Jacqui-E: Fitting Room Review

 Jo Jo Knit Dresss in Bark/Sleet ($119.95) 
Top part of this dress was a lovely stretchy t-shirt jersey, with a fully lined cotton skirt that fell just below the knee.  The waistband was also cotton with very little stretch, providing the dress with a little bit of structure.  I went into this store speifically to purchase this dress with a credit that I had.  Unfortunately the waist just hit wrongly for me, and the cap sleeves nailed the last one in for me - this dress was a not coming home.

Animal Ra-Ra Skirt ($89.95)

Unknown (and hideous!) top ($89.95)
I have no idea why I picked this top to try with the skirt, but it was purely just to try the skirt. This top is 100% designed for small chests.  But on me?  I have no words to say.  Actually, yes I do.  Hideous.

Now onto more pleasant times, the Animal Raa-Raa Skirt.  I took a size too big, as it was the only one they had, and I would have to say that this is TTS.  The ruffles are slightly pleated in appearance, and fall in such a complimentary way.  I have no idea what is happening to the skirt shot online by Jacqui E - very blurry!   I loved this skirt so much, I had the SA arrange a hold in another store. Love!

  

 Lily Ruffle Top in Eggplant ($79.95)

Brooke Ruffle Skirt ($89.95)

The newfound adoration of Jacqui-E continued with these little numbers. 

Both found a new home - my wardrobe!

 The Lily Ruffle top came in two colours, both the purple and a pale ivory.  Both are gorgeous, and I may have to return to bring an ivory home.  Completely sheer, the top is designed to have a Cami underneath.  A collarless open neckline gives way to some understated ruffles, and the gentle flutter sleeves top it off.  The skirt is also lovely - straight skirt topped off with a flat lying ruffle on the front and a elastic waistband makes it very versatile - adjusting on high or low waists.

Milly Animal Chiffon Hem Cardigan ($59.95 was $89.95)
I actually had been contemplating buying this at full price a couple of months ago, but couldn't really justify yet another cardi for $90 - but at the sale price I snapped it up. The colour appears different in the photos, but it is closer to grey than lavender, with a lovely soft black as the print contrast.  Finished off with a sheer black chiffon ruffle on the hem, it perfectly covers my 'bump zone' when wearing jeans or pants.  TTS and I highly recommend at sale price.

Disc Black Glass Bead Necklace ($29.95)
Long silver chain that can be looped for double strand effect or worn long.
Black Glass flat discs are randomly grouped together at different intervals.
Really, really pretty.  Really, really overpriced.  Really, really loved it.
But I'll save my pennies, because it really isn't worth the price tag.

(edit:  I went back the next day and bought this - yeah, yeah, I know. Let's not tell hubs what I paid for such a simple necklace hey? It will be our little secret ...)

OOTD: Different Day, Different Pose

I know, I know - I've developed a little bit of a habit of stiking the same pose.  Usually it's one (or two if feeling particularly cheerful) on the hips and a great big cheesy smile, followed by the cross the legs and look down at my shoes. Same pose, everytime does not make an exciting blog post.  So I shook it up a little, and the results are posted. Yep, funnily enough it looks the same to me aswell. Except with dead zombie arms.

Anywho, I never know how to wear this top.  It has giant flutter sleeves and no shape through the waist, so between my boobs and hips I gain 5 kgs :) On the plus side, the pattern, colours and cute crocheted (is that a word?) hem, is what is keeping it in the cupboard. Just. 

I tried popping this cropped cardigan over it, trying to define the waist, I think the top itself just hits at the wrong length.  While I love the comfort factor of this whole outfit (and could use this on a fat day) I don't think it made a huge impression on me. 

I am sure you are thinking, "where have I seen those shoes before?" Well let me help.  

On me. Everyday for the last three months.

As I said in my last OOTD post:  Hardest. Working. Shoes. Ever.

Top - Colorado

Jeans - Portmans

Cropped Cardigan - Jacqui-E

Shoes - Annapelle at David Jones

Earrings - Roses from Sportsgirl (yep, total cheap shamless knockoff from Mimco)

Headband - from under my bed :)

OOTD - Shopping with Mum & Jacqui-E Fitting Room Reviews to come ....

