Style tips Archives - Styled By BEC

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Off the Shoulder Dresses – Summer 2016 Trend

October 27, 2015 / Fashion, Style tips / 20 Comments

Off the shoulder dresses (or off shoulder dresses) are a big trend this summer. It’s the strapless dress of the season and I didn’t think I would be a fan of this type of dress until I tried on this Katies version when I went to the Styling You Katies Style night and kitted my wardrobe out for Summer 2015/16. Once I put the dress on and Nikki tugged at the dress to pucker over the waist and pulled the sleeve down my shoulders, I fell in love with the style. It’s a dress that can be worn with the sleeves over the shoulder, or with one shoulder showing or both shoulders showing. I like the versatility.

Katies Off shoulder dress

I wore my dress on Sunday for Phoebe’s baby dedication at church. I had a few comments about the dress and one friend couldn’t believe the dress was from Katies.

How to wear your off the shoulder dress

If you are keen to give the off the shoulder dress a go, here are some tips.

Firstly, the cut and style of the dress is a feature in itself, so there is no need for excessive jewellery. However, if you are going for a boho look, layer your fine necklaces. A dangly earring always works well with an off the shoulder cut.

A platform or wedge heel works well for the maxi style dresses. For the shorter styles, opt for a flat sandal or gladiator style sandal.

If you think having a dress off your shoulders will annoy you, buy an off the shoulder dress that has straps for support (like the white dress below).

I’ve found some styles online that may interest you.

1.Vero Moda Off The Shoulder Leopard Print Dress $47.00

2. Katies Off Shoulder Maxi Dress $69.95

3. Tropica Lace Trim Off Shoulder Dress $139.95

4. Bohemian Traders Wanderlust Holiday Dress $109.00

5. ASOS Fallen Star Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress $51.00

6. Zalora off the shoulder dress $25.98

7. Katies Off Shoulder Maxi Dress $69.95

8. Vila Off the Shoulder Embroidered Dress $48.00

What do you think about the off the shoulder dress style? Are you willing to give it a try this season?

Don’t forget I’m giving away a Sissy Mt Eliza sequin tee worth $119.95, just head to this post on How to Wear a Sequin Tee.

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.

How to Wear a Sequin Tee PLUS Sissy Mt Eliza Tee Giveaway

October 23, 2015 / Style tips / 23 Comments

**Congratulations Eva Kiraly who won the Sequin Tee**

One of my favourite styles of t-shirts to wear is the sequin detailed tee. I love tees that have extra details because I find they are easy to wear during the day with a pair of shorts or capris, and can be easily dressed up at night with a trouser or harem pant.

Today I’m going to share my favourite sequin tees available online at the moment and two ways how to wear them.

When looking for a sequin tee I try and avoid sequins on the side of the t-shirt, simply because I have found when my arms rub against my side when I walk, it’s annoying and the sequins can scratch your skin. The secret to finding a comfortable sequin tee is one that has the sequins sparingly dispersed on the tee, away from the sides.

All sequin tees will need to be hand washed because they are classed as a delicate item. Hand washing ensures the sequins stay in place and won’t lose their sheen.

Erin Louise Glitter in the Night Top

Erin Louise Famous Top Rose Gold

Erin Louise Famous Top Silver

Sissy Mt Eliza Don’t Cross Me Tee in Black and Gold Cross

Sissy Mt Eliza I see Spots Silver Front Tee

Sissy Mt Eliza I see Spots Silver Spot Tee

Here are two ways to wear you sequin tee. It’s as simple as changing the shoes, handbag and accessories to wear this tee during the day and out at night.

Smart Casual Outfit

1. Sissy Mt Eliza Sparkles and Stars I See Spots Tee

2. Louenhide Cantina Cross the Body Bag

3. Frankie Shoes, Sophie in Metallic Silver

4. Country Road Chino Shorts

Evening Outfit

1. Sissy Mt Eliza Sparkles and Stars I See Spots Tee

2. Mimco Midnight Kiss Earrings

3. Colette Clare Metallic Clutch

4. Styletread Misano Savvy Black Patent Heels

5. Katies Tulip Hem Wrap Pants

Now that I’ve shown you how to style a sequin tee, I am giving this Sissy Mt Eliza Tee I See Spots Tee away, worth $119.95. All you need to do to be in the running to win is like Styled by Bec, Stylehunter Collective and Sissy Mt Eliza on Facebook and answer this question: Where would you wear this sequin tee? The most funny/interesting answer will win the tee. I’ve put together this rafflecopter widget to help with entering, but please note this competition is not randomly picked, I will be reading each entry and choosing the winner because of their answer.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’m linking up with With Some Grace for Flog Yo Blog Friday.

