weekend shenanigans and items bought

WHAT a weekend! Amazing... soooo don't want it to end (but as it is already sunday night, monday morning is inevitably not far away. Poo).  This is what took place - in order of occurance:

SATURDAY:

With Ryan out of the house for the entire day,  I set about completing a long overdue mission - re-arranging, re-organising and generally re-vamping the wardrobe room.  Oh JOY I hear you say.  I'll choose to ignore your sarcasm and agree with you wholeheartedly - it was bliss.  I have a market stall coming up on the 19th of Feb - and need to compile the clothes that will be moving on to new and excited owners ('It's been really great, but alas Zimmermann shirt/Seed skirt/Vintage cowboy boots its time for you to move on'). I had Power FM cranking on the radio (think the worst of Fox FM times two hundred plus Ballarat = terrible; unfortunately the only station available) and re-arranged the hell out of that lovely little room.  Gone are the horrible navy floral dust covered curtains that were a 'welcome house' gift from the crazy old hermit woman who used to live here, as well as the random single bed that 'appeared' magically behind the High Quality Freedom Rack (Ryan had forced this into my room - due to 'available space' and the fact he didn't want it in his man cave). In their place are lovely beige (that word again) Freedom eyelet sheer curtains which let in an abundance of natural light - and, more importantly, SPACE.  Room.  Now I can twirl and twist and do cartwheels if I feel the need whilst constructing outfits in the new and improved area. It has now become the room of my dreams.

For your viewing pleasure - I have taken the liberty of creating a 'virtual tour' of said wardrobe room (in conduction with a previous post 'Wardrobe room attacks' - forgive me if you are already familiar with this post but it is a vital element of the tour at hand):

WARDROBE 1. Consists of ITEMS I USED TO WEAR TO WORK IN MELBOURNE AND CAN NO LONGER WHICH ARE NOW REDUCED TO WEEKENDS OR GOING OUT FOR DINNERS OR TIMES WHEN I AM IN MELBOURNE – or perhaps more simply NON-BALLARAT APPROPRIATE ITEMS.  This includes most of my silk maxi dresses, printed pants, culottes, kimono and fringed jackets and anything that needs a  high heel or is worn with wet-look Camilla and Marc leggings.  Slowly but surely I am growing bolder in my work outfits choices and pushing the ‘smart business casual’ boundaries so some of these items are getting a little more exposure than before – of which they are very happy about. They told me. I keep these items hidden behind the cupboard doors otherwise I may get sad looking at all the beautiful things that I have that I no longer wear. Sob.

2. HIGH QUALITY FREEDOM CLOTHING RACK – consists of ITEMS THAT ARE ON TREND/STYLISH AND STILL BALLARAT WORK APPROPRIATE (JUST). This includes anything new I get off eBay whilst I try my hardest to work it in to my work-appropriate wardrobe (no cream embroidered Zimmermann maxi kaftan I don’t think that is you), As well as 50’s midi skirts, printed Anthropologie pencil skirts, peach tailored peg-leg pants, silk blouses and colour block boyfriend blazers.  Still a little edgy – but I can get away with it at work. Just.

3. FALLING OVER REJECT SHOP RACK – this rack is known as THINGS I HAVE TO OWN TO BE CONSIDERED AS DRESSING SMART BUSINESS CASUAL AT WORK but will never wear outside of working hours. This includes lovely things such as scoop neck stripe cotton tops from Jeans West (bought on one daily excursion to the local shopping hotspot – Wendouree Village), basic tanks, tailored blazers and shirts and fitted black pants. Hot.  It also includes my ‘optional’ work uniform which consists of a branded navy polo t-shirt, and matching branded polar fleece jumper – the less said about these beauties the better. I hate this rack.

4. WARDROBE 2 – doesn’t really get a look in.  This is filled with MARKET STUFF – which is could also be called THINGS I HAVE BOUGHT OF EBAY THAT DONT FIT/I DONT NEED/WHY THE HELL DID I BUY THEM.  The cupboard also features a small section known as THINGS I JUST CANT GIVE UP AND WILL SAVE FOR MY KIDS (like my mother never did) – which consist of an array of random bits and bobs, from a sequined Witchery bolero, vintage calf fur cape that is falling apart (but its GORGEOUS), flared jeans, a fringed flapper dress, my entire collection of vintage cowboy boots  and 2x Exclusives for Sportsgirl silk dresses (one of their first designer colabs) that I think (quite naively) will be collector’s items one day.

