Saturday 31 December 2011

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a happy new year out there! I started this blog just under six months ago now and it's continuing to grow and thrive. Ultimately, what I want to ask you for now, is to let me know what you want to see more of, what I should give a miss and if you enjoy a post I really want you to tell me about it! So I'm enabling comments. There are also the little tick boxes at the bottom of each post so you can simply click your response to a post.
Thanks again for all your support, and don't forget, you can follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook and tell your friends about me!

Friday 30 December 2011

Von Follies by Dita Von Teese




I've been meaning to write about this for weeks. I'm so excited! Target went a little quiet with its designer ranges for a while there, and I'm glad to see its range coming out. Hell, if Dita was releasing a high priced range in Australia I'd still be all over it like glitter on glue.
The range will be release nationally in early February, so it's a little over a month away now. But the good thing is that the range will be added to in March and April.
Sizes are also coming in a big range with Bras going to an E cup size and briefs coming up to size 20.
Also to make sure that everyone in Australia has access to the range it will also be available to buy online! It's good to see Target stepping into the online shopping arena.
Can't wait! It'll be worth staying up late to be first in on the net.

Thursday 29 December 2011

Bought! DIY Pillow by Sportsgirl

Make your own embroidered cushion by Sportsgirl x Beci Orpin


Beci Orpin put together some cute stuff for the Sportsgirl Gift ideas table this year and this kit was part of that.This was probably my bargain of the day from Boxing day, their price started off at $29.95, but in the sales I picked two of them up for $6.65 each! I wasn't going to pay full price for them before Christmas but I had to stop myself a few times in fear they would sell out. Basically it's an 'embroider your own pillowcase' kit, Kind of nana-ish I know but didn't you know that DIY is awesome? I've been sitting on the couch while my boy plays video games for the last few nights trying not to stab myself in my fingers. But it's looking good so far. The kit comes with everything you need with needles, embroidery thread in a range of colours and the cushion insert (fun to lug around on boxing day!) but I'm going to go one step further and insert zips into my covers

The Project in process, I picked up the embroidery loop from Lincraft for a couple of bucks and recommend anyone with this kit do the same.

Tuesday 27 December 2011

Boxing day 2011 sales wrap up

So I shopped, and shopped, and shopped some more, what else would you expect of me really? Here's what I thought, there will be posts later of what I bought, but I'm pleased with my bargains. I didn't post yesterday purely out of exhaustion. I shopped, til I dropped.
One of the things every one who worships at the alter of the credit card needs to experience in their lives is to be in the crunch of people waiting to get into Myer or David Jones on boxing day. Hilariously the news-people filmed the outside entrance where no one really lined up, while people were milling around the indoors entrance to Myer for a good hour before it opened. I know, because I bypassed the crowd and went to find other shops that were open instead! Kind of disappointed they weren't open before 9, but I found early bird bargains elsewhere too.

In the city and Carindale I went to the following:

