Lady Melbourne: January 2010

31.1.10

Sunday Sessions

I am often reluctant to put jeans on the blog, only because I see them as 'boring.' I wear them, but not as an everyday item, I tend to think of them as super casual attire.
Anyhow, I'm not so precious that I won't wear jeans to the pub on a Sunday, this outfit is a testament to that.

It's always a fine balance- I could substitute the heels for flats, but then the outfit would just scream complacent.
I've been meaning to showcase these new heels anyhow from Verali, who knew nude heels went with everything?!

Ta again for your suggestions on what to wear to the tennis, it was mighty helpful!

Top: Sportsgirl
Jeans: Country Road
Bag: Oroton
Heels: Verali
Necklace: Valley Girl

29.1.10

R.I.P: J. D. Salinger

"All the kids kept trying to grab for the gold ring, and so was old Phoebe, and I was sort of afraid she'd fall off the goddam horse, but I didn't say anything or do anything. The thing with kids is, if they want to grab for the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything. If they fall off, they fall off, but it's bad if you say anything to them."

J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

Normally I would bring you Happy Friday on the last day of the working week, but today I'd like to pay tribute to J.D. Salinger who died on Wednesday.

Here is what the New York Times had to say:

"Mr. Salinger’s literary reputation rests on a slender but enormously influential body of published work: the novel “The Catcher in the Rye,” the collection “Nine Stories” and two compilations, each with two long stories about the fictional Glass family: “Franny and Zooey” and “Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction.”

“Catcher” was published in 1951, and its very first sentence, distantly echoing Mark Twain, struck a brash new note in American literature: “If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.”

I don't pretend to be a literary expert, but I love reading and books. I am named after Phoebe Caulfied, Holden's younger sister and the book has had a long lasting influence on my life.

R.I.P, J.D. Salinger.

'It was that kind of a crazy afternoon, terrifically cold, and no sun out or anything, and you felt like you were disappearing every time you crossed a road.'

J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

28.1.10

Little treasures from Adelaide

Chilling on Rundle St

Whilst I was in Adelaide last week I visited Bauhaus on Rundle St. It's a sort of a home wares, jewellery, art and general stuff-for-the-home kind of store with a bit of a twist. At the moment they had plenty of stuff from Mexico (very Frida Kahlo), Indian pashmina's, bright and huge canvas pop art prints, and of course plenty of kitsch.

I gasped out loud when I saw these figurines because a/ I love dogs b/I love black and white c/ I love kitsch and d/ I love figurines. I could see the look of defeat of H.L's face the minute I had spotted them, a sort of 'Oh sh*t, she's seen more stuff we don't need but she wants to clutter up the house.'

He did end up buying them for me so underneath it all I think he likes them as much as I do ;)

Bauhaus sadly don't have a website, the lovely gals working there told me they have such a high turnover of stock that it can't be facilitated. So just like in the dark ages pre-internet(gasp) you'll just have to do things the old fashioned way and call or make a visit in person. Worth it.

257 Rundle St

Adelaide

SA 5000

T (61 8) 8215 0003

E email@bauhaus.com.au

And the winner is......

I took one of my readers advice and used a random name picker rather than cutting all your names up and popping them in a hat like I usually do!
I hate that there can only be one winner, and by the look of some of your answers you could really do with the prize, but I gotta keep things fair so, here are the screen shots:

The entries
The winner

Congratulations to Hannah, please email me so you can collect your fabulous prize!

27.1.10

I went with outfit 4

I don't even know how to explain what/why I am doing this, lets just say it was in a promotion tent.

Me and my pal Shiori, ain't she gorgeous?!

Woah guys- I can't believe all your fabulous suggestions for what to wear to the tennis!

Thank goodness I have such fab, creative readers :)

I took all of your masterful suggestions and rolled them into this outfit for the tennis today. It seemed that pants or shorts were a key outfit staple- god forbid you flash the person sitting in front of you! That hadn't even entered my consciousness but as I sat there today lets just say I felt very comfortable that I'd gone for the pants option.

