5 of the best umbrellas

This weather has been so crazy in NSW. Blustery, bitter, rainy and ridiculous. 

Which brings me to this. An umbrella is imperative in anyone's at home repertoire. 

Which in turn brings me to this. My five favourite brollies to keep you cool, calm and collected for the rainy season. 

1. Kate Spade Rose Umbrella from Lark Store $85: Yes it's exy, but it's Kate Spade. And it has roses. And it's cute as punch. And when it's grey and gloomy, this perfectly punchy brolly will keep the rain clouds at bay.

2. Clifton Windpro Navy and White Stripe umbrella from Umbrellas.com.au $55.95: If you're looking for large and lofty, and really want to take cover from those oversized raindrops, this jumbo-sized super-powered umbrella will do the trick. I can vouch for its awesome-ness, it gives excellent coverage and won't blow inside out. 

3. Parisienne Series Cheetah Print from ParasolUmbrellas $52.95: Ditch boring black and take shelter under some animal print - you'll tread those footpaths in serious style. Plus even the handle is cheetah print. What's not to like? 

4. Senz XXL Golf Umbrella $99: It's an investment but it comes with some serious credentials. Winner of all major design awards globally, the aerodynamic design of the Senz umbrella means it won't flip - not even at winds exceeding 100kph. That's some seriously sweet design. 

5. Gina and May Grasshopper umbrella $59.95: Definitely one of my favourites for the retro tip of the  hat to polka dots, print and colour. Fun, full of personality, and super cool for super dreary days. 

Life of a big foot: Shoe Shopping tips for ladies with large feet

On the weekend I posted a pic of my new kicks. 

My Converse had lived a long and dedicated life, but they're so flat and don't give support - and you know, it was time for something new. Well Matt told me to buy something new, and so who was I to argue. 

I kept selecting all these cool women's kicks (we were at Hype DC) only to be told that I had to in fact look at the men's shoes. Because my feet are so darn big. 

This is going to sound crazy, but I wanted to walk out. I could feel the heat climbing from my chest, trying to reach my face. I felt really sad about my huge feet. And the fact that not many shoe makers make shoes big enough for big-footed babes. 

But Peter, who was helping me in Hype DC was so super helpful, I stuck around. 

Since forever, shoe shopping has been a real pain the watoozie. During school years I usually wore Doc Martens, men's sneakers, and then graduated to Converse. I remember my Year 10 graduation, I was so stoked to have this new pair of black suede Converse and one of the mum's had a go at me and asked why I would wear *those* shoes with my dress. 

Well - put simply, because I had no other choice. It was Converse (which made me feel cool and kick-ass) or Doc Martens. Needless to say, I didn't feel very grateful for her comments on my footwear, and have remembered what she said to this day.

So this made me think - I know I am not the only woman with big feet. And over the years shoes HAVE started to be upsized (hoorah!), but sometimes navigating your way to those shoe shops is not easy. So here is a list of shoe retailers/makers who accommodate ladies with a lovely long foot.

Habbot: I have a few pairs of these, and it can be hit and miss to what fits me (I have REALLY long toes) - but their returns/exchange policy is excellent, their staff super knowledgeable, and me being in Sydney, and them in Melbourne? Well I've got four pairs of Habbot shoes and that alone can vouch for their awesome-ness. But have a look at the range - aye carumba. Annie Abott is super clever, creative, and they're made in Italy, so you know you're getting some high-quality shoes. 
Goes up to: size 42

Bermuda Black (formerly Marcue): These guys seem to have gone a bit quiet, but keep an eye out for them. Hand-made in Sydney, beautiful shoes and custom made, and with personality to boot (pun intended). Yes please! 
Goes up to: custom

Hobes: the quintessentially cool shoe, Hobes go up to a size 42 in women's shoes. They're more a casual kinda gig, but the cool palette and look can work back with jeans or dresses. 
Goes up to: size 42

Trenery and Country Road: I used to always be able to shop here for shoes, but then they switched who made their shoes a few years ago, and that all went out the window. I can occasionally find heeled shoes that fit. The enclosed flats never fit me, but if it's got a bit of a heel, I can usually make it work. Sandals are usually also good (with a little overlap, but I can live with that). 
Goes up to: size 42

Boden Clothing: Super cool, cute and quirky, on-trend and excellent, Boden has a great range of shoes that make my heart boompity-boompity boom!
Goes up to: size 42

Radical Yes: In case you haven't been on Instagram in the last forever, Radical Yes are the latest cool kid on the shoe block - with a range of ace, quirky and cool flats to take you 'round the world and back.
Goes up to: size 43

Bared: Cool and classic AND designed by a podiatrist (schawing!), these shoes not only look good, but they're ultra-comfy too. 
Goes up to: 45 in limited styles (43 in lots)


Got a big foot? Where do you find kicks? 

