Haute Look - Labels for Less

There's a new way to find those chic buys on the internet without the audacious price tag. Welcome to the world of online outlets!

Haute Look have been operating out of America for a few years now and I was really excited to find that they are now shipping to us way out in Australia! Nordstrom acquired the site back in 2011 So you can be sure that the labels are top notch. For no membership fee there are new sales to be found every day at 8:00 am Pacific time (which suits Australia fine, we get the start of the sales in the evening here!) A factor I really like about Haute Look though is that they stock a tonne of labels that we would have a hard time finding in store here. With Beauty, Fashion Homewares and more at your fingertips -but only for a limited time- it's a site you'll want to bookmark and visit often.

So armed with my bargain hunter instinct, I dove right into the site on the hunt for something awesome. Here's what I picked up!

So much cuter then an elastic on your wrist right?

These gorgeous hair ties rock my socks, not just for me of course as they make brilliant gifts for friends as well. Of course I couldn't go past something with glitter in them either. They came in a variety of colours so I chose what went best with my wardrobe.

The other thing I picked up were these boots. How amazing are they! Also in this seasons must have hue of Ox Blood. I'm loving how last seasons wedge sneakers are transforming into more styles, they are mega comfy to wear. But I have to admit I laughed so hard when they arrived in a massive box. Seriously, it was about 1m (3' odd) tall! 

The only problem I've found is that not all items ship to Australia, which is a little disheartening, but this can be fixed through an American forwarding address company such as Prezoom.

All in all, it's a place I would go shopping again, especially for the hard-to-find in Australia items at great prices. Go check them out now at Hautelook.com

This has been a sponsored post.

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!

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

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!

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.

Ra Ra Superstar Garage Sale Brisbane

Right about now I'm regretting my decision to budget budget budget and try and pay off my credit card, but that doesn't mean you can't go to this!
Over in Paddington there is an epic vintage store by the name of Ra Ra Superstar and today they're holding their Laneway sale. (yes, I should've told you early, bad blogger! Bad!) You can pick up dresses from as low as $15! and Accessories from as low as $5.
So the Details Birdette? Don't hold out on me!:
Where: Ra Ra Superstar store 284 Given Terrace, Paddington (Brisbane).
When: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Today! (21 of January 2012)

I hope you enjoy it and please show me anything you pick up!

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!

Bought! Zetta tote by Mimco

Totally stoked that this bag finally went on sale a few days ago, I swooped in early enough and it is ideal! Great size, durable, nice detailing and a detachable shoulder strap. It's not leather, but I wanted a nice tough bag that I didn't have to worry about getting wet.
$119 down from $199! I'm glad I waited.
There are stacks of other bargains to be had at Mimco too, and if you're a member they're giving you a 30% off everything else in the store that hasn't been marked down TODAY ONLY. Worth going to the mall just to check it out in my opinion.

Zetta bag from Mimco

Whatever happened to Boxing Day sales?

The pre-Christmas sales ate them, that's what! So many places have already started their sales it's ridiculous. There will be no difference between now and boxing day in the majority of stores, and I predict that the department stores are the only ones that there will be any difference (weather the difference is notable is another matter)
What this does mean for you is that if you haven't been out into the stores with your boxing day budget already, you best get into it! Here's just a small selection that I have found notable.

Review: 20% off new stock, and up to 50% off everything else.
Sportsgirl: Half of the stock looks to be marked down, I've picked up things up to 70% off before in their sales.
Portmans: Same goes for Portmans, truly worth going through.
Mimco: up to 50%, I bought a handbag from there today and the clerk told me she was surprised it was marked down as this type of bag never gets marked down ... bonus!
Alannah Hill: Up to 50% off
Cue: Up to 50% off

Can't handle the crowds? (They are pretty massive already!) Most of these shops have online counterparts but don't forget to check out ASOS marked down up to $50 off thousands of items. I've put an order through already.

Stores to check on Boxing day?

Diva: $5 racks galore, good god yes please!
Myer: Not one for the faint hearted, go alone, or take someone to hold your spot in the lines!
Kikki K: Up to 50% off

Pre Christmas Warehouse and Sample Sale Brisbane

Just a heads up before it finishes. This sale is at 101 Jane street West End, and features labels such as Ben Sherman, Miss Sixty, Energie, Scotch & Soda, Havaianas and Maison Scotch.
Friday it is open from 7 to 7, Saturday from 7 to 5, and Sunday 9 to 4.
Personally I'm eager to check out the Maison Scotch!

Myer one day sale

After something to do today?
Myer is having a one day sale today, think epic sale things such as 40% off full price Hi There by Karen Walker.
It's not just clothing, specials are across the store, for more information check this out, or better yet, get thee to a Myer!

You're seriously still reading? GO!

