Don't nobody call me a tonkle

I feel like making a list. It might be interesting to you. But it probably won't be. But if it is then hooray! Here's an awesome video of a French bull dog teaching a baby how to crawl. If you don't instantly love this then you are as cold as ice.



Shoes

You know, I'm getting really irritated with flat shoes at the moment. I can't stand them for some reason. Moccasins are OK, as are loafers and sandals. But your genuine flat shoe that you wear with everything because it's so damn comfortable and versatile? I don't want to wear them ever again.

I realised this when I came back from America. I was searching for my flat shoes to wear in general but I couldn't find them anywhere so I opted for my brown Kurt Geiger boots, my Sportsgirl sandals and whatever else is left in between. I started thinking about the humble flat shoe and I've officially become a hater.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy comfort and I have worn flats these couple of days due to taking too long getting ready for work and finding flats are the easiest and quickest to put on (no laces).

But they're so tame. They're like this nothing shoe that's probably not even that good for your feet if you think about it. Some flats could be considered too flat. I know my foot has a high arch. I'm sure wearing shoes that are too flat can be bad for my feet. Plus the blisters, not to mention the dislodged cartilage at the back of your foot. And the sweat and smell from not wearing socks.

Perhaps I'm just sifting for things to hate about flats. I just think boots, brogues, sandals, heels and everything in between looks so much cooler and some of these shoes are also tolerable for everyday wear. My Kurt Geiger boots are actually a good height, as are my Aldo boots. 

Hair

I've been pretty fascinated with the whole tie dye hair trend that seems to be captivating some trendy blonde lasses. There's even a wonderful tutorial by Geneva over at A Pair and a Spare for brunettes wanting some blonde ends (BTW Geneva does some really funky DIY projects on her blog. Totally worth checking out). I used to have purple ends on my hair but it was me going through my faux punk phase. This time around, the whole bleached ends thing looks a lot more rustic. Kinda like just dipping your hair in some bleach. The fancier kids make it look like their hair is gradually becoming lighter.

Here are some photos for inspiration. I'm seriously considering doing this and then dying the ends purple. I think I need to think about this for a few days.

- From Bianca of Kastor & Pollux
 
- From Dani of Kastor & Pollux

Here's also a really cute video on dip dying hair. The comments are just rude.


Christmas Presents

I often find Christmas time to be the most expensive time of the year because you all of a sudden have about a gazillion friends you need to buy a present for. If you have 10 friends to buy gifts for, even just spending $20 on each friend will set you back $200. Then there's the issue of boyfriends/girlfriends, parents, siblings, the inlaws, cousins, colleagues – whatever – and you could be spending about $500+.

Not many people I know have that kind of money. I think it's great when families do the Kris Kringle thing. I should totally get my family to do this to save some money but I don't know. Last year, I basically got all my friends the same thing: soap. It seemed like a good thing at the time because everything smells amazing. I might do the same thing this year except with necklaces. I saw these gorgeous necklaces shaped like a macaron. I think I'm gonna get all my girlfriends one of those but I don't know about all my guy pals.

What are everyone's plans for Christmas this year? What would be the best gift ever? For me, I'd like a giant wheel of Jarlsberg cheese. Or at least 1kg's worth.

I love Jarlsberg cheese.

SO MUCH.

So far...

I have the day off tomorrow. I am so stoked about that. I've been working what feels like a full time load, but I'm only casual. But it's OK. The money should be good and it's only until the new 2IC starts. I'm actually very terrible at my job but I'm the only one with full availability so my manager has had no choice but to have me work every day.

I'm really excited about tomorrow. I'll be having some food with Susie after she finishes class and then I'm gonna meet up with Liam after he finishes work and we're going to suss out some more food. He recently bought one of those Entertainment coupon books and he hasn't used a single coupon so I think tomorrow is time to do that. With that said, anyone recommend any places for us to eat at?

