Blue Vintage Dress

This dress is an old favourite and it was a steal on eBay at $15 - no wonder it's a favourite.  I get asked a lot how I always seem to find 'good' vintage dresses so here are my thoughts/tips:

1. Know what you like, and more importantly, what suits you. (I gravitate toward 'knee-length' styles that nip in at the waist and 'pleated skirts'). Key words will definitely help when shopping online; refine a search and save you time.

2. If looking online, take note of the model's measurements (and don't be afraid to ask if they're not listed) as vintage sizing can be very different to today's sizing.  I find working with a model's measurements is a much better guide.  

3. I've mentioned before (see here) and I cannot recommend it enough, get a good tailor. Then you won't be too discouraged if you find something in a beautiful print that may be a size too big or too long as a good tailor can make anything work for your shape.

4. Give yourself time to look.  I can trawl ebay and etsy for hours on end to find a hidden gem. If shopping in stores, don't think you'll find something immediately, or even every visit - allow both time to sift through the racks and to try things on.
   

Vintage Dress | Sportsgirl Belt | Madewell Heels | Balenciaga Bag

Oreo and M&M Slice

My friend Erin sent me a link to these amazing M&M Oreo Cookie Bars. They looked and sounded like a winning combination so I gave them a go last weekend. I adapted the original recipe using 115g butter as we don't have sticks of butter in Australia and I substituted original M&Ms for peanut. When I make them again I'll use the originals as the peanuts were a little over powering. As the original recipe suggests, you could really add any confectionery you have in the cupboard into the basic mix.

115g unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1 pack of Oreo Original Cookies, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup M&Ms

Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a 20cm square cake tin and line the base with baking paper.
Mix the butter, egg, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl with a whisk until smooth.  Add the flour and stir until just combined, don't over mix. Stir in the Oreos. Pour mix into prepared tin, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula. Sprinkle the M&Ms over the top, lightly pressing them down. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool in the tin before slicing into pieces.

Very Berry Blue

The gorgeous Judith from Anna Vie recently launched her own collection of silk blouses. I immediately snapped one up and here I am wearing the Very Berry Original Shirt. The fit is perfectly feminine and the silk fabric so luxuriously soft that it's become both a work and weekend staple. Now I've got my eye on the sea green version.

Also sorry it's been so long since my last post, I've had a crazy couple of weeks at work and home. I'm off now for dinner but hope to be back to somewhat regular posting again next week for any of you that do check back for updates!

Anna Vie Shirt | Zara Trousers | J.Crew Heels | Mulberry Bag | Michael Kors Watch

Fruity Prints

It’s no secret  I love a bold print. So no surprises that I’ve got my eye on most of Gorman’s latest fruity prints. I’ll probably wear some double fruits (yep I will) but I also think I can incorporate these prints easily into my wardrobe as separates. Of course the trend isn’t new – fruit featured heavily in designer Stella McCartney’s 2011 Spring/Summer collection - it’s just got a little more affordable for the masses.

1 Gorman I Like Pina Colada Tank $189

2 Dolce & Gabbana Floral and Fruit Print Bikini $493  

3 Gorman Yellow Melon Mini Skirt $169

4 Chip Chop! Watermelon Clutch $89 

5 Madewell The French Knot Pointer Skimmer $98

6 Gorman Pink Melon Tank $189

Vegemite Cheesecake

Last Thursday at work we had a 'Bake Off'. Each team of three was tasked to make a cheesecake that would be judged on originality, creativity (overall visual appeal) and taste. To make things a little more difficult interesting we were also given a secret ingredient - ours was Vegemite! At first we freaked out (others were given peanut butter and coffee) but decided if we had any chance of winning we needed to embrace the Vegemite and use it throughout the cake. We added one teaspoon (you could definitely add 2 if you wanted) to the main filling which added a subtle malty flavour that complimented the rich caramel fudge perfectly, and another teaspoon to the toffee shards. I think it was the toffee that got us over the line (we won!) - we're onto something here with Vegemite toffee - it was amazing! Whilst not the simplest of cakes (we were trying to impress the judges), it was pretty straight forward and I will definitely make it again for a special occasion. If you don't want to bother with the whole cake, try the cake pops on their own - super simple and so delicious!

