Archive of ‘Fashion’ category

How to Wear Layers When it’s Hot Outside

/ Fashion / 8 Comments

The title of the post is such a paradox because layering clothes is best left for winter, yet here I’m sharing how to do it when it’s still hot outside. It can be argued that the only thing that should be layered when it still feels like summer is sunscreen. But I do believe you can effectively layer when it’s hot outside, without layering yourself in sweat. The key is to choose breathable layers as opposed to thick knits.

how to layer when it's hot outside

How to wear layers when it’s hot outside

For me, scarves are best left to be worn towards the end of Autumn, during Winter and the first half of Spring. The only way I’d layer a scarf in summer is by turning it into a cape (or vest) and layering this over swimmers or a singlet top. The moment a scarf is tied around my neck, I am dripping with sweat, so unless you spend most of your time in the air-con, don’t try to layer with a scarf in summer.

scarf kimono

Vests are well worth the investment as they can add modesty to a spaghetti strap singlet. Vests are a trans-seasonal piece because they can be worn tied at the middle with no sleeves or layered over a long sleeve shirt in Winter. The possibilities are endless with vests. Don’t brush them off into the ‘too hot to trot’ pile.

vest for when it's hot

Sleeveless duster jackets will definitely see you through all the seasons and they are a popular style to layer with this Autumn. To get more wear out of your duster, purchase a button down sleeveless dress instead that can be unbuttoned and worn as a duster. It can be teamed loose over a shorts and tee outfit or summer dress. This technique is effective in getting more cost per wear out of an item, and it also gives you versatile wear options.

sleeveless duster jacket

Sheer tops and lace cardigans always require a cami underneath so these are the basics of post-summer layering. When choosing your cami or spaghetti strap singlet, choose a material that can breathe like bamboo or cotton.

perfect layers when it's hot outside

  1. Sassy Mae Longline Tank $59.00
  2. Dotti Annika Fringe Lace Cardi $29.95 (on sale)
  3. Birdsnest Breakthrough Kimono $50 (on sale)
  4. Katies Sleeveless Soft Vest $59.95
  5. ASOS Noisy Mae Petite Check Waistcoat $22 (on sale)
  6. Katies Longline Vest $59.95
  7. New Look Victoriana Lace Tee $34.95

The reason I love to wear layers is because it creates an interesting outfit. Layering when it’s hot outside can be done well, it just needs to be executed effectively with the right pieces and fabrics.

Do you avoid layering when it’s hot outside? What are your favourite trans-seasonal pieces?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

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.

The Sleeveless Duster Jacket – Autumn Winter 2016 Trends

/ Fashion / 12 Comments

At the end of Summer, I usually do a stocktake of my wardrobe and pull out pieces that can be worn as the weather gets cooler. I enjoy dressing for Autumn because I can start to wear some layers in the shape of vests, scarves and light weight jackets.

The heat is still on in Brisbane at the moment, so layers are the last thing I’m wearing at the moment, but come end of March, I’m itching to wear extra layers.

One of the best layers that works in between season is the sleeveless duster jacket. The longline vest made it’s debut last season and it seems it’s a new trend for Autumn Winter 2016.

sleeveless duster jacket

I’m quite taken by the new trend and can’t wait to add this piece to my wardrobe as it can lift a simple tee and jeans outfit – and I’m always looking for pieces that can be added to my simple mummy uniform.

The sleeveless duster jacket is not only trans-seasonal, it is cross-occasional which means it can be worn to work, on an evening out or simply worn during the day for a smart casual look. Most of the dusters that are available in stores are ¾ length, so for shorter women, it may not suit your frame. I’ve included a longer vest from Crossroad in my selection to suit those that want to give the trend a go, but find the duster length to long for their frame.
Black, beige and khaki dusters are the most popular colours and they work well with all neutral outfits.

sleeveless duster jacket AW16

  1. Portmans Khaki In-Vest-Ed Vest $99.95
  2. Staple the Label Forever Vest $139
  3. Crossroads Khaki Sleeveless Vest $44.95
  4. ASOS Curve Blue Sleeveless Duster $35
  5. Wite Sleeveless Trench $71.98
  6. Seed Heritage Tailored Vest $169.95
  7. Monki Sleeveless Duster $70
  8. Empress Eleven Black Dahlia Duster $59.95

To wear your sleeveless duster in winter, layer it over a turtleneck or long sleeve tee. If you want to wear it this summer, wear your duster over a simple blouse and denim cut-off outfit.