Anyway, so right now I'm enjoying my evening with a bag of Doritos (The 'Hot Mexican Salsa' flavour is Uh-Mazing) and a bag of sour gummy worms. I'm really letting loose tonight. I'm probably gonna make myself several gin and tonics to celebrate my day off tomorrow. Man, I wish I had some of that Swedish cider. I hate how bars char $13 a bottle. Just ridiculous.

On a different topic, I've been really into big earrings, especially art deco style earrings. Well, I don't know if they are "art deco" but they're what I think of when someone says "art deco". Anyway, ASOS have some amazing ones at the moment! Oh and I also bought some shoes and a dress from ASOS last night.



Here are some of the earrings I want to buy. 

No Touching!

Liam: Dude, what's wrong? What's with the frown?
Me: That's what my face looks like when I drive!

I went driving again and it was not as awesome as it was last time, probably because parking was harder, giant roundabouts freak me out and arseholes on the road make me swear more than a sailor. I had a bit of a cry in the car because I was feeling a bit disappointed in myself. I'm OK though. I find crying to be very cathartic.

Anyway, I've been spending so much money lately on things that I really shouldn't spend on. I'm really terrible! I filled up my car for the first time yesterday and guess how much that cost? $78! What the hell? How do people do that? It was a stab in the gut. I also got all three seasons of Arrested Development on DVD. Plus, I bought one of these FM tuners that connect to your ipod/iphone so that when I go driving I can listen to whatever I want! We sang along to Fleetwood Mac's awesome 'Rumours' album. It was amazing.

I also tested out my new shoes from Sportsgirl. I got them for $34.97, on sale! I think they're going to be my staple shoe this summer. I bought this polka dot dress from Jay Jays the other week and I reckon these shoes will totally complement the dress. Win!



I also got these sweet sweet earrings from Colette for only $5.95. I swear, I could spend so much money there. Everything is crazy cheap! These earrings would probably cost $20 at Diva.







Also, in other exciting news, you are looking at a 'certified' Melbourne Fringe Festival reviewer! WOO! I've been making a list of shows I want to see. I really want to check out Anyone For Tennis? and Bullet: A Superhero Comedy. They're my top two picks. Also, there's an art show about cordyceps and I am darn excited about that. Check out the video.

Online shopping roolz. Just saying.

Online shopping is a god send. I don't think I would have as much of a good time on the internet if I couldn't actively buy things from it. Asos is my favourite at the moment, but I browse Etsy, Forever 21, H&M, Urban Outfitters and Topshop on a frequent basis. It's the best feeling when you go online and purchase something you probably can't buy here, or something amazing at a really low price. Shops like The Book Depository are great because they offer great discounts as well as free shipping. I think being in Australia, free or very cheap shipping makes buying online so much more appealing.

So recently, Premier Investments have decided to close down about 50 of their stores. They're the people who own Dotti, Peter Alexander, Smiggle, Portmans, Jay Jays and Just Jeans. They're closing these shops down because they are not making enough money and the chief executive of Premier Investments blames online shopping for the plummet in sales because consumers pay no tax when they spend under $1000 online.

All righty, then.

No one I know shops to avoid the tax. I didn't even know we weren't paying tax when we buy online. And why are the employees being sacked because retailers aren’t making eough money? Maybe retailers should have a hard look at WHY their business aren't making enough. The fact is, if you, as the CEO, aren't making enough, that's not the fault of the employees. Have a look at the appeal and quality of your products and the store conditions. The lowest of the rung shouldn't be the ones copping unemployment because someone on top is doing a crap job.

If online retailers are taking business away from "Brick-and-mortar" stores, the only possible solution is to join the ranks of other online retailers and offer customers an online experience as well as an offline one. That’s the only way to compete with them, and succeed.

David Jones and Myer are actually freaking out about the loss of customers in their department stores. Their solution is to offer a "money can't buy" experience: Myer wants to introduce dentist and weight loss clinics and free breast screenings. David Jones is planning on keeping their stores open for 24 hours because god forbid, I really need those Sass and Bide jeans at 3:47am and I have to know what that 24 hour in-store experience is like.

NO, DAVID JONES. JUST NO.

