Current obsession: Satchels

Totally obsessed with satchel bags. Nuts about them. Not only are they timeless and chic, but you can carry loads in them and feel like your gear is safe. I say this because I have an 11" Mac Air and I just don't feel like it's secure in my regular handbags, but with a satchel it's closer to my body and not so likely to get bumped and knocked.

You know I'm a big fan (and ambassador) of Cherry Pick Me, so I watch their daily deals like a hawk. When a deal from Only Midge came up a couple of weeks ago, I was on it like J.D. on appletinis. I got the small canvas satchel in raspberry red (and I know Ms. Critique got the mustard yellow, which was my second choice) and I'm very happy with it because it's just the right size for my little lappie. Not only are these bags cute as all get out, they are super-practical, with heavy italian leather trims, straps and buckles.

Three cheers for satchel bags. Next stop, a blind embossed personalised Cambridge Satchel. Hint hint, Fiance.

PS: I was given a voucher from the Cherry Pick Me team to redeem on a deal of my choice. You bet your bottom dollar I jumped on this the second it went live, and so did a whole bunch of other people!

PPS: New haircut, you like? The fab Alex at Bauhaus in Waterloo. Love that guy.

Price: $149.95 + postage
From: Only midge online store, or they have stockists
Why you need it: To keep your Mac safe while looking stylish. Just add nautical stripes.
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The simple things that make me smile

On my recent holiday (are you sick of hearing about it yet?) I bought myself a beautiful bangle at Kate Spade. I looked at it in two other Kate Spade stores and couldn't get it out of my head, so I had to go back and buy it (luckily the store I went to had a bonus sale on - score!) It's lovely - white and orange giraffe print, with the words STAND TALL engraved on the inside. It makes me smile.

Cut to a few weeks later and there is a surprise in my mail box. I received a hand-written note on a Kate Spade note card from the girl who served me at the Kate Spade store. She was writing to say thank you for shopping in their store, it was a pleasure to serve me, she hopes I'm enjoying my bangle and please stop by and say hello on my next visit. You could have blown me over with a hairdryer. Talk about above-and-beyond excellent customer service! This just made me fall in love with my purchase all over again, and moved Kate Spade up a few extra rankings on my imaginary tally board of luxury brands I would like to shop at in future.

It's nice to be nice, people. I'm off to grab one of my French Navy notecards and send someone a few thoughtful words. The small things can have the biggest impact.

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Fun fact #763 about me

I have worn glasses since I was 7. That's a really long time.

I went to an event last week for Specsavers, those purveyors of fine spectacles. I was there with the gorgeous Helen from SASSYBELLA.com and we had a ball trying on all the different specs and making silly faces for the camera. We also got to meet Jenny Kee, who is an ambassador for Specsavers. Just quietly, I wanted to steal Jenny's scarf. It was her own design so I'm sure she has dozens of them and wouldn't miss it.

The event was perfectly timed really, because I'm due for an eye test and am subsequently on the hunt for a new pair of specs. Every time I get new glasses I go through this same battle - plain old black or a bright colour like red. (I have had both in the past, loved both.) I'm not totally nuts with matching my frames to my outfit, but it's really important to wear a pair of glasses that you feel comfortable in and that look good on you. In my looong looooong history with being a four eyes, glasses are all about confidence.

Which ones do you like on me? Considering Specsavers do a deal where you can get two pairs for $199, there's no excuse not to get a couple for different occasions.

Right, I'm off to get my eyes tested!
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Rockin' the Kazbah with Lola&Bailey for Sportsgirl

Hey Santa,

How are you mate? Did you enjoy your break over summer? We must catch up for that beer we keep saying we will grab – I love it when we hang out. Make sure you bring the missus along, she’s a doll.

I know it’s a bit early in the year for making lists and checking them twice, but I have a huge favour to ask. I am desperately in love with the entire Lola&Bailey for Sportsgirl range. Like, need them now. Want. Need. Lust. We’re talking delicate Moroccan pieces, turquoise, peach, gold, black, art deco lines with chic infusions of colour. Oh my.

