Monday, May 31

Time Flies


It's the last day of Autumn today. It's gone so fast! It feels like only yesterday that I was celebrating the first day of the season. I really wanted to wear this outfit today. They feel like the perfect Autumn colours and I didn't want to miss out.


The real talking piece of today was my watches. I've been wanting to stack a bunch of watches for a while now but haven't found anything that I really like. And what's with all the thrift stores either not having any or charging a ridiculous amount for them? These 2 orange ones were the right price. Free! A local dry cleaner was giving them out on the corner as celebration of being in business for 20 years. I missed out on scoring one on the corner but ended up with 2 thanks to people at work. Thanks guys!


I already had the middle one and had some leftover boot straps from customising the band on it. So they all work together really well. It has a rather Steampunk feel to it. I don't know much about the sub-culture but from what I have seen it's mighty cool.


Winter tomorrow. Hooray! It just keeps getting better!

Top: Myer
Shirt: Trade Secret
Necklace: Markets
Belt: Myer
Watches: Gifts, customised by Lovers, Saints & Sailors
Skirt: Valley Girl
Socks: Gift
Boots:Thrifted

Friday, May 28

Doing Time


Hooray early mark! I got to finish early today because I stayed back for an event at work on Wednesday night. Very few things beat the feeling of an early start to the weekend.


And would you look at this? I’m taking pictures outside. During the day. In natural lighting. I’d like to go back and tell myself to savour the daylight during the warmer months. Being a new blogger these things didn’t even cross my mind. Now I thank the underground parking at our apartment for its fluorescent lighting.


This top is very on trend for me. Look! Shoulder embellishments! I generally take what I like from each season and put my own spin on it but I really liked this shirt. Besides, apart from my mustard guy I don’t have any striped shirts. I don’t know how it came to be like this but you best believe I’m going out of my way to fill the gaping hole in my, uh, already plump wardrobe.


See this pink lipstick? I love it. I am going to level with you and say that I bought it purely based on the packaging (they've sold out of this colour). I was on strawberrynet and needed to buy one other thing to get free shipping (I know, I know, by buying something else it eliminates the whole “free” aspect) and found this by YSL. I am really glad that I got it though because I’m pretty sure I would have never picked up the colour in store. I only wear it occasionally but it feels a bit special whenever I do.


Have a great weekend guys!

Shirt: Tightrope
Necklace: Gift
Dress: Myer
Belt: Kmart
Ring: Diva
Socks: Gift
Shoes: Chemist

Thursday, May 27

Bright Side


Hello colour! This whole thing started with the shoes and tights. I saw something pink against these tights when I wore them last and just knew I wanted to wear these shoes with them next. Then looking through my rather plump, cooler weather wardrobe I found this top and thought it would be perfect. Add the cardigan and voila! An entire outfit. Well, almost. This top is actually a really short dress and I had a hard time figuring out what to wear underneath it. In the end I went with a black mini and a black tie belt to pull it all together.


I had my grey high waisted shorts underneath originally. They looked cute but the bow at the front was too bulky for under the dress. I swear I’ll actually wear them one of these days instead of just talking about them.


This top (dress?) is covered in bows. I should be at the height of fashion what with all the bows around at the moment. I’ve actually had it for a good 2-3 years. Guess I was ahead of the times.

Cardigan: SES Fashion
Broach: Gift
Top/Dress: Myer
Belt: Sportsgirl
Ring: Sportsgirl
Skirt: Macy*s
Tights: Target
Shoes: Target

Wednesday, May 26

Sweet as Nails


We have an event on at work tonight. I’ll be staying back a few hours but it means I’ll get to leave a few hours early on Friday so I don’t mind. I wanted to look professional but still me. I think I pulled it off well.


This necklace has drawn a lot of attention today. I’m a bit in love with it. I saw it on sale in Diva for $5 but passed it up. Then I just kept dreaming up outfits to build around it for days so next chance I had I crossed my fingers and there it was! I’ve paired it with another newer necklace to toughen the whole thing up. Sure they’re pretty flowers but if you get close enough there are skulls nestled in there.


These are my second pair of polka dot stockings. The last ones from Target tore way too quickly. These ones are from Sportsgirl and feel a lot tougher. I honestly don’t ever want to take them off. Hygiene aside, I’m pretty sure I could happily sport them every day. They remind me of my Mum when she was younger and I like thinking of my Mum.


