Archive of ‘Fashion’ category

Investing in Statement Rings you can Wear Everyday

You know how I love a statement earring. I wear tassel, pom pom or Neon Cherry earrings at least once a week. But most recently, statement rings have caught my eye.

Apart from my wedding rings, I don’t own many other rings other than my Bohemian Samantha Wills ring and one or two rings I have received in a bath bomb or as a present.

My fascination with the statement ring has been recent.

In the last year, I have overcome my habit of chewing my nails.

When I got my job last year, I went straight to the nail salon to get gel acrylic nails placed on my ‘nibs’.

At the beginning of this year, I had let my nails grow out so much, we were able to apply a gel colour on my own nails. Every few weeks, I get my nails done and I love it.

I can’t tell you how nice it is to look at my hands and see freshly manicured nails! I keep them quite short so I can type. I now chew gum when I’m thinking or feel stressed. I realised the nail chewing was related to concentration and when I’d feel overwhelmed. It goes to show you can break a habit, but sometimes you need a bit of intervention to get you through.

Since I’ve got lovely nails to show off, I’ve been keen to invest in some statement rings.

But I haven’t wanted them to be just ‘any rings’. And interestingly enough, both of the rings I’ve bought this year have a story behind them.

The first ring, has 19 diamonds in the setting. It was a purchase to remember my grandparents and great grandpa.

statement rings diamond

Last year I inherited a gold sovereign coin which I wasn’t sure what to do with. In fact, I was so unsure I put it away for safekeeping… and couldn’t remember where I put it!

The coin had been given to me in an envelope and I awoke in a panic in the middle of the night as I could not remember where I had placed the envelope. I had this terrible feeling I might have thrown it in the bin. That dreaded feeling of losing something valuable was awful! I felt so guilty.

Thankfully, I unexpectedly found it filed away with our passports. After the scare, I knew I needed to either put it in a safe place I could remember or sell it and purchase something I was sure not to lose.

So this was the ring I purchased and I’ve been wearing it since February. I love it and it’s a ring I hope one of my girls will enjoy inheriting one day.

gold statement ring

The second ring that I wear on my index finger is one I recently acquired last week.

Uberkate cocktail rings have been on my radar for a long time. I particularly like how the cocktail rings can stack.

So when there was a Mother’s Day sale and I had a great week at work where my results were the best I’ve had since I started my job, I was like, ‘I need to celebrate this win’, so I bought myself the Everyday Gemstone Rose Quartz Duet Ring.

uberkate statement ring

I’ve been wearing this ring everyday since it was delivered last week. I love how it doesn’t fight for attention with my other ring.

mix of statement rings

To me, each ring has a story and they are a visual reminder of my family heritage and what can be achieved with hard work.

Statement rings shouldn’t just be worn on special occasions. I think they should be worn everyday. The purchase price is irrelevant. It can become a sentimental piece when worn consistently around those we love.

My grandma allowed me to keep a silver necklace I loved seeing her wear to church. I thought it must have been an expensive necklace. But it wasn’t. It was a freebie from AVON. Nevertheless, the value of the necklace didn’t change in my mind. The memory of her wearing it made the necklace irreplaceable to me.

If you’ve never dived into buying a statement ring, I’ve found some gorgeous pieces from budget to luxe. The luxe statement rings are ideal for Birthdays and special events. Or you could just buy your own ring because you deserve it.

statement rings budget to luxe

1. Neon Cherry Marble Adjustable Ring $24.95

2. Adorne Stone Tear Drop Ring $29.95

3. Shiels 9ct White Gold Diamond Ring Set with 33 Brilliant Diamonds $249

4. Uberkate Everyday Gemstone Mint Champagne Duet $225

5. Sterling Silver Hammered Statement Ring $105

6. Blush and Co Double Pearl Silver Ring $35

7. Uberkate Limited Edition Ruby Red Corundum Ring $295

8. Handmade Turquise Howlite Ring $29

9. Ruby Olive Black Ombre Ring $15 (on sale)

(Darling Jacob, if you’re reading this post, Number 7 would be a nice surprise for my Birthday. 😉 )

Do you own a statement ring? Which statement rings take your fancy in this selection?

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 Shop Like a Personal Stylist – A Plain Coloured Top and Scarf Combo

A plain coloured top and scarf is an outfit combination that suits autumn and winter.

