the wallspank blog

Kate Spade flats

2012-01-28T18:03:00.004+08:00

I couldn't resist these Kate Spade Finn flats which are currently $50 off at Endless. They will put some sparkle in my summer!

By the way, 42 degrees today, ick.

Silhouette Masterpiece Theatre

2012-01-26T16:16:00.010+08:00

I'm loving these prints by Wilhelm Staehle who describes himself as 'a horribly disfigured gentleman who often frightens small children...'

It's too darn hot!

2012-01-23T18:30:00.004+08:00

Look at poor Perth, baking in the summer heat. I think the heat has zapped my blogging mojo. Check out the forecast for the next week, it reads like a horror story, hibernation is called for.

Wednesday Very hot Min 24 Max 40

Thursday Very hot Min 26 Max 40

Friday Very hot Min 25 Max 39

Saturday Very hot Min 26 Max 42

Sunday Very hot Min 24 Max 40

Monday Very hot Min 23 Max 39

Shop online, avoid the crowds

2011-12-30T09:23:00.008+08:00

Perth has had a horror heatwave this week so the thought of venturing out was just too much, despite the sales! I've found that since I do the majority of my shopping online now, I have no tolerance for crowds, screaming children, people who stop in the middle of an aisle for a chat....grrrr.

So I've done my post-Christmas sales online!

I'm almost out of my discontinued (again, grrr) favourite matte lipstick and have been desperately looking for an alternative. I've read that the Nars velvet matte lip pencils are pretty fabulous so I hunted them down. In Australia, these retail for $45. No, no, no. After some web hunting I found them for $16! So I bought two.
Seriously, if you're in the market for make up, check out All Cosmetics Wholesale. They have all the big names at the most amazing prices, and shipping to Australia was about $5.

I couldn't resist popping back to the ASOS sale and buying another top. The ASOS Crepe Bow Shell Top is reduced from $60 to $30.

Then I nipped over to Dorothy Perkins and purchased a couple of dresses. The Black twisted slinky dress is reduced from 34 pounds to 20 pounds.
And the Purple bow front dress is reduced from 28 pounds to 20 pounds.

And so that was Christmas

2011-12-26T09:00:00.009+08:00

Boxing Day.... for me it's a day of laying on the couch and watching the cricket. Slack!

Christmas Day was lovely, lots of pressies under the tree...

The great majority of them were for my niece Angelina's first Christmas. She was excited!

But she seemed more interested in the wrapping paper and the baubles.

We had a lovely day, I hope you did too!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:26:00.004+08:00

Hmmm....here's the remains of the rumballs I prepared for Christmas Day. Unfortunately they turned into a Christmas Eve dinner and a Christmas morning breakfast.

Luckily there will be lots of Pavlova and Choccies to dig into at Christmas lunch anyway.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas! xx

ASOS sale!

2011-12-20T10:44:00.007+08:00

I completed most of my Christmas shopping yesterday, and when I got home there was a gift waiting for me in my inbox - an ASOS sale!

So I purchased a few gifts for myself.
Peoples Market Silk Top With Swallow Print, reduced to $48 from $135

ASOS Bird Print 40's Tea Dress, reduced to $45 from $85

ASOS Pencil Dress with Ruched Sleeve, reduced to $40 from $76

Happy days

2011-12-17T16:06:00.006+08:00

I have a rather major hangover today but it's for a good cause. One of my dearest friends Kathryn and her fiance Johnny (who I worked with before he met Kathryn) got married yesterday at the gorgeous Rose and Crown Hotel in Guildford.

Guildford is a beautiful suburb of east of Perth, filled with historic buildings.

The wedding was beautiful, very laid back and it was great to catch with lots of friends. I was honoured to be the MC for the wedding, I tried not to say anything inappropriate - and those of you who know me, would understand that was a struggle.

I hope I did Kathryn and Johnny proud and I wish them lots of love and happiness.

Danny Roberts

2011-12-11T20:37:00.010+08:00

I've happened across another gorgeous fashion illustrator. Danny Roberts sketches and paints contemporary models, I hope you like them as much as I do. Check out more of his work at Igor and Andre.

Oh Christmas Tree....

2011-12-05T19:08:00.006+08:00

As much as I love Chrissie decorations, I don't usually go overboard. But this year is my niece's first Christmas so we made the tree as sparkly as we could.

Spotswood was understandably excited, well as excited as a 13 year old gentleman can get!

Mid-century modern done right

2011-12-03T08:41:00.012+08:00

A friend who shares the same house tastes as my own just got back from a US holiday. He sent me a link to a house for sale in Palm Springs, California.

Apart from being blown away by such a gorgeous example of the mid-century modern design, I was astonished by the relatively cheap price of the house - $399,000. Now that may not be considered a 'cheap' house, but when compared to what you would find on the Australian market at that price, it's a steal.

