Review: World Map Watch

Photo from Product Page


Travel the world and the seven seas.
Everybody’s looking for something

- Eurythmics, Sweet Dreams -

I featured this world map watch on my own blog back in April, when it first arrived. Since then, I've worn it a few times and have received many a compliment on its unique design. The stock photo is quite true to the real deal, the print on the watch face itself is slightly blurrier and the strap feels flimsier than the photo would suggest.





My own photos

The one fault is in the quality of the strap. I noticed a little loose thread a few days ago, which I pulled gently and it seems to have split the side of the strap a little. With time, the strap will definitely fall apart, although I can always replace it.

I don't think the strap is a deal breaker though considering it only cost me a few dollars and the weight of the watch face makes up for it. I'm really keen to try out more watches from AliExpress now.


Ratings

Product Quality: 4/5
Accuracy of Description: 5/5
Similarity to Original: 3/5 I can't tell if it's just a coincidence that it looks very similar to the Around the World watch from Urban Outfitters


Contributor: Rachel, @RachelElsewhere

Online Shopping Gems: The Hot Air Balloon Collection



I'll be out of my mind, and you'll be out of ideas pretty soon,
so let's spend the afternoon in a cold hot air balloon.
- Owl City, Hot Air Balloon -

Ever noticed how clothes seem to bear many of the same motifs? I find it a weird trend, like who sits down and decides which little doodle drawing we'll be sporting next? We've seen it with cats, with owls, with all sorts of other animals. Whilst browsing AliExpress, I discovered that apparently hot air balloons are a thing. I'm assuming they're only online because I don't think I've ever seen a hot air ballon pattern in stores here. 

Do you think the hot air balloon motif will catch on? Kate does.



Thirty-Four Dollars and Sixty-Four Cents

A Summer outfit for under $50. Join in on Polyvore!


Thirty-Four Dollars and Sixty-Four Cents



Contributor: Rachel, @RachelElsewhere

DIY: Detachable Collar

Can also be used to dress up your pup, which is a bonus.
If, like me and my dad, this is your favourite ever moment from The Big Bang Theory, then have I got the project for you!

 I mentioned that I wanted to give making a detachable collar a go, but I'd gotten rid of a blouse that was an excellent candidate. Thankfully, I was idling through a box of old clothes and I found this excellent shirt that I bought from Supre about three years ago.


The problem with this shirt is that it looks a bit like the 70s threw up on it. It's a bit too bright and bold for me to wear without feeling like I'm in a costume. The fit is also a bit unflattering. However, I do like the print in small doses, so it's perfect for this project!

There are two types of detachable collars, and the first step is working out which of these you prefer, and which your shirt suits best:

By Miu Miu
By Carven
The shirt I'm using is chiffon polyester, so it's too light to be made into a bib (it wouldn't sit properly, unless I strengthened it). So I'm gonna take the easy route and turn it into a simple collar. I have a couple of collar tips that I'll add, to give it some extra flare.

The process is very simple, and can really be summed up in a couple of photos

Just cut the two collar segments off, exactly like this. 
I decided to add  couple of collar tips, using a hammer to lightly tap them closed.

Totally convincing! 
So easy!

Here are some links to sites with more comprehensive guides:
http://www.rookiemag.com/2011/10/diy-collars-marlena/
http://emilyjane.typepad.com/my-blog/2014/02/diy-detachable-collar.html
http://runwaydiy.com/2011/02/24/diy-miu-miu-collar/


Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Forty Dollars.

Another Under $50 Challenge entry by Kate! Head over to Polyvore to have a go yourself, and join in the fun.

Forty Dollars.



Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Fool's Gold : Crazy Sexy Cool Beanie



Cos I'm looking like class,
and he's looking like trash.
- TLC, No Scrubs -

My friends showed me the Mombasa Rose version of this beanie a few days ago and I knew I'd be able to track the exact same hat down for less than $20. It only took a moment for me to creep online and discover one for just $10! I didn't imagine I'd also find a store selling one for nearly $50. Can you imagine spending that much money on a beanie? That is so unpretty.

I can't guarantee they're all the exact same hat, but I'd say considering that 99% of the world is made in China these days, it's pretty safe to assume so. The other perk? Ali Express has free shipping, the other two don't. As if you needed any more convincing. 

Just don't go chasing waterfalls in this, because I'm not sure how waterproof it'll be. 



Fool's Gold : Crazy Sexy Cool Beanie



Contributor: Rachel, @RachelElsewhere

Forty-Eight Dollars and Sixty-Seven Cents

Absolootely dares you to put together an outfit for under $50 (US)! With online shopping, the possibilities are practically endless! This just proves you don't need to blow the budget to look stylish and cool.

Here's Rachel's 2nd submission:

Forty-Eight Dollars and Sixty-Seven Cents



Contributor: Rachel, @RachelElsewhere

Forty-Nine Dollars and Seventy-Two Cents.

Absolootely dares you to put together an outfit for under $50 (US)! With online shopping, the possibilities are practically endless! This just proves you don't need to blow the budget to look stylish and cool.


Here's Rachel's submission:


$49.72



Contributor: Rachel, @RachelElsewhere

Forty-Seven Dollars and Seventy Cents.

Absolootely dares you to put together an outfit for under $50 (US)! Seriously, this is so much fun, and you'll actually be amazed how far you can stretch fiddy bucks.

Here's my (Kate here) submission:

Forty-Seven Dollars and Seventy Cents.




Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield