R: Circus Animals Necklace, Upcycled Frisbee, Moustache Mugs, Average Rosettes, 80s Bikini, Red Heart Print

And some of it is just wonderful. The sort of thing that, when I see it, I feel happier knowing that something like it exists in the world.

L-R: Champagne Lamp, Vintage Wooden Toy Counter****, Paddy Field Hat, Tiny Tin Animals, Sweet Corn Jar, Garden Creatures.

Of course, you guys know me. If I visit a site enough to have done a whole blog post on it, I would have bought something from it. Because it was too amazing to not get one, I bought an Attitude Toy Gun.

How cute is it? With it's little face. I think they've only got two left of the toy guns (they're all different too).

ALSO I should point out that, if you live in London, Supermarket Sarah is currently doing an exhibit, so go on down and have a look.

*And by "a little" I of course mean "maybe if I win a lottery or two/rob a bank/don't buy anything else for a year I will be able to afford these".
**I am in love with this. This is how capes should be - the colours, the fringe-tassel-things, the badges, I love all of it.
***Like maybe for their birthday. On October 19th. Hint hint.
****I had one of these when I was little!

oh, 80s

2010-05-12T02:49:00.000-07:00

Guys, I have a confession to make: I love 80's jumpers. And not the oh-that's-king-of-middling-okay, I mean the really-terrible-omg-my-eyes-are-burning, the-colours-why-are-there-so-many-colours type of 80s jumper.

At first, I would just pick them up to look at them because, let's face, those colours are pretty eye-catching. And I would smile and think "oh 1980s people, did you think we were going to run out of colours or something, so you had better use them all on this one jumper?".

But then, one day, I saw someone wearing one as a dress one day. And I saw someone else wearing one of those half-adorable, half-hilarious Christmas sweaters, and I thought "I could do that. I could make that work". And now I'm one of them. At least I'll be warm this winter.

Work those sequins girl (Chictopia)

Hand-Knit bear jumper (via FashionIndie)

Pop-Art Sweater (Vintage Trends)

And I have saved the best for last:

HAND-MADE ARCADE GAME SWEATERS. I think I might need to get better at knitting like, right now, because these are amazing. Also from the same site, a Super Mario sweater vest (the pattern can be found HERE).

current obsession: playsuits

2010-05-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

About six months ago, I was browsing eBay* and I came across this playsuit. Of course, I'd heard of playsuits (also called rompers/onesies/jumpsuits) before, but I'd always thought of them as those babies wear/1970's disco jumpsuits. I think I fell in love with this one because it didn't look like the bottom half had awful-butt-enlargening-shorts. It looked liked a dress (except with the added bonus of not flashing people accidentally). I was in love.

Sadly, I didn't win it**, but I did get something from that eBay item: the beginning of an love for playsuits. I won two more (which are both nautical-y, another obsession of mine), and bought another at the Sass and Bide sample sale (which I cannot find a picture for anywhere, but trust me, it's amaaaazing).

Blue Criss-Cross Playsuit (Pixie Market)

Hawaiian Print Ruffle Playsuit (Topshop)

Vintage Black Playsuit (Oh Dear Vintage)

*and by "browsing" I do of course mean "searching with complete single-minded obsession that would would put Monk to shame".
**I'm still so mad about that. I got totally sniped at the last second.

shoes glorious shoes

2010-05-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posting as of late. I've recently moved, and I am also sadly without a proper camera (I've borrow my parents but apparently normal batteries aren't good enough for it to actually turn on).

HOWEVER I have still been endlessly browsing blogs*, where I came across these absolutely lovely shoes on The Clothes Horse:

They are so, so lovely. They remind me of summer and picnics.

I've been towering over my domain in some similar shoes today. I bought them on eBay, mainly because I loved the thought of owning wooden shoes.

They are made of (solid) wood and amazingness. Plus, they are actually quite comfortable to wear. And they make me a good inch or two taller, which is awesome.

