Blog - Page 24 of 79 - Styled By BEC

Replace or Repair? Should You Get Your Favourite Boots Repaired?

July 31, 2018 / Fashion / 1 Comment

We live in a world that would much rather replace than repair something old or broken. The cost to repair can often be more expensive than buying brand new. I also think we can be cautious of spending money on something that could need to be repaired again to eventually be told ‘sorry, they are no longer reparable’. Isn’t it better to put the repair money towards a replacement?

I had these very questions go through my mind when I got my favourite boots repaired yesterday.

There was no question about wanting to keep them. I love these boots. They feature heavily in my winter outfits. But after I paid over $60 for the boots to be re-soled, I did question if I had done the right thing.

Thankfully, the Mister Minit man advised they had a 6 month warranty on their shoe repairs. I reasoned I only ever wear my boots in winter anyway, and decided it was going to be worth paying for the repair, instead of replacing them with another pair boots which would cost me over $200.

Plus it’s saved one pair of boots going to landfill.

My Jo Mercer boots have worn really well. I’ve owned them for over 4 years. I get asked frequently where I got them from and they have also been mistaken for Frankie4 boots.

They were a lucky purchase I made at the Jo Mercer Factory Outlet store when I was pregnant with Phoebe. I originally paid $60 for them!

And they have been the most comfortable boots to wear, with a heel.

I was grateful when I found out the boots could be re-soled and I was really impressed with the workmanship when I picked them up. They were repaired within the same day.

If you’re going to repair a pair of shoes or boots – it comes down your personal convictions. How much do you love them and what are you willing to spend to keep them? After perusing the Mister Minit website, it seems like there isn’t anything they can’t do to repair your shoes.

And they make a very valid point: Don’t buy new, Fix your Favorites.

Which is exactly what I did. So in the end, the cost was very much worth it. I can wear my favourite boots and no need to wear in a new pair. Problem solved.

Have you ever had your favourite boots repaired or resoled? What stops you from getting your shoes repaired?

Protea Homewares To Add Some Florals To Your Home

July 25, 2018 / Interiors / 0 comment

This week, when the junk mail landed in my hands, I could see a new trend emerging with protea homewares.

stella quilt cover target protea homewares

Stella Quilt Cover from Target featuring wild flowers and proteas

It seems to be the flower of choice in wall prints, bed linen, cushions – even tea towels.

I think the Protea trend started last year, but it’s being repeated again this Spring, intermixed with wildflowers and botanical greenery.

I think the protea is a gorgeous flower, but the pastel artwork and homewares aren’t my first choice when decorating my home. My picks would be the brighter artwork and bolder print cushions.

The easiest way to add proteas to your home is by planting one in the garden or a pot and adding the flowers to a vase on the table. You could also purchase some flowers to display in your home.

Here are some ways proteas have been used to decorate the home.

Photo by Caroline McCredie – More living room ideas

Photo by Seahaven Interiors – Look for bedroom pictures

Photo by Afton Interiors – Search living room pictures

Photo by Lambie Design Co. – Browse home design ideas

Photo by Lambie Design Co. – Search home design pictures

Protea Homewares

If you love proteas and want to add a floral touch to your home, here are some protea homewares I’ve found online.

Stella Quilt Cover Set from Target $39-$59
Protea Art Print in Teal from Zanui $44.95
Navy Protea Cushion from Pillow Talk $19.95 (on sale)
Stella European Cushion Cases from Target $15
Protea Journal from Kmart $4
Lost and Found Cross from The Block Shop $54.95
Protea Tea Towel from Kmart $3
Protea Limited Edition Print by Lamai Anne from The Block Shop $132.95

Are you a fan of the protea? Got any protea homewares in your home?

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

I Bought My Shoes for Disneyland (And Have Been Wearing Them NON-STOP!)

July 20, 2018 / Fashion / 2 Comments

Earlier this week, I bit the bullet and bought my shoes for Disneyland.

We have a family trip planned for the end of the year and on my ‘must get’ list has been a pair of white sneakers from Frankie4.

Ever since the Frankie4 Nat’s were released, I’ve had my eye on them. My go to shoe as a mum is a white sneaker that I can slip on and off quickly. I’ve been wearing my Seed Heritage shoes to death and as much as I love them, they don’t offer the best support. I knew I would need a more supportive shoe for travelling.

Ironically, with the amount I walk each day, the purchase was one that would benefit me now.

I headed to the store at Indooroopilly, to make use of my $50 VIP Birthday voucher.

Since acquiring my first pair of Frankie4’s when Phoebe was born, my foot has shrunk in size. Less fluid and the length of my feet have shortened, which means my size 11/10 feet have gone down to a size 9.5/10.

