Seven Dresses on High Rotation in my Wardrobe

February 20, 2017 / Fashion / 4 Comments

I have a lot of dresses. I didn’t realise how many dresses I had until a friend asked if she could borrow a dress to wear to a wedding. When she saw my collection she said ‘I want your wardrobe.’ Truth is, I love my wardrobe too, but there are a few styles that I always gravitate to when it comes to my weekly outfit selections. In fact there are seven dresses on high rotation in my wardrobe that faithfully flatter and give me confidence when I haven’t had the usual excitement about what I wear.

This last week I haven’t really cared what I’ve put on. I usually enjoy creating new outfits from the clothes in my wardrobe, but this week, I didn’t have time nor the mind power to create something new.

A mix of exhaustion, dealing with sick kids, not being able to connect to the internet and trying to meet work deadlines took away my motivation to put any effort into my appearance.

We all have weeks and days like that. There is nothing wrong at all about not caring what you wear. Even stylists can get into a rut.

But the best thing about having a well-organised and stocked wardrobe is during those down times, I can be confident that what I put on will flatter as I’ve made some good clothing purchases.

I’ve noticed this year I have reverted to some classic and favourite styles which has lead me to write this post, sharing the 7dress styles I’ve had on high rotation this summer.

I’ve included where you can get similar styles from if you think these pieces will add value to your wardrobe.

This year, my focus is not on acquiring more clothes, but wearing what I own more, hence the introduction of my hashtag #repeatedmystyle.

After an analysis of my Instagram account, here are seven dresses on high rotation in my wardrobe. Maybe you have some of these in your possession? Or you could see the benefit of having a particular style if you don’t own it… yet.

Seven Dresses on High Rotation in my Wardrobe

1. Off The Shoulder Dress

Forgot to share today’s outfit! We ran late for church this morning but glad to have outfits I can chuck on and know they look decent. 😂 wearing an @adriftclothing #ots dress with @thousandislandpaddington necklace and shoes from @styletread #gifted. Hope you’ve had a great Sunday. #everydaystyle #sharedmystyle #repeatedmystyle #thirtyplusstyle #thirtyplusdailystyle #thirtyplusstyleblogger by @styled_by_bec

Poppie Off The Shoulder Dress by Adrift $99.99

2. Cold Shoulder Dress

Heading to church this morning in this cool dress by @surafina. Wearing @houseofharlow1960 necklace and @samanthawills ring. #everydaystyle #sharedmystyle #imprettychuffed #repeatedmystyle #casualchic #thirtyplusstyle #thirtyplusstyleblogger by @styled_by_bec

Surafina Cold Shoulder Dress in Navy, $89.95

3. Maxi Dress

Today’s #everydaystyle I’m wearing my favourite maxi dress from @lazybonesaustralia with some beaded necklaces I bought from a market at Lennox Head. Shoes are from @airflexshoes last year. #thirtyplusstyle #casualstyle #maxidress #vintagestyle #summerfashion by @styled_by_bec

Freez Maxi Dress $79

4. Striped Tee Dress

Today’s outfit is one you’ve seen before. I’m tired and so glad the weekend is here! Hope you’re all staying cool in this heat. #everydaystyle #repeatedmystyle #sharedmystyle #casualstyle #teedress #mumfashion #stripesforthewin by @styled_by_bec

Bird Keepers Swing Tee Dress in Navy Stripe, $69.95

5. Kaftan

Running late today for an epic day of church then connect group at our house and then a BBQ at Maggie’s Kindy. The year is definitely in full swing! Wearing a @vizcosa Kaftan #gifted to keep me cool, with @thousandislandpaddington necklace and @airflexshoes. #repeatedmystyle #everydaystyle #sharedmystyle #thirtyplusstyle #vizcosathelabel by @styled_by_bec

Jaguar Love Kaftan by Vizcosa $179.99

6. Shift Dress

We had a great family day today. I love having weekends together. Wearing a favourite dress today from @elmlifestyle with @seedheritage shoes. Earrings made by @alcowan. #everydaystyle #casualoutfit #repeatedmystyle #sharedmystyle #thirtyplusdailystyle #thirtyplusstyleblogger by @styled_by_bec

That Bird Label Ally Shift Dress in High Tide $99.95

7. Chambray Dress

I forgot to share yesterday’s #everydaystyle photo because I had a sick Esther. I thought we’d got gastro back in the house again 🤦‍♀️but turns out it was just an ear infection. This photo was from last night after going to my first P&C meeting at school. Wearing a @blue.illusion chambray dress with @seedheritage shoes and a necklace I got given from a close friend for Valentine’s Day. #sharedmystyle #repeatedmystyle #thirtyplusstyle #thirtyplusdailystyle #thirtyplusstyleblogger by @styled_by_bec

Decjuba Chambray Dress $129.95

What dresses are on high rotation in your wardrobe?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at not extra cost to you.

