Blog - Page 13 of 79 - Styled By BEC

My Thoughts Buying From Shein

October 23, 2019 / Fashion / 0 comment

I’m part of a group chat with school mum friends, and one of my friends was sharing her experience buying from Shein.

This piqued my interest because I love fashion, and love perusing stores for research and who doesn’t love a bargain?

However, after my experience buying from a cheaper, overseas store, I wasn’t keen to lose my money again. Plus I do believe in buying local.

I have known friends who have bought from Shein, and they have given mixed reviews due to sizing. But the thrill of a bargain can be enticing can’t it?

I’m a bit of a walking contradiction where I say buy local, but am tempted by buying cheap clothes from overseas too. What if I get a bargain? What if I lose my money, again?

The thing is, I don’t want to waste my money on clothes that don’t fit and require my time and costs to return so I can get a refund. Also, I do get concerned on knock offs of designer pieces and the living standards for the people creating these clothes.

The other question I have is, are the designer pieces we spend hundreds of dollars on in Australia made in the same factories overseas, hence why cheaper alternatives can be sold? I know it happens with plumbing fixtures and I know it happens with supermarket brands of foods we buy at the grocery store.

I understand the markup of clothes does need to be high in Australia to make a profit. But, money talks. If I can get the same dress for $30 and save a couple of hundred, have I made a wise decision for my finances or have I just selfishly duped someone from a wage?

While I was scrolling through all the boho dresses on Shein, I saw imitations from Spell and Arnhem to name a few.

With all these thoughts on my mind, I still really loved some pieces for myself and my eldest daughter at Shein.

So, while I was perusing clothes for my girls, I added to cart two pieces for myself which were under $30 each – which is apparently expensive for Shein standards due to their sales and coupons. It resulted in free shipping so the purchases were worth the addition, I convinced myself.

I received the clothes this week. The clothes for my daughters all fit perfectly. (Although one top is a crop top best worn at home!). They look well-made and they are unique pieces you won’t find in Kmart.

For me, the dress I bought… well it was perfect in the body, but way too small in the arms and shoulders. So small, when I went to put the dress on, I couldn’t get it off.

The Bohemian Embroidered Top, which I really liked, was a plus size top. I went through the Shein sizing recommendation putting in my weight, height and measurements and it told me 1XL would fit me.

Surely not I thought.

But I added it to cart and guess what, it fits perfectly. I’m very happy with this purchase. Plus, I have the earrings to match.

It looks like I have another dress to sell to a friend or on Facebook Marketplace. The dress I featured earlier this year was sold to a lady who loved it and said it fitted like a dream for her. So these pieces do end up in happy homes.

But if I buy from Shein again, I will use the sizing guide. I will most likely purchase for the girls, but for me, I still like to support local businesses where I can, and I do dream of affording a Spell dress or two one day. I love my Spell kimono, even though my dad thinks it looks like a dressing gown.

I’ve never worried about what he’s thought about clothes anyway.

And that’s enough thinking about clothes for one day.

Have you ever bought from Shein? Do you ever have the same thoughts about buying from Shein or other cheaper fast fashion online stores? Or am I just overthinking this?

How to Make a Maxi Skirt Work For You All Year Round

October 17, 2019 / Fashion / 0 comment

I’m not sure what has piqued my interest, but I’ve been looking at a lot of Boho Fashion lately.

In my searches I’ve come across so many gorgeous maxi skirts. I’ve found some of my favourites and have placed them into a post to share with you. Plus some tips on how to make your maxi skirt work for you all year round.

Apate Maxi Skirt $69.95

Spell Buttercup Maxi Skirt $249

Bohemian Traders Coco Wrap Skirt in Blossom Days $169.95

Ada and Lou Willow Skirt in Emerald $199.95

Arnhem Amelie Midi Skirt Cassis $179 great option for our shorter ladies

Bohemian Traders Strawberry Fields Midi Skirt $179.95 (another great option for shorter style)

Adrift Jacinta Skirt in Rose Riviera $89.99

Gingham and Heels Sweet Love Maxi Skirt $69

Stylefast Lemonade Spot Print Maxi Skirt $69

I personally prefer a maxi dress than a maxi skirt. However, there are a lot of outfit options when you invest in a maxi skirt.

How to make a maxi skirt work all year round

Maxi skirts can be worn all year round – with boots in winter and tan sandals in summer.
Layer with a denim jacket or biker jacket for cooler months, and team with a blank tee or cami for summer
Consider buying a top in the matching skirt pattern to create a set. This is a great way to add definition for a waist.
Buy a midi skirt if you find maxi skirts are too long. (featured some above)
Elastic waist allows for more control on where the skirt sits on your waist – it can sit low on the hips or high to create an empire waistline.
Some maxi skirts can be worn as a strapless dress – this can add another outfit to your wardrobe.

You will need to have some foundational basics to wear with your maxi skirt. A plain block colour top, like a white tee works well.

