Shop Til You Drop April

As you know, my STYD arrived the other day. I think this is the best magazine because it features things normal people can afford, sometimes even I don't think they're overpriced.





I really liked the houndstooth stuff they had. In the spirit of thrift and minimalism I won't be buying any, but I once had a houndstooth office-type skirt that might still be around somewhere.





Neon's still hip. I'm not a huge fan but I do have a neon pink polish that I might use. It came in a Priceline gift bag last year, did anyone else get that? It was good value, I can't wait for the next one.





The Gem Crush ad that inspired my glittery mani-pedi was strategically placed next to a feature on glitter makeup. As a marketing guru, I approve! I love a bit of glitter eyeliner too so I'm on board with this trend.








Those colourful jeans are still in, do you guys think I should get some for AW2012? I already have normal jeans, but my cold weather wardrobe could do with something nice and bright (hello Bridget Jones's Mother if you're reading) and Grande Double-Vay has them for under twenty bucks. Thoughts?

The silliest part of the mag was the article on investment dressing; these always make me laugh.





For instance, a $2000 bag is apparently a great buy because if you use it for 2 years, the CPW is only $2.50. I have bags that cost less than that when I bought them! And apparently leather pants are a classic wardrobe staple now? Ugh. (Becky are you reading this? Please pass my criticisms on to Mr Packer; thanks.)


But apart from that it was a pretty good issue. 8/10.

Minimalist March Day 7

I went to uni again this morning. I wore a trench coat because it was freezing, plus leopard print ballet flats. And I saw a ladybird!









Later I went to trivia at The Crest. Due to a marking error we placed 3rd instead of 2nd, but we walked away with $40 in vouchers plus a bonus free drink so I'd still call it a success. Good work ladies and gents! (Including PETE - hello if you're reading!)






Thrift and minimalism aren't always the same, but they're pretty similar in that both require making do and taking what you can get.


I always use a moisturising/heat protecting spray in the ends of my hair. Mine ran out the other day, but then I discovered this Lee Stafford sample from a Priceline gift bag I got last year. It has kind of a chemical smell but it seems to do the job, and really it's better than anything the shops sell because I already had it at home.





I have plenty of shoes, about fifty or sixty pairs, but I always want more. Lately I've been after more simple, classic styles - the kind of shoes that go with anything and are comfy enough for a variety of occasions. Imagine my delight when my gorgeous friend gave me these!

They're a perfect fit, just what I needed and barely worn. They are ever so slightly scuffed but fortunately I already have a Sharpie on hand for that. (I always use textas to fix shoes and bags, Pretty Woman was on to something.)


Thank you Giggles McGee!!

Minimalist March Day 5 and 6

Monday was my first day back at uni. In my first class we were asked to list our personal observations of another culture, then told that these were all judgemental because they weren't prefaced with 'from my own observations'. Deep. But James is doing it too, which we didn't realise til after we both signed up, so that's fun!





My second class was fun though, the tutor is an old hippie and I sat next to a guy who was on MasterChef. I got a bit excited about this, I think I have embarrassed myself.





I was wearing my cosiest Witchery cardi and Kmart leopard print scarf.





For dinner I had the yummiest tandoori chicken salad with haloumi. Afterwards I tidied my desk and bedroom and did some decluttering.





On Tuesday I went to work in my trusty black dress and a leopard cardi from SES.







I didn't have time to make a sandwich so in the interests of thrift and sodium I took noodles. They were beef rendang flavour, not as nice as regular beef.

Dinner was better: a lovely spud!





At home I printed all my uni stuff, did some reading and watched an old Western called The Searchers for one of my classes. We were meant to watch one of our own choice too. I saw True Grit last year; that'll do.


This semester, as a thrifty minimalist, I am not buying any stationery. I found this Tweety folder circa 2002 when I cleaned out my old school stuff recently.





I did buy a Barbie desk calendar for $2 in the Sales though.





I think it will be a fun semester!