Posts Tagged ‘Fashion’

Women’s Leather Biker Jackets – Winter Layering With an Edge

One of my favourite leather jackets to wear with my winter dresses is the biker jacket. I love my leather biker jacket as it isn’t billowy and it’s easy to layer with a scarf. Leather biker jackets are a classic and they can come in a range of colours. Black is predominantly the favoured colour of choice.

A leather jacket is a classic to own. It will last you through many winters. I have a red leather jacket from Siricco which I bought 13 years ago in Melbourne and it looks as new as the day I bought it. It was well worth the investment all those years ago.

black leather biker jacket

I acquired my biker jacket from my mum. She bought it overseas and she didn’t like the fit, so she gave it to me. It’s been a jacket I’ve reached for to layer over my miracle dresses. I can’t wait to layer it over a few of my summer dresses too.

black leather biker jacket

I’ve always upped the size in my leather jackets mainly because I have found they are a tight fit across the shoulders. Make a note of the measurements of each of these jackets to compare for size. You may need to get the next size up for a better fit.

If the biker style doesn’t suit your fancy, the lace zip up style from Alannah Hill offers the cut of a biker leather jacket, but without the hardware and pocket zips.

Here are some of my favourite Women’s Biker Leather Jackets found online.

Gorman Disco Inferno Leather Jacket $549

gorman biker leather jacket

Boden Morleigh Biker Leather Jacket $269

boden biker leather jacket

Siricco Women’s Brown Leather Biker Jacket $180

dark tan leather biker jacket

Siricco Women’s Zip Leather Biker Jacket in Red $180

red leather biker jacket

Decjuba Liv Collarless Leather Biker Jacket $399.95

decjuba biker leather jacket

Alannah Hill As You Wish Leather Jacket in Tan $499

biker jacket alannah hill

Alannah Hill As You Wish Leather Jacket in Black $499

alannah hill biker jacket

 

 

If leather is out of your budget, PU leather will give the same look however it can flake over time and from my experience, is attractive to moths. The investment with leather is one you won’t regret.

Now tell me, are you a fan of leather biker jackets? Do you already own one? Which is your favourite style above?

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.

Why Buying Local is Best

A few weeks ago, when I was researching Boho Maxi Dresses, I came across an overseas site that had a range of dresses available at incredibly cheap prices.

Now we’ve all seen the risks of buying from such sites. Where ladies have bought a dress and it’s 2 sizes too small or it looks nothing like the dress in the picture.

Buying local is best. I’ve always endorsed this way of shopping on my blog.

But sometimes the dollar signs overshadow our sense and we commit to the buy because we like what we see and it’s not a huge dent to the wallet.

Well, this dress I came across was gorgeous.

chic boho dress

I had visions of wearing it with my boots and layered with a faux fur vest giving the dress a real 70’s vibe.

Boho Maxi Dress buying local is best

I used my Paypal account to buy the dress which cost me $50, including shipping.

And then I waited. Silly me read the reviews AFTER I made my purchase and the reviews were dire!

There were warnings not to buy from this company as the products looked nothing like what was advertised. Too small, not right, or no product arrived at all and money was lost.

I didn’t panic because whatever way it went, I’d be writing about my experience. And I used Paypal which provides buyer protection.

Thankfully, I received my dress a week ago.

I opened the satchel and was surprised by the colour… then I unfolded the dress and laughed.

There were similarities but it wasn’t the dress I expected to get. It was shorter, there was no shirred hem and front split (thank goodness as who knows where the split may have ended!). The dress was more blue than green and the bust was super open and super tight.

buying local is best

Thankfully it fits me, but I must wear a cami underneath or my bra and boobs will be on show for all to see.

I’ve layered it with a black cami, black tights and boots.

While it’s not what I expected, I can work with it. I emailed the company to say I was disappointed with the dress and wanted a refund. But there has been no response and I’m not interested in the rigmarole of posting something back to China. I have lodged a complaint through Paypal though.

So the lesson from this is buying local is best.

It’s just easier to deal with a return when the shop is located within Australia. Even if it doesn’t fit right, the return postage is cheaper and a credit note is still money you can use towards a new purchase. (even though it’s frustrating when stores refuse to refund your money).

