Matches Fashion

There's just something really dreamy about looking at Designer fashion. As I'm sure it is with a lot of readers, the lust I have for that perfect pair of Opening Ceremony shoes just isn't the same as the feelings I get about a good pair I could find at a department store. The desire just isn't as strong, intense, it just doesn't leave me yearning.
Matchesfashion.com is my latest Mecca for finding new objects to love and dream about. Opening their first store in 1990, they pride themselves on excellent customer service and turning your shopping experience into something fashionably extraordinary. Matches vast range of both new and established designers leave me feeling giddy and willing to whip out my credit card at an alarming speed, which can only be a good thing for my wardrobe!

I'm always on the hunt for kooky little outfit finishers and this cute Cotton Square Collar by Carven is a winner for me. Just pop it under the neck of any dresses, tops or sweaters it will fit under and you're good to go. The geometric cut is modern and that size of the bib enables it to work with numerous fashion choices.

Scarves always say to me that the wearer cares about their appearance. If they have been styled effectively they lift the entire outfit to another level. This Apeiron Scarf by Athena Procopiou hits the Sci fi Prints trend nail on the head while being light enough to be worn throughout the year. I love how the colours range from pastels through to black for a very workable piece.

I love spotting Australian labels on international websites! Kimono style cover ups are perfect for the beach and as a light cover up during summer, Anna & Boy's Circle Silk Kaftan has a gorgeous cream print that will make your tan pop, and add some sun protection and style to your beach ensemble. I'd also use this to dress up a simple jeans and singlet combination, just add a few gold bangles, sunnies and a simple but chic look is achieved.

This has been a sponsored post

Bringing some modesty to Sheer and Bustier Fashion

It's a beautiful day when two fashion not-quite-right items come together to make a really wearable outfit. Take these two fashion forward trend items -sheer tops and crop tops, otherwise known as bustiers- on their own they just aren't something I think I could get away with, let alone a lot of the population. No one really wants to see my belly out on the street, and I don't want to display most of my bras to the world either.
So we combine the two together.

My fly totally wasn't undone in these photos...

Dolly Bustier - Sportsgirl

Sheer Shirt - Dotti

Shorts - Sass & Bide, similar available here

Brocade Skirt - Ally

It's hard to see, but this is what I had on underneath.

The crop top makes it more modest because that's not actually my bra on show, while the sheer top provides the cover over my belly I'd crave if I wore a crop on its own.
It's really easy to play with this look too. If you're feeling more daring and have THE body to show off, feel free to undo a few buttons or even tie your shirt over the top of your crop. there's also a massive amount of bustiers out there, that can fall into Tribal, Neon, or Pastel trends. Shop around, find a cut that suits your bra size and you can't go wrong.

Win win!

Bought! Neon Aztec Collar Blouse from Valleygirl

Shirt - Valleygirl

Shorts - Asos

Bracelets - Multipack from Diva and a gift from my mother

Belt - Thrifted

Sunnies - Jay jays

Mug - T2 Tea

I made myself a promise that I would stop buying so much fast fashion, but I fail myself! How can I resist when it's this cute and spot on trend? Not to mention the fact it cost me a mere $10, no typo, It is the best bargain I've found in a while.

Close-up collar detail

For trends like this that are a bit flash in the pan it's more worth your money to go for fast fashion anyway. You don't want to drop a day's pay on an item that you'll only wear for a few months right?

Loving this week - Travel Totes, Owls and Deco Style

I think it's time to take back some of my old favourite post styles and revive them into regular columns, starting with a weekly round up of things that I'm completely in love with!

I like to think I travel a lot, but not as much as I'd like to. Being mama to a couple of kitties does impede on my ability to pack up and go somewhere for the weekend! But house-sitters are a saviour.
I am a great fan of good overnight bags, not just for luggage but for everyday use when I need something huge to haul around all of my gear for work and study. I spotted this amazingly beautiful and functional Raja Travel Tote by Mimco and knew I wanted it. It's expandable, has a detachable cross body strap and comes in a shade of go-with-everything tan with a pop of yellow detailing. Want. Now.

