Bring the bling.

Love these two Oroton rings, which a part of their new season jewellery collection. The brand is doing some fantastic jewellery for reasonable prices at the moment and I’m a big fan. I’m very tempted by these, I must say. The Carnegie on the left is $125 and also comes in a black stone, while the Emil on the right is $75 and also comes in silver. Both have matching earrings too (I think the Emil ones will be mine).

Check out the Oroton website for more.

Thumbs up.

That’s all this is. Nothing fancy or over the top, nothing incredible or amazing or like nothing you’ve ever seen. I just really like the blue of this Vince jumper with the white singlet and tan shorts. Nothing more. Just a classic, classy, chic summer look.

This will be me!

I’m having a break for a few days and heading to the town where I grew up on the NSW south coast. My parents get a place in the area every year so I’m totally taking advantage of that. It’s likely there won’t be any blogging while I’m gone as even mobile phone reception is sketchy.

Enjoy your week and I’ll be back next weekend.

Red-dy for winter.

Was having a flick through the latest Myer catalogue when I saw this incredible ruby red Kate Sylvester coat on the gorgeous Jess Hart. The gold stud detailing just takes it to another level and everything about the styling in that photograph is just perfect. The coat suits her beautifully and the wheat field is very autumnal.

It’s an $895 coat so not for everyone but I can guarantee you’d be wearing it for years to come. Definitely a worthwhile investment. It’s available at Myer online here and officially known as the Catherine Trench (wouldn’t it look good on Princess Kate?).

On another note, I love the imagery in the current Myer catalogue and that they’ve chosen to shoot it in Australia rather than head overseas (David Jones is doing NYC. Boring). The landscape looks very much like where I grew up in the Southern Tablelands of NSW but that’s more grazing that wheat, so I reckon it was probably shot in western NSW. Anyone know? In any case, it’s a definite win for Myer.

Her second album, 21, is pretty much a fixture on most iPods around the world now. It’s become one of those records that even people who buy one album every five years own. I was rapt to see Adele win five Grammys including the big one, Record of the Year (not to mention Song of the Year and Album of the Year). If you don’t own 21 then you must, it really does live up to the hype. 19 is also glorious and has the fingerprints of songwriter/producer Mark Ronson all over it, with plenty of catchy and moving tunes. ‘Hometown Glory’ is another ripper.

Isn't she lovely?

I was so pleased to see Adele looking stunning at the Grammys and she’s definitely a contender for best dressed on the night. That face is just 1960s perfection and I love how she really works her look without seeming false or pretentious (cough Lana Del Ray cough).

I don’t think the Grammys bring out the most fashionable outfits. Often singers and musicians are trying to out ‘wack’ each other with crazy get ups and rainbow coloured hair. It’s not about being stylish, it’s about being noticed. That said, here’s a couple that caught my eye this week.

She's Fergilicious.

I can’t really explain why, but I love this neon orange lace get up on Fergie Ferg. Obvs I would prefer it not so sheer but she really kinda rocks it. And I hate the earrings. Sorry Fergie. How about you keep the earrings and I’ll take your husband? Deal?

Stay classy.

Kelly Osbourne’s grey rinse divides people and for the most part I’m not a fan, however this gown is so lovely and suits her so very much. It makes her look super delicate and elegant and really highlights her good features. Well played Kel.

Finally, RIP Whitney Houston. The soundtrack to a million 1980s Blue Light Discos, karaoke singalongs and 1993 weddings. Phenomenal voice and just a shame she couldn’t stay a while longer and share it with us all. Jennifer Hudson performed ‘I Will Always Love You’ at the Grammys and I will say this – Jen has a great set of pipes but she goes nowhere near doing the justice to Dolly’s song that Whitney did. Listening to this version just makes you realise what an incredible singer Ms Whitney Houston was.

For the record – ‘I’m Your Baby Tonight’. Perfect piece of early 90s pop/RnB. Closely followed by ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. I know it is cool these days to say that Valentine’s Day is just a Hallmark card holiday and meaningless and commercial, but come on – who isn’t a little bit chuffed when they receive flowers or a card or even a nice message from a sweetheart?

I am single and not expecting to receive or send anything this year. However I thought I’d make a list of things I really love in the interests of sharing the sentiment a little bit.

