Frock You - THE BLOG

Sex & The City 2: Pics, Poster, Keep Calm and Carrie On

2009-12-10T19:05:00.008+11:00

When people ask, I tell them that my daughter was named after Charlotte Bronte. This is 99% true, but the other 1% came from my favourite SATC character. So as you can imagine it's like Christmas come early when pics like this surface:

Love that dress! and big floppy hat!

Here's some more pics from the movie, due out May 2010. Sparkly harem pants, shiny turban-esque headbands, flowing frocks...can't wait!

And here's the first poster - remember ladies...Keep Calm and Carrie On.

Image sources: Wikifashion, Sexandthecitymove.org, SassiSam

Helicopter Parenting: Approach with Caution

2009-12-09T16:47:00.004+11:00

I read a great article from Time Magazine last night - "The Growing Backlash Against Overparenting" by Nancy Gibbs. Basically, the gist is that we're slowly realising that letting our kids be kids doesn't actually equate to bad parenting. In fact, thanks to the wonders of the internet, there are now many blogs and sites out there where parents can confess to their less-than-perfect moments and get a little reassurance that merely being human is a-ok. That if their kid would rather glue paper to their face instead of going to the Art Museum, that's ok. That if you don't purchase every piece of shiny battery-operated plastic claiming to 'educate' your kid, that's ok. That if you don't take them along to an extra-curricular activity every afternoon, that's ok, too.

And that's such a relief. I know as well as any parent the urgency with which one feels to make sure their precious bundle has every opportunity to succeed. To make sure they never go without, are never bored, not missing out on activities or toys or events that other kids experience. Unfortunately this means kids are getting less and less of a chance to just be themselves, to gain some independence and confidence and self-awareness. I think back to afternoons when I was little, hooning around the streets on my bike or flitting between friend's houses and going to the local shop for a 20c bag of mixed lollies. No mobile phone so Mum could keep in touch, not much more than a "be back before dinner". The thought of letting my daughter do that is a bit scary, but when I consider it, I was outside being active; taking the initiative and making up games with friends; learning how to safely get myself places; and taking the responsibility upon myself to be back home by teatime. Many of my friends walked by themselevs or used public transport to and from school without a second thought. Nowdays the traffic gets ridiculously congested around school areas because every 4wDrivin' parent 'needs' to drop their kid off at the school door. Heck even in Kindy we got the school bus by ourselves, with Year 6 kids appointed 'Bus Monitors' to look after us - responsibility all round!

Helicopter parenting, as it's termed (ie parents 'hovering' over their kids) isn't just for tots though. Nope, Time reports of parents attending College Enrolment Days to 'help' their kids 'choose' their subjects and get settled in. So how are these kids going to fare when the big wide world opens up to them? Will they be able to make risky business decisions, take the plunge and invent, chair coroporate boards - or will they expect or need somebody else to do it for them? And how will they in turn parent? Probably, hopefully, in the complete oppposite.

Nobody is a perfect parent. All we can do is our best in whatever way suits us. I think we can all take a leaf from our kid's books, so to speak, and try to remember what it's like being a kid -and then take a step back and let our kids be just that.

Everyday Glamour: Frock You For Childhood101

2009-12-07T20:13:00.002+11:00

I was lucky enough to be approached by the lovely Christie at parenting blog, Childhood101, to contribute to her fabulous 'Everyday Glamour' series. You can check out my post on simple fashion tips for glamming up your wardrobe here, but of course while you're there you might as well enjoy tips on makeup, health and fitness, and general yummy-mummy-ness!

I admit I hadn't read Childhood101 prior ot being asked to contribute, but after spedning an evening browsing through the archives I'm happy to report that this is a no-nonsense, practical, and delightful blog. Indeed, its not just a parenting blog - it's THE Parenting Blog of the Year (Nuffnag Asia-Pacific Blog Awards 2009). Yeah, go Christie! It's the type of advice you really need when it's 6pm and your toddler is hitting crazy time (or, as Jo from Monster Baby accurately puts it, Bitchin' Hour) - from craft ideas to cooking, early learning, developement and milestones, and advice on how to stay sane when you've found crayons mushed into the good carpet (my tip number one: give up on the idea of "good carpet"), it's dished out from the front line, as Christie is not only Mum to a gorgeous 2 year old, she's also a Child Care Centre Director. Well worth bookmarking!

Mugs to Love

2009-12-07T08:03:00.003+11:00

Every Christmas and birthday, someone, somewhere, will buy me a new set of mugs and/or a teapot. I'm not a crazy teapot lady (yet), though I do have several teapot-themed necklaces courtesy of Etsy. Come to think of it, my pj's have teacups on them too. Hmmm. So when I found Love That Mug, well it was like Christmas had come 3 weeks early!

Love That Mug design "favourite mugs", ones that express your personality, are conveniently dishwasher safe, and naturally totally rad. I love this little purple owl, or the Shower Me Not for cold wintery days. Or the Dairy Moo Mug, which thoughfully includes an arrow (behind the cow) pointing up to 'Insert Milk Here". hehe!

For $17.95, they're a pretty cool stocking filler. My Christmas stocking, in particular...!

What's In The Pantry?

2009-12-02T20:24:00.004+11:00

Here's a website that may take over from Taste as my go-to when MIL asks for a quick Greek Salad for the weekend family BBQ and all I have in the cupboard is SFA. Supercook is the work of a genius - just enter the products you have in the pantry, it gives you some recipes, and you don't need to skulk round Coles in your Ugg Boots looking for the right kind of pitted olives. I found this site thanks to The Showpony, and thanks to The Showpony I've been sitting here for half an hour putting all sorts of ridiculous combinations into Supercook to see what would happen, or if it would self-implode if I put in "bananas, sweet chilli sauce and couscous". (It didn't, weirdly it just suggested "Namibian Black Eyed Peas". Yum). If you're thinking your New Year's Resolution is going to be a combination of organising your pantry/buying less, wasting less/spending more time on amusing websites, give Supercook a go. It's handsdown more interesting than simply reading about 4 Ingredients.

All I Want for Christmas Is Just One Thing. Truly.

2009-12-01T19:39:00.008+11:00

It's the 1st of December, which means we can all officially say "Christmas" without fear of a grinchly whack in the bum. It also means spending - sorry, 'giving'. I'm not one to pass up an opportunity to shop, but what with the whole credit crunch/attack of eco-consciousness, the huge amount of wastage that Christmas entails has dampened my spirits slighty. (Only slightly, my daughter and I have been busy making an advent calendar, cutting out Christmas baking recipes, glueing and coluring handmade cards, writing Santa letters/avoiding Santa in stores, and generally being festive now that she's old enough to understand what's going on).

