The Witchery sale continues...

There are so many sales out there at the moment, post Christmas, that it can be at times a little daunting as to which one to look at first?  But I have to say, that Witchery are rocking the 'Best Sale' title!  With '25% off all full priced merchandise until further notice' sale, plus 'Buy 3 sale items & get the 3rd for free' sale, PLUS if you are a Witchery member (and membership is free and only a few clicks online to complete) you receive an 'additional 5% off already reduced' sale goodies - it truly is too good to be true!

The SALE section on the Witchery website is amazing.  There is a mass of clothes, accessories and shoes to choose from and all current season.  With Summer only just poking it's head out between the clouds in the Southern Hemisphere, now is a great time to revamp that wardrobe.  I love the Helena High Heel which is available now for $69.95.  Or if you are a Witchery member, save that additional 5% and pick these divine heels up for $66.45.

I seriously can't get past the fact that Witchery are also knocking off 25% from goods that have just landed in their stores.  I mean, please... how good is that?  One of my favourite dresses which I hope to have in my hot little hands very soon is the Double Layer Racer Back dress.  Beautiful, casual, and feminine with an interesting, contrasting hemline, I can see myself wearing this everywhere this season and next.  And with the discount on full priced merchandise, you can purchase this number for $127.46.  Score!

And what about accessories?  I love accessories!  They help make me feel complete in what I am wearing.  It can simply be just a hairclip that does the trick!  And I am in love with the Snap Clip Set of 4 in raspberry, on sale now for $7.95 - or $7.55 if you are a Witchery member.  The colours are so pretty, that they make me feel pretty.

So the only problem will be how will you limit yourself when you shop online or go into one of the Witchery stores.  You are bound to bag a number of bargains with all the promotions Witchery are tantilising us with!  And the discounts also apply to WitcheryMAN and WitcheryKIDS.  But get in quick, as these deals will see stock running out the door and are for a limited time only.

Happy shopping!  xx

Limited Edition House of Harlow @ Velvet Fox

I think we may have established by now that I love House of Harlow 1960 accessories and that I love the Velvet Fox online store.

So you can imagine how ecstastic I was to learn that Velvet Fox have the Limitied Edition House of Harlow silver and white leather 'Sunburst' accessories available for purchase on their site AND they are currently also 25% off!!

These HOH1960 Sunburst white button earrings are simply lush.  I already have in my collection the silver and black leather button earring (which are subsequently back in stock at Velvet Fox too) and they are absolutely divine to wear and to accessorise with any outfit.  Velvet Fox have these beauties on sale for $36.75.  LOVE!

But it gets better!  There are matching pieces to this gorgeous collection.  The Limited Edition Silver Sunburst pendant on chain in white measures 91.5cm long and can be worn casually with your favour racer back singlet and short or with your favourite little cocktail dress, ready for your New Year's Eve or New Year's Day party!  Available at Velvet Fox for $66.75 at the moment, it's an absolute steal!

And to complete this series, also available is the HOH1960 Limited Edition Silver Sunburst cocktail ring in white.  These are massive statement pieces, measuring 2" in diameter.  I have two House of Harlow rings which I just adore.  They give the right amount of bling without being too over the top.  With the 25% off Christmas sale at Velvet Fox, you can pick up this baby for $51.75.

You may miss out on having one or the entire collection for Christmas, but you could definitely purchase these in readiness for New Year celebrations.  So what are you waiting for?  Get in quick, as this Limited Edition House of Harlow 1960 collection will literally run out the Velvet Fox door!  Love love LOVE!  xx

The MIDI skirt...

I'm seriously loving the midi skirt for this summer.  When hem lines just seem to keep getting shorter and shorter, the midi skirt has arrived.  Giving a more classic and classy look, I hope the midi skirt is going to hang around for a while.

Two labels doing the midi skirt particularly well this season are Bardot and Sportsgirl - each stocking a multitude of colours so as to appeal to everyone's taste.

The Bardot Stocking Tube Skirt (pictured left) is available in stone/black stripe for $49.95 & the Bardot Tube Skirt, also priced at $49.95, is available in block black, green, cinnamon and a beautiful soft orange stripe.

The Sportsgirl Midi Skirt, $59.95 (pictured) is still available instore (but predominately sold out online) in pink/navy, pink/orange and navy/white stripe.  The Sportsgirl Ella Tube, $49.95, is available in a finer white/navy stripe and block black.

