just add sequins ♥

too much time | nothing to do

2012-01-27T21:03:00.000+11:00

things we love ♥

rose quartz fan necklace - DeuceFashion @ etsy $29 USD

This will probably be my next jewellery purchase.

I want to wear it with everything I own.

Josh Goot utility mini skirt ~~$345~~ $103.50

time wasting experiment 0044 - provax @ etsy $10 USD

This comes from Alyson Provax's 'Time Wasting Experiments' series, which seeks to "document time wasted". At first I didn't think too much about these, but now I'm utterly charmed by them. They make me laugh guiltily and motivate me to do more with my time.

Line & Jo. miss ewell four-star stud $59

I don't wear earrings often, but these are beautiful. I could wear it everyday - okay, probably not - but it makes me want to.

midcentury modern stone agate quartz bookends - highstreetmarket @ etsy $58 USD

paul by paul smith 'polka dot scarf' print skirt £123

Simple but so interesting.

To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out the World? by Lucy Siegle $20.52
xx

rain rain go away, why did you come today

2012-01-26T00:07:00.000+11:00

My contribution to yesterday's dinner: Potatoes & Chorizo, using Handle the Heat's recipe.

Catching up with Nichola = food + exploration. We went to The Star (which is very flashy now) and spent quite a bit of time in Adriano Zumbo's store. I wanted to check out the dessert train, but that opens at 6pm.
I always like checking out what strange macaron flavours have been cooked up!

These, as well as the ones featured in the next box (Redskin, Milo and Fingerbun) were pretty popular.

What I bought: damper & jam, redskin and lychee.

They were all really good, and the flavours were great. The lychee one was kind of tasteless at first but then the lychee kicked in and wow. I had a bit of Nichola's musk stick macaron too - yum! I really didn't expect to enjoy it because I don't really like musk sticks much... ah, how the canteen memories have been brought back, oh those days when lollies weren't banned...

We decided to pop into Francois' Pastries at Pyrmont, which was lovely.
Ugh rain.

Beef burgundy pie + tomato sauce for $5.25. It was delicious.

I had a nice strawberry milkshake too for $4.50

Exploring Pyrmont

Nichola's developing polaroid

Dessert at Tokonoma after dinner with the sisters/brothers.

I haven't walked this much in a long time! It was raining really heavily too, so by the end of the day I was pretty soaked. My Zara flats even stained my feet purple... anyway, it's Australia Day now woohoo!

year of the dragon

2012-01-22T21:09:00.000+11:00

rambutan, custard apple and longan yumm

watermelon seeds, candied coconut, candied lotus seeds, peanut and black sesame snacks...

cupcakes my sister made for a party - she made lamingtons too!

Getting ready for Vietnamese/Chinese New Year (Tết), which is tomorrow and should be fun because all my family will be here, yay. My family isn't particularly "Asian" in the sense that we don't believe in Vietnamese superstitions or follow customs like not sweeping the floor on the first day of Tết, but we definitely celebrate this! I'm looking forward to all the fruit and food that we'll be having tomorrow...as well as those red packets of money haha.

shine on;

2012-01-19T13:41:00.001+11:00

I'm slowly crawling out from my cave (home) and having a social life again...
Okay, so I have been going out regularly with family for the past few weeks but that doesn't count haha.

Dessert with Sophie and Virginia at Moochi, the place where everyone seems to tag themselves at on Facebook.

I didn't know frozen yoghurt could be so good. Yummm.

I've been rediscovering my childhood with the help of Will, my cute baby nephew ♥

My "stylish" big sisters!

Just kidding, I really do like their personal style.

Thomsen Paris shirt - Bec & Bridge shorts - ASOS necklace - Citizen watch - Tree of Life fortune bracelet

What I wore to go watch Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on Tuesday. They were both really good! I wasn't disappointed by either of them at all. I've also recently realised that I really like wearing shirts...

glitter in my veins

2012-01-16T12:48:00.000+11:00

Mad Man with a Box series: I Think You Call Me...Sexy

A Glitter Far Far Away series: Beggar's Canyon

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series: Hyperspace Bypass

SPAAAAAACE series: Nebula

Something Completely Different series: Pinin' for the Fjords

So I was just browsing Etsy yesterday (yep this is how I party hard on Sundays), and while I was finding more and more amazing shops/sellers/items, I stumbled across NerdLacquer: "Custom-blended nail polish inspired by sci-fi favourites". I'm more of a fantasy fan myself, but I don't mind sci-fi now after watching the amazing show that is Fringe, and I love space/galaxy prints (which these remind me of) SO I'M PRETTY EXCITED ABOUT THESE NAIL POLISHES.

They're not like any other glittery polishes that I've seen before, and at $8 USD are a pretty good price. I'm not sure how much international shipping is, but I'll definitely be placing an order sometime in the future. Glitter is just too much fun. Next I want to try doing my own galaxy nails... maybe I can convince Maria to show me how - hers are amazing.

image source: NerdLacquer

all set (finally)

2012-01-14T20:31:00.000+11:00

Roxy bikini $70

Now I can finally go into the water at the beach/pool this summer!

About time, I know.

Next week's plans include: going to see Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, loads of reading, tv (hello UKTV), a desperately needed catchup with some of my favourite people in the world, birthday present hunting and some DIY. I'm excited!

inspired

2012-01-13T00:16:00.000+11:00

hanneli.com

garance dore

unknown

fashionising.com

unknown

Wends Ma @ Lookbook

stockholm street style

street peeper

vanessa jackman

vanillascented blog

& INSIDE IN, INSIDE OUT + Fashion Toast + heart + bleecker

+ GARY PEPPER VINTAGE + Vanillascented

Some images and blogs that never fail to inspire me.

There's definitely more, but right now this is all that's on my mind xx

I think too much

2012-01-08T23:31:00.000+11:00


image from fgr

Sometimes I wonder if I'm wasting my time, and the "fresh start" that 2012 is supposed to have brought, since all I've been doing for the past few weeks really can be described as "nothing" - but hey, I'm on holiday. Surely a little time wastin' is okay. In other words, I am clearly not one of those amazing people who are proactive and involved in ten billion projects at once and get things done now (I prefer later) while still staying on top of everything. My life is pretty boring in that sense. I also really suck. But that's okay, because I'm motived enough now to change. It sounds really corny and I kind of want to delete that last sentence or this whole entire post, because I know my family read this sometimes and they're just going to promote me to Queen of Lame now, but I really am serious.

I want to be like those amazing people, who are just so damn annoyingly/amazingly proactive and focused. Okay, maybe just a little bit like them for now. Baby steps! I want to stop being jealous and awed and be my version of that person; to be able to look back on the past year and feel proud of myself for what I've managed to accomplish. As my wise older sister put it, what's stopping me? What's the difference between me and them? The first thing: effort. So yeah, I'm motived to change. This applies to my personal style too, in the sense that I'm starting to change that "oh I want to dress like that/have that one day" mentality to "oh I want to dress like that now". Dream wardrobe, come to me!!

... um so anyway, I'm also kind of obsessed with that A.P.C "Fashion is for Losers" tee right now. It just makes me laugh. Don't know if I'd actually wear it though!

tigers, clocks and fairy tales

2012-01-05T23:37:00.000+11:00

Sometimes vintage/secondhand is better...

I'm pretty bad at thrifting though, so luckily there's Etsy to do all finding for me! Seriously, I love Etsy.

bOmode Tiger belt $38 USD

luckyvintageseattle Watch belt $26 USD

AdrianCompanyVintage Fairy Tale belt $30 USD

As much as I like new things like Sass & Bide's amazing x a million belts (lights down low, truth be told and coat of arms) there's really something special about these ones. Partly because no one/not many other people would have it too and it's always fun feeling like you're a bit "unique". I haven't really been interested in belts before, but after seeing them everywhere lately I want one too now. Ah the power of trends.

I'm going to be "window shopping" for a while now, since I'm still in shock over my 2011 spending totals and can't afford to spend recklessly anymore (stupid wisdom teeth). I need to buy a new swimsuit though, so that I can actually go into the water at the beach/pool this summer...last purchase for a few months?!

three days in

2012-01-03T18:07:00.000+11:00

photo taken by me

This is pretty late, but HAPPY NEW YEAR! I still can't believe that it's 2012 already, but I actually have a really good feeling about this year so I'm a little bit excited. I did make a few resolutions for this year using A Pair & A Spare's process and I'm so determined to keep them, I actually did the whole 'action plan' and 'checkpoints' thing. Last year I completely forgot about my resolutions a few weeks into 2011 and actually went in the opposite direction - instead of saving money, I spent it all and time management was a complete and utter failure. I handed in assessments late and pulled my first all-nighter trying to start/finish two major assessments at once. Yeah, that wasn't a good idea.

So here's to the new year! Hopefully 2012 will be amazing and the world won't have to end ;)

Also, how good has the weather been in Sydney recently? OH HELLO SUMMER.

must've been a really good girl this year.

2011-12-31T18:15:00.000+11:00

Christmas 2011: family, good food, baking, cocktails, relaxation, really good food, bbq, surprising presents which I still can't believe I got, anticipation, strawberry milkshakes, backyard picnics, Will's second Christmas, ps3, street fighter, planet cake, trivial pursuit, parks, puzzles, excitement, lasagna, Christmas texts, friends, appreciation, being a kid again with Will, getting out of learning how to drive, magazines, movies and lots and lots of fun.

I had an amazing Christmas this year ♥

Here are a few photos from Christmas Eve, as well as what I was lucky enough to get this year. Seriously, I must've been a really good girl?!

Christmas Eve dinner

My Linh's healthy banana bread and muffins

Christmas Eve with family and family friends.

My Linh's successful gas oven baked macarons, using Donna Hay's mix. Yum.

My Linh's delicious green tea tart (I want the recipe for this).

'Eric' by Shaun Tan, Sportsgirl beauty bag/clutch, Poppycock, Sportsgirl cards and butterfly pinkie ring, Sportsgirl giftcard

The beginning of my Christmas goodies! These were all such thoughtful gifts, I really am touched. I'm pretty sure I said "omg" after opening every present - I didn't expect to get any of these things at all.

AWW EVERYONE IS TOO SWEET AND CUTE AND KIND ♥

I don't even know how to start repaying all this loveliness.

ASOS pants that are my perfect kind of baggy, Motel skirt (I really like cityscape prints), ASOS necklace

It does look/feel a little tacky, but honestly that's what makes it so fun to wear. I love it!

I won some money from Christmas scratchies, so I went out and bought this from Lovisa. It used to have a huge black feather attached, but all I wanted was this so I just removed the feather with my trusty rusty pliers. I'm thinking of checking out Spotlight or Lincraft soon too, to see if they sell things like this.

Sportsgirl pinkie ring and nail polish. I'm really liking pink these days... I don't know why.

Manicare perfume atomiser. Now I can smell nice all the time, and not waste my perfumes yay! Perfume fascinates me, so I'd really like to know more about the process etc. 2012 will be the year.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS

Petit Bateau Breton top. My search is over!!

My sisters got these as Christmas presents too, so now we all match :)

AMAZING.

