New Bits: Birds of a Feather Winter '10

"Like a first kiss, Birds of a feather is a brand to fall in love with - flirty party frocks, dress tops and cute bottoms all in the sweetest, vintage-inspired prints for the blushingly romantic at heart." I didn't wirte that, the team at Birds did, but it sums up perfectly what the brand is about. If your buzzword is "pretty", this should be your first stop!

These pieces have just been uploaded today, and already us Frockers are frothing at the mouth to get our grubby little paws on them. Um, ew. Please be assured hand washing and regular use of antibacterial hand cleanser is a regular part of the day here at Frock HQ. Not in an OCD way, but still in a hygienic way. Promise.

So, what bits are our germ-free fingers clawing at? Me, I love the Pink to Make The Boys Wink Sweater ($89.95) which is really more purple than pink, but it has cute red buttons on the shoulder. It's the new version of last year's hugely popular Clicking Heels Sweater - one of those casual little pieces you can throw on with jeans and flats and instantly look done, but not overdone. Love it.

Ebony latched on to the Read Between the Lines Dress ($89.95) and wouldn't let go. Which is bad news for the rest of you, as we were only delivered limited sizes. It's stripey, has a bow, is mega comfy AND you can wear it year-round. Get in quick.

And Gen? Well, she's the type of gal who wears square glasses and berets and looks like a fashion blogger, though she's actually studying Law. But she's also the type of gal who loves simple layering pieces with their own personality ie, the Love Forever Top ($49.95). The cut is simple, but the print is arty enough to make others on campus a bit jealous. Mwahahaha.

Spring is in the air!

Well it's freezing cold in July, which means Spring 09 has started to arrive (and I've just finished buying for high Summer, which I SO feel like doing when it's 8 degrees outside). This season, most labels are playing it fairly safe, but at least this translates to wearable, versatile pieces that will last more than a season. Not that any of it is heavy on the hip pocket anyway - here's a few key pieces from the latest arrivals that may incite drooling, so get out a napkin now:

Mimosa Goddess Dress, $129.95 it's black, it's simple, it has the most delicate of details and it's one shouldered. I can't stand people going without pants (I'm looking at you, 'Lady' Gaga. Actually I'm not. It hurts.) but going without a shoulder strap is a-ok. In fact, it's downright sexy in a non-boobs-up-and-out kinda way.

French Kitty Belle-Lisious Top, $59.95 I'm not a fan of their spelling but I am a fan of their cute prints - this little cami has umbrellas on it! Unleash your inner 5 year old and go all girly with denim shorts and a headband...aaaw!

Lucky 13 Asymmetrical Lace Dress, $119.95 Ring us up and ask for Shaz, then get her to say "Asymmetrical" - it's funny because she can't. Anyway, the "Astronomical" dress by Lucky 13 has been flying off the shelves (possibly literally, maybe she's onto something) around the country. It's a new take on the bestselling Bandage dress, with lacey cutout bits. Seriously sexy.


GRAB Loose Knit Oversize Tank, $59.95 this has that slouchy, too cool to care sorta vibe about it, and looks aweosme layered with other tank tops and a few dangly necklaces. The wide knit is light and the charcoal colour is a must-have - it looks especially cool contrasted against typical Spring pastels and summer brights.

Indy C Matt Bead Necklace, $14.95 Wear them in contrast to your outfit for a striking but not OTT statement - or heck, at $14.9 a pop why not wear all 3 colours at once!

Little Potty Red Shoes Pixie Dress, $209 I shouldn't even put this on here 'cos there aren't many left, but damn it's a pretty frock! One customer wrote in: "I just want to say I love, love, LOVE this dress! I remember asking you guys about it a few months ago if you were able to get it in. Which you were! Thanks! The best dress I've ever tried on. I look amazing!" It's fitted at the top with a flirty skirt, and the bold modern colour blocks make it edgy.

Birds of a Feather Here Comes The Sun Top, $49.95 You'll be humming the tune all day but this is just the piece to get you in the mood for Summer. We've actually got lots more Birds here waiting to be uploaded but it hasn't been shot yet (Ebony and assorted models are heading out on Thursday to freeze their bits off in an effort to bring you some springtime looks); and trust me, it is GORGEOUS! More on that later.

And you've probably noticed, but thankfully nobody minds, that we've had to up our famous $5 shipping rate by...wait for it..A WHOLE DOLLAR! Depsite tantrums, name-calling and endless phone calls we haven't been able to negotiate a cheaper rate with Aus Post so we've had to submit to their price rises. But it's still hella cheap for an overnight service, and don't forget that it's always FREE when you spend over $150!

Why do we do this...?!

