BUY MY BOOTS NOW ON BRANDSEXCLUSIVE!

OH total forgot to mention that the EOS boots I been absolutely LOVING to death are available right this very minute on BrandsExclusive - these babies:

You can pick the 'Paolo' in taupe up today for a teeny 83 bucks - reduced all the way down from two hundy.  Fab.  They go with absolutely anything and are super comfy, yet remaining super stylish at the same time. OH - how do they do it?

Like them? You need an invite to join the site - but not to worry click HERE for your exclusive invitation to start shopping xxxx

spend BIG findettes

FFIFY xx

Justin Bieber and I go way back; and to brogue or not to brogue?

So.  Look who I found lurking in the perfume department of my local Ballarat Myer.

Yes.  Biebs himself.  Turns out we have super similar tastes in womens eau de parfum.  

I think he liked my hat.

No, it is actually not him *surprise surprise*.  Because, if it was, I would be a screaming mess somewhere in the linen department, alternating between shrieking and crying uncontrollably.  Now, this would not have occurred because of a love for Justin Bieber (sorry Biebs - I think I may be just a TAD old to be thinking of you in any sort of romantic fashion.  Sad, but true.  Even though you complimented me on my choice in headwear); but due to my total adulation of the celebrity.  It is a strange affliction of which I have no control; the minute anyone even remotely famous is within metres of me I turn into a overexcited lunatic - shaking and whimpering and needing to lie down.  Example one:  A previous place of employment was Sportsgirl's flagship store, where having a celeb in store was almost a weekly occurrence.  One such day, Rickie Lee was doing a bit of a shop.  I was on fitting room duty, and literally spent the entire time hiding in a change room shrieking madly and peeking out from behind the curtain.  Next, along came Paulini, where I then got the bright idea to play her album rather loudly over the speakers and dance out madly from the back room.  That did not go down so well, nor did the time I served Paula Joy (who at the time was the editor of my BIBLE - Shop til you Drop) and was lost for words; I literally could not get a single syllable out and completed the entire transaction in red-faced silence.  Needless to say I was soon banned from being in the store when any form of celebrity was there.  Another time my sister and I saw Hamish Blake walking down Chapel St. Yes, OMG Hamish.  We were lurking behind him clutching each other and giggling uncontrollably.  Turns out his girlfriend was in the car just ahead and saw the whole thing, and then politely pointed it out to him as well.  Fab.  And then there was the time working in David Jones I got into the service lift with none other than Megan Gale.  I literally spent the entire ride facing the corner of the lift with my mouth open and I thought for sure I was going to faint; and then tripped out of the lift and almost fell over right in front of her.  Crap.

I could go on, but I will spare myself the embarrassment.  I don't know what is wrong with me, and bf absolutely hates it.

Speaking of celebrities - I am still totally obsessed with the Voice.  I should point out my idea of celebrity is basically anyone who has been on television, all reality TV shows included.  Change that to especially reality TV shows included.  Received a quick fashion find on Rachael Leahcar *quick fact DID you know Rachael Leahcar is Rachael Leahcar backwards? WIERD* 's white dress as worn during the 'My Hands' performance.  This one:

Turns out it is the Ted Baker 'Telago' lace embroidered ball dress.  Here:

Gorgeous huh?  Interested - snap it up HERE from Nordstrom.com - only a cool $893.59.  Fab.

I also loved Delta's white maxi v neck closing number tonight.  Pity it was hidden behind the piano - I shall do some more digging and uncover that baby as well.

SO.  Today's outfit.

Today I am Grease-ing it up.  Chang chang changitty chang ti bop.  As much as I adore it, the Alexander Wang leather sleeved blazer some times feels like a fashion forward Letterman jacket; totally like am trying out for track.  Or whatever track is.  Anyway - this was worn over the new Zara black zip detail short sleeve tee, and then over the bright red cropped Zara peg leg pants.  I then finished it off with the Seed Femme black ankle boots - done.  And then I looked in the mirror - and was not impressed.  SO off came the red, and on came the trusty Levi jeggings.  Then couldn't decide to brogue or not to brogue.. I went with the grey option overall.

