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Fashion

How to buy a designer bag that you’ll love for years to come

10th April, 2022
Kate Waterhouse carrying Chanel designer handbag

My Chanel bag has been with me for years and is still going strong

I’ve spoken in the past about the importance of cost per wear for me and there’s no area that I apply it more to than my handbags. I am all about quality over quantity. I will often hold out for a designer bag as I know that it will withstand everyday wear and tear as they’re so well crafted. Also, I’ll often go for classic styles so they have longevity. Case in point: I’ve had the above Chanel handbag for years and it’s still going strong.

If you’re going to splurge on a designer bag it’s important to make sure you get it right. After all you are spending not an insignificant amount of money so it’s the type of fashion purchase that needs some planning behind it first. Here are some things to consider before buying:

Think of your lifestyle 

What kind of lifestyle do you have? For me I have to carry everything from Sophia and Grace’s snacks to my phone and wallet so I need something that’s quite roomy for everyday wear. However as I do have to attend various events and race days through the year, I can opt for a smaller bag that’s more event appropriate for those occasions.

It’s crucial to tailor your bag to suit your lifestyle and needs. If it doesn’t then you’re never going to use it as often as you’d like and that’s a lot of money that’s wasted.

Consider the brand

If you’re going to have a bag that you use every single day you want a classic style. I think you can justify splurging on a bag if it’s something that can be used every single day. Everyone has their own favourites but if I was going to splurge on a designer bag I would definitely go for Céline, Balenciaga, Jil Sander or Chanel because they do classic, timeless styles.

Check out it’s extra features

Little details can mean you get double the wear out of a designer bag. For example it may seem a small detail but consider the handles on your bag. I like two handles on a bag—smaller handles so I can just carry it on my arm and a longer strap so I can carry it on my shoulder. Having the option to do both expands the use of a bag. Also some bags now come with detachable pouches that can be used to carry things like cosmetics but can be used as separately as a clutch. Win-win!

Kate Waterhouse street style designer bag Gucci

When it comes to designer bags aim for classic and timeless to ensure maximum cost per wear

Opt for simplicity

A statement bag with lots of embellishment is great but if you’re going to have just one designer bag that you’re going to carry all the time make sure to keep it quite pared back and stick to neutral colours. A subdued colour palette makes it easier to work back with your wardrobe. Minimal amounts of detailing also makes it less likely to look overly on trend. Also keep in mind that plain leather generally won’t date as easily as patent leather.

Avoid ‘it’ bags

When it comes to designer bags I like to have something that no one else has. For this very reason if there is an ‘it’ bag I tend to steer clear of it. However I might get inspired by a brand and choose something that is within that collection. If you can afford to have a new designer bag each season then definitely go for the ‘it’ bag. If however, you are buying a designer bag that’s intended to see you through season after season I’d steer clear of the bag of the moment and opt for something that’s not as common so it doesn’t date as easily.

Choose an ongoing style

I will always ask a shop assistant if they’re continuing a particular type of bag the following season because some are just one-offs and I think that can really date a bag. When choosing a bag opt for one that’s a signature style to the brand because then it is recurring every season rather than being the bag of a particular year, which everyone will know is a couple of years old.

An example of a signature style is something like Chanel’s 2.55 black quilted leather handbag or the Hermes Birkin. It’s a bag that’s done every season which means it won’t date and it’s great quality so it lasts year after year. I’ve had my Chanel bag for 10 years and I still wear it all the time so the cost per wear is great!

Tell me—what designer bag do you have your eye on?

Photography: Sophia Athas

 

Fashion

What you need to add to your wardrobe this year

30th January, 2022

Want a cohesive wardrobe that won’t leave you constantly thinking that you have nothing to wear? It pays to think strategically about the key items in your closet that will help you get there. Instead of constantly piling more clothes, more shoes, more accessories onto the pile and ultimately ending up at the same place, you need to start thinking about the few items that will work back with the rest of your wardrobe in multiple ways.

