Post Christmas (no) sales

Today I went to Paddington again with my Mum! But this time... I didn't buy a thing! Sure, there were so many clothes that I would give my left and right arm/leg for. Like a dress we saw from a Norwegian brand called Fin that was made from bamboo (!), or the sensational Opening Ceremony collection at Land's End in 5 Ways. Or the hundreds of shoes in Zomp, the Isabel Marant collection in Parlour X and the dresses in Willow. Not to mention the Romance Was Born Pop-up store, which was down a little alleyway and was like an underwater fashion-theme park!

Top: Uniqlo Thermo-top (!)

Embroidered vest: From a flea market in Tokyo, around $6!

Jeans: Roy Jeans, Melbourne $50, from $220

Necklace: Glebe Markets

Shoes: Vintage Italian shoes circa 1980s from The Wardrobe Store $60

Bag: Lauren by Ralph Lauren, bought in Boxing Day Sale 2005, David Jones $60 from $250

Top: Banana Republic $25

Bag: Pleats Please by Issey Miyake $50!

Jacket: from Isetan Shinjuku

Jeans: from Japan

Sunglasses: Oroton

Yes, I would happily give away my body parts to own these things, but for some reason, I wasn't in the buying mood. You know how sometimes, as much as you see so many things you want and have the capacity to buy, you just dont' feel like buying them at the end of the day?

I was happy just to admire, drool, and ah, drool some more. Plus Mum and I had lots of fun messing around with my camera. Ala The Sartorialist. To be honest, it actually felt good not buying anything. I just haven't found the post Christmas sales to be that good this year. I even checked out David Jones in the city on Boxing Day, and it was underwhelming to say the least. Too crowded, overpriced and just. not. worth. it. So until something really catches my eye, I'm going cold turkey! Although, whenever I have a bit of a dry spell, I tend to go on a bit of a psycho spending spree soon afterwards...

:::Paddington: Sydney's version of heaven:::

Now what type of girl doesn't like to spend her day(s) strolling the streets of Paddington? That is a rhetorical question, because if there is a girl out there who doesn't love Paddington- then I don't want to know! Today I spent an incredibly relaxing day in Paddington with my mum. It was one of those days that just makes all of life's silly little problems dissolve, at least temporarily. It's based on this beautiful concept called retail therapy. I hear it's become quite the trend in current years... A flat white and a pear danish later, we made our way down William St...

Mum and I walking down to Five Ways

The first shop we entered was Sami & Sita. The mother-daughter owned boutique specialises in its own collection of clothing and accessories which take inspiration from the 1940's, '50's and '60's and are designed by the daughter, and also stocks other Australian designers such as Peep Toe Shoes. The cosy size of the store and the friendly owners makes you feel as if it like a little treasure chest of all things pretty.

The shop was having a fantastic sale. I fell in love with the sweetest black and white-spotted woollen scarf. We had actually seen it in David Jones the other day for $90, and when I saw it was down to $45 I just had to have it! The scarf is made in France (need I say more?), and is something a bit differest as the white spots are raised against the black wool. It's quite thick and fluffy, so it will help keep me warm in this harsh winter weather. I was a bit naughty and also bought a white woolen tiered hat with a flower decal ($40). I haven't bought anything in a while, so I think it was a combination of holiday jubilation and the torrential rain outside that provided the perfect excuse for winter accessories shopping!

The damage

The other standout stores on William St were Rose and Ruby, Shop No. 2, and the consignment store of shoes. We also made our way to 5 Ways, and checked out the divine Parlour X. I was captivated by the Comme de Garcons collection, which truly lives up to its reputation as wearable art with its architectural design. Not to mention the beauty of the Balenciaga and Isabel Marant pieces. Just sifting through the racks and racks of carefully crafted garments was enough to make my heart skip a beat. What a wonderful, wonderful day.