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wardrobe tips

Fashion, Fashion & Beauty

The essentials you’ll need for party season

4th December, 2022

If it hasn’t kicked off already then it will in the coming weeks, as party season is well and truly on its way. I’ve got to attend a number of events for work in the lead up to Christmas and it has got me thinking about even dressing. I know it can become quite a costly exercise having to pull together a new look for every occasion. That’s why I firmly believe that if you start with the basics then you’ll be able to rotate those pieces around to create new looks, while working with existing pieces in your wardrobe. These are the essentials of dressing through the festive season.

A great clutch

Whether you’re attending the office Christmas party or drinks with friends, it’s always a good idea to have one standout clutch on hand. I prefer statement clutches — those with a bold colour or punchy print so it can act as an accent piece to the rest of my look.

Carry all your part essentials in a statement clutch



A pair of classic heels

If you’re planning on attending a range of different events then it can be quite cost effective to invest in one pair of heels that will work with myriad looks. For example the black heels that I’m wearing below have worked with so many different outfits, in various styles and colours and as such I’ve been able to wear them several times. Instead of trying to source multiple shoes for different events, try finding a simple style that’s a bit of a style chameleon.

Simple, elegant party shoes will take you through myriad events



A pair of statement earrings

I don’t often wear huge jewellery, favouring simpler, delicate pieces but I do believe that a pair of statement earrings can really dress up a look. They don’t have to be oversized but just a style that’s a little bit interesting, a little bit different and have a sense of boldness to them.

A pair of statement earrings is an easy way to dress up a look




A little black dress

The LBD is the MVP of any party season wardrobe. Invest in a single black dress that you absolutely love and wear it to death by switching up your accessories and footwear each time. The key is to keep it quite understated and simple, avoid huge embellishments or detail if you want the dress to be quite versatile. Also you can pop on a great blazer or jacket over the top and instantly change the dress’ vibe.


You can rely on a LBD to be worn to multiple occasions

 

Fashion

Rules of wearing statement pieces

23rd October, 2022

Kate Waterhouse statement pieces bec and bridge shoes marco de vincenzo

A beautiful statement piece can often elevate an outfit from good to great. I’m a big fan of using statement pieces to add interest to an outfit, especially when I’m wearing something that’s quite understated. It’s a great shortcut to employ on those days when you’re wearing an outfit that you know requires some punch but you don’t want to rework the entire look again. The addition of an eye-catching element to your ensemble can really make it pop.

Whether it’s an elaborate pair of shoes or a great pair of embellished sunglasses here are my rules for working with statement pieces.

Stick to your style

Trends for statement pieces come and go so it’s important to stick to your style. Whether it’s a brightly coloured bag or the latest designer accessory ensure that it’s still very “you” whilst being an attention grabber at the same time. It’s also important to remember that whilst a statement piece is designed to stand out it’s also crucial that it can work seamlessly with what’s within your wardrobe already otherwise it will sit in your closet gathering dust.

Make statement pieces the hero

It goes without saying that you should allow your statement piece to take centre stage. If I’m wearing a statement bag or shoe I often like to keep my outfit quite muted to allow it to stand out. This is why bold pieces are often a great way to bring an all black outfit to life with just the addition of one accessory.

My Gucci loafers with floral motif

It’s all in the detail

A statement piece doesn’t have to be all about the bling. It’s important to choose something with a striking detail that will really make an outfit pop. My favourite Gucci loafers which I wear to death have a floral motif on them which make a statement but are definitely not overly bright or embellished. Just find something with an eye-catching detail that will allow it to shine and make it unique.

Find the right balance

If I’m wearing a statement piece I often do a scan of the rest of my outfit to see whether it’s just right or might be just a bit over the top. For example one of the key statement pieces in my wardrobe is my Gucci Dionysus bag which features lots of embellishments and I’ll often wear it when I need to jazz up an outfit such as when I’m wearing a plain white tee with jeans or leather pants. It acts as the final finishing element but it doesn’t overpower the rest of the look.

