VACANT LAKE | FASHION BLOG

Boxing Day

2014-12-28T17:51:00.001+10:00

Ah, Boxing Day. It pretty much only means one thing these days and I don't think I need to explain what that one thing is.

As you are all probably aware, I'm not big on 'stuff'. I had no desire to go anywhere near a shopping mall of any kind on Boxing Day. The only interest I had in these sales is what is on offer from craft and fabric stores so that I can make my old clothes new again rather than adding unnecessarily to my wardrobe.

That's where my new DIY project comes in. I've seen these style crop tops blowing up on Instagram lately and wanted to make my own. I looked at a blue and white striped t-shirt that I rarely wear - it was cute but I could do better - and decided it was perfect to recreate.

Since it's already a scoop neck I already had the neckline sorted. Then I worked out what shape I wanted the top (I had to make the top a lot slimmer than it previously was), marked it out and cut away the excess before pinning the hems and sewing it all back together. I also added a couple of darts for a better fit.

See the results below!

Don't be afraid to try to rework something from your preexisting wardrobe. Even the most basic changes can make you fall in love with it all over again and it can be totally worthwhile.

Dotti sunglasses / DIY top / (Very old) Quirky Blu skirt / Necklace from the Palace of Versailles Gift Shop

With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept

2014-12-16T14:05:00.000+10:00

I feel slightly odd publishing this post. Australia (and the rest world) has just endured a heart wrenching 24 hours and I feel like anything I post in the coming few days, maybe weeks (and really forever) is just going to be totally trivial. Healthy human life is the most valuable thing in this world.

I kept an eye on what was happening as the siege in Sydney unfolded yesterday and was reluctant to go to bed last night in fear of what I would wake up to but held hope that it would be a happy ending. I woke to a dark discovery when I read of the news of the deaths of two hostages, Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson. My deepest sympathy goes to the family and friends of these victims, in particular the young children of Katrina, as well as anyone who was affected by this tragedy.

I've never been more proud of Australia than I am in this moment. We tend to always band together when the going gets rough but this is standout.

I feel that this post is trivial but I'm going to post it anyway, because we need to live life as we normally would. And I would normally post on this blog. And I would normally advertise it on Instagram and Facebook. So that's what I'm going to do.

ASOS Dress / Clogs (I've had these for years and have no idea where they're from)

DIY: Floral Fix Up

2014-11-30T18:45:00.000+10:00

DIY floral Dress / ICE boots

This is quite an old DIY - more than a year old to be exact - but I've never blogged about it and thought I probably should!

After purchasing a midi skirt from my local Salvation Army a few years ago and not wearing it like I had intended (this seems to be a running scenario with me) I decided to recreate it as something more wearable in my wardrobe and came up with this dress.

It was relatively easy to create, the neckline was the most difficult. I didn't want to throw it out or anything because I loved the pattern on the fabric and now it's one of my favourite items in my wardrobe!

Below you can see what it looked like as a skirt in a previous blog post (which is no longer live) and see the comparison. As a dress it's much more wearable for me and I'm a big fan of the high neckline trend.

Which do you prefer? Before or after?

Beauty: Addicted to Buzz

2014-11-26T17:53:00.000+10:00

Dress by Kitty Kat at Side Street

Hi, my name's Abbey and I'm addicted to shaving my hair.

Funnily enough, no more than a few years ago I was terrified when my father asked me to trim his hair for him with his clippers. I had never used them before and was afraid of making a mistake. But I've become accustomed to them and now find myself trimming my undercut with a 6mm guard every fortnight. All on my own might I add.

I don't know what it is about it but I find it to be one of the most thrilling and liberating things ever. Maybe it's just me but I love it. I'd one day like to shave it all off, but as you all know I'm in the process of growing the top half right now.

In saying that I wanted to also talk about my weave. The whole ordeal was a major nightmare initially and then it grew out way too fast. Personally I would oppose the idea of getting one if you're considering it unless you're prepared to fork out a lot of money to keep it constantly fresh. Having gone through it all myself, I just don't feel like it's worth it. I thought I'd spare you the specific details, but if you're interested to find out what went so wrong just let me know.

But until next time...

xx

Outfit: Grey

2014-11-23T11:48:00.001+10:00

Supre top / Neon Hart skort / Rivers sandals

The weather is definitely heating up and I'm struggling a little bit to find clothes that I can wear to work that I actually like and don't give me heatstroke. Enter this skort! I bought it probably a year or so ago but barely wore it until recently. I would wear it everyday now if it weren't so noticeable (but really, should I care?).

