Chic Illumination

sale alert - it's the new black

2012-05-15T12:23:00.001+10:00

I don't know about you, but closing down sales have always caused some inner conflict for this fashion lover. On one hand it's a chance to get our paws on some incredible percentage off savings, but on the other, it means we have to wave goodbye to what could be our favourite boutique down the road, or in this case, a great Australian online retailer.
It's The New Black have announced final reductions in their closing down sale. Once stocking brands such as 7 For All Mankind, Citizens Of Humanity, Ginger & Smart and White Suede they have been a destination for me for quite some time. But alas, it is to be no more. But enough of the sad stuff and on to the benefits, the sale finds! There are savings from 60 - 85% off to be had, presumably until sold out, so get in quick ladies.
Here are my picks to peak your interest, with all images linked directly to the sale pages. Happy hunting!

Ginger & Smart Trancendent Coat Dress

Reduced from $655.00 to $229.25

Is it a dress, is it a kimono? Who cares?! Made from a glorious mixture of silk, satin and chiffon and featuring fabulous bell sleeves this piece is sure to add some fun in your life.

House Of Harlow Black Cary Sunglasses
Reduced from $149.00 to $59.60
Nicole Richie has designed these classic inspired large black shades with a twist. Featuring a HOH logo on the sides in a bronze colour, they are sure to turn heads. They also come complete with a designer hard case. Look like a modern day Audrey Hepburn for less.

Tigerlily Nude Pitch Dark Loop Drape Dress
Reduced from $179.95 to $62.98
Want to achieve the look of layering without the effort this Winter? Enter this piece of delightful draping from Tigerlily. Made from 100% viscose with long sleeves to keep you warm and press studs running down the front centre it's a brilliantly versatile piece.

Mezi Antique Gold Cuff

Reduced from $179.00 to $71.60

If you can't get enough of the arm party and have been eyeing the metallic trend this season then this is the sale score for you. This stunning cuff has a cut out solid mesh look band with 6 raised hexagon shapes.

quote of the day

2012-05-15T11:23:00.004+10:00

"The best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you."

- Coco Chanel

quote of the day

2011-10-07T09:33:00.000+11:00

"Don't use expensive clothes as a screen for your personal doubts. Be proud of yourself."

- Karl Lagerfield

sale alert - bettina liano four days only

2011-09-29T14:40:00.000+10:00

Listen up bargain hunters! For four days only Bettina Liano are taking 50% off almost everything. The sale starts today and continues in stores until the end of Sunday 2nd October. The discounts don't apply to new arrivals and denim items, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of fabulous buys to be found.
So, this weekend when your fella is glued to the "big game", take this cue to leave the house (and say "thanks, but no thanks" to that finals barbeque you've been invited to) and in stead head to your local shopping strip and take some joy in the crazy sale prices on offer at Bettina Liano.
There's a sale going on at their online store right now too, where there are some equally fabulous buys to be found. Here's a little teaser - my picks of the sale bunch. All images are linked directly to the sale pages, enjoy.

Trasher Dress in Tea Stain

Reduced from $185.00 to $125.00

This tasty cotton number has just the right mix of girly and grunge. Team with some wooden soled platforms and a knitted cardi for the ultimate vintage inspired look.

Ipanema Skirt in Green

Reduced from $295.00 to $195.00

It's so great to see a quality peplum style skirt at an affordable price! This gorgeous green is calling me from the screen, it's so bright and vibrant. I'd be getting some colour blocking action on with this baby and pairing it with an equally bright cobalt blue.

Ace Light Denim in Blue Ripple

Reduced from $239.00 to $99.00

The ultimate in super skinny jeans. Bettina Liano are renowned for their top quality denim, and if you haven't owned a pair before, crazy prices like this are the perfect opportunity to discover them for yourself.

Kinky Kitty Crop Cardi in Lemon

Reduced from $245.00 to $125.00

The animal print trend is still going strong and showing no signs of waning, but if you find a lot of the animal prints on offer a little too loud for your tastes, then perhaps this kinky lemon number is for you. Wear with a high waisted skirt for a super feminine look.

