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fashion tips

Fashion

The one thing you can’t afford to forget about your outfit

11th August, 2022

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If your guess was shoes or a bag then you’re incorrect on both fronts. Don’t get me wrong, those are crucial too but I’m actually talking about what’s underneath your outfit. Often when it comes to underwear we throw on the first thing that’s within reach and don’t give it a second thought however did you know that the right undergarments can be the building blocks of a great ensemble? A stray bra strap here or a VPL situation there can often ruin the overall effect of an outfit so it’s key to get it right. Here’s what to do in virtually every fashion scenario.

If you’re wearing a t-shirt…

This is a prime job for the t-shirt bra (funny that). A bra that’s got light padding and no extra embellishments will give you a smooth silhouette when wearing a tee. T-shirt bras will get plenty of use so they’re great to get in black and nude at a minimum.

If you’re wearing a blouse…

If you’re wearing a silk blouse that’s quite fitting you’ll want to avoid anything in lace as it will just create a lumpy effect (not pretty!). A simple bra that slightly padded – something similar to the t-shirt bra will give you a smooth line. However if you’re wearing something loose you could get way with wearing a lace bra. Alternatively sometimes you may want to make your bra a focal point (as I have done above) in which case you should opt for something that’s a little more on the sexy/elegant side as opposed to a thick-strapped utilitarian bra as it will be on show.

If you’re wearing something tight…

A fitting skirt, dress or pants is prime for VPL issues and in most cases a g-string will usually help avoid this. If you’re not a fan of g-strings try seamless briefs which as the name suggests don’t have a seam and will often achieve the same effect.

If you’re wearing something sheer…

You can either cover up by wearing a cami or you can choose to make your underwear a feature. I’ve worn a lacy bralette under a sheer blouse before (see below) and found it worked with the overall look. However if you’re off to work or somewhere where you need to err on the side of conservative opt for a camisole.

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If you’re wearing white…

Whatever you do do not wear white! It may seem as if wearing white underwear under a white garment would make it invisible but it’s actually the opposite and tends to highlight your underwear instead. Your best friend in this situation is nude underwear. A nude bra or a nude pair of underpants will actually “disappear” when worn under white; try it, it’s like magic.

If you’re wearing a singlet… 

Some may opt for invisible bra straps thinking it won’t be obvious but when you think about it, who actually has clear skin? Plastic straps on skin won’t go unnoticed so it’s better to opt for a strapless style instead. Strapless bras have come a long way and now often have silicon or rubber on the inside to help them stay in place. Also, be sure to be professionally fitted for a strapless bra. The perfect snug fit will ensure you don’t spend your entire day trying to pull it up. If you’re really worried, try a bra with a wider band or a longline style which has a band that goes to the waist to give you maximum support.

If you’re wearing a racerback style…

A convertible bra is great in this instance as you can adjust the straps to wear it in a cross-back style which will work perfectly under a racerback style top or dress. However standard bras now sometimes come with a small metal clips on the straps which can allow you to convert it to suit a racerback style. Simply clip together and the straps will be pulled in to the middle of your back and thus hidden from view.

What are some of your favourite underwear brands?

Fashion

What every girl should have in her capsule weekend wardrobe

23rd January, 2022

By the time the weekend rolls around all I want to wear is something comfortable that still fits into my usual style of polished and classic. Also come Saturday morning I just want to get the day started and grab my morning coffee with the girls rather than standing in front of my closet pondering what to wear. If you’re the same and would rather just go into auto-pilot style-wise when you’re in relaxation mode, then I highly recommend pulling together your very own capsule wardrobe for the weekend. By narrowing down your wardrobe to a few key pieces for the weekend you make getting dressed so much easier.

When doing this pick the pieces that you know you feel and look good in, but also are ideal for just relaxing and enjoying a lazy day. Consider your head-to-toe look from your tops and bottoms to shoes and accessories. These will form the cornerstone of your weekend looks and make getting a breeze. When it comes to what to have in your wardrobe, I highly recommend considering adding the following things. These items feature heavily in my off duty wardrobe and I know you’ll get plenty of use out of them too.

Sneakers

A good, reliable pair of white sneakers is comfy and can be worked back with dressy ensembles or your most casual off duty look. Definitely include them in your weekend rotation.

Jeans

A good pair of jeans in a classic wash will serve you well on weekends. You can pair them with a simple tee for a day of running errands or dress them up with heels for drinks with the girls.

