{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!

{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!

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?

{African Amethyst Watch Ring, Moonstone and Gruen Watch Necklace, Coral and Black Chrome Necklace}

Picking my favourite stall at The Little Big Markets was never going to be easy. I wanted to find a stall that was truly unique and local to the area, and finally came across a cute stall tucked away selling handmade Steampunk jewellery. It’s rather unusual to see cosplay-themed jewellery in a rural market setting, so I felt compelled to take a closer look.

{Wearing: Closet Gothic’s Ruby Crystal Watch Ring}

These one of a kind items are made from a mix of semiprecious stones, crystals, charms, vintage watches and other found objects. The detail is incredible, my photos barely comprehend the intricate workings. If you’re a Steampunk fan who only gears up for themed events, you might feel that the culture isn’t for day-to-day life. But Closet Gothic pieces are understated enough to wear on a daily basis.

The Ruby Crystal ring I modelled was so cute, it perfectly matched my nail polish. But I already have so many rings…

{Baltic Amber and Pinstripes Ring, Gold Vintage Watch Cufflinks, Bite of the Cherry Necklace}

Take a peek in Closet Gothic for some more fantastic pieces, although in my humble opinion the best of the collection is on their Etsy store. Have fun browsing!

{Naked Palette by Urban Decay}

The first reason for wanting this palette was rather superficial. I simply wanted one because Rumi on Fashion Toast had bought one. And buying to keep up with the Joneses is just absurd in this day and age. But when Gracie Lou was auctioning a palette for charity, how could I resist giving to a good cause?

The money I paid is going towards life saving medication for a 20-month year old boy with Atypical Hemolitic Uremic Syndrome. His name is Jethro Morrow, and he’s already had seven surgeries and the medication that could help him costs half a million dollars a year. Who wants that kind of price tag put on their child's life? Thank goodness there are plenty of friends and small businesses who are helping the family raise money.

If you would like to help, please go to Support Jethro Morrow and give a donation, bid on one of the charity auctions, or maybe buy half a dozen cupcakes for a feel-good treat.

The High Street Guild has decided to usher in summer with a mini fashion festival called First Light. Starts at noon this Friday, will you be going? I am, for sure!

{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!

{Mon Coeur Sunglasses by Twenty Seven Names $30, Cotton Briefs by Huffer, $13}

I don’t particularly like Glassons (homogenised fashion, yadda yadda yadda), but the one thing that sets Glassons apart from the rest of the chain stores are their charity designer collaborations. Usually it’s just a range of tees that NZ designers create for them, but this year they’ve taken it up a notch and designed accessories as well.

They have candles from Zambesi, nail polish sets from Cybele, mugs from Ruby…it’s just a wide and varied range of awesome products you can pick up instead of buying another tee shirt. I restrained myself and only bought the sunglasses (it’s the only way I can afford Twenty Seven Names) and the underwear (they’re cheap and cutesy).

So take a browse through their Cure Shop online, or better yet take a trip in store and look over at the items first hand.

WARNING: Don’t delay, most of the items have limited stock to increase demand. When I went to pick up the sunglasses, the Sylvia Park store only had 8 pairs, and were down to 5 after I left!