Loving this week - Bargain leather goods and Mecca Maxima

December is here and that means I can officially get all Christmas-y without anyone cracking the sads that I'm getting in too early. Hurray for that! I love this time of the year because the weight of the year starts to lift off everyone's shoulders. Even people on the street seem to smile more.

Of course it also means great deals for shoppers too, so I've been pounding the pavement (or carpet in Westfield Carindale's case!)

Colette is a store I haven't paid much attention to, I noticed when suddenly they appeared in almost every mall overnight but I've been afraid that my allergy would prevent me from wearing the jewellery. However I was walking past the store when I saw new posters up talking up their new leather range, Always keen for a leather handbag I had to check them out.

Nice, simple and clean lines are a great first impression to make on the handbags. However, when you look a little closer the top corners of the bag actually clip together internally and form a new bag shape, and a gorgeous one at that! I'm sorry to say I couldn't find any pictures of the alternate way to wear it, but I think it's worth going to the shops and checking them out, it could just be your brand new handbag (and matching wallet!) It also currently comes in other shades of tan, dark blue, and a pinky coral hue.

I'm a little ashamed to admit that I have waited this long to check out the new Mecca Maxima, or any Mecca Maxima in that case! I've been shy. It's like that feeling you get when you see the security guard on the doors of Louis Vuitton or Chanel, sometimes you don't feel brave enough and run away! But after entering I don't know why I felt that way. I almost squealed out loud at some of the cute stuff I found! Heart shaped foam hair rollers anyone? Don't mind if I do ...

Comes in a pack of six

I also picked up some Soap and Glory goodies that I'll talk about after I've given them a go. The tools section was of course unbelievable but the range of hard to find brands is awesome. I'm really glad to see that someone who has the means to has opened up the world of international niche cosmetics to Australians who would otherwise resort to eBay or overpriced international postage. After leaving the store I'm already plotting my purchases for next time in my head.

Guest Post - The Origins of Fashion

Hi guys, please enjoy this guest post about the origin of various types of shoes! - Birdette

A fashion boot or shoe is one that is worn for reasons other than practicality. Practical? Really?

Mary Jane’s
Mary Jane’s is the trademarked name for a closed toe ladies shoe, with a low heel and one or more strap across the top. The Mary Jane originated in the US. Mary Jane was a character in the very popular comic, Buster Brown. Buster Brown was first published in 1902, in which Mary Jane plays the love interest of Buster Brown. Later, the comic book was sold to 200 companies, including the Brown’s Shoe Company, who trademarked the name Mary Jane and Mary Jane wore Mary Jane’s in the comic strip.

Loafers
Loafer’s originated in Norway in 1930. A Norwegian shoe maker called Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger designed a shoe called the Aurland moccasin which were very popular among Europeans and eventually made its way across the Atlantic to America. The design for the shoe was picked up and replicated by a shoemaker in New Hampshire who changed the name to Loafer. The term Loafer is now the generalised term used in America to describe a slip on shoe. The traditional design of the Loafer which has a leather flap across the top was adapted in Maine by a shoemaker who renamed the shoe the Weejun.

Ballet Flat
The Ballet Flat, which is also known as the Dolly Shoe, consists of a soft shoe with minimal sole, sometimes the appearance of no sole. The Ballet flat was originally worn by men in the 16th Century when they were referred to as Pompes. Audrey Hepburn can be given the recognition for bringing the Ballet Flat to life, when she wore a pair of flats with skinny jeans in the movie Funny Face in 1957. The Ballet Flat has been adapted from its original design in order to suit the current trend, the addition of the rubber sole gives the shoe more durability and versatility and can be seen everywhere these days as one of the most popular shoes of this century so far.

Over the Knee
Over the knee boots, which are also known as cuissardes, are boots that partially or fully cover the knee. Over the knee boots can take many forms including thigh high, hip high and waders. Over the knee boots were originally designed for men, to be worn when riding a horse during the 15th Century. It became popular for men to wear tight when riding horseback in the 15th Century and so
they over the knee boot were designed to give their legs extra protection. The term bootlegging was derived in the 17th Century when men used to hide flasks in their thigh high boots. Over the knee boots were adopted by the fashionistas in the 1960’s when Balenciaga revealed an over the knee boot in their fall collection and the following season Yves Saint Laurent had included the item in his.

Knee High
The knee high boot is a highly recognisable item of clothing these days. The boot raises up to just under the knee and tend to be tight to the leg. The origins of the knee high boot date back to fishermen, stable hands, dairy workers etc., they were worn to protect the works feet from water, slurry, manure etc. The original knee high boots were slip on and were often very difficult to remove. Upon entry into the fashion world, the knee high boot was modified for convenience and zips and buckles were added.

