Posts Tagged ‘Fashion’

If You Love Gorman, You will Love These Alternative Clothing Designs

/ Fashion / 2 Comments

If you love Gorman you will love these alternative clothing designs that offer a bright print and could almost be mistaken to be Gorman design. My love for Gorman won’t wane, but I do like to have variety in my wardrobe.

I’ve found most of these brands are Australian owned and some are also made in Australia too. This will be reflected in the price as they aren’t mass produced like fast fashion is.

As you know I own a few Gorman pieces. I love their colourful designs and their dresses can hide a mummy tummy.

But there are times when particular Gorman collaborations don’t entice me. Here are some brands you can check out that offer bright and colourful designs. The prices will vary for all budgets.

 Variety Hour

A friend told me about this brand and their stunning designs. They are similar pricing to Gorman. Created by textile designer Cassie Byrnes, Variety Hour is based in Melbourne and only small batches of pieces are released, ensuring you wear a piece of art that won’t be seen commonly on the street.

Jericho Road Clothing

As seen on Nikki from Styling You and modelled by Brooke from What Brooke Wore, Jericho Road offers a delightful range of clothes to suit those who love to embrace colour and quirky patterns. While the clothes are made in China, the pieces are made using high quality fabrics and natural fibres, which are perfect for an Australian climate.

 

Strebor Clothing

This brand launched in November 2019 and offers a array of dresses and tops designed and made in Australia. Their sizing ranges from size 8 to 20. Strebor Clothing was created by and founded by Fiona Roberts in response to the demand for ethically made, limited release, original, quirky and colourful fashion. The dresses are practical with pockets and have a 4cm extendable hem. Right not they have 20% of their range.

Doops Designs

This dress was LOVE at first sight.  I just love the print, the colours and the style. The designs are hand drawn and then screen printed by the designer, Jane Newham. I love the prints and so do a lot of others, as they seem to sell out quite quickly.

KarlaCola

KarlaCola makes gorgeous, handmade dresses and tees from organic cotton and jersey. This brand was originally on etsy and now they have their own site. Many of the prints remind me of Gorman. This store is definitely one to add to your favourites.

Little Party Dress

Little Party Dress offers affordable dresses in a variety of prints. I’ve owned a few Little Party Dresses and they’ve washed and kept well. They offer super fast delivery and their designs have a relaxed fit, which I love.

Obus

I came across Obus from those within the Gorman loving community. This brand is designed and made in Melbourne. The pricing point is reflective of this. I’ve never purchased from here, but it’s definitely a store on my radar to keep in mind for my intentional 2020 purchases.

 

Do you love Gorman too? Are you a fan of bright and colourful patterns when it comes to clothes? Know of some other brands I might love too? Please do share them in the comments.

 

My Thoughts Buying From Shein

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I’m part of a group chat with school mum friends, and one of my friends was sharing her experience buying from Shein.

This piqued my interest because I love fashion, and love perusing stores for research and who doesn’t love a bargain?

However, after my experience buying from a cheaper, overseas store, I wasn’t keen to lose my money again. Plus I do believe in buying local.

I have known friends who have bought from Shein, and they have given mixed reviews due to sizing. But the thrill of a bargain can be enticing can’t it?

I’m a bit of a walking contradiction where I say buy local, but am tempted by buying cheap clothes from overseas too. What if I get a bargain? What if I lose my money, again?

The thing is, I don’t want to waste my money on clothes that don’t fit and require my time and costs to return so I can get a refund. Also, I do get concerned on knock offs of designer pieces and the living standards for the people creating these clothes.

The other question I have is, are the designer pieces we spend hundreds of dollars on in Australia made in the same factories overseas, hence why cheaper alternatives can be sold? I know it happens with plumbing fixtures and I know it happens with supermarket brands of foods we buy at the grocery store.

I understand the markup of clothes does need to be high in Australia to make a profit. But, money talks. If I can get the same dress for $30 and save a couple of hundred, have I made a wise decision for my finances or have I just selfishly duped someone from a wage?

While I was scrolling through all the boho dresses on Shein, I saw imitations from Spell and Arnhem to name a few.

With all these thoughts on my mind, I still really loved some pieces for myself and my eldest daughter at Shein.

So, while I was perusing clothes for my girls, I added to cart two pieces for myself which were under $30 each – which is apparently expensive for Shein standards due to their sales and coupons. It resulted in free shipping so the purchases were worth the addition, I convinced myself.

