Thank you to everyone for their thoughtful responses to my last post, it was so interesting to read your opinions! Also thank you to the lovely Syke for the shout-out and the blog love!

I’ve had a hideous cold for a week and a half which got so bad by last Friday that I needed antibiotics. It’s finally clearing up now although I am still prone to heinous involuntary coughing fits - this is still much better than infected sinuses so I’m quite pleased!

Being confined to my bed for over a week really took a toll on my sanity. As well as having permanent FBS (Friday Brain Syndrome - A very serious condition where sufferers are so frazzled by the end of the working week that they very suddenly become completely brain-dead) I was feeling completely disconnected and irritated with activities I normally enjoy including reading blogs, online window shopping and even watching television! I have a lot to catch up on!

Top Shop Tee - Etsy Skirt - Various Bangles - Scooter Shoes (Not Pictured)

I actually left the house today which was a dizzingly exciting prospect; and I am finally do another WIWT post! My bizarre bed/lounge ensembles, birds nest hair and glazed over expression just didn’t make the cut to the blog. I went out this afternoon with my sister to a showroom appointment to see one of my supplier’s new collection. Afterwards we went for coffee and cake, and I bought some new CDs. Being back outside in the sun felt fantastic.

Yesterday I became an Aunt to a lovely baby girl! Naturally as I am still sick so I can’t go to the hospital to visit, but I made it to Target and bought some adorable clothes in their 20% off kids clothes sale. I am already the proud Aunt to an adorably rambunctious 6 year old boy, but being able to buy a teeny little pink dress with white hearts all over it was a joy of a different kind. So sweet!

While I was sick I still did manage to acquire some new things. Firstly, my two pairs of heels from Nine West US arrived - thank you so much Jen!! As suspected, the red pair are a touch too big so I will pick up some party feet innersoles for them. Earlier that same day when I was waiting for my antibiotics prescription I wandered into KMart and picked up two more Bonds Tee’s at 30% off (bargain!) and a pair of gladiator flats for $26. Initially I wasn’t convinced due to the fact they aren’t leather - but the fit was so much better than some of the more expensive styles I’ve tried that I couldn’t resist the purchase (and I was high on  a concoction of paracetamol and sinus medicine so I was completely delirious)!

Reflecting back onto my previous post again, today my sister held up a lovely chocolate brown dress in a boutique we were in and asked my opinion. Remembering my desire to stop buying clothes that didn’t align with my style aesthetic, I sensibly replied “I don’t wear chocolate brown”. I could have easily been persuaded by the lovely garment but I thought about all the chocolate brown things I’ve bought, loved then never worn  because they weren’t “me” — and felt proud of myself.

Tags: Everything Else, What I Bought Today, What I Wore Today by Alicia
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Bonds Tee - Mink Pink Skirt - Haviana Thongs - Dganit Hen Necklace - Dinosaur Designs & Indigo Bangles - OPI Nail Polish

It REALLY felt like spring today. So much so that I decided I could brave a skirt and no stockings. I prepped myself last night with anticipation by carefully exfoliating my body and then using Neutrogena’s new SunFresh Sunless Tanning Foam on my legs, arms, face and decolletage. Pretty disappointed, as you can tell I’m not the bronzed goddess I expected to be when I woke up!

I applied a second coat on my shins and calves when I got up hoping to increase the strength of the “tan” but it didn’t really do much. Maybe I shouldn’t have expected a deep colour from a product that describes itself as “sheer summer colour”. The effect is more like what you’d get from a gradual tanning cream.

I love the Bonds Tee so much I bought another today in black. I also bought the new issue of Lula and Flaunt.  This is my third issue of Lula (I missed the last one) and my first issue of Flaunt. I am so excited to make a cup of tea later and curl up in bed with them!! I subscribe to Vogue, SHOP and Frankie. I also occasionally buy Yen and Nylon. I wish I could get subscriptions to some of these magazines, except the only way I’ve found that you can is through companies that charge you about $100 just in shipping. It’s not economical. What magazines do you read / subscribe to?

Tags: Style Inspiration, What I Bought Today, What I Wore Today by Alicia
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So this is what I ended up wearing out to my favourite fashionista’s birthday affair! She looked fabulous in a strapless pinstripe dress and killer black stillettos. It was a smashing good time at the Element Bar in the city. Cute venue, kind of an industrial/trendy setup, unoffensive pop tunes.

