Blog - Page 55 of 79 - Styled By BEC

Celebrating 2 Years of #everydaystyle in Style

December 1, 2015 / Lifestyle / 38 Comments

On Saturday, I went to one of the best blogging events to date. That sounds like a big call, but I reckon it was up there with some of the best events I’ve been invited to since being a blogger. And before you think I’ve been invited to many events… I can count on two hands the amount of events I have been invited to.

Every day since I had Phoebe, I have taken a photo of my outfit. I have missed some days if I haven’t had time to get a photo, but generally taking an #everydaystyle photo and uploading it to Facebook and Instagram has become part of my everyday morning routine.

I don’t do it for likes or compliments. I do it to show a normal version of a mum at home with her kids. There are days where I look tired and frumpy and other days I could give Megan Gale a run for her money.

Nikki from Styling You created the #everydaystyle hashtag two years ago and a community of fashion savvy women have embraced the hashtag and friendships have developed from it.

To celebrate the 2 year anniversary, Nikki organized a lunch for the ladies who take part regularly using the hashtag.

It was an event I did not want to miss because if you follow Nikki’s Instagram feed, she’s a woman who knows good food and how to have a good time.

Prior to the event, I was worried about where the heck I was going to park. I had opted to park at the Myer Centre which I hate parking in but do it because I know I’m guaranteed a park and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg compared to some other parks in the city.

As luck would have it, I missed the turn off into the city and had to go over the Storey Bridge and that little mistake turned into a good call because I decided I’d park under Queens Plaza and for an extra $10 I got valet parking which meant I didn’t need to park the car, the valet did it for me. It was the perfect place to park because I pretty much walked through Queens Plaza, across the Queen Street Mall, through the Wintergarden and straight into the Hilton. Don’t you love when mistakes work out in the end?

Anyway, the lunch was held on the pool terrace and I got to catch up with bloggers I regularly read online, as well as meet new faces. Most of whom I follow on Instagram and know via their Instagram name, not their real one.

Trying to pose with the Style Balloons

Take 2

Take 3

Take 4

Take 5, Stuff it I’ll just hold onto S.

Bev from Iris May Style and me

With Individual Style 101 and Kirsten & Co

I got to sit next to Lauren from Sand castles and Paper Crowns and we worked out we crossed paths at the same church over a decade prior. I couldn’t believe it!

Styled by Bec and Sandcastles and Paper Crowns

With Lauren from Sand Castles and Paper Crowns

I had Sue from Madam Cassowary on the other side who I regularly see sharing her #everydaystyle pics.

Lunch was served and it looked stylish.

We got tips on how to pose in our photos and where to place our hands. We had to practice and I did give it a go on Sunday but I felt too serious and didn’t end up sharing it. I’ll share it here though as proof that I practiced what I was taught.

My serious pose.

After the tutorial, dessert was served.

Nikki pre-warned us that we would be getting a lucky door prize. I thought it would be some sort of sample beauty product because how can you give 30 decent raffle prizes away? Nikki from Styling You did. She turned into Oprah and gave everyone a super stylish gift. The prizes were AMAZING. Gift vouchers and accessories and clothes and shoes… it was like Christmas had come early.

I received these fabulous Turkish Towels from Knotty Towels. I had to laugh because as you know I write a plumbing blog and love all things homewares and I got TURKISH TOWELS! I have had Turkish Towels on my wish list since they became a trend. I absolutely love them and can’t wait to use them. I’m also thinking they’re a great towel alternative for the beach.

Knotty Towels

After lunch we congregated down at the bar to chat. I left a bit abruptly because the valet closed at 5pm. Unfortunately; I left with a headache which turned into a migraine. I was in bed as soon as I got home before wishing bloggers well in Sydney while they partied it up at the Kidspot Gala at Luna Park.

As wonderful as the event was, what made it fabulous were the women who came. All sporting individual looks and carrying themselves with confidence. The shoes everyone was wearing were insane! On Friday, I headed to Jo Mercer and bought these because I needed a heel that I could walk in. It is a skill to walk in a stiletto heel. I still can’t do it. The big trends in shoes at the lunch were tassels and gladiator style heels.

Special thanks has to go to Nikki and her assistant who put on a fabulous event. We received a Louenhide purse and notebook with our name tags which were such a generous touch to an already amazing event. Thank you to the Hilton for the delicious lunch and to Olympus who sponsored my bubbles (and everyone elses’s).

