Jendi | Latte Clutch^ Was $59.95 now $29.98 (also available in black)

Sassy Duck | Alana Black Clutch^ Was $64.95 now $32.48 (also available in bright orange, quite nice)

I Love Billy | White/Camel/Pink Clutch^ Was $69.95 now $34.98 (also available in black and white)

I Love Billy | Cassette Clutch^ Was $69.95 now $34.98

I Love Billy | 1 Love Clutch^ Was $69.95 now $34.98

Vantage | Blocker Shiny Silver^ $59.95 (also available in gold)

As you might have seen on my Insta, I totally didn't intend to get anything at the Priceline skincare, suncare and tanning 40% off sale because I'm usually "skincare = BORING, talk to me when the make-up sale is on" and I have enough sunscreen and I don't use any self-tanning products.

Then this happened.



Okay, it's pretty restrained for a haul but still up from nothing!

I'd recently read a blogger review on the Garnier Miracle Skin Cream so it seemed as good a time to get it as any and test it out. (I really wish I could remember which one to give them appropriate shoutouts but I read a LOT of beauty blogs). I'd also heard about the associated Miracle Skin Eye Cream so snagged that as well because why wouldn't you. 

Now that I'm in my late thirties, I have to give some thought to anti-aging products and this seems like a non-invasive and price-accessible way to kick off. 

I like Garnier stuff, I've usually got at least one of their products kicking about somewhere, although they have had a bit of an annoying habit of changing form and formula on some of their products over the years. Like they used to have this SOS spot pen that was awesome, then it changed into a rollerball format which sucked. They also had a really nice gel moisturiser that worked well for me, then it was discontinued. Boo to that but I digress.

Here's my head with nothing on it. Sorry.




The Miracle Cream is pretty darn miraculous, as the name suggests. You probs already know this but it comes out of the tube white, then it CHANGES COLOUR as it goes on your skin! It's amazing! I'm all TRANSFORMERS: CC CREAM IN DISGUISE! The coverage is also impressive for what is is. The eye cream gives a bit of a lift to the under eye area although not quite enough to toss out my concealer just yet. I was trialling a Rimmel primer previously but I found my face was ending up oily at the end of the day which doesn't usually happen so scratch that (by which I mean I stopped using it and kept it in exactly the same place in my cupboard). 

Here I am after using both the Miracle Skin and Eye creams.I also added brows and mascara and a little lip tint because I went to the shops.



Okay, it's still not Vogue but you can see how it just gives a nice even-ing out to the skin tone which is fine if you're just nicking to the shops with only a 30% probability of running into someone you know. Also just want to point out, my hair is still a little damp from washing. Not greasy. Just saying.

Side note: Priceline currently have a 3 for 2 on Garnier skincare if you're interested enough to check it out yourself!

As far as the rest of the products go, I remembered I needed some make-up remover and although I had intended to try some micellar water, I saw this Simple Eye Makeup Remover in a dump bin out the front for super cheap so I got it. It works really well too. A dab on a cotton ball and that next-day mascara smudge is gone without any oily residue. For the price, I'm super happy with the results.

Finally, the old Lucas' PaPaw ointment is the best ever for anything that's even vaguely dry and crusty. I should have got two tubes because I discovered later that both the one in my car and the one next to the bed have been used up #empties.

Annoyingly, after seeing other hauls on blogs and Insta, I have seen LOADS of things I should have got! Pore strips! Body scrubs! Hand cream! Gah.

Oh well, I believe the next one is around June / July so I'll have to be more prepared next time.

Did you pick up anything in the sale? What's your favourite Priceline 40% off sale; skincare, hair care or cosmetics?

Joining up with the Monday Makeup Madness link party. Thanks for your foundation recs last week too! 

Hands up if you love dresses!



Yay, me too!

You have probably already gathered from various posts as well as my Insta feed that I am a sucker for a decent dress and I'm about to tell you why.

1. They are so SO easy.

Dresses are the KFC of your wardrobe without the regret and food hangover. So many times I have put together an outfit of a morning, taken Miss L down to childcare, decided I wasn't feeling it, raced home and in the literal five minutes I have before I need to catch the bus, have shed the original, wacked a dress on and bounced before you can say "instant outfit". No coordinating of separates, no worrying if your blacks match. Just grab and go.




2. Anyone can wear one. For reals.

It's all about getting the shape, fit, length and feel right for you. Whether you want to minimise, maximise, disguise, accentuate, cha cha or chill - there is a suitable style out there waiting. Go feminine with a fit and flare, take it to a tomboy place in a tee dress, flaunt bare arms or full sleeves. Shift or swing. Belted or drop waisted. Get an idea of your body shape, google suitable styles then go and try on all the things. 




