Bioderma Sebium Products Review

Hey Readers, it's great to have you here for my review of this range. Bioderma have been released in Australia for less then a year now but even before that there has been a plenty of buzz about them. Why? Because they're THAT good.
I was lucky enough to be sent the entire range of Bioderma's Sebium products to test out and review, which is perfect because it suits my skin to a tee. To describe my skin in all brutal honesty I would call it oily with a side of pores. The range has been specifically created for those looking to decrease and control oilyness, reduce the appearance of pores, and help diminish any acne. Cannot get much more suited then that.
The reason why I am reviewing this range is because in recent weeks they have released two key products, Sebium Global and Sebium Pore Refiner. I have been using the range in conjunction with my normal makeup removing cleanser in the evening, as you don't want to get this stuff in your eyes. A normal morning looked like this:
Cleanse for around a minute with Gel Moussant (or Gel Gommant to exfoliate for two minutes).
Apply Global if my skin was behaving well or AKN if I had any spots.
Apply Pore Refiner across my nose and cheeks to hide my pores.

Because the formulas do not contain sunscreen and are not recommended around eyes, I would then apply sunscreen and go about my makeup routine as per usual.

So how has that gone for the last month? While my skin is not particularly mattefied it feels much less congested and like it's operating how it should. Taking the extra effort to double cleanse with a makeup remover and the Gel Moussant in the evening has really helped. Straight after using the Gel Gommant scrub your face looks and feels amazing and applying the base products leaves skin feeling soft and perfect. I noticed my skin did clear up and my pores were cleaner while using the products, not shrunk but a cleaner pore is much less of a hassle to hide! The base products do make an excellent base for makeup, but the mattefying abilities didn't stand much of a fight against a Queensland never-ending Summer, but then again, what does? None the less because of the fact that my skin was much more refined and functioning better it did have less of an issue and just feels much more healthier.

Would I buy the range? I think I would, I have each of the bottle next to me as I'm typing this and the only one I wouldn't go for again in the micellar product, and that's only because I'm not a big fan of the cleansing water thing.

Something interesting to note is that while I was staying in Melbourne earlier last month is some horrid Wintery weather, my face felt tight when I used pore refiner all over, and it did feel quite mattefied. if you want a mattefying option for winter, it's a winner!

You can find these products at Terry White Chemists and Priceline Stores across Australia.
Please note that though I was gifted the range all opinions written in Bought by Birdette are my own.

How to Stretch out too small Shoes

With the advent of the internet came internet shopping and with that, the oh too familiar cry of "It doesn't fit!" minutes after that shiny new parcel arrives in the post. The majority of retailers are actually quite good at letting customers know what size will suit them with measurements etc but there's still room for error, Brick and mortar stores invented change rooms for a reason after all.
Shoes seem to be an area of particular concern, with UK sizing and American sizing frequently being out of whack I have ended up with shoes that just don't fit on numerous occasion, too big can be dealt with thanks mostly to socks being back in fashion, however shoes that are too small? What can we do?
Lucky I have two techniques for stretching out small shoes involving common household items that you should already have lying around, and they're both easy to achieve. Method one will suit leather better, method two can be tried on other fabric shoes. Please note they will not work miracles when the shoes are sizes too small, but that extra 1/2 to one full size? Give them a go, you've got nothing to lose and wearable shoes to gain!

Shoes available from Dune London

Hair Dryer available from Priceline

Socks available from Topshop

Method one

You will need:
Two pairs of socks
Blow drier
Shoes in question. I have tried this with normal leather shoes with success, but I don't know how it would go with patent, let me know if you have tried it!

Put the two pairs of socks on your feet and the shoes over the top, it will be a very tight squeeze, but the socks should cushion so you don't feel pain, once you have all that on your feet, get your blow dryer out and give the shoes a blast all over for  few minutes on a hot setting, careful not to scorch them! You want the shoes nice and warm but not too hot. This will help make the leather pliable.
Once the shoes are warm, get up and walk around your house until they have cooled down.
Lather, rinse, repeat as necessary! Do it at least three times or until your shoes feel more comfortable without the socks.

