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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

How to decode dress codes

25th April, 2021

Dress codes can be a tricky thing. How casual is too casual? Does cocktail mean any ol’ dress is fine? If receiving an invitation always leaves you in a mild panic because you never know exactly what you’re supposed to wear, never fear! I’ve decoded the most common dress codes so you’ll be confident in the knowledge that you’ll nail every single event with ease.

Smart casual

A dress code that has become popular of late think of smart casual as a dressy version of what you’d usually wear in your downtime. So while denim cut-offs and thongs are a definite no-no things like tailored pants, a simple shift dress (leave the sequins at home!) or dark denim are perfect for this dress code. Just think: if you were meeting your partner’s parents for the first time over Sunday lunch what would be appropriate?

It is important to always consider the time of day for the smart casual dress code. Dressy shorts may be acceptable in the day during the warmer months, as long as they are not too short and coming into winter, leather pants are a great option for this. It’s fine to wear heels but leave the sky-high stilettos at home and opt for a more modest heel instead.

A silk blouse in neutral hues such as white or blush pink is ideal for pairing with everything from pants to a skirt for a smart casual look. It also always looks super luxe and polished so you’ll definitely win some sartorial brownie points..

For the guys…Men should think of a pair of nice jeans or chinos with loafers. Smart casual usually does involve a collar to differentiate from casual t-shirts.

Cocktail

Cocktail attire is a step up from smart casual but is not as dressy as black tie. Cocktail is a popular dress code for events such as weddings because it’s not super formal but is still dressy enough to elevate an event from just a simple gathering. Plus it’s the kind of dress code that guarantees guests turn up looking stylish but is free enough to allow people to inject a bit of personality in their outfit.

Go for a dress which is tastefully short (if you have to come up with a strategy on how to sit, it might be time to reconsider.). You can’t really go wrong with a little black dress as it’s classic and is a safe option when you’re not quite sure what other guests will be wearing.

When the weather is cooler a dress with sleeves is perfect for keeping you warm but on point. To liven up the outfit opt for a killer pair of heels, a statement clutch or a show-stopping pair of earrings.

If you’re after something with slightly more pizzazz, a cocktail dress code allows you to play with bolder hues or a print if you dare; sequins are most definitely welcome. As you can see cocktail is a dress code umbrella term that welcomes all kinds of looks – the above Lover Gypsy Mini Dress would be equally as fitting as the above pistachio-hued scalloped dress by Carven.

When buying cocktail dresses, I do often find that if you buy elegant pieces then you will be able to wear them again. Bear in mind that a simple solid colour is slightly easier to re-use than something like an animal print which is easily recognisable. If you’re looking to invest in one piece that is guaranteed to be worn time and time again then you can’t go wrong with a beautiful black designer dress that can act as a blank canvas and change to suit any occasion by simply switching up your shoes, accessories or bag.

For the guys… Men should wear dark suits, dress pants and dress shirts. Depending on the season and location, dressy jeans can also work well.

Black tie

Black tie is popular for weddings and special events. For ladies, an evening gown is ideal but sometimes a demure cocktail dress may also be appropriate. It is usually best to opt for darker colours or neutral shades such as navy, cream or black as it always looks classic and elegant. Steer clear of white for weddings though!

There are varying degrees of black tie and I find it is always best to base your choice on what the host will most likely be wearing. For example, if it is a very formal wedding at an exclusive location then wear a gown, otherwise a formal cocktail dress with statement accessories may be more appropriate if it is for a work function.

The dress length can vary from mid to long and you are not restricted to only wear black. Think elegance above all else.

For the guys...Men are required to wear a tuxedo adorned with a black bow tie.

White tie

White tie is the most formal level of dress code and is usually reserved for royal galas or state dinners! If you’re lucky enough to have to attend a white tie event make sure you opt for a classic floor length gown. Gloves should also be worked into the outfit too. The key to dressing well for white tie, is balancing glamour and elegance. Think: what would Kate Middleton wear? Usually channelling royalty will ensure you’re on the right track with the dress code.

An elegant up-do is the norm and is the perfect occasion to show off a stunning pair of earrings. If you’ve got a dazzling piece in your jewellery collection – now is the time to let it shine.

For the guys…For men, a white bow tie should sit on top of a white formal dress shirt. White tie requires a black coat with tails and a white pique vest.

Fashion

What I’ve stopped wearing in my 30s

20th March, 2021

My style, like most women, has evolved as I’ve gotten older. There are things that I wore when I was younger that I probably wouldn’t even consider now because of changes in lifestyle i.e not practical when chasing after two little girls and because my tastes have matured, there are simply pieces I just don’t think are right for me anymore.

