Red-Hot Blooded Mammal...

Here are the shots from that Mammal gig I went to a few weeks ago and have been threatening to post about ever since. That's Ezekiel, the lead singer, busting out a track on top of our table - I was in hardcore heaven!

Bowler hat - gift from sister, Japan___Red Pleat Front Blouse - Salvo's Op Shop, Aus___Waisted Leather Mini - Salvo's Op Shop, Aus___ Vintage Stud Belt - Smith Family Op Shop, Aus___ Leopard Cardi - MINKPINK, Aus___Black Stud Bangle - Bardot, Aus___Silver Stud Bangle - Equip, Aus___Anarchy Ring - Bought of eBay, Aus___Platform Brogues - Debenhams, U.K

And here's a reinactment of what I wore (I really need to get better at taking shots WHILE I'm doing things).

The skirt and top were an ensemble purchase the day before at one of my local Salvo's. (ensemble purchase being peices you try on together, buy together and then end up wearing together most of the time) and the cardi was a last minute addition as I ran out the door......really dug this outfit, shame its getting too warm to wear it again. I'll keep it filed for Autumn with stockings.

Second-Hand Serendipity...

Sequin Jacket - Salvos Op Shop, Aus___Necklaces - Salvos Op Shop and Smith Family Op Shop, Aus

As an avid op-shopper, one of the things that constantly amuses me is seeing an identical item to one I saw a few days/weeks/months back at a completely different op shop organisation/location.

I'm not talking about cheap chain store stuff that was made en-mass last season and is more than likely to be everywhere (read fluro stuff and oversize slogan tees) I mean older, random stuff that you know people have had squirrelled away in their wardrobes for ages before finally deciding to part with it.

These necklaces are a perfect example. I found one at my local Salvo's about a month ago, only to stumble across the EXACT same chain at a Smith Family op shop on the weekend.....I loved the whole 'fate' aspect so much I bought it on the spot.

Its a shame I couldn't capture them up close (thanks again, crappy 2 mega pixels on the iphone camera) because they're really scrolly and unique. Put it down to my twin-ness, I just think things are better in pairs....

Oh, the jacket was a bit of an impulse purchase - I don't usually go for things this shape (very Chanel, more my sister's thing) But she'd tried it on and decided the 10 she already has in her cupboard were better so I had a go. Something about the beaded edges and the $25 price tag spoke to me.... I think I'll start out teaming it with my vintage punk tees and some thrashed acid wash and see how it goes....

Plastic Fantastic...

Acid Wash Denim Jacket - Salvo's Op Shop, Aus___ Magenta Pleat Shirt - Salvo's Op Shop, Aus___PVC Mini Skirt - Smith Family Op Shop, Aus___Scull Necklace - Bought at Glebe Markets, Aus___Black Chain Bangle - Urban Outfitters, U.s___Silver bangles - Equip, Aus___Black Stud Bangle - Bardot,Aus__ Anarchy Ring - Bought of Ebay, U.S___Studded Bag - Quick Brown Fox, Aus___Lace Up Platforms - Bought at a Shakuhachi sample sale,Aus

This is a re-enactment of an outfit I wore a few Saturday nights ago. A whole heap of local punk bands were playing at one of the local pubs and my boy is a tragic for one of them (Under the Influence or U.T.I) so along I went.

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I had two pole parties to run beforehand (Spring/Summer is prime wedding season, I'm lucky to have a weekend where I only run one hens night!) So I literally had 10 minutes to go from sweaty and half clothed to the above.....Although with it being a true punk concert, staying sweaty and half clothed would have meant I blended right in!

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This jacket is one of my all-time faves. It's actually childrens wear and the tag inside still has some little kid's name written on it (Mum would never want her child to loose this baby on a school excursion/field trip).

Actually, I think the skirt might actually be junior wear too - When I first spied this little number last year I was slightly apprehensive of the PVC (was I too immerced in pole culture to recognise it was more streetwalker than catwalker?) But once I tried it on and saw it would cost me all of 50 cents I was sold...I've even worn it in the day, who new PVC was so practical? Oh, and you might recognise the shirt as part of my op shop haul a few posts back.

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I really should hang the tags out the back to advertise I'm actually fitting into kids clothes these days (thanks hours of endless training).

Down a Different Track(suit)...

Rayban Sunglasses - bought from eBay, Aus___Wet Look Hoodie - American Apparel, Aus___Kids Harley Tee - Bought from tourist shop in London, UK___Stud Belt - The Smith Family Op Shop, Aus___Acid Wash Track Pants - Bought from eBay, U.S___Silver Stud Bangle - Equip, Aus___Black Studded Bangle - Bardot, Aus___Anarchy Ring - Bought of eBay, U.S___Cut Out Sandals - Rubi, Aus

So this is the closest I come to a tracksuit - A shiny black hoodie that looks suspiciously like a bin liner bag (thus the pose next to the dumpster) and a pair of acid wash jeans/track pants with an elastic waist.

