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Stylish school run fashion staples

27th January, 2023

Doing the school run countless times in the year has meant that I’ve managed to pinpoint the stylish yet comfy staples that will allow me to get out the door fast—but without compromising on style.

I’ve always favoured polished pieces but I know that the school run is one particular outing that requires comfort above all else. Because the girls’ schedules are so varied, I’ve found I need to be prepared to go from the school gates to myriad activities. Whether it’s sport, a play date, running an errand or simply grabbing a quick afternoon snack, I’ve found the ideal school run outfit is unfussy, simple and allows for ease of movement.

Having taken stock of the pieces I wear to do drop off and pick up all the year here’s what I’ve found is on high rotation.

 

 

Linen shorts

Investing in a great pair of dressy linen shorts is a shortcut to an easy outfit. I’ll often pair them with a tee or a singlet and slides or sneakers and it makes for a no-brainer look.

 

 

Denim shorts

A dark wash is a slightly dressier take on denim shorts. These would work well with virtually any kind of top, a button down shirt or a singlet and ticks the boxes in terms of comfort.

 

 

Printed dress

I’m all for the effortless appeal of a pretty printed dress. When you take having to decide on tops and bottoms out of the equation you’ll find yourself being able to save time so definitely have a healthy supply of them in your wardrobe.

 

 

Cropped linen pants

I’ve worn linen pants throughout summer as it’s a great alternative to jeans. They’re such an easy piece to pair with so many different things, that I definitely think it’s worth investing in a few different colours.

 

 

Black midi dress

On the flipside, a plain dress is a style chameleon. It’s a great blank canvas for creating an elevated outfit but it’s also such an easy piece to just pop on and walk out the door.

 

 

Cropped jeans

Invest in a pair of cropped jeans to form the basis of many an easy yet stylish look. I can’t live without a great pair of jeans and will often live in them throughout the week.

 

 

White sneakers

If there’s one thing that has to be in every wardrobe it has to be a pair of white sneakers. You can go for a sleek and pared back style, or incorporate a little colour for a fun touch. Either way you can’t live without them.

 

 

Black tote

Having a plain black bag at your fingertips will ensure you’re able to carry your essentials around in style. I like the size of this as it’s big enough to fit most things but not so big that it feels overwhelming.

 

 

Slides

These slides are such a great shoe to have around. The colour means it’s easy to match with different looks and styles, while the pretty knotted detail is the perfect finishing touch.

 

 

Casual cotton tote

If a black leather bag isn’t your thing, a relaxed canvas bag is another great option. This Acne bag is both cool and practical which ticks the boxes when it comes to doing the school run.

 

 

Ribbed tank

A grey tank is one of those key basics that you can mix and match with various looks. You could pair this with pants, denim, shorts or a skirt and it would work with all of them.

 

 

White t-shirt

The forever classic. You have to have a great white t-shirt, full stop. I’ve found a crew neck style is such an easy option to work with virtually everything and you’ll find you can wear it over and over again.

 

 

Logo t-shirt

For a bit of fun, I’m always quite partial to a logo tee. I think in this style, in a plain, practical hue makes it the kind of thing that will be worn multiple times. This is a designer option so it’s a bit pricier but the cost per wear will make it worthwhile.

 

 

Denim jacket

For a year-round topper, you can’t go past a denim jacket. You can pair denim for an on trend look, or use it to pop over a dress or with linen pants and tee. It’s so versatile you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

 

 

Denim skirt

Denim skirts are a fun addition to any wardrobe. It’s as versatile as a pair of jeans, but has a slightly more polished feel. Love it.

 

 

White shirt

Your wardrobe isn’t complete without a white shirt. I love this because it can easily be paired with multiple things and can be dressed up or down.