This collection totally rocks the kazbah and, incidentally, is called Rock The Kazbah (gosh I’m witty, look at me go). I would really love it if you could dash into Sportsgirl and get them all for me, and then perhaps make an early delivery. You should probably move quickly because it drops into stores today and won't last long. I promise I won’t tell any of the other kids – it can be our little secret – and I’ll be good for the rest of the year! Or at least I’ll try to be...

Cheers dude, talk soon.

Much love,
Elise xx

PS – if you need to know prices for your budget and whatnot, the studs are $20, the bigger earrings are $30, there is a ring that’s $30 and the necklaces are $60. Cheep as chups!

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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Beauty inspiration AND affordable YSL - the ultimate two-in-one

I popped into Kinokuniya last week to pick up an engagement present and stumbled across a sweet find – the Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Official Book with bonus YSL tote bag. Delicious!

The book is in Japanese so I’ll be damned if I can understand a single word, but the still-life styling is incredible! There are also lots of makeup looks for me to rip off WITH step by step picture instructions – you don’t need to be able to read anything to understand pictures. 

I needed another tote bag like Octomum needs more kids, but as if you’re going to say no to affordable (read: cheap) YSL. It’s a cute bag and will be totally appropriate for carrying my yoga gear and lunch to work. Bonus: it has a magnetic clasp, which is something a lot of tote bags lack and is much appreciated when I’m juggling 2 bags on the bus (nothing worse than your lunch/gym gear falling out mid-ride and seeing your apple role down the aisle - happened to me last week).

Price: $29.40
From: Kinokuniya – Galeries Victoria, Sydney
Why you need it: 1 – an affordable luxury tote (stealth wealth) and 2 – lots of beauty inspiration

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Doing my bit for the economy, one online shopping site at a time

The dollar is so freaking good at the moment (hello, 99c) that I may have gone a littttle overboard recently. Like, two big Urban Outfitters orders, a Shopbop order and a handheld Omnilux overboard. Not to mention the F*ing unreal handbag I bought on Honey Honey!! Don’t shake your head at me, I’m just doing my bit for the economy. Or something. (this blog ain't called Stuff That I Bought for nuthin!)

Anyway, today I’m showing off my amazeballs Foley + Corinna handbag. I LOVE this practical style and the gorgeous, soft leather means it will be with me for many years and holidays. I say holidays because I had a bag very similar to this when I did a huge trip in 2008 (the bag died halfway through the trip, but that’s neither here nor there because it was a cheapie) and because it folds over, it’s perfect as a satchel for schlepping around when you’re shopping and aeroplane-ing. Such forward planning.

I have to give a massive shout out again to the Honey Honey team – honestly, some of the best customer service I have ever received. It’s always such a treat when a store (online or otherwise) take the time to talk to you, give you advice on your choices and clearly love what they do.

Speaking of loving what they do (bad segue, sorry) I was loving spending the night crawling through Shopbop last week. I ordered on Thursday night and had my order on Monday morning – ridonkulous! I treated myself to a Marc by Marc Jacobs Fantastical Tale Cat ring because The Fiancé encouraged me to buy it and I’m a total sucker for cats and cocktail rings (cattail rings?). Anyway, it’s well cute.

As for the handheld Omnilux? I’m trying to stick to a strict usage routine and I’ll keep you updated as I go. So far, I’m loving it sick.

Foley + Corinna mid-city tote
Price: $562
From: Honey Honey
Why you need it: Everyone needs a practical leather tote

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fantastical Tale Cat ring
Price: US$35
From: Shopbop
Why you need it: Wear your crazy cat lady status with pride

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What's the time, Mr. Wolf?

There’s nothing like a new purchase on a Thursday night to get the weekend off to a good start. Boyfriend and I popped up to Bondi Westfield to exchange a bag he bought recently at Fossil, and while I was waiting for him to do the exchange paperwork (you have to give them your life story just do a simple swap these days) I wandered over to the watch cabinet. Minutes later I was buying a watch. How did that happen?!

