July 2017 archive

Three Trends for Spring 2017

July 29, 2017 / Fashion / 0 comment

We’ve still got another month of winter left before it’s Spring, and yet I’m telling you three trends that I see happening for next season. A bit of online research and some bricks and mortar visits have confirmed three trends for Spring 2017 that you may want to keep a look out for if you want to inject some key season trends to your wardrobe for when the winter heats up.

We’ve seen these trends before, so there is nothing groundbreaking about them. In fact, you may find you have a few of these pieces in your wardrobe already. Even if I already do own some of these trends, I will never say never to another purchase in the near future. There will be plenty of new spring and summer stock flooding through the stores in August, which makes it a good month to buy winter knits and jackets that tend to go on sale to make way for the new stock.

Three Spring Trends 2017

Spots

So the first trend I have been seeing EVERYWHERE is spots! A spot over here and a spot over there. There seems to be spot tees, dresses and knits everywhere! My spot collection is now on par with my stripe collection! I think I maybe a little obsessed with this pattern. But it’s a fun print and can be worn now with a jacket.

Elm Tee Carnival Tee in Navy $69.95, Miss Shop Polka Dot Flocked Tee $17.47 (on sale)

Gingham

This is such a classic print, yet this season it will be seen quite a bit in stores and online. In fact, it’s quite a popular print online. The classic black, navy and red gingham patterns will be popular. It’s the perfect print to wear with a simple basic like shorts or a tube skirt.

Gingham Tie Top $39.95, Gingham Cold Shoulder Top $59.95, ASOS Warehouse Gingham Ruched Sleeve Cross Over Dress $50

Embroidery

Embroidery will be gracing jeans, denim jackets and shirts this season. Definitely not something we haven’t seen before, but still a fun trend to add to your wardrobe for a little interesting detail. Not sure on the longevity of this one, but I think an embroidered denim jacket would suit nicely with a miracle dress for a trans-seasonal outfit.

Sass Kiana Embroidered Jacket $99, Kmart Embroidered Shirt $17, Sass Embroidered Jeans $79

When it comes to seasonal trends, I opt to buy and wear what I love, as opposed to what is supposedly in. But these three trends stood out to me both online and instore. And thank goodness spots is one of them. I have invested quite heavily in this pattern over the last few months.

Have you bought any new clothes recently? Which three spring 2017 trends are you excited about? Got any of these in your wardrobe already?

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.

How I Found my Stay-at-Home Mum Style

July 22, 2017 / Fashion / Comments Off

Our wardrobes are always evolving to meet the needs of our current season. Currently, my wardrobe is kitted out specifically with stay-at-home mum style pieces that can be mixed together to create multiple outfits.

I also have outfits for going out, work meetings and the odd cocktail party and black tie event so I don’t go racing to the shops for a new outfit.

Over the last few years, there have been some key buying purchases that have prevented me spending a load of money on clothes. I can’t afford to be buying new clothes all the time, so I’ve had to decipher what clothes will work for my current situation and ensure my new purchases align with my wearing habits.

I knew there were styles of clothes that I wanted to steer clear from as my daily outfits.

Active wear would only be worn when I was active.

Pyjamas would only be worn for sleep and night time.

If a clothing piece had to be constantly adjusted, it would be discarded (sold or donated. Clothes that don’t sit right are annoying to adjust.

My stay-at-home mum style has evolved to include black and white, colour, basics, patterns and comfort. I don’t mind following a trend oreven starting one, and I’m also not afraid to try something new. But I always come down to how I feel in that piece and how easy it is to chuck it on in the morning.

I thought I’d share some of the key pieces that play a part in my Stay-at-home mum style:

1. Jeans are my best friend. I have multiple pairs of jeans. I mainly choose skinny styles and I do like a few rips at the knees. If I have multiple pairs of jeans, I make sure they are somehow different to each other.

2. Patterned tops add interest. I love my stripe and spot tops. They can be accessorized or left as is. I’m seeing spots everywhere at the moment. Patterned tops can be worn with anything. I tend to gravitate towards neutral bottoms like denim, black, khaki or white.

3. Miracle dresses save my indecisive butt. On those days I need to wear something dressy, but I’m not sure what, my Miracle dress saves the day.

4. Tube skirts offer a trans-seasonal and trans-attire clothing option. I’ve been purchasing tees that work with my khaki and black tube skirts, ready for when summer hits.

5. Cardigans. Easy to take on and off. I have a few cardigans in different thicknesses and lengths that get rotated during autumn, winter and spring.

