How to get the most out of your shopping experience at Big W, Target and K-mart (or the international equivalent eg. Primark)

These retail super stores are often an absolute nightmare with limited sizes, clothes out of order and thrown in piles everywhere and anywhere, poor quality, extremely crowded and did I mention the lack of or complete ABSENCE of staff! So they don't exactly provided a joyful shopping experience for anyone. However, the prices in these stores are a students dream, with t-shirts and shoes from $5 (AU) it's no wonder they manage to maintain a steady flow of customers despite their flaws listed above. So in an effort to make your trip to K-mart/ Target an enjoyable one, I thought I'd share a little insight in how to you can improve your shopping experience and come away happy with your purchases, rather then flustered, disappointed and frustrated with that shop assistance who was ruder then Trude and Prude from 'Kath and Kim'.

1. I know it's hard but don't go in with the mentality that "everything is so cheap". It's very easy to get carried away in these shops, putting anything and everything in your shopping bag even if your not entirely in love with the item. At the time you think that the price is so good it's impossible to say no, even though you have no idea where you are going to wear a bright pink tu-tu. Instead, pick out items that you genuinely like, and can see where and what you would wear them with. This way you are more likely to come home with garments you are proud to have purchased.

2. TRY EVERYTHING ON! These super stores have terrible sizing. Just because last time a size 8 dress fitted you perfectly, doesn't mean it will this time. Sizes are constantly fluctuating and changing, and the fabric an item has been made out of can strongly influence how it fits. If you don't want to wait in line for ages to get a change room, then grab a size which seems to fit you and then try it on at home without removing the tags (the day you buy it not 3 months later), this way you can always go back and exchange it!

3. Visit in the morning. I know getting up early on a Saturday morning to go to target sounds like the worst idea ever, but trust me it'll be worth it. Most stores restock on a Friday night for the weekend, so Saturday morning will have all the new stock, clean neat shelves and all the sizes. There will also be no crowds of people around and you won't have to wait for a change room. And who says that when you get home you still can't have a big Saturday fry up for breakfast!

4. Stick to the basics. Try and avoid making any big purchases in these super stores- their clothes are cheap for a reason and it's mostly because of the poor quality. Your best spending you hard earned money elsewhere if your considering buying a coat, hand bag or something that will get a lot of wear to last you a long time. Buying things like t-shits, casual dresses, shorts, sandals and jumpers are your best bet.

5. These stores are great for when you see an item in a popular brand label store and you aren't certain if the style will suit you. Often these super stores mimic popular trends that have been successful in other shops, so if your not sure if you could rock a pair of doc martins (or alike) then try your local super store and I'm sure they'd have there equivalent for less then $20.Then if you decide you love them, you can splash your cash on a branded pair and if you hate it then it's only $20 down the drain and not hundreds.

March Favourites

As the first month of Autumn here in Australia has officially come to a close, I thought I'd celebrate the beginning of a new season and the close of another by compiling a group of things I have particularly enjoyed this last month.

 Rimmel's lasting finish matte lipstick by Kate;

As the cooler months come about, so do the darker vampy colours and often our makeup palette changes from softer pastel colours to hues of black, grey, purple and blue. So in the true spirit of autumn, I've found myself opting for a dark red lip. Rimmel's Kate Moss lipstick in the shade 107 has been fulfilling my recent dark red lip obsession as the colour is vibrant and as pigmented as any NARS lipstick. It's also very moisturising and easy to apply without leaving you with that chalky look. And to top it all off it's relatively inexpensive!  .

Rimmel's Wake me up foundation;

I know I'm a bit late to join the band wagon for this product, but I recently I discovered Rimmel's 'Wake me up foundation' and it's super easy to layer and gives you the option of a lighter or fuller coverage, without feeling heavy on the skin. It's moisturising and gives a dewy complexion, so if you prefer a more matte look then this foundation may not be for you. None the less I have fallen head over heels for this product and can picture myself re purchasing.

La Vie Est Belle;

I must say this is probably my signature fragrance. While it is pricey- it is definitely worth it if you love oriental smells. I received this as a present for Christmas and have been wearing it ever since, I know this fragrance is well loved by many and I am proud to say I am a new member of it's cult following.

CoverGirl's LashBlast Length;

If you are like me and don't tend to apply a full face of makeup everyday, and tend to stick to one or two products to enhance your natural beauty, then I'm sure you'll love this all time favourite of mine! I must admit I have been using this product since I was about 14 and have rarely ventured out of my comfort zone, but I just feel like this product does everything I need and want. However if your looking for a product to give you ridiculously long bold lashes or are aiming for a more of a 'night time look' then this product is probably not for you. If however, you are just new to makeup or want an 'all natural' look then this will serve you well!