Marc Jacobs Shoes available from StyleBop

Plastic Zip Lock bags available from Coles

Freezer available from The Good Guys

Method two

You will need:
A freezer
Tough zip lock plastic bags
Shoes in question

This method works particularly well for shoes that pinch, and where you would use some extra toe room.
Stuff the plastic bags into your shoe so that the opening is accessible, and the bag reaches into the nooks of your shoes.
Take this contraption over to the sink and pour some water into the bag, not too much, you need there to be room in the bag for the water to expand into, make sure you squeeze out air from the bag too before snap sealing it closed.
Pop the shoes into the freezer overnight with the toes angled down.
Again you may need to repeat the process, and I'd be hesitant to try this out with patent shoes, but I have done with with leather shoes without issue.

Thanks for reading! Have you tried these methods before? How did they work for you? Do you have any foolproof methods for stretching shoes? Let me know in the comments!

Topshop launches in Brisbane!

Yes, completely aware that I'm a little late in this news and hopefully you've all already been to check out Topshop's gorgeous new store in Brisbane! During launch night I was lucky enough to gain access to the event and even ask Chairman of Next Athleisure Hilton Seskin (The company responsible for bringing Topshop to our shores) a few burning questions about Topshop.

How will Topshop/Topman cater to Brisbane?
A lot of research goes into any new location we open in, and we strive to understand the local fashion scene in order to tailor our collections to the audience. Combining this with our fast fashion philosophy, this is one of our key points of difference in the market.

Where will you be opening next in Australia?
These is a new location coming to Melbourne at Highpoint Shopping Centre and a store is planned for Perth in 2014.

Has Brisbane influenced the current collection?
We have sent Topshop/Topman designers to Brisbane to design exclusive wares for our latest audience. The collection we have in store here is custom selected and designed with Brisbane in mind, so there are many items in here that you won't find online or in other stores.

Are the collections in Australian stores what you'll find online?
Not quite, You will find completely new designs for each store each season and while there may be familiar themes we select different fabrics, shapes and stories across our stores.

What do you like about Brisbane?
I have been here many times and I'm finding that Brisbane is becoming more quirky. There is a renewed interest in the little laneway cafe and the trendy restaurant, There is a lot of personality and individual touches to find.

So how about that! I'm really impressed to find that amount of research and care is put into each Topshop location, Have you checked out the shop? What did you buy!

Chalky roots, Begone!

Chalky roots, ugh. Since becoming a pink haired fiend I've been washing my hair less and have become a slave to the wonderful world of dry shampoo. Always used it since it become the new thing but just never as much as I have in the last few months! Personally I love the Batiste brand as it comes in so many yummy varieties, but following that is Klorane, the scent may not be as delicious by but god it does the degreasing job like no other! Both of these varieties can be easily found at Priceline.

Anyway, I've discovered a neat little trick to avoid the chalky roots that makes it so obvious that you didn't have the time to wash your hair.
Spray your hair with dry shampoo the night before! You want to do it the usual way, shake the bottle, lift sections of your hair to focus on your roots and remember that a little can go a long way.
By doing this you ensure that while you're sleeping, the product will get dispersed throughout your hair and you won't get obvious marks. You may need to change your pillowcase, but to me that's a small price to pay for perfectly non greasy hair the next day.

Have you got any other nifty tricks for dry shampoo? What brands do you use?

Sambag Celebrates their First Birthday at Wintergarden Brisbane

I love an Aussie success story! After reading the news and seeing stories about renowned labels going into administration, or being sold to new overseas owners it really makes my day to see Sambag thriving.
For those who haven't heard of this label yet it is the epitome of Simplicity being the ultimate in sophistication. Renowned for their impossibly soft ballet flats and classic accessories, it's a brand that you cannot go wrong with.