I have had my fair share of online fashion woes with Australian stores, but at least I’ve been able to return it and get credit to choose something different. And for those pieces I couldn’t get a refund on, I sold them on Facebook Marketplace as the brand was known and I got my money back.

Have you ever bought something from overseas and it was nothing like what you thought? Do you agree buying local is best?

Best Jackets to Wear Over a Floaty Dress

Every spring and autumn, I often have a predicament of working out what jackets to wear over a floaty dress. Ideally I like to have more than one choice: one jacket that’s dressy and one jacket that is suited for casual.

Spring is the season to start wearing dresses as the weather warms up, but sometimes it’s not warm enough to wear the dress alone. Often a jacket is needed to add a bit of warmth early in the morning or out at night.

Autumn is when we still want to wear our dresses, but add an extra layer as the temperature drops.

I remember facing this problem myself this time last year. I realised all the jackets I had were too thick, too corporate, wrong length, wrong colour or too ‘something’ for my floaty dresses. They just weren’t right.

I was looking for a jacket that would be more casual than going out. The denim jacket was ideal and I’m glad I invested in this piece last year. I had hesitated when Karen from Wardrobe 22 showed me it was one of her highest selling pieces. I don’t always like the cropped look of the denim jacket. However, when I had my spring dress dilemma and no jacket to wear… the denim jacket was soon added to cart.

Best Jackets to Wear Over a Floaty Dressdenim jacket over floaty dress

My leather jackets have also been an ideal layer over my dresses for a more dressier outfit. They are probably more suited to winter conditions – so heading from autumn into winter, but early spring can see cooler temperatures that require a heavier jacket.

leather jacket for spring

leather jacket for spring

black leather jacket for spring

My leather jackets have been a good investment. If you’re looking to purchase a leather jacket, now is an ideal time. I’ve had my red leather jacket for 10 years, and it looks as good as new from the day I bought it. Pleather or PU can work if it’s more suited to your budget. I’ve shared some options below.

Leather/PU/Pleather Jackets

leather jackets to wear over a floaty dress

  1. Decjuba Liv Collarless Leather Biker Jacket $399.95
  2.  Belle Bird Oliver Leatherette Jacket $50 (on sale)
  3.  Katies PU Biker Jacket $30 (on sale)

 

When it comes to choosing a denim jacket, I like a lighter, worn colour rather than a dark denim. But it all comes down to personal choice. I’ve found 4 different colour ways that would look great over a floaty dress.

Denim Jackets

denim jackets to wear over a floaty dress

  1. Gingham and Heels Small Steps Denim Jacket $89
  2.  Decjuba Nina Raw Denim Jacket $139.95
  3.  Boho Bird Heartbeat Denim Jacket $109.95
  4.  Bird Keepers The Denim Jacket $99.95

 

What jackets have you worn over floaty dresses? Have you got a leather or denim jacket?

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.

Budget Dresses to Keep Your Wardrobe Fresh This Autumn and Beyond

If you’re looking for some budget dresses to keep your wardrobe looking fresh this Autumn and beyond, you will want to read this post.

Buying a new dress – or any piece of clothing is often a luxury for many. When the family budget is tight, adding a new dress or accessory may be out of the question when so many bills vow for our money.

Everyone has a different budget when it comes to shopping for clothes. For some, brand new is out of the question and op shopping is their go to. For others, online shops may offer pieces that come under the $100 mark. For some, the middle ground is their preference. Something new, but budget friendly at a local department store.

And Kmart is one of those stores where you will find budget dresses that will give you change from a $50 note.

Back when I worked full time in an office, Kmart at Sunnybank Plaza was my go to for office wear. I could always get bargain work wear that looked on trend.

These two budget dresses I bought from Kmart a week or so ago were bought in store.

Apparently there was quite a ruckus about the Brown Polka Dot dress which sold out online and can only be sourced instore.

The khaki dress is still available to buy online.

Both come in under budget for $25 each.

The Brown Polka Dot Dress

I really loved how this dress sat on me when I put it on. I’m a curvy size 16, and I could fit into the 14. The cross over does gape, but it does fasten. It’s ideal for mums who breastfeed, or mums like me who often have dresses that gape at the bust when there are buttons.

Brown Polka Dot Budget Dresses

Bubble O bill earrings

The dress can be worn with white sneakers for a casual look, and dressed up with a change in shoes. I changed my earrings to match the style. My Bubble O Bill earrings have the perfect tone for the casual style.

budget polka dot dress kmart

The autumnal tones of the dress will suit a denim jacket when it starts to get cool.