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What’s on my new year wardrobe lust list

15th January, 2023

The start of a brand new year is always a great time for a fresh start as far as my wardrobe goes. I like to do a big clean up to get organised and ensure I’ve got everything in its place, and in doing so, I’m able to really think about pieces on my wish list. Will they work back with the rest of my wardrobe? What kind of updates do I need to make the rest of the clothes I already own work harder? By being able to see what’s currently in my closet, I can see what items will actually add to my closet as opposed to just doubling up on things or buying one hit wonder pieces that won’t really work with anything else.

As far as 2023 pieces go, these are what have made it onto my list. Tell me yours in the comments section below!

 

 

Camilla and Marc Raleigh blazer and pants

I have been loving suits as event wear for awhile now and one of the things that have made it onto my wish list is a white suit by Camilla and Marc. I’ve got this style in black and have been absolutely loving it, and found it to be so versatile that I’d like it in a different colour. White was the obvious versatile choice as it works back with different hues. It’s also easy to wear the two pieces separately so it’s a good way to maximise cost per wear.

 

 

Viktoria and Woods Delta bustier

Bustiers are a big trend, but what I love about this Viktoria and Woods style is that it looks quite day appropriate. The linen feels very summery and fresh, and in a neutral hue it’s an easy option to pair with a variety of different colours. The corsetry detail however gives it some edge, and I love the cute resin stone detail on the halterneck strap.

 

 

Christopher Esber Venus draped jersey top

I’ll preface this by saying I don’t classify this as a basic but gosh what a showstopper of a top! Sometimes, I think you just need pieces that are a bit different and exciting and that fall into the special occasion category. I can imagine wearing this to different events and working it back with a classic pair of black pants.

 

 

Gucci bucket hat

I spend a lot of time near the water so hats are very much my thing. Yes, it’s quite an investment piece price tag for a hat but I do love that I can have this bucket hat for years to come. It’s quite portable so I can wear it to the beach and pop it in my bag quite easily afterwards or take it with me when I travel and that ups its wearability. It’s great that it’s also quite wide brimmed so offers a lot of coverage.

 

 

Eres Les Essentiels Aquarelle swimsuit

Black swimsuits are a staple in my summer wardrobe as I like to wear them both as swimwear and as a bodysuit. This Eres style is so simple, but being such an understated style makes it easy to work back with outfits. Also, I’ve found that a plain black swimsuit is super flattering so it earns bonus points in that department.

 

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How to change your shopping style for the better this year

15th January, 2023

If you’re coming to this site then it’s safe to say shopping is a solid part of your fashion repertoire. Shopping tips are one of the key things I’m always asked about! The thing with shopping is that if you don’t have the proper guiding principles in place you can often end up with items you don’t wear, wasting money that could go towards other purchases or simply end up with multiples of the same item. It’s happened to me and I know that it’s one of the key reasons behind frequent “I have nothing to wear” problems. The fact of the matter is, your closet isn’t working for you because some or all of your shopping strategy is letting you down. The things you’re bringing in aren’t working for the way you want to dress. So, it’s time to put a stop to it.

Over the years, I’ve managed my fair share of buyer’s remorse, or rather guiltily culled so much of my wardrobe only to realise just how much money I wasted, and also how wasteful it is to consume so much. So, I’ve tried to implement a few rules to help me shop smarter. And it has really helped as far as being able to pull together a more cohesive wardrobe. Here are a few of my most important shopping tips, the key things to consider before buying anything this year…

 

Plan your purchases

If you want to avoid impulse purchases or buyer’s remorse, it definitely pays to plan what you’re shopping for. Have a list that you constantly revisit and revise, so you can see what you should be looking to purchase. Being able to hone in on exactly what you need will help keep you on track. I always come back to my list so if I’m about to purchase something on a whim, it helps steer me back in the right direction.

Set a budget

Whether you shop monthly, bi-annually or every season, it definitely pays to have a budget in mind so you can keep yourself in check. If you have an idea of what your budget is, it helps to avoid excessive spending and will help you spend your shopping dollars in a smart way. This will help ensure that you have enough funds to buy the things that you actually need, as opposed to spending up big on things that largely won’t have longevity.

