It seems like only yesterday I was writing up the March round-up for the #AlmostPoshStyleCost project and here I am again, totting up April's balance already.

After March's considerable aquisition program, I steadied myself for April in preparation for the holiday I have booked in May which will include potential proximity to DFO and the like. However I did pick up a few major items. Here's what I snared:

I was given a $50 ASOS voucher as payment for a DJ gig so I rubbed my hands together, hit up the ASOS mobile app during a 15% off sale and snared this Fashion Union 2-in-1 top for $48 of those free dollars because I'd been wanting to do this look for ages.


You might have seen this picture on my Insta or FB:


Yeah, that's right. I had to wash it because I got make-up on the collar when trying it on, only to discover that the faux white shirt under the jumper - the one I bought because I don't iron and I wanted to create the look of a shirt under a jumper - needed to be ironed.

The IRONy.

Anyway, here it is on when it's not actually dirty or being washed or needing ironing.


I went along to the Katies VIP Shopping Night as most of you know, and picked up a few things that were specially discounted PLUS a free stripy top gift with purchase worth $19.95!




Then I had that awesome Shopper's Premonition experience with the striped tunic. I was so excited, I did a Facebook Live Streaming video.

Yeah, the delivery needs work as does the camera angle but it's fun to try something different. Here's the static pose which is less sackular. I also picked up an ASOS midi skirt at Savers this week for a mere $7. So it's a small wrap up this month - I like to think quality over quantity! And since I just forked out for my ProBlogger ticket, it's probably going to stay pretty lean over the rest of the year.  Maybe.
Clothes and Shoes
Items acquired: 6
Total original ticket "value": $284.80
Paid: $131.34
YTD Spend: $544.72 YTD "Value": $1390.53

In terms of accessories, all I've acquired is that necklace in my Katies goodie bag. I do like it but it didn't sit nicely with my bust, so I've gifted it to my Mum.

Accessories
Items "bought": 0
Total original ticket "value": $0
Paid: $0
YTD Spend: $31  YTD "Value": $540

We've covered off on boots already in Posh Picks, however when I got a recent email from Styletread, I was absolutely IN LOVE with some of this new season footwear and I just had to share my favourites with you.

Now, as it comes into the cooler weather, we're thinking closed toes, block heels and those lovely neutral colours that tone in nicely with our wraps, scarves and what-have-you. You can still get away with the occasional cut-out, or pair lighter shoes with dark opaque or coloured tights for contrast. Don't do tights with open-toe shoes. Yeah I know, everyone's all like "break the rules!" but not that one. Never that one.

Here we have a selection of cute autumnal kicks, all for under a hundred bones. Okay, the last ones are under by a matter of two cents BUT THEY ARE STILL UNDER.




1. Therapy Canyon in Tan | Styletread | $89.95^
2. I Love Billy Marie Blush Smooth | Styletread | $89.95^
3. KO Fashion Banik Beige | Styletread | $89.95^
4. I Love Billy Tanio Tan/Bone Smooth | Styletread| $99.95^
5. I Love Billy Delfin Latte Oil Smooth | Styletread | $89.95^
6. Therapy Florence in Tan | Styletread | $69.95^
7. I Love Billy Delilah Latte Oil Smooth | Styletread | $99.95^
8. Top End Shoes Gilby Tan | Styletread | Were $199.95 now $99.98 (limited sizes)^

I know I am loving them all . . . how about you? Do you stick to boots in the cooler weather or still try and work the heels in?

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^ denotes affiliate link. By clicking through and purchasing, you're not paying any extra but I earn a small amount of coin to maybe get my hands on a pair. For more information, see my PR and Media policy.

As advised at the beginning of the year, Almost Posh will generally not be posting on public holidays.




Today, as we remember the ANZACs and those who have served, I'm sharing my post marking the 100 year anniversary from last year.

ANZAC Commemorations

Lest we forget.

Bit of a random diversion for Almost Posh, but a couple of months ago, I woke up one Friday morning, started a small business and was suddenly all:
Okay, it wasn't quite that spontaneous (I had given it some thought the night before) but it was kind of that easy. I'd been doing some sideline work through various contacts as well as getting a small amount of income from the blog so decided it was time to get legit and make my hobby into a business.



