Another Christmas day contender by Ella

This one's perfect for the girl whose sick of seeing red and green on every street corner. Would also be lovely on a New Years Eve night out.

Still not sure what to wear on Christmas day?

How about this amazing red dress by Ella? It's so sweet. And kind of Christmassy. But in a good way. Not in a flashing-tree-earrings from the $2 shop vain. We love it.

More Christmas pressie ideas

It can be tricky buying clothes as Christmas gifts. Unless it's a gift for oneself, of course. But perhaps a Dot and Herbey fan in your life is dying for a new summer blouse. One she can wear throughout the summer, that will look gorgeous on a range of body types and transition into autumn when worn with a cardi or cute jacket?

This true Dot and Herbey classic is going fast. So pop in soon if you don't want to miss out.

Bonnie and Neil

Bonnie and Neil is a Melbourne based design studio that creates amazingly gorgeous homewares that I know would make fabulous gifts. In truth, however, I'd much rather keep them for my selfish self.

Especially the hand screen printed cushions. Would look so lovely relaxing on my couch.

The forest

Once upon a time I was quite The Cure fan. I listened to their song The Forest over and over and over again. It was so atmospheric. Kind of eerie. And I just loved it when the video clip was shown on Rage at 3.33am on a Saturday morning.

Sure, I still like The Cure. But now that I am old, my passion for popular music has sadly waned and these days, I can't say I identify strongly with Robert Smith's androgynous outsider ways. But I do love this forest dress. In fact, I am quite passionate about it. I hear it's voice. Calling my name. The sound is deep. In the dark...

News from the Pussycat Black Christmas catalogue

Is there anything worse then being stuck in the Bourke St mall during a mad last-minute Christmas shopping rush? Every year, do you say, 'never again' and promise to be more organised?

We have some super cute Christmas pressie ideas. These Map29 bags, for instance, are so authentic copyright permission from Melways is required to produce them. And you definitely won't find them in Myer.

More from Jolet

This week it's all about Jolet. And while this outfit is minimalist, it's anything but boring. Jolet at her very best. Again.

Throw on. Walk out the door.

There are a number of reasons I love dresses. But I especially adore the entire outfit in one sitting aspect. And they're much easier to pull off than a jumpsuit. Thank Jolet for this easy to wear minimalist number.

A week in Jolet

I went to Highpoint yesterday. And yes, I witnessed a plethora of fashion crimes. Denim cut-offs so short that knickers were hanging out. Pink Barbie tees on women above the age of twelve. Tan-o-rexics so orange they radiated vitamin C. Why oh why do these women not follow Jolet's example?

I hate to sound like a fashion snob, but honestly, isn't this outfit a tad more sexy, if that's what you're going for? I'd like to think so.

What's the date again?

I never know what the date is. It doesn't matter how many times I check the newspaper, I forget instantly. Which is perhaps why I am so enamored with these calendar tea towels. Cute and practical. The perfect gift for oneself, or a friend.

Not sure what to get me for Christmas?

These arrived in store last week and we are officially in love. Handmade by Kim Wallace, I would be more than happy if someone gave me one of these for Christmas. Hint. Hint.

The prettiest tea towels I ever did see...

Are these too pretty to dry dishes with? Probably. Display them in your kitchen instead. Hanging on a vintage towel rack perhaps? Or as a wall hanging. It's up to you. We dare you to stop at one.

Chambray brilliance

Is there anyone out there who doesn't covet a beautifully cut chambray dress to wear during a glorious spring day. Or to cheer one up when things are not so wonderful?

We think not because this Dot and Herby frock is selling out fast! Get in quick if it's on your Christmas wish list.

I can't help it. I love owls

So owls have been going strong for a couple of seasons now. But I can't help it. I still love them. My Betty Jo owl clock from PCB. My Lea Stein owl brooch from ebay. My owl handbag from Hong Kong. And now, this glorious owl tunic that's in store right now. Talk about irresistible.

Playing Beattie Bow

Did anyone else spend their childhood obsessed with the novel Playing Beatie Bow? How I wished that I could travel through time! Now, my dreams are much more obtainable. First up, I'd love someone to buy me this adorable tunic by Beattie. So if anyone's wondering what to buy me for Christmas...

Work it

Workers. That's us. I mean, it takes work to look this good doesn't it?

Spring time rebel

As much as I love a Spring-time frock, there are times when I pine for trousers. Especially these Spire ones by Jolet who also make the cami. Great when the thought of seeing another Spring racing dress makes you go a little cross-eyed.

Neater dress in chambray

Oh my God. How much did I love wearing chambray shirts with brown brogues back in the 80s? While that look may be very Aggy Deyn, I am updating with this chambray dress by Dot and Herbey. Much more stylish, me thinks.

Embessie dress in black dobbie silk

What can we say? It's black. It's silk. It's 100% flattering. It's Dot and Herbey, of course.

This week we celebrate Dot and Herbey

Just in case you hadn't noticed, Dot and Herbey are one of our absolute favourite designers at Pussycat Black. As her gorgeous new Spring/Summer range has just arrived in store, we thought me might spend the week showcasing some of this season's highlights.

First up is the Marianne blouse in ink cotton voile. Perfect for this crazy spring weather that isn't quite hot or cold. Irresistible.

High tea secret messenger skirt and cape top

Dear Mrs Woo,

Thank you for making this lovely skirt and top. I just love the way they look together, but knowing I can wear them separately makes me feel like I have a more expansive wardrobe than I actually do. Please let me know when you are available to take high tea with me. I will make scones and jam.

