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23 July, 2013

Event Outfit Planning: The GreazeFest Edition Part 2

Last week we looked at a cute daytime outfit for the upcoming GreazeFest weekender however given that there are two days of the festival that go all day and well into the night, I thought we'd look at something practical: an outfit that can transition from day to night. Whether you're from interstate and can't be bothered heading back to your hotel for a quick change or you're just like me and plan on indulging in the ah, 'festivities' all day and don't like your chances of finding someone sober enough to run you home to change, a dual purpose outfit is the most convenient option. I stopped by Your One Stop PinUp Shop at Chermside for a little help from the master of strategic dressing.
 
 
I tried on a couple of dresses but in the end Bexterity recommended this two piece ensemble and she is right on the money! I love it! The colours are stunning and so is the silhouette and although it's all repro, it has a lovely vintage feel to it, especially the pattern on the stunning Bettie Page Bloom Skirt. Slightly floral, slightly oriental this skirt has everything and I mean absolutely EVERYTHING you need including pockets (hello!!) and a built in petticoat. The petticoat helps the skirt to sit beautifully however it is a little on the small side so if you are wanting a little extra oomph, there's still room for a full petticoat as well.
 
 
The RockSteady Mint Top is just divine! I adore the colour and the shape of the neckline is SO flattering, for all bust sizes. It's made from a soft, stretchy yet slightly thicker jersey-style material that makes it super comfy to wear and provides a little extra warmth. The gold in the skirt keeps it just that little bit dressier so transitioning to evening is easier. I'll be wearing this outfit on the Sunday and will probably just throw on a cute little black cardi for the night time. In saying that you could also take another little top with you that you could quickly change into for a slightly different night time look (incidentally this top also comes in black!) I went for little heels in the photos but you could also go for cute flats during the day and bring out the heels at night to be slightly dressier.
 
 
No outfit is complete without accessories and between Your One Stop PinUp Shop and I, I think we've chosen well. The glasses are my own but there are similar pairs available in the shop. I think I'd wear these during the day and then lose them for the night time. The bamboo bangle and bag are also my own and tie in nicely with the gold slightly oriental theme of the skirt I think. The Black Wide Belt helps to define your waist and these cute little gold earrings are just a nice, shiny little detail. Of course, what's a GreazeFest weekend without a scarf in your hair? This Chiffon Scarf in Latte is a really cute addition to the outfit and although I've used it in my hair you could also tie it around your neck for that retro look that will also help keep you warm first thing in the morning or as it cools down at night.
 
 
Bettie Page Bloom Skirt $89.95 - Your One Stop PinUp Shop {Gifted}
RockSteady Mint Top $39.95 - Your One Stop PinUp Shop {Gifted}
Black Wide Belt $24.95 - Your One Stop PinUp Shop {Gifted}
Latte Chiffon Scarf $9.95 - Your One Stop PinUp Shop {Gifted}
Gold Earrings $6.00 - Your One Stop PinUp Shop
 
Transitioning an outfit from day to night is also a great way to cut down on buying two separate outfits if you're on a bit of a budget. There are a great range of dressy and casual outfits available at Your One Stop PinUp Shop so swing on in and see the lovely ladies there for a bit of guidance. All stock is also available online if you're not able to make it into the store.

Do you shop on a budget or throw caution to the wind?
With just under 2 weeks to go, I can't wait to see you all at GreazeFest!

18 July, 2013

For The Love OF Ivy & Frankie

If you’re looking for something to do this Saturday evening then you’ve found it right here. This Saturday the 20th from 4pm The Reapers CC are holding a charity fundraiser at The Eliminators Club Rooms at Loganholme.  A fundraising event designed to help raise money for a local family with two 18-month old daughters who suffer from a severe medical condition that causes seizures. The event hopes to raise money to not only help with the purchasing of much needed equipment, but to help with their ongoing medical costs. The family have suffered without complaint for a long time, despite the stresses this hardship causes and the event hopes to ease this burden a little.
 
