The Long Promised Hair Tutorial

Finally, I have some time to myself and the technology gods have smiled on me. Here is my first hair tutorial showing you how I did my hair in yesterday's Daily Outfit photos. The tutorial runs for about 10 minutes, (the hair only takes about 5 minutes without all the chatter), so kick off your kittens and pour yourself a dirty martini. I'll be bringing you more hair and other tutorials in the future, so this should whet your appetite for now. Any feed back or questions are more than welcome.

Daily Outfit - DIY Style

Outfit details and cost: Black lace ruffled top - Entrace, $50 @ a designer warehouse sale, Skirt - Made by me, materials $15, Opaques - Voodoo on sale $5, Boots - Joanne Mercier, $110 on sale and 5 years old, Cuff - Made by me, more time than money, Earrings - Diva, $4.95.

Today's outfit is based around a skirt I made for summer. I just adored this scarab beetle fabric , (it so appeals to the Egyptologist in me) and wanted to make something that looked interesting from a distance, but also had some great detail close up. The top is one I picked up at yesterdays sale, and although you can't really see the detail here, it has a lovely lacy cravat right down the front. The cuff I had up in my etsy shop for while, but as it is my favorite of these pieces, I decided to just keep it all for myself. (If anyone is interested in this sort of thing, email me and I'll re-list them).

We spent the day just hanging out and eating dumplings to our hearts content at a local Chinese restaurant. Miss 4 has been practicing her restaurant manners and was dying to have a chance to show them off. She had us in stitches as she watched a Chinese family with their little baby and said, "Look Mum, a Chinese baby (she is presently obsessed with China). Is his name Wilfred?" I have no idea why that name came to mind for her, but needless to say, we were highly amused by her culturally atypical choice of name.

I even had a little free time to myself today, and I have finally made that hair tutorial I have been promising. Now to make it all pretty for you, so stay posted tomorrow. The snaps below are of my latest loot. Some cheap and cheerful accessories, my bargain of the year dress and my husband's effort at compensation, for subjecting me to a week of abject loneliness while he hotfooted it off on a business holiday.

Daily Outfit - Raspberry Dream

Outfit details: Red top - Katies (pinched from mum), Black top - Postie, Culottes - Morgan De Toi, Raspberry Opaques - Columbine, Shoes - Wittner, Headband - Groove, Red rose earrings - Diva.

Today was another cold and wet day. Mum and I had grand plans of visiting a designer warehouse sale and swanning around the streets drinking coffee. But at 9 degrees and with rain pouring down, we stopped into the sale for about 45 minutes then headed straight back home. Even then, I still managed to snag a fabulous black, flapper style dress (for $50 reduced from $500!) and a lovely black top with a lace cravat style detailing. I also picked up a couple of new earrings and a gorgeous bracelet at Diva the other day, but I wasn't able to get a good close up of the earrings here. I'll get some lovey shots of all this weeks loot tomorrow to share with you.

Yesterdays post seems I have struck a chord with you all. Thank you all for your insightful comments. Let me just reiterate here that I am not going on a one woman crusade against the fashion industry (who are we kidding here), but just wanting to encourage a more 'eyes wide open' philosophy in our buying decisions. *Edit* I also wanted to add that the reason I am singling out Bitten here is because of the combination of the price point / manufacturing issue , and the manifesto. I wonder how the women making the garments would feel when presented with their "inalienable rights"?

One of the thoughts that has come out of it, for me, is to show you how I put some of my outfits together, and just how little they actually cost and the recycled origins of many of them. I won't break them down all the time and bore you to death, but I thought it would be appropriate to show you how I do it for posterity. So stay tuned over the weekend for a peak into the purse strings of my wardrobe.

A Bitten Pill to Swallow

I have been mulling over this post for some time now, and I can go silent no longer. I have a big problem with Sarah Jessica Parker's Bitten line. The line first came to my attention on the various fashion blogs I read, and its arrival was much anticipated. Don't get me wrong, my problem is not with the woman, but with the business philosophy. I have read so many posts enthralled with the designs themselves and their reflected celebrity status, but the problem I have with them is their price point. $19.98 and less for EVERY piece in the collection. You read that right, not a clearance price, an introductory offer or a teaser, but a price point that is touted as being central to SJP's Bitten manifesto. If a garment retails for $19.98 as full sale price, what then does this mean for the chain of people involved in its manufacture, to say nothing of the environmental concerns?

