fashion Archives - Page 6 of 29

How to make fashion purchases you’ll always love

19th January, 2020

When it comes to shopping it’s easy to get caught up in the process and end up with something that you may only be interested in for a short period of time. It’s these purchases that often end up gathering dust in your wardrobe and ultimately wind up on a ‘to throw away’ pile in the not too distant future. These purchases often add up and once you’ve done a final tally you’ll often realise (much to your dismay) that you could have bought a big ticket item that you truly love. Not to mention the fact that it’s important to try and minimise wastage and shop a little more consciously, rather than buying things all the time that inevitably get thrown away.

So how can you go about making sure you end up buying things that you won’t fall out of love with in a week? Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Do some research

Shop around and check out what’s available out there. Whether it’s shoes or a dress you might find that you had one particular style in mind but once you’ve looked further you may find another style that you love even more.

Give yourself a cooling off period

Regretful purchases notoriously happen when you’ve seen something and immediately snap it up without giving it much further thought. Sometimes these purchases work out but more often than not you could end up something that you’ll lose interest in.

This is why it’s important to give yourself a cooling off period. If something catches your eye, sleep on it and reassess in the morning. If you’re still thinking about it then buy it. You’ll know it’s true love when you can’t get it out of your head.

Do the wardrobe test

Ask yourself if what you’re about to buy will realistically work with the rest of your wardrobe. Think about where you could wear it to, what you can wear it with and how many outfits you could pull together now if it were sitting in your wardrobe. If your answer to any of those questions is a bit sketchy then it might be worth reconsidering.

Consider cost per wear

Bear in mind that something is not cheap (even if it’s on sale and been reduced drastically) if you only end up wearing it once. That’s why I always factor in cost per wear whenever I’m buying anything.

Sometimes it can be easy to opt for something that may be slightly cheaper but not what you truly want however if you find that it hardly gets used then you’re not getting value for money. The same goes for buying something super expensive but then finding you barely wear it.

It makes much more sense to hang out for something you truly love. If something works out to be expensive but then you end up wearing it to death and the cost per wear ultimately ends up being $2 a day then you’re definitely onto a winner.

Assess the quality

The shine can quickly fade from something if it starts to look a little shabby and worse for wear after only a few uses. This is why I always recommend looking at the quality of something before purchasing it. Wherever possible, go for the best quality you can which includes materials, finishes and construction.

Fashion

6 ways with a slip dress

10th August, 2019

The slip dress is quintessential 90s. The supers – Kate Moss, Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell were all big fans; Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox rocked them in Friends and who could forget Alicia Silverstone’s iconic Calvin Klein slip dress in Clueless. As with other 90s trends such as chokers and overalls, the slip dress has made a triumphant return to be a must-have piece in every wardrobe. If you’re going to jump on board this trend don’t be afraid to mix it up just like these ladies…

This has taken key 90s pieces and given it a modern spin. Gary Pepper Girl’s Nicole Warne has paired it with a modern choker, minimalist mules and a printed cardi to give her slip dress a more contemporary feel. The block colour on the dress also gives it a modern feel.

A plain white slip dress is a fresh look for spring/summer. Espadrilles are also going to be a key addition to your wardrobe this season so when paired together this is a winning look. Chanel Boy bag optional!

This slip dress is a nod to the season’s military trend, in particular this shade of khaki green. The slip dress is quite minimalist so keep this look clean with delicate jewellery and a streamline, tan bag.

You can’t deny the impact of all-black everything. The black slip dress is the most classic of 90s pieces, but to give it an updated spin team it with a wide brimmed hat and a pair of Birkenstocks.

The denim jacket is one of those pieces that is surprisingly versatile. Team it with a navy slip dress for the ultimate in casual cool.

The white sneaker trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon why not pair it with a slip dress for the ultimate in utilitarian looks – comfy yet cool. Just remember that if you have any detail on your dress such as the lace on this slip dress, that you should keep the rest of your outfit quite simple.

