My Recent On Line Marks & Spencer Splurge! - Blue Checks, Aztec and Stripes

I love to window shop and with easy access to the growing number of reputable brands on-line, this doesn't necessarily mean using my feet to get around the stores, often it will be the tap, tap, tapping of my fingers on the keyboard. Usually I am simply browsing and often log off before checking out my cart. However, this wasn't the case when I recently discovered Marks and Spencerare now delivering to NZ with free shipping on first orders. I decided to visit their on-line store with the intention of browsing but ended up doing some serious buying. My Marks & Spencer goods arrived last Friday and I was so excited I decided to share them with you. As I am not actually a fashion blogger, I thought I would also illustrate how fashion influences interior trends. Before I continue, I would like to add, this is not a sponsored post, simply my personal opinion on the service and products received.

Chanel - Sharing A Special Couture video

When we hear the word "Chanel" we think thousands of $$'s, Chanel No5, designer handbags and couture fashion. However, we don't usually think of the painstaking hours and attention to detail that goes into making some of their more intricate pieces. This short video however, shows the immense intricacy that goes into a piece of Chanel couture clothing. I found this little video so intriguing and now I understand why I will never be able to afford their beautiful garments but still be able to splash on that Chanel No5.

Hope you enjoyed this little video as much as I did.

Lee oxo

&

Poppy

A Little Bit Of Sparkle - My Picks for Christmas presents and stocking fillers.

Honestly... I don't spend a lot of money on line, I might spend a lot of time browsing and often fill up the shopping cart but then realise I have too much in it and end up emptying it :(.  However, I have done a little bit of spending on ASOS this week and excited about my parcel arriving.  I bought a gorgeous silver dress for Christmas, a smart T shirt, a camisole and a bracelet all for around total NZ$150 with free shipping. ASOS have free shipping for 6-12 day delivery, if you need your item to wear for the weekend, there is a 4 day option which you can pay extra for.


I am not affiliated with ASOS, it's just that Christmas is looming, they do have a sale and they have some great fashion, gifts and other goodies. The dress I bought comes in a Petite size, something I have trouble finding in NZ. ASOS site is fab, you can even see your item modelled on the catwalk. Honestly, I could spend hours browsing. ASOS's service is excellent, ordering only yesterday, I have already received an email informing me my parcel has been shipped, along with a link to be able to track it. I will share my goodies with you when they arrive and let you know what I think about their total service.  Meanwhile here are a few of my Christmas gift ideas. If you click on the links below they will direct you to the product... that is if you feel inclined to be wearing silver nails this Thanksgiving/Christmas. If the stray "male"  has made it to my blog, I am sure you'd be a hit with your wife, girlfriend or mum (hint hint!!...well, I do have two sons) with the gorgeous Juicy Couture earrings below.

1. Nars  Holiday polish 2011 -  British Pounds 13.50 from ASOS

2. Oasis bead cuff with jewel - On sale British Pounds 8.00 from ASOS

3. Nars holiday 2011 lip gloss - British Pounds 17.50 from ASOS

4. Juicy Couture heart huggie earrings -  British Pounds 45.00 from ASOS

5. Ted Baker, exclusive to ASOS gold & sliver 4 bow acrylic bangle - British pounds 45.00

6. O.P.I. Christmas shimmer collection - British pounds 10.50

Shoe Clips...you could also clip them on the front of your shoe.

I love this wrap bracelet with a topaz stone from ASOS UK Pounds 25.00

1. Michelle Mason silk satin T shirt - net a porter ...eeek!!! UK Pounds 216.00 (a little expensive for me)

2. ASOS metallic over sized bowler bag  - UK Pounds 32.00 on sale

3. ASOS crepe and leather tassel loafer - UK Pounds 40.00

Please note that these items were available at time of posting.

Poppy had her vaccination today, only one more to go then 
I can take her down the beach to meet other dogs.  She is growing fast and 
already sits, lies down and comes when she's called...Just hope she keeps up the good behaviour when she reaches her teen years!

Lee oxo 

and

Poppy 

The Trend Boutique - On-line Fashion

I'm excited about today's discovery, The Trend Boutique. Some of you may already have heard about this on-line store, but my guess is my Antipodes readers may be as surprised as I was. The company are an online fashion store that ship internationally and are known for their reliability and competitive shipping prices. The Trend Boutique's website is great, easy to manoeuvre and I love their "Celebrity Style" tab where you can see celebs wearing items of clothing the Boutique sell. Just click on the Celebrity outfit you like and it will take you to the item and ultimately the shopping cart.  So beware...and lock up those credit cards before you get carried away.  Prices vary, if you don't want to spend a lot they have an "Under $100" tab. Overall prices are cheaper than NZ fashion of the same quality.  I know you may wonder why I promote stores off shore but some of us do have difficulty in finding clothes to fit in NZ especially if you are a size 6 or petite. I myself struggle to get small sizes.  The Trend Boutique cater from XS to Large. Also there is a much wider choice of fashion.

Easy searches can be made, new arrivals, brands, best sellers and of course "Shop by Category" where you can break down your item search to specific items. There is also sizing tips which helps our confidence in buying on line.  A wonderfully designed website.  

I have picked out a few of my favourite items, I encourage you to go window shopping as there is literally 100's of styles plus jewellery, hair accessories, handbags and hats.

1.  JJ Winters Chain Leather Croco Miley Clutch in Dark Creme - US$98.00

2. LnA Baseball V Tee in Black - US$69.00 

3. American Gold San Cristobel Kaftan in Ivory - US$169.00

4. Navan Heartthrob dress in chartreuse Lime - US$279.00

5. LnA Short Sleeve Crew Tee in Heather Grey - US$59.00

6. Nu Collective Printed silk Chiffon Top in white floral US$119.99 (sale price)

1. Blue Life The Weekender Dress in White - US$149.00

2. Gypsy 05 Metallic Leaf Print Maxi Liza Dress in Olive - US$239.00

3.  American Gold Sacred Heart Cut Out Maxi in White Lace - US$249.00

The Trend Boutique

ShopRuche.com - A Great online clothing store

ShopRuche was created in 2008 by Mai and Josh Olivio and their doggy friend Roji. What began as a hobby in  2005 with Mai selling vintage inspired beaded sandals on ebay, gradually turned to sourcing other great clothing items. Mai's hobby turned into a dream come true for both of them when in 2008 they gave up their day jobs to develop  ShopRuche.com.

ShopRuche.com is now a thriving online clothing store that sells shoes, jewellery, accessories and home and office items.  I love their user friendly website with its lookbooks and easy search. Mai has a keen eye for  design and prices are extremely competitive.

I have put a look together a look for a few designs from their store (link below). Please check their shop for availability and to view their many clothing and accessory items.

Bella Luna cut out purse US$54.99 (only 3 left)    -    Santiago Ionas Oxfords US$55.00

Calla Lily Floral Necklace - US$15.99

Laced with Love dress in Lavendar US$36.99

3 floral bangles US$14.99

Spring Patina & Cherry blossoms earrings by Violet Bella US$35.99

Afternoon Dream Crocheted Vest US$35.99  &  maxi skirt in taupe US$34.99

www.ShopRuche.com