I'm still a sucker for a cute little owl and  I was in desperate need of a smaller vase as well, (I can only go for so long using items like jars and jugs to house flowers!) How cute is this little guy! He also comes in gold and is petite enough for smaller arrangements, he's also pretty damn adorable sitting round on his own. You can pick him up at Dotti stores in the selection of gift ideas they've sourced for Christmas.

I need to find a dress for my (Office) day job's Christmas Party. Something that's fun, on trend but that doesn't flash too much, I do need to look these people in the eye on Monday morning! In these cases it's prudent to follow the classy old style rules, show off either your bust or your legs, never both (and even then, don't be trashy, no one wants to see your knickers when you bend over!) and select something that flatters yourself. I love Lipsy for a good party dress, and I adore this option, the Deco styling of the frock  echoes with Great Gatsby trend, and if I wanted to style it a different way I could wear a different skirt over the top for another occasion.

Incoming: Baroque Trend

I'm sad that I won't get the chance to wear this trend well for another four months as it's certainly better suited to cooler weather, but that doesn't mean our friends on the north-side can't get into it now! Baroque fashion is something that had it's heyday in the 80's in the time where nothing could possibly be too excessive. Opulent, Decadent, Elegant, Lush, all words that describe this look to a tee. It's a very European trend, A trend where more is more, and jewels are not just an option, they're obligatory.

Asos Brocade Baroque Skinny Jeans

The reason why this trend works so well in winter is because so many of the fabrics used are heavy. Brocades, jacquards, damasks, embroidery, sequins, beading, they're all fabrics that tend to be thick and warm. You can still wear it in the warmer months by wearing fabrics that have been printed with detailed and baroque style prints, but I think to truly pull it off you need the genuine article. The colour scheme first time around tended to be dark and moody, but for this remix gelato and pastel hues have been added to update for this season with flashes of metallic gold and silver. Dolce and Gabbana, and especially Versace have this look nailed.

Ally Pastel Skater Skirt

One way to quickly add this trend into your wardrobe vocabulary is the adopt something with a 'Scarf print' Scarf peint is a pattern that features ropes, tassels braids and occasionally equestrian themes. I kind of giggle when I think of this, as my Nanna has a great scarf print suit in her wardrobe that she brings out for special occasions... I may just have to steal it.

Oasis Scarf Print Dress

Another fast update would be to go into the jewellery, big, bold and colourful gemstones set in gold are the ideal, with door-knocker and drop style earrings being the perfect item.

Diva Black Opaque Stone Drop Earrings

You have to be careful with your makeup when you wear this look, it's the only part of the trend where 'more is more' need not apply. For a modern take keep your make up fresh and natural using nudes and pale pinks with a light fake tan, but if you want to carry on the bold theme of your outfit, play up your lips with a dark shade of lipstick. This trend is perfect for a deep red, or even purple contrasting against a pale base. If you're not feeling brave enough for bold lipstick then strong eyebrows work just as well. Russian doll style hair will complete the look, Think a straight middle part with hair either up or down in a smooth style.

Bought! Zara Plaited Shopper

Something tells me I'm going to have "It-bag elbow" immanently ...

Alright, So I completely admit that I'm a little late to the party on this one, but I have had it floating around in the back of my wardrobe planning mind for months and months, (what, you don't plan your wardrobe??) But it recently it dawned on me, "Oh wow, do you know what bag will go amazingly with all the pastels, prints and neon brights this season? And still be be big enough to carry ALL of the things?" Oh yes, Yes Yes YES! This will be my go-to handbag for this Spring/Summer for everywhere during the day except the beach.

Olivia Palermo wearing the bag

So you might also know this bag as the Olivia Palermo Tote, with her being snapped around with it on her arm, but I don't buy bags because celebrities have them. The shape is perfect, and admittedly because it is so huge it makes me look as tiny as an Olsen twin in comparison. Think about it this way, this couch that I have photographed it on, that's a massive couch, and the bag takes up almost a whole seat of it!

Fat bag likes to take up an entire couch seat!