 
So many wonderful local artists and businesses have gotten behind this very worthy cause and have donated an amazing array of things that will be put up for auction, with all proceeds going to Frankie and Ivy. Come along and you could score all manner of cool stuff including tattoo vouchers, a photoshoot voucher with Poco Rojo, jewellery, car products, art, hair extensions, a double weekend pass to GreazeFest…the list is almost endless and it’s lucky that all the money is going to such a good cause because I have a feeling I’m going to be spending a fair bit of it on the weekend. There will be plenty of cool cars on display, a BBQ as well as some food vendors, the bar is CHEAP and the auction will begin at 6.30pm. Just make sure you’re there in time to register.
 
 
The event is cash only and there is no ATM on the premises so make sure you’re wallet’s cashed up before you arrive. There is a servo with ATM facilities nearby though so if you end up needing a top up, you won’t have to go far. It’s heartbreaking to think that a family and these little girls have to go through so much at such a young age but it’s also really heart warming to know what a wonderful community we have that is willing to get behind them and help them out. Every little bit helps and it’s going to be a great day regardless of whether you can afford to buy or not. Just seeing the turn out on the day will no doubt do wonders for this struggling family and help to lift their spirits.

♥♥ Even if it’s just for a little while, please come along on Saturday
and show these two beautiful little girls that you care ♥♥

16 July, 2013

Event Outfit Planning: The GreazeFest Edition Part 1

With GreazeFest only 3 weeks away, I'm definitely in outfit planning mode. It feels like there's always so much to think about, especially with the festival now running for an extra day this year! Not only do I need to think about 3 night time outfits but now I've got 2 day time outfits to plan as well! Best I started looking then! And where else would I start but with Stars and Swallows!?
 
They've just added a whole new range of dresses to their website and this lovely little number from Hell Bunny immediately caught my eye. The Adelaide Dress in a beautiful soft pink colour features large black polka dots, a contrasting black waistband and cute little black wing-style bust. I love me a good swing dress and add in a halterneck and I'm sold!
 
 
This dress would be ideal for wearing during the day and we're usually pretty lucky with the weather when it comes to GreazeFest. In saying that, it can get a little cool so I'd definitely suggest pairing this with a cardi, at least earlier in the morning and later in the day as the temperature starts to drop. You could wear this dress without a petticoat, but where's the fun in that!? The extra layers will also help to keep you warm. But when the sun comes out it's a chance to show off some skin (or tattoos!) and some cute accessories. Like this little guy.
 
 
 I'm loving these Erstwilder brooches lately, such an effective way of adding some interest to an outfit. And how sweet is this little guy!? Spiffy the Sausage Dog is made from resin which makes him hard-wearing. I also love the fact that these brooches are designed, assembled and hand painted by a Melbourne artist. I'm all about supporting local and small business! It's also goo to keep in mind that it warms up during the day at GreazeFest and can often get quite sunny so a little parasol is also a great way to protect your skin (and not sweat off your make up!)
 
 
The black waistband of this dress means that you could add a coloured belt and it would stand out, but the shape of the waistband is designed to flatter your figure and draw the eye in so there's definitely no need to. Whack on a few cute accessories and you're good to go! I couldn't help but wear my jelly wedges with this but flats would look just as cute and would be much more friendly on your tootsies, especially if like me you'll spend the whole day walking around looking at the cars, shopping up a storm at the stalls and dancing til you drop!
 
 
Hell Bunny Adelaide Dress $75 - Stars and Swallows {Gifted}
Hull Bunny Black Long Petticoat $49 - Stars and Swallows
Erstwilder Sausage Dog Brooch $25 - Stars and Swallows {Gifted}
Mel Apple III Shoes in Black $34.90 - StyleTread ON SALE
Parasol & Sunnies were just things I had lying around

I'm not quite sure what it is but all of a sudden I'm REALLY into the pink and black colour scheme, it's just such a lovely pairing. A little bit cute, a little bit sassy.

*Stay tuned next week for my second GreazeFest outfit post on transitioning from day to night*

Have you started planning your GreazeFest outfits yet? What will you be wearing?