Overall I am head over heels with this whole outfit. This dress is the perfect LBD for me. And I’ve even taken the Westwood girls out for another spin. It’s one of those days where I’d be happy to bump into that bitchy girl I used to work with. Or that boy that turned me down in high school. Honey, you don’t know what you missed out on.

Dress: Myer
Necklaces: Diva
Stockings: Sportsgirl
Shoes: Vivienne Westwood

Tuesday, May 25

What Was


I wore this outfit in August last year when we looked at our current apartment for the first time. I had different shoes and a brown belt with it but aside from that it was the same. Oh, no scarf though. And my hair was out. It’s amazing that I remember all of that but I do. Anyway, when I wore it last year I felt great. We were moving out after a patch of tough, tough times. I was working a new job and everything was exciting.


It’s amazing the difference that circumstances can make to an outfit. I had something else in mind this morning that clashed spectacularly but the silhouette wasn’t right so I switched the shirt out for this cardigan and scarf and changed my shoes. I should feel better than I do. I love this cardigan and these shoes. And this shirt too. Instead I feel a little uncomfortable and bland. Someone even commented that I looked rather subdued today. I should be able to dress subdued if I want but I’d like to do it on my terms.


I’m not sure that I’m 100% stoked with my hair in braids either. OK, ok, let’s turn this around. It’s nice and grey outside and we all know that’s my favourite kind of weather. It means that I get to wear things like scarves and cardigans. This scarf is actually my Mum’s and it feels nice to have something of hers on. I was really excited when I found these shoes. And finally, I’m really happy with how I customised the band on this watch. Even though I didn’t notice that it had stopped until 10am this morning, I still like the look of it. There, all better.

Scarf: Was Mum’s
Cardigan: Myer
Shirt: Myer
Singlet: Was Mum’s
Watch: Gift, customised by Lovers, Saints & Sailors
Skirt: Target
Shoes: City Beach

Monday, May 24

A Rose By Any Other Colour


There has been some discussion as to the actual colour of my new cardigan. The tag simply said “red” but I’ve had vermilion, watermelon and lychee too. It looks orange to me. Bright orange. Whatever colour it is, I like it.


I feel rather academic today. It’s not a ground breaking outfit but I really like it. I had planned on buying a few more of these cardigans yesterday. Last time I was in there they had about 15 different colours. But when I went in this little fellow was all alone. It’s OK little guy, you can come home and be brothers with my other cardigans. There’s a green guy, 2 green guys actually, a few black, a purple, a coffee, another orange (or whatever colour you really are, it’s OK, we don’t discriminate here) and a mustard guy that is short sleeved so I’m not sure whether he’s technically a cardigan but he lives on your shelf.


I was going to wear my monocle today but I thought it made it all a little too much. It’s on a chain, not like I was going to walk around wearing a monocle on my eye. Not that I would be opposed to it but this particular monocle is a little too big for my eye socket and when I do manage to cram it in there my eyelashes go all weird and I totally look like a poster girl for A Clockwork Orange.


Paired with the academic look, these beaded bangles make me feel like my best friend went to Africa on summer break while I stayed home and took summer classes. I don’t really know what that feels like. I went to college for about 3 weeks before I dropped out. And my best friend has never been to Africa. His Dad is from Rhodesia though. That’s pretty cool.

Cardigan: SES Fashion
Shirt: Was Mum’s
Necklace: Markets
Bangles: Gift
Skirt: Myer
Socks: Sportsgirl
Shoes: Chemist

Friday, May 21

I've seen her dehydrate sir, it's pretty gross.


I'm home sick from work today. I've spent most of the day right here on the couch. In winter I like to make my pajamas as interesting as possible. Anything goes, the more layers the better. I made the dress you can see peeking out there. I tell you what, I was pretty proud. After I'd finished raging and swearing and all. Fun fact: I have no patience.


It made it's debut 2 years ago on New Years Eve. Complete with matching headband and home made margarita. I'm actually wearing a home made apron under there too which made the dress bunch up all weird in the picture. Nothing a few margaritas didn't fix...

Sweater: Trade Secret
Dress: Self made
Leggings: Myer
Socks: Sussan

Thursday, May 20

Era! Error!


Like my new shoes? I’ve been looking for good, studded flats for ages. They’re not exactly what I was after but they’re pretty damn swell. I ordered them online and had to specify my size in centimetres. It was a bit scary but it all paid off in the end. Plus they have Bright Eyes lyrics written on the sole inside.


