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Beauty, Fashion

My tips for New Year’s Eve party dressing

17th December, 2023

Once the Christmas festivities end, it’s time to start thinking about New Year’s Eve. It’s the time to go all out with your look and have a little fun. After all, after a year where many of us having been doing the juggle of everything from work to family and other personal commitments, I know some will be wanting to cut loose and embrace something bold to ring in the new year. So what are my New Year’s Eve outfit tips?

When it comes to New Year’s Eve dressing the brief usually falls under the category of glitzy, glamorous attire complemented by statement-making makeup. And I think you have licence to embrace sequins, vibrant colour and fun accoutrements. If there’s one time of the year you can afford to go a little OTT it’s the eve of December 31st!

So, if you’ve yet to lock your outfit in, I’ve got a few tips below on how to find a look you’ll be happy to farewell this year in, in great style.

Think sexy and sleek when it comes to your party look

The outfit

I think New Year’s Eve is all about the perfect dress. For me I definitely tend to go for something a little sexier for New Year’s Eve. It’s the time to splash out, so if you want to wear sequins or something sparkly or if you want to go for a classic LBD with a statement shoe or with a striking clutch, there’s no better time to stand out and have fun with your outfit.

My go-to party dress designers are largely Aussie designers. I think you can find some really sleek and sexy looks at Dion Lee. And I think Camilla and Marc always do really great party dresses. Rebecca Vallance is also one my go-to designers when I’m looking for something that’s perfect to wear to an event.

A slicked back bun is always a failsafe party ‘do

The makeup

For me it’s all about making a statement whether that be a bold eye or a bold lip, but make sure it’s one or the other. I think a black smoky eye is always a great look on New Year’s Eve. It’s definitely the time to dress up.

When it comes to hair it’s a great time to experiment and do something a little more party ready if you dare. A great bouncy blow dry, tousled curls or going sleek with a slicked back bun are all great options for December 31.

Let it sparkle!

The accessories

No matter where you’re going on New Year’s Eve, it’s the perfect moment to embrace a sexy statement heel. Don’t be afraid to go all out with your choice of shoe. Something flashy, fun and dramatic is definitely in order.

While the rest of your accessories, including jewellery and bag choice can also fall into the category of striking and vibrant. Think colour, think metallic finishes, think details such as sequins—the only rule is that it be all about making a statement.

What are you doing for your New Year’s Eve party look?

Fashion

The accessories I can’t live without

11th November, 2023

I’ve always found that you’re either an accessories person or you’re not. I definitely fall into former. Accessories are an easy way for me to change up the look of a particular outfit and give it a different vibe. I love experimenting with different pieces whether it be a pair of knockout statement earrings or a simple necklace. And it also refreshes existing outfits in my closet—simply changing up the earrings I’m wearing or the watch I’ve got on can take an ensemble into an entirely different direction.

While I do love mixing it up whenever I can, I do this in conjuction with a few fave pieces that are staples in my everyday accessories game. This regular rotation of accoutrements are comprised of pieces that I almost never leave the house without, with all of them holding really special sentimental value. These are my ride-or-die accessories….

My wedding and engagement ring

I feel naked if I ever walk out of the house without wearing either of these rings. They hold such great sentimental value and are a lovely memento of one of two of the most memorable moments of my entire life.

Cartier Juste Un Clou bracelet

My aunt gifted my this piece for my birthday and it’s a classic staple that I’ve had for several years and pretty much wear every single day. Cartier do such beautiful investment jewellery that is timeless yet still has a modern touch. I can count on this bracelet to work with virtually everything I wear and always makes a great complementary piece to any watch I’m wearing.

A watch

I’m a definite watch girl and always have a timepiece on every single day. I’ve got a few different watches ranging from the ultra special such as the watch I received as a gift on my 30th birthday to on trend pieces that are very of the moment. I like to mix it up depending on my mood that day.

Diamond studs

My family gave me a pair of diamond studs as an 18th birthday present and I rarely take them out. I think that’s the appeal of diamonds—they’re definitely a splurge but they more than make up for it in cost per wear as they can work for a daytime look just as easily as they can work with an evening ensemble.

