Posts Tagged ‘Fashion’

Polka Dots & Spots AW16

May 10, 2016 / Fashion / 16 Comments

A month or so after I bought my black jeans from Sussan, that random scan on my VIP card reactivated promotional material sent to my letter box.

I flipped through the AW16 Sussan brochure and loved this black and white polka dot shirt. I have been looking for a black and white polka dot tee – as another pattern to break up with my love of striped tees. I had never considered buying a polka dot shirt, and here it was styled so beautifully with blush pink and denim.

Sussan Spot Shirt

Sussan spot shirt with pink jacket

I visualized what I could wear with the shirt during autumn and winter and told myself I had to have it.

Then I looked at the price tag and thought… maybe I don’t need to have it after all.

At $99.95, I would have bought the shirt if I had a spare $100 to part with. I didn’t. And I forgot about it for a couple of weeks.

And then my wedding anniversary came up and Jacob didn’t know what to buy me and so I said he could buy me something at Mount Tamborine, but nothing took my fancy so we didn’t buy anything.

While I was researching some fashion pieces for a new blog post, I went onto the Sussan website and it said that there would be a VIP sale. I decided that that polka dot shirt would be my anniversary/mother’s day present.

I waited for the sale and headed online to see that the shirt had pretty much sold out online. Not to be deterred, I headed to my local Sussan store, hoping there would be some sizes left.

There were!

I quickly grabbed a size 16 and as I passed by there was a sale on blazers that were already reduced in price. I found a size 14 blazer and headed to the change rooms, with the pram and whiny kids in tow.

After settling my girls into the pram with some snacks, I quickly whipped the shirt on to check for size. I don’t like shirts that gape near the boobs. So the size is really important. The 16 fit and I was happy as. I put on the blazer and that fit too. Happy Days.

As I made my way to the counter, the shirt was reduced to $69.95 and the blazer was reduced down to under $20. The blazer was originally $149.95!

My total spend was around $88 which meant I basically got the blazer for free had I spent full price on the shirt. Sometimes, waiting can work in your favour as it did for me.

It seems any type of polk dots or spots seem to sell out as soon as they hit the stores. I found it hard to find a selection of spots and polka dot style pieces available in all sizes online. But if you’re keen to add this to your wardrobe, here is what I found.

1. ASOS Off the shoulder Polka Dot top $42.00

2. Handpicked by Birds Polka Dot Blazer $89.95

3. Cordelia St Ivory Spot Tee $69.95

4. Handpicked by Birds Polka Dot Jersey Maxi Dress $89.95

5. Portmans Spot Scarf $29.95

6. Cordelia St Spot Skirt $49.95

The blazer for me was a great find and I will share it with you in another post. At present it’s just too hot for a jacket during the day.

I wore my new shirt on Mother’s Day and Esther decided to match me with her black spot tunic that I bought at Easter time from Kmart.

Esther poses so well. I wonder where she learned that from?

When was the last time you got a bargain? Ever waited for a piece of clothing you couldn’t afford, go on sale?

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

Three Ways to Wear Black Ankle Boots

February 16, 2016 / Fashion / 18 Comments

At the end of winter last year, I got a few new pairs of boots and shoes to fit my new size 10 feet. I was in desperate need of shoes that were not only supportive and comfortable, but would suit my extra long feet. I used to be a 9 and now sit between a 10 and an 11 in some brands.

One pair of boots I was missing from my winter shoe collection was a pair of black ankle boots. Out of all the boots to buy during the cooler season, black ankle boots are the most versatile of the lot. And I didn’t own any until Styletread reached out to me and asked if I would like a pair of their new season boots! Um yes please!

Before you think I am a shoe addict. I’m not. I generally wear the same shoes until they fall apart. I stick to neutral colours. If you’re looking for an enviable shoe collection, I’m afraid mine won’t be it. My shoes are practical and often have a small heel – or are flat. I can get away with wearing flat shoes because I’m tall and I have long legs.

My existing boot collection includes a neutral pair of ankle boots, tan knee length boots, black knee length boots and orange ankle boots. I was in desperate need of a pair of black ankle boots that could be worn dressed up or worn for going out.