If they're really scared of losing business, instead of objecting point blank to having any kind of online presence, they should embrace the power of the internet and promote their brand online. And having a Facebook and Twitter account is just not enough any more. In store shopping experiences are important, yes, but so are online experiences. ASOS isn’t just any online store: They style shoots, have their own online magazine, get fashion editors to pick out their favourite must have items, and show consumers how to dress in season.

The reason why Sportsgirl is such a thriving business is because its online presence has been nurtured so well that it can compete with the likes of ASOS, Forever21 and Urban Outfitters. It uses lookbooks to style and sell their clothes. They constantly collaborate with bloggers and consumers by having giveaways, which are announced through their Twitter and Facebook accounts. Sportsgirl works because it becomes more than just another online store. Its collaborations and interactivity with consumers creates a platform that well exceeds a “money can’t buy” experience that stores like Myer and David Jones are trying to achieve. No one actually cares about launch parties where only Australia's very rich industry VIPs are invited to, but they do care about how to incorporate this season’s looks into their daily wardrobe.

In short, retailers need to stop being so elitist and old fashion. If you can’t beat them, join them. If you’re still adamant that you can beat online retail businesses without joining the virtual shopping revolution, then I’m sorry, you deserve to go bankrupt.

5 days...

I've spent the whole day cleaning my room. It took the whole fucking day because I was watching Sex and the City while cleaning (For those interested, I'm up to season 3 and Carrie is cheating on Aiden, which makes me really sad because he is the best thing in the world). It's taken hours. HOURS. The only plus side is that I've refrained myself from snacking aimlessly. I think I need to do something productive tomorrow. Maybe go the library or something. Oh, and yeah, jogging. I didn't go jogging today. Fucking hail. And my ankle is sore.

ANYWAY (sorry for the self-involved chat about my exercise routine), I'm repacking for Thailand. I can't fully pack for it just yet because there are still clothes I wear now that I want to take with me. This is the third time I've packed. The first time, I did it a month ago because I was insanely bored and way too excited about it. The second time I repacked because I wanted to see what the summer clothes looked like on because I had lost weight. I'm repacking again (and I'll do another final pack on Saturday) because I've been advised not to wear any red or yellow because of the election happening. I've removed some red sunnies, a red skirt and a red tank.

I don't want to bring too many clothes and last time I went overseas, I regret not buying enough stuff so this time around, if my bank account permits, I shall totally try to fill up my suitcase.

I'M SO EXCITED!

thailaaaaaand...

SO CLOSE TO THAILAND!

Today at work there was a really sweet customer. He bought a lot of stuff and he added that retail therapy felt amazing. I feel exactly the same and told him that I was going to Thailand and I am trying so hard at the moment to not buy any new clothes.

I've heard great things about Thailand's shopping, although a lot of what I hear about is the awesome designer rip offs etc. I'm not hugely into designer stuff, but I'm really looking forward to all the markets, especially Chatuchak. It's apparently the biggest market in the world. My boyfriend's sister found some kind of awesome introduction to chatuchak on some show and recorded it for me. We watched it all together and not only could you buy awesome designer stuff, but there are quite a few stalls that support up and coming designers still in design school, selling their stuff for a fraction more than some stalls. I think that's super exciting.

Here's a list of things I'm thinking of buying, if they happen to sell them:

- Knock off doc martens. I would like them in pink and yellow, and possibly a dark forest green.
- Knock off Mulberry/ Coach satchel or shoulder bag
- One portion sized pot (good for cooking quinoa. Or instant noodles)

That's it so far. I don't want to have too big of a list in case I don't find anything on my list. I'm trying to find Thai fashion blogs but I can't seem to find anything so if any one knows of any, please link me. I'd like to know what the kids in Thailand are wearing.

God I'm so excited. SO EXCITED.

These boots are made for walking

Well it certainly has been an epically long time since I've written anything on here. I've been devoid of a laptop because my laptop charger had died on me and it took a week to get a replacement. I could have accessed the blog on my parents PC but it is so damn slow.

