Spring Saturday

 I'm going to keep it short and sweet today. Just a quick outfit post on what I wore as we strolled around the City (Melbourne) on this wonderful spring Saturday afternoon.

 Spring Saturday Stroll Outfit:

Black Waterfall Cropped Jacket: $139.95 (Dotti)

Hot Pink Tank: *$20 (I.D.S Chadstone)

Embossed Jeans: $49.95 (Zara)

Turquoise Marble Chip Necklace: *$12 (Lovisa)

Glitter Sandals: $19.95 (H&M)

Sunnies: *$210 (Prada)

Bag: Gift (Burberry)

Outfil Total: $451.85

* = sale prices

Location: Caulfield Racecourse

PS: Notice the sandals are the same as the ones in my Spring Inspirations post  from a couple of weeks ago! I found them last week at H&M, the last pair left and it was my size! #meanttobe

Preparing for Spring

This weekend, after a very very long time, I felt like my old self again. Shopping alone, just for fun, not for a particular outfit or occasion, examining all the shops in the area and then going back to the first, racing to get from one mall to another on public transport to get in before the shops close to get that one piece that I'm suddenly obsessed with but is only available in my size at another location (in this case from CBD to Chadstone at 4pm), fuelling myself with only sushi and coffee, something you can have on the go without wasting precious shopping time. Here's what I bought...

Embellished cuff Top - Zara; Scarf - Portmans; Blue Mini Skort - Zara; 5 Row Chain Link necklace - Lovisa; Earrings - Lovisa.

Though none of these were on sale, I was still happy to pay full price as they are all pretty unique and versatile pieces and most of them were selling out fast. The Skorts were all sold out in that colour in the city and so I had to rush to Chadstone. The top was the last one in my size. The scarf was the last one, too. The earrings there were plenty of but the necklace there was only one more remaining. 

The necklace is pretty cool, it sits almost like a turtle-neck, like the top of a suit of armour. The SA at the store was wearing it and I loved it as soon as I saw it on her and I loved it on myself, too. I don't know when or where I'd wear it, but it'd have to be for a special occasion....

Inspirations from the Roaring 20s

Hello all! For those of you who were worrying about my uncharacteristic disappearance, rest assured, I'm still alive - just not living very much. ;p The usual - busy at work, busy at home, spending ban etc. etc. Which is great when you have a lifestyle and fashion blog! ;)

Anyway, I'm finally coming out of this zone and reviving my senses to sniff out inspiring trends to zhuzh up your wardrobe and mine without burning a (big) hole in the pocket.

Speaking of revival and zhuzh-ing up, the 1920s-inspired trends are making a big comeback with the success of Downton Abbey & the much anticipated (and highly publicised) release of Baz Luhrmann's interpretation of The Great Gatsby.

Flapper dresses are no longer restricted to Gangster-themed costume parties. But if looking like an extra from the sets of Gatsby isn't your thing and you still want a taste of the glitz and glam of Old Hollywood, all you have to do is go to the website of your favourite store and type the word "Deco" in the Search field. You will find at least 3-4 styles, if not a whole panel dedicated to Art Deco inspired pieces.

Of course, I delved a little deeper and found these Deco must-haves from our much loved stores and websites that will make any girl feel like they belong in the upstairs world of Downton Abbey even without having inherited the Crawley fortune. ;)

For the evening

ASOS Needle & Thread Era Silk Midi Dress - $279.04

Portmans Pearl Gem Short Necklace - $19.95

Forever New Annabelle Beaded Clutch - $39.99

Forever New Kayleigh Statement Drop Earrings - $16.99

Betts Kiki Heels in Nude or Silver - $74.99

For the day

Myer Morgan & Taylor Felt Cloche - $79.99

Topshop Embellished Flower Vest Top - $60 Approx.

Lovisa Berry Art Deco Strecth Bracelet - $29.99

Portmans Double Bow Trim Gloves - $16.95

Great finds, right?!! And there are many more. Now we can all look the part and give Carey Mulligan a run for her money when we line up at our local cinemas on May 10th. ;) Can't wait! (And any news on the fourth season return of Downton Abbey, please feel free to post about in the comments below - I know it'll only be back in September, though.)

Spend or Splurge

I must have some kind of magical powers or something, don't you think? I'm getting really good at disappearing into thin air! ;) 'Tis the "silly season" after all. And I'm going overseas next week, so its fast-tracked silly season on steroids for me. Anyway, whilst I've been shopping (more like window shopping because I've already blown my budget) online and instores, I've found a few perfect-for-party-season pieces. And since I'm not buying anything for myself anymore, I thought I would share it with all my readers - 'tis the season of spreading joy after all ;)...'tis also the season of legitimately getting away with wearing bright red, gold/silver, green or all 3 together - okay, may be not all 3 together but you know what I mean - of looking festive! So, whether its your end-of-year work party or a Christmas dinner with the family, it's all about being bright and bold but elegant. In my quest to find these perfect outfit, I came across styles for different kinds of fashionistas - the Spenders and the Splurgers! So, here's my very first compilation of a Spend or Splurge list...

The Dress:

Spend: Asos Lace Dress - $76.50

Splurge: Lover the Label Dress - $740

The Clutch:

Spend: Witchery Paris Sparkle Clutch - $89.99

Splurge: Jimmy Choo Candy Clutch in Champagne - $525

The Shoes:

Spend: Forever New Misty Diamante Platform - $89.99

Splurge: Peeptoe Miss Indulgence Heels with Swarovski Elements - $599

 The Jewelry:

Spend: Lovisa Crystal Chandelier - $29.99

Splurge: Kate Spade Fragment Pearl Earrings - $78

Hope you find your inspiration in these! And no matter what you do, say or wear, I hope you enjoy the Holiday Season!!