Blog - Page 12 of 79 - Styled By BEC

Elevate Your Summer Work Outfit With a Cape

January 9, 2020 / Fashion / 0 comment

If your new year intention is to get a job or seek new work opportunities, you will most likely be in need of a summer work outfit to attend interviews.

The curation of our wardrobe is an ongoing process and can be affected by seasons, trends, circumstances and needs.

The start of a new year is a great time to curate a summer work wardrobe with the January sales.

For me personally, I’ve needed work outfits for events and future opportunities.

My wardrobe is a collection of pieces which can be worn to various occasions. I’m all for wearing the same outfit a different way a few times… or wearing it until it gets old or you get over it.

But some of my work outfits have needed a ‘lift’. Something that adds a bit of ‘extra’ when worn to meetings and work events – even the possible interview.

When Styling You The Label reached out to me to gift a piece from their summer collection as a thank you for supporting their business, I was grateful but also unsure what piece to choose.

My basics are pretty much covered. So it needed to be a piece which could work with what I already owned. The Kirsten Cape in Paris Pink was my choice and it was the layer I needed for my summer work outfits.

I first wore the cape to a day work experience with a head of the company I work for, last November. I’ve had the stripe pants for years (early Bohemian Traders days) and the black tee is one I wear weekly – from Katies. I felt amazing and that confidence helped me as I met and engaged with managers for the first time. Don’t ever underestimate the power of an outfit. It can help your confidence.

I can see myself wearing the cape as a layer over a little black dress or to keep my shoulders warm at a black tie event. There are multiple occasions and outfits I can wear the cape with.

Yesterday at work, I wore it with a casual outfit and the cape made it corporate. Thanks to Mands, my work colleague for taking my picture.

Styling You The Label is designed and owned by Nikki Parkinson of Styling You. The pieces are made in Australia. The workmanship is beautiful and I have had comments from work colleagues on the cut and fit of the cape. It’s definitely a forever piece.

Right now, the cape is 25% off until the 12th January and 5% of sales will be donated to the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal who are assisting with those affected by the bushfires.

The pieces are an investment and will carry you through all occasions, but they will do heavy duty at work, without a doubt.

Disclosure: The Kirsten Cape in Paris Pink was gifted to me as a thank you of support with no expectation of being shared. It was my decision to share this piece with you on my blog to show you how I’ve worn it and how I intend to wear it in the future.

Beauty Swaps And Discoveries I’ve Made Recently

December 23, 2019 / Beauty / Comments Off

I don’t usually try beauty products for the sake of trying them, unless I have a specific reason to. But this year, I have been prompted to try Australian made, organic or products that reduce empty bottles going to landfill. The reasons have varied and they don’t tick all those concerns in one hit. I thought I’d share my beauty swaps and discoveries in case they are products you might not be aware of.

The main two concerns for me this year have been to reduce my beauty and hygiene costs and make better choices with how the products are packaged.

I err on the side of caution when trying new beauty products because I don’t want to waste money on dud products. A good sign the product is working is how my skin reacts and the presence or non-presence of pimples. I can say these swaps have been great for my skin and have helped me create a clear complexion.

Beauty Swaps

Trilogy Skincare to A’kin

My favourite brand of skincare and my go to has always been Trilogy. I love anything infused with Rose. It’s my favourite scent and I always gravitate towards products with this in their products.

But recently, I haven’t been able to purchase my favourite cream cleanser at my local chemist. Gel cleansers dry my skin out and these were the only Trilogy ones available. So I discovered A’kin, which also offers a moisturizer and toner in one. This product is made in Australia and is much cheaper than Trilogy. The packaging is recyclable and it’s 100% Vegan. I’ve found it has worked really well on my skin when combined with other products.

Trilogy Hydrating Mist to Oils for Life Organic Rose Water

I love hydrating mists – especially in summer when the air conditioning can really dry my skin.

When Oils for Life Australia shared their new product, Organic Rose Water, I was eager to try it as I had run out of my Trilogy Facial Mist. While the scent is faint, the cost is less, much better on the budget. I decant the rose water into a smaller spray bottle and top up when needed. It can be used as a toner or when your skin needs a pick-me-up.

One Use Makeup Wipes to Beauty Mover

Makeup wipes have always been my preferred way to remove makeup. I would use one a day, which adds quite a bit to landfill, let alone the cost of buying a new pack every month or so.

Beauty Mover makeup pads are so easy to use. They are reusable and offer an economical and sustainable option to remove makeup.

