Stuff That I Bought does Birdsnest

If you have been reading this site for any length of time you would know I’m marginally addicted to online shopping. That said, I have had some bad experiences recently with things coming in at the wrong size, wrong shape, fitting wrong or just looking…well…wrong.

I have talked about Australian site Birdsnest before and how awesome they are, so I decided to put the Birdsnest girls to the test. Goodness knows I’m not the most fashionable model on the catwalk, so I enlisted their help to dress me for autumn. They have a fab function on their website where you can shop for your body shape, and as someone with a slightly unusual body shape (5’2” and, um, curvaceous) not everything looks good on me, so any and all guidance is appreciated. Not only are clothes categorised by body type, but they actually style complete looks for you to shop from because they have full time stylists on staff. Genius. It's like fashion for dummies.

They have an incredible all-female team who pick the seasons items, style all the shoots and add a handwritten note into every parcel. Jane, the head bird, started Birdsnest because she is passionate about making women feel good about themselves, and it really shows. I spoke to their stylist Peige and, based on my body shape and a few ‘I like this, I don’t like this’, she sent me a pile of clothes that would be shape and style appropriate. You know what? She nailed it all. All of it. What do you think?



Are you an online shopper? Does the idea of shopping by body shape with fully styled outfits appeal? (this is rhetorical, I know the answer is yes.) I will totally be shopping from Birdsnest in future - they stock a lot of my favourite brands like Staple the Label, Ben Sherman, Blue Juice, Mink Pink, Sass and Wish, and they show me how to wear them.

As an aside, and in the interest of transparency, Birdsnest are letting me keep something from this little experiment. What do you think I should keep? (I guarantee I'll buy most of it anyway.) I'm massively obsessed with the Sass Grace Army Jacket ($109.95), Mink Pink Long Distance Maxi ($59.95) and Therapy Duke boots ($59.95).

Check out Birdsnest.com.au for more autumn fashion inspiration. 

Also, the track used in my clip is Won't Go Quietly by Example. Check out Example's facebook page or you can get his new album on iTunes. 

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Grab your maps and your oxygen, it's Sherpa Chic

I'm calling it now - the hottest look for winter will be what I have dubbed Sherpa Chic. I say that because I recently had the chance to check out the new season Sportsgirl stuff before it hits shelves (some of it is in store now) and holy frijoles! Straight off the Himalayas, but in a really sexy way. We're talking ponchos, chunky jackets and enough fur to make Sarah Palin moist.

Here's your winter checklist:

• Heavy grandma knits
• Printed maxi skirts and harem pants (there is a pair of pants I am already imagining myself in)
• Fur gillettes (oh how I desperately want one in black - if you find one anywhere let me know - Sportsgirl are doing browns and creams)
• Felt hats for off duty model-chic
• Shearling boots (which I am possibly not cool enough to wear, but they are pretty anyway)
• Textured bags
• Patterned tights
• Chintzy vintage-look gold jewellery

Gotta say, as someone who isn't a size 6, I'm not sure how I feel about the patterned tights. Everything else - WANT. In fact, my number one item that I must have is a fluffy cream long-sleeved mini dress that is so super soft and cuddly it feels like a hug from a cloud. Also, mittens with kittens on them. There is really only about a week in winter when it gets cold enough in Sydney to wear mittens, but gosh darn if I'm not going to wear the heck out of the mittens in those seven days.

If you're really quick, you might be lucky enough to pick up one of their leather shift dresses. They are only making 100 and at this stage they will be exclusive to their flagship stores, but there is a small chance there will be a second batch made. I might put my name down when I go into Sportsgirl today to buy the printed pants, a felt hat and some shearling boots.

I don't have pics of the aforementioned kitten mittens, the leather dress or the magical cream mini because they are in the second batch of stocked to be dropped, but you really should check it out. BYO goat though.

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Hot pants and blogger/PR talk on a Friday

I feel like I should provide some feedback on the PR/Blogger Meet Up that happened on Tuesday night. But first, I want to talk about the awesome pants I wore. So awesome.

It is insane how many compliments I got on my pants. They really are gorgeous though. The label is I Am and I got them from a local boutique called That Shop Everyone Talks About. They stock lots of local emerging designers and always have interesting pieces and cool jewellery (there is a knuckle duster ring I have my eye on). Anyway, as everyone keeps telling me, printed pants are in and these have a really flattering cut so I’m feeling pretty proud of myself right now.

