Winter 2011 // Block Colours

I love block colour, especially in winter. It adds fun to an otherwise dull winter wardrobe. I got these cute pictures from Lookbook and thought you'd love the colour inspiration. Think bright greens, blues, reds, oranges and even yellow for a real pop.

I love how these girls put bright colours with other bright colours. However, if your new to the block colour look just add one piece to a neutral outfit and you'll never go wrong.

Pregnancy Diary // 27 Weeks

What a lovely week I've had. Trev has been off work for the past week so we have been having a lovely time catching up with friends but also having some family time. Speaking of family, I got to see my little sis Esi sing live at a gorgeous organic cafe in Engadine on Saturday night. I'd never heard her sing before and she was amazing. It was such a proud moment for me.

Week 27
Feeling: My stomach is really starting to feel full. I'm getting full quicker when eating and have had some reflux. So trying to eat less but more frequently which seems to be helping.
Walks: 3 walks
Weight: 8kg (that's a guess, I haven't been able to get on the scales)

Fashion
With the cold settling in I thought I'd show you how I layered this week. Whilst I am aware that this is not a slimming outfit (and definitely not one of my best pics) its all about keeping warm in winter. Remember to wear something tight on the bottom. I wore maternity jeans (from Jeans West...sorry I think I wrote Jay Jays in my other post) with a tee, thin cardi and then thick chunky cardi over the top. Its perfect for a day of shopping (which is what we got up to). That way you just peal off layers as the temperature changes due to being inside.

Hope this helps you with some ideas for layering. If your not pregnant take a look back over some of my older posts. I have some lovely pics for layering inspiration.

Tee Shirt - Boutique in the City
Thin grey cardi - Cotton On
Jeans - Jeans West
Thick Cardi - Tatoo (cheap maternity buy)

Favorite Shoes // The Horse

I have exciting news... The Horse (my favorite label in leather shoes) recently released their latest range... and they are amazing. If you love quality, comfort, and style then you have to get yourself a pair of these lovely leathers. I love my Horse shoes...I live in them, and when I don't have them on one of my sisters is borrowing them.

Check out this eye candy and jump onto The Horse to get yourself a pair before they sell out (they're going fast so you have to be quick).

How To // Mid Length Skirt

Isn't this a cute little trend.

The mid-calf length skirt is back and can look so cute if worn right.

Here are some tips ladies:
* Make sure the skirt length finishes at the skinniest part of your calf muscle.
* If you have hips/thighs steer clear of the pleated skirt and try a slight A-line skirt in a softer fabric so it falls better. You can also try a patterned fabric.
* If you are shorter (like myself) go for a skirt that finishes just below the knee.
* Try a bright skirt (like the gorgeous red one) but team it up with a pastel top and beige tone boots. Very cute don't you think.
* When trying the denim midy go for light weight fabric (it will fall better) and a lighter colour denim will look more modern.
* If you have a fuller skirt wear a fitted tee or singlet, this will make you look slimmer.

Enjoy these gorgeous photos from Refinery92 to get more inspiration.

Pregnancy Diary // 26 Weeks

Time is starting to speed up with only 14ish weeks to go. Exciting times. Our tenant is moving out of our house which means we will be renovating our top floor. WoooHoo!! I'll definitely blog on our renovations for you too. Should be some fun. I will be getting a walk-in wardrobe!!! So excited about that (I think its every girls dream... or maybe just mine ha ha).

A week of winter. The heater was going almost all day everyday and I got out for walks to try and warm the bones (although I don't think that really worked).

26 Weeks
Feeling: Definitely feeling bigger and a little sore by the end of the day. But have heaps of energy and enjoying time with Charlie before I'm fussing over a little one.
Walks: 3 walks
Weight: 7kg

Fashion
With the cold weather setting in so early I've started getting into layering. Long sleeve shirts, over singlets, with a knit and scarf for extra warmth. I love this grey knit I picked up. It was one of my maternity purchases (well its not a maternity top but I bought it for that purpose) as its so big and comfy. I love this scarf also as it brings abit of colour and fun to an otherwise boring outfit.

