I have nothing to say to this – except YUK.

I dont know if you remember but a while ago, actually right at the start of this blog I did a post about weird shoes which went on to be my most popular post yet.

Since then I get emailed pictures of weird shoes, I dont have a fascination for weird shoes… I just was bored one day googling strange fashions.

Anyway I was sent this one just recently from Kelly (Thanks by the way!) and almost dry reached when I opened it up.

YUK. What do you think?

I have been invited to the Races in a few weeks, I havent been to a fancy “get dressed up” kind of do in ages – so Im focusing some real thought into my outfit.

I am not 100% set yet on my dress, but I thought I would start out with this one and see how it goes, here it is below:

H&M Silk Style Jade Colour Dress – purchased for $5.99 from Savers (I know, addicted!)

I tried this on and the fit was great – so I had to buy it, only thing is I’ve never worn this colour before and I really need some tips on what to wear with it… so I am reaching out to you, my fashion friends!!

I am thinking of nude/beige accessories – like some cute platform peep toe heels, and a nude/beige clutch bag.   Even though its the races, apparently with this particular race meet the whole hat/fascinator thing isnt as popular as it is in Spring time when the carnival is on.  So Im thinking I might skip out on the head piece this year… unless I happen to find something amazing.

I thought if I brought new shoes, bag and accessories I could wear them again, but with a fascinator it would probably just sit in my cupboard and collect dust and Id never wear it again.

SO – help me out here on the jewellery front, I have been through my cabinet of jewellery and really only thought the below necklace COULD possible work. I did however want something a bit more “Statement”

As mentioned in my previous post, I have found a new love.  Recycled Clothing.

Alot of people turn their noses up when you mention the word “OpShop” not me though…. Op Shopping first began with me when I was 19 with an ex Boyfriend of mine who was very eclectic in his tastes, he used to wear pork pie hats, ties, leather jackets, corduroy pants, braces, fedoras – anything with this sort of old charm, he wore it and boy did he wear it well. He was an artist and also a guitar player with this magical smooth and soft beautiful scratchy groaning voice, he also wrote poetry.  He was the love of my life (when I was 19!).

He and I used to go to the Op Shops together, he worked part time in retail, I was studying a diploma in Business – needless to say my bizarre love for him and the fact I was always so busy drove me to drop out of my course and get a job – so I could spend more time with him! (stupid stupid!!…. dont worry, Ive since been back to finish the course).

At 19 I was of course still trying to find my identity and my fashion… so whilst he had his all under control, I wasnt so sure.  I painted myself as a “Indie” but I wasnt, I think back 8 years ago and I knew I was meant to be this well dressed everything matching kind of girl, but I tried to protest against it.

I remember a few of my purchases – a cropped punk blazer, some hideous brown wide leg pants, some chequered vans skate shoes with cherries on them, vintage hats, and awful memories of a tapestry handbag with a large pink flower sewn on! cringe.

I am proud to say that my Vintage hunts these days involve a 27 year old girl who KNOWS her fashion and what suits her.  These days I hunt for designer labels, vintage pieces that fit like they were made for your body despite being made many years before you were even born.

I Op Shop almost every weekend, or when Im bored… if I have a few hours to fill, I get in my car and go! I only visit Savers though.  They are a “Recyle Superstore” I dont tend to visit just your regular ‘Salvos’ or little independent op shops, I know Savers will always have a guaranteed find, where as you really need to have the patience to find a winner in the smaller stores.

However, one thing I dont understand is the pricing at Savers, whoever prices those things is in another world of thinking, for example:

Yesterday a brand new GAP jumper still with tags (rrp $79) with a Op Shop price of $40. Really, I know its new, but I reckon thats what GAP would charge if the item went on Sale. I would be eager as to know how long that jumper stays in store for, I dont think anyone goes to the Op Shop to pay $40 for a hoodie.  Also, a Cooper St dress for $35, I was suckered in by this one and brought it because its stunning. (Will post photos!) but I couldnt help but think for an Op Shop that it was a little expensive.

But then the opposite end of the scale, I got a Witchery Silk Beaded Singlet for $3.99 and a H&M Silk Jade Dress for $5.99, a Roxy snow jacket for $9.99, all of which I thought were perhaps priced too low.  Also found the most BEAUTIFUL Mimco shoes for $9.99, but couldnt bring myself to buy someone elses worn shoes. Would you have done it?

Savers are based only in Melbourne (sorry for all the non melbourne readers!). There is also a store in SA.  Below are their details and opening hours:

Okay, so here’s the thing. I know I owe the regular readers some sort of MASS apology.

Its been a year since I’ve been here. What a long time, and gosh how much has changed!

I am still single and have been amidst of a huge weight loss challenge and exercising like some crazy woman – I decided I would blog about that huge chapter, as Im quite passionate these days on healthy eating and exercise – so you can check that out here: howskinny.wordpress.com

Anyway upon starting that blog, which was connected to the same account as this one, I realised how much I missed contributing to this one! So Ive decided… to get back into it!

