Posts tagged ‘shopping’

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April 4, 2010

Autumn/Winter Wardrobe Update

Now that I am more focused on purchasing items for my Autumn/Winter wardrobe I have decided to go through and do a little update at the beginning of every month, to check off items that I have bought, and post some possible suggestions for things I might buy next. I had a little browse through my wardrobe and found some pieces that I had initially forgotten to mention in my A/W wardrobe list the first time around. Here is the updated version:

Tops
** sheer black / print / floral blouses (will look to buy 2 new blouses this season)
* black cashmere v-neck sweater
** black cashmere cardigan (x2)
* black studded silk tank
black silk/jersey tee
elizabeth and james black satin blouse
* black asos chain neck sweater (ordered)
black/white plaid top

Bottoms
** black pencil skirts (will need to purchase 2 new skirts for work)
black cigarette style pants
** dark denim jeans (will need 1-2 new pairs)

Dresses
asos dark purple/floral print dress
basque dark green/black peacock print dress
black/grey polka dot print babydoll dress
ann taylor black dress w. rosette shoulders
see by chloe grey sweater dress
sussan black draped jersey/lace dress

Outerwear
* black long length blazer
* black leather jacket
black tie-waist trench

Accessories
* cashmere tube scarf
* warehouse lace scarf in mink (ordered)
house of harlow peacock ring
* oversized ray ban wayfarers
* oversized black leather handbag
3.1 phillip lim black patent clutch
vintage peacock clutch
* oversized black leather clutch
mimco black embellished hair piece
diamond stud earrings
tiffany & co initial necklace
* black pearl earrings
* asos black enamel panther cuff bracelet (ordered)

Shoes
* lanvin black leather ballet flats
country road black leather ballet flats
black patent ankle boots
wittner flat black leather boots
wittner black patent pointed flats
chanel burgundy round toe heels
wittner peep toe motorcycle/wedge boots

I have narrowed down my first five purchases (based on what I will need and be wearing most often compared to what I already have in my wardrobe) to the following items:

> black pencil skirt
> dark denim straight leg jeans
> black cashmere cardigan
> black long length blazer
> oversized leather handbag

If anybody knows of a good place to get simple cashmere cardigans from, please let me know! I found one on Shopbop but it had big pearl buttons, and I don’t really like that sort of style. I am also on the hunt for an oversized leather handbag. I’m thinking that I might spare some cash this season and just opt for a high street brand rather than designer. I’m not 100% sure on that though, it depends on if I see any bags that I fall in love with along the way… The other items on this first purchase list will be bought in store. Jeans, skirts and blazers all have to fit to perfection IMO, and you can’t always guarantee that with an online purchase…

Posted in autumn/winter, wardrobe | 13 Comments »

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February 27, 2010

Shopping Diary 27/02/2010

In my hungover and hazy state this morning I placed an order at Asos.com and officially blew the budget. I am on a personal no-buy challenge now until March 27th! This means no shopping for anything for myself, and doing my best to spend as little as possible. (this means 1 coffee a day at work, eek the horror!) I may have also made a couple of sneaky purchases at Adore Beauty and the shops yesterday… All things I’ve wanted for a while though! Of course that makes it okay.

I also bought a beautiful watercolour print chiffon blouse from Australian label Basque, Pantene 3 Minute Miracle (3 pack) and three nailpolishes from Mecca Cosmetica (Rosaline, Perdita and Violenta). All shopped out for a while I think!

Posted in shopping diary | 6 Comments »

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February 21, 2010

Shopping Diary 21/02/2010

Hello Sunday afternoon impulse buy… I stocked up on a few beauty cupboard staples, and blew the budget a little. But oh well, I am happy now, and glad to have a few old favourites back in the cupboard!

YSL Touche Eclat #1

Dermalogica Precleanse

Chanel Precision Radiance Revealing Serum

Kerastase Nutritive Bain Satin 1 Shampoo

image source: strawberrynet

Posted in shopping diary | 6 Comments »

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February 17, 2010

Shopping Diary 17/02/2010

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, I am trying to keep better track of my finances this year. This means attempting to save more money than I spend – making steady repayments on our mortgage, and getting bills paid on time. This also means setting myself a budget when it comes to what I am spending my “allowance” on. So I have written myself a shopping list (too long to post, it’s insane really) and will post what I buy on the blog so that I can share the joy. You’re excited, I can tell. Anyhoo, this fortnight, I have purchased something for my wardrobe. I took advantage of Shopbop’s free shipping for orders over $100, and decided to get the ring to bring my shopping bag over the $100 mark.

I am a sucker for anything to do with peacocks. I don’t know why that is, but there you have it. Give me anything with a peacock print or peacock theme and I instantly have to have it. The House of Harlow peacock cuff is on my shopping list, (and I do plan on getting it in the future) but I think the ring is kind of adorable too. So after these two purchases, I am left with $15 in my shopping piggy bank. That won’t buy me much, so I think I’ll put it towards next fortnight’s purchases.