Dotti: Picked up some cute gear from their gift table, but other then that they have some good mark downs on clothing, good to refresh your wardrobe for summer.
Lorna Jane: Finally! I stalk Lorna Jane for cheap clothes because I can never quite justify the full price. Not as large a markdown as I like but still a lot more affordable with tights and older collections getting a good price chop. Full piece Malia Swimsuit for half price? Yup, nice one.
Forever New: Also good for having a pick over their gift table, I wanted one of the gorgeous bird print suitcases but they hadn't been marked down *sadface* my god wouldn't that have been fun to lug around during sale time!
Myer: The big one, it's certainly best to go to the first day of sales for Myer because they have all kinds of extra one day only sales on top of the rest of their specials. Gift packs were awesome, but in my opinion the clothing sale will only get better so I'll come back with fresh eyes after new years.
Sportsgirl: I didn't actually think they were going to improve on their pre-Christmas sale but I was wrong, They had all sale items marked down an extra 30%, and added all their gift-ware too, very nice. Though my experience was sullied by the occurrence I have noted in the last paragraph ...
Diva: Disappointment of the day, but I suppose I'm so used to the epic boxing day sales they normally have that this seemed really sub-par. I think barely a fifth of their stock was marked down, and none of it was the decent stuff, just what was marked down a few months back (I lie, they did add their Christmas gift stock). I seems that all they really did was stick up sale signs. No purchase.
Lovisa: Have marked down more of their stuff, there's some good stuff if you have a trawl, different stuff has been marked down compared to the recent sale so it's worth a look.
Alannah Hill: No real difference to pre-Christmas, but there's still lots of stock available. I think they'll have to mark down further if they want to move it by February.
David Jones: Impressive, lots of good solid mark downs, but lots of stuff that gets wheeled out for every sale too. If you keep to the shelves there's some good bargains. I noted that in among the Mimco handbags they had marked down bags that weren't on sale in the Mimco shops.
Mimco: Not a big improvement on prior to Christmas at all really, they say they've added more stock to the sale but I couldn't tell.
Peter Alexander: The one store I took a look at, look at the throng of people shopping and went 'F this!' and fled. Must've been good! Lol. I think I'll be shopping that sale from the safety of my armchair. Looking online it is good, Peter are known for having sales rarely, but when they do, they're epic.
Target: Faithful, well stocked Target. Good savings across the store, I had a good look at homewares, clothes and leftover Christmas decorations, alas, no fairy lights still available @_@. I recommend having a look at kitchen drapery, and classic clothing items,

One last point for anyone, for the love of god, leave your kids at home! (supervised of course, what are grandparents for?) I spotted one little girl in absolute tears because her mother had ditched her out the front of Sportsgirl because the girl had reached the end of her patience for following mum around all day. And FFS(!) it's fun enough trying to haul your shopping around without having to dodge people with strollers who think they have right of way!

Sunday 25 December 2011

Merry Christmas!

Totally chiming in a little late as far as Australia is concerned but I'm sending out a Merry Christmas to our readers. I know I ate more then my share of turkey today. Yummmm.
Stay safe everyone! and I hope you had a great day whatever you were doing!

Saturday 24 December 2011

Birdette's sales shopping list

Forgive me for a post that probably seems more then a little self indulgent, but if you know where I recommend to go and buy these things for the best price and quality, really I'm helping you!

Sports underwear: For variety of sizes, range and price, Big W wins hands down. I have a bra size that sits out of common sizes nowadays, massive pain in the ass but they cater to this, the Triumph range comes in reasonable prices that get even better when they're on sale, and the cotton G-Strings made by Rio are the best knickers for hiding under tights.

Sports tights: Can't go past Lorna Jane, yeah they're not as cheap but my god they're flattering. Because their sizes tend too run a little big you're more likely to find a size to fit you, and I find the waistbands don't give you a bad muffintop (if any).

Kimono jacket: Those lovely easy breezy slip-ons are everywhere, but I like the style at Cotton On, they have a nice range of prints and price is good too.

This is merely just a snippet of what's on my list, but I'm dying to get out into the throng of it today!

Friday 23 December 2011

Bought! Zetta tote by Mimco

Totally stoked that this bag finally went on sale a few days ago, I swooped in early enough and it is ideal! Great size, durable, nice detailing and a detachable shoulder strap. It's not leather, but I wanted a nice tough bag that I didn't have to worry about getting wet.
$119 down from $199! I'm glad I waited.
There are stacks of other bargains to be had at Mimco too, and if you're a member they're giving you a 30% off everything else in the store that hasn't been marked down TODAY ONLY. Worth going to the mall just to check it out in my opinion.

Zetta bag from Mimco

Thursday 22 December 2011

Loving this week: Issa x Havaianas collaboration

I'm not a fan of thongs but these are some incredibly cute designs, Havaianas have been working with Daniella Helayel of the Brand Issa London to create this range of thongs, (Issa being one of Kate Middleton's favourite brands.) Featuring heart and spot motifs, The contrasting fluorescent straps are spot on in trend for the summer and the quirky prints are subtle and cute.
Major <3. Last minute Christmas idea anyone?


RRP $29.95 in Aus

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Whatever happened to Boxing Day sales?