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.

Terms and Conditions

This is a game of skill. Each valid entry to be judged on creativity and originality, not by chance.

There is one prize: 1 Sissy Mt Eliza Tee worth $119.95.

Entries open from 6am Brisbane time Friday 23rd October 12am 2015 to Wednesday 4th November 12am 2015 Brisbane Time.

Prize is not transferable or changeable

Prize sent out by Sissy Mt Eliza will not be replaced in the event it is stolen, lost or damaged in transit or virtually.

Entry is leaving an answer to the question.

A valid email address must be included in your entry.

Entry into any giveaway or competition is deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions

Entrants must be Australian residents and aged 18 or over

The winner will be notified by email and has 3 days to reply and claim the prize. The winner will also be announced on Facebook. This giveaway is not endorsed by Facebook.

The decision on the winner is final and no dialogue will be entered into otherwise.

These terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice.

How to Style a Short Chambray Denim Dress

October 6, 2015 / Style tips / 23 Comments

A couple of months ago, when I went into Coles to top up our grocery shop for the week, I went past the Mix Apparel section and found myself buying this chambray tunic dress. I had been wanting to add some smart casual dresses to my wardrobe for Spring and Summer that I could easily wear at home with the kids or when going out and about to run errands.

I opted to go one size down in the dress because I have good intentions of losing weight this summer. The dress is just slightly tight around my hip/belly area but I know the next size up would have been too loose.

Unfortunately online, there aren’t many of these dresses left, so it’s best to check your local Coles store to see if they have any in stock.

The only thing with wearing the dress is that it does ride up a little, which bares more than I bargained for with my legs.

In such circumstances, I would put on some leggings, but I don’t tend to like wearing leggings in Summer and sometimes I feel the black can make the outfit more winter looking than summer, if you know what I mean?

The next option was teaming it with my Katies Cropped Super Shaper White Jeans. The chambray and white are a great contrast and I don’t feel hot wearing my white denim as opposed to my leggings.

In this outfit I’ve accessorized with a simple Katies scarf and my new Frankie Ellie shoes that I have been saving to buy for ages.

If you have a tunic dress that is short on the hem line, wear a pair of capris or cropped white denim pants underneath.

*Katies White Capris, *Katies Super Shaper White Cropped Jean

Not everyone loves a capri or thinks that they suit their legs, so it’s best to find a length that suits you. If you wear a bold coloured top/dress, the eye will be drawn to your top half, rather than your bottom half anyway so a capri can still work for you.

Denim and Chambray dresses are still a trending piece this season. Chambray is of course a lighter denim material to wear in summer so if you do choose to get a denim dress, choose chambray or a tencel denim.

1. Country Road Denim Tie Front Dress

2. Bohemian Traders Chambray Dress*

3. ASOS Vila Chambray T-shirt Dress*

4. Target Chambray Tunic Dress

5. Mix Apparel Short Sleeve Chambray Dress

6. Temt Charlie’s Angels Dress

7. Dotti A-line Denim Dress*

Are you a fan of denim dresses? What do you wear under a short tunic?

Disclaimer: All items with an * are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase one of these items, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Spring 2015 Trend: The T-shirt Dress

September 22, 2015 / 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!)

Wearing Freez Black Tunic Dress in Size 14*

And styled with three of my kaftans/kimonos.

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

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

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.

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.

Get Ready to Shine with Sequins

July 21, 2015 / Style tips / 28 Comments

In a little less than a month, I will be attending the Problogger Conference on the Gold Coast. I’m looking forward to it immensely. I had a friend and blogger ask me to do a post about possible outfit ideas for the networking party on Friday night. When I read the theme was ‘shine’ I immediately thought sequins. Sequins have been a trend that comes and goes but I think they will be big this Summer with all over sequin tees being worn casually with shorts or jeans.

I haven’t quite thought about what I will wear but I do think it will involve sequins in some shape of form. Sequins are the perfect way to shine at a party. To wear your sequin piece right my tips are to pair 1 sequin piece with basic neutral pieces. Your sequin top or skirt is the show piece of your outfit so pair it with plain black pants or a plain white tee.

This is what I wore last year to the Annie Sloan Cocktail Party and the Kidspot Gala Awards night. I teamed a sequin bolero with my black Millers Jumpsuit. I may wear this again a third time to get more wear out of my jumpsuit.

I have searched the internet for some budget pieces with most under $100 if you are wanting to give the sequin trend a go. If you are ready to embrace the trend why not go for an all sequin tee or dress? If sequins are a little too ‘sparkly’ for your style, add it subtly with a simple scarf that can be draped over a blazer and jeans outfit.