I received the clothes this week. The clothes for my daughters all fit perfectly. (Although one top is a crop top best worn at home!). They look well-made and they are unique pieces you won’t find in Kmart.

For me, the dress I bought… well it was perfect in the body, but way too small in the arms and shoulders. So small, when I went to put the dress on, I couldn’t get it off.

cheap dress from shein

The Bohemian Embroidered Top, which I really liked, was a plus size top. I went through the Shein sizing recommendation putting in my weight, height and measurements and it told me 1XL would fit me.

Boho top from Shein

Surely not I thought.

But I added it to cart and guess what, it fits perfectly. I’m very happy with this purchase. Plus, I have the earrings to match.

Shein Boho Top

It looks like I have another dress to sell to a friend or on Facebook Marketplace. The dress I featured earlier this year was sold to a lady who loved it and said it fitted like a dream for her. So these pieces do end up in happy homes.

Wearing Shein Top

But if I buy from Shein again, I will use the sizing guide. I will most likely purchase for the girls, but for me, I still like to support local businesses where I can, and I do dream of affording a Spell dress or two one day. I love my Spell kimono, even though my dad thinks it looks like a dressing gown.

I’ve never worried about what he’s thought about clothes anyway.

And that’s enough thinking about clothes for one day.

Have you ever bought from Shein? Do you ever have the same thoughts about buying from Shein or other cheaper fast fashion online stores? Or am I just overthinking this?

 

My Travel Wardrobe to New Zealand

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Capsule wardrobes do work well for travel, but it’s not until you start packing you start panicking, thinking you haven’t packed enough clothes. I often do wonder in these moments if I’ve packed too little. My travel wardrobe to New Zealand was a good lesson for me to pack for comfort. While I was away I realized often, less is more.

Travel Wardrobe New Zealand

First day in Queenstown. It was fresh… I put my jacket on as soon as we boarded our cruise

What threw me was the weather and the reports of possible snow in the areas we were to stay in.

We have warm clothes for a Brisbane winter, not a New Zealand winter. Despite the weather predictions, it didn’t snow on our holiday – except when we went to the Snow Farm and Cardrona Hotel.

My outfit at the Snow Farm. Do check the buttons can do up on your jacket when you pack it.  I look a bit sloppy, but no one was around and I didn’t care.

Layers work best when going to a cooler climate. My faithful black puffer jacket served me well again on this trip. I’ve had it for more than a decade and it is still going strong.

travel wardrobe to New Zealand

I probably packed too many bottoms. I’m not a fan of track pants unless absolutely necessary but I did buy two pairs from Jay Jays before we went on our trip. There were days where I was grateful for their fleece lined comfort due to the single digit temperatures outside.

New Zealand Travel Wardrobe

Travel Wardrobe to New Zealand

There are PLENTY of articles on the net sharing how to pack the ideal capsule wardrobe for travel. This post is really the after-post sharing what worked in my capsule and what didn’t.

Travel Wardrobe New Zealand

I didn’t wear my leopard print faux fur coat as often as I thought. I think it was mainly because my black coat was more versatile.

travel wardrobe New Zealand

I was glad I took 3 scarves to create different interest in my outfits though. I made sure the pieces I did take, worked together.

travel wardrobe new Zealand

I took one pair of Frankie 4 Black Boots and they didn’t come out of my suitcase. Lesson learned with this one as we did a lot of walking and my Frankie 4 Nat Sneakers and Hiking Boots (which I bought in NZ) were sufficient.

Here is what I packed for a 12 day holiday to New Zealand in early spring.

Travel Wardrobe New Zealand

This dress is a bargain and currently on sale for $49.95 from Swiish. Great to put away for next winter. 

My Travel Wardrobe to New Zealand

Tops
2 Cardigans
4 long sleeved tops
2 Dresses
1 ¾ Puff Coat
1 Puff Jacket – for the snow
1 Leopard Print Fur Coat

Bottoms
2 Pairs of Jeans
1 Pair of Leggings
2 Pairs of Trackpants

3 Scarves

Shoes
White Frankie 4 Nat Sneakers
Black Boots (didn’t wear)
Hiking Boots – bought in NZ

I didn’t get outfit photos everyday so there are some pieces I’ve listed which haven’t been photographed.