Price: $100
From: That Shop everyone Talks About – 652 Bourke St Surry Hills

As for the PR/Blogger event, it went really well. Speaking in front of 100+ people is incredibly nerve-wracking and I was sweating like a pumpkin on Halloween beforehand. The feedback was all really positive though, and hopefully we gave all the beauty and fashion PRs a bit of insight into why we blog and how to best communicate with bloggers.

If you’re a blogger, I highly recommend you jump on over to iBlogFashion.com and download the first issue of iBlogBeauty – it’s worth reading through my article on what PRs think because there are lots of great insights from some of Sydney’s leading beauty PRs. And if you’re a newbie to the beauty blogging scene, my inbox is always open if you have any questions! Our community isn’t regulated like it is in the States, so it’s up to us to self-regulate with disclosure and honesty policies. Being recognised as a serious and credible medium is an uphill battle, but if we all work together and sing from the same songbook (preferably something with 80s power ballads in it, cos I like belting a good 80sPB) then it benefits everyone.

Whoa. Too much serious business for a Friday. We need to break this up with some light relief. I have just the thing...

Have a good weekend!! And Happy Halloween if you're that way inclined.


Picture credit: Huge thank you to the incredible Hayley of www.fashionhayley.com for the event picture. The other one was taken by some random Disneyland staffer, who I guess I should say thank you to as well.

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Floral maxi = must have for summer. You can copy me if you like.

As I mentioned yesterday, I had my engagement party on the weekend. Bummer about the weather - it was a bit chilly and damp - but thankfully my Dad saved the day with four braziers to keep the crowd toasty.
Big ups, Mr. P!

Me and my two favourite almost-cousins.
Aren't they gorgeous?!

Naturally, I had a sleeveless dress. I could have predicted the weather from the moment I left the store 3 weeks ago with the dress in tow. But that's alright, I had a denim jacket and plenty of champagne & guava to stay warm. My dress was a gorgeous black maxi (fitted bodice, flowy skirt) with a pink and purple flower print. It's from Minty Meets Munt (called the Swifty Maxi) and the Minty girls were telling me that  they had the print custom commissioned and hand dyed for the Spring 2010 collection. I can tell it's hand dyed because there are imperfections in the print, and I love that. Doesn't feel so mass produced. Bless Minty Meets Munt.

The Minty girls were really cheeky and sold me the dress before it hit shelves, but I think it's in their store now. If not, there is a short version and pants in the same fabric. If you do buy something from this range, maybe call me if we're going to be at the same event. Could be awkward if we're unintentional twins.

Price: $189.95
From: Minty Meets Munty - 275 Crown St Surry Hills
Why you need it: Everyone needs a maxi for summer

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Tiptoe through the tulips with Portmans

Have you been into a Portmans store recently? Amazing. Sydney just got a big new Portmans in Pitt Street Mall (which I think might be a flagship) and it is G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S. The racks are overflowing with sugary sweet floral confections for summer, and the store is full of lovely vignettes that inspire (me to open my wallet). Pop over to Sassybella and check out the campaign imagery for the Spring campaign – sad that an illustration is way hotter than I will ever be. 

I haven’t been a floral dress wearer since I was about 12, but after the success (read: compliment magnet) of my orange Urban Outfitters dress, I was ready to take that plunge again (twice – I’ll tell you about the dress I got for my engagement party soon).

I went out on a limb and bought a white dress with pink and purple-y grey flowers. White means I need to be fairly vigilant with my fake tan, but I have a cupboard full of new tans that I’m trying out at the moment. Or, will try out when I get the motivation. Are you a floral girl? Have you been into a new-look Portmans yet? Are you looking forward to fake tan season?

Price: $99.95
From: Portmans

Why you need to check out their stores: It's like running through a field of poppies!

Picture credit: portmans.com.au

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My Ruby lover

Oooooh lordy, did I fall in love last night! Ruby Smallbone’s collection was just gorgeous – very fun and very wearable. The clothes, the makeup, the hair...it all worked and I walked out of the show wanting to tie my hair up and hit the shops.


Just on the hair, Jayne Wild did a bang-up job for ghd. The brief was cool, edgy party girl who has just thrown her hair up to hit the dance floor. The result can be described as ‘Elise’s favourite hairstyle ever’ and it has made me reconsider the hair chop I was about to make an appointment for. I grabbed the How To for it and I can pretty much guarantee this is how I will do my hair every day next week. Just you watch.

1. Lightly mist the hair with ghd Thermal Protector and dry into the hair. If hair is fine
then add some ghd Maximise Mousse in also, this will help give volume to the root. (my hair is insanely fine, so mousse it is!!)

