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wardrobe tips

Fashion, Shop

The investment purchases that have been worth every cent

9th July, 2023

Investment purchases often involve a significant financial outlay, hence the investment part. However what I’ve discovered from this is that yes, there’s a fair bit to pay upfront but what you save in the long run ends up being more than what you’ve paid. It’s often the smart way to shop, as you end up getting high quality, which equates to longevity. For me, I’d rather save up and pay more for a jacket and then not have to worry about replacing it next season or the season after that, or the season after that. And I’ve not yet found any investment purchase I’ve made that hasn’t exceeded my cost per wear expectations. It’s a fashion no-brainer. So, what buys have lived up to their promise and then some? These are the pieces that pull their weight time and time again.

Balmain blazer

It pays to do your research when it comes to investment buys as often you may not have to pay retail if you have patience to wait for it to go on sale. The thing with investment buys is that if you are able to find a design that is a part of a brand’s core collection you’ll be able to find it season after season, which means you can afford to wait for the sales to buy it in case it gets reduced. I bought this blazer years ago, on sale from Net-a-Porter and it’s been my most worn item.

Goyard tote

I can’t rave about this bag highly enough. I used it as my baby bag and every day bag—it’s so roomy so it’s really easy to throw everything in. And because it’s made of a coated fabric, if bottles leaked or water spilt on it, it didn’t matter as I could easily wipe it. It’s also a great travel companion as it’s very light and it can be folded up to put away or within a suitcase.

Louis Vuitton carry on luggage

I have used this bag for years and years. I tend to have a few trips interstate for work throughout the year and it’s such a good size for taking my essentials. I take it on overseas trips too and it’s an incredibly sturdy bag, it really stands up to travelling, whether it’s through the cobblestones of Europe or through many an airport terminal. I actually gave one to Luke for his 40th and he still uses it all the time.

Chanel slingback flats

I adore these flats. I wear them all the time for dressy or casual events, and they can be worn day or night. The classic Chanel two-tone gives it a little extra personality, plus the minimalist colour palette means I can easily work it back with multiple looks. I’ve found that the slingback design also makes them a little dressier than the traditional Chanel ballet flat.

Cartier Un Clou Bracelet

Technically this isn’t a purchase I made, I was lucky enough to be gifted it by aunt for my 30th. However, it’s a bracelet that I have worn every day since. It goes with absolutely everything and it adds an elegant touch to anything I’m wearing. It’s one of my can’t-live-without pieces.

Chanel 2.55 bag

Generally when you buy anything Chanel, it’s pretty much a purchase for life. I bought this quilted bag over 10 years ago and still wear it all the time. It’s a classic design so it works with everything and the straps are able to be adjusted so I can wear it as a shoulder bag or crossbody style. It definitely ticks the versatility box which is so important with any investment purchase.

Diamond Earrings

I love playing with costume jewellery but there’s something about timeless pieces that you can’t beat. These diamond studs are simple and elegant and can be worn every day or to any nighttime occasion. I’ve used it for both and it works seamlessly with pretty much anything I’m wearing, making them a truly worthwhile buy.

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

Do classic pieces need updating?

7th June, 2023

Classics are without a doubt the staples of any cohesive wardrobe. These are pieces that are designed to work well with most things in your closet and can be repurposed into many different looks. While I’m all about ticking the boxes when it comes to the classic pieces you have in your closet, the thing with fashion is that it’s cyclical. Silhouettes change, hemlines rise or fall and trends heavily influence how we dress. What looked amazing a year or two ago, can sometimes feel or look a bit dated. So, what should you do?

Well, the first thing to remember is that fashion is constantly evolving, but we inevitably find ourselves seeing the same trends emerging again. For example, who would’ve thought the low rise jean of the early aughts would make such a triumphant return? So, I’m not saying you need to completely bin everything and start over again every season because that would be incredibly wasteful, but sometimes it’s important to remember that classic pieces evolve too. For example, while a white shirt is definitely a classic staple, these days a tight fitting white button down has given way to a more relaxed, oversized fit. Essentially, yes it’s still the same classic piece, but with a more contemporary spin. And that’s important to remember as trends come and go. Sometimes the pieces that you have in your wardrobe that fall into the classic category, may need a little tweaking here and there.

