Posts Tagged ‘Fashion’

Are All Your Clothes Your Favourite Clothes?

January 10, 2017 / Fashion / 2 Comments

Are all your clothes your favourite clothes?

Like most Australians over the Christmas and New Year holidays, I binged on Netflix.

One of the shows I can’t stop thinking about is the documentary called Minimalism: A documentary about the important things.

I watched it a second time with Jacob and it sprang us into action in to living a life with less stuff.

The first areas we started decluttering were our bedside tables. Our top drawers always get stashed with old birthday cards, letters, unused condoms (Jacob’s side) and for me, spare bra straps and a notebooks for journaling that I have good intentions of doing but never do.

I don’t consider myself a hoarder, however I do like to keep things that bring back memories and shamefully, the next two drawers of my bedside contained underwear I hadn’t worn since my honeymoon. None of it fit me and I had kept it in the hope that one day I’d fit back into again. The thing is I can no longer wear undies that sit too low because they rub against my c-section scar and they offer no support to my spare tyre as a result of having 3 children.

It felt good to toss each bra and matching nicker set onto the floor. It was a big pile.

All the underwear that is currently in my drawers are my favourite because they fit me and they contain my bits with a bit of shape.

I still have to go through my wardrobe, but I’m keen to go through each piece I own and really ask myself if it’s a favourite piece of clothing.

The reason I’m keen to keep my favourite pieces of clothing is because Joshua Fields Millburn, one half of The Minimalists, shared how his wardrobe has hardly any clothes but the clothes he owns are his favourite and he wears them all the time.

Elm Dress worn with different shoes.

I know my wardrobe is brimming with clothes. Some are on trend, some I like and some I love wearing time and time again.

But I’ve sometimes found myself as a result of taking part in #everdaystyle wanting to share a new outfit with my community and this often involves buying something new. Occasionally I’m gifted pieces, but most times, I buy my own clothes. And it can be expensive.

Rockmans OTS styled two ways

I’ve shared ways on how to afford new clothes. Many times I will sell clothes to pay for newer items. But I’ve also enjoyed wearing classic styles that don’t outdate and can be easily intermixed with other items in my wardrobe.

This year I am going to start challenging myself to wear the same clothes and patterns in different ways. I think I do this fairly well already, but I reckon I could be a little better.

To set the challenge and keep myself accountable, like all the best fashion bloggers, I’m going to make my own hashtag #repeatedmystyle. Feel free to tag me and use the hashtag when you wear the same outfit differently by changing the accessories or changing how it’s worn – or shock horror wearing the same outfit again because you love to wear it.

Crossroads OTS dress styled two ways.

If you’re keen like me to start clearing out your wardrobe, leaving it with pieces that are your favourite clothes, here are some ways to go about it. It could be a monthly process rather than an instant declutter session.

How to decide on your favourite clothes:

1. Work through Nikki’s Unlock Your Style book. This book helps you define your style and it gives you tips on the essentials that you need in your wardrobe so you can show off those showpony pieces.

2. Go through your basics like your black and white singlets, tees and those pieces that are foundational to your outfits and make sure they fit and flatter. If you don’t like the way the feel or look on you, find basic pieces that you do like to wear.

3. If it doesn’t fit, it’s not your favourite. Donate, toss or sell

4. If you haven’t worn it for 12 months, it’s not your favourite. Donate, toss or sell.

5. If you take part in #everydaystyle or #sharedmystyle or any other fashion hashtag on Instagram, analyse the clothing pieces you turn to time and time again and keep those. If you don’t share your outfits, take a note of the clothes you constantly put in the wash.

6. Take part in sharing your outfits on Instagram as it helps you define your style and do tip number 5.

Is your wardrobe full of your favourite clothes? Have you watched the Minimalism documentary?

Wear What Money Can’t Buy

December 22, 2016 / Lifestyle / 2 Comments

Wear What Money Can’t Buy

Are you sorted for what you’ll be wearing Christmas Day? If not, head here. Today is the last day to order a dress to get it shipped in time for tomorrow if you want to wear it Christmas Day.

The delivery of my dress has been delayed by Australia Post. It was supposed to be delivered today, but now it’s going to be delivered tomorrow. First world problems!

I’m sure I will be able to rustle up an outfit if it doesn’t arrive on time.

But I’m hoping it will.

Since taking my photo everyday after Phoebe was born, I have become a lot more confident in my style, knowing what I do and don’t like. It makes my internet purchases easier.

I’ve noticed a change in my body shape since those post-birth days, and this year particularly, I’ve noticed I’ve lost weight and my shape is starting to come back. I have a waist and hips and I can see a more defined chin.

