Timberland

Timberland boots- thanks to Natureshop

It is Winter here in Oz and boy is it a cold one here in Melbourne! It doesn't snow here, but regardless these Timberland snow boots from Natureshop are just the thing.  Made of beautiful leather and suede, and lined with cosy fleece, they really are a wonderful Winter boot- snow or no snow.

Speaking of snow, my mind takes me back to a visit to Cradle Mountain in Tassie a couple of Winters ago.  A most beautiful walk around Dove Lake, knee deep in snow, left my toes freezing and my jeans and hiking boots absolutely saturated.  I then attempted to dry my boots by the fireplace and melted them-oops!  So as you can well imagine THESE waterproof boots would have been the perfect choice to keep my feet warm AND dry!!  Now I really do feel like I need to head off to Mt Buller or Falls Creek so I can traipse around in the snow and feel a bit smug about my cosy feet : )

This winter boot features plenty of eco-conscious materials.  The fleece lining is made of 30% recycled plastic bottles (the mind boggles- it really doesn't feel like plastic bottles at all), and the rubber outer sole is made from 42% receycled rubber- perfect for maxiumum traction.


On another note, there is still time to enter my giveaway!
CLICK HERE to enter.

p.s. Did you notice I now have a dot com!! My own domain- very exciting : )

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Patagonia on the Razorback

Now see that mountain in the background, over my left shoulder, covered in cloud, waaaaay into the distance...THAT was our destination!!

Federation Hut in the distance.

 At the summit of Mt Feathertop, Victoria -HOORAY!!

My Patagonia's in action!

Tee- Zara

Jeans- Dotti
Sunnies- Sportsgirl

Jumper- Kathmandu
Deus cap- Glue Store

Patagoina Drifter AC-Gortex  c/o Natureshop

I have something a bit different to share with you today.  A couple of weeks ago my husband and I had a mini getaway to the Victorian Highcountry, we stayed in Bright for a couple of nights and on the middle day did THE MOST AMAZING bushwalk.  It was actually recommended to me by a friend and is one of the top Australian bushwalks.

What is this walk you say? It's called the Razorback and it takes you from Mt Hotham to the summit of Mt Feathertop, the second highest mountain in Victoria, Australia.  With a detour to Federation Hut we estimate we walked about 25km that day (7 hours), the track was often steep and rocky and I can tell you by the last 5km we were seriously trudging.  But the scenery- WOW- I have never done a walk with such consistently spectacular views, and the wild flowers put on an amazing show for us.

So the Razorback was where I decided to try out my brand new Patagonia hiking shoes from Natureshop.  Probably a bit dumb of me to break them in on a 25km round trip but I had absolutely no dramas and in fact found them to be a fabulous hiking shoe.  They are incredibly cushioned and supportive, thanks to an air cushion system designed to absorb shock.  The Patagoina Drifter AC-Gortex shoe has a waterproof yet breathable air mesh and a nubuck leather upper, keeping my feet cool and comfortable. The outsole, made of 30% recycled rubber was soooo grippy, a must on this walk!

My ankles were feeling a bit tired and sore by the end of the walk, so my recommendation if you are planning to hike these sorts of distances on a steep and rocky track, a boot with ankle support would be the way to go instead.

Size wise, in high heels I am normally a size 37, for these I picked a size 38 to give my tootsies a little extra space which worked our perfectly.

I would love to hear from you if you know of any other amazing Australian bushwalks!

    

Icebreaker

Roma Dress c/o Natureshop

Gretta heels - Steve Madden

Sunnies- Sportsgirl

Ooh la la Reims Quilted Shoulder bag - available at Myer

I wore this Roma dress by Icebreaker on a hot sunny day in Melbourne and the superfine merino wool fabric is so lovely and soft, and kept me cool and comfortable.  Next stop was the over air-conditioned coolness of the cinema and this dress kept me beautifully warm and cosy.  

I love the crossover design, adjustable waist and the elbow length sleeves which make this dress perfect for work or play.  Dress it up with heels or dress is down with flat sandals or a cute ankle boot.  As soon as the tempature drops I'll be adding a scarf and a trench for the perfect mid-season look.  The A-line skirt sits beautifully, not clingy in the slightest and if you have been following this blog long enough you know I get pretty darn excited about a dress with pockets! 

The fact that this dress regulates temperature, is highly breathable, machine washable, doesn't crease, annnnnd doesn't hold odour makes it a great travel piece.  The positives are endless- I know this dress will be perfect on my upcoming travels to Japan!!