Luxe Scarves to finish off an outfit

I'm completely in love with these Leopard Print Ballets!

Earlier this month I had the privilege of having an early viewing of their upcoming range and to meet the designer and creator of Sambag - Sam Wagner herself. I have a lot of admiration for her, as a single mother building an entire label from the ground up into an international brand with stores in Australia and Hong Kong, Sam even sold her engagement ring to help fund the venture, which as you can see has truly paid off!

The store invites you in with chic light scarves perfect for our upcoming Summer hanging luxuriously from displays, accompanying supple leather bags and shoes that beg to be touched. The Signature shade of blue speaks volumes of the effortless chic the label embodies.

Designer Sam Wagner with her creations (Pink flats! <3!)

Jewelry by Deepa Gurnani, Clutch by Sambag

Of course I had to try on some of the wares! I completely fell in love with these incredible bracelets by Deepa Gurnani. The Cuff styles are created on a leather base with lobster claw closures, and I simply adore the studded one on the top, Perfect to stack, you've really got to go and see them on yourself.

The wonderful team at Sambag Brisbane

Sambag Brisbane is located in the recently refurbished Wintergarden Shopping Complex, Nestled in Brisbane's humming CBD, the girls in store are waiting to help make the shopping experience something to savour!

Sambag Brisbane

Wintergarden Shopping Centre

Shop G14, Ground Level

171-205 Queen Street Mall

Brisbane

(The same block as the Hilton Hotel)

Opening hours

Mon – Thurs 9:00am – 5:30pm

Fri 9:00am – 9:00pm

Sat 9:00am – 5:00pm

Sun 10.30am – 4:00pm

Have you been to Sambag or Wintergarden recently? What gorgeous things did you find?

How to choose the right Fake Tan for your Skintone

Summer's coming, for a lot of us out there it feels like it's already here too! So here I'm going to tell you how to avoid a common dilemma with an ubiquitous Summer product.
How many of you out there have used fake tan only to leave the experience looking like a Cheeto/human hybrid? Or even something more interesting? This has scared lot of girls into never going there again or worse, shelling out far too much money at the professional spray booths. Sunless Tans come in a massive array of brands and varieties that it can be hard to find which one will work for you, but hopefully you will know your skintone, and that can make selection a lot easier.

How to Fake a Beestung Pout in one step

I finally caved and bought the lipsick du jour and I'm so glad I did! Ruby Woo by MAC really is an excellent go to shade for those with cool colourings and the impact is amazing. When I wear it I feel like a gorgeous forties starlet, when lipstick was bold and glamorous. I find it really fascinating that when economies go down sales of prestige makeup actually goes up, even if ladies can't buy designer clothes they still want that designer pout!

My favourite tip for lips any day is to use a brow highlighting pencil to create that pillowy, Angelina Jolie look that both men guys and ladies swoon over. A good budget option I love is this one by Models Prefer, available from Priceline. Simply trace the outside edge of our cupids bow and the lower outside of your bottom lip before you apply lipstick and liner, to see what I mean have a look at the picture below:

Once you have drawn the lines, use your ring finger to gently pat the product to blend any harsh lines.

This is a great trick to use with any lip colour, but if you want to look even more pouty, dot a bit of complimentary shimmery eye shadow in the middle of your lips (gold or silver are ideal). I skipped this step as my lips need a little boost, not a full on transformation.

What I really find interesting is that when I went to a MAC counter some years ago and asked for a good matte red they didn't suggest this one. I may or may not have a large MAC red lip collection but when a brand does them so well it's hard to stop at just one.

Do you have a go to brand for lipsticks? What shade do you find yourself reaching for again and again?

How to hand wash your Delicates

Hand-washing. Ugh, who has the chance to do it honestly? So much time that I could be doing things I actually enjoy.That's why I'm glad I found this method, it makes it an utter cakewalk, and the results are much better then handwashing in a basin. This method is ideal for small delicate items, such as bras, knickers and slips made of lace and silk.

