Pussycat Black

Lucky

2012-02-02T19:27:00.002+11:00

Not to brag or anything, but sometimes I just get lucky. Like today when I found out that this super cute frock is on sale and available not only in black, but white as well.

With Autumn just around the corner (sort of), I think this will be a fabulous transition piece with a few layers. Don't you agree?

Happy new year

2012-01-16T19:24:00.003+11:00

Happy new year everyone!

We're celebrating the beginning of 2012 with a bargaintastic sale. Reductions on Livia Arena, Ella, Kuwaii, Jolet and more. It's a great time to stock up your summer wardrobe or find some transitional pieces that will take you into autumn.

Besides, who doesn't love a good sale?

Happy Christmas from Pussycat Black

2011-12-23T10:19:00.003+11:00

Pussycat Black would love to say a very happy Christmas and new year to all our wonderful customers.

2011 has been a tough year for so many of us, but it has been heartwarming to see so many people making the effort to shop local and support small neighborhood business and Australian made fashion and design.

We have lots of beautiful new stock coming in 2012 so watch this space and pop in and visit us in the new year!

Peekaboo

2011-12-21T09:40:00.002+11:00

Someone recently told me not to play peekaboo with my child as her son's obsession with the game encouraged him to hide among the racks of cheap polyester clothing in K-Mart.

Oh the humanity. If my boy hides within clothing racks it will be behind something stylish like this Manque Peekaboo dress. Don't you just love it?

Five days 'til Christmas. Argh!

2011-12-20T12:27:00.000+11:00

Do you still have Christmas shopping to do?

Well, you can't beat jewelry. And who wouldn't love this Deidre ring/earring set?

Sunday morning designs

2011-12-19T12:30:00.000+11:00

Even though the shops are dripping with kids pressies at this time of the year, it's not always easy to find something that is actually useful and won't end up in the 'bored' pile in two seconds.

We love these kids tees by Sunday morning designs. There are heaps of different designs available and stuff for grown ups too.

Just gorgeous.

Thank goodness for fashion

2011-12-18T12:21:00.002+11:00

Once you discover that Santa Claus is a fictional creation manipulated by the Coca Cola company to move merchandise Christmas inevitably loses some of its magic.

Thank goodness for fashion!

These whimsical Miss Plonk frocks allow you to play dress-ups, look lovely and feel kind of special no matter how jaded by the harsh realities of every day life you may be.

A great one to wear on Christmas day.

Not just for nanas

2011-12-16T20:36:00.000+11:00

I never used to understand why people gave tea towels as gifts. My grandmother had such a collection her drawers were overflowing.

These days I get it. Especially when they are printed on the best Russian Linen with the word 'Melbourne' proudly emblazoned.

Yes. You can get Sydney ones too. But we don't sell them.

Gift inspiration

2011-12-15T20:29:00.000+11:00

The very talented Samantha Robinson is officially my present fall back lady. So if you're stuck for Christmas gift ideas, these pretty pieces of porcelain always go down well.

I personally would love a moss green tea cup for my morning cup of jo. Just in case you were wondering...

Party season separates

2011-12-14T20:19:00.000+11:00

There's nothing more important than looking great for party season.

So that may be a slight exaggeration. But hey - these tops by Pussycat Black favourite Milk from a Thistle will cheer up even the most jaded Christmas cynic. The cloud tank, in particular, is totally storm-a-licious.

She's back

2011-12-13T08:42:00.003+11:00

Remember this outfit? Well, we had it in store a few months ago and it completely sold out. But because this top was so popular High Tea with Mrs Woo have made some more just for us.

There are only a couple left, so if you are regretting the fact that you didn't buy up first time around - hurry!

Christmas countdown

2011-12-12T20:12:00.002+11:00

Can you believe Christmas is a mere 12 days away?

These Est soaps would have to be some of the best in the world and come beautifully wrapped in brown paper and red linen string. Our personal favourites include lemon lime and poppyseed, cinnamon orange spice and pink clay and geranium.

Gift one, keep one. Well, that's my philosophy anyways...

Blood from an orange

2011-12-07T13:14:00.002+11:00

It's official. Blood orange is my new favourite colour. And how beautiful is it on this Manque slouch tee? So comfy for hot summer days.