By planning ahead and really pinpointing the items that will be in constant rotation you are able to stretch your fashion dollar further and ultimately end up with more outfit options, simply because you have the building blocks in place for several looks. When it comes to what’s currently on trend, what will stand the test of time and also what’s going to be ultra wearable, here are five great buys to start with…

A great blazer

I will stand by this purchase over and over again. I kept an eye out for this Balmain blazer (similar style here) for ages and finally nabbed it when I saw it on sale and haven’t looked back since. It goes with so many different outfits and it instantly makes anything I wear look polished. Do your research and try on a few different styles before settling on the right blazer and make sure the fit is ultra flattering, not too boxy and is just the right length (I’m a fan of the longline style). Grab one in black and I guarantee you’ll wear it to death.

Dressy sneakers

Sneakers are not going anymore any time soon. They’ve become a wardrobe staple and rightly so given how easily they work back with everything and also how comfortable they are. It’s a bit of an oxymoron but find yourself a pair of “dress” sneakers. So think a style that’s sophisticated and sleek, with minimal embellishments. I love metallics and use it as an accent colour a lot so I knew these Gucci sneakers would work well with what I own, however you may prefer to stick to a nice clean, white palette to ensure that you can wear it with most of your wardrobe.

Statement slides

Slides are one of my favourite trends and whilst they’re great for casual wear I think a pair of slip-on loafers is the kind of piece that’s ultra wearable but can also lift an outfit. Find a pair that’s got a classic shape but perhaps has an interesting detail such as a great buckle or even an appliqué such as the above Gucci pair I fell in love with to turn it into a standout, statement piece. This style can work with everything from jeans, to dresses and skirts so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth with such a purchase.

Elevated white shirt

A white shirt has been a wardrobe staple for forever but lately, it’s become a whole lot more interesting than the plain button down of yesteryear. A style such as the above wrap shirt, also has great finishes that turn into something extra—think the tie detail, the lapels, the ruched sleeve, and the split back detail (you can see it here) that gives it an alluring touch. It has all the goes-with-anything elements of a traditional shirt but so many more extra finishing touches that make it fashion forward.

A quality bag

Think about how frequently carry your handbag. If you’re like me it probably gets quite the workout and is always jam packed with day-to-day essentials so it has to be stylish and durable. I think if you’re going to invest in one thing in your wardrobe it’s a quality bag. One that’s able to withstand constant wear and tear and is able to carry your entire life effortlessly. I love a bag like the above which is a neutral shade making it an easy piece to mix and match, but it has just enough detail to make it interesting.

What are some key pieces you’re planning to add to your wardrobe this year?
Fashion

The best Cyber Monday deals to check out right now

29th November, 2021

If you’re still recovering from Black Friday then prepare yourself because there’s a whole new round of sales to check out for Cyber Monday.

Whether you’re in the market to stop up your summer wardrobe or you’re trying to get through your Christmas shopping list, now is the time to start snapping things up as there are plenty of Cyber Monday deals to take advantage of! From huge discounts on full priced stock, to further reductions on sale items from a range of local brands and international retailers, there’s plenty of savings to be had if you know where to head.

So if you’re currently madly scrolling through your favourite stores, here are a few more to add to the list. Now’s the time to snap up a bargain!

Fashion

Net-a-Porter – 30% off selected items + extra 15% off beauty edit

Matches Fashion – extra 10% off selected items

The Outnet – extra 25% off sale items

My Theresa – extra 10% off selected sale items

Wanderluxe – up to 50% off

Cettire – extra 10% sale items

Shopbop – take 15-30% off sitewide

La Garconne – take an extra 15% all items

Mode Sportif – shop 30% off 300+ styles

The Daily Edited – 25% off all travel

Country Road – 20% off everything

Witchery – 20% off almost everything

Seed – 20% off storewide

Cotton On – 10,000 styles $20 and under, 30% off everything else

David Jones – Take an extra 20% off an already reduced clothing, shoes, accessories and homewares

Myer – variety of discounts sitewide

Incu – take a further 20% off

The Iconic – 30% – 40% off

Veronika Maine – 25% off everything

Bassike – 20% off sitewide, exclusions apply

Bec and Bridge – up to 30% off the sale edit

Aje – 20% off The Edit

General Pants – 30% off everything

Decjuba – 20% off everything

Sheike – 20% off storewide

Peter Alexander – 20% off storewide

 

Beauty

Sephora – discounts on select products online

Mecca – Receive a beauty pouch with 3 products for order over $100. Online only. 