Not much has been happening, except I've been watching Hot Fuzz practically everyday (awesome), if not then at least some kind of Simon Pegg related thing. I just looked at my google reader account. 73 blog entries I have to read! That's crazy!

My parents are like so going to China in two days. WOO. I hope they bring me back a really good and fluffy bathrobe thing. That's all I want. And no, there will be no parties! I'm not the type to throw parties. I've got dogs. And a brother I have to feed for three weeks. It's not all that awesome. Plus, you know, don't like being a drunken slag in front of people I'm related to. It makes me feel naked.

One thing I do want to share with y'all is these new boots I just bought from asos. My friend from work introduced me to asos and it's literally awesome. I was lusting after a pair of Opening Ceremony clog boots for ages but obviously I can't afford or fathom spending so much money on shoes. I was browsing asos and I found these babies. Sure, they aren't exactly like the Opening Ceremony ones, but they sure are wonderful. They were also $100 cheaper so bonus! Check out my skillful leg work:


Boots by Kurt Geiger, bought from asos.com
Jeans by Cotton On

The only weird thing with these is the show laces. I don't have a photo, but the shoe laces are fucking long. I don't know why. I can't even tie them properly without looking like a clown so I've tucked the laces inside the shoes. That only works for photos though. I wore them out to dinner and the shoe laces started spilling out of the boots.

Regardless, I love them! I bought them a size bigger than what I normally wear since it really is better to have the shoe a bit bigger than a bit smaller when you're buying from the web. And with boots, you can chuck in some insoles and thick socks to balance things out.

Anyway, that's really all I want to say. I might write some more tomorrow. Who knows! In the meantime, have a good night!

onesies

This song below reflects my mood, if it was a beautiful spring day, and if I was wearing a pretty dress and could ride some kind of bicycle and look pretty and elfin. This song makes me happy. Especially the intro to this song.



I've got a topic to discuss: onesies. Or play suits. Or jumpsuits. Whatever you call them, I want to talk about them. In brief, though; I have school work to do and a 21st birthday speech to prepare. ARGH. I forgot to buy floss again.

Anyway, back to the play suit. I just want to make it absolutely clear that I will NEVER buy a play suit online. I remember ages ago, I was sifting through stores trying to find a nice dress to wear to a cocktail event and I thought it could be appropriate to adorn myself in a indigo play suit: kinda cute, showing a bit of leg, whatever etc. I got what I perceived to be my appropriate size and when I chucked it on, it was very uncomfortable, to say the least.

Now, we all see clothing online with their measurements listed so we can base these measurements on our actual clothes. We have the bust, the waist and the hips measured. Sometimes shoulder to shoulder, armpit to armpit, and sometimes length and sleeve length. But with a play suit, they should actually measure from shoulder/collar to crotch.

Because you don't want to have a wedgie or... the front wedgie. Because that's not nice.

So unless I find a onesie online with shoulder/collar to crotch measurements, I'm not going to even consider buying one from a website. It's like you wouldn't really buy second hand trousers online, because it's just too risky. Play suits and trousers need to be tried on before buying.

It's just the rules, OK?

Wish List

I'm procrastinating here. I'm sitting on my bed, nomming on some friendship rings. I'm meant to vacuum the house. Lame. So instead, I'm thinking about all the films I want to watch and what new clothes I want. I've been really into jackets lately, which is terrible, because jackets are expensive as. Here's one from Forever New that I quite like:


I wouldn't wear it the way it's been styled here. In fact, I don't know what I would wear it with. But it's just so nice. I should try it on. Who knows what it would look like. I'd probably go for some kind of checked shirt, buttoned up high, with some jeans and nice shoes. Boots or flats.

Another item I want is this Evil Twin shirt from General Pants:

I saw it in Frankie (yes, Tegan Quin was modelling it) and I really like it. I just want to try it on in a larger size to see how that looks. I'm excited by this one because it can be worn with leggings or some nice stockings and boots. I just really like the sleeves. But $79.95? I don't know if that's worth it.