Do you love a maxi skirt? Any faves from the ones I’ve found online?

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.

My 21 Budget Beauty Hacks for a Busy Mum

October 15, 2019 / Beauty / 0 comment

Over the years, my beauty routine has been quite simple and minimal. I’m not a fan of having to remove unused products from my bathroom vanity cupboard, nor do I want to waste money on unopened, expired products. It does take time to discover what works for your skin and within your budget. It’s taken me a few years, and the addition of three kids, to work out what is right for me. And I’m sure it’s going to change as I get older.

I thought I’d share some of my Budget Beauty Hacks for a Busy Mum. I often get told I look great, despite not investing a huge amount into my beauty routine. Here are 21 budget beauty hacks that work for me.

Hair

Embrace the age you are and the hair you’ve been blessed with. I only have a few grey hairs, so I can get away with colouring my hair every 8 weeks or more. Lately I’ve been letting it go for a few months just because of time. But if you get a lot of greys, it may be time to lighten your hair or go all natural. Talk to your hairdresser to get advice on what will work for your skin tone and budget.

Budget Hair Tips

1. Go to a hairdresser who has an at home hair salon. The hairdresser will have less overheads (ie not having to lease a shop) and therefore will generally charge less for getting your hair done. I also find this saves time at the hairdresser too, I’m in and out because I’m the only client at my booking.

2. Invest in a good hair cut if you can’t afford a colour.

3. If time and money is tight, use a store bought hair colour to top up colour in between salon visits. I’m pretty upfront with my hairdresser about this.

4. Buy quality shampoo and conditioner from hair care stores like Price Attack or Hair Warehouse. You can get larger bottles for a much better price than the smaller bottles sold in a salon.

5. Dry shampoo is a must in between washes. Baby powder can work the same at the roots if you run out of dry shampoo. Here’s a Dry Shampoo recipe you can make without the nasties.

Budget Beauty Tips

1. Find a chemist or online beauty supplier that stocks your favourite brand of cleanser, toner and moisturizer. Often they give rewards of free product or samples to try when you purchase regularly. These samples can be good to stock into your toiletry bag.

2. Sign up to a loyalty program from your chosen shop. Malouf Pharmacy gives me a $10 voucher each time I reach 200 points (around $1 per point). I purchase my makeup and beauty products from here. It’s my local.

3. If you are heading to a formal event and need your makeup done, book at your local pharmacy if they have a beauty counter. Again, I book at Malouf Pharmacy.
They do your makeup and you are reimbursed with product – or the cost of the product removes the makeup fee. This is ideal if you need new makeup. If you can get the timing right, you can just purchase what you need to keep you going till the next event.

4. Mix sugar into your shower wash or cleanser to make an instant exfoliator if you run out of exfoliant.

5. Egg whites are great for a facemask.

6. Cucumber slices or cold tea bags will reduce puffy eyes.

7. Use a facial oil to prime your face before adding makeup.

8. Get your eyebrows waxed and coloured while getting your hair done at the salon.

9. The basics of every makeup bag should contain.
• Foundation
• Concealer
• Blush
• Contouring Powder
• Eye shadow palette
• Black Eyeliner
• Mascara
• Lipgloss/Lipstick

10. An everyday makeup routine should include
• BB Cream
• Blush
• Mascara
• Lipgloss/Lipstick

11. Have a lip balm and hand cream in your handbag, by your bedside and at your desk. You will use them at each location and always have a spare if you lose one.

12. Lip balm/hand cream can be used to moisturize dry elbows and knees.

13. If you’re a nail biter and wish to grow your nails, grow them out using gel nails. After a year or so, your nails may be weak, but if you keep them short and apply a gel colour, you will transition to your own nails. (Speaking from experience here)

14. Tea tree oil and lavender with honey are great to dab onto pimples to reduce inflammation.

15. Get your eyelashes tinted. I don’t personally get eyelash extensions unless it’s for an event.

16. Ask for vouchers to get a facial or buy more makeup brands which don’t fit into your family budget.

17. Resting the head of a shaver in oil or soap will extend the life of the razor blade.

18. Invest in good quality makeup brushes and wash the bristles with shampoo and conditioner once a year or more often if you can remember.

19. A little blush mixed with your lip balm can give some colour to your lips.

20. Invest in a moisturizing spray to spritz on face when working in an air conditioned environment.

21. Make your own scented moisturizer using a scent free body oil. You can change the scent everyday to suit your mood. You can use fractioned coconut oil if you run out of your favourite body oil.

What budget beauty hacks could you share?

Two Ways to Wear a Cocktail Dress – Changing Your Look With Accessories

October 13, 2019 / Fashion / 0 comment

If you have a cocktail dress you love to wear again and again, the best way to make it look fresh is through the use of accessories. I thought I’d share two ways to wear a cocktail dress.

I used to be that girl who bought a dress for every occasion because heaven forbid anyone see me in the same outfit twice.

However, as I’ve gotten older (and wiser) I realised this cycle was not sustainable, nor beneficial to my back pocket.