H&M Dress - Jockey Slip - Target Tights - Wittner Heels - Mondo Design Chandelier Earrings

I’ve worn this H&M dress out a few times, I picked it up in New York when I was travelling last year. I stopped wear it though when I saw some photos of myself in it - the pale silver material against my ghostly skin was a hideous combination! So at some point on Friday I had the genuis idea of putting some black under it for contrast. I chose to go with the exposed slip because it had pretty lace detailing.The earrings (which you can’t see very well) are another sneak peek from my store’s range. I fell in absolute lust with them, they have big pear-cut clear swarovski crystals at the bottom and just scream glamour.

At some point while doing my makeup I realised I’ve been using the same mascaras for a year. A YEAR! That can’t be healthy, they’re only supposed to last for about six months. I rotate between three different mascaras depending on the look I’m going for - M.A.C Fibre Rich for soft, full lashes, M.A.C Zoom Lash for bold long lashes, and Maybeline XXL Volume which is kind of like the Zoom Lash only less dramatic. I’ve replaced the XXL Volume and Fibre Rich with a Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara. I’ve never tried it before but I couldn’t really afford to get another Fibre Rich, which I also find a little dry and clumpy. I really want a soft thickening effect for my lashes which are long but fine. I hope this does the job!

And speaking of replacing old favourites, when I got home today I felt it was finally time to replace my old beloved Dorothy Perkins flats with the new pair I bought at the same time which have been waiting in the barracks. The old ones will get delegated to be “driving shoes”, living in the car so I can slip them on when my feet hurt after a long night out of if my heels are too akward to drive in.

Tags: What I Bought Today, What I Wore Today by Alicia
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I know can you believe it? More shoes!

I had a credit note at Mimco which I needed to spend because it was going to expire. They just brought out their new shoe range and since the credit wasn’t enough to buy any of the bags without forking out lots of extra cash, I ended up getting the least expensive pair of shoes in the store. The difference was only a little bit of extra cash so I didn’t feel too bad.

Mimco Thumbelina Cane Ballet Flat in Black/Absinthe

I don’t know how I feel about that funny little green stripe down the back of the heel. I doubt anyone would even see it, it seems pointless. They’re cute and quirky though and I have no doubt I’ll get my fair share of wear out of them. Especially since my Dorothy Perkins Flats are beyond dead. I keep wearing them, I even have a replacement pair stashed away for this occassion, but I just can’t bring myself to let go.

L Leather Biker Jacket - Country Road Tank - Black Eyes Scarf - Mimco Fob Watch Necklace - Insight Jeans - Dorothy Perkins Flats

I met up with my favourite fashionista for coffee today. I was feeling bloated and uncomfortable so I ended up going for my favourite new ‘comfort’ outfit - jeans and my biker jacket. It needed something extra so I threw on this gorgeous scarf which is a sneak peek of the stock I will have in my store! You can’t see properly in the photo but it also has metallic silver threads in it. It’s so gauzy and comfortable I think I will be wearing it a lot over spring/summer.

I’ve got some clothes, a bag and a necklace I’m thinking of selling, would it be wildly inappropriate to list them on the blog for sale?

I also ended up deciding on an outfit for tomorrow night, made up of items already found in my wardrobe. But that is tomorrow’s blog post!

Tags: What I Bought Today, What I Wore Today by Alicia
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That’s right friends, I got my jacket today!!

L Leather Jacket - Bonds Tee - Insight Jeans - Dorothy Perkins Flats - Angi Mac Necklace

Sorry the photos are really over-exposed, but it was cold outside and I didn’t want to stand there and take them again. You can hardly see the tee or the necklace but they’re there I promise! The jacket is exactly what I wanted, it’s supersoft and kind of crinkled, and it hangs open so nicely when it’s undone so you can still see all your jewellery and clothes underneath. I actually don’t plan to wear it done up unless it’s freezing.

I got it on eBay from a seller who seems to have them in “stock”. When you win the auction you can request what size you want and then she relists the item again after the first auction ends. I chose the size “L” and it’s the teensiest bit snug, and the sleeves are the teensiest bit cropped, but it’s not uncomfortable and being soft lamb leather I’m hoping it will relax.

I also received the chambray Mink Pink skirt from Freez yesterday. The elastic waist is VERY firm so even though it is the perfect size for me it cinches quite a bit. Adorable nevertheless!

Love, love, love, love!

Tags: What I Bought Today, What I Wore Today by Alicia
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Firstly I’d just like to address the “Anonymous Comments” issue. I’ve been receiving an awful lot of anonymous comments recently - most of them haven’t been absuive or anything, just normal comments. However, for the sake of keeping everything friendly and pleasant please pop your name and e-mail address down with your comment! I won’t accept anonymous comments so there’s no point in leaving them!

