Thursday 25 September 2014

age appropriate attire

When it comes to clothes and choosing an outfit, I often say, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." I'm of course referring to people who look bloody awful in what they are wearing. Mutton dressed as lamb, fatties who squeeze into a size too small, ugly shoes, wearing Crocs... So today I was faced with a dilemma. I had to ask myself that very question... 

I was browsing the Myer clearance racks. Just something to do for an hour or two. I took an armful of possibles into the changing room and narrowed down my choices to three dresses and a crop top. Then suddenly remembered my age. Oh. Bugger. I looked again at my selection and tried them all on again with 'I'm 41 not 21' in mind. Crop top? Umm. Yeah, that's okay with a high waisted pencil skirt. Tight black and white patterned dress with slit between the thighs??? Reluctantly I put that one back. It fitted beautifully and looked good, but as my darling 10yo daughter pointed out, "It's the kind of dress teenagers wear." 

It's a pain having to do the age appropriate check. Sometimes a line has to be drawn. 

So what did I buy? Two pretty spring dresses for $12, yes $12 each! Gotta love the Myer 75% off already reduced prices rack! They'll do.


Thursday 3 April 2014

change is in the wind...

I think I’m going to stop writing this blog. I have lost interest and want to spend less time on computers and gadgets.  So this may be my last post.

Since our return from such an amazingly beautiful week at Heron Island, I have felt unsettled. I sulked for a week once we got home unable to accept suburban living, we all did.

Now I am left feeling like the way we all live our lives is so out of whack with nature and what is really important. Self-obsession, celebrity, vanity, greed, consumerism, keeping up with the Jones’… It’s all wrong. I am craving a more simple life.

I’m not into religion or spiritual bollocks, but I do strongly believe that as humans we do feel more fulfilled and we have more sense of purpose, when we are living surrounded by and appreciating nature. When we take time to actual feast our eyes on the real beauty of what is all around us - trees and clouds, the stars and sea. The world is an amazing place and the animals and marine creatures that live on it are incredible. They are inspirational and humbling. And it breaks my heart that we are destroying their habitat, killing them for trinkets, ‘medicine’ or health supplements. That we are enslaving them for our amusement in zoos and parks, and we are polluting the environment so that in years to come there will be nothing left and the sea will only contain slime.

Seeing hundreds of baby turtles hatch multiple times a day, and having the privilege to witness turtles lay their eggs, swimming with reef sharks and diving with a huge majestic manta ray, watching eagle rays soar into the sky and dive into the ocean, being surrounded by schools of beautiful fish, spotting bizarre alien-like marine creatures, watching shooting stars and walking in electric blue moonlight – these are the things that make me feel alive!

I want my kids to be influenced by people who are making a difference with their lives, who support causes and fight for change. People, who follow their passions and dreams, not people who are just motivated by money, power and a career in an office.  At Heron Island we met young people who had done more than most people do in a lifetime – participating in research trips to view wild Orcas or tag sharks and manta rays, spending time in Antarctica volunteering on environmental programmes, crewing on Sea Shepherd boats to save whales and dolphins from being slaughtered by the Japanese…

I want to make a difference. I want to be a role model for my kids and introduce them to another way of life. While living in the UK for my formative years, I was so ignorant of world issues and environmental causes. Travelling opened my eyes and now living here in Australia, living by the sea and being able to see the difference people can make (good and bad) makes me want to choose a different life - one that makes me feel fulfilled, one that matters. 

Or, maybe I’m just having a mid-life crisis and turning into a hippy! 





Thursday 13 March 2014

today I am wearing...

I nipped out to Myer on Tuesday, to check out the summer clearance. I ended up with this pretty sundress from Stella, down from $89.95 to $53. I wanted something new to wear to a swanky work lunch in the city and as it's still warm and sunny, thought this was perfect.

Stella dress, handmade glass beads, Tony Bianco 'Lolita' metal heeled skin stilettos.



Wednesday 5 March 2014

oscar red carpets hits

So the award season for 2014 is at an end. I watched the Oscars and 'worked' at the same time (so I could skip all the boring bits). I was impressed this year, the only real clanger on the red carpet was Liza Minnelli, who looked like a clown, oh and Goldie Hawn, who's face now resembles a scary plastic surgery addicts mask, why oh why hasn't she just let herself grow old gracefully? She would have been beautiful. Anyway, I digress...

The red carpet was awash with glamorous gowns. Top marks ladies!