Martha Goes Green calendar 2012

2011-12-04T19:32:00.005+11:00

If you loved the delicious Martha Goes Green cook book, then this seasonal recipe calendar is for you (or a lucky Christmas present recipient!).

Using seasonal ingredients is so much yummier than buying mushy apples in the middle of summer, don't you agree? And it's always a great feeling to know you are buying fresh locally produced ingredients.

Everything we stock here at Pussycat Black is from Australia and New Zealand, with most of our stock made right her in Melbourne. As much as we love online shopping bargains, there's nothing like knowing that your Christmas gifts are supporting local designers and small businesses.

So be sure to pop into our stores for some ethically produced goodies and treats for yourself, of course!

In between days

2011-12-02T09:01:00.003+11:00

In between dressing is no easy feat. Is it hot? Cold? Gosh, I don't know. I'll just wear my jeans! Again.

These Aung dresses are the perfect compromise. Throw on a pair of tights and it's just like wearing a comfy t-shirt, only infinitely more stylish. And yes, you could wear them with jeans if you really wanted to...

Beattie's shop

2011-11-22T14:45:00.002+11:00

This is a picture of Beattie Lasner's beautiful Sydney shop. It totally makes me want to jump on a plane right now, but thankfully you can buy pieces from her summer collection right here at our Pussycat Black Brunswick and city stores.

A couple of her dresses are currently decorating our city store windows so be sure to stop by for some sartorial summer inspiration.

The light on the hill

2011-11-21T10:47:00.002+11:00

It's a sad truth that Labor's light on the hill has pretty much fizzled out.

Thank Goodness for Viktoria & Wood's. Their new 'white light' summer collection is shining bright as can be. Who wouldn't want to get their hands on this millie vest, for example? Luckily it's in store now and just the thing to jazz up those summer basics. Don't you agree?

Some Christmas shopping

2011-11-18T09:22:00.005+11:00

This year I am not going to leave ALL my Christmas shopping to one mad rush on Dec 24. No. I'm officially starting this weekend with some gorgeous new pieces by Samantha Robinson.

Wouldn't you love to receive one of these as a gift? I would, in case you were wondering.

New label Aung in store now

2011-11-16T20:10:00.003+11:00

You know summer is just around the corner when the Vic Market night market starts up in the lead up to Christmas. Yikes!

But more good news: our city store will also be open Wednesday nights from 6-9pm during the night market period.

These beautiful frocks are by Sydney label, Aung, and are just the thing for shopping the market in a stylish manner, don't you think?

Aspirational

2011-11-07T18:52:00.006+11:00

At the risk of sounding a little Jennifer Jason Leigh, aka Single White Female, I really want to be this lady. She just looks so, well, happy.

I'm hoping it's just the frock that's cheered her up. Because while I can't be her, I can get myself one of those. In store now.

Thank God I'm so good looking

2011-11-04T10:01:00.003+11:00

Argh! I am getting divorced after 72 days of marriage and am too traumatized to attend a Melbourne racing event in spite of being paid $150,000 just to show up!

Thank God I look so damn stylish in this easy breezy shirt dress. I mean, if I were ugly or something, I'd be like, so over, right?

Pink linen, 'aint she pretty

2011-10-25T12:15:00.005+11:00

Did you hear John Waters is in town? Yes, I know it is a bit of a stretch to connect this Dot and Herbey pink linen with brilliant cult classic, Pink Flamingos, but poetic license and all that.

I can't exactly see Divine wearing either of these pieces to be honest (they are nowhere near trashy enough!) - but I can picture them on myself, no problems. And that's what counts, right?

Cloudy days

2011-10-25T11:44:00.003+11:00

Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change...

There's nothing you can do about the cloudy skies that are an inevitable part of Melbourne life. But who knew they could be so pretty?

If you like these - hurry!

2011-10-19T09:10:00.002+11:00

If you think these digital print dresses are as amazing as we do - make sure you come and see us quick smart! They almost sold out in one weekend, but we have a few left.

Can you believe they're chiffon?

Dot and Herbey blouse

2011-10-13T18:52:00.002+11:00

So we conclude Dot and Herbey week with a sweet red blouse with pintucks and an easy breezy style. I hear next week's going to be hot, so stock up and enjoy.

Happy weekend everyone.