Gold coin necklace

I have a piece that my dad gave me which is a gold necklace with a coin. It’s an antique guinea coin that he had especially made into a necklace for me so I have always treasured it. It’s also so very versatile. I wear it almost everyday. I also love that it also has a historical element to it and has plenty of sentimental value. It always reminds me of my dad whenever I wear it.

What are your favourite can’t-live-without accessories?

 

 

Fashion

What making fashion mistakes has taught me about my style

14th October, 2023

I am the first to confess that I have made a million wardrobe mishaps where I’ve thought ‘What was I wearing?!’ However that’s all part of the fun. I think you need to be able to experiment with fashion because that’s how you will inevitably discover your style. I know from the mistakes I’ve made that I’ve definitely learned what suits me and what doesn’t.

Great style doesn’t equate to dollar value

The biggest thing I’ve learned would have to be that looking great doesn’t come down to how much you’ve spent or if you’re wearing new season clothing. Because inexpensive clothes can look equally as stylish as something that came from an upmarket brand.

Knowing your shape is important

Knowing your body shape intimately will ensure that you’re confident in what will work on your frame and what won’t. For me, I’m not very tall and quite petite so I can’t wear anything that may swamp me. I steer clear of things like sack dresses for example because I’m not tall enough to pull it off. And that only came from a lot of experimentation and trial and error.

Be selective with trends

Trends come and go and I’ve learnt that I don’t always have to embrace every single trend each season. While it’s easy to jump aboard every new trend, it can also be quite an expensive exercise spending money on clothes that may not have longevity. Experimenting with trends over the years I’ve learned that I shouldn’t feel pressured to embrace every trend, but always remember what works for my shape and style.

I can now flick through clothing racks or scroll through websites and know immediately whether something works. And I think that’s all from making a fashion mistake or two. I think the key to knowing your style is paying attention to the times when you’ve had a mishap and knowing why it didn’t quite work. Often those are the little moments that can really help you define what your look is all about.

Tell me, what’s been your biggest fashion mistake?

Fashion

Good wardrobe habits to get into

11th June, 2023

Adopting a few good wardrobe habits will make getting dressed every day a whole lot easier

Every woman wants to look polished and put together however let’s be honest, this takes work. I know everyone has such busy schedules so sometimes trying to style the ideal outfit first thing in the morning can be the last thing you want to think about. The ideal outfit won’t just magically put itself together so if you want to save yourself a bit of time and effort there are a few habits you can adopt to make it a whole lot easier to look great each time you walk out the door.

Keep your wardrobe tidy

Having to dig through a disorganised mess to locate just the right t-shirt or the skirt you want to wear makes for a stressful time. So, start tidying up. It sounds simple but making sure to fold and hang clothes in an orderly manner so you know where absolutely everything is will make it much, much easier to pull an outfit together. If you want some hints on how to get started I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite organisation tips here.

Choose a focal point

Centre your outfit around one particular piece. By deciding to choose a central piece then you give yourself a starting point from which to build from. Whether it’s a pair of showstopper shoes or a statement jacket or a particularly gorgeous necklace, each outfit should have a point of difference that makes it stand out.

Choosing one aspect of your look to focus on will help you build a cohesive outfit

Do a final mirror check

It may sound obvious but before you walk out the door quickly check that everything works. That means making sure that your shoes, bag, accessories and outfit are all playing nicely together. For example sometimes you may think a certain pair of earrings will look great with an outfit but taking one last look when you’re dressed may make you think otherwise.

Repair or get rid of damaged clothing

As soon as something needs repairing do it straight away. Procrastinating may mean that you might find yourself in a rush with a particular blouse in mind only to find it’s missing a button which means double the stress! If something can’t be repaired bin it straight away. It’s important that your clothes are in great shape if you want to look polished.

Follow laundry instructions

Yes, it can be tempting to ignore the tags on your clothes but following laundry instructions are going to ensure your clothes look great but also for longer.

Hang up your clothes at the end of the day

Getting home after a long day it can be easy to just dump your clothes on the nearest chair and forget about them till later in the week. However this will only lead to a rumpled mess that will require more effort to fix later on. Hang up garments such as jackets and blouses straight away to ensure they’re ready for use the next time you want to wear them.

