...you put them ALL in!
I loved the bright cheerful skirts, and the sheen on the black silky satin top.. but couldn't tear myself away from the combination of steely sequins and soft draping nude silk chiffon... mmmm delicious!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
What do you do when you can't decide?
What do you do when you can't decide which gorgeous pieces to put in your Polyvore set?...
...you put them ALL in!
I loved the bright cheerful skirts, and the sheen on the black silky satin top.. but couldn't tear myself away from the combination of steely sequins and soft draping nude silk chiffon... mmmm delicious!
...you put them ALL in!
I loved the bright cheerful skirts, and the sheen on the black silky satin top.. but couldn't tear myself away from the combination of steely sequins and soft draping nude silk chiffon... mmmm delicious!
Upcycle.. Lambswool Cardigan
I own a delicious pine green lambswool cardi that I got on sale a couple of years ago on Ezibuy and it had been gathering dust in the drawer, hardly getting any wear.
I had my eye on a military style cardi on asos (I can't find the link to it anymore :( ).. but couldn't justify spending around $50 on it .. so I decided to re-create it myself.
I went to spotlight and picked up some black cotton tape, and gold buttons. The gold buttons were the killer.. at $8 for enough buttons to replace the original green buttons, and also to add to the military look.
After around 2 hours of hand sewing in front of my fave TV shows, here is the finished product:
It's a great feeling when you take something that wasn't being used, and make it something new :)
$9 and a couple of hours work later.. a "new" cardigan.. an it was of course really nice when I wore it for the first time and received a lot of compliments :)
I had my eye on a military style cardi on asos (I can't find the link to it anymore :( ).. but couldn't justify spending around $50 on it .. so I decided to re-create it myself.
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| Before: Green Lambswool Cardigan |
After around 2 hours of hand sewing in front of my fave TV shows, here is the finished product:
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| After: Military Style Lambswool Cardigan |
$9 and a couple of hours work later.. a "new" cardigan.. an it was of course really nice when I wore it for the first time and received a lot of compliments :)
DIY Glam
I love those olde worlde mirrors with gilded gold frames... however, we're really trying to maximise our income and get ahead, and unncessary redecorating isn't really something I can justify spending big bickies on.. if I could get any mirror, it'd be a huge one 2m x 1m.. but thats >$500 *sad face*
I looked around on eBay, and the mirrors are understandably very popular, and quite expensive as a result, with multiple bids.
I managed to snag this one on eBay for $30.. because it didnt' have a back.. only a pane of glass.. I often go for the item on eBay that is like the one I want but has a crappy photo, or a horrible description, or is fixable, so it doesn't get snapped up by the hoardes for a huge walloping amount.. it's one of my eBay strategies.
I read up on the net to find out how exactly to apply gold leaf.. and it seemed that the rub on variety that I found in Spotlight, needed to have a darker colour applied first.. as black would be too dark, I used a chocolate brown that we had left over from painting the house.
Next was the very smelly bit.. even though I ventilated the room as best I could, I still ended up with a bit of a headache.. but the result was good :)
It sat around looking forlorn for a couple of weeks until I found a mirror the right size mirror on sale at Lincraft for $8.99! With a bit of help from Hubby... here is the final result!
It was still a bit more expensive than I anticipated:
-frame $30
-gold leaf $11
-brown paint $0
-silicone to stick mirror to frame $0
-mirror $8.99
TOTAL $50
...but it was good fun!
I looked around on eBay, and the mirrors are understandably very popular, and quite expensive as a result, with multiple bids.
I managed to snag this one on eBay for $30.. because it didnt' have a back.. only a pane of glass.. I often go for the item on eBay that is like the one I want but has a crappy photo, or a horrible description, or is fixable, so it doesn't get snapped up by the hoardes for a huge walloping amount.. it's one of my eBay strategies.
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| Before: Frame as found on eBay |
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| Progress: after the application of chocolate paint |
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| Progress: gold leaf rub applied, the brown nooks and crannies offset the gold leaf |
 |
| Voila! The finished product mounted on the wall |
-frame $30
-gold leaf $11
-brown paint $0
-silicone to stick mirror to frame $0
-mirror $8.99
TOTAL $50
...but it was good fun!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Red Lips
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| Picture from www.everydayfacts.net |
I looooove a lush red lip to make an outfit POP.. sometimes it can mean the difference between "just ok", and "WOW" and with it being a relatively inexpensive thing, I thought in the spirit of trying to enjoy fashion on a shoestring budget, its something I need to educate myself about.
..though..I'm not sure however, exactly what shade of red suits me, or how to pull it off..
I don't have horrible teeth.. they're ok, but not bright bleached white or anything.. do you need to have those bright whites to really make the red lips work?
Ah.. so many questions!
So, I started with some research.. what do other people use? I figure not everyone who uses red lipstick has had their teeth professionally whitened (though I have no proof of this :D), so by logical deduction, you mustn't need to do that to be able to pull off the look..