I know that the cross over front kinda thing has been in for awhile but when I bought it every other skort/skirt I found looked so generic and then I found this one and fell in love with the texture and colour.

Here I styled it with a singlet I purchased from Supre around 4 years ago and my trusty 'Abbey' sandals from Rivers.

I also had my weave removed a week ago and I feel totally free now, but that's another story which I'll be posting later this week.

Keep cool x

Product Review: Eco Tan

2014-11-01T19:36:00.000+10:00

Cotton On playsuit / Rivers sandals

I'm not generally one to fake tan for many reasons: the awful smell, the staining, having an unnatural substance covering my body. Not to mention the fact that an hour in the sun during summer leaves me with all the tan I need anyway (although not ideal health wise).

But as mentioned in my previous post, I've been looking into natural and organic products more and more lately and read about Eco Tan. I used the Invisible Tan moisturising lotion which is Australian Certified Organic and recommended for medium and olive skin tones (lighter skin tones are more suited to the Winter Skin lotion).

Originally I bought it to use just on my face which is always very pale in comparison to the rest of my body, but decided to try it out on my whole body and I'm really happy with the results. You just apply to clean, dry skin and it will continue to develop for up to 8 hours. Perfect for before bed.

What I love about this product is that it's colourless which means no stained sheets or clothes and the smell is much less intense than other tanning products. There's no nasty chemicals and it gives you a nice even tan that's brown and not orange. Check out my results above!

It lasts for between 7 and 10 days and from what I've read, it fades evenly as your skin sheds, so no blotchy spots.

If you're looking for a great fake tan I rate this one highly. You can find your nearest stockist here or purchase them online.

Outfit: Summer Sandals

2014-09-22T17:00:00.000+10:00

Cotton On top (altered) / Target shorts / Rivers sandals / Necklaces gift & from Tree of Life

It seems like forever since I was feeling this full of energy and healthy! Heading on two months ago I was kicked in the face with this seasons aggressive flu and the recovery has been tedious to say the least. I am happy to be almost back to my old self and sincerely would not wish it upon anyone, so make sure to keep yourselves healthy!

Now that I'm feeling better I'm excited to be taking the next step with Vacant Lake and bringing back regular posts on low budget and do-it-yourself fashion, so please keep an eye out for things to come.

Now for the good stuff.

Good purchases often come as a surprise but are greatly appreciated and my latest favourite purchase was found while browsing Rivers with my sister on Saturday.

I know the general opinion of Rivers amongst the younger generations is that it's 'lame' but if you've never even entered a Rivers store, your judgement is not valid. While I'll admit most of the stock is aimed at more mature customers than my average reader, I've actually found myself a nice collection of items from Rivers and they always get me compliments. I seriously recommend taking a look regularly because you're bound to find something once in awhile. They tend to have really great boots and sandals (I normally buy my winter boots there because they're pretty cheap and REALLY comfortable). In amongst some of their less attractive items they have some really neato things too (just like most stores!).

My latest find are these sandals. They grabbed my eye and as I tried them on I read that they're called the 'ABBEY' sandal. Could there have been any greater sign that these shoes needed to be in my possession?!

Edit: Sheinside

2014-09-17T21:52:00.002+10:00

I came across online store sheinside.com a fair while ago and fell in love with its quirky, cute items and their in-my-budget price tags. In search of a few work appropriate summer dresses yesterday I decided to put together my favourite items into an edit.

Hand me anything denim and I'll swoon. I don't know what it is, but I love that blue thread! A splash of colour and some killer heels & accessories (um, totally in love with these sun and moon earrings!!) and voila. My dream outfit.

Have you recently purchased anything from sheinside.com?

DIY: Distressed Denim

2014-08-13T18:24:00.003+10:00

Supre top / Rivers jeans (DIY) / Big W belt / Lipstik clogs / Strandbags Bag

Distressed jeans have been around for quite some time, but I've never been a fan. Well, I wasn't until now. They always seemed so pointless to me; why would you want an item that's meant to keep you warm to have massive holes in them?! But yes, the trend got me and I had to have a pair of my own.

I purchased these highwaisted jeans from Rivers a fair few years ago and I'd barely been wearing them, so naturally I decided to rip them up. I like the subtle rips without losing too much warmth.

I've been seeing the trend literally everywhere. Are you a distressed denim lover?

Beauty: No Mascara

2014-08-04T21:50:00.000+10:00

I've always loved to try out different eye makeup techniques, but I do always find myself wiping off the heavy eyeshadow/eyeliner and leaving just mascara. Lately I haven't even been wearing mascara, and it feels amazing.

