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My Experience Op Shopping for Designer Clothes

December 12, 2017 / Lifestyle / 1 Comment

I have a gorgeous friend who always looks trendy and has designer clothes in her wardrobe. She is not afraid to admit she has bought them from an op shop. A simple designer dress may set her back a couple of dollars, instead of $100’s (or possibly $1000’s) of dollars, brand new. She has been prompting me to come shopping with her and a few weeks ago I relented. I wanted to see for myself, whether op shopping for designer clothes was really what it was cracked up to be.

Me and my gorgeous friend Sam.

Location Location Location

We headed to three op shops in New Farm and Newstead.

When you head to an op shop, location is key. The New Farm op shops are her favourite. Often, many of the residents in that area will donate their barely worn, sometimes tags attached, designer clothes to their local op shops. If you’re particular about getting a certain brand, the inner city locations will offer more variety, than stores that are in the outer suburbs.

Saturday morning is best

My friend said Saturday morning is the best time to go, as most people clear out their wardrobes during the week, and the staff will stock the clothes first thing on a Saturday morning. It does get very busy though, as many experienced thrifters will be scouring the racks for new wares. We headed on a Tuesday morning, and I was still surprised by the amount of clothing brands that were stocked.

The most stocked sizes are 6, 8, 10 and 12

I noticed that there wasn’t much variety in the plus size range, or the clothes in those ranges were from local department stores (Kmart, Target etc). If you’re a size 10 or 12, the outfits are in aplenty. I’m between a size 14 to 16 and some of the clothes in the 14 range didn’t fit me. I walked away with no clothes for me, but my friend walked away with a few designer dresses, 2 pairs of pants and some Guess heels.

Me in I’m not sure what it is I’m wearing but it was the only dress that fit me.

It wasn’t all a loss

I did buy three tops, and gave them a good wash and iron and listed them on eBay. I doubled my money by listing the tops for the price I paid for them, and waited for the bidding action to occur. It was a risky move because I could have not sold them, or only sold them for the price I bought for them. The brands that I find sell well online are Cue, Veronika Maine, Review, Alannah Hill and Country Road.

Will I go again?

Yes. I enjoyed looking through the racks, hoping to find gold. Even though I didn’t, I haven’t lost faith in the process. You can still head to a shopping centre and come home empty handed.

My size is the average size, so maybe this was why I couldn’t find much to fit me. Maybe next time I will score something amazing.

Have you ever gone Op Shopping for Designer Clothes? What’s been the best bargain you’ve found in an Op shop?

SFH Designs Makes Dressing in Colour Easy

December 2, 2017 / Fashion / 0 comment

As my style has evolved after having children, I have embraced wearing colour. One of the easiest ways for me to do this is with my earrings. I have been loving the pom pom and tassel earrings that are so popular this season (yet again). I love bright colours and wearing the unexpected. My favourite pom pom and tassel earrings are from SFH Designs. The owner, Sarah, has a gorgeous eye for style and COLOUR. My goodness, you must follow the SFH Designs Instagram feed. It always makes me happy. There is so much colour.

So since I am an avid fan of the brand and anything to do with pom poms and tassels, as soon as I saw this pom pom basket, I knew it had to be mine.

Unfortunately, I have recently spent a small fortune on my everyday bag. So I waited and crossed my fingers for a sale. I also hoped it wouldn’t sell out before I got one.

Last weekend, there was a 20% sale online and I added that basket to cart. And would you believe I BOUGHT THE LAST ONE.

I told Jacob, this was my Christmas present. It practically had my name on it with the signature pom poms and red stitching and handles. I can’t wait to use it this Summer.

Now because SFH Designs are located at Greenslopes, I opted to pick up the basket instead of pay for postage. And that decision turned out to be a very good one, as I got to have a coffee with Sarah and discuss the joys of raising three girls. Sarah has three teenage girls, so she enlightened me with what I will be facing in a few years’ time.

While we were talking, Sarah asked if I’d model some new kaftans and dresses so they could be uploaded to the site and I thought I’d share some of my favourite pieces that I modeled and a clutch that I think would make a fabulous Christmas gift to yourself.

The standout dress that I modelled was this tassel dress in spectacular red. It is a generous size. I’m usually a 14-16 depending on the brand. And I’m wearing the 12 here. It’s a gorgeous linen and I think this was my favourite style to model.

Wearing Tassel Dress in Spectacular Red $189.95

The next outfit I liked was this black kaftan. All the kaftans I modelled are free size. The draping adds shape and yet it is still flowy.

Wearing Empire Roja Lift Kaftan $150

I loved the vibrant blue in this kaftan. It’s also picked up by the tassel earrings.

Wearing Primrose Blue Lift Kaftan $150

One of my favourite clutches has to be my pom pom embroidered clutch. I actually won my clutch a few years ago from a competition at Kirsten and Co. Mine is a black base colour, but I also love this Indigo one.

