I’m obsessed with the creative ways in which people store shoes, largely because I’m trying to find a way that works for me. I adore bookshelves-for-shoes, and if space wasn’t an issue for me I’d be all over it. Right now I’m working on a solution that’s a bit more practical for me, but still allows me to keep my favourites on display. Click ‘More’ for more of what’s fueling my shoe storage obsession…

Image sources

1. Jane Keltner De Valle’s shoe book shelf via The Coveteur

2. Shoes on display via The Estate of Things

3. DIY wall storage bins via Decor Hacks

4. In a display cabinet via unknown

5. Ikea shoe storage solution via I Heart Organizing

6. Picture-rail shoe rack via Martha Stewart

7. Khloe-Kardashian’s shoe closet via The Coveteur

How do you store your shoes?

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Lonely Hearts Club dress | COOP leather jacket | Moochi mary janes | Rebecca Minkoff Yacht Club Mini MAC Bag (sold out, shop similar here)

This girly Lonely Hearts Club dress I found for around $100 in the New Zealand Designer Garage Sale (one of my better sale buys!). The straps were a bit too long (and unfortunately not adjustable), but after having them shortened they fit just right. It is very feminine, which is why I’ve toughened it up with a leather jacket. This particular jacket from COOP is incredibly versatile.. I can’t imagine what I would have done before it. : )

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This week was pretty low key in comparison to the last few weeks I’ve had. In retrospect, it was a much needed breather. I have taken notice of the fact that my dissertation is due in a little over a month. I’m well on my way, but the thought is still a little nerve-wracking! Anyhow.. check out this week’s highlights after the jump.. ♥

1. I attended the New Zealand launch of Style Tread at Mollies Boutique Hotel. Breakfast plus shoes is a great way to start the day!
2. I finished work a little early (read: half an hour) to get my hair done on Thursday evening. I adore the salon I go to, and they always do a great job that leaves me with a smile. You’ll be able to take a look at my ‘new’ (I say ‘new’ because it’s not really any different) hair on Monday’s outfit post.
3. Gala posted about how to make your Instagram photos pop, including a list of apps you can use to edit your photos in before you import them into Instagram. I’ve downloaded a few of them (Camera+, Camera Awesome and Picfx) so expect my Instagram feed to become more interesting over the next few weeks!
4. I’ve made a promise to myself to give this recipe for low-fat, low-sugar maple walnut scones a go.. although I’ll be replacing the splenda and sugar-free syrup with real sugar.
5. In that same vein, IFB asks ‘how real is too real?‘ within the context of the blog. For me, I like to include only the ‘personal’ details’ I think are relevant and will inspire.. What do you think about sharing personal details on your blog/social media?
6. Worth reading: 3 questions to ask yourself when considering an impulse buy.
7. I feel like a lot of my friends are wanting to  start a blog right now (which is awesome!). Here’s how to start a blog with a bang.
8. I am so inspired by  Jakob Nylund’s home. It’s black and white, chick and modern, with splashes of old-fashioned pieces that give the place character.

What’s on your highlight list this week?

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Earlier this week I was invited by Style Tread to attend the New Zealand launch of their online shoe store – over breakfast at none other than Mollies Boutique Hotel! So, bright and early before work on Thursday morning, I headed out wearing a COOP skirt and leather jacket to a very fabulous breakfast thanks to a combination of miniature breakfast treats and  gorgeous shoe displays!

Style Tread offers a huge range, stocking over 150 brands including Kathryn Wilson, Nude, and RMK. We were told they have a huge warehouse containing over 60,000 pairs of shoes! The best thing is that they offer free overnight delivery on all New Zealand (and Australian, via their Aussie store) purchases. Plus, with 365-day free returns you can order 10-20 pairs of shoes, try ‘em on and then send back any you don’t want.

A little gift from from Style Tread!

I loved that shoes were used for centre pieces. So my kind of breakfast.

Enjoying breakfast with the wonderful Dani from Dani Just Is and Flossie.com

Shop Style Tread at www.StyleTread.co.nz (or www.StyleTread.com.au if you’re in Australia!).

