The Velvet Bow

Morning Sunshine

Sun, 13 May 2012 13:30:20 +0800

Upon hearing this weekend would be bright and sunny, Marc and I decided to head back to our old suburb of Maylands for our traditional Saturday breakfast and some wandering. Every time we go back here I realise just how much I have missed the place, it’s not the best suburb in Perth by any means but I love all its quirks and the expanding cafe scene.

We headed to Milk’d for what are, in my opinion, the best baked beans in town, and then over to Sherbet Cafe and Bake Shop for a cheeky cupcake. After that we strolled over to our old apartment, past two churches and lots of weird new shops that have popped up.

It was the perfect chance to wear my new floral jacket, though the glaring sunshine means the colours look a little washed out here. It’s just so fun to wear and definitely makes me want to stockpile more blazers and jackets for winter!

Ankle Grazers

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:48:43 +0800

It’s officially boot weather here in Australia! In my usual crazy way I stocked up on ankle boots during the summer and they have been sitting collection dust on my top shelf just begging to be worn. Well wait no more, because it’s gotten rather cold and rainy all of a sudden - perfect weather for donning a pair of boots to combat the elements.

These two Topshop pairs are among my favourites for their Acne-esque shape and ankle-grazing cut. The glitter pair was more of an impulse buy and I have not yet succeeded in wearing them out in the day but I am sure a time will come where I just can’t resist. In the meantime the solid black pair are perfect for any occasion and add a hint of cowboy-biker to outfits.

What’s the number one item on your winter wish list?

Somewhere Fancy

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:00:40 +0800

While I am swaddled in a knit jumper at home I can’t help but dream about what I might wear if the sun came out and I had somewhere fancy to go to. The three items above instantly sprung to mind for some reason, all on my current ‘to buy’ list.

After lusting over just about everything Secret Squirrel has made for the last few seasons, I still can’t believe I don’t own any of their pieces! Their most recent collection with all its botanicals and digi prints really caught my eye, and I think I am going to cave and buy this tuberose blouse. Something about it makes me feel like I am looking at amoebas under a microscope! I’m also rather obsessed with their current collection full of triangles in shades of brown so that may win out instead.

I don’t usually go mad for trends but the current metallic look is one that I want to fall head first into. These Topshop brogues are the perfect way to make the trend work for the day without looking like a walking disco ball. Over a third of my shoe rack hails from Topshop, they just make good, well-priced footwear that actually lasts pretty well. I have the sizing sussed too is a must when buying shoes online!

And finally a flamingo-pink shade of Nars lippy to top it all off. This wonderful site (as alerted to me by Alexis) ships to Australia but retails at US prices so it makes buying brands like Nars affordable. Pretty sure a big order is in store to take advantage of the killer exchange rate…

In case you were wondering, I would plan on wearing something of the skirt/pants persuasion if I ever was lucky enough to get all these items together for a party. Just sayin’.

Life Lately #2

Mon, 07 May 2012 14:49:00 +0800

It’s been a busy two weeks since I posted my last instagram update, what with leaving my job, Marc going to Sydney again, Perth Fashion Week and tons of writing. I rewarded myself with a couple of special buys to see me into Winter (and my new job!) but that’s for another post altogether. For now here’s a few fun moments captured on camera.

Cuddling sleepy cats has become increasingly important now that it’s getting colder.
Krispy Kreme donuts Marc bought me back from Sydney. We proceeded to share them for breakfast two days straight!
Continuing with my NY resolution of buying fresh flowers every week.
The Furne One show at PFW was the best I have ever seen, full of crystals, spikes and chiffon.
Re-organising my study, including this pile of vintage fabric that I haven’t a clue what to do with.
Strolling in Como on the Anzac Day public holiday.
New zigzag sheets from Urban Outfitters.
Weekend breakfast ritual, this a clay pot of beans at The Imp.
The old Windsor cinema for Marc’s 24th birthday.
More birthday fun, this time in the form of a dainty vanilla cupcake for two.

Also, I am trying to broaden my home cooking repertoire. Anyone know of a good vegetarian recipe they would like to share with me? I’m in desperate need of some new ideas!

Last Minute Gifts For Mother's Day

Sun, 06 May 2012 13:46:00 +0800

The countdown to Mother’s Day has officially reached a crucial stage - it’s this Sunday! If you don’t already know what you are getting your mum, now is time to track down a last minute gift.

