Birthday Wish List

March has always been one of my favourite months; the weather starts to cool down, Autumn is officially here, Easter is right around the corner...and it's my birthday month!

I remember when I was little I would find it funny when Mum and Dad would say they didn't really want anything for their birthday, because who wouldn't have a list 50 feet long of things they want. Now I'm older I completely understand where they were coming from. Now I have a job and money of my own (and don't have the desire to own the entire Toys R Us catalogue) if I want or need something I just buy it for myself, if something is really expensive I'll save for it and then buying it is really satisfying.

However since it is my birthday and my family will definitely ask what I want I thought it best to start making a mental list...or a visual one as appears to be the case. I won't be giving this exact list to anyone (I'm still not 100% sure on some things and I hate giving lists it seems so bossy) but if people ask I'll say generic answers like pyjamas etc. This list is purely a way for me to gather my thoughts.





An if you're really interested here comes the breakdown...
 

Beauty and the Beast iPhone case. I have been eying this off for a while now (and have even mentioned it in the past on this blog). I love how it is a more sophisticated way to add a Disney touch to the every day rather than have a cartoon plastered across the whole phone. I'm still tossing up between the one pictured and the one that says 'Tale as Old as Time'.

Sephora and Disney A Whole New World perfume. I'm a perfume addict and in all honesty don't need another perfume. However this spicy floral sounds like it smells wonderful and look at the pretty bottle!

Peter Alexander Bambi Nightie. Yet another Disney item (can you tell I'm a Disney addict). Like perfumes, I also hoard pyjamas. While I have a lot of Winter pyjamas, and a lot of Summer pyjamas I don't have many transitional pyjamas. This long sleeved nightie, with pink lace, a girly floral print and a Bambi and Thumper appliqué looks like it will do a wonderful job of keeping me snuggly on those not quite hot but not quite cold Autumn nights. PS Peter Alexander does the best pyjamas ever!

Rebecca Minkoff Affair Quilted Shoulder Bag. There is something so classic about a quilted bag,  even better; a black quilted bag. Recently I have come to the realisation that all my black bags are big and slouchy, which isn't always the best when I want to go somewhere nice. This bag would be a cherished addition to my wardrobe.

Lush Bath Products. I love taking long bubble baths, and have made a resolution to take more time for myself and these little rituals this year. Fizzbanger smells like toffee apple (perfect for Autumn) and has been on my must try list for a while now.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me. Mindy Kaling is a comedic genius (if you haven't seen The Mindy Project yet you should drop everything and do that right now). I have been eyeing her book off for a while but am on a 'no buying new books until I have read all of mine' kick. However I'm not against other people buying me books...

Emerald Statement Necklace. I love a good statement necklace and have a feeling I will be wearing a lot of emerald green this winter, this necklace would be a perfect complement to some outfits that are in planning.

Babyliss Hot Rollers. I have always had a fascination with curly hair. Unfortunately apart from a slight wave at the end of my hair, all I have to work with is thick, heavy, straight hair. Not only does this render curling irons useless (they either take forever, or the curl falls out within an hour), but it also means that I don't get a lot of volume in my hair as it is being pulled downwards by its own weight. I used to have hot rollers back in high school however could never get them to work. Recently though I met up with a friend who had styled her hair with hot rollers and I am beginning to reconsider them. 

Yay you made it to the end! Please remember that I in no way expect to get these things for my birthday (I would be just as happy to spend the day with those who matter most to me). However there is a more than likely chance I will buy some of these things for myself, because I believe in always celebrating yourself on your birthday. 

x Stacey

Handbag Essentials

I've never been the type of girl who carries my entire life around in my bag...or so I thought until my boyfriend recently commented on how much stuff I have in my bag. 'But I need these things, they are essentials' was my reply to which I was met with raised eyebrows. Who knows maybe men really are from Mars and women from Venus. 

Anyways, aside from feeling the need to justify myself to the internet I've always loved stickybeaking in other peoples bags on youtube and blogs. So here is my contribution of what is constantly in my bag, to some it may seem like a lot and to other it may seem very spartan. The bag featured is sadly one I do not own but have been lusting after for a while, you can purchase it here.

Clockwise from top left. 

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation: This in combination with Fix + creates an amazing foundation that's easy to apply. I keep the compact in my bag for touchups as well as to use the mirror if needed. 

Neutrogena Naturals Lipbalm: I love love love this lip balm, it's super soothing and the peppermint smell reminds me of Christmas all year round.