Actually I had been considering a new watch for a couple of weeks (the band on my current timepiece was held together with superglue) but I had been looking at subtle silver. Instead I picked out this really cool sport-luxe chunky white beauty. It has a big face and a fat band in this weird silicon material. It looks like the silicon will mark easily on the underside of the wrist, but I’m only really concerned about the face.

Not much else to say really. I won’t keep you; I’m sure you’re busy since it’s Friday and all.

Oh wait! Yes there is more to say! Shout out to the staff at Fossil Bondi Westfield for being super-awesome and playing my favourite Frou Frou song. Also, What's The Time Mr. Wolf was my favourite game in primary school; Whats The Time Mr. Wolf > Bullrush because no one got hurt. Ok, you can go now.

Price: $169
From: Fossil
Why you need it: So you can tell the time (and date, and day of the week – fancy)

Spreading some hope

I'm going to put my serious hat on (again! I know!) and talk about The Butterfly Foundation for a minute. They are an amazing organisation who do great work helping Australians with eating disorders. I myself have never been affected by an eating disorder, but body image is a huge deal in my industry (magazines) and it's something that is on my mind every day. I will very shamefully admit that a potential cover came through yesterday and the first thing I thought when I looked at it was 'her arm looks fat'. Why would I think that!? Her arm wasn't even fat but it was my gut reaction, ahead of straplines, colours or even the celebrities face. My male boss was horrified and I was ashamed. Ten Hail Mary's for me.

Fortuitous timing then that I popped into Sportsgirl at lunch to buy a pair of shoes (which I didn't buy - either the Sportsgirl sizing system has changed or my feet have grown). I noticed The Butterfly Foundaton had some new jewellery on the counter and my bowerbird instincts kicked in. Ever since Sportsgirl became a corporate sponsor of The Butterfly Foundation in 2007 (high five, Sportsgirl) I have been wearing a Butterfly Foundation string bracelet around my wrist. Every time I look at it, it reminds me to let my body issues go and be a little more forgiving on myself. It also reminds me that I should probably buy another one as it's looking a bit tatty.

How amazing is the hope ring (statement, not question). It's dainty and delicate, but powerful in its message. As for the silver bracelet with the charm, well, that's just plain cool (and will stack perfectly with my other silver hardware). Sportsgirl have a beautiful range of Butterfly Foundation merchandise. It always sits on the counter, it's insultingly cheap (I felt like I ripped them off ) and it's for a wonderful cause.

Price: Ring $5 (OMG!) Bracelet $7
From: Sportsgirl
Why you need it: You get to look cool, feel virtuous and hopefully help a young Aussie in need. Hugs all 'round.

Cuff love

Remember the shoes I posted about a while ago? They’re the ones I’m wearing to the wedding with my black dress. I’m not much of a matchy-matchy girl so I didn’t even bother looking for jewellery to match aqua patent leather. What would I look for? Where would I look?! Since I’m wearing a silver studded belt with a one-shouldered dress, I was on the hunt for a silver cuff but wanted something a bit out of the ordinary. After scouring jewellery sites and markets for a few weeks, I inadvertently stumbled on my new baby by accident in Sportsgirl. Isn’t that always the way? Good old Sportsgirl, so reliable.

It’s quite a cool cuff – the base is ball chain, and it closes with press studs. There is a mesh bow and then a big f%#^-off silver rose, which is tarnished to give that vintage feel. It also has other weird chunks of glass and enamels blobs on it, but the focus is all on the rose. You can probably see that from the picture though. It is, as they say, worth a thousand words.

Gold star Sportsgirl. Thanks for coming through with the goods for me!

Price: $39.95
From: Sportsgirl
Why you need it: For a real statement piece

As an aside, if I’m wearing a one shoulder dress, studded belt and chunky cuff, do I need earrings? Like, just some small studs? Thoughts, my friends. All advice appreciated.

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.

