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fashion advice

Fashion

How to buy pieces that you’ll have forever (and the strategies I use to guarantee this)

9th April, 2023

I can think of a number of pieces in my closet that I’ve had for what feels like forever. There are things I bought many years ago that are still going strong and getting used to this day and it’s because I followed the below criteria. It’s often when I venture away from this approach that I end up with purchases that I’ll have for a year or two but end up giving away in a closet purge down the track. The thing with a longevity shopping strategy is that you end up spending less because you’re not wasting money on things you’ll only have for a short time. You’re also likely have more wearable options as you will make considered purchases that align with how you truly like to dress—and ultimately have forever.

Opt for minimalist and classic

While I’m all for having fun with fashion, if you want a forever piece generally it’s going to be something that you won’t tire of seeing or wearing. For me, that requires simple silhouettes and classic hues that can be paired back with multiple things in my closet and that I can mix and match easily.

Stay true to your style

I think the pieces that have longevity are always the ones that stay true to your style and aesthetic. I’ve always found that the pieces I end up purging from my closet down the track tend to be the ones that didn’t quite work back with everything I already wore, or I ventured out from my usual repertoire and ended up with a piece that wasn’t aligned with how I dress. My look always tends to be polished, so if I stick to pieces that are within that realm, I’ll usually hang onto them.

Keep it considered

This is code for don’t impulse buy. I’ve rarely if ever ended up with a piece I bought on a whim sticking around in my closet for longer than a season or two. The things I’ve had for years, decades even, are the ones that I spent some time thinking about before I purchased it. This means looking at how I could wear it, what I could wear it with, and how much I actually loved it. If it’s not something I’m thinking about constantly or planning outfits with in my head before I buy it, it’s likely not going to last.

What are some of your strategies for buying pieces that you’ll have forever?

Fashion

The style mantras I live by

1st April, 2023

When I was younger my style was a constant work in project but as I’ve got older I’ve started to really nail down my look. I know what I like and what I don’t and what suits me and what won’t. This has made getting dressed a whole lot easier. This process has also enabled me to start following a few key style mantras. These are the anchor points of my wardrobe and  has helped shape what I wear on a day to day basis and what also what I buy and add to my closet. Every woman will have her own different mantras according to her own personal tastes, however I thought I’d share mine with you all in case it helps you discover your own words to style by.

Always find balance

My style is a constant balancing act. This means if I’m doing one thing such as wearing a shorter skirt then I’ll aim to have a more conservative blouse to even out my look. If I’m wearing a vibrant colour then I’ll try and tone down my accessories so it’s not too overwhelming. I’ve found this has helped me edit my outfits and has given my a basis from which to style them.

Quality over quantity

Given the move towards sustainable fashion I’ve become even more determined to shop for well made pieces with longevity. I try and make considered purchases rather than succumbing to the temptation of an impulse buy. This means that I’ll always leave it a few days before buying anything as it gives me plenty of time to think about how it’s going to work in my wardrobe. I’d rather only buy a tight edit of things a year that I know will last me season after season.

Interesting elements are key

I’ll always try to add one piece in my ensemble whether it’s a killer heel, a statement bag or showstopper earrings that will elevate it. I’ve found that this is often a great way to put my own unique stamp on what I’m wearing and helps give it an injection of personality.

Aim for a polished finish

If you were to ask me what I aim for when I get dressed everyday it would be a polished finish. I always make sure that from head to toe, every garment fits perfectly (which may mean a trip to the tailor to get it altered). As I’m quite on the petite side if I don’t do this I risk looking like I’m swimming in what I’m wearing. Also I don’t forget the little things such as making sure that my bags are always clean, my shoes aren’t scuffed or needing to be resoled or fixed and my jewellery has a classic feel.

Experiment and have fun

Fashion’s meant to be fun. It’s a great way to express myself and play around with different styles and trends, but ultimately I know it’s meant to be an enjoyable part of my life. So this is why I make a point of experimenting with different colours, combinations and brands to find looks that I love to wear and make me feel great every time I walk out the door.

What are your style mantras?

Photography: Sophia Athas

Fashion

5 pieces that always save me in a wardrobe crisis

26th February, 2023

An unexpected wardrobe crisis is not something I can usually afford to have first thing in the morning. This is why I’ve developed a roster of key pieces that I know will always save me when I’m having issues on the outfit front. They’re tried and tested and I know exactly how to work them with what’s in my closet so I can easily pull together an outfit in minutes. Here’s what’s saved me more times than I can count…

Little black dress

A little black dress is the equivalent of a get out of jail free card when it comes to fashion. An LBD has saved me on numerous occasions from having a wardrobe crisis as it’s such an easy foundation from which to build an outfit—all it needs is a great pair of shoes and accessories and I’m done. I know it’s also guaranteed to be flattering so it’s ideal for those days when I can’t afford to waste time trying on multiple outfits but need to look and feel my best.