Now that that is out of the way…

I spent the weekend in a hot mess so when I went out I ended up repeating outfits I’ve worn before because they were tried and successful! Friday night was a mexican fiesta with some friends from my business course to celebrate the fact that we’d all passed! I wore the same outfit that I wore to see Wicked The Musical, except I substituted red lipstick for red eyeshadow.

Then Saturday night was a casual affair with Boyfriend and another close friend to see Pineapple Express. Absolutely hilarious! I just love Judd Apatow movies, they have a stinging edge of reality to them while still being entertaingly off the wall. I repeated the outfit I wore to the VIP sale event at my local shopping centre.

I was so glad I had started this blog, for just these reasons! When I was stuck in a hurry it was great to be able to go back through my outfits and choose something I know I looked good in and felt comfortable in.

I had a credit note at the Freez online store since last year when I rather hastily and excitedly bought a dress without checking the size. I finally spent it today on this cute Mink Pink skirt. Love the bow detail on the waist - which is detachable. Hoping it will look cute with the new white blouses I ordered from ASOS!

Lastly… a couple of commenters have asked about my business so I just wanted to clarify that at this stage it is an online boutique, not a real shop, although it is my dream to have a real shop and hopefully that will happen in 2011/2012. I’d love to do it even sooner but I have to be sensible with our current economical situation and all! I am hoping to launch it in September so I will definitely keep you “posted” (heheehoho what a clever joke!) about that without making a circus of it.

Tags: Everything Else, What I Bought Today by Alicia
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Witchery Cropped Cardigan - Cotton On Singlet - Etsy Skirt - Portmans Belt - Target Tights - Scooter Flats

Seriously, these outfits I post are so uncreative. I wear essentially the same thing every day constructed slightly differently. How am I not bored to death of myself? In my defense all I had to do today was go to the supermarket and have a friend over for a cuppa.

The skirt is a little big so I needed the belt to keep it up, I chose my Portmans bargain belt ($5!) because of the patent detailing which matched my broguesque flats. Do you want to know a secret? I don’t really like patent very much. I like it more this season than I have before because now that it’s “in” people are doing it nicer. But generally - blech. It looks plasticy and cheap. I feel okay in these small patent details, though. Just enough to keep it fresh. I totally forgot to wear any other accessories. Shame on me!

I think I have finally found my perfect leather biker jacket! Hopefully I can buy it in a few days and if it turns out well I will share my amazing source with everyone. I don’t want to share too soon in case something terrible goes wrong! It’s soft washed lamb leather (kind of wrinkled a la Mike & Chris / Rick Owens) with silver hardware. Ahhh lust!

I also ended up placing an order at ASOS for that belt and two cute white cotton blouses for summer which were on sale. They’ll be delivered to the hotel where my mother is staying, I paid extra for express and tracking - which was still much cheaper than shipping to Australia! Cute, no?

Tags: What I Bought Today, What I Wore Today by Alicia
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I certainly have been a ghost around here, haven’t I? I’ve been reading all the lovely comments everyone is leaving, though - thank you so much!

As you can probably guess, I’ve had a lot going on the last week or so with the end of my course, and preparing for my new business, which is very exciting! I found two great new suppliers at the gift fair on Monday, not as much luck on Tuesday at the fair but I managed to secure a long-sought after supplier later that day. I am really thrilled.

Mimco Crystal Bow - Witchery Cropped Cardigan - H&M Dress - Target Tights - Dorothy Perkins Flats - Gianni Frisone Deco Earrings

I was feeling really grotty and disgusting, the cumulitive stress over the last two months has played havoc with my skin weight and hair. I thought the sack dress hid my stress-bloat fairly well, and I could not figure out what to do with my hair since I’m trying desperately not to blowdry it anymore! I ended up pushing it up into bobby pins and then plaiting the rest. Normally a pair of heels cheers me up when I’m feeling gross but I couldn’t even do that for my ego because I sliced my big toe open when I was building a desk the other day and it’s really tender. These Dorothy Perkins flats are a god-send. They’re disgustingly trashed but they’ve stretched so much that they NEVER hurt my feet. They have holes in them so I guess I’m going to have to retire them really soon. Lucky I bought two pairs!

Today was the first real “day off” I’ve had in a very long time. I spent the early afternoon shopping for some essentials; a new slip from MYER, red eyeshadow from Inglot, and some cleanser from Priceline. It’s funny how a random compliment can really cheer you up out of a bad mood. When I was crossing the road to go into the shopping centre a lady came up to me out of nowhere and told me she loved the red in my hair and complimented my style. I felt pretty good after that!

