ASOS set to launch Australian site

Hmmm, brutally honest? I'm not too sure how exciting I find this news. It was within the last year or so that ASOS added the option for Aussie dollar, and that was useless because the prices were higher then if you bought with the pound.
We already get free shipping. But perhaps that will change to only from the Aussie site?
Nope, not sold on this plan, we'll have to wait and see if we'll be forking over more money first.

Bought! Faraway day wallet by Mimco

Well now I'm glad I didn't bother with the $30 voucher. While it would have been great if I had bought anything below $150, now that Mimco have 20% off storewide, I got an even better deal.
Alas I cannot afford the cute faraway day hip bag, but I found myself in need of a wallet. Hopefully I'll remember not to leave it lying on the floor so it can become Mischa's favourite toy. With lots of claw marks in the shiny leather.
While it doesn't have oodles of pockets for cards it has enough for my memberships and discounts, the coin section for a wallet this size is generous, and  I have a facination for bags and wallets with clips. The inside is rather shiny metallic leather which I think it growing on me.

 

Faraway Day Wallet by Mimco.

Embellished Knitwear by Jacqueline Claire

Jacqueline Claire specialises in hand sewn and painted knitwear such as tank tops and cardigans, every design is unique. Sick of seeing the same thing in every store she decided to start her own company that creates original one off designs.
Founded in 2004, she is also more then willing to make custom pieces for clients who request them.
What I love about her deisgns are the whimsy girly feel they have to them, I would have bought almost everything in the store money permitting. They have that touch of vintage feel that you get with one off creations that makes me smile.

Ugh, I hate my lack of photography skills sometimes.

Find out more information at her facebook page.

Incoming: Dipped hems

I'm sure there's a technical, 'fashion' term for this style, graduated, scooped, mullet, but I don't know it, but I do know I like it.
I bought one of these the other day and I love the look, it's got a cape sort of feel to it, and it's both modest and showy at the same time. It can be found on both tops and skirts coming into season now, and because of the way it swooshes around your legs it's very comfortable to wear in summer.
I think the trick to pulling off this look is to balance it out, if you're wearing it on top, make sure to wear some bottoms that will show off your legs (even if it's just the shape), and vice versa, wearing a skirt teamed with a tank top, and a long necklace to draw the eye along the length of your body will work great too. If you're wearing it as a dress without much shape, belt it.
Here is a gorgeous example by Bardot, very suited to a straight up and down figure, notice the use of the belt too, to balance out proportions.

 

Layered Frill Dip Dress by Bardot

Also perfect for our summer is this ASOS Dipped hem maxi skirt, perfect for throwing on over a bikini for the beach, or slipping on a sleeveless blouse for catching up with friends over the weekend.

 

Dipped hem maxi skirt by ASOS.

Damn, I think ASOS is doing this trend too damn well and affordably, check out this embellished crop top, of course only for those who have the abs for it, and I certainly wish I did right now! Right, off to go for a run and then 100 crunches ...

ASOS t-shirt with applique detail

How would you wear this trend? Have you already found your perfect piece?

Bought! Coquette Bikini by ASOS

Yeah, if you haven't guessed by now ASOS would have to be my favourite place to shop. But check this out!
Gorgeous cupped bikini in a beautiful pastel print, halter neck, contrast frills to draw attention, the placement of the frills on the bikini bottoms slim you down. There are still heaps of sizes available too. Being underwired it's perfect for larger busts that need support at all times. This print is also available in a trinagle top and tie side bottoms.
Just a quick one I had to share, and at 23 pounds it comes down to less then $40 Australian. buy it early and be ready for the upcoming summer... Yum.

ASOS Coquette Digital Print Ruffle Underwired Bikini

Brooches by Good Boy Cracky

I think I was really attracted to accessories when I was walking through the markets last weekend. I've had kooky brooches on my mind for a few months now so when I spotted Good Boy Cracky I was stoked.
Jessica Barr creates handmade accessories made from recycled materials with a cute aesthetic. I picked up a cute owl brooch on the day, and on Monday a lot of girls were telling me how cute it was perched on my shoulder. I love her trademark old playing cards to display her creations, and the off beat and appealing nature of her wares.
Apart from brooches she also makes hairpins, iPhone covers, earrings and handmade cards featuring her artwork.
You can also have a closer look and buy some for yourself at her Etsy Store.