A white tee

Invest in the best quality white tee you can as I guarantee you will wear it to death. I wear mine with jeans, under dresses, with skirts, shorts, the list is endless. I honestly can’t get through a weekend without wearing one.

A dress you can throw on easily

The thing with dresses is they’re comfy and so non-fuss. Just throw a dress on and you’re pretty much done. Look for one in a great print or alternatively neutral shades if you want to get multiple uses out of it.

Fun frames

I tend to change my sunglasses as often as I do my outfits so I can attest that often great frames can really add something extra to a look. For weekends in particular, I think a fun pair of sunglasses (I love a cat eye or a small, minimalist style) that’s just a little more playful is ideal for off duty style.

What are some of your weekend wardrobe essentials?

Fashion

How to revamp your work wardrobe this year

9th January, 2022

A brand new year is the perfect excuse to get your work wardrobe in order. I always start the beginning of a new working year by taking stock of everything in my wardrobe so I can identify the key areas that I may need to build on or add to to inject some freshness into my office look. Here’s how to give yourself a stylish start to the year ahead…

Identify your dream work looks

Now is the time to pinpoint your ideal work outfits (I’d suggest doing a mood board for when you’re working from home and when you’re actually in the office). Start by pulling together examples of everything from jackets you may like to suit styles you’ve always wanted to try so you can get an idea of how you want your work wardrobe to look. Once you’ve done this you’ll have a blueprint of your style which makes everything from decluttering what you currently own to what you need to shop for so much easier.

Bin or keep?

Pull out everything you wear in work mode and assess each piece with a critical eye. Does that dress really flatter you? Is that skirt the right length? The aim of this exercise is to make sure that you only keep things that you will actually wear and will help you look polished. Be brutal! Get rid of anything that you haven’t worn in awhile or is looking a bit worse for wear. Once you’ve got a pile of clothes that you intend to keep separate them into what you will need to get dry cleaned, mended or altered.

Compile a shopping list

I always tend to go to gravitate towards shirts for work meetings so it’s one area of my wardrobe I make sure I always have well stocked. If you’re like me then now is the ideal time to invest in some fresh new shirts to wear throughout the year. Look at what else in your wardrobe is looking a bit tired and consider replacing it such as the work shoes you wore virtually every day last year or the work bag that’s seen better days. Or if you can see that there are serious gaps in your wardrobe, for example if you have been avoiding wearing particular things because you don’t have the right belt then look into finally buying one.

Look at what can be altered

It’s a pain having to take just one thing to be altered so I always wait until I’ve got a few things that need to be done. What better time than a brand new year? This is the time to get any pants hemmed to the right length and get any jackets tailored to fit perfectly. A little bit of tailoring can really make all the difference and make something old feel new again.

Try on different outfits

Once you’ve got all your key pieces sorted start trying them on to compile a few key go-to outfits. This will not only allow you to get a better idea of how functional your office wardrobe is it’s always great to have a mental cheat sheet for those days when you’ve woken up and just want to go into auto pilot or you are having an “I have nothing to wear day” and need to get out the door fast.

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 spring clean from your wardrobe

4th September, 2021

Photography by Adrienne Leonard on Unsplash

Now that spring is here there’s no better excuse to do a big wardrobe clean out. I always like to do one at this time of year to ensure that I’m utilising my closet space with pieces that I truly love and use often—otherwise I’m just losing precious real estate that could otherwise be occupied by new purchases! That said, it’s also great to take stock of everything to see what gaps I currently have and what I’ve got way too much of so I know what to look for when I’m shopping. Also, it reminds me of old favourites that I can incorporate into my fashion repertoire.

If you’re about to embark on a clear out, take the opportunity to weed out the below items from your wardrobe and donate them to charity so someone else can make better use of them. After this process I guarantee you’ll rediscover clothes that you’d forgotten about and in turn create some fresh looks that will make everything you own feel new again.

“Someday” clothes

You know what I’m talking about—these are the clothes that you’re saving for “someday”. So whether you’re bookmarking something for that time when you reach your ideal weight or are hanging onto an old dress in the hopes you may wear it to an event down the track (even though you’ve been to multiple occasions and didn’t even think to pull it out) then it’s time to be brutal and say goodbye.

