Posts Tagged ‘Fashion’

How to Shop Like a Personal Stylist – Capsule Workwear Wardrobe With Colour

We spend one third of our day at work, five (give or take) days a week, so having workwear outfits is a must. Your work environment will determine what type of clothes can be worn to work. Some workplaces have a relaxed view to corporate wear, and I have gone with this approach when creating this capsule workwear wardrobe with colour. This is the second post in my How to Shop Like a Personal Stylist series.

How to shop like a personal stylist

Gone are the days where black and white are the uniform colours for the office. Don’t get me wrong, they have their place and they look smart, but adding colour to your workwear wardrobe can brighten your day and most likely the atmosphere in the office.

I created this capsule workwear wardrobe with colour to show how easy it is to mix and match 3 shirts and 3 bottoms with the right accessories to create multiple outfits. This wardrobe is for a Summer update. To add more outfits, incorporate dresses (this will be a future post 🙂 )

For my capsule workwear wardrobe, I’ve stuck with black and white with colour pops of red, baby blue and blush.


Capsule Workwear Wardrobe with colour

1. The Everyday Blazer $89.95

2. Belle Polka Dot Blouse $79.95

3. The Crossover Blouse in Blue $89.95

4. Batik Border Neckerchief $14.95

5. Jo Mercer Blush Patent Leather Heels $99.95

6. Frankie 4 Tessa Black Heels $219.95

7. Oroton Estate Medium Tote Real Red Deep Blue $104.95

8. Gorman Geo Flower Linen Culotte $151.20

9. Jacqui E Elle Linen Patch Pocket Skirt $62.96

10. Little Party Dress Polka Dot Pants $59.95

11. Bird Keepers The Everyday Shirt in Rose $99.95

I follow the same principle as the casual outfit post (which you can read here to get your weekend outfits sorted). Each shirt should be able to go with each bottom. It may need an accessory to tie it together.

Here are my three base outfits.

Workwear outfit one

 

workwear outfit 2

workwear outfit 3

I then mix and match to create more outfits. The neckerchief has the blue, red and pink in it, which ties those particular outfits together.

blue red and blush

Mix and match blush blouses

Mix and match spots

This last outfit is fun because it matches a pattern within a pattern. The culottes have a similar spot pattern as the blouse. The neckerchief doesn’t have to be worn with this outfit. I think it would like great both with or without – it’s your preference.


spots and culottes

With three bottoms and three tops, I have created nine outfits from this capsule workwear wardrobe.

The shoes can be worn with all nine outfits so you can get the most wear out of your heels. Flat are always a good option – but I have found heels from Frankie 4 and Jo Mercer are good to my feet.

Do you work from a capsule workwear wardrobe when dressing for work? Which outfit would you wear to work?

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

How to Shop Like a Personal Stylist – Casual Outfits for Around the Home

To kick off my series on how to shop like a personal stylist, I’m tackling what we wear when on holidays or when you’re at home. Casual outfits for around the home can mean a whole heap of different styles.

casual outfits for around the home

For some, sweat pants and a big tee are their go-to outfits. For others, active wear is their outfit of choice. For others, it could be a casual dress, jeans and top or shorts and top.

Today, I’m going to focus on the tee and shorts ensemble. Mainly because I think this is the most common summer around-the-home style of outfit and it’s one that I tend to wear myself. Not that I think everyone dresses like me. But I find this type of outfit comfortable and I’m sure you will too.

I have a number of tees and a few pairs of shorts that I mix between to create my casual outfits for around the home. I own 5 pairs of shorts. Actually six as I just bought a pair from Gorman during the boxing day sales.

My shorts wardrobe includes two pairs of denim shorts, one pair of navy shorts, one pair of black shorts and patterned shorts with pom poms. I wear patterned, stripe and block tees/tanks with a kaftan over top to create my casual outfits for around the home. To get an idea of the outfits I wear, check out my Instagram or head to the Styled by Bec Facebook page.

For the purpose of this post, I’ve chosen three pairs of shorts (the black and navy work the same as do both the denim shorts). I’ve also chosen a patterned tee, stripe tee and block colour tee. Having a plain black and white tee to create different outfits is also crucial for more outfit making.

I’ve also chosen Frankie 4 slides in Peach and Blonde – as they seem to be the slides with the most sizes available. They also add colour to a plain outfit. I love the pop of colour. Either of these slides could be worn with ALL of these outfits. I usually wear my white Birkenstocks as I’ve had these for years. I may need to invest in new slides this year as they are starting to deteriorate from constant wear.