Neo Infusion Knit Dress

Reduced from $295.00 to $199.00

An ideal addition to your Summer work wardrobe, the body-con style is sure to get you noticed, while the high neck-line ensures you remain looking professional. The beautiful blend of cotton and viscose means it will breathe right through the hottest of working days.

Bandage Top

Reduced from $180.00 to $39.00

A tee with a twist. The super soft combination of viscose and polyester makes this fabulously simple design even more wearable.

Nail Polish - available in six colours

Reduced from $18.95 to $5.00

Colours include: Corvette (bright red), Jailbait (bright coral), Poolside (bright turquoise), Gold digger (sparkling gold, shock), Blue jeans (pictured) and Trashbag (deep metallic green).

questions questions

2011-09-28T15:38:00.000+10:00

Hello there. I'd be super appreciative if you could take a few minutes to complete the survey below, the results of which will go towards making Chic Illumination the best it can be.

All answers will remain anonymous, promise!

loving right now - colour pop heels

2011-09-23T14:55:00.000+10:00

I'm excited (yes, for Parklife!) but also, because today's 'loving right now' edition is a little bit spesh. Well, I like to think that all my posts have a little something special about them, but today's is brag-worthy.
Not only are all the pairs of cheerful, fun and playful colour popping heels seen below wonderfully on-trend and chic, they are all from Australian websites and available to purchase as I speak, er, type that is.
So whether you are celebrating the days becoming warmer, the end of the working week, or finally getting that long overdue job promotion, why not do so by clicking through to these beautiful brights. Don't have anything much to celebrate? Strutting your stuff in a pair of these delightful pairs is sure to do the trick!

loving right now - colour pop heels by tessthomson featuring espadrille wedge shoes

Shoes
180 AUD - wittner.com.au

Shoes
140 AUD - sirenshoes.com.au

Mimi Loves Jimi espadrille wedge shoes
$80 - generalpants.com.au

Fuchsia shoes
gifts.myer.com.au

Tony Bianco Merri Shoes
170 AUD - tonybianco.com.au

Tony Bianco Canterbury - Pre Order Shoes
160 AUD - tonybianco.com.au

SIREN Evening MALLIN - Wanted Shoes
140 AUD - wantedshoes.com.au

Latest Season Shoes just arrived in stores - HYBRID
110 AUD - betts.com.au

festival fun - wishful thinking

2011-09-22T14:21:00.001+10:00

Warning: The following may or may not be a thinly veiled whine at a certain blogger's boyfriend.
The national Parklife tour begins in Melbourne this Saturday, stopping by Perth this Sunday and travelling around the major cities in the weeks to come. Featuring a plethora of exciting seasoned and up-and-coming dance groups, such as Gossip, Duck Sauce, Katy B and The Ashton Shuffle, it's sure to be a party to remember. I've been banging on and on about how much I want to go for what seems like months now.
Sentences such as; "How good is the Parklife line up?!", "Don't you think Parklife is the perfect way to celebrate the start of Spring?!" and "Waaaaah!! I want to go to Parklife!!" have been coming fast and frequently from my mouth in recent weeks but alas, no nod of approval has been received and no tickets have been purchased.
In some perplexing combination of rebellion and spite, here I have for you a festival outfit inspiration. Sure, it's not even forecast to reach the high teens, but I don't care. This is what I would wear and I'd dance my little ass off all day long to keep warm if I had to.
Sure it's a hugely eclectic selection, but that's what festivals are all about; having fun, making unexpected choices and doing things you wouldn't do on a "normal day", like making new friends in the line to the port-a-loo. Oh, and how perfect are the pleated "skorts" below for a day like this?! Sitting on the grass cross legged without flashing any lady parts? Priceless.

festival fun - parklife wishful thinking by tessthomson featuring a black bib necklace

Cropped shirt
gifts.myer.com.au

Alice In The Eve pleated skirt
$70 - generalpants.com.au

Sandals
60 AUD - wantedshoes.com.au

Gathering Eye shoulder bag
$40 - generalpants.com.au

Metal ring
$28 - topshop.com

Peacock jewelry
£2 - peacocks.co.uk

Super sunglasses
$170 - generalpants.com.au

Update: Oh wow!! I was surprised last night with VIP tickets, I'm so super excited and I was so incredibly shocked and surprised. Squeeee!!!

quote of the day

2011-09-22T09:42:00.004+10:00

"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch."

