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fashion tips

Fashion, Shop

How to avoid an impulse purchase you’ll regret

3rd February, 2020

We’ve all been guilty of making an impulse purchase that seemed like a good idea at the time but later on turned out to be a not so good buy. The thing with buying items on a whim all the time is that you’ll end up wasting money and end up with clothes you’re not actually going to wear. Wouldn’t you rather put your shopping funds towards something that you absolutely love? I know that it can be difficult to resist buying a pair of cute shoes or a great dress when you first spot it but it’s so important to step back to ensure that you’re making a good buy. Here are a few things that you can do to try and curb an impulse buy before it happens.

Walk around the shop or step away from the laptop

If you’ve got the overwhelming urge to buy something and it really wasn’t in your plan to do so then do the the equivalent of taking a deep breath and counting to 10 by walking away from it. Either walk out of the shop for half an hour or step away from your laptop and make yourself a cup of tea so you can try and get that ‘buy, buy, buy’ feeling under control. Whilst you’re doing this think about the below.

Outfit check it

Think about what other things in you closet this potential buy could work with. If you’ve managed to mentally work it back with a number of outfits then it’s likely to get plenty of use. If you can only come up with a handful of looks then think twice about buying it because it might not get many outings and won’t be worth the spend.

Have a shopping list

I always like to think strategically about any potential purchases to avoid impulse buys that may or may not work. This is why I’ve always got a shopping list of things that I need in my wardrobe. Whether it’s a gap I’ve spotted in the clothes I have, something I need to replace or a look I need for an upcoming event, I always have a list so I can refer to it whenever I’m shopping and usually try to tick an item off the list before adding something to it again. Having an idea of what I actually need as opposed to just shopping based on what’s caught my eye has really helped stop many an impulse purchase.

Wait 24 hours

If you can do this it’s really a useful tactic. I do it all the time because whenever I see something I like in a store I’ll most likely have the girls and won’t have the time to try something on. So I wait until I can get to the shop again on my own (at least 24 hours) and If I’m still thinking about whatever I saw I’ll try it on and decide whether to buy it or not. I adopt the same principle for online buys. I’ll pop something in my shopping cart, sleep on it then revisit again the next day. Usually waiting gives me the time to mull a purchase over and determine if it’s a worthwhile addition to my wardrobe.

Have a set budget

It’s amazing what a limited shopping budget can do to reign in unnecessary purchases. If you’ve give yourself a set amount to spend on wardrobe buys, you’ll be much more likely to consider potential buys a lot more carefully. So instead of just picking up a top or pair of earrings and buying it because you like it that second, you’ll stop and take a moment to decide whether you really do want it or whether you’d rather direct your hard earned dollars to something you absolutely want.

What’s an impulse buy that you’ve regretted?

Fashion, Shop

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

My style formula can be summed up in just one word

5th January, 2020

My ultimate aim with my style is to look classic and polished, mixed with a few on-trend pieces to stay up to date. However if you were to ask me what my style formula is, the one thing that helps shape what I wear on a day to day basis it can be summed up in just one word: balance. Simple, right?

My style isn’t about having to mix certain pieces together in a certain way to create a certain look. Life’s way too busy to have to spend an inordinate amount of time considering what to wear. So I’ve distilled my approach to outfit planning into simply aiming to have balance with everything I wear.

This just means that if I were wearing something with lots of volume at the top I’d have to balance it out by wearing something that is slimline at the bottom. If I was going to show a bit more skin at the bottom, then I would have to balance it out by wearing a more conservative top. When I wear something that is long and baggier I’d need to balanced it by adding a belt to give myself more shape. Once again, it’s all about balance.

As I said I liked to keep my style simple and straightforward. I avoid anything too fussy or complicated because I just want to be able to walk out the door as quickly as possible. The one way I can manage that is to always ask myself if my outfit is balanced. Volume with something streamlined; embellished with something quite understated; long with something short. This gives me the fashion equilibrium I need to always feel that my outfit is on point.