Current Obsession: golden grass

When doing my daily rounds of the internet a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across this beauty and haven’t been able to get her out of my head ever since. El Amuleto is an eco-conscious label from Melbourne, inspired by the colours and mood of Mexico. I have been to Mexico a few times and it is such a beautiful and vibrant country – add it to your ‘to visit’ list if it isn’t on there already.

They have both a fashion and an accessories line that are painfully hip, but I was particularly taken by one cocktail ring that I simply must have. I wonder if there is CRA – Cocktail Rings Anonymous, as I fear I could be addicted. Anyway, the Tijuana ring is made with hand weaved golden grass. This particular grass only grows in the Northwest of Brazil and can only be picked once a year. How freaking cool is that?! Mind you, it’s not like someone just goes running through the field picking bunches; this is one of those situations where the local community use weaving techniques handed down from generation to generation. The local community benefits, El Amuleto benefit and then I benefit. Everyone wins! No fields were harmed in the making of this ring.

If you’re looking for an occasion, my birthday is only 360 days away.

Price: $69.99
From: El Amuleto – they have a boutique at the Docklands Harbour Town in Melbourne and an online store
Why you need it: Eco-conscious, unique and sexy – it ticks a lot of boxes, right?

Picture credit: el-amuleto.com

Smiley face

Yep. I don't need to say much in this post. I went shopping on my lunch break yesterday and this is the result. I bought these Mimi Loves Jimi shoes with the intention of wearing them to my friends wedding in April (it's beachside, so they are appropriate...kind of), but I am definitely wearing them in beforehand (um, today actually). Aren't they pretty? Don't they look like the plastic shoes you had for your barbie as a kid? The only way they could possibly be any more barbie-ish is if they were candy pink, but I definitely remember my Totally Hair Barbie having shoes this colour to match her green/blue/aqua/turquoise tie-dye dress (I had the brunette and my sister had the blonde with the pink dress). Funny the things we remember.

Price: On Sale! Woohoo! $50
From: General Pants
Why you need them: Party shoes!

I also grabbed another ring, because goodness knows I don't have enough cocktail rings already. Thing is, they just keep getting bigger and bigger. I'm not lying when I say this latest one takes up half my hand. Not exactly practical, but few of my purchases ever are. Do you think it's too much?

Price: $23
From: Diva
Why you need it: Just in case you end up in a dark alley, you are amply equipped to knock the crap out of the dude who tries to steal your purse. Sure beats pepper spray.

As an aside...

...make sure you pop over to Sassi Sam and check out the profile piece I did on the lovely Kate from Katiebo jewellery. Katiebo does really cool jewellery and it's always inspiring to meet a chickie that takes risks and sets up her own business!

Bless you my child

I’m having a bit of a religious phase at the moment. Religious jewellery, that is. I have always had a soft spot for iconography. I love the symbolism and faith of religion, and how each person can find meaning in what would otherwise be wooden beads, crosses and stars. Some friends were having a bit of a debate about this the other day – do you find it disrespectful to wear a Star of David if you’re not Jewish? Or a crucifix if you’re not Christian? I would love to hear your thoughts. Personally, I think that as long as you are respectful and acknowledge that the piece you are wearing holds significance to someone else, then it’s ok.

Anyway, I have most of the majors covered at the moment. I picked up some really sweet bangles last week from Surf Dive N Ski – it was a set of 4 hard bangles with religious charms attached and two wooden bead stretch bracelets, also with religious charms. The brand is Icon 77 and I’ll be darned if I can’t find more than a stockist number for them. I’m also rocking a red string with a hamsa similar to the one I mentioned a month ago. Grazia might have declared Kabbalah strings ‘so last year’ but I like the symbolism of the amulet protecting you from the evil eye.

I have also found the holy grail (zing!) of religious pieces at MarLey Rose. They stock Cristiana jewellery (above right), which is boho chic and a celeb favourite. Think colourful, stackable beads with charming catholic motifs. I remember buying jewellery in Tijuana circa 1992 with charms very similar to these, so it reminds me of a special trip with my family, and makes the pieces feel very vintage. You can imagine some beautiful old lady sitting in the Mexican countryside beading the bracelet while gently thumbing this very crucifix. Or maybe that’s just me.

