Aussie Curves - Leather

This week I wondered if I'd ever invest in a leather jacket. At the time I was sulking as this weeks Aussie Curves challenge is leather. I don't own a jacket or skirt of the leather variety. Then it dawned on me. I own leather! Slaps head. I own two items that are leather. Better yet, they're both items I'd gladly share and flaunt.

I love my 3 Annies camera bag and my TS14+ boots.

What's not to love. They're both gorgeous. My boots are super comfy. If it's been raining they can be a little slippery. I've had them about a year and I'll be wearing them again this winter. If I was currently working I'd be indulging in the 2013 styles. These boots have proved a fabulous addition to the wardrobe. They work with many of my outfits. These days when I need to venture out, my ugg boots are slipped off and these go on.

My 3 Annies Camera bag is all kinds of fabulous. It's a handbag with loads of style. As a fashion blogger who attends events (and a keen photography enthusiast) my handbag/camera bag needs to be functional and stunning. The padded insert protects my camera and lenses. I'm surprised by how much it holds. For blogging events I pack my camera body with a lens attached, usually a 50mm. Along with another two lens (say my 24-70 and 85mm). A lens hood, my ipad, a spare battery, air blower, ipad connection kit, hair brush, purse, business cards, etc. This isn't the professional size. This is the standard Audrey Lu bag.

If you're wondering, it gets my 5 star approval. Both the service and quality are amazing!!

I owe many thanks to Marty from Arty Marty Travels. When I saw this dress on Marty I just knew it would look great on me too. We're similar in shape. I thought she looked stunning. I almost didn't buy it. It's from the UK. In the end I decided it would be something I would regret not owning. Turns out this style sold like hot cakes. So glad I didn't hesitate too long. During my research about the sizing, I found some other ladies wearing the dress. You can also see this style on Plus Size Tall, Fuller Figure Fuller Bust, Curvy Wordy, Frivolous Mrs D and Studio Gold.

I suspect some readers might be wondering 'why Jeanie did you buy a black bag and black boots when you're always banging on about how colour is more flattering?'.

I have a pretty teal camera bag. I found it clashed with a lot of my outfits. Beside that bag not being 100% perfect for me, the colour often didn't work. I prefer to wear colour in my outfits.

I now have a great bag and awesome boots in black. Next purchase for a bag or boots I can venture outside that 'safe' colour. I also have these same boots in red. Purple boots would work with my wardrobe too. Next I've got my eye on a purple 3 Annies bag. Or brown or yellow. I keep changing my mind.

Jeanie wears:

Scarlett and Jo Side Panel dress from Evans

Camera bag by 3 Annies

Stockings from Myer

Boots by TS 14Plus

Aussie Curves - Time Saver

This theme was made for me. I'm essentially a lazy dresser. A gal who wants to look good but not spend much time getting ready.

My biggest tip is to ditch the iron. I buy most of my clothes at TS14+ and Virtu because there is practically no ironing required. In fact I can't recall the last time I ironed. My husband irons his own business shirts. Who am I to argue with that.

I like to indulge in things like bubble baths. Even if I have spare time, I rarely run a bath. In the shower I use a splash of essential oils on my skin. A few drops at the base of my neck or wrists. I use 'motivation' for a zesty kick in the morning. Lavender oil for relaxation. Not quiet the same as a bath, but it's close enough for me.

Before bed I have a quick evening shower. I use Nivea Face Wash Gel to remove my makeup. It's easy and simple. I've been doing it this way for years. There's no mess at the basin to clean up. I don't bother with a hand wash towel either. Although you could if that's your preference.

Some mornings I wake to find my hair is oily looking. It doesn't look good and won't style quickly. If I'm in a rush, a simple pony tail does the trick. Time allowing I wash my hair and loosely clip it back. Drying it naturally saves time as I can go about my day. When it's nearly dry I'll spend a few minutes with the hair drier. Saves a lot of time as my hair is long.

Short on time and got hairy legs? Leave them that way. This is where leggings or coloured stockings are a godsent. They make it look like you were making a fashion choice. This back fires if the stockings have a hole in them. Then there is some cursing. I love my purple stockings.

Jeanie wears:

Emerald City Dress by TS14 Plus

Stockings from Myer

Boots by TS14 Plus 

The quickest way to get dressed - know what combinations work best. Or keep it ultra simple with a one piece like a dress. As long as you know which shoes work best, it's a quick selection. Boots are my go to shoes in winter.

A quick glance in a full length mirror and I feel like the outfit is bottom heavy. I balance it out with some earrings and I'm ready to go. I store my jewellery in a handy way for quick selection. I wrote a storage makeover post showing how I store my accessories.

What is your best time saver tip? 

Aussie Curves - Heels

This weeks Aussie Curves challenges is heels. This gal has become accustom to wearing ugg boots around the house. In Geelong the days are getting colder and shorter. I've tossed those aside to strut in my three favourite heels.

I loooove the colour teal. My teal Diana Ferrari heels are lush. They're my most favourite. I ummed and ahhed over purchasing them for a week. Every day for a week I made a point to have lunch in town. Just so I could visit these pretties. After that we were friends and they had to come home with me.

I don't normally like to wear heels. They're not exactly practical. I decided I'd wear them around the office. Walking on carpet is kinder on the feet. Also I sat at my desk for most of the day. However that meant I'd drive to get lunch, instead of walking ten minutes down the road. That really was a trade off, on a sunny day I loved that walk.

The dusty pink and chocolate shoes are super cute. They desperately need a chocolate A-line skirt to go with them (that's on my wish list). I've hardly worn these. They still need to be broken in, despite buying them about three years ago.

The black pair I wore a lot in my 20's. You might say 'hang on those are boots'. I used to wear them as "heels". They seem like a younger persons shoes. I'm not ready to part with them yet. They'll return to the wardrobe. Perhaps this winter I'll make a point of wearing them a few times.

What do the heels look like on?

Yes I was totally lazy and avoided putting makeup on. Do you have a pair of heels you just can't part with?