If you're interested, it's called Writemate (your friend who can write, see what I did there?) and it offers content and creation services, editing, formatting, bit of this and that, you get the picture.

Here's what I did to kick off. Obviously, it may well be different for you, I'm not a professional and this is provided as information only. Do your research, consider the PDS available and if pain persists, see your doctor.

1. Get an ABN (Australian Business Number)

An ABN is what identifies your business - mostly to the government for tax purposes and also to your customers, verifying your legitimacy. When you google "ABN", the first sponsored results are for outfits guaranteeing to get yours for you in 15 minutes, low cost, no hassle etc. However registering for an ABN is free so I wouldn't be paying for it if I were you. Business.gov.au has lots of useful information to determine whether you need one and what steps to take.

2. Register Your Business / Trading Name (optional)

You don't have to register a business or trading name if you're trading under your own actual given name but as I had dreamt up what I thought was quite a nifty business name, I thought I'd bars it within Australia by registering it with Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). This sounds heaps scary but it's not. You'll need your shiny new ABN to register and it will cost $34 for one year which is quite reasonable and may be claimed back on tax.


3. Buy a Domain Name (and scab up all associated social media handles)

Whether it's blogging or business (or both!) a domain name gives your website a professional look and helps people remember it easily. Don't be put off by how technical and computery it sounds, it's really not that hard to link a domain name to your existing website and most domain hosts provide tailored instructions or have support chat to help.

It's also more affordable than you might think. I've used Hover for both my domains. AlmostPosh.com costs me $17 AUD for a year and Writemate.com.au costs $39 AUD for two years. I'd have liked Writemate.com but some scab was squatting on it and wanted like $14,000 USD for it. LOL, I said to them and offered them $20 AUD. To register an .au domain, you'll also need your ABN.

Protect your brand and business name by signing up for all the social media handles and keep them consistent across the lot to make it easy for your customers/readers to find you - even if you don't intend to use, say, Twitter, you want to protect your name as much as you can. Social media is where the people are and is essentially a low-cost marketing tool so it makes sense to try and use it for your business.



4. Build a Website (if you haven't already)

If you haven't already got a website or blog, don't worry. With easy website builders out there (like Wix, Squarespace, even Wordpress), it's pretty easy to smash out a simple yet cute looking website that you can then tie to your custom domain. Make it clear, concise, tell people what you do, give examples of your work and importantly, let people know how to contact you. (Or, you know, I can do it for you via Writemate, pluggity plug plug.)

5. Get some business cards

I was in my early 30s before I got my own proper business cards through work and although I have only used about seven of them legitimately, I still remember the thrill of handing one over like I was all grown-up and important. I now carry three lots around; work, Almost Posh and Writemate because I am THAT important. The two latter were super easy to design and have printed via Vistaprint - I've used them for loads of things over the years, they are always really affordable (and often have deals through coupon sites like Living Social), easy to navigate, loads of options and add-ons and they arrive really quickly. I went basic stock, uploaded my own graphics and am really happy with them both. Let me give you one if I see you because I have 247 of them!


6. Do Work / Make Money

Now that your framework is up, time to do some work! You can use PayPal to invoice for payments which is really easy and it means people can pay you with cards. Remember to track all your incomings and outgoings for tax time. I usually do my own tax via eTax but this year I think I'll consult a proper accountant to make sure I've done everything properly and claimed all my entitlements, which will include the cost of registering the business, the domain names, website premium package, business cards, blogger events (O HAI PROBLOGGER!) and any other expenses that might arise.
via GIPHY 7. Get help

If all this has left you reeling, have a quick squiz around the Government Business pages for a starter. There are lots of good resources with checklists and calculators and all sorts of tools to get you started, with information relevant to your state or territory as well as support and advice articles.


Have you got an ABN for your blog or have a business name registered? Is there anything stopping you from doing so? What else would you advise others starting out to consider?

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This is not a sponsored post, unless you count the plug for Writemate which is me anyway so essentially I'm sponsoring myself with precisely zero dollars or gifted items. For more information see my PR and Media policy.

