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8 Ways to Wear a Brooch

March 22, 2020 / Fashion / 0 comment

The most underrated and possibly most misunderstood accessory in fashion is the brooch.

Firstly, there is the connotation of it being a grandma accessory because it’s what our grandmas used to wear, which is true. And if you do wear a brooch, it’s seen as more retro than modern.

Erstwilder Brooch

The other con for this accessory is how it can pierce your clothes and leave pin prick holes when removed.

The third is it’s not always going to work with the outfit you’re wearing. Sometimes the neckline isn’t right or the style of brooch won’t suit. It’s not particularly practical if you have a baby.

It can also be fiddly to attach.

But, with COVID-19 on our doorstep, it’s forced me to look at what I own in a new way. And I think it’s time to bring the brooches out if you own one.

Don’t worry if you don’t have one, I’ve got some suggestions to consider below. 🙂

When Jacob and I went to London 10 years ago, my favourite souvenirs were my fashion accessories bought at the Notting Hill Market. The trip was memorable because it was the first day after I had been in hospital with severe food poisoning. The second reason was because we got to see the door from my favourite movie, Notting Hill.

The markets seemed to go on forever. But it was at these markets where I found two beautiful brooches. They were supposedly from the 1920’s era. I think they may be replicas. However old they are, I have never been able to part with them because of the travel memories they hold.

Earlier this week, I got my firefly brooch out and attached it to my spotty tee. It got me excited because I started to come up with different ways to wear it.

As I mentally came up with ideas to wear my brooch, I also made a list of other ways to wear one.

8 Ways to Wear a Brooch

1. Attach to the corner collar of your blouse
2. Bedazzle a plain clutch by adding a brooch on the front
3. Attach to the pocket of your pants or jeans
4. Add a few to a jumper or cardigan for an embroidered look
5. Attach to a hat – works best on a beret
6. Add to the folded cuff of your blouse
7. Attach to the side of an infinity scarf for extra interest
8. Attach two of the same brooch to your heels for an after 5 look

There are many different designs of brooches to choose from. You could go down the jewel encrusted look, or consider the storybook styles by Erstwilder.

Empayah Jewel Encrusted Brooch $30
Ruby Olive Gloria Glee Brooch $45
Erstwilder Cuckoo Clock Brooch $39.95
Erstwilder Mother in Laws Tongue Brooch $39.95
Dragonfly Brooch $25.42
Upcycled Vinyl Flower Brooch $20
Flowering Gum Brooch $24
Ruby Olive Ravishing Rita Brooch $45

When was the last time your wore a brooch?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. If you do purchase anything with an * I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Downsize to a Wallet Crossbody Bag

March 2, 2020 / Fashion / 0 comment

If you’re looking to downsize your handbag, maybe the wallet crossbody bag is the option for you.

My everyday bag is the Wanderer’s Travel Co Santorini Bag. I use it for travel and now for everyday use as I love the practicality of wearing it as a crossbody bag.

But since I’ve been walking the kids to school, I find the bag is bulky. Especially when I’m carrying a backpack or two and a laptop case.

I’m heading away in a week or so and needed a smaller bag for travel. I mentioned to my mum I was going to buy one when she said she had three I could choose from.

She had 3 Wanderer’s Venetian Crossbody bags. I chose the tan. It’s the size and depth I needed.

Ideally I was looking for a clutch or wallet which could have a crossbody strap for hands-free wearing.

I need it to fit my wallet, phone, keys, tissues and a lip balm. And it’s a bonus if the handles can be removed so the bag can turn into a clutch.

If you’re after a bag like this for yourself, I’ve found some great styles online. The one from Adore is a steal, but the handle doesn’t come off. It could possibly be tucked away though if used as a clutch.

Arlington Milne Paige Wallet Khaki Spot Crossover Wallet Bag $179.95

Coach Noa Pop Up Messenger $325

Elm + King Bowery Clutch Bag $99.95

Wanderer’s Travel Co Venetian Passport Travel Clutch Bag $149

Oroton Duo Crossbody Déco Rose Bag $299

Louenhide Jackson Crossbody Bag Khaki $69.95

Adorne Spots Stripes Pring Clash Pocket Slim Crossbody Bag $10 (on sale)

The Sak Iris Leather Larger Smartphone Crossbody Mini Purse in Scarlet $129

Do you own a wallet crossbody bag? What do you use for your everyday bag?

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. Prices are correct at time of publishing.

Red, White and Denim, a Fashion Trio Which Always Works

February 15, 2020 / Fashion / 0 comment

Valentine’s Day may have come and gone (well that depends on where you are in the world!) but my love for red will never wane. I’ve seen some red, white and denim outfits which have caught my eye of late. It’s my favourite trio combination and perfect to wear all year round.

While it’s hard to imagine the weather getting cooler when it’s been so hot in QLD, the temperature will turn and we will be looking at what to wear for Autumn.

I always reach for the dresses which can be layered with a denim jacket or a top which can be worn with jeans.

And this is why I love RED. Red, white and denim are the BFF trio which look good every time, all the time.

I have found some red fashion pieces I LOVE, which can be worn back with denim and a white cami/tee.

