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wardrobe tips

Fashion

Fashion New Year’s resolutions that are actually worth keeping

29th December, 2023

The start of a new year is always the perfect time to make a few resolutions. And whilst going to the gym regularly and ensuring you get more sleep are definitely goals worth pursuing it’s also worth noting that reassessing your style is also one area in your life that might be worth reevaluating. Considering the fact you have to deal with your wardrobe every single day it makes sense to ensure that it’s working for you as best as possible to guarantee that only do you look and feel great everyday, but also to avoid having to contend with regular style meltdowns to get there. To help you get started here are a few fashion new year’s resolutions that are definitely worth adopting…

Invest in the best quality pieces you can afford

Think about the workhorses of your wardrobe, the items that are constantly on rotation. Are they well made and built to last? If the answer is no, then it’s time to make a conscious effort to invest a little more in the clothes that you wear all the time to ensure longevity. This means things like a beautiful coat, a flattering pair of go-to jeans and an LBD. These are the building blocks of a functional wardrobe, and once you’ve found pieces that work and that you love, you need to ensure they will be around for a long time.

Have a fail-safe outfit combination

For those times when a fashion crisis hits it’s important to have at least one outfit combination to turn to that you know is guaranteed to work no matter what. This will obviously differ according to your individual style. A structured dress and classic flats may work for one person whilst a pair of jeans, tee and a blazer may work for someone else. The key is pinpointing what makes you look good every single time you wear it, then have it at the back of your mind as a back up for those times when you’re feeling uninspired.

Keep your wardrobe organised

It really is easier to get dressed when you can see everything in you closet. Being able to assess what you own at a glance can often make pulling together a look a faster process as you avoid wasting time trying to find a long lost t-shirt or the skirt you wore last weekend but now can’t find. I keep my wardrobe organised like this but it’s important to come up with a system that is easy for you to maintain. To avoid having to do epic clean ups make a point of putting things away as soon as you get home at the end of the day as that way your closet stays neat all the time.

Embrace outfit planning

Yes it does require a bit more time and effort but making a point of organising your outfits ahead of time can help you avoid throwing everything you own on the floor in a panic every morning. If you really want to be ultra organised invest in a rack that you can hang the week’s ensembles on, ironed and ready to go. There’s actually something quite satisfying about seeing your clothes nicely lined up within easy stress-free reach.

Take at least one fashion risk a month

It’s great to have a clear idea of your style but sometimes you can stumble upon new looks simply by making a conscious effort to think outside the box. Eschew your favourite pieces one day a month and pull out pieces that you rarely wear and see how you can make them work. This could also mean wearing a vibrant shade you wouldn’t usually turn to or accessories that you usually only wear with a specific look. You may find an outfit combination you never knew you always wanted.

Shop more consciously 

This takes willpower but stopping yourself from buying something simply because you’ve seen a sale email pop up in your inbox or spotted a dress in a window can often lead to a more wearable wardrobe. Considered shopping ensures that everything you own is something that you love and will work back with what’s already sitting in your closet. By making this your shopping mantra it also saves you wasting your money on pieces you’ll only wear once and instead allow you to direct funds to purchasing quality and timeless items that will get constant use.

What are your style resolutions in 2023?
Fashion

What to wear on Christmas Day—using what’s already in your wardrobe

10th December, 2023

What are you wearing on Christmas Day? Whether it’s a family BBQ or a formal sit down lunch if you’ve yet to sort out your outfit and are quickly running out of time then you’re in luck because your ensemble could be sitting in your wardrobe right now. That’s right, with some new outfit inspiration, key pieces in your closet can be reworked and turned into a fresh new look. And the best bit is it doesn’t cost a cent.

Inspiration: A midi or maxi dress + sneakers

This is an easy place to start. If you’ve got a favourite dress in your cupboard that’s feeling a bit tired simply change up the footwear. A pair of sneakers is an easy go-to and looks instantly on trend without much effort at all.