I can't wait to start this.

birthday presents #19

2011-12-29T00:10:00.000+11:00

I know that I'm late but I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I certainly did, and only just got home from my sister's house today (more on that later). Anyway, even though my birthday was more than one month ago, Anne and Grace recently gave me a present so here it is - the annual 'what I got for my birthday' post. It does feel weird doing this, since the blog has changed this year in the sense that other people besides my high school friends pop by for a visit now (?!) but hey, the reason is still the same and this really is my general diary now, so who cares and let's move on!

Citizen watch

It filled the hole that my Seiko watch left (I actually lost it).

Hand cream and MAC Pink Noveau lipstick

My second ever lipstick in the only shade of pink which seems to work for me,

and hand cream for my inner grandma. I have really dry hands :(

3.1 Phillip Lim sunnies

At $75 (not including shipping) at Pearls and Lace, they were too good to pass up.

I really love the colour and style, and now that it's finally sunny, I can actually wear them!

Dotti leggings with faux leather side panels

My handmade birthday card from Anne. So cute.

InmostLight necklace from Etsy

Joveeba top

I think that the cutouts are meant to show off your shoulders, but I actually prefer wearing it as a tee like this.

What I wore to go Christmas food shopping: Joveeba top, thrifted denim shorts, InmostLight necklace, Dotti leopard print slippers, Zara blazer, the usual rings

Paul Smith Paul X skirt

Such an amazing print!! I used to collect - okay, add - stamps to my dad's collection when I was little so this brings back a few memories. I'm definitely keeping an eye on on Paul X now though- some of the other printed skirts are really amazing as well!

I know that you'll eventually see this, so thank you so much for the presents.

I really am a very lucky girl.

choose c)

2011-12-22T23:49:00.000+11:00

I only wrote about this two days ago, but I've been thinking about buying one of the two for a while now, as everyone around me knows haha. Having something to aim for has successfully killed any shopping urges and is motivating me to save money (not that Christmas shopping was any help) but I can't choose between them. I made lists and everything but I just can't do it. I like them both way too much. If I was a better saver, or you know, was working more, I could buy both... but yeah that's not going to happen. Dress Up and Dion Lee, wait for me. One day you'll be mine.

So what did I do instead?

I went for option C.

Meet my new shirt from Thomsen Paris, which is now on its way to me! I bought mine from ASOS in pounds, since it worked out to be cheaper than the Aussie dollar and any saving is a good saving wouldn't you say? Haha. You can find it at My Chameleon too. I love wearing shirts, so I can't wait until it comes! The shirt is cheaper than the other two anyway, so now I have a little bit more money and am not completely broke - phew.

images from my chameleon

you say it's not worth it, but I'm not listening

2011-12-20T23:16:00.000+11:00

DRESS UP Mini Box Pleat Playsuit (Black)

$495 --> $346.50

DION LEE LINE II Dropwaist Dress (Cyan)

$550 --> $330

I dont know how I'm going to choose between the two.

Sweet Tooth

2011-12-18T23:33:00.000+11:00

I've been spending my holidays as a lazy slug again, but I really don't mind too much. Reading, hanging out with friends, spending time with family (my brother-in-law is back for good now yay), watching trashy tv, occasionally making moneyz and eating desserts/delicious food - it's all goooood. I'm pretty excited about Christmas too, since my beautiful baby nephew and my family is all here together again for the first time in years - it's just going to be great!

Here are some photos from the past few weeks, in other words, proof that I am a lazy slug:

Dinner and dessert at Criniti's after going to the Dion Lee Warehouse sale.

I think that this was the budino al cioccolato dessert? $16 worth of yum.

Good photo, Anne.

The now famous Ten Dollar Water.

Just chillin'

Homemade carrot cake and cupcakes from the Cupcake Bakery for my sister's birthday.

The cake and cupcakes were really nice and moist, but the cupcakes were a bit too sweet for me.

I'm more of a macaron girl haha.

Coconut macarons from one of my favourite places, La Royale Patisserie in Wetherill Park. I can't get enough of their macarons, which are cheaper than most at $2.20, and their cakes look delicious too!

Cake from La Royale Patisserie. Meringue, cream, caramel and peaches - how could I resist? I couldn't eat it all in one go though, since the meringue and caramel was pretty sweet but mmm it was tasty.

Belgian waffles at Max Brenner after going to the Picasso Exhibition at the Art Gallery.

I really enjoyed the exhibition and am quite interested in Picasso now. I even bought a fridge magnet to add to my growing collection at home haha. Not knowing much before, I definitely want to see and know more about his art and life now!

Sam. Best girl. She always makes me laugh. Have fun on your travels, and I'm looking forward to seeing your vlogs! xx

Finally checked out Cafe Cre Asion after seeing a recommendation in Time Out and boy, was it worth it. I really have to recommend this place, and it's so close to Museum Station I'll definitely be back for more macarons! GO GO GO.

8 macarons for $21. We got: pistachio, green tea, rhubarb and vanilla, lychee and raspberry, hoji tea, jasmine, Thai milk tea and earl grey.

At $2.70 for one, these macarons are a bit more expensive than your usual macarons, but they are so worth it. So good. SO. GOOD. The flavours were really clear and strong, and it's pretty fun trying out flavours that I haven't seen anywhere else. I liked pretty much every single one, but I couldn't taste the lychee in the lychee & raspberry macaron so much and I wasn't sure how Thai milk tea was supposed to taste, so those two were my least favourite. They were still nice though! Green tea, pistachio and hoji tea were the best ones - seriously, go have the pistachio macaron. I've never had better. These macarons weren't that sweet either, so My Linh and I ate seven of them in a row pretty easily. YUM.

Lazy day at Hyde Park

Rhubarb and vanilla.

THE WEATHER IS FINALLY GOOD AGAIN

repeat.

2011-12-14T00:50:00.000+11:00

I can't stop listening to these songs.

I can't stop watching this either, it just makes me laugh too much.

"TWINSIES!"

Yep, it's time to add that to my vocabulary - next to "Obvi" and "Totes" of course.

I don't know what's happening to me anymore, but at least "din dins" isn't going to happen any time soon (sorry Sam). I hope that it doesn't anyway...

~~someone save me~~

two more weeks

2011-12-11T23:29:00.000+11:00

source: numero #129 from fgr

I only just realised that Christmas is in two weeks and now I feel like this, except I'm not dressed quite as nicely as she is and unfortunately my backyard looks nothing like that. I haven't bought or even started looking for presents yet and I'm broke and saving up for something and I keep on spending money at sales and on food and train tickets and I need a better job, but it's okay. I have two weeks. I'm no Santa but I have the Internet at my fingertips and am probably better at online shopping, and I have family members who are quite willing to tell me exactly what they want so all is good. If not, everyone will just get handmade bookmarks this year. I'm fairly sure I've done that before actually, but hey, what's wrong with updating a classic? ;)

Anyway, this week is going to be exciting. Exciting exciting exciting!!

it's good to remind yourself sometimes -

2011-12-09T00:26:00.003+11:00

This is not an inspiration post.

Just saying.

There are so many things that I want to do.

But 'want' doesn't equal 'will, 

and I wonder if I'll be able to accomplish it all. 

I want to surprise myself. 

Everything is beautiful and mysterious and amazing.

Maybe that's a cheesy line, but I really do think that those moments where you are struck with wonder and appreciation are just magical. I don't want to "grow up" in that sense and lose that feeling and walk past things without a second glance or though and take ordinary things for granted. That would be too sad. I know that there are sad and upsetting things in the world too (like spiders and snakes and the horrible ways people treat each other for example) but I don't want to focus on that right now. It's the pretty things that make me feel better after all.

I am very grateful for my friends and family. It's wonderful having people there for you, who you can be honest with and talk to, who love you even when you're mean, who will be mean and bitchy with you (!!!) and make you want to be better because why on earth would you want to be worse than you already are?!

It's good to be alive.

There is so much to see and do.

(& eat and hear and smell and have and wear and know!)

image sources: jackson eaton, fgr, models.com, through my two eyes, oyster

to finish off November

2011-12-04T17:36:00.000+11:00

It's not everyday that you get invited to a wedding reception for a work Christmas party

Being classy and taking photos in the bathroom... before the "Wine Incident".

What I wore: gifted Camilla & Marc dress and Siren nude patent heels.

Romance Was Born, you've done it again. This print! If only it was mine.

I'VE MISSED YOU ANNA

Most bloggers take outfit photos in nice places... I prefer Victoria's Basement. Just kidding! (Mostly).

What I wore: Sportsgirl t-shirt dress, Black Milk pink galaxy leggings, Miss Shop cardigan, Buckley Tailors blazer, Rubi shoes circle scarf, Primark flats, Forever New bag, Citizen watch, Karen Walker ring.

What I bought from Victoria's Basement. Hello new jewellery boxes.

How Anne and I hang out in the rain #1

Exploring.

I can't stop wearing these rings: gold (Gorjana), silver (Karen Walker)

These too: gifted pearl necklace, quartz necklace from byAnthem

Just a few photos from the past few weeks. I've mostly been catching up with friends and spending spending spending on food/train tickets, so I'm looking forward to a relatively quiet week indoors spent making summer plans and lists while it rains. Come on Summer! Bring on the blue skies and sunshine xx

good food & good company

2011-11-29T23:57:00.001+11:00

Now that online shopping and my desire to own clothes from amazing Australian designers has killed my love for shopping at Westfields, I've realised that nowadays I go out just to:
a) catch up/hang out with friends
b) window shop future possible purchases at Incu/David Jones/Myer/Paddington etc.
c) explore parts of the city I don't usually go to and
d) EAT

Okay, so it's more like 'all of the above'. Seriously though, I love eating at new places - especially when they're so good I just want to recommend them to everyone I know and come back again and again. It's just fun trying out different places too, and being able to say "oh yeah, I've eaten there before!". I feel like I need to upgrade from Maccas and Hungry Jacks you knowww? Okay, so that's a lie. I can't let go of fast food, they're too good to my wallet. McDoubles and Whoppers, I love you!

Here's what/where I've been eating at recently...

Tokyo ramen at Ichiban Boshi

Anna's yakisoba omelette. We had gyoza too, but I can't find that photo...

Macarons from La Renaissance!

Rose, salted caramel, coconut and jasmine greent tea.

Birthday cake #1

Birthday cake #2

At Chocolateria San Churro with Sam. SO GOOD.

Classic Spanish hot chocolate. It was so thick and sweet and good - but too much for me.

I couldn't finish it!

Churros for Two, with milk and white chocolate.

I want to eat them again. Highly recommended, yum.

Sam's chai latte ( think it was a latte)

Salmon sashimi at Tokio Fans

Spicy Cheese Kransky from Snag Stand

I WANT TO EAT MORE.

These chips were so good.

...so, I'm kind of really hungry now.

ALICE MCCALL

2011-11-27T23:57:00.000+11:00

SS11 THE DANSANT

photos from alice mccall

I'm keeping an eye on you from now on, Alice McCall! I wasn't interested in you before, but after seeing this collection, yeah, you've got me now. I want my summer to look like this.

eighteen ninteen; still a teen

2011-11-25T00:30:00.001+11:00

I have so many photos from the past week to upload later, it's amazing. Is this what having a social life feels like?! ...haha just kidding. Anyway, I celebrated my birthday yesterday by going to high tea with Anne ♥ at the Observatory Hotel. Even though the weather sucked, I had a lot of fun and definitely want to go to high tea again! We spent about two hours continuously eating, talking, laughing and taking photos. Lots of fun :)

I'd never been to high tea before so it was definitely the perfect way to kick off being 19. I've been feeling like now is the time for a fresh start, which is funny considering all the firsts that I experienced this year, but yeah, 19 is the age!!