It all started when I saw one of my favourite hair and beauty bloggers, Samii Ryan, shake up her look. Generally she wears quite heavy makeup (including lashes) and looks gorgeous, but I loved how fresh and bright she looked when I saw her wearing little to no eye make up in one of her most recent videos (see the comparison here and here). That's exactly what wearing minimal eye makeup does; it brightens up your whole face and enhances your other features.

I especially love the look with a bright lipstick and contoured cheekbones and I usually do add a small amount of brown eyeshadow to give my eyes a little definition.

Other than the aesthetics, I just find it easier to keep my eyes clean in my daily makeup routine, especially when it comes to removing it before I go to bed. It's a win, win situation. Not to mention that your eyelashes are so much healthier without the mascara!

What do you think? Would you go mascara free?

DIY: Watermelon Tee

2014-03-16T10:34:00.000+10:00

DIY watermelon t-shirt / Chica Booti shorts / Le Specs sunglasses

I'm a fairly monochrome gal, but when I'm choosing something with a print, it has to be vibrant and eye catching. This is something I haven't found in stores lately, and I haven't found it at my trusty affordable fabric stores.

That was when I decided to create my own patterned fabric.

I spent Friday evening late night shopping in the city and had so many compliments from women and girls, so I must have ticked a fashion box!

Beauty: Buzz

2014-03-10T20:26:00.001+10:00

Sportsgirl lipstick / DIY Top

I have an ever changing desire with my hair. I want it long, then I want it short, then I want it long again. So I've decided to have both. That is to grow a longer fringe and keep my short back and sides - sort of like Victoria Beckham's 'posh bob' eventually.

My hair grows reasonably fast and while that's good when you want to grow it, it's terrible for wanting to constantly have a fresh short cut. After about a week from getting my haircut it already starts to look shaggy and I don't allow myself to get it cut any sooner than 4 weeks.

Saturday I decided to grab my dad's electric clippers and give myself a new do. After terrible fear initially, I was buzzing away my hair like a pro and I'm fairly sure this is my favourite short hair cut that I've ever had (no vanity intended). Now I can keep my hair fresh whenever I feel!

Outfit: I See Red

2014-01-12T21:12:00.000+10:00

Vintage Purse & Hat / Shirt from SES / Shorts from Jay Jays / Boots from Rivers

It's been a little bit but I'm back and blogging. I was uber relaxed over my Christmas/New Year break that I didn't blog or prepare for any posts. Ooops. But I redesigned my portfolio website last week (see it here) and it got me motivated to refresh the look of the blog and add a few posts to kick start the new year.

This is the first for this week and I'm wearing a cosy outfit for a sunny Sunday.

Outfit: Wardrobe Staples

2013-11-21T18:02:00.000+10:00

Shirt from Target (Boys section) / Cut offs from Jay Jays / Converse Sneakers / Thrifted Bag

There's no better combo than looking good and feeling comfortable and it's something I try to stick by. I love wearing oversized T-shirts like this acid wash I found in the boys youth department of Target last year. This overall look is so easy to just throw on on off days. To tie the whole outfit together I added my favourite thrift shop purchase; a black bag with a gold Medusa in its centre.

Edit: Pick Me

2013-11-18T18:34:00.001+10:00

Teleportation Tote, Five And Two Gemma Ring, Billini Lola Platforms, Superman Bodice

Edit: Summer Wish List

2013-11-13T16:26:00.001+10:00

I'm a fairly simple creature. I'm working to reduce my wardrobe down to my most worn and loved items. But that doesn't mean I can't add a few more desired bits and pieces to my inventory.

KORA Purifying Day & Night Cream / Clay Purifying Mask, Butterfly Silver Heart Studs, It by Alexa Chung, Lack of Color Hat, Target Grey Tee, Tarte Foundation,

DIY: Yellow

2013-11-09T10:35:00.000+10:00

Vacant Lake daffodil bralette / Supré skirt / Rivers boots / Kmart bag / Le Specs sunglasses

My latest DIY project sparked when I saw this great yellow and white floral fabric and a picture of a bralette. I'm still sewing items freehand - no patterns or even measuring (oopsie). A true, old-fashioned type professional sewer would be disgraced at the way I sew, but I always end up with an item I'm proud of and love to wear.

I also got a hair cut! The wind doesn't do the bob much justice in these images unfortunately.

What do you think of this latest DIY project?

Outfit: Forsaken

2013-10-31T14:19:00.002+10:00

Wish dress / Big W (DIY'D) boots / Lovisa watch

I'm excited to have been invited to participate in the #wishstylechallenge and chose the Forsake Dress to style in my entry. I chose it for its sheer panelling and wrap style hem as well as the way its design allows you the option to style it casually or dressy.

I've been preparing this week for a Halloween party this weekend. I'm dressing as a character from a popular 1990s film (but a very old, famous story) about love. Can you guess who it is? Hopefully I'll be able to take a few photos but until then, Happy Halloween!

Photos by Jessica Cross

Beauty: Chocolate Souffle

2013-10-27T19:40:00.001+10:00

Chica Booti singlet / Jay Jays shorts / Le Specs sunglasses

Don't get angry at me but I changed my hair colour... again. But I promise this will be the last time. I'm so in love with my closer to natural hair colour (I don't know why I always want to be blonde!). We're much better sticking with what we were born with. That includes texture. Feeling much more in love with my natural waves (as pictured above) now that my hair is looking healthier. What areyour thoughts?

Outfit: There's Spring in the Air

2013-09-18T23:06:00.001+10:00

Espirt (thrifted) top / Jay Jays shorts / Boyfriend's snapback

I've had a bit of a struggle to find a new pair of denim shorts. I had a few pairs that were thrifted really cheap, but were all too big, and I couldn't find anything in store. Then I found this pair at Jay Jays - who'd have thought!

Outfit: Zipporra

2013-09-04T12:19:00.000+10:00

Target hat / Zipporra dress / ICE boots

I had my hair done a week ago - a new season, a new hair do - and while it's pretty subtle it's probably my favourite colour it's ever been (pink included).

In my clear out of my clothes recently there was one item I chose to keep, and it's this Zipporra dress I was given through my Graphic Design work with A Series of Fortunate Events in 2011. I wore it to my university graduation last year among many other occasions.
I love the paint splatter effect which was recurring in Zipporra's line at the time and it of course features my favourite colour at the moment; hot pink.

DIY: Pink Lemonade

2013-08-29T18:29:00.001+10:00

Vacant Lake Pink Lemonade top / ICE shorts & boots (unseen)

One of my favourite things to do is to design and sew my own clothes, but I don't do it enough and that needs to change.

I've had a bit of a dry spell mostly because I couldn't find any inspiration or fabric I liked and after clearing out a good portion of my wardrobe and being left with the basics I decided I needed a new piece that popped.

I came across this hot pink, fruit covered fabric and fell in love; it's perfect for upcoming summer. I decided to make this loose crop. I'm not sure what it is, but this seems to be my favourite colour right now. I even bought lipstick to match!

DIY: Gold Panel Boots

2013-08-21T17:31:00.000+10:00

I had a pair of military style boots that I hardly wore.

I didn't quite want to throw them away, and I looked for inspiration on how I could change them. I decided to spice them up a bit with a splash of gold and it literally took all of 15 minutes to do.

Follow the steps below to achieve this look yourself.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Gold (or preferred metallic colour) acrylic paint

• Paint brush

• Tape

• Black boots

Outfit: Save Our Civilisation

2013-08-19T17:07:00.000+10:00

Surprisingly I've never shot an outfit post featuring this top (I must have more clothes than I thought).

Today breaks that… kind of.

This isn't an official 'Outfit post' but I wanted to showcase this top which was my mother's in the 1990s. It was an oversized t-shirt that I altered into a sleeveless crop a couple of years ago. With 20 odd years in its stitches, it's on the verge of needing some TLC (or most likely the bin). But when and if that happens, I'll be sure to cut the graphic from the front and re-incorporate it into another piece. Way too cool to throw away!

You may have also noticed that I dyed my blonde ombre ends brunette again. It's only a rinse but I wanted to see what it would look like before I went ahead and permanently dyed it fully back to my natural colour. I love it and it definitely needed some major nourishment from those fried blonde ends. What are your thoughts?

Outfit: Citrus

2013-08-11T23:37:00.001+10:00

SES top / DIY shorts / Rivers boots

There's nothing like a burst of citrus in warmer weather. While the cooler weather is easing off, the days here in Brisbane, Australia are more like summer days. But I'm not complaining.

I had a great weekend and hope you had the same.

I spent Saturday at my cousins wedding (she looked gorgeous) and shot this look yesterday.

You may have noticed a change to Vacant Lake; I rebranded it! I'm loving my new logo.

Recognise these shorts? Yup; they're a past DIY! Check out the original post here.