Nothing like linen

2011-10-12T14:45:00.001+11:00

When it comes to fabric, there really is nothing like linen. And when it's in the form of an a-line, pea green skirt. Well. It's hard to say no, really.

Dot and Herbey week

2011-10-11T09:34:00.003+11:00

It's Dot and Herbey week here at Pussycat Black and first up we have this season's Gidget dress. The Gidget is, of course, a Dot and Herbey classic and this polka dot version is a definite favorite of ours.

So cute for spring/ summer but, with a bit of clever layering, you could even wear it today!

Sexy in a good way

2011-10-06T08:42:00.003+11:00

If you've been the the Royal Melbourne Show this year you would have noticed gaggles of teenage girls wandering about in denim hotpants and loads of eyeliner. And perhaps you would have seen the scary carnies checking them out. MTV has a lot to answer for, that's all I'm saying.

Thank goodness it's still possible to do sexy in a classic, totally non-raunch culture way. Just pop on this beautiful dress and you're good to go.

Intuition

2011-10-04T16:14:00.002+11:00

Miss Wee says she's never been a big jewelry wearer. Ha! Could have fooled me. I think she knows exactly what jewelry fanatics, such as myself, want to wear on a daily basis.

Maybe she has psychic powers...

Or just good taste.

An easy outfit

2011-09-26T14:37:00.004+10:00

An easy peasy outfit you can take out all day long. We have the pants in black. And we can attest, they go with pretty much everything.

Independence day

2011-09-26T14:28:00.004+10:00

Hello. My name is Mrs Mary Mac. It's true, I am a soft collared garment, but I have a voice of my own. I am also fiercely independent. No need to accessorize with me. No Sirree. Put me on and you're good to go.

As they like to say in fashion, I 'pop'.

Last night I had a dream

2011-09-21T11:26:00.000+10:00

Last night I had a dream. That one day, I would find the perfect outfit to wear out and about on sunny days. That I would be comfortable and stylish, not at all sweaty and smelly.

Today, that dream came true. My faith in fashion has been restored.

Au naturel

2011-09-20T11:18:00.002+10:00

Maybe it's an age thing, but I have become completely obsessed with natural fibers. In fact, the thought of wearing a piece of polyester from Supre makes me simultaneously break out in a rash and a cold sweat. Silk and linen on the other hand - so beautiful.

This swing top is a lovely cool silk and the necklace is porcelain. And wait until you see our next post - an amazing linen maxi skirt. Watch this space.

Yes, this halter is reversible

2011-09-13T10:39:00.002+10:00

If there's one thing I love, besides great design of course, is value for money. So the fact that this gorgeous halter top is reversible is especially good news. And the fact that it's going to be 24 degrees on Saturday is even better because, yay, I can wear it all weekend long!

New Milk from a Thistle in store now

2011-09-12T14:00:00.004+10:00

If anyone's been watching the US version of Project Runway, you'll know that Anya knows her way around a good print. And speaking of good prints, how much do you love this avary pattern frock by Milk From A Thistle? So gorgeous for Spring.

The world needs more shirt wearers

2011-09-06T11:05:00.003+10:00

Yes. It's true. There is a lot wrong with this world. Including the fact that people simply do now wear enough shirts. And what could be more lovely than a bright silk button-up? Casual or dressed-up. It's up to you.

In my book, a top like this beats a long-sleeved tee hands down.

A leather bag

2011-09-05T13:09:00.003+10:00

You know, watching The Real Housewives of Beverley Hills has really put me off that tanned leathery look that is then smoothed out with some kind of facial stretching technique. And don't get me started on those enlarged lips.

But this kind of tan leather. Well, it makes sense, doesn't it? When it's actual leather, not human skin. And it's a bag. In such a gorgeous shape and design. Beautiful. Thanks, Tussler.

In black...

2011-08-31T18:39:00.003+10:00

I don't know about you, but I'm thinking about what I'm wearing this coming weekend because it's going to be...SUNNY!

If this spring weather transition is a bit much, how about a sunny day dress in winter black? A perfect compromise, no?

Twentyseven names

2011-08-30T12:09:00.002+10:00

This lovely frock has arrived just in time for spring. We are super excited to have this new label in store and we know you will be too. Perfect to wear now.