These are both terrible iphone shots for OOTD - but I loved scooting around town today with my mum in this dress and cardi.  The unflappable Annapelle flats were out AGAIN today, but why not?  They are probably the hardest working shoes in my cupboard :) 

I lost a bit of weight recently so this dress is now probably a size too large for me, but the stretch in the bust and the fogiveness and softness in the skirt just makes this an 'all day dress', that was calling my name this morning. (Secretly I may, or may not, be stalking this exact dress a couple of sizes smaller ...)  I also threw on a little cropped cardi just for a little more warmth and coverage - it was cold today!  No jewellery but the basics and I was ready in five minutes flat.

Dress - Jacqui-E (similar found here)

Cardigan - Jacqui-E (similar found here)

Shoes - Annapelle from David Jones

Activity - Fitting Room Reviews at (where else?) Jacqui-E

Now that's a giveaway!

Wow, wow, wowsy, wow - now that's a giveaway!  The incredible Roxy over at Effortless Anthropologie is holding a generous giveaway - $250 Anthro Card!  Now, quick quick, go follow and enter!!!!

Dressing Down (OOTD)

Had a lovely night out with Hubs, drinks then off to a movie.  

Those with kids would realise that a great babysitter is worth her weight in gold - and I think we may have found our gold statue!  It was a great night with an ok movie - Knight and Day.  Unfortunatley Tom's couch-jumping and crazy talk may have killed my enjoyment of his movies, if you could suspend any thought of realism - this movie was fun, with Cameron Diaz delivering some hysterical one-liners.  I love this dress and originally purchased it to wear to my son's baptism with a pair or sky high stiletto's.  However, I haven't worn it since then, always feeling like it was a little too dressy for everyday wear.  This is my attempt to start making my wardrone work for it's living ;)  While it is definately a summer-weight dress, I winterised (is that even a word?!?) it using thick 120denier stockings and woollen cardigan.  Hopefully the flats have dressed it down making the outfit on a whole much more user friendly.

Dress - Leona Edmiston

Stockings - Levante (seriously the BEST stockings I have come across)

Cardigan - The Works

Shoes - Annapelle

Hairband - Water Lily Alice Band by Mimco (no longer available)

Grey on Grey, Knit on Knit

Off to classes today, then home early to look after my daughter who has had several days off school sick.  I have been a bit blah lately - a mixture of no sleep and feeling like a cold may be creeping on my way - so this cardigan always comes out whenever I feel like being snugly and comfy :)  In my eyes, this dress has a geometric pattern of both blue and light grey, however my husband disagrees.  Anyhow, trying to keep to the grey theme, I added a pair of cable knit stockings in the same colour (which wound up taking forever to put on ad I become progressively more obsessed with the straightness of the cable lines)  All in all, warm and comfortable all day long!

Dress:   Country Road

Cardi: Ruffled Waves by Jaqui-E

Stockings:  David Jones

Boots: Joanne Mercer

Fitting Room Reviews

After loving the fitting room reviews of so many bloggers, I thought I might as well start putting my own Australian ones up here.  I already take fitting room photo's along with the a picture of the tag, so that I can dither in private as to whether I really do like or dislike the outfit.  Plus I use the photo's to make a shopping mall 'wishlist' complete with clothing photograph and the numbers and sale amount :)  Without further ado, here are some recent trips:

Witchery Fitting Room Review

When I saw the Ruffled Drape Skirt ($99.95) on the hanger, I wasn't really expecting much, but boy was I wrong!  It is a beautiful shell colour that would blend in with most wardrobe colour schemes and I found that this skirt runs TTS (this is a size AUS14).  Online it does come in both the shell and black, but I could only find the shell instore  and unfortunately is dry-clean only but you might if careful, get away with a gently handwash.the layers are unusual because they actually loop down and back up to a central flat back panel, while sitting over a fairly straight skirt which is exposed on the hip area.  So while it may appear to have pockets, this is actually the straight skirt underneath.  Would also work well on a windy day - no problems here!  love, love, love - the shell is top of my spring must-haves, (and even considering getting the black online!)