I'd take an uneducated guess and say that you'd probably pay double the price in this market. Check out it's gorgeousness. Swoon.

Asos timed sale

2011-11-27T19:16:00.007+08:00

Asos is having a 24 hour sale on accessories, it ends at 7pm on Monday. Here are some items I'm considering. Click on the pics for a link to the item. Don't forget Asos shipping is free!
Suede Brogue Detail Satchel, reduced to $66 from $110

Leather metal buckle satchel, reduced to $71 from $118
Leather colour block satchel, reduced to $76 from $127

Etiquette for a lady

2011-11-18T19:52:00.011+08:00

I'm a big blog reader and I thought I'd start sharing some of my favourites with you. I mainly read fashion and design blogs, but a couple of months ago I came across Etiquette for a lady which fits into neither of these categories.

It's a blog that lists daily 'rules' for girls to live by, it tends towards the practical and avoids being too saccharine. Here are some of my favourites...

Should I go the faux?

2011-11-08T19:46:00.007+08:00

My new job has necessitated a new bag. I now have to carry around two phones and an Ipad, and they just wont fit in my current stock, what with the make-up, hairspray, purse etc.

I really need a satchel-type of bag, and not wanting to pay a fortune, I perused ebay and came across a seller that produces fairly convincing rip offs of designer bags. They are leather and
lovely, and cheap! But is it ethical? I think you'll agree, they are rather gorgeous...

A busy week

2011-11-05T21:11:00.004+08:00

Week one in my new job and I'm loving it! How can you not love a job where they give you an Ipad and Iphone on day one? The work seems really interesting, and the people lovely, so far so good!

I had lots of running around to do today and I ran into Coles to get some dog food and exited with a new top! Coles selling cool clothes, who would have thunk it? They have a new line of clothing called Mix and they have some really cute pieces, including some lovely little dresses
.
In other news, if you're looking for something fun to do tomorrow, the Dogs' Refuge Home in Shenton Park is having their annual Wet Nose Day. It's an open day held in conjunction with the Cat Haven, and they have lots of stalls, yummy food and a chance to meet all the lovely dogs.

The fun starts at 11.30am.

Perth goes Chogm crazy!

2011-10-29T21:12:00.004+08:00

Perth is hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this weekend. All of the heads of government from the Commonwealth nations are here and so is the Queen. I must admit to being a bit of a Royalist, I love all the pomp and ceremony.

Over 1oo,ooo people attended a barbecue on the banks of the Swan River to say their goodbyes to Her Majesty on her last day in Australia. Doesn't she look happy?It was a stunning day weather wise. I toasted her visit with a long boozy lunch at the pub. Before that I popped into the shops to get some hairspray and walked out with two pairs of pants and a lovely skirt. How does that happen during a shopping ban?

Hmmm, I think it's called an addiction.

I start my new job on Monday, so I'll put down this blip to nervous excitement. Yes, that's what it was.

My neglected blog

2011-10-23T21:37:00.006+08:00

I feel terrible that I've been neglecting my blog. I have had a horrible cold and after much tossing and turning I'm changing jobs after 12 years for the same employer. I love the people there but it's time for a change. Scary being the new girl again!

So today I had a lovely relaxing day at Hyde Park with my beautiful niece and came home and did a spot of shopping at the Asos sale. Check it out, lots of bargains to be had, I bought these...

Crankbunny floats my boat

2011-10-16T20:35:00.008+08:00

Check out these cool hand-cut paper puppets by Crankbunny. They can be framed and hung, so cool! They do some great animations too.

Back from Melbourne

2011-10-11T19:53:00.007+08:00

I've returned from another lovely trip to Melbourne. Unfortunately I brought a horrible cold back with me and have barely left my bed in two days.

It was pretty chilly for a Perthite (16 degrees) so I must say it was lovely to get back to a sunny 25 degree day.

I didn't have a great deal of time to shop as the purpose of the trip was for my Grandfather's funeral. He died two months short of his 99th birthday and had a lovely, healthy long life. As I've always lived in a different state from him, I unfortunately didn't know him that well. He was my dad's father, and my dad died when I was only 6. One of the amazing aspects of the funeral was meeting my dad's cousins for the first time and hearing stories about his childhood.

It was also the first time my three siblings and myself have been in Melbourne together (where we were born) and we had some great times visiting old haunts and reliving memories.

So to the shopping....

My 15 year old niece and I hit the city hard and spent a great deal of time at Zara. Amazing clothes and prices but I found that a lot of the smaller sizes had sold out. Hmmm, I did however purchase a lovely pair of pants and my niece got an amazing pink blazer and some ridiculously high, but gorgeous wedges.