5. There is also one other wardrobe region that I seemed to have left out of initial post: THE STRANGE CUPBOARD WITHOUT DOORS GAP FOR MAXI DRESSES.  There is this weird one metre gap between the door and the chimney in which once upon a time existed a cupboard - but now is only home to a couple of hooks and an unstable 10cm pointless plywood shelf.  I DIY'd a 'railing' out of Ryan's levelling twine (something he is NOT happy about as apparently it is cut into certain lengths - none of which exist now), and have hung my much coveted maxi dress collection.  They are too long to fit in the cupboards/on the racks - so this ramshackle creation is quite the perfect space for them.

So there you have it.  We have now reached the end of the tour, and the end of the day. Lovely.

SUNDAY:

Sunday began bright and early to the lovely sound of my phone alarm at five thirty am.  Today was a camberwell market excursion day - but this was not a usual trip. Oh no - today I had COMPANY.  Yes - I was meeting up with a gf from a previous place of employment (or two!) of whom I had not seen in ages. Too long in fact.  Excited much?

We met out the front of The Well; shrieked, hugged, coffeed up and hit the market.  I explained my usual market-perusal route (did I mention I am a creature of habit?), which stalls to avoid, sellers to look out for and to watch out for the leather jacket man who always tries to give you candy (Uh yes. This is true. And scary).  There was certainly more chatting occurring than shopping; nevertheless items were still acquired.  Cruising down the far aisle we encountered a stall selling suspiciously current season Witchery items - albeit tags removed.  Having a larger allocated budget of $115 - this was were the majority of money went.  I loaded up an armful - and then had to cut back upon hearing the prices. Final result - three pencil skirts later; black ponti, blue/black/grey stripe, and tan and citrus print skirt - all current season and all $20 each. SNAP.

Next in the line of items nabbed was a vintage 50's style bronze poly midi skirt with cute belt loop detail and a white bird print - all this for a whopping fiver. Love it.

BUT by far the MOST AMAZING purchase of the day was *drum roll please* a Seed Femme LEATHER dress. YES.  OMG.  Having been on the hunt for one for the upcoming hens for some time now - this was by far the most exciting spy.  Price?  I was scared to ask.  I was down to $55 and still had brunch to fork out for - should I bother checking? Oh yes - WAIT FOR IT - $40 dollars. YEP. Thats it - and that dress is now mine. Love doesn't even begin to cover the feelings I have for this item - building outfits in my head left right and centre.  Amazing.  Best find ever.  And, also snapped up a navy and white printed sample midi skirt that I have seen in store for a huge $6 (bargained her down from a tenner - good on you).  Grand total for the day $46 (Seed items) + $60 (Witchery skirts) + $5 (vintage skirt) = $111. Came in at an entire four dollars under budget - fab.

Check them out.  I grouped them in colour coordinating outfit images as it is more pleasing to the eye:

Oh and I managed to scrounge up some coins so I did eat after all - just in case you were wondering xx

Did I say weekend from heaven? Love it.  Never want it to end. 

FFIFY xxxxxx

PS thanks to my darling M for today and the little white bag - obviously I LOVE xx

did I really do this? oh yes.

So all this talk about magazines lured me over to the local plaza’s Newspower on my lunchbreak.  Perusing the shelves – turns out I already indulged in my faves this month.  Hmmm.  My options were then limited to three categories: 1. Glossy, lustful and filled with amazing pieces (that are totally out of my price range) fashion magazines (aka Vogue and Harpers); 2. Fitness and health magazines (random much – but perfect for getting through one of those days when you have consumed your bodyweight in an office birthday cake – aka Women’s Health and Wellbeing); and 3. Trashy weeklies (you know the ones – who isn’t partial to these gossip mongers?). Yes -  I know there is many other mags out there but really, the likes of Cosmo, Cleo and even Russh just don’t cut my mustard. Decisions, decisions…. 

