May 20, 2013 · 3:14 am

White on white

Last week I wrote about wishing to be braver in my fashion choices on a more regular basis. And so… last week I actually did something about it. What I wore wasn’t by any means avant-garde in a broad sense but it certainly was for me. This is the key, challenging and expressing yourself through fashion and not thinking about how other people might perceive what you’re wearing. I also wanted to see how I could interpret something from the runway that I loved and turn it into an everyday outfit.

I was inspired by this look from Proenza Schouler, New York Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2013

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Image Vogue Australia

And by looks that include a lot of texture, lace and girly details. These looks feel pretty, girly and fresh. Especially going into winter here, I wanted to lighten up my obsession with black!

Image from the blog post White Out by WTF by Batur

This was the final, work appropriate outfit that I chose.

White on white - mixing baroque inspired pants with lace

White on white – mixing baroque inspired pants with lace

Wearing white on white to the office, felt a bit scary without a trace of black! Dotti top and H&M pants

Wearing white on white to the office, felt a bit scary without a trace of black! Dotti top and H&M pants

White on white - lace detail

White on white – lace detail

Leaving the house in all-white felt scary but was worth it. It felt like such a pretty outfit and lifted my day and proved to myself that I can wear things that I enjoy rather than worrying about what others are thinking. :) And, the other key thing, is that I had all these things in my wardrobe… so another successful day on the “No new clothes” challenge!

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May 13, 2013 · 4:53 am

print-a-palooza – from the Fasion Huntress

Following my most recent post (Over half way there! No New Clothes Challenge (Part 3)) I went in search of some other cobalt delights and came across this blog post from Fashion Huntress print-a-palooza.

Image

Image: Fashion Huntress (Print-a-palooza)

Loved the combination of prints and cobalt. All kinds of runway inspired! Enjoy!

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· 3:56 am

Over half way there! No New Clothes Challenge (Part 3)

It’s May…finally!Well, that’s how I thought I would feel.

April was a tricky month for me, lots of social events, parties, work functions… all of which I would normally have dashed out and bought something pretty, new and fresh to wear to all of these events.

I struggled through January, powered through February and March without so much as a pang and then, BAM! April. My shopping and fashion withdrawals began.  I felt under-dressed and frumpy and missed the pick-me-up that a girly skirt or floaty top could provide. THIS was the reason I went on my challenge.  How would I do without my baroque/all white/dark prints/cobalt/leather dress fix??!! (First world problems!)

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White on White at Proenza Schouler Autumn/Winter 2013 (Image: Telegrah.co.uk)

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Mixed prints at Oscar de la Renta Autumn/Winter 2013 (Image Telegraph.co.uk)

Jason Wu autumn/winter 2013

Jason Wu Autumn/Winter 2013 (Image: Telegraph.co.uk)

Fashion is delightful and interesting and creative but should not be something that dictates my mood or happiness.

Fashion, to me, should be the other way around, it should express my mood and creativity. So I was a bit of a sad sack in April but somehow emerged into May with a brighter outlook. I had gotten through weeks of social activities with no new clothes and had managed to keep my sanity and garner a few compliments along the way! Success!

No new clothes challenge for May 2013!

Just one week of outfits in May so far, lots of colour and fun (admittedly with an obsession for black bottoms to outfits?! Must experiment more!)

May feels much lighter and easier. Last week was a particularly creative week with lots of new combinations of my clothes and I had fun (not groundbreaking by any means remembering that I work in an office…)! A little lace, a little bit of dark print, a cheeky sweater! And all within what I already own. I even broke out the cobalt (Although it is no Jason Wu dream!)

A little bit of cobalt for May No New Clothes challenge with my Sportsgirl clutch and H&M print skirt

A little bit of cobalt for May No New Clothes challenge with my Sportsgirl clutch and H&M print skirt

My cat even got in on the cobalt action ;)

My cat rocking cobalt - washing basket by Target

My cat rocking cobalt – washing basket by Target

So,  my “No new clothes” challenge is five months in and next month is the last month. I feel as if the challenge is finally coming into its own and I’m getting out of it what I need. June is also my birthday (yah!) so the hunt is underway for my one outfit purchase that is allowed… my party dress! It’s a bit special knowing it’s my ONLY purchase for the whole six months of clothes.