Being ladies.

The spot that we wanted.

Sandwiches and mini quiches.

For the sandwiches, there was ham and cheese, cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. The egg was my favourite, followed by the smoked salmon. Anne and I were pretty hungry by the time we got to the hotel, which is why the ham and cheese sandwiches are missing from the photo heh.

Yum, chamomile tea.

Sugar cube, anyone?

I love scones! They were so light and delicious, and the jam and cream was really good too.

Dessert. The plate we were most looking forward to, and yet couldn't finish because we were that full.

Creme brulee, weird flavoured macarons that I did not like, fruit tarts, orange and poppyseed cupcakes, dark chocolate mousse cones and cheesecake yum.

So comfortable.

Anne || Review blouse, Fremont skirt, Topshop boots, David Lawrence bag, gold necklace

Me || Dotti bustier, Bardot skirt, grey cropped cardigan, hand-me-down Buckley blazer, Sportsgirl satchel, Zara flats, Karen Walker ring, Citizen watch, (Cotton On scarf)

Not the most appropriate high tea outfit, what with the cropped bustier and all,

but it's what I wanted to wear so...

Close up!

It was "quite the splendid" day.

1 1 2 3

2011-11-23T23:19:00.000+11:00

Today I turned 19...

Here's to what will definitely be a fun and exciting year!

I hear in my mind all this music;

2011-11-21T18:35:00.000+11:00

So Will woke me up this morning with a few pokes, a hug and a shiny black parcel from Black Milk. I want to wake up like this everyday. The parcel doesn't even have to be from Black Milk...

Anyway, say hello to my new galaxy skirts! I bought them last Thursday when Black Milk's new collection was released and they were shipped out on Friday, how good is that? I'm really in love with these skirts though, and am so tempted to get the other two. Oh what am I saying. I know I'll get them eventually and most likely any other galaxy skirt Black Milk makes. Space/galaxy print: it's my weakness.

purple galaxy and rainbow galaxy skirts $60 each

AREN'T THEY BEAUTIFUL?

Friend of Mine top, Black Milk rainbow galaxy skirt

I love these skirts. They fit me perfectly, can be worn high waisted, cover everything that needs to be covered and make me feel amazing. Black Milk, you've done it again. I kind of like the rainbow galaxy skirt more than the purple one actually, just because it's so colourful and hides VPL so much better (haha). But they both make me so so happy and I can't wait to wear them out!

I'd wear one on my birthday, but I'll be going to high tea and this might not be appropriate... I know that you can wear whatever you want, but I think that dressing up to fit the environment will make the experience even more charming! xx

this is our time;

2011-11-19T07:38:00.000+11:00

I've just been relaxing at home this week and it really does feel great doing nothing. That's going to change soon though, I have a work wedding reception to go to tonight and next week will be busy busy busy! I'll be 19 soon...

These are just a few photos from last Sunday, when I went with some of my closest friends to the Newtown Festival. Honestly, I didn't think it was that good and we didn't stay at the actual festival for long - we walked up and down King St and ate lots of food instead! It was a good day.

Gozleme, always a favourite.

You can't see my oufit clearly here (do you ever?) but I was wearing: vintage top from ebay, silence + noise skirt from Urban Outfitters, Sportsgirl sandals, Karen Walker daisy ring, market flower/starfish bracelet, hand-me-down Sportsgirl satchel

Coconut water! So refreshing and nice... yeah I'm craving it now.

Sangria with our lunch at Cafe Newtown - it was a bit strong!

Stuffed eggplant

Yum

Tiramisu, Raffaello and Toblerone gelato from Gelato Blue to finish off the day - it was really good.

I want more of that raffaello!!

just a short post for today.

2011-11-16T23:40:00.000+11:00

stylestalker mulholland dress, diy chain thing lol

Wow, the quality of this photo is really bad but at least you can see the dress and chain...thing (harness?).
I bought this dress a few weeks ago since it was half price at The Grand Social and I've been lusting over it since I first saw the lookbook, but I felt like it needed more so I made this. As you can probably guess from the photo, it was really easy to make! I'm definitely inspired to get back into craft again, but I'll need to clean my pliers first - they're all rusty now. I can't wait to wear the dress this spring/summer as well as the chain thing.

I actually bought a few other things last week from the Cotton On stores too since I got a job as a Christmas casual at Cotton On Body. Staff discounts are too hard to resist!

the best way to celebrate!

2011-11-15T23:59:00.001+11:00

cheesecake and macarons at La Renaissance Cafe Patisserie

After my exam on Saturday, I celebrated the end of the first year of uni and the beginning of the holidays with a few of my favourite things; that is, friends, desserts and 'adventures'. Here are just a few photos from the day! :)

We decided to go to The Rocks to have dessert at La Renaissance Cafe, and while we were there, we discovered the markets! The last time I remember being at the markets was when I was in primary school, so I had fun just looking around and recognising things from my memory. I can't recommend La Renaissance enough either; it's so good. So good. The macarons are delicious from what I've heard (yep, I haven't had any yet) and the flavours are pretty interesting too. I bought jasmine green tea and coconut macarons, while Nichola had rose and dark chocolate ones. And don't get me started on the desserts!

We wandered around The Rocks and saw aboout ten weddings.

I can see why couples would chose to have their wedding photos taken here though.

This reminds me of fairy tales and Madeline, and makes me want to read Enid Blyton's The Wishing Chair or The Faraway Tree again.

A corner inside The Tea Cosy. We only had drinks here (hot chocolate and peach iced tea) but I definitely want to come back and have the scones. They looked so good and practically everyone there was having some!

We were just walking along George St when this caught our eye. It's beautiful isn't it? It made me really appreciate everything around me too; you know, the ordinary things that can be so easily overlooked...

The stairs in the Apple Store are creepy but cool at the same time. They make me feel like I'm in some sci-fi movie, walking towards my doom or something.

More later! It's time to sleep.

to a new kingdom I run;

2011-11-13T08:23:00.000+11:00

I've been thinking a lot about my closet/clothes/shopping habits/outfits lately... I just want to write this down so that I can refer back to it when I'm stuck in an impulse buying spiral and need to focus again. I'm not expecting this to be interesting for anyone but me :)

why things have to change.

I have so many beautiful things in my wardrobe (I'm not trying to say that I have The Best Clothes Ever or anything, just that my wardrobe is full of things which I find beautiful) and I don't wear them enough. I realised this the other day when I was culling my wardrobe - I have so many things which haven't been touched sinceI bought them and too much has only been worn less than a handful of times! Why am I such a saver?? Why aren't I wearing these things when I've repeatedly worn so many others?
Then it popped into my head that maybe I'm a saver because I have so many clothes, and I really think that that's exactly it. Saving the pretty things for "later" was too easy when I had fifty other barely worn tops to choose from, and as I bought more and more, it just continued to be like this. I sold some clothes on ebay for the first time last month and made a profit of $111, which I think is pretty good for the brands that I put up. Of course I lost so much more when you consider how much I spent on them in the first place, but I would've just thrown these away so any money is good right?
But. I've realised now that things have to change. It's a waste of money buying clothes that I like but dont love, wearing them only a few times and selling them on ebay for 2% of what they originally cost. It's a waste of space in my closet and a waste of the item itself. It's just a giant waste. So I've decided that I need to do a Super Cull and just be ruthless. I'm going to cut down every part of my wardrobe by 20%. Anything that has to be adjusted or paired with another item for me to like it? Out. It's going to be really hard but I just want a wardrobe full of things that make me really happy, that I'll wear over and over again. Things that I really do love, and not just am obsessed with for a short period of time.
Of course, I'm 100% sure that I won't be able to stop buying cheap clothes (there is evidence already) but that's okay, because as long as I can control it, and I'll think of the how later, I'll still be able to have the kind of wardrobe which I want so much. I think that having a mix of high/low is inevitable anyway, since I'm not rich enough to have everything in my wardrobe be quite expensive.

why I'm willing to spend a lot.

I started thinking about identity through desire as well, which was an important topic in my Sociology & Anthropology class this semester. The reading basically said that people desire things because others desire them, and they just want to transfer that desire onto themself. I do think that there's some truth in this (doesnt everyone want to be liked? have our taste approved? isn't this what trends do?) but don't you like things just because you like them? When I see something that I like, there's something about it that just "speaks" to me, and I don't think that this desire is like that other kind.
I don't think that there's anything wrong with valuing your appearance either, I mean, I certainly do! Aren't appearances the basis of the first impressions by which we all judge each other? Don't we use our appearance to represent ourselves and who we are or want to be? I want clothes that make me happy and express what I like... and if some of these clothes cost over $1000 what's so wrong with that? I'm wearing these for me. I dont think that people should feel guilty for spending money on themselves, or for making themselves feel happy. It doesn't mean that you don't care about other things, like social justice issues, or recognise that maybe the money could be better spent on something else. This is just one part of yourself.
People spend so much money on other things as well, so I don't know why spending a lot on clothes/accesories is so outrageous to some. The way I see it is, if I'm willing to spend a lot on what I eat and put on my skin (not that I do, just that I'm willing), then I'm willing to spend just as much on what I wear and do. If you love it, go for it! I'm still going to try and be good with money though, so I'll make a budget soon. I don't want to be completely broke and just have beautiful things - I'd be happy with what I have, yeah, but I'd be broke.
This is just my opinion and I haven't thought beyond this much. I'm still pretty young so we'll see how my thoughts change as I get older and experience more...I'll probably appreciate money and saving a lot more, aha!

ANYWAY EXAMS ARE OVER NOW AND I'M ON HOLIDAY!!

I had the best day yesterday as well, so I'm in a really great mood.

I can't wait to blog some more and more and more.

11/11/11

2011-11-11T23:11:00.012+11:00


ph: bruce dayan

11:11

Make a wish. It's magic time.

geronimo!

2011-11-06T21:24:00.000+11:00

I've been thinking about my wardrobe, outfits and shopping habits lately (anything to get my mind away from studying for Stats) so I think I'll write about that tomorrow, unless I start getting stressed because I'm not studying enough. I always get these moods right before exams, where I just start to panic and think of the worst case scenario - like failing my assessments and exams - but I snap out of it quickly enough and become more focused on studying, so that's okay. I am a bit of a worrywart haha!

Anyway, here are two of the three things which I bought last week; it took me three weeks to save my work money, and I'm just waiting for my Stylestalker dress to come on Wednesday now. It will be the perfect thing to come home to after Stats. Which I could fail. But I'm Not Going To Think About That Anymore.

Dotti slippers $49.95

Maria buying the red pair pushed me over the edge and I just couldn't resist these after that. Marysoc members should match anyway...I kid.

I don't regret buying these at all though, I'm kind of in love with them.

Sportsgirl ear cuff $7.95

I really like helix piercings. Ear cuffs are even better.