I’m not sure if it’s appropriate but it’s a nice touch.


When I was showing them off this morning, one of the guys said that he liked them because they reminded him of a 17th century shoe that a man would have worn with his stockings and wig. He then questioned himself as to whether it would have actually been more 18th century. I totally get it. The purple tights lend a regal feel. And the bow with the lone ringlet in the back? Very 17th-18th century dude.


Then in the bathroom one of the girls said I was rocking an 80’s look. I guess I can see that too. Who knew the 1980’s were a throw back to the 17th-18th century?

Bow: Junk shop customised by Lovers, Saints & Sailors
Blazer: Kmart
Necklace: Diva
Dress: Myer
Belt: Myer
Ring: Diva
Tights: Target
Shoes: Yesstyle.com.au

Wednesday, May 19

Will It Blend?


We had a srs bzns meeting on at work today. I asked The Man to remind me about it when I was getting dressed this morning so I didn’t inadvertently look like the cleaning lady again. But when it came time to put something together I really couldn’t bring myself to straighten it up. Rather than bore us all I decided to go with what I felt, only muted.


Why, with these unobtrusive colours I could pretty much disappear in my surroundings. Provided they were foliage and not the boardroom.


This whole outfit was based on the fact that the shirt and jacket have the same collar style. I think it worked out just fine. 


Except maybe the stockings. While I for one love the fact that I don’t have to de-hair the ol’ pins quite so often in the cooler months, I am yet to find a pair of “flesh toned” (yeah right) stockings that don’t make me look like I’m either trying out for a chorus line or like I’ve just crawled out from the crypt. And don’t even get me started on low rise VS control top. Sheesh. If any of you have any suggestions, lay ‘em on me. In the meantime I’m off to pick up a razor. For the legs, not the wrists. Don’t worry, I don’t take shiny stockings that seriously…

Jacket: Hand me down
Shirt: Thrifted
Skirt: Target
Bracelets: ? & Gift
Stockings: Myer
Boots: Thrifted

Tuesday, May 18

Way to Bee


I was allergic to bees as a child. The swelling and immediate, frantic red line to my heart from wherever the bite occurred was terrifying. Yet it didn’t seem to stop me from joining my 5th grade class mates on the oval at lunch time when we’d all stomp on the bees pollinating the clover. Though Rollers were the coolest shoe to wear back in 1992, they weren’t the most sensible bee stomping attire. A lucky few would sneak between the long triangle gaps and buzz to freedom, sometimes. Sometimes they’d use the escape to sacrifice themselves with a jab in a fleshy, pubescent leg.


I might still be allergic to bees but it’s been so long now since I’ve been stung that I don’t know.


Without fail this shirt elicits a number of “you look like a bee” related comments from those around me. I don’t mind. I like it. And to be honest, I’m not going to take offence easily to anything you say about the way I dress. I dress for me first. I dress for the bees second.

Shirt: Valley Girl
Dress: Target
Belt: Ross
Tights: ?
Shoes: Rubi

Monday, May 17

Go Your Own Way


I love the weather out there. I wish it wasn’t too dark to take pictures out but such is this time of year. It’s all grey and cloudy and chilly. Not cold yet but definitely chilly. I just feel at home when it’s like this. I’m in my element. Layering it up, clashing, mixing, matching. Yes, yes, yes, yes.


I like what happened today. I didn’t plan a lick of it. I simply picked things up as I walked throughout the house. The skirt from the clean washing basket, the shirt from the couch where the laundry was taken in last night before it got too damp out there. Then back into the bedroom to pull the tights out of my tights “bag”, a singlet from the wardrobe, the blazer off its hanger, the ring from my yellow jewellery tree. It needed a necklace so this wonderful gift from many Christmases ago came off the yellow tree too. A search through the bathroom, kitchen and laundry cupboards came back with no polish so these shoes will face another day scuffed. Why is it that one is so much more scuffed than the other? The gloves were already in my bag and as the day wore on they made an appearance.


I loved dressing this way. No stress, almost a fluid motion. I wish every day was this easy.

Blazer: Kmart
Necklace: Gift
Shirt: Myer
Singlet: Big W
Gloves: Sportsgirl
Skirt: Myer
Tights: Myer
Shoes: Chemist

Friday, May 14

Small Town Girl


I’m happy to be wearing this dress today. For some reason I remembered it being too short and/or tight when I pulled it out of my winter stuff a couple of weeks back. I’d hung it up in my wardrobe with the intention of giving it one last shot before I moved it to the Goodwill bag. To be honest I was dubious at best.