Photography: Modern Legacy, The Fashion Tag, Sincerely Jules, Pinterest

Fashion, Shop

6 ways with a cardigan

13th July, 2019

Gone are the days when the humble cardigan would be something your grandparents would wear. The cardi has become an integral part of most winter wardrobes and with good reason – they’re warm, comfy and just so versatile. And to prove it here are six ways to work the cardigan into your wardrobe…

A black cardi when teamed with an all-black ensemble makes for an interesting alternative to a black blazer or jacket. This is the kind of piece that you’ll turn to time and time again because it’s so multi-functional and will work back with virtually everything in your wardrobe.

A grey cardi will never go astray in your wardrobe. When worn with jeans and a tee it’s a match made in heaven and makes for a low-key yet chic ensemble for a casual lunch, a day of running errands or while travelling.

Whoever said cardis were boring has never seen the amazing array of bold patterns they can come in. Have fun with your cardis and experiment with an interesting print or pattern. When worn with pared back pieces such as a tee and skinny jeans it makes for a great statement piece to give your outfit a point of difference. To ensure it doesn’t become too much for your outfit, try to pick one colour in your cardi and choose pieces in the same colour to give the look some cohesion.

For a casual cool vibe replace your jacket or blazer with a cosy cardi. If teaming a cardi with a dress try to keep the silhouette quite streamlined and opt for a form fitting dress to counteract the volume of the cardi. You can dress up this look with a pair of pumps or keep it quite casual with brogues or oxfords.

Unexpected pairings are often the best. In this case a pinstripe button down shirt makes an interesting juxtaposition with the relaxed nature of the cardi. An oversized cardi (much like a coat of the same cut) will always be a welcome winter warmer as it’s simply so easy to thrown on over virtually anything and it ups the cosy factor when you’re facing a chilly day outdoors.

To give a cardi a slightly more polished feel try belting it to make it a little more figure-hugging. This has the added benefit of giving you some shape and when teamed with skinny jeans it makes for a sleek finish.

Photography: Stockholm Street Style, Shot by Gio, Lauren Messiah, New Fashion Craze, Sincerely Jules,

Fashion

Planning a European summer holiday? Here’s your bikini buying guide

6th July, 2019

Oleema and Kalana Miller are the sister duo behind swimwear label Mikoh. Their swimwear is fashion forward with an emphasis on striking colours, cut out detail and plenty of separates that can be mixed and matched (which as most women will know, is key to getting a perfect fitting bikini). Here Oleema and Kalani share their best tips for buying a perfect bikini, the trends to watch out for and how to find the perfect fitting pair of swimmers online (yes, it’s totally possible)…

What are some of the trends people should look out for?

It’s slowly starting to trickle into the Australian market but it’s been very popular especially among all the emerging swimwear brands to have a skimpier cut when it comes to bottoms. Beyond that there’s two opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to colour and print. Nude colours are really popular and in our range we try to have a really good range of colours so we have something for everybody so there’s lots of muted earth tone colours as well as big bright statement colours like a fluorescent pink or a bright yellow.

One of the biggest things is that swimwear itself has become a trend. A few years ago it was just something that you bought once or twice a year to go to the beach but we are finding more and more so that it has become somewhat of a trend to buy swimwear and wear them as undergarments to replace your bra. It’s good to have one piece that serves two different purposes.

What are some of your tips for buying flattering swimwear?

When you’re trying on swimwear in the store certain lighting can be very unflattering and sometimes it’s not realistic of what it would be outside if you were actually wearing the bikini. So the more you try on the better. Whenever we’re doing trunk shoes or events we always encourage people to try on a bunch of different sizes and different shapes because girls will be drawn to the one staple like a little black bikini but it’s important to broaden your horizons and try things on. Especially if you’re in a store where you can try more than one thing.

What about shopping online?

A lot of sites do it nowadays but they say the model is wearing a suit with certain measurements and what size she’s wearing so it’s important to do a lot of cross reference when you’re buying something and it’s even important to check out different websites as well. If you’re after a certain style or piece, it’s good to look on alternative sites that carry it to help you understand how that top or bottom fits. It’s just doing your research because a lot of the time swimwear is final sale so you don’t want to get stuck with it if it’s not quite right.

What are the essentials of a great swimwear wardrobe?

The little black bikini. Just something that’s super minimalist and black obviously translates from season to season. Even if the style is more trendy, anything in black is able to be timeless.

The complete opposite of that is a statement piece. So a swimsuit with a really beautiful print or bright pop of colour or interesting body shape.