Adore Beauty – up to 40% off select products

Ry – up to 50% off

Beauty Chef – up to 30% off sitewide

JS Health – subscribe for 23% off

Dyson – bonus gifts with hair care range

Fashion

The easiest way to update a look

26th September, 2021

Myerkate-25

I am a sunglasses girl through and through and have managed to build up quite the collection simply because of the fact I’ve found that sunnies are a simple and easy way to update a look. Simply changing up the frames you’re wearing can instantly give an outfit an entirely different vibe. Now that it’s definitely sunglasses weather there are so many great styles available that I’ve definitely started to compile a wishlist of a few pairs that I’d really like this summer. If you’re in the market for a new pair of sunnies, here are some of my tips for buying a pair you’ll love…

Try them on in person

I’ll buy almost everything online but will refrain from making a sunglasses purchase unless I’ve tried them on in real life. Even with the measurements listed you won’t really know if a pair will suit your face unless you’ve roadtested them first.

Make sure they’re the right fit

It sounds obvious but sometimes some people may not realise they’re wearing the wrong fit for their face. Ensure that they’re not too big – so they shouldn’t sit past your cheekbones, along with not being too wide. If you find you’re constantly having to push them up they’re likely not snug enough to comfortably fit.

Choose a lens to suit your wardrobe

If you wear lots of black go for a black lens as you’ll fine you’ll be able to work it back with your wardrobe a little easier. If you wear lots of brown tones then go for a bronze lens. That said if you want to make a statement you could opt for mirrored lenses which have made a comeback.

Try different brands

You don’t have to spend a fortune on sunglasses to have them look great. Sure, there are some amazing designer frames around but they also come with a hefty price tag so you may want to save those brands for when you’re really trying to spoil yourself and buying a classic pair that will last a few seasons. There are some great frames from brands such as Le Specs and Local Supply and even your local chain stores have some fun options available and they’re great for when you want a pair of sunglasses that are up-to-the-minute and very much on trend. Plus at a more reasonable price point you can consider buying more than one style.

Experiment with shapes

I love everything from a cat’s eye to round John Lennon style sunglasses and classic Ray Ban Wayfarers so you definitely don’t have to restrict yourself to just one shape. Have fun trying a few pairs on so you can see what complements your face shape and also your style.

 

My life in frames!

Just a few of my favourite sunglasses…

Fashion

How I style lounge wear

19th September, 2021

When I’m off duty I’m all about comfort. I have to spend a lot of my working life getting dressed up so when it’s time to unwind, I like to ensure that whatever I’m wearing is easy and relaxed. Leisure wear is all about an unfussy silhouette which I love, but my style still maintains a polished feel no matter whether it’s for work or play  so I always keep that in mind for any off duty looks. I like to know I can easily go from a day spent lounging at home to a quick trip to the shops without too much fuss. Want to know how to style lounge wear in a no-fuss way? When it comes to dressing for comfort here are the rules I stick to….

Go for quality fabrics

I make sure I buy basics in good quality fabrics. For example I love to wear beautiful cashmere knits or a great linen shirt just to make sure everything looks polished. If you are planning to wear these pieces regularly, investing in quality fabrics will make sure that they last longer. My favourite brands for leisure wear include Bassike and C&M as I find they make great relaxed pieces that are quite fashion forward at the same time.

