Friday, November 28, 2014

Black Friday sales, discount codes and Everlane's new initiative


Today Everlane is starting a new tradition for Black Friday. All of today's profits (i.e. 35% of each purchases) will be invested into making the lives of their factory workers better. They're starting small and focusing on one of their factories, Hangzhou, China, where their silks and button downs are made. You can read more on the Black Friday Fund on www.everlane.com/black-friday, their goal is to close the loop between the customer, the brand and the people who make our clothes. The power to push towards more fair and sustainable industrial practices is in our hands.

http://rstyle.me/ad/gp7inm4wn
 pic my own via my iPhone/Instagram

Wouldn't it be wonderful if all retailers and online stores did the same?  Also, is anyone else overwhelmed by the incredible list of discount codes on offer at them moment?

Here are some of the discount codes and sales I have jotted down and scoured:

Shopbop - GOBIG14 at checkout for 15% off $250, 20% off $500+, 25% off $1000

Net-a-Porter US on sale - no code required (my purchase has already been shipped!)

Madewell - GIFTON for 25% off all purchases (I purchased this dress)

Selfridges - SELF14 for 20% all items (inc. Valentino, Saint Laurent, etc!)

Harvey Nichols - SMASHING25 25% off all items (inc. Valentino, Saint Laurent

Browns Fashion - Free shipping with THANKYOU14

Forward by Elyse Walker - sale on (including lots of Isabel Marant)

Saks Fifth Avenue on sale up to 60% off

Moda Operandi - amazing sale up to 50% off

LN-CC - 30% off (love this site!)

TGIBF!
 

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Thursday, November 27, 2014

Brigadeiro's (Christmas - or not) Gift Guide Pt 1: 'The Boys' (boyfriend, husband, partner, colleague father, brother, friend, and so forth)


I once wrote about my love for well-curated gift guides, as I am quite often stumped for gift ideas ideas.  I never thought I would actually compile one as I'm the one always hungry for suggestions.  But this year, I looked back, and thought that for once, I actually have some purchases I could compile and share with you all.

I thought I'd start with the toughest one: "The Boys".

I don't know about you, but every year I am stumped as to what to get hubby, it doesn't help that his birthday is only a few weeks away from Christmas either.  Let's face it, there are only so many ties/cufflinks/sunglasses/wallets/CD's (well, that was a few years ago) that one can buy for them, but here I some other items I've given, from all different price points, and some especially good for the 'boys' who have 'everything':

Details for each item (including links to where you can buy them) below (and some items that didn't make it in this pic).

THE BOYS:


 1. A coffee subscription (such as the one from Nobs Coffee), until recently I never knew such a thing existed.  As a coffee aficionado, I find the idea of receiving coffee in the mailbox each month absolutely brilliant.  Especially since I get to sample the coffee from the best roasters in Melbourne without having to board a plane.  Each month I receive coffee from a different roaster, which keeps things interesting, and means I get to drink something different to the 2kgs of Tanzanian and Colombian beans we buy each month.

2. A portable alcohol breathalyzer - I think anyone who drinks alcohol and drives should have one of these, especially if they can fit in a person's pocket, they can range from $200 (here), $150 (on sale from $250 here, or this one from Target) to $50 (here), or even colourful ones on a keychain (here).

3. Zetronix video goggles - Shhhh...don't tell hubby, I am giving these for his birthday next week.  I first saw them on Moda Operandi (I've gotten amazing gift ideas from them!), and am so very pleased I did! Hubby is forever watching soccer matches and what not on his phone, and these Virtual Display Video Glasses by Zetronix create a simulated 50” personal screen for watching music, television and so forth, they connect to almost every device—from smart phones to cable boxes—to deliver a virtual experience anytime, anywhere.  

http://bit.ly/1HHrfFi

4. Daniel Wellington watch - they are not very expensive and is fun to have as you can get interchangeable straps to change its look from workday to weekend - available from East Dane (Shopbop's male counterpart), Bloomingdale's, and Asos.

5. Ullu leather iPhone case - I absolutely love the leather on this, and I used to work with leather (once upon a time), these are beautifully crafted and are such a great affordable present to give!