250g packet plain chocolate biscuits
150g butter, melted
500g Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup caster sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla essence
3 eggs
1 teaspoon Vegemite
3/4 cup thickened cream

Fudge
200g block milk chocolate, chopped
1/2 x 395g can sweetened condensed milk
25g butter, chopped

1 tablespoon thickened cream, for the topping

Cake Pops

300g chocolate biscuits (we used Caramel Tim Tams but you can use Oreo or any chocolate biscuit)

100g Philadelphia cream cheese

150g white and milk chocolate melts, for coating

Sprinkles

Vegemite Toffee Shards

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon Vegemite

Preheat oven to 160C. Using a food processor, process biscuits until fine crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the butter. Press over base and side of a 21cm round (base) springform cake pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

For the fudge, place chocolate, condensed milk and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes or until smooth and combined. Remove from heat. Stand for 2 minutes. Remove 3 tablespoons of the fudge and transfer to a bowl to use later for the topping. Pour remaining fudge over prepared base, gently spreading to cover. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until well combined after each addition. Add Vegemite and cream. Beat for 3 minutes or until combined and mixture thickens slightly. Pour over fudge layer. Place pan on a baking tray. Bake for 1 hour or until cheesecake is just set (cheesecake will wobble slightly in centre). Turn oven off. Cool cheesecake in oven with door ajar. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. 

Cake Pops: Process the biscuits until they resemble fine breadcrumbs. Add the cream cheese and process until just combined. Roll into balls. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Coat the balls in the melted chocolate and place on a lined baking sheet. Top with sprinkles and put them back in the fridge until set. 

For the Vegemite Toffee Shards, stir sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat until the sugar is dissolved (don't boil until sugar is completely dissolved). To dissolve any sugar left on the side of the pan, brush down with a wet pasty brush. Add Vegemite and bring to boil.  Cook until the mixture is a rich golden colour and the mix thickens - don't let it burn. Remove from heat and pour onto paper lined baking tray. Set aside to harden. Once completely set, break it into shards with the end of a knife.

To make the fudge topping (this is simply to provide a base for you cake pops to stick to). Reheat the 3 tablespoons of fudge you've kept aside in microwave. Add the tablespoon of thickened cream and whisk with a hand whisk until smooth.  Spread this over the top of your cheesecake, top with cake pops and Vegemite toffee shards.

Always time for posing mid bake

Sunday Brunch

The boy and I went for brunch on Sunday (zucchini fritters with salmon and poached eggs for me, poached eggs with avocado for him), followed by a drive down the beach, and later that evening we went out for Thai. I love a cruisy Sunday together that revolves around food.

Also, my package finally arrived from the US and it was well worth the wait for this vintage dress (the Saint Laurent Skirt is also A-mazing and will be worn this week). I love a vintage dress and seem to have a knack of finding great ones that suit my shape and are in near perfect condition (much to my girlfriends' annoyance).  This one has an adorable cockatiel print and will be on serious rotation this summer.

p.s I mixed up the background with this wall down the side of my house.

Vintage Dress | Kimchi Blue Heels | Mulberry Bag | Toms Sunglasses

Leopard & Stripes

My two favourite patterns are leopard and stripes, so in my book when worn together it's double happiness. I reach for these Zara leopard print trousers more than any pair I own and they seem to go with anything and everything (my partner may not agree with me here, but I think that's just a boy thing).

Forever 21 Top | Zara Trousers | Madewell Heels | J.Crew Necklace | Mulberry Bag | Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Splurge vs Steal: Watermelon Clutch

In summer, I hate carrying a heavy bag so favour a clutch to hold my phone, wallet, keys, lippy and the like. I’ve got all the neutrals and blacks covered so this season I’m after something fun and these quirky watermelon clutches are just the thing. My budget doesn’t stretch to the Charlotte Olympia version, particularly for something fun and faddy, so this Chip Chop! one is perfect.

Charlotte Olympia vs Chip Chop! 

Fish Tacos

I love tacos and usually just do the standard mince variety at home but when out I always go for fish so last weekend I thought I'd try my hand at fish. I used panko breadcrumbs as I find these make a lighter crispier coating. If you can't find panko in your supermarket (try the international section) you can use regular breadcrumbs. These were seriously so good I made them the next night too!

