Baby, take a bow

During a burst of sunshine yesterday afternoon, I took to the streets of Melbourne for a spot of impromptu shopping. Number 31 tram to the Paris end of Collins Street, I wandered Australia on Collins, through to Royal Arcade, down Little Collins and back through the Walk Arcade, ending up at the Block Arcade and back to Collins Street to the 31. I could have spent hours scouring the little stores hidden in the alleys and envying the casual, laid back lifestyles of the people sipping coffee but there was shopping to be done, and my credit card was burning a hole in my pocket.

24 hours before pay day, and it had been a while since my last fashion purchase. My skin was tingly with the anticipation of new fabric, while my eyes worked their way up and down rack after rack of items, searching for the elusive garment that was to be mine.

A stop at the Christopher Ari store in the Walk Arcade yielded success. This gorgeous and very cute grey knit with sequin bow can be dressed up with skinny leg dark denim jeans and a killer heel for a night on the town, or paired with boyfriend jeans and comfy flats for (more) shopping with the girls. A bargain at only $39.95, and the perfect pick me up to get through the afternoon.

As for pay day tomorrow, I’m planning a trip to the Alice McCall (www.alicemccall.com) Sample Sale this Friday and Saturday at the corner of Chapel St and Cecil Place, Prahran (enter 2a Cecil Place). Styles are up to 75% off and prices start at just $20. Eftpos, Cash and Credit all accepted.

Then on Sunday, get along to the ‘This is not a Design Market’ market, www.thisisnotadesignmarket.com, at 500 Latrobe Street, Melbourne from 10am. The market is part of the State of Design Festival and is sure to have something fashionable or fabulous for everyone, foodies included.

If you’re not into the design scene and vintage is more your thing, the Take 2 Market is also on this Sunday, www.take2markets.com.au. The market, at the Hawthorn Town Hall from 10am, is the second anniversary for the team whose recycled fashion heaven helps us shop in a more affordable and sustainable way.

Where will you spend this weeks paycheck? Happy shopping!