It seems a bit weird to be talking about warm coats and jackets when Adelaide is due to hit 28 degrees again today and it feels more like the start of summer than the approach to winter but don't let it fool you, brace yourself, insert Game of Thrones meme here, etc.

For me, the struggle is real when it comes to winter outerwear.

As I mentioned here, a combination of petite frame, short arms and a big bust combine to make it difficult to find a coat style that doesn't look like a dressing gown, straightjacket or similar yet still provides adequate warmth when it gets seriously chilly.

Okay, by global standards, Adelaide is hardly the Arctic but you know, it's all relevant so when I say "chilly", I mean around 15 degrees on average. Anything below that is referred to as "freezing".

Anyhizzle, I was lucky enough to nab this lovely raspberry-coloured fit and flare coat from ASOS a few years back. This official photo doesn't do it justice either, it's more skirty. I absolutely love wearing it, and often get nice comments.


Now this is all well and good but as if one coat is enough!

It's hard to go past classic black but wearing a pop of colour can really help lift your mood on a grey day.

Don't forget scouring international sites for end-of-their-winter clearance bargains.

I've rounded up some good winter weight coats and jackets below and I have a seriously watchful eye on number 1 . . .



1. Emma Fur Collar Coat | Forcast | $149.95^
2. Layla Midi Wrap Coat | Forcast | $159.95^
3. Atmos&Here Christian Peacoat | The Iconic | $139.95^
4. Dorothy Perkins Blonde Funnel Coat | The Iconic | $129.95^
5. Dorothy Perkins Luxe Parker | The Iconic | $159.95^
6. Dorothy Perkins Port Fur Collar Fit and Flare Coat | The Iconic | $149.95^
7. Betty Basics Thatcher Puffer Jacket | Freez | $79^
8. Miss Selfridge EPP Parka | The Iconic | $79.95^

What's your winter coat situation like? Are you well prepared or due for an upgrade? Do you have one workhorse or switch it up as your mood dictates? Tell me, tell me, tell me!

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^ denotes affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I earn a small amount of commission to put towards Coat Number 1. For more information, please see my PR and Media policy.

If you have any eyes on the Australian beauty radar, you'd know that Priceline recently dropped one of their famous 40% off sales and it was my favourite one; cosmetics!

Now, I will be honest, I am hardly lacking cosmetically but when has that ever stopped me, the sale is a good time to stock up on favourites or try new items for a fraction of the cost.

Here are the few things I picked up:


Australis Oh 2 Glow foundation

I was keen to get on this as you remember I asked for dewy drugstore foundation recs a while back but had not got around to actually acquiring any. Sadly, for about the millionth time, I picked up a shade that was far too light and ended up looking like Ghostface Killa which was supremely disappointing as I couldn't even get a feel for the look or coverage of the product because I was too distracted by the stupidity of my white face.

Australis Velourlips in "Doo-Bai"

It had been a while since I'd picked up any new Velourlips colours but this deep berry shade looks perfect for the cooler months.


Essence "Happy Girls Are Pretty" TE eyeshadow palette in "01 happiness is … seeing your smile"

This was a discard in the checkout line (although still fully sealed, I'm not an animal). I picked it up, liked the look of it and bought it mostly for the cooler mauve/grey colour. For under $5, this palette punches above its weight, with surprisingly blendable shadows and I love that cute "knit" stamping, just another example of Essence's little touches of luxe to an extremely affordable product.

Models Prefer Hair Elastics Blonde

Not part of the sale but needed to keep at work for those "nope, that's it - hair is going UP" days.


There was quite a bit of talk surrounding the apparent lack of stock during this sale, with reports that some stores were cleaned out by 9.30am and staff blaming lack of stock arriving from HQ. I would think that a much-hyped and very popular sale should be prepared for well in advance with adequate stock levels of all products across all outlets. I did want a Models Prefer blush brush and a couple of other things but there were hardly any brushes left at all by the time I got to the store at lunchtime, although other shoppers reported they ticked off all/most of their list at other locations.

Finally, sale etiquette ladies: browsing is cool, swatching is fine but don't be standing there blocking access to products while looking at something else or rudely pushing past to get to what you want; everyone gets a go, okay?