What do you think of the sleeveless duster jacket? Something you’d invest in for this winter?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

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

Three Ways to Wear Black Ankle Boots

/ Fashion / 18 Comments

At the end of winter last year, I got a few new pairs of boots and shoes to fit my new size 10 feet. I was in desperate need of shoes that were not only supportive and comfortable, but would suit my extra long feet. I used to be a 9 and now sit between a 10 and an 11 in some brands.

One pair of boots I was missing from my winter shoe collection was a pair of black ankle boots. Out of all the boots to buy during the cooler season, black ankle boots are the most versatile of the lot. And I didn’t own any until Styletread reached out to me and asked if I would like a pair of their new season boots! Um yes please!

Before you think I am a shoe addict. I’m not. I generally wear the same shoes until they fall apart. I stick to neutral colours. If you’re looking for an enviable shoe collection, I’m afraid mine won’t be it. My shoes are practical and often have a small heel – or are flat. I can get away with wearing flat shoes because I’m tall and I have long legs.

My existing boot collection includes a neutral pair of ankle boots, tan knee length boots, black knee length boots and orange ankle boots. I was in desperate need of a pair of black ankle boots that could be worn dressed up or worn for going out.

These Beltrami 802 Black Ankle Boots are made from soft Italian leather and have a block heel which makes them easy to wear for a girl like me who is used to wearing flats.

styletread black ankle boots

Today I’m showing you how I intend to wear my boots when the weather starts to get cooler. It’s almost impossible to think about when the weather has been so hot in Brisbane lately, but for me it was good to go through what I own to make new outfits for winter.

The first outfit is wearing my black ponte leggings with a white shirt. A simple outfit that suits my new ankle boots perfectly. I could see myself going out to dinner in this outfit.

monochrome outfit, black ankle boots

The second outfit is one of my favourite dresses from Summer. I’ve added a black jacket to tie the black boots into the ensemble. I have extremely white legs and will most likely add tights to this outfit to make it more flattering, but I wanted to show how you can wear ankle boots with a summer dress and a matching jacket.

floral dress with black ankle boots

The third outfit will be on high rotation for me as my casual wear at home with the girls or running errands. I’ve teamed my black ankle boots with denim jeggings, a white tee, red cardi and my favourite scarf from Katies.

casual outfit, black ankle boots

As you can see, these black ankle boots are versatile and I’m definitely looking forward to wearing them as the weather starts to cool down.

The boots retail for $249.95 and for Italian leather quality, the price is very much worth the investment. I see these boots being worn for many winter seasons.

Are you a fan of ankle boots? Are you looking forward to the weather cooling down?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

Disclaimer: I was gifted these boots for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and no payment has been accepted. If you do choose to purchase these boots from the link above, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Skirting Around The Issue: Bold and Bright Skirts Summer 2016

/ Fashion / 20 Comments

Last week I went through my wardrobe (again) to re-organise and cull some clothes that I haven’t worn in a couple of years.

The thing is I have a few favourite pieces that I’ve been reluctant to sell or donate simply because I’d like to one day wear them again… if I end up losing the 20 or so kgs needed to get back into said items.

I went through my clothes again and while I still kept half a dozen items ( and yes, I still can’t fit into) I did have a pile of items that I don’t think I will miss if they are donated.

While I was doing this cull, I reacquainted myself with my current clothes to see if there were any new possible outfits I could put together for #everydaystyle.

There is a pressure to wear something different everyday and there comes a point where new clothes are needed to offer some sort of difference to the existing outfits I’ve shared.

While I scanned through my current stockpile of clothes, I rested my eyes on one of my favourite skirts. The skirt was bought from the Cue Factory Outlet at Harbour Town and it has been a wonderful addition to my wardrobe.

bold and bright skirts Veronika Maine

Wearing my Veronika Maine Skirt

The colours in the skirt allow it to be paired with a number of different tops to create different looks. I realized I could make a new outfit with a t-shirt I acquired at my Katies shopping haul last year. I’m now considering what other tops in my wardrobe can be paired with the skirt.

