Now is a good time to swoop in on some sale selections from Styletread - there is still plenty of scope for ankle boots going into Spring and the right amount of peep-toe cut-out action will even get you through certain summery occasions.


Even at sale prices, Styletread ain't no Spendless but it is a good opportunity to pop on some high quality footwear and let's be real, the ankle boot is going nowhere for a while yet.

The block heel is also still totally around and I am pretty happy about that, given my days of wearing heels are largely over (and I never did too well with the spindly style stilettos anyway).




Where do you stand on a Spring boot?

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This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I earn a small amount of commission to keep me in cute footwear. Please see my PR and Media policy for more information.

No, not for me - what are you trying to say?!


Only joking. Even though it is actually my birthday in about six weeks (and if someone were to gift me free veneers I'd be delirious with joy), the face-lift in question is all about the blog.

I'd been wanting to revamp for a while and was going to wait until my 2 year blogaversary in mid-September to launch the new look but I had some unexpected time to myself on the weekend and got all carried away with it and simply couldn't wait so here it is.

Having made the move to something visual (that's not too abysmal), it has meant the front page now features auto jump cuts - that's the "read more" business rather than the full post. I know this aggrieves some people because it messes up their blog readers (with particular apologies to Snoskred) but hopefully it's not enough to put anyone right off.

There's a few things I need to tweak - like getting the Disqus comment count to show up on the home page so I don't look like Billy No-Mates and things like that. Otherwise, have a squizz (looks better on PC, obvs) and let me know what you reckon.

Usually on a Monday, I post about beauty-related matters but my scheduled guest post has not yet been submitted. My contributor needs more time to put some products to the test, or so he says. So let's talk about cosmetic procedures. I've not had anything more invasive than an eyebrow wax although as mentioned above, I would love to get my jacked-up grill fixed.

Have you had anything done? Would you?

(I'm cheekily still linking up to the Monday Makeup Madness party btw)

It's the end of winter!!

Hahaha, jokes, we all know the seasons have moved a month out (sign my petition to have summer officially recognised in the Southern Hemisphere as January to March and so on) and we still have another month of blustery weather to content with. September is always windy as in Adelaide, coinciding nicely with our Royal Show and blowing all that fresh new pollen right up into our nasal cavities. Achoo.

Weather conversation aside, let's see what I picked up in August besides Rhinocourt for the #AlmostPoshStyleCost project.

So I didn't include it in last month's roundup because it didn't arrive until this month . . . I had all but cut myself off shopping for July until I was scrolling through Instagram and noticed a Bohemian Traders flash sale (4 hours only) of 40% off all striped items. Well, what's a girl to do? #teamstripes


I hit up the Round She Goes market with my Mum. Nice stuff but a little crowded for my tastes, no sooner did you stop and look at something were there people literally right up on you looking at the same thing. Do not want. Anyway I managed to squeeze myself next to a rack and picked up two skirts for $5 each. Here's the Jacqui E one:


And here's the Sussan one, brand new with a $99 tag . . . I wasn't too sure about this one at first but I think it will be alright.



I was pleased on my return to Costco to find they still had those Bettina Liano sweaters like my black one pictured above in different colours, so I picked up the buff / beige / nude / neutral / oatmeal, whatever you want to call it. Annoyingly though, it's pretty sheer, even for a knit and wearing a singlet underneath shows through like nobody's business and looks heaps daggy so haven't developed a solution for that yet. Hence, no photo. Any tips would be appreciated.

I also don't have a photo of the cute OTS blue paisley top I got from Kmart so keep an eye out for that one.

Finally got some thrifting action in with a visit to Savers, where I picked up this super jazzy sequinned black tunic / dress arrangement. I'm planning to wear it to my meet and greet with current reigning RuPaul's Drag Race winner Bob The Drag Queen next weekend! YASSS, WERRRRK! I think this is quite possibly the only item from Supre I've ever owned.


The Iconic* dropped a 40% off sale and I had stored credit so what was I supposed to do, just ignore it? I popped on two dresses from Atmos&Here. Pleasingly, the parcel arrived in less than 24 hours - how good is that. Stay tuned for an upcoming brand feature on Atmos&Here, featuring photos from my shoot with Jenni at Styling Curvy!