It can be hard to determine whether your classics actually need updating or not, so my advice would be to look around and see what is currently doing the rounds. If your staples look a little off with what you’re seeing in terms of style trends, then it might be worth revisiting them. For example, skinny jeans won’t ever go away but at the moment, it’s all about a wide leg pant (which by the way was a trend years ago but has now come back, so it’s definitely worth hanging onto things). Even just updating a piece or two, such as a fitted blazer for one with a bigger, oversized silhouette can make the existing pieces in your closet feel a little more now.

Updating your wardrobe each season can be expensive so it’s really important to take a more considered approach and analyse what you love to wear, and what makes you feel good. If a classic piece falls into that category, see what you can do about giving it a bit of a revamp. Sometimes this can be in the form of getting something adjusted by a tailor, or it simple styling it in a way that feels more modern such as wearing a trench open with the belt tied at the back rather than wearing it buttoned up. The most important thing to remember is that you need to choose style staples that make getting dressed easier, and also give you major confidence.

 

Shop the new classics

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

How to save money on clothes without compromising on style

30th April, 2023

Truth: clothes can at times be expensive. Depending on the brands you like, they can be really expensive. So how can you still splurge on pieces that you love without having to completely break the bank? It’s all about having the right shopping strategy. Over the years I’ve learned a few things that have helped me ensure that I’m not paying more than I should. And sometimes you may not even have to spend any money at all! I’m all about maximising style but minimising cost, and here I’m sharing how to save money on clothes without compromising on style.

Do your research

When I have my eye on something I like to do a reconnaissance mission before I buy it. I’ll make sure to check across several different stores or sites to see which is selling it for cheaper so I know that I’m getting it at the best price possible.

Wait for sale time

There are a few designer pieces in my closet which I really, really wanted but made myself wait till sale time to buy. And I’m glad I did because it saved me a lot of money. I just make sure to do my research beforehand so I know exactly what I’m looking for so I can pounce on it the moment it’s reduced.

It’s a good idea to sign up to the mailing list of your favourite brands and stores so you can be alerted whenever they are having a sale. You may even be given early sale access by doing this which means you’ll have a better chance of finding what you’re after.

Use fashion search engines

Sites like shopstyle.com.au and lyst.com.au are like Google for fashion. You can use them to search for whatever it is you have your eye on whether it be a pair of Gucci loafers or a new Givenchy handbag. It will scan across a range of stores, bring up the search results and you can see which retailers are selling it and for how much. If you find something that you like you can ask to be sent a sale alert the moment the price is reduced so you don’t miss out.

Do regular wardrobe edits

There are things in my wardrobe that I forgot I even owned until I stumbled across them during a closet clean out. All of a sudden I felt like I had something new to wear and I didn’t have to spend a cent. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of doing a seasonal edit of your clothes, shoes and accessories. This process will allow you to see what you own, find things you’d forgotten about and see where the gaps are. Also it lets you see what you really should be spending your money on instead of ending up with another pair of shoes identical to seven other pairs you already own.

Make a style hit list

Post-wardrobe clean out I always like to list down what I’m lacking. If left to wander aimlessly, I’d often end up things that I probably didn’t need but a list helps me stay on track. I know exactly what will be useful to me as opposed to just something that I want. This helps me direct my fashion dollars to the right things.

What’s your favourite way to save money on clothes?
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

How to buy pieces that you’ll have forever (and the strategies I use to guarantee this)

9th April, 2023

I can think of a number of pieces in my closet that I’ve had for what feels like forever. There are things I bought many years ago that are still going strong and getting used to this day and it’s because I followed the below criteria. It’s often when I venture away from this approach that I end up with purchases that I’ll have for a year or two but end up giving away in a closet purge down the track. The thing with a longevity shopping strategy is that you end up spending less because you’re not wasting money on things you’ll only have for a short time. You’re also likely have more wearable options as you will make considered purchases that align with how you truly like to dress—and ultimately have forever.

