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?  ;)

Pretty Pastels!

There's been a lot of focus on block colours in my previous posts and I have omitted to mention the beautiful, feminine and flirty cousin, pastel!  Pastel colours are also quintessential for this coming season, providing an understated look that is also divine.  At left is the Cotton On Miko Blazer, which is only available online, for $34.95.  Featuring soft stripes of pink, yellow, grey and white and pink faux satin lining, it is a simply lush and a beautiful blazer.

This ensemble can be worn with jeans on a Friday night or to the office for that Monday morning meeting.  For a more playful look, team with Dotti's 'The Magic Short' in pink sand, $49.95 and a French Connection Batik Butterfly tee, $39.95. 

Finish the outfit with Novo Shoes 'Bree' wedge in light grey for $59.95, Indy C Schoolgirl hold all satchel for $69.95 and Bardot Seed Bead multi strand necklace which is onsale NOW for $10.  And what more can one say... this is oh so cute and oh so pretty!

Brighten your home with Mooch Designs...

Ohhhh this would have to be one of my favourite ways of adding colour to my home; using a neutral pallet on the walls and making an individual room come to life using vibrant wall art and cushions!  Mooch Designs helps you do this with their simply stunning contemporary wall art and cushions which can be utilised in every single room of the house... whether it be your loungeroom, your dining room, your bedroom, your study or your kids rooms.

Mooch Designs is a boutique business, established in 2006, that operates from Barwon Heads in Victoria.  All their pieces are designed and made here in Oz land, using the most divine fabrics sourced from England and America... and of course Australia. 

Lucky for us, Mooch are having a 5th BIRTHDAY SALE with 20% off all orders over $25!  Hip hip HOORAY!!!  Simply use code "5THBDAY" at checkout before the offer ends Tuesday 15th November, 2011.

Mooch Designs can help transform your home, with custom-made wall art, starting from $59 and matching/contrasting cushions, starting from $29, giving you that designer look at a 'Shoestring' price.  This means you can do your entire house NOW! And with the added discount for Mooch's 5th Birthday, what are you waiting for? 

Don't forget to also check out their SALE section to bag a further bargain!

One top... 2 different looks!

How cute is this layered top?  And would you believe it's only $12.95?  The Inner Stripe Layered top is from SES Fashions and is also available in aqua, black and cobalt.  At this price, you could get all four colours!  OK, that might be a little excessive! Wear it with Witchery's Ponte Tube skirt in cherry, $99.95, to clash the block colours.  Add Novo 'Resort' flat strappy sandal in fushia, $59.95 and paint your nails yellow in Witchery's 'Sunshine' nail polish instore now for $12.95.  Now you have a very fun, colourful outfit to bask in the sun!

For an alternate look, team the SES Fashions top with a Kmart Denim skirt, currently available instore for $19 with the FCUK 'Suzie' bag in pavlova, on sale NOW for $49.95.  Add the Lipstik Kontrol Chino wedge in nubuck, which is also currently on sale NOW for $80.95 for yet another gorgeous, but understated, casual look.

Two quite different looks... one supercheap 'Shoestring' top.  Also try adding a maxi skirt, skinny leg jean or boyfriend jean to mix it up.  Wear it with items mentioned in previous posts, like the Witchery 'Tori' heel in cherry, Ezibuy's Heine Cargo pant or Urban slouch cargo short.  Gorgeous!