After my last Mother’s Day post with a variety of gift ideas, I thought I would hone in more on online magazine subscriptions as they make the perfect present that you can customise to suit her interests. I subscribe to five titles myself including two of those listed below and love that bit of me time I get when the glossy arrives on my door step.

Grazia - My weekly guilty pleasure, Grazia combines what’s new in fashion with celebrity gossip, reviews, opinion pieces and even the odd recipe. It’s clever, up to date and ever so stylish.
Australian House and Garden - Home envy anyone? This title gives you a peek into drool-worthy houses and is packed with design tips for all budgets. It’s also full of creative ideas and other lifestyle articles that are sure to inspire.
Harper’s Bazaar - One for the more discerning fashionista, Harper’s is brimming with stunning photo shoots and must-have items. Even if you’re just purely window shopping, you can’t help but be won over by the styling and luxe garments.

And why not make a sweet home made card to let your mum know her favourite title will be delivered to her home every month (or week as it may be)!

Of course the deal is made even sweeter by what you could win for her by buying the subscription:

Return Business Class Airfares for two people from Sydney-Tahiti-Los Angeles flying Air Tahiti Nui.
7 nights luxury accommodation in Tahiti:
6 nights stay in an overwater bungalow at the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort.
1 night stay in a twin-share room at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort.
7 nights stay in a twin-share room at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City.
$5,000 spending money

This article is sponsored by MagShop Mother’s Day present promotion

Daul

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:45:17 +0800

This blog used to be filled with odes to Jeffrey Campbell practically every week, however as of late I haven’t been that enamoured with the quirky shoe god’s designs. Until now, that is.

Meet Daul, my idea of heaven in a shoe. There’s floral, a perspex heel and a super cute ankle strap all wrapped up in an on-trend but unique style. Why is it that the moment I found them on Pixie Market (the only place to stock them), they were all sold out?

Apparently though, in case you want to nab a pair for yourself, they are re-stocking sometime this month. Until then I’ll keep refreshing the page daily for news and make sure I reserve just enough in my bank account so NOTHING will hold me back from these wonders. Psycho, much?

In My (Makeup) Bag

Wed, 02 May 2012 21:30:00 +0800

I always enjoy having a peek into other bloggers’ beauty kits so I thought I would try my hand at a similar post. Little by little I’m becoming more of a cosmetics junkie and I find myself leaning towards buying more luxe products now that I am past my teens. Here’s a round up of some of my all time fave buys, some on the higher end of the price scale and some costing next to nothing (from L-R).

Maxfactor False Lash Effect Mascara: out of all the mascaras I have tried, and there have been so many, I have found this one gives the fattest lashes. I have been asked a handful of times if I was wearing false lashes while wearing this product so I know it practises what it preaches!
Chanel Illusion D’ombre Eyeshadow in Emerveille: this pale golden mousse-like shadow is an absolute dream to wear. Subtle enough for every day use but sure makes a difference to faking wide awake eyes. Incredible texture too, like nothing I have ever felt before.
Chanel Ecriture de Chanel Eyeliner: I bought this because I read an article where Alexa Chung spruiked it. I am so impressionable! This felt tip pen-like eyeliner does help that much more when doing 60’s cat eyes though, however it can be a little sheer on its own.
Benefit High Beam Highlighter: after trying this tiny sample bottle I’ll definitely be buying this one again. Applying it to the upper cheekbones just throws light and hints at healthy skin. Love the Benefit mini tints too.
Lanolips Lip Ointment in Mulberry (limited edition): sadly this colour was a Christmas special so I am savouring it! The red wine colour is sheer enough to wear in the day and is a quirky change from nudes or reds. Very moisturising too.
Topshop Creme Blush in High Five: I couldn’t go past Topshop’s adorable packaging when I was in London but this impulse buy blush proved a real find. Great texture, fabulous pop of colour and very natural looking.
Maybelline Baby Lips in Very Cherry: quickly becoming a cult product, these $4 lip balms are just about the best value you can get. Fruity flavour and good for keeping chapped lips at bay.
YSL Touche Eclat: another product that needs no introduction, YSL’s famous concealer/illuminator is rather wonderful. While it doesn’t have the best staying power, I can’t go past the iconic gold packaging and will keep re-buying for sure.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation: the best smelling foundation you will ever find! This one offers medium coverage so I would only recommend it if you have good skin (I switch foundations pretty often as my skin always changes). It’s really natural and one worth trying if you’re still on the hunt for that perfect finish.
Pink leather clutch from Pigeonhole

So there you go! I use plenty more things but this was just a sample. I might do more themed beauty posts in the future, we shall see.