Pom Pom Colourful Indigo Clutch $48

If you love any of these outfits or even the clutches, there is a special promotion until the 19th December. Buy any Pom Pom Clutch or Dress to receive a FREE pair of tassel earrings valued at $20 (colour chosen by one of our SFH stylists), ’til stocks last!

Also, to make sure you get your purchases in time before Christmas, SFH Designs will be offering FREE Shipping from December 1st to 19th. Simply enter the code FREESHIPPING at the checkout to redeem.

Sarah will also be offering FREE gift wrapping on parcels to make your life easier.

Be sure to check out the rest of the accessories and bags online. I’ve got my eye on some pom pom earrings (but of course!)

Do you like wearing colour? Do you prefer tassels or pom poms? Which dress is your favourite from the ones I modelled?

Disclosure: I was gifted a pair of earrings and 2 dresses for my daughters as they weren’t correct sizing. I just love this brand and happy to share the love of it – whether I received gifts or not.

Flattering Shorts for Summer 2017

November 28, 2017 / Fashion / 9 Comments

Shorts are a summer staple, but like swimwear, I’ve often been hesitant getting my white legs out on show. But last week I found some flattering shorts for summer 2017. Perfect on the waist and the right length – especially for my long legs.

One area of my wardrobe that has been lacking for summer … is shorts. I own 2 pairs of shorts. One distressed denim pair, which my dad will regularly comment I need to throw out, and a pair of pom pom embellished shorts, which can be a little annoying to wear as the pom poms on the hem CONSTANTLY get caught around each other when I walk. #awkward

When Katies had their recent sale (I don’t think Katies has ever NOT had a sale on lately!), I tried on some shorts. I wanted a pair of white shorts… but thought against it because of my kids. I ended up choosing a navy and black pair.

Katies Cotton Rich Casual Navy Shorts $39.95

Katies Cotton Rich Casual Black Shorts $39.95

I was really happy with the fit of these shorts. The cuff is the right length to show a bit of leg and the waist doesn’t dig in. I sized down to a size 14. I usually wear a size 16 short, because they often push up my flabby bits. I like to wear my tops out over the top of my shorts, rather than tucked in. I find that suits my body shape. But sometimes I may revert to a half-tuck (tee tucked in the front only) if the waist of the shorts are elasticized.

Here is what the shorts look like on.

Wearing the shorts with Katie’s Monotone Cold Shoulder Top – now reduced to $15

My grandma bought these for me for Christmas. I also got some matching tops. One of the tops I featured on the blog a few weeks ago, was purchased to go with the black shorts. So many summer tops have been reduced to $20, so it’s a good time to buy if you need some tops for summer. You can get the monotone top I’m wearing here.

With my photo bombing 3 year old… who wanted to be in the photo and then had second thoughts when I picked her up!

I can be a little self-conscious of my very white legs. To counteract this, I sometimes (when I remember and if I have time) add some Garnier bronzer to my legs. It makes them look a little less stark and I like the added colour.

Have you embraced shorts for summer? Have you found a pair of flattering shorts? Where do you go to get your shorts?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

7 Days of Dresses for Summer

November 25, 2017 / Fashion / 0 comment

If there is one thing I love about Summer, it’s wearing a dress. It’s so easy to dress for summer when you have to put one layer over your head. My dress collection for summer is pretty complete. I have a dress for every occasion, and should I choose, could wear dresses, 7 days a week.

Some of the dresses that feature in my wardrobe are the cold shoulder dress, the off the shoulder dress, the maxi dress, the shift dress, the t-shirt dress, the flowy summer dress and the capped sleeve belted dress.

I love all styles of dresses, but of late, I’ve been wanting dresses with extra coverage on the shoulders and arms. My off the shoulder dresses are usually worn at night or during the day, where I know I will be undercover, and not out in the sun.

There are so many gorgeous dress offerings this summer by my favourite online stores. I thought I’d share some favourites, basing them on some of the styles I have in my wardrobe. I have a mix of luxe ($150) to budget ($60) styles.

1. Bohemian Traders Classic Scoop Neck Dress in Black and White Stripe $139

2. Adrift Rosie Dress in Daintree $149.99

3. Lulu Soul Sunrise Off the Shoulder Dress $129.95

4. Little Party Dress Stacey Geo Print Wrap Dress $64.95

5. Freez Dreamer Dress $69

6. Wardrobe 22 Radiance Dress $70

7. Stylefast Arabella Shirred Dress $69.00

If you had all 7 of these dresses in your wardrobe, you’d certainly be ready for Summer. You could keep rotating the dresses around each week!

