Wednesday, September 29

I've Got Your Black


When I was getting dressed this morning I wanted something that was, um, not outlandish. Demure maybe. I didn’t feel like anything experimental. Which is actually quite different for me.


It’s not to say that I wanted to be inconspicuous. With a head of hair like this it’s pretty much impossible anyway. I just didn’t feel like getting all crazy.


So I went the all black path and added a little lace, some pearls, studs and a chain to toughen it up and add some interest. Oh, and a bow for good measure.

Bow: Junk shop
Necklace: Kleins
Top: Myer
Singlet: David Jones
Belt: Myer
Bracelets: Rubi & Macy*s
Skirt: Target
Shoes: Rubi

Tuesday, September 28

Date Night


It’s date night tonight so I thought I’d dress the part.


We were going to do burgers and a movie. I was even going to ask for a shake with 2 straws. Actually, that’s a lie. I don’t like shakes. Maybe a cherry coke instead. Hell, if I’m being honest it would probably be a Gin & Tonic with 2 straws.


Anywho, someone decided that they’d only show the movie we wanted in 3D. I’m sorry but I will not be boarding the trend train on that one. If I want 3D I’ll walk outside. Apparently 2D only exists within the 9am – 5pm realm at the movies. No fair.


But it’s not all bad. The Man has announced he is taking me somewhere as a surprise. I’ve pestered and I’ve pried but he won’t budge.


Apparently I’m not averse to riding in the curiosity carriage.

Shirt: Roger David
Dress: Target
Bracelet: Gift
Belt: Cotton On
Shoes: City Beach

Monday, September 27

‘Tis Better To Have Loved And Been Able To Keep On Loving


Welcome to the lightest, most comfortable fabric that I have ever worn.


I can imagine taking this dress on holidays. The perfect thing for wearing to the beach and then whipping the hair up, adding some mesmerising earrings and gorgeous shoes and heading to the bar.


It’s that rare length that doesn’t need a slip and isn’t too Nana like. Though the fabric does remind me of my Grandma, which makes me smile. It has sleeves so doesn’t need anything extra at the office. Plus it’s a flattering cut.


Basically, I am in love. I want to wear this dress every day forever.


But in a cruel twist of fate, this wonderful little thing is falling apart before my very eyes. And it’s only the first time I’ve worn it.


The hem is unfinished. It’s appalling work really. But I don’t want to let it go. This isn’t a one wear fling. This is for life! What do I do? I’m afraid if I hem it any shorter it will go from nana to no-no. Do I unpick and re-do the whole thing? I don’t have that much faith in my sewing ability. Do I take it somewhere to have it done professionally? That would end up costing more than the dress itself.


Why? What could I have done to offend the dress-gods so...

Dress: Tightrope
Belt: Cue
Shoes: Rubi

Friday, September 24

Dot On


I was amused this morning when I realised that this new top from Dotti was also dotty, like my dress on Wednesday. Then the man pointed out that this was my 3rd day in a row wearing dots. Whaddya know? Looks like checks might have a new rival…


I’m happy with this singlet. I bought it expressly with the idea of tucking it in to a skirt that sat on my waist and I love that it worked just as I imagined.


As little as 2 years ago, if you had told me I’d be shopping with the intention of tucking my shirt in I would have snorted derisively and given you what The Man calls the “comb over” look. After some deep soul searching, somewhat like learning why I avoid suits, I’ve come to the conclusion that those 12 years of being told to tuck my shirt in as part of my uniform had a lasting effect. The rebel in me just didn’t wanna do it.


Oh the things we used to come up with not to tuck it in! There was the whole “tucking 2 fingers width of fabric in at the front and then letting the rest hang out”. The “madly tucking it in when a teacher came and then pulling it back out as soon as they’d walked away”. I was a big fan of the “folding under”. So it looked as though it was tucked in but it secretly wasn’t. Yeah, that’s just the way I rolled. Or folded…

Necklace: Gift
Cardigan: Witchery
Top: Dotti
Skirt: Gift
Belt: Myer
Bangle: Cotton On
Shoes: Rubi

Thursday, September 23

Mad



I know that every man and his leopard loves Mad Men. And while this outfit isn’t an homage or anything, it does remind me of something from the show.


I like that Mad Men has resurrected what I like to call “deliberate” dressing. Thoughtful dressing. Pride in tailoring, quality and cut. Delicate and well placed details like this badge and vintage ring.

It's been a long day.
I’m not kidding myself that we’ll all be giving Joan a run for her money. I’ll admit that, come the weekend, nothing beats loose shirts and denim shorts. But it’s nice to have the option of dressing like a lady.

Cardigan: Myer
Broach: Gift
Dress: Kmart
Ring: Gift
Shoes: Rubi

Wednesday, September 22

Some Like It Dot


Today I got told that I looked like: Alice in Wonderland, Dorothy, Shirley Temple and Raggedy Ann. Take your pick.


This is one of my scores from the weekend. Dotti was having an additional 50% off their clearance so I grabbed this and a top to try on and then joined the long line for the fitting rooms. 


While I was in the line I decided that I didn't really like the dress but I didn't want to lose my spot by putting it back so I brought it in with me. 


The top worked out (I'll debut it soon) and I thought, while I was in there I might as well try the dress. I'm really glad I did because it's super comfortable, light and a modest enough length that I don't have to wear a slip underneath which is great for the impending heat. Hooray!

