07.09

06.09

I finally caved in on my shopping ban last night and purchased these Dolce Vita 'Calla' bootie. I had been on the look out for a pair of light coloured heeled ankle boots for a while now, and I didn't want to purchase until I found the perfect ones. I feel like the search can now be called off, the mix of leather and suede makes them perfect for all manner of occassions. I'm fortunate enough to go Europe twice a year in June-July and at Christmas time to visit my family so finding items that I love and that can also be worn in any season is a huge selling point for me, and I think these tick all the boxes! The size charts on Shopbop always confuse me and as the size 7 was sold out, I got the 6.5 - I'm praying they'll be a perfect fit!

I've told myself I'm going to put a minimum of four items I never wear on eBay tonight as a trade off and I also signed up to the Ethical Fashion Forum last night too. They sent me their briefing report to my e-mail this morning, it was actually a really interesting read. My favourite fact:

A majority of adults (82%) claim to make their clothes last - we think the disposable fashion

trend could have peaked and 2011 may see shoppers reassessing value for money and

putting more emphasis on sustainability, integrity and durability of clothing.

(Mintel, Clothing Retailing - UK - 2010)

05.09

How can it be Monday morning  already? Today is already shaping up to be one of those days, I almost missed my train and got pen on my top, ohhhhh dear!  I've now changed my font so hopefully it is a little easier for you all to read.. I was working on my Mac at home and it was fine there but it may have been different for windows users, not sure but if there is still a problem then please let me know!

Sources: They all hate us, tumblr

05.09

This outfit is definitely on my ever growing 'to recreate' list. Hopefully Melbourne weather will remain cool enough after I get my leather pants! Olivia Palermo can do no wrong in my eyes - her style is always immaculate and polished while still being brave enough to play with new looks.

04.09

Some inspiration to finish off the weekend - can you tell I'm watching the Hangover right now? Best movie! I've had a perfect weekend with exactly the right mix of partying, sleeping, shopping, and relaxing for the work week ahead! I stayed strong while shopping today and still haven't bought anything new! I ordered my leather pants last week but I'm not counting that because it came from money in my Paypal account from selling items on eBay - an eye for an eye and all that jazz...right!? Hope you all had a lovely weekend, now I'm off to read some of my book before bed.

Sources: galmeetsglam, random tumblrs, google images

Ultimate List: #1 Burberry Trench

1. Burberry Trench Coat

I believe every lady who loves classic fashion needs a beige or black coloured trench coat, and you can't get more classic than an original Burberry! I doubt I'll be buying one in the next few years as I have a black and a beige one from Zara so I'll wear them until they die, but I already know what I will be replacing them with.

Burberry is one of my favourite brands of all time. As you know I love brands with a lot of history, and since its British it gives me an excuse to love it even more. The company has really turned itself around in the last five years thank goodness, and is also an amazing example of how social networking can really work for fashion labels, even in the luxury market. Visit their website dedicated solely to the iconic trench - Art of The Trench for more information and lots of inspiring images of other trench lovers!


Source: Art of the Trench

03.09

For those of you who can remember my previous blog, British Trash, you'll have noticed that this blog is slightly different in content and direction. I used to purchase new items frequently (at least once a week) from online sites, in particular ASOS & Topshop, lulled by their cheap prices, free international shipping and the quick fix you get from having that new package land on your desk. I guess the main change is that I open my wardrobe and I'm just sick of seeing of seeing it filled with crap. It sounds almost comical that a girl is over having too many clothes.

I've noticed recently, and perhaps this is through working in the industry, that finer details have become more important to me. There are brands out there that I definitely resonate with and will go back to time after time, but the idea of buying a dress that holds an automatic cachet with everyone else is beyond me. I'd rather have the private satisfaction of the fabric, the craftsmanship and the knowledge that I can pull it out in 5, 10, 15 years and love it just as much.

Being surrounded by clothing and collections five days a week has made me almost neutral to certain trends, and a disassociation from the "new" helps when you're thinking six months ahead at all times. This probably explains why my wardrobe tends to be a sea of black. After reading "The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own" By Nina Garcia I've decided to collate my own list of 'must have' items. I doubt I'd be able to buy more than one a year but if I'm saving up for this then it definitely puts buying other insignificant items in to perspective. One tip I can definitely recommend is either leaving your credit card in a drawer at home (or actually freezing it in ice helps) or sticky taping a list of items you really want to it so when you pull it out to pay for an impulse buy, you can remind yourself of the bigger things! I'm going to spend all day tomorrow clearing out and organising my wardrobe, and then eBaying everything unwanted to raise some money for new things!

Old with the old, in with the new!