For the fish:

1/2 cup flour 

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper, to season

2 eggs, lightly beaten

3 cups panko bread crumb

500g firm white fish fillets (ling, blue-eye), cut into strips

Oil, to shallow-fry

10 Tortillas

Cabbage, finely sliced

1 spring onion, finely sliced

2 chillies, finely sliced

Bunch of coriander, roughly chopped

200g sour cream 

2 limes

Hot sauce (Cholula or Tabasco)

Combine flour and spices in a shallow bowl or plate and season with salt and pepper. Place eggs in a separate bowl and panko crumbs on a separate plate. Dip the fish pieces first in the flour, then the egg and finally coat with the crumb. Repeat with all pieces and chill for 15 minutes.

Toss cabbage, spring onion and half the chilli in a bowl and set aside. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, the juice of one lime and a dash of hot sauce.

Pre-heat oven to to 150°C.  Heat oil in a frypan and fry the fish in batches until golden. Keep warm in the oven while you cook the remaining fish. 

Enclose tortillas in foil and warm in the oven as you cook the final batch of fish.

Top tortillas with fish, cabbage, sour cream and hot sauce. Serve with lime wedges, extra chilli and coriander.

Leopard + Peplum

Leopard print has always been (and continues to be), one of my favourite prints. Like stripes and polka dots, it always makes me happy. I could never have a blah or boring day when I wear these pants.

ASOS Peplum Top | Zara Leopard Print Trousers | Madewell Heels | J.Crew Necklace | Unbranded Clutch

Easy Twisty Bun

It's been a little while since I've done a hair tutorial. I snapped this just before I cut may hair a couple of weeks ago but will endeavour to do some mid-length hair tutorials in the coming weeks.  To do this style, you need 2 hair elastics and bobby pins. As usual, I find this works on day or 2 old hair. Freshly washed hair will be too flyaway.

STEP 1 Section your hair in half and tie each section into high pigtails toward the back of your head.

STEP 2 Separate a pigtail in two pieces. Twist each piece in opposite directions and then twist the two pieces together (you can do a plait if you find this step too tricky or have fine or freshly washed hair). Secure at the end with a bobby bin or elastic while you repeat on the other side.

STEP 3 Shows your two twisted ponytails before you twist them together

STEP 4 Remove your bobby pins or elastic from the end of each pigtail. Then wrap your pigtails together and secure with bobby pins. Once you have your hair pinned securely, use your fingers to slightly loosen the twists for a look that's a little more undone. Spray with hairspray to hold.

Confetti Dress

I wore this to a show last week while the weather was a little warmer. I don't tend to wear a lot of black as I feel it's very ageing when worn close to my face, but I loved the little 'confetti' print on this too much to pass it up.

On another note, loving that Sons of Anarchy and Boardwalk Empire are back on TV. I always find Boardwalk a little slower to get into but Sons left me more shocked (disturbed) than normal - the school shooting, the Marshal doing that weird naked dancing in the mirror after shooting up and Jax landing in bed with that old madame. I'm not sure where it can all go from here? It's also at a point where I spend more time looking into my hands asking 'can I look now?' than watching the screen!

Also, I've only just realised that GFC is still working on blogger (I'm such a novice). I shut mine down but it's back on the sidebar if you wish to follow via blogger.

Alpha 60 Dress | Madewell Heels | Balenciaga Bag 

Overnight Oats

I have been making these no-cook overnight oats for years. They're a great breakfast standby as you make them the night before and they keep a couple of days covered in the fridge. You can eat as is or add fruit and nuts to the top. This quantity serves two so you may want to double it if you want to have it for a few days.

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup yoghurt (I use vanilla for sweetness)
2 tablespoons of sultanas
1/2 - 1 cup of milk (or enough to just cover the oats)

Mix the oats, yoghurt and sultanas in a bowl. Add enough milk to cover the oats slightly. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with your favourite fruits and/or nuts.

Aqua Skirt

The start of this week saw some really warm weather which meant I could ditch the tights and bare my legs.  Sadly the sunshine only lasted a couple of days but it gave me a taste of things to come. This vintage aqua skirt was a steal on etsy and is a firm favourite which I can't believe hasn't appeared on the blog before now. I buy a fair bit on etsy as I'm partial to a vintage dress but one of my recent purchases from the US has gone missing in the post. Devastated as it contains a vintage YSL pencil skirt which I'm hoping fits as nice as this one. It's been just over a month since it was shipped, so here's hoping it finally arrives this week. Has anyone else had a parcel go missing that eventually turned up? Also, must mention that my hair looks extremely blonde in this photo - it must be the light as it doesn't look this peroxide in person.

