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?

Tip of the day: Easy half moon nails

I'm just discovering nailpolish, normally I can't be bothered at all, but with a little daily TLC they can look really groomed and well presented. But I'm not a fan of excessive nail art, there's just something about it that makes me think 'cheap'
One of the looks I've adored lately is the half moon, it's in a similar vein to a french manicure with the two tone effect. but instead of having white tips, you draw on a semi circle of polish at the base of the nail. Like below.

Probably the most classic way to wear this is with the colours above, red and white. But I think it looks stunning in pastels and brights. Most of the time the base colour is white, but use any constrasting colour, with the ligher of the two as the base colour.
It's damn tricky to apply by yourself, and it can be a little hard to explain what you're after to your manicurist without a picture. My tip? Nail art pens.
Sally Hansen makes a great budget friendly nail art pen in 11 different colours. For longevity and flexibility I'd recommend buying it in either silver or white, but the sky is the limit.

A sample of available colours.

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

Loving this week: Cassandra Graus and Alannah Hill

I feel that since I'm in a house I have no hope of decorating at the moment that I'm drawn to home furnishings. You always want what you can't have! I can't wait to have walls to decorate, and a kitchen to fill with kooky kitchenware , and a room just for dining! (And perhaps showing off more of my quirky tastes.)
Blank walls! Blech! I want to cover them in things that make me happy. Like this adorable kitty print. Cassandra has created a collection of kitty themed prints, that make me giggle when I see them. I want this one especially.

 

Cat Nap Print by Cassandra Graus available at Shana Logic.

This is a truly great time of the year for scooping up a bargain, because of all the gorgeous new things flooding the stores. <3

Alannah Hill comes up with dozens of new designs at the start of the season and I especially loves her promotional pictures for her collections. I first saw these almost a fortnight ago but just haven't had the resoures to share anything, and now they're in store anyway! Go check them out online too. I love the skirt in this picture, a totaly scene stealing piece.

 A snippet from the Spring Summer 2011 collection by Alannah Hill.

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