Ill-fitting pieces

If something is a bit loose you can either get rid of it or if you think you’d actually get a lot of wear out of it if only it fit, then make the effort to get it tailored. If the problem is that it’s too tight then it’s time to bid it adieu. You want your clothes to sit well and flatter your shape not look like you’re squeezing yourself into something that just doesn’t work.

Anything you haven’t worn in a year

There are some things that obviously don’t fall into this category such as a wedding dress, but generally if you’ve managed to get through four seasons without once reaching for a particular garment then it’s a good sign that you can live without it.

Irreparable garments

There are some things that you may be keeping in your closet as they need a few repairs. Pull all these items out and take the pieces that you actually want to keep and wear to a tailor to see what can be done. For anything that’s not able to be fixed, instead of binning it, try recycling it. There are certain organisations that take clothes that are in poor condition and recycle them into things like rags, insulation or stuffing. Do a quick Google search to find a place near you.

What things do you need to clear from your wardrobe?

 

 

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

The flattering way to wear a midi length skirt or dress

6th March, 2021

Knee length? Easy! Mini? Can do! Maxi? All over it! Midi length? A slightly tricker proposition. I am the first to admit I used to think the midi was an unflattering length (especially if you’re on the petite side). I just saw it as an awkward length that wasn’t particularly wearable.

But the thing with fashion is even if you’ve discounted something once before if you see a trend often enough you start to think that it could be worth another try… And I’m so glad I gave the midi another chance. With a little experimentation on how to style it, it’s now a go-to length of mine and I often favour it when it comes to skirts and dresses. Here’s how I’ve made it work…

Consider your footwear

If you’re going to rock a midi length skirt or dress the most flattering footwear option is a pair of heels. It gives added height which elongates the frame. As the midi lands below the knee to mid calf it can cut you off at an unfavourable part of your leg so the best way to combat it is to add a few inches in the form of a heel. That said, I’ve been wearing it a lot with flats and sandals and I think it also works, so go with what’s more comfortable.

Maintain balance

Keep proportions in mind and ensure that you have the right balance. For example if you’re wearing a voluminous midi skirt then make sure your top is fitted whilst it would be the reverse with a slimline skirt. If you’re too top heavy or bottom heavy it can throw the entire look off.

The midi skirt or dress has quickly become a fave of mine

Experiment with details

Interesting details such as a bold print or pleats are one way to make a midi length skirt or dress stand out. The midi makes a strong sartorial statement so why not allow it to really make its mark by choosing impactful elements.

Cinch in the waist

The thing with the midi length is that it can come across as frumpy if you don’t have the right silhouette. You want to have a cinched in waist to give the look some shape, otherwise just having a long dress or skirt end halfway down your leg does not make for the most flattering look.

Pay attention to where it ends

Wearing a dress or a skirt that ends mid calf means that the dress cuts off at the thickest part of your leg. Often, this isn’t the most flattering length for a woman so I would suggest going for something just slightly below for a better effect. It shows off the ankle and generally makes for a better finish.

Tell me—for you, is a midi skirt or dress a yay or a nay?
Beauty, Fashion

Little things that help you look polished all the time

6th February, 2021

Looking polished all the time isn’t simply about an expensive outfit or perfectly applied makeup day in an day out I’ve found it’s often all about paying attention to the tiny details that will ensure your appearance is always on point. I’m constantly around women who have to look polished as part of their work and these are some of the small things I’ve found ensure they look consistently put together…

Neat nails

Unkempt nails will always derail anything else you may have done with your outfit. One of the simplest things you can do is keep your nails tidy – ensure they’re all the same shape and size. Take the time to keep your nails in top shape and while nail polish is always an easy way to pull an outfit together if you’re not a polish person a simple buff and file so they’re neat works too.

Clean shoes

Scuffed shoes, scratched heels or shoes that look like they’re on their last legs will always negate any effort you’ve gone to to look nice that day. To avoid this be sure to use waterproof spray on your shoes so they don’t get ruined during inclement weather and repair any shoes as soon as you notice damage so they don’t get worse.

Tidy bag

A clean bag will always add to a polished appearance. I know when you’re carrying around a bag all the time that it can easily get dirty or damaged so be sure to spray any leather with protectant spray to avoid it getting stained. If it’s a canvas bag make sure that you keep an eye out for any stains or marks and attend to them straight away.