Trend Alert: Bell Sleeves

February 10, 2017 / Fashion / 0 comment

If you’ve been escaping the heat and hanging out at your local shopping centre, you may have noticed a lot of stores are bringing out their Autumn and Winter styles for 2017.

One key trend that I made note of, which seemed to be in every store, was the bell sleeve.

Bell sleeve tops were a trend from the 1970’s and they’ve made a comeback this year.

Traditionally, bell sleeve tops would have a trumpet sleeve from between the elbow and wrist, down. But there are also modern takes on the trend with ruffled sleeves and fluted sleeves making an appearance. Some of the bell sleeves start from the elbow or right at the cuff.

The key to pulling off this look is to allow the top to be the feature of your outfit.

Wear it with skinny jeans, skirts, under a dress or layered under a jacket or knit.

This winter, we will definitely see a lot of jackets and jumpers with a 3/4 sleeve (or the sleeves rolled or pulled up) to reveal the bell sleeve of the top worn underneath.

It’s a feminine style of top, but it can be impractical when eating out. The sleeve can drag because of its flare.

Sussan Spot Ruffle Sleeve Top $99.95
Katies Elbow Bell Sleeve Top $29.95
Katies Bell 3/4 Sleeve White Top $49.95
Sussan Spot Fluted Sleeve Top $69.95
Decjuba Marny Kimono Sleeve Top $59.95
Living Doll Jenny Navy Bell Sleeved Open Shoulder Top $59.95

If you’re worried about dragging your sleeves, wear a ¾ style bell sleeve, or opt for a darker colour that won’t show stains.

Bell sleeve tops work well for a smart-casual look and they can look equally chic when worn corporately to work.

I will definitely be adding one of these to my wish list for Autumn/Winter 2017. I’ve already got one bell sleeve top which was a gift from my mum, but I do want to invest in a longer sleeved one.

Are you a fan of the bell sleeve? Is it something you would wear?

Disclaimer: 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.

What to Wear When You Have Gastro

February 1, 2017 / Fashion / 1 Comment

What to wear when you have gastro

Nothing. You wear absolutely nothing.

Kidding.

You will most likely be sitting on the toilet, holding a bucket as you explode from both ends.

The less layers on your body, the better.

You don’t care what you look like when you’re sick, but there are some key outfit tips to ensure there are no wardrobe malfunctions when heaving or pooing through the eye of a needle.

1. Make sure there are no tassels, drapes, ribbons, accessories or attachments on your top or dress that can drape into the toilet bowl or bucket.

2. Overalls are probably a poor choice due to the time to unbuckle them off. As are pants with fiddly fastenings.

3. Loose fitting clothes are a must. Think a loose t-shirt dress or slouchy pants and a tee or singlet.

Was running late for school this morning so chucked on this tee dress from @kmartaus with @misskellymadeintasmania necklace and @seedheritage shoes. #everydaystyle #sharedmystyle #repeatedmystyle #casualchic #casualoutfit #teedress by @styled_by_bec

4. No tight nickers. Your tummy will have enough tightness to deal with.

5. Bra free, unless your boobs block the direction of your spew and need to be held in.

6. Cotton or bamboo are the best materials to wear to allow for body ventilation during the hot sweats.

It’s the second year in a row that I’ve caught gastro from my kids and it’s been nasty. Being sick sucks when you’re a mum.

Despite being vigilant with washing my hands, holding my breath when catching my daughter’s puke and cleaning like crazy, I still got it 2 days later.

I wore a t-shirt dress (as the ones from my Instagram feed) as I didn’t want to be stuck in my nightie all day. I also wanted to have some dignity when the home doctor arrived.

If I look pale and sick it’s because I have been sick and I’m still pale! Wearing my fave tee dress from @bohemian.traders with @katiesfashion necklace and @styletread shoes #gifted and @witcheryfashion sunnies. #everydaystyle #repeatedmystyle #sharedmystyle #casualoutfit #casualchic #teedress #thirtyplusdailystyle by @styled_by_bec

It’s always good to have an outfit ready for those days when you need something to wear because you’re sick. Pyjamas are always good, but I find they make me feel worse. I like wearing clothes that can be lounged in or slept in easily.

While I don’t wish it on anyone to be sick, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Get a slouchy t-shirt dress that can be worn on those days where you need something that looks presentable but allows your body to do what it needs to do to get rid of the infection.

Do you have clothes set aside for when you’re sick? Are you a fan of a t-shirt dress? What do you like to wear when you’re sick?

Five Fab Fashion Finds Under $50

January 28, 2017 / Fashion / 1 Comment

Fab Fashion Finds Under $50

When I do research for fashion posts, I often come across clothing pieces that stop me in my tracks. It could be a sweet print, or an accessory I’ve had my eye on or a brand of clothing that rarely goes on sale. I look at the price and often can’t believe it’s under $50.