But keep your eyes peeled at Kmart.  They have successful done the midi skirt a couple of times this season.  So successful, that as soon as they hit the rack, they are out the door in a flash.  I have tried on a few occasions, without success to date, to snare myself one.  Costing approximately $20, it's little wonder I haven't been able to grab one yet!

Tip: if you do on into Kmart in search, don't forget to check their clearance racks as I did find a remaining midi skirt for $7 (yes, $7!) but alas it wasn't my size.

I personally love the midi for day or night - wear it with thongs & a singlet or dress it up with your favourite party heel and chunky statement jewellery.  I don't think you can go wrong and the plus side... you won't be spending the entire time while wearing, pulling down the hemline! ;)

They call it Mellow Yellow!

Yellow reminds of the sun shining, which reminds me of summer, which makes me do a happy dance!  And at the moment, with summer still lerking in the wings, I need a lot of yellow in my life!  Check out this absolutely divine Wildfox long top/dress - Cruise Roadtrip sweater in canary - which has just come into the Velvet Fox Online store and is ON SALE for Christmas at $109.85 (normally $169).  Gorgeous!

To add a little bit of sunshine to your feet, I can't go past the Sportsgirl Josie Mid wedge in chartreuse for $69.95, which until 16 December you can purchase online and receive free delivery!

This Witchery Floppy hat at left, for $49.95, is simply too cute to pass up for summer and would look sensational by the beach or the pool!

And for a real 'Shoestring' option to add a little bit of yellow to your life, I love Witchery's nail polish in sunshine, $12.95, to make my fingernails come alive!

Wear yellow with black, white, denim, whatever... it will make you feel like you're having fun in the sun, even on a cloudy, rainy day!

Green with Envy!

Green, in particular, emerald, would have to be my favourite colour.  Possibly as emerald is my birthstone!  Green also happens to be one of this season's HOTTEST colours.

Topshop's Split Neck Maxi, left, is available online for approximately $76 and would have to be the ultimate party dress for this New Year's Eve so you can stand out in the crowd.  The dress is made from 100% polyester and would look lush with a gold belt around the middle.

Tony Bianco's 'Kortina' wedge in emerald suede, above right, is a luxe item at $189.95 but really is the definitive statement shoe to dress up any outfit currently in your wardrobe.

If you're looking for an absolute bargain to wear to your next party bash, check out the Bardot 'Rhianna' Bandage dress, right, which is on sale currently online for $50 and IS the ultimate 'shoestring' number!

But if you are wanting something a little more casual, the Forever New Anna Dipped Hem shirt, left, currently available online for $59.99, would look simply divine with a straight leg denim jean and natural coloured wedge.  The shirt is made of  polyester georgette and features tab detailing on the sleeves and shoulders, front flat pockets and long line curved hem.  Too cute and way comfy!

Are you green with envy now?  ;) xx

Style Tip #2!

The festive season is an expensive season.  What with buying family and friends numerous Christmas gifts, it leaves little in the petty cash tin to splurge on yourself.  If you have a Christmas or New Year's party to attend and no cash to buy a new outfit, why not give an oldie a new facelift?

Most of us will have a Little Black Dress in our wardrobe.  A staple piece that can be dressed up and dressed down, the look altered with varying accessories.  So hot right now is metallics (check out my previous blog post - 'Let's Party in Metallics!'). 

Dress up your LBD with a gold belt, like these two available at ASOS online.

Right is ASOS Glitter Bow Waist belt in gold and is currently on sale for $10.14.  Above is ASOS Leather Wide Metallic Block Colour belt, also on sale for $38.03.  And the best bit?  ASOS ship to Australia for FREE with no minimum spend and they have an Australian returns address, making shopping online way too easy!

For more gold belt options at ASOS, check them out here - ASOS Gold Belts.

Let's Party... in metallics!

It's that time again... the time of countless Christmas catch-ups with friends, the end of year break-up parties, the office Christmas do and the all important New Years Eve fiesta!  Which also means it's every girls worst night... "OMG, what am I going to wear?".  Metallics and parties this season, I think, go hand in hand.  What better way to look and feel glamourous than by wearing sequin, gold, silver, with black. 

So here are a few party numbers that you can include in your wardrobe.  Outfit 1 (left) - consists of Topshop Laser Cut Metallic-lined Kimono, approximately $91, Sportsgirl Gold Sequin dress (which I would personally wear as a long top), $149.95 and Sportsgirl Sexy 7/8 pant, $79.95.  Wear with a black strappy shoe heel.  HOT!

