Lifestyle Archives - Page 3 of 9

Archive of ‘Lifestyle’ category

Minimising Your Wardrobe – 3 Handbags All Women Should Own

October 28, 2019 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

The average woman owns 7 handbags and a multitude of clutches for events. That’s a lot of handbags!

The last time I checked, I only needed to use one handbag at one time.

I tend to use one everyday handbag and make it work for most situations in my life.

In fact, it might surprise you to know that I don’t collect handbags or shoes.

I thought I’d share with you 3 bags I think all women should own from my experience as a mum, worker and event attender.

Everyday cross-over or shoulder bag

Every woman should have a bag that can be both a cross-over bag or shoulder bag specifically for everyday use.

I use my Wanderers Travel Co Santorini Bag for travel and everyday use. It’s been worth the investment and it’s so versatile for the outfits I wear. I love that I can have the bag on my arm, or use the cross over strap for when I need to be hands-free.

You may find a backpack works better for you, but my next bag is one I’d use before investing in a backpack.

Oversized tote

The oversized tote is great for domestic travel, going to work and carrying all the things when out and about with kids.

NeoLUXE Tote

Whenever I go to work I have to take my books, calculator, headset and lunch, so I need a tote which can fit all the things in, but also still look structured enough to take to work.

Clutch

I do own a few clutches (maybe half a dozen) and these are essential for nights out when I just want to have my phone, purse and keys.

I have clutch bags with a crossover strap and ones that are specifically for being held by hand with a wristlet. I like to have both styles of clutches for different events.

Tassel Clutch bag for evenings out in forest green

Tassel Clutch by NeoLUXE

I have been decluttering my wardrobe and my handbag collection is quite minimal. For me, practicality always supersedes fashion and I think choosing your bags wisely can ensure you have the right bag for when you need it. I’m so mindful of unnecessary handbag purchases, which are often left abandoned in the wardrobe.

On the weekend, I was able to sell some bags I had no use for anymore. If your handbags are in good condition, Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to make some cash. This way the bags will be used by someone else and it will be less clutter in your home.

What handbags can you not live without? Do you agree with the three handbags all women should own?

Disclosure: I was gifted the clutch and tote from NeoLUXE last year. All opinions are my own.

Birthday Shopping: It’s My Birthday and I’ll Shop if I Want to!

July 15, 2019 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

I celebrated my Birthday last Tuesday. But if I’m honest, I’ve been celebrating my Birthday WELL before the big day arrived, with a variety of packages being delivered to my door. Birthday shopping is something I do well. And I’ve done very well these past weeks leading up to my Birthday. I thought I’d share what I bought, with some links, in case you feel like buying a gift for yourself too. 😉

First purchase… was new pyjamas and slippers. I needed some new winter PJ’s and slippers. I’ve always been a fan of Peter Alexander, but sometimes it can be a bit pricey. I waited for a sale to get these. The slippers are amazing on. So soft and cosy and the spot pyjamas are awesome because the pant bottoms don’t ride up my ankle when in bed. It’s the little things.

Purchase 1: New Winter PJ’s and Slippers

Peter Alexander Pyjamas ($27 for pants only) and Rose Gold Home Boots (on sale for $49)

Purchase 2: Long Sleeve Winter Dress

Next was this dress from Birdsnest. I had my eye on it when I compiled a list of long sleeved winter dresses to wear during the cooler months. I was going to wear it on my Birthday… but I couldn’t wait and wore it sooner. I’m glad I bought the 16. It’s a tighter fit.

Boho Bird Freedom Faux Wrap Dress $99.95 (on sale)

Purchase 3: Faux Fur Leopard Jacket

We are heading to NZ in September, so I had been watching Nikki, from Styling You, Instagram feed for ideas on where to eat. At the same time, I loved her faux fur leopard jacket. The one she had sold out in my size, but I found a budget friendly one from Salty Crush. I’ve worn it a few times since I got it. It’s so beautiful to wear. Can’t wait to take mine to NZ too.