Fashion budgets are different for everyone, but to get something for under $50 that is quality, as opposed to quantity, can sometimes be rare.

Hence why I put this post together of five fab fashion finds under $50.

I don’t intend to buy new clothes unless I need to, but I do occasionally get sucked into a sale. Most of these items are on sale so if you have been needing to add some key pieces, these might be what you’re looking for. And if they’re not, you can screen admire them (like I have) and put them on your wish list… providing they don’t sell out before you get them.

Fashion Find 1 – Gorman Ventura Tee, Originally $99, now $47.20

I bought my first Gorman tee at the boxing day sales and I am really happy with the quality and the quirky design. I love it’s versatility as a patterned tee. If you’re not as adventurous with the patterned tee look, this tee might suit your tastes. I could be worn with jeans/denim shorts, black pants/black shorts, brown pants/brown shorts, khaki…. I’m already imagining the outfits I could wear if I did get this tee…

Fashion Find 2 – Samantha Wills Bohemian Bardot Ring White Howlite Originally $79, now $47.40

Whenever I wear my Samantha Wills ring, I always get comments. The rings are not cheap, so to see this one under $50 is a very sweet bargain.

Fashion Find 3 – Katies Navy Extended Sleeve Ruffle Top Originally $29.95 now $20.97

I love black and navy tops and this frill sleeve navy one from Katies caught my eye. It’s only $20.97. You could buy 2 and still have change from $50.

Fashion Find 4 – Freeze Gypsy Top $49.95

How gorgeous is this off the shoulder top from Freez? I love the bell sleeves and how it can be worn on or off the shoulders. The sleeve length also makes it a great trans-seasonal buy.

Fashion Find 5 – Surafina Navy Flemington Dress Originally $89.95 now $49.95

Another trans-seasonal buy is this navy dress from Surafina. I have a black dress from Surafina that is on high rotation in my wardrobe. The clothes are well made and fit beautifully. This dress would be gorgeous for work or dressed smart-casually with canvas sneakers. Definitely a great dress for Autumn/Winter 2017.

So there are my five fab fashion finds under $50. If you had a spare $50 which would you buy?

Disclaimer: 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 Read Fashion Blogs and Stay Within Your Budget

January 24, 2017 / Lifestyle / 12 Comments

How to Read Fashion Blogs and Stay Within Your Budget

In an attempt to not buy unnecessary clothes this year, I’ve had to put a plan in place to ensure I don’t sway from my budget.

The reality is, when I read fashion or interior blogs, I do get tempted to buy. In fact blogs are my biggest weakness when it comes to buying clothes because they do the hard work for me.

I don’t have to trawl online or through bricks and mortar shops, when I can read a blog post that will show me where and how to wear an item. With a few clicks I can instantly buy that item. But it’s not always good for my budget. And if I’m honest, the clothing purchase is not always what I need, it’s usually what I want.

There is nothing wrong with buying what I want. It’s good to indulge every now and then. But what are the little purchases costing me? A purchase here and a purchase there… if I add up the sales, the money could have been put towards an experience rather than something else to hang in my wardrobe.

Yet I don’t want to give up reading my favourite fashion blogs either because I enjoy them and for those of us that understand the business of blogging, it’s good to read and comment on similar niche blogs.

So how do you read fashion blogs and stay within your budget?

Here are some strategies that I used last year and will do again this year to prevent a fashion blowout.

1. Know my favourite blogger’s posting cycle. I know that some of my favourite blogs share their outfits or a ‘what I wore’ type posts on certain days. I also know that often the day they share about their new outfit, it often gets sold out within a day. So I read these posts a day or two later so I don’t get tempted to buy straight away.

2. I withdraw money from my paypal account so I don’t have money to spend. This one can be counteracted if you have your credit card. But it’s a good habit to keep limited money in your paypal account so there isn’t much money to spend on random clothes you may not necessarily need.

3. Make a wish list. If there is an item that I have to have (or need to have), I put it on my wish list. Right now I am wanting some new Bohemian Traders jeans. I won’t be wearing them till Autumn so I have a bit of time to get them. They have been put on my wish list. This gives me time to save to make my purchase.

4. Only buy what I need. Fashion blogs are great for recommendations. When I read a blog post offering outfit suggestions, I ask myself is it something I need or want? Visualising where I could spend that money also helps curb my purchases.

5. Sell something. If I really have to have something that I read in a blog, I have to choose one item in my wardrobe to sell to make room for the new purchase.

I guess the easiest strategy is to avoid reading fashion blogs altogether, but reading them is one of my hobbies and I can’t not read them.

Each week when I do share different clothing options, they aren’t there to tempt you to buy (although of course it’s good if you do buy an item), they are there to show you options and save you time researching yourself.

Some of my best clothes have been bought on the recommendation of a fashion blogger. Yet it can be hard to not buy if you can be easily swayed or have the means to buy something new.

Before you spend your money, why not see if you could imitate the outfit with clothes you already own?