Finally, late yesterday afternoon, I ducked into the Red Cross Superstore with my mum and picked up a Jeanswest print dress that I haven't yet taken a photo of. Did you know it's National Op Shop Week?

Clothes and Shoes
Items acquired: 5
Total original ticket "value": $483.89
Paid: $135.38
YTD Spend: $1,202.31
YTD "Value": $2,357.91

In terms of accessories, I found a brown belt at Savers that goes with my tan ankle boots so that was also pleasing, even if it could so do with a loop (or blu-tac) as it goes a bit floppy at the end.

Accessories
Items acquired: 1
Total original ticket "value": $2.99
Paid: $2.99
YTD Spend: $65.45
YTD "Value": $782.68

* denotes affiliate link

As I mentioned last week, the scent of Spring in the air (or it may be just my neighbour's jasmine that gets up my nose), and it's nice to start the season afresh with something new, so I'm pleased to present some light and lovely items from new affiliate partner, Adrift.


Based in sunny Brisbane where their range is designed, Adrift carry that cool summery vibe throughout their collections, with relaxed fits and beach feels in both regular and plus sizes.

I've been admiring their work for a long time around the traps, particularly on my mate Jenni at Styling Curvy, so it was certainly no hardship for me to go browsing around their site, putting together this week's Posh Picks. Click the circle for details.


Pricewise, this sits way up in "treat yo'self" territory for me, but I am no stranger to sale stalking or waiting for promos, so sign up to the email list for 15% off your next purchase and get ready for spring.

Have you got anything from Adrift?

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This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I earn a small amount of commission to save up for some lovely things from Adrift. Please see my PR and Media policy for more details.

If you are into all things beauty and have regular access to a device that connects to the internet, you've probably heard of Beauty Heaven.

An Australian-based site (Yay! No pining over unavailable products and regular references to Priceline and Chemist Warehouse), Beauty Heaven offers readers reviews, news, forums and . . . most excitingly, REWARDS.


Rewards, as we all know, are jolly good fun. And these ones are particularly good because they aren't based on spending. Members get reward points for filling out their beauty profile, contributing to forum discussions, posting product reviews . . . even logging in! I can totally do that!

Reward points are then available to be spent in the Beautorium online store that opens a couple of times a year, with a range of products available from skin care, hair care and cosmetics. I know, FREE THINGS! Simply hand over a tenner for postage, which seems reasonable to me and your goods will be heading your way.

As you're able to browse and wishlist the products on offer before the Beautorium opens, I had my sights set on a couple of items that I knew would be popular so I had my alarm set and my schedule clear to pounce as soon as it was open.

Even still, the products were immediately shown as being in other members' carts but I persevered through the lagging site and kept refreshing until one of my products popped up as available and I snagged it. All up it took half an hour to check out with my one product but it was totally worth it! Here's the Facebook Live haul video, if you can call it that.

Free stuff is good, bonus free things are even better. If you can't or won't watch the video, let me break it down. Not only did I receive the mascara but some Dermal Hand Balm (which was excellent timing as my husband is currently suffering chafed hands from cycling in the cold weather) and some travel sized shampoo and conditioner which will be coming with me on my next trip, wherever that may be.


Now, let's talk about the mascara.

This stuff is much hyped and while I am cautious about buying into it these days, I figured a $10 outlay for a product retailing at $42 was a sensible enough investment.

ALERT: I've just seen it selling on Catch of The Day for $29 so I would advise you to get right on board that train if you're keen. Catch of The Day sells legit stuff, no fakes. As well as a lot of your drugstore type brands, they've currently also got stuff by NARS, Becca, The Balm, Real Techniques and more. I had no idea about this until I googled for the They're Real RRP so this could get dangerous I am almost certainly going to buy the Real Techniques eye set. Come on, five RT brushes for $29, I'd be a fool not to.


You can see me apply it in the video above.

