Thread

I was a bit worried about work today. Usually I’m prepared to shrug off any comments but I was feeling a little, delicate, today and if anyone questioned me I am almost sure I would have kicked them in the shin. And that’s not a good career move.

My fears were allayed as soon as I got in the lift this morning and the HR lady commented that she liked my hair clips. Win. Then my boss said she liked my nail polish. Epic win.

I mean it’s not as though I was indecent or anything. After all, I’m wearing tights, a skirt and a button up shirt. They just happen to clash. But if you look real closely, there is a thread. Allow me to direct you.

The leopard print tights share both the red of the shirt but also the darker shade of the skirt - which in turn has both a check pattern and a bluey colour that matches the check shirt - which has a faint yellow stripe - which works with my yellow skull and cross bones.

Not to mention of course the red of the paisley clip with the red of the skull clip which, wouldn’t you know it, matches the skull necklace.

Hair clips: Sportsgirl & gift
Shirt: Target
Necklaces: Gifts
Singlet: Was Mum’s
Skirt: Myer
Tights: Target
Boots: Myer

The "S" Word

Tomorrow is the last day of winter. I may just wear all black to mourn its passing. Sure I might have enjoyed sitting on a blanket in the sun yesterday, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready for it to be spring already.

It was a bit of a big weekend at the ol’ Casa del Sailors. Well, it was a big Saturday night really. It just sapped a good part of my Sunday along with it. We went to dinner for Skenty’s birthday (happy birthday Skenty!) and then onto the Bang Bang Boss Kelly EP launch at the Old Museum. It was a great night.

OK, maybe I am a little excited about all of the BBQs, lawn bowls and Sunday sessions in the sun that the warmer weather brings.

I’ll be especially excited if I can find some of the dresses that I’ve been imagining in my mind. I’m talking a respectable length that doesn’t need tights to save the day. Unlike this guy. He’s been good to me, I’ve got to say. I’m so much happier with it than I ever thought I would be at first glance. It’s light, comfortable and flattering.

But like the majority of the things in my closet right now he’ll be making his way to the bottom of a suitcase in the spare room wardrobe before too long. Unfortunately Queensland weather does not lend itself to layering once it hits any season beginning with “S”.

Blazer: Target
Shirt: Myer
Dress: Myer
Belts: Myer
Tights: ?
Shoes: Vivienne Westwood

Saturday
Broach worn as hair pin: Gift
Blazer: Target
Shirt: General Pants
Singlet: Big W
Ring: Diva
Skirt: Was Mum’s
Tights: Dangerfield
Shoes: Vivienne Westwood

Head Over Heels

Today is a good day. Good things are afoot my friends. Good things.

And I'm not just talking about my new shoes (do you see what I did there?) that I absolutely love to the power of infinity. But while we're on the topic, let's discuss them shall we? Aren't they just the most gorgeous thing you've seen? Well I certainly think they are. They were my first proper purchase after my shopping ban. I got them last week. If you do the maths, that means I went an additional 2 weeks over the ban. It was strange, I just couldn't bring myself to shop.

I saw these beauties earlier in the month and fell head over, well, heels with them. They're much higher than anything that I've worn in years but the leather, the design, I just had to have them. I could see them taking me from these last days of winter, through spring, summer, autumn and then back around again. I could see me walking in them. I could see me owning them for years to come. I could also see the price tag on them.

So I took The Man with me one day for some outside perspective. I tried them on. I took them off. I tried them on again. One foot was a little tighter than the other (that's OK, it will stretch, right?) and there were marks on them. This was a sign not to get them. So I gave them back to the sales lady and walked away. A week later I was still thinking of them. I decided to try them at another store. The first pair were marked too but not the second ones. And sure, the left foot was a little tight but it will stretch, right? So I bought them. I honestly don't remember the last time I deliberated over a purchase for so long. I don't want to say that I was an impulse shopper, but I was an impulse shopper. And I think that, if anything, is what has come from the shopping ban. I'm thinking things through. I'm conscious. I'm preferring quality to quantity.

I survived a month without buying anything new, what's another week or two? And I have to tell you guys, it feels good.

