Do you recall my recent mammoth post on the Balmain x H&M collection? I finally had the opportunity to flaunt one of my long-awaited purchases and so I took it out on a lovely date to Melbourne city. It’s a red and black turtle-neck dress. With shoulder pads.
Dress: Balmain x H&M Collection
Boots: Asos
Bag: Vintage
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The period of the Melbourne spring racing carnival has ended, but I wasn’t going to let it go without discussing it. Sorry it’s been a while; I have just been released from the chains of the exam period. I was freed for a short duration of time however to attend Stakes day, because how could I not resist the chance to celebrate the majestic creatures that own the track and to observe the lads and ladies donning their finest to watch from the stands? A fashion blogger cannot surpass this opportunity, I am pleased to report that the fashion is getting better and better.
This year it was clear that tradition has taken a back step in order to pave the way for welcome unconventionality. Pants, culottes and jumpsuits were fabulously displayed by fashion-forward women to show that style and comfort can marry well together, even for a formality like the races. In a more traditional sense, modest skirt lengths were the norm this season, which created an elegant silhouette on every woman who chose to wear it. Essentially, it was clear that every man and woman had exerted at least some effort as the fashion showcased was beautiful.
Crowns, wreathes and bejewelled headbands were the new fascinators this season. Some complimented their outfits perfectly (as exhibited above), while others had a Statue of Liberty feel to it. Generally there were some lovely pieces, but I couldn’t help but feel that they were slightly underwhelming because I prefer the traditional flair of a loud fascinator or an over-sized hat.
As for the boys, blue suits and brown shoes were the winning combination.
I opted for a more traditional races style with a blue dress, white accessories and orange lippy.
The hat unfortunately continued to fly off despite my best efforts, and although I couldn’t help the wind, I was grateful that I brought my red coat with me. Having a warm and stylish coat that can be worn with formal/cocktail wear is one of the best investments. I was so pleased because I didn’t need to purchase anything new, as I just flung together various pieces from my closet. Every piece I was wearing was under $80, so it’s quite achievable to throw a relatively cheap outfit together for the races, as long as the colour scheme is established and the quality of the brand is of no concern!
Dress: Forever New
Bag: Forever New
Shoes: Novo
Hat: Vintage
Coat:?
Belt: Cotton On
Earrings: Mouche
Lipstick: Koko
I hope everyone enjoyed the racing season! Follow me here and on Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog for more fashion news and updates! x
Happy Friday everyone! You can never make a mistake by wearing black, white and a splash of silver. Dressing up a smart-casual evening outfit can easily be done through a statement headband or hair accessory, granted that its not the Blair Waldorf type. Ensure that it matches with your bag to keep the outfit consistent and you’re ready for a fabulous night.
Culottes: Luvalot
Top: Asos
Shoes: Asos
Headband: Lovisa
Bag: Zara
Hope you have a great weekend, and don’t forget to follow me here on my blog and on Instagram at ilikeyourshirt_blog for fashion news and style tips! X
On my recent travels to the U.S, I found this lovely light blue/grey coat in Zara. It was so different (and on sale!) that I had to buy it, and although it’s not very warm, it is gorgeous to look at. Due to the black-stemmed-flower prints scattered on the coat, I wore it with a cropped, black turtleneck top and a black faux leather skirt. It resulted in a slight 60s/90s mod theme with a kimono-style coat!
Although I often have my hesitations about leather skirts, they are never trashy when matched with a turtleneck (while maintaining the same colour scheme). The combination is sexy but never cheap, as confirmed by style queen Miss Alexa Chung wearing Versus:
Coat: Zara
Top: Asos
Skirt: Topshop
Shoes: Asos
Bag: Zara
Belt: ?
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I imagined that flared sleeves would take a while to get used to, because for me, they are associated with daggy 70’s discos that I am sure my father would have attended back in his heyday. But I saw this Abercrombie and Fitch dress and I was converted, because who does not eventually roll around to the idea of daggy dancing in a beautifully bohemian-patterned short dress with voluminous sleeves?
I matched the dress with hexagonal Chloé sunglasses, an engraved bag my sister bought me from her Europe trip, and some clogs to keep the boho-chic vibes going.
Look at them magnificently flutter in the wind.
Dress: Abercrombie and Fitch
Shoes: Rubi
Sunglasses: Chloé
Bag: ?
Jacket: Zara (See previous post Retro-suede)
SO will you be parading flared sleeves this season?
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Culottes are possibly one of the most comfortable garments created specifically for women that does not undermine their physical abilities. They are so comfortable, yet stylish, and I have worn them out to the shops and also to the clubs. It is a garment for any occasion as demonstrated by some lovely women below:
So whether they be high-waisted or resting on your hips, culottes can be worn with any styles of shirts, jumpers and tops similarly to the flexibility of jeans, and if you are feeling a bit unusual, shirts can even be worn over the culottes for a loose/relaxed look. Personally, I am a fan of anything which accentuates the waist and hips, so high-waisted culottes with a tucked-in shirt or top tends to always appear chic and complimenting.
On a wonderfully sunny Melbourne day, I decided to show off my black culottes which were referred to by the shop assistant as ‘shallots’. He thought he was cracking a funny.
Culottes: Luvalot
Top: Blossom
Shoes: Asos
Sunglasses: Chloe
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I have been going on about the beauty and brilliance of boho for some time now, and you will be pleased to know that there is no chance of that stopping. Naturally we must confront a fabric which defined the 70’s and for some reason has not made a commendable comeback until now. You all know what I am referring to- suede. It made a substantial resurrection on the catwalks of spring fashion week earlier this year and now that the temperatures are warming up for us Australians, I officially declare spring as the season of suede.
