festival fun - wishful thinking

Warning: The following may or may not be a thinly veiled whine at a certain blogger's boyfriend.
The national Parklife tour begins in Melbourne this Saturday, stopping by Perth this Sunday and travelling around the major cities in the weeks to come. Featuring a plethora of exciting seasoned and up-and-coming dance groups, such as Gossip, Duck Sauce, Katy B and The Ashton Shuffle, it's sure to be a party to remember. I've been banging on and on about how much I want to go for what seems like months now.
Sentences such as; "How good is the Parklife line up?!", "Don't you think Parklife is the perfect way to celebrate the start of Spring?!" and "Waaaaah!! I want to go to Parklife!!" have been coming fast and frequently from my mouth in recent weeks but alas, no nod of approval has been received and no tickets have been purchased.
In some perplexing combination of rebellion and spite, here I have for you a festival outfit inspiration. Sure, it's not even forecast to reach the high teens, but I don't care. This is what I would wear and I'd dance my little ass off all day long to keep warm if I had to.
Sure it's a hugely eclectic selection, but that's what festivals are all about; having fun, making unexpected choices and doing things you wouldn't do on a "normal day", like making new friends in the line to the port-a-loo. Oh, and how perfect are the pleated "skorts" below for a day like this?! Sitting on the grass cross legged without flashing any lady parts? Priceless.

festival fun - parklife wishful thinking by tessthomson featuring a black bib necklace

Cropped shirt
gifts.myer.com.au

Alice In The Eve pleated skirt
$70 - generalpants.com.au

Sandals
60 AUD - wantedshoes.com.au

Gathering Eye shoulder bag
$40 - generalpants.com.au

Metal ring
$28 - topshop.com

Peacock jewelry
£2 - peacocks.co.uk

Super sunglasses
$170 - generalpants.com.au

Update: Oh wow!! I was surprised last night with VIP tickets, I'm so super excited and I was so incredibly shocked and surprised. Squeeee!!!

biking through budapest

Did you know that the Hungarian city of Budapest has more thermal springs under it's streets than any other capital city in the world? No? Well you know what they say; you learn something new every day. This fun fact has got me daydreaming of bike riding through it's cobbled streets, from one spring to the next, soaking up the surrounding sights steeped in world history.
What's the ideal wardrobe choice for a day of stylish peddle pushing? A fabulously fun playsuit is your answer, such as the preppy offering below from TopShop. The leopard print and lady-like neck tie are right on trend and I've chosen some sensible flats for a day of adventuring without fear of injuries. While I wouldn't normally recommend an ankle strap without a heel, a short hem such as this one will help elongate your legs enough to balance the look well.
The combination of a feature print plus a bright colour waves the flag for subtle accessorising. I've chosen simple studs to help draw the eye upwards to offset the high necked style of the play suit, and as it's sleeveless more fun can be had with arm and hand candy.

biking through budapest by tessthomson featuring leather cross body handbags

TopShop jumpsuits and romper
$100 - topshop.com

See by Chloe leather cross body handbag
£315 - harveynichols.com

JCPenney gold earrings
$67 - jcpenney.com

Diane von Furstenberg yellow gold pendant
£100 - matchesfashion.com

Citrine By The Stones gold flower ring
€77 - pret-a-beaute.com

JOLIE BLACK SATIN TIE BALLET FLAT
wantedshoes.com.au

baby bump - mighty mustard

I've never been pregnant and so have never experienced all that goes with it, including morning sickness. If my history of melodramatic reactions to a case of PMS is anything to go by, I'm guessing that I'd get pretty darn cranky at my body during this time.
What I do know is how wonderfully cheery this mustard yellow blouse is! There can't possibly be a better way to turn the baby-brewing-blues around than by slipping this on, perfecting the pussy bow knot and proceeding to spend the afternoon giving in to every sweet craving as they come.

