Spring-spiration

Denim on White

Denim on Denim (Yes! It's officially allowed this season.)

Have you heard? This is the MUST HAVE shoe of the season!

Flowers cause its SPRING!

Monochrome never goes out of style

Because no trend post is complete without a Kardashian or Jenner! No, but really, great outfit!

These shoes!

10 Things Under $20

So, I needed to buy a few essentials this weekend and also just wanted to cheer myself up at the end of a long work week doing what I love most i.e SHOPPING! But as usual, here comes the 'B' word...you got it, 'Budget'! I'm on a budget I can't bust. So I only allowed myself things that wouldn't break the bank. And this search inspired this post...10 things that cost less than $20 that you need to buy right now to update your wardrobe, home or even beauty-kit.

1. Hooded Cardigan: *$19.95 (Dotti)

2. Open Bar Cuff: $14.95 (Sportsgirl)

3. Lace Push-up Bra: $19.95 (H&M)

4. Nail Polish in Peach: $14.95 (Witchery)

5. Grey/Cream Long Sleeve Top: $20 (Target)

6. Braided Waist Belt: *$11.97 (Seed)

7. Glasshouse Mini Candle - Coney Island: $18.95 (Peter Alexander)

8. Natural Leopard Print Scarf: *$12.95 (Forever New)

9. Metallic Cushions: $12 (KMart)

10. Nivea Moisturising Fluid SPF 15: $7.99 (Priceline)

* = sale prices

I only bought 4 of these...

....how many will you buy?

Colours of this season

Marc Jacobs predicted last year that the colours of the seasons were going to inter-change. Summer was going to be heavy, dark, mostly black and white and winter was going to be soft pastels and neutrals. And if Marc Jacobs says so, so it must be. Neutrals, pinks, taupes and a little bit of blue for a pop are the colours of this season. And especially for us here in the southern hemisphere being in the opposite season from our northern counterparts, waking up to bloggers all over the world getting ready for Spring, we can't help but subconsciously be inspired by soft blush tones of newly blooming flowers or bright blue hues of a clear sky! And you'll see these colours everywhere! Not just in clothes, but in homewares, in gourmet food, in art, anything that is current. I'm loving this change! Can't wait to freshen up my winter wardrobe! Lucky Chadstone VIP night is around the corner.

 Can't believe I'm about to say this but...bring on winter! (I may regret saying this in a few weeks though)

Currently Coveting

Omg! I've just discovered the Blogger App! Thanks to my mum and dad!! (My last known address: Under The Rock, Off-with-the-fairies st., Dreamland) This is life changing! This will hopefully help me post more often, even if it's just short posts.

For now, here I am, sharing this new find I'm currently obsessed with. But my champagne tastes aren't supported by my beer budget! 

This cover up from Perniaspopupshop.com by Indian designer Urvashi Joneja reminds me of the Armani dress Naomi Watts wore to the Oscars, although I found this much much before the Oscars. 

The half-dress/cover up idea is so unique! And the black and white geo print is bang on trend. Wear it with a plain jumpsuit, little black dress or even shorts and a tank and add instant glamour.

For those looking to expand their online shopping options: Pernias Pop Up Shop is an Indian High End Multi-designer retail site. So if you are looking for some bollywood inspiration or just a quirky outfit this is a great site to browse through. And shopping is safe and easy, I've bought before from here myself and had no problems.

Link to my coveted item: http://www.perniaspopupshop.com/designers/urvashi-joneja/urvashi-joneja-brick-printed-cover-up-ujc3m115p03c.html

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition

If you missed the JGP Exhibition on tour at NGV that ran from Oct - Feb (how could you?!) I urge you to catch it somewhere else on its tour (next stop Paris, then Munich). It's so totally worth it! Goes without saying that the man and his art are inspirational, but certain features of the exhibition like the talking, blinking, smiling mannequins are as freaky as they are awesome. JGP never fails to surprise and shock all at the same time. And although pictures speak a thousand words, the photos that I am about to share just do not do justice to the amazing detailing on each piece showcased in this exhibition. But just to give you a taste of this crazy, genius' work here are some photos I took at the National Gallery of Victoria.

Spring Racing Looks without spending a Fortune!

Spring is synonymous with Racing. Especially in Victoria. Even before the calendars are changed over to September, our favourite fashion stores and sites bring out their best fascinators and floral chiffon dresses to remind us clothes-horses that 'the celebration that stops the nation' is around the corner.

But your last name does not have to be "Waterhouse" for you to look Fashionable on the Fields in your race-appropriate finery. Nor do you have to bank on backing Black Caviar or her descendants to pay for your post-racing season credit card bills. 

In this post I'm proudly sharing with you 3 gorgeous outfits I managed to piece together from browsing through Australia's well loved fast-fashion sites that are trendy, race-worthy and the best part - they are all UNDER $200! Talk about being on the money!

#1 Flower Power

What's a Spring Racing outfit without some floral print! But this outfit takes it to the next level by combining all of this seasons trends so seamlessly: Structured+White+Graphic Prints+Girly with an edge.

Dress: $118.97 (Keepsake the Label on Iconic.com)

Floral Print Strappy Heels: $29.95 (Spurr Basics on Iconic.com)

Satchel: $11.98 (Zalora on Iconic.com)

Floppy Hat: $39.99 (Forever New)

Outfit Total: $200.89

#2 Upper East Side Chic

If you were a New York Fashionista going to the races (on a tight budget) this is what you would wear. This year, the rules of race-appropriate dressing have changed a little. It is OK to show a little bit of skin as long as you keep it classy, modern silhouettes and separates are overtaking traditional tea-party-like attire and you don't have to wear a dead-bird on your head to check the "head-wear required" box.

Lace Bralet: $34.95 (Atmos&Here on Iconic.com)

Highwaist Structured Skirt: $66.47 (Warehouse on Iconic.com)

Crystal Headband: $12.95 (Colette)

Lace Hardcase Clucth: $34.95 (Colette)

Pointy Toe Heels: $29.95 (Spurr Basics on Iconic.com)

Outifit Total: $179.27  

#3 Monochrome

Derby Day is done and dusted. But that doesn't mean you can't do a bit of colour co-ordinating. When you are playing the one colour or one family of shades card, though, you want to stick with a simple dress and jazz up your accessories. A trend I'm loving this year is the bohemian headpieces mixed with contemporary dresses. After all, Spring Racing is all about taking risks while having some fun!

One Shoulder Maxi Dress: $50 (ASOS)

Strappy Sandals: $20.97 (Spurr Basics on Iconic.com)

Bejeweled Headpice: $29.95 (Lovisa)

Printed Hardcase Clutch: $19.95 (Colette)

Outfit Total: $120.87

I hope these winning outfit ideas will have you galloping into Flemington Racecourse this year to use that extra cash you now have left over on more expensive Champagne or to place those few extra bets in the last couple of sprints of the day. 

Thus, ends my Racing-Metaphors-filled post.

Have fun at the Races!

PS: Now I wish I was going, too.