Then it was off on the tram to ClearIt in Fitzroy. I love this shop, you can literally spend hours browsing the two floors packed to the brim. I came away with a couple of skirts and this top (although I got it in the black).

On Sunday we went to the South Wharf DFO where I purchased some much needed (hmmm) shoes. I got two pairs of work shoes from Siren at 30% off:

I also bought a pair of un-worky shoes from the Tony Bianco outlet, gorgeous:
Back to bed for me!

Off to Melbourne

2011-10-06T10:49:00.004+08:00

I'm heading off to Melburne tonight for the weekend. I shall be spending a significant amount of time here:

As well as Clearit in Fitzroy, Bridge Rd in Richmond and the South Wharf DFO. I'll let you know what I purchase on my return!

Don't shop, adopt!

2011-10-03T19:51:00.008+08:00

As some of you may know, I'm on the fund-raising committee of the Dogs' Refuge Home in Shenton Park in Perth.

They are an amazing organisation, run largely by volunteers, who rehome over 800 dogs a year. Check out the success stories for some heart warming tails (pun intended).

Many of the pooches that end up at the Home have begun their lives at puppy farms, often then bought as an impulse buy at a pet shop, and later discarded. At a meeting at the Home on Saturday we discussed the media surrounding the purchase of a designer dog by the Australian Prime Minister's partner as a gift for her birthday.

So wrong on so many fronts!

What message is this sending the community? Puppy farms often employ cruel practices to both the puppies and their mothers. The puppies often have terrible genetic issues that don't surface for a while, and when they do, the dogs are dumped.

Over 100,00 unwanted dogs are euthanised every year in Australia (not by the Dogs' Home by the way who do not euthanise dogs). Shouldn't the PM be sending the message that these dogs deserve saving?

Puppies, and all animals for that matter, shouldn't be given as gifts! They represent a committment of many years and should be a well considered decision.

I know Prime Minister Gillard is having a hard time of it of late, but I can't help but be horribly disappointed by this decision.

As such, I have started a campaign on Get Up to try to raise some debate around this issue. If you feel strongly about this, I urge you to click on the link and vote for this campaign and perhaps send a message to the Prime Minister that she should be sending a different message to the community about saving the lives of the many dogs on death row.

Glad to get that off my chest. Now check out some of the gorgeous pooches at the Home that are waiting for a loving home.

My love of fashion illustration continues

2011-10-01T21:16:00.008+08:00

I was at the hairdresser today, spending a lazy three hours maintaining my 'natural' blonde locks, haha. Anyhoo I was perusing a magazine and I came across an article on Australian fashion illustrator Kerrie Hess.

I was struck by the gorgeous simplicity of her work, and the way she uses pops of colour and patterns. Check it out.

Jessica Simpson shoes

2011-09-28T19:32:00.009+08:00

Jessica Simpson fashion icon? No, I wouldn't have thought so either. But I read a lot of fashion blogs, and quite a few of these ladies are donning her shoes.

So I took to Endless to peruse, and I really quite like her range. All of these are under $100 and most are leather, check them out.

Detachable collars

2011-09-22T19:47:00.010+08:00

I'm seeing a lot of detachable collars lately around the online stores recently, and think I may have to dive in a buy a couple. I love their ability to totally transform a top or a dress and give it a really pretty vibe.

These ASOS collars are all under $40...

Have you checked out Romwe yet?

2011-09-15T20:08:00.003+08:00

Romwe is one of those cheap and cheerful online stores which are quite fashion forward and update daily.

I bought this cute bracelet for $15 and it prompted me to peruse their other accessories. Here are some of my faves, all under $20!

Beautiful doggies

2011-09-05T18:52:00.012+08:00

This story brought a tear to my eye. Nearly 100 dogs helped search for survivors at the World Trade Centre following 9/11.

Only 12 are still alive and Dutch photographer Charlotte Dumas took these beautiful pictures of these grand old pooches.

New necklace

2011-09-05T17:20:00.000+08:00

I've been looking for a turquoise necklace for a while, so when I came across this one from Canadian Etsy seller Peeno123 for only $15, I had to buy it!

My perfect house

2011-09-04T16:00:00.015+08:00

This Swedish house is pretty much my ideal abode. Mid-century feel, timber ceilings and exposed white brick walls. Sigh.

Feature wallpaper

2011-08-29T21:52:00.009+08:00

I'm loving the use of wallpaper as feature walls. For me it's far more interesting than the usual feature painted walls.

Each of these pics come from the fabulous Stadshem, where I like to do all my fantasy real estate shopping.

A day in the sun

2011-08-20T20:09:00.008+08:00

Perth basked in a sunny 24 degrees today, not bad for mid winter. I spent the afternoon at The Royal Hotel on the waterfront in East Perth watching a cracking football match (Go Eagles!) drinking white wine and eating squid, yum.