*yes, it is time for me to be doing assignments again.

excitement

2010-04-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

The Adelaide Fashion Collective website has gone live!

It's being run by the fabulous Selena (of the Dear Selena blog), and it's so exciting being a part of it (here I am in the contributors section!).

ALSO: This skirt, I want it.

country style for a city girl

2010-04-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

I might have grown up in what is technically termed a country area, but I'm definitely a fan of city life. However, that doesn't mean I can't enjoy country-style every now and then.

vintage shirt (Nadia's House of Serendipity)
Sportsgirl fringe vest (eBay)
handmade skirt (Gilles st Market)
vintage boots (second hand)

Bows and Bandits silk fringe scarf

Heroine Industries Gun and Star earings

Hand-painted pocket purse (Etsy)

Checkered shirt vest (Etsy)

This top is so cute! On a hot day you could pair it with some denim shorts and some fringe sandals (even though they're waaaaaay out of my price range, I like these Ralph Lauren ones).

Or, so an even easier western-style look, try putting a denim bustier or bandeau (like this denim one from Topshop) over a shirt (L-R denim shirt, distressed denim shirt, fringe shirt).

bright office wear

2010-04-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

I think I'd like to work in an office. Mainly because I imagine myself wearing stuff like this to work.

vintage purple shirt (Nadia's House of Serendipity)
vintage tartan skirt (second hand)
Dandelion soft pink bow flats (Globalize)

sale report: Irving Baby $2 sale

2010-04-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Although Hindley St has a reputation for being the sleazy street, it actually contains some pretty good stores. One of those stores is a personal favourite of mine Irving Baby. And yesterday, they had a sale at its Hindley St store*. A sale where everything in the store (except for one rack of new stuff) was $2. Not starting at $2. Not some stuff $2 and the rest half price. EVERYTHING was $2.

When I got there (about 15 - 20 minutes early) there was a line from the door, winding its way back around the side street.

My spot in line sucked, but it sucked less than the 20 - 30 people behind me who came later. Everyone there was excited, some had been standing in line for hours**, and everyone was dressed fabulously. Not like, ball gown fabulous, but street-style fabulous (my favourite).

Inside, it was a complete madhouse. There were probably about 200 people in the store, and there was literally no room to move. You had to gently push (or not so gently push) people out of your way to get to the racks, to move forward, to do anything. I scrambled to get to a tartan jacket, but it was gone in the minutes it took me to cross the room. Luckily, one of my friends, who had a better place in line, got it for me! I would have taken photos, but I don't think I would have been able to stand still long enough to get a photo. People were crawling on the floor, because it was an easy way to move along the racks and see if anyone dropped any interesting stuff. Nobody got injured though, and there were no fights (that I saw) over clothes.

I managed to grab:

1. An awesome bikini

2. An amazing asymentrical skirt.

3. Shoooooooeeeeeessss

4. A tartan jacket (the one grabbed by my friend Hannah)

Plus, a fleecy vest, a picture of a cat, two belts, and two skirts that I'm going to shorten (like, a lot).

Hannah and I got out and had a hot chocolate, and then I went back to check it out. The store had pretty much been trashed, and there were still people there looking and people arriving.

Mink Pink top (second hand)
Bebe dress (Gilles Street Market)
Blue suede belt (Nadia's House of Serendipity)
Aldo red shoes (eBay)

Green tassel scarf (Nadia's House of Serendipity)
Electric blue jacket (eBay)

Hopeful bag (Print Liberation)

*they have a store on Twin St (a small side street off Rundle Mall), which is equally fabulous, and always has an amazing sale rack.
**which is what I plan to do next year. I'm getting there like two hours early. If you do plan on going next year, I recommend this.

today i am a señorita

2010-04-22T01:45:00.000-07:00

vintage sheer red shirt (Nadia's House of Serendipity)
vintage Spanish skirt (Gilles Street Markets)
mustard flats (Betts)

Today's outfit was inspired by a) it being waaaaay too hot to wear yesterday's clothes*, and b) this bag from Gary Pepper Vintage.