2. Section off an inch in from hairline all the way around the head and clip away. (this sounds weird, but basically just move the outside bits away so you can get the middle)


3. Taking fine sections, lightly tease the whole length of the hair and spray lightly with
ghd Creation Spray before running a ghd Styler through and leaving to cool.
Continue throughout this section then brush out all the ‘tangles’ enough to run your
fingers through. This creates a lot more volume or ‘bagginess’ to the top knot. (translation: make it all full gritty so it has body and is easy to style)

4. Next gather all the hair in your hands on top of the head, making sure the front
section is slightly to one side, giving a softer more feminine feel, and tie at root. (self explanatory?)
5. Then loop the mid lengths through an elastic and wrap excess hair around the roots,
fastening with a bobby pin. Make sure the root area of the hair is nicely ‘baggy’ not
taunt. Lightly spray with ghd Ultimate Hairspray where needed. (also self explanatory. Might be a bit tricky if you don’t have long enough hair though)


6. Finally gently rub the hairline of the head and encourage hair to gently fall before
misting the roots with ghd Reflection Spray to give a naturally ‘danced out’ hairline. (I’m heaps good at messy! Usually by accident though)

Notice the green hair straightener in the pics? Pretty darn cute. I still can’t decide if I want red, blue, purple or green.

How cute is the makeup too – Napoleon did a simple, clean look, with just a hint of nutmeg to contour the mega cheekbones of the modules. Everything else is highlighters, peach, bronze, mascara and soft peach lips. All stuff you probably have in the bathroom already. Go forth and be beautiful this weekend!

Picture credit: ghdfashion

Let's talk about my underwear

My sister, bless her little cottontails, recently started work at Nearly Nude (they are shapewear designers, get your mind out of the gutter!) This excited me no end because I have been eyeing off their goods for quite some time. You will be relieved to know she gets a staff discount - I know I was!

Anyway, being a lady of the ‘larger breasted’ variety, I have a lot of trouble with the ladies when I sleep. Nearly Nude do a bedtime bra singlet which I had wanted to buy for a while but very naively went for the cheaper option. The cheapie does the job to a degree, but now that I have experienced the true comfort of the Nearly Nude bedtime bra, I could never go back. The straps are thin, so they don’t crumple up, the cups are reinforced so they hold you in place without being invasive (especially when I’m lying on my back – my endowed sisters know what I’m talkin’ about), and they are made of the most divine fabric so they are super comfy (mainly polyamide, so it’s non flammable, comfortable and with a bit of stretch for a firm fit). I also got the skinny strap tank, which is very similar to the bedtime bra, and I wear it around the house because it’s just so darn easy to wear. My sister wears hers every day instead of a bra (too much information?) because it gives enough support and has a slight hint of tummy control. If only I was petite enough to get away with that. Sigh.

Apart from my new love of their singlets, I am completely enamoured with their unmentionables. I have always been a hard and fast Bonds girl – I have every colour of the rainbow, all in the same size and cut (are we getting too personal here?) Nearly Nude do a few different cuts –hi top, hi top g, regular g, regular briefs and boy shorts. I normally hate boy shorts but man are these great! They are so soft it feels like you are wearing nothing at all. They also have a seam in them that makes them 100% wedgie proof. No kidding, Wedgie. Proof. Undies. No wedge. No butt picking. No awkward yanking. This feature alone is worth the price.

Price: Skinny Strap Tank - $45.95, Perfect Pants (boy shorts) - $24.95, Bedtime Bra - $64.95
From: Check the Nearly Nude website for stockists – they can either give you online sites of find a stockist near your postcode
Why you need it: To look after your cleavage and never have to pick your bum again!

Picture credit: nearlynude.com.au – I wish my ass looked that good!

Grrr baby, very grrr

When the weather started to turn a few weeks ago, I got really excited and went a little nuts. New shoes, new pants, new cardigan, new scarf. And that was just in one day! Of course, when you buy new stuff, you want to wear it straight away (I’m fairly certain that’s a Universal Rule Of Shopping). I managed to get two wears out of my new scarf and then the Indian summer hit and I’m back to maxi dresses and sandals for work. Not that I’m complaining, because I absolutely adore the warmer weather, but I’m getting anxious here. I just have to keep reassuring myself that the cold will be here soon and then I’ll want it gone again.

Meanwhile, how crazy is this weather?! Floods and hail and 30 degrees...I don’t know whether to wear gumboots or thongs. Peace out to my Perth peeps in your time of muddy need.