PS: Enter my SAX Cosmetics Giveaway – 4 mini makeup kits to be won!

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SAX Cosmetics are an Australian company with an awesome range of products at a very reasonable price point (between NZ$10 – $20). I was recently sent a number of products from the range to try out, including lip gloss, lipstick, blusher, and liquid eyeliner. I found each product to be of great quality, and gave good results. I was especially pleased to find that the products included nurturing ingredients such as Jojoba and Primrose oil, Aloe Leave Extract, and Vitamin E for added repairing, moisturising, and anti-ageing benefits.

Lip Gloss in Cherry NZ$14.90 | Rich Lip Colour Lipstick in Sheer Nude NZ$16.90 | Liquid Eyeliner NZ$16.95

Complexion Blusher in Coy NZ$19.90 | Eye Luxe Eyeshadow Quintette in Love at First Sight NZ$19.90

My favourite were the lipstick, and the complexion blusher. The lipstick was so easy to apply, with a super creamy formula. The whole range of lipsticks contains Evening Primrose oil, Jojoba oil and Viatamin E which help moisturise and keep lips soft and supple. The Complexion Blusher i’ve been using on a daily basis as I love the subtle pop of pink it adds to my cheeks. I brush it on softly and let the colour build up to a level that suits. The compact itself comes with a blush brush that makes applying the stuff super-easy (useful as I don’t have a proper blush brush!).

Giveaway: Win one of 4 Makeup Kits!

Thanks to the wonderful team at SAX Cosmetics, I have a four packs of my favourite products to giveaway! One pack includes a blusher, lipstick, and a mascara, while another two include  a blusher, lipstick, and liquid eyeliner.

To Enter

1. Use this form below to enter, either click ‘Log in with Facebook’ or ‘Use your Email’ to get started (if you’re viewing this via RSS or another reader, you may need to visit the actual blog post here!.

2. If you choose ‘Use your Email’ the form will ask for a name and email address. Simply enter those, and you’re in the draw. Easy!

3. Through the “RaffleCopter” form, there are heaps of things you can do for extra entries, such as leaving a comment, ‘Liking’ Style by Joanne on Facebook, and ‘Following’ my blog on Google Friend Connect.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to international visitors. This giveaway will end on the 27th of May. Two winners will be drawn midway through on the 20th of May, and two winners will be drawn on close (May 27th). The winners will be chosen using a random number generator and be contacted shortly after (if you are a winner, please reply within three days time or I will need to draw an alternative winner).

Good luck!

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This week…

1. My boyfriend and I celebrated our third year anniversary over a pitcher of Sangria (so good) over a couple of taco salads – Thank you Mama Loco for your delicious take on Mexican food!

2. I was gifted a gorgeous bottle of Chanel No5, which has become a staple amongst the potions that make up my morning routine. Who else absolutely loves this scent?

3. Tuesday marked the 4th installment of Nerd Soiree at ‘Everybody’s’ (pics!). Nerd Soiree is basically a group girls who are into advertising, design, social media, and all things ‘internet’ who get together once a month to hang out and drink wine at trendy bars. If you’re in Auckland, and interested, we have a Facebook page.

4. I’ve almost figured out how to achieve perfect curls with a flat iron thanks to a mixture of YouTube tutorials and  trial-and-error. What I really need now is one of THESE to replace my old GHD (which has definitely seen better days).

5. ..and, while I’m still on the subject of beauty, here’s some tips on getting the perfect brows.

6. I (along with the rest of the people I work with) discovered This Advertising Life. It is  is amazing.

7. I discovered pantone nails and really want to give them a go. Caviar nails too.

8. A couple of recipes to inspire you this week: I love this idea for serving salad on a stick. Great for finger food! I also adore Kris’ Cinco De Mayo menu which includes black bean cous cous salad and shrimp tacos. Yum.

I have a neat little giveaway lined up for early next week which includes a wicket bundle of cosmetic goodies (and I’ve got a few bundles to give away too!). Keep updated by ‘Liking’ Style by Joanne on Facebook!