Opt for minimalist and classic

While I’m all for having fun with fashion, if you want a forever piece generally it’s going to be something that you won’t tire of seeing or wearing. For me, that requires simple silhouettes and classic hues that can be paired back with multiple things in my closet and that I can mix and match easily.

Stay true to your style

I think the pieces that have longevity are always the ones that stay true to your style and aesthetic. I’ve always found that the pieces I end up purging from my closet down the track tend to be the ones that didn’t quite work back with everything I already wore, or I ventured out from my usual repertoire and ended up with a piece that wasn’t aligned with how I dress. My look always tends to be polished, so if I stick to pieces that are within that realm, I’ll usually hang onto them.

Keep it considered

This is code for don’t impulse buy. I’ve rarely if ever ended up with a piece I bought on a whim sticking around in my closet for longer than a season or two. The things I’ve had for years, decades even, are the ones that I spent some time thinking about before I purchased it. This means looking at how I could wear it, what I could wear it with, and how much I actually loved it. If it’s not something I’m thinking about constantly or planning outfits with in my head before I buy it, it’s likely not going to last.

What are some of your strategies for buying pieces that you’ll have forever?

Fashion

The key to timeless style

19th March, 2023

Crisp white suiting always looks chic

Classic, timeless style is one thing I always aspire to. I like to keep my looks on trend but with an overarching sense of polish and generally don’t venture too far from what I know and love. One of the main reasons I do this is because it ensures the longevity of my wardrobe. If I stick to pieces that I believe will last the test of time I won’t have to update them as often and I can guarantee my favourites will have plenty of outings ahead. Having adopted this as my approach to shopping and how I dress for many years, and also observing the stylish women in my life whose ensembles just don’t seem to ever date, here’s what I consider to be the building blocks of having a look that will endure the years to come. These are the timeless style tips to commit to memory.

Scrimp on trend buys

I love purchasing trendy items as much as the next person but I keep them to a minimum. If I like the look of the signature silhouette or colour of the season I will buy a select few pieces and work them back with what’s already in my closet. I avoid wearing one trend from head to toe and like to give it my own spin.

Embrace timeless fabrics and prints

There are certain prints and fabrications that won’t date. Polka dots, stripes and plaid have remained in the mix most seasons and will add a fun touch to any outfit that won’t look dated. Long-lasting fabrics such as tweed, silk, wool and cashmere are worth adding to your wardrobe as they really stand up well to the wear and tear of constant use.

A classic black bag is definitely worth the splurge

Invest in classic pieces

Think of the pieces that have been around for ages and have remained a constant and they’re likely to be things like a black blazer, a white button down shirt, denim jeans and the little black dress and a simple black bag. These are the wardrobe buys that are worth investing in as they’re not going away any time soon.

Tailor your clothes

Ill-fitting clothes will make you look unkempt so it’s best to invest in tailoring pieces so they perfectly fit. Find a good tailor and have things taken in or up or out, depending on your needs, to ensure that whatever you’re wearing fits you like a glove. A perfectly tailored outfit just screams timeless style.

Know what suits your body shape

Learn to pinpoint the styles and silhouettes that work with your shape. Go on a shopping expedition and try on a few different silhouettes in key staples such as pants, tops, skirts and dresses and see what works. Be brutally honest. If what you see doesn’t put a smile on your face then keep searching until you find something that does. Once you’ve pinpointed what works for you then you’ll have a handful of go-to styles that you can always come back to time and time again.

Who do you think has classic style? What are your favourite timeless style tips?

