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Fashion

The “wrong shoe theory” fashion hack you need to know

12th July, 2023

 

There’s a styling trick doing the rounds right now, coined “the wrong shoe theory” by stylist Allison Bornstein and it has gained quite some traction. The theory goes something like this: when it comes to choosing footwear for an outfit, pick the most unexpected shoe option you can. As Allison told Vogue, it’s about wearing a shoe that’s slightly mismatched or ‘off’. This gives an outfit a little extra personality and makes it feel a little more unique to a person’s style.

So, how does this theory work in practice? Well, if you’ve seen some of the outfits that have been trending of late, it’s about taking a look and disrupting it with your choice of footwear. Think a suit worn with a pair of thongs (the dressy kind a la The Row Ginza sandal not the rubber Havaianas variety!) or a pair of shorts worn with slingback heels. Or something like the look below with a tailored trouser and shirt, but worked back with Converse sneakers. Generally you’ll know you’re on the right track when you go against the shoe that is your first instinctual choice – that’s the “right” shoe. The wrong shoe is one that will feel not quite spot on, but that’s the vibe you’re going for. This will force you to go against your outfit instincts but be honest with the result? Does it work? Do you have an outfit that suddenly looks and feels a little more interesting? We so often end up dressing on autopilot a lot of the time, this shoe goes with that dress, that this is a great way to force you out of your comfort zone.

I’ve tried this theory out myself! I wore the above pants which are dressier and tailored and wore them with a chunky sandal rather than say a refined flat or slide, and liked the direction it took the outfit in. It felt a little more fashion foward and not quite so prescriptive. I also do this with my chunky dad sandals a lot — I’ll pair them with a dress or a skirt or even a suit and I find it freshens the outfit up a lot.

So, if you’re feeling a little flat about your wardrobe why not try throwing on the “wrong” shoe? You could just find yourself with just the right outfit.

 

 

Beauty, Fashion

Super quick styling tips to help you out of a fashion rut

8th July, 2023

There’s nothing worse than being faced with a wardrobe full of clothes and feeling like you have absolutely nothing to wear. The answer isn’t jumping online and ordering a new outfit to arrive by lunchtime (although that can sometimes be fun) it’s about learning to accessorise or rework items in your wardrobe to give them a fresh new feel. If this sounds familiar, here are some of my super quick styling tips to help you pull together a “new” outfit quicker than you can click add to cart. Your bank balance will certainly breathe a sigh of relief!

Choose a bold accessory

If my outfit is feeling a bit flat I find a great way to inject a bit more energy into it is by adding a bold accessory. You don’t always have to opt for a bag, you could also try a pair of eye-catching drop earrings or a layering a few necklaces (all faves of mine) to breathe some new like into an outfit you’ve worn time and again.

Roll it, tie it or cuff it

You can totally rejig an existing outfit with a few simple styling tweaks. For a tired pair of jeans try cuffing the bottom and pairing with a pair of bold flats or heels for a look that feels instantly fresher. You could try tying a button down shirt and pairing it with everything from a pair of shorts and skirt for an outfit that takes a classic look and makes it feel a little more undone. Or experiment with rolling your sleeves whether it be on a shirt, a dress or even a jacket to create an entirely new silhouette.

Add a touch of colour

Having fun with colour is one way to make an outfit feel new again. The best bit about this is that you can do it in so many different ways. You could work it into an outfit in a small way such as a pair of shoes in a standout shade. You could go all out and layer multiple hues of the same colour family like this, or choose one ultra bright colour to take centre stage such as the above look and keep the rest of your outfit a little more subdued to really let it pop.

Enlist the help of a scarf

I wrote about how scarves have become a favourite accessory of everyone from celebs to fashion and beauty bloggers late as they’re so versatile. You can fashion it into a headband, tie it around your neck or use it as a hair tie. Find one scarf in a vintage print and you’ll be able to revive many tired looks with it. Alternatively it also serves the extremely handy purpose of hiding dirty hair in a stylish way when you really can’t be bothered to wash it!