6. Parrot Zik by Philippe Starck noise-cancelling wireless headphones - another brilliant gift idea I got from Moda Operandi last year (via their gift guide).  I first saw them at Colette in Paris with hubby and forgot about them by the time his birthday came around, thank goodness for Moda Operandi's gift guide which reminded me about these gorgeous headphones.  I'm eyeing the white and gold headphones myself (from Selfridges).  Hubby absolutely loves these and pored over 100's of reviews before hitting 'buy', to make sure it wasn't just a 'pretty face', these headphones deliver form and function!

http://bit.ly/11wiOeV

7. Diary by Mi Goals - I wouldn't normally think of a diary as a gift, but I really love this one, obviously many of these presents on this post aren't just for men, as some of these items are my own, haha...But this diary in particular is inspirational and motivational yet funky at the same time, love the stationery range at Mi Goals! These are available from The Iconic.

http://bit.ly/1HHuA7e

8. Ray Ban folding sunglasses - these again are my own, but seriously, how absolutely cool is it that these sunglasses fold into this tiny square that you can easily fit into your pocket? I'm eyeing their aviators and clubmaster sunglasses next (for both hubby and myself, haha).  These are available from Revolve Clothing, East Dane and Shopbop, The Iconic, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's.

http://bit.ly/1CjtHlhhttp://bit.ly/1CjtHlhhttp://bit.ly/11wkd5p
pics from Larsson & Jennings

9. Larsson and Jennings Chain Metal watch - these are mine but hubby is always wanting to borrow it, love unisex watches! And absolutely LOVE this watch (also love it in silver or gold, and their leather-strapped versions are gorgeous too)! Available at Liberty's, Net-a-Porter, and directly from Larsson & Jennings.

http://bit.ly/11wkAg6

10. Aesop x APC Post-poo drops (remember my post here?) - haha, I know, this may be a funny present, but in all honesty, we love it! It is absolutely brilliant! Great present for the guy/person who has it all! Available at Liberty's.

http://bit.ly/1xK8xVn

11. Everlane Twill snap backpack - ok, so these items above are not quite 'manly', but I bought this backpack for hubby for Christmas last year, and one in navy for my brother-in-law (secretly or not so secretly wanting both).  They are stylish, practical and won't break the bank! I absolutely love them, and uhm...borrow it almost every day!
Available directly from Everlane (I used Hop Shop Go mail forwarding service, since Everlane don't ship to Australia directly)

(pic from Urban Outfitters)

12. Donut Pool Float - ok, I also have this on its way to me (for Christmas presents - shhhh, don't tell!).  Look at it! How cool is this?!? Who wouldn't be floating on a giant iced doughnut, haha? I bought mine from Urban Outfitters.

http://bit.ly/1tgivMK

13. Iacoli and McAllister designs 'Hex bottle opener - another one I am going to buy this year, how beautiful is it? Love it when something sports both form and function - available from Moorea Seal.

Like I said, most items here are not at all confined to 'just boys', so perhaps there will be items in my next Gift Guide(s) that could be added to this category and vice versa, so watch this space!

Any other favourite 'gift ideas' for 'the boys' you'd like to share?


n.b. All pics my own unless otherwise stated, taken on my iPhone/Instagram.

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Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Net-a-Porter US site now on sale - up to 50% off!

4

Woo hoo! I was so excited to receive this email from Net-a-Porter, announcing their US site is now on sale! I quickly snapped up the Isabel Marant Pealman bow pumps I've had on my wishlist and almost purchased somewhere else last night.  A black leather version of my beloved Poppy pumps in a lower 3" heel (just half an inch taller than my go-to Valentino Rockstuds - hope these are just as comfy). Was so worried I'd miss out on them I placed the order before checking on the rest of my wishlist.  You can click on any image or HERE to start shopping (don't forget, the sale is only on the US site, so you have to change your 'Country' setting if it isn't already set to the US).

Hm...I always thought it was my little sister who had a thing for bows, seems I do too!

http://rstyle.me/ad/fguksm4wn
http://bit.ly/1CfA1KHhttp://bit.ly/1yggLIG

Isabel Marant Pealman pumps available at Net-a-Porter, if your size is sold out, you can also find these shoes at FarFetch, Barneys (also 40% off), Luisa Via Roma (in the 4.5" version Poppy),
last pic my own via my iPhone/Instagram feat. Peut-être magazine, my Instagram pic printed by Photify in an Ikea Ribba frame, Diptyque Figuier candle (available here).

other pics via NAP.