1. Breakfast – best meal of the day with the best options. Eggs, bacon, french toast, pancakes, hollandaise sauce, what’s not to love?
2. Sia – Amazing singer. And the fact that she can guest on songs by such disparate artists as Hilltop Hoods, Flo Rida, Christina Aguilera and David Guetta shows just how versatile and incredible she is.
3. Nars – The king of all make up brands.
4. Southland and Hawaii 5-0 – I’m not a cop show person but love love love both of these (and they have good eye candy).
5. Red Bull – I’m not a coffee person but I struggle to function without my 5.31am Red Bull.
6. Janet Evanovich – My new favourite author and can’t wait for One for the Money to hit the movies.
7. Naps – I can’t get enough mini sleeps. My nickname when I was younger used be ‘naps’ on account of this.
8. Going to the movies through the day – My favourite past time when I have week days off. Kick back and relax with no one else there.
9. Jeans – I’ve always been a denim girl. My current faves are Gap Always Skinny in a mid-blue wash.
10. Getting pole position – This is what people in my office call two parks near the door of our car parking facility. When you get them, you know you’re going to have a good day.

Well I should hope so.

I’ve unashamedly stolen this tag from Emma because there’s nothing I love more than talking about meeeeeeeeeeee.

1. What diary are you using in 2012?

A tiny pink Moleskine one I showed off here. I am all about a Moleskine diary.

2. Have you travelled overseas before? Where?

Yep. I have been to England, France, Taiwan and the US – this year I’m hoping to go to Japan and Thailand. I’ve also been to every Australian capital city except Darwin, to far north Queensland, all the way up the NSW coast from Eden to Tweed Heads, and every major Victorian town except Warrnambool and Horsham. We don’t tend to see enough of our own amazing country.

3. What is your family heritage?

My parents were both born in Australia however my dad comes from UK stock and my mum’s parents moved to Australia from Latvia after World War II. They grew up in the cultural melting pot of Cooma during the hey days of the Snowy Mountains Scheme.

4. What is your favourite place to eat out?

I’m not a big foodie really and honestly, not much of a restaurant person. I love the Skinny Dog Hotel in Kew for great pub food, Schnitz in Richmond for take away schnitzel rolls, Narai Thai in Balwyn and Saowanee in Niddrie for the best Thai in Melbourne, and I had a great meal with friends at Red Silk Road in the city last week.

5. What handbag are you currently using?

Louis Vuitton Speedy 25.

6. What is your favourite alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink?

I love drinks. My favourite non alcoholic are ginger beer or ale, old fashioned lemonade, orange juice, Maccas Coke and Portello. My favourite alcoholic are beer (preferably Coopers), champagne, pinot or rose.

7. What type of exercise or hobby do you do?

I am a massive netballer from way back but I’ve stopped playing at the moment as it was a hassle with shift work. I’m pretty much up for any team sport or activity outside – I can’t think of many worse things than the gym. If you’re going to go for a walk, why wouldn’t you do it out in the fresh air?

8. What is you favourite lipstick or lip gloss?

Favourite lipstick is Nars Matte in Carthage, a violent shocking bright pink.

9. What is the most daring thing you have ever done?

Moved to Melbourne knowing one person, having no job and only $200 in my pocket.

10. How long have you been a blogger? What made you start?

Started my blog in January 2010 and started out of sheer boredom when I was on secondment for work.

11. Are you a MAC or a PC person?

PC all the way. Can’t stand Macs.

As well as talking about myself, I like reading about others. So feel free to grab this tag and use it for your own ends.

I decided to set a $200 budget per pay. I am about to finish paying off my car loan and it is pretty much that amount per fortnight, so I shouldn’t miss the money too much and it also lets me save money for other, bigger things such as travel. Now and then I get a little bit extra from working public holidays, so I might make some extra special purchases outside the budget but this won’t happen too often. As an example I recently bought a Burberry coat in the Net-a-Porter sale with money I’d earned over Christmas/New Year. Doesn’t count.

I had two pay days in January, meaning I had $400 to play with. What I found was I spent the first $200 (and a little bit extra) on the first day I got paid, then bought some other stuff through the fortnight which ate into the next fortnight’s money. However by the time the second pay came around I was more settled and took my time deciding what I wanted. It was actually easier than I expected not to buy things – and it was funny when I went to Myer in the second week and saw a Country Road top I liked because I almost felt guilty buying it. Then I thought “hey – this is still in your budget. Buy on dude!”