Some tips I could offer if you’re planning to travel and create your own travel capsule wardrobe:

  • Choose a colour theme. Mine was black, white, navy, rust and mustard, with scarves to match (stripes, leopard print and polka dots).
  • Invest in a black puffer jacket which will serve you for YEARS and can fold into nothing.
  • Shop at your destination if it’s going to be cheaper – we found a lot of snow gear expensive to buy in Brisbane – even at Factory Outlets. When we landed in Queenstown, we headed straight to Mountain Warehouse to get essentials we needed for our day at the snow. You could hire the items, but the cost at Mountain Warehouse due to their end of season sale was the same or nearly cheaper than hire fees.
  • Choose flat shoes for walking holidays. I love my Frankie 4 Nat sneakers. My hiking boots bought from Mountain Warehouse were a good investment too.
  • The Wanderers Santorini Bag and Travel wallet making travelling easy. I use them every day now too.
  • Choose accommodation with free washing facilities.
  •  Leave a little space for some new purchases.
Travel Wardrobe in New Zealand

This was the only top I bought for half price in Wanaka from Sol Clothing. Brand is Seduce NZ

Do you find a capsule wardrobe works well for travel? Ever panic and overpack?

Spring Colour Trend: Mustard Fashion

/ Fashion / 1 Comment

Mustard has been trending in interiors and fashion for a good year at least. it’s been grouped with the earthy colours like rust, terracotta and beige.

I wasn’t on board the mustard fashion trend until I tried on this top.

mustard fashion top

Wearing Label of Love Mustard Boho Top from Stylefast in Size L $55

I also invested in a mustard cardigan to add colour to my black and white outfits.

How to Wear Mustard Fashion

Like any colour trend, you can block colour it or interweave the colour with other patterns and colours.

The best colours that work well with mustard are navy, white, coral pink, khaki, burgandy, black and grey.

You could wear a white shirt and jeans and add a mustard neck tie, or wear a block colour mustard dress and add a navy and white scarf. Finish the look with white sneakers.

Here are some mustard fashion pieces I’ve found online.

spring colour trend mustard fashion

1. Label of Love Heidi Border Print Top in Tan $55

2. Freez Pocket Dress in Mustard $49

3. Sportsgirl Mustard Mini Floral Frankie Hair Tie $14.95

4. Tree of Life Mandy Dress $65

5. Ebb and Ive Lavaux Bell Sleeve Top $34.95

6. Le Brera Sunglasses $59.99

7. Zoda Circle Earrings $17.95

If wearing a block of mustard is not really your style, try it in a pattern form like this dress from Gorman or this paisley patterned scarf from Sportsgirl. Both give a hint of mustard without it being too overwhelming.

Are you a fan of Mustard?

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. 

 

Birthday Shopping: It’s My Birthday and I’ll Shop if I Want to!

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I celebrated my Birthday last Tuesday. But if I’m honest, I’ve been celebrating my Birthday WELL before the big day arrived, with a variety of packages being delivered to my door. Birthday shopping is something I do well. And I’ve done very well these past weeks leading up to my Birthday. I thought I’d share what I bought, with some links, in case you feel like buying a gift for yourself too. 😉

First purchase… was new pyjamas and slippers. I needed some new winter PJ’s and slippers. I’ve always been a fan of Peter Alexander, but sometimes it can be a bit pricey. I waited for a sale to get these. The slippers are amazing on. So soft and cosy and the spot pyjamas are awesome because the pant bottoms don’t ride up my ankle when in bed. It’s the little things.

Purchase 1: New Winter PJ’s and Slippers

Peter Alexander Pyjamas and Slippers

Peter Alexander Pyjamas ($27 for pants only) and Rose Gold Home Boots (on sale for $49)

Purchase 2: Long Sleeve Winter Dress

Next was this dress from Birdsnest. I had my eye on it when I compiled a list of long sleeved winter dresses to wear during the cooler months. I was going to wear it on my Birthday… but I couldn’t wait and wore it sooner. I’m glad I bought the 16. It’s a tighter fit.

Purchase 3: Faux Fur Leopard Jacket

We are heading to NZ in September, so I had been watching Nikki, from Styling You, Instagram feed for ideas on where to eat. At the same time, I loved her faux fur leopard jacket. The one she had sold out in my size, but I found a budget friendly one from Salty Crush. I’ve worn it a few times since I got it. It’s so beautiful to wear. Can’t wait to take mine to NZ too.

And that’s all I bought for my Birthday. I’ve been sent vouchers to spend too, so the shopping may continue yet. Will share those in a future post. 😉

Do you go Birthday shopping for yourself? Got anything on sale lately?

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. 

 

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