Spent the entire day racing around work.  Flats make me feel super speedy and efficient; I seem to have energy to burn when my feet are flat on the ground.

EBay purchase update - nothing.  No deliveries, no new buys.  Bidded on five items and won none.  Oh.

Speaking of flats - waiting for these bad boys to end:

HELLO Jeffrey Campbell.  Starting bid - $120.  Keeping my eye on you.

Another day, another purchase.  Who knows what tomorrow will buy.

FFIFY xxxxx

fashion find it for you fashion blog

shopped up a storm and eating a plenty - weekend all wrapped up!

Okay - so here is the rest of the weekend.  

Arrived in Melbourne town at 9:32am - and was greeted with SUNSHINE.  I could already tell this was going to be a fab day, as sunshine hasn't existed in Ballarat for quite some time now.  Striding out of Spencer St station (it will NEVER be Southern Cross to me NO SIR), charging across the road to a flashing red man and almost getting hit by a taxi - I was back.  Running for the tram and not having enough change for a met card - I felt like I had never left.  Fab.

The meeting with the lovely ladies was up first.  Meeting in a cafe just outside the Block arcade; coffee was consumed and words were spoken and (hopefully) deals were struck.  Could be a life-changing opportunity for this little fashion finding blogger - stay tuned. (SO fab to meet you SA, and to catch up with you again Lxxx).

Next - shopping.  God.  Where to start?  I was already in Collins - so headed straight across the road.  Up to Little Collins, where Zomp, Hoss, Bettina Liano and Scanlan were calling my name.  No purchases as yet, perused through Witchery and headed into Sportsgirl when mother called announcing her arrival in the big smoke.  Met up out the front of Myer and headed in, preparing to do some damage on the Myer card.  Alas, the coveted Manning Cartell 'Tailspin' coat was sold out; this sent me into a deep despair that almost made me want to leave the city and never come back.  Only lunch at Brunettis could pull me out of this spending funk.  One slice of gourmet pizza and a latte later I was back and ready to get busy.  Stores = 10, purchases = A BIG FAT ZERO.  Bummer.  What was wrong with me? Was I off my game?

Never.  

Next stop was Zara - where I began the all important task of actually spending some coin.  Took the max number of garments into the change rooms; only came out with 2x winners - a (pretty dull really) black shell top with sleeve zip detail for $50, and then a super cute neon pink boucle zip jacket ($100).  All the items I really wanted had sold out in the smaller sizes - a rather annoying trend that seems to occur every time I set foot into the store.  WAH.

Pressed for time - we had a quick stop over in Gorman at the GPO - almost purchased the Babushka coat in the rust colourway (I do already own the camel) and was oh so tempted by the papaya printed pants; but mother talked me out of both.  Hmmmm - probably for the best.

Last stop on the shopping extravaganza was South Wharf DFO.  Yep - I really am a sucker for a bargain.  With 45 mins remaining on the clock until we had to begin the trek home there was time for three shops.  A quick viewing of the Witchery outlet proved nothing new, and then we hit Mimco.  Two handbags (one black one for mother and a gorgeous nude tote for me) and one tan felt fedora later, we headed across the path to the last store of the day - the Country Road outlet.  Turns out this was my shopping mecca for the day.  Had I had unlimited funds - I would have come out with two coats, two fur vests, four dresses, one pair of snakeskin jeggings and some cropped orange pants, a few pairs of totally season inappropriate sandals and a tan and black spliced leather skirt.  That would have been a haul.  Unfortunately, reality soon kicked in (that and the fact my stylist course money was coming out tomorrow) so I had to cull immediately.  Now, culling is not something I am terribly good at; add in limited time and an impatient mother and you have a true recipe for disaster.  Think I came out okay - snapped up a grey, grey and beige winter coat (VERY Kate Middleton so I am told), and a khaki and khaki spliced trench.  Two out of fifteen items is not bad; still thinking about those fur vests though. 