Inspiration: Layering neutrals + a pop of colour

I’m betting you have a handful of neutral pieces in your wardrobe so why not bring them back to life again by opting for a tonal colour palette. Working your outfit within the same colour family results in a chic, considered look and the addition of a bright statement shoe instantly adds an element of interest.

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Inspiration: A singlet + pants

If you have a trusty white singlet and a pair of dressy pants you have this look sorted. You could also swap the pants for a pair of shorts or culottes and it works equally as well. Add a pair of sandals or heels and you’re set.

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Inspiration: A slip dress + scarf

Given how huge slip dresses have been of late I’m sure there’s a lot of you who may have one sitting in your cupboard right now. The key to refreshing it is in the accessories you pair with it. A scarf tied around your hair is very of the moment and looks bang on trend.

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Inspiration: Basic tee + wrap skirt + slides

A trusty white tee is a given in most wardrobes so why not pair it with a dressy skirt for a high-low mix that looks instantly stylish. A wrap skirt is a current trend that looks fresh for summer and a pair of slides makes for instant cool.

Inspiration: Striped shirt + denim

A striped shirt paired with a denim skirt is the ideal ensemble for a family lunch that may end up turning into an evening event. You could also opt for jeans if a skirt isn’t your thing. The great thing about this look is that most of us already have a striped shirt sitting in our wardrobes so it’s an easy go-to when you feel you have nothing to wear.

What are you planning to wear on Christmas Day?
Fashion

Fashion habits to adopt for great style

30th November, 2023

Who’s your style icon? I have a number of women whose style I admire and whilst they may make it look effortless, I’ve found that often the thing with looking stylish is it doesn’t have to be difficult—as long as you have a few key things in place. If you get into the habit of doing a few things regularly then you can instantly make walking out the door looking polished and pulled together a whole lot easier.

Planning outfits

I’m betting if you’ve ever really loved someone’s look it’s because everything works and there’s cohesion. The shoes work with the outfit, the bag is in keeping with the colour palette… it all just works. And to do this isn’t hard, it just requires putting in the effort of doing a little outfit planning. If you stop and put together a few outfits ahead of time, whether it’s the night before or you do a weekly styling session, you take that hurried dash for clothing out of the equation, which is when outfits tend to go awry.

Doing a tight edit

I think an outfit always has to have an individual element but also a considered edit that allows everything to work together. So always think about striking a balance and ensure that no elements are competing with each other but are instead complementing one another.

A special accessory can elevate a look

Adding one special piece

Aim to incorporate one standout piece when styling an outfit. It could be a great pair of earrings, a beautiful bag or a striking top, but whatever it is, ensure that it’s the kind of thing that can elevate a look.

Ensuring everything is in good condition

One of the things that can let an outfit down is if anything looks a little worn or shabby. Get into the habit of checking your clothes for damage so that you can get onto repairs straight away or replace it if need be. Also little things like pilling, discolouration, fading and even tiny stains are all things that can compromise the stylish feel of an outfit so be sure to either attend to the issue or phase it out of your wardrobe.

Ensure clothes are the right fit

Wearing the right undergarments

The right underwear is so important to the overall finish of a look. A rogue bra strap under a cami, or underwear that’s the wrong colour under what you’re wearing are all things that can make you look less than pulled together. Invest in quality undergarments from bras to slips and underwear (including Spanx if you want a smooth finish under certain clothes) and you’re already ticking all the style boxes.

Aim for the right fit

Bid adieu to clothes that don’t fit perfectly. If it can be repaired then get them altered straight away. If not, then it’s time to donate them to charity so someone else can enjoy them. Also those “someday” clothes you’re saving? It’s time to farewell those too and instead focus on clothes that work for you now. You deserve to look nothing less than stylish after all.

 

Fashion

The key to knowing a true fashion bargain

16th November, 2023

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years is that there’s a difference between something that’s cheap and a genuine fashion bargain. The former means yes, it’s inexpensive but it might not become the type of item that will get used often. The latter is something that may be a good price but it’s also guaranteed to get plenty of use, meaning it’s great cost per wear and therefore a true bargain buy.