6. Leather jacket. It’s my go to jacket choice when heading out. It just adds a trendy vibe to whatever outfit I wear.

7. Canvas shoes. I wear canvas shoes from Seed Heritage daily. They have no laces and can be slipped on and off.

8. Taupe Ankle Boots. I’ve worn these for a couple of years now and I find that go with most of my going out outfits. I will be sad when they need to be replaced.

9. Scarves. I buy a few new scarves each Autumn. But these are my go-to accessories for winter.

10. Statement earrings. These are my go-to accessories for summer. Studs work best for when you have babies and young toddlers. My girls are now at an age where they might touch, but will never pull.

Missguided Pom Pom Cable Knit Scarf $10.95
Decjuba Spot Foil Tee $30
Boho Bird Travels With Me Leather Jacket $339.00
Marnie Natural Suede Ankle Boots $89.98
Label of Love Grey Drape Dress $59
Katies Red Cardigan $29.98

These pieces make up my current stay-at-home mum style. I think it’s great to have a fun accessory or pattern you’re drawn to or are known to wear. For me, that fun feature is pom poms. I love them on my scarves, on my earrings and on my handbag. I was even given a pom pom keyring for my birthday because my friend thought of me when she saw it. J

Have fun developing your stay-at-home mum style. Grab inspiration from mum bloggers like Jasmine from Pretty Chuffed, Bron with Real Mum Style, Sarah from Stay Stylish Mum or even myself.

Develop a style that works for you and makes you feel comfortable, yet stylish everyday. On the days I’m not feeling so fashion forward, I have these outfits to fall back on.

Do you have a stay-at-home mum style? What clothes do you tend to wear when you’re home with your kids?

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.

My VIP Experience at QLD’s First Kidz Fashion Week Festival

July 12, 2017 / Fashion / 1 Comment

Last Thursday night, Esther and I had the privilege of attending the Kidz Fashion Week Festival on the Gold Coast. It was the first time the event was held in QLD, at the Royal Pines Resort, as it had been held only in Sydney and Melbourne in previous years.

Esther and I rocked up to the major runway event as VIP’s. We were offered complimentary tickets to view the show and write a bit about the event, which has had successful shows down south.

It was all very exciting for my seven-year-old, who couldn’t believe she got a goodie bag and I was thrilled we got to nab a front row seat facing the end of the runway.

Couldn’t have asked for better seats!

I got to sit and talk to one of the designers, whose brand was being featured on the runway: Cosi G Studiowear.

Cosi G Studiowear specialise in dance and active wear for girls of all ages – including tweens and teens.

The designs were sophisticated and on trend. Esther loved this designer brand the most, commenting on the the mesh detailing and vibrant colours in the costumes.

Cosi G are have recently launched to the US market and are looking to launch in the UK.

I haven’t experienced the world of dance or getting active with my daughters yet (unless it’s getting active on the trampoline or at the park), but this brand of clothing will definitely be on my radar as the girls get older. I wish Alison and her team all the best as they expand their market into the UK.

The runway offered a range of clothing styles from casual to formal wear showcasing brands including Target, Best & Less, NRL, Radicool Australia, Versace 19:69 and Mini Raxevsky.

I enjoyed the fashion offerings from street smart brands SUDO and SAEJ Designs.

What I loved the most about this show was there was no pretense or competition between each model as they walked the catwalk. Some of the models were incredibly confident, but the shyness of some of the younger models was super adorable to watch. The audience was encouraging, as those models that showed their nerves were clapped or cheered onwards as they walked the runway.

There were special performances by some of the models as well as an exclusive performance by Aydan Calafiore who was on The Voice this year.

Overall, the show was well produced and enjoyable to watch. If you want to see the professional pictures of the night, head to the gallery.

Kidz Fashion Week is definitely a kids fashion event to put in your diary for next year.

As a result of attending the show, Esther and I checked out the Mini Raxevsky store at Pacific Fair. As part of our VIP goodie bags, we received a $50 voucher each. I bought Maggie and Esther a dress using our vouchers.

Mini Raxevsky is a stylish designer brand for young kids and tweens. The clothes are well made and would be considered for special occasions due to their price range.

For Maggie, we got this navy stripe dress. She’s worn it two days in a row. And has to wear it with my fascinator which I wore last year to the Melbourne Cup.

Maggie wearing a Mini Raxevsky Navy Stripe Dress

Esther chose this gorgeous green dress which is a little big for her at present, but will fit her beautifully next summer. This dress isn’t online, but the dress she did want, but was no longer in her size, was this style.

