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

Bought! Bento Lunch kit

So it may come as a surprise to some readers that I am fascinated by Japan. I may not be obsessed like I used to be in my teenage years but I still harbour a real soft spot, Ironic since I've never been, but that's what we have the internet to be thankful for. I can find out so much, see so much, and BUY so much more then I ever could 10 years ago!
Bento is a traditional lunch style in Japan, consisting of compact home made meals. think of it as a Rice based (but not always rice based) lunch box and you're on your way there. You may have seen them in your local sushi store, those gorgeously presented flat meals in trays. Mega healthy normally too.
So playing in with my occasionally kitschy nature I spotted this cute as a button set on eBay and quickly snapped it up. Bright pink of course with a kitty theme, my inner twelve year old is exploding. The cute kitty ears that pop up when the bag is tied? Too good!

I plan on using it to tote around lunches that are good to eat either cold or at room temperature, I bought this from the seller littlejapanmama but as I only just bought it today I can't recommend her just yet. (I'll update!)

Best time to stock up on accessories!

Hey girls, I know I've been a bit sparse lately, I've started up a new team sport and the training is often and brutal. I'm sorry that I've been lacking my usual post frequency. During the week I don't have much time to do stuff, but on the weekend I do, so I'll have to sort something out.

One thing I do want to draw your attention to is a particular facet of the sales that are going on. This is the best time of the year to go and stock up on costume jewellery at Diva and Lovisa. Arm yourself with about $100 and you will get a stack more then you would at any time of the year (also post-Christmas, amazing!), and it can be very surprising what you come away with. Stuff that has barely been dropped in store are often part of the markdowns. I always keep an eye out for things that look like they don't belong in there. I get asked time and time again where I bought my massive statement jewel necklace and I love saying smugly it got me change from $10.
I think some of the really trendy items that are worth picking up at the moment are collars and torques. IT's a slight blast from the nineties, solid colours and metal finishes are really hot right now too and will see you right into summer.

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

Brisbane Warehouse Sale Alert! April 2012

Just wanted to let my fellow Brisbane readers know about the outlet sale over at the RNA Showgrounds happening over the next week. (So don't fret if it's too wet to go outside today, it's on until next Saturday!)
Here are the details that count:

Who?
Gap and Guess are the headline brands, covering their entire ranges (mens womens, footwear etc) the sale also features Aldo shoes, United Colours of Beneton accessories, Tumi luggage, Carlton luggage, Sisley leathergoods,  Travelite luggage and well as other leathergoods and items.

When?
Opening this Saturday the 28th of April and Closing Next Saturday the 5th of May. Opening hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day except Thursday where it will stay open for an extra hour in the evening.

Where?
RNA Showgrounds, The John Reid Pavillion, Bowen Hills Brisbane (Note there is a lot of construction happening there at the moment, so be warned, if you walk, the entrance you know may not be open to public and you may have quite the hike ahead of you.)

Bonus! They are accepting cash, EFTPOS, Visa and Mastercard as payment.

Let me know what you buy if you go!

Birdette's dictionary: Ponte

Have you also seen this word cropping up everywhere in fashion stores lately? Ponte is a double knit fabric, meaning it stretches like your favourite t-shirt. What makes it so special though is the lovely thickness and ability to flatter because of it's ability to pull you in. It's sturdy, and will hold it's shape better then flimsier knits. A perfect use for this fabric are leggings! But that gorgeous mint shift dress I bought a while ago is also made from this fabric.
Try it out in this cute as Dotti dress, completely on trend and snug for Autumn and Winter. Now also on sale!

Twiggy Time Ponte Dress in Chilli Pepper <3 available at Dotti.