How awesome were the place settings?

Nikki and I

Anyone can take part in #everydaystyle. It’s just a matter of taking a picture of what you’re wearing and uploading it to Instagram, using the hashtag. The group is an inclusive one, not exclusive.

Thank you also to Vizcosa, who dressed me for the event. I’m also giving away a Kaftan from the Vizcosa range up to the value of $249.99. Head to this post to enter.

Have you ever been to an event that blew you away? Ever made a mistake that turned out better in the end?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT

Luxurious and Affordable Kaftans by Vizcosa PLUS a GIVEAWAY

November 24, 2015 / Fashion / 35 Comments

Congratulations to Karen B for winning the Kaftan.

The end of November and beginning of December is usually the time for work Christmas parties. I love this time of year, but it can also be incredibly busy and expensive!

Each year, I curate my wardrobe to see what outfit I will wear to Christmas functions, as well as keeping (or buying) one special dress for Christmas Day. I love to treat myself to a new dress for Christmas Day.

One of my favourite styles of dress to wear to a summer function is the kaftan. I love the kaftan because it is a versatile dress that can be worn to the swankiest of occasions or dressed down, worn over swimmers by the pool.

I wanted to bring your attention to an Australian owned company Vizcosa, started by the gorgeous Carmen Rivas. Carmen started Vizcosa through a passion of travel and all things flowy and resort like. She wanted to create a brand of clothing that you could travel with, which could be luxurious and comfortable.

Enter the Vizcosa.

Vizcosa offer an array of kaftans in amazing prints and styles. The shapes cater from petite sizes to plus size goddesses. The kaftans aren’t mass produced, so there are limited numbers on each design to ensure you will be one of the few rocking a particular design.

The kaftans are made from non-sheer silk and sheer polyester Georgette which makes the kaftans a perfect choice for summer.

Being a delicate item, it is recommended the kaftans are dry-cleaned or gently hand-washed.

Here are some of my favourite colourful designs from Vizcosa.

Amalfi Long Kaftan $249.99

Rainbow Kaftan $159.99

Silk Poncho Beach Cover up $65.00

I was sent the Jaguar Love Kaftan which is made from 100% silk georgette and is honestly one of the most comfortable and well draped kaftans I’ve ever worn.

In Jaguar Love Kaftan

Here is the same kaftan worn on the model

Vizcosa Jaguar Love $169.99

Jaguar Love

I will be wearing this kaftan to a special function this Saturday. I also have my eye on a few more designs. The style is designed to be floaty and is generous in size. If you wanted to add shape to the kaftan, a simple black ribbon could be used to tie around the empire line for a slimmer look. I love an animal print and have no doubt I will be wearing this gorgeous kaftan to many future events to come.

While I enjoy being gifted items, I love to be able to provide a giveaway so that you can have the chance of being gifted with one of these kaftans too.

Carmen has generously offered a giveaway of one kaftan up to the value of $249.99 from the Vizcosa range.

In order to be in the running, I’d love to know which kaftan is your favourite and why? Answer the question in the comments or on Facebook. The most interesting answer will win the prize. If you can also like the Styled by Bec Facebook page and Vizcosa Facebook page to keep updated with new designs as they arrive, that would be most appreciated.

If you are eager to get your hands one of these beautiful kaftans, I have a special discount code for all Styled by Bec readers. You can receive $20 off your kaftan by simply entering STYLEDBYBEC20 and the code lasts up until the 31^st of December this year.

There is also free delivery on all the kaftans from Vizcosa so your $20 discount won’t be swallowed by shipping fees.

Terms and Conditions

This is a game of skill. Each valid entry to be judged on creativity and originality, not by chance.

There is one prize: 1 Vizcosa Kaftan to the up to the value of $249.99, so if the kaftan is less than the value, no credit will be given.

Entries open from 6am Brisbane time Tuesday 24^th November 2015 to Friday 4^th December 2015 6pm Brisbane Time.

Prize is not transferable or changeable

Prize sent out by Vizcosa will not be replaced in the event it is stolen, lost or damaged in transit or virtually.

Entry is leaving an answer to the question.

A valid email address must be included in your entry.

Entry into any giveaway or competition is deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions

Entrants must be Australian residents and aged 18 or over

The winner will be notified by email and has 3 days to reply and claim the prize. The winner will also be announced on Facebook. This giveaway is not endorsed by Facebook.