Leather pants

I live in black leather pants throughout winter as they’re so comfortable and can also easily be dressed up or down. As a lot of people probably do, I generally always turn to anything black when I’m having a wardrobe crisis as it’s always a flattering hue and is an easy jumping off point to build a look from. The perfect pair of black leather pants can easily be paired with a tee and sneakers for great off duty style or a blouse and heels for a dressier look.

Jeans

I always feel comfortable and confident in my favourite pair of jeans so for casual days out I know I can always rely on them to build an outfit around. I can easily just add a tee and flats if I’m out running errands or a structured blazer and heels if I’m after something a bit dressier.

White shirts are always a guaranteed lifesaver

Shift dress

Shift dresses have always been my go-to at all times. Even during pregnancy I found them to be a great option as the silhouette works with my frame and is an easy basis from which to create a look. I’ve found dresses are a lifesaver during times of wardrobe dilemmas as you don’t need to fuss around trying to match tops and bottoms—simply throw it on, find a pair of shoes and you’re done. Shift dresses may not work for everyone so definitely find a dress style that you know works with your shape.

White shirt

A crisp white shirt is considered a wardrobe classic for good reason—it’s an easy option to pair with everything from jeans to leather pants to a skirt and always looks polished. I find it’s always a good idea to have a white shirt ironed and ready to go at all times as it’s an easy option to turn to when you’re staring at your closet feeling really uninspired. Throw on a white shirt and I guarantee it’s wardrobe crisis averted!

What are your go-to wardrobe lifesavers?
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

School run outfit formulas to commit to memory

23rd January, 2023

I don’t know about you but weekday mornings doing the school run are manic in our household. Trying to get the girls out the door and at the school gate on time means having to juggle multiple things and the last thing I want to deal with is a wardrobe crisis. Having encountered this a handful of times, I’ve found one of the best ways to combat it is to have a few school run outfit formulas in my head for tried and tested looks that will work all the time. This has saved me on more than one occasion as I can quickly grab something and get out the door with minimal fuss.

I’ll preface this by saying these formulas will vary for each person depending on what you generally have on during the day and your style, but for me these are a few outfits that always work. I tweak them slightly sometimes depending on my schedule or what the weather is like outside but most of the time I don’t really veer too far from the below. They’re also comfortable, incorporate pieces that are regularly in rotation and are looks that make me feel confident whenever I walk out the door.

Co-ord set + slides

Can’t get much easier than a matching set. I’ve found I’ve built up quite a collection of these because they’re such a no- brainer look. If I’m really in a rush, this is the first thing I reach for because it always looks polished. Also, you can wear both pieces separately so it earns a tick in the versatility department. I will often pair a co-ord set with slides in summer, but switch it out for sneakers when the weather starts cooling down.

Jeans + sweater + sneakers

This is one of my winter go-tos. A great pair of jeans, white sneakers and a jumper is super simple as far as outfits go but it definitely works.

Blazer + tee + jeans

I bookmark this outfit combination if I’ve got somewhere to be after drop off and need to look polished. This is just a simple jeans and tee pairing but by adding the blazer on top it dresses it up and gives it more of a professional vibe.

White shirt + jeans

A classic outfit combination like a white shirt and jeans also works for the school run. I often have a few shirts ironed and ready to go so I can quickly grab a shirt and pop it on with a pair of jeans when I’m in a rush. White is always a failsafe, but a great stripe is always fun, and bold colours are also an option when you’re feeling like brightening up your look.

Shirt dress + sneakers

Shirt dresses are one of those style staples I think everyone should have on hand as they’re so simple and effortless. I often team a shirt dress with a pair of sneakers and a crossbody bag for a look that can take me from the school run to a meeting or errands quite easily.

Midi dress + sandals

The appeal of a dress is that it’s so easy to wear which makes it one of my faves for weekday mornings. A midi dress and sandals looks polished and doesn’t require fussing around with much styling.

Tee + trouser + sandals

A tailored trouser has become a firm favourite in my weekday outfit rotation. A pair of black pants in particular is great as it can work with so many different looks. I usually pop on a tee with a trouser (I add a trench or coat during cooler weather), pop on some sandals (or a sneaker during winter) and I’m done.

Tee + jeans + sandals

Jeans and a tee is a perennial favourite because it works and doesn’t require much fussing around. I have a rotation of jeans that I know always work with various tops so I usually just pick one of those, pop on a tee and I’m ready to go. Sandals or slides are my go-to during summer, and I’ll usually just switch it out for sneakers, boots or a flat when it’s cold.

