This is actually a recent find of my older sister’s, but I couldn’t resist wearing it myself.
Playing with Prints
This is actually a recent find of my older sister’s, but I couldn’t resist wearing it myself.
Fashion
This is actually a recent find of my older sister’s, but I couldn’t resist wearing it myself.
Imprinting on Prints
Leopard, Aztec, floral, Hawaiian, chain, zebra, houndstooth, waterblend, ikat, tie-die, cats…and that’s not even the end of them. Prints are dominating the catwalk and streets this season with plenty of pretty and quirky designs that I bet you never even knew existed.
Normally I am accepting of all designs, but I think Hawaiian palm trees should be kept on the beaches of Hawaii and on the shirts of eager tourists. But, you know, whatever floats your boat…
Just a few of the ones that caught my eye:
Collared shirt with a Givenchy/Versace-inspired print.
Print jeans have arrived with all of their awesomeness. Sometimes they can be a little too awesome and shout out ‘Hey! Look at me!’ so the trick is to keep the rest of the outfit simple and casual and let the jeans do the talking.
Print dresses are lovely for any casual appearance in any season.
Print blouses are great with plain jeans and shorts.
I love this asymmetrical skirt because it is floral patterned, has a mixture of beautiful colours and looks as though it would suit a flower garden in fairyland!
Floral blazers make any outfit more interesting and complete. A loose fit and slight shoulder padding adds more style.
In my opinion, leopard print can look tacky if it’s cheap-looking or not placed together well. Plain colours such as black, white, orange and darker shades of green can work well with it.
nowmagazine.co.uk
When you’re dealing with prints, keep your other clothing items simple. Prints are so unsimple and interesting, so don’t let anything else steal their thunder. Mixing prints (like a zebra print shirt matched with chain print shorts) can look too busy, whilst a leopard print top with matching pants can look a little too scary spice. Keep a balance and have fun exploring the wonderful variety!
Autumn/Winter ’12
As the days begin to have a hint of chill, leaves start falling and shop windows fill up with coats and boots, you know that winter’s coming -which is my favourite season for fashion. Coats, jackets, gloves, scarves, hats, boots, woollen socks and layering to beat the cold are all part of the autumn/winter fun.
I travelled to the Yarra Valley in Victoria on an exceedingly cold weekend and experienced the scenic views, tasty cheese and the lovely Sebel Heritage where I stayed. I frolicked through vineyards, stumbled through gardens, befriended some cool kangaroos and took a few photos in the process.
Pure Jeaniality
Jeans are in my top most important items in my wardrobe. What’s not to love about these lovely denim specimens. They’re easy to wear, perfect to slip on for most occasions and are always in. The variety of jeans available continue to grow, and this season wanders away from the usual blues and enters a fun-zone with dramatic prints, bolds and brights and some of the darker tones. There are so many jeans around that it really is not necessary to purchase them over $100 because I assure you that there will be a place offering similar great quality jeans for $40 less. It’s true, I got a pair of awesome high-waisted skinny jeans for $35 in this little boutique store. Here are some top season styles and designs under $100.
Remember that colours and prints are huge this season and the prominent styles include: skinny (great because they suit all body shapes and make your legs look longer), boyfriend (comfortable and ideal for all body types), high-waisted (also give the illusion of longer legs), straight leg and even flares are making a (unwanted) comeback. Jeans are meant for regular use so make sure you buy a pair that you can breathe and sit down in!
Something Better than the Op Shop
Recently while my mum was cleaning out her wardrobe, she tossed some things on my bed that she no longer wanted. Judging by the look of them, they hadn’t been worn in quite a while, but I loved them instantly. My challenge was to mix these old pieces with the new, creating wearable and stylish outfits.
Maybe it was just that my mum had excellent style back in the day and was smart enough to not let go of some of her clothes, but twenty years later I’m wearing her clothing and accessories and didn’t even have to pay a cent for it. That’s a real bargain.
I was in desperate need of a plain white shirt and eventually I found this classic collared, silk shirt. Also wearing high-waisted shorts (Lumeire), boots (Famous Footwear), pearl necklace and the floral-patterned, circular bag with gold chain-belonged to my mum as well.
This caramel blazer is incredibly well-fitted and adds a classier and lovelier touch to any outfit. One of my staple winter items. Playsuit (Forever New), sandals (Steve Madden), brown rope belt, Sportsgirl necklace and brown leather bag
Knitted sleeveless black and white zig-zag top with skivvy-like collar. Shorts (Minkpink), Combat boots (Ruby Shoes) and bracelets (won them at a silent auction!) and black leather bag (Previously my Mum’s).
Navy blue mid-waist length jacket featuring gold-rimmed blue buttons and some nice shoulder padding action. Absolutely love it. High-waisted shorts (Bardot), collared shirt (Forever New), lace-up ankle boots (Siren) and white socks. The gold bag was previously located in the dress up tub until I dug it up and began wearing it. I saw an exact replica of it in Sportsgirls last Spring, and my mum told me that she was given it as a present around 30 years ago.
Caramel top with ruffled sleeves and black leather over-the-shoulder bag. High-waisted shorts (Forever New), combat boots (Target), Pearl necklace and rope belt.
Thanks Mum!
Double Denim: Not so drastic?
For the past few decades, the Double Denim Debate (DDD) has caused an outbreak of strong opinions. It has been judged, criticised, battered and bruised but still manages to enter the catwalks. Perhaps it has gained such a negative reputation due to the 2001 disaster produced by Britney and Justin, but this maybe-fashion-fad isn’t completely a miss. With the assistance of professionals such as Rihanna and Alexa Chung, the double-denim look can actually look respectable – am not joking. Since being one of the highlights of the S/S ’10 season, it continues to pop up everywhere – even Kanye has had a crack at it.
So can it really be accomplished, or should it just be left to the professionals? In most successful cases of double denim, there are two tones of blue with contrasting material. People usually opt with a light blue, thin shirt than dark/navy blue skinny jeans. Nude-coloured shoes and a simple bag completes the look.
The trick is to be casual and cool, and keep it simple without over-doing it.
blog.denimtherapy.com
Tradition becoming the new: Almost like a pattern
Recently I travelled over to Viet nam for 3 weeks on an epic adventure where I experienced the culture to the max, went on some serious sightseeing journeys and even lived in a small, remote village in the mountains for a few days. The days were filled with non-stop activity and fun, but of course I left some time for a spot of shopping.
All over Viet nam, especially in a northern village called Mai Chau, i came across various clothing and accessories with traditional hand-woven colourful patterns. I purchased a lovely tote bag and skirt for what i like to think were bargain prices. When I arrived back home I was very surprised to see these patterns, that are also found in other areas of Asia, feaured in magazines worn by models and fashion gurus as well as generally on the streets. Maybe I should’ve stocked up when I had the chance…
I Like Your Shirt 