{Zabanna Web Ring & Studs SOLD OUT, Diamond Spike Earrings $65 @ Onceit}

This month has been all about investing in jewellery. Even though I have some very beautiful dress earrings, the majority of my day-to-day stud earrings come from chain stores. And life is too short to wear cheap crap.

So all my Diva/Bling/Wild Pair jewellery is going into storage (to give to my family or charity) and I’ve been poking around the sales to find designer sterling silver jewellery. And once again Onceit comes to my aid, offering me goodies on a virtual platter. I’d never heard of Zabbana before, and looking at their website makes me regret my ignorance. I mean, just look at this awesome Bread Tag Pendant! Not a big fan of the bags though, sorry. Too much hardware.

So I picked the Diamond Spike Earrings first because they look sexy and dangerous (and also the only item that didn’t sell out immediately). And the Web Studs and Ring I managed to get into my shopping cart through sheer luck and perseverance. I figured even though it’s nice to mix up different types of jewellery, it would be nice to have a matching set. It’s probably the only matching set I have, to be honest.

Of course they’re not quite mine yet, they’ll turn up at the end of the month. I only can only hope there’s nothing missing in my order, unlike last time!

{Misty Lang’s Trust Tunic @ 7 Remuera Road, Newmarket}

When quasi-celebs like columnist Wendyl Nissen get the shit stick in Ponsnobby, what hope is there for a positive shopping experience for regular shoppers? No wonder everyone is migrating to international online shops . Why wouldn’t you when there are no queues, no snarky shop assistants, and no hidden costs?

But should we give the physical act of shopping the flick? I don’t think we should give it up entirely. One, it gets you outside walking around. It’s the best exercise a fashionista can get! Two, just because you don’t find clothing that fits doesn’t mean that you won’t find some great accessories lurking around. I once went into a store that had absolutely nothing for me clothing wise, yet I found the cutest coral crystal cocktail ring sitting in their display.  And three, even if you find absolutely nothing of value you can still be inspired by the advice and style magic of helpful shop assistants (who are as rare as hens teeth). I know I wouldn’t have started wearing bright colours this summer if it hadn’t been suggested to me by a lovely boutique owner (who shall remain anonymous as I want her all to myself).

So when you’re looking for something in particular, try a Google search. If you want to cast your net wider, then hit the pavement and be inspired by independent boutiques, consignment stores, or even (gasp) a good quality chain store!

I think it’s a good compromise, no?

{Leopard Ring, $30 @ Silo Park Markets}

If you’re new to this site, you might find my interest in leopard print rather over the top. If you’re a regular reader you’ll be fascinated at how I’ve managed to keep my obsession down to three items this month.

It started off rather innocently, I promise. Mr J and I were bored one weekend, and we decided to go check out the new Silo Park in Wynyard Quarter. As we were waiting for our Toro Churro order, I casually glanced into a market stall and saw this ring sitting in a pile on the table. I knew that it could be something unique if I just customised it a little…

The picture on the left has been kept unaltered to give an impression of what it looked like before. I then ‘improved’ on the design by carefully filling in the crevices on the side with gold glitter nail polish. As you can tell by the picture on the right, it gives off a nice lacquer effect. Another great reason for using nail polish is that you can remove it with a cotton bud soaked in nail polish remover should you make a mistake or don’t like the end result.

{Zara Woman Leopard Envelope Clutch, $15 @ Mercy Hospice Auckland}

And here’s the perfect clutch to go with my new ring! This little treat was displayed in the ‘valuable’ section of my local hospice. It must have been put out just as the last of the lunch rush left, so I was very lucky to nab this accessory before someone else. Brand spanking new, 100% leather, and still have change left over from a $20 note. Perfect for fancy drinks with the lady friends or a sexy lunch date.

{Evil Twin Hot Hot Heat Hi-Low Dress, $103.85 + shipping @ ASOS OR $50 @ Brand Clearance}

Now I’m not a fan of the mullet dress, but this print was so red hot I couldn’t turn this dress down. I also like the fact that it has sturdy straps, a flattering scoop neckline, and it’s perfect for casual summer daywear. The shop assistant was rather miffed that I got to it before she could try it on for herself! On a bum note, the back of the dress drags on the ground. Since there is nothing I can do about my Hobbit genetics, I won’t be wearing this out until it’s altered. So a bunch of stock images with teenage waifs wearing my dress will just have to suffice for now.

And that is it for the first month of 2012! Next month I’ll be focusing on hair care and saving up for The Designer Garage Sale. Will I see you there?

{ICU Tees on Onceit L-R: Pick Me Tee, WW Blank Black (sold out), and Love Bites Tee, all $19}

What a coincidence that my first shopping binge of the year happens to coincide with Onceit launching their first sale of 2012. Maybe I just can’t resist having a fresh start in a fresh t-shirt. Or I just can’t resist the delectable designer goodies Onceit  offers. So now I have a crisp white rayon top with an overripe strawberry print, the NZ classic black tee with a shirt tail twist, and another dark scoop neck (great for showing off the goods) with a hint of menacing glamour in the design. It’ll be exciting mixing these in with my lazy summer wardrobe!

I love Lonely Hearts, but can’t afford them even on a good day. A sale on the other hand, is a perfect time to get what you can. Go get yourself a nice Xmas gift!

{One Teaspoon Lonely Hearts Coat}

Thanks to the mild winter this year, the majority of outerwear is being sold off dirt cheap. I’m stocking up on super-sized faux fur coats for next winter (my crystal ball foresees a holiday in cold climates next year), and I found this long, oversized coat half price on TradeMe.  For a Size 12, it almost swamps my frame, but at least it’s quite a decent length. I’ve been looking for a longer coat for when my Stolen Girlfriends Club faux fur doesn’t cut it against the icy wind. And this one is so snuggly! Since I was saving up for a holiday, it’s the only thing I bought that month. It was a real gamble, so I hope my investment pays off in winter!

As you can tell from the previous post, I’m well stocked. But for those who aren’t, you might want to pop into this sale. If it’s anything like the one I went to last year, you’ll find plenty of products for yourself, as well as a few gifts for those family and friends who like to look good. Just remember, before you go in keep your handbag in your car and out of sight!

Wellingtonians, raid your closets! Yank out those unloved clothes from your drawers! Dust off those unloved shoes! The Big Shwop is on again!

P.S When are you hosting an event in Auckland again?

{Inked by Adam Craft @ The Tattooed Heart}

To me, tattooing is a permanent work of art. It literally lasts a lifetime! I’m lucky enough to live in a part of the world where tattooing is part of the indigenous culture, and has transformed into a form of personal expression. I like to think of my tattoos as a personal fashion accessory that I will treasure always.

Have you started on your Christmas shopping yet? I began in June, so I only have a couple of gifts to find for the family members that already have everything. I enjoyed the last Fraft Market so if you’re looking for something unique go find yourself some stocking stuffers in Kingsland!