Whilst I’ve given up wearing a few different styles, on the flip side, there are certain things in my wardrobe which are now ideal for where I’m at in life and I wear them non-stop. It’s a style evolution and I think it’s one that I’ve happily embraced and has allowed me to discover the new Kate. Reflecting on it, here’s what I’ve firmly left behind in my 20s and those that I’ve welcomed with open arms in my 30s…

The things I’ve stopped wearing

Sky high stilettos

When I was in my 20s I was working as a fashion editor and was either in an office or out at events so my look had to work around this accordingly. As such I used to be happy to walk around in stilettos all day. I used to wear them all day, everyday and looking back, I’m not sure how I even managed that. My poor feet!

Fussy outfits

Upon reflection I used to wear a lot of outfits that I’d have to adjust all the time to look perfect. Whether it was a particular neckline or a certain dress style, I’d constantly be fixing myself up. As you can imagine I can’t do that now so when it comes to my looks I steer clear of anything that remotely requires fussing about.

Short hemlines

When I was younger I used to wear lots of ultra minis and short shorts. Why not when you can get away with it, right? These days if I was to wear something of a short-ish length I’d probably do a more understated, conservative blouse up the top, whereas I might have done something with a plunging neckline in my 20s.

Westfield Bondi Junction Street Style campaign by Candice Lake in my 20s – and in short shorts!

The things I now wear to death

Flat shoes

My motto is comfort, comfort, comfort. So unless I’m going to a big event I’ll often be in flats. Styles like loafers, sneakers and slides are now my go-to. I think flats have evolved a lot and are now equally as stylish as a pair of high heels so I’m happy to be in them all the time.

Structured pieces

Shirts and blazers are key pieces in my look. I like things that are comfortable yet can look polished at the same time. They’re also really versatile and can be worn with myriad pieces in my closet, which is a must as I like to have a tightly edited wardrobe nowadays.

High quality staples

I probably spend more on key purchases now than I did in my 20s simple because I now appreciate why quality is often better than quantity. I’m always willing to splurge on things such as a classic designer bag or a pair of leather pants which I know I’ll wear to death and will be good value for money.

Understated silhouettes

Maxi and midi lengths and long, flowy styles are now favourites of mine. I have more fun playing with those lengths than I do with anything that’s tight and short. I’ve also found myself gravitating more towards one piece swimsuits than bikinis this summer. I think those styles just simply flatter my shape more.

Accessories

I like to play with accessories a lot more. I have my accessories which I wear day in and day out have great sentimental value to me such as my watch, wedding and engagement ring and a gold antique medallion that my dad gave to me. However I also like to add the occasional statement earring to elevate an outfit. I’ve learned that accessories really can make an outfit.

What are some style lessons you’ve learnt in your 30s? What are some things you’ve firmly left behind in your 20s?

Fashion

Style masterclass: what to wear to a wedding

14th March, 2021

Photo by James Bold on Unsplash

I love weddings but sometimes it can be tricky decoding dress codes and figuring out what to wear. And with weddings getting more and more creative with attire, it’s sometimes hard to pinpoint exactly what to wear. Having navigated a fair few of them in my time, these are some of my simple rules for dressing for a wedding so all you to worry about is sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the festivities (or a champagne or two!).

Always follow the dress code

Usually the dress code for a wedding will either black tie or cocktail or it might be a more casual beach wedding, but whatever it is, you must always follow the dress code as a sign of respect for the couple.

If it’s black tie, it’s got to be formal and floor length. If it’s daytime go for lighter colours, if it’s evening then go for more darker tones. Most weddings I go to are cocktail which means a dress must be above or on the knee. If it’s a daytime affair it might be similar to what you would wear to the races. It also depends on where the couple is getting married. If they’re getting married in a church you want your outfit to be a bit more formal, and consider covering your shoulders and making it a bit more traditional. But if it’s a beach wedding then it’s definitely more relaxed. Just really look for the setting and judge it based on what the bride and groom are like.

No white, but you can wear black

It goes without saying that it’s the bride’s big day, so white is always a big no-no when it comes to wedding attire. Traditionally black was also a colour to avoid however the rule around this is a bit more relaxed nowadays. But just be mindful of the bride and her family – if she’s fine with it then go ahead however if the bride and her family is more traditional then you might want to steer clear of it.

Dress according to the season

For summer it’s all about light colours and materials such as silk whereas in winter it’s more suited to heavier materials such as wool and deeper tones. It’s a great idea to always take a little wrap or a jacket to pop on over our outfit, particularly in winter as it gets quite chilly in the evening. When shopping for a wedding outfit I love stores like Scanlan Theodore, Camilla & Marc and Carla Zampatti.

