Winter edit: smooth sale-ing

From left to right: Review Dress | SABA Shirt x 2 | Jo Mercer Heels

The sales are on in Australia, so I used this weekend to top up my waning wardrobe (I can blame that on the gym). I really only have a good excuse for the dress -- an upcoming formal dinner in two weeks time and then a friend's wedding in November. And the shirts? Well, it was hard passing on a really good deal :)

Shop my closet...

• Lace dress
• Sleeveless silk shirt
• Silk front black t-shirt

As for the shoes, I think I can fish out a pair from the bottom of my closet because I don't wear heels often enough in order to justify purchasing these.

Over the neon fad? Why not put it in neutral!

Most days I open my closet and find that I have absolutely nothing to wear. I do, but I get tired of my wardrobe easily.

Shocking, right?

I'm all for having a stellar purse, but I often look past other accessories to help spice up and diversify what I already own.

In no particular order, here are five items to have a think about..

1. ban.dö's Superstar Bobbi gives your hair a bit of flair.

2. Remember Sam & Libby ballet flats (P-Cakes bought my first pair from Marshalls)? Sam Edelman grew with the times and put his spin on the bobby soxers chosen footwear, the oxford. The Jayden Oxford (also available in black and metallic silver) will definitely put a bit of pep in your step.

3. Cinch in your waist with J.Crew's Clip Elastic Belt. A brass buckle, brown leather trim and tan elastic with black stitching tidy things up quite nicely.

4. Spare no expense with Anthropologie's Venice Cityscape Scarf. The pops of chartreuse, navy, lilac and dusty mauve give you just enough colour.

5. Give your legs extra length by slipping on Hue's Backseam Sheer Tights in cream. You'll surely have legs that will go for miles :)

But wait, there's more! The Chelsea in nude from The Cambridge Satchel Company popped up on my Reader feed earlier this week and I have a feeling I'll buy one sooner or later. But for now I have to be good and save for Hawaii.

What are some of your favourite go-to accessories?

Outfit of the day: a preppy hoot

This past Thursday we celebrated ANZAC day here in Australia, it's the equivalent to Memorial Day in the US. I spent some time with Scott and caught up with a few friends for lunch; Scott and I may've even grabbed a couple of the cocktails at The Everleigh as well. This time of year it's wise to layer, because it could swing from cool to hot and back in an instant. It is, after all, Melbourne -- four seasons in a day...

Shop my closet!

I tried to find similar items for you to contemplate over ;)

• Sweater from J Crew Factory
• Oxford spotted on Urban Outfitters
• Jeans from the Gap
• Boots by Steve Madden
• Bag tracked down on Farfetch - wish my version came with an adjustable/detachable strap!

Blow Dry Bar Melbourne Central -- celebrate with bubbles and blowouts in 30 minutes

Happy Birthday, Blow Dry Bar @ Melbourne Central

Got an event, don't want to bother with your hair for a couple of days or feel like getting pampered? Get thee to your nearest Blow Dry Bar, tout de suite. Recently, I was extended an invitation to check out the Melbourne Central location -- they have a lot to celebrate, because it's their first birthday!

Blow Dry Bar first opened their doors in Sydney five years ago and since then they've added 22 more locations; now they are setting their sights on the States -- look out, Gwenyth Paltrow!

Upon arrival I was warmly greeted by the salon's assistant, asked to take a seat and offered a glass of bubbles (yes please!) while I waited for my stylist to come out. A few beats later, I was sitting at the sink getting my hair washed and head massaged; it was glorious and relaxing all at once.

My daily fruit intake

For my visit I was asked to try out one of the three favourite looks as chosen by BDBs' stylists from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which just wrapped up last week in Sydney.

Bronx and Banco: A simple look, yet exudes style in a modern, chic way

Alex Perry: A minimalist look with hair tied back into a loose chignon, yet still looks beautiful and elegant

We Are Handsome: "A 70s inspired look that is playful, refreshing and glamorous."

Together we, my stylist Jen and I, opted to go with Bronx and Banco's sleek look, sans bangs. Very rarely will you catch me without waves or a bit of frizz, we figured it was good to switch things up :)

Jen worked quickly and I was amazed by her ability to grab ahold of my hair without yanking at my head. Before I was through, Jen ran a flat iron over my locks without flattening the volume near the crown and set my look with a bit of hairspray.

Post blow out

Happy snaps with Jen

Can you believe she's been in the hair industry for 11 years? I can't! Jen started at the very young age of 13-years-old in Suffolk, England -- an attentive helper who earned her keep by washing hair and sweeping floors. About five years ago Jen came down to Australia for a visit with 10 close friends; I think she likes it here, because there are no signs of her departing this lovely continent any time soon. So far, Jen's worked with Kevin Murphy, Joey Scandizzo and has even put her talented hands to work at L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Sydney. Not too shabby!

//Edit: I'm absolutely shattered, because Jen no longer works at Blow Dry Bar! 

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for a Blow Dry Bar Experience:

• Prices vary, but I think my style hovered around $60.00 AUS, which included a moisturising hair treatment.

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags – bubbles, great conversation and you're out the door in 30 minutes!

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• I've already booked in for my next blow out, I'm hooked. They also cut and colour hair too, I just might have to make the move to a new salon!

*Special thanks to Frank PR for the invitation and Blow Dry Bar Melbourne Central for the hospitality.