A couple of my other big tick, lustworthy pieces from Marley Rose are the Ettika rosary wrap bracelet - above left - (currently on sale! Run!) and the Good Charma tassle charm necklace, also on sale (right). Both are sophisticated statement pieces and both make great gifts. For me. Email me for my address.

Price: Icon 77 set - $22.95; Cristiana from $33; Ettika on sale for $56; Good Charma on sale $176
From: Surf Dive N Ski; MarLey Rose
Why you need them: Casual boho chic is a good look for summer. Add a maxi dress and some beach waves and you’re set!

Picture credit: Marleyrose.com.au

Current Obsession: Holly Jones

Have you met Miss Jones? I have. She is lovely – all shiny and fresh with her baubles and lace and lovely, girlie jewellery.

I bought a friend of mine some jewellery from Holly Jones a few months ago and I have been thinking about it ever since. Thinking about it in a ‘is it wrong if I buy the same necklace that I bought my friend’ kind of way. It probably would be, since it was a big statement piece. The kind of necklace that you wear with the simplest jeans and singlet or LBD and you don’t need to do anything but apply a lick of lipgloss because it carries you and suddenly you’re the centre of attention. Truly.

I’m talking about the Queen Bee necklace from her Je Ne Sais Quoi collection (pictured). Pretty, right? So do I buy it for myself or not? Would you be offended if a friend bought you something unique and amazing and then rolled up in the exact same thing? Yeah, I would probably be cranky too. Oh well, I have a Holly Jones wishlist. I’m sure I can pick something else out! She has beautiful cocktail rings and you know how much I like bold, chunky rings.

Oh yeah, she has a sale on TODAY. Current collections, samples and excess stock reduced by up to 50%. Whee! If you’re in Sydney, pop on over to Neutral Bay (Suite 1, 40 Teo St – til 9pm) and get your accessory on.

Price: $120
From: Holly Jones
Why you need it: Good for gifts; better for you. Spoil yourself!

Picture credit: hollyjones.com.au

Be a Diva and stack your wrists

Do you remember two weeks ago when I was talking about how I was going to stick with my basics for the silly season and go nuts on the accessorising? Well I hit up Diva the other day. Impressed++. They have SO much good stuff at the moment.

I was specifically looking for wrist adornments, and Diva didn’t disappoint. I picked up the most awesome studded black bangle which I can mix and match with either coloured or silver pieces, or just wear as a single statement cuff. I think it will be my default from now on. I also picked up a couple of stacks of bangles in different colours and textures (one in blue and purple, and one in black and white, since I know that was your next question) so I can pile them up on my arm and make jangling noises whenever I type. I really think my popularity in the office is steadily decreasing because I always have a wrist full of noisy clankers and they make the most irritating noise when I’m bashing away at the computer. Personally, I love the noise, but I don’t think anyone else does! Have I become that girl in the office? I also spotted a studded black wrist wrap which I intend to go back and pick up this week. That shouldn’t make any noise, so my colleagues will probably appreciate it.

Price: Studded cuff $19.99, stacks from $16.99
From: Diva
Why you need it: Cheap and cheerful jewellery – yes please! Add some variety to your day.

As an aside, did you know Diva have an online shop now? I swear, I can do pretty much all my
Christmas shopping from my desk this year (only on my lunch break Boss, I promise!).

Picture credit: Diva

Ring in - style for your handbag

I'm so totally late to the handbag hanger party. I remember seeing them floating around last Christmas and thinking 'yeah they're a nice stocking stuffer idea, but really?'. I think every single Christmas gift guide had them, and there are so many different colours and designs all covered in bling and patterns and crystals and whatnot. Me? I'm not so much of a fan of the flashy bag hanger, BUT I can see their value so I'm pleased that I have found a really nice, basic one. In my humble opinion, it's actually even more versatile than the bling-on-top-hook-on-bottom design, but let me know if you disagree.