Here are my personal favourites, just seven of them. In order, as follows:

#1 Kim Kardashian looks AMAZING! 
I hate to give her my top position, 
but she looks incredible in this red Celia K
ball gown. Look at her boobs! Breathtaking.
#2 Cate Blanchett looks flawless. A golden 
goddess. I adore this dress and the 
earrings are gorgeous!

#3 Lupito looks stunning, a real Disney 
princess in this ice blue Prada gown. Beautiful.

#4 Kate Hudson looks old time 
glamour puss in this sexy retro 
draped Versace dress. Gorgeous!



#5 Amy Adams. I just love her. Simple, classy, perfect, 
in navy Gucci Premiere.

#6 Naomi Watts looks sleek and slim in this 
pretty white beaded Calvin Klein Collection dress.


#7 Angelina Jolie gives us a
tantalising glimpse of her new 
boobs under this Elie Saab
Couture slinky beaded number.
It's a bit of a granny dress really, 
but she's Angie, she can wear
whatever she bloody likes!




Thursday 27 February 2014

today I am wearing...

I have a client meeting today so I can slip on a pair of heels - yay! I can't be bothered to go too formal, so smart casual it is.

I'm wearing a Mix Apparel dress, Tony Bianco metal point heels and a vintage 70s chain mail pendant (it was my mum's and I use to love sitting on her lap and fiddling with it, loving how it's linked over my fingers).



Friday 21 February 2014

today I am wearing...

It's a cracker of a day again. Hot, humid (thank God for talc between the legs to ease a sweaty gusset!) a big blue sky and sunny. 

I swam in the pool this morning and had a moment of quiet gratitude (are you getting ready to stick your finger down your throat?). It struck me that I actually have everything I want and that anything else is really just a bonus. I know this contentment won't last for long and is probably just my hormones releasing happy vibes, but it is true. I have a happy marriage, my husband is still fit and the same size he was when we married, I have two healthy, happy kids, I get a ridiculous amount of joy from my two fat cats, we have a boat, a nice house near the sea and live in one of the best countries in the world, in a place where the sun shines almost ever day of the year. I have a lovely group of honest girlfriends and a wardrobe full of gorgeous dresses and shoes (including my beloved Louboutins!!!). Yes, I could have a bigger house on the seafront with a bigger pool, designer furniture and newer, trendier cars, but the truth is, I don't need it. I'm happy. Yes it would be nice, but as I said, we do actually have everything that we set out to have when we left London and moved here. 

So for this glorious day, I am wearing as little as possible. It's too hot for clothes. This is an old Primark beach dress from years ago, with a pretty green flowery Gilly Hicks bra and my glass beads.

Have a wonderful weekend people!

Primark UK dress, Gilly Hicks bra, glass beads

Tuesday 18 February 2014

new season stilettos

Yay! Tony Bianco have stilettos to lust over again! After almost a year of very disappointing, bloody ugly clunky shoes, the new season designs feature some beautiful heels. Hoorahhh! These are all on my wish list... 





Monday 17 February 2014

BAFTAs red carpet hits

I haven't seen any real fashion clangers so far, on the BAFTAs red carpet. Not a huge selection of outfits to choose from, as there are never as many A grade celebs at the London gig. Still I think the actresses hit the mark nicely with these lovely numbers...

The stand out winner for me! Lupita Nyong'o looks 
gorgeous in this Dior emerald gown with slick metal belt.

Samantha Banks looks understated but simply
perfect in white Calvin Klein.
Lilly looks young, fun and super girly in this gorgeous Vivienne Westwood dress.
I don't like the crappy feather thing in her hair though...

What can I say. Angie in a tux and stilettos. Sexy bitch!
Amy Adams looks smart (if a little safe and boring)
in Victoria Beckham

Olga Kurylenko looks like a pretty mermaid in this
Burberry dress. Would look soooo much better without
the bra strap thing and a big emerald pendant instead!

more sale bargains

Sussan has 50% off already reduced items ladies! I bought these slim fit jeans for only $15! They'll be great for autumn and look perfect with a pair of stilettos. I also couldn't resist the beaded clutch, also marked down to $15! Well - who could?!

I bloody well love a good bargain!  

Slim fit jeans reduced to $15! Coral suede Diavolina heels $8
Sussan Black beaded clutch bag reduced to $15!




Friday 14 February 2014

happy valentines to me!

Had a shit couple of hours sorting out work invoice queries this afternoon. I hate invoice queries. Figures and maths do my head in. Ugh. But once a month I have media bills to reconcile. Thank God it's only a small part of my job. After that I figured I deserved a treat (it is Valentines Day after all)! I had 20 minutes to kill before the school run and needed (needed) retail therapy! Closet shop, Target. That had to do. 