Take a large jar that you have washed thoroughly (or put through the dishwasher, we're talking low effort here!) I like to use Kilner jars, the ones with the slip top lid and rubber seal or giant Moccona coffee jars.

You will also need:
Laundry Powder suited to the items your washing
Water
Dirty Delicates!
That's about it actually ...

Put a small amount of washing powder in the jar along with some hot water. Seal the jar and shake shake shake!
Once the powder has dissolved, fill up the jar to about halfway, pop in your laundry. One item at a time works best but it depends on the size of your jar really. Continue to shake for a minute or two (See? It's a workout and laundry in one! Time saved!)
Repeat with any remaining smalls until you're done, you can use the same soapy water but replace it if the water becomes murky ...
Replace the soapy water with clean cold water and shakes again to rinse. Replace the water as required.
Once they're washed, lay your smalls on a clean dry towel  and blot them with the other end to mop up excess water. Delicate items don't tend to like being wrung out so please don't do that.
Hang them out to dry!

This method works much like a small washing machine in order to give great results with maximum safety for your clothes. Because fabrics such as silk actually get weaker when wet it's a common occurance for them to tear when washed in a machine.
Make sure you wash the lid properly too, We don't want bits of dinner on our freshly laundered bras!.

Want more tips and advice? Be sure to Subscribe to Bought by Birdette or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Bioderma, Uriage and Nuxe coming soon to Priceline!

This is great news you guys! Priceline Australia are about to start stocking some incredible brands from France and I couldn't be happier. (Not having to use eBay to find potentially fraudulent cult status items? Defs a win!)
What am I talking about? Bioderma, Nuxe and Uriage! Three world famous brands and rightly so, their products have both stood the test of time and are coveted by those in both the beauty industry and at homes across the world. This is just a quick introduction to their star products, make sure you go and check out the ranges in store soon.

Bioderma is a cult status beauty brand. With the ubiquitous product Crealine in their arsenal they are a brand to be reckoned with. Bioderma create products with the belief that skin in distress not only needs to be treated but also encouraged to use its own resources to aid in healing itself, this has led them to create incredible non irritating formulas that will make those with sensitive skin weep with joy. What makes Crealine so special is the Micellar technology that attracts oil based cells. When applied to a cotton pad and wiped across the face it binds makeup, oils and pollutants to the pad without interrupting the skin. Quite often you'll find it's the only make up remover an artist will use because it's effective without irritating a model's overworked skin.

Chances are you have an oil product in your Beauty Stash and Nuxe may just be the brand you have to thank for this! Aliza Jabès (a Pharmacist's Daughter) created the Dry Oil product Huile Prodigieuse over two decades ago, introducing what would become one of the best selling beauty products around, a bottle of this glorious oil is sold every 6 seconds worldwide! You can use it in your hair, as well as your face and body. It absorbs super quickly and has the most heavenly scent. A great use for it is actually before you shower, Comb it through your hair and leave for 20 minutes -under a clean towel is ideal to create warmth- and them shampoo and condition your hair as normal.  Easy, gorgeous soft hair!

Something for those with problematic and sensitive skin, where even tap water can freak them out is the star product of Uriage. The product is so effective that there is even an Uriage Thermal Centre, where people can be treated for severe skin irritations using the special naturally balanced water sourced from Uriage-Les-Bains, near Grenoble, Uriage Thermal Water spray is the take home version. For every day users like myself it's great for setting make up at the start of the day with a quick spray but it also wonderful for use during the day. It won't ruin your make up if you give yourself a very light spray during the day, but will in fact refresh it. I think it's going to help me survive summer!

These brands are going to start appearing on Priceline's shelves soon and are expected to be out by mid October, so do yourselves a favour and keep an eye out for them, Bioderma is already available at Terry White Chemists if you just can't wait though!