East Perth used to be a bit of a dive but in recent years has been completely transformed into a gorgeous area to walk, eat, drink and live. Check out some pics.

We have a winner!

2011-08-13T09:44:00.004+08:00

Marnee is the winner of the wallspank giveaway! Congratulations!! I used the very scientific random.org to choose, so no challenges please, haha.

Marnee please have a look at the tushtush prints and email me with your choice and address and the print is yours!

Bargain cosmetics

2011-08-12T20:19:00.006+08:00

I've been on the hunt lately for some lovely cosmetics. I've been checking out reviews and researching prices.

My hunt has lead me to beautybay and I've been stunned by the amazing prices for some iconic items.

I've been looking for a great neutral palette of eye shadows and the reviews rave about Urban Decay's Naked Palette. Even on ebay, this sells for around $80. Beautybay sells it for $52! It comes with a eye primer as well.

I've been wanting to try the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat highlighter for a while, but with a price of around $75, it was a little too much to experiment with. Beautybay sells it for $27.50! Can't wait for it to arrive!
When it comes to fragrances, Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle, has always been a favourite. The cheapest I've found has been at Strawberry Net. I bought the 100ml Eau De Toilette spray for $135.

Wallspank giveaway!!!

2011-08-07T14:38:00.013+08:00

How would you like to win a FREE gorgeous print by Israeli artist tushtush?

You can choose from one of these four prints which are even lovelier in real life! All you have to do is head on over to wallspank and let me know which print you'd like and then tell me in the comments section below.

The competition will end midnight Friday 12 August and I will contact the winner to get your postal address. Easy!

My lovely facebook friends, will get a free entry by 'liking' this post!

Good luck!

The gentle path to the beyond

2011-08-05T15:46:00.003+08:00

Such a beautiful photograph, for more of Trey Ratcliff's photography and tutorials, visit stuck in customs.

Sabrina Garrasi

2011-07-31T19:19:00.016+08:00

I'm loving the work of Italian illustrator Sabrina Garrasi. She works with a range of media including ink, crayon, watercolour and digital painting. The result is beautiful.

{found via Trendland}

There's danger in that there inbox!

2011-07-30T12:21:00.003+08:00

I don't know about you but every morning my inbox is overflowing with emails from dedicated sales sites, my favourite stores offering all sorts of discounts and updates from my favourite ebay sellers.

One of the latter is JBR clothing, this dress was part of their update this morning, too cute!

A clever use of space

2011-07-28T20:59:00.012+08:00

I'm loving this Swedish apartment. It's tiny but beautifully designed with clever storage spaces, elevated 'bedroom' and that gorgeous Scandinavian flair.

Recent purchases

2011-07-24T09:42:00.008+08:00

I've nabbed myself a few bargains lately, and discovered some great online stores in the process!

How pretty are these shoes from Endless? This site is linked to Amazon and has an amazing array of shoes. The postage costs are great too - a flat rate fee of $10 for sales under $100, and if you spend over $100, postage is free! These shoes cost $36.

I picked up these Bonbon shoes from Ebay for $40.

I also discovered a store called Romwe that has cheap, cute clothing and free international shipping! I bought these tights for $7 each.

Bargains!

Ruche

2011-07-19T20:56:00.002+08:00

I'm loving this Ruche Sights of Geneva dress - only $55!

Scandinavian swoon

2011-07-13T18:04:00.011+08:00

I recently came across Swedish real estate website called Oscars. The apartments for sale are truly swoon inducing. I've loaded a number of pics on to my tumblr blog. Check them out.

Guilty pleasures

2011-07-10T18:04:00.013+08:00

I must admit to being a bit of a Royalist and have been following the North American tour of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I was a little underwhelmed by Kate's wedding dress - pretty but kinda boring.

I think she's redeeming herself on this tour (she will be so relieved I'm sure!). Her waist seems to be shrinking in direct contrast to her arms - check out the gun show!

I want her job, apartment, hair and clothes

2011-06-30T21:50:00.011+08:00

Surely that isn't asking much?? Vogue recently featured fashion designer Erin Featherston's New York apartment. Is envy a sin? If so, a sinner I am!

{found via Peacock Feathers}

Real estate lust

2011-06-27T13:58:00.008+08:00

I was doing my usual search on realestate.com.au of places in Melbourne that I could never afford to buy when I came across this amazing church conversion in East Melbourne.

The Cairns Memorial Church was completed in 1895 and then unfortunately gutted by fire in 1988. Since then it has been rebuilt as luxury apartments.

The styling doesn't do a lot for me, but the windows in this apartment!

La Mer Watches

2011-06-24T23:12:00.009+08:00

When it comes to watches I've always preferred the chunkier variety rather than the delicate versions. I just came across watch perfection. La Mer's handmade leather cuff watches are really floating my boat.

