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How I avoid morning wardrobe dilemmas

4th March, 2023

My schedule is quite busy what with having to juggle work commitments, events and also being a mum so the last thing I really want to have to deal with in the morning is a good ol’ fashioned wardrobe crisis! I’ve had my fair share of moments where I’ve been left with a pile of clothes and still no closer to determining what I’m going to wear so I’ve created a few must-dos for myself over the years to help make the whole process of walking out the door, dressed and ready to tackle the day a lot easier.

Plan ahead

There are some days where I’m going to my office, some days where I have an event or simply doing school drop off everyday with Sophia and Grace. So, at the beginning of each week I usually like to look at what each day ahead is going to be like so I know the type of outfits I need to pull together for the week.

If I know for example that I have to go from the office to an event, I’ll opt for an outfit that’s a little dressier so I can easily transition from work to drinks. Also, I usually have a bigger bag with me when I’m heading to the office as I need to take my laptop with me, but I’ll always bring a clutch to use later on so I’m not lugging a huge bag around. If I know it’s a day where I’m with the girls, I’ll usually just opt for something casual like jeans, a tee and sneakers as I know we’ll be doing a lot running around and for those types of days, comfort is key.

Do a trial run

If I’ve got a launch or an event I will usually try to plan my outfit a few days in advance so I have time to try the whole look on and choose my accessories such as my bag, shoes and jewellery accordingly. Also this helps me to know if something needs to be dry cleaned, ironed or washed ahead of time and I will have a few days up my sleeve to get it done. There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning and having an outfit in your head only to realise that it’s currently sitting in the washing basket.

Have some go-to pieces

I usually have a selection of looks I can turn to when I need to get out the door fast. These are just outfits I know already work so I don’t have to really think about them. When I’m heading to the office I usually stick to neutral tones and if I don’t have an event I’ll usually wear brogues or ballet flats and pop a blazer on. It’s just great to have standby options at the ready for those days when I don’t want to think about what to wear.

Maintain an organised wardrobe

When half my wardrobe is sitting on the floor there’s every chance that I will end up flustered and not knowing what to wear. So, I’ve made a point of trying to keep my wardrobe organised. I’ve shared a few of my tips here before but the aim is really to have everything visible and within easy reach so I don’t have to spend ages trying to track down one particular shirt or one particular shoe.

Do a weather check

I do this without fail and it really helps to narrow down what I’m going to wear. For example if it’s going to be pouring down with rain I’m likely to steer clear of neutrals that are going to get dirty easily. I usually already have a few options in my head and knowing what the temperature will be helps to narrow it down. Having a distinct idea of what it is I want to wear helps to make getting out the door a smoother process.

How do you avoid morning wardrobe dilemmas?

Fashion

The wardrobe lessons I’ve learned from working in fashion

18th February, 2023

Working in the fashion industry has meant that I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by lots of amazingly stylish and knowledgeable people who have all managed to teach me a thing or two about style. From stylists to magazine editors to fashion designers, working with these key fashion players has given me invaluable knowledge. There are some big lessons I’ve learned that have helped me hone my own personal style and some practical tricks that have helped save me from the brink of a wardrobe disaster or two. Here’s what’s always stuck with me…

Not everything has to be designer

Wearing head-to-toe designer doesn’t automatically mean an outfit is fashionable. Fashion is all about creating a unique look which means adding your own personal touches to it. It also means being able to mix and match from various labels to give it your own individual spin. So often I’ll admire someone’s outfit and if I ask them what they’re wearing they’ll say they’ve mixed a really inexpensive t-shirt or scarf with something designer. It’s all about mastering the high-low combination.

Don’t be afraid to experiment

Being stylish isn’t just about having a look that’s straight off the runway. It’s about taking a look and injecting some of your personality into it so go ahead and try out different styles. I’ve found that the majority of people in the industry are all about having fun and experimenting. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and get things wrong, it’s just clothes at the end of the day.