Have you ever used these products before? What did you think of them? Be sure to tell me in the comments!

Products have been provided for consideration.

Link Love: Craft Suppliers

I've recently rediscovered my love of creating, and it's finding its way into almost everything I do at home! I feel much better watching TV if I'm keeping my hands busy crocheting or cutting up fabric to patchwork at the same time! Here are some places that I like to buy my fabric and gear from, I hope you like them too.

Super Buzzy: Yeah yeah, patchwork and quilting is something that your grandmother tried to teach you and you thought was daggy as right_ Well I can tell you right now this isn't your granny's sewing shop. Super Buzzy stocks an amazing array of incredibly cute Japanese inspired fabric and notions, Kawaii sushi with little faces, too cute woodland animals, and nursery stories just to name a few, but you will also find other crafty goods for crochet, knitting, felting and more. The postage can be pricey but the product is just too cute and hard to find!

Hawthorne Threads: A huge range of quality quilting fabric brands at great prices, stock is regularly updated with new brands at reasonable prices for both product and postage, this site is a great place to start for up market brands with a nod to trends. A great staple site, make sure you sign up for the newsletters as they are full of inspiration, competitions and what's new in store.

Hancocks of Paducah: Quite simply the best site if you're after a bargain, with prices on fabric starting from under $5 per yard you're bound to find something to your tastes. While the variety isn't as hip and cool as the two previously mentioned sites, it is a great place to visit for basics and the occasional gem, I often rack up sales of a few hundred dollars!

Quick Style Buys for Spring 2013

We've been lucky enough in Brisbane to have had a gorgeously mild Winter, even looking outside the window today the sun is shining and is beckoning me to get out and enjoy it.
But of course there's the little matter of what to wear. This is a new season coming and the warm, snug options we've been bundled up in just aren't going to cut it! Fashion is heading towards a massive mash-up where the more it clashes, the more eclectic, the more individual, the better. For great inspiration, look at how fearless Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, and Rita Ora are with their styles. You know the girls I'm talking about!
Here are Birdette's hot picks to add to your wardrobe for the upcoming season.

The Loose Boyfriend Tank:

Cotton On Alive Printed Muscle Tee

The slouchy cool styles we've been stealing from the less then fairer sex are the most comfy things ever! make it your own with a print and cut you love -slogans are perfect- and pair with my next pick for an instant outfit.

The Wrap Skirt:

Asos Wrap Skirt in Linen

We're leaving behind the Hi-lo styles of recent times and going back to a rather sleek asymmetrical style, tuck in your top, add some cute shoes, and easily bring this new addition to your wardrobe.

The Maxi Skirt:

Boohoo Selina Jersey Split Skirt

This is an example of a trend that has transformed into a regular style staple (much like Skinny Jeans) the style to go for this season are body skimming jersey versions, buy with a split to keep you cool in Summer. Make sure you wear VPL free knickers too!


The Boyish Boots:

Boohoo Lisa Cut out Boots

We didn't get much of a chance to wear these last Summer as the trend was only just trickling into local stores.Cut out boot styles are also still very stylish but make sure it's not going to rain, no one likes squishy feet! Brogues are also still very cute and stylish.

The Hat:

(Left to Right)

Sportsgirl Lace Baseball Cap

Shopbop Basics Leather Baseball Cap

Baseball caps in sleep leather type fabrics have been popping up everywhere, thankfully this time with any chav connections, very sleek, very wearable, just don't wear them like a douche, the brim goes over your face dear!

The Bag:

Ooh La La Addie Top Handle Bag

Admittedly the backpack is still going to be huge this season, but if you want to stay ahead of the curve, buying a ladylike top handle will do the trick, something to juxtapose all the styles stolen from boys this season. Look for top handles you can wear daintily on your elbow, (but I also love a shoulder strap for convenience!)