Think about it - mountains of wrapping paper, loads of leftovers, endless cardboard boxes and those annoying twisty tie things that hold things in place...it all makes the green side of me a bit nauseous. Still, there are things you can do - recycle, donate, plan. There is one part of Christmas that really really shits me and there isn't anythng you can do about it except blog it out - overbuying. For kids.

Naturally, small talk on the playground recently has been centred on "what Santa is bringing". It's a sickening sign of the times that I feel like a stingy old grinch when the inevitable question is asked of me and all I reply is "a space hopper". There follows a questioning pause, after which I am expected to fill the silence either with an ongoing list of pointless plastic crap, or an endless reasoning on why that is all Santa will be chucking down our chimney this year. Lately I've been so over it that I just cross my arms and smugly state, "she doesn't want anything else. Nor does she need anything else."

This is true on both counts. Despite browsing through every toy shop in town with the instructions to "pick anything you like to tell Santa about" and continual hints ("how about a doll's house?") all I get in return is a disaffected "meh, I don't really like anything except the soccer ball (Nanna has grabbed that one)" and "I want a green bouncy head! That's what I want, I told you already!". Said green bouncy head came in at $29.95. This is about one-tenth of what her friends' present spending comes to.

I should be rejoicing, decking the halls with all those saved $$$. Instead, I have to explain to everyone why this is all she wants. Doesn't that reiterate:

1) that little kids have no concept of monetary value and couldn't give a fudge if the presents under the tree cost $10 or $1000;

2) the only 'contest' to get the best pressie is between parents;

3) the simple things in life truly are the best, and we as a society are a bunch of greedy fat status-seekers;

4) spending bucketloads doesn't make you a better parent ("oh but I got her 5 DVD's and a swing set and a trampoline and an ipod. But geez I get annoyed when she asks me to read to her at bedtime, I'm too tired!";

5) we could learn alot from kids.

Some of her little buddies got 'big ticket' items like bikes or cubby houses "just because" earlier in the year. How are you mant to top that at Christmas? And how are you meant to keep that up - are they going to understand in a couple of years when you give up in a frazzled heap and just buy them a Barbie? No, most likely they are going to expect more, More, MORE. And we're training them to think like that.

I'm not a perfect parent. Both mine and my daughter's wardrobe is overflowing, we're not eco-friendly Earth Children by any means. Last year she got a bike and she loves it and it gets used pretty much everyday. She hasn't got a swing set or a trampoline (yet - should note here we also hardly have a backyard) or loads and loads of toys that never get used but that I can at least say she has, so she doesn't get 'left behind'. If a space hopper makes her happy, then that's good enough for me. And I shouldn't have to make excuses as to why that's all we bought her.

Free Shipping!

2009-11-30T19:39:00.007+11:00

In case the big red letters across the front of the website weren't clue enough, we're running a free shipping offer all this week! That means all orders from Albany to Amsterdam are shipped totally for free, no minimum spend. Wooo!

So, what to buy? Our latest newsletter contained some fabbo chrissy gift ideas to help you get organised in plenty of time; as well as outfit ideas for Little Frockers and party frocks for you lasses.

For bubs, cute gift ideas include the hugely popular Cuski Comforters ($39.95), which are a great alternarive to dummies or blankies. Essentially a little star shaped toy that feels like a soft face washer, Cuski sleeps one night with Mummy and/or Daddy, and absorbs the comforting smell. Then, whenever your little one needs settling, Cuski is there with the scent of Mum (or Dad), helping bub to calm down. Plus you won't have a massive orthodontic bill in 15 years time! We'd also reccommend the Baby Teresa range of onesies and rompers - in cute unisex stripes, when you buy one (and they come in a nice little gift box), another is donated to a baby in need. thus, you're really giving twice! Prices start at $29.95.

Little Frockers can look seriously cool this party season in pieces like these:

Itch Pacman shorts ($44.95) Um HELLO retro cool!

Knuffle Kid Prom Skirt ($49.95) part pirate, part party, these wicked skirts are reversible, unique, and seriously everytime we sell one, the next day we get an email raving about them! Especially cool for the girl who doesn't do pink!

Walnut Tennis Shoes ($29.95) These are so chic they came in mummy sizes too. Whether they're worn with jeans, a twirly skirt, skate shorts or a mini, they have that breezy summer effortlessness that's just so...well, cool!

Gabrial Saynte Tees (from $23.99) It actually doesn't get cooler than these. The prints are all original and they all rock! We've got a massive restock on order and fingers crossed they arrive before Christmas 'cos they are guaranteed to please parents and kids alike!

And party frocks? Look no further! Whether it's classic black or a bold hue, these little numbers will have you dancing til dawn, and leave some spare change in your evening clutch:

Blue Juice Spring Reflections Binding Dress ($89.95) the front is simple and flattering, and the back has a sexy deep-v with strappy trims. Plus, it's pink!

Mimosa Jewel Trapeze Dress ($169.95) for the fashionista, this is a really chic little piecew ith gorgeous beading on the shoulders. It's draped but not in an oversized, sack kinda way. Which is always a plus!

Sunny Girl Jewelled Dress ($69.95) I'm not sure which designer this is, ahem, imitating, but it's been emulated by heaps of fast-fashion labels this season, and it's easy to see why - the jewel detailing is gorgeous but not OTT. The Sunny Girl version is classic and easy to wear black, plus it has detachable straps in case you need extra supoprt!

Motel Olga Dress ($110) Motel is one of our most popular labels, and their dresses are so simple but so eye-catching. The Olga has miliarty-style brass button detailing, flattering cap sleeves, and a sexy figure hugging cut. Tick!

ARIA Awards Red Carpet

2009-11-26T20:07:00.007+11:00

The thing is, there's only about 20 million people in Australia. So when we have red carpet events, celeb pickings can be a little slim. The 2009 ARIA's are on tonight in Sydney and the first batch of piccys to circulate have more than a few blank spots. Thankfully though, music awards leave lots of room for individual expression, outrageous styling and raised eyebrows, making them far more interesting than the uber-grooming of the Oscars...

The fallout from being super duper overly thumbs-up positive and colourful on kiddy tv made former Hi-5er Charli Delaney go for minimilast black. In every sense of the word.

Loving the colour, the shoulders and the piping on singer Lisa Mitchell's frock. She's got the whole short hem/long sleeves balance down pat. And some knockout bangles to boot.

Here's LadyHawke in a sensible grey jersey Hobbit gear:

I had to look twice - this is Kate Ritchie, looking very chic and rather fabulous without being overdone. Bravo!