Make sure your shoes are appropriate to the location

Some weddings are a cocktail affair so if you’re expecting to be standing for awhile make sure you have a comfortable shoe that’s not too high or have a wedge heel so it’s not hard to stand all day long. If it’s an outdoor wedding then opt for a chunkier heel as you don’t want stilettos that are going to sink into the grass. For a beach wedding I think a long dress option is good if you’re going to go for no shoes – that’s why I wore a long dress to the to this beach party event. I love the silhouette of a long gown and being barefoot.

Where are your fave places to shop for a wedding outfit?

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, Shop

8 pieces that will update your weekend wardrobe

30th January, 2021

Weekends are super important to me so everything is about comfort especially since I’m always on the go with my family. I also know that sometimes my work wardrobe can start encroaching into my weekend wardrobe so it can be nice to have pieces that are solely dedicated for relaxation. I know that due to COVID lockdown, I found my office and off duty wardrobe start to blur a little more because I was home a lot more, and as a result it made me want to have a few designated pieces just for the weekend to cue the fact it was relaxation time. So what’s the key to a smart weekend wardrobe update?

If you’re looking for stylish yet practical pieces to wear during your down time, make sure to add these to your shopping list…

Statement sandals

I like to update my shoe wardrobe at the start of each season and a pair of great sandals is always at the top of my list when spring/summer comes around. Look for a great shoe with a touch of embellishment or in a vibrant hue. It will definitely be perfect for a quick breakfast at your favourite café or running errands on a Sunday afternoon.

Cropped jeans

For those who want to add a bit of flair to their usual weekend wardrobe look no further than a pair of cropped flared jeans. Whether you opt for a simple black or a lighter shade of denim, you can easily pair them with a tee or singlet for an on trend look that’s oh-so easy. Plus they play really nicely with a crisp white pair of sneakers.

Straight leg jeans

Over the last few years jeans have been getting a little more relaxed in fit. Straight leg jeans have been having a moment and are quite flattering when cropped at the ankle and paired with a slightly more streamlined top.

I’m always in white sneakers on the weekend – it’s one of my staples.

White sneakers

If you’ve yet to add a pair of white kicks to your wardrobe then it’s high time you introduced them to your style repertoire. Not only are they the ideal footwear for a busy weekend they’re also really easy to pair back with everything from a dress to jeans and a tee, so they’re an easy go-to shoe option.

Moto leather jacket

The leather jacket is an easy cover up on weekends. I know I’ve always lived in mine as something I can throw on over a dress or jeans and a tee and know that I’ll look pulled together. It’s also the perfect piece to transition from day to evening wear so it’s definitely a purchase you’ll get plenty of wear out of.

Shirt dress

You can’t beat a simple dress for ease of getting dressed as you simply have to throw it on and you’re ready to go. I’m a fan of the shirt dress as it’s quite a polished silhouette and when in a neutral colour or simple pattern such as a trusty stripe it’s an outfit that’s easily paired with sandals or sneakers for the ultimate in laidback cool.

A shirt dress is always an elegant weekend option

Oversized white shirt

I’m a fan of a white shirt all the time but I’ve also found it to be such a great staple to have on the weekend. Look for a slightly oversized fit with a drop shoulder for the ultimate in casual cool options. Plus it goes with pretty much everything including jeans, shorts and skirts.

Cropped wide leg trousers

There’s something super chic about a pair of wide leg trousers and they’re a great match with a crisp white tee or a tank. You can pair them with most of the staples I’ve listed above and you’re all set for a day of relaxation in one of the most stylish way possible.

Fashion, Shop

6 ways with a cardigan

13th July, 2019

Gone are the days when the humble cardigan would be something your grandparents would wear. The cardi has become an integral part of most winter wardrobes and with good reason – they’re warm, comfy and just so versatile. And to prove it here are six ways to work the cardigan into your wardrobe…

A black cardi when teamed with an all-black ensemble makes for an interesting alternative to a black blazer or jacket. This is the kind of piece that you’ll turn to time and time again because it’s so multi-functional and will work back with virtually everything in your wardrobe.

A grey cardi will never go astray in your wardrobe. When worn with jeans and a tee it’s a match made in heaven and makes for a low-key yet chic ensemble for a casual lunch, a day of running errands or while travelling.

Whoever said cardis were boring has never seen the amazing array of bold patterns they can come in. Have fun with your cardis and experiment with an interesting print or pattern. When worn with pared back pieces such as a tee and skinny jeans it makes for a great statement piece to give your outfit a point of difference. To ensure it doesn’t become too much for your outfit, try to pick one colour in your cardi and choose pieces in the same colour to give the look some cohesion.