Sportsgirl ear cuffs

I love wearing ear cuffs, even though my ears do get a bit red/pink.

It's worth it though.

What some cute girls drew for me at work. Cuuuuute.

I'm off to study now. Two more exams and I'm done with uni for the year!! I can't wait.

I left my head and my heart on the dance floor;

2011-11-02T23:32:00.000+11:00

Things are better now, so I've been feeling pretty good lately! Beautiful weather, family, friends, lovely and unexpected comments, magazines and junk food have all helped to brighten my mood; and now the only thing that should be on my mind is exams. Ew.
...yeah, I really really should be studying right now.

I couldn't stop thinking about this post from Sea of Ghosts the entire afternoon though, and I wasn't sure why. I love that bra top, and tried it on the first time I saw it, but why was it sticking in my head now? Then I saw this photo (below) by Richard Bakker on Fashionising.com and it hit me: HARNESSES. The bra reminds me of harnesses. I like, I like.

I know that Friend of Mine has one right now, and you can buy a few at iheartnorwegianwood,but Zana Bayne's harnesses are my favourite. They're lovely. I like the simple ones the best - that is, the basic, the snake and the petite. I'm not going to buy one anytime soon, since I'll need to think about how well it'll fit into my wardrobe first, but ohh I can just imagine the outfits. A plain shirt or tee with a harness... simple but so so interesting.

Study time! xx

images from: fashionising.com (Richard Bakker), citizen couture, zana bayne

sadly, this is not a halloween post

2011-10-31T12:45:00.000+11:00


collage by Beth Hoeckel

I just want things to be happy and pretty again.

"I bet that you'll be back"

2011-10-29T00:34:00.000+11:00

Instead of staying at home and actually studying, I decided to go to the city and study there. Yeah that didn't work out so well. I had lunch with my sisters at Westfields, went to the NSW State Library and became a member so that I could print out a Myer voucher, considered walking to Incu in Paddington to try on that Something Else shirt I've been wanting, spent a few hours studying at Hyde Park and Midcity (I'm so cool right...) and ended up buying myself a ring and some sweets. It was a good day though!

I also discovered Happy Lab today. I was walking to buy desserts at Becasse when I saw colourful lollies in beakers and test tubes...how could I say no? Seriously, Happy Lab is just full of fun. The staff wear lab coats and geeky glasses after all! At first I thought that they were wearing 3D glasses from the cinemas but no, these were Happy Lab glasses. The prices are decent too, so you should all check it out! I'll definitely be coming back to try out more things (especially the popcorn) and to keep the packaging. Jewellery storage anyone?

Blueberry Pie jellybeans (I think) for $1.95!!

They taste alright and are kind of addictive. I also want to store my raw crystal necklaces in them.

It's popcorn in a milk carton! It's not just any old popcorn though, this is the 'Black Raspberry' flavour so the popcorn is coated in raspberry and white chocolate. Yum. They're $12.95 each but there's a 2 for $20 deal on right now so that's not too bad. I'm really keen on trying out the rocky road/cashew caramel/salted caramel ones next!

So good.

I bought myself a ring today as well! It's pretty and simple, and I'll wear it everyday which is exactly what I wanted. I've been after these Superfine ones from Karen Walker for a while now, since I think that the prices are pretty affordable - for the silver ones anyway - and the designs are nice. This is also the first time I've ever bought a ring in a box, so I was preeeetty excited. Yeah, I spent a few minutes just repeatedly opening and closing the box...

Karen Walker daisy ring $79 from Myer

It fits me perfectly!! This is pretty rare for my ring collection, which could also be said for my wardrobe.

There's a flower inside the daisy! (I think).

I love this ring and I'm really glad that I bought it.

past a sign that says good love town;

2011-10-27T14:53:00.000+11:00

all from modekungen

Just a few of the things I'm wanting from Modekungen (and in general) right now. The boots, teal shorts and jumper might not be appropriate for summer weather but damn, are they nice or what? The piece that really has my heart though is the skirt, I love prints like these. LOVE. I do think the image itself is a little funny, what with the road leading to a...certain region...but I'd still buy/wear it immediately if I could!

Some of the things that have been on my mind lately:
☆ DIY: Someone suggested that I try a DIY for this shirt (which I'm still in love with) which was definitely something that I hadn't considered before. I thought about it, decided to test out various cutouts instead of this exact design, grabbed an oversized striped shirt from my wardrobe and started cutting away. It was so much fun!! As for the shirt, yeah it was a disaster. I cut out too much and the shirt was so oversized it slipped off my shoulders... I want to try it again though (maybe just shoulder cutouts this time) and I've been thinking about making a sequined harness?

☆ SEQUINS: I'm really liking sequins right now, which is funny because this blog is called 'just add sequins' and I wasn't much of a fan of them before. Besides sequined dresses, skirts, clutches and biker jackets - I think this is amazing. Sequin graffiti! How pretty is that? Ohh I want to see it.

☆ SLIPPERS: In black or leopard print please. I want to wear them with everything.

☆ My Birthday: How to celebrate, how to celebrate...

☆ I have also come to the conclusion that I need to go out more. I have too many clothes that haven't been outside yet!! I like relaxing at home as well though so maybe I'll just dress up at home...or not. Why are pajamas so comfortable?

I'd like to make myself believe / that planet earth turns slowly

2011-10-24T22:32:00.000+11:00

I've been loving the weather lately - it's perfect for lazing around at the beach - and even though I've mostly just been chilling at home for the past few days, the heat hasn't been too bad. It gives me an excuse to eat lots of ice-cream (Weiss Macadamia Mango, Maccas soft serves and Bulla Choc Bars yum) and have some of my favourite drinks - Gloria Jeans Arnott's Tim Tam, Starbucks Green Tea Frappacino and Chatime Roasted Grass Jelly! The last one might sound weird but it's seriously good. Probably if you have a taste for grass jelly anyway. Sweet watermelon, mango pancakes and sugarcane juice is so refreshing too... mm I know what I'll be buying in Cabramatta tomorrow.

Anyway these photos are from Sunday, when I went with my siblings and Will to Darling Harbour to check out the playground at Darling Quarter. It's pretty good! I wish that that had been around when we were kids, not that anything's stopping me from enjoying it now. Considering how Anne and I went on the carousel on my 18th birthday... yes, we were the only people there not under the age of five or a parent, but it was fun and I caught more than a few envious looks from people walking past! Okay, just one. The point is, LET OUT YOUR INNER CHILD. I bet it's good for you xx

Hand-me-down vintage singlet, Marc by Marc Jacobs denim mini skirt,

Forever New denim bag, Portmans necklace (+ more)

You can actually see my face for once!

Sportsgirl lace socks, gifted Primark shoes, mosquito magnet scabby legs

I'm really liking the whole bright socks thing right now too - or is that trend over?

Oh well who cares.

I have these socks in red as well, from the days when I bought anything super cheap just because it was that cheap, but I haven't worn them in a while. I'm thinking tomorrow will fix that!

Bardot ring, Portmans necklace, Chanel polish with Sportsgirl glitter polish on top

I've been giving my nails an extra coating of glitter lately too, which Sportsgirl is selling in gold and silver (give me some now) and just like wearing matching underwear, having my nails be like this makes me happier. Glitter makes everything fun. Maybe I should rename this blog to Just Add Glitter?!!

...just kidding.

Glitter really is fun though.

I want to climb this.

don't be sad when the sun goes down

2011-10-22T21:57:00.000+11:00

As long as I don't look at my weekly spending totals for Semster 2, I feel pretty satisfied about this week. I love celebrating things like the end of assessments by going shopping, so now of course it's time for a purchase post! Starting from next week I'll be saving for things like the Something Else blouse and Karen Walker jewellery and just saving in general, and I've already written a reminder to myself that I need to make some kind of budget. We'll see if I can actually stick to it later on, hah. I need to save money for future trips around the world and other events that might pop up, you know, like another amazing Falls Festival lineup...yeah I'm not getting over that anytime soon - I really was planning on going!

Anyway, these are my new purchases:

Sportsgirl iceberg nail polish $7.95

After having nude nails for a few weeks, I went crazy in Sportsgirl and at the Chanel counter and painted every nail a different colour, with a bit of Shu Uemura glitter on top! This one was the only one I brought home with me though, and I plan on adding the lavender, yellow and hot pink Sportsgirl polishes to my collection soon. I seriously love their range of colours.

Minkpink shorts $29 at Freez

This was hands down the best purchase of the week. I've been eyeing these shorts for a while in my quest to increase my denim shorts collection from from the lonely number of 1, and was going to buy them from David Jones for $70 when I came across them at Freez for $29!! How could I pass that up? It was ordered and shipped on Thursday and arrived at midday on Friday... so good. I'm pretty impressed with their service.

Also, why is it so hard to find denim shorts that look nice and don't show off your bum? I love this Minkpink pair because it's pretty much perfect; short, casual and flattering without looking like denim underwear. The only annoying thing is the fact that buttons replace the zipper, but oh well. Almost perfect is almost perfect.

Wittner Galaxy wedges $170 --> $34

After Mya rang me up just to tell me about Wittner's 80% off instore sale (sisters gotta look out for each other) I went in on Friday and came out with these lovelies. I thought they were kind of funny looking at first, but the cutout, name and price quickly drew me in. They look pretty good on too, if I do say so myself. I can't wait to wear these out, and not just because my toes are ruined from 13cm platforms, the only heels I regularly wear.

Maybe it's time for another wardrobe cull... I have to make room for the new right? Right?

I loved you first;

2011-10-21T23:16:00.000+11:00

Simple has been the keyword lately. Relaxed. Carefree. Fresh.

I just feel like dressing plainly; looking like I've thrown some clothes on and just walked out the door (though that's hardly ever the case), wearing simple jewellery that no one will probably notice is there besides me, wearing clothes that are light and loose and perfect for the hot weather.

Especially now that I'm pretty much done with uni for the rest of the year - besides exams - I want to feel relaxed. I want to lie on green grass and nap with the sun shining on my face, read books until I become drowsy and sleep, eat watermelons and McDonalds soft serves, and spend my days doing nothing. Not too much though, it feels like I've already wasted most of my year, most of my life, doing too much nothing so I can't let the last few months of the year go to waste.

I want that relaxed life.

Just for a little while though and then it's back to catching up, to stressing, to making notes, to studying, to trying to save my WAM. But let's not think about that for now. I have a few days.

photos from fgr; last two ~ harper smith for fgr

obsessed.

2011-10-20T00:12:00.000+11:00

Something Else cutaway blouse

$139.00

photos: Incu

I popped into Incu this morning, saw this, tried it on and fell in love.

The only thing that's stopping me from buying this right now is the price. Is it worth it? Have I cared about that before? Should I save my money for "investment pieces"? I'm going to think about this a little bit more before I make any decisions, just in case I buy it and then I'm over it in a few weeks and then what will I do?

In any case, watch out blouse. I'm keeping an eye on you.

macarons and macaroons

2011-10-15T11:58:00.000+11:00

What I've been doing the past week: making macaroons, eating macarons and macaroons, reading on trains, sleeping on trains, sleeping in uni computer labs, complaining, applying for jobs which I'm probably too late for, drinking hot chocolate, following food blogs, reading books, rapping, trying to go to final lectures (emphasis on try), hoping that I don't fail any assessments, exercising with help from Will and OKTOBERFEST.