In love

2011-08-25T16:13:00.005+10:00

The sun has been shining and even when it isn't these Jen Hall earrings are calling my name. Loudly. My ears are in love.

New Viktoria & Woods in store now

2011-08-23T09:16:00.002+10:00

Is there anything more exciting than the end of a long and dreary Melbourne winter? Not to get ahead of myself, but it's hard not to have hope when new season collections enter the store. Everybody's favorite basic line, Viktoria and Woods, has arrived and it's a beauty. Pop in and take a peek.

PCB in Japanese magazine

2011-08-19T09:34:00.002+10:00

We just love this PCB spread in Japanese magazine. So inspiring.

By Stephanie Winther

2011-08-10T14:38:00.003+10:00

The best cure for the when-will-winter-end blues?

Some beautiful new jewelry of course!

Brunswick store winter hours

2011-08-09T09:27:00.002+10:00

It's cold outside so our little store in Brunswick is having a rest on Mondays and Tuesdays. We are still open Wednesday through to Sunday and the city store hours remain the same.

And don't forget we are on sale! This lovely Manque jacket is reduced, as is selected stock by, Ella, Jolet, Kuwaii and Culdesac.

Bows. Always on my mind.

2011-08-04T16:08:00.004+10:00

Yesterday our neighbor's dog ran away and ended up spending the day at our place. Her name tag told us she Bo Derek. I couldn't work out whether to call her by her full name, or simply Bo. To be honest, I felt a bit silly calling 'Bo Derek' every time I wanted her off the bed.

So it's fair to say I've been thinking a bit about bows lately. And I think these bow blouses are simply delightful. Don't you?

Betty Jo starts tomorrow

2011-08-03T08:49:00.003+10:00

Don't forget, Betty Jo's wonderful Tutti Frutti installation premiers this Thursday August 4 at our city store.

We can't wait and we know you'll love it too!

Betty Jo installation at PCB city store

2011-07-27T11:08:00.001+10:00

We are very excited to invite you to come and see the fabulous Betty Jo installation, 'Tutti Fruitti' at the Pussycat Black city store.

Premiering on Thursday August 4, the installation runs until September 3 and is a Craft Victoria Craft Cubed satellite event.

Tutti Frutti will be a fun combination of fruit and fashion with a nod to the flamboyant and frivolous. So pop in and have a fruity good time!

We're on sale

2011-07-26T13:54:00.002+10:00

If you love Manque, Jolet, D&H, Kuwaii, Viktoria & Woods, you'll be please to know we're on sale!

The sale runs across both stores and you can find selected garments at a bargain price, including this beautiful Nostalgia dress by Jolet.

Enjoy.

Caspian Pony

2011-07-18T11:02:00.005+10:00

I love saying the name of this bag. Caspian Pony. At first I didn't know what it meant, so I went to the holy knowledge shrine of Ms Google and discovered it is a type of small horse breed native to Northern Iran, a breed renowned for its kindness and intelligence.

So if that doesn't convince you to fall in love with this bag, nothing will. Personally, for me it was love at first sight. I just love that buckle and the gorgeous chocolate leather.

Available in our Brunswick store.

The enigma

2011-07-13T18:13:00.002+10:00

Hello everyone. I am a classic black dress, but I am not. Wear me anytime and I will always serve you well. And if you choose to wear me with fuschia tights you will thank me later. Expect compliments.

Happy travelling. I look forward to hearing your tales of adventure and intrigue.

Yours,

The basic dress.

More from Jen Hall

2011-07-13T08:28:00.001+10:00

If, like us, you are a bit in love with Jen Hall's cloud brooches, here are some pretty earrings to brighten your day.

Enjoy!

Every cloud

2011-07-12T10:57:00.002+10:00

Optimistic types like to tell us that no matter how depressing your life may be, every cloud has a silver lining. But if you don't mind me being honest with you, this cloudy Melbourne winter weather is bringing me down. Silver lining? Ha!

I do love these cloud brooches, though. I'm thinking they might help me get my mojo back. Or at least brighten up an outfit. And that's got to count for something, right?

We heart Miss Plonk

2011-07-05T18:38:00.003+10:00

It's no secret that we love Miss Plonk (aka Tessa Moncrieff) here at Pussycat Black. So we were naturally very excited to see her featured in this City Weekly article.