Best wishes,

Pussycat Black

Have you spotted a zebra crossing?

Just two weeks ago a zebra escaped from a South African estate, where he lived a vagabond existence, and ran rampant through the streets of Johannesburg. Everyone thought it was very funny when asked, 'Have you spotted a zebra crossing?' The police eventually chased Stripey down and remarked on his frisky demeanor.

Okay, so this hand painted rust striped silk tunic is not very zebra-like, but who doesn't love a bit of stripe action? When you wear it people will surely say, 'Have you spotted a gorgeous woman in stunning silk stripes?'

Intimacy

In an era of self-help and talk shows, we all know that intimacy is important. Intimacy is about being close to your partner, being able to let your guard down. Being connected.

I'm no Oprah Winfrey, but I do know one thing: I really want to get intimate with this dress. I mean, I can see why Kuwaii calls it the 'intimacy' dress. Who wouldn't want to feel this sand-washed silk frock against her skin? Wear this and you'll never feel lonely/disconnected/unstylish ever again.

In store now.

I dream of Edie

I had a dream that one day I would find a stylish cotton dress. A transitional piece to get me through Spring, then Summer, even Autumn. A frock designed to give my body shape, but with modesty. Something with a bit of colour, but not garish.

I dreamed of Edie.

By Preap and Coutts. Only available at our city store.

Dreaming bears

I had the strangest dream last night. I was running with bears. Then I woke up and put on my lovely wool hoodie and noticed this bear head detailing on the toggles.

Spooky.

Lovely bones

I don't know about you, but this 'Bones' dress by Serpent and the Swan makes me want to run barefoot through the woods, my hair glamorously tousled as my trusty pet wolf, Accalia, leads me to a sumptuous feast of woodfire stew and berries.

Besides, I love the skeleton hand button detail and drop waist pleat. Don't you?

Fashion rules that really should be broken

There was a time that horizontal stripes really scared me. I thought they would make me look short and fat. Then I discovered something. It's not true! Well, sometimes it might be, but get the cut right and a stripe dress can be super cute. Like this hand-painted strip number by Milk from a Thistle. Try it on and be pleasantly surprised.

What you got cookin'?

Some body cleansing, absolutely delectable vegetarian goodness? For breakfast, lunch and dinner? This lovely little book has it all. Including it's own special storage pouch. Yes please!

A worthy investment

Homewares are so much fun to buy. They always fit. You can experiment with sizes, shapes and colors minus the risk of looking inappropriate/tragic. And they provide you with something pretty to look at when you're feeling a little down in the dumps. We love these Samantha Robinson ceramics. Gorgeous!

A new dress is the best medicine

Yes! You can wear this now. With tights and a jacket. No need to wait for Spring weather to ditch the winter clothes you are no doubt utterly SICK AND TIRED OF WEARING every SINGLE DAY even though it is the middle of September.

Ah. Feels good to get that off my chest...

Bring on the dancing horses

Sometimes, when I'm feeling all nostalgic or a little bit soppy I listen to the Pretty in Pink soundtrack and it takes me back to a time when life was simpler, when VWs were lolly pink and boys did Otis Redding tributes in record shops that sold VINYL because there was no such thing as an iPod.

The dancing horses track is, admittedly, one of the weaker on the album, but I still love those stallions. Especially on a dress. And don't you think it would be kind of cute to wear this to the races? We do.

Spring has sprung - new stock in store now!!

We have some exciting news at Pussycat Black. First of all, Spring is finally here and we have some gorgeous new stock coming through this month.

Also, PCB is proud to announce the opening of her sister store opposite the Vic Market at 105 Therry St Melbourne 3000.

Opening hours, 10 till 5:

Tuesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Pop in this Friday for our grand opening!

Black cardi alert!

Is there a woman alive who doesn't need a black cardi? We love this one.

Who doesn't love a winter sale?

Q: What do Kuwaii, Dot and Herbey and Ella have in common?

A: Not only are they all fabulous, locally produced labels that we at PCB covet and adore. They are also very purse-friendly thanks to our current sale. For a short time only. Don't miss out!

Granny squares: a celebration

Granny squares are adorable. They make gorgeous blankets.

Amusing knitwear.

Scary swimmers.

And one of the cutest necklaces I have ever seen.

By Victoria Mason. In store now.

I don't want to look like an aging rocker

Once I tried on a faux leather vest at Dotti. I am still scarred by the image that confronted me in the mirror. A far cry from chic, I looked like an aging rocker with a penchant for biker bars and bourbon. From that moment on, I realised I am not the type who can easily pull of leather. But now that Emma the Shoemaker has released this leather jewelry, I'm thinking I might try again. This time with accessories. Can't you picture this piece adding an edge to jeans, or even funking up a sweet floral dress? I can.

Bag Lady

Is it possible to have too many bags? Not in my opinion. Especially not now that these adorable Kingfisher bags have arrived in store. Perfect for a night out when you don't want to lag half your house around with you.

In my dreams

This picture is so me. All you have to do is replace the stilettos with moccasins and the lovely top with my 20 year old polar fleece. Thankfully this divine Satu outfit is on sale right now. See you there.

On sale!

Who doesn't love a sale to brighten up the winter blues? Some of our fave labels including a great selection of Manque, Jolet and Kuwaii have been marked down. There's still plenty of cold weather left, so now is the perfect time to add some excitement to your winter wardrobe.

Washing day revisited

We have this classic Victoria Mason washing day necklace back in stock. Such a great way to inspire one to sort through the dirty clothes basket. Or at least look cute.