I like to team my plain top and scarf with jeans for weekends, and dressed up for work with a skirt and blazer.

This style of outfit is my combo of choice when dressing for winter. I add layers if the weather permits and delayer as the day gets warmer.

I have acquired a few plain coloured tops to work with my scarf collection. I like to pick my top colours from the pattern of the scarf.

I recently bought this ¾ sleeve knit top from Sussan during their sale. I knew I had the scarves to match with the burnt orange colour.

plain coloured top and scarf

Black, white and grey tops will always be the perfect base for your scarf to stand out. But I do appreciate a colourted top that is picked up from the patterned scarf. Wearing colour during winter should be embraced more, I say.

The coloured tops of the season vary from your dark cool tones of mulberry, teal and charcoal to your warmer colours including terracotta, copper, mustard and berry.

I’m loving all the tops in this collection. From long sleeved tees to light weight knits. You only need two or three of these in your wardrobe to rotate around over winter.

plain tops to wear with a scarf

1. Bird Keepers Panel Hem Top in Khaki $69.95

2. Gorman Merino Top in Plum $99.95

3. Fate + Becker Burnt Orange York Linen Blend Top $79.95

4. Adrift Nigella Tee in Navy $89.99

5. Bird Keepers Bell Sleeve Top in Grey $69.95

6. Gorman Merino Top in Green $99.95

7. Boho Bird Bamboo Rouched Sleeve in Copper $69.95

8. Gorman Merino Top in Charcoal $99.95

9. Country Road Cotton Slub T-shirt $49.95

I’m not going to tell you how many scarves you should have as I have quite a few and will often buy one when it ‘sings’ to me. These scarves sung out to me, so I’ve put them in a collage for you to peruse if you need to add a new scarf to your collection.

Always consider what tops you already own that will work with your anticipated purchase.

scarves for plain coloured tops1. Gorman Hey Hey Hey Scarf $129

2. Adrift Block Scarf in Multi Print $39.99

3. Sussan Multipattern Knit Scarf $49.95

4. Spell Amethyst Travel Scarf in Blush $129

5. Sussan Large Paisley Scarf $29.95

6. Bohemian Traders Wrap in Sundance $29.95

7. Adrift Animal Scarf in Tan $29.95

8. Spell Jungle Travel Scarf in Khaki $129

9. Witchery Aquatica Print Scarf $59.95

And of course, here are some ways to wear your scarf more than once.

plain top and scarf

Are you a fan of the plain coloured top and scarf combo? Which tops and scarves sung out to you in this collection?

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. 

Women’s Leather Biker Jackets – Winter Layering With an Edge

One of my favourite leather jackets to wear with my winter dresses is the biker jacket. I love my leather biker jacket as it isn’t billowy and it’s easy to layer with a scarf. Leather biker jackets are a classic and they can come in a range of colours. Black is predominantly the favoured colour of choice.

A leather jacket is a classic to own. It will last you through many winters. I have a red leather jacket from Siricco which I bought 13 years ago in Melbourne and it looks as new as the day I bought it. It was well worth the investment all those years ago.

black leather biker jacket

I acquired my biker jacket from my mum. She bought it overseas and she didn’t like the fit, so she gave it to me. It’s been a jacket I’ve reached for to layer over my miracle dresses. I can’t wait to layer it over a few of my summer dresses too.

black leather biker jacket

I’ve always upped the size in my leather jackets mainly because I have found they are a tight fit across the shoulders. Make a note of the measurements of each of these jackets to compare for size. You may need to get the next size up for a better fit.

If the biker style doesn’t suit your fancy, the lace zip up style from Alannah Hill offers the cut of a biker leather jacket, but without the hardware and pocket zips.

Here are some of my favourite Women’s Biker Leather Jackets found online.

Gorman Disco Inferno Leather Jacket $549

gorman biker leather jacket

Boden Morleigh Biker Leather Jacket $269

boden biker leather jacket

Siricco Women’s Brown Leather Biker Jacket $180

dark tan leather biker jacket

Siricco Women’s Zip Leather Biker Jacket in Red $180

red leather biker jacket

Decjuba Liv Collarless Leather Biker Jacket $399.95

decjuba biker leather jacket

Alannah Hill As You Wish Leather Jacket in Tan $499

biker jacket alannah hill

Alannah Hill As You Wish Leather Jacket in Black $499

alannah hill biker jacket

 

 

If leather is out of your budget, PU leather will give the same look however it can flake over time and from my experience, is attractive to moths. The investment with leather is one you won’t regret.

