Valley Markets

With another early start to the day Victoria, Candy and I made our way to the Valley (Fortitude Valley) to hunt for more treasures.

So what I wore today was a duel outfit for the purposes of going to the markets and later in the day on a movie date with the boy. The estimated value today was $70

Stacy (me)

• Shirt - Rocklea Markets
• Leather look Leggings - Wholesaledresses
• Cardigan - Kmart
• Shoes - Wholesaledresses
• Belt - Latin Clothing Company
• Earrings and Necklace - Trade Secret
• Burberry Bag - Thailand

Victoria was again the last to be ready to leave but her look was perfect for the Valley Markets and she estimated the total cost at $85

Victoria

• Shirt - SES Fashion
• Skirt - The Tree of Life
• Shoes - Rubi Shoes
• Earrings - Rocklea Markets
• Red Handbag - Rocklea Markets

It was Candys first trip to the markets with us and wanted to impress with her vintage style inspired look including items she had made herself. Her value was a little harder to calculate as a few of her pieces were gifts (lucky girl) so we put it between $80 - 90

Candy

• Shirt -Kmart
• Skirt - Gift (Target)
• Cardigan -Target
• Tights - Woolworths
• Beret - Handmade
• Scarf - Myer
• Gloves - Handmade
• Shoes - Rubi Shoes
• Bag - Stradbags

Unfortunately as predicted the laneway markets which we had heard about were not on this weekend but luckily we had the Brunswick St markets as a backup... we were just a couple of hours early.

So our first stop for the day was Ric's Cafe for a lazy breakfast while we watched the stalls being set up around us.

Once it reached 8am (still before the markets were officially open) we decided it would be a good time to have a look around and sniff out the bargains so we could snap them up for ourselves whilst still having the luxury of time to think about it before anyone else showed up.

One stall that caught our eyes featured a range of vintage clothing with some accessories to match with them, many great items were found but the prices did not suit our wallets and their limited contents, although this did not stop Viccy coming back to barter the prices down on a couple of items. 

Happy Shoppers

A great range of Vintage Clothing

Another of our favourite stalls was Astley Zan - Italian French Collection. This stall had a wide range of beautiful new jewellery from Italy and France. We were all entranced by the sparkle and gleem with something to please every style. 

Some amazing finds - not even finished setting up!

So many choices

Just loving this display

There were some very distinct differences between these markets and the ones previously visited at Rocklea. The main difference was the price, mostly because the items you could buy at the valley markets were almost all new and quality you were paying for that but you would easily find something you liked with the range of different stalls. At Rocklea most stalls had second hand goods therefore lowering the price but making it more of a challenge to discover something you may like.

And of course my favorite part of any shopping trip - showing off what we bought!

This week we all had budgets to stick to as we had not just been payed and could run to an ATM to get the cash needed for the next brilliant find, this meant that we had to be sure about what we wanted to buy and also meant there was a lot of leaving one stall only to return later to save that beloved dress or necklace who knows whose hands or wardrobes it could have ended up in.

What I bought today

• Bomber Jacket - $30
• Dress - $10
• Guess Jeans - $18
• Crochet Shirt - $4
• Anklet - $2.50
• Cuff - $15

Total Spend  $79.50

Victoria's Haul 

• Statement Necklace -$30
• Long Jumper - $25
• Earrings - $10
• Wool Dress - $30
• Anklet - $2.50
• Nail Polish - $1
• Flowers - $7.50

Total Spend $106

Candy's Kitty 

• Necklace - $15
• Belt - $8
• Anklets - $5
• Book - $13

Total Spend  $41

In all we had a great time, the atmosphere of the Valley on the weekend is amazing and there are so many things to do once you have finished trawling the stalls (open 9-4) so you will not run out of things to do. I would recommend arriving a bit earlier so that you can enjoy a breakfast and not have to fight your way through the crowds to see everything.

What did you think? Was there anything I missed? Or have you been to the Brunswick St Markets and have an experience or find that you want to share? Would love to hear from you!

XX Stacy Lace

Perfect Procrastination

Although I have a many posts I should be finishing before I even think about writing about something else procrastination has hit me and it got me to thinking about the girl I saw while at work the other day. She had the most amazing tights and I just adore tights especially since it is winter and a particularly cold one right now.