Did you pick up anything in the sale?

Linking up with the Monday Makeup Madness party. Edit, plus new linkup BeYOUty Bonanza.

Today, Almost Posh is pleased to host this very special guest post from Lauren of Teacher Types about Witchery’s #WhiteShirtCampaign, supporting the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

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Hi there! I’m Lauren from Teacher Types and am by no means a fashion blogger like my friend Beth here. I wanted to share my story to support Witchery’s #whiteshirtcampaign, but my blog (which is all about early learning and parenting) wasn’t the right fit. So here I am. Thanks Beth for having me!



On the 2nd of October 2014, my lovely mum passed away from ovarian cancer. 

She was only 56. 

The tragic thing with ovarian cancer is that the symptoms are subtle, and it’s often diagnosed too late. The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation is raising funds for an early detection test. They also hope to raise awareness of the symptoms, so that women are more aware and will go to their GP if they are concerned.

Anyway, Witchery are doing amazing things to support the OCRF, with ALL the money (except GST) from their White Shirt sales going to the foundation. There are 9 white shirt styles for ladies to choose from and one for the men as well. So with two kids in tow, I hit the shops to try some on and make my contribution to this cause that is very close to my heart. 



On the left is a button up shirt with gorgeous lacy sleeves (I removed all jewelry before trying this one on, it was so delicate!). And on the right is the tie up blouse that I ended up getting. (That’s my little Miss M in the photo with me) 

Now as I said, I’m no fashion guru – but here are a few outfits I put together to try with my new white shirt. 



Date Night Glam
Denim jacket, black pants, Blush & Co necklace – we love Blush and Co because they’re a gorgeous local SA business.

Mum Casual
Shredded jeans, thongs, turquoise necklace (how great does this colour look with white?) + ‘mum’ pony tail.

Work
Grey fitted jacket, black suit pants and pony (I usually wear a pony tail to work because I teach 5 year olds). 

Girls night out (although I haven’t had one of these in a while!)
Dark denim skinny jeans, heels, Blush & Co necklace

Layer it up – ready for the cooler weather to set in.
Waterfall vest and Katie’s scarf (from Beth and my previous evening of shopping).

Thank you Beth for handing over Almost Posh to me for the day. If you choose to purchase a Witchery White Shirt, please share on social media, use the hashtag #whiteshirtcampaign with the caption “I wear a white shirt because…” and be sure to wear it on White Shirt Day – May 2nd (I’m planning to wear mine for Mother’s Day as well).

Click to shop

If your mum is still in your life, give her an extra right hug for me xx

Lauren

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[not sponsored]

As I mentioned in my #AlmostPoshStyleCost round-up for March, I had to return a really cute Dorothy Perkins knit to The Iconic because it was too big, which means I have the princely sum of $23.11 in credit burning a hole in my pocket sitting in my account.

Now, it so happens The Iconic is currently ramping up their mid-season sale with an extra 25% off sale items! Use code EXTRA25 at checkout, valid until midnight 13 April 2016, ie TONIGHT! (no pressure)

I thought I would bring you my pick of things under $23.11. There is still all manner of clothing but sizes are extremely limited so I'm not cool with presenting things that are all but unavailable - unless of course you're a size 6, in which case, you're in luck. You never know though, so have a look and see what's good.


1. Rhythm Online Pocket Hat | Was $39.99 now $20^
2. Kitchy Ku Minx Knit | Was $79.95 now $19.95^
3. Cheap Monday Timeless Sunglasses | Were $39.95 now $19.98^
4. Zalora Drawstring Shoulder Bag | Was $49.95 now $14.99^
5. Fiebiger Miss Blondie Clutch | Was $44.95 now $22^
6. New Look Rib Split Front Midi | Was $39.95 now $19.98^
7. Spurr Tabora Jewel Crisscross Sandals | Were $39.95 now $19.98^
8. Louenhide Roxie Purse | $19.95^

Cute for $23.11 or under, I don't mind if I do.