They officially call it the 'Plaited Shopper" which is curious because none of it is plaited, the carry handles do have hand stitched features but I guess it might have been lost in translation. It is made from a thick type of Leather they have called buffalo leather, with has a nice heavy 'thunk' to it when you tap on it, Very sturdy. The inside has that lovely suede side that I love too.

The bag is constructed in a manner that I haven't owned before. The exterior can be used on its own without the inner canvas type fabric pocket, as this lining can be removed from the two hook like studs on either side of the bag. I'm assuming this is for easier care and washing. The included shoulder strap is also removable in the same manner, but when not in use it's easier to just swing it around and hide in between the lining and bag. When using the shoulder strap the base of bag can just be reached to fish around in.

A closer look at the interior

Hook Stud detail

Possibly the only things I don't like about the bag is the lack of little pockets in the lining, for you phone, little things you like to keep hidden etc. The bag will be hard to keep immaculate as the type of leather used will scuff easily due to the finish, so I've decided once it starts to look a little shabby on the bottom -where the majority of the marks will end up- I can take it to a leather specialist and get either a contrasting or matching leather panel sewn to the base to increase the bags longevity. It's such a classic shape, I'll be using it forever, Hell, it's such an awesome bag it'll probably be snagged by one of my nieces when they grow up!

I managed to pick it up from a seller on eBay as Zara do not post to Australia, Sadface. (Please fix this soon Zara!) Even so I'm not sure if it is still stocked online. Ed: Oops, I lie, here it is on the American site!

Already I've taken this bag on a jaunt about the Brisbane CBD and it is a compliment magnet! Shop assistants and even strangers love it enough to come up to me and ask when I bought it. I'm just so damn pleased with it!

What bag are you going to invest in for this season? Do you prefer classic or high fashion bags?

Splurge vs. Steal: Watch this

Watches are having a renaissance at the moment and I couldn't be happier. For too many years we've been moving away from this classic accessory as the need for them has diminished. After all, who needs a watch when you have a mobile phone?
Two major looks that have come through for this season in jewellery are colours and rose gold. I love rose gold, it goes with both gold and silver and adds an air of vintage elegance. but brights are also calling, one for work and one for play? I think so!

These are two of my picks for the Rose gold look, Diva for a touch of bling and Marc by Marc Jacobs for it's sleek lines, (and duh! it's Marc Jacobs!)

Available at Diva and ASOS

Next on my roll call are colours. If you want to be bang on for this season, a pastel is perfect but I think the zing of a bright colour will pop on my wrist. For cheap thrills, I do quite like the White Cassie watch by Lovisa it looks awesome with a nice faux tan, but I love the bright pink It Girl Watch by Thomas Sabo (it's on sale too!)

Available from The Iconic and Thomas Sabo

Bought! Printed Trousers and Bodysuit by ASOS

I can't get over how much prints have taken over this season. Everywhere I look there are masses of bright, colourful and intense mixes of shades in exciting hues. Mixing and matching is highly recommended to make the most of this trend, but it's also a useful tool to attract attention to your favourites features. One of the biggest things I love about it is the transeasonal nature of it, you can do it in Spring, Summer Autumn and Winter. It's not very often that both the Southern and Northern hemispheres can delve into a trend at the same time, and take inspiration form each other all at once!

I fell in love with this gorgeous bodysuit from ASOS and had to have it, how beautifully do the colours work together? Some of the greatest colour combinations around are inspired by nature, with a big bonus with this garment being that it has so many different pastel hues, that you're bound to have something gelato coloured to go with it! The fit is great on my frame, and it looks cute-as with an A-line skirt.

Sunset Bodysuit available from ASOS

I also picked up these printed trousers, admittedly on first glance they do look a little pajama like, but that is why I plan on taking them in and tapering the legs into a slimmer cut. Slim cut print trousers take away from the pajama look you can get with wide leg printed trousers, making your look infinitely more refined, and the trouser just plain more wearable. The print is oriental themed (tipped to be massive in upcoming seasons), with images of peacocks and plants.