And now some Little Black Dresses, without so much Little in 'em:

Sarah Blasko rocking the statement shoulder;

Clare Bowditch in a plastic, carbon-neutral frock;

and newly gingered Kate Miller-Heidke *wolf whistle*

Finally, Renee Cassar in a big red bow. Christmas is not for another month, love.

Source: ABC, Daily Telegraph, The Age

I only have one word to say to you:

2009-11-25T17:15:00.002+11:00

Croquembouche. OMG. I have never dribbled at the telly before, but this towering creation put to the Celebrity Masterchef-ers by Adriano Zumbo was positively, seriously and completely mouth watering. Plus, what an awesome word!

It's a swirl of chocolate and vanilla custard filled profiteroles covered with caramel and finished off with pretty toffee butterflies. Not on your nelly would I be attemtping this, particularly since my last baking effort, a simple vanilla cake with frosting, erm, mainly stuck to the pan. Tasty though.

However I do have a particularly talented/brave amigo who is going to make it for our girl's night christmas dinner. I am on my way over there now to deliver several packets of bandaids in anticipation (yummy caramel can apparently burn like buggery). If it works, there will be photos, there will be carbs, and there will be sugar-high festive frivolities galore. Stay tuned!

Cleo - Surprise!

2009-11-24T21:02:00.005+11:00

I had a pleasant surprise at Melbourne airport on the weekend. And it wasn't the 1.5 hr delay courtesy of Jetstar. That didn't surprise me at all, as last time it was a whole 6 hours. No, the surprise was in one of the many newsagent stands dotted around the departures lounge. Hmmm, thought I, I've found some awesome summer shorts thanks to Witchery, conveniently also in the departure area, now all I need is a really cool short summer jacket and a big plasticy mansyle watch. Swatch comes to mind. Oh look, Lily Allen on the cover of Cleo. Maybe I should buy it to read while I wait. Oh look, you get a free pink watch. OH LOOK, a white one here at the back! Sold!

Except I nearly didn't buy it, as I was cashless and you had to spend $10 to use EFTPOS. Yep, Cleo + ideal watch cost a whole $7.95. Bargain! But how to purchase? Avoid the chocolates! Don't do it! How about a packet of those all natural dinosaur lollies?

"Yep they are $5 so you'll be able to use your card," said the pleasant lady behind the counter.

$5 for lollies! Oh well, saved about $200 on a potential watch purchase so might as well treat myself.

I walked away pleased to have ticked another item of my list, but then was hit with the post-shopping guilts: had I just wasted some trees? I hadn't read Cleo since I was in high school and I didn't fancy flicking through articles on fake tan, how to sexy-fy yourself and bed as many hot young empty-headed things as possible. I had read that a recent editorial change was resulting in positive change for the mag, giving it a fresh new voice and distinguishing itself from the other C, Cosmo. No harm in giving it another chance!

The cover looked partly promising: smaller fonts with lines like "how to be a gorgeous mess", and "Lily Allen: not a wallflower" caught my eye. I could care less about Britney's stylist, overanalysing, and I'm slightly confused by "All Tomorrow's Parties". What are the kids talking about these days?

The opening "What's Now" section, aside from possibly being grammatically questionable, features, among other things, smirk-worthy quotes from Anna Wintour; an interesting profile on accessories designer Pamela Love; the gorgeous Georgia May Jagger posing in Hudson jeans but not saying much of interest; an Etsy-inspired 'make your own designer accessories' which would probably end in disaster for most of us; and "Peaches Teaches", an inexplicable column where Peaches Geldof, qualified life coach/psychologist/counsellor that she is, gives advice to readers on relationships, magazine addiction, and life. Huh?

Lily Allen's 4 page spread is a good read, not overly enlightening, but at least she never sounds like a broken record/marketing puppet. Less interesting is Samantha Brett's excursion to Ken Paves' Salon in Beverly Hills to experience hair extensions, celeb-style. Exciting. The promising 'how to be a gorgeous mess' story profiles the 'new' deco-glam look - looking done but undone. Great look for the party season - sexy, sultry, but in an effortless kinda way.

The Christmas gift guide has some great little ideas for everyone from your pooch to your parents. Further on, "The Gospel According to Gwenyth", in which Nicole Elphick tries to live a week via Goop principles, is hilarious. Agave syrup, anyone? A profile on Whitney Port is pretty bland, but the vibe picks up again with stories on 4 readers who threw caution to the wind to go travelling (would definitely recommend this myself). Of course, these are just the main articles thaty caught my eye; there are plenty more covering everything from partying safely to the "Kanye West syndrome".

The fashion pages are, predictably for a December issue, all about party outfits and bikinis. Considering my stomach has been stretched beyond recognition and not yet back to it's post-pregnancy shape (nor will it ever vbem Heidi Klum I am not), and we tend to party at a local pub/quasi-indie club where anything goes, these are not of huge interest to me personally. But, Cleo showcases lots of affordable fashion and local talent, which is a huge plus.

Beauty contains such gems as "lid vicious" in showcasing the coolest looks of the catwalk. Green eyeshadow, electric pink lips, and bold eyeliner all get a run. Not for everyone, but if you can't experiment with pink eyeshadow and orange lips when you're young, when can you?!

Love & Lust delves into hot summer romancin', an aphrodisiac test-drive, matchmaking, and all manner of relationship ups and downs. A fun read, probably not best to take all the advice to heart, and reminiscient of high school giggling seshs. Seshs? Seshes? Sessions, incidentally, is what I'm trying to say. Yeah I'm so not young enough to read Cleo anymore. Can I add a LOL here? No? Ok.

The 'free' Cleo Body Book is full of positive advice, some yummy recipes, exercises that will make you look like Jessica Alba, and a story entitled "Eat the Rainbow", which I have also seen on Sesame Street. It has a catchy little tune and all!

So overall, I was pleasantly surprised (just to reiterate the sentiment yet again in this post) by the new-look Cleo. Not a mag I'd buy every month, but it's an easy summer holiday read and, for once, I didn't feel let down forking over my money for a promising looking glossy that didn't deliver in content. Congrats, Cleo!

ps my scanner is shite so I can't scan in any mag pages. They are available for flicking at your local newsagent!

Customer.....Service?

2009-11-23T20:15:00.003+11:00

If one goes to a shop to purchase something, in general you would expect the following to happen:

Customer finishes browsing the store, after being acknowledged but not harrassed by staff, chooses item and proceeds to payment counter.

Sales Assistant: "Hello, how are you?"

Customer: "Good thankyou, how are you?"

SA: "Pretty good thanks! Gosh that's a cute/lovely/bargain dress/bag/shoes/accessory,"

C: "Yes, I'm pretty happy with it!"