Righto, so in the interest of competitive spirit and a last-ditch attempt to avoid more broken ankles/fingernails, we have possibly stupidly called for a one day only 30% off sale tomorrow, Monday 29th June...oh everyone else is doing it, we thought we better as well! Yes folks, peer pressure is alive and well in the cyber-world.

Now, you'll find the code on the front page of the website in bold red letters, and most importantly the t&c's here and also in the newsletter. If you buy something with the 30% off code, you can't send it back for a refund, but you can exchange it at your own cost or return it for a store credit. This is because we get a sickly pleasure in emptying our shelves and seeing a truckload of pink parcels leave Frock HQ, hopefully never to return. It's particularly pleasing at this time of year because on Tuesday, even though we'll be utterfly stuffed from the sale on Monday, we have to count whatever is left; which is more boring than a new series of Big Brother, heaven forbid.

There's new bits from Effigy49, Birds of a Feather, Mermaid Sister, and Nude, for a start...your wardrobe will thank you!

Bring on the chill - hot new stuff!

I do like winter. My birthday is in winter, winter fashions are so much more forgiving, and you don't see people walking around fake tanned up to - and possibly including - their eyeballs. We continually get surprises every morning from our lovely labels, who just keep on sending us gorgeous new knits and bits despite the fact we are all convinced we have received all the winter stock. I bought it all, you'd think I'd know, but buying is done 6 months in advance so it's easy to forget! (and also time consuming to open files and look it up. sheesh.) Speaking of which, we'll give you a summer sneaky peaky next week...

But for now, you are probably sitting toasty in your ugg boots (please remain indoors), feeling bittersweet about the crappy weather/gorgeous clothes conundrum that winter presents us with. So, here's a little rundown on our newest pieces that get the Frock tick of approval (well, they all do, otherwise we wouldn't sell them, but let's call these extra special ticks of approval).

Most recently uploaded (as in, today), are these pieces from Mermaid Sister. They know how to do casual cool better than most, and the price points are fantastic. The Crazy Love Sweater ($59.95) started selling literally two minutes after they were uploaded, so get a-clickin' quick smart if you want one! Mermaid's sweaters have that daggy-cool retro feel, perfect for throwing on with jeans. I'm also a fan of the Glitter Girl Slouchy Jumper ($69.95), which puzzlingly enough has no glitter in it; however this is a good thing if 'casual chic' is what you're after - it's a looser fitting jumper that would look amazing with denim, boots and some layered necklaces. No suprises that the Glitter Girl Slouchy Cardi ($89.95) is also sparkle-free, but it is the most beautiful blue colour, which is such a nice change from the usual winter palette. Plus, this shade is definitely coming in again for summer! And if checks are your thing (we know they are, checked things sell ridiculously fast) you can unleash your inner grungy-snow-bunny with the Check Baby Hooded Jacket ($119.95).

Birds of a Feather is another fave labels with Frockers around the world (yep, we even sent some to Estonia) and this season the delivery was so late I'd forgotten what was going to be in it. But it was like Christmas in, um, winter, when we unpacked it all last week - very ladylike and so very very pretty, it's hard to pick favourites but the No Place Like Home Dress ($89.95) looks as gorgeous in person as it does on Jess our gorgeous model; and the Clicking Heels sweater ($89.95) quickly found it's way to my wardrobe. Actually it dodn't even make it that far cos I am wearing it today - it's simple but has cute hot pink stitching around the neckline, a little detail that made it a standout piece! The City Lights Top ($89.95) also has hot pink detailing, in the form of a waist sash, and is covered in little white polka dots - SO CUTE!!

GRAB has a legion of fans, not only in love with their denim but their fashion-conscious pieces that are, thankfully, not ripped off the catwalk (unlike most high-street labels). They have a team of in-house designers which keep their ranges fresh and unique. AND their knitwear is AWESOME! In a recent wardrobe survey, I discovered I really have quite alot of it, so you know it must be good. I jest, I jest! It is though. So good, in fact, that you'd be hard pressed and possibly senile to go past the Peter Pan Jacquard Cardi ($99.95) which we featured in our catalogue and which can be worn as a dress or oversize cardi. The sample here swims on poor little Jess, but in person it is absolutely gorgeous. The Zipper Knit Dress ($69.95) is another winter no-brainer - just throw it on with tights! My other weekend fave is the Collared Long Cardi ($89.95) which is perfect for that casual-chic look and it's also toasty warm without being heavy. Score! (Rosie wears it here with the One Teaspoon Eagle Eye Silk top [$99.95]).

That's probably enough waffling from me, for now *muhahaha*. Yeah, definitely time for a cuppa...

PS - if you're a Frocker, til Friday you can get 20% off everything! If you're not, sign up now to get the code!