UPDATE rachel gilbert winta leather jacket...

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO lovelies.... GUESS WHO WON THE LEATHER JACKET??

That is correct. Moi.  LOVE IT.

FFIFY xxx

where have all my clothes gone? and backstreet's BLACK.

So I missed yoga last night - and I think my lack of weekly zen is to blame for this morning's shenanigans.  Getting dressed for work.  With an entire wardrobe room filled to the brim with amazing, fabulous, designer, chain store and vintage finds - the mere thought that I cannot find anything to wear astounds me (and I dont even WANT to know what bf would say).  And yet - this is me this morning.  And now - this is my wardrobe room.  Blazers, pants and tops are strewn about, covering the floor, chairs, desk and Suzanne, where they have landed haphazardly after being tossed in a mad panic.  HELP.  Things that went together only a month ago are no longer working, I cannot for the life of me locate half my shirts, and why don't I have any skirts that work for me right now?  Why is it that I only want to wear the same pair of Levi skinny waxed jeggings each day every day, and no other pants look any good whatsoever on?  Why do I no longer have any dresses at all; and the ones I can locate are only of the 'sheer mini worn over bikinis appropriate' variety?  WAH.  What is happening to me - I feel like I am falling apart.  Or that someone has replaced my fabulous. amazing, completely put together clothing selection with a totally random mish-mash of styles and items which look absolutely shite together. I closed the door for the first time this morning - I could not face the havoc I had wreaked on the poor, innocent and defenceless wardrobe room.

When my outfit looks bad - it completely destroys my self esteem, happiness factor and overall zest for life.  I would rather curl up in a ball under a doona then face the world in ill fitting pants, an 'inevitably crinkled from sitting' silk dress or colours which clash (and not in a super cool colour blocking way). So today - hiding under the covers seemed like the most amazing idea in the world.  And yet - here I AM.  At work.  Obviously life didn't work out in my best interests today. 

Alas - I am wearing clothes (surprisingly enough).  This is what I eventually settled on:

Today I lived by the mantra - 'When in doubt - go black'.  Black is the ultimate fashion fixer.  Feeling frumpy? Black smooths over all your lumps and bumps.  Feeling dowdy? Black is the ultimate in sophisticate chic.  If you have to impress the socks of the execs in the boardroom, or are having the the wardrobe day from hell, or if you need an outfit that is safe yet super stylish - black is your bag baby. Foolproof.

Today's outfit is surprisingly Sportsgirl-tastic.  Having been an avid Sporters fan for many years.. my interest in this fashion-frenzied chain has begun to wane over the last few years as my style and taste has evolved.  I still pop in to the smallest store in the universe in the local mall from time to time and nab many a cute shirt or three - but if heading down to the mega mall in the big smoke it is Zara I run to, instead of poor little Sporters across the way.  Today's outfit includes Sportsgirl black exaggerated button back top ($10 Camberwell market.  Haven't worn this one before - and just found that the shoulders are very exaggerated.  Feeling very 2009 - not particularly great), tucked into Sportsgirl super wide-leg palazzo pants ($45 in store on sale Sportsgirl.  I do love these pants - super deceiving with their whole 'am I or aren't I a maxi skirt? NO IM NOT' vibe going on).  Finished off with a Seed Femme aztec print scarf - which is matched back in tan loveliness with the fab D.Co Copenhagen tan caged wedges.  DONE *picture me wiping me hands in an all finished gesture here*.

AND you know what?  I match my pooch.  Here:

Black and tan kelpie - meet black and tan outfit. Cutie much? LOVE HIM TO DEATH.

UPDATE: so in the time it has taken me to bash out this post my beloved mailman has arrived - yipeee.  Here is what he has surprised me with today:

None other than the Bettina Liano jeans in rust.  FAB - just what I need to perk me up on this lovely morning.  AND LOOK - they match exactly with my extra strong coffee that is lurking in the see-through thermal cup in the background... another item which will also do wonders in the whole 'perking me up' area.  Yes - it is as strong as it looks.  Caffeine - my hero.