Polish your digits

It requires a bit more effort but painting your nails in a really bright colour can often make any outfit feel new. It also has the added benefit of giving you a more polished look overall. Give yourself a mani at the beginning of the week and watch it elevate your outfits for the next few days without you having to do anything at all.

Try a belt

You’ll be surprised at the sartorial power of a belt when it comes to reworking an existing look. An easy one is wearing a belt with an oversized buckle with jeans or a denim skirt for a look that plays into the current 90s trend. You could also try Olivia Palermo’s favourite styling trick of belting a jacket such as a blazer or coat.

What are some of your styling hacks for getting out of a wardrobe rut?

Fashion

Good wardrobe habits to get into

11th June, 2023

Adopting a few good wardrobe habits will make getting dressed every day a whole lot easier

Every woman wants to look polished and put together however let’s be honest, this takes work. I know everyone has such busy schedules so sometimes trying to style the ideal outfit first thing in the morning can be the last thing you want to think about. The ideal outfit won’t just magically put itself together so if you want to save yourself a bit of time and effort there are a few habits you can adopt to make it a whole lot easier to look great each time you walk out the door.

Keep your wardrobe tidy

Having to dig through a disorganised mess to locate just the right t-shirt or the skirt you want to wear makes for a stressful time. So, start tidying up. It sounds simple but making sure to fold and hang clothes in an orderly manner so you know where absolutely everything is will make it much, much easier to pull an outfit together. If you want some hints on how to get started I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite organisation tips here.

Choose a focal point

Centre your outfit around one particular piece. By deciding to choose a central piece then you give yourself a starting point from which to build from. Whether it’s a pair of showstopper shoes or a statement jacket or a particularly gorgeous necklace, each outfit should have a point of difference that makes it stand out.

Choosing one aspect of your look to focus on will help you build a cohesive outfit

Do a final mirror check

It may sound obvious but before you walk out the door quickly check that everything works. That means making sure that your shoes, bag, accessories and outfit are all playing nicely together. For example sometimes you may think a certain pair of earrings will look great with an outfit but taking one last look when you’re dressed may make you think otherwise.

Repair or get rid of damaged clothing

As soon as something needs repairing do it straight away. Procrastinating may mean that you might find yourself in a rush with a particular blouse in mind only to find it’s missing a button which means double the stress! If something can’t be repaired bin it straight away. It’s important that your clothes are in great shape if you want to look polished.

Follow laundry instructions

Yes, it can be tempting to ignore the tags on your clothes but following laundry instructions are going to ensure your clothes look great but also for longer.

Hang up your clothes at the end of the day

Getting home after a long day it can be easy to just dump your clothes on the nearest chair and forget about them till later in the week. However this will only lead to a rumpled mess that will require more effort to fix later on. Hang up garments such as jackets and blouses straight away to ensure they’re ready for use the next time you want to wear them.

What are some habits that have really helped you with you wardrobe?

Fashion

What to do when you have nothing to wear

27th May, 2023

This is a dilemma most women have encountered at one point or another. If you’ve ever stared into your closet, filled to the brim with clothes yet still yielding nothing to wear then you’ll know the frustration it can cause. However all is not lost. Instead of tearing your hair out and hitting the shops to buy yet another outfit to add to the pile, you can employ a few tricks to help you unearth a look you’ll love. These are strategies I’ve used from time to time and I can guarantee that they’ve helped me break out of my momentary wardrobe rut, get dressed and walk out the door in no time.

Look for external fashion inspo

Staring at your clothes for ages won’t magically make a new outfit appear. You’ve got to get the styling juices flowing. To do this have a quick scroll through Instagram to see what your fave stylish ladies are wearing. Alternatively hit up your favourite online stores and check out their lookbooks or ‘new in’ section to see what’s trending. By seeing what’s new, it could ignite an idea or two for a look you could pull together.

Set yourself a theme

Having seemingly endless options but feeling bored of all of them is a major cause of being stumped for an outfit. So why not narrow it down to make it easier? For example you could tell yourself that today is stripe day and that you need to incorporate a striped piece into your ensemble. By giving yourself some parameters to work with it becomes less overwhelming and more manageable.