- Gilda Radner

biking through budapest

2011-09-21T11:28:00.000+10:00

Did you know that the Hungarian city of Budapest has more thermal springs under it's streets than any other capital city in the world? No? Well you know what they say; you learn something new every day. This fun fact has got me daydreaming of bike riding through it's cobbled streets, from one spring to the next, soaking up the surrounding sights steeped in world history.
What's the ideal wardrobe choice for a day of stylish peddle pushing? A fabulously fun playsuit is your answer, such as the preppy offering below from TopShop. The leopard print and lady-like neck tie are right on trend and I've chosen some sensible flats for a day of adventuring without fear of injuries. While I wouldn't normally recommend an ankle strap without a heel, a short hem such as this one will help elongate your legs enough to balance the look well.
The combination of a feature print plus a bright colour waves the flag for subtle accessorising. I've chosen simple studs to help draw the eye upwards to offset the high necked style of the play suit, and as it's sleeveless more fun can be had with arm and hand candy.

biking through budapest by tessthomson featuring leather cross body handbags

TopShop jumpsuits and romper
$100 - topshop.com

See by Chloe leather cross body handbag
£315 - harveynichols.com

JCPenney gold earrings
$67 - jcpenney.com

Diane von Furstenberg yellow gold pendant
£100 - matchesfashion.com

Citrine By The Stones gold flower ring
€77 - pret-a-beaute.com

JOLIE BLACK SATIN TIE BALLET FLAT
wantedshoes.com.au

sale alert - all about fashion

2011-09-14T10:01:00.000+10:00

All About Fashion (formerly known as Sassi Parella) was started by fashion stylist, buyer and shop owner Catherine Clark.

"My aim was to create convenient online shopping and educate women about their body shape and problem areas. I want women to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin and make them look their best everyday by providing the necessary resources."

That, I must say, is something she has achieved in spades. All About Fashion have revolutionised online shopping by allowing you to shop by your body shape, personality and problem areas and cater for sizes 6 - 18. Stocking a great range of Australian labels including: Wish, Bless'ed Are The Meek, Cooper St and Ladakh to name just a few, the site is full of so much useful information including fashion tips, information on fabrics, face shapes and styles all to help you make the best choices for your daily needs.
All About Fashion are currently having a massive Winter clearance to make room for all the new Spring and Summer arrivals. All Winter stock is reduced by at least 50% and some items have been discounted up to 70% with prices starting at $25.00. They are also offering free shipping with no minimum spend until the end of September, using the code "september" in the coupon box at the check-out.
Even though this is a Winter clearance, there are plenty of goodies that will set you right during this trans-seasonal time of year and all the way through to the end of Spring.
As usual, I've picked out a few of my favourite selections from the sale pages, just in case you weren't tempted enough already! I tell ya, it was difficult to pick just a few, there are so many great pieces on offer. All pictures are linked directly to the sale pages, enjoy!

Anise Nightingale Dress

Reduced from $109.95 to $54.98

This stunning cotton dress is ideal for those who are self-conscience about their arms and is perfect for a girls night out. Pair with some killer heels and statement accessories for a chic and sultry look.

Ladakh Hutton Jacket

Reduced from $64.95 to $32.47

This light-weight rayon jacket is ticking all the trans-seasonal and style boxes. It's adjustable sleeve lengths will take you from day to night with ease and it's desert orange colour is perfect for a bit of colour blocking.

Honey & Beau Seeking Serena Top

Reduced from $89.95 to $44.98

This gorgeous top is slightly sheer and is on trend with it's softly tailored, neutral look. Tuck into a high waisted skirt to help maintain shape.

Anise Motorcross Skirt

Reduced from $89.95 to $44.98

Speaking of high-waisted skirts, and hot off yesterday's post about pencil skirts, this wrap style is a must have. It comes included with a black belt to further highlight your waist and will take you from the boardroom to the bar without missing a beat.

Bless'ed Are The Meek Battlestar Maxi Dress

Reduced from $229.95 to $114.97

The 70's are officially a huge style inspiration for the Spring and Summer trends and this maxi dress is a fabulous example of the glamorous styling that comes with this look. The incredible and exclusive print is sure to turn heads and will work best with towering wood sole platforms.

Ladakh Escaper Dress

Reduced from $79.95 to $39.98

Who doesn't love a bit of floral in the Springtime? This rayon day dress is great for many body shapes and concerns. It can be unbuttoned to be worn over a singlet and jeans, belted to enhance your waist or simply lusciously loose as it is. I'm loving the flowing bells sleeves, divine.

Ladakh Demure Top

Reduced from $49.95 to $24.97

This wonderfully vintage inspired top, complete with peter pan collar has just stolen my heart. It's perfect for a unique work look matched with some wide leg trousers, go mod on the weekends with some cute capris or simply sweet with a little skirt like below for drinks with the girls.

Excuse me while I go slay my bank balance...

quote of the day

2011-09-13T13:49:00.001+10:00

"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different."

- Coco Chanel

9 to 5 inspiration - ships ahoy

2011-09-12T16:55:00.000+10:00

The mighty pencil skirt is one item which I believe needs to appear at least once in every woman's wardrobe. As my 9 to 5 outfit below shows, the pencil skirt is a fabulous choice for the modern working woman, but it's options do not, and should not end there.
You can pair a pencil skirt with just about anything for any occasion. Last minute girls night out? Dinner with the lovah? Wedding? A perfect pencil skirt will tick all those boxes, and more. So you may be thinking, what makes the perfect pencil skirt?
It's quite simple really, it's all about the fit. You want your pencil skirt to fit comfortably at the mid-waist, firm enough to help create the streamlined silhouette synonymous with the pencil skirt, yet comfortable enough to tuck blouses in. Length is also key. The perfect pencil skirt should fall to your knees. A little above your knees is fine but unless you've got Megan Gale proportions stay away from anything longer than knee length, trust me this just leads to massive amounts of frump.
Once you've got your waist and length fits sorted then you all there's left to decide upon is colour, split and detail options. Colour; definitely go for black if you haven't got one yet, otherwise there are lots of fun bright options out at the moment to colour block with. Splits; side, front or the traditional back split are all options, they also range from modest to risqué in length. And finally detail; once again if it's your first pencil skirt go for minimal to no detail to ensure your skirt will stand the test of satirical time, or if you're adding to your collection something like the leather band featured on my pick below is a fun edgy detail.

9 to 5 inspiration - ships ahoy by tessthomson featuring a leather frame bag

Miss Selfridge polyester shirt
£39 - missselfridge.com

H M knee length pencil skirt
£20 - hm.com

Giuseppe Zanotti peep toe heels
$277 - farfetch.com

Leather frame bag
£28 - josephm.com

Drop earrings
$50 - witchery.com.au

baby bump - mighty mustard

2011-09-12T14:45:00.000+10:00

I've never been pregnant and so have never experienced all that goes with it, including morning sickness. If my history of melodramatic reactions to a case of PMS is anything to go by, I'm guessing that I'd get pretty darn cranky at my body during this time.
What I do know is how wonderfully cheery this mustard yellow blouse is! There can't possibly be a better way to turn the baby-brewing-blues around than by slipping this on, perfecting the pussy bow knot and proceeding to spend the afternoon giving in to every sweet craving as they come.

baby bump - mighty mustard by tessthomson featuring shoulder handbags

Red Herring Maternity maternity
£22 - debenhams.com

Red Herring Maternity maternity
£24 - debenhams.com

Ballet flat
$50 - witchery.com.au

Shoulder handbag
80 AUD - forevernew.com.au

Samantha Wills turquoise earrings
$75 - frockaholics.com

quote of the day

2011-09-12T14:23:00.003+10:00

"It's all about personality and how you present yourself. You have to feel your best and really own what you wear. If you manage that, it'll really show on the outside."

- supermodel Chanel Iman on being camera ready

festival fun - boho odyssey

2011-09-08T14:28:00.000+10:00

There is no better time or excuse to unleash your inner tree-huggin'-hippy than the blessed outdoor music festival. Just ask Sienna Miller who practically created the boho look and subsequent trend at Glastonbury Festival a few years back.
What's great about this style is it's relaxed and earthy nature which equals instant chic comfortability.
So what's the festival that's got my attention this week? It's the Odyssey Day Festival being held this Saturday, September 10th at Perry Park in Sydney. Here's what the organisers have to say:

"For those sick of Sydney clubland with its overpacked clubs, aggressive security and bland music policies, an alternative has arrived! Join us for a FREE relaxing afternoon in Perry Park, Alexandria for the first Odyssey Day Festival! Featuring a mish mash of local musicians performing/spinning dubstep, downbeat disco, deep house and a smidgen of funk!"

Certainly sounds like my idea of a great time and while the weather isn't exactly set to sizzle in Sydney on Saturday, it is forecast to be clear and sunny. So whip out your little boho dress (or click through to get this one now from birdsnest.com.au, with their super-fast delivery you'll have it at home right on time) and head on down for a free day of dancing in the park.

festival fun - boho odyssey by tessthomson featuring crystal bangles

Dress
90 AUD - birdsnest.com.au

Friis & Company beaded sandals
€38 - welikefashion.com

Fiorelli clutch handbag
£20 - mylabel.co.uk

Samantha Wills crystal bangle
$199 - frockaholics.com

Oasis crystal earrings
£16 - oasis-stores.com

Cheap Monday glass shades
$50 - generalpants.com.au

Gold belt
$20 - bardot.com.au

breakfast in broome

2011-09-08T12:06:00.000+10:00

One of the things I love to do while on holidays is to take advantage of hotel's and resort's complimentary buffet breakfasts. Sure, they've got a hit and miss reputation, but when they're good, they're real good!
I've never been to today's fantasy destination, Broome, and I'd love to go, but not quite as much as I love this little holiday outfit. The braided sandals would be perfect for walking from beach to beach and the printed singlet has just the right amount of kitschy cool.

breakfast in broome by tessthomson featuring cross body bags

Top
40 AUD - birdsnest.com.au

Red Herring white knee length skirt
£7.50 - debenhams.com

BC Footwear buckle shoes
$45 - pacsun.com

Jane Norman cross body bag
£20 - janenorman.co.uk

BCBGeneration bangles jewelry
$34 - zappos.com

quote of the day

2011-09-08T11:03:00.003+10:00

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous."

- Coco Chanel

9 to 5 inspiration - memo to monochrome

2011-09-07T10:27:00.000+10:00

Nothing says "timeless chic" quite like a structured black and white outfit. It's also the perfect choice for a no-fuss, take-no-prisoners professional work look.
Keep yours on-trend with the new rage in pant shapes - the tapered leg, also known as the peg leg. This pant shape may take some getting used to if all your business pants are of the low-rise, boot-cut variety but trust me when I say that this is in fact a far more universally flattering style.
Highlighting your waist becomes a breeze with the higher rise, hips are no longer hugged but rather skimmed over and your heel options become endless with your ankle being beautifully highlighted by this cut.
I'm also swooning over the blazer below, it's just such a fabulous cut and being the super versatile design that it is, would look great dressed down as well. For a chic yet casual look I'd pair it with some denim cut-offs, a bright cami peeking from underneath and some layered necklaces.
P.S. romwe.com, where the jacket is now available, are a particularly awesome online store who offer free international delivery with no minimum spend required. Can I hear a hell yeah?!

9 to 5 inspiration - memo to monochrome by tessthomson featuring white bags

Red Valentino short sleeve t shirt
$94 - farfetch.com

White fitted blazer
$50 - romwe.com

Dorothy Perkins tapered pants
£30 - dorothyperkins.com

Funtasma high heel shoes
$60 - babygirlboutique.com

Star by Julien Macdonald white bag
£24 - debenhams.com

Gunmetal ring
$9.95 - witchery.com.au

sale alert - $30 off zu shoes say what?