But last night, when I realised that I didn’t have anything planned for today/tonight (we’re meeting friends for drinks and dinner) my eye settled on it in my wardrobe in a moment of “what if?” It definitely needed leggings and I wanted something a little more interesting than plain black so I went with these floral ones.


Together with the belt, boots and denim jacket I feel like a small town girl from the late 70’s. The dress tie worn as a head band and the big hair (I can’t help it) lend it a little more of an 80’s feel though. I’m happy with it either way. I actually got a pat on the back (well, shoulder) for this outfit at work today. Awesome.


I’d just like to point out my boots. Don’t they look gorgeous? I took them in to have the sole reattached (I’d walked through the stitching), the back sewed and the heels re-done. When I picked them up he’d given them a good oiling too. They looked like a whole new pair of boots! Now I can get another 6 years out of them. Thanks Cobbler.

Jacket: Was Mum’s
Badges: Various
Dress: Melrose Ave
Shirt: Was Mum’s
Belt: Was Mum’s
Leggings: Valley Girl
Boots: Thrifted

Thursday, May 13

Take Your Pick


Well. This outfit has elicited a wide array of comments from around the office. There were so many that I had to write them down. Check it out, “You look _____ today”:

1. French
2. Irish
3. Scottish
4. Country
5. Punk
6. English
7. Confused
8. Like something out of Oliver Twist
9. Like Bon Scott/an AC/DC fan
10. Where is your MG?


I got inspiration for this outfit when I was dressing for the challenge yesterday. I took this vest off a hanger and placed it over this shirt to make more room. Then looking at it I realised that I really liked them together. The blue of the shirt with the grey of the vest feels very much like a school uniform. While I strongly disliked wearing a uniform at school, the novelty of it now is appealing. The rest of the outfit came tumbling after. The vest lead to the hat which made me think of the skirt and then the tights with these shoes. Yesterday’s pirate ship broach to top it all off and I was good to go.


I must say I am incredibly comfortable today. This style of dress, with the layering is definitely my favourite. Which is one of the reasons that I love Autumn and Winter so much. The added extras that you get to include, it all makes me so happy.


I’m loving the fat, messy, side plaits that are everywhere at the moment. Unfortunately my hair isn’t quite long enough at the moment so I’ve settled for a side pony which I am equally happy with. I’ve been contemplating getting a hair cut for the last month or so. Having it back like this though makes me realise that it’s not really all that long. At least not when it's dry...

Beret: Gift
Vest: Target
Broach: Gift
Shirt: Target
Singlet: Gift
Gloves: Big W
Skirt: Myer
Tights: Myer
Shoes: Chemist

Wednesday, May 12

Challenge V3


And we’re back. Apologies for the late posting of yesterdays outfit. We went to Shnookie’s to watch the UFC and were there a lot longer than anticipated. We got home with just enough time to take the make up off, brush the teeth and fall into a log-like sleep before it was time to be up and out the door again. Tonight should be a lot more low-key so I can catch up on everything that’s been slowly piling up around me.


To break the funk of the last few days I got the man on board for another challenge (others here and here). This time he said it wasn’t about a piece so much as a colour. He wanted to see what I’d do with red and promptly selected 3 red shirts. Having 3 to choose from to start was hard so I asked him to single one out and he chose this guy.


Originally I had it paired with wool tights, grey high waisted shorts and my new blazer. It looked OK but I decided it might be a little too much (or not enough? The shorts are kinda short) for work. My favourite parts are the details in here today. I’m over the moon at the necklace/shirt combination and really love using this broach that The Man gave me for my birthday as a belt buckle.


To be honest I think the funk was broken last night when I got ready to go to Shnookie’s. I had to get dressed real quick and threw on everything that I felt like wearing and it just worked. I am a huge fan of tights, shorts, dress layering in the colder months. I just need to figure out how to do it for work.

Shirt: Thrifted
Necklace: a creature strange at Bris-Style Indie Twilight Markets
Dress: Was Mum’s
Belt: ?
Broach worn as a buckle: Gift
Tights: Target
Shoes: Novo

Last Night’s Outfit
Cardigan: SES Fashion
Dress: Big W
Belt: Myer
Shorts: ?
Tights: Target
Boots: Thrifted