Work a new colour combination

We all have our favourite colour combinations which is great but sometimes in order to overcome an ‘I have nothing to wear’ situation you need to think outside the box. For example try working an unexpected colour combination like pink and red — by exploring pieces in those shades, you’ll inadvertently force yourself to look beyond your usual favourite items and expand to the rest of your wardrobe.

Help a favourite make new friends

We all have favourite pieces in our closet but we tend to work them back with the same things over and over again. This can exacerbate a nothing to wear situation as you see reliable staples but are also uninspired by them because you’ve already got your go-to pairings in mind. So the next time this happens, take an old fave but make an effort to pair it with something different. It could be that you wear a particular jacket with a certain pair of pants all the time. So instead, why not pop on the jacket over a dress, which instantly gives it a different vibe. This allows you to still get plenty of use out of things you love but overcome your style boredom too.

What are some strategies you use to overcome an ‘I have nothing to wear’ problem?

Fashion

The formula for a great outfit

7th May, 2023

streetstyle_KW-35

Getting dressed is part following your style instincts, and part knowing the components of what makes a great look. No matter what your style entails, often a great ensemble has a few things in common – and it doesn’t involve designer garments or spending a lot of money. I firmly believe it’s all about the basic principles of pulling together a cohesive outfit and it’s easy to adopt it into your own styling process. Just take note of the following…

Know your shape

The first step to a great outfit is knowing your shape and knowing what works for your shape. Once you’ve got that down pat and know what’s flattering on your body type then it makes things easier because then you’ll know instantly what suits you and what doesn’t. No matter what you do, if you have the foundation right an outfit will always be flattering.

Ensure you have balance

You need to always strike the right balance with your outfit. If you are wearing something loose on top for example you may need to counterbalance the volume with something a bit more fitted at the bottom. The same principle also goes for choosing just one area of your body to focus on, so if you’re going to flash some leg with a mini skirt it might be better to go a bit more conservative with your top.

Pick a focal point

Find one aspect of your outfit to have as a focal point. It could be a great pair of statement heels or a showstopper jacket but ultimately there should be one part of your outfit that should stand out while the rest of your look complements it. Ultimately this will have more impact than trying to squeeze a lot of different elements into your outfit that might end up completing with each other. Simplicity is key!

Put some thought into your accessories

Don’t forget about the accessories you’re going to wear. Things like your shoes and bag shouldn’t be an afterthought but should work with the rest of your outfit. There were times I’d grab the same bag I was wearing the day before and find later on that it clashed with I was wearing so I’ll try and pick out my bag and shoes ahead of time to avoid having to rush in the morning. It all ultimately adds to a bit more extra polish.

Attention to detail

Ensuring that you don’t ignore little things like making sure your shoes are clean and your clothes are pressed and ironed. As a mum of two I always make sure I do a final outfit check before I walk out the door as walking out of the house and having food on my blazer is not a good look!

What do you think is the key to a great outfit?

Fashion

Style staples when I’m in mum mode

24th April, 2023

As most mums can probably attest pulling together an outfit is low on the priority list when you’ve got a busy day ahead of you. The aim is just to get out the door fast! I know for myself that when I’m in mum mode with Sophia and Grace I need to be comfortable first and foremost and my outfit needs to be able to withstand whatever the girls may throw my way. This is why I’ve managed to refine my mum style staples down to a few key pieces so I can just go into auto pilot mode on any given day. Here’s what I can’t live without…

A roomy tote

For me a big bag is essential and I always like to carry a tote as it gives me plenty of room to carry my essentials and the girls’ too. I have lots of different types – from super casual to slightly more dressy – depending on where I’m going.

Athleisure wear

I love workout gear when I’m with the girls. If I’m going to a class with one of the girls or doing the school run then I can’t go past my Nike sneakers and Lululemon leggings. I live in both! It’s really easy to pull together and you can’t beat it for comfort level.

Sturdy sunglasses

I always carry a pair of sunglasses with me but I make sure that I leave any delicate, flimsy pairs at home. My sunnies are guaranteed to be thrown around in my bag or the girls will want to play with them so I prefer to wear the style that’s made of a thicker acetate so they’re not easily breakable.