If you like the Roma dress, be sure to also check out the Villa dress and the rest of the Natureshop travel range.  Don't forget that Natureshop offer FREE delivery and returns, with a  whopping 365 day returns policy, they are also carbon neutral and are committed to growing their charitable donations program in addition to supporting a number of charities.

See my previous reviews for Natureshop HERE and HERE.

p.s. Be sure to join NatureShop on FACEBOOK for a chance to win every month.

What to wear on a long-haul flight

Tee- Ojay

Jeans- Dotti

Boots- Aldo

Scarf- Witchery

Icebreaker Bliss Wrap c/o NatureShop

Holiday time = travel!

We've all got the outfits planned for the destination, but what to wear for the hours stuck in that airplane seat getting there...

The balance of comfort and style is such a tricky one!

BUT I have found a the perfect piece...

the Icebreaker Bliss Wrap from NatureShop.  

This is a high quality garment that looks beautiful on, and looking a little smart is no doubt the key to score an upgrade.  Being 100% lightweight merino wool this wrap doesn't crease, is highly breathable, regulates temperature annnnd doesn't smell- a bonus if you are going to be wearing this for a solid 24 hours (or more).   I have other pieces from the Icebreaker range (see my review HERE), as do friends of mine and the word is you can wear them solidly for a month and STILL no smell- it's seriously impressive stuff. 

This wrap is so warm, cosy and comfortable.  It has a front button and a sash allowing it to be worn open, buttoned or tied.  These THREE ways, as seen on me above, enable it to move easily from a cosy blanket for the flight to a really lovely piece that is perfect to continue wearing throughout your travels.  I might add it has handy big pockets too.

So what about the rest of the outfit you say... here are my tips to be jet-set ready:

• Jeggings or leggings to maintain the comfort factor, stretchy and nonrestrictive is the idea.
• Add a singlet and oversize cotton tee (layers to take on and off will give you more options).
• Wear a scarf instead of jewellery to add a bit of interest to your look without setting of those metal detectors, and a little extra warmth if needed.
• Dark colours probably won't go astray either, just in case you upend your coffee... (or that could just be me, the most clumsy person ever!)
• Comfy flats are key, don't forget your feet might well up a bit (mine do!) so cramming those babies into heels at the end of the flight is never going to work.
• And a cosy pair of socks is nice to have for during the flight (NatureShop have a great range which are of course 100% wool.)
• For the hair, try a messy bun and dry shampoo will be your best friend for a non-greasy do at the end of the trip.
• Don't forget the sunnies to hide those tired travel eyes!

I should add that the NatureShop are proud to be carbon neutral and they have FREE delivery and returns, plus a whopping 365 day return policy.  NatureShop are also committed to growing their charitable donations program and support a number of charities.

Be sure to join NatureShop on FACEBOOK for a chance to win every month.

p.s. All pics by me at Melbourne Airport.

Why not join me on FACEBOOK .

Would soooo love to see you there!

Icebreaker clothing review

hmmmm, yes that is my butt!

Wearing Icebreaker GT200 Pace Legging and Icebreaker GT200 Pace Zip C/O Nature Shop

Seriously cool biodegradable packaging- I might frame this : )

A few weeks ago I got a lovely package in the mail from the Nature Shop who have asked me to review their Icebreaker gear and share the pros and cons.  Now this gear is pure New Zealand Merino wool with 3% Lycra- I was a little skeptical about the woollen exercise gear situation and the price tag to be honest, but folks I am seriously impressed.  The fit is perfect, exceptional quality and the top even has those little holes for your thumbs to go through!

I've been wearing this gear for my daily bicycle commute to and from work, and in this FROSTY Melbourne weather I've found it really comfy and very warm! Plus it's happy to be thrown in the washing machine over and over and still looks brand new. 

When my work mates saw me arrive at work in this gear for the first time I had exclamations from 5 colleagues about how they loved their own Icebreaker gear! One fellow had even worn his for a whole month and it still wasn't smelly- not that I recommend putting that to the test but impressive none the less.

Nature Shop are an environmentally responsible online retailer and offer all Australian customers an impressive risk free shopping experience with free tracked shipping (3 - 5 days), free return shipping and a 365 day money back guarantee!  No cons today- It seems I am an Icebreaker convert.

x

Michelle

p.s. A big thanks to my sister for taking my pics on this chilly 4'C morning.
p.p.s. I fell on my butt after jumping off that rock- idddiot!!

p.p.s. I was not paid for this review.