Versatile Khaki

It will have been mentioned somewhere in this blog I am sure-(GAWD forbid I repeat myself!)  but I never grew out of my childhood favourite colour when most others did. Green will always be a fixture in the wardroom- but I do still run into people occasionally that are genuinely surprised if I am wearing another colour. Green will always be my first colour love- but it hasn't been a monogamous relationship lately.

"It's not you green... it's me. I just think I need to experience other colours for a while. Red is looking damned attractive these days and I don't know how much longer I can fight the pull towards yellow. We can still be close though. I promise I won't let things won't get weird between us..."

I'm not elitist towards different shades of green but they do seem to have their set times and places. A bight kermit green will make me think of more Summery ensembles whereas a nice deep khaki seems to be a more Wintery shade. That little theory fell over somewhat with this dress. A light a floaty khaki Summer dress with a subtle floral print in yellow, blue and orange.

Khaki is a good base colour for any outfit because as far as greens go it is still quite neutral. I have a few khaki and red combos I like to pull out from time to time- and I really like that this dress has it's own in built colour co-ordination options. It is just a matter of choosing one now.

Ok. I tried. I couldn't choose. What a great excuse to showcase the versatility of this khaki frock and its accessorizing options! I have set myself a rule in this showcase. I will only be using 2 forms of matching accessories. There will be no hair flower/ belt/ shoes/ handbag over matching here today. I will be interested to see which one works out the best.

First up is a great deep shade of turquoise. The belt I am wearing in this shot is actually a genuine 70's cummerbund. (I have the matching bow tie and 'kercheif too) I have paired it with a cute pair of turquoise wedge slingbacks with a bow detailing.

Second off the block is a nice bright yellow. I have matched the dress with a pair of yellow pumps and hair flower.

Last but by no means least- is the lesser utilised orange. Nothing rhymes with orange. Did you know that? I have gone with orange hair flower and (the bordering on ridiculous) 70's strappy cork platforms.

I think I would feel comfortable to wear any of these 3 colour combo's when it comes to this dress. I love how the fabric of the frock itself seems to change when you put different colours next to it. It pulls out the colours in the floral print and can really make them pop. 

So.. which is the best combo dear reader? This little trial has taught me a couple of things. It has taught me that I am in dire need of a skinny orange and yellow belt! You didn't really think I would start imposing limits to my colour coordinating did you? That was a total accident and only because I didnt have the right belts to go with the orange and yellow options... By the time it comes to wearing this frock again I'm sure that little speed bump in my "ensembling" (new word) will have been obliterated.

Lost and Found Misery Cardi

I'm not going to lie to you. Having a room full of clothes rules. I don't think it is possible to ever take that kind of thing for granted. Every morning I walk in there to get dressed and think "Hell yeah!" Living the dream kids.

One of the bonuses about having said room full of clothes is that stuff gets lost in the clutter. While that may not sound too awesome- the flipside is after stuff gets lost it gets rediscovered. That leads us up to todays featured piece- a Misery bolero cardi.

I can't even remember exactly when I bought this cardi but it was about 3 or 4 years ago now. It was from the savemart chain of recycled clothes and it cost me about $20.00. I had probably only worn it once or twice before it got lost on the rack so it has been nice to finally get the wear out of it that it deserves.

The cardi itself is a very pale green with a hint of aqua. (Maybe we can call that colour Graqua in the future) It has a very fine black lace trim around the front and rounded hem on the bottom. 3/4 puff length sleeves and the cutest turquoise embroidery of a mermaid and anchor motiff. Perfect for a black wiggle dress or pencil skirt.

Aqua Dots

I'm sure it isn't just me that is having a crazy December already. Seriously- I have had this photo loaded and ready to write about for 4 days now.. I apologise in advance for any Frockstar post delays that are a direct relation to me living this crazy December '10 life...

You may recall from previous posts- how much I love Lost and Found in Melbourne. If you don't recall then read it here so I don't start repeating myself like a mad woman. (ha. God forbid...) This is the second dress I bought that day.

I have been known to buy things that aren't quite right. I always have trhe best intentions of slight alterations here and there but often these pieces end up relegated to my "stuff to get stuff done to them" garden sack in the corner of the wardroom.

(Ok. Its more like a garden sack and 2 suitcases but I digress....)

This dress was definitly in the realms of not quite right upon the initial purchase. It had sleeves. Bad ones. Imagine for just a few seconds what this frock may have looked like with slghtly baggy ad gaping sleeves that came down to my elbows. Ridiculous may be one of the words you come up with. Elderly woman may be a phrase in your mind too. Even while it was still on the rack I could see there was frockstar potential beyond the old age pensioner quality of this dress. Once I got it home and had the sleeves removed - it all made sense.