For a casual cool vibe replace your jacket or blazer with a cosy cardi. If teaming a cardi with a dress try to keep the silhouette quite streamlined and opt for a form fitting dress to counteract the volume of the cardi. You can dress up this look with a pair of pumps or keep it quite casual with brogues or oxfords.

Unexpected pairings are often the best. In this case a pinstripe button down shirt makes an interesting juxtaposition with the relaxed nature of the cardi. An oversized cardi (much like a coat of the same cut) will always be a welcome winter warmer as it’s simply so easy to thrown on over virtually anything and it ups the cosy factor when you’re facing a chilly day outdoors.

To give a cardi a slightly more polished feel try belting it to make it a little more figure-hugging. This has the added benefit of giving you some shape and when teamed with skinny jeans it makes for a sleek finish.

Photography: Stockholm Street Style, Shot by Gio, Lauren Messiah, New Fashion Craze, Sincerely Jules,

Fashion

The power of the statement shoe

27th April, 2019

I’m a firm believer that shoes can make or break an outfit. This is why I’m all about a statement shoe. An eye-catching pair of shoes can pull your entire outfit together. I think the key to a great statement shoe is in the cut, the material and the colour plus I think they’ve got to be classic in that they last season after season but they’ve also got to have interesting details that make them unique. Even if it’s just a plain black pump there has to be something about it whether its just a beautiful heel or great material. And most of all, it has to be beautifully crafted.

I have plenty of shoe labels that I love but at the moment these are the brands that I think do the perfect statement shoe…

Aquazzura have really beautiful designs and have a really interesting look to them. I have a great pair of Aquazzura snakeskin stilettos that I wear all the time.

I love Tabitha Simmons‘ shoes. I wore a pair of her leopard print stilettos to Melbourne Cup one yaer and I felt they really added an interesting element to my outfit. Her shoes are just a little bit quirky and a lot of fun.

I also love Balenciaga‘s shoe line. They’re classic and are perfectly crafted. As I wear my heels so often I invest a little more in them so they’re great quality and are built to last.

Photography: Tamika Keioskie, Beyleigh Vedelago, StyleSnooperdan

Fashion

How to wear sheer tops

16th February, 2019

There’s something quite alluring about showing a touch of skin in a sheer blouse. I have sheer blouses I’ve had for years and I’ve been able to get plenty of use out of them as they’re quite versatile and can be worn for myriad occasions. This particular one is from a collection I did with Skin and Threads and I loved wearing it with my favourite high waisted pieces and definitely got a lot of wear out of it. I know this style can seem a little tricky to pull off simply because of the sheer factor but it is possible to wear them minus looking a little too risqué.

Here are some of my tips:

1. Have the right underwear

If you wear a plain singlet or cami underneath a sheer blouse it gives you plenty of coverage so you can feel comfortable wearing it to work or a more formal setting. If you want to have an edgier look you could also wear a solid, black triangle bra or cami or a bandeau top underneath. Lingerie can get a little tricky if it’s see through so a solid colour is a little easier to work with.

2. Wear high waisted pants or skirts

If you don’t want your stomach to show in a sheer blouse opt for a pair of pants or a skirt that’s high waisted. It hides your belly button and shows off the flattering midriff part of your body. Plus something that is high waisted gives you a bit more support in the stomach area.

3. Layer it

If you’re really concerned about having more coverage in a sheer blouse, I find popping a blazer or a jacket on top makes it a little more conservative. You can still show a touch of skin without exposing too much.

4. Try prints

You don’t just have to stick to sheer blouses in solid colours. A patterned polka dot sheer blouse such as the one above can add an interesting focal point to an outfit.

5. Make a statement with your underwear

Since your lingerie is on show, why not make a statement with it? Candice Swanepoel (above) has worked a great bra with multiple straps underneath her sheer blouse and it has taken her look to something that’s a little edgier.

6. Choose the right colours

A sheer blouse in a solid block colour works great with more muted tones. Blouses in black, white are able to be worked back with plenty of pieces in your wardrobe and can be dressed up or down. Also anything with strategic panelling is quite flattering like that on Miranda Kerr‘s blouse above.

What are your thoughts on sheer blouses?

Photography: PopSugar, All Women Stalk, Daily Mail, Fashionising,

Fashion, Shop

What’s on my shopping wish list this month

9th November, 2018

It’s been a hectic time with the Melbourne Cup Carnival but that doesn’t mean I haven’t had time to squeeze in a bit of window shopping. My wish list is always a work in progress and I’m always finding things to update it — and it’s not hard as there are just so many amazing pieces around right now. This month I’m all about bold shades, interesting finishes and unique pieces that will take my outfits next-level.

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