Yet despite learning more about my body shape and style through the #everydaystyle challenge, I know that the clothes I put on only make half of my look shine. There is one thing I wear that money can’t buy that gives each of my outfits sparkle. It’s something you have at your disposal as well.

A SMILE.

When I smile, it not only lifts how I feel, but it just makes my outfit a look a whole lot better. No matter how ordinary the outfit is, a smile is the winning accessory.

A smile adds confidence to an outfit and I much prefer to see a photo of someone looking happy, than someone trying to look like they’re off the set of the Bold and the Beautiful. Give me real rather than posed any day.

When Jacob makes me laugh before he takes my picture, you can see the joy in my eyes. Those photos are the ones that get the most likes on Instagram – no matter what time they are posted online.

Laughter adds sparkle and it’s contagious.

They say a smile is the prettiest thing you can wear and best of all it’s FREE.

Having a well curated wardrobe is something everyone can eventually achieve, but adding a smile to your outfit? It’s something you can do every day.

And what better time to practice wearing a smile, than on Christmas Day?

On that note, this will be my last post before Christmas. Thank you for reading and commenting and clicking on links I recommend to make a purchase. It has helped my family this year and I look forward to sharing more styling posts in the New Year. May you have a wonderfully blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year. This year has been a mixed bag for me, but I’m ever hopeful that even better days are still ahead for all of us.

Merry Christmas. xx

Get Fitted For a New Bra at Home With Intimo

December 13, 2016 / Fashion / 10 Comments

When I went to Brisbane Fashion Weekend a month or so ago, I didn’t expect to be fitted for a new bra.

But I was.

I walked past the Intimo display and I was told I could get a bra fitting there and then. Rachel Tuitupou and Carys Martin encouraged me to take my clothes off (behind a curtain of course!) and measure my bosoms. I told them I was wearing a barely-doing-much-justice strapless bra from a local department store that wasn’t doing me any favours. They told me they had seen it all before.

Me and Carys after I got fitted for my new strapless bra at Brisbane Fashion Weekend

I had been desperate for a new strapless bra to wear under all my off the shoulder dresses and tops.

Wearing my new strapless bra under my Crossroads dress.

I was also after some new undie and bra sets to replace my daggy maternity bras, which I’ve lived in for the past 5 or so years.

Earlier this year I had gone to a bra shop to get fitted and they housed very limited styles in my size. I remember spending one full Thursday night, late night shopping for bras and coming home with 2 that just fit but no undies to match.

Back to my Intimo experience, I got fitted and found out my size and ordered a strapless bra and t-shirt bra to get me through.

The bras are so comfortable and are a perfect fit for me.

Intimo Abigail Dream Booster Bra

Whenever I’ve heard of Intimo, I’ve immediately thought party planning for bras. Party plan type businesses don’t really do much for me. There is always an underlying requisite to buy something and after experiencing a tight budget myself, I don’t like to put that type of pressure on others.

But some consultants don’t run their Intimo business like that. Rachel Tuitupou drives around the southside of Brisbane offering bra fittings in the comfort of your home. Once you know your size, it’s a matter of choosing which patterned bra you like and adding sets as you require or fancy them.

This can also be a great way for your husband to buy you lingerie. He may not know your size, but your consultant will and all your hubby has to do is flip through a brochure and choose what he likes, knowing the consultant will order the right size.

It’s definitely my preferred way to shop for underwear. I’ve been making improvements in this area to add a bit of spice to my marriage.

It’s also fun to wear something a bit nicer than plane jane underwear.

If you want to get fitted for a bra, get in contact with Rachel. She’s professional and gorgeous and will make you feel at ease as you get your fitting. She will help you get the right fitting bra for you. Having good support is important in underwear as it can change how an outfit looks. The right support and ‘lift’ can do wonders.

Do you hate bra shopping? Do you find it hard to shop for bras?

Disclaimer: I was gifted an Abigail Dream Booster Bra and Undies Set. All opinions are my own and this post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy.

Make You Own Pom Pom Sandals

November 22, 2016 / Fashion / 16 Comments

I’m loving all the pom pom details on bags, clothes and jewellery at the moment.

I was adamant about getting some pom pom sandals, but when I wrote this post and Robyna from Mummy and the Minx commented on being tempted to make her own pom pom sandals, I thought… I should do that!

I headed to Spotlight to get some pom pom trimming and craft glue suitable for leather and fabric.

I also went to Spendless Shoes and bought a pair of brown sandals.