Grey Knit - cheapy from Tatoo
Scarf - second hand pick up
Black skinny maternity jeans - Jay Jays
Black long sleeve top - you can pick these up from anywhere

And the Winner Is...

The winner of our last Black leather Status Anxiety wallet is... Jess McKenzie.

Congratulations and thankyou for your support. I'll be in contact so you can move into your new wallet asap.

oxo

ps A big thank you to Status Anxiety for the gift of 3 wallets for my readers. Check out Status Anxiety online or in your nearest David Jones.

Carousel Boutique // Tea Room

So ladies I want to share a special experience I had last week. Tea and Macaroons in Carousel Boutique's new tea room.

I spent Wednesday morning drinking tea, eating a macaroon and catching up with my beautiful friends Elzy and Alissa in Renee's amazing shop Carousel Boutique. It was absolutely divine. We had the most lovely time relaxing and chatting away. Even the children played nicely with the doll house Renee had set up for them.

Carousel Boutique offers many beautiful things. Including lovely gifts, candles, childrens toys, childrens clothes and womens clothes. With the recent addition of the tea room its definitely worth visiting. Renee has an eye for detail, beauty and quality and I just know you'll love this gorgeous shop.

Drinking tea and eating sweet treats, whilst chatting with the girls was the perfect way to spend a chilly morning.

If you wish to visit Carousel Boutique it is located in Menai Central, Menai. Its operating hours are:
Mon - Wed: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thurs: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
Fri: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sat: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

Or visit Carousel Boutique on facebook. Renee is always uploading gorgeous photos of the shop and stock, so make sure you like her page.

Enjoy these photos of the beautiful Carousel Boutique and the hardworking Rene (I snuck a quick photo of her for you). oxo

Out Of Order // 2 days to go

Sorry ladies blogspot hasnt been working for the last couple of days so I'm going to extend the Status Anxiety black wallet competition draw till Wednesday 18th.

Hope your having a great weekend.
oxo

Winter 2011 // Chunky Scarves

The chill is in the air and I've loved throwing on my chunky scarf. I love a good scarf and the fact that they are chunky and cozy gets me excited. A scarf can really add to your outfit and finish it off.

When choosing a scarf to update your look think maroons, mustard's or tribal prints. If you want to play it safe florals and basic colours such as grey, black and white will still look great.

I love these pics... and I think you'll love what these ladies are doing with their chunky scarf looks. Rug up and enjoy oxo

Winter 2011 // Shoes

I have a massive shoe obsession. My favorite brand The Horse do leather flat shoes the best (in my opinion). I love their new range and will bring a post on their shoes soon.

But when it comes to heels I'm loving these pictures for inspiration. Ankle boots are just so cute and easy to wear. If your not really into heels but want to be a little more adventurous try a wedge heel. They are so comfortable and add a touch of glamour to any outfit.

Enjoy ladies oxo

Pregnancy Diary // 25 Weeks

Time has flown by the last couple of weeks, with some really exciting things happening and also with alot of down time.

On Tuesday I woke up feeling so low, without knowing the reason. But instead of hanging around the house feeling sorry for myself I popped Charlie in the pram and went for a massive walk, we ended up in the park where he had a lovely play. I felt immediately better, getting the blood pumping and some fresh air changed my whole day. Then I got home, read some encouraging verses from my bible and realised the need to be content even when things are slow and not exciting.

Enjoy the now, make the most of every opportunity, remember to find joy in the little things. Busy doesn't mean happy. Anyways I hope that a little insight into my thoughts encourages you, we are all doing life together.

Week 25
Feeling: Mentally learning the above, physically trying to enjoy the movement of my little unborn one.
Walks: 3 walks
Weight to date: 7kg
Look: Definitely getting bigger. People in the shops aren't afraid to ask if I'm pregnant now.

Fashion
Saturday night we got to enjoy a lovely dinner with two of our amazing friends, Scotty and Aims. We went to Haberfield for Italian and had such a lovely night catching up, laughing and enjoying being child free. Then we walked Norton Street in Leichart and got yummy gelato. It was such a nice night.