 

Shop my edit of statement pieces

 

What’s your favourite statement piece in your wardrobe?

 

Fashion

The one thing I do to avoid a wardrobe crisis

24th July, 2022

Having a morning wardrobe meltdown isn’t always ideal when I’ve got a busy day ahead of me, not to mention having to get the girls organised at the same time so I’ve had to devise a way to avoid them. It’s always daunting to look into a wardrobe not having any idea on what to wear so I always make sure that I have a backup plan for precisely those moments. Generally, I’ll know what I am going to wear each day but for those times when inspiration doesn’t strike I’ve pre-prepared a few different outfits that I can easily and quickly pull together. Having a series of outfits that I have already styled in my head so I don’t even have to think about makes it easier to get out the door fast.

If you want to try this for yourself you don’t necessarily have to have the entire head to toe look planned (unless you really want to be that specific) but it helps to have the bones of the outfit ready to go such as the dress or the top and pants combination that you’re going to wear. I generally accessorise as I go along when it comes to jewellery and my handbag but I’ll know which of my shoes will go with the outfit so I don’t have to waste time trying on a million pairs. I’ve memorised my go-to looks but you could always photograph them and store them in a folder on your phone for an easy visual reminder. If you want to try this out for yourself I’d recommend identifying the occasions where you’re likely to feel stuck for outfit inspiration such as weekday mornings when you’re about to go to work or leisure wear for the weekend. This is all about making things easier on yourself so you’ll never have to freak out about a wardrobe crisis again.

What are some ways you avoid a morning wardrobe crisis?

 

Fashion

5 fashion habits to adopt

28th May, 2022

When it comes to style there are some fashion sins I make sure to avoid but I also have some key habits that I’ve adopted to help making pulling together a great outfit much easier. Here are five things I always do…

Only buying things I genuinely love

This sounds simple but I’ve made my fair share of purchases that were only somewhat right and ended up not wearing it later on because I was only so-so about it. Whereas the things I’ve bought that I couldn’t stop thinking about are the pieces that have remained in high rotation. Ensure that it’s always a case of true love before buying anything and you’ll wear a garment to death.

Ensure everything fits perfectly

And this means everything from avoiding buying things that aren’t the ideal size “in case it fits one day” to ensuring that I take anything too big to be tailored so the fit is just right. This is the one thing that will ensure a garment looks great.

Think quality not quantity

Knowing the colour palette that works for me

I make sure that most of my wardrobe falls within a particular colour palette to make it easier to mix and match. I always gravitate towards neutrals for this very reason. They always look classic and are easy to work back with a variety of different pieces plus I can easily build on them with a few key accessories.

Working with my shape

I know sack dresses don’t work with my shape so I make sure to avoid them whereas I know shift dresses are flattering on my frame so I have a few of them in my wardrobe. I love experimenting with different silhouettes from time to time but I also know that there are just certain things that will work on a petite frame and I will tend to gravitate towards those styles. If something works then there’s no need to stray from the formula.

Think quality not quantity

I have a few items in my wardrobe that I would qualify as investment pieces. I’ve spent a bit more on them but I’ve also been able to get plenty of wear out of them over the years. This includes pieces like my leather jacket, designer bags like my Chanel crossbody bag and my winter coats. When it comes to things that I know will be on high rotation I’m not afraid to spend a bit more to get something that is truly of a great quality so I won’t end up having to replace them time and time again.

What are some of your key fashion habits?

Fashion

What to do when you feel you have nothing to wear

21st May, 2022

It’s something that happens to most of us at one time or another. Staring into your closet and feeling less than enthused at what’s in there can be annoying, but if it’s happening with great regularity then it’s high time to look into employing a few style strategies to avoid a wardrobe dilemma.