Stick to a specific colour palette

I refine my colours down to neutrals such as black, white and grey when it comes to leisure wear. It’s easy to mix and match pieces with that colour scheme and straightforward is what you want when it comes to off duty style. That said, I’ll often add a pop of colour with a scarf or another accessory just to give the outfit a little injection of personality.

Sneakers are a key part of leisurewear (it also makes running after kids easier!)

Opt for dressier shoes

Your choice of footwear can often help dress up an otherwise casual look. For example I love slouchy, baggy pants with a drop crotch and when teamed with a pair of slides or loafers or a dressy pair of runners it looks considered and put together—but still super comfy.

Mix with quality accessories

If I’m wearing a really simple outfit such as slouchy pants with a tee, often the addition of certain accessories can help pull it together and dress it up a bit. A leather jacket or a handbag are easy additions that give it a touch more polish. By doing this I’m still comfortable but maintain a stylish vibe at the same time.

What are some of your fave ways to style lounge wear?

Fashion

What to do when you’re bored of your wardrobe

24th August, 2021

It all hits us at some point—that feeling when you look into your wardrobe and think you have absolutely nothing to wear. It’s easy to hit a wardrobe rut when you’re constantly wearing the same things on rotation but the solution isn’t necessarily hitting the shops with credit card in hand, it’s actually finding new reasons to fall in love with things you already own. Here’s how…

Challenge yourself to rework an old favourite

If there’s a blouse you absolutely adore but it has become a little lacklustre of late because of the sheer frequency in which you wear it why not challenge yourself to style it in a new way? If you would usually wear it with jeans why not try pairing it with a high-waisted skirt or a pair of wide leg pants instead? Don’t just rely on your usual outfit combinations, learn to experiment by trying on unlikely pairings and push yourself out of your fashion comfort zone. You never know what great look you may unearth in the process.

Just add accessories

It’s true, the right accessories can really transform a tired wardrobe. Pair a scarf with a dress or top a shirt with a statement necklace to give each look a new spin. Alternatively if you wear the same bag everyday why not mix things up and try pairing your outfit with a different bag each day. A simple bag change can really alter the overall effect of an outfit. The same goes for shoes. If you usually wear a particular look with heels try pairing it with flats. If you usually wear it with dressy shoes try teaming it with sneakers instead.

Use visual inspiration

I am guilty of falling into a wardrobe rut where I’ll just repeat the same outfits over and over again. To help shake myself out of this I’ll do a quick scroll through Instagram, flip through a fashion magazine or visit some of my favourite style websites just to get the creative juices flowing. Sometimes all it takes is one image to spark a new idea for an outfit I can pull together using what I already own.

Get something altered

Survey your wardrobe and see if there’s anything that can be repurposed into something new with a few alterations. An old look can be completely transformed with a new hemline or having something taken in in order to change the silhouette. You could find yourself with a brand new wardrobe favourite for just the cost of visiting a tailor.

Take my outfit challenge

If you’re bored of your wardrobe after an easy to follow plan on how to tackle it, try my 7-day outfit challenge. I’ve outlined a different thing to try each day and it will force you to have to look at what you already own and steer you into new territory.

What are some of your favourite ways to refresh your wardrobe?
Fashion, Lifestyle

Closet goals: how to get an organised wardrobe this year

4th July, 2021

An organised closet really is a sight to behold. When shoes are all neatly lined up, shirts folded and divided into neat piles, everything from blouses and dresses all perfectly hung up into distinct categories it brings a noticeable feeling of satisfaction. It also makes getting dressed SO much easier. I’ve tried to implement an organisation system in my own wardrobe for this very reason. And whilst it admittedly does take a little daily tidying up, it also means I don’t have to do a huge clean up a few weeks down the track when all my clothes are threatening to take over our entire bedroom. If you want to make things stress-free on the sartorial front it’s time to do an overhaul of your wardrobe and turn it into a space that’s Pinterest-worthy and one that you’ll be happy to stare at every single day.

Here are some great ways to start…

Colour code everything

Grouping like with like is a great system to employ when it comes to your wardrobe. It makes locating everything at a glance a simple process and let’s face it, it looks really nice too.

