but shiiiit it was 99 cents

There are a few things in life that make me feel infinitely happy and when I do said things my whole life changes and rainbows appear and I realise the beauty of life again and again. One of these things is going shopping at vinnies/salvos etc, far more so than just going shopping at a centre. Purely because of the sense of accomplishment that comes along with finding treasure within someone else's trash, which is why I find myself going to various 'thrift shops' weekly. I use no exaggeration when I say weekly because I genuinely go out of my way to make the commute to my local vinnies every week because well, there's always something new to discover and a new project to start.

Now, I'm not making this post to be like "yeah I just LOVE vinnies all my clothes are either designer or from op shops haha!" Because people who make a point of where they purchased their clothes are the worst kind of people but rather, make a point of just how good op shops can be and how the negative stigma surrounding vinnies is both unwarranted and unfair. For me, shopping at second hand shops was something my father instilled in me as he was quite into making the most of ones means and living sustainably. I used to hate the idea of wearing someone who I didn't know's old clothes (that's not to say I didn't live in hand me downs up until I was about 12) because if they were in vinnies someone obviously died in them???? gross???? I'll just wear my brothers' old sneakers and live in peace??? But not really, because once you discover that all of these preconceived values are dumb you live a lot more simply and gain sincere fulfilment from scavenging through the racks and racks of clothes until you find the kind of treasure that all of your friends resent you for.

Which is exactly what happened to me and what changed my entire life, because Vinnies stock the same things you would find at the markets but for a quarter of the cost and the money you spend goes to a really good cause which I think is the most important. Most of the staff at vinnies stores are volunteers, the donations are given by people who don't want anything in return and the money made goes to people in need. Moreover, you find some serious gems that General Pants try to stock in store to mimic, it's a win-win and I can't sing my praises enough.

I'm going to conclude this with a few dorky images of the some best things I've bought whilst 'thrifting' and encourage you to do the same. I've found some serious gems at a Vinnies in the snowy mountains, and equally as good items in Paddington, the world is your oyster.

Dress - $5.00 

Leotard - $5

Skirt - $3

Skirt - $8

Faux Fur Coat - $15

This doesn't even cover an eighth of the things I've found thrift shopping, and I wish you all the luck in the world. 

Liv xo

where have you been?

The concept of finding yourself, in my humble opinion is a drastically overrated and unrealistic one. I say this because this whole year when people have asked me what I'm doing with my life I've replied with "I'm just sticking with this degree until I find myself and what I want to do with my life." The issue with this statement and the supportive "I hope it works out for you" that comes in response, is that it implies that the current state by which I find myself isn't really the one that I'd like to, or should have for the rest of my life.

The pressure we place on ourselves to figure out what we want to be or who we want to be is the most toxic of all the things we can do to ourselves. The seven month European holidays where we hope to find enlightenment, thrusting ourselves into degrees because it might work out or going on drastic lifestyle changes in the quest to find the meaning of life - to varying degrees each place a pressure on ourselves that we need not have or deserve. I mean, we underestimate our current self and attributes to such a large extent that we're constantly pursuing the life of perfection. When I finished school I was very lost and unsure of what I was going to do with myself, I put a lot of pressure on the first half of the year and ended up disappointing myself in that I still haven't figured out what I'm doing with my life and feel as though I'm doing a degree simply for the sake of doing a degree. However, I've realised that all life choices we make help to obtain the final goal. For me, I just genuinely want to be happy and I can't give myself a time frame in accomplishing that goal because then I'll inevitably end up disappointing myself, which I don't deserve.

That's not to say that all quests of self enlightenment are futile and end in disaster but I feel as though finding yourself is a state that comes organically from all experiences had in life and not something that can be made. So really what I'm saying is that we should relieve pressure from ourselves because we have enough pressure from other aspects of life, just be happy in what you do and you'll find yourself when the timing is right.

Liv xo

broke with expensive taste

Never in my life have I found comfort in an album title like I have with Azealia Banks' 2014 album name and coincidental title of this post. But recently, if someone were to ask me to describe myself in a sentence "Broke with expensive taste" would be the only appropriate answer. This never used to be who I was, in fact I was a self proclaimed 'bargain hunter.' But then something switched inside me and here we are - I'm soon to be $200 in debt to my brother and I'm the only one to blame.

