Archive of ‘Fashion’ category

Style it Project – Zebra Print

I was excited about this month’s Style It Project. I had a number of different outfits in my head of how I could style the Peter Morrissey Zebra print cami.

So imagine my disappointment when I took the cami to the change rooms and the size 16 was big around my huge milk-manufacturing boobs, but wouldn’t go over my post pregnancy hips and belly. I looked in the mirror and thought about how I could make the cami work. And then I shook my head and thought about my training as a stylist. My advice to clients is about buying clothes that work for your body, not against it. I wasn’t going to waste my money on something that didn’t fit right or look good on me.

I headed back to the Zebra print section and not to be dissuaded, I decided to change the Style it rules and bought the shirt instead.

This Zebra print shirt works for me really well right now as I’m breastfeeding. I’ve worn the shirt open as a jacket and buttoned up over a dress. I’m wearing the size 16.

In truth, I’ve never had a great relationship with cami’s because I do have big upper arms so I rarely wear them by themselves and always need to wear them with a cardigan or jacket which means I don’t get a lot of cost per wear.  Shoe string straps don’t suit me because I have broad, rounded shoulders. Shirts, t-shirts and singlets work much better for my body shape.

Here are the two ways I’ve styled the shirt.

The first outfit, I wore on the second day of the Problogger Conference. I wore the shirt open over a nursing singlet and khaki peg leg pants. It’s a safari style inspired look and one that is comfortable and easy to wear.

Zebra Print Shirt with Pants

The second outfit I wore the shirt done up over a ¾ sleeve black jersey dress. I added an orange belt for some colour and interest. I don’t think my shoe choice was a good one in this picture because the revealed skin between my leggings and shoes makes me look shorter and a bit more stumpier. I don’t like the proportions. But I prefer to wear flats when I’m carrying a baby, so in the name of common sense and comfort, I wore what I needed as opposed to what would have looked better. If my dress was a bit higher near my knees, the ballet flats would have worked. What do you think?

Zebra Print shirt with dress

 

Have you taken part in the Style It Challenge? Do you like to wear cami’s? I’m linking up with Kimba Likes for Wardrobe Wednesday.

 

A Spring Outfit for under $100

Last week Ms Mystery Case made the challenge of creating an outfit under $100. I love a challenge and being a stylist, it’s important to work within one’s budget when shopping for outfits.

I came across this Chambray dress from Mix apparel because it was shared on my Facebook feed… maybe from Sonia Styling? I loved it and took note of it because of the buttons down the front which means it’s a great breastfeeding dress.

I’ve styled it two ways with the same accessories but with different colours and patterns. All items can be purchased from department stores and come well under the $100 challenge.

The first look is a clash of prints and incorporates the monochrome trend which is still a big deal this season. If you’re hesitant about wearing clashing prints, this outfit would be ideal for you because the clash is separated from the colour of the dress.

Spring Outfit for under $100 Number 1

Spring Outfit 1

1. Mix Apparel Belted Chambray Dress $29

2. Target Blue Check Scarf $20

3. Target Mandy Canvas Slip on Shoes $15

Total Outfit cost $64

The next outfit is my favourite because I love wearing red. And I can’t get enough of Polka dots. Blue & Red are a colour match made in Heaven. You can never go wrong when you were those two colours together.

Spring Outfit under $100 Number 2

Spring Outfit Number 2

1. Mix Apparel Belted Chambray Dress $29

2. Big W Lucy Polka Dot Scarf $19

3. Target Neat Lace Up Canvas Shoes $15

Total Outfit cost $63

Tell me, which outfit is your favourite? Do you like wearing Chambray? I’m linking up with Ms Mystery Case and Essentially Jess for IBOT.

Mystery Case

You don’t have to be superwoman to wear a cape

With the arrival of Spring comes the arrival of capes and kimonos. I’m more of a cape wearer than a kimono as I find the boxed sleeves of a kimono make me look bigger than what I am. I find capes are a bit more tailored and the arms drape more than flare out.

My favourite pop up store has arrived at my local shopping Centre. I can’t get enough of their handmade and retro children’s wares. They also have a section of clothes dedicated to mums and mums to be. The cape is one of those clothing items that can be worn during and post pregnancy. I love capes because they can add interest to a normal boring t-shirt and jeans outfit.

Styled by Bec Capethe one

I found this gorgeous cape at the pop up store and I know that I’m going to get a lot of wear out of it this Summer. I love the colours in this cape and I love that I can accessorise it using the different colours featured in the fabric.

I’ve put together a collection of cape offerings that are available online. You don’t have to be superwoman to wear a cape.

Capes 2015 the one

1. The Iconic Zalora Kimono $39.95*

2. Freeze Pink Diamond Print Cape $39*

3. Freeze Boho Lace Kimono Cape $49*

4. Blue Bungalow Tropical Hibiscus Kimono $59

5. Erin Louise Riptide Cape $30

6. Freeze Pink Diamond Cape $49*

(All items with * are affiliate links.)

Tell me do you like to wear a cape? Or are Kimono’s your thing? I’m linking up with Kimba Likes for Wardrobe Wednesday.

A breastfeeding friendly jumpsuit

As I was preparing my outfits for the Problogger Conference last week, I found that a lot of my pants didn’t quite meet at the middle because my hips are still wide and my belly is still a little round. This left me with a conundrum because I didn’t have anything to wear for two night time events that required something better than maternity jeans.