A good one piece is really classic as well. We have a ton of girlfriends that wear them as bodysuits as well and it translates into ready to wear and is not just swimsuit specific.

And lastly a suit in a sporty or athletic shape. In one trip we’ll go surfing or go swim at the beach, we’ll lay out and snorkel so it’s good to have something that can be more sporty related but you can also wear it later to yoga or to work out in.

What are your tips for looking after swimwear?

Treat your swimwear the way you would treat your really good lingerie. A lot of girls are like ‘oh I wore this it’s kind of dirty I’m just going to throw it in the washing machine’, we highly advise against doing that just because it is such a delicate material. A lot of suits like ours are handmade, if you’re not gentle with them it will get ruined if you’re too harsh with it. We always say to wash it with a little bit of soap in cold water, especially after wearing it at the beach or in chlorine. Anytime you get chlorine on something it will disintegrate the material so it’s important to give it a good wash after wearing it then lay it out flat to dry outside in the shade. You want to avoid using any harsh chemicals or detergents and washing machines. And definitely avoid the dryer!

What’s your current fave bikini in your collection?

One of the pieces we find most beautiful and unique in our collection is the Waimea top and the Cayman bottom. They’re hand macramed and it almost captures all those different kinds of essential suits we were describing before. It comes in a range of colours but if you were to get them in black it definitely ticks the little black bikini box, you can also wear it doing sporty things and it makes a statement.

The Waimea top and Cayman bottom

Fashion

Treating yourself with your tax refund? Here’s how to choose a worthwhile splurge item

29th June, 2019

Kate Waterhouse Chanel at Marais boutique launch Melbourne balmain blazer chanel bag bec and bridge dress 2

It’s end of financial year time and if you’re lucky enough to be expecting a tax refund you may be in the mood to treat yourself. If you’re on the hunt for something to splurge on then there’s no better time to consider purchasing an investment piece to add to your wardrobe. These are often my favourite purchases to make as not only are they special, they’re also usually guaranteed to get plenty of use and have longevity so I feel I’m getting my money’s worth. If you’ve been lusting after something for a long time then perhaps now is the time to take the plunge, but keep these things in mind first…

Choose something that will get plenty of use

This is a given if you’re planning to buy something that’s on the expensive side so take stock of your wardrobe and see what you actually need. For example if you’re after a pair of good quality flats then now might be the time to splurge on a pair of Gucci loafers or Chanel ballet flats. They’re classic designs that will always be in style and crafted beautifully so you’ll definitely have them for a long time. If you think about the cost per wear you’ll probably find that they work out to be cheaper than a pair of shoes that you’ll only wear for one season.

Avoid anything that will date

For me, things that are worth splurging on are handbags, shoes, jackets, blazers and coats as I find they’re usually the workhorses of my wardrobe. It’s important to think classic when it comes to these pieces as you don’t want them to date too quickly.

If you’re thinking about buying a designer bag (or any other pricey item) then be sure to choose a style that’s not identifiable with a particular season–avoid the signature piece of a collection as it’s one sure fire way to have something that won’t be able to work in the long term. Also steer clear of anything that is only going to be around for one season as it won’t age well. A great example of a bag that will work years from now is the quilted Chanel bag which is so versatile (I’ve had mine for ages and I use it so much) and also has been around for decades and is a staple of the brand’s accessories line. Apparently it also appreciates in value so it definitely lives up to being called an investment piece!

A quality bag is a definite splurge buy that’s worth considering

Shop around

Splurging can mean buying something nice but it can also mean buying something extra nice that’s on sale. If you’re planning on buying an investment piece then definitely shop around for the best deal you can get. You’ll still end up with a great piece but at a fraction of the price My Balmain blazer (pictured above) is one such item. I had my eye on one for awhile but I waited until I found it on sale on Net-a-Porter for half the price. It was worth every cent but I was even happier that I managed to save on the cost of it. Shop smart and you’ll definitely get more bang for your fashion buck.

Do you really love it?

It’s easy to get caught up in buying something simply because it’s on sale or you’re just in the mood to spend. However you’re better off holding back and splurging on something that you adore and will wear for many years to come. To ensure that you’re making a worthwhile buy employ the 24 hour test. If you’ve seen something online or spotted something in store don’t buy it immediately. Instead give yourself a day (or even longer if you can stand it) and if you’re still thinking about it then it’s meant to be. It’s an effective way (and one I’ve tried and tested) to ensure that you’re not going to have buyer’s remorse.