The problem began when my feet stopped growing. It was a really really good discovery initially, as was Jeffrey Campbell. My $12 an hour only extended so far, so instead of doing the wise thing and saving I just started buying shoes. With shoes it's not so much an issue, because they're more of an investment. People don't gossip about someone wearing a nice pair of shoes too many times because nobody really notices your feet unless you point them out, also your feet are going to be this size for the rest of your life, that's probably going to be one of the only stagnate things in your life.

I study this subject at university called Analytical Thinking, basically it identifies different kind of arguments and fallacies and other pretty dull things but there's a certain argument that applies to this situation and it's called the 'Slippery Slope Argument.' Basically, it implies that once an individual takes a step in one direction, they ultimately will go to the extreme of that direction. Now, normally us 'analytical thinkers' think this argument is a fallacy. In the case of my life as of late, that couldn't be further from true. I've literally gone from buying a few pairs of shoes to justifying spending $200 on a t-shirt. (It was Emma Mulholland and a total bargain but even so, I definitely am meant to be saving for a trip to Japan.)

It doesn't stop there though, recently I've acquired a Josh Goot dress, am in the process of buying a vintage nike jacket (for probably more than its worth) and other amazing beautiful things and I'm so excited. It's exciting because now I've figured out my style I can buy these things, and now I have a relatively well-paid job can afford them without too much sacrifice.

Now, obviously I should cut back spending and I should save up. I shouldn't spend heaps of money on things that are so disposable, but they make me happy so whatever. As my mum always says "you're a long time dead"

So while I'm not ballin' in cash I am ballin' in expensive clothes, and they're kind of the same thing but hold more sentimental value. So at least I look expensive when buying lunch from the loose change menu of McDonalds in a desperate attempt to save.

Liv xo

once you go black you never go back

Also, despite my blase approach back into writing my last post, I'd like to apologise for my 5 MONTH hiatus?!?!?? I've been so extremely busy but I'm going to get back into weekly posting now!

In saying that within this five month break - a lot has happened in terms of my own personal style and developing my aesthetic which I'm so extremely excited for. There's been a recent influx in designer garments and expensive shoes that I can nil afford as well as a volunteering role at MBFWA which was so inspiring. But what I've gained mostly from this period of 'self discovery' is a new favourite and mostly uninspiring colour; black.

I just can't really put into words why black is such a good colour, an all black outfit is so effortlessly sophisticated and pervades an image of angsty jazz musician who doesn't really try to get fashion, it was just something that evolved. This very image is one that I've religiously been wearing to university of late. The versatility of a pair of high waisted black jean (Solitaire's by Dr Denim are a fave) coupled with a black turtleneck or other iconic black top can express whatever aesthetic you ultimately want through the choice in shoes and accessories. Which is why I love black so so much.

While, don't get me wrong I absolutely adore wearing colour, it is something that I shy away from in favour of wearing exclusively black. In fact the girl I nanny once asked me if I owned anything other than black because I always wear something black, it's not even intentional it's genuinely circumstantial but I've been trying to make an effort to splash out a little bit more. Yet it always manages to creep into my outfits, hence the title of this post.

Generally and genuinely, I think that the benefits of wearing black go deeper than the versatility, it goes into the flattering nature of the colour, the slimming benefits and the way that you can go unnoticed or be the Belle of the ball in just the one colour. You can go black on black on black and you'd look perfectly normal, and that is why I'm such a big advocate for the uninspiring nature of the colour, and why I wish for everyone to splash out and by 7 LBD's and backless black tops and dresses and low Dr. Martens - just everything.

goals

if the queen herself is wearing a turtleneck, something must be right here.

Liv xo 

'out there'

When someone says something or someone is a 'little bit out there' it's implied that the subject in question is a little bit kooky or odd, not necessarily in a good way. When we worry about the future, what's around the corner or what's behind the endless streets and houses out of sight; we worry about what's 'out there.' Or, when we put ourselves 'out there' it's supposedly a big courageous act, yet something we shy away from.