Most of the time that's how I choose what to wear. It's not usually a case of weather or practicality. It's more like "this is awesome and I need to wear it today, like right now. How can I make this happen?", and then hoping you have the right skirt/top/belt/whatever to help pull it together.

Of course, sometimes, it doesn't work, and I end up with half my wardrobe** on the bed. But I've found a way around that as well. I close my eyes, take a deep, calming breath, and think about the clothes. Then I put on whatever combination that occurs to me***. Most of the time, it's the first outfit I tried, but with a different vest/belt/etc. But whatever happens, it's always infinitely better than standing in front of my wardrobe in my underwear, being frustrated at my clothes.

* 30 degrees in autumn/winter! It's crazy.
** okay, not that much (because that would be a lot of clothes), but a big pile of clothes.
*** try it next time you're stuck on what to wear. I swear, it helps.

what i wore today

2010-04-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have now officially started my new years resolution*, which was/is to take a photo of every new outfit I wear.

'Don't Give Up' t-shirt (Print Liberation)
Mink Pink distressed dark denim mini skirt (second hand)
tartan stockings of awesomeness (Sportsgirl)
red ballet flats (Rubi Shoes)

Okay, so far, so good! Hopefully, this shall continue, and I shall get better at using a camera.

*hey, it's better to start doing them late than to not start them at all right?

recording my clothes for future generations

2010-04-20T18:57:00.001-07:00

People have said to me that they rarely see me wearing the same thing twice. This is an easy phenomenon to explain: I have a lot of clothes. I own more clothes that I do anything else (even books). Even so, if you had five different kinds of the basics (5 dresses, 5 shirts, 5 skirts, etc) and kept up with your laundry, you could probably wear of different outfit for a good month of two.

I don't think I'd like to be the one testing that though*. I like my variety.

Don't Ask Amanda sheer floral shirt (eBay)
Anise high-waisted denim skirt (Gilles st Markets)
vintage cord belt (Nadia's House of Serendipity)
Betts mustard flats (Betts)

*and there are people putting similar things to the test. The Uniform Project dares people to wear one dress for a year (washing it occasionally, of course).

rainy days

2010-04-05T02:20:00.001-07:00

Winter is coming up, and I am sincerely hoping we don't get the absolute floods of rain like we did last year. I'm all for some rain (it makes the inside of my house feel very cozy), but non-stop raining for an entire season is just taking it too far.

HOWEVER it does mean I can break out the rainy-day clothes. Not only does it mean I get to actually wear all the little cute ankle boots and coats I've been finding, but it means I can wear cloud-themed stuff without seeming out of place. It also makes winter feel a whole lot more cheerful.

Happy Cloud Shoes (Etsy)

'English Summer' necklace (Etsy)

Nubrella (Nubrella)

Playtime Pals iPod Stickers (ModCloth)

Cloud Tee (Etsy)

things I love: tartan

2010-04-05T01:16:00.000-07:00

Everyone has their clothing 'thing' that they love. You know what I'm talking about - that clothing type that, when you wear it, it makes you happy. I have a couple of things like that (statement tights, nautical-themed clothing), but my main one for the last five or so years (and wow is that a long time) has been tartan.

I have tartan shoes, pants, dresses, ties, hats, tights, underwear, coats, and many, many tartan skirts. There's just something about tartan (especially red tartan, although I do have multi-coloured tartan skirts) that just draws me to it. I'm on the look out for some tartan boots/vest/shirt, and of course I can never resist a tartan skirt (which my bulging wardrobe can attest to).

Picnic Set (Etsy)

'Prairie meets Woodstock' shirt (Friends of Courture)

'Don't Be Jealous' skirt (Etsy)

Prep School Earings (Shana Logic)

1970's Oscar de la Renta skirt (Etsy)

Rocket Dog Memories Shoes (dELiAs)

Pink and Brown Bow Set (Etsy)

let me peer into my crystal ball ...