Ask yourself some key questions

I have a few key questions I always ask myself before I buy something. They’re questions I’ve devised over time and have really helped me to weed out the purchases I will be glad I made to the ones which I’ll be regretting in a few months’ time. The questions should be things that will help you determine the value of something to your existing wardrobe, and also just how closely it aligns to your fashion sensibility. I find when those two things are in check, you’ll never regret a purchase.

Resist anything that doesn’t feel right

There are times where you may see something on someone else, or you’ve fallen under the spell of something you’ve seen on sale and all of a sudden you get the urge to buy something—even if you have a tiny gut feeling that you might get over said item pretty quickly. Listen to that feeling! When you see something or try something on, it should automatically feel like a natural part of your wardrobe. Anything that requires convincing or strategising as to how to make it work, realistically, probably won’t.

Know what’s in your wardrobe

How many times have you bought something only to discover that you already own something similar? This is why it pays to do a stocktake of your wardrobe so you have a mental snapshot of what you already have. This is hugely helpful when shopping because you’ll know when to stop yourself from buying your 50th grey tee and direct your shopping budget elsewhere.

Do the overnight test

I always like to do this when I’m considering a big investment purchase. I’ll often revisit an item a few times before I consider adding it to cart both online and offline. When I’ve finally decided to take the plunge I’ll often sleep on it and if I’m still thinking about it the next day and set on buying it, that’s the time I’ll pull the trigger.

Fashion

The best cover ups to take you from beach to bar

13th January, 2023

I spend a lot of time by the water so beach cover ups are something that are always on my radar. I’m always looking out for pieces that are ideal for a day hanging out in the sun, but are also able to be worn away from the sand. And double points for being able to take me from a swim then out to lunch.

I love a great dress or an oversized shirt when it comes to cover ups as they’re both so easy and effortless to wear. A day at the beach should be relaxing so the less fussy the look the better! The upside though is that both still look like I’ve made a bit of an effort, and are perfect for being able to go from the sand to another activity quite easily. While they’re my two faves, there are so many other options to choose from. From a shirt and shorts set to a sarong or flowy robe, there are plenty of  stylish pieces that you can wear to the beach and also out and about.

There are so many different trends when it comes to this part of one’s wardrobe, but I’m loving the trend towards embracing various textures, particularly crochet which is huge right now. There’s also the lightness and elegance of linen which will forever by in vogue. Additionally I’m really loving the splashes of bold, bright colour that I’m seeing, whether it’s in a kaftan or a maxi robe or a co-ordinating set. Beach cover ups are always about adding another layer to your look, along with being practical so don’t be afraid to have a little fun.

Here are a few of my faves…

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How to shop more consciously during sale time

28th December, 2022

The after Christmas sales can be a great time to pick up a bargain or two. That said it’s also easy to get caught up in the frenzy of markdowns and discounts that you end up buying something that you don’t particularly need or want simply because the allure of a sale item is too hard to resist. Which is why it’s important to learn how to shop more consciously.

The movement towards more conscious shopping is getting bigger and with good reason—we all want to consume less and make more considered choices and embrace less of a disposable mentality. And what better time to start than at a time when we’re encouraged to buy up big. Here are a few things to ask yourself before making a fashion purchase…

Do you own anything else like it?

We all tend to have things that we gravitate towards whenever we’re shopping so instead of buying just a different variation of something you already own stop and think about whether you really will improve or fill a gap in your wardrobe by buying that particular item. Because you don’t want to find that you’ve just stockpiled 10 different white t-shirts and only end up wearing two of them.

Is this going to last in the long term?

A bargain isn’t a bargain if it’s something that’s going to fall apart after a few wears. Instead focus on buying well made, quality items that will be with you years down the track. It may be something that you’ll have to pay a little more for, but it’s better than buying lots of cheaper things that you’ll need to replace constantly.

If this were more expensive would you still want to buy it?

