Chic Illumination: animal

Showing posts with label animal. Show all posts

sale alert - bettina liano four days only

Listen up bargain hunters! For four days only Bettina Liano are taking 50% off almost everything. The sale starts today and continues in stores until the end of Sunday 2nd October. The discounts don't apply to new arrivals and denim items, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of fabulous buys to be found.
So, this weekend when your fella is glued to the "big game", take this cue to leave the house (and say "thanks, but no thanks" to that finals barbeque you've been invited to) and in stead head to your local shopping strip and take some joy in the crazy sale prices on offer at Bettina Liano.
There's a sale going on at their online store right now too, where there are some equally fabulous buys to be found. Here's a little teaser - my picks of the sale bunch. All images are linked directly to the sale pages, enjoy.

Trasher Dress in Tea Stain

Reduced from $185.00 to $125.00

This tasty cotton number has just the right mix of girly and grunge. Team with some wooden soled platforms and a knitted cardi for the ultimate vintage inspired look.

Ipanema Skirt in Green

Reduced from $295.00 to $195.00

It's so great to see a quality peplum style skirt at an affordable price! This gorgeous green is calling me from the screen, it's so bright and vibrant. I'd be getting some colour blocking action on with this baby and pairing it with an equally bright cobalt blue.

Ace Light Denim in Blue Ripple

Reduced from $239.00 to $99.00

The ultimate in super skinny jeans. Bettina Liano are renowned for their top quality denim, and if you haven't owned a pair before, crazy prices like this are the perfect opportunity to discover them for yourself.

Kinky Kitty Crop Cardi in Lemon

Reduced from $245.00 to $125.00

The animal print trend is still going strong and showing no signs of waning, but if you find a lot of the animal prints on offer a little too loud for your tastes, then perhaps this kinky lemon number is for you. Wear with a high waisted skirt for a super feminine look.

Neo Infusion Knit Dress

Reduced from $295.00 to $199.00

An ideal addition to your Summer work wardrobe, the body-con style is sure to get you noticed, while the high neck-line ensures you remain looking professional. The beautiful blend of cotton and viscose means it will breathe right through the hottest of working days.

Bandage Top

Reduced from $180.00 to $39.00

A tee with a twist. The super soft combination of viscose and polyester makes this fabulously simple design even more wearable.

Nail Polish - available in six colours

Reduced from $18.95 to $5.00

Colours include: Corvette (bright red), Jailbait (bright coral), Poolside (bright turquoise), Gold digger (sparkling gold, shock), Blue jeans (pictured) and Trashbag (deep metallic green).

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

sale alert - $30 off zu shoes say what?

Looking for your next hot pair of heels? The higher the better?
Love an exclusive bargain?
Wow, we have so much in common and we're sure to be great pals so I don't mind at all to share with you a lovely little offer from the sizzling shoe brand, Zu.
VIP Zu members can currently score $30 off any item over $100, valid through to end of September. You can take advantage of this offer either in-store with the flyer that was sent out to all members, or you can head on over to their online store and when you've chosen your next sole mates, simply enter the promotional code "SKD512" at the check out. So there you go, you can be a VIP member by default. Shhhhh! It can be our little secret.

Here are my picks from the current new arrivals with all images linked to the sale pages.

Ahoy $100

I'm loving this nautical take on the wedged espadrille, a style that is set to take over this Summer. Pair with a floaty white dress and wide brimmed hat for days at the beach.

Protea $120

This fashion forward sandal has so much going for it, not least of all it's towering combination of a 12cm heel and 6cm platform and is perfect for a night on the tiles. Expect to see more of this flat footed style around in seasons to come.

Sling $140

It's no surprise where this disco inspired baby got it's name. Made from luscious patent leather it's ideal for an overall look that's not for the faint-hearted. Think: sun-kissed pins, micro minis and plenty of head turning.

Gienna $150

What we have here is my idea of the perfect Summer work sandal. The wooden heel is perfect for a daytime look and the reasonably low rise heel means you won't break your back while racing for your train home. Available in taupe (pictured) and tan, it's sure to go with everything.

Colada $180

One of my favourite footwear trends from this past Autumn/Winter was the huge shoe boot trend and, clearly, I wasn't the only one. Everyone is loving some shoebootie action (once I say this word once, I can't stop! shoebootie, shoebootie, shoebootie!) and it seems like we'll be getting our fix right through Summer with an explosion of peep toe, sling back varieties hitting store shelves and magazine pages in the last few weeks. The offering here from Zu is a fabulous example, I'm digging the contrasting tan shades.

dancing queen - urban animal

Dressing for a night out can be the most fun that is to be had with our wardrobes and shopping for a night on the tiles is exciting because of the endless options at our fingertips. It's a great time to show off your personality while exploring new trends and taking more chances that you would for a trip to the supermarket. The tiger inspired print of this adorable mini dress has just stolen my heart for the morning. I've seen a lot of dresses lately with a cut-out back design and I think this is such an unexpectedly sexy part of your body to flash some skin. I was inspired by the earthy richness of the orange and so paired it will wooden, tribal inspired jewellery. Alternatively, you could tone it down with some minimal metals. Have you got plans to go out on the town this weekend? Do you know what you're going to wear?

dancing queen - urban animal by tessthomson featuring wooden bangles

High heel shoes 140 AUD - sirenshoes.com.au

Marni leather clutch handbag £255 - net-a-porter.com

Beading jewelry $50 - witchery.com.au

Beaded bangle $20 - witchery.com.au

Wooden bangle $40 - witchery.com.au

Firetrap Billie TIGER Online | Shop at Style Compare £53 - stylecompare.co.uk

parading in panama

Mixing prints is officially the trickiest trend of the season and you can expect to hear much more about this from me in the weeks to come. For now, enjoy this little teaser demonstrating how florals and animal prints can actually work together to create epic fierceness. The trick here is not to put these opposing prints right next to each other. Don't believe me? Keep scrolling for the beautiful example Rachel Bilson gave us earlier in the week with her gorgeous leopard pumps and sweet as pie floral blouse.

parading in panama by tessthomson featuring printed tops

Printed top $20 - allyfashion.com

Alice In The Eve lace mini skirt $80 - generalpants.com.au

Luichiny platform wedge $85 - heels.com

Crossbody handbag $70 - witchery.com.au

Samantha Wills turquoise earrings $75 - frockaholics.com

The gorgeous Ms Bilson shows us how it's done

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!

studying in berlin

I've never actually completed any of my many attempts at tertiary education, the most recent example is the Masters Of Accounting that I abandoned after an intensive care induced epiphany which made me realise that the world of small cubicles and numbers was not for me.
My dream is to one day complete formal training in fashion design and production. Berlin has some of the most well renowned universities in Europe and is apparently quite nice this time of year... Hey, a girl can dream!