Now…. what to do after June? Any thoughts for my next clothes adventure??

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Filed under Black and White, Catwalk looks, Dark Florals, Dotti, Fashion, Jason Wu, Lace, Mixed prints, Oscar de la Renta, Proenza Schouler, Sportsgirl, Target, Uncategorized, White on white

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May 10, 2013 · 3:18 am

DIY Golden Lace Cuff – From Runway DIY.com

Making my own gorgeous jewellery? Yes please!

Runway DIY.com have a great little tutorial on how to make your own lace cuff in a few simple steps.

DIY Golden Lace Cuff.

 I think I may even try this out this weekend! It fits in perfectly with my “No new clothes” challenge and what I am trying to achieve. Making your wardrobe work harder for you without expensive new purchases.

And, it’s lace and pretty! Two of my favourite things right now :)

 

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May 8, 2013 · 2:59 am

Met Gala 2013 – punk, lace, prints and just plain brave!

My current challenge in constraining my shopping has rather heightened my enjoyment of red carpet events in 2013. I can live a little vicariously through all the pretty frocks and shocks on display. I love seeing the gorgeous looks and I enjoy seeing those who love to take risks, whether they come off or not… that is the fun of fashion. In the end, if it looks terrible you just take it off when you get home!

The Met Gala this week was a nice little piece of fashion candy for my clothes-shopping free existence. With a “Punk” theme there was some edge on the red carpet.

Met Gala 2013 - who wore what

Anja Rubic in Anthony Vaccarello: Image Vogue Australia

Met Gala 2013 - who wore what

Yah!! for some Vivienne Westwood on the red carpet! Christina Ricci: Image Vogue Australia

As was there lots of lace coupled with cut-outs. Some of it a little braver and more striking, lots of it quite safe. I personally LOVE to wear lace, it fits my girly aesthetic. There was lots of black and white as well. Both monochrome and lace are proving to be a big hit right now and these are both trends that most people would be able to find in their own wardrobe and wear every day! You don’t need the big bucks to carry these trends off.

Met Gala 2013 - who wore what

Rooney Mara in Givenchy: Image Vogue Australia

Nina Dobrev In Monique Lhuillier - 2013 Met Gala

Loved Nina Dobrev in Monique Lhuiller – Image Red Carpet Fashion Awards

Met Gala 2013 - who wore what

Jessica Alba in Tory Burch: Image Vogue Australia

I also loved some of the braver outfits. It’s something that I always want to do myself but often can’t quite bring myself to do it. I’d love to be braver in my everyday fashion choices as my look is usually quite simple. More clashing and prints! There was inspiration to be found.

Met Gala 2013 - who wore what

I actually love this one! Love the different textures. Kirsten Dunst in Louis Vuitton: Image Vogue Australia

Met Gala 2013 - who wore what

Anne Hatheway in Valentino: Image Vogue Australia

Met Gala 2013 - who wore what

Aaaand… who hasn’t seen the Kim Kardashian look! I’ll give her credit for putting it out there! Image: Vogue Australia

There were SO many looks to peruse this year. With my “No new clothes” challenge still safely on track I can get my fashion fill, and, who knows, maybe I’ll see what I can find in my wardrobe that can be inspired by this year’s Met Gala. Maybe some black and white, lace, dark prints or textures….

What were everyone’s favourite looks?

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Filed under 2013, Black and White, classics, Clothes, Cut outs, Dark Florals, Fashion, Lace, Met Gala 2013, Red carpet looks, Texture, Uncategorized

May 7, 2013 · 2:36 am

Cheap thrills… at what cost?

I started out doing the “No new clothes” challenge as a way to break my constant purchasing of the latest trend at the cheapest price. I seem to have developed an aversion to any price tag that is over the $100 mark. This is in stark contrast to the rest of my life. I have a savings account, an investment property and like to buy furniture, white goods etc with the view that the money is an upfront investment for something that will last me 10, 20 or 30 years. This I can cope with. This I can set money aside for.