I also had the worst experience ever at Oktoberfest with alcoholic "iced tea"... yeah, let's not talk about that.

MACARON TALK. My Linh brought me some macarons from La Royale Patisserie Wetherill Park (the macarons in the photo were from this place) and they were delicious. Every single one was really, really good - even the pink one (raspberry?). The pink ones Anne and I have tried in the past have always tasted too sweet and articifial, but not the ones from La Royale. Mmm so tasty. I can't recommend these ones enough! I think they're cheaper than the normal macaron price too, which is always a bonus.

Cupcakes on Pitt. I was walking past when I saw plates piled with macarons with interesting flavours like walnut and peppermint, so of course I had to pop in and buy one. At $2.50 the 'large' macarons really are huge, but if you want to eat nice macarons, don't buy them from here. I bought a peppermint one and threw it away about a minute or two after I left the shop - I couldn't take more than one bite! These macarons were like rocks. Pretty rocks, but still. If you have to put in a lot of effort to just have one bite, it's not worth it.

coconut macaroons

I made macaroons on Monday, using this recipe. Pretty easy and tasty. I'll definitely be making these again. They're meant to be chocolate covered but they're nice as they are, and now I can save the chocolate melts for another baking day! I just want to say thank you again to everyone who helped me last week with my assessments, I really do appreciate it - especially you, V! xxxx

Two outfits from this week:

Rodeo Show top, Insight skirt, (hand-me-down brown bag, Primark black flats, Seed femme jacket + rings)

American Apparel tee, vintage leather skirt, Forever New tights, Alice Wears Gold amethyst necklace, Miss Shop cardigan, (hand-me-down brown bag, Primark black flats + rings)

I won't cry for you;

2011-10-11T23:29:00.000+11:00

Just doing some online "window" shopping because no matter how much I want to add these to my rewards list to motivate me to start studying early for exams, I'm trying to save for Falls...

I'm really liking these printed dresses though, they would be so good for spring/summer and I kind of can't stop thinking about them. They remind me of the ancient world and of blue & white porcelain, which I both love - Rodarte sold me on the porcelain and you know how I am with ancient history.

Damn.

Now I'm really tempted.

ph: Princess Polly

Finders Keepers Teenage Dreams dress ($70 from $110)

ph: Market HQ

Minkpink Donatella dress $54

no matter where you are you might see me;

2011-10-07T21:35:00.000+11:00

These are the purchases I've made in the past seven weeks...

I feel less guilty now since it's been so long, but yeah it's time to get back into saving.

I want to buy beautiful clothes and accessories and travel the world after all!

bec & bridge shorts from ebay $76

Therese Rawsthorne top from ebay $43.50

(it's really big on me but I don't know if I should bring it in or not... the draping is beautiful as it is)

Black Milk purple galaxy swimsuit $90

I LOVE YOUR GALAXY THINGS BLACK MILK. LOVE YOU.

Pretty. I'm not going to wear this as a swimsuit though, nuh uh.

Black Milk MOM2 dress $99

YESS NOW THIS IS MINE. Love it x infinity. It feels amazing on, so I might buy some more dresses/bodysuits in the future... c'mon, Black Milk is discontinuing the galaxy prints soon.

That justifies it right?

Vintage leather skirt from youngcaptive @ etsy $49.38

Yeah, I bought it. I checked the listing everyday to see whether or not someone had already snapped it up and thought up outfits when I had nothing else to think about. It's actually a bit more baby pink in real life but ohh this is so lovely.There's only one problem though: the waist is really tight. Really, really XS. I leave the top button undone when I wear it so I can breathe easy aha.

Hand-me-down Zara blazer and gifted scarf (from youngcaptive @ etsy, it came with the skirt!)

It's so nice to receive gifts... speaking of which, I have heaps to blog about and lots of time to do so now, woo hoo! I had a pretty stressful week but I realised/found out some really important things, so I want to talk about that later and put it down into words.

Lots of good and bad feelings everywhere xx

if only money grew on trees

2011-10-03T23:14:00.000+11:00

I REALLY REALLY WANT TO GO TO THIS.

CRYSTAL CASTLES & THE KOOKS!

CRYSTAL CASTLES & THE KOOKS!!

Now I just need to work out how much money I need for this and whether or not it's possible for me to save enough money to even buy a ticket before they're all sold out...

WHY DIDN'T I FIND OUT ABOUT THIS SOONER.

he will be our leader

2011-09-28T23:51:00.000+10:00

This post is going to be short and sugary sweet because 1) I have to finish researching and start this monster essay or I'll start stressing out so much I won't be able to finish it or start my other assessments and thus will fail them horribly, and 2) I HAVE TO FINISH RESEARCHING WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG.

Two more things: online shopping does wonders for calming me down and taking my mind off assessments and uni (now I have even more things to blog about and add to my wishlists) and I thought that the season premiere of Gossip Girl was fun but disappointing. Come on, Dan & Blair! Make this happen, please.

Anyway, this is what has been inspiring me lately.

images from: models.com, tfs

you don't own the road, boy

2011-09-25T22:36:00.000+10:00

It's been so long since I last posted, wow! Nothing much has really happened though, besides me being sick for what feels like months (I'm finally recovering though) and I'm not expecting that to change in the next few weeks either. The mountain of uni work that I'm behind on is growing rapidly and I have four assessments to do this week so that's going to be fun...

Anyway, this is what my life has been like for the past two weeks:

I LOVE SPRING. Sunshine, blue skies and flowers. So good. Even though the rain and cold came back on the weekend (go away please) I'm hoping that this week will be sunny and hot - I want to wear shorts and skirts, and all of my new clothes! By 'new' I mean the Spring-appropriate clothes I bought in those sales months ago, though uh that doesn't mean that I haven't bought anything recently... I spent a few hundred today actually, eeek.

It's so fun having my nephew and sister here in Australia, though it'll be even better when Kristian is back as well. I love seeing and playing with William every day, he's so smart and cheeky! I like finding new ways to make him smile and his hands are so small and cute. Favourite kid in the world right here.

My current favourite way to spend the morning? Reading an interesting book with a cup of hot milk tea and wagon wheels. Yum, wagon wheels. I never used to like them before since I'm not a big fan of jam or marshmallows, but I tried them this year and now I'm addicted. I just finished Kafka on the shore yesterday - I really enjoyed it and plan to pop into the library tomorrow to borrow more books by Haruki Murakami.

Zara top, Miss Selfridge skirt, Primark black flats, Syke hand-me-down jacket, Lovisa neck cuff, broken dolphin ring, hand-me-down belt, (mum's black shoulder bag).

I wore this on a family outing on Saturday to a food festival/market. You know what, I feel like getting back into the whole 'outfit posts' thing again but who knows when - if - I'll stop uploading cropped photos like these. It's not that I'm afraid to show my face or anything, but this isn't a proper fashion blog like all the others. I'm lazy and not photogenic, and I can't be bothered taking lots of photos in nice places or re-taking photos when I have a weird expression (which is always) haha! Just pretend that I'm smiling really nicely.

This dolphin mood ring broke a few days ago, which is sad. I get attached to various things in my wardrobe and this ring was my very first one. I bought it on a sightseeing trip with my mum when I was in primary school, and used to always check that little slip of paper which matched colours to moods with great excitement. I remember thinking that it wasn't accurate at all and I put this ring in the fridge once, to see if it would turn black (it did). Aw, it broke. I might try gluing the dolphin back on, but wearing it as it is right now looks good too ;)

♬ and to finish up, I had my eyebrows shaped/waxed at the Benefit Brow Bar in Myer Westfield Sydney last week and it was pretty good. Fast and not too painful; thanks My Linh! I started watching The Vampire Diaries and LA Ink/Miani Ink/NY Ink as well, fun fun fun. Now, back to uni work!

keep on riding;

2011-09-12T17:40:00.000+10:00

I don't usually watch campaigns like these on Youtube (okay, more like never) but after being linked to this by fashiontoast, I just had to share. I think that this is a really fun and fresh concept, and it definitely worked on me! After the search was over, the words 'keep on riding' kept on running around in my head, and I went onto the Longchamp website to get a better look at the Balzane bag. Cute.

I have 3 uni assessments this week urgh but at least the Asos Australia wesbite is going live this Thursday!

if my midsem break was a report, I'd give it an F

2011-09-10T11:30:00.000+10:00

I haven't blogged in over a week (midsem break week) which makes me sad because I was going to focus on being Super Productive... but you can tell from the title of this post that that didn't work out. Instead, I spent most of my break being sick (still am actually) and playing with William, who is the cutest kid in the universe to me. I am so screwed for uni next week though aaaaack.

Here are some photos from what I've been doing the past few weeks...I call it:

'Now That Sam & Christina Are 18, Let's Go Clubbing For The First Time!'

Having fun at Grill'd (they have the best burgers yummm)

What we do when on 1 hr train rides...

I think this is apparently meant to be 'my look'?!!

Our first clubbing experience at The Bank for Sam's 18th. Pretty good!

At Trademark for Christina's 18th.

Our room haha

Wynyard Hotel was actually kind of decent!

| MSGCA | love these girls xx

so I'm starting this story backwards

2011-09-01T23:14:00.000+10:00

The past few weeks have been pretty busy, what with essays, rapidly developing crushes and 18th birthday outings; but since midsem break is next week, expect to see some photos soon! This post will be the first of the batch and like the title says, these photos are from the Recovery Day Sam, Grace and I took after Christina's 18th nearly two weeks ago...

Inside Courtyard Cafe Da Capo

Sam and Grace amusing themselves as we waited for our food

Bread & butter, 2 chai lattes and one hot chocolate (for me)

Me pretending to be an Ad Girl. Did it work?

Are you craving hot chocolate from Courtyard Cafe Da Capo now? Maybe not.

I don't remember the name of this dish anymore, but it was meatloaf!

Our 'satisfied' faces.

Okay, not really. The food was alright but the servings were pretty small... it wasn't the cheapest of places to eat at either. We even contemplated going to Maccas afterwards but we didn't since there wasn't one nearby.

THE HEAVY BAGS WE ALL HAD TO CARRY because Anne and Christina had to go to work

Pretty.

The cafe! We decided to go here because the Big Breakfast sounded perfect,

but by the time we actually arrived breakfast was already over :(

When McDonalds isn't around, go to the Lindt cafe instead!

Did you know the prices of macarons have increased? Ugh.

Grace's drink.

I'd write more but I have to go cram for a stats quiz now. Sigh, I'm so excited for midsem break and yet I'm dreading it at the same time - I have so many assessments after, it's kind of scary! Not to mention how I have to catch up on all of my subjects and make notes... but no more complaining. It's time to get focused and do.

I can't wait for Saturday though! I'm going to see William (my nephew) again! xx

everyone's excited for this.

2011-08-31T22:11:00.001+10:00

images from tfs, models.com

SPRING.

Blue skies. Sunshine. Warmth. Heat. Bare arms, bare legs. Flowers.

No need for layers/jackets/scarves. Singlets. Low-cut/oversized. White. Pastels. Colour. Black lace. Fresh. Relax.OH I REALLY CANNOT WAIT FOR SPRING TOMORROW.