Anyway I found the tights!!!

I just love the combination of fashion and famous paintings, so this site is possibly my heaven right now Black Milk. I am not sure if it is a good or bad thing that pay day isn't until the end of the week...

Weekend Rituals 2

After last weekends successful market discovery Victoria and I (possibly Candy) will be off to more markets this weekend.

We have decided on the Winn lane valley markets, however we are not entirely sure that they will be on as their website says they are currently on hold for renovations. We have heard through the grapevine that they will be open on Saturday. If they are not open we will revert to our backup plan... still to be decided.

So again if you have anything your looking for I'd be more than happy to let you know if they sell it or if you have some other place/activity you would like me to review just leave me a comment and I'll be right on it :)

X Stacy

Sunday Discovery Markets - Rocklea

The early bird catches the worm is every market goers mantra when they arise before the sun and today it was me chanting whilst making coffee in the dark cold kitchen. Rugged up yet fashionable we both had our signature market looks me as - fashion seeker chic, Victoria Nun as - bohemian glitter happy.

My outfit today was a mix of comfort and style with accessories to match with an estimated cost of $150.

• Gucci Scarf (Imitation) - Thailand
• Star and Key chain - Eumundi Markets
• Sun Glasses - Emundi Markets
• Bangles and Earrings - Trade Secret
• Leather Owl Bag - Southbank Markets
• Tights - Target
• Shoes - Famous Footwear
• Lace Shirt - Latin Clothing Company
• Snake Skin (look) Skirt - Latin Clothing Company
• Belt - Latin Clothing Company
• Gold Sequin Jumper - SES Fashion

Victoria's outfit was inspired by glitter with a happy, cheerful and functional look being the outcome, accessories were left at home with the intent of buying and wearing immediately the estimated cost was $75.

• Coat- SES Fashion 
• Shirt - Myer
• Skirt - St Vinnies
• Tights - SES Fashion
• Shoes - Rivers
• Necklace and Earrings - Rocklea Markets (bought that day)

My blogger buddy and I trained it to Rocklea to adventure (and discover) the Brisbane Markets. As strictly north side girls the trip was a bit daunting in the early hours of the morning but armed with travel mugs of coffee we reached our destination unscathed. 

As the first train arrived at 7:30am we were an hour and a half behind the keenest market goers but still early enough to grab some gems. Our first point of call was jewellery, we found a lovely stall run by Mello with a wide range from charm earrings (my favourite) to beautiful pendants. She told us her secret to affordable jewellery is buying in bulk which is perfect for selling at markets, most of her items are international, ordered over the internet and others are her own market finds snapped up before the crowds arrive. We each were very pleased with our treasures from her stall and it was a great way to start our day.

I soon found that although being illegal to sell (and buy) in Australia there were stalls that had "designer" goods such as handbags, wallets and scarves. I have recently developed an obsession with Louis Vuttion and decided that a treasure (and some trash) hunt was on. I found some gems and some that were worse than finding coal in your stocking at Christmas. Some claimed they were selling the genuine brand and although lovely soft leather at $100 (and brand new?!) I could not believe that they were telling me the truth, whilst others fessed up to the legitimacy (or lack there of) and priced accordingly. I managed to find 7 different stalls selling LV and satisfied my design brand demon for now.

  

Whilst perusing the aisles as always I found that only half my attention was on what was being sold, the other half was what everyone else was wearing. I was a little disappointed with the very apparent lack of fashion conscious marketers, although in their defence it was an early chilly winters morning and trackies and a hoodie would be what anyone after a bit of comfort would want to wear. I did manage to snap a few sneaky shots of looks that stood out.

I liked these looks because they had those fashion essentials that will never fail. In order these are a designer handbag, nautical stripes and an in colour. These items can make an outfit look effortlessly stylish and with the exception of seasonal colours can last you throughout the year.


So of course now for the question that any shopping trip provokes. What did you GET?!