Vintage Skirt | Zara Tank | Banana Republic Cardigan | Urban Outfitters Heels | Mulberry Bag 

Hello Spring

Ah, September! Such a lovely month as we start feeling the promise of summer and long sunny days. We've been spoilt in Melbourne the last few days with temps already hitting 26 degrees, so I've added the following to my ever-growing most wanted shopping list for Spring/Summer...

1 Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray - In summer I put away the curling iron (although this will be hard this year given my Movida obsession) and simply spray a little salt spray through freshly washed hair and let it air dry. I use a number of sprays to get texture but this one is my fave. A cheaper alternative is Fudge Salt Spray.

2 J.Crew Crystal Wildflowers Necklace - Wildflowers are perfect for springtime and it just wouldn't be a wishlist without a J.Crew crystal necklace.  

3 Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick - I don't wear a lot of make-up, particularly in summer, but a dusting of this shimmery highlighter on the tops of cheekbones and temples looks lovely on tanned skin.

4 Ray-Ban Sunglasses - Timeless and tortoise shell sunglasses - I won't be able to keep them off my face.

5 Zimmermann Stardust Sunray Playsuit - Perfect for throwing on over your bikini or dressed up at night with some heels and a clutch.

6 Essie Watermelon Nail Polish - A refreshing raspberry red perfect for fingernails and toes.

7 Zimmermann Celestial Frill Bikini -  Loving the cut and floral print of this skimpy little number.

8 Sambag Leather Sandals - Can't go past a pair of tan sandals - they go with almost everything in your wardrobe.

Happy Father's Day, Daddio

Happy Father's Day to all the best dads in the world,

Thank you for your patience, your understanding, your strength, your positivity, your dad jokes
and your never-ending love.

To my Dad, I love you so very much. You're the greatest x

Clash

Another busy week, I got the flu, I cut my hair (this photo was taken the day before but I will have a photo shortly) and celebrated my 34th birthday. I'm still enjoying my birthday weekend - I make it the whole weekend these days and milk it's for all it's worth so this is a short post just to check in...I have to get back to everyone doting on me for the final few hours I can actually say 'it's my birthday weekend'.

Marks & Spencer knit | J.Crew trousers | J.Crew heels | H&M necklace (old) | Mulberry Bag

The Chop

I've cut my hair - might not sound like a big deal but I probably get it cut every 6 months (if that) and I've been sporting the same long locks for the last 12 years. I don't know whether it's because it's my birthday this weekend (turning 34 and needed a more grown up look perhaps?), spring is on the horizon, or if I just needed a change. Anyway, I've cut off about 10 inches and it's the perfect mid-length for me - doesn't fall too short or hang too long down my back - I was getting sick of it long but I'm not ready to commit to a bob just yet.  I love how swingy it is (I swear I look younger!) and wish I'd done it sooner. I don't have a good photo to share with you right now but the images below were my hairspiration.

*Images via Pinterest

Breton Stripes

Most of my friends know I’m obsessed with Breton stripe tops – it’s seriously an addiction with my pile of tops growing weekly. They are a wardrobe staple, season after season – from the classic long sleeve to t-shirts and even different colour combinations. I usually buy J.Crew and Saint James but while looking for another new one recently I came across a few other online options.

1 Witchery Breton Stripe Top $49.95

2 Sportsgirl Poppy Long Sleeve Top $29.95

3 J.Crew Engineered Striped Cotton Top $70

4 J.Crew Drapey Sailor Tee $71.50

5 Saint James Meridien Striped Top $85

6 J.Crew Striped Cotton Top $70

7 A.P.C. Atelier Production et Création's Striped Top $192

8 Armor-Lux White & Red Striped Breton Top £45

9 Comme des Garçons Play Striped Top $162

White Chocolate Chip Cookies

More biscuits. Seriously, I should be the size of a house and one of these days I'm sure it will all catch up with me but for now I continue to bake sweet treats.  This was the first time I've made these white chocolate chip cookies, I got the recipe from the back of the choc chip packet but left out the cocoa and added a little more flour and they turned out great.