Maybe I should think about this while I vacuum?

monty and moo moo

I went dress shopping! And I found a dress that is very suitable for my 21st birthday. I went shopping with Susie and we went to this place on Brunswick Street called Sheila Vintage and it was lovely. I asked the wonderful sales lady for some help and she got me to try on all these dress. I eventually settled for this pink lace drop waist dress. It's actually a dress from the eighties but it definitely fits. Daisy would be proud. I will post up some photos later.

Afterwards, my partner and I had dinner at this Thai place called Thai City and it was so tasty! We were so full that we had to scrap plans to eat ice cream. We ended up walking all the way back to his house. On the way, we walked down Brunswick Street, and I swear, it is the coolest street ever. I want to spend a day there shopping. There are so many places to shop and eat it's insane. Plus, it'd be perfect for a little project Susie's involved with. I'm not sure how much I can say about it, but it's exciting, and I've got some awesome ideas for her!

Anyway, so we ate at Thai City. Well, here are some photos!



Yummy thai fish cakes



Delicious chicken larb!



Tom Yum soup. We actually ordered the Tom Kai Ga, which is like a coconut rich chicken soup. I was so excited when they gave us the right soup that I forgot to take a photo. I have to say, heaps of places think that Tom Kai Ga is just tom yum soup with coconut milk in it. It isn't! But you have to try it yourself. So good!

On a completely polar tangent, I'm going out tonight and I don't know what to wear. I need something that looks class at an upper class restaurant, but also casual enough to go clubbing. I'm not one to frequent the clubs, but I'm excited to go dancing and seeing my friends. I just don't know what to wear. I almost bought something to wear but when you think about it, it's not worth it. I've already spent a lot of money this week as it is (new parka and boots), plus X-ray costs (I've got wisdom teeth that need to come out), and the deposit for my 21st. It's all hectic, but I'll be working heaps this weekend, and so I'm hoping for a big pay check next week.

Anyway, that's it for now! I hope you guys have a good friday night.

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to

It's my birthday!

It's actually been a very mellow day, almost lonely, I guess. But I don't mind it too much. The only annoying thing is that my parents haven't really acknowledged that it is my birthday. I mean, mum bought a cake, but didn't say anything nice to me.

Regardless, I went and bought a build-a-bear for my friend's 21st. I hope she likes it. I know all her other friends have bought her some really nice designer things. I hope the bear is still appreciated. I also treated myself to some Baskin-Robbin's ice cream. I thought they had rainbow flavour, but they didn't so I got some cookies and cream. It was so nice! The cookies in this ice cream are just nuts. So delicious.

Speaking of ice cream, what exactly is rainbow flavour? I've been told it's meant to be bubble gum but it really doesn't taste like bubble gum to me. It's so good though. I used to work at a juice and smoothie place and they had rainbow ice cream and it was yummy as. Also, my partner and I found this ice cream place on Lygon st that does pandan and coconut ice cream. It is seriously, just the best. I'm hoping we can go for some tomorrow when we hang out!

Anyway, I'm going to hang with my peep Susie from People are just people. We're going vintage frock hunting for my Gatsby themed 21st party. I hope it goes down well. I think Susie said she wanted to go to peko peko but I think Peko Peko might be too expensive because it's like... $14 a meal. Whatever. We'll see how we feel tomorrow. I'm going to have to start mapping out all the trips we're going to make etc. I want Trippy Tacos for Trippy fries. OH, and tomorrow I need to drop off a deposit at Chi Lounge, where I'm having my 1920s themed Gatsby soiree.

This is most exciting. I'm lusting after a powder blue, backless flapper dress, with a pleated skirt. I know I will never find this, but one can dream. Perhaps I should draw my idea flapper dress?

Here are some wonderful photos I found:







I tried on a "flapper" dress the other day. Made me realise that my body is not built for a flapper dress. Makes me kind of sad...

