The Happy Clothes Horse

Mr Rose Trunk Show - Brisbane

View, try and fall in love with the new collections of Bespoke by Sasha, flower accessories and Mr.Rose, femme shirting, while you enjoy stunning views from a fabulous penthouse in New Farm, Champagne, tasty morsels and one-on-one personal service with the designers.

This sounds like the perfect way to pass some time to me.

Appointments are available from 8am to 8pm daily on Wednesday 15, Thursday 16 and Friday 17 October 1008.

Contact Sophie or Sasha for an appointment: trunkshows@mrrose.com.au

Ever a sucker for cuteness…

Yeah so it’s true, I love anything cute, and even better when that anything cute also has both a practical and creative purpose. So it’s no surprise then that I am a complete and utter sucker for these little conversation box sets from kikki.K.

I picked up a set of the Christmas Conversation Starters last year, and I just think they are such a clever and lovely idea to get people talking about a whole range of issues.

The latest conversation starters include the Party Conversation Starters which include prompts such as - If I could choose one superpower…, I’d never laughed as much as when…, My favourite season is…, My guilty pleasure…, and I am most happy when…

Also available is the Love Conversation Starter set which includes prompts like - My ideal romantic dinner would involve…, One thing you’ve taught me…, If I saw you walking down the street I’d think…, One thing that I love about you…, If we could run away to anywhere in the world…, and A song that reminds me of you is…

kikki.K have a whole range of beautiful and unique items in their stationery collection, so it will be hard for anyone to stop at just the Conversation Starters (which are available for $14.95)…believe me, I’ve tried and have been very unsuccessful.

And so sass & bide are coming to town…

Once again it’s sass & bide warehouse sale time in Brisbane. Normally I’d be looking forward to snapping up some bargains, but quite frankly the last few s&b warehouse sales in Brisbane have been a little disappointing (kind of like the last couple of seasons of Sass & Bide for me I guess). And I REALLY hate the new location at the RNA Showgrounds. Things were much, much better when the sale was located in City Hall.

Against my better judgement I went down to the last s&b sale (the first time it was held at the RNA showgrounds), and was disappointed on many levels. Firstly it’s a pain getting down there - travelling to the Valley at the best of times is equal measure inconvenience and grossness. Isn’t it enough that I’m trying to get a bargain without making me deal with all the unwashed masses and scourge of the human population which the Valley does oh so well? Apparently not.

Secondly, it gets hot in Brisbane - real hot. So in getting down to the RNA showgrounds I’m already overheating, but then to hold the sale in a pretty poorly ventilated, un-airconditioned warehouse - well that’s just lunacy. Thirdly the layout last time really sucked. Now I like a sale as much as anyone, but please don’t make me paw through countless piles of clothing trying to find my size - just organise things into size tables (like they used to be) so that finding your size is a much less painful experience.

Then having to suffer the teenage factor is almost enough to put me off sales for a very long time. Apparently teenagers no longer go to school during the day, they go to s&b warehouse sales and drag along their useless pretty / jock boyfriends to join in the ‘fun’ and clog up the aisles for the rest of us. When I was a teenager I wouldn’t have known (or cared about) the designer versus the knock-off, I had more pressing matters on my mind, stuff like - What am I doing with my life? How am I going to pass all my subjects at school? and Why doesn’t that boy like me? …But apparently designer shopping is where it’s at now.

Finally my biggest gripe with the last few s&b sales has been the range. They make some really great t-shirts in really wonderful fabrics, but seriously do we have to see another drop of the same shirts that have been turning up at the sales for the past few years? Warehouse sales are great, but seriously, updated stock is a must.

So this year, the s&b sale will not be for me. If anyone does go along, tell me if it was worth it and maybe I’ll get along to the next one. For those who are interested the sale is on from Thursday 16 October to Sunday 19 October @ the RNA Showgrounds, Building #7.

