Country Road Autumn/Winter 2009

Well, well, it looks like I've been a very good customer at Country Road lately! The new Autumn/Winter catalogue arrived in the mail earlier in the week along with a Spend and Save voucher - spend $300, get $100 off! On top of that, when I checked the letterbox today, there was a $30 voucher waiting for me!

As for the collection, the front cover screamed bogan-chic with the plaid shirt and beanie, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the style change to a mod, 70's look, complete with boots, trenches, high waisted flares, plenty of dresses and the obligatory tights.

My picks of the catalogue are:


Signal Red Career Dress $229.00 WDR421L386

Charcoal Drop Sleeve Jersey Dress $149.00 WDR420J093

Black Plain Opaque Tight $19.95 WSS00012

Black Wide Corset Belt $99.00 WBE00329

Light Steel Short Sleeve Tie Neck Blouse $129.00 WSH750L386

Grey Marle Marle Opaque Tight $19.95 WSS00036

Grey Marle Button Front Pencil Skirt $179.00 WSK581J555

Chartreuse Edith Handbag $249.00 WBG00379

Black Checked Flat Cap $49.95 WHC00213

Black Washed Leather Glove $129.00 WGL00023

Black Celeste Biker Boot $279.00 WOE00608

Dark Anthracite Full Needle Scarf $79.95 WSC00279

Black Stripe Lux Cardi $149.00 WKN859U010

Black Mini Rib Tight $24.95 WSS00051

Black Wool Beret $39.95 WHC00206

Grey Marle Marle Opaque Tight $19.95 WSS00036

Black Celeste Biker Boot $279.00 WOE00608

Black Button Trim Gloves $79.95 WGL00035

Black Dress with Vertical Pockets $179.00 WKN872S330

Black Long Sleeve Tie Neck Blouse $129.00 WSH742L379

Black Saira Leather Clutch $169.00 WBG00370

Late Night Denim Skirt $129.00 WSK578C239

Black Jamerson Platform $199.00 WOE00617

Canyon Button Trim Gloves $79.95 WGL00035

Light Cashew Short Sleeve Contrast Applique Top $149.00 WSH730L420

Black Tilly Brogue Bootie $199.00 WOE00614

Black Bootleg Pant $149.00 WPA634A710

For the complete catalogue, click here.

Victorian Bushfires - Please Help!

Victoria, Australia is currently in the midst of its worst bushfires in history. Fire tore through towns on the weekend and is still out of control, killing over 170 people and destroying thousands of homes. Many more people are missing.

While this blog is called The Material Girl, in a crisis like this, choosing between buying a handbag and helping out someone in need is easy. It would be greatly appreciated if you could support the relief effort, perhaps by cutting out a purchase this week and donating the money to one of the many charities collecting. Every little bit helps. The Red Cross is the main collector, using the money to help people with urgent accomodation and personal items - most people escaped with only the clothes on their backs - as well as longer term assistance.

Personally, I have just donated $25 each to the RSPCA and Wildlife Victoria. Over 10,000 animals were killed in the blazes - livestock as well as kangaroos and koalas - and many more were injured or abandoned as their owners tried to escape. Over the coming weeks, those that survived will face the threat of starvation.

This beautiful piece of photography below (courtesy of the Herald Sun) says more about the plight of these animals than anything I can write here.

International donations are accepted, and all are greatly appreciated. No matter what the size, it all helps.

Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org.au/
RSPCA - http://www.rspcavic.org/
Wildlife Victoria - http://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/

For further information on the fires, visit http://www.heraldsun.com.au/

Love and thanks, Melissa.

Accessory Update: Scarves

Scarves are one of my true fashion loves! It all started with a grey and blue spotted David Lawrence silk number and from then on I couldn't stop! My favourites would have to be my Country Road 100% Bamboo in Grey and Black - they are just so soft and long and work with so many outfits.

I have recently acquired two more scarves for my collection:

1. Witchery

100% Cotton

Retails for $39.95

A parting gift from some co-workers, this rich purple scarf will work with many outfits. Extra long and super warm, perfect for the cooler months ahead!

2. Geometric print from Myer

Brand was Coco something-or-other (I had to cut the tag off because it kept setting off security in every shop so unsure of the second name)

Retails for $29.95

100% Polyester

I found this one wrapped aound the handle of a handbag and thought it would be perfect to add a point of interest to otherwise boring work outfits. Long, rectangular shape allows it to be tied many different ways.









Not sure how to tie your scarf?
Head to the Hermes site and download 'Playtime with your scarf' for countless looks!