It wasn't as hot as I thought it might be(24 with a cool breeze) so that's why the jumpsuit seemed perfect- and it was!

My hat topped off the whole thing and kept me cool and out of the sun which was super important.

Overall I had a great day, I'm not that into sports but much like the races at Flemington they cater the grounds so you could be at a random festival and not see a sporting event in person all day if you wished.

Rest assured despite the fact I had no idea what was going on, I watched plenty of tennis!

Last chance to win the $250 Westfield shopping experience!

Do not forget that today is your last chance to go into the draw to win a shopping experience at Westfield Doncaster worth $500. The prize includes a $250 gift card to spend on what you wish, and a 2 hour styling session in the fabulous styling suite worth $250.

You need to leave a comment on this post to go into the draw, this is simply a reminder so don't leave your entries here if you want to be considered!

Good luck, so excited!

26.1.10

What should Lady Melbourne wear to the tennis?

Outfit 1: Sun dress

Outfit 2: Skirt

Outfit 3: Shorts

I've been invited to the tennis this week and I have no idea what to wear. In that, of course I know that what ever I wear will be ok, but I'm not sure whether it's super casual or whether they expect a little more from the general public. I would assume not from what I see on the TV, but I thought I'd throw it over to you guys to help me out.

I've been told these are essential:

A hat

Flat shoes

Comfortable

Cool(as in temperature)

So I thought it comes down to these three, or outfits like them. If you come up with something better then I am open to all ideas!

Monday...or maybe Tuesday

Sorry about the not-so-regular posts, I've been, well, busy.

However, this week it looks as though things are getting back to normal and it seems plenty of people are back at work. Am I right?

Tuesday is a public holiday here for none other than Australia Day. I'd love to hear how you are going to spend it. I'm a little unsure as I've got a couple of bbq's to attend, but my main attraction is my friend who is doing the 'Australia Day Swim' at Brighton Pier. I feel like I should go down and support him if I manage to wake up early enough, it's quite an effort to put in considering most of us will be a/sleeping in or b/ drunk.

I'm also going to the tennis and have NO idea what to wear. Tomorrows post will be full of options I can assure you.

Jeans: Country Road
Blouse: Vintage
Scarf: London
Heels: Faith, London
Bracelets: Indian shop, Sydney Rd
Waistcoat: H&M London
Necklace: My Name Necklace

22.1.10

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday kids!

End of another week and careering towards Australia Day public holiday next week. Are you celebrating? I have 20 millions bbq's to attend but I'm not complaining!

Speaking of which I'm reading Zoe Fosters new book which Penguin sent me earlier in the week as I'm on a little sojourn at the moment. I don't normally read 'lady fiction' and I'm happy to say that this is quite a snappy little book. I'm almost finished it, and while it's not something I would normally go for has been quite entertaining whilst on holidays.

Anyhow back to the topic of bbq's, this may perhaps be a completely Australian-centric thing but I laughed out loud when I read this in Playing the Field last night:

'As per the Australian Barbeque Rule Book, the men were unable to move further than two meters from the barbeque for fear that a mystery sniper would pierce their skulls with a white-hot laser.

They stood there in their uniform of thongs or trainers, sunglasses, long baggy shorts and colourful tight T-shirts, beer in hand, muttering about footy and ribbing each other constantly.

Meanwhile, the host and her helper (in this case, Cassie's mum Jan, a rotund woman in a floaty pink-and-white kaftan, who looked like she should be writing romance novels in a boudoir somewhere instead of handing out burnt sausages) ran inside and out with food offerings, stopping only to ensure everyone had some form of liquid in their hand at all times.'

Cute.

T-shirt: Hong Kong

Skirt: Camden market, London

Pearls: Primark

Heels: Urban Originals

Bag; Vintage(have had it for sale at the last couple of markets but no takers so now I'm keeping it!)