Source: Dotti

Bought! Stretch Tack Stitch Chinos by Just Jeans

It fascinates me just how quickly my style can change from week to week. While through most of summer has been girly girly quirky, I'm now finding it's slid very quickly into chic, androgenic but still emphasising that I am indeed a woman! My work uniform is morphing from pencil skirts to tailored pants and skinny jeans. One of my favourite things that has come through recently are the beautiful colours of the season, lots of darker colours that can only be expected in winter, but the lovely jewel tones of Mustard, Deep red, and Jade green are almost impossible to miss in a variety of garments. Do try them out if you haven't already, they look awesome in winter with the lighter tones your skin gets from not being in the sun.
So of course what drew me to these jeans are their amazingly gorgeous hue! I saw it while walking past the store and had to have a closer look. These are the jeans I did my waistband trick with the other day because unfortunately they do fit me everywhere but the waist, after a few hours of wear they've stretched enough for me to do them up properly though. (incredibly handy trick to make more styles of jeans within reach!)
The cuffs are only done by hand and can be rolled back down, and they look amazing with little heeled ankle boots. True denim love.

Myer Super Saturday TODAY!

Just a quick one letting regular readers know that today is Myer's Super Saturday, apart from opening day this is the day you really want to check out as the bargains at at their best. I'll be heading over later and I'll show you what I find.

Mid Season Sales!

Well after this morning's erroneous mistake of walking to the shops only to discover the entire damn complex is closed, (Yeah, that's my daft nature for you.) I guess what I'll be doing tomorrow instead will be checking out some of the many mid season sales that are about. stacks of shops are doing them, and with more then 30% off the stock that you want for winter it's worth going and seeing what's out there.

Alannah Hill: Has an extra 20% off sale stock until Monday the 9th.

Myer: I much prefer the bricks and mortar store to the online one. Always a goodie to check out, I never go in with a real objective because you won't often find whatever is in your head, but you will find something!

Portmans: Huge amount of stock marked down, plus $50 off all coats, Excellent Brit girl inspired styles in store now.

Sportgirl: Heaps of winter stock on sale, and receive a $25 voucher for every purchase over $100.

Dotti: Lots of cute 60's style gear on sale, and their awesomely priced outlet shop now online.

Mimco: Only gets more and more appealing as the prices drop, good chance to either earn or use up loyalty vouchers!

Review: Up to 50% off, with 20% off new styles.

Typo: 30% off storewide, in store only until the 9th of April,  much prefer this store in the flesh then online too.

So ... what are you doing tomorrow??

Source: Alannah Hill

Cotton On's new Carindale store

So last week I did go to the new Carindale extension grand opening and it was packed! As only can be expected really, it seemed like everyone was there to check out the area.
What stood out in my mind after I had fought my way through the crowds however was the massive new Cotton On shop. Just near the new Glasshouse is the biggest Cotton on I have ever had the pleasure of being in, and it rocked my socks. They have rolled all of the apparel brands into the one shop with clothings, accessories, shoes and even a shop inside a shop with Body down the back in a stand alone alcove. It is huge! The new store truly is an experience in itself that helps bring bricks and mortar into the new shopping age.
Here are a few of my fave things I spotted on the night!

I'm always a sucker for a fun slogan, this one is just daggy enough.

Striped tube skirt for the win.

Because if you can't wear leopard print to bed, when can you?

Have any of you been to the renovations? What did you think?

Source: Cotton On

Marie Claire Up Late Event in Brisbane

Eek! Something else is happening this Thursday, I'm just going to have to go to both!
Marie Claire to me is a magazine that may be considered quite upper class, the clothing is to die for, but the articles have a habit of blowing my mind. I just can't put it down until I've read everything each month.
So when I spotted that they're putting on an "Up Late with Marie Claire and James Street" Event, naturally, I'm there!
The aim of these events is to take the shopping experience to a whole new level with designer appearances ( I read we'll be able to rub shoulders with Edwina Sinclair from emerging  label Soot, Sass & Bide’s Heidi Middleton and Easton Pearson’s Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson (Who I have found to be incredibly nice ladies when I've met them through my old TAFE Lecturers) and many more will be around for the night. Also Marie Claire Editor Jackie Franks will also be about the event, meeting shoppers and giving advice.
It's really worth heading over as there will be great deals on offer and styling tips from professionals, even if you don't plan on buying, it will be one of the biggest fashion events in Brisbane for the year and it's open to everyone who wants to attend!
It starts after 5:00pm in James Street so head on over after work to check it out.