Reasonably priced too - these are all around $100.

Therapy Shoes

2011-06-23T20:22:00.003+08:00

I've been increasingly attracted to wedges with wooden heels for a while now, and despite the fact that it is mid winter (but hello Perth, feel free to drop below 21 degrees celsius at some point) I bought some!

And what a bargain! I picked up these Therapy Sedgewick shoes for the minuscule price of $19.95, down from $119.95! Yay!

Alannah Hill purchase

2011-06-22T09:27:00.007+08:00

I've been eyeing off the Charmed I'm Sure frock by Alannah Hill for some time. It started its life costing $419, and was listed on the ClearIt site for $149. Today they had 20% off all dresses so I took the leap and bought it!

The code is 'twenty' if you too would like to grab yourself a bargain. They have 20% off all frocks, jackets and coats.

Nom Kinnear King

2011-06-21T22:05:00.010+08:00

I recently came across the beautiful work of English artist Nom Kinnear King.

As far as I can see, she doesn't sell her work as prints, rather, she sells original work through galleries. Check out her blog for her upcoming London show.

My Clothes Horse Sale

2011-06-18T11:47:00.012+08:00

My Clothes Horse is an Australian online store selling national and international designer items at discounted prices. They are currently having a sale with some gorgeous pieces at amazing discounts. Here are some of my faves...

Wayne Cooper black dress with lace sleeves, RRP $250, reduced to $39.50

Aurelio Costarella Echoes Skirt in Black, RRP $470, reduced to $80

Wayne Cooper Fuschia Silk Tie Neck Top, RRP $295, reduced to $49.50

This dress also comes in black

Wayne Cooper Forest Green Ruched Green Jersey Evening Dress, RRP $395, reduced to $69.50

Tim Tammy Goodness

2011-06-05T10:55:00.003+08:00

Yesterday I ate an entire packet of Tim Tams. I hadn't had a Tim Tam in years, and yet in one day I consumed an entire packet. All 1065 calories. Hmmm. Don't go shopping when you're hungry kids!

Savage Beauty

2011-06-04T18:13:00.014+08:00

The Met in New York is holding an exhibition called 'Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty', a retrospective of the work of Alexander McQueen. It looks amazing. For those of us unable to visit, we get to enjoy some online highlights...

Creepy but beautiful

2011-06-01T20:55:00.007+08:00

Six Flags is an amusement park in New Orleans which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It was left abandoned. Recently a number of photographs were released of what is left at the site. Haunting and beautiful.

{pics via lovethesepics}

The little people project

2011-05-30T21:21:00.009+08:00

I'm loving the work of artist/photographer Slinkachu and his little people project...

Bad blogger!

2011-05-28T19:34:00.009+08:00

I've been a very bad blogger of late. I came down with a horrible flu. May have had something to do with standing on the tarmac at Tullamarine airport in Melbourne in pouring rain and then sitting in wet clothes on the four hour flight back to Perth.

I'm feeling 100% better now, so normal programming can resume!

I recently came across an artist whose work I love. I don't know much about him/her, but I find the art really interesting. Check out some of antimultivitamin's work...

30/30 Challenge

2011-05-20T11:22:00.005+08:00

BHP Billiton have been an amazing supporter of the Dogs' Home over the years through their dollar matching of the 30/30 challenge. The challenge involves 3 BHP employees walking 30 dogs, for 30 kilometres.

Each employee, James Pregnell, Gabriel Gnavi and Jeremy Thornett, can each raise up to $50,000 and the donation will be dollar-matched by BHP. This potentially earns the Dogs' Home $300,000. Wow!

If you were considering a donation, now's the time to do it as it will be doubled. Just go to the website to donate.

Here are some of the current residents that might inspire you to dig deep!

Angelique Houtkamp

2011-05-15T16:48:00.010+08:00

I visited the lovely Outre Gallery on my trip to Melbourne and they were featuring a great range of framed prints by Angelique Houtkamp. I just love her work.

Back from Melbourne

2011-05-14T10:20:00.037+08:00

Oh Melbourne, how I love thee. I just returned from another amazing visit to beautiful Melbourne, and lots of shopping was done! The weather was freezing (well in comparison to Perth) which I love because it means lovely jackets, scarves and boots. We stayed in Bourke St, about a block away from the mall, this was my view from the hotel..

I love a city scape!

I will photograph some of my bargains once I unpack and sort them all out, but if you're planning a trip I would thoroughly recommend catching the 112 tram out to Fitzroy to Clearit. I bought a beautiful Alannah Hill dress reduced from over $400 to $50. Bargain!

You should also catch the number 19 tram out to Sydney Rd in Brunswick and check out Episode which is the outlet store for Friends of Couture. Lots of bargains to be had there.