Whenever you’re hitting the sales, whether it’s end of financial year markdowns, Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals or a good ol’ fashioned bricks and mortar warehouse sale, it pays to know what’s definitely worth spending your hard earned fashion dollars on. Here’s how I can tell whether something is definitely a good sale buy.

What does it work with?

When shopping anything that’s been marked down I always ask myself if it’s something that can work back with a number of things in my wardrobe. Because even if the price tag is right, if I can’t see myself wearing it with several things I already own it negates the discounted price I may pay. I’m better off buying something full price that won’t just gather dust in my closet.

Does this have longevity?

Trying out trends is all part of the fun of fashion but if I want to know what I’m buying is a genuine fashion bargain then I need it to make sure that it’s going to stand the test of time. I want to know that I’m going to be able to wear something beyond a season to ensure that I’m maximising the cost per wear on it.

It’s all about maximising cost per wear by being discerning when sale shopping

Is it versatile?

The other way I can tell a true fashion bargain is if something is truly versatile. Can I style it in a number of different ways? Can it be dressed up or down? I always look for things that I can wear to a multitude of events and settings. If for example I can wear a pair of shoes on a shoot, to the office and at a party then I know purchasing it is true value for money.

Would I buy this full price?

The allure of a discounted item is sometimes hard to resist. You’re saving money after all, right? But sometimes we can be attracted to something purely because it’s cheap, not because it’s something we genuinely want or need. If I ever come across something I want to buy that’s on sale I always ask myself if it’s something that I would have considered paying the full price for. If it’s a yes, it means I definitely love it and can see it working with my wardrobe, if it’s a no, it means I only really want it because it’s cheap. And a bargain isn’t really a bargain unless it’s going to end up getting used. I find the pieces I truly love and want are the pieces that will always be on high rotation.

What are some ways you know you’ve got a genuine bargain on your hands?

Fashion

How to dress for party season on a budget

8th November, 2023

With events season just around the corner, it means that there’s often a range of different events you might need to pull together outfits for. Whether it’s Christmas lunch or an end-of-year soiree at work or just a catch up with friends, there’s a range of occasions that can pop up. The problem that can often arise with this however is that we start to worry about what we’re going to wear, and the fact that having a new outfit for each one would cost a fortune. If you’ve got an endless clothing budget then by all means have fun, but if you’re wanting to keep costs down yet still want to look your best then it pays to employ a few strategies to ensure you put your best foot forward. Here are a few ways to approach event dressing in a more budget-friendly way.

Invest in one simple LBD

If you don’t yet have a go-to LBD in your closet then you’re missing a crucial piece of the party dressing puzzle. Investing in a simple black dress (the plainer the better) that can act as a blank canvas for multiple events will enable you to create multiple looks with just one item. A simple silk slip dress for example, can be dressed up for a cocktail party or dressed down with slides for a backyard BBQ or lunch with the girls. All it requires is a swapping in different pieces already in your closet to reinvent it in myriad ways.

Change up your accessories

Whenever I’m going to re-wear a dress or outfit I’ve worn to an occasion previously, I like to take it in a different direction accesories-wise. I’ll often add a different pair of earrings, or layer necklaces or go with a different pair of shoes. Even if it’s the same outfit, you can give it a different vibe by making a few strategic tweaks. You can instantly open up a wardrobe full of event wear just by experimenting with how you accessorise.

You don’t have to wear a dress

When it comes to events, many of us will have an automatic reflex kick in that that will require wearing a dress when that’s so not the case. I do wear dresses often, but if I’ve got an occasion, I’ll also opt for options such as a suit, or a skirt and top or great slacks and a slinky cami. So, don’t neglect the rest of your wardrobe because you could easily achieve a new look by simply broadening your horizons away from a dress.