The pre-Christmas sales ate them, that's what! So many places have already started their sales it's ridiculous. There will be no difference between now and boxing day in the majority of stores, and I predict that the department stores are the only ones that there will be any difference (weather the difference is notable is another matter)
What this does mean for you is that if you haven't been out into the stores with your boxing day budget already, you best get into it! Here's just a small selection that I have found notable.

Review: 20% off new stock, and up to 50% off everything else.
Sportsgirl: Half of the stock looks to be marked down, I've picked up things up to 70% off before in their sales.
Portmans: Same goes for Portmans, truly worth going through.
Mimco: up to 50%, I bought a handbag from there today and the clerk told me she was surprised it was marked down as this type of bag never gets marked down ... bonus!
Alannah Hill: Up to 50% off
Cue: Up to 50% off

Can't handle the crowds? (They are pretty massive already!) Most of these shops have online counterparts but don't forget to check out ASOS marked down up to $50 off thousands of items. I've put an order through already.

Stores to check on Boxing day?

Diva: $5 racks galore, good god yes please!
Myer: Not one for the faint hearted, go alone, or take someone to hold your spot in the lines!
Kikki K: Up to 50% off

Tuesday 20 December 2011

Splurge v Steal: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat & L'Oreal True Match Touche Magique

Illuminating concealers are a brilliant make-up items found in beauty around the world and these two are my favourites, I use them under my eyes and around my nose to help reflect light and brighten up tired and dull skin as required, they do not conceal per se, but rather are useful in the fight against eye bags and for highlighting.
Try dabbing them on at the just above the middle of your lips (just above the cupid's bow) to make your pout look fuller. Otherwise along the top of your cheekbone or on your brow-bone will help your face appear more angular and slim.
The pen packaging is also very convenient, you draw it on and then tap to blend with your ring finger, they are also very compact and will fit into most make-up cases, and you can even slide them into a brush roll without any fuss.
One thing that I think Touche Eclat has over Touche Magique though is the variety of shades, Magique comes in four shades (in Aus) while Eclat comes in seven with varieties for darker skin-tones.

 Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat

 L'Oreal True Match Touche Magique

Monday 19 December 2011

Book review: Meals in Heels by Jennifer Joyce

Meals in Heels by Jennifer Joyce

I have had this book since before I even started this Blog, and to me it deserves being put up on here. It is one of the books I pull down time and time again whenever I'm in the mood for something lovely to eat, or even just to get inspired to cook something new and interesting. My personal favourite is the 'Make ahead risotto with sausage, spinach and cherry tomatoes.
Jennifer is a food stylist and recipe writer based in London, so she is exposed to stacks of different dishes, ingredients and cooking styles that have worked their way into this book. The basis of the book are dishes that you would make for a dinner party, but it helps you prepare as much of the food as possible in advance so you actually get to enjoy your dinner party. It gives you prompts in the recipe instructions telling you how long in advance you should ideally be doing each step, but of course you can still make it all in one go to put on the table for a household dinner.
What sets this recipe book out from the rest of them to me is the styling. Along with each recipe there are tips on how to present it and a few other dishes in the book it would go well with. This helps immeasurably when you haven't had the chance to cook any of it before. What sort of platter should I go for? Will it fit in this bowl? Will these two dishes complement each other? They're all taken care of.
Also at the front of the book is the 'getting started' section, of course it's a great place to start with general tips and tricks to ensure your dinner party will run smoothly, with help on how much to serve per person, what will help fill them up, menu plans, and other good advice.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone looking to break out of a cooking rut and looking to start entertaining guests. Even seasoned dinner party fans are bound to pick up some help on how to make more of their meals ahead of time by adapting some of the tricks to suit their own recipes.

