Year 12 Formal Attire

Typically a year 12 formal is known for the long, elegant and elaborate gowns purchased from the most exclusive and expensive stores in Sydney; just to name a few - Alex Perry, Alexander Wang, Carla Zampatti, Sass and Bide, Lover and Sherri Hill and not to mention the expensive heels too.

As I have two formals, currently doing the HSC and not working, spending large amounts of money isnt on my mind and for two formals I wanted to budget, yet look amazing (hopefully).

Formal number 1:

For the first formal, I ditched the long gown for something I know I can wear everyday for any purpose. I orginally found a knee length Ted Baker Dress in a cream colour called 'Bridie Sculpted Pleated' - it was so soft, amazing and elegant and very tight fitting - perfect for formal events and work functions. At David Jones it was price $300 - however I found it online on a UK website called 'db3' (including shipping) for $150! AMAZING

However at the end of the day I wanted to purchase something I could re wear and I found a lovely floral and navy canvas structured playsuit from Ginger & Smart. At David Jones it was priced $256, I found it online at The Iconic for $150 but purchased it with a coupon code coming to a total of $200 with express shipping.

Hair & Make up

To get your make up done by an artist at MAC & Chanel costs between $95-100

I didnt want to spend that much on my face and also because I own alot of make up in general and didnt want $100 worth more.

So instead I booked my Make up to be done by trainees training at the Australasian College Broadway which only use MAC and Ben NYE make up for FREE!!! They also do formal hair styles for $15.

Check out there service price list its very cheap and looks great (I will do a blog entry on my experience there very soon).

For the second formal I will purchase make up I actually need from 'Shu Uemura' on an online website for half price under the cost of $100 from 'The beautyBar'.

Zara Skorts & Nick-Nacks

Zara Styled Skorts

The Zara Skort is a MUST HAVE! Retailed instore, Zara is selling it for around $50 and the similar styled skorts can reach up to $80. I would never pay that kind of money for a simple skort, even if it is a current fashion trend. As usual I was dying to buy one so I did some research; I discovered similar styled skorts for $60-80 in boutiques I follow on Instagram such as Mura Boutique & Beginners Boutique. 

On EBAY I found the Zara Skort for $4.99 (+ shipping) total $10.99

Postives:

• Cheap
• 2 week delivery time frame
• Very friendly staff who assisted me in the process (I ordered 2 got only received 1)
• Perfect white colour
• True to photos

Negatives:

• XS is very large on me

I am very sad I will not be able to wear my new purchase so I will be selling it or when I receive the second skort get it altered.

New Skort & Soon to have Nars

Another Ebay purchase

My Iphone 4 camera quality is terrible: so grainy and doesnt focus, so I decided to buy a little camera lens attachment. It cost $6 in total off Ebay and is made and process in China. This little lens set is a Wide/Macro together in one and I'm able to change between each lens and fits over my Iphone lens via a magnet. I have not tested it out on a sunset or landscape view however the quality of my photos with this little attachment from my balcony view is noticeably different and 10x better! 

Benefits: Tiny size, Useful & Cheap.

Current & Past Favorites

Love This Look ~ Grey City Day

This styled look I have done reminds me of Dull cloudy day in the city. When its cold outside and there is a possible chance of rain, I still want to look fashionable & stay warm. The clothing I have chosen are a combination high end and low end prices, allowing everyone to enjoy this look themselves. Alternative choices/brands are included: Jacket: Burberry OR APC Long sleeve: Top Shop OR Target (very easy to chop&cut) Jeans: One Teaspoon OR Second hand Vinnies pair (DIY- cut, chop or distress) Flats: Ruby shoes OR Markets. 

Year 10 2011 Formal

My very first formal consisted of: a spray tan, make up, a professional hair style, shoes, pre's, after's and ofcourse the DRESS. The most challenging task of a Year 10 formal is making sure NO ONE has your dress, that's the number one rule! Today I still have a passion for Zimmermann clothing and I now refuse to buy any other bikini set but theirs! (except if its a brand that no one has, like my new NLP Bikini top in pink with a front zip made from neoprene fabric - however they are growing fast so alot of girls will  now have them). 

Zimmermann dresses are generally pure silk so they are very pricey however, I never spent full price on anything & this was my very first designer clothing that was more than half price. Zimmermann have an outlet store in Alexandria Sydney, where i found the most amazing dress. This silk one shouldered drape dress in coal colour was priced at over $400 in store but as it was 'last season' it was reduced down to $150. The first one i saw was originally navy blue size 2 (sadly not my size & i was devastated), the sale girl said they had a coal one in size 0, I wasnt to keen on it when she said it, but the minute it came out I was in LOVE.