Wearing Salty Crush Leeman Jacket $99

And that’s all I bought for my Birthday. I’ve been sent vouchers to spend too, so the shopping may continue yet. Will share those in a future post. 😉

Do you go Birthday shopping for yourself? Got anything on sale lately?

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.

Cute Bed Socks to Keep Your Feet Warm in Bed

June 4, 2019 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

Do you find when your feet are warm, your whole body can be warm too?

Since winter has finally descended upon Brisbane (and most of Australia) in a dramatic way, I’ve been wearing bed socks to bed to keep my footsies warm, which has helped keep my whole body warm.

Over the years I’ve received bed socks for Mother’s Day and they’ve come from Peter Alexander or Sussan.

Most will have silicone spots or padding underneath to give you grip when walking on smooth surfaces.

I don’t usually wear my bed socks around the house, although on Saturday I did as I was lying on the couch and felt too warm to have a blanket on, but cool enough to need a layer on my feet. Bed socks it was. I do have slippers… but I am in need for an upgrade.

I think any socks can be bed socks, but my favourites are the fluffy or chenille type bed socks that are oh so soft to place on your feet.

And while I like to share about outfit ideas and all various trends in accessories, having the comfort staples like pyjamas, socks and slippers are essential to everyday living. We have to have our staples, so why not have fun choosing cute prints or sweet embellishments?

I love a bit of pom pom embellishment myself or some bows, but some of these embellishments have come off over the years so a patterned bed sock is probably best if you want something fun that won’t go missing in the wash.

Here are some bed socks I’ve found online.

1. Mercer + Reid Spice Leopard Bed Socks $8.99

2. Peter Alexander Penny Cuddle Socks $9.00 (on sale)

3. Peter Alexander Argyle Fur Lined Sock $19.00 (on sale)

4. Mercer + Reid Blush Polka Bed Socks $8.99

5. Peter Alexander Chenille Mid Sock in Mulberry $12.00

6. Sussan Knitted Pom Pom Sock $13.97

7. Mercer + Reid Teal Leopard Print $8.99

8. Sussan Knit Fur Lined Sock $13.97

Do you wear bed socks? Or are slippers more your style?

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.

A Tassel Clutch For All Occasions – A NeoLUXE Tassel Clutch Review

April 20, 2019 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

Never underestimate the power of a clutch. Especially a tassel clutch.

It can add that bit of texture and interest to an evening outfit.

In fact, more and more women are embracing the clutch as their everyday bag for the basic essentials. Chuck in your phone, keys and cards in a pouch sized bag that can be held comfortably in your hand.

Personally, I prefer the Carrie All Tote as my everyday bag, and I use the clutch for special occasions.

I have a small clutch collection to suit all manner of outfits in various colours, but I’ve never owned a green clutch. When I was sent the NeoLUXE Tassel Clutch in Leaf Green, I had just the dresses to wear with it.

A case for the Tassel Clutch

The NeoLUXE Tassel Clutches are stunning. The quality is fantastic.

They are a practical clutch to own as, like the Carrie All Tote, they are made from 100% neoprene material which means they are durable and water resistant. In fact, if you spill your champagne or accidentally lean your clutch against the butter on the dining table (been there, ruined that), it can be placed in the wash.

None of my other clutches can be washed like that! It’s the clutch for clumsy mums like me!

The clutch size is perfect to fit a full purse (fits my bulky The Wanders Purse), phone, keys, lippy and anything else that is small, without looking too bulky. The tassels camouflage any protruding shapes.

The wristlet allows for hand-free wearing if you so choose.

The tassel clutch from NeoLUXE is the ideal clutch for all occasions.

For the month of April, they are running a special where you can purchase a clutch for $15 including postage. Just enter TREAT YOURSELF in the code section to receive your discount. Shop HERE.