The fabric is a very thin Summer weight crepe. A pale turquoise with white polka dots and a white ruffled neckline and button detailing. I know that this dress can be worn anywhere. Dressed up with black and white brogues for dinner or work. Dressed down with jandals for just hanging out. Ah the possibilities!



Blue and Teal Circles

This is the latest in a long line of hidden treasures the Wardroom has thrown out at me in the last month or so. In the name of Frockstar- I have been rummaging to find some new inspiration for outfits and blog posts. This is a dress I have never worn. Not even once. It has been in my possession for more than a year now. It came from a Hospice shop in Melbourne. I pulled the price tag off when I took the pic- so I can tell you that it cost me $10AU.

It is a simple halter neck dress with a flared skirt. It is actually made of silk which feels amazing on the skin. I love the retro vaguely 70's overlapping circles pattern on the fabric and this is made even better buy the colour scheme of turquoise and a deep teal green over white.

Now that I know that I have matching shoes, hair flower and can wear a crinoline petticoat with it- I think it will make it out to the streets as a completely wearable outfit!

NB- while this has absolutely nothing to do with the outfit in this post- something very weird is going on with the spacing here. For some reason I cannot change the gaps between the pics and the words. It is highly annoying...

Turquoise Frills and Lace

In the last few years I have learnt many things. I have learnt how to sprint up and down my stairs at home in stilettos. I have learnt how to make the perfect self saucing pudding. I have learnt how to play backgammon and I have learnt that there is a very fine line between 80's lingerie and derby outfits. Point in case.

This little number came from my derby trip to Adelaide a few months back. It stemmed from one of a very few genuine op shops we managed to find in our short stay. (I think it cost me about $7.00 Australian)

It has a very frilled edge along the neck line and this theme is continued along the back straps also. Turquoise lace bodice with a turquoise satin flip skirt. SO many shades of awesome in one outfit. (this is obviously subjective)



So I am 99% sure that this was originally a negligee. Now it has a new lease of life as one of my favourite training outfits. I just need to find the right coloured leg warmers and my ensemble is complete...

Pin Tucks And Pearls

I'm not going to lie to you. I have never worn this dress. Not even once. In fact- I have a funny feeling I didn't even try it on when I bought it- so this shot may have captured the only time it has ever been on my person EVER.

It's not that I don't like it. I think it's quite awesome actually. It's just not the kind of dress that I can wear to work, and it hasn't really fit any of my social activities either. I guess I bought it as a future dress up project and that particular theme has still not showed it's face.

There are a lot of great things about this frock. I love the turquoise colour. I love it's pin tuck detailing on the bib, and I love that it has it's own pearls sewn around the neckline. That is 3 really good features as far as I'm concerned.




I think I have pinpointed the 2 features stopping me from getting this out more often.

• The sleeves. They are weird. Short sleeves that are almost bell sleeved but end up just being kinda gapey. Not overly flattering.
• The length. I have no problem with a great long 70's frock- I just find that I am way more likely to wear one that is short or at least knee length.

These factors are making me wonder if this dress needs a bit of a "Fliss over". Get rid of the sleeves completely and lift the hemline. The more I consider it the more I think it may have to be done.

My track record for actually getting around to dress altering isn't amazing. I have a rubbish bag stashed behind my coats that is full of dresses that need adjustments of some description. I may even have to dedicate a post to before and after shots. Maybe that is the motivation I need to actually get them fixed!

Turquoise Check Coat

I know I have mentioned on numerous occasions how much I like Spacesuit- but you might have forgotten so I feel obliged to mention it again.

I love Spacesuit clothing. Real heaps. Here are some of the reasons why.

• A lot of it is sourced in Asia so a lot of their styles have that quirky feel to them.
• They usually keep the lines on a smallish scale so you can still feel like you won't run into another 20 people wearing the same thing.
• Best of all- the prices are not through the roof so it won't break the budget to buy a few items at once. Lucky that- as it is so far away I try and stock up when I am there. (As previously mentioned- it is way too easy to self justify additional expenses when it comes to fashion!)

This coat was purchased in the good ol' days when Spacesuit was still a staple on K Rd. It checks all the right boxes (and a couple extra) for a great Winter coat. Good colour. Great pattern on the fabric. Flattering cut. (neck line and waist line in fact) Feature in the style. The feature being the patterned bell details on the end of the cuffs. A nice addition to really set it apart form any number of cost living in the wardroom....

So to summarise this fabulous item- turquoise and black checkered dress coat with belt tied waist and gathered bell cuffed detailing. Perfect.