My fashion has changed since I last used to post.

I have lost over 20kgs, so I can wear much more fashion than I used to be able to, I have also moved to the beach, quite an expensive area in Melbourne – so, my purchases have become more about quality than quantity as I now have other things I need to budget for like rent, food and my dog!

I have been spending a crazy amount of time in my new favourite shop – SAVERS! And I actually hope to share quite a few of the things Ive brought in there over the next few days with you.  I tell you, theyre the best for labels at cheap prices!

Anyway… I vow this time to keep this up!!

I will be back in a few days with photos, and new things to show you!

I have no idea when my last post was, but Im guessing it was a fair few long months ago.  Lately Ive been getting emails with alot of blog comments to approve, I still drop by to approve them, but havent had the time to start posting again – but today I thought, its time!

2011 is going to be a massive year in fashion, so I thought I better capitalise on that fact for my readers.

2010 was huge for me, I split up a long term (6 year) relationship (I was reading back on some old posts recently and would like to say I take back all of the nice things I ever said about him!!) took my house deposit money and went overseas for 2 months.  Hence why I havent been here.

My trip overseas opened my eyes to another world of Fashion – London Winter has the most spectacular fashions at such great prices.  Shops like Topshop, H&M, Dorothy Perkins, Next, New Look and Primark (which is like a Kmart but with just SO MANY better clothes!)   I spent SO much money over there I had to buy another suitcase and pay hundreds of dollars in excess baggage to get it all back over to Australia.  But looking in my cupboard now, it was worth every single penny!

London Winter is all about tailored coats with big gold buttons, furs, scarves, boots, layering – and my favourite… HATS! I am a massive hat fan, but in Melbourne no one really wears hats that much so I tend to take a back seat and not really wear them, aside from the odd beanie in winter or a Trilby Fedora in Summer.  I brought 12 hats in London, sadly – I dont think I will be wearing any of them here… some have made it to eBay, some I still stare at adoringly every day wishing it was cold enough to wear them.

Anyway…. Im back.  And it’s getting chilly in Melbourne – the other week I dragged all my leather jackets out of storage (and brought 2 more yesterday!) Today Im wearing my very favourite Houndstooth scarf (Primark for 1 Pound! hearts!) and my boot boxes have been dusted off and are ready for wearing!

I have got so much to update you on, I have been shopping up a storm – Ive also started a eBay seller account, well for my previous readers you will know I’ve always had one, but have really picked up on it.  I’ve lost 15kg in the last 6 months, so alot of clothes have had to be shunned from my cupboards and sold.  I will be doing a post in the coming weeks about eBay selling accounts as I get readers emailing me alot about wanting to start one but being too scared or unsure of how to do it! Its easy, and Im here to help.

I love hearing from you all, so please comment – or email me any time…. if you would like posts done about particular things, please dont hesitate!

I promise to stick around this time too!

Take Care.

Charlie xox

I have recently realised that I spend a large amount of money on beauty products, and spend alot of time applying these beauty techniques. 

Make up, Face Masks, Nail Polishes, Cleaners, Toners, Moisturises, Creams, Oils… you name it, I love it!  I find that I’m always telling people these little tricks and tips etc, but they find them ever so weird… (most of them are normal I promise).

So, thought Id document some of my beauty tips that I absolutley swear by (grab a coffee – theres sure to be a few).

1. Run, Walk, Exercise & Drink HEAPS of water! Thats the most important one!  Not only is it good for your health, it also fights cellulite, stretch marks and promotes good skin and inner health

2. Egg White facial.  Whisk 1 x egg white in a bowl and apply to face until dried (about 20 minutes) you will thank me, if you havent tried this before! Its MAGIC!

3. Asprin Facial.  Mash up a few asprin in a small mixture of water – rub over face, wait until dry – this really zings up your face and cleanses it out

4. Mud Mask – enough said, love these things!

5. ALWAYS have painted nails and toes (fresh paint too – no chipping! )

6. Drink at least 3 cups of Green Tea each day (more if you want…)

7. Rub foot cream on every night – then wear special gel socks to bed (they keep your feet unbelievably smooth, like babies feet!!)

8. Hand Cream – at least 3-4 times a day.  My Mum has age spots on her hands, so she has educated me to do this from such a young age.

9. Exfoliant Shower Gel – not just normal gel, ones with exfoliating beads, use with a loofah to take of dead skin cells … if you want to use a Body Polish after I recommend St Ives. ($9.95 from Supermarket)

10. Never be stubbly – anywhere!

11. Body Moisturiser ever night on legs, arms, decollatage and stomach

12. Rose Hip Oil for good skin once every few days, you can also use a couple of drops of this in your hair if you want

13. Moroccan Oil for hair - ultra expensive at around $50 a jar but is the BEST hair care ever! I recommend buying on eBay as it is cheaper from overseas

14. L’Oreal Collagen Filler Night & Day Creams are my face, along side the Collagen Filler eye cream – fantastic thick and creamy moisturisers that do what they claim.  $35 each in the supermarket (I found a seller on eBay that Sells the Day & Night cream for $25 for both and the eye cream for $13!) BARGAIN!