Give me 20 minutes and ill be buzzing off the walls. Guaranteed. WOOP.

FFIFY xxx

I AM STILL HERE. all good.

hello my lovely findettes.. did you miss me today?? No post I am afraid - work was frantic and I am under the weather and I skipped bootcamp and my outfit was crap and I was wearing flats and I ate two pieces of slice and altogether it was a day that I would rather forget ever occurred. 

That being said... tomorrow is another day.  Hopefully a BETTER, MORE EXCITING AND FUN LOVING WOW OF A DAY. 

Here's hoping.

Things are already starting to look up - guess what I have just spotted on eBay:

Its a Rachel Gilbert 'Winta' leather jacket.  Currently on sale on the Rachel Gilbert website for $575 (RRP was $975)... BUT of course I found a brand newie on the old faithful eBay - $300. BANG.  Here it is in all its outfitted glory:

12 hours to go.... this one is MINE.  Only a fabulous salmon coloured drape leather jacket can get me out of this funk - I just know it.

Ill keep you posted!

FFIFY xxxx

shopping more downs than ups.

Things have been a little quiet in the purchasing front of late.  Yes – there has been the odd quick buy here and there but nothing to shout home about.  Sad really – but with everything online shopping has its ups and downs; at present I am stuck in a down but ITS ALL OKAY as I am not losing hope; I am certain an up will soon follow.  I did have a delivery yesterday (yipeee), so there was a bright point of the day.  It was the ‘prob shouldn’t have bought it but did so better make the most of it otherwise it will end up being a waste of money or ill just have to resell it’ Winter Kate Iris vest in poppy. Here:

Turns out its actually quite lovely –  gorgeous colour and fab flowing front and will look super aweosme worn under a draped blazer as a bright pop of colour.  Interest factor has increased.

I also nabbed these babies the other day – Bettina Liano Hi Ace jeans in lust.  Have been spotting brown jeans (how kaak does that sound?) out and about lately (not literally – I mean in mags/online.  The only ‘brown jeans’ I come across here at the local plaza are ones definitely weren’t originally brown – if you get my meaning. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww). Here they are – pleased to make your acquaintance:

So I haven’t worn Bettina Liano jeans in about six years.  I am still unsure of the sizing; I do remember the sizing being super small so I went up and up - hopefully they will fit.  If not, back to eBayland they go.  Circle of life people, circle of life.

Today’s outfit is full of chain store charm.  I would like to give thanks to the Sussan group – for without their on trend yet affordable attire this outfit would never have been possible.  Here:

Okay – so today includes a Witchery black draped blazer ($65 in store Witchery DFO.  Very similar to the Zimmermann ‘Conversation’ draped blazer from around the same era – perfect for adding a bit of corporate chic to an otherwise not so corporate outfit. Smart business casual? OH yes), worn over a Sussan tomato orange oversized draped pocket tee ($25 in store on sale Sussan.  Part of my ‘Sussan sale mega buy’ from the previous week – LOVE the colour and shape and fabric and yes.  It’s a goodie).  This is then worn over the tan and ink striped pencil skirt ($80 in store Sussan.  Perfect autumn tones and flattering shape/style; looks equally great with a top tucked in or worn loose) and then finished off with the hardest working Seed Femme black leather ankle boots going round.  I really like mixing ankle boots with pencil skirts; the mixture of secretary meets rock chick is all in good fun. I also added in a skinny tan belt to add in some much needed shape to the top – turns out an oversized drape tee with an oversized drape jacket leads to and oversized shapeless outfit.  Cinch it in with a skinny belt and viola.  We have shape.

 

AND – found this:

Look familiar?  Looks like little of Sussan gathered inspiration from fashion powerhouse Marc Jacobs… looks VERY similar to my $80 version. I like it even more now.

 

FFIFY xxxx

spotted. semi uniform and ego alert!