Fashion, Fashion & Beauty

The 7 dress styles you need this summer

21st December, 2022

 

Dresses are one of my favourite go-tos, particularly in summer as they’re comfortable, perfect for hot weather and can be dressed up or down. Also they’re an easy, no-brainer kind of outfit — just pop it on and you’re done. I love them for days where I really just can’t be bothered deciding what to wear as I know I’ll look polished without having to fuss around with an outfit. The great thing about dresses is that there are so many different styles to suit every figure and occasion. Every season there are a few silhouettes to watch out for, and when it comes to summer dressing, these are the styles you should definitely have on your radar…

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The puff sleeve

I adore a puff sleeve on a dress. All the volume is actually really flattering when worked back with a more fitted bodice — there’s a nice balance between the two. You could opt for a shorter sleeve or a longer one but both work equally as well. One of my fave styles is a shirred bodice with a puff sleeve which ticks the comfort box (yes, to stretchy things!) and looks dressy at the same time.

 

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The fun mini

Minis are one of the big trends of the season and are such a great option for a casual occasion or an event that requires a bit more dressing up. I love the long sleeved dress above and feel it achieves a balanced effect with the shorter hemline of a mini. Pair a dress like this back with a beautiful slide or a low kitten heel and show off those pins!

 

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The relaxed boho

Whether you’re heading to the beach or off on a tropical holiday the boho dress is the perfect comfy-cool dress during summer. A crisp white style is heavenly, and evokes a totally effortless vibe that is perfect for balmy days.

 

 

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The cut-out

Cut-outs have been around for a few seasons and they show no sign of waning with a number of designers incorporating them into their collections. You’ll find plenty of dresses dropping in the coming weeks that will feature a peek-a-boo detail and I think it’s such as fun option for summer.

 

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The smock dress

If you’re looking for one of the comfiest things you can wear, it has to be a smock dress! They look really sweet and all that volume works well with a great slide or sandal. Whether in a print, solid colour or a chic neutral, you’ll find there is plenty to love with this style.

 

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The slip

The resurgence of 90s dressing is still very much a thing and you can’t get more 90s than a simple slip dress. It’s a great go-to for events, and when paired with a mini bag and a kitten heel it’s very much on trend. Also you can work it into your wardrobe in any style you choose. Black, white, printed, earthy tones… choose a hue that suits you and your style.

 

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The shirt style

Dresses with an element of shirting to them are always in vogue. You could opt for a sleeveless version such as this one or opt for a traditional shirt dress with sleeves but either way they’re a wonderful option for summer.

 

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The off-the-shoulder

To channel those holiday vibes into your everyday wardrobe try an off-the-shoulder dress. It’s a perfect silhouette for warm summer days and there’s something about showing off one’s decolletage that makes for a really flattering effect.

Fashion, Shop

The basics every woman should own

30th October, 2022

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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

5 important style lessons working with fashion stylists has taught me

14th June, 2022

I’ve worked with a few different stylists on shoots over the years and it’s always an experience in which I walk away having picked up a tip or two to adopt into my own wardrobe and how I style my looks. There’s just something about watching a professional at work that has taught me about everything from the best shapes that suit me to the one non-negotiable of a great outfit. Here, I’m sharing a few of the best lessons I’ve learnt…

Tailoring is everything

The one thing all stylists insist upon is having everything tailored to fit. It really does make a difference to your overall look. For example on magazine shoots, to ensure a garment fits, stylists will often use bulldog clips to nip it in and ensure it falls perfectly on the body. I’ve since adopted this into my own wardrobe by ensuring I get everything tailored whether it be to take something in or up.

Mix it up

Stylists never use a look that’s head to toe one brand. Also often they will mix high end designer pieces pieces with cheaper items to create a look that’s more unique and less like it walked off the pages of a particular label’s look book. I always mix brands and love discovering lesser known designers as I’m able to create an overall aesthetic that’s all my own.

Learn what colours and shapes suit you

Stylists will often do fittings prior to big shoots to do a test run of the different outfits they’ve put together. Having done these a few times I’ve paid attention to the types of colours and shapes that they will pull for me to wear. I’ve found that they will choose structured shapes and cuts for me as looser styles sometimes overwhelm my frame. This has encouraged me to experiment to really pinpoint what suits me. This has been great as I can now look at something and know whether the cut and style will work for me or not.

Working with stylist Jess Pecoraro (left) has given me so much insider knowledge

Accessories can change any look

One of the fun things about being on set for me is seeing all the amazing accessories laid out by the stylist for the shoot. There are often numerous options for shoes, belts, jewellery and bags as they’re the finishing touches that can really finish off a look. Seeing an outfit evolve on a shoot with the addition of an accessory has taught me that it’s the best and easiest way to take an ensemble to another level.