Peruse the second hand market

There’s much gold to be found in checking out the resale market when it comes to occasion wear. Local sellers such as Trading in Style, Swop or The Frock Exchange offer both local and overseas designer brands ranging from shoes to accessories and clothing at a reduced price. You could also try sites such as Vestiaire Collective or The Real Real for a wider selection of goods. Also, checking out your local thrift/vintage store is also worth a look as you can often find some hidden gems if you take the time to browse the racks.

Rent it

If you have multiple events on the horizon but don’t want to splurge on a new outfit for each occasion (which can add up very quickly) I’d suggest renting. There are so many great rental sites out there such as Glam Corner or The Volte with a huge array of labels to choose from including my fave event go-tos, Rachel Gilbert, Aje, Rebecca Vallance. You can rent up-to-the-minute designs and pay a fraction of the cost of buying an outfit outright.

 

Fashion

How to wear colour (when you don’t really wear colour)

6th November, 2023

I’m one of those people who loves wearing colour. I love neutrals, but there’s something about a vibrant hue that just elevates an outfit and gives it impact. But if you’ve not really embraced colour in the past, it can be daunting to wear something bold and bright. How do you wear it without feeling like you’re channelling a packet of Skittles? It’s all about baby steps, firstly finding colours that work then slowly easing it into your wardrobe. Here’s how to start…

Find a colour that works for you

Depending on your skin’s undertones (there’s three: cool, warm and neutral) certain colours will be a more flattering fit. So, if you’re going to dabble in some colour, it’s helpful to know which hue will complement your skin tone. For example, cool tones play well with jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire and ruby. If you’re a warm tone, shades such as yellow, orange and earthy tones such as browns and deep reds are a good match. While those who fall into the neutral category, you’re in luck as most colours will work for you.

Use it as an accent colour

If you’ve not used colour much in your wardrobe, taking a leap into the bright side can be daunting. So, start by using it as an accent piece. As an example, I wore colour below with a grey suit, using a sunshine yellow bag as a pop of colour. For colour beginners, accessories are a great way to work colour into a look, whether it’s a bag, a hat, sunglasses or a shoe. You can then slowly work up to a single piece in your look. A vibrant tee or tank is one way to dip your to into vivid colours.

Pair it with a neutral

When colour isn’t a regular part of your repertoire then it can feel a little out there to wear it from head to toe. So, start with working it back with a neutral. Denim works well with colour, the same with neutrals such as white, cream, grey and black. You can use a neutral as a security blanket when you’re new to colour, as it helps to ground an outfit but allows the colour to do its thing and stand out.

Go tonal

When you’ve worked up to a serious hit of colour, go tonal. I love doing colour blocking or wearing a single hue, but if you want something a little more pared down, consider wearing tones of the same colour. It makes for an impactful look but isn’t as out there as wearing multiple colours.

Try a print

A great way to do colour is to wear it in a print. I’m a huge fan of a colourful print as I find it to be such a good mood lifter and it’s a playful way to do bright hues. I’ve found the best way to do a vibrant print is to wear it as a matching set — it just feels a little more cohesive and is a little more effortless. Alternatively, try working a print back with a simple neutral to achieve some balance.

So, have I convinced you to step to the bright side?

Fashion

How to elevate your date night outfits

7th October, 2023

Heading out for an evening to ourselves is something Luke and I try and do every so often. I think when you have been together for awhile, especially when kids enter the picture it’s nice to be able to reconnect and remember what it was like during the early days. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy the process of pulling a great outfit together and getting all dolled up! Date night outfits are one of my most favourite looks to pull together — here are a few of my tips on how to elevate your next ensemble.

Push your boundaries

I always like to make a point of wearing something that’s just a little more special than what Luke would normally see me in. That could be something such as a great dress that I’ve been wanting to wear or just an outfit that I would never usually wear when I’m just in everyday mode. Also it’s a great time to experiment with a new look — if there’s a particular trend you’ve been wanting to try or something that you’ve been eyeing but haven’t found the occasion to wear it, why not do it during date night?