I was at a dinner party over the weekend.  A lovely couple; dear friends of the bf – it was a great night.  Food was amazing, conversation was flowing; and then – it happened.  ‘Are you ever going to go back and work for Witchery? That must have been SO AMAZING!’.  Uh - right.   As opposed to my current place of employment.  Yes.   I know she totally meant well – she is the loveliest person I have just about ever met; but the sting remained.  And then, straight after, came the inevitable damaging thoughts.  What was I thinking leaving the fashion world behind?Am I not cool enough now? Am I ‘wasting myself’ in the wrong industry?  Have I ruined my life?  As insane as it may seem – it was quite a blow to the old ego.  Are we really judged by the companies that we work for? I think – YES.

 I will never forget the reaction on people’s faces when I told them I worked for Witchery. First it was hock, then downright shining admiration.  Glowing praise and comments then followed: ‘OMG so amazing’ ‘You are the luckiest person ever’ ‘Do you get an fabulous discount?’ which were then followed by the ‘Can you get me free clothes?’ – haha NO.  Then letting slip that we also got sister-company Mimco discounts as well almost blew their mind.  Literally.   It didn’t matter what you actually did for the company; I could have been the office photocopier paper re-filler for all anyone cared.  The main point was – I WORKED FOR WITCHERY.  It was a status – something to be proud of; to casually let slip in a room full of girls to elicit both admiration and jealousy.  Having also worked for Quiksilver, Seed and Sportsgirl – this was a phenomenon I was quite accustomed to.

Not anymore.  No – now I get a rather different response; one which is not quite as excited, not quite as interested, not quite as ego-satisfying as before.  Sometimes I try to avoid answering the question altogether.  Regardless of the fact that my present company is a rapidly growing market leader with an amazingly supportive and flexible work culture; I still feel underwhelmed at the prospect of admitting to people where I am.  Poor me.  OH listen to yourself.  Travel time now? 5 min.  Travel time to Melbourne? 2 hours each way.  That in itself should be enough to shut me up for good.  I am trying to be super positive about it.  I really AM.  It is a fabjob – one in which I plan on keeping for quite a while yet.   Having slightly bended the ‘smart business casual’ rules slightly has allowed me to feel more ME at work; plus the whole blog/fashion finding business has kept me in touch with the fashion world… I can DO this! Channelling Joaquin Phoenix (minus the dreads, terrible hip hop and huge gut) I AM STILL HERE.

Moving right along to todays outfit.  So I have been watching Gossip Girl again – and have been inspired by Constance’s uniform (or vague attempt at a uniform which really just includes a blazer and then whatever else you feel like wearing with it that day).  Check me OUT:

OKAY so today’s outfit includes: A Camilla and Marc black and green striped blazer ($50 eBay.  Does have some slights shiny marks where some bright spark has IRONED the fabric and it didn’t like it very much – hence the low price; but overall love this little ditty), worn over a black longline sleeveless shirt from Sussan ($25 in store on sale Sussan. I actually tired this on while ago when it was full price.  I didn’t like it.  On sale – love it.  Funny how that happens!) and then worn over the hardest working black wet look Levi jeggings on the planet.  I have just decided that I love these too much – I need another pair in which to alternate.  I am open for suggestions??  And lucky last are the Seed Femme chunky tan clog heels – just to break up the blackness.

OH I wish Chuck and B would get back together.  And that Serena would brush her hair.

Xoxo

FFIFY xxx

find it for me - Rebecca Judd's ENTIRE OUTFIT

The Myer A/W 12 launch shots have been all over social media.   Living under a rock would be the only way you could have missed amazing shots of new collections from Jayson Brusndon, Sass and Bide, Aurelio Costarella and Ellery.  Loved it all, but it was an off-runway look that had me at hello.  Rebecca Judd - I want your outfit.

So I set myself my own fashion find.  I MUST HAVE THIS OUTFIT.

Results? GO:

Of course she is dressed in top to toe new season Myer product. Easy peasy.