I picked up the Witchery cropped cardigan the other day to replace the cardigan I can’t find. This one is actually shorter and will be perfect with my tiered skirt which I plan to wear tomorrow!

Remember my sadness over the Scooter boots that sold out? I felt inspired to call their head office today and managed to track down one of the last pairs in my size! They have to be sent over from Western Australia but I don’t mind paying for the postage because they went on sale today!! $150 down from $210! So an extra $15 postage won’t hurt at all. Yippee!

Tags: What I Bought Today, What I Wore Today by Alicia
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I have lost my little camera! Lost somewhere in my house, of course, not literally lost forever! I have been very lazy and haven’t really even looked for it. But it isn’t in my direct line of vision therefore it is lost. What ridiculous logic!

Ergo no photos of my outfits over the weekend. Or… any photos at all. Bummer, but I admit I didn’t put much effort in anyway!

My third replacement ASOS skirt still hasn’t arrived, and I’m actually feeling pretty apathetic about it at this point. My mother said today that she was feeling very angry over it, and that’s when I realised I’ve almost stopped caring. Luckily she will be in the UK in just over a week and so I will tell them to send a fourth replacement, with tracking, to her hotel, and maybe I will get the skirt I that I ordered in May… by the end of August!! Ahaha!

My second Etsy purchase arrived on Friday (the maroon dress)… it’s also a little big, I think I need to take these measurements with a grain of salt! However it’s nice and loose, I think it will be great in summer when it’s so hot you can’t move. And I was right - it does look very cute belted!

I was given a blogging award by the lovely Tea and Karen, thank you so much. I have decided not to “pass it on” because almost all of my favourite bloggers have received it or no doubt will soon by someone else. Thank you so much for liking my blog enough, I’m sorry I didn’t acknowledge it sooner!

On that note - I’m also sorry I don’t reply to everyone’s comments, I mean to, I have been so distracted lately by my course that when I realise I have a comment I’m usually in too much of a rush to address it and then of course I forget. I read every single one of them and thank you so much for reading my blog and sharing your thoughts!

Today I went to a local shopping centre with my Mother, where I bought on a whim a long sleeved dress with tiny pink flowers all over it from MYER. You might be thinking “oh typically due to the 90s trend of the moment” but my obsession with floral extends beyond the current 90’s trend. I have a great dress I bought back in 2006 which is black with a tiny red floral print all over it. I also bought a fantastic skirt in 2004 that was white with tiny pink, blue and purple flowers all over it. Although I stupidly donated it to charity about 6 months ago. I have to stop being so hasty with my donation descions, I almost always regret it.

Ah such is life. I plan on wearing the dress tomorrow… I should really actually LOOK for my camera, too.

Tags: Everything Else, What I Bought Today by Alicia
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Apologies again for the terrible photo quality, they were taken at about 2am so the lighting was less than ideal. Tonight we went to a club I’d never been to before - I hate clubs normally I’m definately more of a bar or pub type of girl. I checked out the club’s website last night and was distressed to see dozens of photos of buxom barbie-blondes with unnatural tans and tiny clothes. (Not that there’s anything explicitly wrong with that but it’s totally not my style). What was I going to wear?!

Agent 99 TShirt - Op Shop Skirt - Target Tights - Wittner Shoes - Vintage Bag

I sauntered down to my favourite op shop this afternoon and ended up buying two skirts - a lace black pencil skirt and the one I ultimately ended up wearing. I fell in instant-love with both of them, but when I got home I felt like I may have been hasty with the lace pencil skirt because it doesn’t fit me as well as I remembered in the fitting room. But I’m so happy with the floral skirt purchase! It’s a wrap skirt, two layers of chiffonesque fabric that kind of flips out at the bottom, it’s really flattering, even more so when I don’t have an oversized t-shirt bulging out underneath! I go to that op shop so often and find nothing so I was pleased I found this at the last minute.

Needless to say it certainly was more conservative an outfit than the majority at this particular club, but I felt comfortable. I also think the skirt will be great in summer. I also bought these two items off Etsy in the last few days:

Black Flutter Skirt
This skirt is so pretty I love how the seller has really casualised it with the white t-shirt.

Maroon Tank Dress
I don’t expect this to fit very well the way it is designed but it should look great cinched with a belt!

Oh, did I mention I got a haircut? We removed about 3 inches of damaged hair, which I feel happy about although I miss the length greatly. No more constant blowdrying anymore!! Also, I’ve changed my links to specify which of my favourite blogs are run by voguettes! Hullo my lovely voguettes!

Tags: Online Shopping, Vintage, What I Bought Today, What I Wore Today by Alicia
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