I ended up with Harpers Bazaar. Why? Is the question I am now asking myself whilst casually flicking through the pages whilst eating my rice and tuna salad in the lunchroom.  I’d like to think it was because I genuinely enjoying being tantalised by the latest from Bally, Chloe and Marc Jacobs (and that I could even remotely attempt to afford such items); or even that the multi coloured pastel ‘Harpers’ headline caught my eye – but no.  Really - it was all for looks.  For image.   I bought it to walk around with – so people could see it tucked casually under my arm like the latest from Prada.  So I could flick oh so casually through the pages, exclaiming loudly at the latest Phillip Lim collection like I so know what I'm talking about.

Honestly – I wanted OK. Or even Grazia.  The latter was sold out (there are lots of fashionable people buying magazines in this news agency you know – or perhaps in reality they don’t even stock it); and then the OK came attached to Cosmo for the bargain price of $9.95 – no thank you. I’d rather buy Dolly. I would have bought NW but there was a Kardashian on the cover and I refuse to support anything that supports them (another issue, another time).  So instead I went with something that I probably won’t even finishing reading – but looks really pretty sitting on my desk. The pastels match in perfectly with my Kikki K stationery collection:

 

$8.50 well spent. Uh – I think not.

 

FFIFY xxxx

find me a ANU SALE

Oh My God.  Amazing news... Brands Exclusive (http://www.brandsexclusive.com.au) is having an ANU sample sale. One of my all time fave summertime labels - Anu by Anita Ben is my go-to label of choice for all resort-appropriate kaftan and dress options.  Gorgeous printed silks, draping styling and flowing maxis - her pieces are simply gorgeous.. and here they are available to you for up to 60% off. Bang.

Here are some top picks that you will have to beat me to purchase:

Um.. what are you waiting for? On your marks, get set, GO.

The race is on ladies - shotgun paisley print maxi!

FFIFY xxxx

when I grow up....

When you think back to when you were in high school, or perhaps even the later years of primary school - what did you want to be 'when you grew up?'.  Typical answers for girls of my age included occupations as varied as sporting heroes ('gymnast' and 'ballerina' were by far the most popular), to the high achievers ('doctors' and 'lawyers' and other parent-friendly aspirations) to even the now mundane but exciting at the time ('working in a shop' and 'bank teller' rated quite highly - seems everyone wanted to use the rubber stamp).  Me? Apart from 'Champion Equestrian rider' (yes I was a horsey girl) and 'mermaid' (I always had a firm grip on reality); I wanted to be a fashion editor.

Dolly was my magazine of choice (I was certainly not a Girlfriend girl).  Back when Miranda and Pia won the Dolly model competition, and when Niki and Krissie Taylor graced the covers, this was my world.   I would pour over the fashion pages - with key pieces from the likes of Very Very and other now-extinct Australian fashion labels - memorising the models names, who the stylists were and, most importantly, whether I liked what they had put together (whilst wearing a bodysuit, ribbed leggings, a crochet vest, scrunched socks and hiking boots myself).  I created a scrapbook of my fave editorials, and was always on the hunt for locations in which to shoot amazing fashion campaigns.

Fast forward 15 years - and *surprisingly enough* that dream has not been realised.  Instead of a high flying Sydney-based magazine editorial career, I find myself in regional Victoria in a position that couldn't be further from the aforementioned.  I am still a magazine addict; having thankfully moved on from Dolly (although even now I am still impressed with their fashion editorial) to the likes of Shop til you drop (my bible), Harpers and Marie Claire; whilst still dreaming of that long-forgotten career that I wanted so badly.

Here is a blast from the past:

That was my favourite cover ever. Oh and there was a Kristianna Loken cover where she was wearing a pink mohair jumper... loved it. God I wanted that jumper.

Moving on to current events - today is friday.  And friday is the last day of the working week. WOOP.