Shower Gel to Freshwater Farm Rosewater + Pink Clay Soap

I’ve always loved using shower gel in a pump bottle, but the empty bottles would be thrown in the bin and I’d question if there was a better alternative. While some can be recycled, I don’t always have the time to get the bottles to where they need to be.

So I went on the hunt for a luxurious soap in paper packaging and I discovered Freshwater Farm soaps, made in Australia, and at my local Woolies! I love the scent and it’s made all the difference to my skin. For $6 per bar, it takes longer to use than shower gel and I have less bottles in the shower. It’s made from a family farm on the mid-north coast of NSW. I’ve purchased some more bars of soap to give as gifts this Christmas. The scent of this soap makes your bathroom smell delicious.

New Beauty Discoveries

Eleven Australia Shampoo and Conditioner Packs

I’ve had a bit of a hard time finding a shampoo and conditioner I love.

I have thick, coloured hair that likes to go wavy and sometimes a little frizzy.

After visiting a hair salon to get my hair done for an event, I loved the smell and way my hair felt after using Eleven Australia hair products.

Adore Beauty has great value shampoo and conditioner gift packs. I don’t know if this is just a seasonal special for Christmas, or available all year round, but I bought the Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner set for less than $50. There are other boxed sets to suit your hair preference, but the value is awesome as you get shampoo, conditioner and another free product. I got a Miracle Hair Treatment in my pack and it’s been fantastic to give my ends a bit of a moisture boost.

The Ordinary Facial Products

I’ve used quite a few oils on my face and have some faves which include Trilogy and Bettyquette.

But when I had a weekend with work colleauges for our Christmas party, we talked about beauty products… and various other products, and my friend Sarah shared with me what skincare she uses. She was recommended to use The Ordinary and it’s available at Adore Beauty. I got to use some of her The Ordinary 100% Cold Pressed Virgin Marula Oil, she also snuck a bottle into my toiletry bag and I haven’t stopped using it since.

A little goes a long way and this oil has no scent. After using it for 10 days, it’s made a difference to my complexion and it’s a winner for me. It’s certainly hydrating and the price of $18.30 per bottle, which could last you for 6 months, is great value for money.

Australis Eyeshadow Palette

When it comes to adding eyeshadow, I often get confused on which colour should go where and what tones I should use to open up my eye. I’ve always been a one colour over the lid type of girl. Or I don’t add any eye colour at all.

At the recent Black Friday Sales, I headed into Priceline to get some Christmas gifts, and discovered these Australis eye palettes, with helpful instructions on the back.

I bought these for half price – around $12.50 each (usually $25) and I’ve been using them ever since. I’ve found the eyeshadow has stayed on, and I’ve now replaced using an eyeliner pencil, by lining my eyes with a darker eyeshadow using an eyeliner brush. It allows room for error and a smokey eye look. And it’s stayed put.

The range of colours in the palette are great for me. My girls especially love the glitter, which is fun and heck, why not for a fun and festive Christmas look.

So they are my current beauty swaps or discoveries that I’ve made in the last couple of months this year. They are better on my wallet, and I haven’t compromised on the condition of my skin.

Keen to share some of your beauty swaps or discoveries with me? What have you discovered lately?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission. I was also sent Beauty Mover to review on The Plumbette. I love them so much, I’m sharing about them on here too.

Fruit Prints for Summer Fashion

December 4, 2019 / Fashion / 0 comment

I love fruit prints for summer fashion as they are often colourful and provide a print alternative to florals.

Whether it’s an evolving trend or one that is universal, having a fruit print ‘something’ is definitely a way to update your wardrobe this season, and beyond.

My favourite fruit print is a dress I got from Gorman a few years ago. It still makes me happy when I wear it and I don’t see myself letting it go anytime soon.

And this has now become my mantra for most of my shopping decisions these days. I want to keep it for a long time, not just for a good time.

I’ve been carefully curating my wardrobe to keep pieces that not only give me joy, but can be worn on repeat, and look as good as the day I bought them.

But back to the fruit print, I’ve recently added more fruit prints to my wardrobe.

I’m loving this dress I got a few months ago from Stylefast. It’s available at Little Party Dress. I go up a size in button down dresses to prevent unwanted gape when I sit down.

I also bought this Strawberry Multiway Top from Frankie and Dash. I eyed this piece a year ago and only added to cart on the weekend. It may be the top I wear on Christmas Day… with white pants. Not sure if that’s a good thing to do or not… I may make a last minute decision about that one.