When you feel you have nothing to wear, it kickstarts your day into a more stressful state than it has to be. Given we would all generally have enough items in our closet to work a multitude of different outfits, it’s not the amount you have but how you work it that’s important.

Here are a few tips and tricks to try the next time you encounter “I have nothing to wear” syndrome.

Have a bank of go-to outfits

When you’re having a good style day consider banking that outfit on your phone somewhere so you have a record of a look that you love and you know that works. Aim for at least 10 different looks so that you have an emergency stash of outfits to rely on when you’re encountering a wardrobe dilemma.

Do a closet tidy

Being able to visually clock every single thing you own can free up a little mental space to help get those styling juices flowing. If you’re staring at a pile of clothes it can be really hard to think of how to put them all together. If you’re unable to fit everything in, it’s probably a sign that you need to look at what you own and what you actually need — doing so can help free up valuable closet real estate.

Theme it

Sometimes it helps to narrow down your options. Even something as simple as giving yourself a particular colour to wear or narrowing things down to a denim look can help you hone in on certain pieces and in turn make it easier on yourself to work them together.

Have a reliable staples

Having a few key pieces that can be worked in a few different ways is a great thing to have in case you’re unsure about what to wear. A great pair of pants, flattering jeans, a dress and a skirt are great failsafe pieces to have. You can always fall back on them on the days where you’re really struggling to pull a look together.

Start small then think big

Often just starting with a single piece can help everything fall into place. So start with a small decision such as for example deciding whether it’s a skirt or pants day. Once you’ve done that, then you can hone in on the pants in your closet, as opposed to having to look at absolutely everything. Limiting your choices once again can make it a little easier to tie a look together.

What are some strategies you use when you’re having an “I have nothing to wear” day?

Fashion, What I Wore

My favourite jumper combinations

18th May, 2022

Winter is just around the corner so I’m already workshopping ways I can wear my fave cosy jumpers around the clock. Layering is one of the best ways to stay warm when temperatures drop, and this is why investing in great knitwear is a must. I always favour beautiful knits but I also love nothing more than a more casual sweatshirt when it’s cold. If you’re a bit dubious about the latter, the direction trends have ventured of late has made wearing sweats out of the house not only unbelievably warm and practical, it’s right on trend too.

If you’re going to live in jumper throughout winter, it pays to have all your bases covered so you have one on hand to suit most outfits and occasions. I think it works to have some (or all) of the following in your closet:

  • A colourful knit: Whether it’s a bright cobalt blue, a shocking pink or a demure pastel, it’s always a good idea to embrace a little colour when it comes to knitwear. When everything in winter is generally geared towards dark, sombre hues it’s nice to inject a splash of colour into a look.
  • A textured piece: Whether it’s an oversized ribbed feature, cute bobbles or embroidery, it always adds a layer of interest to an outfit when you incorporate some texture into your jumpers.
  • A cardi: Wear it buttoned or open, but either way cardigans are huge this winter so it pays to have one or two in your collection. I am loving slightly cropped styles that I can wear as a standalone top or layer it with something else underneath.
  • An oversized sweater: Big oversized sweaters are so cosy and when worn with something fitted such as jeans or a wide leg pant and slightly tucked in it looks ultra chic while also keeping you toasty.
  • A grey sweatshirt: There’s obviously an array of different sweatshirt styles out there but I always love having a grey one in my closet. I wear it with my gym gear or with jeans and often pop a trench or other jacket on top and it all of a sudden feels more fashion-ey.
  • A turtleneck: Not only does it serve the purpose of keeping your neck warm, there’s something classic and sophisticated about a turtleneck. Hues such as black, cream or camel are always a good option as they offer a lot of versatility in how they can be worn as they can work back with jeans, pants or skirts equally as well.
  • A neutral knit: You most definitely have to own at least one knit in a neutral hue in your wardrobe. It’s a great piece to have as it can easily pair with multiple options, and offers you an array of different looks.
  • Logo sweatshirt: I do love a fun designer logo sweatshirt to dress up a pair of jeans. This one isn’t high on the priorities list but it is a good one to have as it’s ultra comfortable but also on trend.
  • A matching set: Invest in a matching set if you want to take wear loungewear out and about. I often do a jumper with tracksuit pants and pop on a trench to dress it up a little, or a beautiful knit set is also a wonderful alternative if sweats aren’t your thing.

