{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!

{Sally Hansen Salon Effects $10.99 AUD, Natio Lift Skin Firming Serum, Natio Eye Contour Treatment Gel, Natio Evening Primrose Moisturising Lotion, all from Chemist Warehouse. Soap & Glory Face Soap and Clarity, Clean Fresh Laundry EDP 30ml, Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose, all from Kit Cosmetics.}

As I was packing for Melbourne, I realised that I had so little skincare product left, there was barely enough to fill my Evolu Travel Towers (I’m being a good green kiwi and reusing the packaging). When I landed, there were so many places to buy from. All the stores seem to compete with the other to offer the cheapest price.

But I decided that the Chemist Warehouse in Prahran looked like the best place to snag a bargain, and walked in to this veritable supermarket of beauty products. Since Mr. J liked his Natio products we bought last year, I decided they’d be a good fit for me as well. I already have plenty of Cetaphil cleanser, so I picked up the moisturising basics and left with a little treat for my nails- A Sally Hansen Salon Effects kit. Since Minx Nails cost $75-85 to apply, these are a budget-friendly version for those who want red carpet nails with little fuss. I’m waiting for a special occasion to slip these bad boys on my fingernails!

The last three items are from a place I could spend stacks of cash in: Kit Cosmetics. They sell only top-quality specialist products from around the world. You won’t find any run of the mill crap on their shelves. The facial wash was stolen by Mr. J, who liked it so much he refuses to share it with me. And even though I bought a Body Shop Morrocan Rose EDT not long ago, I was already growing tired of it’s scent. Actually, I’m tired of perfumes that seem to be all about the power of the scent rather than playing on subtlety.

That’s why I had to have Cleans Fresh Laundry EDP. It smells like no other perfume, it’s as if someone bottled up laundry detergent. When you apply it, people think you’re wearing your clothes straight from the line. Utterly perfect. Mr J wanted to buy the Cotton T-shirt EDP but decided against it as he always forgets to use the one he already owns.

The Korres brand is amazing, but very hard to find in NZ. I heard about it from an ElleTV makeup tutorial, which was touting the Lip Butter as a low-key, soft, feminine lip tint. You can layer on the colour or just apply thinly to soothe chapped lips. I still haven’t made a dent on my first pot of Quince I bought in March, but I wanted a darker shade for night time. It gives me pouty lips and feels smooth and buttery. Fantastic.

I’m very happy with everything I’ve bought so far, but will the Natio products stand the test of time? Will I ever find time to stick those leopard print nails on? And will people wonder why I smell so fresh? I’ll let you know as soon as I do…

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!

Ten fashion trends you should keep in your wardrobe until next time around- Real Simple

Chinese staff at Gucci abused so badly that their pregnant staff members had miscarriages- Daily Mail

For the first time, a fashion brand wins the ‘Shonky Awards’ in Australia- Ragtrader

The amazing June Ambrose has provided style and class to hip-hop artists for 20 years- NY Times

Drug smugglers caught trafficking cocaine disguised as Manolo Blahnik shoes- Telegraph

Beauty buys from the supermarket can be just as effective as luxury brands- NZ Herald

Model Carrie Otis finally identifies her rapist as Gérald Marie, former boss of Elite Models- Jezebel

A photographic history of lace- Guardian

Kim Kardashian is a terrible role model, but you can’t deny she knows how to dress well- Fashion Lookbook

Sometimes fashion is all about the amount of risk you’re willing to take- Wall Street Journal

Nail art is limited only by your imagination- Impact Nottingham

I’m learning the ins and outs of makeup, starting with foundation- Beauty Bible

Just because capes are stylish doesn’t mean they’re flattering or practical- Chicago Tribune

My cinched waist parka jacket was a real lifesaver during the nasty spring weather- Guardian

Chain stores are skilled at interpreting big fashion trends for the average consumer- NZ Herald

Andre Leon Talley (Vogue editor) holds court at the Manolo Blahnik sale- NY Times

Helpful list of items for Yummy Mummies creating a post-baby wardrobe- Telegraph

Shopping for basics can be easy if you know how- FashioNZ

{Wearing: Hat @ Little Big Markets, Brooke Hogan Tunic, Orange Maxidress @ Milly Boutique, Citta Necklace}