I started with one of my fave bloggers.. Kendi from Kendi Everyday. I found this in the FAQ section of her blog:
"I like your red lipstick! Where can I get some like that? Oh friend, you just march on over the Sephora and hand over your $15. We’ll get you some red lips. The brand is Sephora and the color is It Girl.
Hint: Be sure to use chapstick before you apply the lip color. It’s not exactly moisturizing. "
Bugger! I've checked the sephora website, no shipping to Australia..and I've even searched eBay and another site I've used before Gorgeous Shop.. nope, nada. Okies, back to the drawing board..
Browsing Keira Lennox's A Pretty Penny I happened to notice her Stila Lip Glaze collection.. Hmmm, I wondered, could there be a gorgeous red in this range that I could try? Yep, I'm sure there is, but I thought for the first proper red I buy, I really should get something "person-recommended".
Then I happened upon Super Kawaii Mama's blog with her fave red lippies.. and she's a brunette who rocks red lips.. and she lives in Australia..Bingo! Since I want just one product, and not a whole host of extra clutter for my bathroom drawer, I checked out her lip stain review Super Kawaii Mama - the best red lip stain.. she loved Revlon Just Bitten in "gothic".. and because it didn't bleed or feather, she didn't need to use lip liner... I found some on eBay for $9.95 including postage. Will have to keep you posted on how it goes when it arrives. I can't wait to "bling" up my outfits, especially in winter when the weather is grey and drab, with luscious red lips!
..Happy Anzac Day - thanks to all the diggers and their families for your sacrifice - We will never forget ..
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| Picture from www.supernaturalbotanicals.com |
Blog Therapy
Sometimes blogging is a cure for heavy heartedness.. something bright, colourful and cheery can lift the spirits.
I went and browsed some of my favourite blogs today, and as always.. felt lighter afterward :)
It reminds me that there are still good things and good people and things to look forward to in the world.. who could ask for better than that?
We went away this weekend, and I had such a lovely time, I've just been a little melancholy because my job isn't a very good fit. I'm working on something else, but I have to finish out the year.. which causes a bit of heartsink.. so lets keep thinking about happy things :) I've done this before (but it was a different job), I can get through it.. but need bits and pieces to look forward to and help me keep perspective.
.. my DH is also trying to teach me to find happiness in things other than shopping.. not to say that I'm a horribly materialistic person, just that I like finding presents for people, and the "hunt" of finding a bargain.. but it's not sustainable long term if you're trying to get through a hard patch.
Ok, so heavy bit done with..
Yesterday I was shopping online for my little sister's birthday present.. it's not til May, but I get so busy with working shift work that I've been uncharacteristically forgetting things.. and I know she loves OPI nail polishes.
I usually buy my OPI polishes online on eBay, as $20-25 per bottle here in Oz is just waaaaay too expensive.
My fave store is Be Bold Go Glam - yesterday I went a little mad and for what I would normally spend on her for a birthday present, I was able to get 4 brand spanking new bottles in her fave shades (including postage).. I got a few Essie polishes for myself too. I haven't tried Essie before, but have seen on Cupcakes & Cashmere that it's Emily's favourite polish, so thought I'd give it a go... will let you know how it goes :)
I can't put the shades I bought my little sis on here, in case she reads it.. but can show you the Essie shades I found.. at only US$5.50 per bottle (plus postage) that's pretty damn good.
I went and browsed some of my favourite blogs today, and as always.. felt lighter afterward :)
It reminds me that there are still good things and good people and things to look forward to in the world.. who could ask for better than that?
We went away this weekend, and I had such a lovely time, I've just been a little melancholy because my job isn't a very good fit. I'm working on something else, but I have to finish out the year.. which causes a bit of heartsink.. so lets keep thinking about happy things :) I've done this before (but it was a different job), I can get through it.. but need bits and pieces to look forward to and help me keep perspective.
.. my DH is also trying to teach me to find happiness in things other than shopping.. not to say that I'm a horribly materialistic person, just that I like finding presents for people, and the "hunt" of finding a bargain.. but it's not sustainable long term if you're trying to get through a hard patch.
Ok, so heavy bit done with..
Yesterday I was shopping online for my little sister's birthday present.. it's not til May, but I get so busy with working shift work that I've been uncharacteristically forgetting things.. and I know she loves OPI nail polishes.
I usually buy my OPI polishes online on eBay, as $20-25 per bottle here in Oz is just waaaaay too expensive.
My fave store is Be Bold Go Glam - yesterday I went a little mad and for what I would normally spend on her for a birthday present, I was able to get 4 brand spanking new bottles in her fave shades (including postage).. I got a few Essie polishes for myself too. I haven't tried Essie before, but have seen on Cupcakes & Cashmere that it's Emily's favourite polish, so thought I'd give it a go... will let you know how it goes :)
I can't put the shades I bought my little sis on here, in case she reads it.. but can show you the Essie shades I found.. at only US$5.50 per bottle (plus postage) that's pretty damn good.
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| Essie Neo Whimsical Polish |
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| Essie Midnight Cami Polish |
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| Essie Limited Addiction Polish |
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| Essie Mink Muffs Polish |
I hope you've all had a wonderful Easter :)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
A few of my favourite things..