Tell me—What’s your style formula?

Fashion

The pieces every spring/summer wardrobe should have

22nd December, 2018

Have you started planning your spring/summer wardrobe yet? I’ve been planning my checklist for awhile now and I’ve noted a few key staples that I’d like to add to my closet to welcome the warm weather that’s about to descend upon us. Before doing this I think it’s always a good idea to do a little reconnaissance mission of what’s in store and online so you know exactly what pieces you’re going to be snapping up. It also allows you to pick the best of the bunch and get a really great deal on key items that you know you’re going to be investing in for your new season looks.

I’ve been keeping an eye on everyone from my favourite celebs, to my stylish friends and checking out my go-to blogs and magazines over the past few weeks to pinpoint what’s going to really update my outfits for this time of year. If you’ve yet to compile your list, here’s what I think you should definitely be adding to it.

A Midi-dress

Dresses are one of the most wearable, stylish things you can add to your spring/summer wardrobe. Opt for one in a gorgeous print that will take you through many a sunny afternoon looking effortlessly chic.

A Co-ord set

A co-ordinating set is an easy way to look polished without really trying. There’s something about a matching top and bottom that just screams stylish whether it be a blouse and shorts or a skirt and slip, there are so many different sets to shop this season you’ll be hard pressed to limit yourself to just one.

Sandals/slides

Summer calls for at least one trusty pair of sandals or slides that you can easily slip on. I’ve really started gravitating towards slides as I like how wearable they are, however it really depends on what feels comfortable—some people like the support a sandal gives. You can always go for classic colours such as black, white and tan however I think the sunny weather at this time of year is a great excuse to embrace vibrant shades that will pop against any outfit.

A straw bag

If you’re going to buy one bag this season make it a straw one. Whether it’s a satchel, top handle or bucket style there’s definitely a trend towards embracing natural, earthy materials as far as bags go.

Lightweight trousers

I think there’s nothing better than a pair of linen trousers to keep cool during spring/summer. They’re also super easy to pair with everything from a button down shirt to a plain white tee so you’re guaranteed to get plenty of wear out of them.

Bold sunglasses

Don’t step outside without a pair of great sunglasses by your side. I think now is the perfect time to push the boundaries a little—think coloured frames or interesting embellishments for a little fun.

A statement skirt

I am loving bright printed pleated midi skirts at the moment as they’re seriously easy to wear whether I’m off to work or on mum duty. However if midi’s not your style, there are still plenty of options whether it’s a knee length wrap skirt or a cute mini. Just don’t be afraid to go bold!

Sneakers

A pair of trusty sneakers always has a place in any wardrobe, whatever the season. Chunky dad style sneakers are in at the moment but if they’re not your scene, you can always turn to a pair of classic white trainers. Whether they be from classic French brand Superga to urban-ready Adidas or a designer pair by Gucci or your favourite go-to brand you’ll be guaranteed to be turning to your sneakers multiple times a week.

Fashion

How to ensure your look goes the distance at the races

31st October, 2018

Being at the races is great fun but it can also be a long day. This is why it’s key that you ensure your look is able to go the distance and still look as great as it did when you first arrived. There’s nothing worse than looking dishevelled after a few hours when you’ve still got the whole day ahead of you. Having gone to countless racing events over the years, this is what I’ve found will ensure your look still looks fresh throughout the day.

Break in your shoes

I cannot stress this point enough. Wear your shoes a number of times before the actual day so it’s comfortably broken in. You don’t want to be dealing with major blisters from heels right out of the box on a day that you’ll likely be walking and on your feet for hours.

Choose a heel height that you can last in

It’s not compulsory to wear sky high stilettos to the races so don’t force yourself to do it if you’re going to be uncomfortable. There are so many gorgeous shoes available at varying heel heights to choose from so if you think you’ll be hobbling around in agony with a super high heel then opt for one that’s a little shorter. Also wear something with a thicker, sturdier heel as you don’t want to be sinking into the grass throughout the day.