Burt's Bee's radiance body lotion;

Embrace your inner disco and let your shimmer out. This body lotion is moisturising as it contains sunflower oil and aloe and makes your skin glow by enhancing you skin tone with mica. This lotion I must stress though is not for your face! (Don't learn that the hard way) and I recommend use for your arms and legs only. Although I've included this in my March favourites, I'm not entirely sold on the product as the fragrance is quite over powering and sometimes the shimmer can make me feel slightly ridiculous like a bedazzled Barbie doll. Overall I'd say I have enjoyed the product while it's lasted, however am unsure if I'll be re purchasing.

 Taylor Swift's 1989 album; 

Needless to say I'm pretty certain you'd had to of been living in another galaxy to not of heard a single song on this album yet. And if you live anywhere in Melbourne then you've probably heard me driving around blaring my stereo to this soundtrack. Honestly do I need to say much more  but "It’s a new soundtrack, I could dance to this beat, forevermore."

Lidnt's salted caramel balls;

If you haven't tried salted caramel yet then you are really missing out on a whole new outlook on life, well at least on chocolate. With Easter just passed I've fallen  for Lidnts 'Five moments of bliss salted caramel chocolates'. It's like heaven melting in your mouth and I ain't sorry for none of those angels melting with it.

Girl Online by Zoe Sugg;

I am totally obsessed with this book and am totally aware that my opinion is possibly very greatly influenced by the fact I am also obsessed with Zoe Sugg's beauty and lifestyle blog and youtube channels. None the less this is a great book and I have read it numerous times and devoured it in about 1 day the first time I read it.

1. Girl Online By Zoe Sugg 2. Taylor Swift 1989 album  3. Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation 4. La Vie est Belle perfume by Lancôme 5. CoverGirl Lash Blast Length 6. Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate in 107 7. Burt's Bee's Radiance body lotion 8. Lidnt's salted caramel balls 

Hanna Inspired Room: Pretty Little Liars Decor

My favourite television bedroom of the moment goes to Hanna Marin from ‘Pretty Little Liars’. It’s feminine, edgy and fashion forward— which suits her personality as Hanna is the popular and fashionable one of the group! This article will give you some inspiration into how to decorate your space similarly, and hopefully inspire you to put as much personality into your room, as your wardrobe.

Hanna’s room entwines a colour palette of; white, grey, pink and red, with a splash of yellow.  In three words her décor is; sleek, girly and fashionable, and what makes it so aesthetic is that the colours are infused throughout the entire space.  Her double bed is accentuated with a large, upholstered headboard, and her furniture is very sleek, modern and white. She has accessorised her bed with heaps of textured cushions within her colour palette. When going for the ‘Pretty Little Liars’ look, remember to include at least one pink, one red, one grey, and one yellow accented cushion (as well as floral prints). Hanna has also accessorised her space with photos and lamps, adding a personal touch to a space that already showcases her fun personality.

Hanna's interest in fashion is made obvious through her clever display of magazine clippings of all the latest clothes and shoes, presented on a dress form! You can also added some personal photos with drawing pins to extend the fashion theme.

1. IKEA Ung Dril Mirror/ 2. Tabletop Miniature Mannequins/ Horchow 'Italia' Chair

Of course Hanna would use her desk to double as a vanity! Cute storage trays hold in place all of her nail polish bottles and perfumes, while a smaller mannequin displays her jewellery. A modern glass lamp adds light, and an ornate pink mirror adds the final feminine touch to the space! I have the same mirror hanging in my room, and it requires some DIY as it only comes in black. Then just spray paint over it using a sample pot of pink paint and voila!

Hanna's space is accessorised stylishly using organisational trays to hold her nail polish and perfume bottles. I love the way that the colours in her room make you feel; happy and warm. 

1. Truffault Yellow Lamp / 2. Troveline Wallpaper / 3. Dream Cushion (Pink and Yellow)/ 4. Retro Cushion/ 5. Diane von Furstenberg Tie Die Duvet

A large print of the Eiffel tower hangs in Hanna's room, and as anyone who's anyone will tell you; Paris is the fashion capital of the world!  I would also recommend framing some fashion illustration sketches, or if you are interested in design, creating your own! As for lighting, go with a modern chandelier and a few interesting lamps to add softness. 

Pretty Little Liar's character; Hanna Marin has an enviable room, and that's no lie! If you want this same look, keep to a colour palette of grey, white, red, pink and a splash of yellow. Opt for neutral coloured walls, and if you can't have the same wallpaper, incorporate a floral or feather print in other areas such as your cushions or curtains. Mix and match heaps of different patterns and textures, and focus on fashion by adding a dress form and framed fashion illustrations. 

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