What’s your number one make up item?

Vara, My Love

Tue, 01 May 2012 20:54:44 +0800

To say that I am obsessed with shoe god Salvatore Ferragamo’s ‘Vara’ pumps would be an understatement. Since I first laid eyes on these sweet little shoes on another blog, it’s been my quest to find the perfect pair. The style of shoe with a small block heel and signature bow have been around for a few decades but they are still in production to this day. I had my heart set on a vintage pair though as the new ones retail for over $500 in David Jones!

I have since bought and re-sold a few pairs as I navigated my way through the sizing system (AAAA anyone?) and somewhere along the way I ended up with three pairs - one patent, one faux-croc and one matte black. Probably a bit of overkill but I think I should get plenty of wear out of these babies.

The best part though? Each pair cost me around $60 - a total bargain considering the original price. So here they are in all their glory on my astro-turfed balcony, just waiting to be taken out dancing, shopping, eating and wandering!

Mine

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:08:55 +0800

I finally bit the bullet and purchased this Michael Kors beauty with my first proper pay check. My obsession with rose gold has proved more than fleeting with my newest bag and purse both sporting the pinkish metal. I think this piece will round out the trio quite nicely!

And in a case of great luck, I managed to save 30% on the order as a first time customer of Revolve Clothing, so coupled with the free shipping this watch practically paid for itself. Well not really, but I expect the cost per wear will be pretty minute for this baby. That’s my justification anyway.

Mother's Day Gift Planning

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:19:47 +0800

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and I don’t know about you but I always seem to struggle to get a good gift. I usually just do the same thing and get my mum a funky broach from a vintage store, but after a couple years of doing the same thing she now has a pretty extensive collection!

I thought I would brainstorm a couple of ideas both for my sake and yours if you seem to have the same predicament. My top tips include quirky gifts from around the web and celebrity magazines subscriptions. I know you will probably read this mum but make sure you still act surprised on the day!

I find online is the way to go and as there are still a few weeks to go until Mother’s Day so now is the perfect time to get something organised. Not only can you find a gift that is much more tailored to their personality but it’s also become such an easy process to purchase online.

Here are a few of my suggestions for the perfect Mother’s Day gift:

And just like before, this amazing holiday is still up for grabs if you buy a mag subscription from Magshop.

Return Business Class Airfares for two people from Sydney-Tahiti-Los Angeles flying Air Tahiti Nui.
7 nights luxury accommodation in Tahiti:
6 nights stay in an overwater bungalow at the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort.
1 night stay in a twin-share room at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort.
7 nights stay in a twin-share room at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City.
$5,000 spending money

This article is sponsored by MagShop Mother’s Day present promotion

Coveted: Leopard Shift

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:19 +0800

Perth Fashion Week is a few days a way and as usual I have nothing to wear! I’m going to go for a quick last minute late night power shopping trip on Thursday night to see if I can nab any suitable threads, but until then I am stalking the web stores of the Aussie high street retailers to see if anything catches my eye early on.

This leopard shift from Forever New stood out to me as something that could easily be fash week worthy with a pair of glitter ankle boots and bejewelled neckpiece, but also would get me through the rest of winter in style. The shift shape in a semi sheer fabric is just what I want to be wearing all the time, and for me leopard is a basic so I can think of a million ways to wear this baby!

Life Lately

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 09:56:00 +0800

I really don’t take my camera around with me enough. The focus has been playing up over the last few months so it’s been packed away in its case waiting to be taken in for a service, and in the meantime I’ve been pretty slack in documenting my adventures! Instagram has been a god-send in that regard but I still seem to forget to take snaps when I’m out and about. Here are a couple of moments that I managed to capture over the past month which I think really illustrate what’s been going on as of late.