What are some habits that have really helped you with you wardrobe?

Fashion

The 7 fashion sins I always avoid

8th May, 2023

I’m all for experimenting and taking a style risk here and there but there are some things I always make sure to avoid. These fashion sins can often subdue the impact of an outfit by taking away its polish–which is often the last thing you want when you walk out the door!

The below is a short, easy to follow list of simple things that you can do to ensure that you always look great every single day. I definitely swear by them and follow them when it comes to my wardrobe. And I’m always open to new additions to the list so if you have any suggestions let me know in the comments below.

Accentuating too many things

If you’re going to accentuate a particular part of the body, whether it be your legs or your décolletage I’ve always believed it’s important to make sure to only pick one to maintain the balance of your look. I’m all for flaunting whatever features you wish but it can sometimes throw your look off if there’s no counterpoint. For example if I’m going to wear a plunging neckline I usually opt for a slightly more conservative hemline or bottoms to balance it. The same goes for a a mini skirt, where I’ll usually go for a a button up shirt or a shirt with a high neckline to ensure I’ve chosen one focal point and to avoid my outfit look too overwhelming. I make sure to adopt this approach with every single outfit.

Ill-fitting garments

Even if you’ve spent a fortune on a standout designer garment if it doesn’t fit well then you’ve essentially taken away its wow factor. I think tailoring can really make or break an outfit. If something doesn’t fit properly make sure to get it altered whether it be getting sleeves taken up on a shirt so they are the perfect length or taking a jacket in because it’s a little too baggy on the shoulders. These small things will ensure that you always look sharp.

Not paying attention to detail

They may seem relatively innocuous—a stray thread here, a loose button there but the overall effect is that your outfit will look just that little bit unkempt. To combat this, the moment you notice something is awry with your outfit attend to it as soon as possible so you don’t forget about it. Snip loose threads, fix missing or loose buttons and always ensure that you remove lint and fabric pill.

Consider every aspect of your look from your shoes to you accessories

Scruffy looking shoes

Shoes are often one of the first things people notice about your outfit so make sure that they always look pristine. If the soles of your shoes are a bit threadbare make sure to have them resoled. If the heel cover on a pair of stilettos has worn down then make sure to have it replaced so you’re not teetering along on an exposed nail. Also always spray suede or leather shoes with a protectant spray to keep them protected during inclement weather. There’s nothing that will take away from an outfit more than stained shoes.

Wrinkled clothes

If you can’t be bothered ironing then avoid buying garments that will most definitely require pressing constantly like silk and linen. If you’re a fun of luxe fabrics, then be prepared to invest a little time in ensuring that everything is perfectly pressed.

Wearing clothes you don’t feel comfortable in

It’s abundantly clear when you’re wearing something that’s not quite right. Whether it’s hobbling around in shoes that are painful to walk in or a top that doesn’t sit right, if it’s something that will have you fussing around repeatedly then it’s best to pull something else out of your closet.

Wearing one designer from top-to-bottom

The beauty of fashion is to be able to mix and match to curate a look that’s entirely your own. This is why it’s better to wear a look that’s injected with your personality as opposed to just copying whatever the mannequin in the window is wearing. Fashion is all about doing your own thing, not just doing what you think is in style.’

Tell me—what are some other fashion sins you think should be added to the list?

Fashion

The formula for a great outfit

7th May, 2023

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Getting dressed is part following your style instincts, and part knowing the components of what makes a great look. No matter what your style entails, often a great ensemble has a few things in common – and it doesn’t involve designer garments or spending a lot of money. I firmly believe it’s all about the basic principles of pulling together a cohesive outfit and it’s easy to adopt it into your own styling process. Just take note of the following…

Know your shape

The first step to a great outfit is knowing your shape and knowing what works for your shape. Once you’ve got that down pat and know what’s flattering on your body type then it makes things easier because then you’ll know instantly what suits you and what doesn’t. No matter what you do, if you have the foundation right an outfit will always be flattering.

Ensure you have balance

You need to always strike the right balance with your outfit. If you are wearing something loose on top for example you may need to counterbalance the volume with something a bit more fitted at the bottom. The same principle also goes for choosing just one area of your body to focus on, so if you’re going to flash some leg with a mini skirt it might be better to go a bit more conservative with your top.

