If you do want a cheap and cheerful treat (while keeping things chic)…read on!

Shoes

I actually have these lovelies in red.  They’re seriously high, so they’re not for the cautious girls who want to maintain their ability to walk long term.  However, if you’re okay with a high heel, these are comfy.  I wore them several days in a row without (a) back pain or (b) cramp in the arch of my foot. Winner! And they’re now $99.95…which is a discount of $100!  Go and see the nice girls at Hannahs about it.  It’s not their fault that Hannahs stocks the Kardashian Kollection.

Flatty flat flats, lurvely.  These are very “on trend” and also extremely cheap. They’re currently AUD$20 from Jay Jays. I think that if you are down with buying a pair of shoes that you will wear for one season and then have to chuck away, these will fit the bill. However, I would recommend saving your pennies for a bit longer and getting something that will last a bit longer. Having said that, I’ve bought $40 ankle boots from Number One in the past that are still going strong, about four years later, so…

Alright, let’s have a bargain spa day.

Beauty

Farmers is having a great wee sale on Natio at the moment – any three items for $40!  They have a great spa range as well as normal beauty products (moisturiser, serums et cetera) and a full range of make up and nailpolishes.

If you’re after a wee beauty pick-me-up on the SUPER cheap, then you might like to pop along to The Warehouse and check out their LA Colours range.  The polishes, lip pencils and liquid eyeliners have all enjoyed a little visit to my bathroom cabinet (for research, of course).  The polishes are toluene and formaldehyde free, and dry quickly to a reasonably chip-resistant finish.  These are seriously good, and for some reason my local Warehouse is currently charging just $5 for anything from this company (I suspect they’re selling it down as the rack isn’t being topped up, so get there quickly!).

Maybe you’re just topping up the staples but you want something fun! and new! and weird! Then have a go with the Dove Foaming Make Up Remover:

It’s so foamy! The thick, luxurious-feeling foam can be used over your entire face – yes, even around the eyes – and gets off all the makeup without stripping your skin.  It even gets off my mascara. I think they might be channelling some kind of pixie magic.

Clothing

Baby, it’s cold(er) outside.  It might be time to treat yourself to something cozy and cute, yes?

How about a bobble jumper from the House of G (that’s Glassons, just bein’ fancy):

Maybe you like to be a bit more unique?  That bobble jumper is a steal but this little knitted jumper with cable sleeves from Asos works out even cheaper!

You know what looks adorable with a chunky knit? A floaty little skirt creating a contrast and flipping around in the breeze (wear tights though, cold legs ain’t cute).  This basic number would be a wardrobe workhorse for years, so it’s a double bargain at $49.95 on Ezibuy:

A treat can be as good as a holiday (but a lot cheaper!).  What are you ladies loving from the budget-friendly end of the spectrum?

I’ve got my eye on the Back to Boho Shimmers 7 pack ($34.50):

and the Back Stage Pass 7 Pack ($38.50) – also known as OMGSPARKLY!:

Specials only available in New Zealand.

Over on the Living Nature website they have an excellent deal running on their Refreshing Body Wash and Lotion. Buy the 200ml Refreshing Body Wash for NZ$29.50 and get the Refreshing Body Wash for free. Perfect for Christmas gifts, or keep them for yourself, the deal is only available on their website and lasts until 31 December 2011.

Now I am the proud owner of this:

(click on the pic to be taken to the source)

My theory is that this will look super-duper with my khaki shorts and my black tshirt with the floaty chiffon sleeves…

Also intriguing are these stackable bangles. I’m not much for bangles but they would look great with a maxi dress and a floppy hat:

(and…click on the pic etc etc)

In future, let’s silo me from free delivery deals, shall we?

Kthanx!

Petticoat Lane is organising a Monster Garage Sale this Sunday 5 September 11am – 2pm, 16 Harewood Road Papanui.

The Press says: military uniforms, tailcoats, pre-50s corsetry, beaded cocktail dresses, stockings in original 70s packaging, jewellery, gloves et al – and for the lads, menswear from the  60s to 80s.

• Flyer (PDF)

If you go, let us know what goodies you find! I’m hoping for a hussar jacket … and shoes.

Napoleon Perdis picked up his first brush at the age of 13 to help his glamorous mother primp for a soiree. Since then the self-taught makeup artist has long dreamed of spreading his glamour gospel. A native of Sydney, Australia, and now based in Los Angeles, Perdis has always sought to democratize the art of makeup, transforming runway and red carpet trends to reality and colour-matching for women of all ages and skin tones.

Till the end of June 2010, Farmers is doing a deal whereby you get the new Napoleon makeup book “Forever Flawless” about looking good at any age for $49.90 AND get a free one hour makeover.

This weekend the deal is even sweeter as there is 15% of all Napoleon makeup at Farmers (as well as some products at even more reduced prices) – and that includes the book.

I popped in today for a lunch hour makeover and was pleased with the results. The consultant explained each step of the process well and there’s definitely elements to pick up and run with. I’ve learned how to apply mascara to get more volume (flick your brush out to the sides), some new contouring tips, and how to do a smoky bronze eye.

Viva Napoleon.

Wanda Harland is on Jackson St in Petone and Elizabeth St in Mt Vic, Welly.

Pack includes: Chandelier Shine Lipgloss and matching Nail Polish.

#Available while stocks last. Pack shades may vary between stores. Napoleon Perdis available at selected Farmers stores.

For 1 week only (ending 31st Jan) Starfish is having a 50% OFF SALE on a range of labels and accessories including:

Laurie Foon (last ever collection) • Descendant Organic Denim • Kowtow Fair-Trade Tees • Standard Issue and Skin & Thread Knitwear • Kathryn Wilson and Terra Plana Shoes • Nancy Bird Bags • Veja Fair-Trade Trainers (selected pairs) • and of course all Starfish garments.

128 Willis Street, Wellington