Now tell me, are you a fan of leather biker jackets? Do you already own one? Which is your favourite style above?

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.

When Leopard Print, Sequins and Stripes Collide Into One Jumper

Writing a fashion blog means I come across a lot of clothes I’d love to add to cart.

In fact reading fashion blogs can also tempt me!

Generally, I’m very good at waiting for a sale or ensuring I buy when I have funds to spare.

I’ve learned there will always be ‘another’. And by another, I mean something else that will take my fancy.

Well, when I came across this Leopard Print, Sequins and Stripes knit or rather the AMIRA Black Leopard Sequin Stripe Jumper as it’s called on Out With Audrey…

It was an ‘ooh I really like that’ at first sight moment. I saw it was for pre-order and thought on it.

And then I added to cart and waited for the knit to arrive.

It finally arrived last week and I do love it.

Leopard Print, Sequined, Striped Jumper

Now I need to wait for winter to arrive so I can wear it.

It’s different. I’ve never seen a sequined jumper I’ve never liked.

My only negative about this style of jumper is the pattern placement where each section is sown. It would have been better if the pattern was equal.

Black Leopard Sequin Stripe Jumper

But the busyness of everything going on in this knit, takes away the critical eye.

No need to embrace accessories as the jumper is the accessory. Maybe some stud earrings and a ring could add to the look. I will definitely be wearing it with blue or black jeans.

I’m not one to say embrace all the trends in one outfit… but you can with this jumper.

The jumper is available to purchase from here.

What have you recently added to cart that has caught your eye? Are you a fan of Leopard Print, Sequins and Stripes?

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Trending Knits for Winter 2019

Trending Knits for Winter 2019

Why Buying Local is Best

A few weeks ago, when I was researching Boho Maxi Dresses, I came across an overseas site that had a range of dresses available at incredibly cheap prices.

Now we’ve all seen the risks of buying from such sites. Where ladies have bought a dress and it’s 2 sizes too small or it looks nothing like the dress in the picture.

Buying local is best. I’ve always endorsed this way of shopping on my blog.

But sometimes the dollar signs overshadow our sense and we commit to the buy because we like what we see and it’s not a huge dent to the wallet.

Well, this dress I came across was gorgeous.

chic boho dress

I had visions of wearing it with my boots and layered with a faux fur vest giving the dress a real 70’s vibe.

Boho Maxi Dress buying local is best

I used my Paypal account to buy the dress which cost me $50, including shipping.

And then I waited. Silly me read the reviews AFTER I made my purchase and the reviews were dire!

There were warnings not to buy from this company as the products looked nothing like what was advertised. Too small, not right, or no product arrived at all and money was lost.

I didn’t panic because whatever way it went, I’d be writing about my experience. And I used Paypal which provides buyer protection.

Thankfully, I received my dress a week ago.

I opened the satchel and was surprised by the colour… then I unfolded the dress and laughed.

There were similarities but it wasn’t the dress I expected to get. It was shorter, there was no shirred hem and front split (thank goodness as who knows where the split may have ended!). The dress was more blue than green and the bust was super open and super tight.

buying local is best

Thankfully it fits me, but I must wear a cami underneath or my bra and boobs will be on show for all to see.

I’ve layered it with a black cami, black tights and boots.

While it’s not what I expected, I can work with it. I emailed the company to say I was disappointed with the dress and wanted a refund. But there has been no response and I’m not interested in the rigmarole of posting something back to China. I have lodged a complaint through Paypal though.

So the lesson from this is buying local is best.

It’s just easier to deal with a return when the shop is located within Australia. Even if it doesn’t fit right, the return postage is cheaper and a credit note is still money you can use towards a new purchase. (even though it’s frustrating when stores refuse to refund your money).

I have had my fair share of online fashion woes with Australian stores, but at least I’ve been able to return it and get credit to choose something different. And for those pieces I couldn’t get a refund on, I sold them on Facebook Marketplace as the brand was known and I got my money back.

Have you ever bought something from overseas and it was nothing like what you thought? Do you agree buying local is best?

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