Sale Time!

Ah, June. The official start of winter, so you can eat loads of mashed potatoes and steaming casseroles and warm puudings oozing with sticky sauce. So you can start to actually bust out that amazing coat and those fabulous boots you've been hoarding since they hit the shops in the middle of sumer. So you can hit the sales and stock up your wardrobe, guilt-free. I already gave my cards a working out in Myer today - their %off stocktake sale really begins tonight for MyerOne cardholders, or tomorrow for everyone, but all their markdowns were done and they had loads of "stocktake preview specials" dotted throughout the store. I may have been naughty on the frock front, but I did restrain myself a little - a gorgeous, deep berry red Cue party dress down to $74 from $249 very nearly made it's way to my cupboard, but the straps didn't sit quite right. Pre-Recession I would've shrugged and bought it anyway, but in these leaner times I thought twice about it. And also wondered exactly where I was going to wear it, considering there are at least 5 party frocks in my wardrobe that haven't graced the dancefloor yet. See - sale time is all about being sensible.

Oh yeah and on a side note - you can get 25% off all week at Frock You! That's new arrivals, sale items, the lot. The code is JUNE25 and it's valid up to and including Friday 4th June. It might not be as good a discount as what the chain stores are offering (some of the markdowns out there are mad!! MAD!) but it's still pretty good, I reckon. At least you won't show up for lunch in the same Sportsgirl marked-down top as all your friends. Check out labels like Blue Juice, Motel, GRAB,  and Nude for unique but totally wearable winter essentials; and for Little Frockers, well, you'd better be quick as it has been insane in the kidswear department, with mos torders being for 10+ items at a time (hey it makes shipping free so why not!). Munster, Itch, Walnut, Monstar Kids and Monster Baby are all being cleared at a rapid rate - the prices are pretty darn good and the styles are completely and utterly awesome!

Excuses, excuses

(pic)

As you may have guessed, we're run off our feet here at FrockHQ 'cos of our mega birthday sale, so any musings on my growing additcion to ABC docos/people who wear heels in Coles/tingly anticipation for the new series of Masterchef are going to have to wait a couple of days while we pick and pack, wrap and stick all your bargains! Gosh, that was a long sentence.

The postcard doesn't lie. I (we) do wish you were here - many hands make light work after all. However, I'm very proud of Team Frock as we are alot more caught up with orders then I thought we'd be. Basically, orders placed up until 1:30pm today are on their way to you, and any after that (and before about 3pm tomorrow) will be out tomorrow - which means bargains in your hot little hands before the weekend! And of course, the discount runs til 11:59pm on Thursday.

Plus, Eb just nicked off with a big bundle of exciting new goodies to shoot, so look out from Friday for even more new stuff from the likes of Minty Meets Munt, GRAB and Blue Juice. It might not be 30% off, but it's 100% awesome.

30% off today only!

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 Jewelled 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.

New Spring Arrivals for Lady Frockers!

(NB: Little Frockers, watch this space (or get Mum to) - Munser, Missie Munster, Chilli Kids, Walnut, Baobab and Itch instore shortly!)

The last few weeks have been grey, dreary and rainy, but thankfully here at Frock HQ there are oodles of bright new Spring pieces to keep us from going nuts. Here's a few must-buys I thought I'd better alert you to before they sell out (Motel fans, take heed - many styles selling through at record rates despite being on the site less then a week!):

Sunny Girl Grey Boyfriend Blazer ($69.95): still a raging hot piece, the blazer is made lighter for spring, in a lovely shade of grey with a relaxed 'boyfriend' fit. Makes a pretty sundress that much more edgier (though grammatically dubious), or looks sexy and modern teamed with a tee and denim cutoffs. This version is a nice light linen and you can wear the sleeves cuffed to show off the cool stripey lining!

Living Doll V Neck Dress: this is a definite wardrobe staple - perfect for lazy summer days when it's too hot to care, for throwing over a bikini or accessorising with a belt/scarf/chunky bangles, it truly is an effortless piece that looks casual and chic at the same time. Plus it's only $34.95!

Motel Selina Dress ($110): I couldn't decide which Motel piece to put on here, as they are all really amazing this season, but I do like the bright blue skirt of the Selina dress (despite the name Selina making me think of the gummy Home & Away chick. Incidentally why is it called Home & Away? When are they ever 'Away'? Where are the scenes outside Summer Bay?) The jersey tank top and full skirt is flattering to pretty much everyone, unlike the skintight legging-jeans I saw a group of oversized bogan teenagers sporting in the local mall yesterday. OMG.

