Country Road Autumn 2014 Purchases

In the same vein that I secretly wish for my wardrobe to spontaneously combust (so that I could buy all new stuff guilt free), I secretly wish for my kitchen cupboards to collapse from the weight of my mismatched crockery.  If this unfortunate event had occurred last week, I probably would have used my Country Road Spend and Save vouchers on some new tableware - so many pretty plates, dishes, bowls and platters!  Needless to say my kitchen cupboards are safely intact, and although my wardrobe did not burn down either, new clothes have been purchased.

As per usual, I spent an entire lunch break trying on all the new stock in the store.

I ended up with these pieces after much deliberation:

Print Fluid Dress - Although I have decided to stick to a palette of neutrals this year, this red dress is super flattering on me and suits my colouring perfectly.  I should point out that this dress is comprised out of polyester, meaning that I'll need to wait until the weather cools before I can wear it.  I've been told by Country Road sales assistants that Country Road is using more polyester to keep their price points down, but I would honestly rather pay $50 more for viscose - at least viscose breathes.

Quilted Bodice Dress - I have a couple of events coming up and I think this dress will be easy to dress up with some jewels when worn strapless. I especially like the soft silk/cotton voile fabric - so light and airy.

Texture Print Pant - Apparently these printed cotton pants are selling like hotcakes.  After trying them on, I can see why... they are cut beautifully and I especially like the narrow leg and slightly cropped length.  Of course I wish they came in plain black also.

Crew Neck Stripe T-Shirt - Ignoring the fact that it is a striped top and that I already own close to a million striped tops, I bought this one because the neckline is nicely scooped and it is loose through the body but not sloppy.  It looks very 'cool' on. I can't wait to wear it with skinny jeans and ankle boots.

What do you think of Country Road's new Autumn collection? Have you bought anything?

June: a month of extreme culling and shopping

I toyed with the idea of commencing this post with my name followed by the declaration that I am a shopaholic... but I will not. I will save this opening sentence for another month.

In June I culled over 30 items from my wardrobe.  My eBay tally from these sales exceeded well over $1,500.

I'm not sure how much I spent on new additions to my wardrobe, but I can guarantee that it was less than the above mentioned amount because I have some eBay proceeds left over.

Pictured below are just some of my purchases.  One is being worn to death, one was culled tonight, one has proven to be less comfortable than I imagined and one has not yet been worn. Can you guess which is which? What I am trying to illustrate here is that 2 years on from commencing my ideal wardrobe journey, I still make mistakes when shopping.

Witchery knit (culled) , Mimco scarf (worn to death), Witchery leather front leggings (still with tags) and A.P.C. booties (disappointingly uncomfortable).

Apart from these purchases, I also bought a chunky Country Road cardigan.  This cardigan was culled tonight, as well as the Witchery knit, after I decided that chunky knits should only be worn by those who are not so chunky.

Also hanging in my wardrobe next to the unworn Witchery leggings, are my unworn Everlane purchases - two silk shirts, four t-shirts and a cashmere cardigan. I'm looking forward to wearing these, but lately, due to the long mentally exhausting hours I've been putting in at work, I grab to wear what's easy and familiar. All the things I wore last Winter... why do I even bother shopping for new stuff?

Images sourced from: www.witchery.com.au, www.mimco.com.au and www.shopbop.com.

May Purchases... Thank you eBay saved searches!

Do any of my readers utilise eBay saved searches? I do and this is the second month in a row where something I have been looking for for months has finally turned up. Maybe due to the wardrobe culling trend taking the world by storm? And maybe this is was my sinister plan all along... to write about how good it feels to cull and eBay and then snipe all your culled bargains on eBay.

Anyways, back on topic, May was another lean month in the spending department (possibly I was subconsciously preparing myself for the blowout that June would prove to be - more on that another day). I have spent just under $200 and added the following items to my wardrobe:

Weekend by Jane Lamerton striped short sleeve top, Witchery long sleeve leopard sleeve sweat and Country Road 'Sian' biker boots

The Country Road boots are the same style that I took to the US with me last year and then unceremoniously culled (maybe a little before their time) to make room in my luggage for all the shopping that I did.  I have missed them a lot, but now I have them back!  The morning of the auction ending I set two alarm clocks to remind myself that I had something to bid on and and then I patiently sat in front of my laptop and sniped them in the last seconds. I was red faced and my heart was pounding and my boyfriend thought I was a lunatic... but I got them in the end... I got them! So happy.