Opt for a bag that has a strap

A clutch is great but it can admittedly become tedious carrying it around for hours, especially when you’re trying to eat something and have a drink but don’t have a hand free to do both. One thing I like doing is bringing a bag with me that has a hidden strap that I can use to go hands-free if I need to.

Keep makeup to a minimum

As the races are a day time event your makeup should be quite subtle and understated anyway but I’ve found that this has an additional benefit: less touch ups. By keeping your makeup quite simple then you won’t risk having it smudge away throughout the course of the day and you won’t have to spend an inordinate amount of time touching up in the bathroom when you could be enjoying yourself.

Choose comfortable headwear

It’s annoying having to constantly adjust your headpiece so I always like to wear pieces that I know will stay put. If you don’t fancy devoting time to fixing a fascinator that’s become askew, then a great hat, a headband or a turban is great for this reason.

Tell me—are you going to any racing events? How do you keep your look fresh?

Fashion

How to wear the sheer trend in a classy way

4th October, 2018

I’ve dabbled in sheer looks a number of times such as here, here and here but each time I do, it’s still a daunting prospect. How much skin is too much? Am I revealing more than I bargained for? There’s something about transparent pieces that are edgy and sexy, and when it’s done well, it can really make for quite a striking look. But how do you balance modesty without completely taking away from the see-through nature of this trend? Whether it’s a blouse, a dress or a skirt, it’s definitely a strategic game of knowing what to cover up and what to bare. With a little experimentation, here’s what I’ve found makes for wearing the sheer trend in a classy, polished way.

Invest in the right underwear

I cannot tell you enough how important it is to get your underwear right with this trend. You need to get maximum coverage underwear— so opt for a beautiful cami or bralette or plain full briefs which will cover up a lot and not reveal too much. Also a nude coloured slip is a handy thing to have in your closet, and works great under a dress or skirt.

Layer over clothes with more coverage

If you’re planning to wear a sheer shirt with a bra, it’s great to pair it with something high waisted such as pants or a skirt so you can show a touch of midriff without feeling like you’re revealing a lot of skin. You could also layer things to achieve strategic coverage such as a transparent dress over jeans or topping a see-through blouse with a blazer.

Find a balance

As wearing anything sheer makes quite a bold statement it’s important to temper it with slightly more subdued pieces. If you’re wearing a skirt with sheer panelling, pair it with a top that offers a little extra coverage to strike the right balance. A transparent top worn back with denim instantly grounds the look. As with most things with fashion, it’s all about striking the right balance.

Keep it simple

You’re already making quite a statement with anything sheer so try and keep the rest of your look quite subdued. Classic, simple accessories make the ideal complementary finishing touches as opposed to anything too loud which will compete with the bold nature of transparent pieces. You want the alluring flash of skin to take centre stage.

Have you jumped aboard the sheer trend yet?

Fashion, Shop

12 sandals that will take you through summer

28th September, 2018

Every summer I love shopping for a new pair of sandals. I pretty much live in them all season so I make sure to scour all my favourite stores to find a pair that I know will work back with most looks, but also liven them up and give them a special touch. This season there’s a healthy selection of light and airy footwear to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an embellished pair to add a glam touch to a look, or a sleek pair that will make an elegant addition to any outfit, I’ve rounded up the best sandals to provide the perfect finishing touch to any ensemble.

Common Projects minimalist leather sandals

With its beautifully unfussy design and crisp white colour, this is one sandal that will get plenty of use.

Musa crystal-embellished leather sandals

Just the right amount of bling can turn an outfit from good to great.

Sophia Webster ruffled leather slides

With its architectural design this is one slide that will stand out in a crowd.

Carrie Forbes Carree raffia slides

A woven rustic style slide is one addition to your summer wardrobe that will get plenty of outings.