2011-09-06T15:00:00.000+10:00

Looking for your next hot pair of heels? The higher the better?
Love an exclusive bargain?
Wow, we have so much in common and we're sure to be great pals so I don't mind at all to share with you a lovely little offer from the sizzling shoe brand, Zu.
VIP Zu members can currently score $30 off any item over $100, valid through to end of September. You can take advantage of this offer either in-store with the flyer that was sent out to all members, or you can head on over to their online store and when you've chosen your next sole mates, simply enter the promotional code "SKD512" at the check out. So there you go, you can be a VIP member by default. Shhhhh! It can be our little secret.

Here are my picks from the current new arrivals with all images linked to the sale pages.

Ahoy $100

I'm loving this nautical take on the wedged espadrille, a style that is set to take over this Summer. Pair with a floaty white dress and wide brimmed hat for days at the beach.

Protea $120

This fashion forward sandal has so much going for it, not least of all it's towering combination of a 12cm heel and 6cm platform and is perfect for a night on the tiles. Expect to see more of this flat footed style around in seasons to come.

Sling $140

It's no surprise where this disco inspired baby got it's name. Made from luscious patent leather it's ideal for an overall look that's not for the faint-hearted. Think: sun-kissed pins, micro minis and plenty of head turning.

Gienna $150

What we have here is my idea of the perfect Summer work sandal. The wooden heel is perfect for a daytime look and the reasonably low rise heel means you won't break your back while racing for your train home. Available in taupe (pictured) and tan, it's sure to go with everything.

Colada $180

One of my favourite footwear trends from this past Autumn/Winter was the huge shoe boot trend and, clearly, I wasn't the only one. Everyone is loving some shoebootie action (once I say this word once, I can't stop! shoebootie, shoebootie, shoebootie!) and it seems like we'll be getting our fix right through Summer with an explosion of peep toe, sling back varieties hitting store shelves and magazine pages in the last few weeks. The offering here from Zu is a fabulous example, I'm digging the contrasting tan shades.

quote of the day

2011-09-05T10:18:00.002+10:00

"Accent your positive and delete the negative."

- Donna Karen

weekend warrior - brown town

2011-09-02T15:46:00.000+10:00

I'm not normally one for going all colour colour matchy matchy on you, certainly not lately with so many collections featuring lots of bright colour being placed seemingly haphazardly next to one another. One thing I have noticed though, is that while a lot of this colour we're seeing everywhere is an antidote to the neutral tones that took over for what seemed like years, this doesn't necessarily mean neutrals are gone for good.

There were plenty of RAFW 11/12 designs featuring soft pinks, pale greys, muted caramels and off whites. LIFEwithBIRD's collection below is a perfect example.

Celebrities also are also finding it difficult to let go, as you can see here with the gorgeous Dianne Kruger wearing a simply divine Ellie Saab creation from their Fall 2011 collection.

So, this weekend, you can rest assured that your beloved neutral favourites are indeed still on-trend. For a bit of fun, why not throw in some unexpected colour via a set of drop earrings or other accessory.