Posted in shopping diary, wardrobe | 4 Comments »

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January 27, 2010

Oh, Anthropologie

I was lucky enough to get a change to browse through and shop at Anthropologie during my trip to the US last year, but I was shocked and dismayed on my return to realise that they do not ship to Australia! I can sneak around this though, as my beautiful Swedish friend Andrea has offered to be an in-between postal service for me, as they DO ship to Sweden! Lucky lucky lucky! Here are the items I am eyeing off at the moment…

So many pretty things! I can’t take it!

Posted in want! | 3 Comments »

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December 30, 2009

NYE Style / Blaine Ashley

Every year I get excited for New Years Eve, and every year it seems to be a major let down. I’m assuming that this year will be no different, but I’m hoping that my low expectations might help to make it a more enjoyable night! (twisted logic, I know) One thing that always makes me happy though, is shopping for a dress for the big night. What better way to ring in the new year than in a beautiful new outfit? If you’re in the market for something uniquely beautiful why not check out Blaine Ashley for some ideas. Blaine Ashley is an online boutique that carries a select range of contemporary designer pieces, run by Oahu based stylist Blaine Ashley. I have my eye on quite a few items, but my choices for New Years Eve would be…

If the name wasn’t enough to catch my eye, the dress certainly was. Worn with a casual up-do and some gold sandals, this dress would be perfect for a summery New Years Eve celebrated in Australia – preferably with a cold cocktail in hand!

If there is ever a time to glam it up, it’s New Years Eve. And what better way to do that, than in a beautiful long length jumpsuit? Worn with high-HIGH heels, super long hair (and maybe some diamonds), this jumpsuit would be perfect to ring in the New Year somewhere glamourous.

If you’re opting for a more casual night, this dress is the perfect choice. It’s simple and comfortable, but the gold zip front and tiered ruffled skirt give it a little something extra. Worn with loose, feminine waves and some comfortable flats, this dress would be great for a NYE spent somewhere stylish but low-key.

If any of these pieces catch your eye, be sure to head over to Blaine Ashley to have a little browse for yourself! While you’re there be sure to take advantage of the generous 20% off that Blaine Ashley has offered to the readers of The Belle Lumiere. Just enter BELLEPERK at the register until January 15 to receive 20% off of your purchases. Happy shopping!

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November 30, 2009

Beauty Shopping Online

I have had some really great experiences with shopping online, and some terrible ones. There is nothing worse than getting your fix from a bit of online splurging and then having to wait for a year and a half for your products to arrive. So here is a list of the sites that I shop from, and a little note on my experiences with the stores in question. I will update the list as I shop in the future (it’s inevitable, let’s face it…)

By far the store that I have had the best experience with. The site is easy to navigate, the stock list is amazing and the staff are some of the friendliest I’ve ever come across. I always opt for express shipping ($7.95) and my order is guaranteed to arrive within the following 2 days. (I imagine the shipping is even faster if you’re residing on the East Coast, as I am tucked away over on the West.) The site also offers a wide selection of reviews – so you can read about other beauty lovers experiences with the products before purchasing for yourself. (And these are genuine reviews, I’ve even written a few myself!) There is also a great forum attached to the site, definitely check it out if you get the chance. Orders over $30 come with 2 free samples of products and if you have any questions or problems with your products and orders, the staff are an email away and always happy to help.

I am torn when it comes to Strawberry Net. On the one hand they have a wide range of products at seriously reduced prices and offer free shipping worldwide. On the other hand, the shipping takes 2-3 weeks at a minimum, the stock lists vary (which is annoying if you buy something from them and when you go back to re-purchase they no longer have it available) and the customer service is not very user friendly. They offer no free samples, but they do have a great “rewards system” where you are offered an increasing percentage discount the more you shop. They also offer a free gift with your first purchase.

I purchased from Zuza for the first time last week and they have already moved up to one of my favourite online stores to buy from. They have a decent stock list, shipping is free and the service is FAST. I received my order today, and with a personalised ‘thank you’ note and a GWP size D&G Homme Fragrance enclosed which is sure to make my other half happy! (and distract him from the 5 packages that arrived for me today) I will be testing out Zuza’s services again soon!

Ahh Mecca. Mecca, Mecca Mecca. My absolute favourite beauty store to shop at in person, but probably not one of my favourites to shop at online. They have an extensive stock list, (including some amazing brands exclusive to Mecca) and provide a lot of information about the products available, but something of the charm of the store seems to be lacking from the online experience. Samples are offered with purchase, but although you pay for express shipping the products often take 1-2 weeks to be delivered. It is probably because I have such high standards when it comes to shopping with Mecca that their online experience lets me down. The staff are so incredibly helpful & friendly, it’s always such a pleasure to shop there!

NB: I am from Australia, so this sites may not be THE best for international readers. Feel free to leave a comment and suggest some places I should shop in the future!

Posted in online shopping | 1 Comment »

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