125g butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup caster sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups self raising flour
3/4 cup of white choc chips

Preheat oven to 160°C. Beat the butter and sugars in a large bowl until light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beat well to combine. Stir through the flour before folding in the choc chips. Take 1 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Place on your baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and slightly cracked on the top. Leave to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Polka Dots

I’ve had such a lovely lazy weekend. I didn’t get out of my pyjamas until after lunch on Saturday and I spent most of Sunday curled up on the couch drinking tea and stuffing my face with biscuits while looking through my blog roll. Reading through all my favourite blogs I quickly realised that I’ve adopted aspects of those I really like and mashed them all together – I’m a little bit fashion, a little bit food, a little bit home and DIY, but I don’t really have a niche.

This got me thinking about why I started the blog in the first place as I definitely struggle with how self indulgent having it is – taking photos of myself posing in front of my garage seems so vain and explaining the concept to family and friends is always amusing. I’m well aware most are thinking ‘what’s the point?’. I started the blog to share my fashion finds, to help with the ‘where did you get that?’ and to make creative layouts in Photoshop (something I wish I could do full time) and I guess it’s become a hobby.

Given I don’t have children and can afford the time - although it is very hard to create content and take photos with a full time job – maybe self indulgent is okay. So, for now, I will continue posing in front of my garage door and who knows, maybe I’ll venture out into the street for a photo one of these days...

Zara Shirt (old) | Madewell Jeans | Madewell Heels | Coach Bag | Ray-Ban Sunglasses

The Winner Is...

Congratulations Karen Reid-Mogford! I'll contact you via Instagram and also leave a comment on your blog. If you read this, please email me at alittlesliceof@gmail.com and I'll arrange your gift voucher.

Thanks to everyone that entered and again, thank you so much for your support x

Recent Purchases

Thought I'd share some of my recent purchases. I'm probably getting a little too excited for summer with a couple of these, but I refuse to buy any more wintery clothes and I'm on the countdown to summer.

ASOS lips print shirt. I love a print and this is as cute as they come. I missed out on this on ASOS but I picked this up on eBay for $17.

Saltwater sandals - these are sure to be a summer staple. So comfy I can see myself getting a rainbow of colours and matching them to my pedicures. The kids ones are so cute too - if only I had a mini me! 

TOMS Sandela Sunglasses. Not only are they great quality with lots of styles to choose from, but with every pair you buy, TOMS give or restore sight to a person in need. You have to love that!! 

Sanctuary Spa Therapist's Secret Facial Oil. I battle with dry skin in winter, but still get oily patches and the occasional huge red under the skin pimple (you know those really sore ones where you feel like you have a second head/chin). When it comes to skin, you name it, I deal with it. I only bought this last week so I can't claim it's a miracle potion but I've been using 2 drops (morning and night) under my moisturiser and my skin feels softer and brighter and although it's an oil, it's completely non-greasy. Here's hoping it does great things for me.  If you know of any other skin miracles, let me know.

Amaretti Biscuits

I like nothing better than a biscuit and a cup of tea and these chewy amaretti biscuits are up there with my favourites. I use glacé cherries on the top, but you can use blanched almonds if you prefer. I made this batch this morning and they were gone in minutes.

2 large egg whites
250g almond meal
200g caster sugar
1 tsp baking powder
80g icing sugar mixture
Glacé cherries, halved

Preheat oven to 160°C. Line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper.

Whisk egg whites with a whisk or fork until foamy. Combine almond meal, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl. Add egg whites and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Do not over mix as it will toughen the mixture.

Place icing sugar in a shallow bowl or plate. Take tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls, roll in the icing sugar mixture to lightly coat and place on the trays. Press a glacé cherry into the centre of each biscuits.

Bake for 15 minutes or until cracked and light golden. Allow to cool on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

First Birthday Giveaway

August 1 marks one year of A Little Slice Of. I honestly can't believe:

• I have people regularly reading my blog
• I've clocked up 119,000 page views 
• Some people actually take the time to comment
• That I've kept it up (I know I'm not that regular but I have managed at least one post a week)
• My Instagram pics have featured in the Sunday Herald Sun Style mag (twice!)
• My double braid tutorial was featured on Cupcakes and Cashmere's most recent 'Links I Love'

To celebrate a year and as a thank you for all the support I'm offering one lucky person the chance to win a US$200 NET-A-PORTER Gift Card.