You ain't never gonna change

I have foolishly, foolishly imposed a "no new clothes for two months" ban on myself after buying a new dress and denim shorts today. I then foolishly went on the Sportsgirl website and I see so many things I want, although it's not the clothes I want, just some accessories. They have these leopard print stockings that I want desperately want. Plus these gems:


Anyway, I guess I'll have to wait maybe two weeks or something. These are the shorts I got today from General Pants co:


I saw this top and I thought about trying it on but judging by the price tag ($69.95), I thought I'd stop myself.

First impressions can be wrong so let me clear what's going on

By the way, this video is awesome. At least, it's awesome to me. I loved it when I was 12.

Oh man I've got this really bizarre tingly burning sensation on my left pinky. It's very disturbing and I am kind of freaked out. It's like I've got some sort of invisible film of acid that coats my fingers. Fucking lame.

I went to the Hello Sailor Vintage Fair and to be honest it wasn't that awesome. It's weird because while I get excited about buying and shopping for these second hand clothes, I am really terrible at it. It just seems like everyone else is so good at it, probably because they don't rush through the racks of clothes the way I do. I have to say I don't linger on clothes for very long. It's like "hmm, first impressions aren't very impressive. I'm not gonna dwell here" and I don't.

Regardless, I did end up having a good time with my pal Susie. I also bought a ring!

Afterwards, Susie and I felt hungry so we went to Trippy Tacos. It's this tiny joint that does vegetarian Mexican food: taquitos, burritos, nachos and of course tacos. Yummmm.

Susie ordered the taquitos:




I ordered a taco and a bowl of chips. The chips were amazing. My tacos, while awesome, had a "goaty" flavour to it. Maybe it wasn't a goaty flavour, but that's what it reminds me of. Regardless, it was really tasty, plus I never realised how awesome black beans are!

Anyway, we then headed back to the city, up to the Lounge for some apple cider, chatted, discussed how cider was clearly the drink of the moment, then went home. I had a good time. I just wished I bought some more stuff, or there was more stuff to buy.

Oh well, that saves me money, doesn't it?

I go back to work tomorrow. I so can't be bothered. I've become accustomed to not needing to work. Now look at me. Oh well.

Nobody Nobody Nobody Nobody

I am so stoked about Saturday. I get to catch up with my dear pal Susie. We're going to the Hello Sailor Vintage Fair on Saturday and It's the first time I'm going. Every time it's on, I've got work or some other commitment. I've got two things I want to buy, and knowing my luck, I won't be buying either item.

Here's my list (it's very short):
- a tanned, distressed leather hand bag
- a blazer that's not too short and fits well

I also wouldn't mind finding some kind of faux fur coat, something obviously faux fur like a pale pink leopard print coat. For the past two years, I've been wearing the same black coat every winter. I hope to have a few more options this winter.

Anyway, part two of my Singapore trip!


Me at a Thai restaurant that is also a German microbrewery. Check out that awesomeness


Some sort of deicious grilled fish my partner ordered with heavenly seafood sauce.


The cockles my friend Joyce ordered


The staff at the restaurant dancing to The Wonder Girls' "Nobody"


Afterwards, we went out for more food a nd booze. This is an oyster omelette. I'm not a fan of oysters but this was fucking awesome, especially with the sauce.


Delicious Hokkien noodles... so fucking good.


otak otak


Stingray, surprisingly good. Tastes like flake.


Teh Tarik


Me outside the massive Chanel store. I am so lame


Delicious Indian food


A lovely Dorsai, SO GOOD



GOOBER JAM!


Best beef kway teow ever, eaten at Geylang Rd, the red light district of Singapore.


My friend Joyce at a boutique on Haji Lane, where a little 5 month old shih tzu cross puppy lived. His name is Ah- Tai, which means stoner. He's so cute and playful.


Here he is with me. Yes, he tongued me many times. It wasn't really consensual...


Don't tell my partner...


Tail-less parrot fish at another boutique. The store owner just adored them He said they were very peaceful fish and that they looked like they were smiling.


THEY HAVE NO TAILS! Apparently they are bred to have no tails, but then I read somewhere that the tails are cut off. I do not know any more.


These babies were $179. The are beautiful. This photo does it no justice. The heel is GOLD. I wish I bought them. I so could have. *sobs*