SA: "Certain amount of $$ please"
C: "Here you go...thankyou"

SA: "Thankyou, goodbye!"

That's pretty bland and open to all sorts of interpretation, but the general gist is a basic, simple, and effective transaction. SA gets on with their day, C leave shappy and will probably return in the near future.

What you don't expect to happen is one of the following (note: these all happened in Myer within days of each other, to me or the person I was shopping with. Myer HR peeps please take further note).

Customers drawn into busy department store by large pink sign which reads "30% off all bags". Sign notes high end designer bags are not included, but does not note that the bags were perhaps the staff in this department.

C: "Oooh brilliant, here's this insanely practical and versatile tote I was planning to purchase anyway. Might as well grab it today!" trots off happily towards register, before being halted in tracks by the ridiculously long queue (bags and shoes are in the same area, service dby a grand total of one register).

C: "errrm......" *lightbulb goes off above head* "I'll head down towards the register where the scarves and stuff are, save waiting in line behind 465 people asking to try on shoes."

Customer arrives at counter. Beyond-middle-aged woman behind counter stops sucking lemons and turns around haughtily. Emits no sound.

C: "Could I buy this please, the line at shoes is really long."

SA: "Not really, you need to pay for it in it's own department."

C: "Well ok....but there's nobody here at all! I don't really have time to wait behind that line of people waiting to pay shoes. There's only one register over there, after all."

SA: sniffs "$119.95"

C: "oh the bags are 30% off today."

SA: "no if you buy two you get 25% off BUT YOU ARE ONLY BUYING ONE"

C: taken aback "oh sorry, there's a one-day sale sign over there that says 30% off all bags"

SA: "I TOLD YOU, it's 25% off if you buy two."

C: "But the sign..."

SA: "LOOK I'll give you 15% off but nothing else"

C: "Well thankyou, but the offer is 30% off?"

SA: "THERE IS NO 30% OFF I SAID YOU CAN HAVE 15%"

C: "Can you see the pink sign there? It says 30% off? Maybe if you go a bit closer to read it?"

SA: "I'VE WORKED HERE FOR 6 BILLION YEARS [ed.'s slight exaggeration] DON'T TRY TO TELL ME HOW TO DO MY JOB"

C: puts bag down on counter and backs away slowly, back towards the giant pink sign stating 30% off.

I thought it was only older people in big stores like this who are far too comfortable in their job to try, care or even begin to be bothered to offer some kind of service. But then:

C can't help but stop at rows and rows of lovely colours on display at high profile cosmetics counter. Considering most of her makeup bag is full of this particular brand, and previous experiences have been favourable, she decides to pick up some new eye colours.

Bored looking young SA with super shiny barbie pink lips. So shiny, C is tempted to pull sunglasses off head and back over eyes.

SA: "Can I help you?"

C: "Hi, yes I'm just after one of these eye colours" holds out hand with samples smeared all over

SA: deadly silent, points at one.

C: "err, ok, I think that's the one I liked best too"

SA: "Should I get it out for you?"

C: "yes please"

SA removes eyeshadow pot from locked drawer that C presumably had no access to and storms off to counter. C hasn't finishe dlooking so doesn't follow. SA returns.

SA: "Did you want something else?"

C's Companion: "I was after a blusher"

SA points to chair "Sit"

CC, not used to being talked to a la canine, stands stunned for a moment then sits

SA removes CC's makeup and applies powder followed by blusher. "You need lots of powder because of the redness in your cheeks"

CC looks in mirror. "Oh yes that looks nice, what was the other product you used?
SA as if she was speaking to a toddler "it was a powder" and turns away. CC rolls eyes, dismisses any idea of purchasing powder on top of blush. Both head to counter.

SA: "So you get 15% off yeah?"

C: "oh is there? thanks!"

CC: "is it 15% off everything?" (meaning, all the cosmetics your brand sells)

SA: "nooooo, just cosmetics"

CC: "yes, off all your products"

SA: stares like she has two heads "yeeeeesss. but I don't know about other labels. I've only been here, like, 2 days, this is, like, my second day." names discounted price.

C: "thanks. so what was the original price?"

SA: "I GAVE YOU THE 15% OFF!"

C: "yes, thankyou, but what was the original price?"

SA: "you got the discount! why do you want to know?" throws bag on counter

C: "alright then, byyyyyyeeee"

2 days in, a heck of a lot to learn. Personality of a hairbrush, much?

Finally, the haven of the wrinkled and fuddy: homewares. That's not quite a fair assumption, but seriously every person who works in this department seems to have previously worked connecting phone plugs in an old time telephone exchange.

2 separate customers approach counter. Stout old matron doesn't look up. Nice customer gestures to the other, "you go first, I've got more things". Other customer thanks her graciously and puts towels down on counter.

SA: "I'm busy you'll have to go to another counter."

C: "Oh, right...notes there are no other customers aside from gracious lady I've only got these 2 towels?"

SA: "I'm busy!"

C: looks around and can't see any other staff "Is there anybody on the other counter?"

SA: "I don't know! Probably not, usually I'm the only one up here."

C: "Er, well if there's nobody else here..."

SA: "Look, go to the counter in giftware"

C: not keen to attempt a purchase again in different department "um, can I please just buy these?"

SA: huffs and puffs "look, fine, give them here " snatches towels, scans and roughly shoves in bag "there are never enogh staff. And I barely get a lunchbreak...*carries on in said vein for entire transaction. gracious lady turns and flees*...there." turns away again.

C: "Well thankyou very much".

It's understandable that people have bad days. But is it neccessary to be a total mole? Why not, oh I don't know, go out on a limb and try to not be standoffish? Maybe if you smile, despite your shit day, the rest of it might improve? Unfortunately Myer is one of those stores you keep going back to regardless. I'm sure they aren't the only ones with questionable service staff. Harvey Norman also springs to mind...but that's another story!

30% off today only!

2009-11-10T23:00:00.002+11:00

You knew it was coming - time for another famous Frock You sale, and this time it's a corker: 30% off one day only (Wednesday 11th November)! If you've got the newsletter, you've already got a rundown of the most awesome buys - for kids, this summer is F-rockin', for bubs, it's all about prints, and for ladies? The (hot, steamy) sky's the limit - go nuts with neutrals, stock up on basics, get your Chrissy party frocks and shoes sorted, or just pick up some damn cool tops and swan around knowing you are the shiz. Or whatever it is kids are saying these days. To whit:

(does that makes sense? It sounds much nicer than "'ere, check this out, like", anyway. Oh and these are pieces not in this week's newsletter, cos you know, you've probably already seen those. and stuff. Prices below include the 30% discount)

One Teaspoon April Rose Fringed Tank $55.96 this is a nice fresh mauve - and not mauve like your mum's eyeshadow in 1985, more like a girly, swirled, pretty mauve in a loose fitting tank with fringing. Typically One Teaspoon (though that is a juxtaposition) it's so up-to-the-minute it's in a different time zone. One Teaspoon are not followers, they do their own thang and they do it with flair.