The Witchery Philip Lim knock-off leopard sleeve sweat, found on the sale rack, was acquired using mostly Witchery reward vouchers and it is for wearing around the home. I'm now on the hunt for some funky tracky-dacks (tracksuit/sweat pants) to go with it.

I found the Weekend by Jane Lamerton navy and white striped short sleeve top during one of my de-stressing lunchtime "walks". There was only an 8 and a 14 left on the rack (reduced to $25 from $59.95) and I opted for the 14 for a loose look. Given how happy I've been with my three quarter sleeve Jane Lamerton tops I bought last year, I think this was a good buy and it is unlike all my other striped tops.

Edited to add:

Don't know how eBay saved searches work?

You can save your searches on eBay.  You will be emailed daily (if you so elect) when items matching your search terms are listed.

After entering your search terms in the search box, simply click "Save Search" (circled in red below):

A pop-up window will come up where you can elect to be emailed daily when items meeting your search terms are listed:

Never miss an item you have been searching for!

Images sourced from: www.eBay.com.au, www.witchery.com.au, www.countryroad.com.au (archives) and www.myer.com.au

Short, sharp and shiny April wrap up... almost in June

This month and last month we have been busy sprucing up what we affectionately refer to as the "crusty bathroom" or the "cats' bathroom" (since that is where the kitty litter trays live). I will share before and after pictures as soon as our little project is complete.  As per usual, this job has taken much longer to complete than anticipated and there isn't even any tiling involved!

I have been feeling a little jaded about almost everything lately - my job, my wardrobe, fashion in general, hence why I have been rather quiet in blogosphere, but to keep the momentum going I thought I would just quickly summarise what I've been buying lately (not much).

Wardrobe additions 

1. Sussan leopard print tube skirt (see previous post). I have not worn this yet... hmmm.
2. Sussan green jewelled necklace (see previous post).  Amazingly this did not cause the back of my neck to get inflamed, albeit I only wore it for a short period of time.
3. Sussan blue jewelled earrings (see previous post).  Ditto re ear lobe inflammation.
4. Country Road metallic linen jacket.  This is by far my most exciting purchase in years. It's a direct replacement for a jacket I wrote about in this post. It popped up on eBay and I did not hesitate to snap it up immediately (well I waited until the last second to bid like I always do).
5. Witchery navy blue silk shirt with lace sleeves. Very pretty. I wore it to a degustation dinner (OMG so expensive! Never again, or at least not until we win lotto!) two weekends ago.
6. Witchery navy blue ribbed cuffed pants. I wore them last weekend to breakfast with my Dickers.  Not too sure about this combo (and neither was my boyfriend) but I wore it anyway (refer back to my comment about being jaded).

I spent less than $200 on fashion items in April thanks to some vouchers I had.  This is not to say that I wasn't tempted to spend more, however I exercised an insurmountable amount of will power on many occasions and refrained from buying a number of lovely things.  Regardless of the fact that I am still recovering from the mega credit card bill from a couple of months ago (hence a little poor), I have been directing pretty much all disposable income towards things for the home... little things, but it all adds up.

Not a sponsored post... shopping at Sussan with someone else's money!

Last Thursday night I trundled along to an exclusive Sussan Adelaide Store Event hosted by InStyle magazine.  And no, this is not a sponsored post... I was in fact invited along by my boyfriend's mother, "S" (hello if you're reading!), as her plus one after her friend piked out.

The event was well organised.  There was food and drink along with 20% off store wide as well as a chance to win a $200 voucher... which I won!  Each guest was also given a 'goodie bag' upon leaving the store.

The highlight of the event was a Winter fashion wrap up by Instyle's Fashion Director, Katherine Green, who spoke very well about this Winter's style trends and how there are no rules.  She went on to provide some simple styling tips, such as aiming to wear three colours when putting together an outfit (so as not to look "flat") and when wearing patterns and prints - to pick one colour from the print as the accent colour.  Further statement jewels were touted as THE accessory to inject life into one's existing wardrobe. Most of the shop girls and Instyle crew were wearing said statement necklaces over their silk shirts buttoned all the way up to the collar with the necklace sitting tightly underneath the collar. It looked quite cool. 

The navy and black clad Katherine Green issued a plea to her audience not to be afraid of colour, pointing out that one could wear the latest coloured jeggings, if not keen on wearing colour around the face.  I'm not sure where you all stand on this issue, but I definitely will not be seen wearing the true 'jeggings' as pants, opting instead for coloured jeans and trousers.