Balenciaga slash flat sandals

Its luxe embellishment will ensure that every outfit has a glam element.

Gucci Sylvie web-trimmed leather sandals

With its classic Gucci colours worked back with gold, this one shoe that will see you through this season and beyond.

Ancient Green white and black hara satin and leather sandals

Bows and polka dots? This too cute combination is hard to resist.

Senso Zilda VI sandals

A monochrome sandal that will become a versatile addition to any wardrobe.

Aquazzura Almost Bare metallic leather sandals

Pared back and elegant, this minimalist style sandal will make an easy pairing with any outfit.

ATP Atelier snake print leather sandals

A hit of edgy snakeskin will instantly liven up a look.

Sophia Webster Madame Butterfly embellished slides

Clear PVC shoes are all the rage at the moment but this pair gets a gorgeous contrasting element in the form of a laser cut butterfly design.

Ancient Greek Christina leather sandals

Gold can be paired with almost anything, and when you throw in a sexy ankle strap it’s a sandal that’s destined for many a summer outing.

Fashion, Shop

12 pieces to consider for your next night out

21st September, 2018

One of the most fun things about a night out is being able to plan your outfit, right? The whole process of putting together a look and getting ready is all part of the experience and definitely one of the highlights of the evening in my opinion.

What I love about “going out clothes” these days is that anything goes. You can go out in jeans or a killer party dress and still be going to the same bar or restaurant, it all just depends on your look and aesthetic.

One thing I love doing with evening wear is incorporating one statement piece. Whether it’s a bold jacket a pair of standout earrings, I think night time outfits are a great excuse to step it up and do something with your ensemble that you wouldn’t normally do during the day. And the good news is that there are SO many evening-appropriate pieces out there right now that are just dying for you to take them out to cocktails with the girls.

Shop my evening wear picks below

Paco Rabanna Blossom 1969 sequinned shoulder bag

Give your trusty black clutch a break and opt for something with a little more wow factor. This sequinned bag is just the thing to take an outfit from so-so to spectacular.

Ganni Lagarde checked silk-blend lamé top

The humble check gets a night time makeover in lamé—definitely a piece that’s made for a night out with jeans and heels.

Off-White houndsooth wool-blend blazer

A statement jacket of any sort is always a welcome addition to an evening look. Keep the rest of your look pared back then pop this on top for a seriously bold ensemble.

The Volon metallic and velvet clutch

Clashing textures make for a bag that is destined for elevating any evening outfit to the next level.

Isabel Marant Tricy embellished leather belt

You can easily take a dress in your closet and revamp it with the addition of this belt. A great colour that’s really wearable and versatile.

Rosie Assoulin fringed-knit jacket 

Textured pieces are amazing at night. This jacket thrown over a look will instantly dial up the glamour.

Yeezy Season 7 PVC pumps

Transparent shoes are all the rage right now and this Yeezy pair will instantly add an on trend feel to any outfit.

Kalda Ringi 65 Snake Embossed slingback heels

Don’t be shy with your choice of footwear! Now is the time to embrace vibrant and bold pieces such as these snakeskin heels.

Dolce & Gabbana cameo crystal rose drop earrings 

These earrings have a soft feminine feel but are so striking they’ll instantly lift any outfit you pair them with.

Dolce & Gabanna fluted cady midi skirt

If you’re heading to a dressy occasion this fluted skirt is the kind of style that will ensure your outfit hits the mark.

Keepsake ruffle mini dress

I’m loving all things pink right now and this dress is no exception. If you want to stand out in a crowd then this dress is for you.

Sabina Musayev Martha midi skirt

Pair this skirt with a silk cami and a pair of statement heels and you’re ready to walk out the door.

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: Day to Night

28th August, 2018

There are pieces that I have in my wardrobe that are definitely more evening appropriate but that doesn’t mean that that should be their only purpose. Often looks that are for night events tend to be a little more expensive due to their style and construction, so to ensure that I’m able to make every fashion dollar stretch further I’ve taken to reworking them to be suitable for daywear. And it’s not at all hard or expensive to do.

