I am now a spender!! I can't help but buy things. Although thankfully I have actually learnt a great deal through the Flipping Thrift challenge.

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Flipping Thrift: I like his scarf too

Flipping Thrift: I like his scarf too: "The scarf is a good option - it works and totally matches my brown riding boots. I will definitely be wearing this again, that is, if I can..."

I like his scarf too

The scarf is a good option - it works and totally matches my brown riding boots. I will definitely be wearing this again, that is, if I can find it. You see Andrew is a little worried it may turn into a girl’s scarf and loose its masculinity if I continue to be seen in it, I think it may be in hiding.





Friday 19 November 2010

And now I have discovered his hat


This week has been a week of probing my Husband’s wardrobe. I have now discovered a hat, a very warm one at that.  xx Nao

Wednesday 17 November 2010

I borrowed Andrew’s jumper today and added a bow!!

I’m not sure if this boyfriend style dressing is for me but for today it gave me pleasure to work with a different piece of clothing. It gave me the excitement of having something new to wear and on a very cold day in London it was rightly snug. So how about sneaking a peak into the partner’s wardrobe for some new options!!


Monday 15 November 2010

Same same but different year

Am I four years out of date or just flipping thrifty? This knit dress and the cozy faux fur were purchased in 2005 and 2006 and have carried me through to 2010!!! I am STILL wearing them and blow-me-down on Saturday night I went out in the exact same combo as I did in 06.

I am wondering if I am gambling with the used by on this number, however, I actually received two compliments on this combo, so happy to keep wearing it for little while longer. 
xx NAO


Monday 8 November 2010

Flipping Thrift: Wait...don’t throw out the old Christmas wrap!

Flipping Thrift: Wait...don’t throw out the old Christmas wrap!: "My mum keeps stash of recycled Christmas wrap from many moons ago. Last Christmas I took advantage of this ‘vintage wrap stockpile’ and whil..."

Wait...don’t throw out the old Christmas wrap!

My mum keeps stash of recycled Christmas wrap from many moons ago. Last Christmas I took advantage of this ‘vintage wrap stockpile’ and whilst some of it was a little shabby, the presents came up a treat with extra decorations and a little love.
Who cares for a few sticky tape remnants or tares – this just makes it extra personal and authentic. And what a nice feeling knowing that someone else has taken pleasure in unwrapping a gift from the same paper.

So do you really need to buy Christmas wrap this year? Take a look in your Chrissie tub before you spend on the new rolls.

It is super easy to jazz up a wrapped present with a few bits and pieces lying around the house. Here are a few ideas:
• That earring waiting for the return of its mate – give up hope and use it to decorate you gifts instead
• Newspapers and mags are a great source of fun words and letter to stick on gifts
• Unwanted Christmas baubles and decs
• Always keep a busy box – throw the ribbon and ties that you receive on gifts into this box for when it is your turn to wrap
• Secretly keep your mate’s name tag or place card at an event and use it on their next present or birthday card
• Don’t throw away the boutique shopping bags until you take off and keep the handles first
• Buttons, pegs and string
• Brown paper is a lovely base and economical for wrapping a gigantic gift. Newspaper is useful too. If you are off to a wedding or big birthday, wait for the day to wrap the pressie and use that day’s newspaper
• Sweet wrappers and the bows from chocolate boxes can be put in your busy box too - my Nanna used to do this




eatible gift tags-cute hah 

Melting gift tag





Thank you Tommy Hilfiger for this lovely ribbon off your shopping bags.


A few tricks fom the busy box

The busy box

The 'Great white sheet' trim made it into the busy box.  Look out friends out there - who will get this elastic off -cut on their Christmas present!!??

Sunday 7 November 2010

Hungry Hypocrite

I’ve settled down on the clothing purchases but accidently taken up with spending on boutique food. This is concerning and is undoing the good work to date. So note to self, must address this asap – do not return to Borough market with purse or hungry husband.

Borough Market is well worth a visit but my mistake was taking my market trolley, the one I use to fetch my whole weekly shop. No need to buy my weekly groceries at twice or three times the price.

Luckily I had my camera in my back pocket (as always) which diverted my retail hunger to focus on what was not for consumer purchase – simply the scenery this colourful market offers.