If you’re loving the fruit prints like me, here are some pieces I’ve found online for varying budgets.

1. Adrift Remy Dress in Red Pineapple $89.99

2. Frankie and Dash Strawberry Multiway Top $41.99

3. Little Party Dress Marley Summer Feast Dress $69.95

4. Little Party Dress Havana Summer Spots Lemon Dress $74.95

5. Gorman Mandarino Tulip Dress $199

6. Strebor Clothing Festival of Fruit Top $109.95

7. Bohemian Traders Lucia Dress in Tuscan Sun $189.95

8. Nova Lux Fruit Top $29.95

Are you a fan of fruit prints for summer?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Kmart Hack – Make Your Own Tassel Earrings

November 18, 2019 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

I love a Kmart hack, but I’ve had my share of wins and losses when attempting a hack. But this Kmart hack to make your own tassel earrings is a winner. You can’t possibly stuff it up and you only need less than $20 worth of product from Kmart to make 6 pairs of earrings.

The way I came upon this hack was because I recently bought a dress which to my shock and horror – and possibly my dad’s – didn’t have matching earrings!

So I went about looking for the right coloured earrings from all my favourite shops and I couldn’t find what I was after! I’ve now asked a work colleague who has a side business selling jewellery, to make a pair for me. It didn’t stop me getting a bit creative with a Kmart Hack to make tassel earrings though.

What You Need

2 packs of 20 Mini tassels (these can be found in the craft/office/stationery section of Kmart)
1 pack of place cards (also found in the same aisle)
2 packs of Kmart hoop earrings (in the jewellery section)
Paper plate and knife so the earrings can be displayed on the card
Pom Poms and pliers in picture weren’t needed, but I had them there in case

Instructions

I think the images show how easy the are to make, but basically, you need to remove the plastic protector from each hoop earring to unfasten from the cardboard it was displayed on.

Choose your tassel colours and thread them onto the hoop earring. Make sure you have the same sequence of colours for each hoop. Or not. That could be a fun look where they don’t match.

I made different sets with more and less tassels. I think the earrings with three or more tassels look the best. If you’re making the earrings as gifts, buy another pack of tassels to bulk it up.

For less than $20, I made 6 pairs of earrings. The place cards make great holders for the earrings. There’s enough room to put a ‘handmade’ sticker or your little signature if you choose.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to give them away as gifts, this could be a great option for yourself to create your own earrings when you need them.

What do you think about my Kmart hack to make your own tassel earrings? Something you can DIY for Christmas gifts? What colours would you have on your earrings?

Minimising Your Wardrobe – 3 Handbags All Women Should Own

October 28, 2019 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

The average woman owns 7 handbags and a multitude of clutches for events. That’s a lot of handbags!

The last time I checked, I only needed to use one handbag at one time.

I tend to use one everyday handbag and make it work for most situations in my life.

In fact, it might surprise you to know that I don’t collect handbags or shoes.

I thought I’d share with you 3 bags I think all women should own from my experience as a mum, worker and event attender.

Everyday cross-over or shoulder bag

Every woman should have a bag that can be both a cross-over bag or shoulder bag specifically for everyday use.

I use my Wanderers Travel Co Santorini Bag for travel and everyday use. It’s been worth the investment and it’s so versatile for the outfits I wear. I love that I can have the bag on my arm, or use the cross over strap for when I need to be hands-free.

You may find a backpack works better for you, but my next bag is one I’d use before investing in a backpack.

Oversized tote

The oversized tote is great for domestic travel, going to work and carrying all the things when out and about with kids.

NeoLUXE Tote

Whenever I go to work I have to take my books, calculator, headset and lunch, so I need a tote which can fit all the things in, but also still look structured enough to take to work.

Clutch

I do own a few clutches (maybe half a dozen) and these are essential for nights out when I just want to have my phone, purse and keys.

I have clutch bags with a crossover strap and ones that are specifically for being held by hand with a wristlet. I like to have both styles of clutches for different events.

Tassel Clutch bag for evenings out in forest green

Tassel Clutch by NeoLUXE

I have been decluttering my wardrobe and my handbag collection is quite minimal. For me, practicality always supersedes fashion and I think choosing your bags wisely can ensure you have the right bag for when you need it. I’m so mindful of unnecessary handbag purchases, which are often left abandoned in the wardrobe.

On the weekend, I was able to sell some bags I had no use for anymore. If your handbags are in good condition, Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to make some cash. This way the bags will be used by someone else and it will be less clutter in your home.