Pay attention to your accessories

When I’m looking after the girls, simplicity and comfort is key. I don’t have time to fuss around with earrings or bags because kids just don’t wait for things like that! So I always like to make an effort when it’s date night. Statement earrings are always a great option to consider but it’s also the perfect time to introduce a new bag into the mix or a beautiful necklace. I know it’s easy to stick to your tried and tested pieces but consider this the perfect time to do something a little different.

Throw practicality out the door

Date night is the perfect excuse to wear something that’s a little bit sexy and yes, completely impractical. That means letting your fave silk blouse out for the evening or wearing your favourite skyscraper heels—it’s the time to just focus on feeling and looking great and not if you’re going to be able to run after a toddler in your outfit.

Wear amazing shoes

I think wearing a killer pair of shoes is always a guaranteed way to feel great. If you’re always in flats or sneakers then the next time you head out, take it up a notch and let your beloved statement heels take centre stage. Think of it as a way of getting more out of your wardrobe too.

Spend time on your beauty look

Don’t let your look down by forgetting about your hair and makeup. Date night’s actually the perfect reason to stop and take your time with your beauty look. Try a new hairstyle or do a smoky eye or statement lip and enjoy the process of getting all dressed up.

Fashion, Shop

The essentials of a great workwear wardrobe

21st August, 2023

With more and more people heading back into the office, there’s never been a better time to revisit your work wardrobe. There’s been an update when it comes to silhouettes and the necessary staples to keep you looking professional, yet on trend. So if you’re still working with the pieces you had pre-pandemic you might be feeling like an update is in order. If you are, it pays to shop smart and hone in on the pieces that are going to make getting dressed for work a little bit easier. These are the must-haves of any workwear wardrobe.

A blazer

The blazer is something that is forever going to be a staple for an office wardrobe. However the current silhouette is all about a boxy fit, or the up-and-coming blazer style of a longline with a nipped in silhouette at the waist. Either will work well when it comes to putting together your looks everyday as they can be paired back with a number of pieces from a midi dress to a wide leg pant and shirt. It’s an easy way to update other existing pieces in your wardrobe too.

 

A pair of wide leg pants

Wide leg pants are a bonafide staple. They’re perfect for work too as they look smart, feel comfy and can work back with a number of different pieces. When it comes to colours, a black pair is going to take you far, being able to be dressed up or down, however a pair in a neutral colour is also a worthwhile investment. Opt for a button down shirt tucked in (or untucked if you were in a more casual environment) with a blazer thrown over the top for the ultimate office uniform.

 

A midi dress

The midi length is the perfect hemline for a work dress as it looks polished and put together. However it doesn’t have to be boring! If you’ve been afraid of wearing a midi length – don’t be! Worn back with a heel or a sleek flat, and with a jacket on top, it feels very contemporary. You could stick to plain colours such as black and neutrals or add a subtle pop of colour or print if you’re feeling more adventurous.

 

A pair of classic pumps

Work shoes should be comfortable and polished, but most of all, it has to look professional. This is where a classic pointy toe style shines. A black pair is going to be on high rotation simply because it’s so versatile, but a nude pair is also a worthwhile choice as it will get equally as much air time. If slingback style is also a very modern choice, and is easily worked back with a number of different outfits.

 

A pared back tote

You’re going to need a stylish carryall to cart all your things around and a tote is a good option. The silhouette never dates and it’s roomy enough to be able to house everything you’re going to need to take to work and on your commute. Opt for one in classic black if you want to be able to wear it with most of your outfits, otherwise, a tan or cream is also a good style to have.

 

A midi skirt

This is in the same family as the midi dress, looks smart and put together. If you’re looking to be able to wear it in a variety of different ways then opt for a plain hue, such as black navy or a classic neutral like cream, white or camel. However it’s also the ideal way to add a bit of personality to an outfit so you could also wear a printed version or one in a more adventurous colour.

 

A button down shirt

You can’t do a workwear wardrobe roll call without a button down shirt. White is obviously the first choice as you can wear it in so many different ways. The next contender would have to be anything in a stripe — it looks polished and adds an element of interest to an ensemble. The best part about this style is that you could also work it into your weekend wardrobe.