Trousers available from ASOS

How do you like to wear your prints? Are you a fan of this trend?

Loving this week! House of Fraser

Continuing my love of online shopping I have a place for you all to check out, House of Fraser is a UK based online department store with a huge range. Not just clothing but home wares and beauty too!
With a classy and massive selection of garments and accessories for you to check out -including Birdette Favourites such as Lipsy and Therapy!- it is an awesome place to go when you're hunting for a wedding outfit, something for work or especially the upcoming horse racing season.

Madden Girl Looop MG Dressy Sandals

This season I have to admit, I'm torn between shoes. Do I keep wearing the comfy platforms and wedges I have been? Or do I welcome the elegant and gorgeous stilettos creeping in this season? As you all have no doubt guessed I am a massive fan of the sparkly shoe and I simply can't pass up these glittery Steve Madden heels! How good are they going to look peeking out from under some printed trousers? Don't forget to polish your nails!

Untold Printed Shift Dress

Printed shift dresses are perfect when you are going for the perfect balance of classy and playful, and I think this one ticks all the boxes for a perfect wedding or Spring racing dress. The gorgeous colours will illuminate a light tan and look amazing with a wide range of accessories. You could go all out of the current trend and clash your prints or make the dress the complete statement with some simple silver jewels and an envelope clutch. Perfect to show off gorgeous long legs and amazing shoes too!

Motel Sleeveless tie Dye Bodycon Dress

Staying on the Printed Dress trend I also found this gorgeous all in one dress. This dress is a life saving staple as the pattern is so eye catching that it does all of the talking, just coordinate your bag and shoes and you're out the door in record time.

Vivienne Westwood Dome Cross Body Bag

And lastly, I think my heart just stopped. It has been a dream of mine for a verrrrry long time to own a piece of Vivienne Westwood. So much so that when I spotted this bag in classic black leather and a long cross body strap, I actually went to see how much room I had on my credit card. Bad Birdette! But how can I resist? Such a classic I know I'd have it for years!

This has been a sponsored post.

Quick style updates for items you already have

You guys are no doubt aware of my love for a a cheap fashion update, but what's better then a free one? Chances are you have the items to do any of these already in your wardrobe, the trick now is to style them in a few different ways to how you're used to and you'll come up with looks that are huge right now.


Hold your bag like a clutch.
A lot of high fashion labels sent their models down the runway with their handbags folded over into a clutch shape, and held on the side of the body with the hand scooped underneith. You can do this very easily with a bag you already own, it just has to have a sturdy base to hold some of it's shape (it helps if the bag can be totally zipped up as well, or you might get the contents of your daily life spilling out everywhere!
Do-ability rating: 3/5, This look works so well, so long as you use the right bag, but it can also be a little annoying not having that arm free, and annoying again having to fully seal your bag up every time you want something.

Original Source

Cuff your trousers
This will work the best with trousers that taper at the hem, or straight legs so things like your skinny jeans.The trick is to keep rolling them up just the once, look in the mirror, and if it's not flattering on your legs, either try another roll up or down until they do.
Do-ability rating: 5/5, I barely know a person without skinny jeans.

Nishe Blouse & Shorts Available from ASOS

Wear all your pastels at once.
A few seasons ago we started with the 'gelato' trend, lots of gorgeous pale colours, mostly in block items. It took a little while but now pastel colours are everywhere, and will be massive this Australian summer. lots of key looks this season are all over looks and this is another great one to try. Try pairing a pair of pastel skinny jeans with a floaty pastel print top, perhaps a white singlet with a light kimono style cover up? Nude heels too and top the look off with some nude or pastel coloured nails. Perfection.
Do-ability rating: 5/5, Because pastel colours can suit a myriad of skin tones and colours and styles of fashion, it's really quite failproof. You can also style them suitably with tan and beige coloured accessories.

Source

Learn to fishtail braid.
Braids are becoming the new top knot, (Hurray! The trend of looking like a pre-schooler at a dance recital is coming to an end!) You can find a stack of videos out there explaining how to do this hairstyle, but like anything else, practise (and the right tools!) make perfect. And this look is so much better messy then perfect anyway. Regular braids are just as good for the time poor (or just uncoordinated like myself).
Do-ability rating: 5/5, only thing standing in your way is the length of your hair.