These Beltrami 802 Black Ankle Boots are made from soft Italian leather and have a block heel which makes them easy to wear for a girl like me who is used to wearing flats.

Today I’m showing you how I intend to wear my boots when the weather starts to get cooler. It’s almost impossible to think about when the weather has been so hot in Brisbane lately, but for me it was good to go through what I own to make new outfits for winter.

The first outfit is wearing my black ponte leggings with a white shirt. A simple outfit that suits my new ankle boots perfectly. I could see myself going out to dinner in this outfit.

The second outfit is one of my favourite dresses from Summer. I’ve added a black jacket to tie the black boots into the ensemble. I have extremely white legs and will most likely add tights to this outfit to make it more flattering, but I wanted to show how you can wear ankle boots with a summer dress and a matching jacket.

The third outfit will be on high rotation for me as my casual wear at home with the girls or running errands. I’ve teamed my black ankle boots with denim jeggings, a white tee, red cardi and my favourite scarf from Katies.

As you can see, these black ankle boots are versatile and I’m definitely looking forward to wearing them as the weather starts to cool down.

The boots retail for $249.95 and for Italian leather quality, the price is very much worth the investment. I see these boots being worn for many winter seasons.

Are you a fan of ankle boots? Are you looking forward to the weather cooling down?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

Disclaimer: I was gifted these boots for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and no payment has been accepted. If you do choose to purchase these boots from the link above, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Skirting Around The Issue: Bold and Bright Skirts Summer 2016

January 26, 2016 / Fashion / 20 Comments

Last week I went through my wardrobe (again) to re-organise and cull some clothes that I haven’t worn in a couple of years.

The thing is I have a few favourite pieces that I’ve been reluctant to sell or donate simply because I’d like to one day wear them again… if I end up losing the 20 or so kgs needed to get back into said items.

I went through my clothes again and while I still kept half a dozen items ( and yes, I still can’t fit into) I did have a pile of items that I don’t think I will miss if they are donated.

While I was doing this cull, I reacquainted myself with my current clothes to see if there were any new possible outfits I could put together for #everydaystyle.

There is a pressure to wear something different everyday and there comes a point where new clothes are needed to offer some sort of difference to the existing outfits I’ve shared.

While I scanned through my current stockpile of clothes, I rested my eyes on one of my favourite skirts. The skirt was bought from the Cue Factory Outlet at Harbour Town and it has been a wonderful addition to my wardrobe.

Wearing my Veronika Maine Skirt

The colours in the skirt allow it to be paired with a number of different tops to create different looks. I realized I could make a new outfit with a t-shirt I acquired at my Katies shopping haul last year. I’m now considering what other tops in my wardrobe can be paired with the skirt.

Which then got me thinking how wise it is to have a skirt like this in your wardrobe. A bright and bold coloured skirt that can be worn with a number of different tops. It’s a fashion rule basic to buy items that can be mixed and matched with other basics in your wardrobe.

I’ve found just a few of these skirts available online – in limited sizes because of the sales that are currently on. If you want to wait to find a similar skirt, the best places to try are Gorman, Cue, Veronika Maine, Review and Boom Shankar.

By choosing some coloured tops that pick up a colour in the skirt, you can potentially create a weeks worth of outfits – from the one skirt.

Image sourced from here and here.

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns with your bold print skirt either. The key to making this look work is by ensuring 1 colour is constant in the skirt and top. Or you can mix similar tones from the one colour.

Are you a fan of a bold and bright skirt? Have you culled your wardrobe recently and reacquainted yourself with new pieces that can be given new life?

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.

Back-to-School Fashion Ideas for Mums

January 22, 2016 / Fashion / 16 Comments

Next week I will have my first baby starting Prep and I’m excited. While I’ve sorted out uniforms, new shoes, new bag, new lunchbox and etc, I’ve also been thinking about what I will be wearing each day to make our new morning routine smoother. There will be no time to faff about, but I also don’t want to drop my daughter off to school looking like I got out of bed either.

I’ve put together some back-to-school fashion ideas for mums who will be in the same boat as me. I’ve specifically chosen dresses for most of the outfits because they are easy to wear and require little time to put on. I’ve created fashion ideas for the Workout Mum, Corporate Mum, Stay-at-home Mum (me), Just-go-out-of-bed mum and the Pregnant Mum.