Orange Spot Dress kmart

Khaki Shift Dress – Drop Hem Dress

This khaki shift dress, which is known as the Drop Hem Dress on the Kmart site, was standard sizing, however I sized up on this one for a more oversized fit. In the changeroom I’m wearing a size 16, but felt the dress clung to parts of my body where I like it to skim over. The next size up allowed for this.

kmart khaki shift dress

This is the perfect all season dress as it can be layered for autumn and winter, or dressed simply in summer with sandals.

Kmart Drop Hem dress

Summer styling

Kmart Budget Dresses

Autumn styling with vest

Budget Dress styling

Autumn/Spring styling without vest

 

winter styling budget dresses

Winter styling with leather jacket

When it comes to shopping at stores like Kmart, I will often have an open mind. Not everything has fit me well from there, but these dresses certainly did.

Budget Dresses to Keep Your Wardrobe Fresh This Autumn and Beyond

If you are on a budget and need something new this Autumn, don’t disregard Kmart. These dresses may be just the pieces to tide you through the new season.

Where have you bought budget dresses from? Any stores you love to purchase from that always meet your budget?

 

A Stylish Bag That Can Carry All The Things – NeoLUXE Neoprene Bag Review

If you’re looking for a stylish bag that can carry all the things, including your personal items, you can’t go past the NeoLUXE Neoprene Bag.

A Stylish Bag That Can Carry All The Things – NeoLUXE Neoprene Bag Review

It was less than 18 months ago, I was able to downgrade from my huge nappy bag to a shoulder slung handbag. It was amazing to not have to lug a baby bag around with nappies, wipes, spare clothes, bottles and everything else I used to cart around with toddlers and a baby.

While I’m no longer carrying nappies and spare clothes, I do seem to accumulate

  • Water bottles
  • Snacks/lunchboxes
  • Books/folders for work
  • Lunch for me at work
  • And everyone else’s personal belongings that ‘mum can carry because she can’.

Anyone relate?

The handles of my Mimco handbag (which I bought 18 months ago) has not been able to handle the extra weight. As a result the handles have come apart. I’m not happy about it because it was an expensive bag and I had hoped it would last ATLEAST two years or more for the amount I paid for it.

Anyways, I was on the hunt for an everyday carry-all bag that wasn’t expensive but had super strong handles.

I was sent this fabulous Red/Pink Carrie It All bag from NeoLUXE and it has ticked all the boxes for me when I need one tote to carry everything.

A Stylish Bag That Can Carry All The Things – NeoLUXE Neoprene Bag Review

I used it for work this week when carrying all my work folders, my lunch and personal items. It was a savior to carry one bag, instead of lugging around two.

off to work with my Carrie It All Neoprene Bag

I also took it to Kindy today and was able to fit a platter of Easter Cookies and a spare container. Phoebe left her lunchbox at Kindy yesterday, so that could also be popped into my bag to take home. I also noticed another mum had the exact same bag, but in black.

Key Features – A Stylish Bag That Can Carry All The Things

The bag is made from neoprene which is 100% vegan and ethically sourced.

A Stylish Bag That Can Carry All The Things – NeoLUXE Neoprene Bag Review

It can be washed in the washing machine and it’s water proof, so if the kids drink bottles empty through your bag, it can dry pretty quickly.

A Stylish Bag That Can Carry All The Things – NeoLUXE Neoprene Bag Review

It’s reversible, so you can turn the bag inside out for a colour change.

reversible carrie it all bag

The handles are made from sailing rope, meaning it can carry a bit of weight if needed.

carrie it all bag

Each bag comes with a matching pouch, perfect for storing sanitary items, lipsticks or bits and pieces you don’t want to get lost in your bag.

handbag comes with pouch

The bag retails for $99.95 and is the ideal tote for all mums like me who take their kids here, there and everywhere, carting their stuff, plus our own.

beck to work

There are a range of other colours available too. (I love the Silver/Lime Carrie It All)

There is free shipping in Australia on all orders over $50. Be sure to put Free Shipping in the coupon code.

Disclosure: I was gifted the NeoLuxe Red Carrie It All bag for the purpose of this post. All opinions are my own. This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy

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