Aussie Curves: Knits for Melbourne

A few weeks ago I made a quick weekend trip to Melbourne. The main reason for the trip was a private family matter but it also worked out well for a few of my Sydney girls to make it that weekend.
So it really did turn into a little mini-reunion for my college sisters and I.
 The weather was sooooo cold. I really struggled with it. I just wanted to shut down and lie in bed.
But it's nothing a lil midnight-hot soup in Chinatown-couldn't fix. We only had two short days with months to catch up on, so I just had to soldier on.

Of course the cold Melbourne weather insisted that I packed only my warmest clothes and even though I layered and added more layers, I still found myself shivering. After day 1 I refused to be as cold the next day so I wore my thermal ski jacket that I found in Sydney at a Salvos store. It looks like something they would wear at Kodiak Valley (Hot Tub Time Machine) and that is not a bad thing for me! It was only $4 and I was instantly drawn to it because of the bold pattern and colour. The shiny army green material is not something I usually like but the pattern was just too good to give up.

My lovely friends xo ILYG

Thermal Ski Jumper Thrifted / Tights Kmart / Shoes Converse / Glasses Equip


The thermal underlay is covered with a woollen knit and it really did stay true to its word as it kept me warm and happy. My cupboard is full of lovely knits that I have picked up from second hand shops. The quality is superior and I often find hand knitted jumpers that have never been worn. I found a lovely oversized black one during the last school holidays with a silver glitter in the wool. I haven't had a chance to wear it yet but I just love how they trap the heat.

To my US readers who are gearing up for the colder weather: What are your favourite knits and how do you wear them? Excited to see what our other Aussie Curves ladies put together this week.


Big Love,


Falala Mele xo

BNNM: How to buy a pre-loved present

Hello lovely ones,

One of the biggest challenges when participating in the BNNM is trying to stick to it when other things pop up. Birthdays usually mean the purchase of a gift for a friend. You couldn't possible give your friend something second hand. That would be tacky. They wouldn't like it right?

Wrong.

Yeah yeah yeah....it's the thought that counts blah blah blah. But seriously buying a good present is a skill. You have to think about the person, their interests, what they have, what they don't have, what they like and of course the budget.

On my last birthday I received perhaps the BEST present I have ever gotten. My friend Moala sent a big box with me as I made the move to Mildura and I waited to open it when I got into my new house. With each item I picked out of the box I thought "Yes! You know what I like!".

I think if someone gets you something that let's you know that they know what you like, then your job is done.

Wrapped beautifully in some newspaper ;)

Instead of buying tissue paper she wrapped it in this beautiful scarf.

Loads of gems inside. This vintage buckle bag, AMAZING glasses and one of the many fab pieces I got.

Moala works at a radio station in Sydney so she gave me some CDs she scored from work. YAY country music ;)

Five gifts that won't break the bank but still mean a lot

1. Photos of special moments. Many people take loads of photos but hardly anyone ever prints them off. I usually go to my local opshop and find a beautiful frame and fill it with a special memory.
2. Cook breakfast, lunch or dinner. You have to eat right? Why not spoil them with something you made.
3. I personally love letters. I cherish all my 3 shoeboxes full of high school moments and memories on each page of scribbled handwriting. The conversation was riveting. Who loved who, who wore what, who kissed who. But that was our youth. We were still innocent, calling our friends houses for a three way chat and collecting tazos. We were still listening to Rick Dees and recording our favourite songs onto tapes. Now days kids get texts and pictures. Just not the same. Write a letter to your friend and fill it with special moments or special nothings that will one day mean something as they open it up 10 years later. I scanned all my old letters I got from my BFF and made a photo collage for her birthday. She loved it!

4.Vintage bags. While some people get all freaky when it comes to second hand things, most people cannot turn down a beautiful vintage bag. There is usually 1 or 2 quality bags when I visit a second hand store and prices start from around $5

5. Pick some flowers. It's spring. Go for a walk and pick some. My Mum has been filling our house with loads of flowers from her morning walks. She put some in my room when I went home for the holidays and it was so nice. Get an old glass jar and tie and ribbon around it. People love flowers.

What about blokes? Wash their car. It's a nice gesture and it leaves them with one less thing to do.

Big Love,

Falala Mele

Buy Nothing New Month is back!

Hello lovely ones, How are you all? I'm sooooo excited (even though I am a little late) to announce that Buy Nothing New Month is back HERE . Ever since I took up the pledge last year I can gladly say that those habits I formed within the last October, have stuck with me throughout the entire year.

 My wardrobe is now 90% chock a block with thrifted/opshop one-of-a-kind pieces and I just can't stop encouraging others to do the same. On my trip to New York and Vegas in July, nearly all of my pieces were sourced from second hand stores and I even managed to shop in some over there ;)

 I take extra care to turn off all the lights, recycle and I always think before I spend my hard earned money. I save for things I need because I really hate unnecessary bills. Even though these are simple things that we all should already do; the truth is that most of us don't and being mindful of my purchases helped me to unconsciously be mindful in other daily tasks.

 So I know you think a whole month (well it's less now) feels like an almost impossible task to buy nothing new, but in reality it really is only a few days. Just do it! Be responsible and accountable for your finances. Put your credit cards aside or better yet cut them up and if you really need it you can get another one.

 Buy nothing new.

 Buy what you NEED.

 Buy local.

 Buy smart.

 If you are currently buying nothing new please let me know. 

I would love to share your experiences and or blog posts on here.

Big Love,

Falala Mele