Hair clips: Sportsgirl
Necklace: Gift
Dress: Dotti - I love that I got a dotty dress from dotti
Socks: Myer
Shoes: Chemist

Tuesday, September 21

Prairie Girl


I feel like I could run through fields all innocent and carefree in this outfit. Only it’s raining out so the grass would probably stick to my legs and itch me.


My shopping trip on Saturday was a success. I came away with 2 tops, 2 dresses, a skirt and a bangle (which I am wearing today). The only problem is it’s been raining since Sunday. Which is great. I love rain. It’s just, well, nothing that I bought is really conducive to cold, rainy weather (except maybe the bangle).


It’s supposed to dry out after today, so I shouldn’t have to wait too long to show off my finds. All on sale too might I add. Which, again, I love. It’s enough to make a girl wanna run through a field…

Earrings: Diva
Scarf: Gift
Dress: Witchery
Top: Myer
Belt: Myer
Bangle: Cotton On
Boots: Thrifted

Monday, September 20

"This Suit Burns Better. Look!"


So I accidentally wore a suit today. If anyone is interested in how one accidentally wears a suit, it goes something like this. “Gosh it’s raining out, I can’t wear that thing I had planned last night. Ok, I’ll wear that new shirt I got on the weekend with my grey skirt. But it’s a bit cold. I should probably wear a cardigan. Mmmm, I don’t like the shape with that cardigan. How about a blazer? That works. I don’t like that skirt with it though, I look like that girl. Remember that girl? She always wore that skirt. Hmmm, how about that black skirt? That’s better. Oh dang, I’m wearing a suit. Weird.”


And that’s how it happened.


I can safely say that the last time I wore a suit I was 14 and performing in the Rock Eisteddfod. It wasn’t just any suit. It was a yellow polyester suit worn with a black and red polka dot bow tie. No less than 3 people asked me if I was Mick Hucknall from Simply Red. A 14 year old girl does not want to be mistaken for Mick Hucknall from Simply Red.


Perhaps that has something to do with my reluctance to wear a suit…

Blazer: Target
Shirt: Witchery
Necklace: Gift
Skirt: Was Mum’s
Shoes: Rubi

Saturday, September 18

Pleasantly Peasant


I had a full day Emotional Intelligence workshop yesterday and by the end of it my brain was absolute moosh.


I'm hitting the stores today because, again, yesterday morning there was much wailing, arm flailing and general foot stomping at the lack of outfits in my wardrobe.



I'm sick of it happening and I'm sure you're sick of hearing about it so I've decided today is the day. I am not leaving the shopping centre until I have made a good dent in their wares.


I was actually quite pleased with what I ended up with yesterday. I got 3 comments on my shirt in the space of 20 minutes when I went out at lunch. That's always nice.



I liked the gypsy, boho vibe of it. The contrast of colours, shapes and flows. I have found myself gravitating towards wrap and high waisted skirts (in fact I have pulled a wrap skirt high on my waist right now) which is very different for me. Who knows what I'll bring home with me today.

Necklace: Diva
Top: Tigerlily
Belt: Myer
Skirt: Gift
Shoes: City Beach 

Thursday, September 16

Nothing There


Hmmm. This morning marked a second, consecutive clothing crisis. Not counting the crisis from last week. Something has to change. What that something is, is that I need to get more clothes in my closet. There is nothing in there and like the food you try to will into an empty refrigerator, there’s not going to be anything in there unless I go out and get it.


I’m going to a fashion/music/shopping event with Emma tonight. Perhaps the answer is there. If it’s not, hell, even if it is, I’m heading to the mall this weekend to stock up.


It’s weird. In winter I had so much that I was afraid to shop. I didn’t want to find something that I loved but ultimately, didn’t need. Now I need need need! Seriously guys, it’s bare in there. Nary a half empty mustard jar or cup of baking soda to be seen.

Top dress: Melrose Ave
Bottom dress: Myer
Necklaces: Gift & Von T
Belt: Target
Boots: Myer

Wednesday, September 15

Dear Liza, Dear Liza


I swapped my clothes over on the weekend and in doing so I have discovered some holes in my wardrobe.


At first I thought it was just a good pair of black shoes. Then it was also some wooden jewellery. And now, 3 days in, it seems it's everything.


The rich, overflowing closet of winter that threatened to burst out of the drawers and collapse under it's own weight has been replaced with...almost nothing.


The dresses from the cooler months, so perfect for layering have been deemed too short without their leggings, their tights, their safety nets.


I don't know what I wore last year. Whatever it was doesn't seem to have made it through the cull.

Cardigan: Was Mum's
Dress: Target
Necklaces: Dangerfield & Von T
Necklace worn as a bracelet: Diva
Bracelet: Macy*s
Leggings: Myer
Shoes: Rubi

Tuesday, September 14

This Is The New Tomorrow


I nearly wasn’t going to post any pictures of today’s outfit. It’s essentially the same as something I’ve worn before, only with different accessories.


But then I realised that going forward this will probably happen a lot. The layers are gone. The days are longer. The desire to wear less is fast approaching.


While I am not one to embrace minimal clothing willingly, I’m not silly. I know that when it’s hot out I want to dress comfortably. I know most days I’ll put on a dress and want to be done with it.


So I’ll seek comfort in my accessories. It is in my nature to layer. Now my knee high socks will be replaced with bangles. Scarves will move to my head to keep the hair out of my face. Rings, earrings and necklaces will be stacked, laced and layered. Really, it’s the only way forward.

Blazer: Kmart
Dress: Myer
Necklace: Was Mum’s
Belt: Myer
Bangles: ?, gift
Ring: Silver Shop in Capitola Mall
Shoes: David Jones