Fashion, Fashion & Beauty

Great alternatives to try when you’re tired of wearing jeans

12th March, 2023

I wholeheartedly admit that I’m in jeans a lot of the time but there are times when I look in my wardrobe and think that I want to be comfortable but I just don’t feel like putting denim on. A great pair of jeans is always a failsafe option, but sometimes I just want to mix it up and try something else without having to compromise on comfort. So, what do I do then? Well I have a go-to alternatives to jeans that are equally as stylish, effortless and perfect for days on the go…

Culottes

I’ve found that the billowy, relaxed silhouette of a pair of culottes such as the pair above is one of the comfiest things you can wear. Wear them with a shirt or tee, tucked in or out, and pair with everything from sneakers to heels, slides or flats. So versatile and effortless too.

Cropped chinos

Chinos have always been a handy staple to have but a cropped version of the style feels a lot fresher and more modern. You can easily dress them up or down which makes them ideal for workwear or a relaxing weekend.

Tapered jogger

These have all the comfort of a pair of tracksuit pants but infinitely more stylish. A tapered jogger looks great for days when you want to wear something simple and unfussy yet remain stylish and comfortable at the same time. You can easily throw on a great knit or pop on a casual trench over them and look put together.

Tailored pants

This style has been a workhorse in my wardrobe because not only are they really versatile, but they always look polished. I also like them because they’re super comfy, which is perfect if I’m doing the shift between mum mode and work mode on any given day. 

Leggings are one way to look stylish and be comfortable at the same time

Leggings

I live in leather leggings throughout winter as I’ve found them so easy to wear with everything in my closet. I can easily pair them with a blazer or a knit and be ready to walk out the door with minimum fuss. If leather leggings aren’t your thing, I think the silhouette is still great in other fabrications, just be sure to look for a thick, sturdy material that will retain its shape. If there’s one thing that’s a no-no it’s saggy leggings.

Midi skirt

When I’m in the mood for something a little more feminine but still equally as comfortable I opt for a midi skirt. One of my favourites is a knitted midi skirt which I’ve found to be really wearable and perfect for days on the go. It’s a great way to do casual dressing in a more elevated way.

Wide leg pants

I’m a huge fan of wide leg pants simply because they’re effortlessly stylish, making them an easy option when I want to style an outfit quickly. That said, there’s nothing quite as comfortable as a pair of billowy pants so I would definitely recommend them when you want something super easy to wear, that still looks polished.

A midi skirt is a feminine way to do casual dressing

 

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The one thing I always do when I plan an outfit

11th February, 2023

Oh dress codes. I find that some people are either a stickler for sticking to a dress code or they will just try and remain in the vicinity of it. I’m the former. In fact, it’s the one thing I will always consider when I plan an outfit. My job often requires me to go from a casual launch one minute to a black tie event the next so to me dress codes are a way of guiding my outfit planning for the week. Even without a stated dress code my brain tends to go into that mode and I will allocate one to whatever event it is I’m going to as it helps provide me with some styling structure.

When it comes to deciding what I’ll be wearing the one thing I never do is start with a single accessory such as a hat or shoes. I know lots of women who will tend to work around a particular piece but it’s just one of those things that has never really worked for me. I tend to get in a better styling frame of mind when I can work with a solid base such as the dress I want to wear (in keeping with the dress code of course!) and then visualise the pieces that will work with it. Usually I find this gives me a more cohesive look and I’m able to pull together something a little easier.

I find that if I’ve got a dress code in mind it helps everything to fall into place and gives me some focus on the outfit I need to plan. For example if I’m going to a work lunch, I’ll generally stick to a particular section of my wardrobe—dresses, skirts, tailored pants and it having this in mind helps pulling an outfit together. If it’s a Sunday morning and I’m heading out for coffee, I’ll generally even have my unspoken dress code for that—it’s all about comfort, comfort, comfort! It’s a little tactic I’ve adopted for as long as I can remember and it really does help me avoid a wardrobe dilemma or two.

Which camp do you fall into? And how important are dress codes to you when it comes to styling your outfits?