Enjoy!

More from Adriana

2011-06-26T19:48:00.003+10:00

In case you haven't already guessed, we love Adriana Christianson here at Pussycat Black. If you feel the same way, make sure you check out her beautiful blog.

Eye am so dishy

2011-06-22T11:13:00.003+10:00

Eye spy with my little eye something beginning with A. As in, Amazing porcelain pinch pots by Adriana. Each one is individuallydecorated. No production line in sight.

Tasty plates

2011-06-15T12:29:00.003+10:00

I'm so lazy. I'll eat off almost anything so long as it's relatively clean and I never set the table and make it look nice even though I absolutely love it when someone else makes the effort. I blame my children. I'm just too tired and they're so messy.

But now that I've discovered these gorgeous Samantha Robinson tasting plates I'm thinking it might be time to ditch that free duck-print set given to Coles New World customers back in the late 80s. Yes I'm upgrading. And it's about time too. Wish me luck.

It's a wrap

2011-06-12T20:15:00.002+10:00

Every year InStyle and a million other women's magazines put out articles about streamlining your wardrobe by spending more money a range of dubious 'must haves.'

As much as I hate fashion rules, I do love a nice wrap dress and this one ticks all the boxes. Cute, easy and flattering on everyone. Yay!

A lovely new wallet

2011-06-02T09:25:00.002+10:00

A wallet for your new bag, perhaps?

Brown bag

2011-06-01T11:54:00.002+10:00

I dread the day someone calls me an old bag. It hasn't happened yet, but as the years go by, I'm afraid my time will come.

This, however, is a new bag, hand crafted in Melbourne by Tusler. So perhaps you could call me a lovely bag of brown leather?

Or perhaps not...

Aint no ballerina...

2011-05-12T09:19:00.005+10:00

It's true, I'm no ballerina. But I love, love, love this wrap cardi. A girl can only dream, right?

One in every colour, thanks!

2011-05-12T09:14:00.000+10:00

I've always dreamed of walking into a store and saying, 'I'll take one in every colour, thank you very much.' Sadly, I am too poor to make the dream come true. But wouldn't you just love a couple of these Jolet dresses in your wardrobe?

Silver lace

2011-05-05T11:48:00.004+10:00

Is it just me, or is that fact that Kate is wearing her dead mother-in-law's engagement ring a little creepy? Especially as it is basically a marriage-from-hell leftover. These lace beauties, on the other hand, are sweet and delightful. A perfect cold-weather pick-me-up, in fact. Or a lovely mother's day gift?

Time to party

2011-05-02T16:23:00.002+10:00

Okay. I admit it. I can't help but take a peek at Perez Hilton every now and again. So, it is of course not surprising to me that Mr Hilton is quite the Prince Harry fan. Just think of all that loose-lipped party potential! (while conveniently forgetting that Harry once attended a costume party dressed as a Nazi - hmmm...)

Now, if it were me and I was invited to invited to a royal party/wedding, I'd be wearing this lovely contrast loop Kuwaii frock. Only, I'd wear it in black - which is what we have in store anyways - and I'd be the belle of the ball. Don't you think?

A lovely red dress

2011-04-28T07:38:00.001+10:00

When I was a teenager I watched Nosferatu and decided I just had to have a cape. So I went out and found one in a second hand shop in the middle of nowhere and was so pleased with my purchase I just knew I had to wear it time and time again. That is, until I tried it on at home and realised I looked like a stumpy little toadstool. How those blood bitten victims managed to pull of the look I will never know.

Still, I wish I hadn't thrown it away because it was a lovely red colour like the Kuwaii dress pictured here. I could have at least recycled the fabric, no?

Ah regrets...

Easter delights

2011-04-17T08:51:00.000+10:00

A long, long time ago when I was in year 7 my country high school went on school camp to Tasmania. I have very few memories of the adventure, other than sitting in a tour bus for hours on end, being sick on the Able Tasman and watching my frugal friend record every penny spent in a notebook.

But I do remember our visit to the Cadbury Chocolate factory, which was the highlight of the week even though it totally paled in comparison to Gene Wilder's chocolate factory. In fact, it wasn't even up to par with Johnny Depp's inferior impersonation of Willy Wonka. Just think way too many free samples and some serious tour bus sickness.

