Casual Friday - The Tale of how a 'little look around town' turned into a full on Shopping Spree.

So we've moved to a new city: Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty (I'm not kidding, that's the name of the province, we also have a poverty bay) not being familiar with the shops I held off on my normal shopping sojourns. I am somewhat of a solo shopper as I like to fondle and scrutinize to such an extent as to make any companions suicidal.

That's fine, I tend to buy odd things when I have company - does anyone else do that?
Buy weird things around your friends?

When I left the house I had no intention of going this crazy

but I guess that's what shopping deprivation will do to you!

♥ First Stop: Glassons.

Paisley Jacket, Monochrome skirt and some plain ol' black skinnies.

This Skirt is so cool - has a zip all the way up the front and it's Monochrome.

Biker Style Jacket in Colorful Paisley!

Neon belts - sweet

♥ Next Stop: Pagani

 Monochrome geometric prints, lace and bling

Lace was all over the catwalks for Spring Summer 2014

This top is a satiny material with leather shoulder detail - so now.

 ♥ And then: JustJeans

Don't be fooled by the name - they sell a lot more than jeans!

I'm addicted to shirts at the moment - I've bought 5 in a few months :-/

Bead detail on the pocket and collar - plus it's black and white #monochrome and sheer

 ♥ Quick Look in: Farmers (NZ's version of Selfridges)

Couldn't decide if I needed these heels - so I took a pic for posterity,
turns out I don't love them, even if they're only $20 so I left with nothing #phew

I did however purchase these cute flats with belt detail from Hannah's.

♥ I then went to Music Works and bought replacement strings for my Bass... 
but yall don't need to see that ;-)

♥ Lastly: Posti+

                     They sell these Klean Kolor nailpolishes: Neon yellow, purple and orange
                              (they've been around longer than Kardashian Krap)
              They're really good!!  And only 2 for $8!!  I am nothing if not a bargain hunter.

 Both necklaces I bought on this particular trip ended up a DIY project involving nail polish
This blue necklace is formally bo-ring:

 But not anymore - Tutorial Here

This ones my FAV - see how I did it here

Actually I spoiled the DIY surprise already here with my Instagraming

Have you guys been shopping lately?

Also! I've been thinking about doing some outfit posts
what do you guys prefer/use - Chictopia, Pose, Fashiolista?

Tell me in the comments if you use any of these :-D

♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.

Shoesday Oct.01.13 - Just Cavalli, L'Wren Scott, Marni, Matthew Williamson, Missoni, Prada... the shoegasm continues

Shoesday Tuesday

We're still kicking round Spring Summer 2014 Fashion weeks for "shoespiration"

Let me know your favs in the comments below...

Pringle of Scotland - they do divine knits and SHOES! #cobalt

Flat shoes!!?  What is this? Love Matthew Williamson

 Just Cavalli - love the print/color combos of these sandals

 Just Cavalli - geometric and color clashing.

 L'Wren Scott - saucy! Red and Black

 L'Wren Scott - Mick Jagger's girl

 Marni - Jandal Heel hybrid = quite fugly >:/

 Missoni - these are reminiscent of some Primark heels that were kicking around this Spring...

 Missoni - HOLOGRAM!!  Check it.

 No.21 - LOVE THESE

 No.21 - These would make a nice DIY methinks - if you can't wait 6 months!

 Peter Pilotto - not only does he do insane prints... but shoes as well!

 Peter Pilotto - the detail on the heel is reminiscent of some Kathryn Wilsons!

 Ports 1961 - these coincidentally have a 60's vibe! Love the white.

 Prada - LOVE THESE!  Jewels, interesting shape, peep toe = got it all!

What has been your highlight of the last months fashion weeks?

The streetstyle? A color palette? A specific designer/show?

♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.

Sunday Baking - Spice Crisps

These are a MASSIVE #foodgasm - crisp, spicy, not too sweet.  Hmm, might go have one now...

Ingredients:

170gm Butter (softened)

200gm sugar (white sugar will give you the crispest result)

1tsp Vanilla Essence

1 Egg

100gms Treacle (I didn't have any Treacle so substituted with golden syrup)

280 gms Flour

2tsp Baking Soda

1/2tsp Salt

1tsp Cinamon

3/4tsp Ground Ginger

1/2tsp Ground Cloves

200gms Sugar (extra for dusting)

Method:

Cream Butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, add the egg, vanilla and treacle and beat well.

Add the sifted dry ingredients and mix until a smooth dough is formed.

Scrape the dough into a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to firm it up.

Pre-heat the oven to 190 Celsius, line two trays with baking powder.

Put the extra sugar into a shallow plate.

Take teaspoonfuls of the dough and set them out on the bench.  Once dough is all divided up roll into balls and then roll in the sugar  before placing them in rows on baking sheets - give these suckers plenty of room. Don't flatten them at all - they will do that in the oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes.  When done, the biscuits will have spread and cracked, and they will smell cooked and delicious.  Don't let them brown too much.

I found these biscuits took over night storage to crispen up - so don't be disappointed if they're soft after baking, they'll get there.  These biscuits are delicious!  I would definitely recommend you give them a go - they would make excellent holiday gifts with their gingery spiciness!

This recipe was taken from the excellent tome of classic New Zealand recipes

by Alexa Johnston: Ladies, a Plate.

♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.