Archive of ‘Fashion’ category

Summer Layering: Kimono Dusters

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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.

bec with kimono and earringsThe 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.

Kimono Dusters worn all year round

  1. Arnhem Serafina Kimono in Crimson Skies $229
  2. Jump Tropical Kimono $149.95
  3. Spell Maxi Robe in Coral $269
  4.  Boom Shankar Dusk Long Kimono $129.95
  5.  Spell Buttercup Maxi Robe in Ocean $269
  6.  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. 

I Got Maseur Sandals For Christmas… And I’m Loving Them!

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I got Maseur Sandals for Christmas from my husband and after wearing them around the house and even in public to do the odd top-up grocery shop, I’m loving them.

Maseur Sandals

I have started to experience heel pain in the last 6 months and I’ve noticed it flare when I wear high heels, or shoes with little support.

It’s my goal this year to slowly replace all my favourite shoes with Frankie4’s. I used to wear Airflex all the time… but the cushioning is not helping my foot.

While scrolling Facebook last year, I came across an article saying something like ‘grandma shoes are back on trend’.

Intrigued, I of course clicked on the link and found Maseur Sandals were being worn by fashion influencers on Instagram. Mamamia didn’t know what to make of it.

I thought the sandals would be a good investment to wear around the house, in the hope the spikey footbed would relieve my heel pain.

Jacob got me a pair for Christmas and it was the best present because I had forgotten I’d wanted a pair. The poor guy had to ring around a few chemists to score the last size 10 pair in Brisbane! They are apparently quite popular now.

maseur tan sandals

It took me a week to break them in. But now, they are my go to sandal to wear around the house and to wear when I need to go out and do minor errands.

Where to get Maseur Sandals

You can purchase your own pair of Maseur Sandals online. I’ve found them true to size. Alternatively, your local chemist may have them instore to try on. Terry White Chemist was where Jacob bought mine.

About Maseur Sandals

Maseur Sandals are said to give your feet a massage while you wear them. I got this excerpt direct from their website:

Maseur Sandals informationI remember my grandma wearing a pair of these around her house, and she suffered from heel spurs.

You can get them in black or tan. I did originally want black. but have found the tan are more versatile.

I will use these for day trips to the beach. Love that they are easy to slide on too.

Do you own a pair of Maseur Sandals? Remember your mum or grandma wearing them when you were younger?

 

 

If You Love Gorman, You will Love These Alternative Clothing Designs

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If you love Gorman you will love these alternative clothing designs that offer a bright print and could almost be mistaken to be Gorman design. My love for Gorman won’t wane, but I do like to have variety in my wardrobe.

I’ve found most of these brands are Australian owned and some are also made in Australia too. This will be reflected in the price as they aren’t mass produced like fast fashion is.

As you know I own a few Gorman pieces. I love their colourful designs and their dresses can hide a mummy tummy.

But there are times when particular Gorman collaborations don’t entice me. Here are some brands you can check out that offer bright and colourful designs. The prices will vary for all budgets.

 Variety Hour

A friend told me about this brand and their stunning designs. They are similar pricing to Gorman. Created by textile designer Cassie Byrnes, Variety Hour is based in Melbourne and only small batches of pieces are released, ensuring you wear a piece of art that won’t be seen commonly on the street.

Jericho Road Clothing

As seen on Nikki from Styling You and modelled by Brooke from What Brooke Wore, Jericho Road offers a delightful range of clothes to suit those who love to embrace colour and quirky patterns. While the clothes are made in China, the pieces are made using high quality fabrics and natural fibres, which are perfect for an Australian climate.

 

Strebor Clothing

This brand launched in November 2019 and offers a array of dresses and tops designed and made in Australia. Their sizing ranges from size 8 to 20. Strebor Clothing was created by and founded by Fiona Roberts in response to the demand for ethically made, limited release, original, quirky and colourful fashion. The dresses are practical with pockets and have a 4cm extendable hem. Right not they have 20% of their range.

Doops Designs

This dress was LOVE at first sight.  I just love the print, the colours and the style. The designs are hand drawn and then screen printed by the designer, Jane Newham. I love the prints and so do a lot of others, as they seem to sell out quite quickly.

KarlaCola

KarlaCola makes gorgeous, handmade dresses and tees from organic cotton and jersey. This brand was originally on etsy and now they have their own site. Many of the prints remind me of Gorman. This store is definitely one to add to your favourites.

Little Party Dress

Little Party Dress offers affordable dresses in a variety of prints. I’ve owned a few Little Party Dresses and they’ve washed and kept well. They offer super fast delivery and their designs have a relaxed fit, which I love.

Obus

I came across Obus from those within the Gorman loving community. This brand is designed and made in Melbourne. The pricing point is reflective of this. I’ve never purchased from here, but it’s definitely a store on my radar to keep in mind for my intentional 2020 purchases.

