Posts Tagged ‘dresses’

How to Shop Like a Personal Stylist – The All Occasion Dress

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Dresses are a favourite staple in my wardrobe. In summer, they make dressing for the day easy. You slip that dress on, add shoes and accessories and you’re ready to go. The all occasion dress is my go to dress to wear throughout the week.

The next post in my shop like a personal stylist series is sharing dresses for all occasions: Dresses that can be worn to work, a catch-up with friends, to church, a conference or worn just because. They could even be dressed up to go to a special occasion like a wedding or cocktail event.

all occasion dress

Most of my wardrobe is made up of dresses for all occasions.

If I have to go into work, I will opt to wear one of my all occasion dresses.

I used to segregate my clothes for different occasions, but now I try to wear as much as I own in my wardrobe to enjoy the clothes I have.

How many times have you kept a new dress for a special occasion and only worn it once? For a formal or cocktail dress, this is different. But for a newly bought all occasion dress… it should be worn more than once. Wearing a dress to different occasions is a way to get more cost per wear.

Having dresses that work for all occasions will look a bit different for everyone. I’ve compiled some dresses below and you will notice most have sleeves and the hem will finish just above or below the knee. I’ve chosen this style as this will suit most workplaces. (Of course, a sleeveless dress can be worn with a blazer if needed – like the Gorman Geo Print Dress.)

Here are some All Occasion Dresses I’ve found online

I’ve taken one dress from this collection to show you how it can be worn differently to three different occasions.

One All Occasion Dress Worn Three Ways

Do you own an all occasion dress? Or do you prefer to segregate your dresses for different events?

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.

What Does ‘Dress Cocktail’ Mean?

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Have you ever been invited to an event, read the dress code and thought ‘what does dress cocktail mean?’

The uncertainty about dress codes is a real thing and even I recently had to consider what was meant by ‘cocktail’.

Now cocktail generally means semi-formal which means a shorter hemline dress is acceptable with heels and a clutch. A pant suit and jump suit are also acceptable.

The problem was, this event was going to be held at the Hilton and it was an awards night. Usually awards nights in the construction industry are formal, gala or black tie occasions – requiring a full length dress/gown, heels and a clutch.

But some perceive cocktail to mean formal and vice versa.

Unless the event is a very formal event the issue is not what you wear, but how you pull it off. What I mean by this is how the dress is accessorized and elevated to suit the occasion.

I decided to meet somewhere in the middle and bought this gorgeous off the shoulder dress from City Chic.

I love City Chic for their cocktail and formal gowns. I’m in an xs which is a 14. If you are in the size 6-14 range, check out Review, Cue, Veronika Maine, Portmans and Little Party Dress.

For curvy girls like myself, City Chic, Little Party Dress, Gorman and Birdsnest will have cocktail and formal options available.

dress cocktail black

The rule of thumb when the dress code is ‘dress cocktail’, is a dress or even skirt that is above or just below the knee with heels and a clutch. A maxi dress that is not floor length can also be acceptable.

Here are some cocktail dresses that are bang on the dress code. These dresses are perfect for weddings and events where the dress code is cocktail.

City Chic Black Gracie Dress $179.95

grace cocktail dress

Alannah Hill Lady in Lace Dress $299

green cocktail dress

Review Puerto Rico Dress in Red $319

red dress cocktail

Little Party Dress Royal Purple Floral Dress $69.95

purple floral dress cocktail dress

City Chic Sweet Love Dress $179.95

city chic dress cocktail

Gorman Claire Embellished Dress $229

claire embellished dress

My black dress is a classic that can be worn to both a cocktail or formal occasion. All that needs to be changed up are the accessories and the way I have my hair.

A little tip as well when getting ready for an occasion like this, I got my makeup done at Malouf Pharmacies. I got my makeup done where I could purchase the products as part of the fee. It’s around this time of year I replace or run out of my makeup so it was perfect timing to get my makeup done and replenish my supply.

I also timed it well to get my hair re-coloured and curled that morning so it would be ready that night.


bec's makeup

Have ever been confused about what dress cocktail means? Do you have any hacks for getting ready for a big night?

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

 

The Colour I Love to Wear Most

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What colour do you love to wear the most? For me, it’s red. Thankfully it’s a colour that suits me. Whenever I’m looking for a new piece or want to add colour to a monochromatic outfit, I will add red.

So when I was researching some outfit ideas for the recent corporate post I wrote, I came across this dress from City Chic that had been reduced to $50. I ignored the pulse to buy the dress instantly.

But as the time went (24 hours), I knew I had to make a decision to purchase it because it would be gone if I didn’t make a decision soon.

To help me make my decision, I headed to my local City Chic store to try on a dress in the same shape, but in a different colour. It confirmed two things:

What size I needed to buy and that I needed to buy that dress. So I went online and added dress to cart.

wearing red city chic dress

I wore it yesterday and the compliments flowed from my girls, who said I looked like a teacher, to the mums at school drop off, with one yelling from across the car park ‘cute dress Bec’.

My mum loved the dress on me, and I got comments from the ladies at the optometrist, who were surprised to learn it was a dress, not a top and skirt.

The fab thing about this dress is it has POCKETS and CAPPED sleeves, which is a style that can be so hard to come by these days.

I’m wearing the XS.

If you love the dress, you can get one here. Only Small and Medium are left.