Here is todays outfit:

Today's outfit is another shirt and skirt combo. 'Just for something new?' I hear you say?  Well cynics  there is something new involved - thisis a shirt I bought from Queens Plaza Witchery on my recent un-sunshine state excursion.  I dont think I mentioned our little stop over in the Queen St Mall - loving the new Queens Plaza, poor old Brisbane Myer Centre is in desperate need of a renovation rescue and the mall itself is quite bogan and dodgy.  So: shirt ($39.95 on sale Witchery) - I have wanted this this the first moment I saw it.. but bided my time until I could nab it at this fab price; teamed with Sportsgirl stripe tube skirt ($70 in store Sportsgirl - this skirt is the perfect layering piece) with my new love D.Co Copenhagen tan wedges ($80 eBay - HERO shoes), finished off with one of the dollar dazzler tan skinny belts I nabbed at the Camberwell market.

So that is it.  Maybe one would see this blog as a long overdue creative escape for my pent-up fashion editor dream frustrations; or maybe its just my love of talking about clothes and fashion and myself.  Either way - I'm going to keep right on blogging. 

Happy friday!

FFIFY xxx

blazer UPDATE

So... I did it.  I clicked the hell out of that 'buy it now'.... and  I am now the proud owner of a Zimmermann 'Limonata' silk swing blazer.  And, as I predicted - see below images for further proof that this blazer is going to look HOT teamed with my Karen Walker navy silk pants:

         

See??  LOVE it.  Definitely not selling those babies. What a combo - citrus and navy surprise.

Cannot WAIT for this delivery - oh Mr Mailman.......

FFIFY xxxxx

a few slices short of a loaf...

Although I am physically working, banging away on the keyboard and looking overjoyed at the invoices I am currently processing; secretly I am thinking about clothes. About recent purchases, things I want to buy, what to wear tomorrow, where can I go to wear that outfit, do I need new ankle boots.. the list goes on. At the gym, driving the car, eating lunch... basically any time my mind is operating there is some random clothes-related thought fluttering on through.

These are a few of the extremely interesting thoughts that have dominated my head this morning:

‘Is there a way I can raise $480 pounds to buy this AHmazing Alice by Temperley tan leather jacket I have been watching on eBay for some time? Usually I can sell one of my other leather items (I have quite a penchant for leather attire – at one point I was the proud owner of nine leather jackets, one leather top, two leather skirts and a pair of Claude Maus leather pants).  Hmm – leather stock levels in my wardrobe room are currently looking quite low. Perhaps I could part with the aforementioned leather pants...’

‘I really really really and really want those Black Orchid bellbottoms as seen on Zoe Saldana in my ‘find it for me’ post yesterday.  I have been outfit building in my head – and once this happens they become a must–have item in my wardrobe – how did I ever live without these jeans before? They will go with everything and next weekend is BF’s birthday and we are having a picnic in the park... could there be a more perfect outfit for said picnic. No. Now to find a credit card someone will happily let me use..... wonder what mum's up to???’

‘Can I really work those Karen Walker navy silk wide legs pants I bought into my wardrobe? Trying them on last night (BF was away at a Soundgarden concert,  so I got to do the one thing I LOVE to do when home alone – try on clothes. I know they are only clothes that I already own – but there is nothing better than mixing and matching and creating new outfits.  Wardrobe room and I were best friends – oh what a night) I just can’t shake the fact that with the elasticised wait and tie that they just look like pajama pants. Really expensive ones mind you – but pajama pants nonetheless. Hmmm – eBay could be calling these beauties back...’

‘This would then give me enough money to buy that limonata  Zimmermann blazer I have had my eye on.  Drapey silk and in a pop colour – what more could you want from a blazer? Yes – this is also a must have. Quick before someone else snaps it up.  But then – this blazer would probably look hot teamed with said Karen Walker silk pants... OH this is a dilemma. Whatever shall I do??’

On that note – blog post over.  MUST BUY SAID BLAZER ASAP. Look:

Buy it now $100 – new without tags. SNAP.

Back soon!