My New Arm Party - You're Invited (Sp)

I am pretty excited because I got a new watch. You might think this is a bit old-fashioned. That's fine with me, but it's part of my master plan. 

To spend less time looking at my phone, and more time being in the moment. 

I'm pretty chuffed with it. It's already changed my life a little bit, because I wear it when I am walking instead of carrying my phone. I can be in the here and now, and quick glance at the face - and I know the time (and the date too, which is ace because it always slips my mind). 

2015 is going to be my year of organisation. Watch me go (pun intended). 

I had been looking for a watch for a while. I perused what was on offer on OzSale (loads of great pieces!), and found this Kenneth Cole classic men's watch. The cogs started going - this could potentially shift my mind, and then I couldn't wait for its arrival. 

It's chunky, black and I love what it brings to my arm party. And given OzSale offers designer fashion at discounted retail prices of up to 80% off - it means I got my watch for next to nix. 

Shop OzSale now. 

Frocktober 2014:: You Can't Stop The Frocks

Just because Frocktober is almost done and dusted - doesn't mean the frocks, fashion and frivolity have to stop.

I am pretty adept at navigating a good frock. This is my third year of Frocktober, and after 93 frocks -  I would consider myself a bit of a frocking expert. (Ok 93 might be an exaggeration, but have you seen my bedroom lately? FROCK!)

Today I'm sharing a bit of a frocking round up. I might not have been to any frocking shops, but I've let my fingers do the fashion-stalking and found 10 that will make your frocking heart BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

So we all know how much I LOVE Australian fashion. I'm an avid supporter of Australian labels and designers, which brings me to something else I really, really love. The Third Row. Diana (the brains and beauty behind TTR) contacted me and asked if I'd love to merge my love of frocks, with my love of independent Australian designers into a popup shop. 

No brainer. I said YES PLEASE! And here it is! I've personally chosen a lot of frocks that I LOVE and I hope you do too. 

1. Lilya Beatriz dress from Style Milk: Loving this simple navy dress. It's great with sandals or heels, and perfect to throw on and feeling frocking fabulous.

2. PAM Scops Dress/Top in Washed Denim from Dagmar Rousset: Two garments in one? Aye carumba, that nails my ever growing washing pile. Oh how I love this.

3. Maria dress in Blue Lagoon from Lazybones: These frocks are so perfectly feminine and easy to wear in cotton - brilliant for summer. The cuts are bang on, and the prints? Aye aye aye!!

4. Natashya Manfield 'Peggy' dress: I love this full-tilt colour, the cut, the fabric, the print. And it's magic to wear it too. 

5. Nancybird Olive dress in 'Anemone': Such an easy cut to wear, and in silk, it's so perfect for our hot summer - that print is super gorgeous and the palette means it works with almost any hue - winning!

6. Obus 'Cheveyo' dress: There's so much to say about this frock. The cut. The pleats. The exposed hard wear (read: the zip). The visual punch. I am pretty well prepared to marry it. 

7.  Gorman 'Take Flight' dress: I have been salivating over this frock for a couple of weeks. I really love the tone of that blue, and the cut is the best thing since sliced bread. 

8. Alpha 60 'Eleta' dress: This reminds me SO much of my Mum - she had a plethora of brilliant frocks when she was around my age, some of them are still kicking around in my wardrobe. And. Pockets. 

9. Secret South 'Sarah' Shirt dress from Style Milk: I am a big fan of prints, it usually means little accessorising required (unless, like me, you LOVE accessorising, and then go for it!). I dig the aztec vibe, and think this is a great work to play frock. 

10.  Gorman Lobster Cotton dress: Did somebody say lobster? Well I may be the only person that's not that enamoured with eating it, but as a print? I want second helpings. 


This is just 10 - but there are LOADS more I have personally chosen - that I am madly coveting now. 


Shop more of my favourite frocks over on The Third Row in the PottyMouthMama PopUp! 

Big Dreams Launches New Online Magazine - And It's Dreamy

this is a sponsored post

When we visited Melbourne at Christmas time, I gathered up some recommendations from friends on great kids shops. I still had some gift shopping to conquer. 