One afternoon I was looking through my Instagram feed and I saw this Miller’s Jumpsuit and it jumped at me because it looked stretchy and crossed over at the breastline.  I found a breastfeeding friendly jumpsuit and it was only $50! I went to Millers and bought the XL. It’s a clingy jersey material and I prefer to have more drape than stuffin muffin.

I decided to wear the same jumpsuit to both functions but change up the accessories. Here is the said jumpsuit.

millers-00093489_black_-2_314_438

On the Thursday night, I was invited to attend the Annie Sloan Unfolded Colourful Cocktail party. I will write more about this product on The Plumbette. To dress the jumpsuit up I borrowed a glitter bolero from my mum and a silver flower necklace. I changed the black belt with one of my own and I wore Easy Steps black wedges. I may have been a bit overdressed but I prefer to be overdressed than underdressed when going to a cocktail party.

Wearing the jumpsuit with a glitter bolero and glitzy necklace borrowed from my mum.

Wearing the jumpsuit with a glitter bolero and glitzy necklace borrowed from my mum.

 

A close up picture of my top half.

A close up picture of my top half.

The Friday night function was a networking party with over 500 bloggers at the Helm Bar. The theme of the night was ‘Ahoy’. I’m not really into costume dressing, but I don’t mind finding accessories to fit in with the theme.

I bought this Caroline Morgan Striped bolero jacket a few years ago. It had the nautical theme I was after. I added some colour to the outfit by wearing an orange belt bought from Target last season and orange peep toe heels bought from Betts two seasons ago. I made my necklace by purchasing an anchor key ring and attaching the anchor charms to a gold necklace.

Wearing a nautical black and white striped bolero jacket with orange accessories and heels.

Wearing a nautical black and white striped bolero jacket with orange accessories and heels.

 

A close up of my top half.

A close up of my top half.

 

I know I’m going to get a lot of wear out of the jumpsuit. Millers also has a black and white patterned jumpsuit if you prefer to wear a pattern. I may purchase one in a smaller size as my weight and shape change.

What do you think about jumpsuits? Will you give them a go this season?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

How to pack for a conference when travelling with a baby

I’ve seen a lot of blog posts detailing how and what to pack for a conference. The influx of posts on the web has been due to the lead up of a lot of us bloggers going to the Problogger Conference on the Gold Coast this week. I’m bringing along my most prized accessory – Phoebe. I decided to add a new dimension to the posts already being shared on the blogosphere: How to pack for a conference when travelling with a baby.

If you breastfeed, like I do, all outfits need to have good access for feeding. If you don’t breastfeed, you still need to consider what you put on your top half because most babies drool, spew and wipe their boogas on you as they rub their face into your chest or shoulder.

Dresses that cross over at the breast, made out of a jersey material are a great outfit choice. You won’t have to worry about ironing and if they are patterned, no one will notice if you have smears on your shoulder as the print should camouflage them.

Button up shirts with a breastfeeding singlet underneath also work well too. Partner these with a bold print pant and a feature necklace or scarf and you will be feeling confident as you meet new people for the first time.

Pants with an elasticized waist will help you feel comfortable with your post baby belly. There is a lot of sitting at conferences, so you don’t want anything tight around your waist.

Consider packing a few extra tops to change into if a major spew occurs. Wipes are great at cleaning small spills, but not great at mopping up number threes which can take you by surprise at any time.

For night time attire when something a bit more special needs to be worn, dresses with zips or wrap dresses can work well for this too.

When it comes to shoes, flats are best. Carrying a baby around means you need good, supportive footwear. For stylish options try boots, ballet flats, brogues or loafers.

I’ve put together a gallery of items that can work well for a trip away with baby. If you are going to a conference that requires business attire, add a blazer to lift the style up to business standard.

gallery

1. Sussan Mini Motif Loop Scarf $39.95

2. Sussan Linen Utility Shirt $79.95

3. Katies Geometric Soft Pant $49.95

4. Witchery Zip Front Blouse $99.95

5. Leona Edmiston Stacy Dress $395.00

6. Styletread Boston Belle Ria Black Ballet Flats $74.95

7. Sussan Spliced Waterfall Jacket $99.95

8. Leona Edmiston Toni Dress $276.00

9. Styletread Gamins Amazings Neutrals Boots $74.97

I have just sorted out my outfits and added some extra tops and dresses for ‘just in case’. Here is a list of what I will be packing for a two night get away which should help give you an idea of what to pack.

Day 1 Arrival

1 pair of maternity jeans + 1 maternity singlet/tee + 1 kimono/cape + 1 necklace + 1 pair of ballet flat shoes

1 Jumpsuit and or Cross over Jersey dress for night time networking + 1 necklace + 1 jacket + 1 pair of wedges

 Day 2 – First Day of Conference

1 Pair of printed pants + 1 button up blouse + 1 maternity singlet + 1 necklace + 1 pair of ballet flat shoes

1 Jumpsuit/and or cross over dress with different accessories and jacket + 1 pair of wedges

Day 3 – Second Day of Conference

1 Pair of elasticized pants + 1 maternity singlet + 1 printed button down shirt + loafers

Go home in this outfit.

With the Jumpsuit, I have an alternate cross over dress in the same colour should I need a replacement outfit. I’ve also added two extra nursing tops just in case of baby accidents too.

You can follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see what I wear and I will blog about my outfit choices next week.

How do you go about packing for a Conference? How many shoes do you usually take when you go away?

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