Not only does the Clipa hook onto the table, but it also works on doors, stalls (hello, public toilets), rails, sinks and backs of chairs. It's a simple spring loaded ring with rubber grips so it won't move around and it can hold up to 18kg. This is most excellent news if you're keen on sticking your small child in a bag and hanging them from the back of your chair. Plus, because it's just a ring you can leave it attached to your bag all the time. I have the polished gold one, so it blends in perfectly with my handbag (comes in silver and gold). That means when I sit down and want to hang my bag up, the hook is already there and I don't have to go fishing around in the black hole (12 lipglosses and I can never find the one I want!). You could also wear it as a bracelet or tie a scarf around it if you really wanted to accessorise. Fancy.

Price: $29.95
From: handbaghanger.com.au
Why you need it: To keep your bag off the dirty ground

Picture credit: handbaghanger.com.au

Wishlist: Lily Allen jewellery

I'm not ashamed to admit that I am a dirty great Lily Allen fan. There is no shame in loving a pop princess, especially when her songs are so fun and catchy and she is stylish and gorgeous. I'm going to see Britney next week, aren't I? Anyway, YAY that Lily Allen's eponymous jewellery collection is now available in Australia. I remember seeing pics of the line in Grazia at least 2 months ago, and, just as an aside, it's really annoying when a magazine is all 'OMG look at this amazing bag/necklace/dress!!! Yeah, you can't buy it for another 2 months. Suffer in your jocks'. It just makes me angry with anticipation, and that doesn't really make much sense.

The Lily Allen line is exclusively stocked through website Trilby Phoenix, who also sell other really cool jewellery, clothing and accessories. Think of it as the Aussie version of Miijo. (I'm completely in love with the One Of A Kind hamsa bracelet [see above left] and I intend to buy it as a treat for myself for making it through the next 2 weeks, but we're talking about Lily Allen here so I better not derail this post any more). It doesn't look like Trilby Phoenix are stocking the entire range, but they have all the most important pieces like the flamingo necklace, panda necklace and poodle earrings. What is it with me and animal jewellery lately? They also have the gold coin necklace, which Lily has spoken about as a reference to her granny who was a gypsy. Very cool. I'm also partial to the smiley face necklace, which is a reference to her Keith Haring acid house tattoos, some of which she had inked whilst in Australia. Ok, now I'm beginning to sound like a crazy fan-girl.

Price: Pieces start at $70 for earrings, $120 for the big crystal animal necklaces
From: Trilby Phoenix
Why you need it: Awesome jewellery and a piece of pop culture - yes please!

Picture credit: Trilby Phoenix

Sparkle and shine on a Friday!

Happy Friday! After a quick glance in the mirror, it appears Friday is all about the sparkles. I'm rocking my black sequin cropped jacket that I bought a couple of weeks ago. I went on a lunchtime shopping mission today and got about 6 compliments on my jacket, so the ego is feeling pretty good right about now. It was a cheapie purchase from a little store in the QVB, but, according to my friend who works in fashion, it looks expensive. Works for me.

Speaking of my lunchtime mission, I bought SO much today! I went a little nuts in Sportsgirl and will write all about my purchases at some stage on the weekend. I also popped into Equip and picked up a really fat, chunky sparkler. It's a cocktail ring with a huge dome of black diamantes that is quite heavy and could do some serious damage if you crossed me in a dark alley. It's also a little difficult to type whilst wearing it, but I had to put it on straight away. Nevermind that I will probably end up with bruises on my hands by the end of the day! Maybe I should just stop working now...hmmm...

The jacket

Price: $29.95

From: Ignite - QVB Sydney

Why you need it: Sequin jacket! It turns every outfit into a party.

The ring

Price: $19.99

From: Equip

Why you need it: We covered off cocktail rings on Monday, so hopefully you have retained that important message. This is a small bucks entry into the category.

Picture credit: 'scuse the crappy camera-phone pics