Clothing and fashion, which I have deep “love” for, I’ve always felt a need to “justify” any large purchases and have always felt slightly guilty afterwards.  I’m quite lucky that my husband met me only after I had already acquired the majority of my shoe collection… now he wouldn’t notice one or two new pairs! I think that it may be a hang over from my uni days when I was working part-time, studying full-time and making do with a few hundred dollars a week to live off. Now, I probably don’t need to be so frugal with my fashion choices. My “No new clothes” challenge has shown me that I can live without the quick thrill of a cheap purchase (although I may have been substituting makeup for clothes in the past few weeks!). That is not to say, that I won’t be going without that after my challenge is over. It’s just that I feel the need for it less.

This skirt cost me $60 from Target over ten years ago when I was a teenager. That was a huge investment at the time... and I still wear it!

This skirt cost me $60 from Target over ten years ago when I was a teenager. That was a huge investment at the time… and I still wear it!

The other consideration that I have been pondering has also been bought to light twice in the past few weeks. Just what exactly is my impact on the world through my fashion choices (and I’m not referring purely to the sartorial aspect… which I suspect is limited to me and my cat!). How green are my choices? How ethical are my choices?

Recently, My Style Mix blogged about The [informed] Shoppers Dilemma which I could immediately relate to.  Secondly, in Australia, we have been seeing a lot in the news about a garments factory in Bangladesh that has collapsed and killed over 650 people, all making clothes destined for countries like Australia.

Both reading other bloggers thoughts on these issues and current world news has reinforced one of my purposes for the “No new clothes” challenge. I’m still wondering how to balance the allure of the cheap thrill with the long-term, thought out decisions, but am hopefully a few steps closer. One such Australian company that I will continue to support and that has been certified by  Ethical Clothing Australia, is Cue.  I have long loved this brand and am happy to know that they have received this certification and are fashion forward. So while not all my purchases reflect ethical decisions, this is one brand that I will look forward to some long-term investment in with a better conscience. I would love to hear from anyone who is also addressing this challenge and what you’ve learned.

Dresses

Image: Cue Dress 2013 http://www.cue.cc/shop/Category/Dresses

Skirts

Image: Cue skirt 2013 http://www.cue.cc/shop/Category/Skirts

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Filed under Clothes, Cue, Dark Florals, ethical, Ethical fashion, Fashion, Sustainable, Target

April 22, 2013 · 5:24 am

One night stand or long term relationship??

April has been a tricky month for me so far. I’m still on the “no new clothes” wagon and have noticed it more than the first three months. I’ve had two work functions and now three upcoming birthday celebrations… without the excitement of seeking out something new to wear. Not an overly important dilemma in the grand scheme of things, but April has been the hardest month so far.

Following a few weeks of whinging to my husband and actually torturing myself by going into stores and trying pretty things on, I’ve decided what is needed a audit of my wardrobe. After a decade of investing in gorgeous clothes, I should be able to continue to pull together different combinations of outfits and have hopefully invested in the “key” pieces that get spruiked every year by fashion magazines and stylists alike. The kind of pieces that you can have a comfy long term relationship with, you rely on to be there when you need them.

So a quick search of the web and some of my favourite magazines and I thought I would start with the Vogue Winter Classics

Nine winter classics for every wardrobe

Nine Winter Classics for Every Wardrobe, Vogue Winter Classics, Image: Vogue

It appears that I may just be missing the mark in 2013…. Some of the Nine Winter Classics as proposed by Vogue are the leather pants, winter dress, the winter skirt and the leather jacket. It seems I strike out across all these categories! Have I been dressing foolishly in winter all these years? A little dramatic perhaps.

The other part of the list I can actually hit: ankle boots, skinny jeans (that get year round wear) and the well cut coat.

Black skinny jeans from target, my favourite Dotti peplum top and strappy heels

Black skinny jeans from Target, my favourite Dotti peplum top and Nine West wedges

Black skinny jeans and wedge ankle boots

Black skinny jeans and wedge ankle boots

While I don’t believe that there is any one script for the perfect wardrobe, I do find it helpful to go through lists like this and see what I think is missing. For me, it is the leather jacket. I have wanted one for years and have never taken the plunge into investing in one. This is high on my list of investment items to seek out after my No New Clothes Challenge is done.