Here are my three basic casual outfits for around the home

casual outfits for around the home

Gorman Brushed Flower Tee $99, Katies Cotton Casual Shorts $25 (on sale), Frankie 4 Hilary Blonde Slides $119.97 (on sale)

casual outfit for around the home

Gorman Linen Jersey Tank $55.20 (on sale), Decjuba Emma Tropical Print Shorts $34.95 (on sale), Frankie 4 Hilary Peach Slides $119.97 (on sale)

casual outfit for home

Bohemian Traders Classic Swing Tee in Stripes $59, Jeans West Kirstie Distress Boyfriend Short $30 (on sale), Frankie 4 Hilary Peach Slides $119.97

When it comes to tees, I’m a big fan of Bohemian Traders. I love their swing tees in a large (I’m a 16) because they don’t clinch at the tummy. They also look great tucked in. They also last after a number of washes. I still own my red stripe tee, black and grey block tees which I have had for years.

Bohemian Traders Black and White Tee

Bohemian Traders Classic Swing Tee in Black $59, Bohemian Traders Classic Swing Tee in White $59

I also love my Gorman print tees. Again they wash well and I like their shape. (I wear a size 14 in these.) They also add fun to a simple shorts and tee outfit.

When it comes to shorts, I don’t like short shorts. I have the Katies ones which I wear often and the Jeans West denim shorts. I wear my denim shorts uncuffed as I like a longer hem.

With the three pairs of shorts, I have changed the tops to create these combos. On the middle row, I would totally wear the Gorman tee with a the tropical shorts… but for some that may be too much of a pattern clash so I’ve changed it to a white tee.

Don’t be afraid to intermix your prints. Venture into this pattern clash by pairing a stripe tee with a print.

casual outfit ideas mix and match

Once you have your casual shorts and tee outfits organised, you can then venture into adding layers. I absolutely LOVE this kimono from Spell Designs, which can also be worn as a dress.

casual outfit build with layers

You can make 3 more outfits by adding this extra layer.

casual outfit ideas for around the house

Suddenly, your ‘casual outfits for around the home’ wardrobe is complete.

For most, these types of outfits will be worn frequently throughout the week. For others, it may be the outfits to wear on the weekend only or on a beach holiday.

The key to shopping like a personal stylist is choosing less to create more.

I’ve created 13 outfits on this post from 3 pairs of shorts, 5 tees and 1 kimono.

So buying less, but ensuring each piece has a specific purpose and can be worn again with other items is key. You have to get your basics right before you venture into layers and buying pieces that like to stand out on their own.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my first post on how to shop like a personal stylist. I wear these outfits each week so I live by what I’ve shared here.

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.  

My Favourite Trans-Seasonal Top – Three Quarter Sleeve Tops

The three quarter sleeve top is one of my preferred tops to wear during autumn, winter and spring.

three quarter sleeve top

The extra length in the sleeve is perfect for trans-seasonal dressing. Brisbane has had some warm winter days of late, so the three sleeve top has been ideal, layered with a cardigan or jacket early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Whenever I choose a three quarter sleeve top, I think about:

1. What jackets and cardigans I already own that can be layered over top?

2. Can they be worn into summer with a pair of shorts?

3. Can the sleeves be rolled up for summer?

4. What is the material and can it be worn all year round?

5. Will it look great with jeans?

Not all of my three quarter sleeve tops tick all the questions, but I do have multiple three quarter sleeve tops that suit one or more of my requirements.

At the moment, I’m working on a capsule wardrobe to take overseas that will work in with my black puffer jacket and jeans.

Here are some of the styles I’ve found that I’ve considered adding to cart.

Freez Zip Top $49

three quarter sleeve top leopard print

Katies Printed Bell Sleeve Top $27.97 (on sale)

spots three quarter sleeve tops

Betty Basic Milan 3/4 Sleeve Top $39

three quarter sleeve white tops

Naudic Hacienda Navy and Red Tunic $149.95


three quarter sleeve floral tops

Elm Luna Shift Top $89.95 (other sizes available here)


elm three quarter sleeve top

Katies Boat Neck Stripe Top $20.97 (on sale)


katies three quarter sleeve top

Do you have many three quarter sleeve tops in your wardrobe?

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. 