20.1.10

Win a $250 shopping spree at Westfield Doncaster...SRSLY!

Dear Lady M,
Would you like to come and tour the styling suite at Westfield Doncaster and have a shopping spree on us?
Love Westfield

Dear Westfield,
Ah, can you like, read my mind? Do you know what I dream about at night?! I would love to come but just one thing, how about giving my readers a $250 shopping spree and 2 hours in the styling suite with one of your stylists?
Love Lady M

Dear Lady M,
Done!
Westfield
xx

So went the correspondence between me and some very hard working people behind the scenes to present to you a little competition to win a $250 Westfield gift card, and a styling session with Lucy Kiraly worth $250 in the totally exclusive styling suite, the total prize worth $500.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me how long Lucy has been involved in the fashion industry(yes, I've made it that easy for you!).
Best of luck dear readers, I hope you have as much fun as I did shopping and hanging out in the lap of luxury for a day.

Beautiful cathedral ceilings in the center.

Lovely little places to rest your weary shopping feet.

Change rooms. Divine.

The styling suite at Westfield Doncaster.

Boring stuff:
Comp closes at 5pm AEST Wednesday 27th January.
The prize is to be redeemed on Sunday January 31st. The styling session will be held between 1pm and 3pm in the styling suite with Lucy Kiraly.
The winner must be in Melbourne on this date.
Total prize is worth $500 and is not redeemable for cash.
Open to all ages.

19.1.10

Hardware

I just realised that this outfit really hinges on the accessories I'm wearing. I'd been after a grey dress-scratch that the perfect grey dress- for ages when I happened upon this in Episode and the more I wear it the more it love it. Only thing is, it's not a natural fiber which I prefer in my clothes, but still it seems to be proving itself quite versatile. I'm still on the look out for a silk version so let me know if you find anything.

I can't stop wearing these heels- why haven't I bought a neutral pair of heels before?! They go with everything and I just love them.

Necklaces: Valley Girl

Dress: Episode

Bag: Siricco

Heels: Verali

Belt: Salvos in Abbotsford

Sunnies: Scarlet & Sly

18.1.10

I'm kind of a big deal....

His Lordship just got back from Canada, and apart from some lovely duty free YSL products(my faaaav!) I got this t-shirt. I freaking love it.
Anchor Man is one of my favourite movies and any excuse I have to use a Ron Burgundy quote, you can pretty much be assured I will use it.

I couldn't believe how beautiful Canada was in winter, I've never been to Canada but judging by the pictures I've seen, Toronto amongst many other cities is now on my destination hit list for my next trip.

Ron Burgundy: I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.

Veronica Corningstone: Really.

Ron Burgundy: People know me.

Veronica Corningstone: Well, I'm very happy for you.

Ron Burgundy: I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany.

16.1.10

More things that make me happy....

I haven't written about the little clusters of porcelain and china figurines that I have dotted around the house since Feb last year. I'm not exactly sure why because like the crystal I talked about yesterday, I am forever bringing home kitsch things to dot around the place.

I bought this little clog ashtray to go with the troupe that sits next to my bed. I move things around a lot but I thought it would go with the whole blue, white and grey theme.

15.1.10

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!

You know that Dr.Jones has started to call me 'Lady Rider' because I'm Lady Melbourne and I ride around on my bike most days. She thinks its funny, I actually don't mind it, kinda cute I guess.

I gave myself the day off today and cycled to my local Savers where I picked up these gorgeous crystal ornaments. I believe it's a set with a salt dish, pepper dish, butter dish and miniature vase. I can't walk past things like this, I have somewhat of an obsession with making my surroundings as beautiful as possible. I'll even spend my last $5 on something incidental that will make me happy to look at, knowing I won't be paid for days.

Silly or sensible? I wonder what you would all spend your last $5 on hhhmmm?!

14.1.10

Where is Lady Melbourne?