The term 'out there' is so ambiguous, and in such, has been taking over my thoughts for a considerable amount of time. More specifically, the repercussions of putting myself out there and how those on the receiving end of me putting my cards on the table will view me. I mean this in terms of actually telling people how I feel, dressing how I genuinely want and investing a lot into relationships with people, both romantic and otherwise. You see, the thing is, being 'out there' isn't and shouldn't be seen as a bad thing. Being mysterious and keeping the actualities of your emotions in can be extremely important at times but when these emotions relate to another person, I think it's invaluable to just be honest.

The only thing really preventing us from nurturing our upmost desires is fear. From within, from what other people will say and as an extension, how it will tarnish our reputation. However, those who put themselves out there and are 'out there' are the ones who are iconic. Look at Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales for Romance was Born, they're Australian fashion icons purely for pushing the boundaries. The same can be said for Emma Mulholland, or even Alexander McQueen before his untimely death. Those who put themselves out there are the ones who are often the happiest, as even if things don't work out, they do all they can and so there's no situations of 'what could've been.'

This newfound realisation has altered my life quite drastically. After a relationship ended my friend gave me the advice to "do what you actually want, text him if you want, do what feels right." At the time it was the most absurd thing I'd ever heard, why would I text him can you imagine how clingy I would look?!!??!? But then I did what felt right, in every other aspect of my life and even in the aftermath of this relationship. In texting an old flame, I rekindled a lost friendship. In asking a guy if he wanted to grab a coffee I've kinda sorta started something. And in doing what I wanted in terms of contact with an ex, I've realised everything that was wrong with 'us' and realised that I don't actually have any interest regarding their life whatsoever.

I think one of the most important parts of life is staying true to yourself and dressing and behaving in a way that is what you ultimately want. I don't mean this in the sense of being awful to people because you're in a bad mood, because while what we want is the most important thing to us, we are still only a small part of the big world and we need to coexist with one another to ensure that everyone has a good time.

Anna and Luke 

Emma Mulholland (my love)

Liv xo

 

sporty chic

As the fitness obsession continues to flood all means of social media, so too is the obsession with fitness clothes which are creeping their way into fashion scenes all over the world. The 'sporty chic' trend is becoming more of a lifestyle for many than just a fashion choice. It began (for me at least) with Nike's Free Run range whereby one can wear their sneakers in a social environment without looking ridiculous as the lightweight style of the free run combined with the classic appeal of the nike tick connects comfort and style in a relatively effortless way.

But sporty chic isn't limited purely to shoes, with t-shirts donning the oversized logos of Nike and Adidas becoming a must have item in the wardrobes of many and for me, wearing a netball skirt complete with bike shorts when not playing netball but actually going clubbing, no less. This trend of combining exercise clothes and fashion is one that is equally condoning, albeit unintentionally, sun safety as caps make a comeback in a really trendy way, leather caps are the ultimate, but American Apparel have some caps that are absolutely fabulous and not as domineering as their distant cousin, the snapback.

The best part about sporty chic is that I've been able to wear my New Balance sneakers with jeans and be so unbelievably comfortable yet still looking marginally 'fashun' or even with skirts which is one of my new favourites. But at the same time, a friend of mine wears her adidas shirt with her windsor smith junky sandals and looks the epitome of fashun. And I especially love how guys can also get into the sporty chic craze, the jeans and joggers look has really evolved and changed over time and I'm quite happy to see the end of wide legged jeans with old reebok sneakers be replaced with slim lined jeans and nike roches. The sporty chic craze is certainly taking off and I'm really excited for what'll come next.

Liv xo

new favourite item: $15 from the childrens section of Target

Leather caps, literally stocked almost everywhere

NB's in fashion

Nike Roches

formal

For many, their school formal is one of the most exciting and anticipated events of their schooling life, while for others, they're a bit more of an inconvenience than anything else. However, despite your own views on them, it's guaranteed that as term four of school comes around, the main topic of conversation turns into something formal related. "What are you wearing?" "Who are you taking?" "Who's having pres?" "Who's having afters?" "Can you get your brother to get me some alcohol?" So much hype surrounds the event that when it arrives you realise that it was all a bit of an anti-climax and you're stuck with a dress (in some cases) that you spent lots of money on and that you'll never wear again.

Having been invited to seven formals in my lifetime, certain themes have started to occur in terms of people's approach to what they wear. There are a few key ways in which people go about their formal that once mentioned you'll begin to notice and pinpoint with everyone at your own. These are: The online shopper, the handmade dresser, the vintage lover, the extravagant and elaborate and the subdued spender. 