2010-04-01T01:52:00.000-07:00

And see what trends await us!

Obviously, military style is back to being everywhere again. Seriously, if you don't have a military jacket by now, you should probably consider saving up your [Australian equivalent of] pennies and getting one, since from the looks of things they'll be returning every winter from now, until the end of time.

Stripe Gold Button Jacket

Battalion Jacket in Ivory

Balmain Military Wool Jacket
(okay, so this one is wayyyyy too expensive, but it's so awesome)

Military jackets aren't the be-all-and-end-all of the style though, so if you're looking for a way to militarise your style, you could try one of these lovelies:

French Terry Tulip Shirt

Blowfish Silla Flat

ASOS Military Safety Pin Brooch

Lace is something I suspect we will be seeing more of. Yesterday I think I counted about 20 different uni folks wandering about with some kind lace overlay. I still don't know whether I like it yet, but I think it defiantly adds something to an otherwise plain outfit.

Like the lace trend, shoulder definition is making a comeback (although thankfully not totally in the form of shoulder pads):

Woven Shoulder Sweat

59 Seconds Fleece Trim Knit Top

Spirit Dust Top

Other trends to watch out for are:

The Oxford boot

I have absolutely fallen in love with this style. very, very cute.

All Around The Mulberry Heel

The Tuxedo Blazer
This is a great one for the transitional months, where it's too cold to be in just a t-shirt, but it's not cold enough for a heavy winter coat. It looks absolutely gorgeous over a flower-print dress.

Black Cat Tuxedo Blazer

Statement Tights (or leggings)
Tights aren't just a good way to keep warm in a skirt or dress any more! There are so many pattern tights and leggings to choose from, they're an excellent way to brighten all those winter greys and blacks.

Wild Child Leggings

Chanel-style Cardigans
Or any sort of cardigan really.

C'est La Vie Jacket

Happy Easter everybody!

Ouch, my wallet

2010-03-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

Although internet shopping can unearth some terrific bargains, it can also be as dangerous as walking into Review (I love everything in there, even the mannequins with their incredibly tiny waists).

Yesterday, while avoiding my uni work (or "taking a break", as I like to put it), I came across this site. Les Queues de Sardines* has the most amazing tights ever made. EVER.

Despite trying to do my best to not to spend all my money (and despite the fact that the only online ordering places were in French), I did give in and buy one pair of the rain-cloud tights. I hope you're happy internet.

*Which roughly translates to "tails of Sardines", in case you were wondering.

Shoes

2010-03-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of shoes. In fact, it's something of a joke. As in, "Oh, you're such a stereotypical woman, you have lots of shoes lol". After going to The Way We Wear Fair and buying yet another pair, I decided to count.

I have 58 pairs of shoes. Don't believe me? Well, I bring proof.

I told you so. It's really quite amazing that they fit into the bottom of my wardrobes*.

Edited to add: My grandmother (who is an even bigger shoe addict than me) gave me another pair of shoes today. So that makes it 59.

*I say wardrobes because I have the use of one whole one, and then I share half of one with my boyfriend.

Attack of the Giant Hair

2010-03-22T19:54:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, it doesn't matter if it's good or bad. Sometimes there are only questions. Like is that all her real hair?

via Hel looks

zen and the art of shopping

2010-03-20T00:25:00.000-07:00

Despite the pace I shop at, how crowded the place I'm shopping is, or the weather conditions*, shopping is, for me, a very relaxing experience. I sleep better the night after a good shop.

I feel like shopping is quite a zen thing to do. I mean, think about it. In shopping you must know exactly what you want, but you must n ever close your mind to new things. You must be ever vigilant, and you must have the speed and stealth necessary to read the perfect last-in-the-store-on-sale dress before anyone else gets to it or sees where you're headed. But you must also be calm in the face of someone else reaching the dress first.