I spied that Sussan took some inspiration from last season's J.Crew collection in designing their 2013 Winter ensemble... The most telling piece was this sequin chevron dress:

Images from www.jcrew.com and www.sussan.com.au

This sequin fabric has also been cut into a very flattering tube skirt, which according to Katherine Green, sequin skirts are suitable for day!  Maybe if you work in a creative field, but not me... I opted for a skirt a little more neutral (yet still edgy for a corporate office) and some statement jewels:

The grand total of my loot was $3.85 after using $100 of my winnings - the other $100 I shared with "S". 

Thanks Sussan and Instyle magazine!

March... Bumper eBay sales but only one wardrobe addition!

In the month of March I sold in excess of $2000 worth of old stuff... 67 items to be exact.  When I say old, I mean clothing sporting the old Country Road label and pieces by brands long forgotten.  I also sold some coveted pieces from years gone by, such as the Chrissie coat by Lover the Label and the "Twiggy" dress by Sretsis.  Gone are also a number of items I had been hoarding in my so called 'twilight zone' - I decided it was time to let go. It feels so good to be free of this stuff!

After paying off our enormous credit card bill for March which included things for the home and a number of indulgent nights on the town in February, I only had enough spending money left to buy one item... the following dress from Country Road:

If you are like me (a little fat from eating too much cheese) and enjoy filling your wardrobe with lots of boring pieces, I implore you to go and try this dress on. It is so amazingly flattering on!  In it, I look two sizes smaller than I really am... the size label on the dress is two sizes larger than all the stuff I sold.  It really is a great dress.

February... Wardrobe additions and finally putting a dent in my cull pile

I'm still here... still culling... still eBaying... still shopping!

For the last couple of weeks I have really focused my energy into finally photographing and listing all my culled items.  It's a massive task, but seeing racks and tubs of stuff which could crystalise into cash was really starting to grate on me.  So just the other day I spent 5 hours washing, ironing, and photographing, before finally sitting down to list the items on eBay.  I presently have 41 items on there - the most ever!  This after already having sold a fair few items over the past couple of weeks.  I'm actually getting rid of more stuff than I'm bringing into the house lately, which feels awesome!

Some items are surprisingly popular, while others are just sitting there looking like they might not sell.  6 years ago, had I listed a bulk lot of Country Road and Witchery tops, bidders would be falling over themselves to try to secure a bargain. Today, my listing has 1 watcher. That's right, 1 watcher!  I smell a recession...

Anyway, part of the reason for my furious eBaying is that in February I completely exhausted my eBay kitty which I had diligently saved since last October.  I also spent all the Myer One vouchers which were burning a hole in my wallet (so much for saving them for a new laptop).  Although I've done my bit to keep the economy spinning, it makes me officially poor. Well, poor in the sense that I can't buy what I want anymore (a first world problem, I know. It's not like I actually need anything).

So what did I buy, I hear you ask:

1. T.L. Wood dresses x 3 - the sleeveless ones are so comfy like you would not believe and machine washable too. I also think the black spotty one will look good layered in Winter.
2. SABA white t-shirt - I actually don't really need this, but I bought it to make up the amount to be able to use a $50 voucher SABA sent me. It's loose and comfy.
3. Country Road embellished shoulder 3/4 sleeve top - I was tossing up between the navy and the khaki stripe and ended up going for the khaki to wear with my taupe IM Dickers as the matchy-matchy element of my outfit.
4. SABA breton tops x 3 - I love these.
5. Country Road black ballet flats - the jury is still out on these.
6. Rag & Bone "Newbury" knee high boots - I stalked these online all season. 

I will sign off on this blog post as I always do and say that my pant and skirt wardrobe is severely lacking.  Although I am moving forward in that I did have a bit of an Oprah light bulb moment today whilst trying on all the skirts in Country Road. I realised that I shouldn't even go there until I lose some weight. It's pants for me for now...

January purchases and contemplating some future wardrobe additions

January shopping highlights

A few marginally successful eBay sessions resulted in some spending money for me, so in January I purchased the following items:

• Veronika Maine vibrant blue silk blend tank
• Etoile Isabel Marant faded khaki linen blazer
• Etoile Isabel Marant Ariana knit jacket (pictured above)
• A.P.C. striped boat neck knit (pictured above)
• SABA silk front white tee (this has proven to be an awesome staple!)
• Missoni grey toned zig-zag infinity scarf
• Witchery sleeveless gather dress
• J.Crew black and white silk boy shirt in heart throb (pictured above)
• J.Crew red mini skirt 

Hopefully the J.Crew pieces fit.  They are sitting at my US parcel forwarding address while I wait for one more parcel to arrive.  I have loved the black and white heart print blouse from day dot and the red skirt appeared long enough for work, but we'll see.  Fingers crossed.