Blazer: Kmart
Monacle: Gift
Dress: Myer
Belt: Myer
Watch: Lovers, Saints & Sailors
Shoes: David Jones

Turns Out

I thought today I might be an old timey sheriff in a western town. You know, on the Frontier and all? But it turns out I’m not. Turns out I’m more like a 70’s type girl from some southern American town. Maybe I work for a newspaper. Maybe I’m a research student at the local university. Or at least I am when I’m wearing my glasses. I bet I’m friends with someone that works the campaign trail.

Another most excellent necklace from my Mum. The lady knows me, what can I say? My favourite charm is the plastic fist. They’re all pretty great though. I particularly like what she finds for me because often it’s not something that I would necessarily get myself but I absolutely love it. It’s good to step outside of that comfort zone every so often. How will you know if you like something new unless you try it?

I love the cut out paisley design on this vest. I’ve had it for quite a while but not worn it anywhere near as often as I thought I would. I think perhaps the warmer weather may just be its time to shine.

Vest: Kmart
Shirt: Target
Necklace: Gift
Skirt: Target
Ring: Gift
Boots: Thrifted

I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself

I’ve been wanting to wear this dress with the purple tights and cardigan for a while. I just don’t know if I really like it now that it’s done. Mostly I do. It’s the cardigan that’s got me second guessing. I think I’d prefer it if it wasn’t a V-neck. Still it’s not the worst thing in the world.

I’m particularly happy with the little floral accents around the place.

Plus I’m warm which is good because it’s been decidedly cold today. Which is just fine. I know Spring is around the corner and that Spring is really code word for Summer which is secretly code word for hot as hell.

Hair slide: Gift
Scarf: Myer
Cardigan: SES Fashions
Dress: Myer
Belt: Kmart
Ring: Sportsgirl
Tights: Target
Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Get Out!

I’ve reminded myself a little of Elaine Benes today. It happens when I wear Mary Janes and socks. Particularly white socks. Mostly ankle socks but apparently knee highs too. Plus there is quite an early 90’s vibe to the rest of the get up.

When my boss saw me this morning she commented that today’s outfit was… “different”. In that tone too. I told her that I had to keep pushing the boundaries and she agreed that I definitely do that.

Checks and polka dots don’t seem that “different” to me but I suppose they’re not really a wardrobe staple for a lot of people. Certainly not a work wardrobe staple. I’ve found it interesting to see the difference over the last year or so with work clothes. It used to be that we made sure a load of blacks were washed right away on the weekend so that we’d have clothes ready for work on Monday. Now I will wash and wear whatever I feel like regardless of colour. I always ensure that I am decent, modest and groomed but I won’t limit myself to a “work skirt”. I’ll wear a blazer when I want to wear a blazer. And you know something’s up if it actually forms part of a suit.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that...

Flannelette: The Reject Shop
Necklace: Gift
Dress: Cotton On
Singlet: Target
Belt: Myer
Socks: Myer
Shoes: Chemist

Smooth Sailing

This isn’t a terribly “winter” outfit is it? But then, since when have I ever cared of dressing season appropriate…

I’d had the idea to pair this cardigan and dress together but when I was given these earrings I just knew they’d be the perfect addition and so it all came together. I’ve been very lucky with all the treats I’ve been getting. Someone out there must really like me.

You’ll notice that I have both of the earrings in my right ear. This is not an attempt to be particularly hip. It seems that whenever I put an earring anywhere near my left ear these days it gets all indignant. The right one is perfectly placid and happy to display both on the other hand. I asked The Man why this was the case and his response was that I was a pirate. Clearly.

I have to say, I feel better knowing…

Earrings: Gift
Necklace: Gift
Cardigan: SES Fashion
Shirt: Was Mum’s
Dress: Myer
Belt: Cotton On
Tights: Target
Shoes: City Beach

A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall

My Mum gave me this awesome necklace last night and then it rained today! Perhaps tomorrow I'll have her give me one with a bunch of money tacked on it.

I couldn't get a shot that did it justice but it's a girl shielding a ghost from the rain with her umbrella. That's right. A girl shielding a ghost from the rain with her umbrella. The sheer coolness of this concept boggles the mind. And yet, here it is, around my neck. Thanks Mum!