L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream: This is my absolute favourite hand cream ever! I have praised it before on this blog and adore the full size one for at home. To make sure I'm never without I always have a mini in my bag for dry skin emergencies.

Chanel Coco Shine in Boy: While I always put whatever lipstick I am wearing on a particular day into my bag, I like to keep a tube of Chanels Coco Shine in Boy in there as well. This sheer nude pink colour is great for touchups or to use incase I forget to put lipstick on that day. 

Phone: Like many people from my generation I would feel lost and naked without my phone, it has my life on it!! Phone cases are a fun way to add a cute touch of your personality to any outfit and I am definitely loving this Belle case from Queen of Cases on etsy. It comes for a variety of phones, and if Belle isn't your cup of tea there are many other princesses to choose from. 

Kikki-K Diary: I'm such an old fashioned pen and paper kinda girl, there is something so lovely and tactile about writing down all my events, appointments and to-do's in my diary (it's also super handy if my phone dies). I received this Kikki-K diary for Christmas and absolutely love how adorable and cute it is. If you want one you best snap it up quickly as they are sold out online, so check your nearest store (they have other cute diaries online if you can't make it to a store).

Kikki-K Pen: To write in my diary with (duh). But also for filling out forms, taking down numbers, lending to strangers etc. 

Keyring: Yes I'm one of those people with a Tiffany keyring, my grandparents gave me one for my 18th birthday (it's not the one pictured as they don't make it anymore but it's super close). Keys are a pretty essential part of life, you use them everyday and a pretty keyring makes them easy to find and also can brighten your day.

Tissues: Because sometimes I sneeze/cry.

Bobby pins: I'm currently growing out my fringe (I think, I may change my mind) so these are super helpful for taming my too long but not long enough hair.

Hair Lackies: Most of the time I wear my hair down, but throughout the day I may encounter situations where I wish/need to pull it into a pony tail. While I can't vouch for their effectiveness (haven't tried them) these lackies are super cute!

Wallet: I bought myself a Coach wallet a few years back when I was in America and it has held up really well. They don't make the one I have anymore, but this one is similar in design and super pretty. 

So there you have it, my handbag essentials. In addition to this I may add items specific to what I'll be doing each day, cardigan for the movies, book if I'm going on a train etc. But this is the stock standard basics that I always have with me regardless. Does this seem like too much or too little for you? Let me know what you keep in your bag in the comments.

x Stacey

One Dress, Four Disney Inspired Outfits

If you're as massive a Disney fan as I am then you've most likely heard about Disneybounding by now. For those not in the know Disneybounding is where everyday people such as you and I take fashion inspiration from the vast catalogue of Disney characters. While many people Disneybound every day, I feel the best place to Disneybound is at a Disney park (duh). Unfortunately if one is flying to a Disney park weight limits on baggage do constrict the variety of outfit choices one can take. However, while browsing boohoo.com I found what I believe to be the most perfect Disneybounding dress ever! 

Ashley Wrap Over Dress

The Ashely Wrap Over Dress from boohoo.com is a beautiful blue skater style dress in a jersey fabric (great for travelling) and is only $16 (AUD)....yes $16!! For that price (and a 20% off sale, plus free shipping) this little baby went right into my cart. While I haven't tried it on yet (it's still in transit) it appears to have favourable reviews on the site. If you would like this dress though be quick as it is currently out of stock in sizes 10, 14, and 16. Although I do believe it is a staple dress and they will most likely re-stock.

While I await this dresses arrival I have put together four disneybound ideas for the imaginary holiday I'm planning in my head to Disneyland (hey I could win lotto any day). Click the text under the pictures for a link to polyvore to see where you can buy the items. 

Alice

Alice

When I saw this dress the first character to come to mind was Alice in her pretty blue dress. For Alice's styling I would place the white camisole under the dress, in addition to the white bow belt this serves as a subtle nod to her white apron. Instead of white stockings, small white frilly socks with black mary janes provide a more contemporary look. I used a black bag to balance out the black shoes however feel free to replace with a white bag if desired. A subtle little homage to your character of choice is provided by the locket, and of course you wouldn't be Alice without a black bow headband!

Wendy

Wendy

Wendy was one of my favourite Disney ladies growing up, I always wished for Peter Pan to come and pay me a visit. Wendy's look is very much blue and as much of it as her beautiful nightgown will allow. To play off this I have paired the dress with a metallic blue belt to serve as her sash, however feel free to replace with a real ribbon sash if you so desire! I found a beautiful Wendy ribbon to pull your hair off your face with from Little Bow Chic Designs on etsy, curls optional. For accessories I kept them neutral toned as Wendy is in her night gown, so she wouldn't have many accessories on her (and finding coordinating blue shoes is a nightmare). Finally, while this was not in the movie, I have added an acorn necklace like the one Peter gave Wendy in the book.