Sub-divide into categories

Whilst colour coding is extremely handy as a sorting tool you could also try another method which is to divide everything into different categories. This means grouping all your skirts together, your t-shirts together, your jeans together and so forth. With a closet divided into distinct areas you’ll find it easier to find what you’re looking for.

A post shared by NEAT Method ® (@neatmethod) on

Organise jeans from light to dark

If you own multiple pairs of jeans it can be hard to keep track of them all so this year, organise them from lightest wash to darkest wash. If you’ve got the space, hang them up so you can avoid wrinkling them and thus have them ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Fold garments like a boutique

You could just throw everything into your wardrobe and hope for the best or you could take a few minutes to fold your clothes and put them away in perfect piles like a boutique would. By categorising into piles you make things doubly easier for yourself as you can immediately see what you’re looking for. Also this is the best way to store things that stretch such as woollen jumpers and tees which may stretch if hung up.

Label everything

Earn double organisation points by labelling everything. Yes, you may already know where everything is but visually it helps to have a clear idea of what you’re looking it.

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Arrange bags vertically

By lining up bags vertically as opposed to sitting them all on top of each other you not only help protect their shape but reduce the time it takes to track down a particular clutch or tote.

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Get matching hangers

Nothing says you’ve got your style sorted like staring into a wardrobe with matching hangers. Bin the old mismatched hangers you may have been using (wire especially as they can ruin the shape of clothes) and get wooden or slim velvet ones. The former looks amazing all lined up and is gentle on clothes whilst the latter allows you to fit more into your wardrobe as they take up less space, plus it has a bit of grip so you avoid things like silk blouses slipping off constantly.

Put things away in drawers vertically

If you store most of your things in drawers, instead of piling them up on top of each other, put them away vertically so you can see everything as opposed to just what’s on top. You’ll be amazed at how much more wear you’ll get out of everything simply by being able to see what you own.

How do you keep your wardrobe organised?

 

Fashion, Shop

What I look for when shopping during sale time

14th June, 2021

End of financial year sale time is here and it’s the perfect time to nab a bargain. However it’s easy to get caught up in a flurry of sales tags with reduced prices and discounts aplenty that you may end up with something that’s not entirely a worthwhile buy. I love shopping the sales and have perfected my game plan so I always end up with pieces I know I’m definitely going to use. Here’s what I do:

Buy wardrobe staples

During sale time I’m a big fan of buying pieces I will use a lot such as t-shirts and jeans. It’s the perfect time to stock up given everything is reduced. I always make sure to do a wardrobe check to see what items need replacing or updating.

Avoid statement pieces

I usually tend to avoid buying things that are easily identifiable from a particular season. There’s always a particular print/colour/silhouette that is a designer’s signature item for each collection and I will steer clear of this to ensure that there will be longevity in what I buy.

Invest in expensive items 

A few years ago I bought a Balmain blazer on sale from Net-a-Porter and it’s still going strong to this day. I remember searching for ages for it and once it went on sale I snapped it up. I find that when it’s sale time it’s the perfect opportunity to buy more expensive investment pieces such as a blazer, leather jacket, a coat or bag as you’re guaranteed to get plenty of use out of these items and you’ll be able to buy it at a fraction of the price.

Do the full price test

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of getting a bargain but just because something is cheap it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a good purchase. I always make sure that I look at anything on sale and ask myself if I would buy it full price. If I would that’s usually a good indicator that it’s a good buy, if not then it tells me that I’m just getting caught up in the idea of buying something because it has been reduced.

What’s are you on the hunt for during sale time?

 

Fashion

6 ways with sunglasses

7th June, 2021

cover

One of the quickest ways to update your look is with a pair of sunglasses. I never leave the house without a pair and have built up quite the collection simply because they’re one of my favourite accessories to finish off a look. My style goes from classic to retro cat-eye to an on-trend small frame style and I love mixing it up according to the outfit I’m wearing each day.