Feed your mind and your mood…Five best buys under $30

Perhaps an indulgence for the mind will suit? A book of and about modern love letters will provide equal food for thought for both your mind and your heart. Four Letter Word: New Love Letters is a collection of contemporary writers pulled together by Joshua Knelman and Rosalind Porter. A wide range of authors are featured including Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Leonard Cohen and Lionel Shriver. Hand written letters may not be as common as they once were, but perhaps this collection will inspire you to put your own pen to paper and declare your feelings to all those that are near and dear. Purchase yourself a copy from The Book Depository for around $20.

It’s important to treat ourselves with something sugary from time to time - but maybe instead of eating some, you could buy something sweet to wear like this Sugar-Coated Necklace from Urban Originals. Currently on sale for only $20 (bargain!!), this might set you back a little more than the average sugar coated donut, but this necklace won’t provide you with that nasty hit of calories which donuts do oh so well. This metal chain necklace will provide the perfect statement to set off against any of your spring / summer outfits.

When it comes to hair, Redken is one brand that consistently knows what they’re doing. Whatever your hair type or hair condition, you’ll find a product that suits and actually delivers on what it’s supposed to. Even the men are catered for with this fantastic Invigorate Hair and Scalp Pack by Redken for Men. The pack includes Mint Clean Invigorating Shampoo (300ml), Mint Scalp Soothe (100ml), Mint Clean Shampoo Mini (50ml), and Cool Finish Conditioner Mini (25ml). This range is fantastic (my husband uses it on his hair), and the minty fragrance will leave the scalp clean and tingling, without sacrificing on masculine appeal. Currently available for only $23.96 from Recreate Yourself (Ry), it’s an offer too good to refuse.

Batsu is a vampire, a ghost and a bat…so why wouldn’t you want to invite him into your home? He is available from the very cool Corky Saint Clair shop for only $26, and has the option as coming to you in either necklace or brooch form…what a versatile little critter he is! Just look at his shiny little face and try to say no to him.

If a little critter like Batsu is not really your cup of tea, perhaps you’d like something a little more plain without compromising on style? If so then look no further than the Black Shape Bracelet from Elk Accessories. Available for only $18, this bracelet is a dead set classic that will work well with just about anything in your wardrobe - contrast with something light in colour, or complement something dark in tone. Whatever you’ve got, this will have you covered accessory wise.

An Ode to Scunci

Oh Scunci you are just the best,
at keeping my hair from looking a mess.

With your discreet, yet clever non-slip skill,
you make running around a veritable thrill.

I know I can trust in your all-day-strong-hold,
this may just be love if the truth must be told.

So Scunci the truth for me is now clear,
with you in my hair I have nothing to fear.

Winter wind and summer breeze have little effect,
you are the one who keeps each strand in check.

Stella McCartney Confusion

Floating my way around the web on a quiet Saturday afternoon, I came across some contradictory information about a few items from Stella McCartney’s fashion label. On the one hand I noticed some outrage around eco-fashion circles in response to Stella McCartney’s recent summer collection which predominantly featured items manufactured of silk. I say outrage because of the whole ’silk is generally harvested by a process which involves boiling moths’ issue, and some felt that by using silk in her clothing line that McCartney was going against her strict vegetarian commitment. Now I’m not too sure whether McCartney uses ‘vegetarian’ sourced silk (ie. silk which is harvested after the moth leaves the cocoon), but the silk issue isn’t always a hard and fast vegetarian rule anyway - it really is a personal preference.

The second item I came across was talking about McCartney’s latest range of summer handbags which a few sites were claiming were manufactured from suede and something called ‘eco-leather’. While I wasn’t too sure of her thoughts on silk, I was pretty sure that McCartney would definitely NOT be using suede or ‘eco-leather’ (which seems to indicate leather that is a by-product of the animal slaughter industry) in any of her products. So some further research was in order, and where better to look for information than on Stella McCartney’s own website.