Belle

Belle

Without a doubt Belle is my favourite Disney Princess! I love everything she stands for, her beauty, her outfits, and of course all the wonderful songs in the movie. While she is most well known for her iconic yellow gown I love her 'little town' look in the blue dress. 

As with Alice I have used a white camisole under the dress to act as a stand in apron. A rose necklace serves as a nod to the enchanted rose in the movie. Black flats are sensible for running around town completing errands. For bags I absolutely love the Kate Spade book clutches, don't they fit Belle's personality perfectly. If that is a bit too expensive a simple wicker clutch can serve as your modern day basket (the one pictured is expensive but I have found wicker clutches in Summer for quite cheap). Finally the key to little town Belle is her hair. Secure your hair in a topsy turvy pony tail (as shown in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfRcR2d7xic) and add the 'little town Belle' bow found on etsy to complete the look. 

Cinderella

Cinderella

When you think of Cinderella you think of blue and a whole lot of silver. To compliment the dress I have selected a silver rope and pearl headband from ASOS, huge blingy faux diamond studs, and a beautiful black and crystal chocker-style necklace to replace her black necklace. To carry around your every-day necessities I have included a silver cross-body bag. While all of this is very in keeping with Cinderella the part of the outfit that screams Cinderella is the glass slippers, or in this case silver glitter jelly sandals (much more practical than walking on glass all night). Because your tootsies will be on display in these sandals you may as well paint them to match with this beautiful silver glittery nail polish from Essie, while you're at it do your fingernails too!

So there you have it, one very cheap dress, four amazing disneybound ideas. I hope you have pulled some inspiration from this and have fun planning your next disneybound, whether it be to Disneyland or just to the supermarket. 

xo

Stacey

Princesses and Heroes

Under the Sea

Growing up I loved going to see Disney on Ice shows. If memory serves me correct I saw three of them during the 1990's; Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and World on Ice: 10th Anniversary (or something similar). Every winter during this period of time, Disney would be back in my corner of the world with a new ice show to see. Going along, eating a snow cone, and getting some ridiculously overpriced light up toy make up some of my favourite childhood memories. However the arena where Disney on Ice was housed was sadly closed its doors in 2002 (and was later demolished in 2011) and so for 11 long winters Disney on Ice did not come back. All of this changed this winter when the new Perth Arena hosted Princesses and Heroes. 

My real life Prince Charming and myself bought tickets for his younger sisters third birthday, however since she ended up on a overseas holiday we ended up taking my sister instead.

Doesn't he just look thrilled to be there

Sunday came and off we headed to the arena to battle the massive lines of people, both nostalgic adults, and excited children. We met up with one of my best friends and her boyfriend before the show (he was just as equally thrilled to be there as my boy was). We had decided to 'disneybound' for the show (as all good Disney fans should), her as Minnie Mouse and myself as Snow White, as I am always told I look like her (or my personal favourite 'you're whiter than Snow White').

The show was everything I remember Disney on Ice being and more (and by more I mean more special effects...technology has come a long way since 1997 you know). It was overly romantic and all the songs sent goosebumps up my spine, even though some of the songs have been redone for a more modern appeal. Apparently they will be back next winter with a show featuring Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan (amongst others) and I'm already figuring out how to get my name on a wait list. 

If you are heading off to a Disney on Ice show, or perhaps even to a Disney Park (lucky duck) I have created a little Snow White outfit for you below (click the caption to find the link). My favourite part about this outfit is that all the items can easily transition to your non-Disney side of life.

Fairest of Them All

Just make sure you don't forget the lips as red as a rose.

x Stacey

An Everyday Fairy Tale??

Gosh I miss Disneyland

"Every once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale" - anonymous.

This has to be without a doubt on of the most beautiful quotes floating around out there. Growing up I always believed in once upon a times, happily every afters, miracles, fairy tales, and that one day my prince would come. I personally blame a diet of way too many Disney movies growing up, however looking back there are worse things to believe in. 

The reality is that, while I will never dance away on a cloud in a magical dress that changes from pink to blue, life is full of ordinary miracles and everyday fairy tales. This blog is purely here to document my every day fairy tale, from things that make me smile, products I love, and bits and bobs from my everyday life, this blog will cover it all. Over time this blog may change and grow, as I myself change and grow, I invite you to share the journey with me, and discover your own everyday fairy tale.

x Stacey