I'm sort of at the point now where I justifiably cannot buy any more discretionary clothing items without afterwards checking myself into a rehab clinic. Slap me if I tell you I have no tops to wear to work, as I have worked hard to fill this particular gap this Summer.  I just need to get into the habit of regularly steaming and ironing.

The gaps in my wardrobe are now blatantly obvious and I will focus my energy now into filling these. My major wardrobe gap is work suitable bottoms (skirts and trousers).  I seem to have a lot of average fitting pants and skirts.  Come Winter, I will need some new work dresses.  Some of my favourites that I have been wearing for the past two years are looking tired.

I would also like new pair of knee high boots this Winter (incidentally a pair I have been stalking just went on sale), and I would not say no to a new pair of leather ankle boots (maybe tan?).

My black J.Crew ballet flats are looking a little battered too as I have started walking to and from work a little more, but I do not change into sneakers.  No longer do I look down at my feet and feel polished. This must be fixed ASAP. 

I also have a wedding to attend in mid-March, if I can I would like to avoid buying something new, but we'll see.

2012 shopping wrap up

After buying the one Topshop top in Melbourne back in October, I managed to not buy anything until just recently, probably because I was too busy living life in the fast lane to shop.  I nevertheless managed to list a few things on eBay which sold and I saved the proceeds for a rainy day so to speak.

Needless to say there were a few 'rainy days' in December and it bucketed down on Boxing Day...

Apart from the peachy pink top (which I have since returned because I decided that it was not perfect on me), I bought:

1. Kate Sylvester cotton sundress (eBay);
2. Country Road viscose tees in white and pale grey (using Spend 'n' Save voucher);
3. Camilla & Marc bird singlet (David Jones);
4. Veronika Maine striped silk tank;
5. Veronika Maine jade green silk tank;
6. Kachel polka dot shift dress (David Jones);
7. Nudie High Kais in dark blue organic denim (David Jones);
8. Seed soft blazer in marine blue (David Jones);
9. Country Road mid-heels in black and tan; and
10. Country Road ballet flats in jade green and blue (using Spend 'n' Save voucher).

When I put it this way (and I cheated even by placing the items which I bought in two colour ways in one row), it seems that I have bought a lot... Who am I kidding, I have bought a lot!  I must say though that I am pretty pleased with almost everything.  In a sick and twisted way I am *almost* looking forward to going back to work in a week's time, so that I can wear my shiny new things.

The striped tank is amazing on and the polka dot dress makes me look 5 kgs lighter - both winners!

Praying that the mid-heel shoes prove to be comfortable

By the way, I am shopping off a list now (with eBay proceeds only), and this pretty much ticks off all the items on my Summer wish list (with the exception of a few items which I'm still looking for) and one item off my replacement wish list (the jeans).

My 10 favourite purchases in 2012

In undertaking my current cull, my most ruthless cull yet (I'll blog the results when I'm done), I thought to consider the 10 best things I have bought in this past year.

In no particular order:

1. Isabel Marant "Dickers" in anthracite.  What can I say except that these ankle boots are extremely comfy.  I took them with me to the US earlier this year and crossed Manhattan in them - that's how comfortable they are.  I also think that this style of ankle boot looks better with skinny jeans than say the ACNE Pistol which means that they are more versatile for casual wear in my circumstances since I wear jeans every weekend.
2. Marni at H&M Necklace.  I love this thing. I wear it all of the time. It was waiting for me on the shelf at Madison Avenue H&M the day after the launch. I think someone must have returned it. As I stood in the line for the cashier, no less than 5 women asked me where I got the Marni. Haha.
3. Mulberry "Alexa" (regular) in black.  Since I bought this bag, I have not stopped using it.  I love that it is light and that I can go hands free.  At the time I also bought the "Alexa" in oak.  It has not made the list as it is no longer mine!  Over Christmas my Aunt did not have to work hard to convince me to swap with her... So I'm now the proud owner of the "Bayswater" in oak that she bought just last month but found too big for her after only using it twice. Thank goodness for an Aunt who buys designer handbags and is willing to swap since I now can't afford to drop a small bundle for just one bag.  I think the Bayswater will suit my corporate job a little better than the "Alexa" since it just fits A4.  You might see the "Bayswater" make next year's list :)
4. Marni at H&M zigzag top.  This is so flattering on me. I wear it casually with jeans or under a blazer to work. It's really easy to take care of too.  Although comprised from silk, I just throw in my front loader washing machine on the delicates cycle.  All tops should be made like this.
5. Comptoir des Cotonniers bird print blouse.  I bought this at Bloomingdales in NYC. I really like the vibe of this brand and wish that it would open up shop in Australia. Please?
6. Jane Lamerton breton stripe top.  I actually bought two of these tops and I'm glad I did.  I absolutely love the style and that fact that there is some Lycra in the fabric, which means it keeps its shape.  If it was re-released again in other colours, I would buy them all.  I think that is saying something.
7. Étoile Isabel Marant "Lexy" jacket.  I bought this jacket from the comfort of my hotel room in NYC.  I got an email from Net-a-Porter to say that it was back in stock and reserved for me in my cart for the next 24 hours. It only took me a couple of minutes to whip out my credit card to purchase it and I'm glad I did.  It's wonderful.  It's the second jacket I own from this label, and although disappointing that they are unlined for the money, the cuts really work on me.
8. Fleur Wood "East 63rd Blazer".  I have really enjoyed wearing this... once I finally got around to snipping off the tags.  I feel really neat in it.  It's a great equestrian style and the elbow patches are cute.  Warm too!
9. MM6 Maison Martin Margiela 2-piece knit.  Another NYC purchase.  It's ingenious really.  It is a knit with a detachable vest so that when worn together, it looks like a thick woolly cardi with a light grey knit underneath.  I wore it all through out Winter as well as the vest buy itself.  It has a real 'grandpa' feel to it, which I love. 
10. Cue in the City black dress.  This was really cheap.  $60 I recall.  Although not perfect, some how it found itself on my permanent work dress rotation in Winter. A winner.