The Accessory:

Diva Silver Love Ear Cuff

That gorgeous Ear Cuff trend I was banging on about some time ago, You don't need to think about any other accessories once you put them on. Instant outfit finishers! Ears are the jewelry focus point of the season, moving on from handmade wristwear, and watches.

So tell me, what are you excited to add to cart for this season? I'm personally stalking my mailman!

Winter Facials by Guinot

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of meeting Laura Pritchard of Guinot (pronounced Ghee-no for those new to the brand) to experience a Liftosome Facial, one of two Winter treatments (the other being the Hydralift Treatment) available from Guinot that lifts and firms the face. So off to Outshine Beauty Salon and Medi spa in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane I went to check it out.
Outshine is a chic little beauty haven nestled just off James Street where you can easily spend a day exploring some of Brisbane's best shopping. I've recently rediscovered this little nook down the hill from Fortitude Valley and love it to bits!

The Liftosome Facial from Guinot

What makes this facial so special?
Featuring a serum that includes four star ingredients (Pro Collagen, Alaria Esculenta, Vitamin C and Bio-peptides EL and CL) the treatment will take around 45 minutes. During the process they also apply a special clay mask that heats up to a gentle warmth to ensure that the applied product works its way deeper then usual into your skin for even better results. I asked to have a look at it afterwards, and it was interesting but also a little scary to see just how thick it was! It didn't feel that heavy at all.
Your beauty therapist will then massage your face, neck and decollete with the serum. This was my favorite part of the treatment, it's so relaxing to have an expert treating your skin with such care and excellent technique.
You also get some amazing results after just one treatment with firmness increased by 26.5% and wrinkles diminished by 20.4%
The end result is firmer, brighter skin with added perk. This is an ideal treatment for a special occasion as the results are quite immediate, but will get still improve even further after a short program of facials. I was really stoked with the results but felt even better about them when a friend of mine who didn't know I was going for this facial commented that my skin looked amazing two days later. She wanted to know what I had been doing differently lately!

For those who are interested in the Hydralift Treatment, while I didn't experience one firsthand I can tell you that it is an effective method to exercise the muscles in your face. Much like your body, your face benefits from working out too to give you a youthful look. By draining toxins and stimulating muscles the treatment reshapes, tones and firms, while minimizing fine lines. Products used during your Hydralift session will be tailored to your skin type with a choice of half hour, full hour or two hours for your treatment. Further sessions have the added benefits of being even more effective in banishing wrinkles and lifting the eye area.

For more information, please visit the Guinot Australia Website where you can also find your local Guinot treatment supplier.

Please note that while this service was complementary, the above opinion is purely my own and in no way swayed by any third parties.

Cheap trick to make stockings last longer

We've all had it happen to us, you're going about your daily business when something catches your stockings and ping, you have a great tear in them. I used to be pedantic enough to carry a spare pair whenever I was wearing them, but I was told this quick and simple trick to help them last longer. Brilliant for your gorgeous expensive finds like silk stockings, fully fashioned styles or ritzy brands like Wolford. You just need three items, and your chosen stockings

Gather your supplies: Hairspray, a sealable freezer bag, a freezer and your stockings.

Spritz stockings lightly with hairspray.

Place stockings in sealable bag and squeeze excess air out, I found rolling really helped.

Freeze overnight.

Pull out of freezer 15 minute before wearing to allow them to warm back up.

Put them on and go!

You will have to repeat the process for every time you wash them, but the hairspray and freezing help make the fibres stronger against snags, and will even stop runs from being as bad as they would be otherwise. But I've found it a treat for helping to keep my pricier pairs in better nick for longer.

Have you tried this trick before? How did you find it worked for you?