Being on set at shoots and working with fashion editors or stylists has unearthed so many great fashion tips over the years

Find yourself a good tailor

The way clothes fit will often dictate how well they present so where possible tailor pieces in your wardrobe specifically to your body shape. Case in point: on shoots stylists will often use clips on the back of everything from dresses, tops or jackets to nip it in to perfectly sit on someone’s body as it photographs better. An outfit looks so much better when it’s perfectly tailored to your body. So if there’s a blazer that you love that’s just a tiny bit too big or a skirt that’s a little too long for your height, find a reputable tailor and have it fixed to suit you.

Makeup wipes are a lifesaver

It’s a real pain getting makeup on your clothes and often this can happen on a shoot with so many outfit changes taking place. I’ve learned from stylists that to get makeup off, dab at the stain with a makeup remover wipe and it should help lift the stain.

Attending fashion shows and working with designers has given me plenty of great knowledge along the way

Get creative

There’s nothing worse than lint getting on your clothes right before a big meeting or event. I’ve learned that to get it off quickly, you can fashion a lint roller from masking tape. Just wrap the tape around your hands so the sticky side is facing up and use it to wipe the lint off. Easy!

Keep a sewing kit with you

Ask any fashion editor what’s always with them on a shoot and it has to be their tool kit. Inside is everything they could possibly need to fix a fashion disaster such as a hem that’s fallen down or a button that’s come loose. I’ve adopted this principle myself by always having a small sewing kit with me just in case. I always take the mini sewing kits in hotel rooms as I find they’re really easy to carry around in my bag and are great to have on hand should I need to mend something on the run.

Take a pic of your outfit

Stylists always take pics of a look whenever they do a fitting and I’ve found it’s a great thing to adopt whenever you’re trying to piece a new ensemble together. Seeing a picture always offers a different point of view to simply trying it on and looking in a mirror as you can see more closely if it’s sitting the right way and what might need adjusting.

What’s the most valuable piece of fashion advice you’ve ever been given?

Fashion

The one thing I always do when I plan an outfit

11th February, 2023

Oh dress codes. I find that some people are either a stickler for sticking to a dress code or they will just try and remain in the vicinity of it. I’m the former. In fact, it’s the one thing I will always consider when I plan an outfit. My job often requires me to go from a casual launch one minute to a black tie event the next so to me dress codes are a way of guiding my outfit planning for the week. Even without a stated dress code my brain tends to go into that mode and I will allocate one to whatever event it is I’m going to as it helps provide me with some styling structure.

When it comes to deciding what I’ll be wearing the one thing I never do is start with a single accessory such as a hat or shoes. I know lots of women who will tend to work around a particular piece but it’s just one of those things that has never really worked for me. I tend to get in a better styling frame of mind when I can work with a solid base such as the dress I want to wear (in keeping with the dress code of course!) and then visualise the pieces that will work with it. Usually I find this gives me a more cohesive look and I’m able to pull together something a little easier.

I find that if I’ve got a dress code in mind it helps everything to fall into place and gives me some focus on the outfit I need to plan. For example if I’m going to a work lunch, I’ll generally stick to a particular section of my wardrobe—dresses, skirts, tailored pants and it having this in mind helps pulling an outfit together. If it’s a Sunday morning and I’m heading out for coffee, I’ll generally even have my unspoken dress code for that—it’s all about comfort, comfort, comfort! It’s a little tactic I’ve adopted for as long as I can remember and it really does help me avoid a wardrobe dilemma or two.

Which camp do you fall into? And how important are dress codes to you when it comes to styling your outfits?

Fashion

5 ways to take your new year’s eve look to the next level

29th December, 2022

Party looks (especially for New Year’s Eve) are all about turning up the fashion dial so it’s the perfect time to push your sartorial boundaries. However it doesn’t mean having to spend a fortune. A few strategic style tweaks is all it takes to take your look to fun and festive…

1. Get your shine on

Add a touch of metallic or a hint of sequins to your look and you’re ready to go from day to night. A simple metallic skirt pared back with a blouse, tee or cami is great for those times when you’re looking for something a little different to your usual go-to party dress.

2. Layer necklaces

Accessories are by far the easiest way to take your look from day to night. Layering a few delicate chains in the same metal family is a great way to amp up your look.

