One For Mum, One For You!

With Mother's Day fast approaching, it's so tempting to go for the usual PJ's and fluffy slippers option... Snore... Since there is so much out there to treat Mum with, it's hard to find the right balance between value for money and a present which says "I actually put some though into this Mum!"

So... After purchasing a few items from The Peach Box recently, I know for sure I'll be treating Mum to a few things too. The Peach Box is a online store which focuses on beautiful pieces of jewellery and I really mean gorgeous...

When my order of three bracelets arrived, I must admit I was legitimately surprised. The quality is amazing - it's right up there with my more expensive (and branded) pieces. I was so impressed, I'm thinking of buying more from their range in gold and I will definitely be buying some for my lovely Mum.

Costume jewellery is a bit hit and miss... At the inexpensive end of the spectrum, there's lots to choose from, but nothing really screams "timeless & classy". Then there's the Tiffany's end, which is downright highway robbery! Let's face it, not everyone is in a position to indulge their loved ones with things like that. However, by shopping at The peach Box you can get the best of both worlds - and Mum will love you for it!

All items come in the most gorgeous packaging too - pretty and classic black & white boxes with little velvet pouches... You won't even need to think about gift wrapping - Hurrah!

See some pics of my purchases below and be sure to check them out at www.thepeachbox.com and on Instagram @thepeachbox :-). Be sure to enter the code "mum2015" at the checkout for 15% off your order for Mother's Day too!

Happy Shopping!

Toni X

Featured here are the "Metallic Stud Bangle" in Silver & the "Metallic Mesh Rope Bracelet" in Black.
 

My absolute fave!: The "Roman Empress Bangle" in Silver.

Check out that packaging! Whether your purchase is for Mum or for yourself (or both!) just storing these on your dresser is going to look amazing!





 



Hello Shoes… Hello Tragen!

Well, it’s no secret I love shoes…. At last count I think there are roughly 80-100 pairs in my wardrobe… Roughly! Even though I love the thrill of snagging a bargain pair, I usually spend a little more on shoes. Especially if they’re going to be on high rotation, like my work heels.

However, it’s pretty difficult to get an all leather pair that won’t cost you a week’s wages – and then you finally buy them only to become too scared to actually wear them just in case they get scuffed, GASP! So when I discovered the range of Arezzo shoes on Tragen via Instagram, I thought this was too good not to share…

Arezzo are an established Brazilian brand of handmade all leather (yep that’s lining and soles too!) shoes that will be in your wardrobe forever. Previously Arezzo was only available overseas, but now you can get your hands on a pair via www.tragen.com.au.

Caroline runs the show at Tragen and after constant requests from friends to bring these back after family holidays to Brazil, she decided to make them available for all of us – um YAY! I just got my pair of petrol coloured leather points (with gold toe-caps – mmmm fancy!) and I’m super impressed! I know the more I wear them, they’re going to perfectly form to my feet; I know I’ll be wearing these for years…

All of the range is either under or around $200 and let me tell you, they’re well worth the investment! You can also try them at home for free – yes I said it… F R E E… If you’re lucky enough to live in Melbourne, Caroline offers a private viewing/trying service. Which means she’ll come to you with shoes, you try and you buy what you like – It’s like online shopping and actual shopping had a love child!

I highly recommend you try them if you really love your leather… Here’s a tip too, sign up to the online Tragen newsletter and you’ll get a whopping $50 off your next purchase – now that’s a deal. View the entire Arezzo range at www.tragen.com.au and follow them on Instagram @hellotragen for daily shoe-spo!

Happy Shopping!

Toni X

Outfit Details: Draped Tee from Topshop / Zip Skirt from Dolly Girl Fashion / Sunglasses from ValleyGirl / Shoes from Hello Tragen of course!

These gorgeous pumps are in a smooth petrol coloured leather with gold toe-caps - perfect for work or play.

I just love these shoes! The leather has softened with ever wear and they fit so perfectly!

I've always been a fan of a pencil skirt - the rose print and zip add a little something different.

‘The Weekend Edit’

It’s true, I spend the majority of the working week in corporate attire, which when you work in a conservative area like I do, leaves little room for creativity (pfft… thanks job!). So I consider myself a bit of a weekend fashion warrior… The weekend gives me the chance to experiment with my wardrobe and I find this highly enjoyable! I’ve never been one of those creative arty types, but the weekends give me a creative outlet in the form of my fashion choices…

I’ve recently found a little Aussie online store which caters to my inner weekend creative side: The Weekend Edit. As the name suggests it takes care of all of your weekend outfit needs and doesn’t befuddle you with too many choices, so picking out an outfit is super easy. Another thing I LOVE is the prices… Currently there isn’t a single item on The Weekend Edit that is over $100… That’s right, you heard me, everything under a hundy!

Aimee & Jo, the head honchos at The Weekend Edit, have put an emphasis on affordable and quality fashion picks and supporting Aussie labels at the same time. They even have a new range of Aussie Eyewear available, Supa Sunday and these have an awesome price point too! For those of you partaking in the Fedora trend this winter season, there’s good news – The Weekend Edit will be stocking ‘Ace of Something’ Felt Fedoras in a range of awesome colours from May and they’re only $59! I have my eye on the red one!!!