3. There are not many occasions where you can't do a dress.

Sure, if you're working on a construction site, require personal protective gear or are participating in some kind of sporting event then it's unlikely you'll be able to rock a frock but for most occasions that don't involve that kind of activity, a dress can totally work. Whether it's teamed with high heels and big hair or dressed down with sneakers, you can make a lot of dress-based outfits do double-duty for work and play.




4. You can easily get four seasons out them.

Transeasonability is a word I possibly made up but totally believe in. Whether it's served with bare limbs and sandals in summer or leggings, cardi and boots in winter, the same dress can see you through all seasons if played right and this should be a factor you take into account when scoping additions to your wardrobe, particularly if dropping serious coin.



10 More Bonus Reasons



1.  Some of them are twirly
2.  You can get ones that look good for a song if you look in the right places
3.  They are easily customisable with belts, tucking methods and knots
4.  They make it look like you've made more effort than you actually have
5.  The right style can be so forgiving, you can hide food babies, actual babies pre-announcement and other lumps and bumps
6.  A classic dress is timeless - think of the cost per wear!
7.  Your mileage may vary but I always feel more ladylike in a dress
8.  Throw a tulle pettiskirt under a vintage style and BOOM! Retro styling.
9.  If you're handy with sewing machine, I understand they are quite simple to make
10.  Comfort factor. Think air flow in cotton in summer and warm snuggly knits in winter

Back in the day, I had a huge and lovingly maintained dress collection. Then I got pregnant, so they were put on ice. After Miss L was born, I suffered from some kind of clearance frenzy and got rid of so many of them in a rash epsiode of "THAT WILL NEVER FIT AGAIN". I still regret a few of those decisions. The ones that survived the cull either fell out of fashion or got shabby so they were out too and I found myself suffering from severe dress drought. Recovery has been slow but after a long and thoughtful procurement process involving a lot of bargain hunting and op shopping, I have built my stocks back up again into a nice selection suitable for work, casual, day, night and event situations. I'm still short on maxis (HAHA, see what I did there) but otherwise, I am reasonably well prepared for most frockable eventualities.

Talk to me about dresses!


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This post is sponsored by The Iconic and will probs go towards putting new tyres on my car (#AlmostPoshkeepsitreal) For more information, please see my PR and Media policy.

Every year, the crew at global colour authority Pantone declare a "colour of the year" that is tipped to influence fashion, design, homewares, graphics . . . pretty much anything that can be a colour, to be fair, reflecting our mood and current attitude. 

Last year, it was Marsala. I really only embraced the trend in terms of lipstick shades, however I feel a lot more positive about the not one - but TWO colours chosen to represent 2016, the first time this has been done. 

Say hello to Rose Quartz and Serenity 

You can even get a limited-edition mug to celebrate!

Pantone Colour Of The Year mug $25USD

From the Pantone website:

As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.

The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association.

In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer's increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.

Deep. Let's look at some cute stuff in Rose Quartz and Serenity for this week's Posh Picks.

Dorothy Perkins | A-line Skirt^ Was $79.95 - now $30.40

Dorothy Perkins | Cowl-back Sweatshirt^ Was $39.95 - now $31.96 Emerge | Longline Linen Tank^ $49.99 Nike | Legend V-neck Veneer SS Tee^ $39.95 Capture | Linen Tie Top^ Was $44.99 - now $22

Vangelica | Chambray Singlet^ $39

Therapy | Aruba^ Was $29.95 - now $20.97

Spurr | Amy Heels^ Was $39.95 - now $23.97

Fred Perry | Kingston Twill^ Was $100 - now $80

Superga | 2750 Cotu Shirt^ Was $89.95 - now $71.96

Before Christmas, I acquired the Stila All Over Shimmer liquid illuminator in "Kitten" to much excitement.



That is, much excitement before realising (afer a few failed attempts to use it) that I required a dewy foundation for it to work and not my usual matte base. Thanks, Google.

As we know, beauty lovers, the foundation world is large, overwhelming and potentially costly. Once you get past the tedious process of finding the right colour, you need to find the right fit for your face.

I'm reaching out to the ladies who participate in the Monday Makeup Madness link-up and the beauty community at large to help a sister out!

I currently use Maybelline Dream Wonder in Nude for my regular face. I like it. I'd be wanting similar coverage and ease of use. My skin is average / normal.

What do you recommend I try for more of an evening glow? I'm leaning towards drugstore brands at this point given the opportunities to use it will be reduced because I don't get out after dark that much.

Any tips on technique are also welcomed. Currently, my highlighting effort is achieved by powder and brush method so word me up on the liquid stuff if you don't mind.

In other news, I thought I'd show you how much my makeup mess has grown in the last few years.

Here's my daily "work face" circa 2012.



And this is what it's grown to in 2016.




It's been a steady increase in products, due to a few factors; age, interest, skills, trends, knowledge, availability,  FOMO . . . 



Has your level of face product increased or decreased over the years? Got any hot tips on highlighting? What about the foundation?