How many dresses would I find in your wardrobe? Would you have 7 days of dresses to wear this summer? What clothes do you live in during summer?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

7 Hacks to Stock Your Toiletry Bag

November 21, 2017 / Beauty / 1 Comment

One of my organisational habits is ensuring my toiletry bag is stocked all year round. I thought I’d share 7 hacks to stock your toiletry bag so it’s well organized for when you need to travel (and when you need to have a toiletry bag ready in case of an emergency).

After I’ve come home from a trip away, I check the contents of the products, to see if there are any that need to be replaced or filled up. I got in the habit of having a well equipped toiletry bag after having Esther. You never know when you will have a trip away and require a stocked toiletry bag.

Having mine organised, means I have one less bag to pack when we go away. I always check it before I head away to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything, but generally, it’s well stocked.

You can get away with NOT having a toiletry bag or having a minimally stocked toiletry bag, as most hotels provide toiletries. But they don’t provide the cleanser, toner and face moisturiser and various other personal products. I also much prefer to use my favourite brands, that the stock standard offered from a hotel too.

I thought I’d share how I keep my toiletry bag stocked all year round, with some free hacks that you may not have thought of.

7 Hacks to Stock Your Toiletry Bag

1. Visit your dentist regularly to get free samples of toothpaste.

Our local dentist always has free mini samples of Colgate or Oral B toothpaste, that are free for customers to take after their visit. I stockpile these and use them in our toiletry bag to save packing a big tube of toothpaste.

2. Take up special promotions with your skin care range.

I use Trilogy products for my skin and every now and then (usually at Mother’s Day and Christmas), they will have a promotion where you buy two full priced products and receive a mini set of products free. I pack these freebies in my toiletry bag. It ensures I have a cleanser, moisturiser and mist packed, from my favourite brand. If I’ve run out of cleanser (which I did when I headed to Coffs Harbour), I will use Sukin. The bottles are the right travel size and are cost effective.

3. Gratefully receive freebies from travelling relatives.

My parents travel regularly and they will have a stockpile of shampoos and conditioners that they receive on their flight and from their hotel. I’m always given a few after they have travelled. Once the samples have been used up, your local grocery or department store will have miniature bottles of toiletry products for around $3 a bottle.

4. Ask for Samples and Save Them!

Ask for perfume samples when you purchase a bottle of your favourite perfume. Whenever I purchase a new bottle of perfume which is less than once a year, I keep the mini samples and pack them in my toiletry bag to take away with me.

5. I always keep my makeup and toiletries separate.

I keep my makeup and toiletries in separate bags. The reason for this is I can leave my toiletry bag in the bathroom, while someone uses the shower, and take my make up bag into the hotel room where I can use a mirror to apply my makeup. I also keep my everyday makeup in this bag, so if I ever needed it, Jacob could grab it for me, and not have to sort through my products to find what I need.

6. Purchase The Body Shop Gift Sets.

I recently had to add a shower gel and body moisturiser to my toiletry bag as I had run out. I went to The Body Shop, as I love their shower gels and the scent can often be a memory of my holiday away. I really wanted the British Rose shower gel, but it only came in a large bottle. The sales assistant told me if I wanted the smaller products, to buy a gift set instead. This worked out to be great value as I got the shower gel, body butter and loafer for $15 ( you can buy here). They were perfectly sized for my toiletry bag too.

7. What goes in the toiletry bag, stays in the toiletry bag.

I once forgot a brush and it was a big deal with my thick hair. I now keep a brush in my toiletry bag so I’m never without one. Same with razors, hair ties and panty liners. Whatever gets placed in the toiletry bag, stays in the bag, so I’m not without it when I travel.

I used to fill bottles with shampoo and conditioner, but found whatever bottles I bought, they would leak after a while. So now I recycle the bottles and buy them new or replace them with samples when needed. I usually only replace them once a year, depending on how much travel we do.

Choosing a Toiletry Bag

Over the years I have used many different toiletry bags. I’ve used ones with handles, zip up cases and sectioned bags.

My current toiletry bag is a roll-up one that has segmented sections and a hook so it can hang. It’s been one of my favourite toiletry bags thus far. To choose the right bag for you, consider how many products you travel with and what type of accommodation you stay in.

If you stay in a hotel, any of these toiletry bag suggestions would work. If you go camping, I’d want a toiletry bag with a hook. I also like sectioned bags. I keep one section for products I use in the shower that get ‘wet’, and another section for the dry products – products used out of the shower.

Here are some toiletry bags I found online.

1. Louenhide Raindrops Toiletry Bag $49.95

2. Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag $27.13

3. Floral Zipper Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag $14.91

4. Annabel Trends Birds of Paradise Roll Toiletry Bag $35.95

5. Wicked Sista Bahamas Hold All Toiletry Bag $39.95

6. Billy Australian Native Toiletry Bag $25.00

7. Baby Emma Toiletry Bag in Pink Champ $44.95

Do you have any toiletry bag hacks to share? What style of toiletry bag works for you?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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