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Zara

Fashion

My fave brands on a budget

19th November, 2023

Whilst I’m all for investing in certain pieces in my wardrobe that I want to have longevity such as bags, shoes and coats, I tend to scrimp on trend items that I know may only last a season or two. It’s fun to update my look with a few key of-the-moment items but it doesn’t make sense to me to spend loads on them. Australia has a great selection of chain stores of local and overseas brands so I’ve learnt that you can easily snap up trendy pieces that won’t break the bank. Here are a few of my go-tos when I’m looking for an inexpensive fashion fix.

Zara

Who doesn’t love Zara? They’re great for runway inspired pieces so you can often find some really up-to-the-minute looks at a fraction of the price. I also like that their designs are often on trend, but interpreted in such a simple, unfussy way that they can easily be worked back with pieces you already own.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByGFmB0CIRU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

H&M

Whilst H&M is great for simple basics like tees and jeans, I also like the fact that they have some really contemporary designs that are fun. If I’m ever looking to dabble in a trend that I know won’t last beyond a season, I’ve found that snapping up something from H&M will often allow me to do so without breaking the bank.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzN9q7DC1i0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Seed Heritage

Seed often stock a lot of really beautiful pieces that are classic and polished, which is exactly what draws me to this brand. They often feature most of the popular trends in their range, but you can also find dressy pieces for work and after dark at an accessible price point.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzNGwAmHccl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Witchery 

Witchery‘s great for classic pieces that are ultra wearable. They often have quite understated designs which makes most of their range quite versatile. Also they stock things such as blazers, slacks and jumpers which look upmarket and expensive but are at a far cheaper price point than taking the designer route.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzNVd2MhFU6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Uniqlo

I’ve got several pieces from Uniqlo in my closet that are still going strong. And I think it’s because they do simple really well. From t-shirts to knits, pants and dresses, everything is really understated which extends the wearability of anything from their range. I also like that they incorporate natural fabrics such as wool, cotton and even cashmere into their range but price it quite reasonably.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx8648zA5GS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Fashion, What I Wore

What I wore this week

24th August, 2023

Lots of things on this week, so plenty of outfits to plan. There was plenty of denim in rotation going from a crisp white one minute to a dark indigo wash the next — it just goes to show how much I live in jeans and my wardrobe just couldn’t function without them. A few polished pieces such as a blazer and coat, plus a few pops of Chanel and it was a great wardrobe week all round. Here’s what I wore.

A black blazer is often one of my failsafe options whenever I need to look polished yet don’t want to fuss around too much with my outfit. This Camilla and Marc blazer is just the right cut, shape and weight to be on constant rotation right now, and it’s definitely the kind of piece that can be worn year-round. A simple white top and straight leg jeans are a great way to keep things a bit more casual, but I added a few elevated touches with a crossbody Chanel bag and Bottega Veneta heels.

Credits: Blazer, Camilla and Marc; Top (similar here), Zara; Jeans (similar here), Viktoria and Woods, Heels, Bottega Veneta; Bag, Chanel

I went to the Aje Athletica runway show and wanted to show my support with a look from the brand. This is a new season set and it’s a winner. The fit is great, I love thick logo band on the crop and leggings and it’s just the right thickness to feel supported. The cropped jacket is also a great casual piece that I can throw on over activewear, but the black and sand colour way give it a bit of a fashion edge.

Credits: Jacket, crop top, leggings; Aje Athletica; Sneakers, DOF

My friend Elliot Garnaut has collaborated with the brand Bayse and every piece in the collection is something I could see myself wearing a lot. Case in point: this tank and jeans. The jeans are a great oversized fit and in a dark denim wash it feels a little dressier than your average pair of jeans. A pop of white in the form of this tank adds some lightness. It’s also the ideal shape to wear on its own or to use as a layering piece.

Credits: Tank and jeans, Bayse by Elliot Garnaut; Slides (similar here), Camilla and Marc

Party-ready with Gracie! I’ve been wearing this Assembly jumper non-stop because it’s the ideal weight and oversized fit that it goes with virtually everything I own and is perfect for the weather we’re having right now in Sydney which is feeling decidedly transeasonal. I added a coat by Dissh as the weather can sometimes turn, and a pair of cropped white jeans kept the look quite tonal. Paired with my Chanel bag and slingback flats, it’s a great high-low mix.

Credits: Coat, Dissh; Jumper, Assembly Label; Jeans (similar here), Slvrlake; Bag and heels, Chanel; Sunglasses, Vehla

 

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Fashion, Shop

My go-to brands for Sophia and Grace

28th February, 2022

The girls and I in Marlo Kids dresses

My love of fashion definitely extends to my girls. I thoroughly enjoy shopping for them and I’m always on the look out for cute pieces for a variety of different occasions. The girls are developing their own style and a growing appreciation for fashion so they really know what they like and don’t like. They love it when I get dressed up and now have strong opinions on which outfits I wear that will get their tick of approval! There are so many great brands out there for kids, but these are the handful that I check out regularly whenever the girls need a wardrobe update.

Cotton On Kids

Cotton On are a great source of basics, but also trend items that the girls really love. The price point is great, and they always do up-to-the-minute styles, and everything from pyjamas to tees and accessories so they’re always a great option for the kids.

Zara

I’ve found Zara’s range to be great for most of the girls’ wardrobe needs. I’m guaranteed to be able to find everything from a basic tee or jeans to a jumpsuit or a special dress, and they always have a few trendy styles which are great for injecting a new season refresh whenever the girls inevitably outgrow something.