Chelsea Boot
The Chelsea boot, also known as the dealer boot, originated in the Victorian Era and was originally worn for horse riding. Chelsea boots were considered an identifiable element of the 1960’s Mod scene, they faded out of fashion soon after that and in recent years have come back in. They are distinguishable by the thick leather sole and the elastic that runs up the side of the boot.

This Guest Post was written by Vicki Power on behalf of Duo Boots. Duo boots offer Ladies Boots in a variety of width options.

This has been a sponsored post

Gift Guide - Homebody

This is part of a series of gift guides I am putting together and posting up until Christmas. Please be sure to check out the others Here! 

Homebody may be a slightly misleading description of this person, Houseproud might do it better! We all know someone who takes great pride in maintaining their home and filling it with gorgeous little knick knacks and treasures. Perhaps these might suit their style?

I don't feel like a house is truly a home without at least a few books kicking around. I don't care much for the new electronic reader technology, give me the smell of old books over strained eyes and something that feels utterly fake any day! Cute bookends add the finishing touch to any collection, here are a few goodies.

Vinyl Record Bookends from Typo

The End Bookend from Lark

People who love their homes often want to show them off, so why not give them some gorgeous servingware for the next time they're entertaining? (Gives them more reason to invite you over too!) Platters for me are something that are to be used to frame your food. What may perfectly complement a table full of colourful salads and BBQ cooked fare may not work as well for a more classy afternoon tea affair or even a make-your-own taco fiesta.

22 cm Hand drawn Lacey Serving Bowl by Yvonne Ellen

37.5 cm Fiesta Round Platter and 35 cm French Bull Melamine Platter both available at Peter's of Kensington

Another cute idea you won't find everywhere are these unique wire wall art Sculptures. I admit, my eyes may have done their little "dawwwww!" thing and widened when I first spotted the bunny sculpture. Each of them are handmade and differ slightly to others, so like hand blown glass no two are the same.

Owl, Bunny and other designs available from Life on Wire

Loving this week - Giant Freckles & Squishy cats

I've had a massive few days, after going and seeing the latest James Bond Movie, (the boy and I made a real nice date night out of it, Gold Class cinemas, fancy dinner, loved it.) and then the day job's Christmas party last night has made me  feel like I've hardly had any sleep all week. Thank goodness for weekends and lazy Sundays.

I'm currently in the midst of crocheting a massive floor rug out of t-shirt yarn for my house, and no doubt I'll still be making it in the months to come, but look what I found for sale! These awesome rugs are handmade in Nepal and no two are alike, they're also 100% wool, gorgeous quality and would look great in homes with a handmade and cheerful aesthetic.

Little Lamb Freckle Rug available from Lark

I may also have been hunting homewares like it's going out of style, (Pssh! Materialistic? Me?? Never!) There's just so much cute stuff out there. I am also a cat lady, I've never tried denying it and limit myself to my two babies. This minor crazy streak is finally meeting with my odd collection of what I called 'item' cushions, (I have some prior additions here.) In the form of this Squee worthy cushion from the hilariously cute Pusheen Website. I just want to hug it!

Pusheen 20" Plush pillow available here.

Gift Guide 2012 - Foodie

This is part of a series of gift guides I am putting together and posting up until Christmas. Please be sure to check out the others Here! 

Shopping for foodies is probably one of my favourite things to do, there's always a new gadget, or book to look at and in my opinion food styles and hot items can change just as quickly as fashion! Cupcakes, Whoopie pies, Macarons, etc they've all had their moments recently and opened up the idea of cooking and baking being a worthwhile skill to have to a younger generation who otherwise may never have learnt!

Cookies are a great way to open up the kitchen to novices and the results are great for spreading the love, I found these cute cookie stamps, hopefully there's something for all kinds of bakers! Cookie stamps in a variety of cute, hipster, indie and creepy.

A - Baked with Love Stamp available from Portmans

B & C - Munchstaches and Gingerdead Men Stamps available from Mighty Ape

D - Home Made stamp available from Lark

An idea for someone who likes to play with cocktails and liquid concoctions would have to be this nifty Zoku quick pop maker. It has the ability to create icy poles in minutes! Imagine the possibilities, you could use it to make a nice cooling after workout healthy treat that freezes while you exercise, or you could turn all those favourite summer cocktails into frozen treats. Not only do you have treats in minutes but you know exactly what went into them. It comes in various types that can make anywhere from one to three Zoku pops at once (I think the three would be great for someone who has people over a lot!) and come in a range of colours to match various kitchen decors.

Zoku Pop makers in single, two or three

Unfortunately the official website only ships to the USA, but you can also buy them in Australia here or here.