The RSPCA - find your best accessory (and friend) for life!

Adopting a pet from the RSPCA or local animal shelter is more fashionable than Blake Lively (if that's possible!) and is the IT thing to be doing. However, rather than this just being a seasonal 'love' that is discarded after a few wears, this is a trend that we all need to keep going for a very long time!

Celebs are always keen to get onboard with charities close to their hearts, with Drew Barrymore, Oprah and Jen Aniston all welcoming pound puppies into their homes and giving them the love that dogs crave. Hopefully this will encourage the masses to do the same, rather than purchasing their animals from pet shops, where it is more than likely they have come from an unregulated puppy factory, where mums and pups are kept in pretty appalling conditions :(

Jen Aniston with her bestie - 13 year old adopted dog, Norman

Sleuth decided to jump on the bandwagon, and headed out to Yagoona RSPCA to see what pet adoption was all about. Due to over-crowding in their facilities, the RSPCA is currently offering ALL animals at 50% off their original price. Most dogs are originally around the $300 mark, and most cats around $160. There were also 'pocket pets' such as guinea pigs and rabbits for around $40 each. It's pretty heartbreaking walking along and seeing all those little faces peering out at you, wondering if you're going to be their new parent. 
While it may seem a bargain to get a new dog for only $150, Shopistas must remember that there will be further bills for the rest of the animal's life, so if you're not willing to part with some of your heel money, then you may be better off just window shopping with someone who will be able to commit. 
It's also not just money that needs to be considered. Animals are very needy beings, they love lots of attention and exercise. If you work non-stop, are never home or don't think you want something depending on you, again....pet adoption may not be up your alley. And always remember, if you are considering giving a pet as a gift, ensure that the receiver shares your passion for getting an animal. Unwanted pet presents are a huge problem for shelters and are easily avoided by ensuring the pet is wanted in the first place. 


Having said that, a pet companion is a wonderful thing and brings much joy and happiness, especially when you can give it a fabulous life it would otherwise not have had! 
What makes adopting a pet such an amazing experience? While your new Miu Miu's make your feet and wardrobe look fabulous, your pet will be there with you once your wardrobe doors close for the night and it's time to curl up on the sofa with a glass of merlot, prime time telly and the unconditional love of your new best friend.
As well as the RSPCA, Monika's Doggie Rescue also helps pups find new parents to love and care for them. Doggie Rescue has a 'no kill' policy, which means that dogs are rescued from death row at the pound and cared for at the facilities. This results in a lot of money being needed to help keep them running, so click HERE for further info about Doggie Rescue adoption and donations. 


To celebrate a successful trip to the RSPCA (wait to see Sleuth's surprise below!!), scroll down to see some of the happy little souls that are currently waiting to find a new family to love, and of course, some fab (pet) fashion as well....


Happy Shopping! x

Below - Oprah, Drew and Lauren Conrad are some of the fab celebs that have adopted their pups from the pound....

Meet some of Sleuth's fab friends currently at the RSPCA....

SCOOBY

Scooby is a five year old boy who is an excitable & charming Labrador. Scooby loves meal time and is prone to also loving treats, so to keep him in trim shape he'll need lots of exercise and lots of love. Normally $300, Scooby's love and affection is now just $150. For more info VIEW HERE

Scooby will need a collar to accentuate his lovely golden tan and make him feel a bit like king of the roost with this lovely Bentley collar, from AUD $40 - BUY HERE

Love By Moschino's Structured Bag is the perfect Shopista accompaniment to Scooby's beautiful golden locks AUD $301 - BUY HERE

ZALI

Zali is a fun-loving 2 year 7 month old Staffy cross. Zali is an active little girl, looking for lots of love and a new family who will shower her with attention and keep up with her playful nature! Normally $300, Zali can be your mate for life for just $150. For more info VIEW HERE

Zali will strut her stuff in this Trendy Paws pink diamante collar AUD $20 - BUY HERE

Pop out for milk with Zali and this bubbleicious Yves Saint Laurent patent zip wallet USD $380 - BUY HERE

CHARLIE

Charlie is a spunky 1 year 3 month old Beagle cross, who is craving love and affection from a new home. Charlie is a sociable fellow and loves making friends, so if you already have a dog at home, Charlie would be more than happy to meet him and see if they can be buds for life. Normally $300, Charlie is now $150. To get further info on Charlie VIEW HERE