This year I have struggled in the pants and skirts department.  I have bought a few, but none have really stood out.  Although worn everyday, each and every bottom has its flaw *sigh*.

Also, I should point out that in the past week I have bought a couple of coloured items (!). Quarterly shopping wrap up coming up in the coming days as promised in my last post.

I will stop short at declaring that I want to turn minimalist (the fact that I still own 37 pairs of shoes makes me ineligible to join that club)... but seeing this rack filled with my favourite pieces, has again helped me remember that I really do not want to own anything that I do not love anymore.

This whole culling process has been a long one for me. I have read many other people's culling journeys and they seem so much easier.  I hope my journey ends soon.  I'm getting tired.

mycatssaymeow culling & buying retrospect

I have been playing around with my blog labels, hence reading over some of my old posts.

First of all it's a wonder that some of you have kept on reading (thank you) given that I write that I'll blog about it, but then I don't (sorry, but such is life - too much going on).

Secondly, I have been chuckling about my failed attempts to come up with my 'ideal wardrobe'... I thought it would be interesting to do a retrospect post, so that you too can have a chuckle at my failures and also to eventually show (in the distant future sometime) that it won't happen overnight, but it will happen when trying to build the perfect wardrobe. I think too many of us get caught up in having to have it all right now, instead of thoughtfully building it slowly.  You will see shortly that I have certainly fallen into this trap in some respects.

So without further ado, I hereby present the mycatssaymeow retrospect.

Country Road Spend'n'Save Purchases



On a whole I find that the majority of my Country Road purchases are usually successful.  This is due to me carefully selecting items to take best advantage of my Spend'n'Save vouchers by trying on the entire store. I don't usually buy an item unless I am certain that I will get the wear the out of it.

The beige pants were identical to the black pair, but I had to cull them as I inadvertently bought the wrong size and only realised this after quite a while. I went to wear them and realised that something was not right...

The jeans, although I'm not happy with the fit entirely, have been well worn... Given this point I will not hesitate to invest more money into a pair to replace these - I'm thinking a pair of blue Nudie High Kais to join the black pair I bought earlier in the year.  Nudie High Kais are flattering and comfortable on me.

On top of what is pictured above, there were a number of other purchases from Country Road, including dresses, tops and a pair of boots. All have been regularly worn.

Cue Purchases


I find Cue to be a little hit and miss for me.  I get quite excited by their mega 70% off the original price sales, but often buy things that are not quite right. The two slit sleeve blazers I bought and since culled have instilled in my mind not to get sucked into weird cuts and shapes that appear to be 'cool' because more probably than not these pieces are totally impractical for me.

I think the bow belts will get more of a work out in Summer - being a big wearer of black and grey in Winter, they highlighted the fact that I'm not so skinny anymore. I look forward to wearing them with printed dresses.

On top of what is pictured above, I also bought a couple of dresses, a few skirts and tops. My choice in tops has proven to be a little bit questionable, so these may in fact end up on the cull pile to be sold to raise funds for a more thoughtful purchase.