baby bump - mighty mustard by tessthomson featuring shoulder handbags

Red Herring Maternity maternity
£22 - debenhams.com

Red Herring Maternity maternity
£24 - debenhams.com

Ballet flat
$50 - witchery.com.au

Shoulder handbag
80 AUD - forevernew.com.au

Samantha Wills turquoise earrings
$75 - frockaholics.com

festival fun - boho odyssey

There is no better time or excuse to unleash your inner tree-huggin'-hippy than the blessed outdoor music festival. Just ask Sienna Miller who practically created the boho look and subsequent trend at Glastonbury Festival a few years back.
What's great about this style is it's relaxed and earthy nature which equals instant chic comfortability.
So what's the festival that's got my attention this week? It's the Odyssey Day Festival being held this Saturday, September 10th at Perry Park in Sydney. Here's what the organisers have to say:

"For those sick of Sydney clubland with its overpacked clubs, aggressive security and bland music policies, an alternative has arrived! Join us for a FREE relaxing afternoon in Perry Park, Alexandria for the first Odyssey Day Festival! Featuring a mish mash of local musicians performing/spinning dubstep, downbeat disco, deep house and a smidgen of funk!"

Certainly sounds like my idea of a great time and while the weather isn't exactly set to sizzle in Sydney on Saturday, it is forecast to be clear and sunny. So whip out your little boho dress (or click through to get this one now from birdsnest.com.au, with their super-fast delivery you'll have it at home right on time) and head on down for a free day of dancing in the park.

festival fun - boho odyssey by tessthomson featuring crystal bangles

Dress
90 AUD - birdsnest.com.au

Friis & Company beaded sandals
€38 - welikefashion.com

Fiorelli clutch handbag
£20 - mylabel.co.uk

Samantha Wills crystal bangle
$199 - frockaholics.com

Oasis crystal earrings
£16 - oasis-stores.com

Cheap Monday glass shades
$50 - generalpants.com.au

Gold belt
$20 - bardot.com.au

breakfast in broome

One of the things I love to do while on holidays is to take advantage of hotel's and resort's complimentary buffet breakfasts. Sure, they've got a hit and miss reputation, but when they're good, they're real good!
I've never been to today's fantasy destination, Broome, and I'd love to go, but not quite as much as I love this little holiday outfit. The braided sandals would be perfect for walking from beach to beach and the printed singlet has just the right amount of kitschy cool.

breakfast in broome by tessthomson featuring cross body bags

Top
40 AUD - birdsnest.com.au

Red Herring white knee length skirt
£7.50 - debenhams.com

BC Footwear buckle shoes
$45 - pacsun.com

Jane Norman cross body bag
£20 - janenorman.co.uk

BCBGeneration bangles jewelry
$34 - zappos.com

baby bump - trusty tunic

I know that purse strings around the country are getting tighter and tighter as the cost of living rises, and I'm sure that if you're pregnant, the last thing you feel like spending more money on is a whole new wardrobe! Rest assured that this truly isn't necessary, and many items already in the your wardrobe can be used as your mini me grows inside the comfy cave you're so generously supplying.
Tunics, and this outfit, are a perfect example of everyday, "normal body" items being totally workable when you're up the duff. They're long enough to accommodate a growing waist line and by investing in a good pair of maternity pants such as the pair below you'll be able to match many tops already in your wardrobe to create different looks.
Thank goodness for the oversized trend, huh?!

baby bump - trusty tunic by tessthomson featuring leather satchel bags

Blue Juice - Sheer Shirt Dress - Birdsnest Clothing Online
90 AUD - birdsnest.com.au

Skinny jeans maternity
$75 - topshop.com

Strap shoes
50 AUD - forevernew.com.au

Leather satchel bag
$60 - bardot.com.au

Ring
15 AUD - ts14plus.com.au

festival fun - texas timekeeper

It's the last day of Winter, hallelujah!
Springtime sees the arrival of the official music festival season, and it seems like every year there are more and more to choose from. In September alone, Australia will host a number of festivals from the small and regional; the Wollombi Music Festival will be held on September 17th, to the huge national variety; the Parklife Festival will start it's tour across the country in Melbourne on September 24th.
There are also major music festivals happening all over the world, practically every weekend. El Paso, Texas will host it's first major music festival; The Sun City Music Festival this weekend where it's forecast to be a balmy 37 degrees. Sun City has a pretty rad line-up and I've been daydreaming about what I'd wear if I got whisked off to Texas for the weekend. (I know, I've got a pretty wild imagination at times!)
I'd be protecting my mug from sun damage with this gorgeous bright floppy hat, finding a pair of stand-out and comfortable flat sandals such as the delightfully bright blue pair below and getting my hands on a fun wrist watch to make sure I don't miss out on seeing all my favourite acts.
Are you excited for the arrival of Spring?
Do you have any plans to go to a music festival this Spring/Summer?