I bought this supercute scarf from French Connection and it’s pretty much going to be my every day staple. I love the leopard print – it means it has personality and will be my statement piece, which kind of feels like a cop out because I more or less live in grey and black for winter. How could I not make a statement in a Leezy Leopard Scarf?! Grr baby.

Price: $39.95
From: French Connection
Why you need it: You’ll want to keep warm when autumn eventually decides to show up.

Feathering my birds nest

Yay! I love a good online shopping website. I stumbled across Birdsnest purely by accident, but what a happy accident it was.

Let me take you to Myer, one lunch break last week. It was the moment I fell in love. I spotted the most gorgeous Bluejuice khaki green slouch jacket, with pushed up sleeves, a loose collar and a relaxed feel. Exactly what I never knew I always needed, and I had to have it. Sadly for me, Myer only had size 8 or 14. I fit the 8, except when I tried to move my arms forward. Moment of truth...take the 8 and commit to not moving my arms too much, or track down a 10. I jumped online whilst still standing in Myer (thank you, mobile internet) and found THE jacket in THE size on Birdsnest.

Ten minutes later I was back at my desk, credit card in hand and details in the address field. Ace! If you order by 1pm, they promise to have your order to you the next day; I didn’t get my order in until 2pm so I had to wait 48 hours. Oh the torture! Honestly, 24-48 hour shipping is really damn cool, so respect to the Birdsnest girls.

As well as getting my jacket really quickly, they also included a rewards program card and a really sweet handwritten note complimenting my choice of clothing. This little gesture absolutely made my day because it was so thoughtful, and it’s reassuring to know there are still good people in the world. High five.

Price: Bluejuice jacket: $89.95 + $10.95 postage
From: Birdsnest.com.au
Why you need it: The jacket is the perfect trans-seasonal piece (thumbs up for layering) and the website stocks dozens of big brands. I also love that you can shop by body shape (it even gives you fully styled outfit options!)

Picture credit: Both pictures brazenly stolen from birdsnest.com.au - that's not me wearing the jacket, but I look just as good in it.

Flip flop flip flop - the sound of summer

Just a quicky today to say get these on your hoofs! Since summer has hit us with full force, it’s going to be a beachy kind of weekend and you need to be prepared. This involves sunscreen, hat, esky full of cold ones and a pair of New Zealand safety boots, as my Dad used to call them. Or thongs, if you’re not fluent in 80s ocker slang.

Havaiana’s sexy Brazilian cousin Dupe (doo-pay) has hit our shore and is ready to party. Just as comfy, if not comfier (is that a word?) than Havaianas, they are made from a super-soft, flexible high-tech rubber to protect and cushion your feet while you traipse a kilometre from your parking spot somewhere in the back of Bondi, negotiate the scores of British backpackers on the hot sand and then get you back to the convenience store for a Calippo and a bottle of water. That’s a lot of walking for a relaxing day at the beach! See the gel spot on the heel? That's HXP gel (translation - feels good, man).

Price: starts from $14.95
From: the usual thongs stockists (I got mine from General Pants)
Why you need them: Do you wear anything but thongs in summer?

These same cool cats are also bringing us thongs with an edge. I first spotted Bruna thongs on the feet of the fashion director of one of the big mags and instantly fell in love with the chic studded design on a simple black thong. (FYI - Bruna is the niece of the chick who brought Havaianas to Australia - that's good thong breeding). You can pick from square studs, round studs or rows of crystals on black or white. Consider them your formal thongs, for big occasions. (Thanks to the glamorous Sassi Sam for letting me steal her image of the Bruna's!)

Price: $39.95
From: General Pants
Why you need them: Like I said, do you wear anything but thongs in summer? You need a nice dressy pair for those big occasions (weddings, formals, Christmas parties)

Picture credit: Dupe.com.au, Sassisamblog.com

Outfit yourself; look urban

I know I have said this before, but there is nothing greater than receiving a parcel in the post. When you order clothes online though, it is a whole different type of anticipation – excitement mixed in with fear of things not fitting. This feeling is amplified times 100 when you order from the States or the UK and you a) pay a fortune for shipping and b) can’t return it if it isn’t right. This was me last week. I had been lusting over a blazer from Urban Outfitters for weeks and for once in my life I was very restrained and didn’t just rush into the purchase. I must have been sick or something. Two weeks and many page impressions later, I put the credit card details in (and added a few extra things to the cart since I was already paying for shipping) and then...the wait.