• "It is every women's inalienable right to have a stylish, pulled -together, confident wardrobe with money left over to live." Bitten Manifesto

Seriously, WTF! So if I am one of the garment workers making these cheap chic clothes, does that apply to me too? Or does this only apply to those living in the USA. Even then, I'd wager that there would be many a garment outworker who would beg to differ on their meager cents per garment wages.

The Bitten line offers over 1000 pieces in its line, including cashmere sweaters and suits at this price point. While I realise that no-one expects quality for this kind of money, I wonder just how disappointing or otherwise these pieces may be. (If you are wearing any, let me know.)

So when it comes to buying clothes and making ethical decisions I am by no means a saint. While I love the idea of always doing the right things, it isn't always practical. I often chose to make or buy hand made items, but then there is the issue of the materials used in the initial manufacturing process they went through, and the subsequent environmental damage that would have caused. But if I can afford it at the time, I'll mostly choose this option over a mass produced item. And while I love a bargain, I would much rather spend my cash on a vintage item that is a recycled beauty. When faced with the choice of buying something new from a major store or designer, I will always search for what is on sale, where the mark down has been taken from the sizeable retail mark-up of the garment in question.

But in the case of the Bitten pieces, there is really nowhere to go. The average mark up for retail garments is 250% and 350% for accessories in this country according to the government. So when you look at that $19.98 price point, and consider everyone along the chain that must be paid, of which the lowest are the individuals making each garment, I find this kind of retailing unconscionable; and that manifesto like a slap in the face.

*Should anyone from SJP's office like to contact me an explain just what she had in mind to make us swallow this, I'd be deeply appreciative. *


** I could go on about what this sort of RRP undercutting may mean for the fashion industry as a whole, but that's enough of a rant for one day. **

Drinks for Two

Tonight is one for the chaps, and we ladies who love to dream. After reading this post over at A Dress a Day on what she would wear for a day were she a guy, I got thinking. (Well, after I had recovered from a David Tennant induced case of heart palpitations!) If I were to take you out for a drink based purely on your outfit, what would you possibly be wearing? (Imelda Matt I thought of you the moment I saw those red shoes.)

I never asked his name. He was the only one who didn't look my way as I entered the pavilion. Fingers of silky blue smoke curling around his hand, he smiled at his reflection bobbing up and down on the rocks. "Excuse me, I'm placing my order for breakfast and I just wanted to know how you like your eggs." I say.



He smiled and stood, offering me his seat. His hand played with the corner of his notebook, dogeared from his nervousness. "Thank you for making my day more beautiful" he said. Oh Captain Awesome, I'm bowled over.

Daily Outfit

Outfit Details: Top - Stella, Skirt - Made by Me, Purple opaques - Voodoo, Shoes - Urban Originals, Earrings - from my first boyfriend (when I was 14!), Purple Scottie dog hair clip - Sanrio shop.

Today's outfit began with a blue and purple combination. I thought that the chill in the air needed the opaques, but their texture caused them to grip on the skirt and made the skirt ride up all over the place. Sort of a 'Fuzzy Felt' effect. So I decided to give this colour combo a miss and went for pale legs, which in the end I think is the winner. The monochromatic look allows the whole thing to pop, rather than becoming too bogged down with colour. Do you agree?

The shoes are one of the pairs that I ordered online and I really love these. They aren't very practical for chasing around after Miss four, but I think they make up for that with their fun factor and making me feel oh so glamourous all day.

My recent blue obsession just sort of sprang out of nowhere. I found this gorgeous Stella top in the stocktake sales (when I was meant to be out buying milk, but I took a short cut through Myers - Damn those department stores and their labyrinthine layouts!). Once I had the top, I needed the shoes; and then I needed a skirt. In the absence of this colour in the stores at present, I went on a mission to make my own. I had a pencil skirt sized hole in my wardrobe and I thought a blue one would be a more cheeky version than black. I found an old skirt pattern from the early nineties which was a nasty calf grazing length, and with a few adjustments, I turned it into this. Given that my lifestyle involves a lot of bending around, the skirt needed to have a lot of movement and not be too revealing. So I chose a cotton elastane fabric that has some stretch and added a godet at the back, rather than the traditional vent. I think it gives it quite a sexy look without actually showing off too much leg.

I think this shade of blue was missing from my wardrobe for quite some time as it was a predominate colour in my school uniform. With (quite) a number of years between school and I now, I think it is time to bust it out and maybe even find the school girl within. ;)

Cats and Dogs

Outfit details: Hello Kitty reversable vest - Vintage childrens from Ebay, Teal top - Miss Shop, Wide leg jeans - Target, Pointed flats - Pura Lopez, Red polka dot earrings - Diva.