Online Purchases

I love shopping online.  Surprisingly the majority of the time I get it right. The items I have labelled best buys really are.  The much hyped Isabel Marant 'Dicker' boots are honestly one of my favourite things in my wardrobe, as is the dark grey jacket from her spin off 'Etoile" label. I would buy both of these pieces 100 times over.

The jacket marked "to be culled" has become superfluous due to the love the IM Etoile one gets, the striped top is not quite right and my Mum managed to wangle the red jeans from me after I returned from the US with burgundy J Brand skinnies.  So really, all in all I haven't done too badly in the online shopping department. I guess you could say that my saving grace is that I am yet to buying anything from ASOS (I've heard it's hit and miss).

Witchery Purchases

I think the proof is in the pudding: I should stay generally stay away from Witchery, especially from their sales on sale items.  I loved both the floral dress and the over-the-knee 'Ella' boots to death, alas each only lasted one season before they literally fell apart. I still have the dress for around the house as I adore the print, but I think next time I would rather invest my money elsewhere.

Miscellaneous Buys 

I'm glad I bought the Joseph trench coat, but it has not received the love that it deserves, problem being that as soon as I started wearing the coat pictured below - I forgot about all my other coats. I think next Winter I will make more of an effort to wear it.

The top I like, but it drives me insane. Within 15 minutes of putting it on the sleeves are stretched (as I like to scrunch them up my forearms). I'm vowing to myself not to buy anymore 100% linen tops.

And the dresses... they are cute - but I'm not anymore *sigh*.

The Winners

Every item pictured above except the animal print shoes has earned its keep.  I really like both animal print shoes but I have not worn either enough to determine whether they truly belong.

More Animal Print and Stripes

Some of the above items have helped me understand that things are not always what they seem... 

• Both striped items seemingly simple and classic but had features which annoyed me.
• The animal print items were badly cut, I returned the blouse for this reason but kept the dress due to my lack of work appropriate dresses at the time. The dress ended up tearing the entire length of the back seam within the year!
• The Country Road grey dress is a size large (!) and still quite fitted. I now often find myself with three different sizes of the same item in fitting rooms to get the right fit.
• The ACNE Pistols seemed like the perfect ankle boots, yet I have found that on me they only look good worn with skirts and dresses... thankfully, I wear skirts and dresses a lot of the time, so they have been consistently worn throughout Winter.

In retrospect

This post has helped me see that it's worth spending a little extra to buy the things that one really wants (my handbags [not itemised in this post], all the ankle boots, the IM Etoile and IRO jackets fit into this category for me).  I realise now that if something seems a little unaffordable it's worth foregoing the cheaper bits and pieces (that will end up on the cull pile in any event) to eventually save for the pricier items.

Also, I have to say that I am shocked about the volume of new things that I have added to my wardrobe throughout the time since starting this blog!  What's scarier is that I have not blogged about all of my purchases... For example pictured above are only two items that I bought in the US - but upon my return to Australia they almost didn't let me on the plane (which tells me that there are many more recent purchases)!

I really think that I need to get a wish list together for the following year to keep better focused on this 'ideal wardrobe' plan of mine.

It's Oxymoron Time! (Time for Country Road's "spend and save")

It’s that time again: Country Road Spend and Save time!

I always try to take advantage of the offer because I have long loved Country Road and I want to maintain my loyalty status - plus I'm always after something new for work.  

I'm hearing and reading online that people are loving this new season collection, but truth be told, I have found it quite challenging to really like anything in store to say the least.  The cuts are not flattering and I guess acid pastels aren't really my thing...  

I spent 3 lunch breaks last week to progressively try on every item in the store to maybe change my mind about it - to no avail.

As always the sales assistants have tried their big sell on me: "but you can tie it back with the neutral pieces in your wardrobe".  But I’m my own person when it comes to shopping and what I wear – you cannot convince me to be otherwise. 

Furthermore nothing really seems worthy of my hard earned money.  Two of the dresses that I tried on (including the one on the far left in the image above) and considered buying were comprised from polyester!  Country Road, if you want me to remain your loyal customer, please do not make garments comprised from inferior fabrics! 

I did buy something in the end (not new season)... a dress and matching bed linen and pillow cases... both devoid of colour, both black and white striped :)

What I spent my savings on in Country Road...

Inspiration - how to style a bow belt

I felt like needed some cuteness and happiness in my life at the moment, so I bought some bow belts made out of soft ruched leather.

Cuteness and happiness in belt form

Then my Mother dropped off her June/July issue of Harper's Bazaar and on page 40 I spied the original Burberry Prorsum version.