Which then got me thinking how wise it is to have a skirt like this in your wardrobe. A bright and bold coloured skirt that can be worn with a number of different tops. It’s a fashion rule basic to buy items that can be mixed and matched with other basics in your wardrobe.

I’ve found just a few of these skirts available online – in limited sizes because of the sales that are currently on. If you want to wait to find a similar skirt, the best places to try are Gorman, Cue, Veronika Maine, Review and Boom Shankar.

bold and bright summer skirts 2016

  1. Portmans Flirty Flip Into Skirt $79.95
  2. Gorman Walala Pop Skirt $159.20
  3. Cooper St Blurred Lines Skirt $69.99
  4. Gorman Birds and Bees Skirt $183.20
  5. ASOS Abstract Stripe Midi Skirt $85.00
  6. Dotti Races Floral Skirt $69.95
  7. Review Palm Springs Skirt $99.00
  8. ASOS Lavender Floral Print Skirt $17.50

By choosing some coloured tops that pick up a colour in the skirt, you can potentially create a weeks worth of outfits – from the one skirt.

bold and bright skirts

Image sourced from here and here.

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns with your bold print skirt either. The key to making this look work is by ensuring 1 colour is constant in the skirt and top. Or you can mix similar tones from the one colour.

Are you a fan of a bold and bright skirt? Have you culled your wardrobe recently and reacquainted yourself with new pieces that can be given new life?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

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.

Back-to-School Fashion Ideas for Mums

/ Fashion / 16 Comments

Next week I will have my first baby starting Prep and I’m excited. While I’ve sorted out uniforms, new shoes, new bag, new lunchbox and etc, I’ve also been thinking about what I will be wearing each day to make our new morning routine smoother. There will be no time to faff about, but I also don’t want to drop my daughter off to school looking like I got out of bed either.

I’ve put together some back-to-school fashion ideas for mums who will be in the same boat as me. I’ve specifically chosen dresses for most of the outfits because they are easy to wear and require little time to put on. I’ve created fashion ideas for the Workout Mum, Corporate Mum, Stay-at-home Mum (me), Just-go-out-of-bed mum and the Pregnant Mum.

Workout Mum

The Iconic has just launched their new sports wear range online and the pieces are fabulous. I don’t really have time to work out, but if I did, this is what I’d see myself wearing.

work out sporty mum fashion ideas

From left to right, clockwise: Target Active Cold Shoulder Top $20, Atmos & Here Sky Hooded Vest (sale) $31.47, ASOS Animal Tee Jogger set $55, Nike Juvenate Jogger $129.95, Atmos & Here Nora Tights $49.95, Target Active 3/4 Abstract Leggings $29

Corporate Mum

A dress is the easiest, most chic way to rock up to work, and when you have to add makeup and put a bit more effort into being presentable because you have to go to work, a dress is the perfect choice.

corporate mum fashion ideas back-to-school

From left to right: Belle Bird Shirt Dress 129.95, Portmans Harriet Houndstooth Dress $99.95, ASOS Fashion Union Dress $53

Stay-at-home Mum

This is me and I will be wearing a number of my t-shirt dresses with my Frankie 4 shoes, while pushing a pram full of kids and possibly carrying one heave backpack.

stay-at-home mum fashion ideas

From left to right: Bohemian Traders Classic Scoop Neck Pinstripe Dress $79 (on sale), ASOS T-shirt Drape Dress $47, Bird Keepers Swing Stripe Dress $69.95

Just-got-out-of-bed Mum

Good news for mums that have a habit of sleeping in, forget about getting dressed and rock up in your pyjamas instead. If you wore any of these, no one would know you had just slept in them.

just-got-out-of bed mum

From left to right: Peter Alexander Boho Roses Nightie $79.95, Peter Alexander Cactus Tee $49.95, Peter Alexander Cactus Pyjama Pant $59.95

Pregnant Mum

Mums that are expecting need to stress the least as they rush getting their kids to school. A dress that can be used for breastfeeding means your maternity wear will do double duty.

maternity mum back-to-school fashion

From left to right: ASOS Nursing Stripe Dress $51, Target Maternity Bodycon Tee Dress $29, ASOS Black Tulip Maternity Nursing Dress $32 (on sale)

What kind of mum will you be dressing as at the school gate? Do mums really judge each other on what they wear at school drop off?

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.

 

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