Update

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to stop leaving my wonderful readers in the lurch. I have been very slack with Bought by Birdette lately and I sincerely apologize. I'm not going to make excuses, I lost my drive to write. At this point in time I actually have quite a nasty hand injury that is hampering many everyday activities. (You should've heard me squealing in pain when my memory laapsed and I went to open a jar, ow!) So we'll still be slow for a little while, as typing isn't too bad, photo editing is another kettle of fish.
I've been thinking about introducing a few new topics into the fray to help reinvigorate my drive to write, so you may see more craft and cooking popping up, turning Bought by Birdette into a more lifestyle based blog until I truly find my niche. Also most certainly more personal style posts, I love doing these, I just need to find my confidence in front of the camera!
Otherwise, I would love to take this opportunity to ask all readers to please let me know what you like and don't like, do you have a particularly favourite post that I've done? Have I taught you something new?
I' really hoping to bring a lot of readers out of their bubbles on this one, and I'm aiming to get at least 20 responses. Don't think I wouldn't love to hear from you because really I would!
Thank you for reading.

So I went for a Sidecut

Admittedly I have been off the radar for a the last few weeks, I guess I got myself into a little CBF funk that I'm now digging my way out of, ever have that feeling that's there's just so much to do that you don't know where to start? Yeah had that. Big time.

But I've felt myself come out of that little sooky corner of my mind this week, and after a chat with some of my most honest friends I went to the hairdressers and did something I've been pondering for months now, and had part of my head shaved.

This may well be the first time in my blog I've actually shown my face

Earrings: Lovisa
Top: Dotti

And I love it!

I based it on recent photos of Rihanna, it's easy enough to hide in my corporate day-job, but I've found it no problem so far. But for visiting Nanna all I have to do is change the part and then it only shows a little when I tuck my hair behind my ear. I went about the office quietly thrilled with myself and no one being the wiser on the day I had it done, until I excitedly revealed it to a few of them ...

What I find really curious is that the vast majority of people love it, and because I'm certainly not the first to do it in recent times, I'm not getting many stares on the street. A friend of mine warned me that doing something alternative can make Joe Average really judge you, but in this town of Brisbane where I happen across someone almost daily who is twice my age and has brightly coloured hair, perhaps society is becoming desensitized to the alternative and odd?

Even though I know it's prettymuch done it's round in fashion, with the nineties Grunge Trend taking off in a big way this season it's still relevant to fashion. while the clothes of the nineties don't really appeal to me, I find this haircut makes me happy.

Have you ever done something drastic to your hair? What was it? Did you love it or hate it?

100 Days of Thrift - Complete

Check out the rules of the Thrift Challenge here!

I uh, sort of left this alone for a while didn't I?
We had ups and downs, but I think I learnt some really good tricks out of it, and can count off all of the beauty and fashion items I have bought in the duration.
So in no particular order:

These amazing boyfriend jeans from ASOS 
I had not found a better pair in previous hunts, being just on the cusp of sizing and sometimes needing a size 16 it can be shit to go shopping in person - a lot of brands end on a size 14. (Talking Australian sizes here of course!) Since buying them they've been worn at once a week, in fact I'd consider buying a second pair.

Maybelline Lipstick in Coral Crush
How cruel would it have been to let me go the rest of summer without a gorgeous bright shade of lipstick? Very! I didn't entirely cheat with this one though, I received a gift voucher in the mail from the Priceline Rewards Program and off I went. See, technically not cheating!

This gorgeous clutch from Colette
I've had a longing for a go with anything clutch with a cute handle you slip your fingers through, brilliant go with anything colour and I bought it on sale though so there's some credit due there.

That Leather bag from Colette I had my eye on ...
50% off, boom!

Also some grey area items, I bought Bourjois 1,2,3 Perfect Foundation in Light Vanilla and L'Oreal Lumi Magqiue Highlighting Pen in Shade 2 I call these a grey area because I stipulated basic, non-colour cosmetics were allowed if I ran out of them.

I'll be writing some posts on other aspects of the Challenge over the coming weeks,  I have some good advice to give to readers after this.

Also if anyone has any question about the challenge I'd love to answer them, just leave me a message in the comments and I'll get back to you!