Simple basics

If I’m running around then I’ll always opt for sportswear otherwise you’ll usually find me in lots of t-shirts and singlets paired with a good pair of jeans. They’re both definite mum style staples. I highly recommend splurging on a pair of jeans that can withstand lots of wear and tear because if you’re like me you’ll wear them to death. I also have lots of great knits throughout winter and will wear a big anorak/parka style jacket which I can easily throw on and can be popped into the boot of my car without too much fuss.

Comfortable flats

Heels are strictly reserved for nights out or for work events. I wear flats whenever I’m with the girls. I’ll usually wear white sneakers, which have become a core part of my mum shoe wardrobe or if I need to be a little more dressed up then I’ll wear my slides or loafers which are comfy yet still look polished.

What are your style staples as a mum?
Fashion

10 items every wardrobe needs

15th April, 2023

I love a trend-driven piece as much as the next girl but I also believe that there are some key pieces that are the building blocks of a great functional wardrobe. Having a good foundation from which to build a look is something I’ve learned over the years and it’s something I’ve made sure to embrace. Having the foundational pieces in my wardrobe also helps to minimise wardrobe dramas as I know I have the right pieces from which to style a look.

Interested in sidestepping style meltdowns in future? These 10 key items help make pulling a great outfit together all the more easier. Before you start stocking up, it’s important to remember that while you don’t have to spend a lot, do try and get the best quality that fits into your budget. Investing a little more at the beginning means you can get more longevity from what you buy, so all you have to worry about is pulling together a winning outfit!

 

1. A leather jacket

I’ve had my leather jacket for many years and I think it’s the kind of wardrobe staple that you’ll have for a lifetime. It can be dressed up or dressed down and the older and more worn it gets the better it looks. You can get all different styles but I’d go for a simple biker jacket, something that’s really clean and classic – you don’t want to get too tricky with too many studs or buckles as it will date very quickly. Once you’ve found the perfect jacket you’ll wonder how you lived without it as it’s the kind of piece that can be worn with a cocktail dress just as easily with jeans.

2. A black tailored blazer

For me it’s a must-have item. I wear mine all the time either as a suit jacket, draped over my shoulders, over a dress at the races or with a great pair of jeans. It’s a multipurpose staple. When it comes to blazers, tailoring is key. It really has to suit your frame. I like a bold shoulder and a nipped in waist, I don’t like it too boxy. I think a tailored blazer can really accentuate your figure. If you find a blazer that isn’t quite right but you love you can always get it tailored to fit you perfectly.

3. A great statement bag

I don’t think a bag needs to be designer to be great. Just look for good quality leather – something that’s durable. I also like to have the option of having two strap lengths so if I’ve got my hands full with the girls I can just swing it over my shoulder, but if I want it to look a little more elegant with a dress it’s got handles so I can wear it on my arm. I love embracing pops of colour like pink and orange at times but I think you can also have a standout piece in colours like black, tan, grey and white. The key is considering how it works with the rest of your wardrobe.

4. A clutch

You can’t use your day bag for all attire as a big bag doesn’t generally work for cocktail events so a great clutch is important. It doesn’t have to be expensive but just a smaller bag that you can put your wallet and keys into and can be worn back with different items and looks a little more elegant than your usual day bag. Also try to keep the design quite minimalist to ensure you get more wear out of it.

5. A great pair of jeans

A great pair of jeans doesn’t have to be expensive but you really need to take the time to make sure they fit right. I have trouble finding jeans because they’re always tight around my hips but loose around my ankles so when I do find a great pair I make sure to snap them up. You don’t need to invest a lot of money but you do need to invest the time to find them. If you’re like me and are in jeans all the time, try and get good quality denim because you don’t want them to be too baggy once you’ve worn them a couple of times. Jeans obviously come in different washes so choose the most flattering fit for you. I can’t go past faded denim or a white pair of jeans.