Then I got all excited about how Burberry Prorsum might have styled these whimsical accessories (and about the concept of "fashion" for the first time in a long time), so I had a look online.  Wear it over a skirt, a dress, a coat or a gown - you name it.

Burberry Prorsum - Pre-fall 2012 collection

Then I found a picture of Kate Bosworth looking magnificent in head-to-toe Burberry Prorsum and thought to myself, I must find a skirt like that!

Then I visited Net-a-Porter and I found out that said skirt costs a thousand bucks! Given my history with pencil skirts I thought I better not risk it (also spending that much money on a skirt seemed a little bit insane to me).

A cool grand will buy you this textured pencil skirt by Burberry Prorsum

Then I tagged along with my boyfriend on his quest to buy new glasses to the local shopping mall (I figured he might need the company).  Whilst occupying the time before his optometrists appointment, I found a similar skirt and for a fraction of the cost of the Burberry Prorsum original!

www.cue.cc

Now all I need is an owl jumper (!) but I'd happily settle for one with a different creature on it, maybe a squirrel?

Picture taken on a walk through Grant Park, Chicago, IL.

Don't you just love it when you get on a fashion roll?  It's been a while for me.

Additions - Hello Robert Clergerie Platform Sandals, Goodbye Mimco Wedge Booties...

I bought these Robert Clergerie platform sandals the other day:

I couldn't go past them given the bargain basement price and especially since the black version of the same shoe was still ticketed at $755! They are quite comfy and stable to walk in... and now all of a sudden I can't wait for Summer again.

As per my culling strategy this year, to make room on my IKEA Billy shoe shelves for this new acquisition, I culled some Mimco wedge booties... they are listed on eBay already... along with a few other things.

Channeling a cashed up female retiree...

Do you ever visit the "ladies co-ordinates" or "ladies items" department in your local department store?  You know the one I mean, the department where your grandmother shops?  I do, as I find that they are a mecca for striped tops.

I passed through the other day - initially just for fun, but I ended up buying this tee:

The top is from the brand Jump and I purchased it from David Jones for $69.95, which is a lot more than I would usually pay for a tee on the spur of the moment whilst supposedly shopping for a Wedding card... but I liked the fit, and was experiencing a tough day at work, so I bought it.

It's a linen/viscose blend and the stripes are actually printed - so in time I think the stripes will take on a weathered appearance. I hope the top doesn't stretch too much like linen usually does. [Who am I kidding? I know it will.]

I know that the sequins are a little circa-2009, but at least it doesn't have shoulder pads...

The rewards of culling and selling...

I think the rewards of wardrobe culling and selling on eBay are not apparent until one sits down to calculate the total dollar amount of what has been sold.  A dollar here and $20 there may not seem like much, but before you know it that new purchase which made you feel a little bit guilty has basically paid for itself with eBay proceeds!

Towards the end of last year the sale proceeds of 13 dresses, a pair of pants, a pair of boots and a belt *almost* covered my purchase of two gorgeous jackets... an IRO cropped boucle jacket and an Etoile Isabel Marant tweed blazer:

Isabel Marant on the left and IRO on the right - both gorgeous, but neither lined!

What would you rather... 16 items that you no longer wear for various reasons, hanging around in your wardrobe taking up space and causing you frustration each morning you go to get dressed, or a couple of items that you have been lusting after?

Also just out of interest I calculated that my most recent eBay sales (up until this last week) *almost* covered my entire Net-a-Porter order made earlier this month.  I say *almost* because eBay and PayPal fees are a killer.

It's high Summer here in Oz, but I'm already hanging out for Winter to wear my new Winter woolies! 

Additions from Net-a-Porter - My first purchases of 2012

My first purchases of the year arrived on Monday... and I am delighted with all my selections.

I systematically reduced the contents of my shopping cart from close to 20 items to just 4 items (yeah, I know I'm talking as it if it's some great feat).

NIXON watch, a DAY Birger et Mikkelsen top and a Chinti & Parker skirt

Isabel Marant Dickers in anthracite

The NIXON 42-20 Chrono stainless steel watch has been saved to my Net-a-Porter wishlist since the day it arrived.  I resisted temptation when it was reduced by 30% , but my will power crumbled when I saw that it was reduced to 70% off its original price.  I really love its chunkiness.  It will be a nice statement accessory.  The last time I got a new watch was for my 21st birthday (a long time ago) but I have been hanging out for a more casual watch for ages now. I've looked, but no watch has ever grabbed me (not including the unaffordable ones that do) until this one.  A gold toned watch is next on my list.