Two pieces from GRAB get a mention this week - the really really cool Ladder Detail Tank ($79.95), which has an edgy, rock chic style, and requires little else to make your outfit stand out, I'm thinking it's the perfect gigging top; and the chic Pointelle Wide Sleeve Knit ($89.95), which falls neatly into the 'dressy casual' category I like to pretend I invented to justify any expensive jeans that somehow end up in my wardrobe. Imagine this top with pale denim, a tan bag and heels - easy, simple and sophisticated.

A sweet little tee is a must for Spring, and French Kitty's Side Show Act Top ($49.95) has a cute bow at the neckline, giving it a nautical feel - but thankfully the pink and grey stripes make it more girly than yacht-y. Not that there's anything wrong with yacht-y, if it is even a word, but how many of us own a yacht on which to wear suitably nautical attire?

This week there'll be new arrivals from Blue Juice, Lucky 13 & Pink Stitch, so check the site daily and follow us on Twitter for instant updates! Plus, due to your overwhelming requests/demands, the Spring/Summer '09/10 catalogue is in the works, and should be available to view online mid-September. I'm wary of print versions as I am more than a bit anal about wasting paper and trees, but if we can find a decent printer we just might do a very limited print run...!

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!

WIN A Year's worth of Denim from GRAB!

We just started this promo today and it's going NUTS! The lovely lasses at GRAB are giving you lucky sods (I can't enter *sob*) the chance to win a new pair of jeans every month for a whole year. Yep, 12 pairs of brand spanking new skinnies, distressed, bootcut, wideleg, black, washed, blue...the latest looks for a grand price of $0! Well, strictly speaking it'll cost you whatever you pay for a pair of GRAB jeans from Frock You (they start at $99), and each time you buy a pair you get two entries into the draw. You're not even competing against other GRAB stockists, this is purely for Frockers only.

All the deets are on the GRAB page and also in the newsletter we whipped up this morning. You don't even need to fill in any forms or answer a dodgy "25 words or less" question. Just buy a pair, and we do the rest! Comp runs til 31st May...and if your fav pair have sold out, we will be restocking so don't fret. You can always Contact Us if you're desperate for something!

I truly adore the Rushcutter Double Black - Laura (currently battling glandular fever, which is why there are so many flat lay shots on the site at the mo! poor dear) wore them in a shoot and refused to take them off! They are sooo comfy, sit higher on the waist so there's no bum crack/muffin top and work back so easily with everything, winter or summer. I'm not usually a fan of black but this winter's soft goth lacey/military/structured jackets make them a perfect basis for just about any look.

We've also just recieved the Darwin Faded skinny, which make a great alternative if you've spent the last few seasons, like yours truly, living in dark washes. They look great for working more casual 'rock chic' looks with printed tees, oversize knits and for spring/summer with whites and neutrals.

And the classic bootcut Kilda jean is one of GRAB's ongoing bestsellers - universally flattering, and Kate Moss's current cut of choice (alright she's not been snapped in GRAB but some heeled boots and a loose knit over bootcuts is a look you can get away with from the playground to shopping strip), they make you look balanced, slimmer and chic. With spare change from a green note. Awesome.


While you're at it, pick up some of GRAB's fabulous basic tees (I LIVE in these! Well, ok, I live in a house, but I wear these tees an awful lot) and gorgeous knits...buy 2 or more GRAB items and we just might send you a free GRAB sling bag. The Quilted Fleece bomber is so snuggly and has a really cool, edgy designer look to it; or try the Chiffon Trim Bustier for evening for a totally chic and seriously sexy look (with the Ruschutters and some dangly earrings...woah mama!).

Just to recap: buy a pair of GRAB jeans, wear them and look hot, do absolutely nothing else and you may very soon find yourself with a new pair in the post, each and every month!

Frock You Autumn/Winter '09 Catalogue Sneaky Peek

It's been many long nights, cups of coffees and urgent phone calls in the making, but when Mat (yes, it's time to name and shame) stops planning his London trip and finishes the last bits'n'pieces of our inaugural, interactive e-catalogue, it'll be available for one and all in all it's glory. Here are some sneaky peek piccys (hint: this A/W is one of the best seasons ever. Recessionista-chic might be taking hold but it'll be easy to do with the clean lines, simple shapes and gorgeous detailing of these collections. Plus, one can never have enough coats. Ever.)

We shot the Country Weekend spread at Windleigh farm, in the late afternoon against a stunning background. Plus, it makes gumboots look damn cool. The idea is "ladylike charm" with lush knits, intricate details and rich textures. The above strapless dress by Motel is covered in red roses, looking striking with the simple black knit longline cardi by GRAB. The knit dress is also by GRAB and I have to admit I hated it at first, but then we put it in context and it has a real warmth (figuratively and literally), and super chic cut to it. I'll be putting my hand up for one!