Today is a good day. I took place in a super awesome personal safety seminar (No fooling, ladies if you're in Brisbane it's free. I can't recommend it enough. Hit me up if you want info.) then had an extended lunch that involved chocolate caramel fudge and peanut butter gelati. I know, right?? And then an early mark on account of I worked late last night. Hooray!

And now, onto the weekend. Have a great one guys.

Jacket: Hand me down
Necklace: Gift
Jumper: Cotton On
Singlet: Was Mum's
Skirt: Myer
Tights: Myer
Boots: Myer

Black Plus White Equals

I’m working approximately 156 hours today. We’ve got an event tonight so it’s time for the respectable dressing again.

Ta da! Black and white equals respectable, right? And my anatomical jewellery is black and white so regardless, it’s gotta be respectable. Right?

Right.

Cardigan: Myer
Broach: Tim Burton Exhibition
Necklace: Lovers, Saints & Sailors
Dress: Kmart
Belt: Cue
Tights: Myer
Shoes: Chemist

Challenge V4

Today's outfit is courtesy of another challenge by The Man. For those of you new to the challenge you can see more here, here and here.

Before the show last night (which I didn't end up seeing because I was sick and went home, *boo hiss*) I realised that I didn't have anything planned for today. Knowing that we wouldn't be home until late I issued a challenge to the man to think of something from my wardrobe and I'd try and imagine something up throughout the night. He chose this shirt (same as the first challenge) and threw in a head scarf of my selection for bonus points.

I actually wore something very similar (different shirt - no scarf) to this the other weekend when I went suit shopping with Donnie. I like how the prints here are both small flowers.

Ebony and I realised that we both have this same scarf! Thank you chain stores ;)  This is how she wore hers the other day. I have to say, this is my favourite way to wear it and I actually don't think I've styled it any other way. That may just be a challenge...


Scarf: Jay Jays
Shirt: Thrifted
Belt: Myer
Shorts: Myer
Ring: Gift
Tights: Gift
Shoes: Big W

Run

This is my Bjork inspired hairstyle. I guess that’s why it reminds me of the 90’s. So I went with boots and a floral print dress to seal the deal.

We’re seeing a show at The Zoo tonight. Dead Letter Circus. I haven’t seen them in years and it will be good to catch up with friends again. We’re gonna stick around in the city until the gig so I had to wear something that could go from office to rock show. Now, if this were a magazine article I would simply change my lipstick colour and remove my jacket or something. This isn’t a magazine though (gosh, what gave that away? Sorry, it appears my adolescent sarcasm came back with the 90’s look) and I’m not changing a thing.

I like the little bit of an edge this necklace gave the outfit. Everyone is rocking the guns and skulls (me included) and other tough pieces around their neck. Me? I’ve got the scissors. And I’m not afraid to run.

Necklace: Sportsgirl
Blazer: Kmart
Dress: Cotton On
Singlet: Myer
Belt: Myer
Arm warmers: Gift
Tights: ?
Boots: Myer

The Reverend Red

So it appears my brain has now been replaced by a vibrating, pulsating, serrated ball of fire. I’ve been battling this headache all day with no success so once I’m done here I’ve got a date with a dark room.

It was Cupcake Day for the RSPCA at work today. In honour of the occasion I wore my only animal print. You know it was actually a happy accident. I thought over the weekend that I should do something animal related and then promptly forgot until I’d gotten dressed this morning. Then I looked down and silently applauded my subconscious for being on the ball.

Here’s my creation. I dubbed them “Chocolate Coma Cakes”. What we've got, friends, is chocolate cupcakes with Chocolate Buttons in the middle, topped with ganache, more Chocolate Buttons, Maltesers, M&Ms and more ganache. I’m pleased to say they were snapped up rather quickly.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to staple the skin between my fingers. Why? Anything’s gotta feel better than this headache…

Head scarf: Myer
Jacket: Was Mum’s
Badges: Various
Shirt: Valley Girl
Broach: Gift
Dress: Myer
Belt: Cue
Tights: Target
Shoes: Nova