Head to toe prints.
We've been wearing a lot of these in the past few season so I assume you have at least a small collection? As I bought mine I tried to buy ones that would suit the wardrobe I already had, so unsurprisingly they mostly followed my usual cool colour palette. My advice is to not wear the same print, as it is sort of reminiscent of pyjamas and growing up in the country, only daggy people wore their pyjamas out of the house. Wear maybe a top and a bottom, with a block coloured third item to break it up a bit, if you work with the colours in both the print, and they share perhaps a colour or two, you can't go too wrong.
Do-ability rating: 4/5, It's really not as hard as it looks, if in doubt, ask a friend or try again.

Sister Jane available from ASOS

Button your shirt to the top.
As a girl with a large bust this trend is something that still kind of feels odd to me, but with the right shirt it works! (just make sure it's big enough not to gape!) Button your shirt right to the neck and then pop either a statement necklace, collar chain or a tie over the top, there are some very cute bow ties out there, or one of the gorgeous 'look at me!' necklaces from recent seasons work perfectly too.
Doability raiting: 5/5, cuff your sleeves into whatever length suits you as well.

I hope I've given you some ideas for updating your style into the upcoming season. Don't be afraid to try something new if you haven't seen anyone else on the street wear it yet, it just means you're way ahead of them.

What are you doing differently to style your clothes this season?

Birdette's Dictionary: Scalloped

Scalloped (Pronounced Skol-lop-d) is a detail you will find on the hem of many cute and sweet clothing pieces. Instead of the usual flat hem, or scooped -another trend that has been in use lately- the hem comprises of numerous and identical dips that come back into the garment with points... sort of hard to describe, so here's a pic!

The most notable debut of the trend can be attributed to a certain Chloe Suit a few years ago that Chloe Sevigny wore a few times, and quite well considering her usually uh, interesting wardrobe. It has come back with a bang for the upcoming Spring/Summer range and I think it's going to be huge, it's too damn easy to incorporate into your wardrobe, and anyone can wear it. It's not an item that you can be too *insert anything negative* to wear!

There's a stack of very cute ways of adding this detail to your wardrobe, here are a few of my favourites.

This top by portmans evokes a real classic take, with tucks around the neck and a gorgeous shape that will work with pants and a top, I have one of these myself (as used for my example of scalloping above) and I love the way it looks with a pair of tailored trousers, as well as pencil skirts. Awesome.

Another different take of the trend is this shirt by ASOS. showing that scalloping doesn't just belong on hems. This subtle feature used on the collar immediately draws the eye up to your face. Pair it with a necklace over the top for even more oomph, and another look that's hot this season.

How would you wear this trend? Do you have any scalloped detail already in your wardrobe?

Guest Post! Laura Clarke on behalf of ASOS talks Feminine Prints

Printing is everywhere this season so there is bound to be a style for you out there. Whether it is Aztec, animal, baroque or floral prints there is surely a style that will suit you perfectly.

A patterned dress, like this one from ASOS is a great way to liven up your winter wardrobe, and this Aztec print lovely will be perfect either on its own or for colder days a pair of tights will keep the chill off your pins. For a casual look leather ankle boots work well. To add personality into your outfit, be sure to accessorise with plenty of jewellery and a leather jacket will add a real rock chick edge.

For all out girly glam there is no better print than floral. It can literally be found in any form of clothing you want from dresses to pants to shoes. For winter a great pair of jeans is always an essential, but that doesn’t mean they have to be the tried and tested black variety. For a quirky look that exudes femininity a pair of floral print jeans will be a perfect choice.

Baroque prints have been seen on all the biggest stars and will be a classy choice for a casually chic look for a day of shopping or a lunch date with your girlfriends.