 

 

A few displays of her adorable Brooches

Shop Forever New online

Good news news for those who aren't fearful to pull out their credit cards (or Visa Debit), Forever New have just opened up their online shop with free shipping Australia wide available for all of August.
Happy shopping!

Free Sample from Sunsilk Australia

The new Frizz Defence range that's been advertised all over the TV at the moment, give it a try, all you have to do is like Sunsilk on Facebook and fill in the form.

Enjoy!

What Katie Did

Have you ever bought one of those cheap corsets off eBay? You know the sort that come with that strange little g-string and feels highly flammable? Yeah I have too, they're kind of lacking in that desired cinch-me-in-and-make-me-look-amazing quality that you'd hoped for, something just isn't quite right.
Let me tell you the secret, They're just not going to do it for you. To get the curves and va-va-voom you're after you're going to have to spend a little bit of money but my word is it going to be worth it.
Let me tell you about one of my favourite brands of underwear.
What Katie Did is a company in England that creates and sells beautiful vintage inspired undergarments. I found them a few years ago, on the back on my burlesque fascination and have collected a few items here and there over the years. Their attention to details is incredible and their designs are sublime to say the least. Beautiful and classic shapes to make you feel like a gorgeous pin up model. They design a range that encompasses a lot of the lingerie available around the fifty's including classic shapewear, bullet bras, and high waisted knickers, made with modern and more wearable fabrics.

 Two tone Morticia underbust Corset

Can I tell you now, do not be afraid to wear a bullet bra! They're quite fun actually and can look amazing under blouses and the like. I have the one below and it's so comfy too, you great incredible support without an underwire.

Harlow Bullet Bra

Another thing that is plaguing women's underwear lately are those unsightly excuses for shapewear. Have you ever felt sexy in one? There's the dilemma when you're going out for a date that tonight may just be 'the night' with your suitor to be, and you want to look amazing all night. But when passion takes over it can be a little odd to suddenly pause and 'go and slip into something more comfortable' Why not put on something that does all of it? The Glamour Corsolette is just one item in a range of gorgeous shapewear that you don't need to feel ashamed to reveal to anyone. In fact, my boyf's eyes were out on stalks when he spotted me dropping my dress to reveal this one night.

 

Glamour Corsolette

One more item I couldn't do this post without mentioning would be the amazing stocking range What Katie did produces. The authentic fully fashion stocking are created on machines used to create them back when your nana wore them and they are ultra special. But for a more budget friendly alternative you can buy the seamed stockings in nude, sheer black or deep chocolate to complete your vintage underwear look. They also sell seamed fishnets, Rawr.

 

Retro Seamed Stockings

One final tip? their high waisted underwear is just the thing for wearing under all those high waisted skirts that are in fashion at the moment, try them and see!

All items featured are available at What Katie Did, all photos used are copyright of Tony Nylons.

Sales!

To me, I don't really bother with sales in the first few weeks, I'll have a browse, and pickup anything I'm totally in love with,  (I must say this does not include boxing days sales, which are a tradition for me ...) But on the whole, it's just not worth it, because things will get even cheaper in the days to come. Take this wonderful time of year, posts financial year sales.
I find online is a lot easier to navigate for these sales, as you don't rummage through racks and piles of crap with your hands. There are still all the gorgeous pictures and explanations of all products, and it's a lot easier to spot and find something you like.
Best tips?
Look for things you will wear in the upcoming season, or trends that have only just begun. Summer is coming, anything transeasonal, cardigans, shorts, close toed heels, and the beginning trends, if you didn't see it last year, that's a pretty good indicator. Otherwise have a look at international sites like shopbop and ASOS, and see what they're yelling about, you can be pretty sure that what they're wearing at the moment, is what we'll be wearing in six months.
Even better! Look for classics, the perfect jeans, tank tops (or t-shirts if you prefer), suits, anything that can be worn year after year without looking out of season..