If you’re as enamoured with good eyewear as I am then never fear because this spring/summer we’re definitely spoilt for choice as far as sunnies go. There’s a style to suit every face shape, every style and every fashion whim. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour, shapes and over the top finishes as I think a pair of standout frames can really act as the full stop to any look. So whatever the outfit or occasion there’s definitely a pair of sunglasses that’s guaranteed to match perfectly.

streetstyle7021-web

Round sunglasses have definitely cemented their comeback. If you want frames that are on trend yet can still easily work back with myriad outfits then try this shape. It’s worth trying on a few different round styles as some face shapes tend to suit a chunkier frame whereas some require a slightly more slimline style.

embellished cat eye sunglasses

Want to make a statement? Try a pair of embellished sunglasses. This jewelled pair is a great way to make your eyewear the focal point of an outfit. It’s the ideal style for those who love to be a little more adventurous with their accessories.

mirrored sunglasses

Mirrored glasses are popping up on every ‘it’ girl to fashion blogger this season and there’s a reason why —they work no matter what your style is. They give an outfit an edgy touch, but they’re also quite versatile, you can wear them with a slightly dressier blouse or worked back with a bikini at the beach.

cat eye sunglasses poppy delevingne

Poppy Delevingne wore these classic cat eye sunglasses at Paris Fashion Week and immediately sent them at the top of many women’s shopping lists! Every girl needs a pair of classic black sunglasses but a cat eye gives it a slightly retro feel. If black isn’t for you, this shape would also work in tortoiseshell or coloured frames.

rimless-rayban

Semi-rimless glasses a la this classic pair by Ray Ban are a great alternative to Wayfarers. They’re modern, work with virtually every face shape and are the ideal style for those who want something that’s right on trend.

christine-centenera-flat-sunglasses

Who better to steal some style inspiration from than Vogue’s uber stylish fashion director Christine Centenera? These flat top sunglasses by Celine are a great way to update oversized sunnies. These frames are clean, simple and elegant and are the perfect style to take you through summer and beyond. There are plenty of brands doing this particular style so if you want a pair minus the designer price tag keep an eye out in your local chain stores are they’re guaranteed to be doing their own interpretations this season.

 

 

Fashion

How to layer jewellery

24th May, 2021

 

tumblr_lho3zwXblq1qa1otco1_1280+via+nlovesfashion

There are some days where I will keep my accessories quite pared back while other days I’ll layer a few pieces. There’s no doubt that the layered jewellery trend is huge at the moment and what I love about it is that it can be worn in so many different ways. However I’ve found that to avoid the whole look being a bit overwhelming, there are some important things to keep in mind…

If you’re layering bracelets…

If you’re going to the beach or something more casual then anything really goes and you can wear fine jewellery with a chunky watch mixed with material or leather bracelets. If you’re dressing up a bit it’s great to keep the same theme and keep your bracelets in the same metal family and the same thickness. I do sometimes like to clash my metals but I always have to have something that ties them together somehow; for example when I wear gold and silver it’s because I’m wearing a watch that features both those colours.

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If you’re layering necklaces…

If you’re layering a thin necklace then it’s best to keep it in the same metal and the same style. For example you don’t want to do a beautiful long thin necklace and then have a chunky choker. You just want lots of delicate pieces in all different shapes and sizes.

song_of_style_cartier_love_bracelet_lionette_necklace_jennifer_zeuner1

If you’re layering rings…

As rings are so close together, it’s a good idea to have them in similar colours if you’re going to be wearing a few (if you are wearing an engagement ring or a wedding ring I think you can get away with them not being the same colour family). It also comes down to the type of rings you’re wearing. With more delicate rings you can get away with wearing more than you would if you were wearing chunkier, statement rings.  Ultimately it’s about mixing and matching until you get a combination that you’re happy with.

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What do you think of this trend? Do you like layering your jewellery?

Photography: Stockholm Street Style, Song of Style Sincerely Jules, Peace Loves Shea