Outfit 2 (right) - consists of Sportsgirl Glamazon top, $129.95, Topshop Metallic Skinny Cigarette trouser in green (lush!), approximately $63 and Forever New Ash Platform heel in gold, $89.99. Accessorise the ensemble with Sportsgirl Feather Fan earring for $14.95 and bangles up your arm. Gorgeous!

And outfit 3 - consists of a simple LBD!  Forever New Molly belted Tullip dress in black with gold belt, $99.99, and Topshop Parallel Gold Tiered wedge, approximately $125.   Accessorise with gold clutch bag and jewellery, like Forever New Cut Chain & Diamante Statement necklace for $39.99.

Bottom line... every girl has the basic black essentials in their wardrobe.  Whether it's a black trouser pant or a LBD.  You can achieve these looks above without having to buy a complete new outfit and putting a massive dent on the credit card.  That's what 'Shopping on a Shoestring' is all about.  Getting the current look, without breaking the budget!  But Christmas is almost here too... so why don't you shout yourself a present or two!?  I won't tell anyone... shhhhh! x

**Editors note: Topshop is opening a store in Australia!  The Chapel St, South Yarra store is having it's grand opening on 8 December 2011.  Excited much?

T'is the Silly Season...

Christmas is well and truly on its way which means that many of us are frantically thinking about organising Christmas get togethers or New Years Eve parties.  ARGH!  ...But never fear, I have a great and cost effective way of catering for a large group; a company who will do it all for you - they are the guys at Victorian Golden Roast!

We recently hosted an early extended family Christmas party at our house - 40 relatives for a spit roast lunch.  Costing just over $18 per head, we dined on the Hot Value Spit Roast -consisting of beef and pork with piping hot gravy and scrumptious apple sauce.  Baked potatoes in their jackets with sour cream.  French sticks, sliced, served with butter portions.  And four different salads including a green, pasta, coleslaw and potato.  To finish off, we feasted on yummy pavlova, topped with fresh fruit and cream, and continental cheesecake.  All plasticware were included in the cost - plates, bowls and cutlery - and serviettes supplied.

Also included in that cost was an attendant for four hours - we were exceptionally lucky to have the lovely Miriam cater for our function.  She came in, set up, carved up, served up and then cleaned up!  The service was impeccable.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Victorian Golden Roast to cater for your next function - whether you required a sit-down spit roast, finger food or catering for breakfast, lunch or dinner - Victorian Golden Roast will be able to assist you.  Not only is their service outstanding but the cost is affordable and the food is simply delicious.  The only problem with our function... Melbourne's indecisive weather!  :)

Furniture need not be expensive!

I am all for having great looking and comfortable furniture inside and outside my home.  But it doesn't have to be expensive.  And particularly being a mum of 2 small boys who love to get into mischief, expensive furniture will only cause me a great deal of heart ache when one of them vomits on it!

We have in our family room two leather couches purchased through Plush (- think sofas!) and can I tell you, they have been amazing!  My boys have spilled things on numerous ocassions, used them as a trampoline and have constantly run their toys into them.  Plush Sofas are having an up to 60% off 'scratch & dent' sale for 2 days only, this coming weekend (26 & 27 November 2011).  So check them out!  To find your closest store, go to this link - Plush - store locator.

Another store worth a look is Aldi Supermarket.  Yes, I said Aldi Supermarket.  Keep a close eye on their weekly campaigns as more often than not they have soft furnishings and furniture for sale.  This week's campaign features outdoor goodies... in particular an outdoor setting which includes two armchairs, l 1arge 2-seater couch and coffee table.  So guess who now has this in their backyard?  And the price for the set - $399!  These only went on sale on Saturday 19 November, so if you're in luck, you're local Aldi store may still have them.  To find your nearest Aldi, check at Aldi - store locator.

Furniture does not need to be expensive but can still look and feel great.  And until such time as my boys move out of home, cheap is chic!

Essendon Traffic School - what a venue!

After doing so many of my posts on fashion and a few on interiors, it's about time I blogged about events... an event on a shoestring!