Workout Mum

The Iconic has just launched their new sports wear range online and the pieces are fabulous. I don’t really have time to work out, but if I did, this is what I’d see myself wearing.

From left to right, clockwise: Target Active Cold Shoulder Top $20, Atmos & Here Sky Hooded Vest (sale) $31.47, ASOS Animal Tee Jogger set $55, Nike Juvenate Jogger $129.95, Atmos & Here Nora Tights $49.95, Target Active 3/4 Abstract Leggings $29

Corporate Mum

A dress is the easiest, most chic way to rock up to work, and when you have to add makeup and put a bit more effort into being presentable because you have to go to work, a dress is the perfect choice.

From left to right: Belle Bird Shirt Dress 129.95, Portmans Harriet Houndstooth Dress $99.95, ASOS Fashion Union Dress $53

Stay-at-home Mum

This is me and I will be wearing a number of my t-shirt dresses with my Frankie 4 shoes, while pushing a pram full of kids and possibly carrying one heave backpack.

From left to right: Bohemian Traders Classic Scoop Neck Pinstripe Dress $79 (on sale), ASOS T-shirt Drape Dress $47, Bird Keepers Swing Stripe Dress $69.95

Just-got-out-of-bed Mum

Good news for mums that have a habit of sleeping in, forget about getting dressed and rock up in your pyjamas instead. If you wore any of these, no one would know you had just slept in them.

From left to right: Peter Alexander Boho Roses Nightie $79.95, Peter Alexander Cactus Tee $49.95, Peter Alexander Cactus Pyjama Pant $59.95

Pregnant Mum

Mums that are expecting need to stress the least as they rush getting their kids to school. A dress that can be used for breastfeeding means your maternity wear will do double duty.

From left to right: ASOS Nursing Stripe Dress $51, Target Maternity Bodycon Tee Dress $29, ASOS Black Tulip Maternity Nursing Dress $32 (on sale)

What kind of mum will you be dressing as at the school gate? Do mums really judge each other on what they wear at school drop off?

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.

Affordable Plus Size Fashion – Empress Eleven

January 12, 2016 / Fashion / 5 Comments

One of the best things about taking part in Styling You’s #everydaystyle is being able to look back on outfits that have served me well, and the outfits that didn’t.

One of the most difficult parts of #everydaystyle is coming up with a new outfit from the existing clothes in my wardrobe. Sometimes I can get creative, but other times I will fall back on the faithful garments that look awesome time and time again.

So you can imagine my excitement when plus size brand Empress Eleven reached out to me via Instagram, asking if I’d like to try their clothes. I’d seen Jenni from Styling Curvy model some of the Empress Eleven pieces and I couldn’t wait to model what was sent to me.

Before I talk about the label, let’s talk about the label ‘plus size’. I’ve never taken offence to the label simply because I understand the sizing is meant to cater for the curvaceous girls amongst us. Regular size clothes don’t always fit a curvy figure like myself. This is why we also see petite ranges offered to women that are tinier in frame. I will never be petite because of my height and my body structure. We need plus size clothing, regular sized clothing and petite size clothing. I don’t make a big fuss about the titles because it’s a way of telling women who the brand is catering for.

With that said, I fit into the pieces that were a size small, catering for a size 12-16 figure. I’m a 14 and 16 in some sizes so this was the perfect size for me.

I was sent some Denim Jeggings which I loved. They were comfortable, flattering and held my jelly belly in place. I teamed the denim jeggings with the Dolly Rock Leopard print shirt which I rolled the sleeves up to be a 3/4 shirt. The shirt is long in the back and short at the front. I felt awesome in this outfit, although a little overdressed for a day at home.

Wearing Dolly Rock Shirt $29.95 (on sale), Saskia Denim Jegging $39.95

The Bermuda Baby gold sequin tee (reminds me of Superman) is a muscle shaped sleeve which I tend to avoid because I have big shoulders, but I don’t mind the style and cut in this tee. I teamed the tee with a pair of white capris, which are starting to get loose now that I’ve changed my lifestyle to get a bit healthier for 2016.