For girls that want a designer dress but don't want to pay full price; find their outlet stores, you could be very surprised on what you find!!

Shoes from Style Tread as they always have sales and lots of coupon codes. Bright blue phone wallet from Sportsgirl $7. Hair style: Fish Tail $30 Joh Bailey. Make up: Mac products

A Dream & Style

My Dream Life in Japan 

What my life will consist of whilst working in Japan on the business side of Fashion.

On The Go Style

The 'On The Go' look I  have styled is designed for a woman whose in a hurry and needs to look casual yet sophisticated. This look consisted of items I personally own and are affordable.  Glasson's cord jeans, One Teaspoon chunky knit and Jeffrey Campbell flats, coupled with a petit sized navy Longchamp and Golden Ray Ban Aviators.

Little Fact: Its cheaper to buy Longchamp from Duty Free or Overseas Eg. Paris (where mine was purchased)

Everyday high & low end designer wear

Montana's 'Everyday' Style



This look is based on my everyday wear and how I try to copy designer clothing styles but at half the price.

I personally designed this look for a casual occasion, for being both comfy and stylish; featuring Glasson's cord jeans, Ray Bans and a White knit jumper from the markets and paired with a cute pair of Jeffrey Campbell flats.

Fun Fact: Glebe markets has some great deals & Etsy online
For cheap Jeffrey Campbells: Ebay, Pop up stores & Nasty Gal

Everyday high & low end designer wear by montyferris featuring long sleeve sweaters



Singapore Shenanigans

Another item ticked off the Want List!

Recently I have embraced my cultural background of Thai and I have come to the realisation that I really loved being Asian. 

Asian girls dress so girlie and cute on a daily basis and I'm really fond of that style at the moment. A popular tread at the moment is the 'Overall' look also known as dungarees. I've searched high and low for a fab pair of little overall shorts in cord fabric but so far no luck! the only pair I have found have been from General Pants $80 :(

Somehow I came across a brand based in Singapore called Mischief http://mischief.com.sg/ 

I just found a store that caters for my needs, wants and body shape! This store is amazing, the average price ranges from $25-45 however if you buy three items each item can go down to $19! and shipping is only 30% of the total price! 

SO I found short dungarees in cord fabric for only $25!!! instead of purchasing right there and then, I did shop around on the site. I came across the most cutest little dress that I KNEW I could wear daily. The 'School Girl Dungaree Light Wash' is a Montana dress written all over it; its cute, short and overall style. It stated sold out so I thought why not email the woman? and she told me they had one more left which I could purchase and I did :)

 After 2 weeks of waiting it finally arrived. It was a standard package nothing special about it no wrapping just placed in a clear bag inside. The material was spot on and all the button and zips were amazing quality. The size fitted perfectly and overall I was a very very happy shopper! 

White long sleeve allows you to wear the dress during winter!

Paired with Ray Ban Aviators (first real pair) & Jelly shoes from Lipstick

Savvy & Not So Savvy Shoe Shopping

Top 3 Shoe Purchases

1. Christian Louboutin - Lace Peep Toe Platform Pump (Similar to mine however they no longer stock mine) 
http://www.polyvore.com/christian_louboutin_lace_peep-toe_platform/thing?id=37530717
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Christian-Louboutin-Lace-Peep-Toe-Platform-Pump-Pumps/prod128330053/

These pumps are amazing! Im able to walk and run for hours in these. If you ever have a spare $1000 on you, these are the shoes to buy and invest in! No regrets. 

2. Diana Ferrari - Harmonic Bootie
http://www.theiconic.com.au/Harmonica-102316.html

This Year: $159.95 howver was purchased for $120 due to COUPON CODES. Simple classic bootie perfect for winter weather! 

3. My all time Fav are my Jeffrey Campbell Black Leather Rumble Boots

$175 From Tuchuzy Store Bondi Beach http://www.tuchuzy.com/

Brought nearly 2 years ago, still in immaculate condition, & its only been recently others have purchased this shoe, feels good knowing you had 2 years before the rest ;) ! 

If your ever looking for new heels at a cheaper price or even second hand heels Ebay is the best and so is Amazon
http://fashion.ebay.com.au/gallery/brand/christian-louboutin
http://www.amazon.com/