Now, let’s see what my dad thinks of this one. 😉

Ever withheld buying a dress that you loved at first site? Clearly I’m doing well with my shop from my wardrobe intention for 2018. What colour do you love to wear most?

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.

 

Summer Outfits: Short Sleeve Dresses With Pockets

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One of the frustrating parts of clothes shopping, is not being able to find exactly what you’re looking for.

I can remember many shopping experiences where I would go to the shops to find a specific style of dress, top, pants or jeans, and come back home disappointed because I couldn’t find what I wanted.

When I went to Africa 14 years ago, all the ladies going on the trip had to wear maxi skirts. I kid you not, I couldn’t find any maxi skirts. The skirts were either short, mini or shin length. But nothing would graze the ankles. My mum ended up finding me 3 skirts from a factory outlet to take over.

That’s why I believe in having a stocked wardrobe to avoid going to the shops to find a specific style of outfit. It can lead to buyer’s regret. It’s better to shop in your own wardrobe instead.

Recently, I saw a great post from New Mumma Kim, sharing her frustrations at not being able to find dresses with short sleeves and pockets. I hear ya lovely. I was looking for similar dresses like this recently and then I found these.

Doing a bit of research online, I found there really isn’t a lot of choice when it comes to short sleeve dresses with pockets. So when you find them, you need to buy them and have a few stocked in your wardrobe – as I have done with the Megan Dress from Little Party Dress. I have it in 3 different patterns.

short sleeve dresses with pockets

Wearing Megan dress in Watermelon Print from Little Party Dress

Here are some dresses I found online to fit the brief, some may be limited in sizes.

1. Freez Pocket Dress $49

freez pocket dress short sleeve

2. Stylefast Portia Cap Sleeve Dress $59 (plus 20% off until 15th Jan)

short sleeve dress style fast

3. Little Party Dress Megan Dress in Watermelon Print $59.95

watermelon print dress

4. Little Party Dress Frankie Avocado Print Dress $69.95

short sleeve dress with sleeves

5. Evans Pocket Dress $59.95

short sleeve black dress with pockets

6. Adrift Lucy Dress in Purple Garden $89.99

adrift short sleeve dress with pockets

Are you a fan of short sleeve dresses with pockets? What places are your favourite go-tos for this style of dress? What is something fashion related that you’ve found hard to find?

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. 

SFH Designs Makes Dressing in Colour Easy

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As my style has evolved after having children, I have embraced wearing colour. One of the easiest ways for me to do this is with my earrings. I have been loving the pom pom and tassel earrings that are so popular this season (yet again). I love bright colours and wearing the unexpected. My favourite pom pom and tassel earrings are from SFH Designs. The owner, Sarah, has a gorgeous eye for style and COLOUR. My goodness, you must follow the SFH Designs Instagram feed. It always makes me happy. There is so much colour.

So since I am an avid fan of the brand and anything to do with pom poms and tassels, as soon as I saw this pom pom basket, I knew it had to be mine.

spice things up basket

Unfortunately, I have recently spent a small fortune on my everyday bag. So I waited and crossed my fingers for a sale. I also hoped it wouldn’t sell out before I got one.

Last weekend, there was a 20% sale online and I added that basket to cart. And would you believe I BOUGHT THE LAST ONE.

I told Jacob, this was my Christmas present. It practically had my name on it with the signature pom poms and red stitching and handles. I can’t wait to use it this Summer.

Now because SFH Designs are located at Greenslopes, I opted to pick up the basket instead of pay for postage. And that decision turned out to be a very good one, as I got to have a coffee with Sarah and discuss the joys of raising three girls. Sarah has three teenage girls, so she enlightened me with what I will be facing in a few years’ time.

While we were talking, Sarah asked if I’d model some new kaftans and dresses so they could be uploaded to the site and I thought I’d share some of my favourite pieces that I modeled and a clutch that I think would make a fabulous Christmas gift to yourself.

SFH Designs Red Dress

The standout dress that I modelled was this tassel dress in spectacular red. It is a generous size. I’m usually a 14-16 depending on the brand. And I’m wearing the 12 here. It’s a gorgeous linen and I think this was my favourite style to model.

The next outfit I liked was this black kaftan. All the kaftans I modelled are free size. The draping adds shape and yet it is still flowy.

I loved the vibrant blue in this kaftan. It’s also picked up by the tassel earrings.

One of my favourite clutches has to be my pom pom embroidered clutch. I actually won my clutch a few years ago from a competition at Kirsten and Co. Mine is a black base colour, but I also love this Indigo one.

If you love any of these outfits or even the clutches, there is a special promotion until the 19th December. Buy any Pom Pom Clutch or Dress to receive a FREE pair of tassel earrings valued at $20 (colour chosen by one of our SFH stylists), ’til stocks last!

SFH Designs Tassel Earrings

Also, to make sure you get your purchases in time before Christmas, SFH Designs will be offering FREE Shipping from December 1st to 19th. Simply enter the code FREESHIPPING at the checkout to redeem.

Sarah will also be offering FREE gift wrapping on parcels to make your life easier.

Be sure to check out the rest of the accessories and bags online. I’ve got my eye on some pom pom earrings (but of course!)

Do you like wearing colour? Do you prefer tassels or pom poms? Which dress is your favourite from the ones I modelled?

Disclosure: I was gifted a pair of earrings and 2 dresses for my daughters as they weren’t correct sizing. I just love this brand and happy to share the love of it – whether I received gifts or not.

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