GRAB Button Through Stripe Top $48.96 this is a super cool piece you can throw on for casual days when you don't want to be a total dag, but can't really be arsed dressing up. Plus, it's stripey. It's kinda cropped and loose and lovely, so we've popped it over the GRAB Foil Jersey Seam Tank $27.96 which comes in a gorgeous peach shade (again, not peach circa 1983. We hope).

Sunny Girl Jew elled Dress $48.96 A fab party option, it's a new take on the LBD and has cute gemstone (well, plastic beads) detailing on the sides. Detachable straps mean you can have extra support if you need it, or you can go strapless and add a nice sheeny moisturiser or faux glow. Remember body glitter and stuff in the late 90's? I do. I loved it. And I have a tub of it I'm busting to use again - I found it for my Tinkerbell costume for Halloween. The early 90's have come around again, so surely the late 90's will be next? OMG will Britney be retro? But anyway, cute dress. And a bargain!

For the under-2's, onesies are so darn awesome - team them with chubby legs and cute little soft shoes and watch old ladies everywhere go "aaaw!". This 'sweet' print by Itch ($24.46) is a winner - bright, original and uber cute, you won't even notice food stains on this one!

And the over 2's can look suitably cool and brooding - let yer tshirt say it all, man. The Dragstar Tshirt by Munster ($27.96), teamed with skate shorts and a wicked hat, will rock the playground. And possibly the Kasbah.

The Oatmeal - Totally LOL

2009-11-10T09:09:00.000+11:00

You know how sometimes you know you should be working, cleaning, eating or otherwise engaged in a productive task, but dang, you just can't be arsed? This is when sites like The Oatmeal come in handy.

A mix of random comics, titillating anecdotes and assorted quizzes that shit on anything Facebook can come up with, it's truly a LOL a minute - dare I say it, perhaps even a LOL every 30 seconds. I'm talking the types of LOL's that begin as a snicker, then a furtive glance to make sure no-one is seeing that you are giggling at 'Things Bears Love', then a full on GIGGLE, then a "check this out LOL" in your nearest chat window.

Such is the way we can spend late nights in this millennium. Awesome.

Divalicious

2009-11-09T20:45:00.003+11:00

Diva, who are only a notch behind Supre on the dance music ear-blasting scale, now have an online store. This is awesome in so many ways, because let's face it, Diva is pretty rad. They really do have every outfit covered, and even though it's not the best quality stuff *cough*, for the most part you can update your look for under $15 so who cares!

The current issue of Madison showcases a gorgeous pair of circular drop earrings for the grand old proce of $22.99. I sifted through our local store, which is the size of a toilet cubicle but they cram an awful lot of stuff in there, to no avail. But never fear, I thought bravely, as I elbowed yet another pudgy teenybopper who was staring blankly at that sparkling wall of silver out of my way. I can buy it online!

Well, as it turns out, I can't. It's a cruel trick from the Divas above - if I can't find it, I'm only going to want it more and therefore hunt obsessively 'til I can find them. They're not on the website - please don't tell me they're last season! Or even worse - please don't tell me they were part of your wicked Buy One get One free sales and I missed out?

I compensated by spedning $5 on a statement necklace I'd spotted in Shoptilyoudrop last month (reduced from the advertised $29.95, I might add) and another $5 on a jewelled headband which was also reduced from $29.95. So in effect, my $49.90 saving compensated somewhat for my lack of dangly ear decorations.

But. I. Will. Find. Them. Or something else sparkly...

(Short) Notes on a Scandal

2009-11-05T20:30:00.003+11:00

It's rare that you see anyone at the races who looks glam in a non-trashy way. Men have it easy - shirt, tie, nice pants; but for ladies usually it means flimsy frocks, ridicluous headpieces and heels that are kicked off by lunchtime. Ok ok, so there are of course lovely fillys who frock up beautifully, but for the most part when you think 'races' you think 'stumbling around clutching a bottle of wine in one hand and shoes in the other'. Does make for a fun day out though.

Today, someone who was not Bec Hewitt wore SHORTS to the races and the world is in an uproar. This lady is studying to be a Doctor, and as it turn out, is originally from Tassie. Chantal Thornton said she wanted to do soemthing "a bit edgy, different and still appropriate", making the very good point that she didn't have to worry about her dress flying up in the wind. Not that many drunk tarts worry about that either.

She spent $1500 on her oufit (which really has nothing to do with anything except to show that she's put some effort in), has great legs, and is accessorised nicely. Nothing about her outfit is offensive, except to members of the Victorian Racing Club who warned her not to wear it again. Are they suggesting people routinely wear the same outfit to race days? That notion seems about as antiquated as making a fuss about tailored shorts. Ok, so if Jean Shrimpton hadn't worn a mini-dress way back when, we may have been saved from eyefuls of cellulite today, but surely stuffy old insitutions need a shake up from time to time. AND THEY'RE JUST SHORTS.

Locally, we know of a fellow who was refused entry to the local racing club on a stinking hot day, because he wasn't wearing a jacket. Nobody inside was wearing one either, but he wasn't allowed through the door until he had a jacket on. I'm all for dressing appropriately and presenting yourself well, but there comes a point where it all just gets a bit ridiculous.

How come Bec Hewitt was lauded (well, ok, not totally bagged) for wearing this? White shorts and a bra-style top...ummm...?

Sources: Herald Sun, The Age

Halloween - apparently, not invented by Hallmark

2009-10-30T11:02:00.005+11:00

I've never been a fan of Halloween - it's always been a slightly puzzling Americanised tradition I only read about in Sweet Valley Twins books or saw in films. But, my daughter has a really cute Little Red Riding Hood outfit we got for Bookweek a few months ago, and it'd be a shame to wear it only once! So this year, I'm going to suspend my cynicism and just get involved and have fun. My Tinkerbell costume is hanging at the ready (not scary I know, but it's pretty short and my legs aren't supermodel-esque so a few people will be given a fright, no doubt).

Being the curious soul that I am, and also so I can justify this sudden change of heart, I decided to look into the origins of Halloween. It makes the whole dressup, carved pumpkins and faux spider webs seem a bit more classy if you can back it up with a few Stephen Fry style quotations. Plus, it's sure to impress intoxicated naughty vampire nurses/gothic porn star/assorted pseudo-dead types at the pub.