Don’t be afraid to push boundaries

I’ve often come away with an outfit combination I would never have thought to put together or a different way of wearing a particular garment from observing stylists at work. They’re really not afraid to flip fashion on its head and create looks that are interesting and totally unexpected. It has really ingrained in me that experimentation with what’s in your closet is really important for evolving your look.

What are some of the fashion rules you live by?
Fashion, What I Wore

The pieces you’ll find me wearing every week

5th May, 2022

It’s a known fact that we only wear a small percentage of our wardrobes. It’s mind boggling given how many outfits we could probably create if we all just tried a little harder to wear them, but I am also guilty of playing favourites. I try my very best to expand my repertoire because I believe every piece in my closet deserves some love, but that said, there are certain pieces that always get a workout during the week. There are of course some weeks where I might find myself dressed up due to events but if it’s a typical week, these are the staples in my closet that I’m guaranteed to wear because they’re ultra easy and so versatile.

Black dad sandals

Initially this shoe style had to grow on me, but now that I’ve embraced it I can’t go back. These shoes are not only ridiculously comfy but I’ve found them to be so versatile. I wear them all the time. They work well with jeans, dresses, skirts, shorts and no matter what I can walk for miles in them. They’ve definitely become a permanent fixture in my wardrobe and most likely will continue to do so.

High waisted tapered jeans

I adore high waisted anything. Can’t get enough of them. Jeans in a high waisted style, that are slightly more fitted are my fave. I’ve got a few in rotation including a Levi’s pair that I get DMs about every time I wear them, and a pair of Slvrlake jeans which are a similar fit. Either way you can almost guarantee I will be wearing them throughout the week, whether it’s with a t-shirt or a button down shirt or a tank. Plus they look great with flats, sneakers and heels which makes them just about the most versatile thing I own.

White tee/tank

Jeans and a white top is one of my go-to combinations. It’s a classic style for several great reasons. White looks so fresh against blue denim and looks ultra polished. However I often pair a white top with pants, whether it’s a wide leg style or a drawstring variety and find it works equally as well.

A button down shirt

Button down shirts are always a failsafe in my wardrobe. I often wear them with jeans, always slightly tucked in. And the great thing about this style is there are so many variations. From a crisp white shirt which is always guaranteed to work with multiple outfits, or a simple, classic stripe, there’s always something polished about it. Plus they work back with both pants and jeans equally as well.

Chanel flats

If we’re talking about shoes, these Chanel flats were an investment piece that has become so worth it in terms of cost per wear. The slingback style makes them look ultra dressy but being a flat, they’re comfortable too. I wear these shoes with jeans, pants and dresses and the classic two tone style gives them that signature Chanel touch.

A dress

I can’t pick a single dress I wear every week because I have so many great pieces that I love. However you can generally find me in a dress most weeks. I find them to be such a great outfit shortcut. When I’m unsure what I’m going to wear, I know I can always rely on a dress to do the heavy lifting.

 

Fashion

25 of my fave denim looks

20th April, 2022

If there’s one thing that is a mainstay, can’t-live-without part of my wardrobe it is denim. I am guaranteed to be in it a few times a week because it’s versatile and it just works. I love the fact that it can be dressed up or down and paired back with everything from a t-shirt or singlet, to a blazer or statement blouse. Either way it’s comfortable, chic and oh-so easy. It also doesn’t hurt that denim is now pretty much accepted for most occasions too, so it’s a good failsafe option for those times where I’m not quite sure what I’m going to wear.

I often wear denim when I’m in off duty mode or doing the school run, either with a tee and sandals or a jumper and sneakers in winter. If I want to dress it up a bit more I’ll wear it with a blouse and blazer, or pop on a trench over the top and wear it back with a pair of loafers. The beauty in denim is that it can run the full spectrum of my wardrobe, from really casual to an event and either way it’s guaranteed to work.

In putting together this post I revisited a few of my fave denim looks and not only did I rediscover a few fave looks to wear again but it also showed how truly versatile it is. I’ve worn it on shoots, to Fashion Week, launches, fashion showings and everything in between. I do favour denim paired back with a few key things: a white t-shirt or shirt, a great shoe and some fun accessories. While I’ve found a skinny jean that I really love, I’ve also embraced a high waisted straight cut, a slightly baggier relaxed cut, a wide leg and shades ranging from a classic blue to a crisp white and black. Also, it’s great in its other iterations, from a jumpsuit to a denim skirt or dress. This is the beauty in denim — it can suit almost anyone’s style as there are so many cuts and silhouettes to choose from. So, if you’re a denim lover like me from way back or just starting to embrace it again after months of lounge wear, here are a few combinations to try…