02 July, 2013

So You're Probably Wondering What Happened To Me

I don’t know about you but things have been feeling a bit dreary around here lately. The blog feels a bit like it’s gone into hibernation for the winter. My posts have become far less regular and I haven’t really had much to say. I feel a little bit bad about that, but only a little. For once I gave myself permission to just be. No pressure, no guilt, no expectations to fulfil. Things have been busy with work and I wasn’t going to push myself. In saying that, I also didn’t feel like I had much to say.

I haven’t been feeling the greatest lately. I think it’s a combination of the holiday comedown and the fact that I have put on some weight. My confidence had also dropped quite a bit. So to be honest, I haven’t been in the mindframe to write anything decent or to create outfit posts. I wasn’t exactly proud to show myself off. And I wasn’t just going to post crap for the sake of it. So I stuck to sharing about my US trip, mostly because it made me feel happy and I know a lot of people wanted to know all about it.

But I’m sure there’s only so much USA adventures you can take. No doubt you’re all getting a bit bored and to be honest, I miss using this place to bring myself and those of you who read some joy. It’s funny you know, I had been feeling so unmotivated and crappy for weeks and then out of nowhere I got this surge of motivation and confidence back. I wondered what did the trick. It was a combination of remembering good qualities from the past, realising I’d lost them along the way. And a dress. A dress has also helped.

You see, GreazeFest is just 4 weeks away and I’ve been planning my outfits. I want to look good. Not just good, HOT. SMOKIN! So I splurged a little a bought myself an amazing dress. I can’t wait to wear it. It’s not some super expensive vintage piece or anything like that. But it’s a brand I’ve been lusting after for a while and surprisingly had never bought from yet. And the style and fabric and overall look of the whole dress just really appeals to me. So I got the dress and decided I need to do it justice.

I’m sick of feeling bad about myself. I really am my own worst enemy. I was reminded the other day what first got The Man’s attention about me. What a lot of people used to say to me. What no one says to me anymore. What I don’t even say to myself anymore. My confidence. The way I held myself. Head high, strutting in, owning the room (or at least feeling like I was), without seeming conceited. I used to get told this a lot by men and women. I loved it. But most importantly, I felt it.

Somehow I lost that along the way. I used to tell myself how great I looked. Could feel the eyes on me and enjoy it, without playing up to it. Somewhere I stopped complimenting myself, pumping myself up. Waited for other people to do it for me. Avoided the eyes, pretended not to notice or looked the other way. Why? I’m not completely sure. I think perhaps in my journey to ‘grow up’ and lose some of the negative aspects of my personality and behaviour I also lost some of the good ones, or mistook them as bad.

But I realise now how much I miss them. How much I need them. How much I deserve them. You absolutely cannot rely on other people to make you feel good. Sure compliments from other people are a bonus, but you have to have confidence all on your own. Ever since I realised all this, it’s like something clicked in my brain. It’s like I’m back to the old me. Telling myself good things. And it has spurred me on to take better care of myself and try and lose the weight I’ve put on. I’ve been eating well, have just got back into exercising and will be starting Lite’n Easy this week.

For once I’m not putting a lot of pressure on myself, but at the same time I have no excuses and no other thoughts about what ifs and doubts. There is no question in my mind. I. am. doing. this. My dress has arrived and although it’s a little firm at the moment, I know it’s going to fit like a glove come GreazeFest and I absolutely cannot wait to strut my stuff. I’ve totally got my mojo back and I’m really talking up my outfit for the Saturday night at GreazeFest to everyone. I’ll be wearing THE dress. It’s funny, I’m probably talking it up so much that on the night people will be like ‘really? THAT’S it? Um…ok’ haha But you know what? I don’t care because I will be feeling like a million bucks!

My confidence is back. My power is back. My motivation is back. My blog is back! Thanks for sticking with me, sorry if I’ve let you down the last few weeks but I absolutely cannot wait to start sharing with you again! Finishing off with my USA snaps (almost done I promise!) and feedback on how the Lite’n Easy goes, as I know some people are interested. This is my first time on anything like this so I’m really interested to see how it goes and excited about what results I might achieve!

In the meantime, I’ll be thinking about other outfits I can rock at GreazeFest! Hope I see you there!

USA Adventure: Bumper Pic Post - Arizona to Cali