We also visited Bridge Rd and spent a lot of time in the city and laneways. My guilty pleasure is always those dodgy underground stores on Swanston St, I think they are called 7 Angels and Femme. They have some pretty ordinary clothes but they also surprise you with some cute things, and they are as cheap as chips!

Here's a random shop window near Melbourne Central, love the tatts...

All in all, a great trip. I'll photograph some of my bargains shortly!

Heading to Melbourne!

2011-05-05T19:31:00.005+08:00

I'm heading to Melbourne tomorrow and I'll be going straight to Fitzroy to check out some gorgeous new arrivals at ClearIt.

Etsy Favourites - Hopscotch Couture

2011-05-01T17:20:00.011+08:00

I'm loving these statement necklaces by Etsy seller Hopscotch Couture. She takes vintage jewellery and 'upcycles' them into beautiful individual pieces.

Alexey Kurbatov

2011-04-26T18:31:00.007+08:00

I'm loving the art of Alexey Kurbatov...
{pics via vlamboyent}

This seems appropriate for Easter

2011-04-24T20:59:00.016+08:00

Check out this amazing Church to home renovation in Holland. Just beautiful...

{Pics via Vlamboyant}

Melbourne shopping!

2011-04-22T14:00:00.018+08:00

I'm heading to Melbourne in a couple of weeks and I'll have my shopping schedule worked out with military precision. I plan to spend a significant time perusing ClearIt in Fitzroy, and here are a few pieces that I'll be keeping an eye out for...

Act like me frock

Somebody spot me frock

Chocolate crackle love top

Oh you little fool skirt

Ideas for displaying your wallspank prints

2011-04-18T19:58:00.009+08:00

Here's a few great looks for hanging your wallspank prints...

interiors p*rn, interior decline, varnishid, apple green apple

Pretty small shoes

2011-04-17T19:15:00.021+08:00

Are you afflicted with a case of small feet? Frustrated that the gorgeous pair of shoes you've got your heart doesn't come in your size? Well I have the shop for you (and me)!

Pretty Small Shoes sells beautiful handmade shoes in very small sizes (Aus 2 - 5, Eur 32 - 35). They ship worlwide for a reasonable flat fee, and while the shoe prices are a little steep (AU $200 for pumps and $200 - $300 for boots), don't forget that they are handmade from lovely leather. Here are my faves...

I want these boots BADLY!

Give a dog a home

2011-04-10T20:06:00.038+08:00

I'm on the fundraising committee for the Dogs' Refuge Home in Perth. The Home has a no-kill policy and the staff and volunteers do an amazing job rehoming abandoned dogs.

Unfortunately the Home is currently full the brim. Kennels intended for one dog have two or three dogs in them at the moment.

We desperately need homes for these beautiful dogs and volunteers who can help walk and play with them. If you or someone you know is looking for a dog, how about giving an abandoned dog a home. Did you know that you can even foster the doggies temporarily just to give them a break from the home? Read about the hundreds of success stories the Home has had over the years and be tempted! Here's some of our current residents, from small and fluffy to big and boofy, we have them all! Caitlin Minty Toohey Patches Jenna Finn Bruno Quincy Wilson Rusty

Penguin Classics

2011-04-01T08:19:00.006+08:00

How beautiful are these embroided Penguin Classic book covers by Jillian Tamaki?

Seasonal bargains

2011-03-29T18:25:00.011+08:00

There are some big advantages to living in the southern hemisphere. When shops in the US and England are having their winter sales, we're just moving into winter. Timing!

And lest I remind the Australian readers about the strength of the Aussie dollar at the moment? Our dollar is worth around $1.02 US. Here are some bargains you might want to check out from ModCloth.

Almond Extract Dress, reduced from $135 to $67

At the Platform Jacket, reduced from $85 to $40 Flock of the Bay Coat, reduced from $150 to $75 Guest House Sweater, reduced to $50 from $100 Cape May, reduced from $95 to $47

Mum and Dad

2011-03-28T18:31:00.022+08:00

My dad died horribly young, in his 30's, so I never really knew him. My mum died, also horribly young a few years ago, thankfully I have a lifetime of memories with her. I adored her and miss her terribly every day. My sister recently visited my 98 year old grandfather and discovered he had a number of slides which she had transformed (?) into photos and put on a disk for my brothers and I. They take us back to mum and dad in their prime, so in love and untroubled! And the fashion! I'd give my right arm for some of these dresses.

Pouting at a shrub....no judgement, concentrate on the dress!

From the right are mum, my dad's mum and my mum's sister Loris. Not sure who the other lady is. I'll take each of those dresses thanks.

Stylish grandfather Mum on the right and very stylish grandmother (dad's mum) second from the left

A heavily pregnant mum (with her fourth child) with an unknown lady with a pretty funky bathing cap. For those of you from Perth, this is in the Swan River at Crawley.