Recently, we had our child's birthday party at the Essendon Traffic School and what can I say... it was awesome.  This is a great venue to hire for a child's party or for a social occasion where you plan on catching up with friends and their kiddies.  Similarly, a family get together or Christmas Party would be perfect at this venue.  The facility is completely enclosed so you can rest assured that your children won't escape during the 3 hours you have the venue for.  There is a BBQ and microwave plus trestle tables and chairs for your use as part of the hire fee.  And there are bikes already there, although it is encouraged to bring your own as well as your own helmet.

With a maximum of 30 children allowed, the traffic school does not get crowded as the space is massive.  With the hire fee currently being $160 for a Moonee Valley resident, or $220 for non-resident, the hire cost is very reasonable.  It is advised that you have public liability insurance when you hire, but the Moonee Valley council can also organise this for you at a cost of $19.  Now that's hardly going to break the bank balance!

Food and drink is obviously BYO (alcohol is not permitted) and this can cost you as much or as less as you wish.  A few snags on the bbq and a couple loaves of bread will hardly set you back much.  And Woolworth's is just down the road where you can order a variety of platters from the deli to suit your needs.

The Essendon Traffic School is definitely a worthwhile venue to consider when you're next looking to organise a function that includes children.  I believe there is also a Traffic School available for hire in Kew through the City of Boroondara - so it would be worthwhile checking your local area, community or council to see if they have something similar for hire.

And trust me... you won't regret booking this facility.  In fact, you'll have a ball!!!

Going dotti @ Cotton On

Dots are here again this season...

Big dots, little dots, dots dots dots...

Dots on dresses, dots on tops, dots on shorts and even dots on shoes.  I'm not 100% sure how I feel about dots, the Joan Kirner era had me running scared!  But I have to say, that these particular few items available at Cotton On clothing are great if you want to introduce some dots to your wardrobe!

The Seraphine 'Flocked' dress is an online exclusive and available for $49.95.  This chiffon maxi has press studs at the front for versatility - wear it simply as a dress or wear over a singlet and shorts with the studs open wide.  The Camille spot skort is just so god damn cute!  And for $19.95 it won't break the budget.  The Rita sleeveless shirt dress, $39.95, is more of a top rather than dress and would look great over a pair of denim shorts or jeans.

I particularly like Cotton On's Zoe Sleeveless shirt dress, $39.95, - a little number which can be worn on it's own or over a jean - with a contrasting red belt for added detail and interest.  But what I LOVE is Rubi's Whitney heel with the dot/stud detail.  These divine sling backs are $25 and would look great with a LBD or with a rolled up cuff boyfriend jean.  And with Cotton On offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $55 until 30 November, you can certainly bag a bargain right now.

Accessorise to change your mood...

Take a very simple outfit... and glam it up with bold accessories.  For example, take a Sportsgirl 'Leah' tank in black for $29.95 and Sportgirl distressed 'Bermuda' short for $69.95.  A simple and understated look.

 

Add the Sportsgirl 'Peacock' multi earring for $19.95 and you have a fun, free spirited look. 

Or try adding the Sportsgirl 'Elaborate' fringe necklace, $24.95, for a more bohemian look.

How rockin' does this look? 

Alternatively, you could simply add a Sportsgirl 'Pippa' medium satchel for $49.95 to introduce some block colour to your ensemble.

Whatever you choose to add, it won't break the budget.  Wear havaiana's, flat sandals, espadrilles, wedges or heels.  Wear the accessories that go with your mood and make you feel fabulous!

xx

Witchery on sale...

It amazes me the number of gorgeous, still current, clothes and accessories that are on sale now at Witchery.  And with Melbourne still not experiencing the greatest weather, it feels like we haven't as yet come across spring!  So here are a few beauties that I have on my wish list.

Outfit 1 (left) - Team Witchery pocket beach dress in 'print', $49.95, with Witchery tribal drop earring, $14.95.  Wear the elastisized scoop neckline off the shoulders to alter the look.  Finish with Witchery 'Sofia' sandal, $49.95, available in black and silver, for a flirty summer ensemble!

Outfit 2 (right) - Wear the versatile Witchery panelled front cargo, $49.95, with a Witchery seam detail racerback tank in white, $19.95.  Complete with Witchery antique multi tube necklace, $39.95 and Witchery 'Jemima' bow ballet flat in khaki,  $49.95 and you're ready for summer fun!

So who will be jumping online or racing out the door to see what Witchery goodies they can score?  There is so much to choose from and with the fabulous reductions, it means you can get an entire outfit 'on a shoestring'.  Maybe even two?  ;)