It would appear Halloween originated in an ancient Gaelic tradition known as Samhain (sow-in). This came up on several Google searches, so it must be true. Samhain celebrates the end of the 'light' half of the year and the beginning of the 'dark' half, making the basis of Halloween as about as relevant as snow globes at Christmas over here. But anyway. Other Celts held similar festivals, because it was believed that the border between this world and the next became thinner at this time of year, letting the good, the bad and the ugly of the spirit world pass through. By wearing a mask and disguising yourself, you escaped harm from these spirits; though presumably slutty vampire costumes will attract attention, so be warned...

When the Romans conquered the Celts the incorporated the festival of Feralia, their own late October festival of the dead, into Samhain. When it became fashionable to be Christian, various Popes called Gregory tried to downplay this pagan festival by moving All Saint's Day to Nov 1st. Thus, the eve before All Saint's Day became All Hallow's Eve, which in our lazy lexicon eventually became Halloween.

The carving of pumpkins into Jack-o-Lanterns has various origins. One version involves a greedy old drunk Irish farmer known as Stingy Jack, possibly fuming at what a comical stereotype he'd become, who tricked the devil into climbing a tree, and trapped him there by carving a cross into the trunk. The devil then cursed him to wander forever at night with the only light he had, a candle inside a hollowed turnip. Whether or not the devil is still up that tree is unknown...just as colourful is the story that wives in English villages used hollwed out vegies as lanterns when they were out at night looking for their intoxicated husbands. The men's beer goggles mistook the lanterns for ghouls and ran away in fright, to the great amusement of the wives (although this does defeat the purpose of going out to look for them in the first place). The women thought it was so funny that they and the children continued the tradition.

Pumpkin carving didn't actually catch on until the 1800's, when Eurpoean immigrants headed Stateside. The folk back in Old Blighty didn't actually have pumpkins, so imagine their delight at being able to carve these big orange things instead of turnips! Catching on in the Southern colonies first (those crusty old Protestants up north wouldn't hear of such nonsense), by the turn of the 20th century the whole country was celebrating with mischief, fireworks, bonfires and fortune telling. Unfortunately the KKK saw this time of year as free reign to don their white sheets and hang and burn things with abandon, and many pranks turned into vandalism and crime. The 20's to the 50's saw a move to make the celebration less ghoulish and more about, erm, commercialism. Well ok they didn't say that, but it was developing into the horrific marketing ploy that we know and love today. Buy costumes, lollies, decorations, chuck a party...and according to Wikipedia, in 2006 Americans were expected to spend a whopping $4.6 billion on Halloween. That's a whole lotta pumpkin.

Sources: Wikipedia, history.com, deliriumsrealm.com

Baby Teresa - Buy Once, Give Twice!

2009-10-29T19:36:00.003+11:00

We've got a funky new label on board at Frock You - Baby Teresa, a Tasmanian label (woo!) launched just last month. The range consists of cute onesies and rompers, but with a difference: for each piece purchased, another is donated to a baby in need, anywhere in the world. Aaaw!

They come in nifty little gift boxes, and make an extra special gift becuase you're not only giving a gorgeous little outfit to a baby you know and love, but also to another who you don't know and doesn't know you, but will appreciate it just as much. And, if you know of or are involved in a charity that might benefit, get in touch with Baby Teresa's brilliant creators Kirsty and Sammie - they want to donate a Baby Teresa outfit to at least one baby in every country in the world!

The first range consists of two styles, Hieu and Lan, named after two Vietnamese orphans supported by Foundation Lotus Child. The idea is that a onesie, whether it be short or long sleeved, is basically an all-in-one outfit, so you have the opportunity to fully clothe a child in need. So simple, and so worthwhile!

Short sleeved onesies are $29.95, while long sleeved rompers are just $34.95. The feelgood factor, at risk of sounding like a Mastercard ad, is priceless.

Target. Right On.

2009-10-24T20:10:00.005+11:00

I am sitting here eating my hat. And my words. And also a piece of banana bread we baked this afternoon. Yum. See, I've finally given in to something I never thought I would. And it happened in a department store.

I haven't even told husband yet (but I should note, he would like me to mention that he is not as cheap as I make him out to be, and thinks nothing of spending thousands on band gear and mountain bikes. A few hundred bucks on a handbag or pair of shoes is a completely different matter, though) - like all good Gen X-ers, I'll just blog it out. Despite getting to view collections 6 months before the general public and being marginally obsessed with all things fashion-y, I find it hard to plunge headlong into most trends; because for one they are just that, trends, and for the most part nobody was to look like they overdosed on Supre; and for another an awful lot of trends just do not suit an awful lot of people, but these people insist on wearing them and thus ruining the illusion for the rest of us. My case in point: harem pants.

We don't exactly live in a fasion capital ,but for the most part there are a decent amount of trendy kids lolling about the place in the latest must-haves. Probably they work at Sportsgirl and therefore have to wear these pieces, but anyway. And I know what you're thinking, harem pants aren't exactly the 'latest' look. One of my friends absolutely lives in them (seriously, prior to this whole thang I never ever saw her in the same thing twice, and I've known her for at least 10 years) but she is tall and willowy and therefore looks pretty good. And she is always at pains to tell me how ridiculously comfy she is.

Maybe I was having a fat day, or just thoroughly enjoying a bit of 'me' time. At any rate, I had one of those awesome Target moments where you walk by an overstuffed rack of reasonably priced clothing, and suddenly spot just one lonesome piece hanging there, not belonging. 'Buy me!' it calls out pitifully. And then it happens to be your size and the only one there and just the style you've been pondering for awhile (which makes it a good buy, not a spur of the moment regret. Truly). These pants were just the shape I thought I'd need if I was to delve into this look - at not quite 5'4 and fairly petite, for the most part baggy pants swamp me and make me look short and wide which is generally not the desired outcome. Should I? Would I, even though I would have to explain to everyone why I jumped on the bandwagon so late? (Yes obviously, 'cos, um, here we are).

So I clutched them under my arm in the manner of a shoplifter and headed off to browse the kidswear, where I had another, and possibly the best Target moment of all - a cute skirt which was admitedly a ripoff of a more pricey one I had my eye on, only one left in my daughter's size, but no 20% off sale this week, for a change. Oh well, not like it was exxy anyway. Passing by one of those red scanner things, I had a juvenile urge to play checkout chick, and to my delight it scanned up at half price! Oh, Target, depiste your questionable tshirt prints and unkempt cosmetics section, how I do love thee.

In the privacy of my bedroom, I slipped into my new pants and turned to the mirror, not quite daring to look. What if my fashion moment turns out to be a failure? But, rejoice! Just the right cut and shape, crotch in the right place (ie not on the floor) and man, they were comfy. Like tracky pants without having to try and look sporty. I've given in, I'll take my seat at the very back of the bandwagon and happily sit there all summer, the breeze rippling through the loosely fitting jersey of my latest wardrobe additions.

So the moral of this rather long-winded story is, don't knock it til you've tried it. Well not quite, as I have tried these previously and never been able to find the right pair. Perhaps, don't knock it til you've tried Target?

Department stores not your thang? Buy online:

Living Doll Drape Harem Pants $39.95

Balenciaga for yer Beaver

2009-10-23T21:15:00.004+11:00

Cher Horowitz once said, "you know how fussy I am about my shoes, and they only go on my feet." And Kotex listened.

Their new Platinum range offers 'a touch of luxury where you need it most.' I'm not entirely convinced that that time of the month need be shrouded in luxury. Comfort, protection and convenience, yes. But luxury? Maybe "a touch of luxury when you need it most" might be more appealing. Yes, I'm feeling fat and shitey so hell, I will buy these prettily packaged neccessities, GST and all. Do we need luxury down there? It's not exactly a glamourous situation, no matter what spin you put on it. Should your tampon match your tote bag? Vuitton for your vag, Prada for your p...um, well you get the picture.

But what features do these 'luxury' products come with? The tampons have a 'slender design and tapered tip' which although isn't groundbreaking, is reassuring. Not sure I want bling on that. The pads have an 'easy-peel wrapper' so you can undo it all in one swift move, a must for women on the go. It would appear they are not made of cashmere, are not monogrammed and will not be actually seen on a catwalk anytime soon. So are these neccessities really luxurious? Is 'luxury' in this domain really neccessary? Or should Kotex just stop claiming their products are high-end and admit that women like pretty packaging, so that's what they did, albeit a bit OTT?

Regretsy. SO FUNNY!

2009-10-23T09:25:00.000+11:00

I've not done much more today apart from ROFL to the max at Regretsy, a hilarious blog about all the horrible shit you can buy on etsy. I heart etsy so much, but not so much as to want to purchase a vampire-printed reusable menstrual pad. Or a child's wall print about abortion. Or a poncho for my chicken. Or a pink made from a turtle's claw (seriously). Actually some of these just sound sick and their makers should probably be arrested. To lighten the mood, here's some shoes someone painted Twighlight-style. Good taste not included.

Shock! It's OK to wear the same thing twice!

2009-10-22T21:02:00.003+11:00

As a retailer, I really should say that it is not ok to wear the same thing twice, you must always buy something new, or pointy-toed and pointy-nosed people will sneer at you. But, Anna Wintour has actually said that she sometimes wears a dress up to twenty times. TWENTY! That's almost normal! Of course, she wears the same hairdo all the time, but it's almost like her trademark, so she gets away with it, without question. The article also notes that she 1) eats and 2) eats steak, so it seems there is hope for us mere mortals yet. What with the outrage over Photoshopping 'fat' models and a slow editorial drift towards using real sized women (hopefully more regularly than one-off features), is the glossy world of , erm, glossy magazines slowly being unravelled?

Information is so accessible nowdays that we're finally realising that the people who put together these perfect pages for us to aspire to, are not totally untouchable or indeed, out of touch? Maybe. Or should we just be depressed that depsite our best efforts, the planet is still going to to the bogger because influential people think that 'recycling' means wearing a frock more than once? Most likely.

Oh well, chin up - here's a frock you could wear more than once:

Lucky 13 Oversized Knit Dress, $99.95

Mid-season Markdowns!

2009-10-20T20:04:00.008+11:00

The retail world at the moment is something of a bargain hunter's paradise. I haven't paid full price for anything in Myer for yonks, if in fact ever. And now, it's mid-season for S/S '09/10, which means *trumpet fanfare* mid-season markdowns!

We've gone through and marked down previous season and 1st summer stock from nearly every label (plus if you sign up to the newsletter you get your extra member's 10% off!) and there are some seriously good buys to be had. So, without further ado here are 5 fabulous finds (note: must get sub editor):

Motel Heidi D ress now $69 this is an awesome party dress for the upcoming festive season - sweet but sexy, it only needs some killer heels to complete the look!

One Teasp oon Frilly Rose Shirt now $49.95 you'll see this look again next season so get in now! Team a floaty blouse with a pencil skirt for the office, with a statement shoulder jacket or a miliraty inspired vest for a cool contrast.

Mermaid Sister G l itter Girl Slouchy Jumper now $49.95

If you're heading to a summer festival, a super cool but not overly heavy pullover (did I just say pullover? Yes Nanna I did. Jumper? Sweater? Why am I having issues with this?) is a must-have for later in the evening. Plus, when winter comes round you can throw it on with jeans and boots for easy casual chic!
Freshbaked Check Shirt s now $29.95 a checked shirt over a tee is classically cool - just roll up the sleeves when it's hot! Erm and no cowboy hats/boots please. Please.

Moppit Chloe Top now $29 this is so chic for little girls, and looks great teamed with tailored shorts for a dressier casual option. (Does that make sense? Maybe. Anyway. It's getting late. And Ladette to Lady is on shortly so let's wrap this up people). Not to take away from this garment. It's a proper little lady top in a gorgeous shade of green and thankfully has no random "cutie pie" print or other such atrocity (had a bad experience in Target the other day. So many pointless prints on tshirts.) Wow this has gotten long. Point is, this is a great alternative to a tshirt but slips on and off as easily and works with denim, looks like it costs more than it does, and has a chic designer edge. Score!

Check out the Sale section for all the new markdowns, and don't forget to browse through Last One Left to make sure you don't miss out on a must-have piece!

Celeb Fashion Collections - Why?!

2009-10-15T20:59:00.006+11:00

It's not news that for whatever deep-rooted biological and/or psychological reason, we've all been conditioned to want what celebs have, wear what they wear, pay use the products they are paid to tell us to use.

What is news, or at least a small ripple, is that finally the tide is turning and people are speaking up and saying "hang on, for the most part these celebs know bugger all. Why do we care so much?" Hurrah! Vogue editor Kirstie Clements was suitably horrified that Peaches Geldof was a 'reporter' for London Fashion Week, imparting such wisdom as "yeah i like the shorts and stuff. It's stuff I'd wear". Clements wrote, "is it only in the fashion world that people let uneducated morons have their say?" Fashion journalism might not oust political corruption or lead to world peace, but imagine being one of the articulate, educated writers who really know their stuff, working your bits off to cover show after show, only to have people skim over your words in order to see what Peaches and Pixie and ZanyStardust utter in their uber cool contemptoous way.