Topped off the night with the fourth (and LAST) birthday dinner.  This one was at the fanciest restaurant in town; where mother and I shared the six course banquet.  Five entrees, two mains and dessert later once again eyelids were drooping at the dinner table.  Y U M.

Here are some action shots of the day. AMAZE.

Bourke St Mall.  OH I missed you.

High tea perhaps? YES please.

Witchery winter colour palette

Brunettis lunch.  NOM

Collins St. OH is that Tiffanys?

Fancy a printed scarf?

Shopping heaven - Melbourne's GPO

The Block arcade - gorgeous.

Final purchases? HERE THEY ARE - all laid out for your visual viewing pleasure.  Cannot WAIT to include these babies into the wardrobe room rotation - now I have all that free space from the market madness..

How AMAZING is that neon jacket? And that Mim bag.... ahhh.

Then - it was sunday.

Sunday.  Oh how I love thee.  Late start to the day, then mother and I headed into town for some brunch action.  Now, she had 'apparently' asked me if we needed to get dressed up for brunch, of which I replied 'Oh no.  Its Ballarat - no one gets dressed up'.  I then appeared dressed in jeans, a knit and boots with a small cuban heel.  My definition of not dressed up.  Here:

(LOVING my new Mimco fedora if you can't tell.  I actually have quite a large head and love hats but they 1. never fit me, and 2. make my head look even bigger than usual, but for some reason this one totally works.  Fab)

Alternatively, Mother appeared in a polar fleece jumper, track pants and ugg boots.  Her definition of not dressed up.  We met in the hallway - both looking each other up and down.  Both said 'Oh'.  Ummm.  And then burst out laughing.  What can you do?  Comfort dressing obviously has a range of different meanings - not spanning the generation gap.  Like mother like daughter - absolutely not:

(love you ma)

We headed to a cafe called Bibo.  Interior was all decked out in retro - Sophie and Dale from The Block would have been in heaven.  Full kitsch, from the vinyl chairs and laminate tables, to the fifties magazine paper covered walls to the mismatched china - it was super cute.  Food was delish; pesto toasted roti with scrambled eggs, mushrooms and spinach anyone?  And I got six cups and counting out of my freshly brewed chai tea.  Bibo - we will be back.

Spent the rest of the afternoon fashion finding and generally wasting time on the computer whilst watching Masterchef reruns; with a few quick eBay purchases thrown in:

Sass and Bide the Introduction pants - $101.99 eBay

Country Road argyle print knit - $25 eBay

Zara tweed oversized boyfriend coat - $39 eBay

So I said I wanted printed pants and patterned knits from my shopping trip - and came out with anything but.  Turns out, all I ever wanted was available on eBay instead.  I should have known. Who needs shops?

oh - me.

Hope you had a fab one!

FFIFY xxxx

fashion find it for you fashion blog

Don't forget I am here for all your fashion finding requirements - this area has been a little slow of late.  My skills are at your beck and call - think of it as styling online! Email me x

xx

did someone say SHOP TIL YOU DROP melbourne.. OH yes they did.

So.  It is 8:30am – and I am on the Vline train.  WOOT.  Its taking me back to those wonderful pre-current place of Ballarat employment days where I spent four whole long fun-filled and action packed hours travelling to and from work.  Bring back those days I don’t say.

But – the train is basically empty.  I managed to nab a seat in one of the coveted ‘first class’ carriages; complete with folding tray table, which is perfect for a makeshift desk.  Hence the computer and blog post. Here is my view:

Yesterday was casual Friday at work (did someone say WOOT??).  It was also my first ‘unofficial’ day of my new role; and also Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea day.  It was also the day after my pooch cut his foot somehow whilst chasing the ball the night before and was rushed to the vet as he was bleeding everywhere and was bandaged and sent home on painkillers.  This meant A. that I got to wear denim to work; B. that the day was super crazy trying to do two jobs at once; C. that I basically ate my weight in cheesecake, mud cake, caramel pies, hedgehog plus a few other miscellaneous sugar filled items which then lead to the worst headache ever; and finally D. that there are no images of yesterday’s outfit* thanks to a lapse in wellness of pooches foot; the morning was spent tossing up whether to take him back to the vet as he was waving the blue bandaged foot around madly instead of walking on it.  Fab.  Not. 