Pick a focal point

Find one aspect of your outfit to have as a focal point. It could be a great pair of statement heels or a showstopper jacket but ultimately there should be one part of your outfit that should stand out while the rest of your look complements it. Ultimately this will have more impact than trying to squeeze a lot of different elements into your outfit that might end up completing with each other. Simplicity is key!

Put some thought into your accessories

Don’t forget about the accessories you’re going to wear. Things like your shoes and bag shouldn’t be an afterthought but should work with the rest of your outfit. There were times I’d grab the same bag I was wearing the day before and find later on that it clashed with I was wearing so I’ll try and pick out my bag and shoes ahead of time to avoid having to rush in the morning. It all ultimately adds to a bit more extra polish.

Attention to detail

Ensuring that you don’t ignore little things like making sure your shoes are clean and your clothes are pressed and ironed. As a mum of two I always make sure I do a final outfit check before I walk out the door as walking out of the house and having food on my blazer is not a good look!

What do you think is the key to a great outfit?

Fashion

Fashion rules that shape my style

26th April, 2023

When it comes to fashion I’m all for experimentation and pushing the boundaries – ultimately that’s how style is shaped and discovered. However there are a few key things which I don’t really waver on when it comes to my wardrobe and what I wear. These are the fashion rules which have helped me walk out the door each day feeling confident in what I’m wearing and the best bit is, they’re so easy to follow…

Invest in key staples and know what suits

Through trial and error I’ve slowly identified what works for my shape and what doesn’t. Knowing this has helped me build up a wardrobe of key style staples that I can rely on time and again. Having these building blocks in my closet makes getting dressed so much easier.

Good tailoring is everything

The one fashion rule I always stick to is that all my clothes have to fit perfectly. I feel more confident when my clothes sit well so I make sure I get things tailored if they’re not quite right. It pays to find a good tailor that you trust to ensure that everything in your wardrobe fits just right. Tailored clothes will instantly make you look polished.

Buy quality garments

Longevity is important to me so I make sure that the items in my wardrobe that are always on high rotation are always of a great quality. I think it’s important to buy the best quality that you can afford. You can keep it economical by identifying what you will use the most. For example you might say you don’t think it’s worth investing in good jeans because they’re just for casual outings but if you end up wearing them all the the time you want something that’s not going to be ruined after one wash.

Consistently edit

I always have a part of my wardrobe that has pieces that I just wear over and over and it’s not always what I wear to get dressed up, it’s just pieces that are easy to put on and are a no-brainer on a day to day basis. To pull together this section I make sure to do regular audits of my wardrobe by keeping track of what I’m wearing all the time and what’s going unused. By being aware of what’s actually getting used I’m able to pull together a more functional edit of my closet—the benefit of this is that it also helps minimise morning wardrobe dilemmas!

Always have a balance

I tend to experiment with lots of different silhouettes and can go from voluminous pieces one minute to slim fitting garments the next. However my one rule is to always balance these pieces. If I’m doing quite a statement piece up top, I always make sure everything is pared back. If I’m doing quite fitted bottoms then I’ll always go for something with a bit more volume with my blouse or tee. This is to ensure that no one aspect of my look feels too over the top and that there it looks and feels balanced.

What are your fashion rules?
Fashion

How I plan my outfits

23rd April, 2023

Planning outfits helps me stay organised

I’m an outfit planner. My days are so varied that I like to take wardrobe dilemmas out of the equation as much as possible (that said, I’m not totally immune to a wardrobe crisis here and there) by mapping out my outfits. Some days I’m in full mum mode which means comfort is key but other days where I’m juggling work functions and Date with Kates I need to look a little more polished. Here are a few key ways that I make it work.

I always have inspo at the ready

Planning outfits is made much more stress-free if I have a few looks I’ve seen at my fingertips to inspire me. I tend to collect these as I go along whether it’s saving images on my Instagram or screenshotting particular looks I come across. If I am a bit stumped as to what to wear a quick scroll through these images will immediately get the styling juices flowing.

