Friday photos

Praise the lord, it's Friday. If only we all didn't have to work and it was wine time all day long. I just read a new post at my girlfriends new blog Magnolia Gray and now I'm feeling like I need to be beside a pool sipping a cocktail..... bah! If only.

But I digress. I can't sit here all day and dream of what I could be doing (I should be thinking of all the work I SHOULD be doing!). And so it's to this week's photos we go.

Speaking of all things Summery, check out the always stunning Blake Lively on the set of Gossip Girl earlier this week. Does this chick not have the best wardrobe in the world? (although I can't tell if this is Blake or Serena but either way, I wouldn't be complaining).

Today Fabsugar is asking which outfit is Audrey's best from the premiere's of Coco Avant Chanel. Frankly, who can choose? This girl doesn't put a foot wrong. Not to mention she looks and is named after my ultimate style icon, Ms Hepburn herself! Buuuut.... if I had to pick, I must say, the gorgeous navy blue & white number (far left) is my kinda dress. Classic but just a little bit edgy.

You've got to give it to Lauren Conrad. She no longer has a hit TV show but she still manages to get her lovely mug in magazines, on websites and all over everything else at least once a day. Even when someone ELSE is taking photos of her for her line of necklaces for charity, she gets splashed all over the net. Why did I pick this shot today though you ask (as it is a little bland). Well, because somehow LC makes a plain white singlet, black jeans and silver necklace look good.

Continuing on from my post on Monday about my outfit last week, I thought I might put together what I've got on today. After trapsing around Westfield Chermside last night on the look out for a little something to quench my shopping thirst, I came across the cutest pair of black "fashion cargo" pants in Dotti. Similar to the navy blue pair I picked up in Witchery a few months back, I just couldn't go past the price - $69.95. They're a great cut and look good with both heels and flats. I teamed them today with a loose white racer back singlet (which I also picked up last night in Witchery), a black horn pendant I've had for what feels like a decade (but still gets comments every time I wear it), black peep toe heels and a little red Country Road cropped cardigan to keep me warm in the office.

I've every intention of wearing the pants out to drinks with a friend who's back from the UK tomorrow night but instead of the peep toes and red cardigan, I've decided to try and find a pair of gladiator heels. I don't know if anyone else has this problem but for me, heels with ankle straps of any kind just don't work on my legs (ie. they make me look like I've got tree trunks and body builders calves). However, when worn with pants rather than a dress or skirt, the problem seems to be avoided. And there's no doubt about it - the only reason the harem/fashion cargo pant look with the tapered ankle is back is to show off the over the top shoes that are all the rage.

I'm hoping I might get away with a reasonably cheap pair however as I don't know how long this look will last..... while the tapered ankle pant is likely something that will stick around, you can only wear so many gladiator heels before you get sick of all that embelishment.

In the mean time though, to avoid spending more than $100 on something I may live to regret buying, I've found a few styles in Payless, Famous and Barkins that get the look without the price tag. These two from Payless (right) are just $79.95 - and seriously, is anyone going to be that close to them to notice where they're from? Not likely.

New season items have also come through at Barkins and would be worth a look-see, check out the Boyd and Jacob styles, both just $59.95.

Enjoy your weekend!

d+s

Better late than never

So I didn't get any photos up on Friday due to my puppy going AWOL. Good thing he decided to jump the fence of a family members house who lives right near the RSPCA and we got him back within a few hours (he must have been jealous we were going to Byron Bay without him so we decided to take him in the end). Just so he doesn't feel left out again, I thought I would finally post a few pics of him today (don't worry, fashion to follow!).

This is our little Diesel as a puppy.....

And how he looks now - still as cute as ever!

Better late than never though right? A few snaps of things I fell in love with last week.

I don't normally rate Whitney Port as I think sometimes she is just too fashion forward (and being such a tall girl, I often think she doesn't wear things to suit her height/shape) but this is just fab-u-lous. Shorts have really become a versatile item and Whitney has really picked her colours well with a nice pastel theme. The perfect Spring ensemble.

I can't say I'm "bananas" for Rachel Zoe but I can see her appeal (I'd also KILL for her job). I'm lusting after a nice pair of pants similar to her's in this photo (and I think I've found some - more on that later in this post).

If you haven't realised chain's & big necklaces are back, you're living under a rock. Put the two together and you've got a rockin accessory. Lily's choice of what looks like her Mum's sweater leaves a little to be desired but the necklace is to die for.

You'd be hard pressed to find a woman who can pull off a platinum blonde quiff and blue eye shadow but Gwen seems to make this look GOOD. Not to mention how chic little Kingston looks with his scarf, parka and matching blonde hairdo! These two make me want to go out and buy kids clothes!

I was also lucky enough to attend a Westfield Chermside Spring/Summer preview last week at the beautiful Mirra in Fortitude Valley (if you're after somewhere a little different for a function, check them out). Stylist Kim Ring went through a number of different looks for the up-coming season all from stores located at Westfield Chermside.

I would have loved to get some photos but unfortunately couldn't. I have however ticked a number of items in my little look-book that I want to purchase from the show so I'll endeavour to post a few pics of them if they make their way into my wardrobe (I think at least the accessories will). One beautiful dress I did find online that was shown on the catwalk was this a stunning floor length gown from Forever New.

And lastly, I had to post a little collage of an outfit I put together last week. After falling in love with a work colleagues snake skin heels from Wittner, I just had to get myself a pair. Alas, funds didn't allow me to purchase the more expensive patent pair she did but who needs them when you can get an identical pair from Payless for just $59.95!

I can't take the credit for the outfit though - that goes to Kate Beckinsale. While she teamed her white shirt, black shorts and heels with a patent red belt (which I'm now on the look out for since I don't have one) I decided the new shoes needed breaking in.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

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Friday photos - She wears short shorts

Today's photos are dedicated to this lovely weather we're having in Brisbane. Perfect for short shorts in all colours and styles.

Want to get yourself a pair? Look no further than this cute pair from Country Road..... Ink Cotton Shorts, $119 (new season stock so in stores now).

Have a good weekend!

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Popular Penguins

I didn't think my trip to the Post Office to pay my $3.70 underpaid postage bill was going to be worth the petrol. I was wrong.

On walking out of the Post Shop I noticed a large stand of orange covered Penguin books with titles that I recognised (albeit mostly from movies). Pride & Prejudice, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, Frankenstein etc. Then I noticed my favourite. The thinner of the bunch, Breakfast At Tiffany's by Truman Capote was pushed to the back of the stand. No matter the length of the book, they were all $9.95.

Not wanting to look like an idiot and go back to the Post Shop counter, I thought maybe I'll just head to the newsagent and stick with getting a magazine. But there was nothing there I liked. I've read everything I wanted this month minus Madison and I just couldn't bring myself to buy it with that cover (the photo of Sienna Miller is the least inviting photo I've seen on a magazine ever).

So I moved onto the gift store. What do you know, they had the same stand. But no Breakfast at Tiffany's. Wait - there is a Mary Ryan's just a few shops up. I've got $10 in my wallet and could do with something light to read at lunch. It must have been my day, I picked up the last copy they had. And I only spent $2 more than I would have on the magazine. And I didn't look like a weirdo going back to the Post Shop counter for a second time.

Who would have thought that this was the premise for Popular Penguins -

The Idea
He just wanted a decent book to read . . .

Not too much to ask, was it? It was in 1935 when Allen Lane stood on a British railway platform looking for something good to read on his journey. His choice was limited to popular magazines and poor quality paperbacks. Lane's disappointment and subsequent anger at the range of books available led him to found a company – and change the world.

'We believed in the existence of a vast reading public for intelligent books at a low price, and staked everything on it.'

Sir Allen Lane, 1902–1970, founder of Penguin Books

Reading habits have changed since 1935, but Penguin still believes in publishing the best books for everyone to enjoy, and that quality books published passionately and responsibly make the world a better place.

At such a small price, I'm planning on buying at least 2 new titles a month. And at $9.95 it's cheaper than the movies and much more educational. Plus I think a nice little stack of orange books could look great on my buffett.....

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Blogs worth checking out: Pacing the Panic Room

It may seem a little weird (especially to my man) that I am in love with a blog all about babies considering I don't actually have any of my own but I guarantee that after reading a few short posts and checking out some of the gorgeous photography on Pacing the Panic Room, you too will be hooked.

I originally came across the Maternity Series through another lovely blog, Design Mom. It was impossible not to get caught up in the week by week account of the writers partner Cole and the pending birth of their second child. I didn't always have time to read the full posts but the image of the stunning Cole and the description of where she was at with her pregnancy that week were enough. Even cuter was when their first born turned doctor and listened to the heartbeat of his soon to be new brother or sister.

The Maternity Series may have finished with the birth of their little baby girl Tessa but the main blog continues on. I thoroughly enjoy reading snippets on the changes their second child has made to their family life and looking at the beautiful photos of their little family.

Whether you're awaiting the birth of your first, already have a broad of 10, don't want children at all or are still deciding when is the right time, this blog is worth a read, if only for starting at the cute as a button children this lucky couple has.

Enjoy.

d+s

Friday photos

Blake Lively on the set of Gossip Girl - is anyone else DYING to see the next season?

I'm not in love with her hat but I am in love with the rest of Nicole Richie's outfit. Especially those shoes - I'm looking for a similar pair but without the $1,000 price tag!

The Hills hasn't been the same without Lauren Conrad but at least her replacement has a decent wardrobe to drool over. Kristen looks lovely in her black, white & yellow.



They don't call her Posh for nothing. Flawless as always, Mrs Beckham heads off to another guest judge spot on American Idol. What I'd do for her wardrobe... (and maybe her husband)


What a pair! Cindy Crawford and her daughter out for a stroll both looking fantastic! I think I'm going to steal Cindy's outfit for Saturday night now that I have grey skinnys....

Enjoy your weekend, whatever you're doing - Go Port Adelaide against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night!

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Close your eyes and tap your heels together

On my endless quest to find Oz - sorry, I mean shoes - that fit within my depleating budget and new grey skinny jeans, I've come across a number of sale items and cheap shoe stores worth a look see if you're after something under $150 for the weekend.