In all of those recommendations Big Dreams kept coming up. Obviously this was a gorgeous store - my friends have impeccable taste. So I swept in there, my jaw dropped (because if you haven't been there, it is beautifully styled and there's so much awesome-ness to drink in) distracted the kids with all the beautiful merchandising, and set to secretly squirrelling bits and pieces away at the counter - those little people of mine were oblivious. 

It was such a great, and memorable shopping experience - the store is filled to the brim with goodness, it was difficult to not go completely crazy (except for the fact my husband was staying within a 3 metre radius of me). 

Happily Big Dreams have launched their brand spanking new magazine for Winter. It's a beautiful edit of pieces available in store (and in their online store). It's the mix of seeing the clothes on real kids, and also the way it's styled - Big Dreams understands kids, and lets them be kids - it's playful, real and big on colour. Just the way I like things. 

Follow Big Dreams on Facebook
Check out the action on Instagram
Shop online here
And download the beautiful magazine here 


* Very occasionally I write sponsored posts. They're only ever about brands/stores I really, really love, and I know you'll love them too. And I am a massive supporter of Australian retailers. Shop local! This is my honest opinion which is why I can blog openly about it. It's rad. I wanted to share. 

Stuff I Do

This weekend was wildly exciting. WILDLY! 

You will never, ever in a million years guess what I did this weekend. And you're going to be insanely jealous when you find out.

Because guess what.

I cleaned out my kitchen cupboards.

I know. I am wild. I am a party animal. I have such a compelling social life. 

But to be completely honest, it was quite satisfying. 

We live in a small rented house. It's actually no bigger than a Kleenex tissue box. When we moved in, in order to be able to move around, we just put things away - thinking "We'll come back to that and organise it once everything's unpacked."

And it's been four years. And we never did. Until this weekend. 

I sorted out my vintage vases. Yes. I have a collection. I found all this old paperwork, warranties etc, I find little pieces of family history. I tossed out some things. Like vitamins dating back to 2009. I made a few cupboards look pretty, yet I am still not finished. 

BUT on the way home from doing a little family walk, I saw an antiques store closing down. This is basically like walking a cat past an open tin of sardines. I had to have a look around, though the words from Matt rang in my ears. "Lexi, we're meant to be decluttering. You can look, but you can't buy anything. AND we don't have any money."

Well that bit was true. And yes the other bit was true too. But vintage things are my weakness. I love other people's old stuff. This is well documented from my bin diving days. 

So Tiny and I went for a quick snoop around, and in just 35 minutes I fell madly in love with these vintage shelves. Well I knew we barely had any money in the bank. But they were pulling at my heart strings. 

Everyone got really mad at me (everyone in my family, not the shop) so I took everyone home. Then (shamefully) asked Tiny if I could borrow some money from her money box, and pay her back with interest. That little dolly let me. 

So I snaffled one row of those tin shelves. And yes, Matt told me they were dysfunctional, nothing fits in them properly, but I got them. I know I am ridiculous. 

But I really love them. 

Work Where? Work Wear!

As anyone who reads my blog would know, I am always on the hunt for some star pieces to add into my work wardrobe.

My attention span of loving my existing wardrobe wanes somewhat, so I need to add something new every now and then. They say variety is the spice of life - and this applies to my wardrobe. Otherwise I stand in my bedroom post-shower looking blankly at my clothes - trying to convince Matt I have nothing to wear. We both know the truth - but you're feeling me, right?

I've found three beauties that would look ace together - and make one heck of a workwear outfit - and work with lots of my existing pieces. 

Elk Drop Crotch Pant $150:: I've had an epiphany people, and you're going to be disgusted in me. The only pants I own are jeans. So they don't count. Post-epiphany, I had a pink fit and found these - I am really big loving them - and think they look ace how Elk have styled them with this top, but would look fab with...

This shirt. I am mad for white shirts - this Witchery OCRF Long sleeve bib shirt ($129.95) has stolen my heart. As we know, I am a firm supporter of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation through Frocktober. Proceeds from this shirt go straight to OCRF. And you get a winning hit to your wardrobe. Winning all 'round! 

And to finish it off - these shoes. 

Habbot - every. single. season. nails it for me. Blue velvet? AYE CARUMBA!! These Lennox Blue velvet flats ($320) are pretty much the icing on the cake. I can't rave enough about these - they are pure poetry on heels. Gimme, gimme! 

Have you found any good workwear basics lately?

