Archive of ‘Fashion’ category

Updating my Spring 2015 Wardrobe with Katies & Nikki from Styling You

/ Fashion / 32 Comments

On Wednesday 9th September, mum and I headed into Katies to check out the latest offerings for Spring 2015. When I read one of my favourite fashion blogs Styling You, and found out Nikki was part of the fashion campaign this season and was holding a styling session at my local Katies store, I quickly rang mum to organize a night out. It worked out that Jacob had the day off so he could look after the girls and do the dinner and bath routine so I could go.

I had done a wardrobe edit the week before and found I needed more basics and a few dresses. A lot of my tops were specifically for breastfeeding (which I no longer needed) and some of my older dresses didn’t fit me as well as I had liked after having Phoebe. I put a lot of these clothes on eBay and the money I made from these sales, pretty much paid for my new purchases on the night at Katies.

When I walked into the store, I loved a lot of the pieces. Katies definitely has a great range of basics and seasonal show pony pieces that are affordable and fit a womanly shape oh so well.

Nikki's Favourite Piece

Nikki’s Favourite Piece

 

Another Nikki's Favourite Piece

Another Nikki’s Favourite Piece

I spent a lot of time taking clothes off the shelves and into the change room. There was 30% off everything so I took my time working out what I needed and a few items that I wanted.

In between trying clothes on, Nikki shared some style tips. One of the tips she always reiterates both on her blog and in her book is the need for basics. If you don’t have a foundation of basics, you can’t wear your show pony pieces. Nikki shared what the biggest trends were this season which included the 70’s prints, monochrome, white lace/crochet/cut out details and stripes.

Nikki Styling You Katies

Nikki giving style tips at Katies Garden City

 

My mum taking in Nikki style advice - both love their stripes!

My mum taking in Nikki style advice – both love their stripes!

It was a great event and well worth the effort to come out during a busy week night. I walked away with a basic wardrobe that I will mix and match with existing pieces that I already own.

Styled by Bec & Nikki from Styling You

Nikki and I – using the Olympus Selfie Camera

These are the pieces I added to my wardrobe. Some pieces were ‘Nikki’s Favourite’ as stated using signs that were hung around the store as seen in the above images.

Katies 2015 SpringFrom top left going clockwise:

Cold Shoulder Tie Sleeve Dress $59.95

Cotton Roll Cuff Tee in Black $19.95

Cotton Roll Cuff Tee $19.95

Khaki Tie Waist Pant $59.95

White Cropped Super Shaper Pant $49.95

Off the Shoulder Maxi Dress $69.95

Linen Blend Waterfall Jacket $69.95

Stripe Tassell Scarf $24.95

When was the last time you went to Katies? Have you done a wardrobe edit for Spring? Made some new fashion purchases lately?

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

I’m linking with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

 

Spring 2015 Trend: The T-shirt Dress

/ 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!)

 

And styled with three of my kaftans/kimonos.

Black t-shirt dress styled

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

 

black t-shirt dress styled in oranges

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

 

Black and white styled t-shirt dress

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.

T-shirt Dress Spring 2015

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

/ 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.

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

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

/ 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.

Bec at Migas Awards1

Bec Front on

 

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.

Monocrhome Dresses for Spring 2015 Styled by Bec1. 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.

The Anorak – Must have jacket for mums on the go

/ Fashion / 18 Comments

I’d never been a fan of the parka jacket. It was the type of jacket my grandparents wore if they headed to London. A wool coat, trench or blazer were the jackets for me, but once I became a mum that went to parks and out and about with my young kids, I realized I needed to invest in a jacket I could wear day in and out while I chaperoned my cherubs. Hello the Anorak.

The Anorak has been trending through Autumn for the last couple of years. Khaki has been the trending colour of choice, however this season has seen the anorak introduced in neutral colours of greys, blues and black.

My Anorak from Dotti has proven to be a great investment for my wardrobe. Especially with the recent cool temperatures and wind. I usually team my anorak over a long sleeve tee and add interest with a scarf. It can also be worn over a light knit for extra warm.

Styled by Bec in Anorak

Here are some current styles available online, although I’d be quick as a lot of size have sold out already.

Do you own an anorak? What’s your favourite jacket to wear during winter?

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.

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