The other piece everyone must have (welll, not everyone cos we won't stock six billion of them) is the Andriod denim trench below. It's super super super cool, classic yet modern, and one of those pieces people will stop you in the street to ask you where you got it.

The zip skirt is already instore here ($89.95) and if rock chic is your thang, this is definitely a must-have piece for your winter wardrobe. And you can wear it in summer, just ditch the tights! See, recessionista-shopping is as easy as that....the cute knit with it reminds me a little of a futuristic, Star Trek type piece, but is super soft and very delicate, making a cool contrast with the skirt. Anyway, it's about time fashion moved forward instead of rehashing old shapes. It will be available next week!

You may have noticed new winter stock hitting the store - new pieces will be added every day so check back. Hot sellers so far as the Lucky 13 Bandage Dress ($129.95_ which sold out of it's first run in a day but luckily lovely Irena at Lucky 13 expressed some more down to us, so we're all restocked, and One Teaspoon's 3/4 Holster Bodysuits, in grey or black - a fabulous basic for a streamlined silhouette and a bargain at $69.95!

Look out for more GRAB, French Kitty, Little Potty Red Shoes and Sunny Girl over the coming week!

The Departure Lounge

Yes, i am changing the side info thingy thre ---------> to "almost daily" blog or something like that; being inspired everyday to write about something is bloody hard work! And, after collapsing in an exhausted heap yesterday and spending the afternoon in bed with cups of tea and the Flight of the Conchords dvd, I am under strict doctors orders to take it easy and spend a month sunning myself on Santorini. Admittedly I wrote that particular prescription but I do feel it would work wonders. At any rate, the "taking it easy" vibe is a definite for summer. Getting through winter on minimal sleep and eating mainly coffee and nuts (as in, cashews and the like) has done wonders for a sz 8 figure but not so much for my state of wellbeing. It'll be a tie-dyed yoga and wheatgrass summer, baby. Oh and speaking of which, well sort of, I have just been in Melbourne to do the Winter 09 buying (not as fun as you might think, in fact it is quite stressful, especially when taxi drivers leave you stranded in random outer suburbs and quite a long way away from the safe confines of the sleek showrooms one becomes accustomed to); and come Jan/Feb you'll be in for a treat, all the ranges so far have been fabulous. A lot of them have been focussing more on modern designs, rather than rehashing "vintage" over and over again, and GRAB in particular have done the best winter jackets, like, ever. Get in early for those, they are smokin' hot. Everything seems a bit more grown up for 09 as well, less ditsy prints and girly cuts, and more of the effortlessly cool, softly tailored looks with lots of sheer, lace and zips thrown in for good measure. Exciting!

Actually one of the best and worst things about going to Melbourne is the observations one can make in the airport/on the plane. You can always spot the departure lounge for the flight headed to Tassie, one doesn't even need to look at the screens to find the gates. Just follow eitehr an RM WIlliams hat, bogan tracksuit, loud swearing or the over-hairsprayed/too much eyeliner/cheap jeans crowd, and you'll be on the flight home in no time. You might also end up in Adelaide, but it's a nice place to visit. Luckily on my flights there and back I did not get seated next to any smelly/loud/annoying/talkative locals, but they were definitely there. Oh, boy were they there. Behind me in fact. One particualrly attractive oversized lady with token scraped back hairdo and cigarette tucked enticingly behind her over pierced ear had two kids who climbed over each seat to get to theirs and kicked the back of our chairs the whole way home. I ignored this, knowing that kids and travelling don't always mix well. What I couldn't ignore was this woman's ridiculously loud swearing, at everyone else and her poor kids, her comments that "there are problems with the landing gear, I know it, I know thats what it is" when we had to circle around the airport twice (a common occurence when descending into Launceston, the runway is short and pilots can overestimate it. Alot, apparently); her loud chattter to herself apparently about how she has a 26 hour flight to San Diego at the end of the year, we can only hope it's a one-way flight and pray in unison for the people who get stuck next to her; and her oversized carry on bag, possibly in proportion to herself which she left in the middle of the aisle halfway up the plane while she chased her kids; meaning everyone behind her had to wait around to get to their seats for like 5 minutes til she moved. OH MY GOD. There's always one, isn't there. At least it was something to amuse me, there's not a whole lot of scenery on a night time flight over Bass Strait. I did have the latest issue of Madison ready to devour but couldn't concentrate enough. No matter, I'll read it on my newly leisurely evenings off. Bliss.

Getting Frocked Up For Spring

I only realised today that apparently white shoes are a bit of a fashion faux pas, unless you are uber cool, which I'm not, which relegates them back to iffy status. However, my double strap white flats are damn awesome, so if I can't be uber cool, I'll just be, um....arts student indie? Too poor to afford shoe dye? At any rate, anything your Nanna did/had/wore will sell for a small fortune on ebay so IMO white shoes are, thus, cool again.