I will admit, I did go to a shop to try on a maxi dress as I visualized a particular look with accessories I owned. But it didn’t fit right, so I went to plan B: wearing something I owned and making those accessories work with the dress.

I did go and buy pink heels, but I had needed these for other dresses, so it was a deliberate decision to purchase.

Two Ways to Wear a Cocktail Dress

Let’s see how I wore the same dress, differently.

Classic Elegance

Black off the shoulder cocktail dress classical elegant look

City Chic Off The Shoulder Dress

This was how I wore the dress last year, and it was a common look on Friday at the awards night. An elegant, off the shoulder black dress paired with heels, sparkly earrings and matching clutch.

Jo Mercer Birdy Mid Heel Sandals Black Leather $179.95
Adorne Sequin Hexagons Evening Pouch $39.95
Adorne Elizabeth Jewelled Front Necklace $69.95

Colourful Boho

Here was how I wore the same dress last night. I wore my favourite Pom Pom tassel earrings from SFH Designs and matching clutch, with pink heels from Miss Shop.

Jo Mercer High Heel Sandals in Hot Pink $79.95 (on sale)
SFH Designs Red Flower Pom Earrings $29.95
SFH Designs Pom Pom Colourful Clutch $48

I kept my hair down, curled with the GHD.

I felt fab in both looks and I know I probably have enough clutches and accessories to update my look for the next occasion, when required.

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.

My Travel Wardrobe to New Zealand

October 5, 2019 / Fashion / 0 comment

Capsule wardrobes do work well for travel, but it’s not until you start packing you start panicking, thinking you haven’t packed enough clothes. I often do wonder in these moments if I’ve packed too little. My travel wardrobe to New Zealand was a good lesson for me to pack for comfort. While I was away I realized often, less is more.

First day in Queenstown. It was fresh… I put my jacket on as soon as we boarded our cruise

What threw me was the weather and the reports of possible snow in the areas we were to stay in.

We have warm clothes for a Brisbane winter, not a New Zealand winter. Despite the weather predictions, it didn’t snow on our holiday – except when we went to the Snow Farm and Cardrona Hotel.

My outfit at the Snow Farm. Do check the buttons can do up on your jacket when you pack it. I look a bit sloppy, but no one was around and I didn’t care.

Layers work best when going to a cooler climate. My faithful black puffer jacket served me well again on this trip. I’ve had it for more than a decade and it is still going strong.

I probably packed too many bottoms. I’m not a fan of track pants unless absolutely necessary but I did buy two pairs from Jay Jays before we went on our trip. There were days where I was grateful for their fleece lined comfort due to the single digit temperatures outside.

There are PLENTY of articles on the net sharing how to pack the ideal capsule wardrobe for travel. This post is really the after-post sharing what worked in my capsule and what didn’t.

I didn’t wear my leopard print faux fur coat as often as I thought. I think it was mainly because my black coat was more versatile.

I was glad I took 3 scarves to create different interest in my outfits though. I made sure the pieces I did take, worked together.

I took one pair of Frankie 4 Black Boots and they didn’t come out of my suitcase. Lesson learned with this one as we did a lot of walking and my Frankie 4 Nat Sneakers and Hiking Boots (which I bought in NZ) were sufficient.

Here is what I packed for a 12 day holiday to New Zealand in early spring.

This dress is a bargain and currently on sale for $49.95 from Swiish. Great to put away for next winter.

My Travel Wardrobe to New Zealand

Tops
2 Cardigans
4 long sleeved tops
2 Dresses
1 ¾ Puff Coat
1 Puff Jacket – for the snow
1 Leopard Print Fur Coat

Bottoms
2 Pairs of Jeans
1 Pair of Leggings
2 Pairs of Trackpants

3 Scarves

Shoes
White Frankie 4 Nat Sneakers
Black Boots (didn’t wear)
Hiking Boots – bought in NZ

I didn’t get outfit photos everyday so there are some pieces I’ve listed which haven’t been photographed.

Some tips I could offer if you’re planning to travel and create your own travel capsule wardrobe:

Choose a colour theme. Mine was black, white, navy, rust and mustard, with scarves to match (stripes, leopard print and polka dots).
Invest in a black puffer jacket which will serve you for YEARS and can fold into nothing.
Shop at your destination if it’s going to be cheaper – we found a lot of snow gear expensive to buy in Brisbane – even at Factory Outlets. When we landed in Queenstown, we headed straight to Mountain Warehouse to get essentials we needed for our day at the snow. You could hire the items, but the cost at Mountain Warehouse due to their end of season sale was the same or nearly cheaper than hire fees.
Choose flat shoes for walking holidays. I love my Frankie 4 Nat sneakers. My hiking boots bought from Mountain Warehouse were a good investment too.
The Wanderers Santorini Bag and Travel wallet making travelling easy. I use them every day now too.
Choose accommodation with free washing facilities.
Leave a little space for some new purchases.