Fashion

How to do winter layering

1st August, 2023

The one thing I really love about winter dressing is the ability to layer different pieces for a warm and cosy look. I love experimenting with textures and big statement pieces such as a coat or boots to create an outfit that will easily withstand cooler temperatures without compromising on style. Effective winter layering requires consideration of the whole look from top to bottom including colours to avoid looking like you just threw on everything in your wardrobe! Over the years I’ve managed to refine my layering formula to a few key things…

Start with the basics

I always start with a cotton singlet or t-shirt underneath as a foundation especially if I’m going to wear a jumper or some sort of knit. Also I find wearing multiple lightweight layers provides ample warmth without your outfit feeling too bulky and cumbersome. I will always finish the look off with a big coat or jacket – this is a great opportunity to make a statement by opting for outerwear in a strong pattern or colour. If it’s especially cold outside I wear a big scarf, my favourite being an oversized Louis Vuitton scarf which makes for a nice (and warm) finishing touch. One thing to be mindful of when layering is to watch out for materials rubbing together, sometimes certain fabrics don’t work well against each other and can end up getting damaged or causing pilling.

Mix textures

One of the things I always do when it comes to winter layering is mixing different fabrics and textures. I find this adds a bit of depth to your look and helps to break it up. I normally do a cotton t-shirt, a knit and then I’ll do a wool coat or a leather jacket or denim jacket.

Choose a base colour

Great winter layering for me requires wearing similar tones. I might choose to go with various shades of grey or stick to neutral tones. If I’m wearing black I won’t do all black, I’ll actually add another piece such as a charcoal knit to help break up what I’m wearing. The same with camel colours – I might do beiges or cream and mix the tones up. Whilst I’ll play with various shades I’ll always ensure that there’s one base colour to ensure the whole look works together.

Finish with a great coat

The final finishing flourish of any winter look is a great coat. It’s easily one of the first things people see but it’s often relegated as an afterthought, so I’ve always tried to build up a few go-to coats throughout the cooler months. I always go for a statement coat, and then some plain, failsafe options in black, navy, cream or camel—I’ve found these to be so effective at finishing off a look, and also maintaining cohesion from top to bottom.

What are some of your tips for winter layering?
Fashion

The three word method approach to style and why it works

31st July, 2023

There’s a question I’m often asked whenever I do interviews about my style, and it’s usually what words I’d use to describe the way I dress. My answers: classic, relaxed and feminine. These three words essentially sum up the way I like my outfits to look and it’s something that carries through whether I’m dressing for an event or I’m popping out to do the school run. It acts as a great anchor for me whenever I’m trying to decided on what I’m going to wear.

Having given the topic much thought over the years, I’m not surprised that stylist Allison Bornstein’s three word method (side note: her other style philosophy the wrong shoe theory is also really popular/clever) which essentially asks people to choose three words that would sum up their style and how they like to dress has taken off so spectacularly. I think the main reason why it has resonated so much is that it acts as a clear, concise reminder about your style. It’s so easy to go off on tangents and get caught up in the latest trends, but for true stress-free dressing you need to know what your style actually is and summing it up in three words is a particularly great way to do this.

So, how do you narrow your style down to three key words? Bornstein’s approach is an all encompassing one that looks at your style and what you gravitate towards as a whole. She suggests looking at what’s in your closet and summing up the vibe of everything in there. Is it classic? Is it vibrant? Also, look at the people whose style resonates with you and ask yourself why that is? What is it about their style collectively that speaks to you? Next, how does your wardrobe make you feel? Often your outfits speak a certain word whenever you wear them and that could be one of your three words.

I’m a huge fan of this approach as it’s simple, plus it acts as a guide when wading through my wardrobe but also the seemingly endless array of options out there when I’m shopping. It helps to encourage a more sustainable approach to buying as having a few words to remind me of what my style is helps me to be a little more discerning with my picks.

Tell me—would you try this method?