Most importantly - thank goodness everything fit!!! I bought the most kick-ass camel Silence & Noise Open Front Blazer, which is going to be one of my summer go-to’s. It has a lovely almost-boyfriend shape to it, and is a versatile colour (even though I am still figuring out what it goes with). I also bought a Silence & Noise Little Brother Blazer in a bright cobalt blue. I have black and navy blazers already so thought I would go for a pop of colour in a fitted, cropped style.
I must have been having a blue moment because I also bought a BDG hammered silk tee in electric blue (or thames blue, as they call it) which creases really really easily. Darn silk. And I bought something else neon blue, but I won’t tell you about it in case it ends up in my sister’s Christmas stocking.

One of the best things about ordering from Urban Outfitters, apart from the super-fast international shipping, is the fact they are so conscious about security. They verify the card on each and every order, either with your bank or with you personally (it involves scanning your drivers license and most recent bill). I give this two very enthusiastic thumbs up because it demonstrates that they care about their customers security, and that can only be a good thing.

Price: They always have stuff on sale – tops starting from US$10 going up to US$100+ for jackets (my camel blazer was US$78) – shipping is US$70
From: Urban Outfitters
Why you need to check out their online store: For cool fashion that you can’t get here!

Picture credit: urbanoutfitters.com

Animal instincts (on your fingers)

I was flicking through my diary the other day and I realised I have quite a lot of events to go to in the next 7.5 weeks leading up to Christmas (can I just add at this point HOLY COW! That’s way too soon for my liking). Lots of events means lots of outfits and posing and smiling and drinking champagne. Incidentally, I learned the hard way last week that champagne from a mini bottle with a straw is an accident waiting to happen, and not in a get drunk way, but in a ‘it fizzles out over the top and goes all over you’ way. I’m all class.

So lots of parties means lots of dressing up. I’m not one for dressing up much, and I don’t wear heels despite my petite stature, so I tend to keep things pretty basic - black skirt, black dress, black top, occasionally a bit of grey to change things up. Basic black means I can recycle outfits quite easily, but it’s also a bit repetitive. SO. My philosophy for this party season is wearing my same basic black outfits (why change when you’re onto a good thing) and making each outfit look different by rotating through my enormous jewellery box. I was off to a good start last week with my new finds at Anna Design (so much colour!) and I have found a new favourite now in Najo cocktail rings.

Najo is an Aussie jewellery company that specialises in sterling silver. They do all sorts of lovely necklaces, brooches, earrings and bracelets, but it’s their cocktails rings I have fallen for. Or more specifically, the cocktails rings from their Fairytale Collection. Think Tortoise and the Hare, Puss In Boots, The Frog Prince, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Theme? Animals. But these animals are sparkling and shiny and set with cubic zirconia’s. I am head-over-heels for my new bumble bee, and my friend had the frog on when we went out last week (sounds weird, looks awesome). These rings certainly aren’t for the faint hearted – if you’re wearing a tiger or a porcupine on your hand you’re making a statement (that you love animals?) and you don’t want to wear too much else to distract away from your hands. Best wear with basic black – how convenient.

Price: They vary, but as an example – bee $205, tiger $279, frog $279, porcupine $155
From: Najo – check their website for stockists
Why you need it: For an interesting and unique statement piece of jewellery this party season (and to appease your childlike need for shiny things)

Picture credit: Najo

Shiny Shoes! Sexy Men!

You've heard of Williams Shoes, right? When I say Williams you probably think school shoes. Or Hush Puppies. "Williams The Shoemen". Not somewhere you would go to buy party shoes.

WRONG!

So wrong. Williams got sexy! They have revamped their image and produced an amazing line of shoes with dangerously high spikes. I tried on a bunch of different pairs today and instantly fell in love with two of them. For incredible glamour I would recommend Golden from the Corelli Collection. Towering heights with a sassy slingback, metallic gold platforms and a lush, shiny patent. I'm imagining a sequin minidress and some big earrings for the work Christmas party (I don't care that's it's only September!). Yes? These shoes mean business.

On the other hand (foot?) I fell in love with the Sway sandals, also from the Corelli Collection. They are all about dressed up glam - denim shorts, a nautical stripe top, a wrist full of silver bangles and a pair of Ray Bans. Kind of quirky and very shiny.