I've been kinda busy the last few days and I've let my photos slip- sorry guys! Yesterday I went to the dentist and had a general anaesthetic that knocked me out with a valium hangover from hell for the rest of the day so I'm only getting around to a new post now.

So here I am, not to be deterred, with a party to go to and a cocktail or 3 to be had. I made this dress to wear to the wedding last week but the Isabella Oliver dress arrived in time so it's kind of perfect that I have somewhere to wear it this week. It was literally a sheath of sequined fabric that I made into a sort of caftan creation with a low back. Perfect explanation Lady M but you get my drift.

I needed a 'quick fix' pair of heels to go with, and found these Verali shoes on sale under $100. Puuuuurfect!

11.1.10

Lady M in Isabella Oliver

So remember last week when I was talking about how Isabella Oliver were Fed Exing me a dress from London?

Well this is it. Worth the wait don't you think! It got here just in time for when I needed it so I need to give a huge shout out to Lucy from Isabella Oliver who organised the whole thing.

I love my dresses, and this one is a truly special addition to my wardrobe. It's 'The Goddess Dress' and I'm not kidding you feel like one walking around the house in it. The make, fit and fabric are superb, and even better the dress is on sale too. Clickity click!

Speaking of dresses I have to announce the winner of last weeks give-away:

Josephine from Tale Peddler!

You've won a vintage dress, Mag Nation vouchers and a double pass to see 'Bright Star.' Congratulations

The three runners up for the movie tickets are:

Indigo

Ms Lauren

Whats for Tea?

All you have to do is email me with your postal details!

9.1.10

Lady in Melbourne

My dear despotic friend and favourite Aussie blogger Imelda took this photo of me back in September during fashion week.
I haven't had time to do an outfit post today but found this in an old file and thought it was worth posting.

LM
x

8.1.10

Happy Friday!

It's my first Happy Friday post for 2010 so I'm kind of thrilled that a competition ends today. Don't forget to enter, there could be a vintage dress and other fabulous finds in there for you!

I bought this dress at Episode on Sydney Rd and it had a ghastly(seriously, who uses that word) canary yellow collar and trim on the pockets and sleeves. I unpicked all of that, took it up and now have a lovely grey dress that I have wanted for, well, forever.

H.L thinks that I look like Noeline from Sylvania Waters with those glasses on and begs me not to wear them, but I'm rather fond of them in a Florida-retiree-kind-of-way. I love Nana Chic so they are here to stay.

I'm kind of blown away by all your entries into the comp, I can tell by my analytics that visitors have dropped(which isn't unusual this time of year) so I guess I thought not many people would enter. For all you troopers back at work in the new year while the rest of us are on holiday, I hope you find this entertaining and win yourself a prize! I know I hated going back to work just after new year before my big career change so thanks for tuning in while the rest of us are sleeping in or at the mall.

Dress: Episode

Bag: Leather market, Florence

Bracelets: Random Indian shop in Oakleigh

Belt: Far East Plaza, Singapore
Sunnies: DFO
Earings: I made them
Heels: Tony Bianco, DFO

(I just realised what I united nations effort this outfit is. Hilarious.)

Lady Melbourne has a new home!

31.1.10

Sunday Sessions

29.1.10

R.I.P: J. D. Salinger

28.1.10

Little treasures from Adelaide

And the winner is......

27.1.10

I went with outfit 4

Last chance to win the $250 Westfield shopping experience!

26.1.10

What should Lady Melbourne wear to the tennis?

Monday...or maybe Tuesday

22.1.10

Happy Friday!

20.1.10

Win a $250 shopping spree at Westfield Doncaster...SRSLY!

19.1.10

Hardware

18.1.10

I'm kind of a big deal....

16.1.10

More things that make me happy....

15.1.10

Happy Friday!

14.1.10

Where is Lady Melbourne?

11.1.10

Lady M in Isabella Oliver

9.1.10

Lady in Melbourne

8.1.10

Happy Friday!

You must be curious....