New Year's Resolution

As my credit card strains under the pressure of the post Christmas sales, and the mail-woman gives me that formidable stare as she hands me yet another package, I cant help but feel less than satisfied with my array of purchases.

As I stand, ankle-deep in a sea of Australia Post packaging, sprinkled over my bedroom floor, I stare blankly into my wardrobe hoping a ready-made outfit will jump out at me.

‘Why do my latest editions look so out of place?’  

I didn’t expect to find my New Year’s resolution in my cupboard, but there it was, staring me blankly in the face, a plethora of ill-fitting garments and prints that clash in a bad way. My New Year’s resolution is a more coherent wardrobe filled with versatile pieces, well-made basics and a few standouts to spice things up. Here’s to a year of savvy spending and snappy dressing with a few outfit compilations from my favourite labels.

Sass and Bide

BEG, BORROW, STEAL

jewelled harness

$350.00

LOVECAT printed tank

$120.00 

THE ANNOUNCEMENTzippora spray on jean

$90.00 

GLORIFY THEM embellished bra

$70.00

Bardot/ Sportsgirl

Bardot, Tile print dress $99.95

Sportsgirl, Summer Creaper Sneaker $29.95AUD

Sportsgirl, Lip Jam Peach $5.95

Sportsgirl, Cut Out Sun Hat $29.95

Zimmermann

Valiant Mirror Check Shirt

$245.00

Silk Tie Short

$140.00

White Puffy Sandal

$315.00

Mania Mania Myth Bangle

$130.00

Ellery

BUTTER CUP RUCHED CROP TOP $480

Samantha Wills:AQUARIUS BANGLE - ROSE

AUD $99.00

E L L E R Y ET GRAZ CREMASTER ANGULAR frames fairyfloss

$330

Comrade CROPPED PANTS $460

Who is Miroslava Duma?

The pint sized fashion powerhouse has rocketed straight to number one on my list of fashion muses. Former Harper's Bazaar Russia editor, Duma recently founded rockin' fashion and lifestyle website, Buro 24/7. As an established style icon with close links to Chanel, Bur­berry, Louis Vuitton, and Ralph Lauren, she is cultivating Russia's relatively new foray on the fashion scene.  

The Quick Fix

It's Tuesday, exactly one week until payday. And with the pursestrings pulled tight, an online shopping exhibition to my favourite haunts proves to be bittersweet. With Manning Cartell and Zimmermann calling my name, I have no choice but to stifle their seductive voices to a whisper, until next payday.

No one ever said budgeting was easy...

In place of my favourite designers, a new, unfamiliar posse have captured my imagination. A guilt-free shopping experience. Offering the same high as a delivery from Shopbop. Here are some cheap but oh so cheerful purchases to keep you satisfied between paydays.

Mink Pink-  CAT SUNGLASSES - SHINY CRYSTAL TEA $39.95

Witchery - Coated snake print short $79.95 

Bardot - Lace bra-let $34.95

Cotton On - Tamzyn studd tote $39.95

Diva - $29.00 

Child of Wild  - KHOLKHAL GOLD ANKLET $39.00

Jesse's Girl (Copycat Post)

The cut-out heel on Alexander Wang's Anouck boot had me hook, line and sinker. But the $650 price tag meant left my tootsies out in the cold (and by that I mean trawling through Ebay to find pre-loved steel). Over the course of several months and countless hours spent Ebaying, a promotional email from Tony Bianco saw the end of my quest.

I present to you, JESSE, Tony Bianco's (perhaps not so original) take on the cut-out heel. And the subject of my latest 'Copycat' post. 
What's more, this style is now on sale for a bargain price of $120 AUD! The heal detail is available in a gold, polished black or silver.

Alexander Wang

Tony Bianco

What's in Storer

Ryan Storer's latest lookbook showcases what your ears will be wearing this party season.

Winter Warmers

I'll be the first to admit that I have not yet mastered the art of layering. And with winter descending upon my hometown the thought of venturing out into the cold is enough to give me a chill.

So here is a list of my favourite winter warmers.

Embellished beanies are a great source of colour to offset winter 2013's monotone takeover. This cameo beanie comes in an array of colours. It is made by label, Silver Spoon, known for warming the heads of superstars such as Rhianna and Rita Ora.

http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/product_details.php?id=808415  

Don't let your dresses lament at the back of your wardrobe over winter, invest in a pair of statement tights, like these from House of Holland.

http://shop.houseofholland.co.uk/collections/tights

These ASOS super long, super soft gloves come at a super low price.

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Super-Soft-Long-Gloves/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2318671&cid=11990&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Grey

If a beanie just isn't your style splash out on one of these adorable hats by Gladys Tamez.

http://www.my-wardrobe.com/gladys-tamez

Why should my love at all thing mesh-panelled stop at dresses? These ASOS socks are too cute!

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Sheer-Stripe-Sock/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2721472&cid=7657&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=White

This spotty scarf is sure to add some cheer to your winter wardrobe. 

http://www.theiconic.com.au/Spot-Scarf-101217.html

Bejewelled

Credit where credit is due, Kristen Stewart dazzled at the "Snow White and the Huntsman" Aussie premiere. But it would be hard not to dazzle dressed head to toe in this heavily embellished Balmain ensemble.  

If you want to channel your inner Kristen (leave that sourpuss at home), Australia's own Shakuhachi have created a few heavily embellished items for maximum impact at a minimal price.  I found all of these items in the sale section of their e-shop. 

You too can find them at:

 http://www.shakuhachi.net/