6. Sneakers

I think that white sneakers have really earned themselves a place on my wardrobe staples list. I honestly spend most of my life in white sneakers and they can work back with everything from jeans to a pleated skirt without missing a beat. Invest in a pair that are quite simple in design and you’ll find it gets plenty of outings.

7. Ankle boots

Ankle boots are a must for winter. Once you find a great pair you’ll have them for years to come. I still have a pair of YSL boots that I’ve had for many years and I bring them out every winter. If you want your boots to be an everyday shoe it’s important to make sure they’re comfortable. For me, I like a bit of height so I opt for a platform heel which always helps with comfort. Walking around all day long in really high boots is not the best!

Kate Waterhouse farfetch LXE black leather pants alaia heels roksanda saint laurent sunglasses

8. Leather pants

You don’t have to spend a fortune on leather pants but you do have to find a leather that won’t give. It’s about investing the time to finding one that won’t stretch after the first time you wear it. A skinny leg leather pant is my go-to item in winter and I think they’re great for travelling as they’re so comfortable. I find Helmut Lang does some great leather pants, so does Scanlan Theodore and ASOS. You can find a pair that fits into your budget but the most important thing is finding the right shape and a great fit.

9. White t-shirts

Granted they don’t last forever but it is important to find a great white tee. I wear white t-shirts with everything whether it’s to the office or just to the beach or with a skirt.

10. A great coat

Make it your mission to find one really great winter coat that you can throw on over everything. I like my coats in neutral colours but a statement coat in a pop colour is also fun. Just choose something that works back with your wardrobe. I’m a big fan of a tailored coat but a big oversized coat can look fantastic as well. If you are going to go oversized keep everything else you’re wearing slimline.

Do you have any other wardrobe staples that you think should be added to the list?

Fashion

Transeasonal dressing 101: how to dress when the weather won’t behave

5th April, 2023

I did a What I Wore post that touched on this very topic and with the past couple of days in Sydney going from sunny and warm one minute to torrential downpour the next, I’ve definitely had transeasonal dressing on my mind. That tricky time of dressing for unpredictable weather is now well and truly upon us. As far as fashion goes it’s sometimes hard to decide what to wear when the weather is temperamental but there are a few things I do to help get around it…

Layer, layer, layer

If I have a few layers to my look it’s easy to add or subtract pieces according to the weather. I find that bringing a jacket with me now is a good idea but it’s not really the time for a winter coat so I will use a denim jacket instead. It’s not too heavy, not too light and as a bonus it’s right on trend. I will usually pop one on over a slip dress with a tee underneath and I am set. If it warms up a bit it’s easy to push up the sleeves and leave my arms partially exposed.

Add sleeves

I think dresses are still weather appropriate this time of year but it might start to get a bit too cool to leave arms and shoulders uncovered. In this instance I find things like long sleeved dresses or layering a tee underneath a dress would be ideal as it keeps me warm without being overly rugged up.

Introduce textures

I will start to add heavier fabrics in wool and cashmere as the weeks go by and it starts to get chillier. Right now I find it’s great to utilise breathable fabrics such as cotton and a lightweight wool for those days when it might start out cool but get a little warmer later in the day. 

Swap sandals for closed shoes

It’s still possible to get away with wearing open toed shoes but the further we get away from summer the more likely it is that temperatures will cool down during the day. As such I am starting to swap my sandals for loafers or sneakers. Even if I’m wearing something lightweight, having closed shoes often helps balance it out.

A shirt that can be rolled up is perfect for battling trans-seasonal weather

Wear tops that can be rolled or pushed up

If I’m not quite sure what the weather is going to be like I’ll pop on a long sleeved shirt or lightweight knit. This gives me option of being able to roll up my sleeves or push them up if the weather is a little bit warmer. When paired with something that leaves a little leg exposed such as a midi skirt then I will be quite comfortable and won’t get too hot or cold.

Tie it up

A big trend at the moment is to tie a denim jacket or knit around the waist which makes for the perfect set up for a transeasonal outfit. I love having the option to leave the jacket tied around my waist or popping it on if I’m feeling chilly. It also means I don’t have to deal with the hassle of lugging around a jacket.

Tell me—What are some of your transeasonal must-haves?