Nine winter classics for every wardrobe

Nine Winter Classics for Every Wardrobe: Leather Jacket, Image: Vogue

The other thing that it has highlighted, is that even though my black, skinny jean from Target cost me all of $30… they certainly get a wearing! And for the small investment of $30, I’ll probably go and buy another pair when these fall apart! After a weekend of living in my black skinny jeans and managing a fun night out for my sister in-laws birthday, I’m feeling much better than a few weeks ago.

Black skinnies with my favourite Dotti Peplum top and fun accessories for a night out

Pretty much all my favourite things: Black, cropped Dotti pants with my favourite Dotti Peplum top and fun accessories for a night out

I’ve certainly got some of MY basics down pat that I just love to wear…. but, a little research has helped me see what my wardrobe might be missing. Long term relationship here I come!

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Filed under All in Black, Black and White, classics, Clothes, Dotti, Fashion, Forever New, Strappy heels, Target, Trends, Uncategorized

April 6, 2013 · 10:52 am

You may have heard of it, or even be doing it yourself… Style Dare Challenge!

Instagram has proven to be an inspiring place for me. I call it a “place” because I feel like it’s somewhere people (and cats!… so many cats, including mine) can go to share their view of life in a creative way. It can take some time to sort through the millions of photos and users on Instagram but I’m enjoying seeing what the world has to offer through other people’s perspective.

I particularly enjoy seeing the variety of fashion, beauty and personal expression that is being captured; both from everyday people such as myself and from some of the more well-known faces of the world. Inspiration can be found anywhere!

The other thing that I am loving about Instagram is how interactive it is becoming…and I’m not talking about the spamming or the hateful comments that seem to litter the “comments” sections under photos. But rather the compliments, feedback and support that can be out there. Now, I haven’t yet been the victim of anything terrible or vitriolic, so perhaps I’m looking through rose-coloured glasses.

One great example that I have particularly loved getting involved with has been the “Fox in Flats Style Dare Challenge”.

Fox in Flats Style Dare April 2013

http://www.foxinflats.com.au/2013/03/fox-in-flats-style-dare-april  (Image from Fox in Flats Style Dare)

Anyone with an Instagram, Facebook or Twitter account can join in and be inspired to be creative. If you head over to the Fox in Flats website you can read more behind the inspiration for the concept. Primarily aimed at women who are facing the challenges of motherhood and fashion, I feel that it appeals to a much wider audience. I don’t have any biological children (I have two step-children and a very diva-ish cat), but with a full-time job, friends, shared parenting, staying fit and healthy, I think that I’ve fall into “fashion ruts” as well as “life ruts”.  We can all sometimes get caught up in just trying to get through the day. I take my hat off to women who do it all with a full-time family to love and support as well.

For the first time I have been participating in the Style Dare, which ensures that you attempt something new each day for a month.  So far we are up to Day 6 and…

Fox in Flats Style Dare April 2013

Fox in Flats Style Dare April 2013

   I’ve worn sequins to work, Day 2: Sparkles (got heaps of compliments surprisingly)

Minimal hair and accessories for Fox in Flats Style Dare "Slick"

Minimal hair and accessories for Fox in Flats Style Dare “Slick”

Toned everything back with minimal hair and accessories for Day 4 of the April Style Dare “Slick”; and…

IMG_4555

…worn bright Fuchsia lipstick while I felt like staying in bed sick. This lovely shade of lippie actually cheered me up somewhat and got me to my desk! (Day 5)

At the same time, I’ve still not been able to purchase a single piece of clothing and have been getting into the Fox in Flats Style Dare, while staying on my own “No New Clothes Challenge”….it’s exciting and easier than I thought. These fashion challenges are adding variety to the working week and every day.

  • Scarf? Check!
  • Sparkles? Check!
  • Arm party? Check! (find out just what an arm party is here)
  • Boots? Check! (a little warm in Qld to wear them though…)
  • Ripped?Hmmmm…Day 22 will be a challenge…

So there you go! I’m going to continue on for the whole of April and see just what treasures I have in my wardrobe to get me through this challenge. It’s fun to wear looks I usually reserve just for a night out through the day, and has certainly made me feel more glamorous and adventurous.

Thank you Fox in Flats! Check out Instagram to see the fun and creativity flowing.

Let me know if you’re joining in and what your favourite Style Dare Challenge has been.