Drop a line if you buy anything! Love living vicariously through your purchases too!

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Monday, November 24, 2014

Aminah Bow Shoes - I'm head over flats in love!


A few months ago I went wild for these shoes worn by Aimee Song from Song of Style*.  Since I hardly wear heels nowadays (especially after my last fall down the stairs in July, when I think I damaged my foot's collateral ligament, oops!), I rationalized with myself that I shouldn't even attempt walking in them, and managed to resist them.  I was absolutely ecstatic when I found out a few weeks ago that these gorgeous shoes by Aminah Abdul Jallil are now available in flats!

I seriously couldn't get them fast enough, and knew exactly when I wanted to inaugurate them, to a function held at the Art Gallery of SA, where I'd get the chance to view the amazing 'Fashion Icons' exhibition and to see and hear Australian designer Toni Maticevski talk about his work (I still have a piece from one of his early collections).  The exhibition "Fashion Icons: Masterpieces from the collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris" is seriously incredible, showcasing breathtaking original Couture pieces by Christian Dior, Valentino, Gres, Chanel dating back several decades, as well as RTW (my favourite designer Dries Van Noten is also included), these pieces were curated from an exhibition that has never left Paris until now, and isn't planned to go anywhere else either after it returns)**.  Anyway, if you are here in Australia, I highly recommend you going to see this exhibition (open until February 2015)! I might scram together a little post about this exhibition later this week.

Anyway, apologies for rambling, back to the flats: since I've been asked a few questions about them on Instagram, I thought I'd answer them here in case others want to find out the same thing:  
  • They run true to size for me (I take a size 38 in almost every shoe, UK 5, US/AUS 7.5 or 8 - I usually say 8, but some shoes are confusing - I got these in a US 8).
  • I've only worn them once so far, did a bit of walking, stood for a bit, and they were comfy...it wasn't extensive walking, but so far so good.
  • The front is cut on the diagonal, so my wide feet do stick out a little.
  • Bear in mind that unless you are blessed with stick thin/ long legs, the ankle cuff/bow will shorten the leg somewhat, so I plan on wearing mine with midi/long skirts and/or cropped pants.
  • They also come in heels (obviously) - 0.5" front platform 5" heel.
I am seriously eyeing the blue pair next, and even though I don't wear pink, I am seriously eyeing the pink and fuchsia pair.  Well, I need to make up for the fact that I won't be wearing heels for quite some time!

Aimee Song (pic from Song of Style)
 Blair Edie (pic from Atlantic Pacific) - Carrie style.
 Photify print of my strawberry photograph in the Ikea Ribba frame, Kate Spade 'Light up the Room' candle (purchased from Kate Spade), Ellery silk collar (limited edition, no longer available) and Aminah Abdul Jillil bow flats
Dress: 3.1 Phillip Lim x Koi Suwannagate strapless rosette dress (several seasons old), Shirt: Everlane band collar silk shirt (available from Everlane), Bag: Witchery (from decades ago!), Shoes: Aminah Abdul Jillil***

all pics my own via iPhone for my Instagram (unless otherwise stated)


* Isn't it crazy that only a few years ago she regularly visited and commented on this blog (before my little ones took away my time and attention from this blog)? I even remember her asking a few times (so I finally bit the bullet and answered her query) on how I could afford my purchases, my, how the tables have turned!

**Funnily, I recall the exhibition being underway while I was in Paris last year, and it was free to enter! Sadly, after Paris Couture Week I was so fashion-ed out that I didn't go (kicking myself very hard about that)

***Thanks Aminah! I think I might just have to buy another (or 3 more) pairs of these flats, I am seriously in love with them!



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Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Recent Buy: Nike Roshe sneakers with Asos 30% off everything discount code!