Sunday 18 December 2011

Bought! Bambi playsuit from Peter Alexander

Ha, I'm so glad I managed to track down and buy this gorgeous piece of sleepwear before they all sold out. I've been trying mega hard not to buy anything just for me so I can afford to buy my Christmas presents.
The fabric feels absolutely gorgeous, a blend between 30% silk and 70% cotton. so it feels quite slinky with none of the retained heat you get from synthetic satin. The print is so cute, watery coloured images of Bambi, thumper and the forest (Did I mention Bambi is one of my favourite Disney motifs?) and the lacy detail around the top just finished it off nicely.
I didn't even wrap it and put it on the tree. Had to wear it now!
Bambi play-suit by Peter Alexander

Wednesday 14 December 2011

Product review: Garnier Intensive 7 days Body Lotion

I picked this up in a two pack the other day to give it a go and see what I thought about it, I just can't go past a bargain without looking twice. Even though I already own several moisturisers!
I'm quite pleased with it too. I bought the Extra Dry Skin formulation with Shea Butter (a godsend for dry skin) and kept up the applications every day for a fortnight. The claim is that you can still feel the effects of the moisturiser up to 7 days after you stop using it, while I think honestly this is a bit far fetched, it is still a good moisturiser to use every day. It absorbs quickly, doesn't feel greasy, and has a light scent that won't clash with your perfume. It's a good choice for applying in the morning before you put your clothes on.

Other varieties it comes in include:
Aloe Vera for Normal Skin
Mango Oil for Dry Skin (smells just like summer!)
Honey for Dry Skin
Cocoa Butter for Dry Skin


At Priceline you can pick it up in a two pack for less then $10, Try it for yourself.

Tuesday 13 December 2011

Bought! Cupcake memo pad from Dotti

Does anyone else go Christmas shopping and wind up buying for themselves as well? I'm guilty of it but I try to do it on a more 'one for me, one for who I'm shopping for' basis, but this was just too cute! I had to buy one, it was taunting me! But I know a friend who would love it just as much, So under the tree it goes.
Cupcake memo pad from Dotti

Monday 12 December 2011

King George Square twilight indie markets

So who has done all of their Christmas shopping? If you answered yes then you are either lying or in need of a treat!
Or perhaps you need a fresh place to hunt for some more presents to finish off you lists?
BrisStyle Indie Twilight market will be occuring this Friday the 16th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with more then 100 sellers full of handmade goodies from local Brisbane creative types. King George Square is also nice and close to the centre of town for easy access. I'll be heading to check it out as I haven't had the chance yet and I'm really excited to check it out and hopefully finish off my shopping!
For more information, check this out.

Sunday 11 December 2011

Loving this week: The Iconic

I have a site for you all to check out! The Iconic. A fashion shop with a focus on Australian labels for men and women that we all know and love. With free shipping and a 30 day no questions asked returns? Yes please!
The Iconic is pretty new out there, only starting a few months ago but is quickly building into the place to go for Australian labels online.

Wanna peek at the wares?
I'm a fan of anything quirky, I may even have too many hero pieces in my wardrobe for my own good but I love the individual detailing of this sleeveless trench, perfect for layering in our fickle weather!


This Suboo cape is a great addition to your wardrobe, I love the print, and 100% silk means it will cover you up but still keep you cool in summer. 


Sheer pieces can be tricky to style but so long as you always remember to balance them with modesty you'll be sweet. The asymmetric detail keeps it current and the panels are cut just right to show off your figure but skim any problems. This is going on the wish list.


Also if you sign up to their newsletter, you get a $10 to spend in the store, also good to be ahead of the pack for their sales and news. Check it out here.

Saturday 10 December 2011

Christmas gift ideas: Fitness Fanatic

I've tried to come up with ideas that will work for both seasoned sports girls and the ones who are just finding their feet, encouragement is a great thing, but possibly the best thing you can give a newbie is to go with them!

Under $30:
As I've previously mentioned, I do quite like a fun slogan singlet, Asana makes some good ones if not slightly in your face a times, but like I also said back then, I look down on anyone who uses the word 'chockies' (I don't care if you earn them one step at a time... chockies is a stupid word!)