Sweet times

Screaming bargains

2011-03-27T13:22:00.011+08:00

It's horrible having a bad cold when it is so hot outside, but time spent laying in bed feeling sorry for myself, also meant time to sniff out bargains.

I came across a Chinese site that sells pretty fashionable clothing at ridiculously cheap prices, and by ridiculously cheap, I mean blouses for around $5!

Wholesale-dress wholesales (obviously) clothing to stores all over the world, but importantly, also retails to the likes of you and me. I bought 7 items, including 5 tops and a couple of accessories for $30 US. Postage was about $25, so all up a total bargain!

It will be interesting to see what the quality is like when they arrive. It will also be interesting to see the size of the shirts as they are 'free size'. The store carries a huge amount of clothes, and filtering isn't fantastic so put aside a few hours to go through it.

Here's a sample of what I bought....

Bowknot top in black $5.50

Lotus collar long sleeve blouse $5.95

Bowknot embellished blouse $5.41

Seventh sleeve lotus leaf blouse $4.86

Bowknot button back chiffon blouse $4.86

Red Dress Shoppe

2011-03-24T17:00:00.000+08:00

I absolutely love the Red Dress Shoppe, it features lovely retro style fashion at ridiculously affordable prices, here are some of my faves....

The Manhattan Shift Dress - $65

The Daisy Dress - $78

Lois Secretary Shirt - $29

Little J Shirt $34

Lulu Blouse - $48

Etsy Favourites - Goodbyebluemonday

2011-03-23T17:56:00.000+08:00

Well hello ladies! Love these beautiful plush dolls by Etsy seller goodbyebluemonday. How trendy are the outfits?

Inspiring interiors

2011-03-22T19:57:00.007+08:00

Here are some interiors that have caught my eye recently. They are featured on my tumblr blog, so check over there for more...

I'm loving...the Illamasqua ad campaign

2011-03-19T10:07:00.007+08:00

I'm loving the ads for Illamasqua's new Toxic Nature make up range. So creative!

Cute shoes at Lulu's

2011-03-16T20:10:00.015+08:00

I haven't visited Lulu's for a while, but stumbled across the site on my hunt for new wedges.

Great styles and sooooo cheap. Click on the pics to take you to the site.

Pretty dresses for sale

2011-03-13T19:17:00.015+08:00

Dorothy Perkins have taken up to 30% off all their dresses. Based in the UK, their international shipping rates seems really reasonable.

Here are my faves, all of these are under $AU65!

Who doesn't love a slide?

2011-03-12T15:31:00.007+08:00

This New York apartment was originally two single apartments. It has now been transformed into one penthouse apartment and a slide has been added to connect the levels.

Love it!

{pics via DigsDigs}

Beautiful Apartment

2011-03-09T12:41:00.009+08:00

I'm in love with this gorgeous apartment, for sale in....where else......Sweden.

Sigh. Any Swede's out there looking for love*?

*Must have gorgeous apartment

Welcome back Autumn

2011-03-05T20:10:00.011+08:00

Well it is officially Autumn - on the calendar anyway. I'm sure the temperature in Perth will drop below 30 degrees......eventually.

So as the weather cools, my thoughts turn to tights. Yes I'm THAT shallow. I found some really cute, cheap tights at ASOS.

Modcloth cabin fever sale

2011-02-28T12:14:00.000+08:00

Have you checked out the modcloth sale yet? It's amazing, but you need to be quick as there isn't a lot left.

Here are some of my faves...

Quelle Chic Dress, reduced to $39 from $130

So Important Dress, reduced to $45 from $150

Pristine Premonition Dress, reduced to $23 from $78

Low and Be Bold Coat, reduced to $45 from $150

Major and Minor Key Dress, reduced from $160 to $48

Please and Thank You Dress, reduced to $60 from $200
The Chic Challenge Dress, reduced from $105 to $31

Stay True Coat, reduced to $40 from $135

I have a tumblr blog

2011-02-27T18:12:00.003+08:00

I've started a tumblr blog full of lots of pretty pictures of interiors, fashion...basically things that inspire me, you can check it out here.

Enjoy!

Love this skirt!

2011-02-24T12:50:00.002+08:00

Yes I know I go on and on about Clearit Online, but when they are offering this gorgeous Alannah Hill skirt for only $69 , reduced from over $200, how could I not!

I want this top!

2011-02-22T22:07:00.004+08:00

Oh Alannah Hill you temptress!

I love this top, I want this top. But I need to be good....let's see how long I last. It's on sale for half price at clearit online.

Goldenink

2011-02-19T22:43:00.010+08:00

I'm loving this handcrafted jewellery by Goldenink. Made from porcelain, each piece is unique and hand painted.