What investment piece do you have your eye on at the moment?

Fashion

The power of the statement shoe

27th April, 2019

I’m a firm believer that shoes can make or break an outfit. This is why I’m all about a statement shoe. An eye-catching pair of shoes can pull your entire outfit together. I think the key to a great statement shoe is in the cut, the material and the colour plus I think they’ve got to be classic in that they last season after season but they’ve also got to have interesting details that make them unique. Even if it’s just a plain black pump there has to be something about it whether its just a beautiful heel or great material. And most of all, it has to be beautifully crafted.

I have plenty of shoe labels that I love but at the moment these are the brands that I think do the perfect statement shoe…

Aquazzura have really beautiful designs and have a really interesting look to them. I have a great pair of Aquazzura snakeskin stilettos that I wear all the time.

I love Tabitha Simmons‘ shoes. I wore a pair of her leopard print stilettos to Melbourne Cup one yaer and I felt they really added an interesting element to my outfit. Her shoes are just a little bit quirky and a lot of fun.

I also love Balenciaga‘s shoe line. They’re classic and are perfectly crafted. As I wear my heels so often I invest a little more in them so they’re great quality and are built to last.

Photography: Tamika Keioskie, Beyleigh Vedelago, StyleSnooperdan

Fashion

How to wear sheer tops

16th February, 2019

There’s something quite alluring about showing a touch of skin in a sheer blouse. I have sheer blouses I’ve had for years and I’ve been able to get plenty of use out of them as they’re quite versatile and can be worn for myriad occasions. This particular one is from a collection I did with Skin and Threads and I loved wearing it with my favourite high waisted pieces and definitely got a lot of wear out of it. I know this style can seem a little tricky to pull off simply because of the sheer factor but it is possible to wear them minus looking a little too risqué.

Here are some of my tips:

1. Have the right underwear

If you wear a plain singlet or cami underneath a sheer blouse it gives you plenty of coverage so you can feel comfortable wearing it to work or a more formal setting. If you want to have an edgier look you could also wear a solid, black triangle bra or cami or a bandeau top underneath. Lingerie can get a little tricky if it’s see through so a solid colour is a little easier to work with.

2. Wear high waisted pants or skirts

If you don’t want your stomach to show in a sheer blouse opt for a pair of pants or a skirt that’s high waisted. It hides your belly button and shows off the flattering midriff part of your body. Plus something that is high waisted gives you a bit more support in the stomach area.

3. Layer it

If you’re really concerned about having more coverage in a sheer blouse, I find popping a blazer or a jacket on top makes it a little more conservative. You can still show a touch of skin without exposing too much.

4. Try prints

You don’t just have to stick to sheer blouses in solid colours. A patterned polka dot sheer blouse such as the one above can add an interesting focal point to an outfit.

5. Make a statement with your underwear

Since your lingerie is on show, why not make a statement with it? Candice Swanepoel (above) has worked a great bra with multiple straps underneath her sheer blouse and it has taken her look to something that’s a little edgier.

6. Choose the right colours

A sheer blouse in a solid block colour works great with more muted tones. Blouses in black, white are able to be worked back with plenty of pieces in your wardrobe and can be dressed up or down. Also anything with strategic panelling is quite flattering like that on Miranda Kerr‘s blouse above.

What are your thoughts on sheer blouses?

Photography: PopSugar, All Women Stalk, Daily Mail, Fashionising,

Fashion

The quick styling trick that will update your favourite dress

24th October, 2018

I’m all about a quick styling trick. If there’s something that I can do to my outfit that takes minutes but will do plenty to change its look and feel then I’m all over it. This is why this recent trend towards belting dresses is absolute genius in my mind. It’s something that you can do using an accessory that you more than likely already have in your closet and it will change the whole vibe of a dress. By simply cinching in the waist of an existing dress you completely change the shape, and also give it a strong focal point based on the belt that you choose.

The thing with this styling trick is that most styles of belt will work. You could opt for a classic black belt with statement buckle to give your dress a little edge. A simple skinny belt will add a sophisticated touch to any frock whilst a chunky style waist belt will act as its own bold finishing piece. And it’s so easy. Just pop on the belt and you’re done.

