Recent Treasures

These two beauties were the best treats from last weeks opshop round up. This jumpsuit is the business. Srsly. That hat though. My newest wardrobe staple. So good. Together, a collective $3.50. Definitely worth it I think.

I never want this to end

Playsuit- Wildpair/ sweatshirt- second hand market/ hat- hospice op shop/ shoes- rubi shoes/

Beautiful weather was the motivation for this throw together. The hot days here have been welcomed with open arms. I'm only nervous it will end soon. Managed to spend a sweet day at the park with a picnic and card games in this ensemble first though. The play suit and the shoes were presents from my parents for my birthday, though true to my pledge, the playsuit was on sale. Btw I LOVE PLAYSUITS. Feminine like a dress but suitable for hardcore shorts fun. Also this hat!! So good! We've bonded already. Me and this hat, we're goin' places.

Haulin'

Thiiiiiis weeks op shop haul consisted of three dresses, three black tops, one pink shirt and one cosy colourful cropped jumper. Three black tops!? I hear you thinking loudly, why three black tops? IT'S IN THE MATERIAL PEOPLES. They are made out of different stuff and suitable for different occasions so there. The combined expense of my purchases came to a penny pushing $4.50. Two of the dresses need shortening but it's not hard and all part of the fun. For 50 cents a pop, who cares? 

Happy shopping peeps xx

LANEWAY 2014

Last week I went to the  Laneway festival in Auckland. I know this is a late update for it, but better late than never and I feel like I need to fill in the blanks of my absence a little bit.

The day was a cracker, better than expected even. A good day with good friends and good music. Found some new bands I didn't know of that I fell instantly in love with. And we hung around in Auckland for a couple of days and waited for the Lorde sideshow. Which was totes amaze as expected. Yusssss. 

Peace.

Way of life

                   

Along with changing the name, I also wanted to give a new purpose to the blog. From now on, I solemnly swear to buy nothing new at full price over the amount of $10. The majority of anything sartorial will be secondhand. Anything that isn't secondhand will be something I already own or bought on sale. 

 There are a couple of reasons behind this. I don't know about you guys but I keep up with my fair share of fashion blogs and it is so so easy to get sucked into the world of consumerism. I think the peer pressure to be constantly on trend and updating your wardrobe is so apparent in the blogging world. It's unrealistic to constantly be shopping and spending so much money on clothes. In my opinion anyway. However, you could constantly shop and not spend much money by buying secondhand! Which leads to my second reason. I am currently unemployed. Unemployed = zero dollars. Buying secondhand is my best option to still regularly partake in my fav hobby. 

 Pictured above is my op shop haul from this week. Altogether everything cost $9. Not bad for two dresses, one pair of fluro shorts, two pairs of shoes, a fantastic straw hat and a bow tie still in it's box!

It's a Sign

                         

Pants-secondhand / t-shirt-secondhand / sandals-Windsor Smith / sunglasses-runaways by lespecs

This was yesterday's outfit of the day. Which I would have put up yesterday if I was not so technologically challenged. Are you ready for my first world problems?? My only device with internet is an ipad and blogger won't upload my photos so I downloaded the app and it's super-duper lame. I have no control over the size or placement of my photos which is so annoying after I spent so much time editing them. It looks so bad I won't put up more than one. waaaah. K I'm done. 

These high waisted tartan old ladies pants are the real highlight here. I scored them second hand off a fill-a-bag-for-$1 rack. So technically they only cost me 14cents. Cheapest pants ever. My t-shirt is also second hand. It was $2 and super comfy and easy to chuck on with anythang. Sadly though, we are in the middle of summer, SO WHY MUST I WEAR LONG PANTS?? The weather conundrum continues...

SarahJane's Sister

A new year, a new name. Something a bit more personal. Something a bit closer to the real deal that I am away from magical internet land. I am well aware that this blog has been properly neglected over the last year. If it were a plant it would have to be a succulent to still be alive now without any real love.

2014, here's to true reflections, succulents and wishing deedpoll was this simple. lulz xx 

The Usual Suspects

I've been pretty much looking like some version of this 75% of the time since I got back from Australia....

Usually a merino, covered by a baggy top over some leggings with a cardigan, socks, boots and a baggy coat. Oh and a beanie.

                   

It's the most comfortable/warm combo I could come up with while still being nice enough to go to the supermarket or whatever. The temperature in Brisbane was so pleasant all of the time and I got used to it real fast. Coming back to New Zealand has been a chilly wake up call in the weather department.

   

  Nothing really to scream about anyways....see what I did there??? Haha Stay cool and I'll catch you cucumbers l8r xx

On Repeat

Late but better than never, here's a closer look at what I lounged around in yesterday.