Bhldn

2011-02-16T21:11:00.009+08:00

URBN, which is the parent company behind Urban Outfitters, Free People and Anthropologie, has expanded into a bridal boutiques.

Bhldn, which is features bridal gowns and 'event dresses' that have a vintage style that is just stunning...

Etsy Favourites - Raine Style Home

2011-02-15T20:09:00.007+08:00

I have featured the Etsy shop Raine Style Home before but I just took a trip back to the shop and fell in love with these woodland creatures.

Handmade made from artificial grass I think they'd look adorable inside or out.

Ideas for displaying your wallspank prints

2011-02-13T00:05:00.011+08:00

Here are some lovely ideas for hanging your wallspank prints...

{images via chutzpah, design sponge, not my beautiful home}

Beautiful Swedish apartment

2011-02-09T19:50:00.012+08:00

Ah the Swedes.....are they born with an innate sense of creating stylish bright interiors with gorgeous light and pops of colour? It would appear so. Here's proof...

{images via freshome}

Girl crush - Olivia Palermo

2011-02-08T21:46:00.009+08:00

I don't know much about Olivia Palermo, but everytime I see pics of her she looks amazing.

Isn't she a stunner? I love her style, classic, but young. I have a major girl crush on her!

wallspank valentines picks

2011-02-06T18:09:00.006+08:00

Thinking Valentines Day? Think art!

Here are some lovely wallspank prints that will touch the heart.

Complete

Blossom

Healing

Mats Gustafson

2011-02-06T13:05:00.013+08:00

I'm loving the simplicity of these works by Swedish fashion illustrator Mats Gustafson.

Etsy Favourites - Talking Squid

2011-02-05T11:21:00.009+08:00

Check out the amazing wares of Etsy seller Talking Squid. All made from recycled t-shirts!

Some people are just ridiculously talented.

Snow storm

2011-02-04T15:10:00.003+08:00

How beautiful is this photo from the recent snow storm in the US?

Check out the rest of the pics here.

Alannah Hill.....yes again

2011-02-01T22:39:00.011+08:00

There are a few new lovely Alannah Hill frocks at Clearit, each retailing for well over $300 but on sale for $99.

Twinkle in the eye frock

I miss you sugary frock - these are 100% silk!

Catholic girls frock - I have a very similar Review dress and it's really flattering on. Love the back!

Inspiring interiors

2011-01-30T20:00:00.013+08:00

Well it's the start of another working week.

Perth was on high alert as a cyclone was headed our way but thankfully it petered out and all we got was a quick nasty storm. I'm house sitting my brother's house for a couple of weeks and have already had to deal with - ie kill - a huntsman spider and two cockroaches. argh!

I hope you all had a lovely weekend with minimal wildlife encounters.

Here to ease you into the working week are some interiors I found inspiring this week.

{images via apple green apple, desire to inspire, yvestown, not my beautiful home, mackapar}

Cheeky

2011-01-27T09:49:00.006+08:00

I'm loving these tea sets designed by Esther Horchner...

{found via design shimmer}

Happy Australia Day

2011-01-26T10:49:00.002+08:00

It feels a bit strange having a public holiday in the middle of the week. Nice though. Breaks the week into nice bite size chunks and kind of gives you two Friday nights!

So to the Australian readers of my blog, happy Australia Day! I'm off to a bbq with a great vantage point to watch the fireworks from. You can't get much more cliched than that!

Girl crush - Michelle Williams

2011-01-24T20:35:00.009+08:00

I just love Michelle Williams, well her fashion sense at least.

She always look so stylish in a kind of retro, yet classic, way. And what's not to love about the adorable pixie hair cut?

Garlands doing good

2011-01-23T13:00:00.001+08:00

No doubt you've heard about the devastating floods in Queensland. The Etsy store This neck of the woods is giving 100% of its profits to a couple who lost everything in the floods, until 7 February.

So if you're in the market for a gorgeous garland, buy now and do some good...

Neutral wedges

2011-01-22T11:55:00.005+08:00

A pair of neutral wedges are an essential addition to a girl's wardrobe in the hot Australian summer.

Betts have got this gorgeous pair on sale for half price!

Found via drop dead gorgeous

Nuno Da Costa

2011-01-20T21:16:00.008+08:00

I'm loving the fashion illustrations of London-based Nuno Da Costa.

His illustrations are hand drawn and painted with water colours and Gouache and then scanned, retouched and painted on Photoshop.

The results are stunning.

Asos

2011-01-16T12:00:00.000+08:00

Have you had a look around the ASOS site? It has an overwhelming range of on-trend and affordable clothes. Especially when you hit the outlet section.

I'm currently loving this ASOS Revive Embroided Cream Drop Waist Dress, it sells for about Au $68...