When I buy clothes for my girls, I tend to purchase quality brands so that all three girls will get wear out of my investments. There is a time and place for department stores, but some life events require something a little special.

Thank you to Kidz Fashion Week for the complimentary VIP tickets to the Gold Coast show and the goodies and vouchers in our VIP bag.

If you live down in Melbourne, the next Kidz Fashion Week event is on the 5th October 2017. Casting auditions open from the 17th July.

Have you ever been to a fashion show before? Where do you purchase your children’s clothes from? Have you heard of Kidz Fashion Week?

This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy.

For The Love of a Spot Print

July 6, 2017 / Fashion / 0 comment

If you love a spot print, you will love these new spotty ¾ sleeve tops from Wardrobe 22.

On a recent visit, after dropping back some clothes that I used for editorial purposes (I love brands that work with me on this.) I browsed the new pieces that had come in, and of course, I was quite taken by the spot print tops in navy blue and grey.

I have four sleeve lengths in my wardrobe:

No sleeve and short sleeve for summer – or layered in winter.

¾ sleeve for in between seasons – or layered in winter.

Long sleeve – usually always for winter.

I don’t have very many ¾ sleeve tops as I once had, until now.

When I tried the Dotty Navy top (gifted), I knew I had to own it.

Wearing Wardrobe 22 Dotty Top in M/L (gifted) over a white singlet, Katies Jeans and Seed White Canvas Shoes

I love wearing it layered over a white singlet and for a bit of extra warmth on a Brisbane winter day, I add a red cardigan.

Layered with a cardigan

This Dotty Navy top is only $55 and it’s a versatile piece that can be worn with jeans or a denim skirt. I’ve worn it at least once a week since I’ve got it.

The second spot top which has a bit of a Seed Heritage vibe about it is the Grey Boho Madrid Top $45 (I bought this one). Oh how I love wearing this top too. I have a few ivory and grey knits that have gone beautifully with this top and I love wearing the top on it’s own with jeans and white sneakers.

Grey Boho Madrid Top from Wardrobe 22 wearing a L, with Katies Jeans and Seed Heritage White Canvas Shoes

Lately, I have been looking for tops that require a little less fuss, and a spot print top doesn’t need a lot of accessorising. The pattern speaks for itself.

The beauty of owning these tops now is they can be worn under knits and jackets as well as on their own when the weather starts to warm up.

Both tops are available at Wardrobe 22. Check out my Instagram account to see how I layer these tops during winter.

So tell me, are you a fan of a spot print? Love a ¾ sleeve? What’s your favourite length of sleeve to wear?

Disclosure: I was gifted one top in exchange for this blog post. This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy.

How to Wear The Cat Collar Tee

July 4, 2017 / Fashion / 9 Comments

If you’ve followed me on Instagram and on Facebook with my #everydaystyle journey, you would know I’m a fan of a plain t-shirt, which can be layered with a necklace (summer) or cardi and scarf (winter).

I love a t-shirt that has an interesting pattern or colour way as they can be worn on their own with no accessories. It makes getting dressed in the morning so much easier.

In Australia, we have truly felt the effects of winter, so we’re rugging up with our winter woolies and jackets to keep warm. Summer 2017 fashion is the LAST thing on our mind. But I have a t-shirt that will get a lot of wear next Summer, and we’re going to see basic t-shirts with cut outs and added extras around the neckline to add a bit of interest to a plain, block colour t-shirt.

Wearing Black Cat Collar Tee from Tobi (gifted) with Crossroads Jeans, Jo Mercer boots and Samantha Wills ring

If you’re someone that can’t stand wearing necklaces or having a scarf around your neck because it makes you feel too hot, this style of tee may be a great choice for you.

The cat collar tee, choker tee and strappy V-neck tees are some designs you may want to consider if you like your tees to have a bit of detail.

These tees can be worn now during winter, with a cardigan or jacket. Here I’m wearing my cat collar tee with a cardigan.

What appeals to me with this tee is there is no need for accessories. It looks good worn on its own.

Tobi have some great tees to choose from. I wasn’t sure if I’d like this style on me but I really like it and can see myself getting a lot of wear from the top. I’m wearing a size Large.

If you love these tees like I do, all Australian orders receive free shipping and you can receive 50% off your first order when you sign up to their email.

What do you think of the cat collar tee? Is it a style you’d try? Or do you love your accessories?

Disclosure: I was gifted a Cat Collar Tee in Black from Tobi in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.