Hanging out with the Mr at a street-long garage sale in Fremantle
I’ve been cooking up a storm, with this recipe being one of my new faves
A jug of Pimms with some old friends at The Garden
Developing my new blog design. What do you think of this sneak peek?
Lebanese vegetarian platter at The Prophet to celebrate Easter
Big breakfast with the blogger girls at Milk and Honey
New bling from Sportsgirl
Tiny red velvet cupcake eating in Fremantle
Marc went to Sydney for job interviews, fingers crossed he gets the one he is hoping for!
Dreaming about future adventures across the globe via our gold foil scratch map

The biggest news though is that I have quit the job in insurance I have held for over three years while at uni to pursue my work with The West Australian newspaper. I’ve been writing a number of stories a week in the fashion and entertainment realm for the Access All Areas section and it’s been so fun that I decided to leave my day job to focus on exactly what I have been studying - journalism! It’s such an exciting time that I have been waiting years to come around. I’m looking forward to sharing my quest for establishing a working wardrobe soon.

DIY: Re-upholstered Foot Stool

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 10:11:00 +0800

After being on a bit of a DIY hiatus I am really excited to be getting back into the swing of things. It’s been a goal of mine to tackle some larger projects and I already have a few in the works to show you guys. I finished off this foot stool last month after thinking about it for years!

The original piece was an antique foot stool we picked up from a garage sale for $15, with gorgeous wooden carvings but a rather ratty carpet-style covering. The cats took a fancy to it and over the three years it sat in our various lounge rooms they had just about ripped it to shreds. Too in love with the frame to throw it out, I went about teaching myself online to do a basic re-upholstering job. I finally sourced the floral fabric for a steal from Ikea of all places and then had no excuse but to get to work. Here are the steps I took:

Rip off the old fabric and remove the nails carefully with a set of pliers
Cut the new material with the old covering as a guide, allowing an extra inch on all sides
Stretch the fabric tight across the base and use a nail gun or furniture tacks to secure in place to the wooden frame
Trip off any excess fabric around the edge with a small pair of scissors
Fold a long strip of fabric over a few times into a trip 1cm wide and iron flat
Using fabric glue, stick down this ribbing over the nails, tucking the ends in on themselves for a clean finish
Display in your home! How easy was that?!

Pop-Up Fantastic

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:49:00 +0800

Everyone loves a good pop-up shop, but when there are nine in one place it’s even better! Enter the 140 Pop-up Project - a series of curated studios featuring a selection of Perth’s best creatives and boutique retailers in the heart of the CBD. The first event of its kind in Perth, 140’s pop-up hub aims to draw patrons in to a playful new retail experience that doesn’t just offer drool-worthy wares from independent stores but also provides a source of fun and engagement.

Here you can find that perfect one off vintage dress from We Heart Vintage or Miss brown, seek out a quirky gift at Pigeonhole or William Topp, or marvel at the creative genius behind All of the Above and Andy Quilty. Boutique retailers Zara Bryson and Father cater to the ladies and lads respectively, and why not finish it all off with a cold treat from Miss Tartufo while the heat is still upon us.

Just like all great pop-up ventures, the 140 Project is only around for a short time, so I suggest you skidaddle on over to the corner of Wellington and William Streets in the CBD to see what all the fuss is about!

Soaking Up The Last Of Summer

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:19:00 +0800

Just as winter is knocking on our door here in the southern hemisphere I am finding myself dreaming of escaping to some sort of tropical destination to relax for a while. As my partner Marc is from Mauritius I have been dying to go there since we met, but in those six-and-a-half years it still hasn’t happened! Still, I often find myself dreaming up pretend outfits that I would wear if we were to visit the island. Lots of Chloé, Miu Miu and camilla and marc. Hey, I said they were dream outfits!

The last beach trip I took was to Rottnest Island, about 30 minutes by ferry from Perth making it a great last minute place to venture to on the weekend. All I did really the whole time I was there was lie on the beach and read magazines – it was complete bliss. As I am a magazine junkie this is pretty much my idea of heaven.

As the summer fades away here are my top tips for making the last moments of the hot season count.

If it’s too cold to swim, just enjoy the sun and the sand.
My OK magazine subscription comes in handy for those days when I lay on the beach for hours. So does a good SPF sunscreen so I can look after my snow white skin! Take two towels with you, in case a cool breeze sweeps in you can cover your legs and stay cosy.

Enjoy lunch at a beachside restaurant
We’re lucky to have an abundance of places like this on the Perth coastline like The Blue Duck and The Naked Fig so it’s easy to feel like you are on a holiday when you are overlooking the ocean. If you are not a Perth resident find a restaurant near a body of water and request a table outside. Add some oversized shades and a bright lip for a bit of resort factor.