3. A vibrant pair of statement heels

Sometimes you just have to let your shoes do the talking. I’m all about a statement heel as I think they’re a simple way to dress up an outfit – just make sure to keep the rest of your outfit quite streamlined to let your shoes take centre stage. This season, you can’t go wrong with a pair of lace up heels.

4. A touch of lace

The sheer styling trend has made lingerie as outerwear a big look of the season. A hint of a lace bralette under a sheer blouse or a tee can easily dress up a look.

5. Showstopping earrings

It’s been all about minimalist jewellery of late however statement earrings are making a comeback. A pair of oversized earrings can take even the simplest dress up to party level.

Photography: The Fashion Tag, Song of Style, Pinterest, Surfstitch

Fashion, Shop

What I look for before buying anything designer

20th November, 2022

Nothing beats buying a beautiful designer item but they’re often a significant investment so I always make sure I am strategic about what I’m purchasing to ensure there’s no buyer’s remorse involved. If you’re looking to snap up a special piece to treat yourself or are looking to add some key pieces to your wardrobe in the new year, here’s what I always look for…

Is it really popular?

I steer clear of the ‘it’ bag of the season. If I’m shopping for an everyday bag that’s going to be carrying everything from my essentials to my laptop then I make sure that I opt for something that’s a signature item for the brand but not ubiquitous. I don’t like having a designer bag that everyone has because I feel they go in and out of fashion just as quickly as they come in. Plus you don’t want people being able to immediately identify that your bag is from a certain year’s collection. To combat this I always ask the shop assistant if it’s a style they intend to do again so it’s not so identifiable to a particular year.

Finding a unique style

I’m the complete opposite in my approach to evening bags and shoes. If I’m buying something special like a clutch I like to make sure they’re not making further runs of it because I want it to be a one-off. The same rule applies when I’m shopping for statement heels. I want them to be quite unique so I don’t want them coming back season after season.

Anything with interlocking Cs is always a good buy!

Researching what’s out there

I used to do a lot of shopping whenever I went on an overseas trip but these days that’s impossible as a mum, especially now with two little girls to entertain. So most of my designer purchases are made online these days. I always make sure to visit various websites such as Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom and Matches Fashion to see what’s available. One way I make sure I’m only getting up to the minute releases is to click on the ‘What’s New’ section when I’m browsing websites. That way I’ll only be seeing current stock.

Double check the size

Shopping online at the high end e-tailers is often a little easier as doing returns is fairly straightforward if something isn’t quite right. However I always do a check of the size just to be sure it’s the right fit. If it’s true to size generally choosing your normal size will be fine, however if it’s not I always check if I’ve bought the brand before and see if there’s something in my closet that I can cross check the sizing against.

This Gucci clutch will be a go-to for years to come

Always opt for classic

I’m all for taking a fashion risk or two but when you’re making a purchase that’s quite expensive it pays to think longevity. I always opt for neutral colours and opt for classic styles so I know that I’ll end up with something that will last in my wardrobe season after season.

Shop around

Anything by a high end designer is generally going to come with a significant price tag so be prepared to shop around. Check out prices both in-store and online before you buy anything so you can get the best deal. Whilst they’re definitely an investment buy and will (if you choose right) last you for years to come, it still doesn’t hurt to pay the least amount as possible…and hey, anything leftover can always go to another future purchase!

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What’s one designer purchase you’ve made that you absolutely love?

Fashion, Shop

The basics every woman should own

30th October, 2022

There are some principles that I maintain when it comes to fashion. I always invest in quality pieces, everything has to be versatile and work back with what I already own and the end result always has to be polished. However by far the one thing that I can’t get dressed without is an arsenal of good basics. These are the building blocks of most of my looks. I can add accessories to liven things up or pair them with great jacket but ultimately they form the basis of almost everything I wear.

Over the years I’ve found that there are key basics that my wardrobe just wouldn’t function without. Essentially most of my outfits are aided by any one of the below items on a day to day basis and having them on hand means less outfit dilemmas for me. It’s been a process of trial and error, but this is what I’ve found are the building blocks of a great wardrobe. Feel free to add to the list!