What’s on your highlight list this week?

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There are some pieces that just catch your eye.. and then don’t quite let it go. These After the Apple for Karen Walker clutch bags are one of those kinds of pieces. The bright colours, the slither of gold hardware, the optional chain for when hand-held-only isn’t a practical optional… they are doing everything right. I’m not even sure which I’d rather splurge on (although I’m leaning towards navy or the outrageous yellow…).

Which colour is your favourite?

Images via Karen Walker and Precious Peg

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ASOS sheer blouse | COOP skirt | Glassons belt | ASOS watch | RMK wedges | Rebecca Minkoff Cupid bag

Making the most of the last few days of sun.. We shot these in an open park under the evening sun, and he lighting-effect was especially sun-drenched. This top is a take on the sheer trend I can get behind. So subtle you’ll miss it if you’re not paying close attention. I do own quite a few sheer bits and pieces, but I find this is one of the few you can get away without wearing another top underneath. This skirt was a surprise-buy from COOP. I love the way it nips the waist, and flares out without being overwhelming. The full zip is a nice touch, and can be worn either at the front or back depending on the look you want. I’m looking forward to wearing it in the winter with black opaque tights and ankle boots.

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You might have noticed quite a few things are being shaken up around here! I have a few things in the works which I am very excited about! The major changes of course being the introduction of beauty and food posts – which I love writing, so I hope you like them. Today I’m introducing Highlights, a new weekly feature that replaces Link Love. You’ll still get a list of my favourite links – but with a few other highlights from the week mixed amongst. I think it’ll be a lot more interesting, so en-joy!

1. I had a day off on Wednesday for ANZAC day. In honour of ANZAC day I shared a few of my Anzac biscuits with my boyfriend and spent the evening with my family. Least we forget ♥

2. This DIY for adding a touch of neon to an old pair of shoes has me super-inspired. I’ve got a few pairs of shoes I could jazz up with this little trick.

3. I am in love with apple cinnamon rice cakes! I’ve been eating the Sun Rice variety, and I don’t think I’ll stop anytime soon. They also have caramel and honey flavours which I’d love to try as well. Yum.

4. I’ve been pretty excited about the return of New Zealands Hottest Home Baker… there’s something extremely satisfying about watching people baking under pressure! The first episode aired on Thursday, and if you’re in NZ you can watch episode one here.

5. These skinny coconut cupcakes look delicious… I might just have to give these a go.

6. Tips on Negotiating for Bloggers is worth a read if you think you might be involved in negotiations anytime soon.

7. I check my email far too much, it’s almost embarrassing. So I am seriously considering printing out this nifty flowchart that helps you decide weather or not you need to check your email. General consensus? You need only need to check it very.. very rarely.

8. I’ve only just started watching the first season of Mad Men but it’s enough to interest me in these retro ads from Newsweek’s Mad Men themed issue. What I find most interesting is seeing the name’s of agencies that are still around today, against advertising from over 50 years ago.

9. Susan Cain talks about the power of introverts in this TED talk. If you identify with being introverted then I 100% recommend you watch this! It addresses the conflit introverts experience by wanting to go off by themselves in a culture that prizes being outgoing and social above all else, and explains why being alone is actually a really positive and powerful thing. Superb.

10. Interior design tip: Always position your curtains HIGH and WIDE, never just above and only just spanning the width of the window. Who knew?

Share your highlights in the comments. Adieu!

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Rebecca Minkoff ‘Cupid’ Bag, Country Road Pumps

Not every purchase gives you that warm glow-y feeling of accomplished, but these two purchases hit the mark. I’ve been into black and gold lately, and have been umming and ahhing over a number of black bags with gold hardware. I finally decided on this Rebecca Minkoff and it’s been love since it landed on my doorstep a little under a week ago.

As for the shoes, I decided it was about time I had a pair of classic pumps in my wardrobe… This particular pair are from Country Road, purchased with one of their ‘spend-and-save’ (spend $300 get $100 off) offers.

Both are very much favourites in my wardrobe right now! What purchases have you been excited about lately?

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