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April 2, 2013 · 1:38 am

The “No New Clothes Challenge”: Part 2

So far it has been three, successful months of no new clothes and still I seem to be able to find new outfits to put together and get out there.

Will I ever be able to use the excuse “I have nothing to wear” ever again? Or will my husband hold it against me forever? …. I suspect the latter!

The second part of this challenge for me, has not only been going without shopping and pretty new purchases, but also seeing how well I’ve invested in my wardrobe to date. Have I actually been making savvy purchases that aren’t all trend based and wearable for only a few months? Has over a decade of my hard-earned salary been well invested? I hope so!

To help find out I’ve done a little research lately on what we’re all going to be influenced by and be wearing (apparently). One of the biggest trends that seems to be sticking out to me AND is easily wearable, is that of black and white.

Models on the catwalk (© Reuters)

Image from  Spring/Summer 2013 Trend Report.

Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs

Image from Spring 2013′s Most Wearable Fashion Trends.

Black and white is something that I have discovered I have in spades! It seems that over the last decade or some I have been buying heaps of black (so every time the Husby asks if I’ve already got a black top… the answer is usually yes…) and lots of white. So, success for the “No New Clothes Challenge”! Turns out I can be a little bit stylish with what I already own. My wardrobe is a little less edgy and graphic, but for everyday wear I can surely channel the Paris catwalks a little. No extra clothes needed. Perhaps I’ll vamp up the accessories though… :)

No New Clothes Challenge: Black and White, weekend Casual

No New Clothes Challenge: Black and White, weekend Casual

No New Clothes Challenge Black and White, love my black maxi skirt and white Dotti crochet top

No New Clothes Challenge Black and White, love my black maxi skirt and white Dotti crochet top

Black and White, lace and a high waisted skirt... just add stockings and it is off to the office. Dark lips for good measure!

Black and White, lace and a high-waisted skirt… just add stockings and it is off to the office. Dark lips for good measure!

It also turns out that I happen to love lace and texture in my black and white. Graphic stripes are trending right now, perhaps I could mix in some of those from my wardrobe… we shall see! And that’s half the fun of it!I’d love to see everyone’s great Black and White combos and how it’s being worn this year. You can say “hi” on my Instagram account as well

imperfect_happiness

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Filed under Black and White, Casual, Clothes, Dotti, Fashion, Forever New, Lace, Target, Trends

March 24, 2013 · 1:07 am

The “No New Clothes Challenge”

So another year has started (and gone by!) since I wrote the first and only post on this blog. So here is the next attempt….

For 2013 I have resolved to purchase no new clothes until at least the end of June. Now it is March and has so far been successful! Yah!

Red lips and stripes are always an essential

Red lips and stripes are always an essential

So… why? I hear you say. I’m testing out the age-old female declaration of “I have nothing to wear” and attempting to see if, over the years, I have actually been buying items that can stand the test of time. I’m also curious to see how often fashion is going around and when what I have in my wardrobe from 1, 3, 5 and 10 years ago can/should/will be worn again.

My husband is very supportive. No surprises there.

The rules are simple:

  • I can’t purchase anything from the clothes, shoes and handbag part of fashion for 6 months at least
  • I am allowed “accessories” (jewellery, makeup etc) to see if I can build on what I’ve already got
  • I’m also allowed essentials (exercise shoes, beauty products etc)
  • And I’m allowed to purchase one lovely, glorious outfit for my 30th birthday in June this year!

So, this really is a true test to see if I can “rock what I’ve got” and what in my wardrobe is working for me. Have I actually made decent choices and how can I make current fashion trends come to life with what I’ve already got in the wardrobe or have I been wasting my hard-earned money all this time.

We shall see!

Here are a few examples of what this year has seen me “rocking” from my current wardrobe…

Wearing some old favourites together for the first time

Wearing some old favourites together for the first time

These get worn over and over again

Black peplum and dark florals? Seems so new but both have been in my wardrobe for years!

What are your favourites that you wear over and over again? Let me know your fashspiration for reinvention :)

You can also follow my outfit posts on my Instagram account

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Filed under Beauty, Clothes, Dark Florals, Dotti, Fashion, Forever New, Red Lips, Sportsgirl, Stripes, Target

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