Daiso now open in Myer Centre Brisbane

I am very pleased to inform you all of an amazing chain of stores that has arrived to Australia and have just made their way to Brisbane. (Topshop, I'm still waiting.) Daiso Japan are a unique concept, while you may think you have seen every form of reject and two bob shop around, They aren't anywhere near as epic as this.
The main shtick of the stores is that everything they sell is the meager price of $2.80 AUD. I described it to friends this week as a store you will find almost every knick-knack you would see in a house. After visiting it over the weekend, I wasn't disappointed.
The place was completely humming with people but I spent a good hour trawling the shelves. what I love about it is the authentic Japanese variety of goods dispersed in a range of everyday Westerner items. Double eyelid tape next to eyelash curlers, Traditional Tabi socks, Pocket sandwich makers next to Pasta spoons.
Topped off with the cute manner that Japanese gets translated into English all over the product labels and you have an entire store brimming with stuff to make you smile. I recommend picking up everything you don't quite understand and having a read of what they do, some of them are pretty nifty.

Check out what I hauled after the Jump!

Loving this week - Tough Chic Jackets, Snobbery and Glitter Brogues

It's time to bring back an old favourite of mine, loving this week is where I tell you exactly what's made me want to run to the shops or just happy in general lately.

Firstly is this insane Jacket from the guys at Boohoo.com drawing on a stack of key trends this winter I would love to have it in my closet, I'm not sure if the peplum can actually be zipped off like the photos suggest but the way the jacket hints it can be styled in different ways really has my heart racing. Perfect for creating curves on boyish body types and at the same time the cut will flatter hourglass shapes too!

Leah Jacket by Boohoo available here

I've always loved this style of notebooks and have been filling out a book one for the better part of my life (I like to think I read a lot, in truth I do read a lot ... of magazines). It's a perfect gift idea for anyone you know who likes to go and try new gastronomical experiences, food not their thing? What about Coffee Shops or Wine or even Boutique Beers? These books are an awesome tool to help with keeping track of what was epic, and what didn't really do it for you with heaps of room to enter details such as favourite waiter, dress code and wait time.

Available from Typo.com

I picked up these gorgeous newbies from a LipstikWindsor Smith Shoes Outlet in Melbourne last week and I am in love, I'm sure regular readers will already know about my penchant for sparkly shoes, and I've been hunting for a pair of brogues I like for a few seasons now. Silver glitter wingtips for $15? OMG yes please!

What's been making you smile this last week? Be sure to let me know in the comments!

Melbourne here I come!

Hello Readers!
I'm sorry I've been neglecting you for the last fortnight or so, but now I'm on Holiday I'm going to get some epic posts up while I have the time. I also bought myself a tablet with the reward money I saved during my Thrift Challenge, Thank goodness I did something right!
I'm going down to Melbourne to see Family and shop, Please give me a shout if you want to catch up for coffee or have a really juicy recommendation for me to check out.
Personally I can't wait to go and visit Clear It in Fitzroy, Topshop in Chapel Street, and I find Discount Factory Outlets are so much better down there because a lot of Australian fashion labels are based down there.
Well I'm getting on a plane in four hours so I best finish off my coffee and get packing.See you on the other side!

Source

Got any recommendations for me to check out while I'm in Melboune Let me know in the comments, I'd love to find new things!

Follow Bought by Birdette on Bloglovin

Just a quick one to keep us in touch into the future.

If you haven't heard the news already, Google Reader is going to be ceasing on July the 1st. meaning that anyone who subscribes to Bought by Birdette and any other blogs through Google Friend Connect or Google Reader will have to find another feed reader to stay up to date.

A great blog feed site that I would have to recommend for anyone looking to keep in the loop with favorite blogs is Bloglovin, Please take a second to follow Bought by Birdette on Bloglovin before the time is up, I would hate to lose contact with any awesome readers in the transition.
Thanks guys!