I do love a quiet Monday. Today was the first day in ages we had some sun. It was one of those wonderful winter days that could almost trick you into believing that spring is on the way. Parts of my garden seem to think so, and it is days like these when I actually venture out, I realise just how much garden work there is to be done. (I know I have a gardener on my speed dial somewhere.) But when confronted with a mountain of work that really isn't all that high on my To Do list (probably due to me not really wanting to), I chose instead to spend the day sewing and playing with the dogs in this fleeting sunshine.

As you can see, there are times that call for jeans and flats, and cruising around the garden with the dogs is just such a time. I didn't realise until I uploaded these photos that had chosen my Hello Kitty vest for the occasion. I wonder if they noticed?

On an entirely unrelated note, I found another very cool way to waste time today. My Heritage Face recognition software, is a free online program that you can upload your photo too and, using its facial recognition software, it compares your face with celebrities and morphs the two together!

Check out the results of mine. *warning this is HIGHLY addictive and seriously fun*

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Roots - Free family tree software

Awards That Grow On Trees

** Regular outfit and style posting will resume again tomorrow as these more personal posts aren't really what this blog is about, but it is nice to share sometimes. **

When you are feeling a bit lack luster, (I found the bottom in a couple of bottles of Red last night) it is so wonderful to know people are thinking of you. And this week has been a lovely one for kind thoughts. I received the Brillante Blogger award from Freelancer's Fashion And Fashion Hayley.

Here are the "rules" for the Award:
1) When received, you may post the award to you blog.
2) Link to the blogger you received it from.
3) Give it to 7 blogs
4) Link to those 7 blogs
5) And leave those seven bloggers a comment about receiving the brilliant premio.


I'd like to share the love by passing this award to:

Outsapop: For providing what is quite possibly the best Trashion and DIY blog out there. Whenever I read her work and see her latest creations I am so inspired to put down the computer and pick up the scissors.
OhSnail: For being so creative, honest and having one of the most unique personal styles for such a young blogger. When I read her work it is just like she has stepped from the pages of an Enid Blyton novel, and I think my 15 year old self would like to spend an afternoon with her.
Old Hollywood Glamour: For providing a veritable feast for my eyes as well as all the low down to go with it.
Times of Glory: Not only for her beautiful outfits, but all the time and effort she puts into styling her photos.
Tokyo Bunnie: For her art which ALWAYS makes my day. You cannot possibly be sad, depressed, angry or feeling any kind of negativity while reading her blog. Super Kawaii!
From Betsy With Love: For being my go to place for new blog introductions. I think Betsy is one of my Style Soul sisters, and we often seem to find our inspirations in similar places.
Fashion Binge: For providing not only eye candy, but really helpful style links such as this Humidity Predictor to help you harness you bad hair days before they happen.

Also Aus Style and Fashion Hayley have handed me what is called The Tree of Happiness, which is basically a nice excuse to share your joy with the world. I have to tell you 6 things that make me happy and pass this on to another 6 people.

1.Painting makes me happy. Not the artistic on canvas kind (although that is good too), I mean painting walls. I love that you can instantly change the mood of a room with a quick coat of paint and that, like fashion, you can choose to be as brave as you want to because there really are no rules.
2. A nicely set table. I love buying vintage linen on Ebay and making up my own matching sets of cloths, napkins and other trimmings. It is amazing how eating your dinner from a hot pink gingham cloth can be such a pick me up.
3. To Do Lists. Ticking things off a to do list, gives me such a buzz. I actually save my favorite stationery to write my lists on and usually have Hello Kitty or someone similar 'telling' me what I have to do.
4.Ella Fitzgerald. Whenever I am getting really cranky and my temper is frayed, I just put on some early Ella Fitzgerald and I can't help but start singing and dancing around like a crazy person.
5.Fashion and the freedom we have here to express ourselves through fashion. I am so grateful that I live in a time, and a country, where there really are no limits to what you can wear (except your own confidence). Wonderful vintage fashion also makes me happy as I like to imagine the life of each garment and what wonderful memories that it may have been a part of.
6. My Mr. I am SO so fortunate to have the man I do. It would take me a long time to list all of his good points, but one of the best things about him is his generosity of spirit and he always makes me feel like number one. Oh, and it helps that he never complains about the VISA bill!


I'm going to add a bonus happiness piece to my list, because more than anything else, it is these two cheeky critters that make me happy.

So I am now passing on this Tree of Happiness to Heather Shade, Cybill at Sorting it Out, Amy at The Daily Mail, The Tatooed Mama, Tizzalicious and The Cherry Blossom Girl.

Now that I've done all that, it's back to my To Do List and finishing my latest sewing projects so that I have some new outfits to show you this week.