We sometimes fall under the spell of a discounted price and forget if we actually really like something or just like how much it costs. So the next time you are considering making a sale purchase, ask yourself if it’s something that you’d still figure out a way to buy if it was more expensive. If you’d baulk at buying it at its original price then maybe think twice.

Can you afford it?

Another thing about shopping more consciously is that it’s healthier for our bank balances. It’s about phasing out impulse purchases that ultimately aren’t worth the cost and thinking about potential buys a lot more deeply. The most practical consideration of any sale item is the price tag. Be honest with yourself and ask if you can actually afford to buy it. If not, well it might be worth leaving it on the shelf. Shop slowly and thoughtfully.

Is it really going to make your wardrobe better?

This question has the potential to weed out a lot of unnecessary purchases. Whenever you find something that you think you want to buy on sale, ask yourself if it’s really going to improve your wardrobe for the better—this means that it’s something that it’s going to elevate things you already own and also make getting dressed every day easier. If you can’t honestly say ‘yes’ then direct your hard earned shopping budget to something a little more worthwhile.

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Style update: 10 things to add to your summer wardrobe

7th December, 2022

Summer is without a doubt one of my favourite times of year to dress for and to shop for. I think the warm weather means there’s more scope for experimentation and having fun. I love working with different silhouettes, and during summer there’s so many outfit options to choose from, from dresses to skirts, shorts and pants. It’s a great time to mix and match existing pieces with new season updates, and there’s just something about resortwear dressing that’s synonymous with this time of year that makes styling looks even more enjoyable. Here’s what your summer wardrobe needs.

 
Brights

There’s always a place for neutrals but summer 2022 is going to be about vivid, vibrant shades. Think bright shades of yellows, oranges, pinks and greens as being the key colour palette of the season. Now is not the time to be a wallflower!

 

 
Cut-outs

Cut-out details have been around for awhile but it shows no signs of waning. Expect to see them featuring a plenty in many summer drops from various brands. 

 

 
Linen

Linen isn’t exactly new but therein lies its appeal — it’s timeless. There’s something about it that’s perfect for summer and the holiday vibes it evokes. It’s lightweight and effortless, making it the ideal option for soaring temperatures. Expect to see linen featuring in everything from dresses to pants and shorts. 

 

 
Raffia accessories

Whether it’s a bag or shoes, or both, expect raffia to be one of the fabrications to watch out for this season. It’s a great way to inject a little more of a summery vibe to your look. 

 

 
Geometric sunglasses

Sunglasses are one of the easiest ways to update a look for the new season ahead. If you’re on the hunt for new frames, this summer look to embrace a slightly geometric vibe with strong angles. 

 

 
Feathers

A little drama is always a great thing when it comes to a look, and you can’t get more theatrical or dramatic than feather embellishments. Whether it’s a showstopper pair of heels or a trim on a pair of pants, feathers are definitely having a moment. 

 

 
Crop tops

Baring a little midriff is going to go hand in hand with summer dressing this year. There are plenty of options to choose from whether it’s a tank or part of a co-ord set or an off the shoulder number, flashing a little skin is definitely one way to add an on trend feel to an existing look from your wardrobe.

 

 
Chunky shoes

From a pair of wedges, to a platform heel or a dad sandal, expect shoe silhouettes to be on the chunkier side this summer. A slight nod to Y2K dressing, shoe options are definitely heading into slightly more statement-making territory.

 

 
Vests

Who would’ve thought something like a suit vest would become a trend to watch out for? But lo and behold, it’s definitely one way to add both a polished feel and an on trend touch to a summer look.

 

 
Pyjama dressing

Yes, you have permission to wear your “pyjamas” in public! Pyjama silhouettes, from wide leg pants to button down oversized shirts are one of the looks to watch out for this season.  

What’s currently on your spring shopping list?

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What I look for before buying anything designer

20th November, 2022

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

Is it really popular?

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

Finding a unique style

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

Anything with interlocking Cs is always a good buy!