Charlie will love a bit of dashing plaid to go back with his lovely coat from AUD $16.50 - BUY HERE

Wear this classic Burberry trench while walking Charlie and look quite the pair! USD $1,095 - BUY HERE

HARRY

Meet 'Harry', a 13 month old marmalade Prince who is looking for lots of cuddles, love and a friend for life. Harry is normally $160 but reduced to $80. For more info VIEW HERE

Harry will love chasing these faux fishies around at meal time! AUD $33 - BUY HERE

Unleash your inner flame with Karen Walker's 'Patsy' sunglasses AUD $178.40 - BUY HERE

MARGE

Don't let Marge's retro name fool you, she is full of spunk and looking for a loving place to call her new home. Originally $160, this ball of fluff and cuddles is now just $80. For further info VIEW HERE 

Marge will love to snuggle up on this Eskimo Cuddler (when she's not snuggling with you that is!)   AUD $49 - BUY HERE

Marge's beautiful white fur will look very glam having diamonds run through it. If Cartier isn't quite in your budget, try Secrets' Metro Style Dress Ring for your dose of real-looking bling AUD $520 - BUY HERE 

SMOKEY

Smokey is a very inquisitive little bunny, eager to make new friends, and steal your carrots! Smokey is looking for some loving friends, and is now $20 in the RSPCA half price drive. For further info VIEW HERE

Smokey will love chasing this snack ball around his abode! AUD $9.90 - BUY HERE

Get your own carrot fix with Yes To Carrots organics face care range, priced from AUD $4.95 - BUY HERE

So who did Sleuth go home with?

BUDDY!

Buddy is a 12 month old staffy cross with a bubbly personality, lots of energy and eyes that will melt your heart!

AND TO CELEBRATE BUDDY'S ARRIVAL?

FOR SLEUTH - 

Yummy yum yum yum AUD $95 - BUY HERE

FOR BUDDY - 

Being man of the house sometimes requires manly things, like drinking beer. Lucky for Buddy, a dog beer has been created minus some of the ingredients (alcohol!) found in his best mate's version. AUD $5.50 for 375ml bottle - BUY HERE

The wedding invite has arrived - but what to wear??

With the wedding of the century now done and dusted, the fun really begins analysing who wore what, and how well they wore it. Sleuth was glued to the telly to see not only THE DRESS, but the attire that over 1800 guests arrived in, resulting in a melting pot of not only high-designer fashion, but some fashion-crime moments that sometimes only the Royals can achieve (raise your hands Beatrice & Eugenie....)

When it comes to being a wedding guest, it can often be a little daunting to decide what to wear to ensure you are dressed appropriately for the occasion, and also feel confidant in your outfit to ensure a good time throughout the event.

The dress code for a wedding should be clearly stipulated by the bride & groom so that their guests know what is expected, although at every wedding there always seems to be a ‘what were they thinking’ guest or two (denim is included in this category!)
So Sleuth has put below a run-down of wedding-wear protocol to guide Shopistas to the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of wedding guest garb, along with fabulous outfits to make an entrance in (but don't forget the golden rule - never aim to outshine the bride!)


Happy Shopping! x

The White Tie Wedding – the crème de la crème of wedding attire, white tie can often be the most fun, and also the most stressful for guests. Short dresses have no business here, with ladies expected to be in ball gowns worthy of a Cinderella moment. So frock up and have fun with it - just preferably don't wear white as you may find yourself being mistaken for the bride by tipsy relatives.....

This gown is a moment in itself, designed by homegrown fashion queen Rachel Gilbert US $1,820 from net-a-porter - BUY HERE 

Heels with a bit of sparkle will add some splash to your formal look, 'Queen' AUD $109.95 by MOLLINI - BUY HERE

Shimmer & shine with this lovely diamante-encrusted box clutch by Olga & Berg AUD $189 - BUY HERE

House of Harlow 1960 drop earrings AUD $17.30 - BUY HERE

Juliet & Company Lumiere Stretch Ring AUD $41.60 - BUY HERE

The Black Tie Wedding - Not as formal as white tie, black tie is a common dress code for weddings, with brides & grooms asking their guests to frock up and put in some effort for their special day, but not look like they should arrive in a horse & carriage. Traditionally black tie still implies a floor-length dress, but depending on the style of dress, many shorter versions are still suitable. 