While wearing heels at the football is not the most practical of outfits, one should always look their best, especially on the off chance a hunky player may walk past after the game.... just don't tell my man I've got a crush on Jonathon Brown - I'll never hear the end of it being a Port Adelaide supporter.

If only Port Adelaide were still just black and white (thanks for stealing our guernsey's Collingwood). Red shoes just don't go with the teal in my team scarf.

Scooter "Longoria" $129.95

A great style that won't date - just make sure you spray on some weather protector before wearing - vodka and suede don't mix!



Mollini "Pepper" $70
A bargain buy and a great shape. Go all out with red toe nail polish to match!

Mollini "Grosgrain ribbon" $128

A classic, girly style with a solid heel and slightly raised sole to stop sore feet after a long night out.

Siren "Appro" $149.95
Not exactly red but they're just HOT. Plus nowhere near as expensive as the original Louis Vuitton design!


Siren "Cult" $139.95
Again, not red but I'm also on the look out for something a little flash to go with my navy blue cargo pants from Witchery and these are right on the money.

If you're really strapped for cash and still want something for the weekend, it's worth checking out Payless Shoes. Most people can't tell the difference between the $200 and the $50 patent black pumps plus you won't feel bad for spilling drinks all over the $50 pair.

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Grey skies are going to clear up

Put on a happy face (I have!).

I just can't seem to get enough of grey. Light grey, charcoal, marle, whatever your fancy, it's almost as good a staple as black. I recently bought a pair of grey skinny jeans (I can't quite believe how long it's taken me) and now I'm obsessed with looking for things to wear them with.

Thanks to a day off and a quick look in Just Jeans, I'm now the proud owner of a great pair of grey skinnies for only $50 - yes, that's right - $50! Not only were they cheap but they are a great cut and for once I don't have to have the hems taken up cause I'm such a short arse.

The only downside is now I want lots more black tops, red shoes and stripes to go with them (a la Christina Aguilera). I also think I've got another girl crush but this time on Lara Bingle. After seeing a hot pic of her in some grey skinnies and biker jacket (now I want one of these too) I think I'm in love with her style. If only I had the money to buy the labels she did (I wouldn't say no to Michael Clarke either actually).

Yes, the weather in Brisvegas is warmer than a freshly made coffee at the moment and grey is generally more of a winter colour but I don't care. There's something a little rock chick about grey skinnies - especially when you add the right accessories like a black horn pendant, white singlet, black long line cardi and black peep toes which I have on today.

Good thing Country Road has a great loose fitting black singlet for $59.95 available in their city store that I'm picking up tomorrow - that's Friday's outfit looked after.

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When the cats away, the mice will.... shop

....and drink wine, watch Four Weddings & a Funeral, let the dog inside, blog....

Note to self: I think I've seen Four Weddings & a Funeral before. And it was just as cheesy the first time round. And I don't particularly like Hugh Grant.

A last minute decision by a work friend and I and instead of staying at home watching a DVD eating leftover macaroni cheese and we were out and about in town doing a quick spot of shopping on a fine, balmy Friday night in Brisbane. And after quick look at a few websites earlier in the afternoon, I managed to come across a cute maxi dress in of all places, Just Jeans.

Whilst it may have been brighter in the photos (since when do they photoshop the clothes, not just the models?) it was still worth a buy, my first maxi dress - at least that I know of. Best check with my Mum over the weekend.

I also dont look as sultry as the girl on the website but one can dream...

While being very pleased with my purchase (if my man is reading this: note I didn't say purchases plural?) I was also jealous of the purchase of my shopping partner Miss S - she picked up the hottest shoes in the entire store at Wittner. So hot in fact, I'm almost considering trying them on myself tomorrow!

All that shopping and 2 glasses of wine has made me tired though so til next time....

d+s

Friday photos

Hello readers.

You may have been wondering why design+style has been a little lacklustre these past few weeks - well, thankfuly I'm still alive. Just busy.

I've been scouring websites and magazines when I get a spare 5 minutes but just haven't had the time to write or post about the things I've found with work, college, family etc. However.... in my last 20 minutes before heading off to Byron Bay for a 4 day weekend with my parents and my dog, I thought I'd at least get a few photos out to entice you into doing a spot of shopping for spring - after all, when it's 28 degrees in Brisbane in winter, how could you NOT start thinking of all things short and sweet?

I hope to be back writing & posting more soon. In the mean time, enjoy!

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I'm in LOVE with acid yellow at the moment. I just haven't found the write item for myself yet. Beyonce has though, check out those shoes..... drool.

Since it's not quite spring yet, a cropped pant works perfectly for a warm afternoon and cool night.

I'm a sucker for a pic with a pup!

I bought a dress almost identical to this a few months ago. Now if only I had legs like Karen's, I'd wear boots like hers with it.

Check out Country Road's new season catalogue in store and online - well worth a look. I'm loving the neutrals and brights and loads of navy...

Lace heels - yum.

A skirt I think I'm going to try on tomorrow.... hot colour for Spring, raspberry!