For your chance to win, simply follow me on Bloglovin, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest (links at right) and leave me a comment below letting me know how you're following (you will receive one entry for each type of follow). Entries close at midnight AEST on 31 July and I'll conduct a random generator draw at 7pm (AEST) on 1 August. Winner will be announced immediately after the draw. This giveaway is open internationally. Thanks again and good luck x

Chocolate Hedgehog Slice

Hedgehog Slice is one of those things that takes me straight back to childhood. It was an after school treat if friends came home to play, a party favourite and often something mum would make for the yearly bake sale days in primary school. Remember when parents would bake something for you to take in the next day to sell for 20-50c a slice for a school fundraiser or charity?  Not sure if they still do  bake sales at schools today - I imagine that too many associated 'risks' have ruined all the fun. Anyway, mum still has the same recipe written on a tatty old piece of paper and I have a photocopy of the tatty thing - I don't want to rewrite it as I have so many memories attached to the original.

1 x 250g packet of plain sweet biscuits (Arrowroot, Marie, Scotch Finger), broken into small pieces
½ cup desiccated coconut
175g butter
2/3 cup caster sugar
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 eggs, lightly beaten

Icing
2 cups icing sugar
¼ cup cocoa powder
50g butter, softened
1 tablespoon milk

Lightly grease a 28 x 18cm slice tray (the size really depends on how thick you want your slice). Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above edge of tray.

Combine biscuits and coconut in a large bowl.

Place butter, sugar, cocoa in a small saucepan and stir over heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat to cool slightly. Add the egg and whisk well to combine. Pour chocolate mixture into dry ingredients and mix well.  Press mixture into the prepared ban using the back of a spoon. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.

To make the icing, mix all the ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Spread icing over chilled slice and refrigerate for an hour or overnight.

Cut into pieces and serve. Store chilled in an airtight container.

Purple Haze

Marks & Spencers Jumper | J.Crew Trousers | J.Crew Heels | J.Crew Necklace | Mulberry Bag

I'm not one to shy away from colour and I'm sure people think I've been smoking something when I wear this outfit, but it's one of my favourites and is on serious rotation for work in winter. I've had the J.Crew trousers for over 2 years and they still look brand new, making them one of my better buys. Given how great these have been, I've bought a few of J.Crew's wool cafe capri trousers but I've had to return them as they're just not the same quality - the material is so thin you can see the pockets and they just seem a bit 'off'. I believe I may have lucked out on these ones or perhaps they have changed the material?

I also just realised that 1 August is the blog's first birthday so to celebrate I'm going to have a little giveaway. I just have to figure out what I'll actually be giving away...watch this space.

Style Crush: Natalie Joos

Belgium-born, New York-based fashion consultant Natalie Joos has the best knack for mixing vintage with high end for a uniquely modern look. She's not afraid to mix prints, textures and colours, she has fun with fashion and it never fails. I'm sure you've seen countless pictures of her amazing street style all over the internet but in case you don't know her, here are some pictures.

*Images via Pinterest

DIY Doily Heart Jar Lantern

I've seen different little tea light jars all over Pinterest but this type really caught my eye so I had a go last weekend with a few old glass jars I had laying around. I know what you're thinking - I have too much time on my hands (yes, I probably do!), but to be honest they took about 10 minutes to make. All you need is:

- Old glass jars
- White doilies (I got mine on etsy here)
- Red paper or newspaper hearts (I cut mine from red wrapping paper)
- Twine
- Scissors
- Tea lights

You don't really need instructions: simply place a paper heart on a doily, wrap some twine around the jar a few times and tie to hold in place. Put a tea light inside the jar and away you go.

They look really lovely in all different sizes along a fireplace or as a table centre piece.  Newspaper hearts and brown twine also work really well.

Gingham & Bling

J.Crew Shirt | J.Crew Knit | Country Road Pants | Madwell Heels | J.Crew Necklace 

Balenciaga Bag | Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Melbourne is bloody freezing! It has been sunny but it's cold and the days are so short it's dark when I leave work. Yes, I'm not a huge fan of winter. Thankfully you can't really tell what the weather is like in the office so I don't have to rug up too much. This little outfit has been on repeat for the last month or so during the colder weather - the J.Crew necklace was a great buy and has been worn with anything and everything.