 I have repeated this exact outfit a number of times now. You know when you just throw things together and then somehow it works and you love it. This is one of those go-to outfits for me when I don't have time to think but need to look nice.

 (shirt-secondhand/beige top- Ottomode/ pants- Max/ socks- Sportgirl/ sandals- Windsor Smith/ Necklace, cream bangle- Karen Walker)

This was also my first attempt at rocking the sock bun. I know it's been around for a while now but I've always been hesitant to try it. Probably because I had a feeling it would be more fiddly than it appeared. And I wasn't wrong. But after a few youtube tutorials and half an hour later, I managed a mediocre sock bun. I definitly need practice though!

In other day to day life...I've been listening to this on repeat....

...but who hasn't? Haha. I pre-ordered it a week ago when I found an itunes voucher while I was unpacking. I was so stoked to find it in my itunes library on thursday, a day earlier than I had been expecting!! And I haven't listened to anything else since. My favourites? Should I list every song on the album? I like it that much. (At this point in time, Buzzcut Season is playing.That's a good starting point if you need to spotify something.) If you haven't had time to hear it yet, make time. The whole album is only 37 minutes long so take a break and listen to it twice. Stay cool, catch you next time xx

Time killer

Need a way to kill some time?? I suggest giving a go at painting your nails like this...

...cause it was very effective at killing time. Half peach petal, half porcelin party. After waiting for the peach to dry I used a circle sticker to cover the bottom half and get a crisp division, like when you use masking tape to paint around a window. The only tip I have is that you really need a clear top coat as well to seal the deal a bit. Other wise the top half has a bit of a ridge on it. 

This is me crossing my fingers that oracle actually cheated and we will actually get the America's cup after all. So proud of our team though! So proud to be a kiwi!

                          

On another note, I've been making one of these a day and loving it! I use mixed berries, yogurt and chia seeds in a bit of water, and that's it! So yummy! 

                                       

Aaaaaaaaand here's a sneak peak at tomorrow's post about what I wore today. Wuuhu! Take care, stay safe xx

       

P.s. Here's the polish I used. I love the colours but the whole technique means there's quite a few layers which ends up being thick and a bit prone to getting smoshed. Yeah. 

Jelly tiiiiiiiiiime

Between now and the last post one million years ago, I moved to Australia, lived there for four months, and then moved home again after my boyfriend got a job in New Plymouth. That's the short of it anyway. In between there were lots of new people, new adventures, learning curves and ups and downs.

                                Enjoying the park at South Bank in Brisbane, Australia

Back to the here and now though.... I made Jelly!!!

So yum! And fun! Catch you later alligator xx

Old tricks

I wish I was tech-savvy enough to put a speech cloud on this photo that said "Hey Guys!" I would get a lol kind of chuckle out of that for a long time. Anyways....I vote that it's about time for another outfit post so BAM..let's make it happen....

I put this outfit together after an overwhelming urge to be pretty swept over me, you know how they do. I guess I'm quite isolated up here in Whiti and it's nice to put a bit of effort in for myself once in a while and get dolled up, even if nobody I know will see me.

I love this top and I think I should wear it more often. It's completely lace with quite a high neck and a cool frill at the bottom. This shirt also has a gold zip that runs down the back which is one of my favourite features, but if I wear this top on a sunny day, the zip heats up and really burns my skin! I learnt that the hard way.  This simple black skirt is such a wardrobe essential! I've thrashed it this summer, such an easy staple to dress up or down. Inspired by the international fashion week shows, I tried a deep side part in my hair for a change. The part didn't come out as prominent in the photos but it was fun experimenting. A tip I picked up through my Internet scrolling is to part your hair no further than the outside of your eyebrow when your using a deep side part. I found that useful.

I wore a combination of silver jewellery and pearls, accentuating the girlishness I guess. If you look closely you can see my silver winged, pearl necklace and pearl and diamond earrings, both very special sentimental gifts. I tied the whole lot together with a pop of colour in my lipstick.

top:dotti, skirt:hummingbird, shoes:wildpair, shopping trolley:anon

Soooooo....what d'y'all think?? Give a gurl some feedback...

 (COMMENTS ARE MY ONLY SOURCE OF PROTEIN, I'm fading away here..xx)

Seeing Double

                       

After Christmas I did my bit to revive the economy from recession and joined the masses heading to the shops. I had compiled a list (in my head) of things I desperately needed (/wanted really badly). Somewhere in the list was sunglasses and I have confessions to make. When it comes to sunglasses, I have never really invested above $20, my reason being, I'm not the most responsible person to look after them. I start off meaning well, carrying the case and making sure to store them away carefully, but eventually they always end tossed into my handbag with everything else, resulting in my sunglasses getting scratched and snapped. But this time I reasoned with myself, willing to give myself a second chance, maybe if I could find a good quality pair that I really liked, then maybe I would be motivated to take proper care of them.