If you’re currently popping a few things on your jumper shopping list after reading the above, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind to ensure you end up with a knit with longevity…

  • Consider the fabrication: Look at the label and see what the jumper is made from. Wool and cashmere are of course at the upper echelon as they wear well, are breathable and have longevity. Merino wool in particular is said to be one of the best options if you want to avoid dreaded pilling. Cotton is also another great pick if you want a jumper that breathes and is also relatively easy to look after. Also look at the composition, something that is 100% acrylic for example will keep you toasty, but if the weather turns and starts to warm up you may be left feeling a little too hot as it’s not breathable. You want to ensure you incorporate a few natural fabrics so you don’t end up feeling overly hot when you’re wearing layers. Be on the look out for cheaper polyester/cotton combinations which tend to lose their shape after multiple wears.
  • Check out the washing instructions: They say knitwear should be washed as minimally as possible, but if you do have to launder a jumper, how much of a pain is it going to be? I love anything that can easily be thrown in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, but some may need dry cleaning or a specific detergent to keep it in top shape.
  • Choose a neckline that works for your wardrobe: I will often gravitate towards crew neck jumpers as I like the neckline and how it works with the rest of my closet. You may prefer V-neck or roll neck or turtleneck, but always think of what you’re going to wear it with to ensure longevity.

 

 

Fashion, What I Wore

The pieces you’ll find me wearing every week

5th May, 2022

It’s a known fact that we only wear a small percentage of our wardrobes. It’s mind boggling given how many outfits we could probably create if we all just tried a little harder to wear them, but I am also guilty of playing favourites. I try my very best to expand my repertoire because I believe every piece in my closet deserves some love, but that said, there are certain pieces that always get a workout during the week. There are of course some weeks where I might find myself dressed up due to events but if it’s a typical week, these are the staples in my closet that I’m guaranteed to wear because they’re ultra easy and so versatile.

Black dad sandals

Initially this shoe style had to grow on me, but now that I’ve embraced it I can’t go back. These shoes are not only ridiculously comfy but I’ve found them to be so versatile. I wear them all the time. They work well with jeans, dresses, skirts, shorts and no matter what I can walk for miles in them. They’ve definitely become a permanent fixture in my wardrobe and most likely will continue to do so.

High waisted tapered jeans

I adore high waisted anything. Can’t get enough of them. Jeans in a high waisted style, that are slightly more fitted are my fave. I’ve got a few in rotation including a Levi’s pair that I get DMs about every time I wear them, and a pair of Slvrlake jeans which are a similar fit. Either way you can almost guarantee I will be wearing them throughout the week, whether it’s with a t-shirt or a button down shirt or a tank. Plus they look great with flats, sneakers and heels which makes them just about the most versatile thing I own.

White tee/tank

Jeans and a white top is one of my go-to combinations. It’s a classic style for several great reasons. White looks so fresh against blue denim and looks ultra polished. However I often pair a white top with pants, whether it’s a wide leg style or a drawstring variety and find it works equally as well.

A button down shirt

Button down shirts are always a failsafe in my wardrobe. I often wear them with jeans, always slightly tucked in. And the great thing about this style is there are so many variations. From a crisp white shirt which is always guaranteed to work with multiple outfits, or a simple, classic stripe, there’s always something polished about it. Plus they work back with both pants and jeans equally as well.

Chanel flats

If we’re talking about shoes, these Chanel flats were an investment piece that has become so worth it in terms of cost per wear. The slingback style makes them look ultra dressy but being a flat, they’re comfortable too. I wear these shoes with jeans, pants and dresses and the classic two tone style gives them that signature Chanel touch.