I wore my black skinny jeans with a pink button up shirt, fur jacket and my new heal boots. I've had this faux fur jacket sitting in my wardrobe for about 6 year. I love the cut and colour of the jacket. The plainness of the black makes wearing it so easy. I knew I'd get to wear it one day and this is definitely the winter.

My new maroon healed suede boots are so great. I love that I can wear them for any occasion. Perfect for abit of extra height especially with my new fuller pregnant body shape. I'm loving the gorgeous colour maroon too.

Here are the pics of my outfit. oxo

The Last Week // Black Status Anxiety Wallet

This is the last week that you can be in the running to win a gorgeous leather Status Anxiety Wallet. The black one is up for grabs this week and the date for the drawer has changed. I will now be drawing the winner on Monday.

So remember to get your friends to follow the blog. For all those who have signed up with blogloving you need to let me know as I cant see who signs up. Also for anyone who has started following since the beginning of the competition can you please also let me know so I can put you in the running for the final wallet.

All the best ladies. Dont forget, tell your friends, and make sure your following yourself.

oxo

And the Winner Is....

Congratulations to Bianca M who is the winner of the lime green leather Status Anxiety Wallet.

I will have your prize posted out to you this week. Thanks for your support in emailing all your girlfriends and following the blog.

Enjoy oxo

2 Days // Status Anxiety Wallet Winner

Hello Beautiful Friends and Followers

Just a little reminder that you only have 2 days till the first winner of a Status Anxiety Wallet is announced. We will be giving away the gorgeous lime green wallet. But you must be in it to win it.

So if you are a new follower on either blogloving or through followers then leave a message for me so I know. Its also not to late to be in the running to win one. Please let your friends know about my page.

Loving your support.
Ruthie oxo

Pregnancy Diary // 24 Weeks

I'm sure I'm not the only one that is looking forward to alittle sunshine so I can enjoy some fresh air. On Saturday I headed out for a walk in the clouds and got met by the pouring rain. I kept going though as I was already soaked through (wet tshirts don't look as hot on pregnant women ha ha ha). With only the one walk under my belt and a week of being indoors, my house is looking spick and span with almost all my cupboards completely organised and my office area clean and tidy.

The most exciting part of my week was the arrival of little Oscar my beautiful sister Hannies baby boy. Charlie will love having a little cousin to run around with. Its so exciting.

Week 24
Feeling: The need for some fresh air.
Exercise: 1 walk... I mustn't be the only one though with the rain ha ha.
Weight: 6.5 kg
Look: A nice neat tummy at this stage.

Fashion
I picked up this cute little vintage floral dress whilst in Belingin near Coffs Harbour a few weeks ago. Its so comfortable and perfect for this stage of my pregnancy. Whilst you can clearly see that I'm pregnant it also gives you plenty of room for movement and comfort.

Vintage Dress - Second hand store
Leggings - Big W
Shoes - The Horse

Round 2 // Win a Wallet

So ladies its round 2. The lime green Status Anxiety wallet is up for grabs. The winner will be announced on Friday.

Remember to tell your friends about my blog and get them to follow it. Then you have to let me know you have done so. Just facebook, email or comment my blog so I know you've done it.

All the best oxo

How to // Wear Pleated Skirts

I love the pleated skirt. However it is not something that I can wear in my pregnant shape. The pleated skirt is best suited to those who have small hips or a straight up and down shape.

Tips for wearing the pleated skirt:
* wear as a block colour eg. all black or all beige
* wear with a fitted singlet tucked in, high on waist (looks very elegant)
* or for a more relaxed look wear with a sheer buttoned shirt tucked in at front
* I love the pleated skirt with a chunky heal, you'll look very tall and slim

I hope these tips help you look your best in your pleated skirts this winter. How beautiful and feminine you will look lovely ladies.

Enjoy these pics. These ladies have nailed the look.


(Facehunter)


(Liz S from San Fransisco)


(Mayo W from Hong Kong)


(Kristina B)


(Jenny O)


(Andy T from Mexico)