Project Nada: an update

Almost three weeks in and we are still going strong. There was some wavering at Chatswood the other day (Damn you Leona!) but I stuck to my guns and kept walking. Fast.

Given I am on a shopping ban, I have no idea why I am bothering to visit Net-a-Porter. But I do. I guess it's hard to break the habits of a lifetime. And this Lanvin dress would just about make me break my ban.

How amazing. Stunning. The pleated origami folds are just heaven. The asymmetric neckline and waterfall hemline? Genius. Thank god they don't have it in my size or there would be trouble. It would be worth breaking the ban for this. Seriously.

Kitty

My new favourite Red.

I love a great red lipstick and I am always on the hunt for the perfect red. It seems to be a never ending quest for me.

While I was in London, I stopped at the NARS counter at HoF (House of Fraser) to pick up a dupe of my new favourite velvet gloss lip pencil, Club Mix (it's awesome-pants. Seriously. Get on it.).

I know Afghan Red had been around for ages but for some reason it's just never really appealed. In the tube it looks a little too brown to me, and brown is something I just can't do. But on closer inspection, it's more a garnet than brown. A deeper red. The sales assistant talked me into trying it and I'm glad I gave in.

On my skin tone, its perfect. It's a lighter red, sheerer for summer than the old stalwarts of MAC's Viva Glam I and my NARS Velvet pencils. Its deep raspberry tone and satin texture means that it goes well with a multitude of looks.

Saying that it is lighter probably is a bit misleading. It's not sheer by any stretch of the imagination but it's not as dry as many of the other highly pigmented lipsticks I wear. It's definitely not an "in your face" red, but in this case that's a good thing. I have plenty of those. This has versatility. It's more neutral on me. It's available from Mecca for $39. Yes, I know, extortionate considering the US price, but honestly, good lipstick is worth paying for. And this is good lipstick.

I'm looking forward to wearing you all summer!


Kitty x

Diptyque Eau Rose

I am a huge fan of rose perfumes. On my wedding day I wore Jo Malone's Red Roses. It still brings a smile to my face when I smell it. I often wear it to remind me of that happy day. I also adore YSL's Parisienne, a blackberry-spiked rosey scent. It's a warmer perfume - I tend to wear it more in winter.

While I was in Libertys, I stumbled across the Diptyque counter (as you do) and whilst I toyed with the idea of getting more candles to add to my ever growing collection, I also glanced at the perfumes. And this caught my eye.

It's a very subtle scent. Eau Rose smells gloriously of home grown blooms and spring days. It fades quite quickly leaving just a kiss of rose. A gentle waft of powdery, musky floral, but in a good way, not a nana way. It's the perfect scent for anyone who doesn't like strong perfumes. It's understated but still heady. It changes on your skin as the day progresses. I never get tired of smelling it.

If you are going to Paris, you should really purchase it there. So when I came across the display in Le Bon Marche, I had no option but to buy it. And I am so glad I did. I wear it almost daily and it brings a smile to my face, reminding me of our special family holiday. The smell of sun warmed roses - there is no other perfume like it for me.

For those of you not lucky enough to be able to buy from the source, Mecca Cosmetica stocks this gem too, for $169.

Kitty

Salted Caramel Biscuits

I have posted here about my - almost indecent - love for Artisan du Chocolat salted caramels before. While I was in London, I read on their facebook page that they were releasing a new product - salted caramel biscuits! How fabulous!

So I skipped off to Selfridges to buy myself a box. Just the one.

What a mistake. Boy was I sorry. That I only bought one box. They are little nuggets of toffee sticky crumbly buttery goodness covered in gorgeous silky milk chocolate. Divine. Heaven. So glad they aren't stocked here, because if they were I'd go though three boxes a week. Easily.

They do ship and it's worth it for a small indulgence. And while you are at it, add a box of salted caramels to your order just for good measure.

Kitty

London purchases: Duo shoes

I'm a long time devotee of Duo Boots. I have three pairs and absolutely adore them all. I also purchased a pair of fabulous patent mary janes last time I was in the UK which I have worn to death.

Given we are leading into Summer, I wasn't really in the market for a pair of boots, but shoes - shoes I will always love. I haven't really worn heels much since I got Pregnant with Georgie and unfortunately many of my old favourites no longer fit (courtesy of spreading pregnancy feet) so I really needed to find a nice comfy pair of heels.

Enter Duo. Not only do they make sturdy, beautifully crafted boots, they also make shoes. In different widths. And they had exactly what I was after - the Astaire in Black Sparkle Suede. Not only is it comfy, it's pretty sharp looking too, but  also classic enough for everyday wear. A great all-round shoe. Plus - free shipping. Yes, you heard correctly, FREE SHIPPING. If you ever needed a reason to buy a pair of shoes, that would be it! And I honestly can't recommend the shoes and boots highly enough.

You can thank me later.

Kitty

Christmas presents for Baby G

Two full weeks down and no purchases yet. I'm trying to distract myself with Christmas shopping. Not for me, of course... But someone needs some Christmas presents (after we have just managed to get through the Birthday celebrations) and given I'd like to buy her something handmade, I need to get organised!

These Maileg Mice are just fabulous. I know they say for children over three years old... It might be a little too early for Georgie to appreciate how lovely and special they really are. They also have mice in a box. What a neat idea!

How cute is this Westie Vestie? From UK designer Darcy Brown, I really want one for the Little Miss. Such a pity it isn't cold here at Christmas but I might get one for her next Winter... 

G is starting to get creative so a set of crayons might be in order for her to expand her artistic wings. These Kitty Crayons from Etsy are not only cute, they are 100% natural.

Or maybe she needs some woodland creatures to add to her little family of furry friends? These organic felt toys are hand made and can be personalised to make for an extra special gift. I'm personally leaning towards the squirrel or the fox.

Georgie was given some fabulous fake food for her birthday which she absolutely adores - what better than a little kitchen to store it in? Granted, it might be a tad old for her but you can't encourage a kid with cooking too early, in my opinion.

Any other ideas about great things to buy a one year old for Christmas?

Kitty x

If I wasn't on a shopping ban...

I would SO be buying this dress.

It's just gorgeous. Beautiful. Breathtaking. It has KITTY written all over it.

I wonder if it's worth breaking my ban just two weeks in...

Kitty