Leopard is the colour of the season, so crack out this Calvin Klein number to celebrate, paired back with gorgeous bling accessories US $111.30 - BUY HERE

Nine West's 'Julius' heels will help you make a noble statement AUD $149 - BUY HERE

Bling with a difference - Rachel Leigh's Singita Drop Earrings AUD $118 - BUY HERE

ASOS Roaring Tiger Metal Ring - bling for a bargain! AUD $3.61 - BUY HERE 

Dress like the Queen of New York with Tory Burch's Metallic Logo Clutch AUD $322 - BUY HERE

The Cocktail Wedding - A fun spin on the traditional reception, cocktail often implies canapes and drinks rather than a sit-down dinner. Regardless of proceedings, if an invitation invites guests to dress 'cocktail', this doesn't instantly read as 'slutty nightclub'. Once again, the fact it's a wedding must be observed, so leave the crotch-skimming minis at home and opt for either a shorter (read - appropriate) or maxi length dress and heels. 

BCBGMAXAZRIA'S one-shoulder taffeta mini dress is a perfect cocktail concoction AUD $384.68 - BUY HERE

Jimmy Choo's Crown Glitter-Covered & Metallic Leather Pumps - the name pretty much sums up the extravagance of these lovelies! AUD $671.70 - BUY HERE

Simply stunning studs by Belle Noel AUD $24.75 - BUY HERE

Dare to be different and add a splash of Alexander McQueen colour to your couture look AUD $459 - BUY HERE

No cocktail ensemble is complete without a fancy knuckle-duster, and this Cognac Cocktail Ring by Sassi Jewels helps us understand where the term 'cocktail ring' came from, and will look perfect perched against a frosted Martini glass AUD $69.95 - BUY HERE

The Garden Wedding - is often held in the afternoon, and a lovely setting for gorgeous garden attire. Unless otherwise stipulated, garden weddings are often cocktail with a twist. Dresses of respectable length, heels and jewellery are all necessary, and just because it's outdoors doesn't mean that guests shouldn't frock up. If in doubt, confirm with the bride who should guide you on her expectations of guest attire, and have fun with one of Sleuth's favourite fashion settings!

Whimsical garden nymph, Sleuth is fantasising about FLEUR WOOD'S Ali Dress dress paired back with vintage-style jewels, clutch and heels, very Picnic At Hanging Rock, and oh-so-divine! $395 - BUY HERE

Mushroom & grey, a gorgeous colour palette for an afternoon garden setting. OLGA BERG $119 - BUY HERE

Feeling very La Dolce Vita with Samantha Will's gorgeous retro earrings  $245 - BUY HERE

Capping off the vintage feel with patent heels from STEVE MADDEN and a gorgeous toe polish $159 - BUY HERE

The Beach Wedding - Aaah cocktails by the sea & saying vows to the sounds of waves lapping on the shore...dream wedding really! If you've been invited to a beach wedding... firstly, lucky you! And secondly, enjoy the fun of dressing down-yet-up. This means that while you may even be barefoot, there is still an expectation of what you wear as a guest on the big day. What the designer's love to call 'resort-wear', bejewelled kaftans, lovely large changelier earrings and sparkly flats are all ingredients in a successful beach wedding outfit....and of course, a fabulous toe and nail polish to finish off the tropical vibe!

Byron-based designer Phyllis Boho's Carmen Beach Kaftan with its glorious mix of print and sparkle is perfect for seaside nuptials $199 -  BUY HERE

A perfect coral infusion with Kenneth Jay Lane's Three Drop Earrings $79.30 - BUY HERE

Wear your tropical feeling on your wrist, adding glitz to your beach look with this gorgeous coral cuff AUD $157 - BUY HERE

The perfect mix of beach & chic with Michael by Michael Kors' Rattan & Leather Box Clutch USD $170 - BUY HERE

Sleuth already has a pair of these gorgeous Seahorse Sandals by River Island on express order from ASOS. What's better than the AUD $54 price tag? Free International shipping - Shopista bliss! BUY HERE 

Go troppo with OPI's 'Koala Bear-y' polish $19.95

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