Not to mention being a designer. Imagine the years of work, training, the strenous creative process and ultimately the part you can play in social history (clothes maketh the man, yes?), only to have Linday Lohan come onboard, not as the 'face' of your brand but actually a creator, and a month later present a collection. To say she's no Kate Moss is pretty fair. We're talking about a chick who gave us Mean Girls and Leggings-as-pants.

LiLo came on board as Ungaro's 'artistic advisor' and the collection was kindly labelled by WWD as "cheesy and dated". Apparently the show also involved "glitter heart pasties". Um. To be fair, expectations probably weren't all that high to begin with, and to read that Lohan came out for her bow with tears in her eyes softens the snickers a little. At least she had the decency to be a bit embarrassed and admit the whole collection was a rushed job.

Maybe its a result of the GFC, but is our spend-and-consume-instant-gratification mindset slowly slowing down? Quality not quantity, dahlings. Can a product be judged on it's own merits, instead of the popularity of the celebrity endorsing it?

Speaking of celebrity endorsements, this gorgeous white dress has been given much love (and some editorial) by the classy ladies at Shoptilyoudrop magazine. Ok, so they're not really celebs, but they sure do know a thing or two about frocks:

Sunny Girl Cutout Lace Dress $49.95

Party Like it's...Tupperware Time

2009-10-14T19:23:00.007+11:00

Despite free worldwide shipping at Net-a-Porter, a great Woodford & Co sale at buyinvite, and 25% discount codes for Asos, my biggest purchase this week has been...wait for it...Tupperware. Seriously. Dubious spelling and all (Pack'n'Stor? CheeSmart? And I still can't work out what's so rock'n'rollin' about Rock'n'Serve). Put it down to age, an increasing need for transportable plastic storage that toddlers can open themselves, an overflowing wardrobe or plain old 'turning into your mother' syndrome, but they're some nifty shit in there. And lots of colour. All they need to do is introduce a sparkly range and I'd take up selling it myself. The Tupperware website even has a "Party Inspiration" section for gawd's sake!

Not that I go near Tupperware parties, unless there is free wine/cheese/SingStar on offer. A friend who has a friend who sells her TuppStuff (hey I'm copyrighting that) gave me a catalogue to browse through, no strings attached. I can't stand the obligation one feels to buy hundreds of dollars of essentially pointless crap. Avon is much the same, Linen parties, handbag parties, and the list goes on. You become the 'cheap' friend if you don't buy anything, and resentment kindles in your gut at the acquaintance who forced you to go along. It's psychological warfare. I thought I'd be a clever dick and buy it online, but lo and behold, all you can do online (aside from eBay) is request a catalogue/get a local representative to call you. Which is the same as asking Jehovahs in for morning tea.

My net-a-porter order should be here on Friday. My Tupperware, probably next month. No doubt your mum has cupboards full of plastic containers she acquired aeons ago with the intention of sorting and labelling her pantry, but then it became to time-consuming to transfer the weekly groceries from it's plastic packaging into your plastic packaging so it just sat in the cupboard storing dustmites for eternity. It's nice to know such retro affectations can continue. I reckon it will be worth the wait!

Taking your tupperware on a picnic? Impress it with a pretty patterned frock: Birds of a Feather Monet Dress, $119.95

Running In Heels

2009-10-12T20:32:00.003+11:00

It all started so innocently. A dear friend suggested we make the most of all the fabulous shoes we'd been buying and hiding from husbands, frock up and have a nice posh dinner. The 'frock' bit was quite specific, and you'd think, considering my line of work, wouldn't be an issue. But then I delved deep into the dark corners of my wardrobe, trying to find something suitable that would not only match my awesome pink shoes, but would also hide some winter kilos. Patterned maxi dresses, too casual. Yellow/pink/green/blue cocktail numbers, too much colour (depsite the colour-on-colour trend we're all meant to embrace this season). LBD's....have trotted them all out on previous occassions and can't get away with the GFC-shame of wearing again. Did I call on Frock You? You betcha, and the one dress that would be perfect, was, in fact, perfect, almost got a run until I ditched the opaque tights and was blinded by my legs.

"Run to the tanning bar!" I hear you say. "Piss off!" I yell back. Shades of orangey-brown and me just do not match. Nor does me and running. Or, so I thought.

To end the party story and satisfy your undoubtedly bubbling curiosity, my GRAB Rushcutters in double black and a few silky layered tank tops did the job nicely. My eyeliner had a party of it's own all over my face but by the time I noticed I'd had too many expensive wines to care.

Sunday morning brought an urgent need for eggs and bacon, coffee, and eye makeup remover. It also led to a nice brunchly convesation with the Mr about how all my friends have a Wii Fit and I didn't and I couldn't wear a frock cos I'm toooo fat and pale and ghastly and it's all his fault for being chronically cheap and insisting we register the cars and pay the rent and shit. See, if I had a Wii not only could I say "wiiiii" alot and giggle, but I would have nice toned legs and arms (still pale, but at least I would've noticed them in order to apply tanning moisturiser in time for important social events, instead of covering with jeans and tights and letting them wallow in their whiteness all winter). His suggestion, being the sensible type, was to suggest I join him in a weights programme he found online (for free) using the good weights we already have (owned for years). Between that and the daily pram walk I ahem, aim for, (push a 3 year old up and down some hills in a pram with a constantly flat tyre and tell me you can't feel the burn!) I might get a little fit. But not muscly fit, just healthy fit. So I agreed. And I've been doing it and it does feel great.

Unfortunately it also invloves several factors that are quite foreign and scary to me, namely, sweat, trackpants, and concentrating on just one thing for a whole ten minutes. Sweat can be relieved with a healthy iced water and a nice shower with lots of neccessarily luxurious beauty products. Trackpants are made bearable when you brave Supre and realise their Sporte section sell ultra ultra comfy leggings and pants you can match with a rainbow of $10 tshirts. Concentrating on just one thing? Still working on it. But I'll get there in part, because one of my friends loves telling me about her jogs around Wii Island. Yes, such a fantastical place exists! And in the comfort of your loungeroom no less. I've asked Santa for a Wii Fit Plus, the new version out this week, and I'm hoping beyond hope it's customisable to such an extent that I could jog away to my hearts content and window shop at the same time. You could place a 70% off sale at the end of the task to make yourself get there within a certain time! Oooh then I would concentrate on a run. And I'd have to get new shoes. Running shoes, but new shoes.

I do get distracted easily. Here, let me wave something shiny and new in front of your face, in a new end-of-blog section I like to call "stuff we sell": the really really cool Minty Meets Munt Riveted Skirt, $89.95.