A white t-shirt

The perfect white tee is a necessity. It’s something that you’ll reach for in your wardrobe time and time again. It pays to go in search of one that’s the right fit, length and cut to ensure that it suits you perfectly.

Singlets in staple colours

Grab one singlet in white and one in black and I guarantee that you’ll end up wearing both repeatedly. Much like the white tee it’s the perfect item for layering and will become a welcome addition to your closet.

Oversized cardigan

A cosy cardi in a neutral tone (I particularly love grey but white, navy and black are also good options) is guaranteed to see you through winter and the tricky trans-seasonal period when the weather can be a little unpredictable. Invest in one made from quality wool or cashmere and I guarantee you’ll have it for seasons to come.

V-neck jumper

I’ve found that out of all the different jumper styles out there the v-neck is the most flattering. When it comes to jumpers the same principle for the cardi applies—choose one in a neutral tone and made from wool or cashmere. Personally I always buy jumpers a size or two bigger because I don’t like anything too tight.

Lounge pants

It’s time to elevate your lounge wear. When I’m at home I live in either cotton, cashmere or wool lounge pants and I’ve found that they can easily go from being in the house to out without having to do much. This is great for those times when I just need to quickly duck to the shops and don’t really feel like changing.

Jeans

Whatever your denim style, a pair of lived in jeans that you can turn to constantly will give you plenty of outfit options when it comes to dressing for your down time. There are plenty of options available out there (I’m definitely a skinny jeans girl) so make sure you try on as many pairs as possible until you find the perfect fit. If you need a little help denim shopping check out my guide here.

Leather pants

While they may not be for everyone, I wanted to add them to the list as these are definitely one of my staples because they’re just so comfortable. I’ve found that a pair in a leggings style are the most versatile but there are so many different variations that it pays to hunt around for one that will work with your wardrobe the best.

Great underwear

I recently posted about how important underwear is to an outfit so make sure that you stock up on comfy, flattering underwear. Look at your lingerie drawer and be honest with yourself —is it filled with quality pieces or are you still clinging to your old faithfuls that are hanging on by a thread? If it’s the latter it might be time to consider an upgrade. You don’t necessarily need anything fancy but it definitely has to be able to work with multiple garments and provide support in all the right places.

What are some of the wardrobe basics you can’t live without?

Fashion

Rules of wearing statement pieces

23rd October, 2022

A beautiful statement piece can often elevate an outfit from good to great. I’m a big fan of using statement pieces to add interest to an outfit, especially when I’m wearing something that’s quite understated. It’s a great shortcut to employ on those days when you’re wearing an outfit that you know requires some punch but you don’t want to rework the entire look again. The addition of an eye-catching element to your ensemble can really make it pop.

Whether it’s an elaborate pair of shoes or a great pair of embellished sunglasses here are my rules for working with statement pieces.

Stick to your style

Trends for statement pieces come and go so it’s important to stick to your style. Whether it’s a brightly coloured bag or the latest designer accessory ensure that it’s still very “you” whilst being an attention grabber at the same time. It’s also important to remember that whilst a statement piece is designed to stand out it’s also crucial that it can work seamlessly with what’s within your wardrobe already otherwise it will sit in your closet gathering dust.

Make statement pieces the hero

It goes without saying that you should allow your statement piece to take centre stage. If I’m wearing a statement bag or shoe I often like to keep my outfit quite muted to allow it to stand out. This is why bold pieces are often a great way to bring an all black outfit to life with just the addition of one accessory.

My Gucci loafers with floral motif

It’s all in the detail

A statement piece doesn’t have to be all about the bling. It’s important to choose something with a striking detail that will really make an outfit pop. My favourite Gucci loafers which I wear to death have a floral motif on them which make a statement but are definitely not overly bright or embellished. Just find something with an eye-catching detail that will allow it to shine and make it unique.