So, there I was heading for Farmers, having already researched their latest Le Specs range online, my heart ready to be set on the black Runaways. A femenine nod to the classic rayban I thought. Plus I loved the ultra dark lenses, they made me feel like noone could see what I was looking at (btw they totes can). But alas, it was not to be such a simple love affair, because upon trying on the Runaways, I fell in love at first sight with the out-of-this-world Dingalings. The pastel lilac frames, the metal detailing, the outrageously big sized lenses screaming "60's TAKE ME BACK", how could I resist? Now I faced the vital question, did I strive to be an elegant Holly Golightly, drinking my coffee and tugging on my string of pearls, or the long lost third Olsen twin, bohemian chic already installed?

But wait..Had I forgotten we were admist the post Christmas retail madness? I didn't need to choose, they were half price- I'd just take both!!

   

 I love both pairs and I love having two because it means I get to choose depending on the mood I'm in and what I'm already wearing, but what do you think? I'd love to know which pair are your favourite! xx

Award for best dressed...

So I don't know about you guys but I just spent all day watching the Oscars. Not just the award ceremony, but the red carpet and all the pre and post show jazz as well. I confess, never before have I sat down for the majority of the day and watched an award ceremony, but when I had the time today...let's just say I wasn't held against my will.

Unsurprisingly, my main excitement around the Oscars was generated by what people were going to wear. Right after getting my full from the fashion week runways, I was eagerly anticipating how some of the biggest fashion houses would work with some of the most currently buzzed about people. So I'll jump right to it....

A trend set by best actress award winner Jennifer Lawrence was the back necklace.

I am aware that other people have worn jewellery like this before and this is not completely ground breaking but I'm gunna bet that because young, beautiful and talented award winning Jen wore this look, it's going to take off. It's inspired me at least, and I'll definitely be trying out the infinity diamond look soon.

My personal opinion on best dressed for the event goes to Naomi Watts. She looked stunning in her twinkling Armani Prive gown and the cut was so original. Reportedly, Naomi had a lot of input into the designing of the dress which ticked all the right boxes. You know me, can't resist a sparkle.

Other highlights for me included Salma Hayek (Alexander McQueen) and Adele (Jenny Packham), especially after she let her hair down for her performance. Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta and Jessica Chastain also wearing Armani Prive also left an impression and are worth a google if you need fuel for procrastination.

That's my critical reflection on the Oscars red carpet runway, what do you think of it all?

Images from here and here

Reflection

2012, what a good good good year.

 I got up to some good shinanigans last year....

I visited my sister in Australia which prompted my epiphany to move there. Counting down to March!

I fuelled my concert addiction by going to Roger Waters, Lady Gaga, The Black Keys and Coldplay. (All of them blew my mind.)

I dressed up for the Wellington Sevens and I can't wait to go again in next month!

I partied at Hyde Street!!

I finished my degree :) Looking foward to graduation in May.


And I rounded out the year by going to Corogold. Woohoo!!

Image source:here

A very good year indeed! Onto 2013 now and a new chapter for me as I skip the country and look for a new place to set up life for a bit. How very exciting. For now though I'll keep on living up the summer sunshine before I have to go back to Uni on Monday (Just a little post-grad summer course I'm doing hence the absence from blog).

Many Good Things

 

Fashion is essentially about perception. It changes the way you look and think about things. Much like this cat. When I first saw the feline on the street I think I was shocked by its appearence, but now I actually find it quite adorable. Fashion has this effect on me all the time.

 Today is my tenth day of freedom since I finished the last of my assesments towards my degree. While I studied in those last few weeks and failed at keeping up with my own blog, I pretty much kept on top of reading everyone elses on my bloglovin feed. (Follow the link on the toolbar above to add me to your own reading list.) In doing so, maybe as a result of some effective procrastination, I managed to collect a good amount of inspiration. Inspiration for DIY projects as well as some pieces to add to my own wardrobe. And now that I am free to roam and hunt and create, let me tell you, many good things are happening......

Here's a sample of the inspiration I collected which should give you a sneak peak into what I've found and what I'm making. Unfortunately I'm in Whitianga again with not much internet plus I left my camera cord behind again!! But never fear I will be back in Welly this time next week and will upload all my new treasures....

 

  (Images found here, here, here, here, and here.)