The Bra Police:: Hands Up, I'm Padding You Down

I know it's pretty well in the category throughout Australia that it's 'too-hot-to-wear-a-bra'. They should have one of those charts they have for bush fires so that all women are comfortable in the knowledge that they should unleash the beast and set their boobies free. 

So spare a thought for me. Of the small boobied variety. All my bras have about 10cm of padding in them foam. It's sweaty in there.

And this is not my flipping fault.

Recently I went to go bra shopping (right up there with shoe shopping for one of my most loathed sorts of shopping for me), and I thought - I am so sick of padded bras. Let's be real, I am going to just have some nice non-padded bras, and no underwire while we're at it - and be done with these faux boobies. 

I found plenty of non-padded bras that I liked. Plenty. 

But none in my size. 

It's as if the designers of bras decided that NOPE - if you're flat chested, then you are totally going to have to wear padding. The End. Don't even try and have a conversation about it. 

Padding. Underwire. You're getting the whole lot. We don't care if you're at one with your petite cleavage. 

It kind of defies logic. Doesn't it? I don't need any hardcore engineering. I don't need a designer to fashion some webbing the latest elastic and a bit of lace (actually and some bows, diamantes, polka dots, and whatever else you can throw on it - because let's make it look like a haberdashery store threw up on this piece of underwear). I just need some boobie covers. Nothing much else really. Let's be brutally honest. 

Before you say - did you try this brand, or this brand, or this brand? The answer is no. Like I said, I hate bra shopping. With a vengeance. And I know that Calvin Klein bras fit me, so I go straight to that section. When I am bra shopping, I shop like a man. No faffing around, I'd rather be sitting on the man seat than in the change room. 

#HAPPYGIVING - Christmas Reader Giveaway from Westfield

My favourite time of the year is Christmas. 

Have I told you that about 708 times now? Probably. 

And my favourite part of Christmas is giving. 

Yes, yes, it's lovely to be given a beautiful gift, but there is nothing that can swell my heart more than giving someone a gift. It makes me insanely happy. 

This man was born to give. 

To celebrate #HAPPYGIVING I am totally happy to collaborate with Westfield to give you the opportunity to win a $100 Westfield voucher. 

Now wouldn't that be awesome this Christmas?! 

Just leave a comment below and tell me how you're going to share the gift of giving this Christmas.

Terms & Conditions:

Open to Australian readers only

Open from Monday 25th November at 7am. Closes Friday 29th November at 11:59pm.

Only one entry per person.

Please ensure you leave contact details for me. Sadly I am not psychic and can not dedicate my life to tracking down winners. As much as I'd really love to.

Uber Good Christmas Gift Guide:: For Him

Men are notoriously difficult to buy for. Well I think so anyway. I have a high unsuccess rating with gift-giving to my husband. Which means every year, gift giving becomes harder and harder - until you get so far down the track that he'll wind up with a new lead pencil, an eraser and a notepad. Utilitarian is the way to go I think.

So here are some of my ideas for a man-friend.

1. Skate Rocker from Freedom $499:: An investment, yes, but I love everything about this chair - the lines, the colour (plus it comes in a beautiful tan leather) and the fact that it's a rocker. Rock on baby! 

2. Dermalogica Soothing Shave Cream by Dermalogica $28:: I've talked about this here before - I love it so much I want to talk about it again. When Matt started teaching, he wanted to be clean shaven - his skin wigged out a bit, and so he tried this Soothing Shaving Cream. I've used it myself (except not on my face) and can vouch for it. Plus it smells super wonderful. Couple this with the Dermalogica Pre-Shave Guard and you've got yourself a pretty sweet shave.

3. Acca Kappa Ivory Badger Hair Shaving Brush from Saison $180:: I don't know about the man in your life, but my man never really buys himself anything except the essentials. I love this beautiful shaving brush - a piece of luxury for the everyday.

4. Aussie Rules Footy for an Indigenous Footy Player from Oxfam Unwrapped $65:: Every year I love to support Oxfam's Unwrapped program. There are so many seriously good causes, and there's no risk that this gift is not going to be liked. Give the gift that keeps on giving - and choose something - big or small to go to someone who really needs it. 

5.Vans - Bright Green Black from SurfStitch $89.95:: Nothing says summer quite like a fresh pair of Vans, some boardies and a beach towel. Or a skateboard in Matt's case. I love this green. And I love SurfStitch. Their customer service is WOWSERS. 