I was very happy with my market haul today, more often than not I sircome to the cheap price tags and buy things that I seriously don't need and actually don't want. Today was not one of those days. My Kitty included-

• Louis Vuttion Scarf $4 (imitation)
• Long gold owl pendant $5
• Coatch patterned sheer shirt $5
• Louis Vuttion bag $40 (imitation)
• Sterling silver Goldfish earrings $5
• Sterling silver Sewing Machine earrings $5

Total Spend $64

Victoria's haul was from very similar stalls as mine and included-

• Bronze owl ring $2.50
• Bronze diamanté earrings $2.50
• Peacock Pendant $2.50
• Bumble bee earrings$2.50
• Yellow Stone pendant chocker $5
• White Lace skirt $5
• Little Plant $4
• Handbag $35
• Fresh Daffodils $4

Total Spend $63

Our overall experience was a total delight and there is no doubt that we shall visit again, next time we will hopefully have our own transport back (Bella my beautiful car) and will be able to hit the stalls as the gates open. These markets had a wonderfully diverse range of goods which we were told generally change from week to week. You could easily find yourself a friendly fish, a pre loved lace shirt or a new anything.

Hope you enjoyed!!!
xx Stacy Lace

Brand Names - Not my usual Purchase

I am not the type of girl who usually has lots of money to spend on myself, but that never stops me "window shopping". Looking at the exclusive brand websites is a great way to keep in touch with what the fashion world has to offer so I can reproduce the look at a price I am more willing to pay.
Next month I will be graduating and as this is an event 5 years in the making I thought it would be a good reason to splash out and treat myself to a dress a bit outside of my normal budget.

Too start with I needed a place to look, I found myself at theiconic.com. I found this a great website, I had heard adds for it on the radio so I knew it was a legit site and it has a pretty good mobile interface so shopping on the go was no problem.
As always I found that not actually having a look in mind it was easier for me to find something I liked

Exotic Blooms Dress - Model

At $299 the LUCETTE dress was a lot more expensive than what I would normally buy, with this in mind I was not going to make a purchase without making sure the dress was right. First things first the size, they had sizes 6 and 8 in stock and I am normally an 8 or 10, so I had to make sure that there was a good returns policy so that if the dress did not fit I would not be stuck with it. Secondly was this the best price? A simple Google search found me the same dress for $250 a 16% saving (from Missradar). Thirdly shipping, often I have found that although an item may be cheapest on one site the shipping will actually end up costing you more so make sure you add up all the costs before you make the final payment, it may only save you $10 or $20 but with my budget that all adds up.

Purchasing!! The site was reputable, the size was correct, the returns policy was good and the shipping was free.

Me 

My dress arrived in three days, well packed and with the tags on. I am very glad to say it fits (although I could possibly have gotten the smaller one). I would recommend shopping from either of these websites especially if you live in Australia as they are Australian stores and will offer you free shipping. If you love the expensive brands but don't have a swimming pool of cash check out their sale pages you can find some great pieces at more affordable prices.

So all in all very happy - just need some shoes to wear with!!

Weekend Rituals

Being a working girl I love my weekends, which are normally jam packed so I never really feel like I get a break.

This weekend my blogger friend and I shall be visiting the famous Rocklea markets to hopefully find ourselves some treasures amongst others trash.

This will be the first of many event reviews that will (if our schedules permit) be weekly occurrences.

So if you are after a review on what the coffee tastes like, if you can buy a handbag for less than $5 or anything else just leave us a comment and we shall pound the pavement until we find the answer.

The Beginning

"This is the beginning of a blog where fashion is essential, shoes strings are the budget and design is the reason."

If you can never decide what to wear, want to know which markets sell what, or just if that latest release was any good I may have the answers - or at least some thoughts.


As a designer and a shopaholic I am always looking for that perfect piece or look at a bargain price but can never make up my mind. A lot of my troubles come when shopping online. Is that price for real? Will it look anything like the picture? Or am I just being had? Even when it comes to deciding what to wear I have a hard time - possibly because I have enough clothes to last 3 months - but mostly because I always want the latest look.

The Dream

The Reality

Although I don't have all the answers what I do know could help you make up your mind. In this blog I will share my experiences with many different types of shopping, styling and my own designs.