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Spring 2015 Trend: The T-shirt Dress

September 22, 2015 / Fashion, Style tips / 20 Comments

It’s been a month since I posted on here, simply because I have been stretching myself thin with blog work. Despite not writing on here, I have been immersed in all types of fashion over on Stylehunter Collective. I’m loving a lot of the new trends that are trickling through stores this season.

While it’s tempting to buy new clothes and update your wardrobe, it’s a good idea to organize your wardrobe to see what you already own and cull any clothes that no longer fit or are not fit to wear. I did this myself a couple of weeks ago as I’ve stopped breastfeeding. I put a lot of breastfeeding tops on eBay so I could use the funds to buy new clothes. After re-organising my wardrobe, I found I was missing a few basics. I had lots of show pony pieces, but not a lot of basics to wear them with. I counted 11 capes and realized I needed a basic dress that would ensure I would get more wear out of these show pony pieces this spring.

Enter the t-shirt dress.

The t-shirt dress is a popular style of dress that is trending this season. It’ a must have for any wardrobe. It’s easy to chuck on and can be layered with accessories like a cape, scarf or necklace. T-shirt dresses are versatile and can be dressed up or dressed down. I will be wearing my t-shirt dress smart casually when pottering around the house with the kids or dress it up a bit more for church. I ended up purchasing the Freez Tunic Dress that got reduced down to $20. I am wearing the size 14 and its a perfect fit. If you don’t want your t-shirt dress to cling, I suggest going up 1 size for a slightly baggier fit.

Here are I am wearing my black tunic dress with pockets (Bev from Iris May Style will be most pleased!)

Wearing Freez Black Tunic Dress in Size 14*

And styled with three of my kaftans/kimonos.

Wearing Katies Pleated Shoulder Kimono* with my favourite Adorne Tassel Necklace over my Freez Tunic Dress and Target Brown Clogs.

Wearing a cape from Erin Louise a few seasons ago and Rare Rabit Necklace and Clogs from Target

Black T-shirt Dress from Freez with House of Harlow Necklace and Cape from Decjuba

If you are looking for a t-shirt dress, be quick to purchase these online styles are they are selling out quite quickly online.

Top Left going clockwise:

1. Freez Stripe Tunic Dress on sale $20*

2. Freez Black Pocket Dress $49*

3. Freez Black Tunic Dress on sale, limited sizes $20*

4. Bird Keepers Swing Dress in Black $69.95*

5. Bohemian Traders Classic Scoop Neck Dress in Black $129

6. Harlow Summer Diva T-shirt Dress (Plus Size) $159

7. Bohemian Traders Classic Scoop Neck Dress in Black and Cream Pinstripe $129

Would you get a lot of wear out of a t-shirt dress this Summer? Do you have a few capes and kimonos from last season?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

*Items with this are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What I wore to the Problogger Conference Networking Event – SHINE

August 18, 2015 / Fashion / 22 Comments

I keep an open mind when I go shopping for an outfit. When I heard the theme for the Problogger Networking Event on Friday night was “Shine”, I immediately thought sequins and sparkles. I didn’t contemplate Hi Vis gear or a bright colour. I went about putting this post together and I was contemplating whether to buy a new outfit on a tight budget or wear my old faithful jumpsuit and sequin bolero.

Unfortunately, the black jumpsuit didn’t suit my new shape. This is a good thing as I’ve lost weight but it didn’t help my situation for an outfit. I headed to ASOS and I did a big search on sequin dresses. And this navy maternity dress came up.

ASOS Sequin Maternity Dress

All the sizes were available and I decided to order it in. I have returned clothes to ASOS in the past with no issues on refunds.

The dress fit perfectly, although it did point out my need for a new bra now that I’ve started to wean Phoebe off breastfeeding.

The extra material camouflaged my tummy and I dressed it up with opaque tights and navy suede, low heel pumps. The necklace is my mum’s.

I’m wearing a size 14

The dress was $34 plus shipping and is still available online if you love the style. The dress kept me warm as the party was held outside near the pool.

I would be reluctant to purchase the dress if I was pregnant. The bust is quite firm and fitted. If I was pregnant, this dress wouldn’t have fit me because of the bust alone.

Other than that, I did worry about looking like a disco ball but once I got talking to friends and meeting new people, I found my groove.

Did you go to Problogger on the weekend? Do you sometimes venture into the maternity section of online stores to get a better fit?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

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

When in doubt choose MONOCHROME

August 4, 2015 / Fashion / 18 Comments

A couple of weeks ago I attended a semi-formal Awards night where I was given the honor of presenting an award. The pressure was on to find a frock that would be suitable for the occasion. I didn’t want anything to showy or sparkly. I wanted to look professional, yet stylish.

I love to wear colour so I had that thought in my head as I went to the shops to get a dress that would suit the dress code.