Want some places to check out now?
Surfstich -up to 60% off surf labels
Freez - Biggest winter sale ever
Style Society - 30-60% off everything

Happy shopping!

Loving this week: Ladakh, Sportsgirl and Topshop

Ladakh are one of the eponymous Aussie labels to be, it's wearable at a broad range of ages and has a good blend of boho, beachy and just plain wearable. The fact that you can get a killer dress with change from $100 also piques my curiosity.
They have been working on their Internet marketing lately so I have been receiving emails from them that I never used to, Which drew my attention to the Nikita Dress. My trainer has helped me sculpt my arms up pretty nicely over winter, this'll show them off nicely. Also note the dark detailing over the front? Good design feature that will also slim you down.

Nikita dress by Ladakh. Available from Surfstitch.

Sportsgirl is one of my favourite shops, You'll often find me down the back of the store scouring the sale racks and trying to find a bargain. but more recently I've been checking out the front end of the store to see the monthly drop of new stock. I saw this blouse and loved the cut out/boho style. Also available in blush (burnt reddy pink)

Sportsgirl Paige Peasant Blouse

I've been a fan of whimsy for a long time, and kooky prints are high on my favourite things to wear, so when I saw this bunny print shirt dress by Topshop I had to have it. Add to cart please.

 

White Bunny Print Belted Shirt dress by Topshop

All of these items are also available online.

Hurray Shopbop for free worldwide shipping!

Just came across this little gem of info and thought to share it. Shopbop are now doing free worldwide shipping to most countries in three days or less with purchases over $100. With our dollar as great as it is at them moment this isn't a hard ask. Lets have a look shall we?

First of all, they have a massive array of designers from all corners of the world, and though I know it sound counter intuitive, it can be worth buying Australian overseas. Why? Because they're cheaper! Particularly when they're on sale. This works in our favour again because their summer stock goes on sale before our summer.

Speaking of summer, this Bikini is a classic style but not something you'd see everyday, I love the white edges that will make your (fake) tan pop

Nantucket Bikini  by Red Carter Available here and here.

I'm a total sucker for Gwen Stefani, anyone who can look that great at that age and with two kids earns respect. Her designer style can be quite eclectic but wearable. Take this dress. Could be worn on a casual Friday to work, a wedding or a catch up on the weekend. effortless.

Dress by L.A.M.B. available here.

I need gumboots, and have been dying for a pair of Hunter wellington boots for years. Love this quirky design, also comes in green.

Watling Lace Up Matte Boots Available here.

Loving this week: Carven, Have you met Miss Jones and Topshop

Trawling the internet for gorgeous things, I found this designer, who by no means is new but new to me, Carven. (watch the awe inspiring catwalk show on the French homepage here.) Totally in love with the cut of this skirt, I'd dress it down with a pastel singlet and sling handbag, or wear it to work with a crisp shirt and sleek blazer.

Available at Net-a-Porter

Up next is this cute and quirky vase from Have you met miss Jones, Certainly something to talk about, I want to stick it in the middle of my dining room table with some large blooms.

Available from Have you met Miss Jones

Topshop have a trend that's right up my alley at the moment, Prim and Polished. Blair Waldorf would approve. I wish I could wear playsuits, but I'm just too tall from shoulder to crotch. Kinda gross to say but true, I have a loooooong torso, so I was incredibly cut when I saw this adorable playsuit and knew it would just never work for me, but perhaps for you?

Available at Topshop

Incoming: Mimco fine jewelry

I read recently that Mimco will be releasing Thomas Sabo-esque charms very soon for sale. Along with a collection of “28 styles including semi-precious rings, bracelets and necklaces in both sterling silver and 14-carat yellow gold plated sterling silver”. Called Mim Precious, I cannot wait  for the cute little clip on bags, shoes and such that take on their popular designs due to be released this month. Alas, I'm not finding anything on their website for it yet so I'm going to stay tuned.