Find the right balance

If I’m wearing a statement piece I often do a scan of the rest of my outfit to see whether it’s just right or might be just a bit over the top. For example one of the key statement pieces in my wardrobe is my Gucci Dionysus bag which features lots of embellishments and I’ll often wear it when I need to jazz up an outfit such as when I’m wearing a plain white tee with jeans or leather pants. It acts as the final finishing element but it doesn’t overpower the rest of the look.

Shop my edit of statement pieces

What’s your favourite statement piece in your wardrobe?

Fashion

How to get more wear out of your wardrobe

28th August, 2022

Have you ever bought something only to find that you wear it once and it ends up collecting dust in your wardrobe? It’s easy to fall into this trap when we’re flooded with options and an impulse purchase is so easy to make. If you’re in the situation of having an overflowing wardrobe with absolutely nothing to wear then it might be time to rethink your shopping strategy. I’ve managed to hone mine down over the years to pinpoint the purchases that I know will have multiple outings. If you want to avoid buying something that’s a one hit wonder it pays to keep a few things in mind—it’s what I use when I’m considering buying something and I guarantee it works…

Stick to neutral tones

I always try to keep items like dresses and staples like coats in neutral tones. With dresses I’ll always opt for a little black dress, a white dress, denim or khaki. And with a staple like a blazer or coat I always opt for black because it’s a colour that’s really versatile. When it comes to basics (my everyday wear such as t-shirts and jumpers) I always stick to neutrals. Whilst a pink t-shirt is fun I’m guaranteed to get more than a few wears out of a plain white tee. Also if you want to add a bit of colour to your wardrobe it’s easier to work back with a simple muted colour palette than try to work with multiple bold hues.

Buy separates

I think separates are always a really good option because you can mix and match them. It’s much easier to wear something like a quality silk blouse or a great skirt in various ways as you can just switch out the top or bottom when you want to change up your look. One thing I’m loving is that more and more labels are releasing matching separates which not only look chic when paired together but are great when worn with other pieces too.

Keep statement pieces on top

If you find something that’s a bit of a showstopper, find something that sits on top such as a jacket or coat, which you can throw on over an outfit. Everyone remembers if you wear a really bold dress but if you wear a striking jacket you could mix and match it and nobody would really even notice if you wear it multiple times. I’m a fan of pieces that have a bit of personality and are a standout piece but if I want to guarantee maximum wear out of it then outerwear is the best way to incorporate it into my look.

Don’t be a slave to trends

There are multiple trends each season and while it’s fun to try them you don’t always have to wear a trend from head to toe. You can incorporate a trend into your look with a really great jacket or small accessories. For example if you want to get tap into a 70s vibe, buy one trend piece such as a pair of flared jeans. It doesn’t mean that you have to look like you stepped off the set of Saturday Night Fever. Exercise a bit of restraint when it comes to trends as invariably they will come and go.

Avoid too much embellishment

If you want certain pieces to last season after season avoid having too much embellishment on it. Having a lot of detail on a particular garment makes it more difficult to work back with other items in your wardrobe. Not only that, it also it makes it easily identifiable so it’s harder to have it be a chameleon piece that can be worn for multiple occasions. If you look at the celebs who tend to outfit repeat, they’re always wearing a classic piece that’s simple and streamlined.

What are some ways you get more wear out of pieces in your wardrobe?

Fashion

The one thing I do to avoid a wardrobe crisis

24th July, 2022

Having a morning wardrobe meltdown isn’t always ideal when I’ve got a busy day ahead of me, not to mention having to get the girls organised at the same time so I’ve had to devise a way to avoid them. It’s always daunting to look into a wardrobe not having any idea on what to wear so I always make sure that I have a backup plan for precisely those moments. Generally, I’ll know what I am going to wear each day but for those times when inspiration doesn’t strike I’ve pre-prepared a few different outfits that I can easily and quickly pull together. Having a series of outfits that I have already styled in my head so I don’t even have to think about makes it easier to get out the door fast.