It may be the ideal treat for Easter or a much appreciated gift for Mother’s Day.

Disclosure: I was sent a Neo Luxe Tassel Clutch for the purpose of this review. This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy.

Is it Cheaper to Buy Clothes in America?

February 21, 2019 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

When I visited America 20 years ago, I owned my first pair of Levis and Sketchers. These brands were much cheaper in America than Australia, and some items weren’t even yet available in Australia.

Fast forward to our recent trip in December 2018, and I had many people say to me, wait till you go shopping in the US. It’s so much cheaper.

The thing is, when we have so much choice with online shopping and we can shop within our budget (or I generally wait for a sale), it’s hard to gauge whether it’s best to use spending money for clothes, or use it more for experiences. I also know my style and know where to go to get it.

I had people tell me clothes shopping in London would be fabulous – especially at shops like H & M, Topshop and Warehouse (when they hadn’t opened in Australia). I went into these stores disappointed. I bought a few things but nothing that made me go ‘AMAZING’. And when I converted the currency, I probably could have saved my money and bought better at home.

After this experience, I wasn’t sure whether clothes shopping in America would be cheaper or not. Things can change over 20 years.

I personally didn’t need any clothes. But my husband was in need of new jeans, tees and shoes. We headed to a few stores in Australia (ie Universal Store) to see what the shoe prices were so we could compare when in America. We knew we’d be greeted with Boxing Day sales when we got back from our trip, so we weren’t fussed on buying in America if it wasn’t worth it.

On our trip, we headed to the Orange County Factory Outlets for half a day visit and found the men’s shoes and clothing were way cheaper than what we could buy in Australia. Jacob faired the best out of our shopping expedition. It was definitely worth waiting to buy up for him.

Adidas sneakers which retail for $150 in Australia, were $40US if we bought a full price pair of shoes. Even the full priced shoes were cheaper than what could be bought in Australia.

Men’s jeans were buy 2 pairs for $27.99 US at Ralph Lauren. Levi’s were $49.99 US each or buy two pairs and pay $39.99 US each.

Tommy Hilfiger t-shirts were $19 US each. Jacob got a few of these. We also got clothes for the kids. Prices started from $9.99 US for a tee from Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger.

What I bought in America

Even though I didn’t need any new clothes, I’m still a shopper at heart. I couldn’t walk out empty handed. 🙂

I had been wanting a pair of black sneakers to swap with my white Frankie 4 Nats. I got a pair for $60 US from Sketchers. I wasn’t fussed on the brand, but buying these allowed the girls to get their Sketchers half price. Esther got the newly released light up shoes that can be charged with a USB.

Black Sketchers with Rose Gold Details

I also bought a pair of distressed and ripped Levi’s for $39.99 US, much to my dad’s delight. Jacob found a pair of black jeans and our purchases made both pairs of jeans cheaper.

Other clothes I bought were within Disneyland itself. It was pricey purchasing clothes in the park. I don’t want to do the conversion of how much we spent. So instead, we bought what we saw and loved. I bought headbands for all the girls (they range from $27.99 US each) one t-shirt for $29.99 US and a scarf for $23.99 US. I didn’t think the tee and scarf were too bad for buying within the park itself. Plus they’re memories from our trip.

One of the crowd at Disneyland

I also had to get a tourist ‘I LOVE LA’ tee. I found this in a cheap A Mart store for $4.99 US.

Overall, some things especially the sports and lifestyle brands were much cheaper to buy in America, especially at the outlets.

We went to the outlets with an idea of what we needed. I think that is what made the outlets experience worth it for us.

If you head to America, do make a visit to the outlets. For us, it was definitely worth the wait. To bring back all the clothes, shoes and toys we bought in America, we placed one small suitcase into the other. For our family of five we traveled with 2 suitcases and came back home with 3.

Have you found clothes to be cheaper in America than Australia? What destination has been the best shopping experience for you?

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 … 9 Next