Also, this Monday 1 July, Google Friend Connect (GFC) is no more. I would love for you to follow me on Bloglovin. You can also follow A Little Slice Of on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I'm not big on Twitter (at all) but I'm a huge Instragrammer and Pin like crazy. Thank you for all your support and comments x

Life Lately in Instagram

Double denim | Cupcakes | What I Wore | Moive Date Outfit

Hermes Scaft | DIY Flower Pin | Fruit Toast for Breakfast | Floral & Stripes

$4.24 Necklace | Tulle Skirt | Red Accents | Chevron & Sequins

Eggs | Shoe Clean Out | Perfect Winter Day in Melbourne | Stripey OOTD

I've said it before but I'm obsessed with Instagram - not just sharing my own pics but I can spend hours (I'm not kidding!!) looking through random people's beautiful snaps. Last Sunday one of my pics was in Melbourne's Herald-Sun Sunday Style Magazine. I nearly choked on my cereal when I saw my pic. Check it out below.

Teal Tights

Coloured tights are something that I have bought in to the last few years - I've done red, purple and hot pink but this year was on the lookout for something that would compliment my yellow heels. Teal and yellow are perfect together - it might be too much for some but I'm a big fan of this colour combo. I wore this for lunch and shopping (I took full advantage of Gorman's 'buy 2 items get the third free' sale) on Sunday. I wore a leopard print cardigan too (I swear it worked with the colours and polka dots) but for some reason didn't have it on for the photo.

Gorman Tee | Gorman Skirt | Sportgirl Tights | Canape 770 Heels | Mulberry Bag | Michael Kors Watch 

Lemon Slice

Lemon slice is a family favourite. I have been making this simple no bake version for years and try to always have the ingredients in the pantry for those last minute invites where you need to bring a plate.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

80g butter
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
250g plain sweet biscuits (Nice/Arrowroot)
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Lemon Icing
2 cups icing sugar
40g butter, softened
1 lemon, juiced

Grease a 18 x 28cm slice pan and line with baking paper. Melt butter and condensed milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat when butter has melted and mixture is smooth. Crush biscuits in food processor until fine. Stir crushed biscuits and coconut together in a large bowl until well combined. Stir lemon juice into condensed milk mixture. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Press mixture into the prepared pan. Refrigerate while making the icing.

Spread lemon icing over slice and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until icing is set. Remove from the pan and cut into pieces.

Lemon Icing
Place icing sugar mixture, butter and 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice in a bowl. Beat with a wooden spoon until smooth.

Hermès Scarf

I am not normally a lucky person but last month I won an Hermès Scarf from Coulda Shoulda Woulda's very generous giveaway (thanks Naomi!). I have always wanted one and couldn't believe it when I saw my name had been drawn. It arrived beautifully packaged last week and my lordy, it is everything I thought it would be and more. It's the Astrologie Nouvelle scarf in purple and blue tones and has hints of mint and mustard. I will work it into my wardrobe and show some pictures in the coming weeks, but for now, here it is in all it's glory (I must point out that the pictures and lighting do not do it justice at all).

Channeling Dynasty

I don't know if it's the hair or the 70's style dress, or the combination of, but I look like I've stepped off the set of Dynasty in this outfit. This dress was a steal at less than $20, it fits perfectly, sits just below the knee (my favourite length) never creases (one good thing about polyester) and has a very fine pleated skirt.

Vintage Dress | Thifted Heels | Witchery Belt | Mulburry Bag | Ray-Ban Sunglasses

DIY Flower Pin

A couple of weeks back I made a tulle flower pin. I really want some ban.do pom pom flower pins but the shipping to Australia is crazy expensive (more than the four pins I have in my cart) so I decided to make something similar myself. I will buy a few band.do pins but for now this is a cheap DIY alternative that adds a little colour to an outfit. I must also point out that I have absolutely no sewing abilities whatsoever (I can sew buttons on and that's about it) so anyone can do this. To make a tulle flower pin like mine you'll need:

Tulle (I used a 45cm square piece)
Scissors
Elastic band
Needle and thread
Brooch safety pin

Step 1: Bunch and fold the tulle into a flower shape.

Step 2: Use an elastic band to hold it into shape (you don't have to be too fussy about this as you'll cut the band off later)

Step 3: With a needle and thread, secure your flower from it's centre into your rubber band. Repeat this until it feels secure then snip off the elastic band.

Step 4: Sew on your brooch clip.

Step 5: Trim your flower folds and edges with the scissors to make it fluff up.