And that's how I was able to find this wonderful bargain today. Aaaaaaages ago (like months ago) I saw these tights online, and fell deeply in love.

But since $130 is a ridiculous amount to spend on leggings (unless, I don't know, they're actually made of gold), so it seemed that our love was never to be. While browsing through Cotton On a couple of weeks ago, I saw these leggings, which are similar enough for me to love them too.

But Cotton On usually reduces their stuff fairly quickly (especially stuff like leggings), so I waited. Each time I went to do the food shopping, I check in Cotton On to see whether they had gone down. And low and behold, this week they were down to $10!**

Be ever vigilant, dear readers, for it is its own reward.

*I once got heat stoke at the Gilles St Markets. Plus, I used to shop at Supre when they had the $3 tables (it's where I learned speed and stealth).
**I know it says $24.95 on the site, but they were marked down, so maybe they just don't do sales online? IDK.

Winter Prep

2010-03-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

I read a lot of fashion blogs, and a large amount of them are for countries where right now it's snowing outside instead of ice-cream-melting-sun-burning heat. While this is good (it always helps to know what styles will be coming in during the winter, since most of the stuff in Australian stores is at the very least influenced by the USA/UK/Europe), this is also bad, since it makes me want to buy coats and not, say, singlet tops.

The main offenders are Hel Looks and Copenhagen Street Style which are almost making me wish for cold weather. I think I like the outfits on Copenhagen Street Style more, but I like that Hel Looks always adds the name, age (most of the time), fashion influences/inspiration, and sometimes even where/when they got certain items.

Sale Report: Online Shopping - Topshop and Forever 21

2010-03-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

It's University time again, and you know what that means! That's right, it means I'm about to spend a lot of time on the internet, window shopping and resisting the urge to buy everything. Even though anyone who's been on Etsy knows that's very, very hard (it's like Ebay, but for amazing vintage and odd stationary, both of which I love).

Topshops's online store is making very hard for me at the moment, mainly because of this dress:
I don't know whether it's the pink ruffle, or the stripes, or the whole carnival-y look it has about it (well, it is called the 'Clown Dress'), but whatever it is, it's completely adorable. Plus, combine that with the fact that it's on sale (and Topshops's shipping to Australia isn't hugely daunting - I think it's like $10 AU) and I WANNNNT IIIIIITT.

Forever 21, which always has awesome things on sale all the time because they want me to be poor, has lots of coats on sale, because their winter's ending, while ours is starting (or it would be, if it would stop being so hot).
See, this would go with a lot of my tartan stuff. See, I can be practical about clothes (sort of).

Okay, so I know I already have a big coat. But the one I have is black. And the buttons are different! (And I have a weakness for millitary-style jackets. I think it's the buttons)

Okay, so it's a tartan skirt. I can't go past that. This one is dark purple, and full of tartan-y goodness. Plus I don't have a dark purple one.

I don't know what it is about cardigans, but I find myself really loving them at the moment. I foresee a lot of cardigan/tartan skirt combos in my winter wardrobe.

2010-03-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

Amy Winehouse. Even her name seems to be mocking her alcoholism, but she's apparently going to be making a comeback in the form of designing a clothing line with Fred Perry. The scary part? The designs are actually pretty good. Although that could just be my love of tartan talking.

Old School Style

2010-03-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

Vintage-inspired looks have been making a comeback as of late, which is something I can defiantly get behind. I've always loved older styles, especially the late 50s/early 60s stuff, every since I bought my first high-waisted floral skirt allllll they way back in year 9 of high school. So naturally when I heard about Mad Men, which takes place during that exact era and designers were citing the show as an influence, I had to see it.

I loved it. Even setting the amazing clothes aside, the show itself - the characters, the plot, the dialogue between characters - is absolute perfection. Even the casual sexism of the male characters doesn't bother me too much (it's not like they could take it out of the show), because the show itself isn't sexist. Each episode gives as much time to the lives of Betty, Joan and Peggy as it does to Don, Roger and Pete.

