Yesterday I attended the Bloggers United Adelaide event down at Glenelg.

I was so excited when I heard this mob were coming to town, as I had read many a glowing report from the Sydney event and the goodie bags looked amazing. So I was totally in, no matter what, and when I saw how reasonable the ticket price was, I had to double-check to make sure I read it right!

As I mentioned, I had my new Crossroads dress on lock for a month. Thankfully, it went okay. Let's take a moment to appreciate the fact I wore a strapless bra for the first time in about 5 years and I didn't even really notice it so that's handy to know. Right as summer comes to a close, good one, Beth.


Don't worry, I changed my shoes after I took the photo.

Here's my face. Beauty blogger event, no pressure. Yes, sunglasses mark. Amateur.


There were LOADS of people there - some who I follow on Insta, some who I had met before, some I met for the first time. As Jenni from Styling Curvy said - "Who knew there were so many bloggers in Adelaide? I didn't!" We were at the beautiful Seawall Apartments in Glenelg and brands were stationed in various rooms as small groups moved through them in a speed-dating type format.

There was a range of interesting local, national and international brands - all of whom were delightful to talk with. Many of them had a strong focus on organic, natural, vegan and cruelty-free products and it was fascinating to hear a lot of the start-up reasons; "I couldn't wear make-up because of these ingredients", "My mum has sensitive skin", "I wanted something that would be effective but also long-lasting", "I am really passionate about this method of production", "This is something I really love doing".

Have a look at what I'll be talking about over the coming weeks for the Monday Make-Up Madness link up:













We also had two excellent talks; one by Jenni who NAILED IT:


 And Hayley and Lauren from Adelady who were totally cool:


Finally, GOODIE BAGS OMG. Stay tuned for some giveaways because I can't possibly use all this stuff in one lifetime.


This is the contents of just one bag. One bag of like 9 or 10. For reals.


Thank you to Bloggers United AU for such a fantastic and enjoyable event. If one comes to your city, GET THERE. Follow them on Instagram to get the latest.

Have you been to a Bloggers United event or any bloggy things lately?

As I mentioned at the start of the year, I have decided to track my expenditure on clothing and shoes for 2016 to see what it really adds up to. Here's what I spent in January and what I spent it on.

I did end up returning the Dorothy Perkins top - it was just a bit small and the crepe fabric gave no allowances, so that is now a $56.28 credit chilling at the Iconic with two items in the wishlist waiting for a sale. Well, when I say chilling - I mean, I've already spent it but let me go in chronological order, okay?

Patience is something I'm also trialling this year. I am waiting for Farfetch.com to offer free shipping before I claim my $500 prize because why would I pay shipping if I don't have to?

February saw a rise in expenditure as I grabbed some more "expensive" items.

The first was this off-the-shoulder dress from Crossroads. Admittedly I had questioned the trend earlier in the year, but I really liked the navy with cream trim waisted style, also I found a strapless bra that I had bought in the States in 2011 that actually fit so I thought I'd get on board. Never say never, am I right? I haven't worn it yet because I've been saving it for the Bloggers United event this Sunday.

Crossroads | Off The Shoulder Dress RRP $49.95 I paid $34.97 during a 30% off sale

Stylejack me if you like.

I clicked and collected as it wasn't available in my size in store and they had an offer for $10 basics online. I had mentioned my need for a white cami singletty thing last month and so I picked up one of those as well, saving $2.95. Here I am wearing it under that white Kmart top I also mentioned last month.


Mum and I hit up one of our favourite op shops and I picked up a Marks and Spencer dragonfly print top (marked at $3.25) and a cute striped dress from Gap ($6.25). I used my accumulated Salvos points and paid $6.20 total for both items. After trying on the dragonfly top at home, I decided I wasn't into it as much as I thought so I passed it on to my mother in law.

I intended to wear the Gap dress earlier but first I had to remove a big stain on the front and then my husband hung it out on the line. By folding the skirt over and pegging it. I KNOW.

So once it was all wrinkle-free I had it lined up for a Monday morning and went ahead and took my #everydaystyle pic, only to find it looked ridiculous. See how high it comes up at the waist at the front and bunches under the bust? Like I need that. So disappointing. Not sure what to do with it yet, it may be salvageable either by wearing a skirt over the top like I did recently here or maybe a knit in cooler months. Sure it was only $3.10 but still.


Anyway, that same day, we hit up Millers and I got an excellent pair of stretchy black cropped jeggings for $25. They are so comfortable! And did I mention stretchy?


Millers were having a "get 50% off the second item" sale so I nabbed this rad necklace for $6. They even regrammed me wearing it which was quite a thrill.


I had to get an emergency cardi one Friday when I had planned to visit the Garden of Unearthly Delights (part of Adelaide's Fringe Festival) in the evening and the day panned out cooler than anticipated. Picked this up from TEMT for $19.95. FULL PRICE, URGH! Excuse the dramatic spotlighting. Since I recently made the decision to only purchase transeasonal items from now on, I'm okay with this and I really like the colour.