Lanvin Fall/Winter 2011/2012

2011-08-29T18:37:00.000+10:00

I can't stop watching this video. I CAN'T STOP.
It's amazing and puts a giant grin on my face. Oh Alber Elbaz, you are just too cool.

a pretty relaxing weekend.

2011-08-28T21:46:00.000+10:00

Recent arrivals from Book Depository (thanks Mya!).

So uh finally, after four years...the last Harry Potter book is in my hands and I can go read it now...

After I marathon the other six of course. Exciting!

My first ever friendship bracelet.

Magazines make me happy. Lula is also very hard to find.

My exciting weekend

So after a pretty busy week filled with essays and really late nights, I spent most of the weekend sleeping.

It doesn't help that I do all my uni work lying on beds, so as soon as I started reading my management textbook... zZzZ. I also uh started making friendship bracelets after seeing this post and then getting linked to this tutorial. It's the first time I've ever made a friendship bracelet, and yeah I had heaps of fun, especially because I was watching Fringe/The Vampire Diaries while doing it. SO I'M GONNA MAKE MORE. I knew buying all those embroidery threads from Spotlight would be good for something other than cross stitch!

...yeah, I've missed craft.

you can get addicted.

2011-08-23T20:25:00.000+10:00

DANNIJO.

So. Damn. Cool.

MR. DANNIJO Aram

I LOVE THIS I LOVE THIS I LOVE THIS

Jacinda ring

Molli cuff

Naomi collar. UGH ITS SO GOOD.

Oksana earrings

Sophie earrings

Syrah orange necklace

Zander necklace

Zoe ring

lock you out & shut me in;

2011-08-16T22:30:00.000+10:00

Lovisa necklace, {The Grand Social Sale} Sambag singlet, Joveeba cardigan

I love this necklace - this is why. I don't wear it often though because it is painful.

It's fine when I'm wearing it, but putting it on and taking it off is just... ughhh.

gift from Mya :)

{Sale} Therese Rawsthorne shirt, Friedrich Gray top

Black Milk pink galaxy leggings

how cool is this Friedrich Gray top? $350 to $65 just makes it even sweeter.

I love these magazines.

Heels to wear to Christina's 18th. Rubi shoes, $39.95

{The Big Fashion Sale} Friend of Mine top (yes, this is the top Sam was talking about...)

Sometimes I feel like the world just doesn't want me to save.

Okay, it's more like I use "Fate" to justify purchases.

"I feel like a Whopper. Let's see how much money I have... ooh, just enough? FATE!"

Other times I'm drawn in by the brand "Oh but it's Romance Was Born!"

Great bargains, interesting details and limited edition makes me want to snap things up too.

"Dude. It's a lion in space!! A Lion. In. Space. A LION IN SPACE!!"

It's hard resisting the urge to buy something, whether it's at a sale, or online (seriously, eBay and etsy ruins lives) or just food. I'll go a few days without buying anything but then I'll start to think to myself, ooh I've been so good lately, time for a reward! and then I end up buying Lula or macarons or whatever.

It's hard to just focus on investment shopping too though. ~~how does dead fleurette mangage it, she is amazing~~ I do think that quality > quantity but I love having a large wardrobe as well, full of interesting pieces that make me feel excited and let me express whatever 'mood' I'm feeling. That's why I like to show off what I buy so much I guess, my purchases usually put me in a great mood and I like sharing how cool I think some things are. Even if I still keep on 'saving' them, sometimes for a few years (I KNOW).

Idk, I'm kind of in a quiet mood right now - this post is reminding me of some concepts I'm learning about right now in Relationships about desire and identity, and it's making me feel a bit weird about it all. I'll explain later if I'm bothered. LOL I SHOULD WRITE DOWN MY FEELINGS IN MY WORKBOOK NOW. Funny thing is, I'm not even joking... :)

this post is just for you

2011-08-13T11:44:00.000+10:00

Uni is killing me right now ~~I'm so behind why does this always happen~~ but there is good news to share too, which I will in the next few posts. Okay, it's not so much good news as it is what I usually post about like more purcahses oh dear, but it's always fun seeing what people have bought/done lately don't you think?

I've also realised that having people like my family read this blog is faaantastic for bringing out that post-spending guilt - you know, the 'omg-how-much-did-I-spend-whoops-I-bought-more-things-this-is-why-no-one-believes-that-I-can-save' guilt that comes after you've bought things at every sale you've been to lately even though you recently assured everyone you were investment buying/saving now.
Or maybe that's just me?!

Haha. Seriously though, even though the whole world ~~everyone who randomly reads this blog~~ can see how much you spend, documenting everything you buy can be very useful. It's really very handy for those times when you want to make sure you've actually lost something and not...well, imagined you owned it. These things happen, trust me.

Moving on, I think you should all go to Costco and buy food.

Big trolleys to fill up with lots of food and other household goods, I guess.

But mostly food.

Frozen macarons. I know.

I remember having these in America years ago. Yum.

But this is what you should really get excited about. YUM YUM YUM.

It's caramel popcorn but with almonds and pecans!

SO GOOD.

YUMM

How can you not want to eat this right now.

Now it's back to Mgmt research, and then off to Sam's 18th tonight! Happy, Maria? I'm blogging today just for you, so how about you help me with mgmt or better yet, do my essay for me? ;)

show off in the sun;

2011-08-02T20:22:00.000+10:00

Collars: David Lawrence Cuffs: ASOS

SLEEK. Pretend that you're a hero or someone who owns a spaceship.

Dazzle in the sunlight (better than a vampire).

Who needs a mirror now?!

Yep, these are what I'm currently in love with.

the only ones in the world

2011-07-24T14:52:00.000+10:00

Just call this the Black Milk Appreciation Post.

I've only recently become a fan, after jumping in and buying the orginal galaxy leggings, but yeah they are amazing. The products and the team. Black Milk is pretty much the only brand that will make me want to buy and wear leggings...and their bodysuits/dresses are calling out to my debit card too, especially the MOM2 dress. Yeah, space prints are definitely my weakness. Black Milk has heaps of other interesting prints and styles too, but the galaxies are the only ones that I really like haha.

One day, one day...

might as well dream while we learn...

2011-07-19T22:31:00.000+10:00

Can you believe that the last post of this kind dates back to last year?! Geez, it's been ages...and yeah, I still can't get over how it's semester 2 already. Back to uni for us UNSW kids now, sigh. Anyway, I thought that I'd post about pretty things tonight since I might as well motivate myself to work hard/keep on track/not get quite so behind on work like last time, by looking at future rewards for assessments haha.

And yep, things we love is perfect for this purpose. It's probably more accurate to say things we like since I don't always end up continuously wanting these things...but that makes the ones that do last worth buying don't you think? These posts are really just snapshots of various moments; what I love today and what I feel like having and wearing right now. It's always fun going back and seeing how my taste has or hasn't changed anyway :)

things we love.

from youngcaptive @ etsy

I like leather.

Especially pastel pink leather skirts that will look amazing with lots and lots of black and vaguely creepy jewellery. Or go sugar sweet. It works well either way.

Yeah, I want this.

Dolce Vita Jemma @ Solestruck

Wear this with a cape, layer on rings and be your own superhero.

It screams 'badass to me' haha.

from belafontesbunsa @ etsy

Pretty things to decorate your room with.

Check out her shop! Lovely things galore.

book vase from have you met miss jones

I love quirky vases. Fun fun fun.

from jesophi @ etsy

I love, I love, I love.

Do I really need to say why?

mountain memo from upon a fold

If I had a memo pad like this, I'd probably see and remember any 'note to self' that much easier!

Sretsis star catcher cape dress @ Maximillia

Sretsis' SS11/12 collection 'Up in the Clouds' is all kinds of amazing.

I want to wear this dress everywhere.


image from Into the Gloss

I want this for so many reasons.

The 'TF', the small collection, the packaging, the click... ahh.

A little piece of luxury, right? ;)

who knew that this could be the cure;

2011-07-12T13:46:00.000+10:00


Anne's photography skills. Ah, it was such a nice day.

What, another post about purchases? Mary, didn't you just say one blog post ago that you were focusing on investment shopping now? Ah, this is like your shopping ban isn't it? It only lasts for a week, at most! Tut tut.

NO. Don't shake your heads knowingly or sigh in frustration! All is not lost -- okay, it's not like I've changed or anything in the past couple of days -- but this dead fleurette inspiration is lasting, people, lasting. In fact I think it's kind of cured me. When I look at online shopping sites I don't get that omg-need-in-my-life feeling anymore, and the urge to buy buy buy just isn't as strong even as I bookmark countless cool/lovely things into the 'things we love' or 'etsy' or 'keep an eye on' folders I have. It's not that I don't want these things anymore, because I do, and I'm itching to do heaps of 'things we love' posts about the hundreds of links I have saved (not even exaggerating) but I don't feel like I really do need them that much - my wardrobe feels complete. Ahhh. It's lovely. Who knew the cure for constant shopping was a couple of investment buys?

YES I BOUGHT STUFF AGAIN. You can shake your heads and sigh now.

Haha it's okay though. These buys are just the result of all that investment inspiration. I won't be buying anything else for a while now ~~unless I do horribly in exams and feel really sad~~ because my wardrobe does feel complete. And I don't feel like buying anything anymore, for a while at least :)

Oh? Are your eyebrows rising too?

Anne's Mini Moo burger

Snack chips!

Yeah so, on Friday Anne & I went to Paddington. We had lunch at Grill'd (remember? The burgers we had at O-week?) It was so good and reaaaally filling, yumm. Seriously though, we were so full after we finished our burgers, we had to play scissors-paper-rock to finish off the chips haha.

My Simply Grill'd burger

Our street!!

Aka the place where we took photos in the middle of the street and dodged cars last time!


Taking photos when no one was around.

...When people came near us, we pretended we were waiting for a friend.

Or, we ran across to the other side and crossed back when the coast was clear.

Okay, I just realised how sad that sounds HAHA.

Jump!

At Hernandez for churros.

It was a pretty interesting atmosphere, with stairs that led to nowhere and lots of paintings on the walls...

Our Spanish hot chocolate

Yum.

What I wore

Arabella Ramsay tee, Sportsgirl pants, Bardot blazer, Kookai scarf, Urge flats, unbranded bag (whoops I forgot to add it in the photo), Low Luv ring, Sportsgirl cross ring, vintage ankh ring.

And now for my investment buys!

Jac + Jack Caris sweater in pale toffee.

It's huge but feels amaaazing.

T.R Ensemble O'Keefe jeans from Incu.

I'm so happy now! And I really CAN'T WAIT for Harry Potter tonight! :)

back on track, and this time I really do mean it

2011-07-06T22:45:00.001+10:00

from The Coveteur

I've been hooked on Dead Fleurette for the past few days, and like a bunch of other "Voguettes" this girl has seriously inspired me with her attitude to her wardrobe/spending habits. Read this and this - they might hook you in too!