 

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Fashion, Shop

How to make high street buys look expensive

18th March, 2023

I like to incorporate a high-low mix when it comes to my outfits. I’ll often mix pieces from my favourite chain stores with some of my go-to designer pieces to create a look that’s all my own. While I appreciate the convenience and price point of snapping up high street brands, it also pays to know how to choose the right garments to ensure that the end result of any look is polished. Here are some of my dos and don’ts:

Pay attention to how a garment is made

Buying clothes from chain stores is great as you can definitely stretch your budget further however you also get what you pay for. So it pays to be discerning when it comes to what you purchase. Examine a potential buy carefully and look at how its made. If the seams are not right or there are loose threads avoid it and keep searching for a better option.

Choose fabrics wisely

Where possible choose natural fabrics like cotton and wool when you’re shopping for high street pieces. Synthetic fabrics can look flimsy, pill, or become misshapen after a few wears so in turn can end up looking quite cheap.

Add one luxe item into the mix

By adding one gorgeous quality item to your outfit, by default, the rest of your look looks expensive by association. So whether it’s a beautiful buttery soft leather handbag or a nice pair of shoes you can elevate your favourite high street finds without having to do much at all.

Keep it simple

Chain stores are the ideal place to shop for great basics—think t-shirts, jeans and jumpers that are quite simple in design.They have an extensive range and if you shop around, the styles are comparable to what you’d find in some high end boutiques. Relegate garments with accoutrements such as sequins or beading as something that you might consider investing a little more in as often the finish might not be as precise.

Avoid embellishments

There’s a big difference between the finishing details used on designer handbags and accessories compared to less expensive chain store finds. There are some great options on the high street however if you want them to look luxe, then be sure to keep it simple and avoid things like chains, buckles, studs and gold or silver finishes which tend to tarnish. Instead go for plain styles as simple will always look chic.

Tell me—What’s been your most favourite high street buy?
Fashion

What I ask myself to ensure I’m making a good purchase

6th March, 2023

I’ve always tried to work towards a wardrobe that’s versatile as it makes pulling outfits together every day a little easier. This requires some major editing and also some savvy shopping. When faced with so many gorgeous things in a store it can be easy to get caught up in the moment and just purchase something purely because you like it but I think it pays to ask yourself a few questions before buying anything as it can help you avoid wasting money on an item of clothing that won’t get much use. These are the five questions I always ask myself before I buy anything.

How will this work with the rest of my wardrobe?

I always think about how I will be able to wear something with other items I already own. To do this imagine your wardrobe and identify at least five outfits that you’ll be able to wear with a potential purchase. A cohesive wardrobe that can be mixed and matched in different ways will extend the number of outfits you can make as opposed to buying one item, for one purpose and having it sit in your wardrobe gathering dust.

How many times will I wear this?

If something is expensive I’ll think about how many times I’ll wear it and how many seasons it is going to last. I aways consider cost per wear. If I think “I will wear these shoes the whole year, and they’re something that I will keep in my collection for years to come”, I consider them an investment. If I’m only going to wear something once and it’s outrageously expensive I won’t buy it because it just doesn’t make sense to spend so much on something with minimal wear.

Is this adding to my wardrobe?

I sometimes fall into the trap of buying too many black shoes. And while I do wear black shoes quite often, if I find a pair of shoes that I like but I have five other pairs like it I won’t buy them. The same approach applies to the rest of my wardrobe. If I buy something it’s got to add to my wardrobe by bringing in a new element rather than just purely adding to my wardrobe.

Is the fabric and make a good quality?

I always look at something and consider the fabric and how well it’s made. I believe if you spend a little more on good fabrics and good construction then you’ll be able to have something for many years to come and get plenty of use out of it. Where possible always look for natural fabrics such as cotton, wool and silk.

Do I really need this?

Most women will identify with this question! And often the answer to this question will negate all the other questions before this one. While there will always be exceptions (a girl can never have too many bags, right?) generally if you answer this question honestly you’ll be able to stop yourself from buying something that you’re not really going to use.

What do you consider before making a big purchase?