The Iconic currently has an extra 20% off sale items (until Monday: use code EXTRA20 at checkout) so I thought I might as well hit up a couple of wishlist items with my stored credit. I went for these stripey numbers because stripes:

Atmos&Here Nadene Lace-Up Tee^ $34.95

Dorothy Perkins Stripe Jacket^ Was $79.95, on sale $28.80, I paid $23.04

Finally, I randomly hit up Kmart and stocked up on some basic tees in olive, grey and white for $5 each.

I decided I would track also start tracking accessory spending separately. I didn't acquire anything in January but this month I got said Millers necklace plus an awesome vintage leather mini Gladstone bag for $15 at the Animal Welfare League ReTAILs shop in Gawler.


Clothes and Shoes
Items bought: 9
Total original ticket "value": $196.10
Paid: $169.11
YTD Spend: $217.06

Accessories
Items bought: 2
Total original ticket "value": $27
Paid: $21
YTD Spend: $21 

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^ denotes affiliate links. By clicking through and stylejacking me, you don't pay any extra but I earn a small commission to continue my transeasonal acquisition program. For more information, please see my PR and Media policy.

You wil have noticed if you've been into a clothing shop recently that the Autumnal stuff is upon us, even if the weather isn't.

I have personally made the commitment that any new purchases from now on in should have a high transeasonability factor because I do not want to rock up to my wardrobe on a crisp cool morning and be like "Oh, nothing to wear, how lovely!"

If you're prepared and have good foresight, it's a great time to score big in the end of season sales on international sites. I picked up my most favouritist ever raspberry pink coat from an ASOS end of season sale and even though I only got to wear it for a little while that year, I have more than made up for it since. So, you know, bear that in mind.

It's time to start thinking about getting more fabric on; sleeves - not necessarily full length ones - light knits, leggings and skirts, shoes with more coverage . . . I've put together these basic building blocks (or a CAPSULE*, if you prefer) that can be teamed with the colours of the season as you see fit.

Behold the neutrality!


1. Forcast Colette V-Neck Knit (The Iconic) - $29^
2. Audrey Sweater (The Iconic) - $30^
3. Claire Cropped Jacket (Forcast) - was $79.95 now $39^
4. Sass Luna Drape Tank (Freez Clothing) - $39^
5. Atmos&Here Alma Tea Dress (The Iconic) - $49.95^
6. Boody 3/4 Leggings 2-Pack (The Iconic) - $49.90^
7. Liandro Scarf (Forcast) - $29.95^
8. Therapy Perry Boots (The Iconic) - were $59.95 now $47.96^

* Please pronounce in the style of the immortal David Bowie, ie "capp-syuell". Thank you.

Are you looking forward to the cooler weather approaching? What is your favourite thing about autumn dressing? Or do you not want to even think about the end of summer yet?

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^ denotes affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I earn a small amount of commission to start my transeasonal acquisition program. For more information, please see my PR and Media policy.

Got my hair did last week which was quite nice.

I'd been cultivating a low-maintenance ombre look for some time to save on costs and hairdresser visits but the time had come for a bit of a freshen up and a good cut to rid myself of damaged ends. I was wearing it up almost every day and just over it, to be honest.

So, as you might have worked out, I mostly use Posh Picks every week to showcase a curated selection of things I fancy from a handful of online stores that I have affiliate relationships with.

Obvs, I get a little commission if anyone clicks my links (or those ads on the sidebar) and subsequently buys something. Which is nice. However, one of the other key reasons for having a small group of affiliates is quite frankly that it focuses my selections and narrows the field of choice a bit. If I had the whole internet to choose things from, I'd never get organised and would probably be like "Oh, that IS nice, I think I'll just . . . *add to cart*"

One of my most successful partners was Ezibuy, who have recently pulled the pin on their affiliate program which is super annoying because they were easily my most popular store. Thank you to everyone who purchased from Ezibuy through Almost Posh.

When selecting affiliates, I have a few criteria; a) it's affordable b) it's reputable, preferably Australian-owned or based c) I already have or would buy from there myself with regards to both style and price. Sure, I could sign up with some super luxe avant garde boutiques or slightly dubious bulk manufacturing concerns but that hardly aligns with the Almost Posh vision and values and I am all about that. When choosing items, I try and go for things that have plenty of sizes left and aim for prices below $100 (usually WAY below).

So! All that being said, after some research, I have recently signed up with Forcast. Forcast are an Australian label that have been around the traps since 1992 and I'd like to present you with some of my picks from the sale section which are quite tempting.

I've also made it into a collage this week! I was too lazy before but as it happens, this is actually an easier way to do it. Who knew?




1. Anna Panelled Skirt - was $59.95 now $39^
2. Anna V-Neck Panelled Dress - was $89.95 now $69^
3. Francine Lace Contrast Boho Top - was $59.95 now $39^
4. Louisa Floral Dress - was $79.95 now $59^
5. Lily Wrap Dress - was $89.95 now $49^
6. Clea Contrast Dress - was $89.95 now $69^
7. Deborah V-Neck Top - was $44.95 now $29^
8. Heidi Pleat Top - was $49.95 now $29^

There you have it. Have you ever bought anything from Forcast? 