I have styled my new outfit from The Weekend Edit with my absolute fave labels Madison Square Clothing & Wilde Heart the Label. My top pick is the new Wax Coated Jeans – a wardrobe staple and “must have”, worn with the Indiana Knit in a perfect wintery shade of Mulberry. Check out the edit ladies, you will not be disappointed! Visit them at www.facebook.com/theweekendedit and follow them on Instagram @theweekendedit - Website launching very soon!!! 

Happy Shopping!

Toni X

Outfit Details: 'Indiana' Knit in Mulberry by Wilde Heart The Label, 'Burn Out' Wax Coated Jeans by Madison Square Clothing, Faux Fur Coat by Bardot (Last Season), Boots and Sunnies by Tony Bianco.

Close Up: These jeans are a wardrobe staple! The perfect waxy finish makes them a little more dressier than your average jeans.

The Indiana Knit is a gorgeous wintery shade of Mulberry - The Weekend Edit also have it available in Ivory.

These pieces will fit in easily with the rest of your wardrobe - especially these jeans, they go with everything!

I have a large collection of Faux Furs... As a Melbournian it's a completely justified indulgence!

The Burn Out Wax Jeans also have zip detailing at the pockets and ankles...

I got these awesome Tony Bianco Sunnies on sale for only $40!

“Coocha Designs”

Yep, it’s been a long time between drinks, but I’ve finally squeezed another post out! You all know how much I love a good sale and this one is a whopper! I’ve been shopping with Nicole at Coocha Designs for a little while now and I must say, she does know how to host a hefty discount…

Coocha Designs is a new online shopping destination that will have you checking if the total of your shopping cart is actually correct! Not only are the prices super competitive, but the range is growing by the day. Brands like Madison Square Clothing, Imonni, Orbin, Premonition Designs, Saints & Secrets – all your faves and the list just goes on!

The shopping experience is also super easy and enjoyable – easy navigation and Nicole is just an email or Insta comment away. Being the big boss of her small business, you can be sure that if you ever need help with anything, a reply will not be far away. Your purchase is also updated to “shipped” very promptly, so you’ll be wearing your new outfit before you know it. Oh, and not to worry about sneaky shipping costs because all orders over $49 get free express shipping within Australia – Yes!

Now, back to my first point of how I love a sale! Currently, there is a massive 40% off all full priced stock at Coocha Designs, Hurrah! Nice one Nicole! There’s your Chrissy, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve outfit sorted! Use the code 'XMAS40' at the checkout and don't forget to check out the sale items too, they all have been heavily reduced!

Here are some pics of my fave purchases from Coocha Designs; I hope you snap up some bargains too! - Shop www.coochadesigns.com.au

Happy Shopping!

Toni X

'Florabotanica Tee Dress by Saints & Secrets - $79'
Leather Pants by Asos
Jewels & Accessories by Colette Hayman
Shoes by Bardot

"This Tee Dress can be worn alone or as a tunic as I have here - a very versatile piece"

"The colours in this dress are even brighter in person!"

'Orbin Picture Perfect Check Pants - $45 On Sale!'
Top from Hipster Chapel Street
Jewels by Lovisa - Clutch by Colette Hayman
Shoes by Bardot

'Check prints are huge this season and they're so easy to team with bright colours"

'Lioness Wide Striped Blazer - $30 On Sale!!!'
Coated Sninny Jeans by Toi et Moi Sydney
Shoes by Verali Shoes
Clutch by Colette Hayman

"For the sale price of just $30, this blazer is amazing! Gorgeous, light fabric, structured shoulders and a waterfall lapel, just divine"

"How to Style Your Boyfriend Jeans"

Hello fellow fashion lovers! Whoever thought that since the advent of skinny jeans, that we’d all suddenly be wearing the baggy, distressed “boyfriend” variety!?! If you’d asked me five years ago if I’d wear baggy ripped jeans, I would shriek in horror and reply “NO!!!” and I’d tell you that skinnies were far more flattering anyway, so why go there…

However recently, the boyfriend style has had a huge make-over and they are no longer the baggy, unflattering “trackie pants made out of denim” that they used to be in the 90’s… They’re slimmer, distressed in all the right places and hide a multitude of sins (I.e. I haven’t shaved my legs all winter and I still look hot in these jeans…). They’re so comfortable and can be worn to suit any mood, whether it be on a casual Sunday or Saturday night drinks with the girls, they just work!

I found my perfect pair in the Madison Square Clothing “Breaking Bad” boyfriend’s, from the lovely Jessica at Saxon Boutique, they fit perfectly – they’re not too skinny and not too baggy, just riiiiiiight! Here are some of my top tips (and pics!) for choosing and styling your boyfriend jeans. Also, be sure to enter the Saxon Boutique Instagram comp to win a $500 wardrobe.  Then you could style the “Breaking Bad” pair to your heart’s content! Check out @saxonboutique & facebook.com/saxonboutique for entry details and get re-gramming!