If you have a closet full of dresses that are currently putting you to sleep because you’ve worn them so much then consider adding a belt the next time you wear it. It’s an easy outfit refresh that won’t break the bank and that’s a definite win-win situation.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aimee Song (@songofstyle) on Sep 1, 2018 at 6:54am PDT

Cinch in a dress with volume

Give a dress with a voluminous silhouette some shape with a waist belt that will instantly give you an hourglass figure.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carin Olsson (@parisinfourmonths) on Sep 25, 2018 at 6:29am PDT

Add a statement feature to your dress

By simply adding a belt you can instantly give your dress a new focal point that changes its look and feel.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blair Eadie / Atlantic-Pacific (@blaireadiebee) on Aug 17, 2018 at 6:31am PDT

Pack a punch

You could opt for a belt with a statement buckle (the classic GG belt like the one above is a fave) to give your favourite dress an added lift.

Tell me—have you jumped aboard this trend yet?

Fashion

How to wear a suit in a modern way

15th October, 2018

I think every woman should own one great suit. They’re a staple in a corporate environment but the suit can extend beyond the office with the right accoutrements and silhouette. Suiting now works equally as well as a way to do day wear with extra polish or adopt a different silhouette from a traditional dress or skirt for big events. It’s had a major style rejuvenation and is definitely a key trend worth investing in.

Banish thoughts of the 80s power suit from your mind and instead think sleek, sophisticated and just a little bit sexy. Here’s how to nail suiting so it looks on point and super chic…

Invest in good tailoring

An ill-fitting suit is a big fashion no-no. If you’re going to wear a suit be sure to have it tailored absolutely perfectly to fit. If you need to, have the jacket taken in, have the pants taken up so the hem sits perfectly with your shoe to ensure the silhouette looks polished.

Think beyond the shirt

A classic button down shirt is, of course, always going to be a no-brainer pairing with a suit however by switching up what you wear underneath you can create a look with an entirely new vibe. You could opt for a turtleneck for a look that would work in a corporate environment but has a slightly more relaxed feel. There’s also the option of wearing a loose t-shirt a la The Gucci Shirt That’s Everywhere for a look with attitude or a bodysuit for an evening ensemble that looks sleek and sexy.

Be adventurous with silhouettes

There are so many different silhouettes when it comes to the suit these days. You could opt for a boyfriend blazer that’s a little more billowy and has a slightly tougher, more masculine feel to a tapered leg for a look that screams sleek. I also love a flared pant and a long length blazer for an outfit that has a slightly Jane Birkin vibe. And the suit I wore above, is another example of experimenting with silhouettes. The style is a little more relaxed, with its kimono style jacket and wide leg pants.

Keep shoes streamlined

When it comes to the suit the shoes you wear should be quite pared back. If you’re going to do a boot it needs to be an ankle boot that’s tapered to the leg, something like a sock boot is ideal. You don’t want anything too loose around the ankle as it can affect the fit of the suit and can look a little clunky. You could also opt for a sleek stiletto or if you want to wear flats a pair of pointy slides will work well. If you’re wearing a skirt suit like the one I’m wearing above, it works equally as well with boots as it does with heels and flats so it scores bonus points for versatility.

Embrace colour

A black, navy or grey suit has long been a workplace go-to but these days suiting is available in a rainbow of colours. Wearing a suit has never been so much fun! If you’re planning to wear a suit as day wear or to an occasion definitely consider dabbling in one in a vibrant shade for a look that’s bold and will stand out in a crowd.

What are your thoughts on the suit? Love or loathe?

Fashion, Shop

What’s on my shopping wish list this month

12th October, 2018

I’ve been so busy prepping looks for spring racing season that it was nice to be able to revisit my regular day-to-day wardrobe to see what beautiful new additions I could make to it. The cold weather has been stubbornly hanging on in Sydney so I’ve not been able to enjoy many spring looks at the moment, but it has directed my shopping pursuits towards some fun trans-seasonal pieces. From a great new LBD, to embellished black flats and a sequinned bustier that’s just made for a big event, this is what’s caught my eye this month.

Older Posts

Newer Posts