If you want to try this for yourself you don’t necessarily have to have the entire head to toe look planned (unless you really want to be that specific) but it helps to have the bones of the outfit ready to go such as the dress or the top and pants combination that you’re going to wear. I generally accessorise as I go along when it comes to jewellery and my handbag but I’ll know which of my shoes will go with the outfit so I don’t have to waste time trying on a million pairs. I’ve memorised my go-to looks but you could always photograph them and store them in a folder on your phone for an easy visual reminder. If you want to try this out for yourself I’d recommend identifying the occasions where you’re likely to feel stuck for outfit inspiration such as weekday mornings when you’re about to go to work or leisure wear for the weekend. This is all about making things easier on yourself so you’ll never have to freak out about a wardrobe crisis again.

What are some ways you avoid a morning wardrobe crisis?

Fashion, Fashion & Beauty

Designer items that will never go out of style

5th June, 2022

Investment purchases often have a few more zeros in the price tag than your average chain store buy but when you factor in the longevity and its cost per wear you’re definitely getting a bargain. I’ve spoken in the past about my approach to buying designer goods that you won’t regret, but there are definitely certain pieces that will forever remain stylish. Add these to your wardrobe and I promise you’ll have a long and happy relationship.

Burberry trench

If you’re going to splurge on a trench coat make it one by Burberry. The coat was designed by Thomas Burberry for military personnel in World War One to keep officers protected against wind and rain and the design has been around ever since. The hardware and fabrication are of course top notch but one glimpse of the iconic checked lining sets this trench above the rest. I promise a trench coat is one purchase that you will get plenty of use out of all year round.

A photo posted by Burberry (@burberry) on Mar 25, 2016 at 3:21am PDT

Chanel 2.55 bag

Everyone knows the quilted 2.55 bag by Chanel and whilst its ubiquitous it’s also one of the few designer bags that will not only appreciate in value (research has shown that the bag has increased in value by 70 per cent over the last six years) it’s also the kind of bag that will not date, will go with virtually everything you own and will always be a classic staple that you’ll be proud to carry. It’s a hefty investment I know, but if you’re going to splurge on a designer bag this one is definitely worth considering.

A post shared by CHANEL (@chanelofficial) on Oct 6, 2015 at 4:09am PDT

Cartier LOVE Bracelet

The ultimate in wrist candy the beautiful Cartier LOVE bracelet first came to prominence in the 1970s and has only grown more popular since its inception. Available in a variety of metals including yellow gold or rose gold, and if you’re really looking to splurge there’s also a version studded with diamonds this is one piece of jewellery that you’ll remain in love with.

A photo posted by Cartier Official (@cartier) on Feb 10, 2015 at 9:37am PST

Hermès Oran sandal

While the Hermès Oran sandal comes in a number of different colours, the tan is by far the most popular. There’s a very good reason for that! If you’re going to splurge on a designer sandal this would have to be it. The classic, understated style works for so many different occasions, from beach to bar to a long lunch… it goes with pretty much everything and has been in style for forever making it a worthwhile buy. Also, you can never go wrong with anything from Hermès.

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A post shared by Hermes No.1 Fan Page (@hermes.addict)

Chanel ballet flat

Ballet flats will always be a wardrobe staple but add a pair of interlocking Cs and you venture into truly classic style territory. Whilst they’re not the type of shoe that you’d wear daily to run errands (they’re definitely a bit more special than your average ballet flat) they are an easy and stylish footwear option for those days when you just want to take a casual look up a notch. A close runner up in the shoe department would be the classic Gucci horsebit loafer. Almost 70 years on and it’s still going strong.

A photo posted by TashSefton (@tashsefton) on Feb 25, 2016 at 2:43am PST

Gucci loafers

First released in 1953, the Gucci loafer has been around for 68 years and whilst it has never ever really gone away it has experienced a huge resurgence in popularity. Whilst the range now encompasses everything from floral print to an array of colours, fur trim and a version with a collapsible heel, this style is a forever shoe. Translation: if you invest in this you’ll be wearing it for the next few decades without it ever dipping in style cred.

A post shared by ✖L a u r e✖ (@sevenaugust) on Mar 29, 2018 at 3:49am PDT

Tell me—which designer items do you think will always be in style?

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