Wednesday 3 November 2010

My weather clever ankle boots

I hear it is warming up downunder and the rain is subsiding but don’t hold your breath for the sunshine Melbourians. What you can do is ensure you don’t get caught out in inappropriate get-up. That is why I wanted to share my favourite wardrobe piece...my ankle boots.

These well worn gems go with everything, shorts dresses, skirts even bikinis!!! And when you get rained on unexpectedly you look fashion savvy and weather clever.
 I bought them at a recycled boot shop on Chapel Street Melbourne, the Windsor end. On average I have spoilt these boots with an outing at least three times a week in three years. They have been to so many varied places, from sloshing around Mum and Dad’s farm, I give em’ a little wax rub and voilĂ , we can then totter to a top notch restaurant.
 Wish I had more pics to show you but you’ll just have to trust me. Really, they go with EVERYTHING!!!




Friday 29 October 2010

Out my window

There is always something going on outside of my window. This time it was a mini photo shoot, east London style – no new clothing here. Actually I think even a borrowed flannel shirt.

I love the offhand yet playful and cheeky styling. Even perhaps a bit nonchalant – “I’ll wear what I want”. That is the attitude ‘round here – except the soldier of course.

My take from this is definitely the Mickey Mouse sweeter and the ankle boots worn back with shorts. Anyone want to trade a Mickey tee or sweater? Oh I know - a Mickey brooch!







Thursday 28 October 2010

Laughing out Loud!!

Yesterday I lent my umbrella to a friend with no hesitation as I was sure I had a spare and wasn’t planning on venturing out again. That evening I get an invitation to The Connaught bar in Mayfair. Rushing out the door, I realise that there is no spare umbrella and the only option is an oversize golf umbrella, bold red and black and splashed with the Wilson logo. Well there was no way I could handle that on the tube and no way had I wanted to walk through Mayfair with that monster. So I left without an umbrella embracing double high hopes that it would not rain on me.


On exiting the tube, the vision in front of me was frightening, wet brollies and wet people shaking themselves off as they descended into the underground. The rain was clearly not settled and I had to get to The Connaught respectably and preferable not drenched. A tempting £2.50 umbrella was staring me in the face and the voice inside me was saying “buy it! Buy it!” It was temping but I am stronger than that. Then a thought crossed my mind “what if I find one”. In that same breathe, there in front of me was a beat-up umbrella that deserved one more outing before it’s mangled self was binned.


Pacing through the refined Mayfair streets with my surrogate brollie I was in absolute hysterics – I could not believe that I was actually doing this. Yes I got looks, stares and complete bazaar confusion walking by me, especially when I stopped on the street for a little self-timed photo shoot.


You know those uncontrollable fits of laughter from deep down within your stomach, the ones that make you laugh so much your stomach aches – that was me and I loved every minute of it. And well the best part was I was on my own and that is the first time I think I have ever shared such a funny funny moment with myself.


I got to the hotel with dry hair and yes I did bin the brollie at the corner before. And you ask me too, was that a better option than the big golf umbrella??? Hmmm
NAO xx



Nao xx

Thursday 21 October 2010

I’ve been meaning to tell you about my suede fringed skirt

Have you ever owned a piece of clothing that you love even after its second year cycle? Can you wear it year round? Do you wear it for the 70th time and someone comments, “wow love your...”? And then you say “whaaat, this ol thang”. Well I do. It is my (with deserving capitals) Suede Fringed Skirt.


This little gem was purchased 2 years ago from the lonely sale racks in Sportsgirl. I found myself an absolute bargain and a real treasure. I am truly in love with this skirt for its standalone glory and versatility.




And it’s also a dancing encourager (not that I need any encouraging)
    




Here’s a hint for the thrifty – find yourself a unique standout piece of clothing that is a great fit on you and most importantly, something you feel really good in. If it is bold in its shape or colour then always team it back with less bold items so that you don’t over-style the outfit and it compliments your silhouette. For example – my skirt looks best with a tucked in fitted tee. Try it. XX NAO


And while I'm at it, I will give Sportsgirl Australia some recognition here.  I do love them.