The women of Mad Men (L-R: Betty, Joan and Peggy)

I've only seen the first season so far, but already my love of Betty and Joan knows no bounds (my love of Peggy, not so much, but I hear she gets more awesome next season).

Betty Draper

Betty's Grace-Kelly-esque style is one of my favourite styles in the show. She always looks the part of a perfect 50s housewife, even when (spoiler) daydreaming about the door-to-door salesman or being asked for a lock of hair by a neighbourhood child.

Get Betty's look: (clicking on the pretty pictures takes you to their store)

Joan Holloway

Joan is my favourite character, so I'm probably being a little biased when I tell you that she is awesome. She has curves and is sassy and bitchy and so confident. I know I should like Peggy more because she has aspirations to have a career outside of being a secretary. But I think that's the beauty of Joan's character: she's good at what she does, and she looks the best doing it.

But really, anything that figure-hugging and shows off your curves works wonders if you're going for the Joan look. Bold colours and cuts match Joan's personality because she has a confidence to carry it off - and you guys should too.

Get Joan's look:

Fashion Under the Influence

2010-03-08T22:49:00.000-08:00

(from Hark! A Vagrant)

Today for my Adaptations class we watched the 1995 miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice*, and while watching it I couldn't help but wonder how much of my fashion taste has been influenced by watching the series when I was little.

For example, my love-standing love of bonnets, particularly of the straw-and-flowers variety:THEY ARE SO CUTE, but so hard to find.

And my love of crop-jackets:

(especially this one, the puffy sleeves are so adorable)

Not to mention my love of Colin Firth, rufflely-haired men in suits (I had waaay too much fun fiding those pictures), old fashioned dances and tea, and my dislike of boy-chasers (see: every scene with Lydia in it).

Despite that fact that my mother is quite a tomboy, I turned out to be quite the girly-girl, and I think this might go some way to explain it.

*if you've only ever seen the newer Keira Knightley version SHAME ON YOU, the mini series is way better.

Sale Report: Gilles Street Markets

2010-03-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

Although I hadn't been for ages, I went to the Gilles Street Markets with my cousin. I remembered it being quite good value and I was not wrong. I didn't pay over $10 for anything all day, and a majority of my purchases were $5 and under, especially towards the end of the day.

We were there all day, which really is the best way to go about it. Getting there when it opens (10am) means you get the really good stuff before anyone else (I got a 70's disco dress for $5), and staying later means you get things at reduced prices (I got a green sailor dress for $2, plus a dress my cousin had seen earlier had gone down from $40 to $10).

Seriously, if you have a chance to get to one, I'd defiantly recommend it. The next one is on the 21st of this month.

Sale Report: Globalize

2010-03-04T16:22:00.000-08:00

Usually I avoid places like Globalize like the plague. Anything in there is over $50, so to go in there would only mean torturing myself. However, a few times a year they have a huuuge sale. In the past I've avoided these as well, on the basis of my "if it's over $30 then it's not really on sale" rule. But I was in Rundle Mall, and I saw "nothing over $40" posters plastering the windows, so I thought "why not?". I am so glad I did.

Piper Lane Flamingo Mini Skirt
It was: $89. 95
I got it for: $20

Evil Twin Insane In the Membrane Crop-Tee
It was: $59.95

I got it for: $20

Mooks T-shirt
It was: $49.95
I got it for: $20
(I find this slogan hilarious)

Plus a brown gingham scarf and a lace scarf (2 for $15), black and white check shoes ($5 down from $45 - defiantly my favourite bargain of the day) and pink velveteen shoes with these adorable bows ($14 down from $30).

If you are down Rundle Mall way any time soon, I would most defiantly advise you to check it out.