Does ANYONE actually sort from High to Low when online shopping?? Why is that even an option? Also, I'd like a filter that removes the four pages of underwear and bathers at the start of the Low to High sort. Thanks.

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^ denotes affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I earn a small amount of coin to bump up my $23.11. For more information, please see my PR and Media policy.

I've never been any good with hair; the styling or doing of, which is why I rocked a short concave bob for many years. Witness, my official work portrait which I haven't bothered changing for about five years.


Anyway, after having my daughter, I grew it out for the sole purpose of being able to put it into a ponytail and embraced a low-maintenance ombre effect. After taking SO long to get it to a certain length, I didn't want to part with it, even though I couldn't really do much with it besides said ponytail, and of course, my beloved bun boosters.


However, it got to the point where it was so ratty on the ends, the only thing that was going to save it was a good cut, and that's what I went and got, as well as a whole new colour refresh, now that I had a little more time and budget to put towards the upkeep.


Around the same time as this successful hair appointment was the Adelaide Bloggers United event, at which I not only got to meet with brands like South Australian company Davroe and global giant L'Oréal Professionnel but also hauled away many products to work through my weave*.

* note: I don't actually have woven hair extensions, I just use "weave" as a synonym for my hair because I like to sound gangsta from time to time.

Anyway, did you know that L'Oréal also owns Matrix, Pureology and Redken? Me either!


The Pureology Color Fanatic spray has been my go-to lately. With no less than 21 essential benefits touted, this is a multi-tasking beautifier for coloured hair, and who doesn't need one of those. I spray it on damp hair before blowdrying and on dry hair to smooth out any frizzy flyaways. It's light and smells nice. Tick!


I've got to be a bit sparing with oils and serums and such because as I just mentioned, they do tend to weigh my hair down a bit but a tiny little droplet of this gorgeous Redken Diamond Oil (I am seriously in love with this chunky pink faceted glass bottle on its own) gives a gorgeous smoothing effect that I very much enjoy.


As well as the contents of our goodie bags, L'Oréal kindly gifted me this Hello Blondie shampoo and conditioner for blonde hair (as the name suggests) after the event, as well as the Matrix Break Fix pictured above. I've really been enjoying using the shampoo and conditioner as my regulars. It smells nice, it has a pretty pale purple colour and my hair has felt really good using it. The shampoo gives a nice cleansing lather which isn't always present in traditional toning shampoos and the conditioner gives good condition without weighing down my fine strands.


These are just three products from the big gift box presented to us by Davroe Hair Wellness.


You might remember I mentioned that Janelle whipped my hair into cute curls in literally ten minutes on the day. Try as I might, I can't replicate that with my straightener at home but I can get my follicles feeling fine with these products. The Murray River salt spray gives me grip and texture, the Thermaprotect, like the Pureology spray, is good for a quick spritz before blowdrying (I'm keeping this handy travel size on standby) and the Tame detangler is excellent not only on my own head but that of my daughter who regards having her hair done as being up there with vaccinations and going to bed. All of these products smell AMAZING. There were also several convenient travel sized shampoo and conditioner products for various types of hair. I have passed some on and hoarded the rest for myself.

Hair styling continues to be an ongoing challenge for me, but the shorter length has meant my Suck 'n' Curl (aka the VS Sassoon Curl Secret) is far easier and less tedious to use than it was before. Here's me having used it AND I wore sequins and tulle AND I got liquid liner AND false lashes on my eyes with minimal strong language. Everything was coming up Milhouse Posh that night, I can tell you. Apart from decent lighting.

I hadn't ever given much thought to Katies until recently; I had a striped maxi dress I got while pregnant over 3 years ago but that was about it. It's not like I'd written it off as being too old (I do have the odd piece from Millers, after all!), I had just never got around to making it a regular on my shopping rounds.

So when they launched their new campaign featuring two of the bloggers I follow, Adelaide's Sonia Styling and Nikki at Styling You, I got some more exposure to the brand and found I really liked the look of some of the new pieces for AW16.

THEN when a post on Facebook alerted me to a shopping event featuring Sonia AND it was out at Munno Para instead of Marion where everything always is, I was keen and THEN when my blogger friend Lauren from Teacher Types asked if I wanted to go along, well, it was a world of yes!