But I couldn’t find anything I liked. I tried on so many dresses and I wasn’t happy with the fit or the colour.

Finally I entered a Veronika Maine store and tried on this monochrome floral dress and it turned out to be just what I was after.

Ironically, Veronika Maine is usually the first place I take clients if they are looking for a dress for a special occasion, and when I was styling myself, it was the last shop I walked into.

I belted the dress to show off my shape and wore heels to elongate my legs.

The whole experience taught me one lesson. If you can’t find what you are after, when in doubt choose monochrome.

Most women tend to choose a little black dress for a semi-formal occasion, but if you are after something different and a colour scheme that will work every time, go monochrome.

1. Boo Radley Contrast Detail Shift Dress

2. The Iconic Fifi Dress

3. Belle Bird Colour Block Shift Dress

4. Bird Keepers Spot Dress (Navy)

5. MNG Mono floral Dress

6. ASOS Paslin Plus Body Con Dress

Monochrome dresses usually go with a black blazer that you may already own in your wardrobe and a pair of black heels. Why not check out last week’s post where Nicole did just that with her dress. If you love colour, add it using your accessories in one bold, block colour.

Are you a fan of the monochrome dress? Do you gravitate towards colours or black and white when you shop?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

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

Styling Session with Nicole from The Builder’s Wife

July 28, 2015 / Lifestyle / 36 Comments

Styling clients is one of my favourite parts of the styling business. I used to do a lot more of it before I had my girls, and these days, I offer my services sporadically when the opportunity arises.

I saw on my blogging friend Nicole’s Facebook page (The Builder’s Wife) that she needed ideas for an outfit to wear to two functions. I messaged her immediately and asked if I could help. We made a date to meet at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre with my two youngest girls in tow to get Nicole an outfit to suit both occasions.

We headed to Myer and I knew Cue and Review would have the styles of dresses that would suit Nicole’s figure and style. Usually when I take a client shopping, without kids, I would be in and out of the change room taking dresses back and finding new dresses to try. But on that day we collected a huge range of dresses to take into the change room. I busied myself giving advice and keeping my girls entertained with food. I then made the fatal mistake of taking Phoebe out of the pram because she was getting whingy and wanted to be free. She was happy to sit and play with the pram. She crawled into the free fitting rooms and played with the door. While I was attending to Nicole, Phoebe made a mad dash and crawled out of the change rooms into Myer. I panicked because I couldn’t see her and Myer is a pretty big store. Nicole quickly chucked some clothes on so she could help me find Phoebe. Thankfully, it was only a minute or so that Phoebe came crawling back after an expedition around the rack of clothes in the Basque section, right next to the change rooms. Phoebe was promptly placed in the pram after that!

My girls playing in the Myer change room.

In the meantime we found this winning dress by Cue. This dress ticked all the right boxes in terms of colour, cut and style for Nicole.

The winning dress

We tried a few other shops in the centre, but nothing compared to this dress. It worked with what Nicole already owned in her wardrobe – a black blazer and pumps.

Nicole in her Jacket and Pumps

Worn without the jacket

I love how Nicole got her hair styled to match with her look. She looked beautiful and I’m so glad I got to help her in a practical way.

If you are after a styling session to find an outfit for a special occasion I am happy to assist. I offer a reduced styling rate if I bring my girls along for the styling session and can feature your outfit on the blog. Feel free to contact me for further info.

What do you think of Nicole’s look? Have you ever shopped with a Stylist?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

Get Ready to Shine with Sequins

July 21, 2015 / Style tips / 28 Comments

In a little less than a month, I will be attending the Problogger Conference on the Gold Coast. I’m looking forward to it immensely. I had a friend and blogger ask me to do a post about possible outfit ideas for the networking party on Friday night. When I read the theme was ‘shine’ I immediately thought sequins. Sequins have been a trend that comes and goes but I think they will be big this Summer with all over sequin tees being worn casually with shorts or jeans.

I haven’t quite thought about what I will wear but I do think it will involve sequins in some shape of form. Sequins are the perfect way to shine at a party. To wear your sequin piece right my tips are to pair 1 sequin piece with basic neutral pieces. Your sequin top or skirt is the show piece of your outfit so pair it with plain black pants or a plain white tee.

This is what I wore last year to the Annie Sloan Cocktail Party and the Kidspot Gala Awards night. I teamed a sequin bolero with my black Millers Jumpsuit. I may wear this again a third time to get more wear out of my jumpsuit.

I have searched the internet for some budget pieces with most under $100 if you are wanting to give the sequin trend a go. If you are ready to embrace the trend why not go for an all sequin tee or dress? If sequins are a little too ‘sparkly’ for your style, add it subtly with a simple scarf that can be draped over a blazer and jeans outfit.