1. Neon Cherry Minnie Off The Shoulder Top – Red Polka Dot $139.00

I love how Jenni has styled her newly released red pieces – including this Minnie off the Shoulder Top. What makes this top a winner is the pattern, but also the sleeve and versatility of wearing it on or off the shoulder.

2. Swiish A Love Story to Remember Striped Skirt $69.95 (on sale)

This skirt reminds me of a candy cane. It’s on sale at Swiish. I love the pattern way and how it can be worn casually with sneakers or sandals. Just add a tee and denim jacket.

3. Bohemian Traders Billow Sleeve Top in Paper Daisy $120

I’ve shared this top from Bohemian Traders before. It’s the perfect top with jeans. Plus its on sale right now.

4. Boho Birds Dancing With Birds Dress in Scarlet $189.95

The embroidery on this dress is stunning. It’s the perfect dress for Autumn, teamed with a denim jacket.

5. Billy J Rielly Maxi Skirt $74.95

A floral maxi skirt adds pattern and colour to white and denim. Again, another trans-seasonal outfit you can wear throughout the year.

Are you a fan of wearing red, white and denim together?

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Items are priced correctly at time of publishing.

How to Add Velvet to Your Interiors

February 10, 2020 / Interiors / Comments Off

Velvet was always a winter texture in interiors, however it has now become an all year round trend.

It’s a luxe texture which can elevate a space instantaneously. I’ve got a few velvet pieces in my home and they won’t be swapped for anything else even if the trend disappears.

Interior tends come and go. How long velvet will stay on trend, who knows. But even when trends disappear, they come back round again. You may end up with a much wanted piece by keeping what you have.

I do love the feel of velvet and how it can add texture to a space. I thought I’d share some ways you can introduce velvet to your home. A small accent here and there is an affordable way to bring a bit of velvet into your home. Larger pieces will need more of an investment though.

Pillow Covers

I bought some forest green velvet cushion covers on sale at Adairs a year or so ago. They were in the clearance bin and even though I wasn’t sure how I’d style them, I knew I wanted them.

Changing pillow covers is a super affordable way to update your bedroom. The picture above shows how I recently styled our bed using a new kantha throw and some floral pillow cases from Add to Cart.

Cushions

One of the most popular ways to introduce a trend to the living room is adding a cushion. A round cushion or a large square cushion can be used to layer within your existing cushions.

Photo by Rachel Lewis Photography

Ottoman

There are many uses for an ottoman in the bedroom or your living room. A velvet ottoman adds a luxurious piece to your interiors

Photo by Moss Melbourne

Bedhead

Velvet Bedheads are my favourite bedheads. They’re soft to touch and comfortable to recline on. While it’s a pricier piece to invest in, it may bring that added wow factor to your bedroom. If you’re not keen for colour, opt for a neutral.

Photo by Houzz AU

Occasional Chair

The occasional chair has become a popular piece of furniture in the home. Offering a reading nook or another spot for a guest to sit when the couches are taken, an occasional chair in velvet can add a feature focal point to the room.

Photo by ekin erinch photography

How to Add Velvet to Your Interiors – Pieces to Consider

Othello Quilted Velvet Cushion in Tangerine $110
Kensington Collection Coal Bedhead prices start from $599.99
Milan Velvet Large Ottoman $750
Mustard Velvet Novelty Round Cushion $39.99
Mercer + Reid Olive 1 Seater Chair $699
The Block Shop Pink Velvet Cushion Cover $60.01
Castle and Things Stripe Velvet Lumbar Cushion Cover $49
Charm City Velvet Arm Chair $795
Castle and Things Jumble Garden Velvet Cushion Cover $79

Do you have velvet in the interior of your home?

Disclosure: Prices are current and available at time of publishing. 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.

Summer Layering: Kimono Dusters

February 5, 2020 / Fashion / 0 comment

Whenever I wear my kimono, I get comments on the pattern and how it flows around a tee and shorts outfit. I love the versatility of layering over shorts or jeans. Kimono Dusters are an ideal summer layer for when the air conditioning is on the icy side, or the cusp of Autumn is near.

The long line kimonos worn as dusters are a trans-seasonal piece. A duster is typically an open jacket or cardigan that drapes to the floor. It was a common term used in the 1920’s for long-line open jackets that were worn when travelling in an open car.

Now, the duster has evolved into cardigans, coats, jackets and now the open kimono.

Who knew I was wearing an evolving trend when I first purchased my kimono?

Since that post, I have found other kimonos that can be worn as dusters all year round. From budget to luxe, I’ve found kimono dusters for all price points.

Arnhem Serafina Kimono in Crimson Skies $229
Jump Tropical Kimono $149.95
Spell Maxi Robe in Coral $269
Boom Shankar Dusk Long Kimono $129.95
Spell Buttercup Maxi Robe in Ocean $269
Chasing Case Patterned Green Kimono $69

Team your kimono duster with jeans and a white tee and you’re good to go. For a summer option, wear it over your swimmers or over a singlet and denim shorts. Some kimonos can also be worn as dresses. Maybe wear a slip underneath in case it gapes open.

Do you own a duster jacket? Are kimono dusters a piece of clothing you’d add to your wardrobe?

Disclosure: Items are available at time of publishing. This post has been updated from 2019. 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.

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