If printed clothing isn’t really your thing then perhaps accessories will be more to your taste. Animal printing rarely ever goes out of fashion so accessories in this print will last a lot longer than one season, which is always a plus. Ankle boots are always a great investment as they will last all year round from wrapping up warm with jumpers and jeans in the winter to looking hot with your favourite summer dress when the weather heats up.

So for a winter wardrobe that is far from dull, why not try out some print perfection this season? 

This has been a sponsored post

Bought! Pastel Mint Skinnies from Jay Jays

So after hunting high and low for the last few months for yet another pair of jeans (that makes three different varieties this winter... oh dear.) I finally found a pair that suited my pastel, skinny and flattering requirements.
Imagine my joy when I flipped the price tag and saw that I would get change from a $50!

Pastel Green Skinny Jeans by Jay Jays

The jeans are a good cut for my hippy frame, though I still need a belt. They're cute to cuff and show off my shoes, the hems do look a little odd in the picture above but they're straight and don't get skinnier at the hem as they appear to. You can go all out with the pastel trend and wear them with a white belt, and a darling sleeveless pale blouse, or use them to jazz up older items in your wardrobe. The colour pops with so many items this season.
I do quite like to browse Jay Jays, not just for myself but I can pick up some items for my strangely picky-yet-unstylish boyfriend. They're great for cheap denim, if not slightly small in their run of sizes.
Another thing I like to get from there are Sunnies. I'll be honest and say I don't see the point in dropping a fortnight's rent on a pair, I'm notoriously careless with mine and don't want to wave goodbye to a large amount of hard earned cash when I accidentally sit on something. I also nabbed a pair of faux classic raybans for $5 (!!) Ah, bargains.

What's your favourite place to go when you want bargain streetwear? I'd love to know so I can check it out!

Talulah Sale Brisbane!

I have something for you to jot down on your calendars girls! So a little bird has told me that Talulah are going to be having a fantastic one day only sale with up to 80%(!!) off. Interested?

The necessary details:

When? August 4th (Saturday), between 9 and 2 o'clock.

Where? At Mirra, 86 Bridge Street Fortitude Valley.

What? Items from their Summer '11, Autumn '12 and Winter '12 collections as well as show samples and limited editions.

I'll see you there!

Hauling! Dotti

So uh, I had a particularly difficult day at work on Friday, where my boss has recently been instructed to lay off some staff... only half of my team. Friday was the day where the individuals found out if they were staying or leaving and it was horrible. Some people did have the incredibly lack of empathy to take it out on me. I have truthfully never cried so many times in one day. Pull myself together to get my job done, only for one cruel word or look to make me fall apart again.
But moving on, this too shall pass etc. etc. That is not the focus of this post, only the occurrence that triggered this haul!
What else did I do to make myself feel better but go shopping?
Now Dotti have been moving on up in my eyes recently, their ranges have been great and full of both staples and great little fashion updaters for a fantastic price. I've been finding that I can't go in there without finding something that I want to make mine. Here's what I picked up yesterday!

Stripe Peplum zip back top 

Peplums are everywhere at the moment, it was like "pop!"  and every store suddenly had them about two months ago, personally I adore them, and I'm surprised they didn't take off about three years ago when a lot of dresses had them. Why did no one think to bring out some in a top style then?? These are great for hiding food babies, my advice if you're unsure is to balance the look out with a pair of skinnies, and wear with a cute upstyle and bright lippy.

Brooklyn Collar Shift 

This dress is amazingly versatile, and certainly something I recommend for everyone else to snap up. Why? the shape is completely classic. A black shell that can be accessorised so many ways. And the absolute kicker? The collar is both reversible and removable. The other side is black velvet, but you know what? The crafty girls out there (or those with crafty mothers, ha!) could easily use the collar as a template to make whatever kind of collar they choose! Highly recommend, like I said, you should buy this dress.
Those who aren't fond of collars could also use it to pair with bold accessories, An arm party of bangles, a statement necklace, Breakfast at Tiffany's Glasses. the list goes on.