So maybe it's because it's almost Easter and I have chocolate on the brain, but isn't this amazing Kuwaii top better than any Easter egg? I mean it's colourful and silky and not-at-all vomit inducing. Hooray.

The perfect wardrobe

2011-04-13T08:54:00.002+10:00

This winter I plan to wear lots of shirts layered under dresses. Just like this, in fact.

Dot and Herbey Vivienne dress, in store now.

More from High Tea with Mrs Woo

2011-04-08T13:19:00.001+10:00

A linen jacket for Easter, perhaps?

High tea with Mrs Woo - almost out the door

2011-04-07T15:11:00.003+10:00

It's no wonder everyone wants to take high tea with Mrs Woo. Not only is she fantastic company, if you charm her just enough, you might score one of her most coveted pieces.

Take this dress for example. We only have two left. So hurry. And bake your best scones. Competition is ruthless.

For old time's sake

2011-03-31T13:51:00.003+11:00

It's hard to understand nostalgia until you realise you almost exclusively listen to Gold 104 and get a bit too excited when they play Mike and the Mechanics songs at the gym. And don't get me started on how much black maxi skirts make me feel all fuzzy inside because they remind me of the 90s. A Rachel haircut anyone? Ah, the good old days.

Jolet call this blouse Nostalgia and I must admit, it kind of reminds me of the Autumn of 1995. A time of innocence, when fashion was fashion and men were gentlemen and women were ladies and risotto was the dish of choice...

I could go on, but I'll spare you. For old times sake.

Vava voom

2011-03-30T14:24:00.002+11:00

This here is the Vava dress by Kuwaii. Her new Autumn/Winter collection is amazing. Be sure to pop in and have a peek.

And don't forget - our lovely new city store is now open and includes some exclusive goodies not available in Brunswick. Visit us at 105 Therry St, Melbourne.

Crotchet. Here to stay.

2011-03-26T14:38:00.000+11:00

Regular followers of this blog might remember the crotchet bikini I posted a while back. Others may have erased this image from their mind in a desperate attempt to cleanse their soul of such monstrosity.

Thank goodness Milk from a Thistle have taken the art of crotchet and applied it to silk as a print. Genius.

This weekend I will...

2011-03-21T14:36:00.005+11:00

This weekend I am finally going to organise my wardrobe. Then I am heading down to Pussycat Black to check out these new season Viktoria & Woods knits. Beautiful colors - as always. And perfect now that it's finally getting chilly.

Prettiest cushions ever

2011-03-21T14:27:00.002+11:00

Some might call me a cushionaholic. This is partly because I am not a very good sewer and cushions are the only thing I can whip up that actually look half decent. But it is also because there is nothing like a pretty cushion to brighten up a space. These screen printed lovelies are by Wunderplant. Enjoy.

Blousy in a good way

2011-03-17T09:33:00.004+11:00

I recently watched a 1970s television thriller about Satan disguised as an evil nurse called Bessie. Diana Dors stars as Bessie, an elderly woman whose job involves visiting the homes of sick rich folk to make them miraculously better by stealing their souls. An scary looking witch with a giant wart on her chin, Bessie could be described as kind of blousy.

Why blousy is an insult I will never understand. In my opinion, no wardrobe is complete without a pretty blouse or three and I am embracing this philosophy wholeheartedly at the moment. This Dot and Herbey silk shirt is just one of many reasons why a pretty blouse cannot be beat. Just lovely and not 'blousy' at all.

Horse power

2011-03-15T09:23:00.002+11:00

How I pined for a pony when I was young. Sadly, my dream was never fulfilled which may be why I am still a little obsessed with horse-inspired garments. So you can imagine my excitement when a picture of this t-shirt appeared in my inbox.

Milk from a Thistle have done such a fine job with this silk hand printed tee. So beautiful with a skirt or jeans, I'll be fulfilling my horsie dreams without becoming one of those freaky pony girls who read Ponyclub books and walk around neighing all day.

Red or navy? You be the judge.

2011-03-09T13:28:00.000+11:00

So I've added the navy version of this dress to my wishlist, but now that I see it in red it's a tough decision. Red is always so uplifting on a grey Melbourne day, don't you think? Decisions, decisions...

Things are not always what they seem...