Researching what’s out there

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

Double check the size

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

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

Always opt for classic

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

Shop around

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

 

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

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My spring/summer picks from David Jones

11th November, 2022

Without a doubt, one of my first pit stops for a wardrobe update is David Jones. It’s always so convenient to be able to shop all my favourite brands in the one spot and to be able to try on the pieces I’ve been eyeing. As someone who generally doesn’t have too much time to pound the pavement hitting boutiques one by one, it’s without a doubt a time saving way to shop.

There’s always a really great edit at David Jones, so I’m always able to come away with a few different pieces that I love. On my mind right now is my spring/summer wardrobe and topping it up with a few key pieces to refresh existing pieces in my closet. Luckily the new season drops leave plenty to fall in love with. I always love shopping at this time of year as the collections are always so colourful and fun. I’m currently on the hunt for matching sets, printed dresses and wide leg pants to get me through the next few months, but also on my list are some casual shorts and some fun blouses. I can’t wait till we officially hit summer and we can officially transition to easy breezy dressing.

From Aje to Steele and Viktoria and Woods, here are a few of my favourite pieces from David Jones’ current online offering. Happy shopping!

 

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Fashion

The Aussie brand you need this summer

7th November, 2022

Wearing an Alemais swimsuit in Italy

We’re truly spoilt for choice as far as fashion goes in Australia. With hot summers and an abundance of sunshine (well, when La Nina isn’t around) we’re in the perfect position to do spring/summer clothing like no other. I think the resortwear that comes out of the Australian fashion industry is the best in the world, so discovering new brands that do resort and do it well is always exciting.

If you’ve been following along on many an influencer’s European holiday (or any tropical holiday for that matter) there’s a high chance this brand would’ve featured in their rotation of outfits. Alemais, founded by former Zimmermann designer Lesleigh Jarmanus is an absolute visual delight. The prints are playful and fun, there’s vivid colours aplenty and the silhouettes are feminine and ethereal. I know I packed a few Alemais pieces on my recent Italian getaway and loved how each piece was comfortable and wearable (an important criteria when you’re living out of a suitcase) yet so vibrant. I love wearing prints and colour Alemais’ definitely design aesthetic is definitely one that speaks to me.

So, what can you expect with Alemais’ spring/summer offering? Expect plenty of prints and colour, with some dialling up the saturation in vivid greens and blues to slightly more muted pastels. With everything from midi dresses to matching sets and plenty of fun swimwear, Alemais is definitely the brand that should be high on your list this summer.

 

A few Alemais moments in my wardrobe…

 

Shop my top Alemais picks

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How to style one blazer three different ways

10th October, 2022

If I’ve learnt anything over the years, versatile items are a must-have in your wardrobe. With a busy lifestyle, one item you shouldn’t live without is a blazer! I’ve always found it to be a workhorse in my wardrobe as it can work for myriad occasions and styled in so many different ways. The great thing is you only have to invest in one once and you have a plethora of different looks at your fingertips. One blazer can take you a long way, no matter the colour or fit. Whether you’re working our or headed to a meeting, here are three ways you can style a blazer (I’ve worked with the Camilla and Marc Wembley style), paired with my current favourite brands.

 

The Blazer

 

Wear it to work

There’s nothing quite as polished or chic as a blazer, so it’s a definite must when it comes to workwear. Wear it with a matching pant to embrace the suiting trend and switch out the top from a smart blouse to a fashion forward top to take your office look to the next level.

 

Dressing up activewear

Have a coffee date after Pilates? Elevate your look by popping on your blazer. This simple styling trick will enable you to get more wear from your current activewear pieces. My go-to brands when it comes to the activewear space is PE Nation, as I love the splashes of colour they incorporate into their designs. If you’re all about sporting a neutral clean look, Alo Yoga is certainly the pick.

 

Edgy dressing

Need an extra layer of warmth or an element of chicness? A boxier/ oversized blazer looks divine with a slip-dress. It’s a great event look, plus it’s perfect for navigating your way through transeasonal weather.