I really, really hate poor customer service. If I'm wandering into your store, figuring I can afford to drop a few hundy on your gear, the least you can do is help me spend it, right?

Apparently not.

I wandered down to my local Country Road this arvo, looking for a pair of t-bar heels I'd seen in the catalogue that arrived at my house on Monday. Yeah, it's a chain store, so no, I don't expect premium service, but I did (still do) expect a little more than what I got. After checking out the shoe section, and not seeing any in the color I was after (or in my size) I picked up a pair and took them to the counter to ask if they had what I wanted. Cue grouchy saleswoman demanding to know what I want, then taking her sweet ass time trying to find a pair on the shelf I told her I'd just checked: "I don't understand. There were some here yesterday."

Yes, and someone probably bought them. That's the whole point, correct?

Me: "Will you be getting some more in?"
Grouch: "I don't know..."
(period of awkward silence)
Grouch: "Maybe I can check for you."
Me: "Thankyou."
(taps on computer)
Grouch: "No, we don't have any."
Me, thinking we'd already established this: "Yes, but will you have more delivered?"
Grouch: "The computer says yes. So we must be getting some..."
Me: "Any idea when I should pop back in?"
Grouch: "eh..." (shrugs)

So, I kept my four hundred bucks in my pocket today.

Label: Juliette Hogan

New Zealand is pretty much part of Australia, right? I mean, we basked in the glory of Phar Lap and collectively wished Russell Crowe back from whence he came (ok, some of us did) - the point is, we've got a long history of 'sharing-is-caring' with our friends across the Tasman, and Juliette Hogan's stuff is well worth sharing.

Clean lines marry well with feminine shapes in Hogan's S/S 08/09 collection, As you were. It's a classic/contemporary mashup, genuis in its simplicity -a formula that allows the peices to be trans-seasonal without being boring. The dresses in particular are divine...get on board, kids x

Coming up...

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week is just around the corner, Sept 1-7. Officially launches Aug 5th, get on it! xx

"Showcasing some of Melbourne's key designers, the Official Evening Parades at the Melbourne Town Hall are just some of the highlights of the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week program. Official Parades are held at 6.30pm and 8.30pm each night."

Hit List: JULY

I've recently re-ignited my passion for running and nothing (besides making others jealous of my buff - hey, I'm only human) motivates me more get off my arse than looking cute while pounding the pavement. This month's Hit List, therefore, centres around all things sweaty - enjoy! xx

Top: L-R Bonds Platinum crop & short, American Apparel unisex running shorts and grey marle bodysuit.
Bottom: L-R Life WITH Bird l/sleeve tee, Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate runners, Adidas wristbands, Apple ipod.

TREND: Back In Black

Life WITH Bird, courtesy Vogue Australia

It might be because I'm Melbourne born and bred, or (more likely) that I am not quite of model-esque proportions and as a color (okay, shade) it's pretty damn flattering, but black will always hold a very special place in my heart. Having been kicked to the curb for most of the summer in favour of tan, grey and white, black is back, baby - and it's hot as hell.

Forget the traditionally conservative tag, 'cause this season's incarnation sees black vamp it up in wet-look fabrics, figure-hugging shapes and razor sharp tailoring, oozing some serious sex appeal. Yum.

Sass & Bide Vie/Camilla & Marc, courtesy Vogue Australia