2011-03-08T13:18:00.004+11:00

When I was little my brother came home one day and told me that our grandmother had bought me an exercise book. Naturally, I got all excited thinking that it would be a book telling me all about the exercises we did in Huff n' Puff. To this day I still enjoy a spot of Body Step, but I digress...

My point is, things aren't always what they seem. This lovely silk t-dress by Milk From a Thistle could be mistaken for a long t-shirt, when really it's a beautifully cut frock that could see one all the way through winter when layered correctly. It's also perfect for this strange transeasonal weather that can prove rather tricky, sartorially speaking.

Stripe delight

2011-02-28T14:46:00.005+11:00

Silk, stripes and all things nice. That's what this Milk from a Thistle frock is made of. We'll be layering it up this autumn for cosy cool weather sartorial comfort.

Autumn goodies in store now

2011-02-28T14:04:00.002+11:00

It's no secret that Autumn is by far Melbourne's loveliest season. And for once it's arrived right on time. We can't wait to layer up in gorgeous cosy pieces like this beautiful wool crepe frock from Dot and Herbey. Divine.

Tangerine dream

2011-02-22T13:12:00.002+11:00

It's starting to feel like Easter. Can you please deliver me this dress Easter Bunny? It would make me so happy.

Sunday mornings

2011-02-17T15:08:00.002+11:00

When I first had a baby I was very put out by the fact that I could no longer sleep in on Sundays. What? Baby's don't understand that sensible human beings do NOT arise at 5am on the weekends. Or ever, in fact. Unless, of course, they are planning a trip to the Camberwell market.

But I've since learned to love Sundays again. Even if they do exist sans sleep ins. And it looks like Sunday Morning Designs too get what Sundays are all about. This tee is 100% baby combed cotton. Perfect for weekend picnics in the park don't you think?

Cute critters

2011-02-16T17:40:00.004+11:00

Squirrels and bunnies and whales, oh my. Squirrels and bunnies and whales, oh my.

Doubt Dorothy would have feared these sweet little critters in the forest of talking trees. In fact, she probably would have traded her ruby slippers for an opportunity to don one of these gorgeous little pendants by Klei.

Exclusive to our city store.

Be my valentine

2011-02-11T12:11:00.002+11:00

As Valentine's day approaches, I experience a wave of anxiety over what to get for my husband. Is simply popping down to Safeway and buying a box of chocolates lazy and thoughtless? Is a romantic dinner with two kids running around even possible? A store bought card - cheesy?

Gosh, wouldn't it be easier if I could just buy something for myself? After all, as trainer Bob from the Biggest Loser likes to say, YOU have to come first. So true. Hence, I'll probably have to buy myself a lovely lace pendant by SS. I'll be my own Valentine. Problem solved. May as well throw in one of the rings as well.

Reclaim and recycle

2011-02-08T10:16:00.005+11:00

I recently recycled an old bean can and made it into a vase. How clever am I? OK. Possibly not quite as savvy as the people from Mucke who made these amazing dresses out of reclaimed shirts. Jealous much?

Welcome back

2011-02-07T12:59:00.003+11:00

Welcome back to our PCB blog. To celebrate the end of summer we have up to 40% off selected Maru, Ella, Kuwaii, Jolet, Manque, Fool and more.

Also don't forget to check out our 105 Therry St city store if you haven't already - plenty of bargains to be had both in the city and Brunswick.

You can even find us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Pussycat-Black/347837423658. Friend us today!

Another Christmas day contender by Ella

2010-12-20T19:52:00.000+11:00

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?

2010-12-15T19:49:00.000+11:00

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

2010-12-13T09:47:00.000+11:00

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

2010-12-12T14:08:00.000+11:00

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

2010-12-08T09:44:00.000+11:00

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

2010-12-06T09:38:00.000+11:00

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

2010-12-01T14:24:00.002+11:00

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.

2010-11-30T09:54:00.000+11:00

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

2010-11-29T14:30:00.003+11:00

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?

2010-11-24T14:36:00.000+11:00

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?

2010-11-22T14:26:00.000+11:00

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...

2010-11-17T14:34:00.006+11:00

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

2010-11-17T09:40:00.003+11:00

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

2010-11-10T03:10:00.000+11:00

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

2010-11-08T15:06:00.000+11:00

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...