Here are some lovely ladies showing us how to nail suede:
When donning an earthy-toned suede piece, wearing simple shades such as black and white compliment suede without taking any attention away from it. A suede anything is a statement piece, and Miranda demonstrates how a suede fringe jacket can be made classy by pairing it with a white jumpsuit and black accessories.
I don’t know how fond I am of denim flares, but there is no doubt that denim is suede’s no.1 pal. There is never a chance of a clash when wearing denim with suede and they look superiorly 70’s combined.
Below-the-knee skirts are also a prominent trend this spring, so why not combine two trends with a tan suede below-the-knee skirt as sported by Alexa Chung.
Ah yes, the iconic fringed mini skirt. Pair it with some suede cowboy boots and you’re ready to go riding in an American desert. Except for the fact that it would be extremely uncomfortable to do in a mini skirt. Contrasting the suede with a black or white lace top showcases a more feminine look.
In my opinion, nothing screams retro fashion like a suede fringe jacket. And when I saw one with an affordable price tag attached, I almost screamed. Elvis had his blue suede shoes, I have my retro-suede fringe jacket. So I took my retro-wear to the Melbourne Botanic Gardens one sunny afternoon and had fun immersing my free, suede-wearing spirit in the greenery and flowers.
I took note of the ladies’ styles as featured above and combined a white lace top and denim skirt with my suede piece.
Jacket: Zara
Top: Bardot
Skirt: Nobody
Bag: Kurshuni
Sunglasses: Chloe
Shoes: Novo
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This season is all about letting it loose and letting your shoulders breathe. The off-the-shoulder trend has gained prominence through being paraded by It-girls during fashion weeks this year, and they have shown that off-the-shoulder tops can come in any shape and design. They are perfect for the warmer months and there is something seductive and refreshing about bearing your shoulders to a warm spring breeze.
It looks elegant and feminine in the style of a dress, and incorporate it into a formal/smart casual ensemble with a below-the-knee pencil skirt or A-line skirt.
Yes! I am loving the floaty femininity of the coral off-the-shoulder dress mixed with the grungy Docs.
There are zillions of styles of off-the-shoulder tops and dresses that can suit any style of shorts, pants and skirts. The bohemian/hippy trend is a stand-out this spring/summer and off-the-shoulder tops are a perfect bohemian staple item.
Here is my own winter/spring attempt at the old off-the-shoulder with a long-sleeve top and high-waisted, suede shorts.
Top- Asos
Shorts- Lumiere
Shoes- Rubi shoes
….and let’s not forget about the all-important accessories- this week I have gone with rose gold.
Necklace: Accessorize
Watch: Armani
Earrings: Mouche
Bracelet: Von Treskow
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Aaaaaand back to L.A! Honestly we planned our trip to commence and end in L.A because it takes the least amount of flying time for us Australians. Surprisingly after only two weeks of originally being there, the temperature had soared and there was even sunshine. Unlike how it was when we started in Santa Monica, it was warm enough to go to the beach and even walk around at night without a cardigan! Essentially that works out to more tanning time for me!
On my birthday I did what any reasonable fashion blogger would do in my position: I took a walk down Rodeo Drive. I was blissfully in awe at the fact that I could recognise the designer collections while I gleefully window-shopped, and even bravely walked into a few despite my lack of a Prada bag. I would like to be able to fondly reminisce about the exceptionally well put-together outfit I was wearing on the day, but I can only say that I sported a $10 dress and Nikes while I pranced down the elite street. It seems despicable, but my blistered feet could only handle Nikes after all the walking I had put them through in sandals.
We stayed in West Hollywood in a place just around the corner from Sunset Boulevard, and it was awesome to see all of the rainbow flags out in full force! Naturally we partook in all of the typical LA touristy things that a tourist must do, including an extremely brief glance down Hollywood Boulevard, a sneaky look at the homes of the rich and famous, a tour around the city, a looksies at Venice Beach and once again Santa Monica. A spot of shopping at The Grove was also on the agenda.
There was just so much to do and so little time, but it was surreal to experience these parts of America when I had grown up watching them on television. There were so many good memories, laughs, and burgers that were eaten, so really it was a trip of a lifetime. I will be back (when I am, erm, at a legal wine-sipping age) to hopefully experience different parts of the US. Until next time!
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Next stop: Las Vegas!
As a non-gambler I predicted that Vegas would probably not be one of my preferred locations in ‘Murica. I thought that I had learnt everything I needed to know from The Hangover and even then I wouldn’t be able to replicate a fraction of the fun (stupidity) they experienced, as I’m not even at a legal drinking age. Darn Vegas.
Surprisingly, I had an absolute blast. One of the highlights of the trip was going hotel-hopping. It is an understatement to say that the hotels I have seen/stayed in do not measure up to Vegas standards. Vegas was a fantasy land and each hotel was like being transported to another country. With a giant casino area within each of those mini nations where people are accompanied by mini pooches. I found it astonishing to see little children walking through the casino in their bathers and floaties in order to get to the pool while they are surrounded by downcast adults continuously pressing the buttons on the pretty machines. It really is a surreal city to be in.
Note: I did not stay in every one of these hotels-I merely wandered about in each of them. There were countless occasions when I just wanted to sit down and take it all in with a drink, but alas, I am merely an infant in this perplexing city.
Exuberant flower arrangements decorated every inch of that hotel. It was one of my favourites.
Honestly I would not under any circumstances desire to reside there for an extended period of time. It is a pretty ridiculous place. BUT I did have a brilliant time and would probably/most definitely drag my friends here for a hectic and outrageous party week.
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