{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!

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!

{Federation Royal Badge $15, Topshop Mascara $20, Citta Maravillo 6 Strand Necklace in Gold $20}

Winter is even more miserable when you don’t have any money for yourself. Since I actually buy everything on here (I’m no sell-out) it makes it impossible to show off my bargain purchases since I can’t pay for them. But putting myself on lockdown has been a positive experience. It’s given me focus, drive, and a bank account that’s finally in the black! And now it’s time to spend wisely on…

FEDERATION ROYAL BADGE

So I was driven to the laundromat outlet in Albany to add some decent pants to my wardrobe, and I happened across Federation’s military inspired badges sitting on the counter. So that was my cheap indulgent treat to go with a much needed wardrobe staple. I’m going to stick it to my Jorge ‘Hello Sailor’ blazer to smarten it up a bit.

TOPSHOP MASCARA

When I’m at the supermarket feeling like a high roller, I occasionally throw down $17 to buy the classic 60’s pink and green Maybelline Great Lash Mascara. Paying a little extra for the Topshop brand name and the stylish packaging isn’t too much of a stretch. And it’s a pretty decent Mascara, I just wish The Department Store would stock brown as well as black!

CITTA MARAVILLO NECKLACE

While I was in laundromat, Mr.  J popped next door into the Citta outlet (sounds like ‘Cheetah’, it’s Italian for City) to look at homewares. While he was picking up a bitchin’ cheese knife, he also grabbed this lovely necklace for me. How sweet! I haven’t worn it yet, I’m saving it to pair up with a ‘special occasion’ dress.

It’s not about the quantity of a shopping haul, it’s the quality. I have a lot more top notch gear for you to ogle at, so watch this space!

I really like Kate Sylvester, she has a lot of great staple items that I would love to get my hands on. I bought a pair of Kate Sylvester shades from the Designer Sunglass Outlet, and due to their versatility they’ve become my default choice for eye protection. So if you’re free from tomorrow to Sunday take a trek to Kingsland and score (yes, rugby pun intended) some choice bargains!

Last year these markets were the backbone of my summer. I had so much fun taking road trips down to Tauranga and meeting all the wonderful people obsessed with fashion in the Bay. Unfortunately I started filling my summer schedule in June, so now I only have time to attend the market on October 1st! Maybe 2012 will bring me more time to appreciate the simple things in Mount Maunganui…

{Cybéle Orchid Bag in Stone, Kathryn Wilson Kimiko Sandals in Stone}

I’ve been sorting out all my old photos lately, and I came across this shot taken of me at the end of summer holding my treasured possession- a brand new designer handbag.

As you all know I love Cybele and orchids, and therefore this carryall became the target of my obsession. For a while I believed I was never going to save up enough to acquire it, and kind of gave up on saving for what I thought was a meaningless goal. But fate smiled upon me, and early this year I bought my precious Orchid Bag for just under $200. It’s my first NZ Designer bag, and it’s so supple and well crafted. I love running my fingers over the textured leather and feeling true quality!

Well sized, but due to the fragility of the straps I recommend you don’t overload this bag with heavy items. I only use mine for special occasions during the day, as it goes perfectly with any breezy summer dress.

I can’t wait to start pairing it with outfits this summer!

This sale is like a siren song. I want to attend, but if I do I’ll be stranded in Tauranga with no way to return back to Jafaland. But is that really a bad thing?

{Maurie & Eve Creeper Wedge in Alligator}

Long before I got my hands on these  fantastic pants, I saw an awesome pair of wedges that I could not afford. They were over $300, a price I could not pay. But all I had to do was bide my time and wait for a good opportunity to come along. And voila! These surprisingly comfortable shoes (they give great arch support) are a late birthday present from family members who gave me ‘green’ birthday presents (they knew I’d spend it on something I’d enjoy).

The pattern is not as bold as the product photos make it out to be. It’s actually a soft light grey pattern on canvas, perfect for making a boring, dreary outfit look entertaining. I also think it’s a smart and adventurous way to incorporate exotic prints without the cruelty of having to farm and then slay living fossils. Not to mention the actual shape of the footwear itself, curving softly down at the back into an aggressive pointed toe right at the tip. The only thing I’m not a big fan of is the leather soles, which are made for leisurely walks at indoor attractions, shopping centres and sheltered pavements, not the chaotic terrain of Aotearoa.

Aside from that small issue, these are crazy fabulous and I love wearing them with a mixture of black, grey, white and blue. They’re not made for wet weather though, so playtime only lasts as long as the sunshine!