 Of all my sneakers (and I seem to have accumulated quite a few in the last year), my Nike Roshe Runs are by far my favourite pair, they are seriously the most comfortable shoe ever, and I walk in them everywhere (from the streets of Paris to walking my kids to preschool).  I have been wanting another pair, and when I received Asos' email this morning, I placed my order then and there from my iPhone during my little one's playgroup.


Today's outfit - Sweater: Asos, Sneakers: Nike Roshe Run (obviously in dire need of a wash!), Culottes: Country Road, Watch: Larsson Jennings (available from Larsson Jennings, Net-a-Porter and Liberty)

I was after a colour different to my black & white, and the grey pair is exactly what I've been looking for, great for Summer and versatile to wear with almost any outfit:

Use code 30FRENZY at ASOS for today only (I received the email this morning, and they say the code can be used on everything (sale or full-priced items) but only for 24 hours! Run, don't walk!). * Got another email saying they've extended the code for a further 24 hours (n.b. so until 20th November!)  You can start shopping here.

I took the opportunity to nab some items that have been on my wishlist for quite some time now, especially this silk longline bomber coat/dress and Pleat back dress on sale in both navy and orange (from their Asos white range):

http://bit.ly/1t0MhVB
http://bit.ly/1t0Mk3M
http://bit.ly/1t0Mk3M
(click on pics to take you to their product page)
http://rstyle.me/n/tawzzm866
pic from the gorgeous Carmen Hamilton of 'The Chronicles of Her' blog.

They have most sizes still available, but if they're sold out in your size, you should be able to find them here, herehere and here.

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Friday, November 14, 2014

OOTD: Building Block Iphone Sling, Sundry dress and Adidas Superstars


Don't you just love a versatile tank or t-shirt dress? I lived in one particular stretchy jersey tank black dress during both my pregnancies, and therefore came up with 1001 different outfits with it, different shoes, accessories, or layered over or under tops, jackets, kimonos, blazers, sweatshirts, sweaters, anything!

I haven't worn a fitted jersey dress since (it was the only time I could really let it all hang out and not worry that I have a belly, haha), but I recently got a Sundry t-shirt dress that is slightly gathered from the middle down, hiding a multitude of sins!  I love that I can layer an oversized shirt (open or buttoned up), or any style of jacket or blazer over it, and change the look completely with different shoes and accessories.

Thought I'd 'sporty' it up today, and team it with my straw 'baseball' cap I recently bought.  I pretty much have never worn a baseball cap, because it wasn't 'me', but when I saw it reinvented in a more sophisticated sleek style and in straw, I just had to have it. I hardly wear hats, but with the little ones, find myself under the sun quite a bit, so they are becoming a necessity.  Lately you will practically always find me in sneakers (especially since my injured foot just refuses to get better), as well as my Larsson Jennings watch, which I just love.

I am constantly carrying my iPhone around, and have consequently dropped it several times, one time quite badly, so that my screen is quite smashed... Cue Building Block's Iphone Sling! I first saw it fortuitously on Instagram, and knew I had to have it.  It is perfect for when I don't need much else other than my phone (and there is a slot for a credit card, or driver's license, say), and often find myself just wearing it around the house, so I don't have to keep looking for my phone when I need it (yeah, I'm lazy).  Plus it is so sleek and minimal, it goes with most outfits, and I just love the lucite block! Very happy with my purchase indeed! Only wish I had found it sooner!

So to the person who recently left a comment on my Instagram, thanks for giving me a little nudge back here.  Apologies for not posting more often!

Happy Friday everyone!

 Atelier Lumira's new fragrance Paradisium: luscious green figs intertwined with sparkling bergamot and refreshing citrus, light and delicious scent, just in time for Summer!
 Building Block Iphone sling with lucite block (purchased from Modesportif, but also available directly from Building Block and other retailers)
 Dress: Sundry (available at Shopbop), Iphone sling: Building Block (purchased from Modesportif), Sneakers: Adidas Superstar (bought from Adidas), Hat: Country Road, Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 (available from Net-a-Porter and Net-a-Porter US, and directly from Proenza Schouler), Watch: Larsson Jennings (available from Larsson Jennings, Net-a-Porter and Liberty), Alpha Cuff + Ring: Aana Janakis (available here), Wallet: Nomadic mock crock wallet (available here)

all photos via my iPhone/Instagram


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