I Bought My Shoes for Disneyland (And Have Been Wearing Them NON-STOP!)

Earlier this week, I bit the bullet and bought my shoes for Disneyland.

I Bought My Shoes for Disneyland (And Have Been Wearing Them NON-STOP!)

We have a family trip planned for the end of the year and on my ‘must get’ list has been a pair of white sneakers from Frankie4.

Ever since the Frankie4 Nat’s were released, I’ve had my eye on them. My go to shoe as a mum is a white sneaker that I can slip on and off quickly. I’ve been wearing my Seed Heritage shoes to death and as much as I love them, they don’t offer the best support. I knew I would need a more supportive shoe for travelling.

Ironically, with the amount I walk each day, the purchase was one that would benefit me now.

I Bought My Shoes for Disneyland (And Have Been Wearing Them NON-STOP!)

I headed to the store at Indooroopilly, to make use of my $50 VIP Birthday voucher.

Since acquiring my first pair of Frankie4’s when Phoebe was born, my foot has shrunk in size. Less fluid and the length of my feet have shortened, which means my size 11/10 feet have gone down to a size 9.5/10.

I tried on the Nat sneakers and the Beth brogues to get an idea on size. I’m a solid 9.5 at Frankie4, which means I know what size to purchase in the future, online. When purchasing online, postage is free. This will save me having heart palpitations when navigating down the laneway to the Indooroopilly store.

I remember wrangling the street with a ute when getting into Reece Plumbing during my plumbing days. It was my least favourite store to get into due to the lack of parking. Thankfully, there is plenty of onsite parking at the Frankie4 store. Nevertheless, the drive down the street is one I don’t want to be making often.

I’m very happy with my purchase and have been wearing my shoes since the waterproof spray allowed me to do so. I have to break them in so they are ready when we go to the US in December. But honestly, they haven’t needed it because they are so comfy to wear.

disneyland shoes

My heart is firmly set on purchasing the Nat in black. But that purchase will have to be done at a later date.

Do you own any Frankie4 shoes? What shoes do you tend to wear on a daily basis?

Keep Warm in a Stylish Puffer Jacket

One of the best investments I’ve made to my winter wardrobe was purchasing a stylish puffer jacket. I’ve owned my black down jacket for 9 years and it’s still going strong.

stylish puffer jacket in paris

It’s been to London and Paris and out west to Stanthorpe.

stylish puffer jacket in paris

Pre-kids and less wrinkles

It comes out when it gets really cold in Brisbane. Which is rare. But you know, when the temperature drops, I have the jacket just for that.

stylish puffer jacket

I bought it online from American brand Lands End, on recommendation from my mum. I will be taking the same jacket to America at the end of the year. It’s stylish, warm and looks fab, without the Michelin man look. It also folds down to nothing, making it the ideal jacket to travel with.

If there is one person who knows about stylish puffer jackets, it would be my mum. Down puffer jackets tend to be the warmest, but they aren’t good if they get wet. There are some down puffer jackets that are waterproof, where the down has been specially treated to be water-resistant and retain its loft when wet. These down jackets are the ones you’re after if you’re going somewhere where it rains or snows. PrimaLoft is also recommended for wet weather. Down jackets tend to be more expensive, but from my experience, when you buy right the first time, the jacket will give you a lot of cost per wear.

Synthetic puffer jackets are often cheaper, better for those that suffer from allergies and will keep you warm in a milder winter – like what we experience in QLD.

What I love about my puffer jacket is it’s the ideal top layer to a winter outfit. I prefer a long-line jacket which covers over my butt for extra warmth.

Your snow, ski and adventure stores will have an array of puffer jackets to keep you warm. If you’re looking for some stylish options though (ie, ones that look great with smart casual outfits), here are some I’ve found online.

Lands End Leopard Print Down Jacket $47.22 (on sale)

lands end stylish puffer jacket

Lands End Women’s Lightweight Down A-Line Coat $65 (on sale)

lands end stylish puffer jacket

Birds Keepers Longline Puffer Jacket in Navy $149.95

birdsnest stylish puffer jacket

Betty Basics Ashton Long Puffer Jacket in Petal $119.95

pink puffer jacket

Uniqlo Women’s Ultra Light Down Jacket $109.95

Uniqlo Stlylish Puffer jacket

The Iconic Forever New Sheena Down Filled Puffa Coat $229.95


Stylish puffer jacket khaki

Do you own a stylish puffer 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. 

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