Bought! ASOS sale

If you haven't been to check it out yet, may I just ask what on earth are you doing that is better then an ASOS sale? (Psst, short of mythical 90% off Chanel sales, not much.)
My first important purchase on my order is this Sleeveless Blazer, the white version is still full price, but yellow is very hot and on trend this season. Perfect addition to my office work wardrobe. (Did I tell you guys I got a promotion of sorts? Yay!)

I love a good sparkly shoe, and purple is one of my favourite colours. How could I say no? Also available in black.

How cute is this top? It has a neckline that will work for all busts sizes (not too high, not too low), a belt to give shape and the print is truely adorable. Mine, all mine.

I'll show you what I mean about the print...

<3 <3 <3

So what bargains have you all grabbed?

September Sales!

Truly one of my favourite times of the year, There are normally heaps of sales this month with many worthwhile discounts. Perfect time to get a head start on christmas shopping too! Here are some that I have already looked at, or plan to:

Portmans: Are clearing off what remains of their winter stock to fill with summer stock arriving frequently. A lot of the items can easily be translated into summer wear with maxi skirts, blouses and clothing that walks the line between work wear and smart casual. Great time and place to stock up on classics.


Sportsgirl: 50% off already reduced stock? Oh my god yes please! I already told you all about the great wedges I bought there on Thursday, but I also picked up a large slouchy handbag that will see me through my casual days this summer. Loving bags with two straps.

Cotton On: 30% off everything online, you only have until Monday to make use of this discount though so get on it! great chance to pick up fashion items that don't need to see you past this season.

David Jones: Great to check out and start stalking items so you can jump on them the second they have another round of discounts. My friend picked up the perfect classic pair of nude patent slingback stilettos the other day, makes me jealous I can barely balance in wedges. Lots of bargains to be had across the store, home wares, clothing, beauty, worth a look at the very least.


Cue: If you've had your eye on something, now is the time to snap it up. I haven';t had the chance to go in and check out the savings, but I know from past experience that the sales are good.

This is just a handful of what's out there at the moment, but it's a great time to stock up on your summer wardrobe. Take the opportunity while it's there.

Bought! Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

There are times when I completely forget about things. I try others, to see if they're as good, and in the months it takes me to use them up, I completely forget just how good something can be.
I first used Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse when it came out more then a few years ago, thought it was brilliant, but then bought some MAC foundation at the season change, then something else, something else again. Until yesterday.
Priceline have an awesome sale on at the moment, where you pick three face products by Maybelline (Foundation, powder, blush, concealer .. I think that's it) and it'll only cost $30. If you're savvy you can save over 50%.
I love Dream Matte Mousse because I have a major problem with my pores. There's no use denying it, and I know I can't be the only one out there. But this stuff seriously hides them. I went on  a date last night and I was taken aback by the idea that I just couldn't see one! It was also teamed with my Urban Decay De-Slick. Lasted hoooooours.
So I may just have a new makeup product routine?

Sale: 50% already marked down items at Sportsgirl, extra markdowns at Portmans

One last little scrap for the evening, Sportsgirl are doing one of their great end of sale markdown frenzies. There are stacks of transeasonal clothes in the sale racks and now really is the best time to buy. Striped knit berets for $2.50? Yes please. Also Hunter-esque gumboots for $20.
Portmans have just marked down their sale stock further too, Grab yourself a classic trench coat that will see you through many years, or a Print, pleated Maxi skirt for under $40.
Be sure to check them out!

Sass and Bide Warehouse Sale Brisbane

I'll be brutally honest and tell you this is the only time I buy anything by Sass and Bide. Why pay so much for jeans when you can get them this cheap twice yearly?

Location: RNA Showgrounds, building 7
Dates: Thursday 8th -Sunday 11th.
Times: 12-8:30, 10-5:30, 10-5:30, 10-3.

They will take EFTPOS and credit cards too.

Ladakh online sale! Get in quick

Just a quick heads up to readers out there, Ladakh is having an Weekend Winter Wind Up sale online here. Up to 50% off, and it sounds like it will only be on for this weekend so hurry!

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.

Bought! Sportsgirl and Lovisa

Today I finally wore the Edna Dress I bought a few weeks ago as mentioned here, and my god, what a comment magnet! Heaps of girls at work ooh'd and ah'd, a few had to touch and two of them named the label. impressed by my office cohorts. I also have to mention it is perhaps a little too booby for the office ... but that won't stop me from wearing it again, it's too nice!
I also had a trundle about the mall in the cool evening and picked up a few things, starting with a quick bargain top from Sportsgirl for summer, I'll wear it either with tight jeans to balance it out or tucked into a waisted skirt for a cuter look.

 

Sportsgirl Bold Stripe Top $19.95 here.

I've never bought anything from Lovisa before so I am wary, due to my 'princess syndrome' (inability to wear cheap jewelry without obtaining a fetching welted rash). But today I decided to risk it and had a look at the 2 for $15 rack, I selected a cute bow brooch and a silver necklace with a button pendant. I plan on using the brooch to cover up a glue stain on a handbag.