I haven’t included make up etc in this budget because it needs to be realistic. That said, I’m trying to cut down on the StrawberryNet/Priceline/Target hauls and actually use the stuff I’ve already bought!

Below are my January purchases. I’ve generally used the online images of products because they reflect the items better and I’ve linked where possible in case you see something else you like. If anyone else is setting similar budgets this year I’d be keen to know how you’re going!

So pretty.

Melissa + Jason Wu Ultragirl Flats

I was after a pair of flats I could wear during my commute to work on rainy days and had been desperately trying to find the Hunter Curzon flats without success. I didn’t really want to resort to Crocs but something simple and chic in a rubber type material was my target. I saw these on Shopbop and fell in love immediately. I bought the black lace but they also come in nude and a really pretty burgundy. At $140 they aren’t super cheap and ASOS have other Melissa styles for less money, but I really liked the style of these with the lace and cute bow. Plus they smell like bubblegum! I bought a US9 (I normally take an Australian 9-10) and they fit perfectly. I haven’t worn them much yet but come winter I think they’ll be a staple.

Rock on.

Kenneth Jay Lane Rock Crystal Necklace

I had been hunting for a similar type necklace on Etsy without success – something big and chunky with raw crystal chunks. This is definitely a statement necklace and is a little bit heavy to wear, but I really like it. Makes me feel like a fashionable Flintstone. The clear is now sold out but a green version is still available for $90 on Shopbop.

Minty fresh.

ASOS Mint Cotton Cable Knit Jumper

I previously showed this off here as my substitute for the ACNE Lia jumper. The mint has sold out in most sizes now but you can still get it in pink. I’m glad I grabbed it before it went and again, it’s a purchase more suited to winter. All about the planning. I bought it with a 20 per cent off knitwear code and it cost me $45.

Yes we tan.

ASOS Aggie Boots in tan leather

I saw these in the ASOS sale and didn’t want to wait – they were only $36! I had been looking for tan boots for a while and this style is a rip-off of the popular ACNE pistol boots. I did a bit on googling before I bought these and it seems a lot of bloggers across the world have picked them up in different materials and rated them highly. I got a UK 7 which has always worked for me in other ASOS shoes however these are a tiny tiny tiny bit tight. The leather is quite hard so I’m hoping once they stretch they will be awesome. In the image the leather looks slightly plasticky and fake, in real like it’s a nice worn in tan that will only get better with wear and exposure to the elements. They also have a wooden block heel that isn’t too high and is still quite comfortable to walk in. Such a bargain.

Hands off snakey.

Country Road green python t-shirt

I saw this in the longer tunic version and really loved the colour and print. This shorter tee is a little more wearable I think. I wore mine to a hen’s night with dark denim and bright pink lipstick but I’m also going to wear it to work. This cost me $37.50 at Myer as they had 25 per cent off all Country Road tees (originally $49.95). I like it because it’s a cheap, easy nod to a trend without going all in. It also comes in a cream or dark grey print.

Go red.

ASOS Boyfriend T-Shirt

I bought the dark red version of this because I liked the cut and I didn’t have anything in this colour already. It’s 100 per cent cotton and a really soft, flattering cut but it is quite long, even on me (I’m 176cm tall). It comes in seven different colours so there’s one to suit everyone! I got mine with a 20 per cent off code for a mere $12.

I also picked up a cobalt blue Bonds t-shirt (Bonds seriously make the best tees) for $20 and a latte coloured top from Target for $11 but I couldn’t find any pics or links to those. They’re pretty plain in any case.

All up I spent just over $390 for the month on a pair of shoes, necklace, jumper, boots and four tops – eight items in total at an average of $50 per item. Do I really need four new tops? Probably not. This will be good for highlighting those kinds of things I think. I’ve already made a couple of February purchases and have some other stuff planned to buy. Funny how most of it is coming from online rather than in stores – I just think your options and the range you can choose from (not to mention the price) is so much better.

Just an amazing Tumblr, heartbreaking and hopeful all at the same time. Project Unbreakable began in October 2011 and photographs victims of sexual assault with a quote from their attacker as a way of “taking back the power of those words that were used against them.” It’s also a fantastic way of using social media to bring attention to an important issue, that of sexual assault and the impact it has on women’s lives right across the world.