Shu failure

I am such an idiot.

I have two huge draws of make up.  All high end.  I'd say thousands of dollars worth.

So I have no idea what possessed me to jump on Kiss and Make Up at midnight about 2 weeks ago and jam 3 new useless things into my shopping basket and quickly check out.

So this is what just landed on my desk at work from New York.

• Laura Mercier SPF 20 Tinted Moisturiser.  Why did I buy it?  Because people keep raving about it, that's why!  And because I'm often running late in the morning to brush on my Armani Silk Foundation - as good as it is, it streaks like heck and takes a good while to brush on perfectly.  I've been using a Clinique mineral foundation/powder on the lazy days, but the colour was not matched properly (too light) and now that it's summer I look like a ghost!  So LMTM here I come.
• Shu Uemura - ultimate expression mascara.  What a load (or should I say what a tube) of rubbish.  I may as well have bought a tube of that pink and green Maybelline stuff.  I've been a Diorshow fanatic for 4 years and I don't know WHAT possesses me to try something different because I'm perenially disappointed each and every time.  This one was just a moist blob on my lashes which is now hard.  It's not soft and full and long on my lashes like Diorshow.  Major disappointment.  When will I learn my lesson?
• Laura Mercier Petite Eye Palette in Cool - this is a really cute little compact with just the right amount of shadow.  In my 10 years of make up wearing I've never reached pan in a shadow (apart from when I smash it on tiles, oops), so it's sensible to buy this mini pack, BUT eyeshadow doesn't suit me.. or I don't know how to apply it!  So this pretty little palette will go to the bottom of my make up pit and never grace a pretty face.  Sigh. 

My husband is currently on forced 2 weeks annual leave, as it the most of Australia.  I am not.  We call it "working through".  I don't really mind.  The phone sparcly rings as most of our clients are on holidays, even the ones who don't celebrate Christmas (refer to the first sentence where I write that most of Australia is on holidays) and there are no new deals to tender (yes again because all potential and existing clients are on holidays).

During the down time I can read, write, make lists, come up with resolutions, plan my travel itinerary, stare out the window and wish I was at the beach, think about what I'm going to pack to take to Queensland, have long lunches, go home at 3pm, eBay, read Liberty London Girl's entire blog as I only discovered it over the weekend... search for jobs in Manhattan because I so desparately want to move there...

Bizzare behaviour

I hate new year's resolutions.  Mostly 'cos I don't stick to them.  I had a look at ones I'd blogged previously and I smirked 'cos I'd achieved none of them.

But hey, I'm still making a few for 2010.  It's more of a to do list than a resolutions

• use my gym membership - or B will cancel it.  Oops
• declutter - yes I know, I live in a small space with far too many things

In the spirit of decluttering, I jumped off the couch at 11pm last night and went put away my winter knits in a draw with some lavender soap.  Then I dawned on me that I should perhaps wash them before putting them away - brilliant!  Except that meant no sleep until 2am as the washing machine on "wool" mode annoyed the heck out of me spinning every 7 minutes.

I have an embarrassing Scanlan & Theodore knit collection, amassed while I cursed the Melbourne winter when I first moved here.  I layered and layered and layered - a skivvy under a knit, under a cardi. HA!

Now I'm going to the beach.  Screw it!! Haven't been yet this summer and that makes me sad.  Even though it's not very warm today, but it is warmer than it has been any other day I've been free this summer.

Wearing - blue Zimmermann string bikini, white Chloe mini dress, blue havs, s&b beach bag.

La Photographique

Somehow my blog has turned into a fashion blog, which is not what I ever had in mind.

I'd been lusting after an SLR for some time now and had hoped my lovely would get me one for my birthday back in September.

That didn't happen - he bought me a Nikon D3000 a few weeks ago instead - for no particular reason!

I had no idea where to start, so I took an intro course and here's a few of my favourite snaps.

Aperture, ISO, ISO, ISO... I'm getting there.

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous, magical, New Year.

Olivia Palermo Part II

I know I've already mentioned her, but Olivia Palermo, Manhattan socialite turned reality star on The City and owner of a very enviable wardrobe. She may not be portrayed as the nicest or easiest person to get along with, but the woman has AMAZING hair and a wardrobe to match. She has been featured on The Sartorialist several times and it has even been rumored that she was the real-life inspiration for the Blair Waldorf character on Gossip Girl.


She balances feminine and masculine details as perfectly as some of my favorite interior designers and she accessorizes each ensemble beautifully.


And check out her (old) apartment.  Apparently she now lives in DUMBO, Brooklyn.  I'm sure she's got more space now, so would love to see the interior!

'

Amazing shorts!

48 hour rule

I have done well in sticking to my shopping matra of late - not falling into the trap of OMG I love this I need it NOWWWWWWWWWWW.  You get it NOW, then you realise it doesn't really fit, you overpaid, it doesn't really go with other pieces in your wardrobe.. it's unsuitable for the climate you live in, damn.  Credit card hangover.

What I do now, is I find something I love, I get excited, try it on then PUT IT ON HOLD for 48 hours.  Search the net for similar or same item, create outfits in my head.. or in polyvore.  Check out some street style websites for inspiration.  (yes, the shopping process is a very complex one..), then I swipe.

Case in point.  The wonderful YSL "Lauren" booties.  Love at first sight, but a very considered purchase. 

Come April 2010, and as Melbourne winter sets in rather quickly, I cannot wear these with my layered outfits, skinny jeans, woollen opaques and minis and sass & bide "rats".  Remind me to get a new pair.  Mine have well and truly seen their use by date.  But heck they've been worn at least once a week for 18 months!

Some inspiration:

French Vogue

jakandjil.com

Herve Leger

I am totally and utterly in love with Herve Leger.

The love affair began in March when I was minding my own business and exploring Henri Bendell's in New York City only to be kidnapped by an over zealous sales assistant who, before I could say no, had me thrown into a dressing room with a glass of champagne in one hand and 4 sized XS Herve dresses in the other.

Heaven.

However, for now, I have to settle for the Kookai version.  If only summer would arrive in Melbourne so I can take off my coat!