1.       Try on as many pairs of boyfriend jeans as possible to find the style that best suits you – trust me, it’s worth the time and effort when you find your perfect pair!

2.       Keep it Simple – Don’t over-do it, a simple tee, blazer and heels will make your boyfriend jeans the star of your look.

3.       Wear them with heels! – If you’re wearing your boyfriend jeans cuffed at the ankle, wear high heels. This will elongate your silhouette and make you look taller.

Happy Shopping!

Toni X

Outfit Details: Boyfriend Jeans - Saxon Boutique / Zebra Cami & Blazer (last season) - Bardot / Shoes "Tootsie" - Wittner Shoes / Accessories - Colette Hayman

"Wear heels with your boyfriend jeans - this will easily take your outfit from dinner to drinks."

"Keep it Simple - Swap your heels for flats and your blazer with a cardi and you've got an instant casual feel."

"Keep your boyfriend jeans in your car or bag - Then it's just a quick change out of your pencil skirt from work and your ready for a night out."

"Don't be afraid to experiment! - Try on as many pairs of boyfriend jeans as you can. You'll then find the fit that best suits your personal style."

“Jim Loves Jane”

Greetings fellow shopaholics! Instagram is a constant source of fashion inspiration… I think it’s safe to say that I’m addicted to Instafashion!  I have also found some amazing little boutiques on my virtual travels, there are so many bargains to be had!!! However, it’s hard work finding quality items at affordable prices no matter where you look… So I’m going to help you snap them up…

I discovered Jim Loves Jane through Instagram and then began following them on Facebook. I found they have gorgeous pieces at very, very affordable prices. I was actually quite shocked, as I expected their items to be at a much higher price point given their quality.

As I browsed through the pages of the Jim Loves Jane website I discovered a personally selected range of items, by the owner and operator of Jim Loves Jane, Melanie… I can honestly say that I think we have very similar taste in fashion, as I have my eye on various things on the website hehe!  My latest wardrobe addition from Jim Loves Jane:  a pair of Plain Jane Pants in a lovely and vibrant shade of cobalt blue… They’re a perfect, flattering and relaxed fit and the fabric is so light and airy! I know I’ll be wearing them all through the summer!

I also love supporting local and small businesses… With all the online shopping options out there, it can be difficult to find online stores with the trifecta: quality product, small prices and excellent service… So when I find stores like Jim Loves Jane, I just love sharing my shopping experiences with others…

Here are some outfit pics of my new Plain Jane Pants as well as some of my other top selections from Jim Loves Jane. Be sure to show some love by following Jim Loves Jane on Instagram - @jimlovesjane and Facebook – facebook.com/jimlovesjane.

Happy Shopping!

Toni X

"The Plain Jane Pants are super versatile. I have dressed them up here, but simply swap your heels for sandals or wedges and you'll achieve a more casual daytime look."

"The fabric of these pants is very light and airy - perfect for the warmer weather!"

"The Plain Jane Pants are also available in Black"

"Bri Flower Printed Bomber Jacket - $55 - Available Here"

"Assorted Jewels - Available Here"

"Shona Flower Dress - $55 - Available Here"

"Celia Tee - $39 - Available Here"

"Olive Striped Tee - $29 - Available Here"

"Audrey Would Approve"

I love taking style inspiration from celebrities… My absolute favourite style icon is Audrey Hepburn… Even though she strutted her stuff on the red carpet long before I was alive, her fashion has been remembered for generations… Modern celebrities, including fashion bloggers (my faves!), are a constant source of fashion inspiration – however, their runway style and high-end-designer pieces, are more often than not, out of my reach… Sigh..

But fear not, even though most of us may not be able to afford Chanel, Givenchy or Celine… I have found a perfect substitute for runway styles that Audrey would definitely approve of!!! I discovered Out WithAudrey via Kim, from the amazing blog Style Me Yesterday, on Instagram… A quick flick through the pages of the OWA website and I was hooked! Runway inspired fashion was only a few clicks away! Not only were the pieces bang on trend and up to date, but they were super affordable too! Yay - Just the way I like it!

Out with Audrey owner and operator Cheree, shares my love of Audrey Hepburn and this has inspired her to start the “Out With Audrey” site and select only the very best, simple and elegant pieces. If you purchase items from OWA they will stand the test of time, without testing your budgeting skills… By shopping with Cheree, you can have your cake and eat it too! “Investment” pieces at “Impulse Buy” prices. OWA also offers free shipping on all orders over $50 – another incentive to shop! Another unique thing that I absolutely love about OWA, is that each individual item has specific sizing info and measurements – so, so helpful when shopping online!

My favourite OWA piece right now is the recently released “Tabitha” Leather Shirt… Leatherette is high on my list of favourite fabrics, it’s easy to care for and super stylish… Here are some pics of my new shirt, along with some tips on how to style the “Tabitha” shirt. Enjoy!

Happy Shopping!

Toni X

The "Tabitha" Leatherette Shirt - $65 - With Free Shipping!

Outfit Details: Leather Look Pants - Supre / Top - Hipster / Bag - Asos / Shoes - Wittner

"I've kept this look clean, simple & monochrome... This shirt is so versatile as it doubles as a jacket"