Pressed clothes

Walking out the door in wrinkled clothes will leave you looking less than polished. If you hate ironing be honest with yourself before buying anything that requires complicated pressing and determine whether you will actually ever find yourself reaching for the iron to attend to it. If it’s a no, let it pass. Even if you tell yourself you’ll get to it, take it from someone who isn’t a fan of ironing you’ll avoid it for as long as you can. An alternative to ironing is to buy a steamer which makes it much easier to get wrinkles out of garments and is great for delicate pieces.

Minimal makeup

I’ve always been of the philosophy that less is more when it comes to makeup. By avoiding going over the top, it achieves a far more elegant finish and by default makes the rest of your outfit look polished. One of my rules when it comes to makeup is to choose either my eyes or lips as the focal point, so it’s either a bold eye or a bold lip, I never do both.

Inspect your clothes

It’s the little things that can often let you down when it comes to clothing. Loose threads, fraying hems, a stain here, pilling there—these are all things that can compromise your whole look. Make a point to attending to signs of wear and tear or damage straight away to keep your clothes looking pristine.

What are some ways you stay looking polished?

Fashion

The one area of my wardrobe I update every season without fail

1st November, 2020

 

There’s one area of my wardrobe that I’ll always update every season without fail and that’s my accessories. I think the addition of the right accessory to an outfit can really lift it and make it instantly fresh and on trend. It’s also got the power to turn casual looks into something polished, instantly expanding the wearability of what’s in my closet.

I’ll often tailor my accessories to the season too, so when buying a new shoe I’ll look for a great boot for autumn/winter and a statement stiletto for spring/summer. With the purchase of a single new season shoe I’m able to instantly make older pieces look modern and contemporary by pairing it with something that’s current. It’s an effective trick for getting more wear out of my wardrobe.

Kate Waterhouse street style with gold Gucci heels

The right statement shoe can really make an outfit

Also I always keep an eye out for key pieces like belts and bags as I think they’re an easy way to restyle existing things in my closet and make them look different. The addition of a new belt to a skirt or pant can give it a new vibe by changing its shape or look and feel. And switching up bags can often act as an accent piece that can rejig an ensemble. For example a structured top handle bag can make an outfit feel polished whilst a leather crossbody carryall is a little more relaxed and casual.

Accessories are a great way to feel like you’re wearing a new look, and it’s often more economical than buying something every time you want to freshen up your wardrobe. At the start of a new season, it’s a great idea to take stock of what’s out there and then pinpoint a few thing that you know will a) work with the rest of your clothes and b) has enough flair to stand out on its own and act as an accent piece to any look. It’s simple, easy and definitely effective.

What are some things you always update every season?
Fashion

Now that we’re all staying home it’s time to become best friends with loungewear…

25th March, 2020

If you’re currently looking to bump up your loungewear options you’re not alone. With more time spent at home right now it’s a great to have some comfortable pieces that are simple yet have an element of polish. I’ve always been a big fan of loungewear and lived in it when I had both the girls as we would spend a lot of time at home. In the process I’ve worked out the key pieces that are great to mix and match and have in your wardrobe. Here are a few to add to your collection…

Jogger pant

These are as comfy as tracksuit pants but are just that little more polished. With the tapered leg and cropped length they’re the ideal pants to live in when you’re working from home or simply up to your umpteenth Netflix session…

A white tee

It’s worth building up a collection of white tees as you can pretty much live in them 7 days a week. They’re the ideal companion to a jogger pant, jeans, shorts… the list is endless so the cost per wear is great. Also, you can easily work them into your work/going out wardrobe when things are back to normal.

A matching set

A two-piece set is always a shortcut to looking polished. And there are so many sets that are comfortable and stylish at the same time. Look for fabrics such as super soft cotton or linen, they’re made for days spent staying in.

Drop crotch pants

I had a few Bassike drop crotch pants in my post-baby wardrobe and found them so great for wearing around the house but were fine to wear out in case I needed to get some fresh air. The Bassike pants can be a little pricey so definitely look out for options from chain stores like Country Road or Glassons or hit up ASOS which has some really affordable versions.

Wide leg pants

I’ve always been a fan of wide leg pants and they’re even better when you’re staying in. They’re great when made from a soft jersey or linen, and can often be found as a set with a matching jumper which makes for a no-brainer outfit.

A cosy sweater

Now that the weather is cooling down it’s definitely good to have a few cosy knits on hand. Pop them on with a cosy jogger pant or with jeans and prepare to snuggle up in style.