FFIFY xxxx



hallelujah - praise the eBay gods

Okay - I am convinced.  Miracles can happen.  The eBay gods must have read yesterday morning's sad and sorry blog post about the deterioration of our relationship and thought 'Hang on.  This poor suffering girl.  What a distressing tale.  We MUST reward her for her loyalty to our site'; for overnight - three of my items received bids. Not one, oh no - and not two, uh uh... but three whole bids! I awoke this morning to three notifications blinking prominently on my i-phone screen 'bid placed on....'. WOOP.  To say I am ecstatic would be an understatement.  Not only has this restored my wavering faith in the world of eBay, but it has also spurred me on to list many more fabulous items whilst I am in the midst of an apparent bidding frenzy. Tonight - its you and me and your selling tool eBay - get ready.

What a lovely way to start the day. Things can only go up.  And today's outfit is no exception.  Its a new combo - made up of both old and new items.  Take a look:

So today's outfit is actually inspired by that cinematic classic 'Silence of the lambs'. 'Uh why' you may ask? Honestly I'm not really all that sure - bf and I watched it the other night ('Ahhh Clarice - sooooo creepy) and it has remained firmly in my head ever since.  I think it is due to the dark and gloomy tones of the brown with the black.. I don't know. Maybe I'm just being dramatic.


And YES I do know that the Instagram inset pic is blurry.  Its not trying to be arty in any way - basically by the time I noticed this error I was already dressed in said outfit.  Bah.


Anyway breaking down the above look we find: Witchery rust coloured sleeveless shirt ($25 eBay - I had classed this in the 'nude shirt' category - but I am pleased to announce this baby has been promoted to 'brown shirt' category. It is the one and only member), tucked into Sportsgirl wide leg palazzo pants ($35 on sale in-store Sportsgirl. Yes - they are very wide leg pants. A tad risqué for an office environment I hear you whisper? Trick - they actually look like a maxi skirt. All good), teamed with Witchery embellished gladiator flats ($129.95 in-store Witchery - yes, I actually paid full price for these bad boys. I love them).  Oh and I have added in my most favourite item in the whole entire world.. my Tiffany charm necklace.  This is the icing on the top of every outfit I wear (except if a statement neckpiece is required). You may have noticed the lack of jewellery in my outfits. No? Well lucky I told you then.  This is due to a very unfortunate affliction from which I suffer - I am allergic to metal.  So much so that I break out in a lovely red itchy rash, or alternatively sometimes my skin will actually turn a gorgeous shade of blackish-green - just for good measure. Great. So I have to be super careful with what I wear adornment-wise - which is why I have two tried and true pieces that complement everything:

The necklace was a gift from my darling Ryan - and now each birthday he gets me another charm (which he chooses himself - impressed much?).  The turquoise mammoth ring was a gift from my mother - we found it on a sunny Camberwell market morning many moons ago. Its huge and eye-catching and conversation-starting and I love it.

CRAP.  I am already meant to be at work. Uh OH.  Im outta here......

FFIFY xxxxxx

find me a missy sale or two!

So today is Wednesday, and we all know Wednesday = Missy Confidential sample sale e-newsletter day (sign up now for the inside info on all sample/clearance sales http://www.missyconfidential.com.au).

Here are two sales I have already marked in my diary and printed out the relevant google maps:

Who can pass up a Cactus Jam sale - especially one that says '70% off all stock'; and I did snap up some Move by Metalicus fab gym gear from my recent Brisvegas DFO shopping excursion extraordinaire and would be keen to add to this collection - oh and the words nothing over $50 also helps.  Both sales start tomorrow - and are usually open late the first night.   I always recommend attending such sales immeaditely after finishing work; to ensure it is you who receives the pick of the bargains.  Unfortunately for me as today was a Melbourne day, I shan't be dashing off at five thirty pm tomorrow to Hawthorn/Mt Waverly (of which I am not entirely sure of its exact location - I am so not an Eastern suburbs girl and this sounds rather far away) and thus won't be nabbing the best of the best.  Wah.  Didn't plan that one too well.

These call for a special edition saturday morning Melbourne visit. Anyone for coffee?