The beautifully beaded striped top by Day Birger et Mikkelsen just caught my eye.  I have a few events coming up and I think this will look great with my black Country Road jeggings (which I only wear with long tops and lucky this top is).  It's quite a heavy top and looks to be really made well.  My only other experience with this brand is a dress I once bought, which although well made was quite loose and sack-y.  Never fear though, my money was not wasted... the dress is currently doing the rounds as a maternity dress amongst one group of my girlfriends - already well used and enjoyed by two!  One day it will be my turn to wear it once more :)

The Chinti & Parker skirt is something that I NEED.  Apart from the Witchery maxi I mentioned in this post, dressing casually this Summer has been challenging for me - there's always jeans, but I've discovered they get hot.  I looked into buying some shorts a few weeks back, but given that at the best of times (i.e. when I was skinnier) shorts did not sit right on me, I gave up.  When I saw this skirt at a bargain price, I decided to give it a whirl.  I'm glad I did because it is very cute.  I sized up so that is less tube-y and mini like and more pencil skirt like.

Last but not least, the Isabel Marant Dickers in anthracite, bought because I love my taupe ones.  I am hoping that the anthracite colour will be easier to "corporatise" so to speak as the faded black will not stand out so much as the lighter boot, which lends itself to more causal outfits (correct me if I am wrong... I am all ears).  In my mind I can see myself wearing these boots with black, grey and navy blue pants and with black opaques with some of my work dresses.  Here's hoping my vision holds true.

Images source: Net-a-Porter

I would now really love to exercise some self control and and refrain from serious shopping* until I arrive in New York City (in less than 2 months now!).  I wonder if I can do that?

* with the exception of using up a couple of vouchers which are due to expire in the coming weeks, but my rule with respect to using these vouchers is to limit my spend to around the value of the vouchers**.

** I seem to have a lot of these fine print disclaimers.  Must stop doing this!

Found! The perfect breton top which won't break the bank...

Whilst wandering around Myer on Friday night (aimlessly looking around for a housewarming and Christmas gifts), a breton top caught my eye from afar.  I tentatively approached, expecting to see a hideous print on the front, an odd repugnant ruffle or a beastly spotted bow hanging off one side (as has been the case in my search for a breton top which is plain and simple). But no... I was pleasantly surprised.  What I saw was exactly what I have been looking for: thick cotton/elastane blend fabric, boat neck, 3/4 sleeves and the perfect length to boot.  My only criticism - it only comes in one colour way being navy and off-white! I have been wearing the top all weekend like so:

Breton top - Weekend by Jane Lamerton ($49.95) (own image)

Pants - J.Crew

Bag - SABA

Boots - Isabel Marant 'Dickers'

Earrings - Mimco

I enjoyed wearing it so much on Saturday, that when I saw that Jane Lamerton was on sale this weekend (30% off), I bought another one for myself and one for my Mum as a Christmas gift. Greedy much? The first time in a long time that I have bought multiples of something.  I should add that I was with my boyfriend and whilst paying for the tops he was muttering "I knew you wouldn't be able to resist shopping until we arrived in NYC..." Haha, he knows me too well.

Images source: Net-a-Porter, SABA, Mimco

Additions from Witchery: "around the house" clothing

Culling clothes, wardrobe organisation (post coming) and eBaying call for comfy pants...  Out go my 8 year old lilac purple trackie dacks (which sort of give me camel toe and in which I wouldn't be caught dead in taking out the garbage) and in comes something a little more stylish:

 Witchery "Space Dyed Fashion Jogger" in Grey Marle

They feature exposed zips at the cuffs and slit pockets on the backside.  They are surprisingly flattering and only cost $17.95 - bargain!

Buying these pants got me wondering - when lounging around the house, cleaning and what not, what do you wear? Do you buy specific around the house "lounge wear" or do you begrudgingly wear the things that didn't quite work in public and that you should have culled (read: given away or thrown out) years ago?

Traditionally I have fallen into the latter category.  I've noticed of late, however, that even these "around the house" clothes are having a negative effect on my psyche.  When I come home from work and *slip into something more comfortable* I want to look good and feel good.  The last thing I want, is to be reminded that what I'm wearing makes me look fat, but that for some reason I bought it anyway.  I think it's high time I got rid of the majority of my around the house clothes - ONLY the majority though... I'll keep one or two lovingly worn out pieces :)

Additions from Shopbop

So I bought some red jeans...

Ksubi Super Spray-on Skinny Jeans

I really liked the ones in Witchery, but they were too low rise for me... I took a punt and ordered the Ksubi ones online - they fit perfectly :)