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^ denotes affiliate links. As I mentioned earlier, by clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I make a small commission to put towards my own purchases. Please see my PR and Media policy for more information.

Sometime in the mid-90s, I was given some beauty books and magazines from the 80s which I have subsequently hung on to for posterity and, let's face it, the LOLs, so I thought I'd share some key looks and tips with you today.



"At work, for instance, a natural-looking combination of coral, khaki and brick shadows with dark brown mascara suggests someone serious, there to get on with the job. In the evening though, it's another story. With plum shadow, creamy or pink highlighting and deep navy lashes, the same girl is the life of the disco!"


"You need more vivid make-up for evening, something that will shimmer under artificial lighting, whether it's candles, spotlights or strobes. Here's what to look for:

• Fluorescent powder shadow which subtly changes colour as you move in the lights.
• Gold and silver glitter shadow. Made from tiny particles of metal, it is pressed on the browbone just below the eyebrow or try a dab on your cheekbones or eyebrows
• Frosted or iridescent powder shadows in a range of dazzling colours to light up the night."

"Tonnes of mauve and blue look stunning on a brunette."



"Unless you have black hair and lashes, black eyeliner is hard to wear. Eyeliner looks best if it tones with your shadow and mascara".



"Unlike eyeliner, mascara looks terrific if it is a shade darker than your own hair. If you are a blonde or redhead, dark brown, khaki or grey will be more flattering. Plum, deep purple, teal, navy and emerald will suit everyone and you could also try some of the lighter shades of green, blue and violet." 

Or, you know, red.



"Don't consider dying your eyebrows. It doesn't look natural after the hairs start growing out. Remember, always aim for a natural look. Eyebrows can easily look overpowering - many girls don't need to use eyebrow colour at all"

"For parties, discos - anytime you want to look special - you need a more elaborate make-up than for daytime. A make-up that says 'look at me' but in a nice, not aggressive, way. One that gleams brilliantly in even the softest lighting . . . and enhances rather than overpowers your eyes."



"Never be cowardly with colour. If you wear a red dress, try a matching colour on your nails then go for contrast on your lips. Avoid matching your lipstick to your blusher exactly. For instance, if you wear a cyclamen shade of lipstick, try wearing a browny-pink brush-on colour on your cheeks". 

Then you too can star in a Flock of Seagulls video!




"Unless you are using lipstick actually to re-shape your lips, lip liner should contrast, or at the very least, tone with the main lip colour".



Also, clown contouring is not a new thing:



Let's have a look at the suggested eyeshadow combos by eye colour. Not a matte neutral in sight!


Finally, "the make-up of the future" . . .



Linking up with the Monday Make-Up Madness party. Or should that be disco??

I'd heard about these rooms in overseas locations and on an episode of The Big Bang Theory so when Jen invited me along to have a crack at Adelaide's Adventure Rooms, I was most excited to be part of the group. 


There is precious little detail to be found online about what to expect (which is great as it preserves the mystery). Entry into the building is through a lift on Rundle Mall that I have passed a million times and never ever noticed.



You are given a quick briefing before entering and then off you go. You can keep all your personal belongings in a tub in the room too, so no need to worry about what's going on with your bag or phone - just focus on the puzzles!



The mystery surrounding the adventure means you get into the room with no ideas or expectations and that is perfect for what lies ahead. We had a large group so entered under dual mode where we were divided into teams of two to tackle the Black Queen. OMG SO GOOD. The puzzles are clever, well thought-out and give opportunity for everyone to participate. No physical strength is required, just a whole lot of mental muscle. Ambient music and the pressure to either catch our opponents or get out of the room before they caught us added to the heightened atmosphere.

It's not claustrophobic, dark or too restrictive and there are no horror elements. There is an emergency exit that you can bounce through at any time if you're not feeling it.



Currently there is only a 30% success rate for teams to escape the rooms . . . well, I don't like to brag but we SMASHED IT so felt pretty jolly pleased with ourselves afterwards.

Speaking to the staff afterwards, we were told there is a new room opening within a matter of weeks, so if you've already tackled The Black Queen and the Mad Scientist, then prepare yourself for Jailbreak! We were also told that rooms will be turned over and puzzles changed up every few months or so - allowing previous visitors to come back and try their luck.

This would make a great team building event or just a fun activity to do with mates. Price varies depending how many people you have - we had 11 and paid $30 each for dual mode which I thought was reasonable for the level of fun I had.

In addition to this fun activity, we then stumbled upon a secret bar just up the mall a bit in Lindes Lane, BEHIND THIS FIREPLACE!



I know. As an Enid Blyton fan, I was delirious with joy. 



Would you like to try something like this? Is there one near you? Did you read Enid Blyton books and search every building you ever visited for a secret passageway?


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All activities undertaken with my own cash monies and I haven't received any kind of perk or kickback for doing so. I'd be quite happy to though so please see my Work With Me page for more information. I have also posted this review in similar format on Yelp and Trip Advisor.