I have blogs that I regularly read.. one of my favourite things to do on a lazy weekend is to sit down with a piping hot cup of tea and read through a new find from it's beginning.. when I first discovered What I Wore it took me a few days (and many cups of tea) to get through the 3 or so years of posts :)
My Favourites at the moment are:
1. Young House Love - John and Sherry Petersik blog for a living (am so envious) and write about their renovations. Having renovated ourselves, i LOOOOOVE reading about and drinking in all their ideas
2. Kendi Everyday - one of my FAAAAVE fashion blogs.. this girl is gorgeous! Her 30 for 30 remixes inspire me to make the most of what I already have in my wardrobe.. and her writing style is clever and witty.. and makes me laugh - and who can ever get enough laughter, right?
3. What I Wore - Jessica Quirk has been posting photos of what she wore for around 3 years now, and I've thoroughly enjoyed flicking through all the pictures.. I especially appreciate that she wears what she loves and isn't a slave to trends - that's what makes it one of my favourites.
4. Cupcakes and Cashmere - This blog is often times out of my reach in terms of attainability :D I don't have the budget to purchase designer wares mostly, but I love seeing how Emily puts things together, and her on trend styling.
I'm not sure if I have any readers at the moment.. but should there be anyone who'd like to contribute.. what are your favourite blogs?
:)
My Favourites at the moment are:
1. Young House Love - John and Sherry Petersik blog for a living (am so envious) and write about their renovations. Having renovated ourselves, i LOOOOOVE reading about and drinking in all their ideas
2. Kendi Everyday - one of my FAAAAVE fashion blogs.. this girl is gorgeous! Her 30 for 30 remixes inspire me to make the most of what I already have in my wardrobe.. and her writing style is clever and witty.. and makes me laugh - and who can ever get enough laughter, right?
3. What I Wore - Jessica Quirk has been posting photos of what she wore for around 3 years now, and I've thoroughly enjoyed flicking through all the pictures.. I especially appreciate that she wears what she loves and isn't a slave to trends - that's what makes it one of my favourites.
4. Cupcakes and Cashmere - This blog is often times out of my reach in terms of attainability :D I don't have the budget to purchase designer wares mostly, but I love seeing how Emily puts things together, and her on trend styling.
I'm not sure if I have any readers at the moment.. but should there be anyone who'd like to contribute.. what are your favourite blogs?
:)
KMart, you are really pulling your socks up
When I'm working away from home, KMart is one of my happy places. Sad? Perhaps, but you do what you gotta do when you're missing home.
On a recent trip, I found these gorgeous shoe boots.. about a 7.5cm high heel (not too bad for me.. not a wear all day at work boot, but not too high to go out with friends in).. in a mock suede, but for $29, who cares? They could last just one season before they look ratty or fall apart and I'll still be happy as Larry.
I noticed that KMart has recently started differentiating themselves from the other discount retailers based on price point.. which I think has been working well (coming from somebody on whom advertising works).. I've noticed they carry more of their own branded products, and less expensive ones (but you can find them elsewhere if you need them), and the quality of their home branded products seems to have improved.. not only in materials, but they are much more 'on trend' in terms of styling. And with the longer opening hours, it's kinda fun to trawl the store when other people have gone home.
..um, no. They're not paying me to say nice things :)
I noticed that KMart has recently started differentiating themselves from the other discount retailers based on price point.. which I think has been working well (coming from somebody on whom advertising works).. I've noticed they carry more of their own branded products, and less expensive ones (but you can find them elsewhere if you need them), and the quality of their home branded products seems to have improved.. not only in materials, but they are much more 'on trend' in terms of styling. And with the longer opening hours, it's kinda fun to trawl the store when other people have gone home.
..um, no. They're not paying me to say nice things :)
I Love Long Socks!
Dorothy Perkins tan belt
5 GBP - dorothyperkins.com
The love affair with long socks continues for me this winter.. after investing in a few good pair over summer (English Winter) on asos.com, I'm looking forward to wearing them with oxfords and knee high boots alike.. and looking forward to wearing my shorts throughout winter with gorgeous opaque tights and of course, knee high socks!
5 GBP - dorothyperkins.com
The love affair with long socks continues for me this winter.. after investing in a few good pair over summer (English Winter) on asos.com, I'm looking forward to wearing them with oxfords and knee high boots alike.. and looking forward to wearing my shorts throughout winter with gorgeous opaque tights and of course, knee high socks!
Snuggly Winter Attire
Background Text Life Is "Beauty Full" Wooden Sign - Wooden Signs -...
$229 - homedecorators.com
I can't justify spending this much on boots or cardigans! :D But I love this mustard yellow colour and the thought of crisp, wintry days by the beach. walking to have coffee with friends/loved ones.. and playing with polyvore is the next best thing to actually shopping :)
$229 - homedecorators.com
I can't justify spending this much on boots or cardigans! :D But I love this mustard yellow colour and the thought of crisp, wintry days by the beach. walking to have coffee with friends/loved ones.. and playing with polyvore is the next best thing to actually shopping :)
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