I tried on the Nat sneakers and the Beth brogues to get an idea on size. I’m a solid 9.5 at Frankie4, which means I know what size to purchase in the future, online. When purchasing online, postage is free. This will save me having heart palpitations when navigating down the laneway to the Indooroopilly store.

I remember wrangling the street with a ute when getting into Reece Plumbing during my plumbing days. It was my least favourite store to get into due to the lack of parking. Thankfully, there is plenty of onsite parking at the Frankie4 store. Nevertheless, the drive down the street is one I don’t want to be making often.

I’m very happy with my purchase and have been wearing my shoes since the waterproof spray allowed me to do so. I have to break them in so they are ready when we go to the US in December. But honestly, they haven’t needed it because they are so comfy to wear.

My heart is firmly set on purchasing the Nat in black. But that purchase will have to be done at a later date.

Do you own any Frankie4 shoes? What shoes do you tend to wear on a daily basis?

Keep Warm in a Stylish Puffer Jacket

July 8, 2018 / Fashion / 1 Comment

One of the best investments I’ve made to my winter wardrobe was purchasing a stylish puffer jacket. I’ve owned my black down jacket for 9 years and it’s still going strong.

It’s been to London and Paris and out west to Stanthorpe.

Pre-kids and less wrinkles

It comes out when it gets really cold in Brisbane. Which is rare. But you know, when the temperature drops, I have the jacket just for that.

I bought it online from American brand Lands End, on recommendation from my mum. I will be taking the same jacket to America at the end of the year. It’s stylish, warm and looks fab, without the Michelin man look. It also folds down to nothing, making it the ideal jacket to travel with.

If there is one person who knows about stylish puffer jackets, it would be my mum. Down puffer jackets tend to be the warmest, but they aren’t good if they get wet. There are some down puffer jackets that are waterproof, where the down has been specially treated to be water-resistant and retain its loft when wet. These down jackets are the ones you’re after if you’re going somewhere where it rains or snows. PrimaLoft is also recommended for wet weather. Down jackets tend to be more expensive, but from my experience, when you buy right the first time, the jacket will give you a lot of cost per wear.

Synthetic puffer jackets are often cheaper, better for those that suffer from allergies and will keep you warm in a milder winter – like what we experience in QLD.

What I love about my puffer jacket is it’s the ideal top layer to a winter outfit. I prefer a long-line jacket which covers over my butt for extra warmth.

Your snow, ski and adventure stores will have an array of puffer jackets to keep you warm. If you’re looking for some stylish options though (ie, ones that look great with smart casual outfits), here are some I’ve found online.

Lands End Leopard Print Down Jacket $47.22 (on sale)

Lands End Women’s Lightweight Down A-Line Coat $65 (on sale)

Birds Keepers Longline Puffer Jacket in Navy $149.95

Betty Basics Ashton Long Puffer Jacket in Petal $119.95

Uniqlo Women’s Ultra Light Down Jacket $109.95

The Iconic Forever New Sheena Down Filled Puffa Coat $229.95

Do you own a stylish puffer jacket?

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.

How to Style an Animal Print Dress for Winter

June 16, 2018 / Fashion / 0 comment

I bought my first Little Party Dress over 6 months ago and when I shared my first purchase I had a friend say ‘Uh oh, you’ve jumped on the Little Party Dress train.” I was secretly adamant I wouldn’t give in to the emails and buy more dresses unless I NEEDED them. And then… well I’ve made a few purchases since and I have now got it down to a fine art. I buy two dresses whenever I purchase to get free shipping and make the best of my review discount (which anyone can get if you purchase a dress and a leave a review on the website).

Now I don’t go for every dress that is released (I’ve made 4 purchases in the last 8 months). But I have been curating my wardrobe for winter and adding another long sleeve dress or two would fill in the gaps. I have all the jackets, vests and knits, but not many long-sleeved one pieces to wear with them. As much as I love wearing jeans in winter, I also love wearing tights, boots and a patterned dress.

So I added to cart this Leopard Print Dress in the Kim design and this Love Story Animal Print Dress. You’d think I have a thing for animal print this winter! I love these prints and colours because they generally suit me. I was hesitant about the Love Story Animal dress with the frill around the hip area, but it actually flatters more than I expected.

How to Style an Animal Print Dress for Winter

The easiest way to style a dress for winter is by adding layers. My two favourite ways is with a faux fur vest or a leather jacket. Leggings and boots are my go-to basics as they keep my legs and feet covered and warm.

A printed dress can be a better option if you’re not a fan of wearing scarves. Often, QLD has a mild winter and a scarf can make me break out in a sweat due to being too warm. With a printed dress, a scarf is no longer needed to add interest because the dress does that for you.