Wardrobe organisation

If there’s one thing that will make pulling an outfit together easier it’s an organised closet. My wardrobe is organised according to category so jackets together, jeans together and so forth so I know immediately where to look. There’s nothing worse than having a particular outfit in your only to find the shirt that pulls it all together is M.I.A. And to make things even simpler I compartmentalise all the pieces I wear all the time into a section in my wardrobe so I don’t have to search the rest of my closet and mess everything up in order to find what I’m looking for.

Wardrobe organisation is key for a seamless outfit planning session

Having a hero piece

I know some people start with a pair of shoes or a great necklace and work their outfit around that but I like to start with a particular garment whether it be a dress or pants. From there I build on the outfit with a jacket, shoes and bag. I think by just having one key item to start from it helps with creating an entire look rather than just trying to match random pieces together.

Making it versatile

There are times when my day is quite mixed so I need to make sure my outfits are versatile so they’re appropriate for a few different occasions. I sometimes have multiple events in a day so I have to ensure that I only need to change one thing to mix up the look as I don’t often have time to change. This can be as simple as changing the jacket I’m wearing to give the outfit a different vibe.

Giving myself enough time

I’m a planner but there are those people who plan their outfits the night before, even the week before and I’m the first to admit that I can’t work that way. I’d love to be that organised but I find I won’t feel like wearing something if I lay it out beforehand which totally defeats the purpose. So to combat this I try and factor outfit prep into my morning routine so I don’t get frazzled and end up running late. Even just an extra 10-15 minutes of time is enough to pull something together with minimal stress. I don’t want to completely leave it to chance though so I make sure most things I’m likely to reach for are clean and pressed so they’re ready to go.

What are some of your major wardrobe tips? I’d love to hear them so share them in the comments below.

Fashion

10 items every wardrobe needs

15th April, 2023

I love a trend-driven piece as much as the next girl but I also believe that there are some key pieces that are the building blocks of a great functional wardrobe. Having a good foundation from which to build a look is something I’ve learned over the years and it’s something I’ve made sure to embrace. Having the foundational pieces in my wardrobe also helps to minimise wardrobe dramas as I know I have the right pieces from which to style a look.

Interested in sidestepping style meltdowns in future? These 10 key items help make pulling a great outfit together all the more easier. Before you start stocking up, it’s important to remember that while you don’t have to spend a lot, do try and get the best quality that fits into your budget. Investing a little more at the beginning means you can get more longevity from what you buy, so all you have to worry about is pulling together a winning outfit!

 

1. A leather jacket

I’ve had my leather jacket for many years and I think it’s the kind of wardrobe staple that you’ll have for a lifetime. It can be dressed up or dressed down and the older and more worn it gets the better it looks. You can get all different styles but I’d go for a simple biker jacket, something that’s really clean and classic – you don’t want to get too tricky with too many studs or buckles as it will date very quickly. Once you’ve found the perfect jacket you’ll wonder how you lived without it as it’s the kind of piece that can be worn with a cocktail dress just as easily with jeans.

2. A black tailored blazer

For me it’s a must-have item. I wear mine all the time either as a suit jacket, draped over my shoulders, over a dress at the races or with a great pair of jeans. It’s a multipurpose staple. When it comes to blazers, tailoring is key. It really has to suit your frame. I like a bold shoulder and a nipped in waist, I don’t like it too boxy. I think a tailored blazer can really accentuate your figure. If you find a blazer that isn’t quite right but you love you can always get it tailored to fit you perfectly.

3. A great statement bag

I don’t think a bag needs to be designer to be great. Just look for good quality leather – something that’s durable. I also like to have the option of having two strap lengths so if I’ve got my hands full with the girls I can just swing it over my shoulder, but if I want it to look a little more elegant with a dress it’s got handles so I can wear it on my arm. I love embracing pops of colour like pink and orange at times but I think you can also have a standout piece in colours like black, tan, grey and white. The key is considering how it works with the rest of your wardrobe.

4. A clutch

You can’t use your day bag for all attire as a big bag doesn’t generally work for cocktail events so a great clutch is important. It doesn’t have to be expensive but just a smaller bag that you can put your wallet and keys into and can be worn back with different items and looks a little more elegant than your usual day bag. Also try to keep the design quite minimalist to ensure you get more wear out of it.