 

Do you love Gorman too? Are you a fan of bright and colourful patterns when it comes to clothes? Know of some other brands I might love too? Please do share them in the comments.

 

Stylish Raincoats To Layer When You’re On The Go

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If you’re looking for stylish raincoats to layer over your outfit while you’re on the go, I’ve found some for your consideration to suit all budgets.

Living in Brisbane, depending on the season, the rain events can be few and far between. But we can experience heavy downpours when there’s a cyclone or low off the coast giving us a dowsing which can cause devastating floods.

I have been caught out during the school run when I’ve been drenched due to a random sun shower or the early onset of a storm. It was these experiences that prompted me to get a raincoat and have it in my wardrobe, ready to grab when needed.

I prefer a raincoat than an umbrella because I often need my arms and hands to carry bags and laptops.

I also like having my hands free.

This past weekend we had heavy downpours, which have been much needed… although too much in one event can cause flooding.

Whenever it rains, I reach for my trusty Lands End raincoat, which will last me for years.

stylish raincoats for on the go

It’s one of those coats you buy once and don’t have to buy again. I like to have a hood on my raincoat. It adds extra protection and a preventative measure to prevent my hair frizzing up!

Stylish rain coat leopard print

It can be hard to find stylish raincoats, but there are brands like Gorman, Boden, Paqme, Rainbird and even Birdsnest that offer a variety of colours and styles.

Here are some I’ve found online in a range of price points. Some are on sale.

Stylish Raincoats

 

stylish raincoats to layer when on the go

  1. Paqme Women’s 3/4 Raincoat Jacket in Stripe $159.95
  2. Gorman Dot Dot Dash Raincoat $99
  3. Rainbird Luna Women’s Jacket in Wild Berry $90.99 (on sale)
  4. Gorman 27 Years Cropped Raincoat $49.50 (on sale)
  5. Gorman Zebra Cropped Raincoat $59 (on sale)
  6. Rainbird Collaboration Luna Women’s Rain Jacket $118.99 (on sale)
  7. Paqme Women’s 3/4 Raincoat Jacket in Geo Leopard $159.95
  8. The Iconic W Coat in Black $170

Do you own a stylish raincoat? Ever been caught out in the rain and wished you were more prepared?

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy. 

 

Elevate Your Summer Work Outfit With a Cape

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If your new year intention is to get a job or seek new work opportunities, you will most likely be in need of a summer work outfit to attend interviews.

Elevate Your Summer Work Outfit With a Cape

The curation of our wardrobe is an ongoing process and can be affected by seasons, trends, circumstances and needs.

The start of a new year is a great time to curate a summer work wardrobe with the January sales.

For me personally, I’ve needed work outfits for events and future opportunities.

My wardrobe is a collection of pieces which can be worn to various occasions. I’m all for wearing the same outfit a different way a few times… or wearing it until it gets old or you get over it.

But some of my work outfits have needed a ‘lift’. Something that adds a bit of ‘extra’ when worn to meetings and work events – even the possible interview.

When Styling You The Label reached out to me to gift a piece from their summer collection as a thank you for supporting their business, I was grateful but also unsure what piece to choose.

My basics are pretty much covered. So it needed to be a piece which could work with what I already owned. The Kirsten Cape in Paris Pink was my choice and it was the layer I needed for my summer work outfits.

elevate your summer work outfit with a cape

I first wore the cape to a day work experience with a head of the company I work for, last November. I’ve had the stripe pants for years (early Bohemian Traders days) and the black tee is one I wear weekly – from Katies. I felt amazing and that confidence helped me as I met and engaged with managers for the first time. Don’t ever underestimate the power of an outfit. It can help your confidence.

I can see myself wearing the cape as a layer over a little black dress or to keep my shoulders warm at a black tie event. There are multiple occasions and outfits I can wear the cape with.

Yesterday at work, I wore it with a casual outfit and the cape made it corporate. Thanks to Mands, my work colleague for taking my picture.

wearing a cape to work

Styling You The Label is designed and owned by Nikki Parkinson of Styling You. The pieces are made in Australia. The workmanship is beautiful and I have had comments from work colleagues on the cut and fit of the cape. It’s definitely a forever piece.

elevate your summer work outfit

Right now, the cape is 25% off until the 12th January and 5% of sales will be donated to the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal who are assisting with those affected by the bushfires.

The pieces are an investment and will carry you through all occasions, but they will do heavy duty at work, without a doubt.

Disclosure: The Kirsten Cape in Paris Pink was gifted to me as a thank you of support with no expectation of being shared. It was my decision to share this piece with you on my blog to show you how I’ve worn it and how I intend to wear it in the future. 

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