FFIFY xxx

Find it for me - Zoe Saldana flares

Okay so it was definitely a case of love at first sight with this snap.  Zoe Saldana in bellbottom distressed jeans. loosely tucked nude sleeveless shirt (is this ticking all my boxes or what?), tan cork  platforms and vintage sunnies.  This is the epitome of seventies summertime cool - I know everyone loves their skinnies but this look is so fresh and fun.  Me likies very much:

So there you have it. Those AHmazing jeans are from rising cult US denim label Black Orchid.  Initially these were spotted on Singer22.com - for $125. Not bad, but unfortunately they only had a size 28 available.  Damn.  Keep hunting.   Further digging uncovered the fantastic news that my size  - 26 – was still available on Amazon.com – and for a measly $75! SNAP – these babies are a definite ‘add to cart’.  Next up I found the vintage sunnies were indeed Rayban’s stylish Clubmaster – super cool but just unsure if I could pull them off.  I'm already rocking the Wayfarer in both tort and black so this should see me through.  NO, I didn’t fashion find the ‘nude sleeveless shirt’ she is also wearing... after re-reading my previous posts I think I have this base totally covered!

I actually do own a pair of killer bellbottoms - they are a Bettina Liano pair in a mid blue denim (I dont actually like the denim; its that funny all-over mid blue that they made cheap workmans jeans from in the seventies - makes your thighs feel huge).  I have only worn them once... did receive a few funny looks but overall the response was positive.   I teamed them with a *surprise suprise* nude sleeveless shirt, and tan wedges.   I felt like I should flick out my hair and cruise around on a skateboard; but amazingly enough, boyfriend actually loved this look. 'Very flattering and cool' were his exact words.  That in itself cemets these as a must buy.

Off to check paypal balance... wonder how flares will go down at the Plaza?

FFIFY xxx

Its not me its you... is it over?

So I have some terrible news. Something very upsetting, horrible, awful has happened; and I am not sure how I can go on. I can hardly bear to write the words it’s simply too distressing.  Okay, I’ll do it. Here it is:

Only one of the eight wonderful items I had listed sold. Just one. Which therefore means:

EBay hates me.

There. I have said it; and it looks even worse written there in bold just staring at me.  I don’t know what has happened.. but it seems our ten year love affair is over. Finished. Kaput. No more.  EBay has changed, and I don’t know how we are going to get past this. Or is it me? I think not – the items I had up for sale were fabulous amazing items that anyone would have loved to be the proud new owner of... I just don’t understand.  I followed all the rules, did amazing detailed descriptions, had fabulous personal and campaign images... they were all good.  But not good enough it seems. Occasionally I would stumble across my own listings in a search and glance admiringly at said item until I remembered it was mine.  What went wrong? Do I need therapy? Am I out of touch? Is this the end for me?

What am I going to do? And, more importantly - how am I going to make paypal money?

On a more positive note – I am positively glowing about todays outfit.  What do you think?

I am LOVING this burst of colour - and although there is beige involved.. it is showing its true versatility and looking amazing teamed next to the red.  Outfit includes bright red Zara blazer ($120 in store Zara – bought on my first ever trip to the fashion mecca - $600 and three hours later I was hooked), with one of the new nude Cue shirts ($45 in store Cue DFO – so turns out the one I bought off eBay is actually the same as the sample I bought from the DFO – except one has a pocket on the front. Oh well – both are fab!), over J Brand taupe skinny jeans ($10 eBay – yes that is not a typo – a whopping tenner.  LOVE J Brand jeans – they fit amazingly and are so comfortable. Never through I could do light jeans but I think with a longer top it actually works – especially if you pair with similar toned colours.  Against black – BAH horrible. Oh and usually jeans are a big no-no for work – but today is a Melbourne Office day, and plus they aren’t blue denim so all good. Jeans = blue; coloured options are a-okay in my books) and then finished off with my new fave colour block hessian Country Road wedges that arrived yesterday – how fab is the coral contrast on the back? These babies will be making a number of appearances over the coming weeks you can bet your bottom dollar.  So this outfit has me feeling bright and happy and on top of the world... and then I remember the eBay disaster and come crashing down again. WAH.

Are my purchasing days over? Will I make it through alive?

FFIFY xxx L