For more information and to see what deals will be available, check out the James Street Website here.

Source: James Street

Westfield Carindale Remodeling stage one opening this Thursday!

Finally, a follow up to my post some months ago about the Carindale Westfield Redevelopment. More shops can only mean more choice, more competition and better prices right?
Carindale is revealing the first stage of its new redevelopment this Thursday the 29th of March with more then 70 new stores in total, with some great opening days deals in both new shops and old. The new town square has been aptly named The Glasshouse and has an entirely new host of eateries. Also if you're having a hard time getting your boy to take you in on opening day, explain to him that there are free burritos from Guzman y Gomez available all day. That's all it took to convince mine.
I'm excited to see Collette, Kikki K, The Reject Shop (hey, you have to love a bargain!) and Wheel & Barrow the most, but I'm really hoping that the Myer redevelopment will be finish soon too, I have barely been in there since they started, It's just not comfortable. A number of the stores that closed during the remodelling will also be opening back up.
Many stores are also moving about the centre so it's also worth checking out the directories to see what's around, they're new and high-tech, and not working yet as far as I saw last Thursday, I'm guessing they already have all the new data on them and they'll come to life this Thursday
You can also check out a full list of new store opening here.

 I'll see you there! What are you looking forward to the most readers?


Edit: Hey, I just came back from a trip to Carindale and it looks like the Myer first floor remodelling is done, and some of the directories are up and running too. Definitely going to hit up that new Revlon Nail Bar soon!

Source: Westfield

Sportsgirl introduce 'window shopping'

How's this for something new and nifty? Sportsgirl have come up with an innovative and new way to shop their collections by just looking at a window (well almost).
Using QR codes, you simply scan the code correlating to the item you want with your smartphone, it then whips you to a site where you can add to bag and purchase. Too easy!
While it's only available at the rather trendy store in Chapel Street Melbourne for now, there are plans to set it up at random spots throughout the country, with the idea that this will make the flagship store range available to a wider audience.
Also yay, I hear that there's a special gift with each mobile order!

Has anyone given this a go? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Incoming: Ladylike Glam Pieces

This is one of those trends that hides in the background for a few seasons before coming back with a bang. Prada did some beautiful frocks a few years ago that evoked a very classy fifties feeling, and the accessories -particularly handbags- have been slowly taking on the look.

Must have piece one: The structured handbag.
I did post about this a little while ago, anyone remember this bag I stalked for weeks? To help bring this look to life, a structured handbag is going to be the quickest and most worthy investment, look for details like a top handle, a twist or kiss lock of some description and a solid shape.
If you want to go completely on trend with the new season, I love this bag by Mimco. The texture and colour-blocking are brilliant.

After something more cheap chic? Dotti has this cute little magenta number, while Ooh la la from Myer has some gorgeous styles.

Click through for piece two!

Shopper of the year competition

I have to say I am rather cut that they have chosen four locations for this competition, and only spread them between Sydney and Melbourne. But check it out.
They're going to let 200 shoppers on the loose in DFO locations with $200 up their sleeves. They then have 45 minutes to race about DFO and put together an outfit with the money they have been given, best two outfits chosen on the day are crowned finalists and will have their outfits posted online for voting to choose the ultimate winner of $5,000 and the title of Shopper of the Year.
If I could justify it, I'd fly down and do it, but unfortunately it just skips the days I'm already in Melbourne in march by just two days, sadface.

Check it out online for more information and to sign up here.

Dita sets a date!

So as previously mentioned here Dita Von Teese is releasing a range of underwear through Target Australia. and a date has been set!
The range will be available on the 8th of February so jot it in your calendar and be first in line (with me!)

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.

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!

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!