Here are my browse-through-the-rails-and-try-on-really-quick choices.

I ended up gettting the two dresses (surprise surprise). The Aztec t-shirt dress $20 (was $29) and the black jersey (blend) rouched bodycon dress $40 (almost identical to a Witchery dress I resisted last week marked down to $69). I like the pantsuit, but they are just not-me and it was a bit cheapy-shiny (but only $39).

Two dresses. Better than roses and chocolates anyday!

Aztec dress $20. Jumpsuit $39. Bodycon dress $40. All from Target.

Tuesday 11 February 2014

that's a big one...

Seeing Pharrell Williams on the 'Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon' red carpet today (unfortunately I didn't attend in person), it suddenly struck me where dear Pharrell gets his style inspiration from!

Mr bloody Chatterbox, of course, with his rather large hat...

Pharrell IS Mr Chatterbox!  

Monday 10 February 2014

today I am wearing...

My $18 'DFO' outfit.

I'm a little old to be wearing a dress like this, but when I'm just hanging at home I don't really care. It's comfy and summery and it keeps me cool. It was one of my bargain $5 Supre dresses, I've actually worn it a lot. 

Today, for popping over to a friends for coffee and gossip, I've added my new patent nude Diavolina wedges, bought at DFO a week or so ago for only $8!!!  I'm so glad I got them. I still can't believe they were $8 (down from $129)! 

Supre dress and Diavolina wedges

Monday 3 February 2014

today I am wearing...

Saturday night Mr S and I went for dinner to celebrate our anniversary and his birthday. I wore my new midnight black (which means navy) Cue dress. I must say I do love it. It's such a classic, wearable design and it fits like a glove. The only slight bummer is that it seems to attract cat hairs... a problem when you have two fat, hairy, cats that slob around the house. 

I had intended on wearing my Louboutin's, but I ended up with blisters on my little toes after my earlier (see post below) shopping trip (I found out that my new Diavolina wedges rub, grrrr)! So on with my go-with-everything Tony Bianco' Alamo' tan sandals, and a little red lippy... I have never worn lipstick, I feel weird in it, but I like it on (some) people, so thought I'd give it a go out in public...




Cue dress and belt with Tony Bianco Alamo heels

Saturday 1 February 2014

happy again!

Oh yes! That's better! Mine, all mine! Tony Bianco 'Lolita' stilettos $179 down to $39!!! I have them in black and now I have them in nude. Happy happy me! I love them.

I just couldn't quite shift the gloom of Fridays disappointing shopping trip. I still needed to get my stiletto fix. So I popped to Westfield Chermside first thing on Saturday morning. And there they were... I almost saw a ray of light and angels singing 'Hallelujah'. On sale (in Pulp) and in my size. It was meant to be. I feel whole again.


Tony Bianco 'Lolita' in skin $179 down to $39!!!

Friday 31 January 2014

the highs and lows of a shoe addict...

I was so ridiculously excited about going to the Tony Bianco $60 shoe sale this morning. I had adrenalin pumping through my veins in anticipation of treating myself to a pair of sexy new heels. I admit I am a heelaholic, it's totally silly how much my heart races at the thought of new shoes. 

But then came the massive anti climax, sulk, panic, minor tantrum, then crashing low... Grrrr!!! I didn't buy ANYTHING!!! 

The Tony Bianco store didn't have any stilettos! Just open toe boots (sorry toes and boots don't mix in my opinion, unless you're an 18 year old supermodel), big platform wedges (to reminiscent of polio correctional shoes), low heeled sandals (boring granny style) and SHOES THAT I ALREADY HAVE! So bloody disappointed. I could have bought the black 'Alamo' but I love them more in the tan pair I already own!

In the end I bought four pairs of 'on-the-rebound' shoes, because I HAD TO BUY SOMETHING! They are everyday, wearable shoes that I only bought because they were marked down to $8 a pair! Yes, $8 a pair! From a shop called City Chic. Good brands too, all leather (or soft suede) from Robert Robert, Diavolina and Basque. But I'm still sulking. Immature I know. I'll be alright in the morning...


Diavolina wedge, Basque wedge, Diavolina court, Robert Robert chunky heel

Thursday 30 January 2014

today I am wearing...

The boyfriend jean. Loose, straight legged and super comfy. Yep. My latest quickie obsession. Guess where they're from? COLES! I tried them whilst doing the food shop on Sunday afternoon (a quick pull on under my dress, in front of the mirror, due to the no changing room issue). But I put them back on the rack. But then I couldn't stop thinking about them! So I went back on Tuesday morning and bought them! I'm so pleased I did. An f-ing bargain for $25 (I only paid $15 due to a FlyBuys discount, so happy days)! They are such a nice colour and an excellent quality soft denim.  