6. The Thirty Six by Siegmund Siegreich $34.95:: If your man is a reader, then this book is incredible. It's written by a Polish gentleman who, as a teenager, survived the holocaust (he now lives in Melbourne). It's a book that will live within you forever - and you won't be able to put it down. Heart-breaking, harrowing, and  so beautifully written - I highly recommend it.  

7. Istanbul Turkish Towel from Lark $39.95:: Traditionally made and from natural fibres, these Turkish towels are fast drying and nice and compact. Perfect to toss in the car for an impromptu afternoon jaunt to the beach. 

8. Country Road Swim Short $49.95:: I like the cut of these shorts - and the colours. And a good stylish, utilitarian gift never hurt anyone. 

9. Sony PS3 Playstation Console 500GB $369 from JB Hi-Fi:: I will admit it - sometimes at night, when the kids are in bed, I challenge Matt to a game on the PS3. It's fun! You should totes try it!

10. A massage voucher:: Chances are - if your man is like my man, he doesn't pamper himself much. Which is why I really love getting Matt a gift voucher for a massage. It never fails to make him more relaxed. 

Crafty? Calico + Ivy On SALE!

Pssst! If you're a crafty cat, you'd better listen up.

Calico + Ivy are holding a short and sweet sale from tomorrow for 3 days only!

Friday 7th September
Saturday 8th September
Monday 10th September

20-50% off fabric
20% off yarn

You had better hot foot it in store to make the most of the merriment!

image via here

Are You Cereal?

Want to know what I think of supermarket music? Want to know why there should be royalty in the shops (just not that Prince up there)?

Then click over to JustB today for my scoop on how I can make your shopping adventures a heck of a lot happier.

image via Zimbio

We're On Holidays. And We Have Gold Fever.

We visited Nundle this morning to check out all that was a-happening as part of their annual Go for Gold Chinese Festival. 


Once we arrived in Nundle we took the smalls straight to go gold-panning. They had a hoot sifting through the soil, and both struck it big, and got to bring their gold home. Once that was over the Doctor said he wanted to go home... Hmm. 


We meandered through the crowds, ate sausage sandwiches, went to the Nundle Woollen Mill, watched the Chinese dragon performers - which was pretty rad, went to my favourite Odgers & McClelland and stocked up on boiled lollies (I have a sweet tooth, yikes!) and my favourite beech nail brushes - random combo I know, but this is the general store - and the curation of goods is inspiring and so aesthetically pleasing! I never knew I loved brooms so much.


Ah the country air. I can not get enough. 


I definitely do not want to come home. 

Does Your Man Hate Shopping?

Well I have just done you a huge favour. Looky looky what I found for you. US designer Thom Browne's new Autumn-Winter show in Paris. If your man's not inspired by this collection, I don't know what will inspire him.

Want more shopping inspiration? Click here.

Christmas Gift Ideas: Tricky + Dreamy

This is the last of my inspiration for Christmas gift buying. Here are some of my favourite things that I just don't think you can go wrong with. Ho ho ho and let's rev it up moving forward to Christmas. Shall we?

Inoui scarves in a plethora of colours and designs - so soft, and so beautiful - Calico and Ivy $95 (Or check out the amazing Sophie Digard pieces - divine!)

Bal D'Afrique Eau de Parfum - Mecca Cosmetica $158 (50ml)

Elke Blastodia earrings - Off the Runway $150

Cire Trudon Moroccan Mint Tea Room Spray - Kleins Perfumery $199

Handmade leather key strap - Third Drawer Down $50

Put the Love in the Coconut beach towel - Gorman + Castle Collab $79

This rad table and chairs (people I'm thinking big!) - via Heather Nette King on eBay starting at $500

My work life would look a heck of a lot more sexy with these Inka notebooks - Inky Co $19.95

Matt already thinks I have an unnatural love for bringing home lamps - but I promise I'd stop if I had this toadstool - Down to the Woods $180

I know they're for the smalls, but I think I'd have hours of fun with these Miller Goodman blocks - Kido Store $70

Super cool vintage posters - Galerie Montmartre $60

And that my friends, brings me to a close of my Christmas gift ideas. I am fresh out of ideas. I hope you've already finished your Christmas shopping, and if you haven't (like me) I hope this works as inspiration.

Christmas Shoppers!

Peeps! I have it on good authority that tomorrow only, Kiehl's is giving online shoppers 15% off anything and everything.

You know how I love beauty products, so I just had to share with you peeps!

Just enter SATURDAY when at the checkout and you'll receive the 15% discount.

Sweet!