Win a holiday to Tahiti
Sounds unrealistic but you can win a trip of a lifetime to Tahiti and LA if you buy a subscription for your mum for Mother’s Day from MagShop. Or a sneaky subscription for yourself ;) . The prize includes:

Return Business Class Airfares for two people from Sydney-Tahiti-Los Angeles flying Air Tahiti Nui.
7 nights luxury accommodation in Tahiti:
6 nights stay in an overwater bungalow at the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort.
1 night stay in a twin-share room at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort.
7 nights stay in a twin-share room at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City.
$5,000 spending money.

Got to be in it to win it!

This article is sponsored by MagShop Mother’s Day present promotion

Copy Cat

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:49:11 +0800

Can’t afford the hefty price tag of the incredible Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flats? Never fear - Micil has you covered with their version of the feline shoes for a fraction of the price. $750 to $37? Yes please!

It seems though that all the other cat lovers in the world were onto the same idea as the cheaper version have gone the same way as their pricey predecessors and are nearly sold out. Better get your mitts on a pair before they sell out!

The White Elephant Sale: Round Two

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:23:00 +0800

In the midst of all that’s been happening I completely forgot to share a few photos from the second White Elephant secondhand clothing sale we held in February! As my co-pilot Robyn decided to pack up and move to Melbourne, we organised the event in record time and had about double the stock as last time. We hired out a hall and filled it with racks of vintage and secondhand delights all priced to walk out the door, and had so much fun meeting all the happy shoppers who found new homes for so many fabulous items.

The day was bittersweet too because Robyn and I knew it would be the last sale we would hold, but it was such a fun way to finish off. Our thanks goes to our amazing team on the day who we couldn’t have functioned without. I do still have a bunch of stock left so I am deliberating whether I should re-vamp my Etsy shop or just take it all down to a car boot sale. We shall wait and see!

The team: Regan, Chani, Lucy and Regan with Robyn and me in the front
Our door girl Chani with Peppy the papillon
The wonderful works of artist Megan Isabella and a tray full of cakes courtesy of my amazing mother
Steph’s pom pom shorts that I made for her! Actually rather jealous..
Just a few of the racks of delights we had on the day

Light and Leaves

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:08:00 +0800

Something about growing up that I am really looking forward to is having a sweet little apartment to decorate as I see fit. Somewhere with floorboards, white walls and a flood of natural light to bathe everything in brightness.

When I saw this post on Leah Goren’s blog A Future Present about her lovely little kitchen look I just couldn’t resist sharing. There’s something about all that greenery, the perfectly chosen prints and the abundance of white that has me wishing I could call this space my own. Just goes to show you don’t need a big space to be able to create something inspiring and liveable.

This one is going straight to the ‘one day’ folder, that’s for sure!

Cheap and Cheerful

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:14:06 +0800

Today when I went into Kmart to buy some tights (winter is coming!) I couldn’t help but walk through the clothing section, and I was completely surprised by what I found. Kmart is probably the last place I would expect to find a gem, but here I saw quite a few items that I would have loved to call my own. And what was even better was the silly prices attached to the clothes!

I ended up walking out with these two blouses - a polkadotted, white-collared number and a sequinned sleeveless shirt - for $19 apiece, both of which I can see myself wearing to death. I also picked up a dress covered in a modern graphic floral print for only $8. Just goes to show that you should never rule anywhere out in the search for treasures!

asos Loves Students

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:08:00 +0800

Students of Australia, rejoice! Online retail giant asos have just extended their student discount over to us Aussies, which means if you sign up and grab the code off Unidays you can get a cool 10% off your order each time. I’m sure I am not alone in feeling the crunch of a student wage coupled with an addition to clothes, so this will work rather nicely in satisfying our need for new things without spending a pretty penny.

I thought I might share one of the things lurking in my asos ‘saved items’ basket (but really there are so, so many more things). Not sure that this a-line mesh skirt is really me but I love it all the same. With its streamlined, futuristic shape it’s a perfect example of how asos manage to nail the latest trends without hiking the price up. I’m a big fan of the minimalist styling too and those great shoes that make me want to throw out my collection of peter-pan-collared items and convert to a monochrome sports luxe look. But you know I would never really do that!