festival fun - texas timekeeper by tessthomson featuring blue sandals

Feather top
45 AUD - birdsnest.com.au

One Teaspoon short shorts
$100 - generalpants.com.au

Zigi Soho blue sandals
$15 - dsw.com

Jane Norman cross body shoulder bag
£15 - janenorman.co.uk

Nixon crystal jewelry
$100 - generalpants.com.au

Miss Selfridge enamel earrings
£6.50 - missselfridge.com

Floppy hat
$50 - topshop.com

sale alert - freez

Those cool cats at the Freez site have always had an awe inspiring range of choices within their sale section, but they have really outdone themselves this time. They have just added over 150 items to their new percentage off clearance section. Some items have been discounted by up to 78%!! Not familiar with Freez? Oh my, what are we going to do with you?! Don't worry, there's hope for you yet. Freez launched it's online store in October 2007 and instantly found itself a niche market. The number of labels it offers is a tad ridic including: MinkPink, Ladakh, Sunnygirl, Pink Stitch, All About Eve, Just Add Sugar, Condura, Adorne, Missco, Lili, Finders Keepers, Sass and that's just to name a few! Here's what the Freez peeps have to say for themselves:

"While a number of retailers sell some of our brands, we do not believe there is a competitor in the market that duplicates our product & service under one roof. Our aim is to exceed expectations & make it as easy as possible for our customers to shop both online and in our stores. We receive many customer compliments about our uniqueness and wonderful service. As an independent business Freez is committed to providing affordable and quality clothing and providing a personal touch to every aspect of the business."

 So now that you're all worded up, take a look at my pick of the clearance items with all images linked directly to the sale pages. 

All About Eve Daily Jacket

Reduced from $29.00 to $20.00

Available in Black and Taupe it's no surprise where this jacket got it's name. It's light-weight fabric is perfect for layering and will have you covered from now through to the end of Summer.

Finders Keepers Re Write Dress

Reduced from $109.00 to $29.00

It's all about the LWD (little white dress) this season, so get on board with this casual style. Made from delightful viscose and featuring a wide scooped neckline, a triangle split in the back and ruched detailing on the sleeves, pair with jewelled metallic sandals for an ethereal look.

 

Gabby Wears Leopard Flat
 Reduced from $39.00 to $20.00
 I've featured this style in a few different outfit collections, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I think highly of this wild incarnation of the ballet flat. These babies have the perfect shape and will be fabulous when paired with a solid colour outfit (like black, red, or berry shades) so they can shine like the star they are.

Ladakh Fever Skirt
Reduced from $59.00 to $29.00
 The Fever Skirt is part of Ladakhs advertised Pre-Summer 2011 Collection and is a must for every girls wardrobe, going perfectly with all the flowy, oversized chiffon tops which are set to be huge this upcoming season. Featuring darting front and back, exposed bronze back zip, draped stretch fabric feature covering on front, it has just the right amount of texture to keep it from being boring black.

MinkPink Crinkle Cut Shirt
Reduced from $49.00 to $25.00
 Speaking of flowing, oversized shirts, here we have a perfectly gorgeous example that is ideal for  trans-seasonal weather. I'm loving this rich port wine colour and there's a great texture to this fabric too. Hate the shapeless look? Undo a few of the lower buttons, tie the shirt up into a bow and voila! you have shape again.

Freez Lace Edge Dress
Reduced from $59.00 to $29.00
The lace trend was already big through Winter and it's set to get bigger as the months get warmer. I really love the femininity that lace can bring to a piece and this black sun dress is no exception. With a stretch empire-line waist and funky belled sleeves, this number is perfect for all body shapes as it will hide a multitude of sins but remains sexy with an above the knee hemline. Every. Box. Ticked. Yay!