Feeling A Bit Famous

I spend a lot of time and money buying fabric. Sometimes I shop with a particular project in mind, but most of the time I find a certain fabric and then get inspired to turn it into something particular. I now have a whole cupboard full of inspiration. Occasionally though, I find a fabric I love but just can't imagine it on myself. Such was the case when I came across this beautiful pleated tulle fabric. When I rolled out this baby in all its frothy goodness, all I could think was Susie Bubble. And so it made it's way home with me to become a little something for Susie. And why am I feeling famous? Because Susie kindly wrote this piece about her new skirt and made it a perfect part of her look.

Part of what I love about blogging is the community that develops, and the way we all get to know each others unique style and idiosyncrasies. Which is why when this fabric crossed my path I just had to spread the love.

The tulle fabric is in a soft pink and a pale minty blue that looks grey in some lights. I couldn't make a decision between the two, so I decided to use both and make it reversible. Knowing how much Susie likes to explore the versatility of her clothing, I tried to build in features that would make this easier. So the skirt is attached to a wide basque that closes with hook and eyes. Rather than fully seaming the skirt, I attached cord on the inner layer of the pink so that it could either be left completely open, ( letting the weight of the fabric pass over itself) or be tied together protecting you from a swift breeze. I decided to add a little embellishment in the form of this dusty blue and brown tartan, tulle edged ribbon, attaching it with press studs so it can be removed and worn without.



On the mannquin here it looks quite like something out of the fairytale post I did yesterday, but with Susie's fabulous styling it becomes edgy, grounded and fun.

Fairytale Fashion

My Mr. arrived home from his 'conference' tonight. And so to celebrate, we spent some quality family time, which meant Pizza and a movie with Miss 4. So we sat down to watch Enchanted. I think that he and I actually enjoyed it more than her, as she was quite miffed by the ending,(I won't give it away in the off chance you haven't seen it). Watching Amy Adams in all her frothy glory got me thinking, which fairytale characters do I find the most fashion inspiration in?

I just love Glenn Close as Cruella DeVille. The drama, the shape and texture of her garments, not to mention the outstanding hair. My long term fashion goal is to channel Cruella once I hit 80 years old. That would get this old dame a seat on the bus!

Snow White (portrayed here by Rachael Weiss) is one of the few ' good girls' of happily ever after land, whose style I admire. Not too frothy, a nicely waisted dress and deep rich colours. Best of all, she's the poster girl for SPF 30 and alabaster skin, which is my natural state.

The Snow Queen for Narnia. I love the way she swathes herself in her garments and works with a monocromatic pallete, varying the texture for interest and depth. Once again pale, comanding and carries a large pointy stick (okay a wand to some) to poke naughty children with.

The Disney Evil Queen. Now she never has a bad hair day. While I'm not too keen on the wimple effect, the tirara is certainly making an appearance in my outfits. The element of her style I love best, is the oversized, high collars that both frame her face and provide a screen like effect for her to narrow her eyes over and make things happen with a single glance.


When it comes to Witches, Glinda the Good Witch from the wizard of Oz, is my What Not To Wear. Nasty sleeves, bad crown, colours that don't suit her skin tone ( I know it was Technicolour but still..) I was always much more enamoured by The Wicked Witch of The West. Those fabulous stockings and she was the original owner of those stunning shoes, which her opportunistic sister stole from her cold, dead feet!



All this has lead me to discover a pattern which I have long suspected. Most of my fashion inspiration comes from the dark side of the force. Oh well, I may as well give in to the cape and be done with it!

Daily Outfit - Making Sunshine When It Rains

Outfit details: Raincoat- Tokidoki, Scarf - Louis Vuitton cherry blossom design, Cardigan - Vintage Angora handknit that was Mums, Grey Knit T-shirt- Witchery, Pants - Living Doll, Shoes- Wittner

It is completely freezing here at the moment. My day started very early in the dark of the morning, as I had to take my baby into hospital for a check up, (she's going great yay!). This meant that we had to brave the wild weather. You know the days when the sky is so dark, and the rain is so heavy that you can barely see to drive? It was one of those mornings. So my new Tokidoki raincoat had its first opportunity for an outing. Other than that, this outfit is one of my very fast, casual numbers (track suit alternatives) that is perfect for running around like a crazy person, when you need to be comfortable, warm and look halfway decent. To be honest, it is pretty tame for me, but I thought I'd show you what happens on those days when the days demands have to take priority over my ideal choices. And as you can see, the sun made a guest appearance for my photos, so the happy raincoat must have done the trick.