Turquoise Dress Coat

I have a rule that I'm only allowed to buy 1 new Winter coat a year. (This is predominantly for storage purposes. ) Thankfully I set this rule myself so I don't have anyone to answer to if I break it. I'm not sure I have managed to stick with it through an entire chilly season so far. It's a nice idea but too easy to bypass. Especially when you find great coats out of season. I conveniently "forget" I have bought my allocated coat for the year in Summer and will have been known to buy another when it starts to get colder...



This is one of those "Buy it when it's too hot to wear it" kinda deals. I found it in a tiny little vintage store in Grey Lynn. I wasn't sure if it was a dress or a coat. I guess it's both.

I have a soft spot for turquoise and green at the best of times- but throw them together with a 70's floral print and how can I refuse?




(I could not get a good close up that did the colour any justice. The photo's that show the entire coat are true to it's shades- but I have included the close up so you can really appreciate the incredible 70's pattern too... )

The cut is double breasted and even had a dome right up the top of the neckline to alter the collar when it's done up.



Overall I think I prefer it undone and co-ordinated with a turquoise belt over a black dress underneath. (as shown) I have also pieced it with a pair of turquoise peep toes with bow detailing.

Woolen Hoody Dress

This is a dress in the loosest sense possible. It may be technically closer to being a long hooded jumper- but I am attempting it on its own merits anyway.

I have always liked the Nordic design that is well illustrated in this garment. Traditionally (to me at least) this has included a lighter coloured band across the bust and sometimes the sleeves, and featuring designs that usually incorporate 2 additional contrasting colours and a pattern with snowflakes. This one was especially appealing to me as it is in a beautiful bright shade of turquoise blue- and has a hood and pom poms!

I am yet to decide if this dress will see the light of day being worn just as a dress. I think it probably needs a pair of dark skinny jeans underneath it. I am not a jeans kindofa girl though- so may need to think my options through a little further...

Turquoise Floral

This is another of my new cotton pencil skirts from Cotton On. Same deal as the leopard print one wherein it has a tendency to ride up a little when I walk. Still love it. Don't even care.



Not a lot else to say about it though. Floral patterns in shades of turquoise, purple, deep pink, black and yellow. Lots of co-ordinating with hair flower options here.... Today I teamed it with a large silk teal coloured one.

80's Turquoise Prom Dress

There is something awesome about an original 80's prom dress. The shiny fabric. The un-necessary ruffles. They come in slightly ahead of the original 80s bridesmaid dresses I think...

The colour of this particular dress is quite common for it's time frame. I have seen quite a few other amazing 80's prom dresses in all but the exact same colour. I have come to the realisation (all by myself I might add) that even I cannot justify having more than 1- ok maybe 2- 80s prom dresses in shiny turquoise.



This dress has everything I love about the style and the era in one great frock. It was a savemart special from the last few years- and has served me well at more than one dress up party now. Last worn at a Nerd Prom Party thrown at my old house a few years back.

It is quite simple in it's design overall- but has a few features that really give it a point of difference. Strapless and slightly ruffled on the bodice has always made me think of old school elaborate theatre curtains. You know the ones.


I also really like that the lower half of the dress has a flower petal quality. The inner layer is a straight down pencil shape that has an outer layer that almost creates a train on the back. It is a fantastic design that I would love to replicate into another outfit someday.

Blue Flamingos

This dress is one of those great ones that will really take you anywhere. It would look as at home on the beach as it does in the office or even at a wedding I have worn it all of these places and haven't felt out of place (no more than usual anyway) at any of them.



It originally came from The Aotea Markets. One of the best things about buying from there was that you were often buying from the designer direct. I personally think that you can feel more of the love in outfits that way. But maybe that's just me.

I bought this dress when I was a bit bigger than I am currently. It is one of those reasonably forgiving ones that can be worn over about 3 dress sizes without looking too out of place.

It is a simple halter neck in a lycra mix fabric. The main point of difference with the style is the asymmetric (from back to front) hemline. I am glad the designer went this way as I think it makes the most of the beautiful print on the fabric.


The colour scheme in the print has always really appealed to me. I love that combo of pale mint green, turquoise and electric blue with a black background. AND it has flamingos! Always been a sucker for them...

A Little Bit Country- A Little Bit Rock 'n' Roll

Today's outfit was completely worked around the shoes. They were a trademe purchase from the last month or so- but had not fit them into an outfit until today! To be perfectly honest- I didn't really think this outfit was working when I left the house this morning. I couldn't quite tie it all together. I went through 3 different top options before I gave up and went for a plain singlet!

The skirt is form the K Rd Op Shop. Not the rainbow one- the other one. Next to Iko Iko. I famously went in there one time while I was waiting for a pizza next door and came home with 2 new dresses.... I swear I shouldn't be let out on my own sometimes.