As an added bonus, products received from the Beautorium qualify for bonus reward points if they are reviewed and posted within a set timefrane, setting you up nicely for your next round of Beautorium shopping in November.

Are you a Beauty Heaven member? Did you get anything from the Beautorium this round?

Linking up with the Monday Makeup Madness link party.

Guest contributor Bridie shares her valuable lessons learnt after her experience with shopping with a stylist.


There I was - flabby, fractious and frustrated.  Ready to burn down my entire wardrobe and start again. A thought popped into my head . . . why don't I hire a stylist?

I've long dreamt of the 'guerilla-style makeover' where a van would pull up beside me, bundle me in, work their magic and deposit me back looking fresh as a daisy . . . sadly, my life is not a TV show. If, however, you're a TV exec reading this and you like the sound of The Makeover Van™, call me, let's talk. In the absence of my own paramilitary glam squad, I decided to hire a stylist.

While many people think a stylist is out of their price range, it can work out to save you money in the long run.  I had been on a long tear of buying things that weren't quite right for me.  Either because I didn't have time to try on properly, resulting in the "this is lower cut than I'd hoped!" phenomenon or simply falling victim to trends and clothes that neither suited nor fit properly. Since my session with a stylist, I've only purchased items that fit the brief and work together with things I already own, ultimately saving me money and time (and bewilderment - I'm looking at you, SATIN PANTS!)

[image credit]

Anyway, after meeting my stylist at Adelaide's only meeting place, The Mall's Balls, we were off and my shopping trip was very successful.  Without further ado, here's how I learned how to shop like a stylist:

Have a brief (but don't be wedded to it)

To develop a cohesive wardrobe, you need to know what you're looking for. Aimlessly wandering the shops is great for inspiration, but picking up single items can mean a lot of your clothes don't work well together. If you need a pair of black pants for work, then that's fine, but a stylist might notice your shapely legs and convince you to pick up a black ponte skirt instead. (And we all know that dresses and skirts aren't a death sentence - Ed.)

Consider your life and what you do - carrying small children? Taking boxes around the office? Short dresses and stacked heels might not work for you. Your clothes have a function beyond just looks and you need to consider it as part of your brief.

Set a budget

Stylists work to budgets and you can have in mind what you'd like to spend. Rather than think about how much you'd pay per item (i.e. "I'm only paying $90 for black pants") consider setting a budget for a few pieces that work together.  If you fall in love with a staple pair of pants then you can investigate cheaper tops to work with them.

Prep and do your research

My stylist helpfully pre-arranged pieces for me to try on, saving valuable time.  If you don't have someone pre-scouting for you, the alternative is to do your research online and call ahead, so that you won't be disappointed if stores don't have things in your size or the colour you're after.

Try on everything

Shopping alone can make you skittish and gun-shy or just plain lazy. Try on as many clothes as you have time for.  Go out to the big mirrors and check out how things move. That's how you find the real diamonds in the rough.

Take a few risks

Instead of staying in your tight little comfort zone, a stylist will look at you with objective eyes. Mine took my usual look (disgruntled pensioner) and gave it a cool girl twist to keep me looking within the general realm of my actual age. If you have trouble doing this alone, then enlist a shop assistant and ask them some questions. You never know - they might suggest other things that you wouldn't have considered, surprising you.

I worked with Rachel from Little Bird Style Coaching in Adelaide and can happily recommend her.



Have you ever used a stylist? Would you?

No doubt you've noticed a distinctive springlike feel if you've gone into any clothes shops lately, even if the temperature is nowhere near corresponding just yet. Don't let those random 20 degree days fool you, winter is still very much here - well, in Adelaide at least.

When I first got the email asking if I was interested in a ViraProX Winter Essentials pack and participating in a corresponding Insta competition, my first reaction was "Um, no, I don't get cold sores."


Somewhat selfishly, I was thinking since I don't get them, there would be no relevance in me talking to you about them . . . until I read the information supplied that said around 76% of Australians carry the herpes simplex virus that can lead to cold sores.

Seventy. Six. Percent. That's a lot.