I thought about investment shopping at the beginning of the year with the PS1 Project and one of my New Year's resolutions was actually to save but that has clearly failed... just look at how big the 'purchases' tag is!
I guess that I wasn't that super serious about the PS1 Project since I don't think I can bring myself to buy one this year, and the spreadsheets I keep for purchases on ebay/debit card/misc everyday stuff lets me know exactly how much I've spent (which I'm not gonna say!) and really emphasises how little buys really can add up :/

I don't know how long this new attitude is going to stay, but I really do feel inspired to save! And invest! In my wardrobe! Come on, just read THIS:

"That's how my new era started. With my savings, I could have afforded a designer bag or a delightful pair of quality shoes. Instead, I wasted my entire savings on... yes, clothes that I ended up donating to charity shops after I’d thrown 800 euros out of the window...My first designer purchase was a result of saving my monthly earnings, avoiding the shops, and overhauling my closet. I resold practically everything in my closet, which resulted in money for the bag I had been dreaming of ever since I was fourteen." (Dead Fleurette)

Ugh. I want. So so much. Seriously though, read Dead Fleurette's blog. There's so much great stuff in there, I really am crazy inspired now. I did a wardrobe cull a few weeks ago and found some gaps (I know, I have gaps haha) so I'm looking for some high quality items to fill them up now! Like Dead Fleurette, I love lists and being some-what organised so I've been researching heaps and just... thinking about what I want. I'm not looking for perfection, but if I'm gonna be spending a shitload of money on something it has to be perfect enough right? :)

That said, I don't think I'll be able to stop myself from buying this and that either, because my 'style' is very different from Dead Fleurette's. I love colour. I love prints. I like cut-outs etc. and I'm okay with wasting money on things which might just last me a few years, and aren't 'classic'. Because I love these things and they make me happy. I just want to spend my money better, um actually save/have something designer which I bought all by myself! A mix of high-end and low-end, yeah, I like that.

Searching for the 'perfect enough' item you want to invest in is also really fun though, and I find the idea of having-things-you-can-pass-onto-your-kids totally charming, just sayin'. The whole saving up for what you've wanted for aaaaages thing is totes charming too and I think it really does make you appreciate whatever you've bought more when you finally have it :)

Mm now I want to invest in beauty products as well, because why not? If I'm willing to spend heaps on my clothes/belongings/food, I'm willing to spend that much on what goes on my skin too. ~~Not that I use make-up much or even have a daily beauty routine though LOL~~

...Yeah, I just wanted to talk about what's been on my mind the past few days. Ooh, check out Into the Gloss too - it's definitely been inspiring me to um take care of my skin haha and have fun with makeup, especially the Top Shelf section. Ah Coveteur and ITG, how can I be nosy without you?!

left-right-left-right, keep it up son;

2011-06-28T22:01:00.000+10:00

Exams are Over with a capital O, and I've become a lazy slug again. I've started sleeping at 1 and waking past 10, which really has to stop because today I woke up at midday(!) and that made me feel quite sad because the morning was gone and it was like I had less time to have fun and relaxx. You know what I mean?
A few things have happened though, like Mya coming home after a trip overseas (welcome back sis!) so I thought I might as well upload a few photos of what's been happening these past few weeks ~~and a few of the goodies I got/bought hehe~~.

Dinner at Pancakes on the Rocks with the girls

The "X-chip" that I don't think anyone ended up eating?

I FINISHED MY EXAMS ON SATURDAY!!

It was a day full of greay miscommunication, but Christie and I celebrated in Hyde Park with chocolate coated strawberries, macarons from Coco Noir, lattes and scratchies. Yum.

We won $6 too!! And Christie lost her scratchie-ginity, which was hilarious.

"Where do I scratch? What do I do?" HAHA

Zara top, thrifted denim shorts, Ambra tights, hand-me-down Syke jacket, sparklefarm necklace, Rocketdog flats, vintage ankh ring, Seiko watch.

"Proper" outfit posts will come back soon...(if I can stop being a lazy slug).

I love magazines, and these issues made me ridiculously happy.

I loved the '100% Aussie' themed SHOP, but it would be nice if they used a wider range of models to represent Australian fashion and how multicultural Australia is. Seriously.

My Linh bought me these beaaaautiful French Sole ballet flats. Thank you so much Sis! xx

I really am spoilt...

Mya and My Linh got me a few other goodies too, but I couldn't be bothered taking photos of them all. Look at this amazing piggy bank that Mya bought for me though! Isn't it adorable? I've always wanted a piggy bank and it's definitely going to help me save because it's unbelievably hard taking money out. Really really really.

A new hand-me-down bag for uni!

Prada eau de toilette from Mya. Thanks Sis! xx

And now for a few of the things I bought... ~~eBay and etsy ruins lives.~~

GALAXY LEGGINGS!!

I have loved these beautiful leggings from Black Milk ever since I first saw them but my great *ahem* dislike of leggings kept my debit card safely away, until everyone started convincing me to get them. And now I have been converted. I love Black Milk leggings now! I want more and their dresses/bodysuits too.

Still, I'm never going to wear leggings as pants. Sorry :|

So. Much. Love.

Along with space, gems/crystals are my weakness...

I love this rose quartz tusk necklace from sparklefarm.

It goes with everything and is lovely handmade.

I got this today! Isn't the packaging so pretty? :)

I love this black crystal quartz necklace from byAnthem too.

It reminds me of rosaries which I love/am fascinated by but don't feel comfortable wearing as a fashion accessory, for obvious reasons. I wish the quartz was a little bigger, but this necklace is beautiful as it is.

Ahhh I love getting packages full of pretty things in the mail :)

2011-06-15T22:57:00.000+10:00

Right now I wish that I could express my total happiness that exams are over with big bold capital letters and happy screaming/dancing around...but I can't, because um, I still have one left. Next Saturday I'll be freeeee! Of course, this doesn't mean that I'll be hardcore studying or anything; pssssh I'll be enjoying my break thanks! It's 30% and multiple choice, not too stressful right? ;)

ANYWAY, after getting myself addicted to Etsy again (you would not believe all the absolutely amazing things I found) I've become inspired to do some crafty stuff again! I'm going to attack my DIY list and get back into sewing/cross-stitch/knitting/making jewellery/whatever. It's going to be So. Much. Fun.

I've always been kind of awed when reading about ancient civilisations/societies and seeing what people can make using their own skills, whether it be cooking/sewing/drawing/designing/knitting/beading/whatever; it really emphasises to me how amazing people are. With only a few tools and resourses (and this applies especially for the ancient world!) people have and can create so many beautiful things, like buildings and clothes and jewellery and music. I also think that there is something really charming about handmade things, and using just your own skill and creativity to make something special that other people can enjoy too. So Etsy really makes me happy ~~even though I feel really jealous of said skills too, haha.~~

I love getting into craft projects and attempting this and that, but I'm really disappointed that I'm just not good at anything. No, really. My knitting, sewing, jewellery making, drawing, writing, cooking and so on, are so basic it's kind of funny. That's why I want to practice and get better, and maybe (hopefully) become good at something. Because as much as I love buying handmade things and admiring other people's work, I want to be able to say "oh, I made this!" and make lovely things for other people too.
GIVE ME SOME OF THAT MAGIC, PLEAAAASE :)

Good luck with the rest of your exams and everything; I'm just gonna go back to relaxing now hehe!

images from models.com

You've Got a Hold on Me *

2011-06-07T23:03:00.000+10:00

from Spanish Moss' lookbook

instead of studying, this is what I think about

It's kind of funny how it works. You know, in a Haha I Fell For It - Dammit! kind of way. It starts off like this. You see something. An item, a trend, whatever. You see it and you don't fall in love with it instantly, you're not even particularly interested by it. Maybe you don't even like it. You just look at it and go 'Nah. Not for me me'. And with that, you dismiss it and you don't think about it anymore.

But then you see it everywhere.

On girls who make it look amazing, who look oh-so-cool. Okay, so it's not really 'everywhere' and it's really just online that you're seeing it be worn, but hey it still counts. You're still kind of going 'Hmm, nah, maybe it's not for me' though but then you see one particular look and it grabs you, hooks you and reels you in; and it's like a giant 'I NEED IT NOW' sign has suddenly appeared and hit you in the face complete with flashing lights. So then you take it as a sign and spend hours, that you should really be using to study, on the internet, on etsy, on ebay; trying to find it or something like what the perfect one looks like in your mind because it feels like you need it right now to live and be happy and feel complete. And a part of you wonders if you should really want it so much because you might look back in the future and see photos and be totally horrified, like oh my god what was I wearing?! but then most of you doesn't care and then you realise you're screwed because all you're thinking and telling youself is:

Fuck that. Wear what you want.

That said, please take my debit card away from me.

At least I'm on a shopping ban... sort of...

from the amazing childhood flames

Nicole, from Gary Pepper Vintage


The gem I found on Etsy at tarantulasisters. But someone has bought it now. I am very sad. The lesson is: when you like something this much on etsy, SNAP IT UP RIGHT AWAY.

from ColossusVintage. I wish it was spring/summer.

from fashion toast. I want to wear these under pretty sheer shirts!

(with ebay) you'll be mine...

2011-06-05T22:16:00.000+10:00

So uh, I joined eBay pretty recently...

Sorry the photos are so shoddy, I was going to take better ones but yeah, I can't be bothered right now. Oh but just so you know, I have some exciting things to post about in the next few weeks too! ~~I was going to say days but I should really be studying~~ Nothing has actually happened, but while I was procrastinating on the internet I found some reaaaally, reaaaaally good stuff. And I bought two magazines on Friday so I'm pretty high on the inspiration right now too (I WILL LOVE RUSSH FOREVER).

But yeah, eBay. It's all kinds of fantastic so you better all go on and sign up/log in and find magical things and spend heaps so I don't feel bad anymore okay? Okay?! I love eBay. It ruined real life shopping just a bit for me, since now I look at price tags and tend to think 'Heh I can get this/something similar/something better on eBay', but nothing can beat the greatness of trying clothes on and finding things in your size so I still love you, real life shopping. It's just that eBay makes me feel like I can reach my dream wardrobe faster, while making me want to be a size 10 at the same time. Seriously. I loved so many things that were a size 10 - body swap anyone? ... Kiddingg, I like my body. I'll just wear things super baggy and shapeless :)

Agent ninetynine dress.

I've been loving simple black dresses like these recently, so I definitely want to buy (or make?) more. So simple, and yet so so good. Plus,they'll go perfectly with the Black Milk galaxy leggings.

That's right. I've been convinced.THEY'RE GONNA BE MINE.

Vintage top.

This is massive on me, but I couldn't resist the pretty embroidery. I got it for $3 too! Score.

Something Else tank.

I'm so happy I have this - I saw it on Polyvore ages ago

and never thought I'd get the chance to have it, but hey, now I do! :) :)

Gypsy 05 silk skirt.

Unlike Anne, I'm very fond of green haha. I like the contrast and the rainbow coloured zippers are so fun.

Something else tee.

What got me hooked on eBay in the first place.

Topshop skirt.

It makes me think of space, and you know me and space...

FCUK tee.

Sretsis for Singha tee.

This is also pretty massive on me but come on!

IT'S A LION IN SPACE. A LION. IN SPACE.

Minty meets Munt cutout top.

Red + Cutout = Instant love

Time to catch up on Micro now! The exam is on Friday and I'm 100% screwed.

you make my wallet light as air.