I was lusting after a Cassette Society pair with elastic in the cuffs for some time till I found these baby's on eBay. While I'd prefer the elastic cuff (because I'm big on harem pants) I do like that I can cuff these up boyfriend-style. Plus If I put them down on my hips I can hit another current pant trend (dropped crotch). Versatile little find really...

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I spent Saturday hitting op shops, training (again) plus running a couple of pole parties before heading to a gig by one of my fave bands at the moment - Mammal.

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These dudes are the masters of a live show. Ezekiel, the lead singer actually ran up and did a track (Religion) right on top of our table - too fucking cool. have some really crappy shots I took on my iphone that I might post (if they're not too dark and distorted).

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Oh - the new job. Its a 1 month contract (with view to go full-time) at MTV as the TAR (Talant and Artist Relations) Coordinator. Basically it everything to do with presenting tours, booking bands, coordinating flights and accomodation and looking after talent in general.

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I'm not going to lie - its a pretty awesome job and I'm very excited to have been offered the position. I worked a 4 month publicity contract for MTV last year which I adored so I'm stoked to be back in the same department, albiet in a slightly different role.

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Will keep you all posted on what's going on here - Like tonight we're having an event and British India (great Aussie band) are performing. I'll see if I can get some pics....

Music To My Ears....

Just a quick post - I've been super SUPER busy with a brand spanking new contract role with MTV! (will tell you all about it later).

Scored these beauties on ebay.com.au this morning - Sterling silver clip-on earrings that were just too adorable to let pass me by. Like my last bit of eBay bling expenditure, I was the one and only bidder and scored them for $17 with postage......its a crime really.

I figure they're my gift to myself for scoring my new job - Can' wait to rock on with my "Rock" clip-ons....

Dancing Distraction

So I've mentioned a few times that I teach a little bit of pole dancing. In fact I'm about two weeks out from a competition with big prize money and then our school's inaugral Christmas concert is about a week after that so I am in full mission-woman training mode at the moment.

This pretty much means lots of hours swinging and sweating and not much food - oh the joy....

I figured since I'm spending so much time doing it I may as well dedicate a post to it - these pics were taken at the beginning of the year - I've got a few more tricks up my sleeve since then (including one move where you hang on with only your armpit...yes, I said armpit).

Vintage Fringed Leather Top - Wastelands, U.S___Vintage Fringed Suede Studded/Zippered Fingerless Gloves - Ebay, Aus

Bra & Brief Set - Best and Less, Aus___Stud Belt with Chain - Dangerfield, Aus___Studded Mega Cuff - City Beach, Aus

Soldier of the Salvation Army...

I mentioned a 'substantial' op-shop haul a while back and have been meaning to post about it for ages. Well, the time has come.

My favourite op-shop chain by far has to be The Salvation Army (or thanks to their hip new marketing strategy - The Salvos). Almost all of my fabulous finds have been at a Salvos and quite frankly, without them I wouldn't have a wardrobe.

They have a great loyalty card scheme set up - Every time you spend $10 in store you get a stamp on the card. When you have 5 stamps you can use the card to get 50% off your next purchase (can be as many items as you want, but doesn't include accessories) - Pretty cool huh?

As stingy as it is I usually save the card until a day I have a heap of stuff in my purchase pile. I got this whole lot for just under $20.

I've worn quite a few things already (the stripe vest, the violet shirt, the hot pink maxi skirt and the red leopard oversize jacket) but have had a hard time getting (or remembering to get) someone to point a camera at me and press "click"...... bad blogger, I promise to try harder.....

The Root of the Issue/The Issue of the Root...

So I'm a big fan of Ash and her blog "Rantings of a Fashion Addict". In her latest post she's rocking (much to her dismay) a teeny bit of regrowth. We've all been there. Busy with (in Ash's case) study, work, relationships, life in general really, and unable to attend to the tops of our heads. I usually hide mine away under an assortment of hats/bandannas/beanies until the bleach is back, but these shots of Pip Edwards have me thinking a little regrowth can be a lot fabulous...

There's something so ballsy and empowered about it. Its like she's sticking her finger up at hairdressers everywhere.....

Whattayathink?

Edgy and economical?

or ugly and lazy?

Wang Wannabe...

I stumbled across this awesome image of a lovely lanky model rocking Alexander Wang and immediately realised I had a pair of shorts strikingly similar hanging in my wardrobe...

I came across them at my local Salvo's about three years ago and loved the whole slouchy, shredded, faded thing they had going on. (Yep, no DIY here people, bought 'em exactly like that). In fact they get more slouchy/shredded/faded everytime they go through the wash - gotta love that....

Excited at the idea I had something that looked like Alexander Wang's (let's face it, its as close as I'm going to get to his stuff) I decided to have a bash at the whole look, with my own twist. It served well for a Saturday morning outfit of running around doing errands before heading to the studio to train (again) for my up-coming pole comp - its seems its all I do these days....

This tee tickles me - "If you can read this then you don't need glasses. Unless you're already wearing them, then you really need them after all" Perfect example of the random English you find printed on things in China Town.