While gazing at all the beautiful items she creates, I came across this quote which helped to clarify a few issues: ‘Everything in my store and every single garment and accessory that you see is cruelty free, in the sense that no animal has died to make anything in here. A lot of people out there don’t want products that an animal has had to die for.’ And I also came across this quote on the site - ‘Did I mention we don’t use any leather or fur?‘ So it’s a definite no on the use of fur and leather (ie. animal products), but a possible yes to the use of silk and wool (ie. animal derived products).

I think it’s so great that a high-profile, high-fashion vegetarian designer who also happens to have a strong cruelty-free commitment is able to inspire us all and demonstrate that vegetarian clothes can have mainstream appeal. For those of us who try to avoid animal products / by-products it really is a personal decision on how far you go with this commitment and where you personally will draw the line.

Jewels that shine with style

Accessorising with jewellery to successfully convey your individual personality and style can be a difficult skill to master. Some meet this challenge with greater success than others. I used to always be a bit hit and miss, never quite knowing just what I liked and how to make a piece ‘work’ to resemble something truly me.

In recent years though I’ve found a growing affinity with all things that glimmer and shine. I’ve managed to finetune (through much trial and error) the kind of jewellery style that works best for me and that will always hold true regardless of the narrower cycle of fashion trends.

A recent discovery has been the work of Samantha Wills, an Australian jewellery creator who makes exquisite, unique items within a very affordable price range. With an extensive range of necklaces, rings, earrings, bangles and cuffs (and a very user-friendly online store), Samantha has genuinely created items that everyone would love to call their own. Her pieces successfully marry power and strength with feminine beauty - no mean feat in the world of jewels.

She has also managed to combine old world charm with modern inspiration, so there is an element of real glamour and classic style. The best thing of all - being able to buy into this wonderfully unique world of jewellery at such affordable prices is happiness indeed!!

Frock You 2!

So I’ve previously reported on my current fiscal crisis, and also reported on the recent FrockYou 30% off sale. I think you know what’s coming next…as soon as a sale reaches above 20% off, you can pretty much guarantee that I’ll be there taking advantage of the savings, combined with the excellent range of clothing on offer at FrockYou, it was inevitable that my fiscal crisis would be further deepened.

I’m holding out hope for a US style bail-out package at some stage to save me from my spending, so until then I guess I just have to hope that sales will be few and far between (wishful thinking I know, but a girl’s gotta dream).

In case you’re interested in finding out what I simply couldn’t resist at the recent FrockYou sale, I’ve included a pretty picture of the item. I just can’t get enough of One Teaspoon’s fabulous range, and with this beautiful crisp white shirt and contrasting black buttons, I really could not say no to temptation.

Don’t Forget the Smalls

Before you rush out and spend all your money on the current cool crop of trends such as towering gladiator heels, floor-skimming maxi dresses and likely-to-last-just-for-this-season jumpsuits, leave at least a little of your hard-earned cash to spend on some more smalls for your drawers. And no, I’m not talking about briefs of the everyday variety. After all, basic cottons are a dime a dozen…what about something a little more on the special side?

When looking for something a little on the dark and saucy side, where better to look than to the Europeans (or at the very least the UK), who have been masters of seduction for a lot longer than the rest of us. Yes, that’s right, I’m talking about Agent Provocateur.

AP product prices may seem as luxurious as the gorgeous fabrics their lingerie features, but fear not, when AP have a sale, they really have a sale, so be sure to keep an eye out for sale time. With some items reduced by up to 70%, it can be the best time to succumb to seduction. Otherwise, if you’re a little richer at the moment, indulge yourself now. There is more good news too - all orders over $90 (US) receive free delivery anywhere in the world!!

Everything is so beautiful that the greatest problem is choosing what to order. Believe me, all the AP products are just as beautiful in person as they seem on the website. And just look at the beautiful packaging!! Simply divine.

While you’re at the site ordering something sweet and sugary or naughty and nasty, be sure to join up to their Club AP so that you can receive their beautiful emails and firsthand notice of sales and special offers.