*FYI the outfit consisted of the Latopic gold sequin blazer, a Arabella Ramsey red and white striped tee with gold ball detailing that was my ONLY purchase at Round She Goes (I just had to buy one thing come on), my light wash Nudie jeans and the new latte EOS ankle boots.  Mental image is required

Just saw some kangaroos out the window.  Nice.  I come from a land downunder.

OH bad news alert – woke up to an email saying that my entire Topshop order has been cancelled – due to out of stocks.  The ENTIRE order. Great.  Heading back onto the website revealed that every single item is still available for sale in the same sizes as per my order – not very customer friendly Topshop.  I am shaking my head and waggling my finger at you right now.  Thought about placing another order for exactly the same items just to check, but never got around to it.

Mostly because, today is SHOPPING DAY.  I am meeting mother dearest in the city, and armed with a combined mini fortune of birthday and market money, I plan to spend big.  Going to hit up Zara, Myer (mother has a Myer card…. Hmmm) DJs, Gorman, Zomp, CR, Sporters, uh, probably every store in the GPO and then do a quick wallet slash bank account check to see how funds are travelling.  If we are not too bad the shopping may just continue over to Chapel and OH I did want to pop past South Wharf DFO – sucker for a bargain I am.  WHAT a day.  I am on the hunt for cute printed, colourblocked or striped knits, printed peg leg pants, a spliced leather and tweed trench from Manning Cartell that I found in Bendigo for $699 which may go on the Ma’s Myer card and maybe some jeans and more ankle boots.  YEP – I am armed and ready.

This is the Manning Cartell 'Tailspin' jacket:

HOT.

Here is the outfit for todays cash flowing bonanza:

SO this includes the very first outing for the totally amazing Rachel Gilbert ‘Winta’ leather jacket that was part of my jacket haul from Mother for my birthday (I have added the official image above for your viewing pleasure). It is asymmetrical, with one huge flap on the right hand side.  It is made from a rather unusual salmon coloured leather – which surprisingly goes with a lot more things than I originally thought.  Wearing this bad boy over the newly delivered Sass and Bide raffia necked tank ($50 eBay), which is also asymmetrical on the same side.  Is that FATE?  Worn over my ever-faithful Lee denim patched and ripped skinnies (LOVE these.  They may be one of the oldest pieces in my wardrobe (going on almost a year and a half!) but I shall never give them up.  And then all finished off with the EOS latte elastic insert ankle boots.  New fave.  I am also armed with my ginormous orange leather and rope Mimco bag; thanks to the laptop hardly fitting in the MJ.  LOVED this guy from the moment I saw him – and it has been a lasting relationship.  Diehard Mim fans will remember this one.  Although I did just try to flog him off at the market; I had the price so high that no one could really justify paying that much as I really didn’t want him to go.  I hope he is not upset – I am trying to placate him by taking him out today.  This is him:

Gorgeous. How could I have ever let him go?

So that is that.  I shall report back on my purchases asap.


OH and forgot to mention another VERY exciting occurrence occurring today - I am being interviewed by a previous work colleague and a FFIFY reader as a business (Me? A business? EXCITING!) and the impact of social media on marketing.  Not sure how helpful my little site is going to be information wise - but I am AMAZINGLY FLATTERED to be asked and will try my very best to be super helpful.


Just went through Sunshine station - and the sun is shining.  How fabulous is that??

Have a fabulous Saturday findettes!

FFIFY xxx

fashion find it for you fashion blog

birthday bonanza, outfits and a Topshop or two, or SIX

So - birthday is OVER.  You may be pleased to note that I did indeed find some birthday cheer; in fact I pretty much sprung out of bed yesterday morning.  Was greeted by the still pajama-clad bf (and pooch) wielding the following lovingly wrapped presents:

Yes - that is a handmade card.  And yes again, it does say 'Happy Toats Birthday' on the front. BF humour.

