Birthday treats!

Today was a fun day. My birthday was on Monday, but it wasn't until today that I had the whole day free. Even though I'm now 22, some very kind relatives gave me a bit of cash and a gift-voucher, so a spot of shopping in the city seemed in order. The day started off badly with a bowl of cereal in my lap, but from there it got better. My package from StrawberryNet came just as I was about to put my makeup on, so I got to try out my new Jane Iredale blush and the Bloom lipstick palette I ordered (reviews to come!).

I'm the type who always has a shopping 'action plan' in place before I go. I figure out how much I can spend, what I would really like, and decide where I might find it. Rarely do I wander the stores aimlessly, because I end up overspending and buying silly things that I use once before losing in the abyss that is my wardrobe. Plus, I hate hanging around shops for long, I get headachy, and when I have my action plan, I find everything gets done much faster! I went into the city, because I love the outdoor mall, there's lots of street entertainment and much more choice than in my local suburban mall.

Here's a quick shot of my purchases. I always lie new purchases, birthday and Christmas presents on my bed. I enjoy admiring new things before putting them away, it seems to extend that happy, excited feeling I get when I buy something. Does anyone else do this? Anyway, I bought; a new wallet from Sportsgirl to replace my old faithful Oroton purse, a blouse and unusual cardigan/cape/kimono knit both from Cotton On, MAC Vegas Volt lipstick and 'Glamour' nailpolish from Sportsgirl.

I've always adored billowy, sheer blouses and I'm so pleased they're finally in season (it means the cheaper shops will stock them. Before I had to wait for Witchery sales). In fact, I've got more coming from Topshop as I write this. For me, animal prints always evoke images of ageing, gaudy older ladies with skin leathery from overtanning and dripping in gold jewellery. But inexplicably, this blouse really appealed to me, the print is quite subdued and it's nice to have a non-floral print in my wardrobe. The knit is soft and snuggly, and the geometric print unusual but "cozy". It adds interest to otherwise plain jeans+basic T outfits. However, Cotton On prices seem to have jumped since my last visit. It seems the days where everything was under $30 have gone :(

I needed a new wallet, and Sportsgirl always have good quality, affordable and trendy options. I spotted this one on sale...I can see the crazy woven pleather pattern probably relegated it to the sale section. However, I'm really keen on patterns at the moment, and when I saw how much storage the inside offered I had to have it. The nailpolish was a must have because it reminds me of Chanel Dragon in nailpolish form....deep, blood red. Perfect for winter.

Perhaps less perfect for winter, MAC Vegas Volt. Coral isn't usually the colour one thinks of when 'winter' is mentioned, but after admiring it for weeks online, I knew I wanted it. Normally I wear whatever makeup takes my fancy anyway, so buying it mid-autumn shouldn't pose a problem. I nearly backed out at the last minute when I saw it at the counter though, it looked so orange, wild and completely different to anything I own. But I bit the bullet, and I'm so pleased I did, it's truly lovely. As I was perusing the other counters, I spotted my new bronzer at the Guerlain counter. I got into a conversation with the sales girl, and she invited me to pop along in a few days for the launch of their new lipsticks. I'm very tempted to call up tomorrow and reserve my place. It's not the sort of event where you get a bag of goodies for free, you do have to pay (redeemable on product). But it sounds like a fun way to try out something new...finger's crossed work and funds don't interfere!

And to finish the afternoon, a Wendy's supershake...does it get much better than that?