The Printed Silk Cap Sleeve Shirt on the other hand, was a total let down.  I tried the flesh print (also comes in midnight) which was a gorgeous nude with a darker flesh tone subtle pebble print - the material is a pure silk that is just lovely to touch.  But it completely washed me out and when not tucked into the skirt it hit me awkwardly dead on my hips.  If I had a tan and another 6 inches of height - I'd be adding this in a heart beat, but won't be coming home with me :(

Jacqui-E  Fitting Room Review

Another suprising find, the Barbara Shirt Dress is such a figure flattering dress for us curvy gals :)  I couldn't pop the online catalogue photo on here, but it can be seen on the link above.  Made in a cotton/elastane blend, it is both stretchy and structured, and sits fairly high waisted - between an empire and a natural waist - with a wellmade belt covered in the same fabric.  An inverted pleat falls from the waist (which has a flattening (and flattering!) illusion on the lower tummy area.  Length wise is dead on the knee's and skirt is fully lined. Up top, three button and a cap sleeve finish the dress off.  I really loved this dress, but the style wasn't for me at the moment - it had a much more of a work/corporate-casual feel to it.  But might be wishlisted come sale time!

Lastly,  I grabbed the Jerri Utility Skirt ($129.00) in stone along with a top that isn't listed online but I think that it may be the asymetrical bib top ($59.95).  The fit of the skirt may run a little large, if you are in-between, I would definately size down.  The hem hit my kneecaps and was a stretchy and soft cotton/elastane blend which I have a feeling would wear really well throughout the day.  But, nothing about the skirt really jumped out at me.  I will have to revisit this one during saletime.

Also, have to say, I had a wonderful SA who was so helpful, even pulling out stock that hadn't been put out yet.  Plenty more reviews to come.  Along with a few OOTD that I am behind on, and are starting to pile up on my camera/iphone.





 
 

Lady Liberty, how do I love thee ...

This one goes out to all my american friends - 

Happy 4th of July!

  In honour of your special day, I themed my outfit all around you (lets face it - who doesn't love dress ups?) Yep, I have it all - red, white and blue.  

Oh and did I mention corn?  For whatever reason, when I think of the good ole US, I think of southern plantations, Lady Liberty, fireworks and corn - and not necessarily in that order :p   

We had corn on the cob by the boatload - smothered in butter and garlic salt YUM!

 

I actually had a different top on to start with, but the day was starting to really warm up - you know those days - I just couldn't decide, I spent ten minutes dithering, but in the end I headed out sans top. 

But after seeing the photo's, I'll have to do the first version again some time.  I love how it completely changed the dress into a skirt.

Here is both the before and after :)

Top - Giordano
Cardigan - Jacqui E
Dress - Laura Ashley
Belt - Jacqui E
Shoes - Steven Madden

   Bracelet - Diva Necklace wrapped                             

Working Girl Style

I had a day of educational experience (ie who wants a free assistant for the next eleven hours?), to finalise the end of my prac time for a school module.  So off I trotted nice and early with all the other worker bee's ...

and boy, do I have detail shots today :)

  

       

how awesome is this belt?!?!  (thanks mum!)

 I heart these shoes - they give amazing height :)  Which is never a bad thing when you're 5ft nothing :) 

Oddly enough they are super comfortable to walk in.

Top - Witchery 

Skirt - Belted Floral Full Skirt by Jacqui-E

Belt - Leather Peonie Belt by Queenspark

Shoes - Steve Madden

Earrings - Tulip Romance by Mimco

Gloves - Swirling Roses by Tea4Two for Myer

oops ... nearly forgot, I have an outtake before I took my gloves off but after my jacket - even the gloves followed the floral theme today :)

tea

"Sorry guys, she may be my wife but I still can't keep her quiet ..."

This was my loving husbands comment to the group of guys behind us at a local rugby game.


My husband is a bona-fide irishman - so what else were we to do when the national Irish Rugby Team, came to our home town, then watch the game in the irish supporters stand.  One little problem though .. I am an out and proud aussie - and playing on our home soil.

I may have stood out a little in the estimated 19,000 irish supporters (out of a game total of 27,000)  with my bright gold wallabies scarf in the sea of green, and if I didn't at the beginning - I sure as hell did when I enthusiastically cheered my boys on home to DECIMATE the irish 34 - 8!  By the way, I may not look overly patriotic without the team kit-out but I don't do the whole football jersey thing. Ever.

                             

 Knit Top - Witchery 

Jeans - Portmans

Boots - Joanne Mercer

Earrings - Sportsgirl

Jacket - Ben Sherman 

Scarf - Wallabies Supporter Store

 P.S - I have no idea why I look so awkward in these photo's :)