One way I’ve been doing the night to day transformation recently is with the below Zimmermann top which is too pretty to relegate just for the evening so recently I’ve been teaming it with jeans to make it more suitable for casual wear. This is something that you can easily do with other pieces in your wardrobe. Often teaming something that’s a bit dressier with something more relaxed such as jeans can tone it down and make it appropriate for off duty style. I teamed this particular look back with a pair of slingback flats which are polished yet not too over the top for day and a mini crossbody bag. The end result was a laidback look but with just the right amount of polish.

If I were to wear the top at night though it’s a different story. In the evenings I tend to favour a look that’s a bit more feminine and formal. So in this instance I swapped the denim over for a midi skirt in a similar colour palette as the top. And switched out the casual crossbody bag for a structured clutch with a chain strap handle which definitely adds to the nighttime vibe. I’d also go for dressy heels and leave the flats at home. Overall what I was going for with this particular look was something that’s a little more sophisticated and dressed up, lifted up by chic accessories that have a modern feel.

I did the below transformations with just one top but you can do this with pretty much anything you’ve designated as ‘nighttime only’. All it takes is a few key choices that dial down it’s dressy feel for day, then swap it for elevated pairings at night and you’ve instantly got double the wear out of your wardrobe.

Credits: Daytime look: Top, Zimmermann; Jeans, Ksubi; Belt, Jimmy Choo; Sunglasses, Poppy Lissiman; Shoes, Dior; Clutch, Ralph Lauren; Evening look: Top and Skirt, Zimmermann; Clutch, Dior

Photography: Sophia Athas

The Daytime Look

The Evening Look

 

Fashion

Simple ways to elevate denim

27th June, 2018

I am the first to admit that I would be lost without denim in my wardrobe. Jeans often make an appearance in many an outfit that I wear throughout the week and it’s a staple when I’m in off duty/mum mode as it’s just so easy. That said, I can also attest for how simple it is to elevate it with the right accessories and statement pieces and make it ideal for an event or a special occasion.

When it comes to denim I’m a skinny jeans girl all the way as I think it works best with my frame. However with the numerous styles available out there it’s not difficult to hone in on the ideal style for you—it just pays to persevere and check out a few different cuts (check out my tips for buying denim here) as what works for one person may not work for another. I also tend to gravitate towards a formfitting style as I find it works with most of my go-to items in my wardrobe. All my jackets to blazers, shirts and heels all work back with a pair of skinnies.

While jeans, a white tee and sneakers are an eternally stylish combination it can sometimes be hard to think beyond that and see how to dress up denim in a modern way that doesn’t require too much fussing around. I think elevating your it is a simple as it comes if you know the right pieces to turn to. Once you’ve pinpointed those key items you’re guaranteed to always find a way to turn your old faithfuls into something special.

Killer shoes

Great shoes can make any outfit look great. A pair of amazing heels teamed with denim can instantly make it look dressy and polished.

Printed blouse

Swap out your fave tee for a blouse instead. This is a great combination that works dressed up or down—all you have to do is switch your shoes according to the occasion.

A post shared by Nicole Warne (@garypeppergirl) on

Statement jacket

One way to lift trusty denim that requires minimal effort? Turn to the most amazing jacket in your closet. Whether it’s a tweed number or an edgy leather moto style you can never go wrong with outwear that pops.

Classic blazer

I can attest for how unbelievably handy blazers are to have in your style arsenal. And while they go with most things in my wardrobe they’re a dream to pair with denim. A simple black blazer can really turn jeans into something special. Add a pair of knockout earrings and you’re done.

Understated flats

A pair of loafers is a no-brainer pairing with jeans. When you want to be comfortable to run around all day but still need to maintain an element of polish, stylish flats will fit the bill every time.