Lauren and I both appreciated the opportunity to shop kid-free in the evening (without it being late night shopping which is sometimes just as chaotic) and had a hit list of items to acquire.



As you can see, I have a firm grasp on the denim dress Sonia is wearing (not the literal same one, that would be creepy) because as soon as I saw it on her blog, I felt like I needed it in my life. The dark, heavier denim is perfect for the cooler seasons and I love a tie waist - it gives shape while still fully adjustable, pending how much food I've eaten. I've added tights and my Novo leopard print wedges for a bit of fun. Note to self, need more opacity in my tights. Also need long boots in both black and tan, as per my Shopping List.



It was good being able to try on different things at leisure. I felt a lot of love for this amazing fur-trim cardigan and added it to my wishlist. So luxuriant.



My main focus, however, was a short jacket. As I mentioned on Instagram, this has been the "bain marie" of my transeasonal wardrobe for the last twenty years or so. Being small-framed with a big bust and short arms, everything either swamped, constricted or hung loose. I needed something cute to throw over a dress or wear with pants before it gets into heavy coat weather. Something that had more structure than a cardigan, with a bit of warmth and a bit of sass. 

Over the years, I tried every denim and leather jacket known to [wo]man,they never sat right, were too pockety, stiff and uncomfortable and trenches made me look like I was wearing a dressing gown. Then Sonia showed me the PU ponte jacket and advised to try a size 8 (I'm usually a 12 - well, as usual as you can get when sizes are so ridiculously different, amirite?)

*cue angelic choir*




See how the sleeves don't dangle over my wrists? See how it gives a bit of shape? See how the pleather sleeves give it some sass while the ponte makes for a comfortable fit?? What a find!

Also pictured is the FREE TOP! gift with purchase valued at $19.95. Yep, for realz.



It was a fun evening and the team at Katies were super friendly and helpful. Here's Lauren making her purchases.



As well as the free top, I received a special 30% discount, $25 in vouchers AND a goodie bag as pictured below (including a jazzy necklace) so it was well worth the attendance!!






Have you sussed out Katies' new AW16 campaign? If not, have a look. You might be pleasantly surprised. If you have, is there anything on your wishlist?

Not sponsored, I went along of my own free will and spent my own hard-earned cash.

Denim is not going anywhere, ever, and each season, we see new ways to wear it, even if those new ways are old ways for the second or third time (hello, flares).

Why is denim so good?

Versatility. Anyone can rock it. ANYONE. You just have to get the right piece. Whether it's a girly chambray dress, an old school patched jacket or a fully distressed indigo jean, there is denim for almost every occasion. (Do not wear denim to a cocktail, formal or black-tie event. Ever.)

Cost. It's available across a wide variety of price points and sometimes, SOMETIMES, the cheaper stuff actually looks or fits better. You never know your luck.

Comfort. Since the rise of the jegging, we no longer have to worry about zips and buttons and uncomfortably tightness while "breaking in" . . . it's all about the stretch panels and E-Z Fit Comfort Waistbands™. Well, for me, anyway especially post pregnancy. I am loving my Millers stretch crop jeggings right now.

Variety. So many colours, washes, fits and styles on offer across the full spectrum of clothing.

For more information, The Iconic is currently featuring a handy Denim Guide complete with video!

Here I've rounded up some of my favourite denim looks for the new season. I hate flares though so sorry I haven't included any. In fact, pretty much anything that isn't a super skinny high to medium waist isn't going to light my fire, jeanswise. Soz.

1. Atmos&Here Janie Skin Tight Jeggings | The Iconic | $49.95^
2. Dorothy Perkins Utility Denim Shirt Dress | The Iconic | Was $59.95 now $41.97^
3. Somedays Lovin Blues Chambray Skirt | The Iconic | Was $89.95 now $44.98^
4.  Noisy May Long Denim Skirt | The Iconic | $69.95^
5. Jasmine Skinny Jeans | Forcast | Were $69.95 now $41.95^
6. Anya Tencel Oversized Shirt | The Iconic | Was $129.99 now $77.99^
7. Wakee Coated Jean | Freez | $49^
8. Wakee Denim Skirt | Freez | $39^

In case you missed the #AlmostPoshStyleCost round-up for March, I did end up grabbing those Dannii Minogue Petite ripped jeans from Target during a 20% off sale and I'm pretty happy about that!