The online shopper: There's no denying that online shopping is possibly one of the greatest inventions since probably the invention of the wheel in the 4th millennium BC. But as wheels can lose air, online shopping too has its faults especially when shopping for a formal dress. Shops like ASOS, Princess Polly, Nasty Gal and thereformation are the go to shops for formal dresses, and while it's convenient and in some cases cheap. The chances of someone wearing the same dress as you is heightened drastically. The problem with online shopping is that the dresses and shoes are very 'in' at the moment, so your shoes and dress aren't necessarily going to be unique or make you stand out in the way that you'd like. At my year ten formal, someone bought her whole outfit online, off a pretty conventional website and someone wore the exact same dress and the same shoes in a different colour. For my formal this year, I looked for a dress for ages and couldn't find one. So eventually, I just asked my mum to find me a dress online. I've admittedly bought my whole outfit online this year which I'm a little bit concerned about as it was all from Topshop but I tried imagining anyone else in my year wearing the same dress and I can't picture it, so hopefully that's a good sign.

The handmade dresser: I have a lot of respect for the seamstresses amongst us who are talented and committed enough to make not only their own dress, but dresses for their friends as well. There's a few in every year who wear the most stand out dresses that are an absolute reflection on their personality and style. Some, who are unable to sew go to dressmakers to manifest their dream dress into reality, the best dresses I've seen at any formal I've been to have been handmade. But at the same time, often these handmade dresses are so to one's own personal taste that nobody else appreciates it. That's okay though, because in all honesty if you're dressing to fit in with other people's style, you'll end up in an unhappy and unmemorable dress and situation. 

The Vintage lover: There's no denying that vintage dresses are absolutely fantastic, I personally love wearing a vintage dress and knowing that someone else wore this to a similar event, it's like you're wearing a part of history which I find really cool. In fact, there's this vintage dress shop near my house and I went there to find a formal dress with my mum, as well as being whisked away into a dressing room with my own personal dresser whilst being served coffee and tea, I found the most beautiful dress ever and it fit perfectly but it also cost $1000 which nor my mother or I were willing to pay. The people who wear vintage dresses to formal are often the most gutsy and memorable, often going for total vintage vibes, they look elegant and timeless which I adore. For one of the formals I'm going to this year I'll be wearing a handmade dress designed and made for my grandmother which really excites me as I know that nobody else will be wearing the same thing, and that someone who I never got to meet but whom I've heard so much about had really lovely experiences wearing this dress. 

Extravagant and Elaborate: Without fail, this person graces every formal with their $90 makeup from mac, their $180 hair design from an elite hairdresser and their $400 dress with $200 shoes to match. These are the people who have counted down to their formal from when they were five years old and whose parents are living vicariously through them to make up for what they didn't have growing up. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this though, as many people have different priorities but one thing is for certain, money doesn't equate to style and while I've heard of someone wearing an $8000 Versace dress, I'm sure that someone who spent $100 on a dress will look equally as beautiful. The Extravagant and Elaborate formal go-er will be trying to make formal the night of their lives and remember spending what some would consider their life savings on a dress shouldn't be intimidating to those of us without that luxury as it's like when people ask how much you've studied just to brag about the ten hours of maths they did, your two hours was just as effective and got the job done. 

Subdued Spender: The subdued spender is often envied by many, they're the person who managed to pick up a killer dress for a steal. They're the person who watched youtube tutorials for their hair and makeup and it looks professionally done. Some of the best formal looks I've seen have been found for under $200, even cheaper than that for some cases. I'm personally a big fan of this person in the formal situation as rather than spending their savings on a dress they'll wear once, they buy something a bit more versatile and can wear it again and again, which I've not been able to do and regret immensely. I'm trying to be as cheap as possible this year with formals as I'm currently not in the best financial situation so will be doing everything myself, which I'm looking forward to.

Now the above list is a drastic generalisation, I'm not going to say that everyone who attends formals will fit into five handy categories but I like to think that everyone identifies loosely to some of the categories. But most importantly, enjoy your formal, dance lots, laugh lots and be comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. Confidence shines brighter than any outfit would.

Liv xo