A dress

I can’t pick a single dress I wear every week because I have so many great pieces that I love. However you can generally find me in a dress most weeks. I find them to be such a great outfit shortcut. When I’m unsure what I’m going to wear, I know I can always rely on a dress to do the heavy lifting.

 

Fashion

25 of my fave denim looks

20th April, 2022

If there’s one thing that is a mainstay, can’t-live-without part of my wardrobe it is denim. I am guaranteed to be in it a few times a week because it’s versatile and it just works. I love the fact that it can be dressed up or down and paired back with everything from a t-shirt or singlet, to a blazer or statement blouse. Either way it’s comfortable, chic and oh-so easy. It also doesn’t hurt that denim is now pretty much accepted for most occasions too, so it’s a good failsafe option for those times where I’m not quite sure what I’m going to wear.

I often wear denim when I’m in off duty mode or doing the school run, either with a tee and sandals or a jumper and sneakers in winter. If I want to dress it up a bit more I’ll wear it with a blouse and blazer, or pop on a trench over the top and wear it back with a pair of loafers. The beauty in denim is that it can run the full spectrum of my wardrobe, from really casual to an event and either way it’s guaranteed to work.

In putting together this post I revisited a few of my fave denim looks and not only did I rediscover a few fave looks to wear again but it also showed how truly versatile it is. I’ve worn it on shoots, to Fashion Week, launches, fashion showings and everything in between. I do favour denim paired back with a few key things: a white t-shirt or shirt, a great shoe and some fun accessories. While I’ve found a skinny jean that I really love, I’ve also embraced a high waisted straight cut, a slightly baggier relaxed cut, a wide leg and shades ranging from a classic blue to a crisp white and black. Also, it’s great in its other iterations, from a jumpsuit to a denim skirt or dress. This is the beauty in denim — it can suit almost anyone’s style as there are so many cuts and silhouettes to choose from. So, if you’re a denim lover like me from way back or just starting to embrace it again after months of lounge wear, here are a few combinations to try…

 

Fashion

My tips for dressing when you’re petite

20th February, 2022

A  lovely reader named Melissa messaged me on Facebook asking me for tips on how to dress when you’re petite. She found that often clothes would be too baggy and would look like they were overwhelming her frame. I can definitely relate! Finding things for your shape when you’re diminutive in size and stature can often involve a few extra steps to ensure the right and most flattering fit. If you’re in the same boat then rest assured because there are some easy ways to have a great wardrobe that works for you. Here are my tips on how to dress when you’re petite,

Get everything tailored

This is my number one tip to anyone, especially when you’re petite. Find yourself a great tailor that you like and start getting your clothes altered to fit perfectly. Often buying off the rack can mean that clothes can be a little too loose, too long or just not sitting perfectly and it pays to take the time to get everything tailored to fit. This is especially true of pants and jeans which can often be miles too long. The added benefit of getting clothing tailored is that you’ll always look polished. Win-Win.

Go for cropped lengths

I tend to favour anything cropped, especially when it comes to pants and jeans. I’ll usually make sure that my pants hit at the ankle or slightly above as I’ve found this can help elongate the frame. If you’ve got a pool of fabric gathering at your feet it can look messy and also end up making you look even shorter.

Always keep proportions in mind

Consider proportions

If something has too much volume it’s going to really swamp you so always pay attention to the proportions you’re working with. Try to go for pieces with structure as opposed to anything too floaty as this will help define your shape. Anything high waisted is great as it draws the eye upwards and ends up giving you a longer looking frame. Also if sleeves are too long try rolling them or pushing them up so you don’t look like you’re walking around in oversized clothing.