Slogan Singlets $29.99 each

Under $50:
A lot of sportswear comes with pockets for your gear but not all of them do, a bum bag is one of the ways you can carry your keys and ipod. Yeah, they are a little daggy but I like this Lorna Jane one, it's flat and fashionable in a way that won't date.
LJ Bum Bag by Lorna Jane $39.99


Under $100:
I thrash the crap out of my gym bags, and they only last a few months without something falling apart on me, so I'm almost always in the market for a new one, I look at them having enough room to hold everything, looking good, having a long over the shoulder strap and some pockets to hide little things.
adidas Clima365 Team Gym Bag $59.95

Wednesday 7 December 2011

Would you wear it? Prada

There are times when I look at what is coming down the catwalks at the big elite fashion shows and can't help but laugh out loud. I think that sometimes they're just trying to come up with the most ridiculous look possible for us to emulate so we can claim we're in fashion, when all we actually do look like is utterly insane and stupid. Take these for example:

Have you ever seen a more WTF moment in fashion? And seen people actually wanting to buy them? Kooky sunnies are OK but who would be caught dead in these?

Another curveball for our sense of fashion? why yes, here we have another pearl from Prada.

No .... just no.

Monday 5 December 2011

Christmas gift ideas: Girlie girl

For starters, I would assume that this particular friend of yours is partial to looking and keeping her house in a girlie manner?

Under $30:
This Bunny ring dish is adorable, it reminds me of Thumper from Bambi.
Ring dish $24 from Have You Met Miss Jones

Under $50:
I love this key hook and have it in my mind to buy it for myself too! don't think that renters can't put it up either, some of those temporary picture hooks will hold this up nicely!
Brass Key Hook $45 from Prue Trollope

Under $100:
The gleam of an Alannah Hill bag waiting in your hand is enough to make most girlie girls squeal. Alannah has a range of accessories that will do the trick nicely, I really love this belt, it will complete a simple dress perfectly.
Hello Sailor Girl! belt $99 by Alannah Hill

Sunday 4 December 2011

Christmas gift ideas: Crafter

The problem is with some crafty types that sometimes they stick to their niche and don't really stray from that. There are stacks of crafty activities; knitting, sewing clothing, scrap-booking, card making, crochet, quilting, pottery, even glass-work. So I'll try to come up with ideas that will cross a wide variety, but even then, you may end up poking them into something they love with a gift a bit to the left of what they're already into.

Under $30:
One major problem that I find that comes with being crafty is that it is damn messy! and I never have enough space to put everything, looking into what sort of craft they do and finding a suitable storage solution to what they already do will be infinitely appreciated. Little plastic sets of drawers are great for papercrafts, while storage portable suitcases are good for sewing, Even tackle baskets are awesome for sewing bits and pieces.

Under $50:
Updating your friends stock of tools she uses is another good idea. as I often don't even realize that the needle I've had in my machine is about 5 projects old, and I didn't even realize that I shouldn't use the same pair of scissors to cut both fabric and paper for a long time. Buying them a new set of scissors, a new crochet hook set (and roll to keep them in!) can prove invaluable.
Another idea is to book them into lessons in a craft that they have mentioned in the past, but this is a tricky one, you need to have listened really carefully, and maybe even stalked their google history!

Under $100:
This present can seem a bit nana-ish, totally get that but so can half of crafty activities when you think about it, I still get called a babushka for my willingness to sew my nieces and nephews presents (FFS! it's cheap and chips and really personal, what's wrong with that??) So I'm going to suggest a Cuttlebug machine, or if they already have one, some  stencils for it. It's worth hunting on the internet as they come in a wide variety of sizes, big shot are sturdy and can cut more materials, Cuttlebugs are your go to user friendly machine, there are other ones and if you're really confused, find yourself a shop assistant or online forum to see what other people think.
Cuttlebug 2

Thursday 1 December 2011

Pre Christmas Warehouse and Sample Sale Brisbane

Just a heads up before it finishes. This sale is at 101 Jane street West End, and features labels such as Ben Sherman, Miss Sixty, Energie, Scotch & Soda, Havaianas and Maison Scotch.
Friday it is open from 7 to 7, Saturday from 7 to 5, and Sunday 9 to 4.
Personally I'm eager to check out the Maison Scotch!

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