Clinique.com.au Bonus Time and Free Shipping

Get this 8-piece gift with any purchase over $120 at Clinique.com.au (enter code BONUS09 at checkout), plus free shipping with any purchase over $150.

Gift includes:

• Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Bashful Blush 1.8g
• Blush Brush
• Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream 7ml
• Clinique Aromatic Elixir Perfume Spray 4ml
• Repairwear Lift Firming Night Cream 15ml
• Long Last Lipstick in Blushing Nude 4ml
• Comforting Cream Cleanser 30ml
• Turnaround 15-minute Facial 15ml
• High Impact Mascara in Black 4g
• Clinique Bag

Expires at midnight on 5 February 2009.

Don't forget the skincare solutions gifts that are available with the purchase of any two treatments (details on www.clinique.com.au homepage).

Valentine's Day Wishlist

With the big day fast approaching, here is my Valentine's gift wishlist:

1. TheBalm Pick-Up Liners

A set of three mini eyeliners in romantic shades such as Romeo (smoky grey), Don Juan (deep black) and Casanova (rich brown). Built-in sharpener makes this very purse-friendly!

$28 AUD at Kit Cosmetics (Myer)

2. Harajuku Lovers 'Lil Angel' EDT 30ml

Eclipsing Gwen Stefani's first fragrance attempt (L.A.M.B) comes this range of five delicious fragrances, complete with Japanese Harajuku doll toppers. My favourite is Lil' Angel, a citrus floral which is a blend of raspberry, pear blossom and warm hinoki woods (but smells an awful lot like pineapple!).

Other fragrances in the range are Love (sure to be very popular!), Music, Baby and G.

Retails for $60 AUD.

3. Lindt Balls - Mint

My all-time favourite chocolate!

4. Mimco Day Tripper Bag

In my dreams, I know, considering the price, but this would make a great work bag! Versatile with both a long strap and handles, this is perfect for carrying magazines, lunch, papers, etc.

Retails for $450 AUD.



5. Clinique 'Love' Long Last Glosswear Set

A set of four mini glosses in various shades of pink (a first for Clinique as all their sets seem to include dark browns!). Housed in a reusable pink plastic heart-shaped container, the shades are Clearly Pink, Juicy Apple, Whisper and Air Kiss.

Retails for $45 AUD at Clinique counters

Jigsaw Spring/Summer Collection

Continuing my mission to find investment wardrobe pieces, I decided to visit the Jigsaw site. I've had great luck with this brand in the past, splurging on pieces at times in my life where I've felt like I need a reward.

My first experience was when I received a banking internship - I purchased my first proper three-piece wool suit in a sophisticated charcoal hue and the quality was undeniable. More recently, I was made redundant as a result of the financial crisis, so in my grief, I used my severance payment to purchase a gorgeous black trench! This is one purchase that I will never, ever regret.

The reason for my next reward I am not quite sure, but I took time out to enjoy browsing these timeless pieces, the Bow trench is really singing out to me!

Cotton cashair drape front cardi - $199 *LOVE THIS!*
Chartreuse blouse - $189
Santa Cruz crop pant - $189
Link belt - $89
Georgie gros grain sandal - $269

Lotty tuck satin shoe - $289

Tallula tafetta dress - $299
Bubble sleeve bolero - $229

Yasmina silk dress - $349
Gold t-bar peep toe - $259

Bow peep tafetta mac - $499 *LOVE THIS!*
Dolly dress - $379
Lotty tuck satin shoe - $289

Oh Mimco!

I never thought I would be a slave to the fashion inspiration of stylist to the stars, Rachel Zoe, but after watching her Bravo series, The Rachel Zoe Project, I've realised that she really knows the power of good accessories. Fashion for me used to be all about the clothes, but I've now seen that a simple black top and jeans can be transformed to instant glamour with a statement necklace or cocktail ring or some fabulous shoes.

Armed with this epiphany, I strolled into the Mimco boutique tucked away in the ever-so-stylish Block Arcade to collect a swag of lemmings for the season ahead. For those not in the know, Mimco is an Australian label founded in 1996 by Amanda Briskin that specialises in accessories - bags, shoes, jewellery, hats, etc - with an emphasis on quality unique statement pieces. The brand is very popular in Australia and can also be found internationally, with some of the bags and clutches even appearing on Sex and the City!

Here are my must-have items straight from the online store (which will deliver internationally):

Lady Worker Bag - $479

My absolute favourite! This would look fab with some charms or a silk scarf tied to it.

Bow Cuff - $129
Rosa Boudoir Wrist - $159

Star Glamour Ring - $279
Hepburn Ring - $169

Hummingbird Charm - $149
Silver Pearl Fob - $269