The decision on the winner is final and no dialogue will be entered into otherwise.

These terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice.

Disclaimer: I was gifted a Jaguar Love Kaftan for the purpose of this post and giveaway. All opinions are my own and this post has been written in accordance to my disclosure policy.

Australian Made, Eco-friendly Fashion That Sha-de’s You From The Sun

November 17, 2015 / Fashion / 13 Comments

Being a pale girl, I’m always looking for dresses and tops with sleeves. I very rarely wear a spaghetti or slim strap tank mainly because I’ve been self-conscious of my white, rounded shoulders. (although I have embraced the off the shoulder look but only when I know I’m going to be inside). I also find wearing tops with that extra bit of sleeve means I can avoid adding another chore to my morning routine of applying sunscreen to my back and shoulders.

I think it was Vanessa from Style and Shenanigans who shared via Instagram a shrug she purchased from Sha-de and it was just the thing I was looking for to wear to the beach to cover my shoulders or to wear over a dress or tank top when out in the sun.

When I researched online I instantly loved the resort wear from Sha-de. When I learned that the clothes were ethically made in Melbourne, offered more sun protection than most of the clothes in my wardrobe and were made out of breathable and hypoallergenic Bamboo, I was keen to get some Sha-de into my wardrobe.

After a recent meeting with one of the stylist’s as part of the Sha-de brand, I got to see the up and coming styles for Summer. I was instantly taken by this Blue Palm Print Dress. And ironically it has been named after a beach very close to my husband’s family’s home – Ballina.

The Ballina Dolman Dress is so easy to wear. Yes it’s a long sleeve dress and yes it’s SUMMER, but I have felt cool when out and about in it. I can also imagine myself wearing the dress to the beach over my togs or worn out at night dressed up with heels and a belt.

I got the dress in an XL and I could have gone down to a L but I like the airiness in the dress and being able to cinch it in with a belt.

I feel the print acts like a stripe in that it feels busy but it’s not when you put the dress on. The dress is trans-seasonal and can be accessorised with a bold necklace or a printed scarf.

This print also comes in a drop hem t-shirt and drop crotch pant.

Sha-de clothes are not just great for wearing out in the sun, they are also great for travelling. They roll up quite small and don’t require ironing. If I were to travel on a long distance flight I would wear the Byron Pant in Indigo and the Avoca tee in Watermelon or Indigo as knowing me I always drop food on myself when on a plane.

Avoca Tee in Cream and Byron Bay Pant in Indigo

Some of my other favourite looks from Sha-de are the Balmoral Dress In Indigo, the Lorne Skirt in Indigo with the Cream Avoca Tee (as pictured below on me) and of course the shrug which can be worn all year round.

Balmoral Dress

Sha-de also offers clothing for the kids. My girls love their Hide and Seek Hoodies which they wear over their togs before and after going swimming.

Esther wearing Hide and Seek Hookie in Orchid, Maggie Wearing Hide and Seek Hoodie in Aquamarine.

One of the best things about Sha-de the label is that all the clothing items are made in Australia. They are eco-friendly and ethically produced, here in Melbourne. I like to be able to support locally produced clothes when I can and this label is one to support.

For all Styled by Bec readers, I have a special code where you can receive 10% off your first order. Enter the unique code BEWOR10 to receive 10% off your order.

Are you particular about what you wear in the sun? Do you have fair skin like me?

Disclaimer: I was gifted items from the Sha-de label for the purposes of this post. All views and opinions are my own. This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy.

How to Shop For Yourself With Little Kids in Tow

November 10, 2015 / Lifestyle / 18 Comments

In the last couple of weeks, I have had to go shopping to get some new shoes with my girls in tow. Usually I purchase a lot of my clothes online, but when it comes to shoes, I really need to try them on before I buy them. My feet are wide near the toes and narrow at the ankle which makes it hard to find the right fit. My feet have also grown to a size 10 due to pregnancy.

A lot of my sandals from last season were a size 9 or the sole was so thin, they offered little support or cushioning to my feet.

The situation was looking dire in my shoe wardrobe and I was avoiding wearing certain dresses and skirts because I didn’t have the right footwear to go with them.

The only option was to go shopping and take my 1 year old and 2 year old with me.

Fun times.