Coincidentally, it's reportedly the same percentage of Australians that may suffer from stress or insomnia which are known triggers for cold sores (as well as dry lips, exposure to sunlight, sunburn and hormonal changes). Coincidence? I THINK NOT.

So even though it's not strictly relevant to me, the numbers indicate that it may well be of interest to you. Sure, it's not particularly glamorous but #AlmostPoshKeepsItReal and is happy to have the conversation. And hey, I might not get them myself but I have experienced my share of uncomfortable facial blemishes (blinders, cluster pimples, styes and milia seeds) and I understand completely that they suck hard and are to have their presence prevented or minimised as much as possible. Especially as we all know they tend to crop up when you want them least*; eg before starting a new job, a date or your wedding.

From what I understand, using a lip protectant has been found to provide protection from recurrent cold sores and this is where ViraProX comes in with key ingredients designed to protect, prevent and relieve the symptoms of breakouts, including moisturisers, SPF, soothing menthol and lysine. I'll spare you the description of what cold sores are, I'm sure you know and nobody wants to hear the words "blister", "fluid-filled" and "crust" more than they need to.

Knowing your triggers is critical in keeping them at bay and every person is different. Whether it's fatigue, sunlight or dry lips, you can take the steps necessary to prevent them and if you do start experiencing that tingle (generally 12 hours before anything rears its head) then get to treating immediately to reduce the severity and longevity. Cold sores are called such because they tend to come out during a cold when your immune system is down. Just to make you feel even more awesome about being poorly.



If you need rescuing from cold sores, you can pick up a tube of ViraProX Triple Action Lip Balm at most chemists including Priceline and Chemist Warehouse and it retails for $7.95 which seems pretty reasonable.

How do you protect your lips in the colder months?

* is there really ever a good time to have a pimple, sore or eye stye?

Linking up with the Monday Makeup Madness link party.

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I was kindly gifted a Winter Essentials pack from Ego Pharmaceuticals. Please see my PR and Media policy for more information.

As a sociable introvert who can sometimes struggle making small talk when meeting new people and dreads the idea of being in a room full of strangers for the purpose of networking, I fully understand if you say you're too shy to attend blogger meet-ups or events. However I'm here to tell you why you need to get over it and get on board.

1. Bloggers get both you and it



Bloggers understand #bloggerproblems and #bloggerlyf. Whether it's moaning that your child is still too young or your husband too uncooperative to take decent style shots, a lack of a decent selfie wall in the house that isn't blocked by wheelie bins or garden hoses or a budget that doesn't extend as far as you'd like, bloggers understand, sympathise and offer hacks and solutions, including affordable phone tripods at Typo.

2. You can be on your phone


Bloggers don't mind if you're looking at your phone at a catch-up because they know you're not being a rude mole; you're checking in, tagging, Instagramming, Snapchatting or otherwise capturing the moment for your followers. Instant phone access means you can connect right away - you might even find you already follow each other!

3. You have volunteers to take your style snaps


Meet somewhere with some cool street art or industrial walls and you have the perfect backdrop for some style shots and no shortage of people willing to help you (and you won't feel like a chump for asking). Bloggers know how to take Instagram photos and will take heaps until you're happy, not just three from the same wack angle if you're lucky. Here's Caitlin from Twist of Cait working the wall as Jenni from Styling Curvy snaps away at our recent catch-up.

4. Networking and connections


Chatting to other bloggers can get you connected in all sorts of ways - including discovering new blogs or Insta accounts to follow, e-courses, events, brands and more. Obviously don't bowl in asking for someone's personal PR contacts straight off the bat, that's rude. (Appreciate your hustle but . . . don't). Ask for ideas on how to build relationships instead.

5. You will probably meet somewhere nice


Bloggers are unlikely to meet up in a grotty food court (see point 3). An Instagrammable location is key. So whatever you're going to eat or drink, it will probably be presented nicely and be a joy to consume. Go ahead and treat yo'self.

6. You build friendships



The more you meet people, the more at ease you'll feel with them next time you see them. Soon it will be like catching up with friends, not random strangers off the internet. So it's important you push yourself to do it because you'll benefit enormously from it. Maybe try and arrange to meet someone you've connected with online in a one-on-one situation first.