Nerd glasses - Gift from my sister, Hong Kong markets___Vintage Houndstooth Blazer - Salvos Op Shop, Aus___ Eye Test Tee - Chinatown, Aus___ Vintage Slouchy Denim Cut-Offs - Salvo's Op Shop, Aus___Black Studded Bangle - Bardot, Aus___Silver Stud Bangle - Equip, Aus___ Black Chain Bangle - Urban Outfitters, UK___Skimmers - Kmart, Aus.

You're Three Rings, You're Beautiful and You're Mine...

When I stumbled across these three beauties on Ebay last week my eyes orgasmed (graphic, but true).

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All U.S $9.99, all with 2 days to go, all with absolutely no bidders. And as if it couldn't get any better, all listed by the same seller.....and yes, they were more than happy to combine shipping for a total of $7 U.S. *heart commences singing*

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I can't wait to get my hands on them....err, fingers in them.

Cut It Out...

Cut Out Sandals - Bought for 50% at Rubi, Aus

I really love heels, but unless I'm going out, I usually stick to flats. Put it down to my all-or-nothing attitude...the fact I spend hours a week dancing in 6 inch footwear.....or perhaps the fact that I don't drink and therefore feel the full brunt of pain a pair of heels can inflict...whatever the motivation, my footwear is either zero-elevation or 5 inches minimum.

So when I stumbled across these lovelies at Rubi (If you're unfamiliar, think Payless) I was cursing the fact that they weren't in platform-form. Diregarding them as a potential purchase I tried them on for fun, and after a few strolls past the mirror started to contemplate compromising my footwear ethos. One glance at the price tag had me sold - 50% off, marked down to $24.99. For that price I was willing to give them a try....

That was about a month ago and despite their synthetic-ness (usually not my scene) I can't stop wearing them. If you like the look of them, I've spied a similar - albeit more elevated - pair at gojane.com.

I'm thinking about getting another pair and studding them a la Rumi's awsome creations. As tight as this sounds I think I'll wait till they mark them down further. I popped in on Saturday and they had so many of them left, it seems I'm the only one who likes them - and I'm totally fine with that...

Car Park Antics - Take Two...

RayBan Sunglasses - Ebay, U.S___Misfits Tee - Bought at a Tourist Shop, U.K___Vintage Stripe Vest - Salvos Op Shop, Aus___Acid Wash Cut-Offs - Salvos Op Shop, Aus___Long Snake Chain - Bought on sale for $2.95 at Forever New___Chunky Bangles - Bought on sale at Sportsgirl, Aus___Cut Out Sandals - Bought for 50% off at Rubi, Aus

Another day, another trip to the shopping centre. I saw a great pair of Ksubi jeans on sale that I thought would be perfect for my boy ($330 down to $100 - score!) So on Sunday I dragged him in to General Pants to check them out. Turns out they were 34's, not the 32's I swore they were when I checked them out the day before, so we spent the rest of the day tracking them down in his size - Some might say that they're no longer a bargain when you have to drive 3 hours to get them, but we ended up stopping in Chinatown for dinner so I feel it was justified because we made a day of it.

It was 34 degrees and in an effort to beat the heat I well and truly tried to keep it simple. Originally I only had the tee and the shorts on, but I couldn't help grabbing the vest as I was about to run out the door. Its one of the things I scored op-shopping the day before....I really must devote a specific post to the haul.

I'm working on the blogger pose, although my stocky build doesn't really lend itself to editorial chic! (Check out the bicep in the top pic) Yikes, my pole dancing training has a lot to answer for.....

Car Park Antics - Take One...

Felt Fedora - Gowings, Aus___ RayBan Sunglasses - Ebay, U.S___ Tee Dress - Cassette Society on Sale at General Pants, Aus___ Satin Finish Leggings - MINKPINK, Aus___Red Lumberjack Shirt - MINKPINK, Aus___ Long Snake Chain - On sale for $2.95 at Forever New, Aus___Silver Stud Bangles - Equip, Aus___Black Studded Bangles - Bardot, Aus___Chunky Studded Ring - Bardot, Aus___Faux Thomas Wylde Skull Bag - HongKong Markets, H.K___ Cut Out Sandals - 50% off at Rubi, Aus

OK, OK, sorry about the lack of blog-action as of late. I wish I could say I had a great excuse but I'm afraid its just the usual lame "I'm so busy at the moment" line.

I spent Saturday hitting the local op shops with my sister (some great vintage scores - will post them later) and finished off the day with a little bit of chain store perusal at the local shopping centre (Thats what we call a mall over here my American style sisters).

This is a typical "minimal effort" outfit for me - Due to my large line-backer shoulders I almost always layer over tees to break things up. I've never combined these two before, but the MINKPINK shirt is one of my favourites (I have it in white as well) and tends to make everything look cool.

I wish I could claim the googly eyes on the tee dress as my own bit of inspired DIY but alas they are the brainchild of great Aussie label Cassette Society. What can I say, its just so random that I had to have it! Many people have said they're creepy and the dress would be better if I took them off - I immediately stop talking to them as clearly they have no sense of humour.....