5. A great pair of jeans

A great pair of jeans doesn’t have to be expensive but you really need to take the time to make sure they fit right. I have trouble finding jeans because they’re always tight around my hips but loose around my ankles so when I do find a great pair I make sure to snap them up. You don’t need to invest a lot of money but you do need to invest the time to find them. If you’re like me and are in jeans all the time, try and get good quality denim because you don’t want them to be too baggy once you’ve worn them a couple of times. Jeans obviously come in different washes so choose the most flattering fit for you. I can’t go past faded denim or a white pair of jeans.

6. Sneakers

I think that white sneakers have really earned themselves a place on my wardrobe staples list. I honestly spend most of my life in white sneakers and they can work back with everything from jeans to a pleated skirt without missing a beat. Invest in a pair that are quite simple in design and you’ll find it gets plenty of outings.

7. Ankle boots

Ankle boots are a must for winter. Once you find a great pair you’ll have them for years to come. I still have a pair of YSL boots that I’ve had for many years and I bring them out every winter. If you want your boots to be an everyday shoe it’s important to make sure they’re comfortable. For me, I like a bit of height so I opt for a platform heel which always helps with comfort. Walking around all day long in really high boots is not the best!

Kate Waterhouse farfetch LXE black leather pants alaia heels roksanda saint laurent sunglasses

8. Leather pants

You don’t have to spend a fortune on leather pants but you do have to find a leather that won’t give. It’s about investing the time to finding one that won’t stretch after the first time you wear it. A skinny leg leather pant is my go-to item in winter and I think they’re great for travelling as they’re so comfortable. I find Helmut Lang does some great leather pants, so does Scanlan Theodore and ASOS. You can find a pair that fits into your budget but the most important thing is finding the right shape and a great fit.

9. White t-shirts

Granted they don’t last forever but it is important to find a great white tee. I wear white t-shirts with everything whether it’s to the office or just to the beach or with a skirt.

10. A great coat

Make it your mission to find one really great winter coat that you can throw on over everything. I like my coats in neutral colours but a statement coat in a pop colour is also fun. Just choose something that works back with your wardrobe. I’m a big fan of a tailored coat but a big oversized coat can look fantastic as well. If you are going to go oversized keep everything else you’re wearing slimline.

Do you have any other wardrobe staples that you think should be added to the list?

Fashion, Shop

How to make high street buys look expensive

18th March, 2023

I like to incorporate a high-low mix when it comes to my outfits. I’ll often mix pieces from my favourite chain stores with some of my go-to designer pieces to create a look that’s all my own. While I appreciate the convenience and price point of snapping up high street brands, it also pays to know how to choose the right garments to ensure that the end result of any look is polished. Here are some of my dos and don’ts:

Pay attention to how a garment is made

Buying clothes from chain stores is great as you can definitely stretch your budget further however you also get what you pay for. So it pays to be discerning when it comes to what you purchase. Examine a potential buy carefully and look at how its made. If the seams are not right or there are loose threads avoid it and keep searching for a better option.

Choose fabrics wisely

Where possible choose natural fabrics like cotton and wool when you’re shopping for high street pieces. Synthetic fabrics can look flimsy, pill, or become misshapen after a few wears so in turn can end up looking quite cheap.

Add one luxe item into the mix

By adding one gorgeous quality item to your outfit, by default, the rest of your look looks expensive by association. So whether it’s a beautiful buttery soft leather handbag or a nice pair of shoes you can elevate your favourite high street finds without having to do much at all.

Keep it simple

Chain stores are the ideal place to shop for great basics—think t-shirts, jeans and jumpers that are quite simple in design.They have an extensive range and if you shop around, the styles are comparable to what you’d find in some high end boutiques. Relegate garments with accoutrements such as sequins or beading as something that you might consider investing a little more in as often the finish might not be as precise.

Avoid embellishments

There’s a big difference between the finishing details used on designer handbags and accessories compared to less expensive chain store finds. There are some great options on the high street however if you want them to look luxe, then be sure to keep it simple and avoid things like chains, buckles, studs and gold or silver finishes which tend to tarnish. Instead go for plain styles as simple will always look chic.

Tell me—What’s been your most favourite high street buy?