A little birdy showed me...

The new Summer Shop-a-Log is up on birdmotel.com.au and I'm loving the following looks...









Notes on Glossy Paper

Missy's got some sweet deals...

If you're already a subscriber to the Missy Confidential newslettter (if not, subscribe here), you'll not only know about the best sample sales that are coming up, but you'll also be savvy to the great discounts they offer their readers.

So, if you like the sound of 20% off all online purchases from Tony Bianco shoes, or 15% off all stock at frockshop.com.au (excluding Parlour X) simply click through the links and enter the following codes when you purchase to save yourself some dollars...

Tony Bianco: MCTB20
Vaild - Wednesday Oct 24th - Friday Nov 9th, 2007

frockshop.com.au: MISSY
Vaild - Wednesday Oct 24 - Tuesday Oct 30, 2007

And if the man in your life could do with a bit of wardrobe update too, check out the recently launched newsletter/ website lookthepart.com.au - it's the Missy for men!

Notes on Glossy Paper

Sassy shopping

If you love yoruself a bit of Sass & Bide, but don't live near any good boutiques, or David Jones, you'll be pleased to hear they now have their own E boutique. Log on to sassandbide.com to check out their latest ranges, including their new sunglasses (coming soon).

You might have also read the interview with Heidi Middleton in the Sunday magazine over the weekend - she is an inspiration, conquering her battle with breast cancer immediately following the birth of her second child. The bond she speaks of between her and Sarah-Jane is wonderful - they haven't gone a day without speaking to each other in their fifteen years of friendship. And to have built such a successful business from such a friendship is amazing.

Image courtesy of news.com.au

Notes on Glossy Paper

What's the deal with...

Naked perfume ads? Does everyone need to strip off to enjoy their new fragrance?





Sophie Dahl's provocative pose for the renowned Opium fragrance received stacks of complaints when it was released...



But does anyone think this new banned-in-most-magazines ad for Tom Ford's new frgrance is just a bit... well, foul??



Notes on Glossy Paper

Coolest kids in school

So... there's this little project that myself and my colleagues worked on earlier in the year, and being that the on sale date happens to be next week, it's time for some shamless self-promoting!

Even if you're not a teen or a tween... or have anyone in your family that falls into this category, hopefully you can still appreciate the sheer coolness of the Total Girl and Girlfriend diaries for 2008.

They sell for $8.95 and you'll soon see them on the counter of your local Woolies and Franklins - yipee! (The TG diary even comes with scratch 'n' sniff stickers. Like, how totally cool is that!?)

Notes on Glossy Paper

Cheap fashion: Pros and Cons

Birthdays are great when you get birthday cash, and I was definitely spoilt in that department this year. Of course, my problem is that my wish list is a mile long, including everything from a new handbag, to "nice" work clothes (read: ones I don't wear every weekend too), a good quality foundation (I don't own any!), a laptop bag and a facial. One must be a savvy budgeter to stretch the dosh (now that I don't have a credit card to fall back on).

Which bought me to a visit to Witchery yesterday afternoon... I always adore their clothes when I see them on someone else, but after glancing at a few items I liked, and then casting my eyes to their price tag, I realised that even though I may covet their quality, I could only afford to purchase two items max with all my birthday dollars!

I've never been one to go for quality over quantity... admittedly, I'd much prefer to get three pairs of shoes, and many items of clothing over one extremely high-priced designer garment (as much as I love them). But there's always the issue of cheaper, mass produced clothing being: a) not as comfortable b) not made of natural fibres and c) not made to last.

A savvy shopper is she who can afford to buy good quality basics and mix it up with on-trend chain store pieces. Well, for the moment I'll be mixing and matching the best that SES, Supre and Sportsgirl can offer. I did manage to purchase two blouses, a tee and two singlets this morning from SES for the bargain price of $65 so I'm pretty happy with that... now all I need is a great pair of jeans, and perhaps some cute shorts...

What do you think of "cheap" fashion? Is it the staple or your wardbrobe or do you keep at least 10 feet away from any store stocking "made in china" labels? Leave a comment and let me know!

Pictured: My fave handbag so far... but it's $250 from Witchery!

Notes on Glossy Paper

Creatures of habit

During a visit to the beach on the weekend, several little rituals caught my attention. On the sand, it seems people have a particular way of settling into their perfect sunbaking possie... a guy nearby neatly made a little sand cushion with his feet before plopping down to relax while the women in front of me had a very particular way of folding her clothes and using them as a pillow. Of course, I'm not there to observe them on any other day, but I am sure their next visit would involve the same sort of routine.

On the bus ride home I peered into a cafe to see a couple enjoying lunch and sharing the newspaper - for her, Mia Freedman's column, for him, the sports section. I got to thinking about all the daily rituals we all go through and wondered, are we are really just creatures of habit?

I mean, even if you life your life to the max and believe the motto that 'a change is as good as a holiday', you will generally keep particular rituals no matter where you are or what you're doing. For example, getting ready of a morning tends to involve a certain pattern, different for each person. Do you brush your teeth first, or do your hair before getting dressed, or do you eat breakfast in your pyjamas in front of the TV first?

Every day involves a set routine for most people, and it's what keeps us ticking. However, it's important to break out of these rituals as often as you can, before you end up like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. What are some of your rituals? : )

Notes on Glossy Paper