In all, the cost of making the shoes came to around $35 and just a bit of time to put them together.

This little project would make a great school holiday project for a teen. Or just for yourself if you love pom poms like I do.

Materials

Pom Pom Trim (I was going to add red trim, but decided against it after

Craft Glue

Scissors

Sandals of your choice

Instructions

Measure the pom pom trim against the front face panel of the sandal.

Cut to suit and glue down the first length.

Leave to dry for a couple of hours.(Add pegs for a firm hold)

Add a second trim on top and leave to dry.

Then wear your sandals with pride.

Have you ever made your own fashion accessories? Are you a fan of pom poms this season?

I’m linking with Kylie Purtell for IBOT.

There’s Something in The Air at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre – Shopping With Kids Part Three

October 22, 2016 / Lifestyle / 3 Comments

On Wednesday morning I felt good.

I had gotten up early to finally do a big walk with my neighbor. She had mentioned a couple of months ago that there is a running group in my suburb that meets three times a week. I was keen to get involved cause Christmas is coming and I don’t want to take my spring rolls with me.

Except I had no active wear. My old Nike runners were two sizes too small thanks to pregnancy and I now have feet as big as Ian Thorpe. (not really – but I am between a size 10 and 11 now)

While on holidays, I headed to Rebel Sport and bought tights to suck my belly in, a pink work out top to match my new pink running shoes. I was set.

The walk felt good, as did talking to my neighbour, who ironically was wearing an identical outfit to me. #twinning

She told me about a sale on a SEED Heritage for white canvas shoes which I had been meaning to purchase as another flat shoe to walk to school in.

I decided to head to Indooroopilly Shopping Centre to try on the shoes.

Well what a trip.

It mirrored my last trip to Indooroopilly when my girls fought and I left the shopping centre in tears because I couldn’t find a cocktail dress to wear to the Migas awards night.

This shopping trip faired in a similar fashion, except I was able to get the shoes – but not without some attention.

The first tantrum was from Miss Phoebe who put on a show because she didn’t get to press the button to the lift. The two women in the lift were literally shocked by her reaction. So was I. To diffuse the situation, I told Phoebe she could press the lit button, but instead she pressed the phone/call for help one.

I don’t take my Lord’s name in vain but I did mutter So Help Me God at that moment.

We headed straight to SEED Heritage and I couldn’t find the shoes. The girls got out of the pram and started opening all the umbrellas. I was looking for size 41 shoes and chasing my girls, who were chasing each other with open umbrellas. With bare feet, I was grabbing the umbrellas and placing them back into the holders.

I think the staff at SEED Heritage felt sorry for me.

But they were so good and didn’t show their annoyance.

We had only been in the store for ten minutes while I was trying on the shoes and diffusing the umbrella fiasco when Maggie announced loudly, (and holding her crotch as if she was about to explode) that she needed to go to the toilet RIGHT NOW.

This photo was not taken on the day, but this is what Phoebe looked like while we shopped on Wednesday morning.

So a staff member took the shoes from me and put them behind the counter, and I swiftly chucked both kids in the pram and ran to the toilet, hoping to avoid an accident. All was sweet. We made it in time.

We all headed back to the store so I could try on a top and buy the shoes.

The staff offered to watch my girls and the pram while I went to the change room. The store had a bucket of toys for kids to play with which, can I say, every store should have to help distract kids so mums can shop.

I don’t think they expected the screaming match that ensued over a wooden lipstick toy though. I cringed as I whipped my top off in the change room. I could hear Phoebe’s screams from the other side of the shop.

I came out and there were tears. Phoebe was not happy and Maggie had turned into mother authoritarian. #threenager

I bought the shoes and the top and was going to call it a day.

But I remembered I hadn’t had breakfast. We had a quick bite to eat and I then decided to head to Review to look at a fascinator. My girls were handed stickers and there were more cries from Phoebe because Maggie decided to put stickers on her and the pram.

Trying on a fascinator in Review

While in Peter Alexander, Maggie decided the window display needed rearranging by pulling the mannequin’s boxers down and playing with the puffed balls of cotton that were meant to possibly be clouds.

When I finally got into the car and I vowed I would not go to Indooroopilly Shopping Centre again until my kids are teenagers.

At least I got the shoes. And a top. And part of one person’s Christmas present.

The trip wasn’t a huge failure.

But I was definitely in need of prayer and a good drink to calm me down.

Do your kids fight in Shopping Centres? Got any tips on how to handle a two year old and three year old? Does anyone want a two year and three year old for Christmas? (Kidding, of course)

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