Seed Heritage

I’ve always shopped at Seed since the girls were babies, and they have been able to grow with the brand. I’ve found everything to be quite age-appropriate and practical, and there are always a few special pieces such as a great dress or a statement top which are ideal for Sophia and Grace. They also do some ultra fun accessories from hair clips to sandals and headbands so I’m always checking out what’s in store to update the girls’ looks.

Marlo Kids

I’m a huge fan of Marlo Kids’ dresses. The girls absolutely love them, and the prints and styles are always on point. They’ve even released a mini me range of clothing in the same prints, which is fun for the girls and I as I can wear the grown up version of a style they’re wearing. If I’m looking for a special dress, this brand is always at the top of my list.

 

Shop my edit of new season styles

Fashion, Shop

10 things worth checking out from … Zara

28th February, 2019

Zara’s without a doubt one of the best sources of on trend, affordable fashion. Their range is always up-to-the-minute and you can often find some great pieces that are inexpensive but look like they could be worth a whole lot more. This month I’m focussing on this chain store fave and rounding up 10 pieces that are worth checking out.

Image via Zara
Crochet top

I like the bohemian inspired vibe of this top. It’s the kind of piece that would be easy to work back with other things in your wardrobe but still has a strong enough look to make an impact.

Image via Zara
Shimmery ribbed shirt

A simple top with a subtle shimmer detail makes this the ideal option for a night out. This could easily be paired with everything from pants to a skirt so you’ll definitely get plenty of use out of it.

Image via Zara
Semi sheer top

A sheer number that would add a sexy pop of colour to any look. If you want to dial it down a bit you could easy pop a cami underneath without losing its edgy feel.

Image via Zara
Beaded crossbody bag

A fun monochrome bag that could easily go from day to night. Also, who can say no to sequins?

Image via Zara
Gold earrings with stones

These look a whole lot more expensive than they actually are. A great piece to add to any look to add a touch of glam.

Image via Zara
Hi matte lipstick

A bright bold lip is always a great beauty shortcut for elevating everyday makeup into something more. This shade is a bit of a showstopper.

Image via Zara
Bejewelled tweed blazer

With its classic feel, this tweed blazer would certainly see you through many seasons to come. You could opt to wear it as a suit like the above or pair it with denim for a cool, high-low mix that looks effortlessly polished.

Image via Zara
Natural tote bag

A simple silhouette and an earthy vibe make this perfect for pairing with a casual weekend ensemble.

Image via Zara
Mesh high heel mules

Zara’s always great for shoes that are bang on trend and this pair is no different. I love the minimalist slash 80s vibe of these mules.

Leopard print shirt dress

Love a graphic print especially in such a gorgeous colour. This is the kind of piece that wouldn’t require much more to dress it up as it’s so bold and strong.

Fashion, Shop

Zara’s got your key autumn pieces sorted for less than $500—and you can now buy everything online

19th March, 2018

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock you may have missed the momentous occasion that fashion lovers have been waiting for: you can now buy Zara online. All your super on trend buys are now just a click away and this means that it has never been easier to update your wardrobe. If you’re still trying to navigate your way through  the trans-seasonal weather (which if you’re in Sydney like me has been going from cool to scorching hot every few days) you may be noticing that you need a few new pieces to update your look. And there’s no better opportunity to do it on a budget than by checking out Zara’s latest offerings. I pulled together an edit of autumn’s must-haves for less than $500 and all six pieces should take you into winter and beyond.

Scroll down to shop my six must-have autumn pieces

Zara three quarter sleeve cropped black blazer with pearl buttons

Zara black three quarter length blazer, $99

A plain black blazer is a very handy thing to have in your wardrobe. It’s the type of piece that’s saved me on more than one occasion as it can instantly dress up an outfit in seconds. The cropped length of this style is great for our current is-it-or-isn’t-it-cold weather. And the pearl buttons are the kind of small finishing touch that can turn an ordinary blazer into something on trend.

Zara chambray shirt

Zara flowing v-neck blouse, $69.95

Click through to see this plain chambray shirt in action but I’m sure you’ll agree it’s the perfect cut for wearing in that relaxed, effortless, quintessential French girl style.

Zara striped sheer white blouse

Zara striped shirt with sheer detail, $59.95

A white shirt is all kinds of useful in any wardrobe but sometimes you just want to take a staple up a notch. Enter a sheer beauty such as this. It’s a great layering piece as you can wear a slip underneath for a more modest look or wear a gorgeous bra when you’re going for slightly sexier.

Zara neutral wide leg trousers

Zara neutral wide leg trousers, $69.95

A pair of wide leg trousers are great for the office and for off duty wear. Pair it with a button down, a simple tee or a slip and you can create myriad looks.

Zara geometric print pleated skirt

Zara geometric print pleated skirt, $69.95

Adding a punchy garment to your autumn wardrobe can add some life back into old wardrobe favourites. This piece can easily take you from 9 to 5 straight to after work drinks without missing a beat.

Zara black loafers with buckle detail

Zara black loafers with buckle detail, $69.95

I’m all about a great pair of polished flats as they’re comfy and so stylish at the same time. This style would work well with everything from jeans to a skirt and is the ideal shoe to see you through autumn/winter.

Have you snapped up anything on Zara online yet? Do share!