What's your take on denim; love it, leave it or aren't bothered about anything that isn't your regular jeans?

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^ denotes affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I earn a small amount of commish to maybe consider buying that Dorothy Perkins shirt dress. For more information, please see my PR and Media policy.

This week on Almost Posh we are super excited to introduce a new series "Binge Or Stinge", with the inaugural post being guest-written by Bridie.

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This is your no-frills guide to prodz and services; which are worth it and which are worthless. We review and let you know if you should immediately binge all your cash like an 18 year old on pay day or stinge like you're $100 away from your overseas trip.


via GIPHY
When Beth kindly gave me some lipsticks to review, I was more than keen.  You know how so often you tend to 'inherit' the lipstick habits of your mother?  Mine is a diehard pink addict and when I checked my lipstick stash, I found no less than 8 pink lipsticks...

Beth must have been subtly been trying to pull me out of a beauty rut, and gifted me a couple of bright corals and two nudes to report back on.

Each of the duos has a high-end and budget friendly option.  Which would prevail?


The Corals

Australis Velourlips Matte Lip Cream in 'Mi-A-Mee' vs MAC Morange

First off let me say that this isn't a dupe - Mi-A-Mee is a pinky coral and a gorgeous shade in its own right with a matte finish and Morange is a true orange in MAC's 'amplified' creme finish.  Morange looks beautiful on blondes with a tan and dark haired pale girls, where Mi-A-Mee could be worn by almost anyone.

Velourlips have become a hit for good reason.  They are pigmented and stay all day long. Because of the matte texture they don't clag up after a busy day talking in meetings. The colour is bright with a flat finish.  I applied with the doe foot applicator that they are packaged with and got a reasonable looking finish - no liner needed.

I've worn Morange in the past and used MAC's 'Redd' liner with it, which gives depth and turns it into an orangey red lipstick, instead of a true orange.  When worn alone I just didn't love it on my skintone.

The verdict - STINGE!

Cash in the scratchie, vacuum the couch and dig in your partner's sock drawer, because you only need $10.49 for the Australis Velourlips! This colour is the ultimate to take you from fusty office to 'drinks with the girls' in 5 minutes.

The Nudes

NYX Butter Gloss in Fortune Cookie (link) vs MAC Lipglass in Naked Space

Naked Space* is a peachy gloss with a hint of sparkle.  It has a warm undertone that is flattering on my skin.  I've often joked with Beth about the propensity for a nude gloss to result in what we've dubbed 'cadaver lips'.  Naked Space won't do that - it is warm and looks fresh and pretty - it could easily be layered over other lipsticks to create a glossy look. I find MAC Lipglasses to have a very subtle tingling effect which makes lips look fuller and of course the signature cupcake scent which I adore.

In the other corner, the NYX Butter Gloss in Fortune Cookie (I prefer the French name, 'Biscuit Chinois'!) It is a very smooth creamy formulation with a creamy scent. It doesn't have the sparkle of the MAC and isn't as sticky.  It is also thankfully warm-toned enough to ensure you're not mistaken for a Law & Order: SVU extra (bong bong).

The verdict - STINGE!

While the Naked Space is a lovely gloss, the NYX holds its own and provides excellent value at the paltry price of $9.95. I'd buy more of them in other colours.

Typically I prefer brights when I have a little more time in the mornings, so nude gloss with a quick smoky eye and couple of coats of mascara are great for busy days filled with childcare drop offs and what is a good contender for Adelaide's Worst Commute.

* Sadly this was a limited edition MAC shade, but could easily be replaced with similar shades like Prr or C-Thru

(from top:) Morange, Mi-A-Mee, Fortune Cookie, Naked Space (hairy arm, model's own!!)

Today, it's a win for the stinges in the lip stakes.  What are your favourite non-pink lippies? When it comes to lipstick do you binge or stinge?

Linking up with the Monday Madness Makeup Party.