Finally and most importantly, be your authentic self.

Here's some of the blog-related things I've got up to since I started:

Little Blog Big workshop
Sydney trip
Radelaide blogger catch up
Bloggers United AU Adelaide event
Katies VIP Shopping Night
Almost Posh on Tour
Lush x Bloggers United event

I've also caught up with people for one-on-ones which is also fun. Blogging can be a solitary career at times so this is really like meeting up with colleagues for a fun work event.

Have you been to any or many blogger catch-ups? If not, do it.

Can I tell you, I absolutely love it when people who read the blog ask if I can "do something" on one topic or another. This happened recently so this week's Posh Picks is around what to wear for the new office trend of standing desks.

More and more corporate environments are getting on board with this concept to improve the ergonomic situation of their workers. Our new office fitout features full sit/stand desks scattered throughout (as opposed to the raising platforms that sit on a regular desk) and the people I've spoken to think they are brilliant. I would totally request one if I worked full-time as sitting all day can be an actual pain in the rear.

Regular Almost Posh contributor Bridie has a standing desk at her work. She recommends the book Deskbound by Kelly Starrett as a start. What else should you look for?

Comfortable Shoes. Teetering at your desk in spindly heels is going to undo any of the good you'll get by standing rather than sitting. However flats can sometimes stumpify the legs with certain skirt lengths. Whether you commit to a flat for the full day or switch out for standing time, you might want to consider whether your shoes work for your outfit. Yeah, there is a "zero effs in the name of comfort" factor, but in the immortal words of the Old El Paso girl;  Por qué no tenemos dos?


Note; these are not my usual budget-friendly picks. Apparently comfort costs money.

Now this is a new thing! I'm trialling LinkLay for shoppable images, so click on the little plus symbol to see details and then the View Online button to visit the store if the mood takes you. Snazzy, right?


Forgiving Waist. In the seated position, you can let everything hang out with the right amount of drape and enjoy digesting that pub lunch in private. I know I'm not the only one to have unbuttoned after a particularly enormous schnitzel and you don't get that option at a standing desk. Comfort waistbands are key. Ensure you have adequate coverage of your business with a tunic or long shirt style.


Appropriate Length. Goes without saying in any situation really but you don't want to be tugging at your hemline when you're trying to type. If a dress is your jam, you want to be able to sit and stand comfortably and cutely.


Have you got a standing desk at work or home? Would you like to try one? I totally would.

Edit: Sale alert!! The Iconic are taking 40% off their exclusive labels, both full-price and sale until Monday 15th August. Use code AUG40!

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This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I earn a small amount of coin to ensure adequate comfort in my work apparel. For more information, please see my PR and Media policy.

Seriously, why do brands discontinue staple beauty products?? Or anything for that matter?? I'm looking at you Cadbury, with your short-lived Wobbly Bar in the early to mid 90s, and don't even get Bridie started on the Milo Bar.

Last week, I reached the end of my Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid Touch foundation so was considering my next move. Taking Mortein's sage advice of "when you're on a good thing, stick to it" into account, I popped down to Priceline to pick up a replacement, where I soon discovered they have essentially forced me to start mucking around with other possibilities.


(By the by, I also felt somewhat of a chump for not knowing that this product had been discontinued. Some beauty blogger I am, right??)

I really liked the lightweight feel of this formula, I had a good colour match (40 Nude) and the price (when picked up in either Priceline or Chemist Warehouse sales) was most agreeable. I even liked the stick dropper dispenser thing that divided beauty bloggers. So what to do in terms of auditioning replacements?

I toyed with the idea of giving a high-end brand a try (had been looking at Kat Von D Lock-It foundation on Sephora) but all the faffing around with ordering, colour-matching and actually paying those high end prices (not to mention shipping costs and they don't leave parcels at the door so I have to go to their agency) did not appeal so ideally, I need a drugstore dupe for a drugstore brand. To be honest, I don't need or want massive amounts of coverage so anything too thick and immoveable is not for me.