Avoid clunky shoes

I avoid anything with too much bulk and gravitate towards a streamlined aesthetic. Most of my heels tend to have a stiletto heel as I’ve found this helps elongate my figure and looks more in proportion. As for flats, I don’t really do flatforms or styles of that nature as I’ve found they just look too bulky. I go for sleek flats, sandals and slides that are quite minimalist in nature and don’t have too much extra ‘padding’ to them. Even my boots these days tend to be of the sock boot variety as I like the tighter fit compared to regular ankle boots.

Incorporate a fitted silhouette

I steer clear of anything too voluminous these days as I’ve found a fitted silhouette is far more flattering. I’m not saying you need to live in bodycon dresses 24/7 but you do need to be mindful that what you’re wearing is cut close to the body in some way. At a minimum, I like to keep one aspect of my look streamlined. Whether it be a pencil style skirt, a fitted top or a dress with either a tight top or bottom or a close fitting pant, there’s always got to be one element of my look that’s a little more figure hugging. This avoids the issue of looking like your clothes are wearing you and not the other way around.

Once you’ve found ways in which to ensure that your clothes fit perfectly, dressing when you’re petite doesn’t seem so much of a drama. In fact, you’ll probably learn to appreciate even more that good things really do come in small packages.

Do you have a fashion question you’re dying for advice on? Leave me a message below and I’ll answer it in a future blog post.

Fashion

How to perfect the comfortable and chic work from home outfit

19th February, 2022

Perfecting the work from home outfit takes a lot of experimentation and a little trial and error. When I first began working from home after working in an office for so long I had to try and strike the right balance between sitting in my pyjamas the whole day and putting on my usual work outfits and feeling very overdressed. I knew I wanted to get dressed as if I was going somewhere as I found it helped boost my productivity and helped get me in the right frame of mind but I also wanted to take advantage of one of the perks of working from home, which is being able to dress in comfortable clothes. So, how to get it right? Here are a few of my tips.

Have an outfit formula

This is a good place to start if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the fact your entire wardrobe has suddenly opened up to you as office options. If you’re generally used to wearing a suit to work, the fact sweats are suddenly not a no-no can make it tricky to decide what to wear. So it’s a good idea to have an outfit formula that you can revert to when you’re stuck. For example one comfortable piece + one polished piece + one accessory = work outfit sorted. You can tweak this to work with your own style and what you feel great in.

Opt for comfortable staples

One of the best parts of working from home is being able to wear comfy pieces. Think a cosy knit, jeans or a classic white shirt or a jumpsuit to add a fun fashion element. Also choose fabrics carefully. You want breathable fabrics like cotton, linen and wool which will feel great to wear all day. These pieces will form the building blocks of most of your looks so be sure to be well stocked so getting dressed in the morning for work is a no-brainer.

Jeans and a white shirt is a great WFH uniform

Pair basics with polished pieces

Just because you’re aiming for comfort it doesn’t mean you can’t add something to maintain an element of polish. For example a great blazer over the top of a white tee and jeans feels put together but will still be perfect for a day of working from home. While a cosy cardi looks great with a simple, but sleek slip dress. It’s about the high-low mix.

Have a dress code

Implement a home office dress code for yourself. You want to give yourself some parameters to work in, which will in turn make choosing your outfits in the morning easier. For example perhaps track pants are out but a comfy leather legging or mum jean is in. It’s all about what helps you feel productive and signals that it’s time for work not play.

Accessories are your friend

Add accessories

As with most outfits, accessories are a fun way to inject a little personality into them. The addition of a silk scarf with jeans and a denim for example will instantly elevate it, making it look chic and polished. While understated jewellery can help your outfit feel a little more finished.

Embrace flats or a block heel

Shoes tend to be optional when working from home but if you do want to go for a full outfit then definitely embrace a beautiful flat or a comfy block heels. Shoes such as a leather loafer or a ballet flat are perfect for staying in. But if you’re a heels girl through and through, perhaps park the stiletto for another time and become friends with the comfy block heel—there’s no better time than now to truly embrace comfortable dressing.