And YEP - that is correct.  TIFFANYS.  Very exciting - now I am even more jingle jangling than before; people at work can always tell I am coming like some sort of oversized cat.  Not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but I am pretty happy with my new locket charm nevertheless.  Including the Gorman coat, Latopic gold sequin blazer and the Rachel Gilbert leather jacket from Ma, I also received an amazing voucher from a fabulous Moroccan themed bazaar, plus a 12 month subscription to the holy bible - Shop Til You Drop.  Not a bad haul really - think I did rather well this year.  Then, to top off my morning - DELIVERY ALERT:

Parcels contained 1x Sass and Bide raffia neck tee (SUPER cute - love love LOVE that neckline), 2x open knit jumpers (one is from Sporters and the other is Alice in the Eve) and then 1x pair super hot Zara coated jeans with zips.  Love.

Birthday day outfit selection:

So - this outfit was something I created quite randomly that morning but was rather pleased with the outcome; you know its going to be a good day when this happens.  Featured Zara star print blazer, worn over a Country Road taupe leather spliced tee with a Sass and Bide tie die silk singlet underneath.  Worn over the Neon Blonde wet look zip jeans, and finished off with the Tony Bianco black peep toe wedges.  Done and dusted.  And yes - I am wearing a leather tshirt to work.  In Ballarat. At a pet retailer. This just proves that anything is possible.

Day progressed quite well.  Chose a white chocolate mud cake as my birthday cake of choice in the office (majority ruled that vote - the Accounts girls were eager to cake it up from about 9:20am), placed a refill Nars makeup order from Kiss and Makeup NY, and received a bunch of gorgeous lilies delivered to my desk.  Awwww.  Not from the bf - he is hardly the flower delivering type - but huge thanks to my Mum, stepdad, sis and future bro in law.  Spoilt.  Flowers:

Yes, that is the SMALLEST deer skull going around in the background.  Say hello to Mini Skull.  Note - that is a section of my lounge room; my office 'cubicle' is no where near as exciting.

Thai for dinner; over-indulged in roti, massaman, panang curry and coconut milk dumplings a little too much and the movie plans for afterwards were dismissed as once again I was falling asleep at the dinner table.  Came home to watch my new 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' - in half an hour I was snoring  Rock on huh?

Then - birthday over.

Today was rather underwhelming compared to the attention packed present filled birthday extravaganza of the previous day.  Work was busy, day was freezing, nothing much exciting was going on.  WAH.  Here is the outfit of the day:

SO.  Today included another new combination - variety is the spice of life as they say.  Today - I had the new Topshop green and black polka dot tee, worn under the green and black striped Camilla and Marc blazer.  The new Zara coated zip pants got a first outing (unfortunately I spent the day alternating between having the crutch down at my knees and then hitching them up - tons of fun.  They are, very disappointingly, too big.  WAH.  They are just too nice that I am going to persist regardless; potentially I might whizz a seam in on the sewing machine.  MUCH easier said than done - that may have sounded like I know what I was talking about but guaranteed I would stuff it up.  Ill probably just sell them on eBay instead).  And all finished off with the tan spliced Trenery wedges. Tada.  I rather like the green and black overdose; bright and colourful sit without being over the top.  Fab.

SO, to cheer myself up and add some much needed interest into my day I placed a quick $175 6x item order from Topshop.com.  Why not I say.  All sale items, and all fabulous.  Here:

Yes I have bought the same top twice but in two separate colours - but it looks like a winning shape.  And look how all those colours work in together; I spent quite a while fiddling around with my 'added to bag' items - reducing it from $320 to $175.  All must have items.  Delivery is anticipated for June 6th - WOOT.  How cute is that bulldog jumper?

So that is about it findettes.  No eBay buys today - bidded on a few items but alas, it was not my day.

Tomorrow is a CASUAL DRESS DAY - better go and lay out my outfit.  DENIM, here I come!

FFIFY xxx

PS didn't buy anything from the Gorman sale after all.  Was tempted by a TON of items, but have decided to save my money for my Melbourne bound shopping trip with Ma this Saturday.  Zara... I am coming to get you.....