2011-06-04T22:41:00.002+10:00

i swear i'll blog ebays sooon (hint: christian louboutins!!!) but since i had the photos ready and this is LOOOONG overdue, and i was gonna not bother posting since heaps of you have seen it already anywayyyy, but since i love you mary... behold my new macboook airr!!!

seriously, one of these do not come cheap, but they are OHSOSEXY.

i won't pretend i'm not shallow - life is so much better when its pretty

yeah, my sister documented the unveilinggg:

THE COOL BOX IT CAME IN (record shipping btw, why can't ebay be this quick?)

... wait for it ...

HELLO MY BEAUTIFUL.

paper thin and loverlyyyy, y/y?

and of course the free ipod that just makes it SOMUCHBETTER :)

the end.

[ just can't get enough ] fashion weekend 2011

2011-05-21T20:35:00.001+10:00

Looking at my purchases, I didn't even buy a lot guys! Four things, and one gift from Lisa (thank you so much!). I'm jumping ahead though, so let's start at the beginning. As you all know, from the multiple texts and fb messages I sent you all, I went to Fashion Weekend last Saturday with my sister Mya, and I had a really great time SO WE'RE ALL GOING NEXT YEAR, OKAY?

Talking and remembering Fashion Weekend brings all the excitement back and it pretty much makes me want! to! talk! like! this! With an added dose of !!!!! for good measure... but I won't, since I figure you'll all go ugh and want to kill me or something if I do. You should be jealous though, I had a great time! How could I not? Brands that I love and want to own (I pretty much died when I saw Something Else and so on), clothes that made me want to spend all the money I had just to have them in my life, interesting people with interesting style walking around (I saw a girl wearing a dress from Karla Spetic SS 10/11 and wanted to steal the dress away from her so badly) good music, good food... oh, and Mya and her friends are pretty cool too :)

It was also really fun helping Lisa at her stall Rodeo Show, not even kidding. She has really nice clothes :) Fingers crossed I get a retail job one day too, it seems like so much fun! I really want to do some work experience iin the future, and sometimes I wish that I did Fashion Marketing or something similar in uni because I think I'd really love it - but I'm happy with Commerce/Arts so it's all good. I really should get back to my sociology & anthropology assessments now, so I'll just show you all what I bought now... seriously, I didn't buy much at all.

I like fish.

Arabella Ramsay jersey tee $20

Macaron ring $10

(I can imagine Cashizzle and Grease saying 'macaroon' now ughhh)

Somedays Lovin dress that isn't really a size 10, $35

It's longer at the sides, how exciting.

AMAZING AMAZING Friends of Mine "rock" belt, $79.

The RRP was $240 and the rock is actually a semi-precious stone

and you can touch it because it actually is a rock and it's kind of really cool okay!

I'm really glad I bought it though because if I didn't, I'd regret it 100%.

This is the Rodeo Show top Lisa gave me - isn't it beautiful?

I love the colour and the style, it's so pretty!

The main character on the tv show Offspring wore it in the first episode of season 2 as well...

eBay buys next, but Grace - I really want to see your Fendi scarf and Christian Louboutins too xx

influence.

2011-05-20T00:58:00.002+10:00

The lovely packaging from GPV.

So, you know, I'm on Shopping Ban #3 now - especially after Fasion Weekend and my little affair with eBay, - but hey, what else is new? Not much, not much. Uni is just eating me alive and I'm so screwed for exams blah blah blah. The great thing about doing Commerce at UNSW with your high school friends? Most of us are all in the same failing-behind-so-bad boat.

But hey, let's be positive and look at my last purchase - this wonderful vintage ankh necklace from Gary Pepper Vintage! I actually only discovered GPV this year after My Linh linked me to it, and I'm so so glad she did! The owner Nicole W has amaaaazing style and the vintage accessories and clothes and oh, just everything, is pretty special. I'm not super into vintage myself, but after I found this necklace a few days ago, I knew I had to have it. ~~It fits in so well with my ankh ring and Aztec/Egyptian ring after all!~~ ~~Heehee.~~

The packaging and postage was great though, so I definitely recommend Gary Pepper Vintage! I'm very satisfied :)

This makes me smile and appeals to me very much ahaha.

Isn't it beautiful? I'M IN LOVE.

(Oh, if only someone gave me a dollar everytime I said that...)

The other day, I also was relinked to this song which I used to love so so much... Schnappi Das Kleine Krokodill; and after re-watching it, I kind of think that it influenced a significant part of my personal taste/style? Not heaps of course or else I'd just be...yeahhh, but the fun song! "Egyptian" dancing! Cute cartoon animals! Ancient Egyptian motifs! It pretty much fuels my love of these things, ahaha. We must've all been influenced by so many different things when we were little/younger - do you remember what? :)

I know that I began to really like space after doing a project on the solar system in year 6, and Horrible Histories made me love history!

xx Fashion Weekend puchases will be posted tomorrow!

dreams like /this/

2011-05-14T20:40:00.000+10:00

I was recently linked to The Coveteur, and ever since then, I've been in love. So much inspiration, so much jealousy, so many pretty pretty photos! I love looking inside other people's homes - and especially their wardrobes - since you know, it gives you a glimpse of their personality and what kind of person they are. I really find that fascinating. I think that's partly why I'm drawn to fashion as well; it's so interesting to see how a person chooses to express themself, whether they are "stylish" or not. I could probably go on about this a bit more, but I have too many things to do tonight (my bedroom/wardrobe looks like the aftermath of a huge sale) so next timeeee it is!

Anyway, this is great inspiration for future bedrooms/homes yes? Also - I went to Fashion Weekend today, so expect a post tomorrow and lots of photos showing you what I bought. I actually didn't buy thaaat much, since I am trying to save a bit, but yeah, I'll post what I bought from ebay too. Next year, Fashion Weekend? IT'S A DATE.

stop the clock, I want more holidayz

2011-04-28T21:30:00.001+10:00

THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT I KNOW.

1. I have some of the greatest friends in the whole universe. 

Not all of them are here in this photo, but yeah. You guys are the greatest. And MSGCA = ♥

2. I've spent way too much time doing nothing in these holidays, in this semester, in my first semester of uni...whoops.

( I don't think I'll ever get into "Senior mode").

3. ACCOUNTING MAKES ME FEEL LIKE THIS.

4. I have the best older sisters and brothers-in-law in the whole universe too. Thanks for dinner and cookies, Mya and Jon! ...I also have the cutest nephew, just sayin' ;)

5. I really, really, really like cheese.

6. I'm spoilt. Thank you My Linh! They look amazing.

7. I'm getting addicted to ebay.

...No, I already am.

OH CASTIEL, WHERE ARE YOU?

2011-04-17T20:02:00.007+10:00

so grace&me went white party shoppingz ages ago... &amidst our searching for white things;; we got high..

we
are
cool.

looking fucking hot ;)

goodie-goodie choir girliess

ngawngawnnaw, aren't we CUUUUUUTE?

our prayers go out to what angels may be in the heavens above :P

as you probably gathered at the deteriorating mental state of our respective photos.. we had lots of fun (:

CHALLENGE COMPLETED.

2011-04-17T19:09:00.004+10:00

after an entire year and a half... barney would be proud :P

you can still go back to my very first post on this blog to see these shoes...

ZOE WITTNER "AMBER" PLATFORM PUMPS WITH REVERSIBLE SEQUINS.

need i say more?

RED.

2011-04-16T18:22:00.000+10:00

... so i've been wanting more red things of late and thus saint&sinners themed bsoc cruise has provided me with the perfect excuse to start collecting this wonderful colour (:

say hello to my new redhot pumps (:

yum.

now you know how I feel and I won't back down;

2011-04-03T09:46:00.005+10:00

even though it's the weekend and I really should be catching up on uni and trying not to fail accounting... this. this is what is inspiring me right now. (as well as loads of The xx!)

(image credits: models.com, fashionising.com)

heart skipped a beat;

2011-04-02T23:00:00.002+11:00

want to have a look at what else i bought that ripped apart my budget?

yes? no? well i'm showing you anyway!

limited edition 3 of a kind necklaces :) $29 each

my camera and christina's cross. apparently she has never had a cross necklaces before so YAY, FIRST CROSS(ES)

a very embarassing tale acompanies this that includes iphones, ibanking and 2 debit cards O.o

our cool necklaces with the lovisa reindeer ring that christina bought with her lucky $10 she won from the twister scratchie, yay :)

these are totally investment buys, and not impulsive at all :D

myers.

tokito sheer tank that was missing a singlet attachment $6.25

pretty pretty milkandhoney investment skirt $79.95

miss shop grandma knit $69.95

aren't we gorgeous? - nice sex hair christina ;)

MY TURN NOW.

This is Mary and I'll be introducing you all today to my new (and first) online purchases. Ah, the joys of having your own debit card and numerous folders of online shopping links, not even joking. Seriously, it's like the gates to a very tempting garden of wonderful have opened up, beckoning to me to spend spend spend on books and CDs and clothes, oh god, the clothes and accessories from all over the world...

Okay, I'm a little bit worried about that, but hopefully studying commerce in uni will help me make smart economic decisions - or at the very least, teach me how to budget. Moving on!

I was looking at Le Blog de Sushi's Alice Wears Gold giveaway post, when I saw the amethyst crystal pendant and promptly fell in love. I love love love crystals already, but the amethyst has always been my favourite and yeah, I ended up buying it. How could I resist?

I definitely would buy again from Alice Wears Gold though - just look at the packaging! It's so pretty and has cast a spell on me. All that effort is just, wow. Shipping was fast and free too, which is always great.

$38 well spent.

And the necklace? PERFECT. I couldn't have asked for anything better,

and it's definitely become one of my favourites.

And now, for the first strike off the PS1 Project - I present to you, my first investment ring! I'm a massive fan of ancient history, so when I saw Erin Wasson's latest offerings for low luv, my heart pretty much skipped a beat. (The ankh necklace is next on my hit list, I've wanted an ankh necklace for aaaaages). What I did end up buying though was this amazing aztec ring for $84 + $10 shipping. Size 6 was sold out, so I had to get a size 7, but I've worn bigger rings and this - I had to have it.

The service and shipping at Miijo was great, so I'd definitely buy from there again. And the packaging was just wow. Just look at it! My ring was so well-protected. You can see the Sportsgirl copy on the top right too; it's the one on the left. I love it as well, since it's more Egyptian than Aztec but it's a copy and makes my skin go green so... I hope my new ring doesn't turn my skin green either, but even if it does, it's still going to be attached to my fingers everyday.

Uni has been mega busy, but shopping has made me feel so much happier! Xx

El Desafío Español

2011-04-01T22:54:00.010+11:00

the challenge.

do you like my new shoes? $60 from Hype DC :)

so aside from blowing my budget out so completely with these shoes among other purchases (no seriously, its depressing, the giantess kelmanator and i were trying to calculate how we could survive the next 2 weeks with next to no funds. it was looking rather bleak!) i challenged mary to wear her cutout top to "Raquel's Spanish Kitchen" this sunday, my counter challenge (or desafío as the spanish say) is... well, put together anything you want from my wardrobe!

conditions.

- it must be presentable

- it has to go with my new shoes :)

adiós amigo!