The cute little button bag <3

Also, Madison Magazine is giving you a $30 gift voucher for purchases at Mimco this month when you buy their magazine, conditions do apply mind you but if you'rre going to buy something anyway why not save yourself a few bucks and get  magazine to read while you're at it?

Clear it online

Living in Brisbane, where we have very few fashion designers operating it's a little hard to find real factory outlets. Yes we do have the traditional DFO, and if you're willing to hike down the coast there's Harbour town. But really I find most of the time they're just mass collections of mid range labels trying to cast off extra stock for not much cheaper. In fact, some of them are just like the store you'd find at Westfield. Exactly the same.
Don't get me wrong, they can be great places to go to stock up on basics and classics (Tank tops and crisp white shirts? Check).

I love Alannah Hill. ADORE. I'll admit her clothes are very theatrical and not for everyone, but they suit my kooky ladylike style incredibly. But they are way out of my usual price range. Imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon a little place called Clear it (188 Brunswick Street) while trawling through Fitzroy in Melbourne. Row after row, after row of discounted Alannah Hill. Mostly 50% but you can find some real bargains in there if it's older then last season. Yes there were other brands but this was my focus in my cotton candy wardrobe. The staff can be a little surly though.

So what else do they sell?
A lot of scene sort of stuff, and it is very 'melbourne fashion' centric. What am I saying, of course it's Melbourne centric! All the Designers they sell are based there!
Here's a quick overview of the brands available on line (at this point in time, they have added a few lines since I started shopping there):
Gorman,
Black Friday,
Coo Ca Choo,
Dangerfield,
Princess Highway,
Pulp Kitchen,
Revival,
Jack London.

They also sell fabric, well worth going into the shop for this though, as there's is a massive range of Alannah Hill end-of-rolls, buttons and trimmings.

Even better? The store also has an online store for everyone who can't make it down to Melbourne.(Tip for those who do live in Melbourne, Do not buy anything until you've seen the price of it both online and in store, they can vary widely.)

Incoming: Kimono style

Keep an eye out for this trend coming to a store near you very soon, it looks great worn with slim fitting trousers and shorts, probably not with skirts, I think they'd just look odd.
Inspiration?
Nicole Richie has been a long time fan of the style, it goes well with her bohemian style.

Here are some for sale:
Band of Gypsies available at ASOS

Winter Kate Available at My-Wardrobe

Make it yourself?
My type of girl! If you wear it undone you could use any kimono pattern, but I'd recommend adjusting the pattern a little. And don't go for brocade fabric(it'll took far too 'I just got back from Japan!', try something in a light to medium floral fabric for this season's look.
Check out the patterns I've found to DIY.
Simplicity
Bryn Gwlad
Burda (Yes it's a dressing gown, but don't they all look vaguely like one?)


If you give it a go comment below and let me see!

Oh ASOS, how did I shop without you?

Now I'm sure a lot of you may already now about this site but if not it is my pleasure to introduce you.
Give it a go, truly worth your while!

Now I've been shopping here for the better part of three years, but it has been around a lot longer then that, I think I can recall reading somewhere that it has been around for over a decade now, and there's a good reason why. In short it's amazing.

You know how the Aussie dollar is doing fantastic things at the moment? Just the other day it had its highest worth against the pound in 25 years! Apply this to the massive array of clothes that cover a wide range of styles and tastes, and you'll find one of the greatest fashion resources available to Australians.
Did someone also say FREE worldwide shipping? Oh yes, yes please.

Another fun fact, all their winter clothes go on sale, just as our winter is rolling in and vice versa.

I have to recommend signing up  for their newsletter as well, they're a pretty little piece of eye candy that pops into your email at least once a week, not only that but you will get the jump on their (freaking awesome) sales, they often have discounts and heads up type deals as well.

I really could go on about them all day, and have already recommended them to dozens of my friends, they'll clothe anyone, ladies, men, plus size (in fashion! score!), some of the maternity is a little hit and miss but if you scour the site you're bound to find more then a few chic items with a price tag that suits the limited time you will actually be up the duff.

In fact, I received a shipment from them just yesterday, wanna peek?