PANTS:  Bec is wearing Ellery Fall 12 gold highwaisted flared pants.  As seen below from Ellery's http://www.elleryland.com site:

These pants are blowing my mind.  LOVE the flare, the colour, the shape, the seam detail down the front - totally Judy Jetson meets Felicity Shagwell slash Elvis in space - H O T.  Not too sure how they would translate to life in regional Victoria - but I can cross that bridge later.  Price?  Undetermined - it seems these babies haven't been released yet.  BUT I have found some very similar styles from their last collection... head over to http://www.shopbop.com to nab these super similar styles:

Love me? Ellery 'Papa dont preach' flared pants - $740 AUD Shopbop.com

Buy me: Ellery 'Ancient Regime' flared pants - $325 AUD Shopbop.com. 

Hmm - second thoughts on these white ones; definitely a rather extreme Abba vibe happening here.  Been there.  Never again.

TOP:  The loverly lace top is from Manning Cartell's 2012 collection - the Isadora tank in ivory with black trim.  Just stunning.  As seen below from their http://manningcartel.com site:

Want me? Manning Cartell 'Isadora' lace tank - $399 AUD Manning Cartel online

Just team them with your sexiest black lace bra, platform heels and big hair and you are totally black carpet ready.  Fashion FOUND.

FFIFY xxxx

float like a butterfly, sting like a bee

Happy Friday findettes!  And what a lovely Friday it is.  Gale force winds, flash flooding and a maximum top of 15 degrees – hello Autumn, oh how you brighten up my day.  I did wish for cooler weather – and boy did that come true.  Bootcamp at six am was extra fun as you could very well imagine – puffer vest was back with a vengeance this morning.

Today’s outfit is ‘casual chic bumblebee cool’ – as you can see here:

So I dont usually wear cotton tee's to work (or actually at any time at all); but teamed with a silk blazer and super skinny pants I am defintiely feeling a tad Sienna Millerish today, which is certainly not a bad thng.  Today's outfit incorporates the following wardrobe items: Zimmermann 'Limonata' citrus silk blazer ($100 eBay.  Again there is nothing NOT to love about this baby), worn over the new Sussan sale addition white and black striped cotton raglan tee ($20 in store on sale Sussan), teamed with the hardest working jeggings on the planet - Levi wet look black skinny pants ($100 in store Myer).  All finished off with Seed Femme black leather ankle boots. I am unsure about the fact my pants are blending in completely with my boots; rather feel like I am wearing some sort of leather all-in-one wader pant.  Hopefully this feeling is not translated visually; chic fisherwoman is not really the look I am going for.  Surprisingly enough.

Super short post I'm afraid - need to attack work hardcore.

Get set for the weekend!

FFIFY xxxx



find it for me - Amrita Singh sale @OZSALE

Internet purchase #25894 - Amrita Singh 'Erivor' necklace.  $39 + postage. SNAP.

So I think by now you all have experienced my lust for oversized statement necklaces - especially those in the most amazing colour on the planet - turquoise.  SO was super excited today to find that an Amrita Singh sale had started on Ozsale (http://www.ozsale.com.au).  Amrita Singh is an Indian-influenced jewellery designer, who fuses Old World aesthetics with New World fashion, resulting in breathtakingly unique, wearable works of art.  Her designs have been spotted on celebs such as Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Jennie McCarthy and Mischa Barton.  Excitement levels peaked when I spotted the 'Erivor' necklace - SWOON.  Usually retailing for $250 - I snapped up that baby for $39. FAB.

This is her:

I KNOW - amazing huh? Love it.  Love the size, love the colour, love the variations of lengths - its almost too fabulous for words.  PLUS love the fact that it will look super hot against the Zimmermann Idyllic drape dress for the Perth wedding. OH yes.  I shall never take this beauty off.

Here are some other items that I had to try VERY HARD to stop myself from purchasing:

Okay - so there is so many other amazing colours on there for sale BUT OH how could you go past the turquoise? Colour of the gods.  Love love LOVE.

I wish I had ears.  That is another story....

Happy spending!