This skirt was bought to wear with my crinoline petticoats I seem to have accumulated in recent months. I like that it conjures up images of a rockabilly hoedown with lots of hay bales or Ellie May Clampett when she is forced to dress like a girl. (maybe that's just me). That and I'm a sucker for gingham and the colour turquoise. Check and check!


The shoes finally had their turn at being worn out. I bought them under the assumption that they went with a lot of outfits I already own- but I did have a little bit of trouble fitting them in today. I will blame morning brain rather than not enough turquoise in the wardroom I think.

I decided to go for the trusty ol' red hair flower- and as an afterthought matched it with a red cardi.

Even though I didn't think the outfit worked- I had 3 strangers come up to me in the street to say they liked my "look"- and was even stopped to have a photo take for Auckland Street Style. (new fashion blog about town)

2 times the options

I will refrain from saying what a beautiful day it is today. That isn't to say it hasn't been another great one- but I have spent most of it in an air conditioned office so don't really feel like I got to enjoy it!




Today's dress hails from the depths of an op shop somewhere in Tauranga in the last 9 years or so. This was THE staple Summer frock for 2001-2005. I have replaced the zip twice now to keep it humming along.


The fabric is patterned with something between circles and flowers. That kind of "abstract but still hippie" thing that was often achieved in the 70's.




I loved this dress so much in fact- that fate led me to it's Autumnal counterpart. The exact same frock in shades of orange and brown. Those of you that have had experience trawling through op shops and vintage stores will understand that the likely hood of finding your favourite vintage garment in your size but another colour is pretty slim. Damn near impossible for the most part. I actually squealed out loud when I found it on the rack. You could not wipe the grin off my face for days afterwards!





I have actually managed to be on the lucky side of such a phenomenon on a few occasions now. there was even one instance where I found an already purchased turquoise sparkly coat dress. I had received so many comments on the one I had- I bought it again!




To this day I can't really explain the logic behind that way of thinking. Seemed like the right thing to do at the time though. One day I guess I will find the right person to pass it on to- or the right fancy dress party to be a tag team...




So in the vein of wardroom doppelgangers- here is my pretty sparkly turquoise coat dress. (I won't bother picturing it twice as they are quite literally identical) I love that it can be worn as a coat OR a dress. Always nice to have options!

To Tide You Over

Before anyone thinks it- I wish to point out I do realise I am dressed kinda Christmassy again today. It wasn't intentional but I am rolling with it anyway. December 09 (all 3 days of it so far!) is shaping up to be hot, wet and still soo muggy. It seemed like a good idea to wear something light today so I pulled out this red, green and turquoise number to fit the bill.

This dress was bought at a Grey Lynn fest sometime in the last 4 years. Much like "Big Day Out's" I find it hard to distinguish Grey Lynn Festivals from one year from another. They definitely tend to blend into one big festival after you've been to more than 2 of them. So for that reason- I can't pinpoint the exact festival that this dress came into my life- but I get the feeling that you probably don't really care too much.


I love the colour combination in this dress. Red and turquoise together has always tickled my fancy- so throwing green in there for good measure is a guaranteed win in my mind.


I have matched the dress with a belt, bag (not picture here sadly) and shoes in turquoise to pick up the contrast. The shoes were purchased from the "Paper Bag Princess" on K Rd about 6 months ago. You can't go wrong with shiny turquoise peep toes with bows on the top! I bought them in the middle of a particularly manic shoe buying phase in my life. It may have only lasted a few weeks- but I managed to clock up about 9 pairs in this time. (None of them cost me more than $30.00 I might add....) I bought 3 pairs the same time I bought these ones. It was a good day...



This evening I have attempted to have 3 days (and nights) worth of what to wear mares in one go. I fly to Wellington tomorrow night to help make NZ Roller Derby History with our first EVER inter league bout. I am super excited- but also a little stressed at the limited amount of space I have in my bag that isn't taken up with my uniform. I've never been very good at pre-picking outfits like this. I don't like having to make that decision before you know how you're going to be feeling on the day. I have crammed as much as I can into my tiny little turquoise suitcase- so hopefully have given myself a little bit of a buffer. This weekend seems to be largely red and black themed. It is our team colours after all. I am nothing if not incredibly committed to colour themes!

I have also tried to leave enough room in my bag for at least one new dress from Spacesuit. I am even already mentally calculating how many clothes I can wear at once at once on the plane if it means that I can get them home again. I may look like I am impersonating the Michelin Man- but it could still be worth it.

I don't imagine there will be the chance for individual posts over the next few days- but boy will there be one helluva catch up when I get back! My skating uniform itself almost deserves a whole post of it's own. It's been very hard to not talk about it and give away the surprise...