That has nothing to do with anything else, except it was my little lightbulb moment today. That, and that I should make the effort to go to the butcher to buy meat because supermarket meat is expensive and crap. Anyway, to today's topic: new stuff instore at FrockYou! I didn't do the whole company policy "wait two weeks and if your size doesn't sell out you can have it", I just accidentally drew on some stuff so was forced to keep it. I'm a bit chuffed that this Summer is going to be another boho luxe, maxi dress gladiator sandal loads of bangles and long necklaces kind of summer. Winter looks are always more polished, so I love, literally, letting my hair down and taking 2 mins to get dressed. S/S '08/09 has only just started to trickle instore, so here are my top picks of new lovely bits:




French Kitty Coconut Macaroon Dress ($64.95, XS-L) this is the one I drew on accidentally (ahem) becuase it's the perfect Summer little white dress (and not see through, bring on the pink knickers!) the print is little bluebirds and pink blossoms, and it just has that casual, sweet and a bit vintage air about it. Too bad I wont get to wear it for another good few months.....





Birds of a Feather Coquette Cocktail Top ($59.95, 8-12) not sure why it's a cocktail top, cos it's pretty lightweight and more casual, but it's totally adorable and very feminine AND you can wear it now with a cardi or layered up!






GRAB Tie Waist Dress ($49.95, S M L) This has been selling through the roof and is not even out yet! Pre sales have been massive so get in quick if you want one. Simple and effortless, the tshirt dress is back in a huge way this Summer (hurrah!) we're getting it in classic black but it also comes in lemon or purple.....



Nude Cactus Studded Flat ($139.95, 36-41) these are sooo comfy and a bit rock chic, which we all love! Studded detailing is another huge trend for the upcoming seasons, and you can wear these year round with denim or as a cool contrast to girly frocks!


Living Doll Jaffa Stripe Tee ($19.95, S M L) nothing says "I spend my summer in the French Riviera" more than a stripey tee (hey, we can all dream...!) and this one is such a great buy I might have to draw on it as well. The piped detail on the sleeves is really cool, yet the piece is still really classy. White capri pants optional.


Sunny Girl Grey Pocket Cardi ($39.95, S M L) it's all grey actually, not just the pockets. AND it doesn't have buttons. Wicked. Accesrise with a waist belt or a scarf, or go for the casual "loose" look (your clothes, not your reputation). I kept one for moi, and they have nearly sold out since Monday...

Sunny Girl Tiered Top ($34.95, 8-14) Get in the mood to party with this awesome (and cheap!!) structured top. Right on trend yet with a classic appeal, this top is honestly really striking and please don't buy all the size 8's because I want one for our next girl's night out.....

Little Frockers also have lots of new goodies to dribble over (or on). We've got some fab new labels coming on board over the coming months - Yunginz (kids footwear, a new Aussie label that are really well priced and well made), Sooki Baby (who don't have a huge range but what they do have is gorgeous, Charlotte has one of their winter coats and she wears it nonstop despite all and sundry wanting to touch it), Lucca P (girlswear with a boutique edge), and Baby Blend (organic tees from the USA, exclusive online in Aus to Frock You!). Plus Gabrial Saynte has been restocked (THE coolest kids tees ever, seriously, if/when I have a boy this is what he'll be wearing), the American Apparel Karate pants are back in stock (the amount we sell must mean that every child in Australia has a pair by now) and these little beauties:

Eco Peko are another new label to Frock You, selling gorgeous, practical organic tees and onesies. Each piece comes with some seeds to plant, encouraging kids to understand where food comes from and the importance of sustainability (I admit this won me over when they approached me!), and every bit of each garment is actually certified organic (in Aus every man and his dog can claim they are organic, becuase there are no strict guidelines, so always check out the company's background before paying organic prices...). The pieces are kimono style so you don't have to pull them over baby's head, and are available plain or embroidered (as pictured, $39.95) in sizes 0/3m, 3/6m and 6/12m. Beautiful clothes that don't cost the Earth, indeed!

Baobab is a firm fav of mine (and Charlotte's) for their simple design, quality garments and because I am a sucker for stripes! The girl's stripe dress is now available in pink for Spring ($48.95, sz 1-4) and the hoodies are also available in new colourways, including cool blue and grey for bubs ($48.95, 0/3m, 3/6m and 6/12m) - these are a winner for Spring as they are warm yet lightweight - for seriously cool tots only!


Am heading to the KidsInStyle show in Melbourne this weekend, and expect to pick up lots of lovely new bits and pieces to keep Little Frockers looking funky! Review of the show and sneaky peeks of new products to come next week...it's a hard job but someone's gotta do it!