I was able to get what I needed and get my shoes but it did take a few trips and a bit of research. I’ve put together some tips on how to shop for yourself with little kids in tow.

Take a list of what you need and make sure you take this with you when you go shopping. If you go grocery shopping or need to run errands, take the kids with you to browse as part of your research.
Realise that if you do take your kids shopping, the time will be limited as your kid will get restless and want to get out of their confines. Usually an hour to 2 hours maximum is what my girls will cope with before they complain and ask for a milkshake, toy or play on the indoor playground. Make peace that you might have to make a couple of trips to get what you need.
Whether they understand it or not, explain to your kids that you’re going shopping to get mummy shoes or clothes when you drive into the carpark. Explain it won’t take too long, but they will need to be patient as mummy tries on some clothes. Maggie understood me when I told her, but Phoebe had no clue and just grinned at me. Explaining what you’re doing prepares them for what is about to happen.
Choose your vehicle of choice in the shopping centre. For me, I chose to take my double seater pram so I could strap Phoebe and Maggie in. This means they are contained when going in and out of shops and when you try on clothes/shoes. If you’re buying a few pairs of shoes, you might opt to use a trolley because of the shoe boxes.
When you head to the change room, use the wheelchair access cubicle when offered. Most assistants automatically offer this so you can wheel your pram/trolley in with you.
When shoe shopping, let out your toddler if you can trust they will remain in the shop. Beware that your toddler may rearrange a shoe display. Apologise to the sales assistant and arrange the display back to how it was. Most sales people will happily oblige to doing the rearranging themselves so it gives them something to do during a slow weekday.
Have snacks and mini toys on hand to distract your kids while trying on clothes and shoes.
Don’t push your kids past their limit. If they are crying and carrying on, put a stop to the shopping and take them to the parents room for some time out/change of scenery or to an indoor playground if there is one in the shopping centre. If your kids start tantruming while you’re browsing you are most likely going to make you rush to get your purchase.
Reward your kids for their patience by allowing them to play on the indoor play equipment or buying morning tea/lunch after you’ve finished.

Maggie trying on the display shoes while I get fitted for mine

Thinks she’s pretty cool

How do you like to shop for clothes and shoes? Do you take your kids with you? Have any tips to share with other mums how you cope taking your kids shopping when you’re shopping for yourself?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

What to Wear to a Kindergarten Excursion

November 3, 2015 / Fashion / 10 Comments

Last Tuesday was my first kindergarten excursion with my daughter, Esther, and I don’ t know who was more excited!

When you envision having kids, you do dream about all the fun things you will do together, and one of the moments I dreamed about was helping with kindy and school excursions when my kids would go to school.

Of course working out what to wear played on my mind because I knew we’d be on our feet most of the day. I also had to think about wearing clothes that would allow me to bend down to talk to kids, so my clothes needed to be comfortable and simple.

When I surveyed the mums (and 1 dad) on the trip, we all had the similar style outfits on. Shorts or cotton pants with simple tops. Shoes were flats or joggers. Backpacks were the bag of choice, so hands could be free to hold little hands.

This is what I wore.

I admit the scarf did get in my way at times, but I don’t like wearing a plain top without some sort of interest via a necklace or scarf. I adjusted the scarf as needed when I had to.

My tips for what to wear when you go on an excursion with your child are:

Consider the weather and temperature of the day. We were heading to Ipswich and the temperature was going to be a hot 30 degrees.
Wear flat shoes or joggers because you will be on your feet most of the day and having good, supportive, FLAT footwear is a must. I wore my Frankie Sophie’s and they were great to walk in and I didn’t have sore feet at the end of the day.
Bring a hat. I brought mine but didn’t wear it as I was always in the shade, but the kids usually will eat their morning tea and lunch outside and there are no guarantees there will be shade.
Wear a backpack or make use of that baby bag or tote with long handles that you can hoist on your shoulder. The bag should be big enough to carry your hat, lunch and water bottle. I emptied my tote bag of nappies to make room for my lunch bag and water bottle.
Sunglasses for outside time and during meal breaks.
Don’t wear anything that always needs to be adjusted like tops or dresses that need ties around the waist. A simple tee and shorts or tank and print pants or even a dress will work.

Here is an outfit idea if you are needing to plan what to wear to your child’s kindergarten or school excursion.

1. Katies Extended Sleeve Placket Top $29.95