After scouring Temptalia's Foundation Matrix and other beauty blogs, sources pointed me to L'Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder but after further investigation, it looks like that is also discontinued or not available in Australia so that is highly aggravating.

I posted in a beauty Facebook group and received lots of helpful advice about where to score discontinued or deleted stock but what to do about an actual replacement?? I did manage to score two bottles on clearance for $10 at Chemist Warehouse so that will buy me some time.


Did you use or have you used Dream Wonder Fluid Touch and if so, what are you using now? Your help is appreciated!

Also, in case you missed it, which you probably did, I put my work face on via Facebook Live this morning:

Linking up with the Monday Makeup Madness party.

Can you believe it's Olympics time again?

The 2012 London Games seem like a world away, possibly because my life has changed in oh so many ways during those four years; pregnancy, resultant parenting, house move, change of role at work and starting a blog.

One thing I remember about those games is all the hype around our swim team and how it all ended badly. Poor performance was blamed on social media and whatever else was going on. This year, the athletes seem to have wound their necks in and are concentrating on their sport rather than the tickets on themselves, so I'm looking more forward to cheering them on over the coming weeks. I'm also totally looking forward to my four-yearly dose of gymnastics (all disciplines) and diving!

Now, on the subject of hype, it's something I've had to battle since starting a blog and increasing my social media participation. Not so much believing in my own, but that of other things.


You know I love blogging. It's opened up a whole new world of people and ideas and things and I've made actual friends, it's all quite jolly. However, it's really super easy to fall victim to hype; namely, buying stuff. Whether it's a product or a service or an event, when it's all you're seeing over your Insta feed or in your blog reader, it's hard not to get sucked in. I must admit, I have dropped bucks when I couldn't really afford it just for the sake of being in with the cool kids or getting that "must have" new product. When you blog about stuff like fashion and beauty, the self-propagated pressure to buy can be so very real and when you're not gifted on the regular, that can hurt the old PayPal account.

Sometimes, hype is justified - I got a lot out of attending the Little Blog Big and Bloggers United events in Adelaide. However, I sold my ProBlogger ticket even though I'd decided I was so totally definitely going this year because I realised I wouldn't get the value out of it that I needed (plus the associated expenditure of flights and accommodation on top of the ticket). I'm not saying ProBlogger is overhyped and I know people who have benefited enormously from it, but it wasn't right for me at the time and I could have easily got badly burnt on the ticket cost. I just wanted to go because everyone else was going - or so I thought!

I recently purchased an item of clothing from an Australian online boutique popular with some bloggers I follow. It was a flash sale announced on Instagram for a matter of hours so, dizzy with excitement, I clicked "add to cart" and eagerly awaited delivery, mentally planning a blog post around it, so excited was I to be a part of the action and have my very own piece.

When I received it over a week after ordering *side eye*, I decided I could probs size down for a better fit and set about checking the returns policy, where I found that exchanges weren't permitted and any return would be at my cost for store credit only. So if I wanted that same item in a smaller size, I'd be out $50+ to buy it all full price, plus my return postage, plus another $10 shipping fee. How not cute. Even on sale, the item cost more than what I would normally pay (despite it being of obvious quality, no complaints there) so it was meant to be a bit of a treat - but I could have got a more satisfying result going to a retailer with less Insta cred and more customer service focus. I fully accept it's on me to read the returns policy before purchasing but STILL, I mean, COME ON.

Similarly, remember when Sephora was set to open and we all* lost our collective minds, then it was a fizzer? Likewise with their online store that came over a year later, with stuff frequently sold out and a price point that wasn't on par with what we'd been hoping?

So yeah, hype is a thing, so here's some things to think about

• Do I really seriously absolutely need it?
• Have I already got something super similar?
• Am I getting this just to blog about it? What will I do with it after?
• Am I buying this purely for the name?
• Would I buy this from Target or Big W?
• Can I wait a month for it?
• Will it go on sale?
• FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING, WHAT IS THE RETURNS POLICY LIKE??!?!!?!

* well, us beauty bloggers anyway

Finally, in the immortal words of Public Enemy:


Have you got caught up in hype as a result of blogging? How do you avoid it?