weekend warrior - brown town by tessthomson featuring a boyfriend blazer

Knit top
$100 - witchery.com.au

Boyfriend blazer
$130 - topshop.com

Miss Selfridge leather shorts
£65 - missselfridge.com

Pelle Moda leather sandals
$92 - bloomingdales.com

Vintage handbag
$35 - modcloth.com

Kenneth Jay Lane gold tone earrings
$53 - my-wardrobe.com

lazing in lisbon

2011-09-02T11:59:00.000+10:00

Spring has officially sprung and it's brought with it a whole bucket-load of new season style finds. My sun-dress wish-list is already off the charts, which is a cause of concern for my bank balance, perhaps, but I cannot describe how much joy I get just from browsing new season releases. As I'm sure you may have already worked out, I just can't get enough!
Frockoholics is a fabulous Australian online store with boundless designer, style and budget range choices. I've included one or two pieces from their site in the past, but today's choice is the hero of today's "day-dream outfit". This day dress has stolen my heart for it's chic yet retro vibe, delicious cut and colours and above all, that bold statement print. It's made from natural cotton voile, has a drawstring waist for ultra comfortability and is the hot-off-the-runway midi-length, sure to flatter most if not all body shapes.
Fun fact about Lisbon, Portugal? If you are invited to a Portuguese home for dinner, bring flowers, good quality chocolates or treats to the hostess. Just make sure you don't choose red flowers, since red is the symbol of the revolution. How about that. You learn something new everyday.

lazing in lisbon by tessthomson featuring leather handbags

Totem - Records Black Lin Dress - Day Dresses - designer dress,...
$159 - frockaholics.com

Leather sandals
$160 - topshop.com

H M leather handbag
£40 - hm.com

Lucky Brand Jeans chandelier earrings
$42 - luckybrand.com

Metal bracelet
$25 - topshop.com

Miss Selfridge enamel bangle bracelet
£8.50 - missselfridge.com

quote of the day

2011-08-31T10:55:00.000+10:00

"Style is primarily a matter of instinct."

- Bill Blass

baby bump - trusty tunic

2011-08-30T14:40:00.000+10:00

I know that purse strings around the country are getting tighter and tighter as the cost of living rises, and I'm sure that if you're pregnant, the last thing you feel like spending more money on is a whole new wardrobe! Rest assured that this truly isn't necessary, and many items already in the your wardrobe can be used as your mini me grows inside the comfy cave you're so generously supplying.
Tunics, and this outfit, are a perfect example of everyday, "normal body" items being totally workable when you're up the duff. They're long enough to accommodate a growing waist line and by investing in a good pair of maternity pants such as the pair below you'll be able to match many tops already in your wardrobe to create different looks.
Thank goodness for the oversized trend, huh?!

baby bump - trusty tunic by tessthomson featuring leather satchel bags

Blue Juice - Sheer Shirt Dress - Birdsnest Clothing Online
90 AUD - birdsnest.com.au

Skinny jeans maternity
$75 - topshop.com

Strap shoes
50 AUD - forevernew.com.au

Leather satchel bag
$60 - bardot.com.au

Ring
15 AUD - ts14plus.com.au

loving right now - polka dots

2011-08-30T12:05:00.001+10:00

While I'm not adverse to a good old polka dot during the colder months, there is something about Spring and polka dots that just go together so well. Perhaps it's because they go so brilliantly with floaty day dresses? I don't exactly know why the connection is so strong, but then again, I don't really care!
Polka dots aren't exactly a major trend this upcoming season, but I've been seeing a lot of them nonetheless. A possible reason could be due of the hordes of vintage vibes seen at recent A/W 11/12 runway collections, this is the upside of essentially being a season behind the European market; "micro trends" can often be picked up by local designers here in Australia so we get a tasty preview of what's to come.
Anywho, back to the adorable polka dot! I've had a long love affair with this print and the young, fun and retro vibe it brings to the table which I find impossible to ignore. So, whether it be via a fifties inspired full skirted dress, some patterned stockings, or with some towering heels; this Spring, get your dot on.

loving right now - polka dots by tessthomson featuring white shoes

Trelise Cooper polka dot summer dress
$429 - frockaholics.com

Dot dress
190 AUD - birdsnest.com.au

TopShop tee shirt dress
$60 - topshop.com

Polka dot top
$56 - topshop.com

Miss Selfridge viscose shirt
£7 - missselfridge.com

Alice In The Eve pleated shorts
$70 - generalpants.com.au

Quiksilver tiered mini skirt
$31 - quiksilver.com

Commando knit tight
$32 - nordstrom.com

White shoes
$73 - babygirlboutique.com

High heel shoes
filthymagic.com

Monsoon polka dot bag
£18 - monsoon.co.uk

Jane Norman metallic jewelry
£5 - janenorman.co.uk

Headbands hair accessory
31 AUD - alannahhill.com.au

Aso
$3.66 - asos.com