I know it sounds like alot, but these are the things I do quite often… doing stuff to my skin and hair makes me feel like Im doing good to it – and when I cant actually apply the techniques I always drink plenty of green tea and water and do alot of walking.  And of course, always use good make up brushes and be sure to replace make up regularly to avoid germs!

Tell me… what are some of your beauty hints and tips?

As you know, Ive been on a very tight budget (for our house deposit) however, recently I’ve made $1200 on eBay just from a closet cleanout so I thought I would take some of that money and spend a little bit on myself… thefore, in turn meaning I can update!

Check out a couple of my excellent eBay (Der, where else!) finds in the last few weeks… needless to say Ive spent alot of time sitting at my desk waiting for the Postman to arrive with my goodies!

 I know I am a bit late jumping onto the bandwagon, but I totally ADORE these ‘Ray Ban’ Wayfarers! Ive had a fake pair from Cotton On for a while, but recently lost them, so figure Id just replace them with the real deal. 

 a NARS brush, I havent got it yet – but how good does it look! Ive been updating all my make up the past few months… and have now developed a very good range of MAC eyeliners and brushes, I am excited to try this one out.

 This MARC JABOBS key chain has been my most favourite purchase in a really long time! It’s always easy to find my keys in my bag nowdays.  Its a gold metallic snakeskin pattern with gold hardware, AND a bargain!

 Perhaps the priciest purchase in recent weeks is this 14k solid gold chain with engravable disc pendant.  All of the celebs are wearing them these days and they look so chic and classy.  Recently I brought a Tiffany silver disc pendant and I love it, but I alternate gold and silver almost daily, so I wanted a gold one too.  I am thinking of getting mine and my partners initials monogrammed onto the front with our anniversary on the back.  But we will see! Any suggestions?

Ive brought plenty more on eBay in the past few weeks – I like to think of it as my one stop shop, you can get ANYTHING on there for a fraction of the price.  But, these things arent worth showing you… eyelines, OPI Nail Polishes, etc etc etc!

Ive been selling away too! I will update you with my current auctions next!

xox

Octave Nails, 202 Church St, Richmond  03 9428 1666 (appointment necessary)

Wow, a salon that uses OPI Nail Lacquer – Im just not used to that.  I was in nail heaven, it literally took me 20 minutes to choose the colour I wanted (I could only choose one, as I am one of those people who has to have the same colour nails and toes).

I chose my usual red – but swapped it last minute for a deep glossy plum colour. Here it is:

Of course, it doesnt look as good in the photos, its actually alot darker, I am so upset I didnt check the bottle for its name, as I would have brought it already.

Anyway, Saturdays jaunt at the Nail Salon has got me in an OPI frenzy – the colours are just so strong and thick and last so long.

Here are a few colours I am loving right now:

 ”Get me to the Taj” – A perfect colour for during the work week, that will go with anything, but your nails will still looks smashing!

 ”Kennebunk Port” – A perfect red! Saw this at the Salon, regretted not going for this colour.

For me, its one extreme or the other – light breezy nails or dark dramatic reds or dark purples.  I love painting my nails, and find it quite relaxing and very calming, however nothing beats sitting in a massage chair while people do your feet and hands at the same time, I feel like a celeb!

I believe that great nails make a part of any great outfit, and they should be looked after.

I have made it a little thing of mine that I be sure to get a Mani/Pedi each month!

She was wearing a chain necklace – a thin silver chain with a round thin circle disc, I have wanted something that looks like this FOREVER but have never been able to find anything! Ive tried eBay, jewellers and the only thing I can find is religious pendants, which I dont want. (I’d be preferable to gold, but I just cant find anything!)

I said  to her quick smart, “Where did you get that Necklace?” – she  said “Tiffanys”. I thought my chances were shot as I relate Tiffanys as high end expensive jewellery (but I guess its only their engagement rings and diamonds that are super pricey). When I got home I checked eBay (of course) and I found them, they are stunning – and its not exactly the same, its better!

The two I am looking at are:

So, I am going to be in a few bidding wars over the next few days I imagine! yay.

And, the chain isnt too long, so I can wear them with my other gold chain thats a bit longer.  Lately I have been wearing gold and silver together (I know, its breaking a fashion rule right?) but it actually doesnt look too bad! Once upon a time I was well against this, but I have so much nice jewellery I just want to wear it all together!

Anyway, Im off to see if I can find any more of these beauties on eBay, so I have some variety in my bidding!

Now, just to find out where on earth she got her GORGEOUS Chanel purse! (haha! kidding – but it was gorgeous!)