Paper Bag Pant

Now, these trousers are something that I can look at and think "These will not look good on me." Wrong, wrong wrong. Never limit yourself just because you don't think it will work, you can find a way to make most things work, trust me. These trousers turned out to be incredibly flattering, Black is slimming for this odd shape, and they are a great canvas for your best shoes. If you see them, try them, and hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Grosgrain Tie Knit Coat

Lastly I bought this gorgeous coat, after realising that I have been through this entire winter without buying myself a new one, I love the rounded collar and the unusual tie up front. the shape is loose which is something I wouldn't normally go for, but it will work great with all my flarey skirts I have and skinnies too. Navy is a great colour to have too and it will go with warm and cool outfit palettes.

Source: Dotti.com.au

Remove ink stains from clothing

We've all done it, left a pen in our clothes pockets and then put it in the wash, or haphazardly drawn a line on our sleeve, what is great about it is how easy it is to remove most pen inks.
The trick is hairspray!
By no means do I suggest you now run and go all Picasso on pieces of your wardrobe just to test this out, but if you're struggling to get the stain out next time, or haven't even tried anything else yet, grab a can and spray it on the offending ink, You need to pretty much drown it, and it should actually fade on the spot. Then chuck it into the wash to get rid of that crispy hairspray! Wash, dry, iron as normal afterwards but if it has worked, you will know before you even put it in the wash.

Do you know any super effective but random stain removal tips? We all like looking after our clothes after all!

Sales Hauling

So after a shattering week that involved my teams first game -and fracturing my finger at training on Tuesday- I went shopping. No excuses needed. It was just time to go out and buy some stuff that I had earned!
I went out for three hours an still didn't managed to get to all the stores I meant to!

First cab off the rank was Sportsgirl with their enormous amount of markdowns. I was very pleased with the selection and made off with a massive stack of clothes on my arm to try on, in the end I went for the items below:

This tunic I bought two sizes too big as it was the only size left, but it still looks great on, I can wear it belted up to emphasis my waist and help keep it in place in windy weather or come the hotter weather it'll look great with shorts.

Cute striped singlet for under $10? Yes please!

I also picked up this cute mod style skirt. It looks gorgeous with a plain boxy tank, tights, and chunky jewellery.

Have you had the chance to check out Sportsgirl yet? What did you pick up?

Source: Sportsgirl

Bought! Floral Jeans and Kitty Headscarf

I've been eyeing off a pair of floral jeans for sometime to add to my arsenal for the season. If you do or don't know, I've started training five days a week and don't have as much free time as I used to, but one perk is indeed my shrinking waistline. I thought I might have to send them back due to fit but I don't!
ASOS currently have a small but good range of floral denim, you need a choice of prints to ensure you can buy somethng that will work with the rest of your wardrobe. For me it was a fight between this pair and a lighter pair, which the darker print ultimately one... though the lighter pair may be saved until Spring if they're still available, such bright and zingy shades!

Also picked up this too cute headscarf, You buys know me! How could I resist this print?? It's a long rectangle that I can also tie around my neck, Scarves are my next fashion trademark, I've come to realize just how good they are in the sort of cold but still not freezing weather we get in Brisbane, and are easy to take off and on in my office environment.

Can you see the little bows around their necks??

Both Items are available from ASOS.com

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia

You'd have to be living under a fashionably void rock to have missed the fact that it's the biggest week in Australian fashion! Very jealous of anyone who is down in Sydney to enjoy it, but for now I'll just have to be happy with checking out the incredible coverage. Here's a quick look at what has caught my eye.

I was so excited to read that Romance Was Born would be having a comic book hero themed show! Their range is always great for pieces that stun, you can't fade into the background in them. My favourite look of the show is the gorgeous black and white dotty dress, it's taken the idea of how they shade in comic books and would make a fantastic conversational piece! I want.

I'm in love with the hair and make up at the Toi Et Moi show too. There were two hair looks for the show and the one I'm adoring is the gorgeous shabby buns, perfect to work with the humid conditions over winter. You can emulate it by creating a high bun with teasing and a braid as a feature. if your hair is looking too sleek, use your palm to muss it up. Chic, flicked eyeliner completes the look with a slightly coral lip.