Recipe Time: Super-Easy All-Together Cake

2010-03-02T22:34:00.000-08:00

When I moved out of home two-and-a-bit years ago I could not cook at all. I mean, I could make plain pasta, and I knew (more or less) how kitchen implements worked, but I'd never cooked a meal ever. While lining up to buy my very first text books at the uni book store I was looking over the racks (anyone who's tried to buy textbooks during the rush period will tell you, it's a freaking long line), and I saw this gem, sitting in the recipe section - Afternoon Tea. Recipes that had been tried and tested over the years, and had been compiled by a magazine that I've come to adore, Frankie.

It had pretty pictures, not very many or hard-to-find ingredients and very simple looking recipes. And so, eager to use this to learn to cook, I bought it. Defiantly one of my better impulse buys. I've used it almost constantly since then, and the recipes have yet to fail me. The chocolate icing from the peppermint chocolate cake recipe is constantly praised, and the all-together cake is always a hit.

All-Together Cake

Ingredients:
1/4 cup milk
125g butter
3/4 cup caster sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 cup self-raising flour

Method:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C.
Combine all ingredients, and beat for approximately 6 minutes.
Pour into greased cake tin and bake for 40 minutes.
DONE

Easiest. Cake. Ever.

Chocolate Icing

Ingredients:
1 cup icing sugar
1 heaped tablespoon cocoa powder
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 drop peppermint essence (that is, if you want it to be mint flavoured. If you'd rather just plain chocolate icing, you can just leave out the peppermint essence)

Method:

Mix all ingredients until smooth.
Ice completely cool cake with a hot knife.

from Afternoon Tea (by Frankie Magazine)

Good Weird or Bad Weird?

2010-03-02T01:54:00.000-08:00

People's clothes are the first thing I notice about then. It's slightly superficial, but it's true, especially if they have weird clothes. I'm not saying that 'weird' is necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes it's just plain wrong.

Seen: at Glenelg beach, South Australia.

I'll admit, this outfit hits two of my pet peeves crocs and the all-black-ensemble*. Plus the hammer pants seemed to be made of silk. So it would have been a bit like wearing pyjamas.

Seen: on some golf show.

I don't know what to think about this one. On one hand I love the fact that the guy wearing it seemed like more of a white-beater/jeans kind of guy. And I defiantly loved the ridiculousness of it (so. much. pink.). But it was a weird one.

Have any of you guys seen any weird-bad or weird-good outfits lately?

*It can sometimes work, but I always feel like there should be some colour there, or even greys/whites. Unless, you know, you actually are at a funeral.

The road to vintage

2010-02-27T23:35:00.000-08:00

I think it's fair to say, without any hesitation, that I love clothes.

Along with the fact that I am a prolific baker, it is one of my defining characteristics. I love clothes. I love buying them, looking at the, picking out what order and arrangement to wear them in, I (sometimes) even like ironing them.

When I was younger, however, I hated clothes. I hated standing around the shop while my mother asked me which top I liked better, and I remember especially hating trying anything on (and my mother made me try everything on). But somewhere along the road to high school, shopping and clothes buying became a favourite past-time. This in itself is nothing unusual. What was unusual (at least in comparison to my group of friends) was my growing distaste for wearing pants, and my deep love of op shopping.

The skirts-and-dresses-over-pants thing stemmed, I think, from my body image issues and the feeling that, when in a skirt or dress, my thighs seemed smaller. To this day my love of girly clothes confuses my tomboy mother (who herself rarely wears skirts and never dresses).

My love of op shopping is something she can relate to. After it's all her fault. We lived in a town with four op shops, and my mother was a frequent visitor of all. When I began to enjoy shopping she taught me how to search through the rack for the clothing gems, and how keeping in mind what you've got a home to match.

This love of bargain hunting eventually led me to vintage clothes. I think my first vintage purchase was of beret (the beginning of one of my clothing loves).

(one day, I'll have a camera and you'll get real-live pictures instead of crapping ms-paint)

Now, I would say that about one half to three quarter of my wardrobe is vintage/a hand-me-down/second hand in some way (not counting underwear, because we all know the first rule of op shopping). And I like it that way.