The best bit of this new look Williams? They used Jay Lyon in their ad campaign. I think I'm going to hang out in their stores just to stare at the posters. (If you don't know who Jay Lyon is...shame on you...I recommend you get your hands season 1 of The City)

Price: Golden - $109.99, Sway - $79.99 (these are about standard prices for heels and flats from the new collection)
From: Williams Shoes
Why you need a pair: Everyone needs a fancy pair of shoes!
Plus! Williams have a 25% off new styles offer with a discount voucher - I have a couple of vouchers spare so if you want some shoes but don't have a card, shoot me an email and I'll pop one in the post.

Picture credit: williamsshoes.com.au

These are my breasts. They're so BIG.

I need a bra to strap them and support because they're so HUGE they need to be hooked and strapped for support.

If you haven't seen Superstar with Molly Shannon you probably think I'm nuts, but I'm ok with that. It's a seriously funny movie though, so you should rent/buy/download. Point is, I have big boobs. And today's sunshiney-hot weather reminded me that I have a very important public service announcement to make to all my fellow busty ladies.

I love summer, I love hot weather and I love lying by the pool (beach, not so much - not a fan of sand). This of course means swimsuits and, sadly, string bikinis are no friend to anyone over a B or over the age of 21. Thankfully Jets by Jessika Allen do an amaaaaazing range of swimwear that is super high quality and very supportive.

You are looking at spending a pretty penny but I guarantee it's worth it. I have a Jets bikini I bought almost 3 years ago that still looks new and it's been to Hawaii with me 4 times, as well as in and out of my heavily chlorinated pool for 2 summers now. Also exciting - the bikini top I bought last year is specially made for D/DD, so it's flattering, supportive and sufficiently covers the ladies.

Think about it - you spend a fortune on gravity-defying bras that very few people get to appreciate. Why wouldn't you want a supportive and flattering swimsuit when you wear it in public?

Price: From $59.95 for bottoms (my pick is the twist front pant $69.95- sounds painful, looks pretty) and tops from $69.95 (my pick is the twist front halter at $89.95 - good for the goodies). Their seasonal collections in prints start at a higher price point.
From: David Jones and various other stockists
Why you need them: So you're not worried about flashing at the beach this summer

Picture credit: my recent trip to Hawaii. Ha! jets.com.au
Pictured: High Seas swimsuit in Marina. One tie side pant and gathered halter with moulded cups

Coolest cat in the city

Seriously. I love the shit out of my new Ray-Ban's. Yes, I know Wayfarers had their moment last summer, but they are still hot this summer and it's all about pops of colour. So I bought the aqua blue ones. I can't even begin to express the awesomeness of these sunglasses.

In all honesty though, I think what I love the most is the fact that they come in the brown leather case - the same brown leather case as the Ray-Ban's my parents bought in the 70s. There is something really special about a brand that can survive for so many years, essentially reinventing themselves with the same quality product and referencing their heritage with something as inconsequential yet distinct as their brown leather glasses case.

And they are bright aqua. Who doesn't want bright aqua sunglasses with mirrored lenses.

Price: $230-$250
From: Sunglass Hut
Why you need a pair: To keep the sun out of your eyes this summer. Plus, you will look kickass while doing so.

Picture credit: ray-ban.com

I heart Marc Jacobs

Truly. I heart Marc Jacobs. Me and MJ...we're tight.

This is definitely one of the most exciting purchases I have made in a while. (Fickle? Me?) Every season Marc by Marc Jacobs puts out a seasonal collection catalogue and a tote bag with it. So you get to own a Marc by MJ tote for cheapsies! I have been toting (ha) around my Spring/Summer 2008 tote for aaaaaages (the black and white one on the left). I use it to carry my lunch, haul my gym gear and even as a handbag every now and then. So SUPER EXCITEMENT +++ that the new 2009 Fall/Winter collection magazine with tote bag is now available. It really doesn't matter to me that 95% of the magazine is in Japanese (that's the mag just below with the flowers on it). So what? The pictures are pretty. It's their most recent ads, the new collection, pics and bios of the M by MJ staff and some other stuff which I'm sure is very interesting. Total visual fashion porn. On that note, let's make this post less about words and more about pictures.

The bag itself is black canvas with a cute apple and heart pattern and an inside pocket (see just above on the right). It's bigger than the previous bag I had too, so will be beach appropriate as well as gym, shopping and generally just being awesome.

Honestly, where else could you buy Marc by Marc Jacobs so cheaply?!


Price: $29.68 (yes...68c)
From: Kinokuniya (so 10% off if you have a K card)
Why you need it: for the Marc by Marc Jacobs tote! Oh, and I'm sure it's an awesome read if you can read Japanese.

Picture credit: my Canon Ixus 85IS and awesome skillz (yes, skillz with a z)