A must buy peeps! S'okay, I don't mind if we play jeans snap.

Mix Apparel 'boyfriend' jeans a change of season must buy!

zombie Tilda

Oooo I can't wait to see the new stylish, arty vampire film, Only Lovers Left Alive, starring Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston! It looks so dark and slick and sounds like it has a fab soundtrack...

As always Tilda looks brilliant. I love the bit in the trailer where she sucks on a bloody icy pole! Is there anyone else as cool and other worldly as Ms Swinton?  Watch the trailer below and get excited...


Only Lovers Left Alive

Ummm I love sucking on a bloody pole...

Tilda's hungy face

Tuesday 28 January 2014

today I am wearing...

I haven't done a what-I'm-wearing post for a while. I've been good, I've resisted the shops. It's too hard to clothes/shoe shop during the school holidays. The kids have been off for almost two months, but back to school today, so life can go back to normal... With it the good (coffee with girlfriends, relaxing shopping trips and peace) and the bad (horrible early mornings, packed lunches to make and the school runs, ugh). 

I did buy two dresses over the holiday period though and this is one of them, from Portmans (the other one is from Cue). I like the blue/green palm print and easy fit and flare style. It was $49 marked down from $99. 



Portmans palm print dress with Windsor Smith sandals


Monday 27 January 2014

Grammy top of the frocks

Easy winners! A tie! Too hard to choose between Taylor Swift's beautiful Gucci dress and Chrissy Teigen's gorgeous Johanna Johnson simmering gold gown! 

I love them both (the dresses that is)!



Saturday 25 January 2014

SJP shoes

It was only a matter of time before Sarah Jessica Parker brought out her own shoe collection. Being the official Sex And The City shoe queen, I had high (ish) hopes. After all, the actress herself mingles with designers, is known to go a little left of centre with her attire, wears couture, usually looks pretty cool.

But WTF? Who are these shoes designed for? The over 50s?!

The heels are all wrong - they taper in and aren't straight and sexy. 

Not only are the designs totally unoriginal and some, bloody ugly, I can buy them all already at my local granny shoe shop!!! SJP cannot have had anything to do with the design of these shoes! But apparently she designed them 'using inspiration from her life, like little bows and flower accents...' Ummm, I'm not convinced.

Disappointed!

Available online at www.nordstrom.com, priced between US$195-$500.

The only pair I like! Navy 50s style wearable heels.
Granny style!
Ugly clogs!
Bridesmaid shoes.
I HATE these. That bowed ankle strap is crap!
My mum would wear these for a night out!
I have no words for how much I loathe these!!!
The best thing about these is the inner sole!
Boring! Just boring and been done before.

Thursday 23 January 2014

tits t shirt

I soooo want one of these!

Vivienne Westwood's Tits T-Shirt! Originally designed in 1975 for Vivienne and Malcolm's SEX shop, it's been reprinted for the Special Edition Collection, available at the World's End, London store, or online (for $125). 

Cool! I wonder who's boobs they are, they look a little implanty to me... no matter!


Wednesday 22 January 2014

Beauty and the... bland?

She really is gorgeous isn't she. Cate Blanchett. Rarely puts a fashion foot wrong, never makes a silly faux pas, always chooses meaty acting roles that challenge her endless abilities. 

Umm... I wonder what she looks like naked? How her boobs have held up (or not) after three kids... Did she have c-sections or does she have to work on her pelvic floor? Does she enjoy anal sex? Or prefer creamy plain vanilla?

But my biggest question (and yes, I know I am being shallow and mean, but, don't lie and tell me the thought hasn't crossed your mind!) is this - what the fuck does she see in husband Andrew Upton?!!!

I know looks don't count (actually that's bollocks, of course they do), and he may have been trim when they met, and yes, he's creative and a playwright and has intellectual talents, but, but, BUT!!!

Do they have an open marriage perhaps? Can they both take pleasure elsewhere as long as the heart stays loyal? Ummm. I wonder.

I mean, there are sooo many talented, sexy, handsome men out there... Just look at the hot actors Cate mingles with! The directors, scriptwriters... She must get tempted, she must!

Or maybe her aloof, cool ice queen demeanour scares them all away.

It's fascinating...isn't it?!

She's a better woman than me (in oh so many ways!) I would have dumped him after my first Oscar nomination and had a string of decedent, passionate, intense flings then settled down with someone who was my aesthetic equal...