FFIFY xxx

testimonials - from the mouths of babes

Hello findettes.  Not sure if any of you noticed - but I have added an extra 'page' across the top - called testimonials.  I just thought I would share with you all some of the lovely comments I have received as a result of my fashion finding... they really brighten up my day xxx more of a shameless self-plug than anything else hehe but the positive feedback I have received so far whilst just starting out is just too fab for words.

 

From the mouths of my findettes:

‘What a legend, what a fashion miracle! You rock my tiny world!!

Thank you so much for all of your hard work. I love that you took my central consideration of how (Miss S) will feel on the day and ran with it. I can't wait to show her!! You are just fabulous.

Many, many thanks’

‘Thank you sooooooo much !!!! haha i don't think i could say thank you enough for all ur hard work, your an absolute legend!!!

I'm sure il b in touch again soon ;)

il b spreading the word about ur brilliant blog

xxx’

‘HI FFIFY – F*&*ing amazing! What service & great options. Thanks a bunch.’

'Hi FFIFY,

Thanks so much for your package! It was so informative! And I love the first option you gave us.

I forwarded it onto my friend (Miss K), which I've heard has contacted you about another challenge!

I absolutely love your blog concept, I love reading your posts because we think the same way!

I've also made a new years resolution to only spend what's in my paypal cos my wardrobe is jam packed with clothes, accessories, you name it and I've probably got it! So I've recently gotten onto the ebay thing and I'm going to start selling my clothes to make room for more!

Another congrats on your blog! I love it and look forward to reading more!

Cheers’

‘Hi FFIFY,

My friend put you to the tricky task of finding the VB pleat bell shoulder dress on my behalf and I just had to write to say thank you so much for what you have put together. It's truly remarkable and very exciting! Not the fact that the VB dress has sold out, of course, but the fact that there are still some awesome options for me out there somewhere.

Thank you SO much for your amazing work on the VB dress. I'm seriously in love.’

What wonderful words - I am so so so so so so so grateful for these amazing comments xxx

Havent submitted a find yet? QUICk - what are you waiting for! It's totally worth your while.

Hope to hear from you soon my pretties

FFIFY xxx

so frenchy so chic. pass me the pastries please.

Mon cheri.  Merci beaucorp.  Deja vu.  Ensuite.  Okay so that is about the extent of my grasp on the loveliness that is the French language – and admittedly I googled the correct spelling/meaning behind the first couple.   And then threw the last two in for good measure – even though technically they really have nothing to do with anything and are not even pretty words.  Oh.  So although I may not have the foreign language skills down pat, when it comes to today’s outfit I have hit the nail on the head (or the frog with the baguette if you want to get right into it).   Utilising the red black and white trend from my overindulgence in Sussan’s sale frenzy yesterday – today’s outfit is decidedly Parisienne chic:

See?  Even David the category buyer who comes from the book industry and knows nothing whatsoever about fashion told me I looked decidedly french.  Fab.  That is conclusive enough for moi.

So today's outfit includes the black and white striped knit bought yesterday from the Sussan super sale ($30 in store on sale Sussan).  Has a lovely contrasting silver zip feature that you cannot see in the pics - love it.  Worn over tomato red Zara cuffed man style pants ($25 eBay.  These babies fit amazingly, and are just the right length to be the most flattering on the leg), and then teamed with Seed Femme black ankle boots (yes, these are the same as the neutral ones I wear quite often.  FAB shape, perfect sized heel and super comfortable.  Wish they did them in all colours).  I have also added in a Seed Femme black and white colour block scarf - of which I decided not to wear.  OH and in the last image - I have added a black/cream/white checked People Tree handwoven draped jacket (as it was cold/wet/rainy at 5:30am this morning.  Hello Autumn - oh how I missed you).  This is it:

 

Isn't she beautiful?  AND she is doing wonders for the environment, as People Tree is a certified fair trade retailer.  FAB.  Gorgeous and a charity ambassador - what a hardworking coat.  She should change her name to Angelina.

Here is some inspiration shots for today's outfit:



Thats amore - oh wait.  Hang on... I think that may be Italian.....


FFIFY xxx