Pure Jeaniality

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

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.

ASOS Chain Print High Waist Boyfriend Jeans $64.88
Cheap Monday high waist skinny jeans $79.48
ASOS washed camel skinny jeans $56.77
Hudson super skinny jeans Forever New $79.99
'Mindy' hip hugger straight jeans $89.99 @ Jeanswest
River Island rose & chain print jeans $64.88
Warehouse snake print jeans $72.99
Twisted Boyfriend Jeans $59.99 @ Just Jeans
Riders by Lee low skinny washed berry jeans $99.95
ASOS enamel blue coated coloured skinny jeans $64.88

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!

Bought these jeans from Topshop recently for $74

Something Better than the Op Shop

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

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.

The white shirt and bag

 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.

The Blazer

 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

The Top

 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).

The Jacket and Gold Ultra Shiny Bag

 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.

The Other Top and Bag

 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?

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

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.

Alexa Chung chanelling double denim styleguidecapetown.blogspot.com.au
http://amandasphotogarden.blogspot.com.au/2010/09/fall-fashion-part-2.html
Alexa Chung 2010 amandasphotogarden.blogspot.com.au
Rihanna 2012 uk.omg.yahoo.com
Kanye 2011 be-fancy.com

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.

Reese Witherspoon 2011 fashionison.com

The trick is to be casual and cool, and keep it simple without over-doing it.

Not the way to do it. Britney and Justin taking double-denim to a whole new level
blog.denimtherapy.com

Tradition becoming the new: Almost like a pattern

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog
I obtained this gorgeous (but heavy) traditional skirt from Mai Chau. As soon as I saw it I fell in love and refused to leave without buying it. The shopkeepers were quite happy to sell it as well.

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…

Some Vietnam, Some Not
Viviana Volpicella
Nice Bracelets Viviana...
...They look like mine
My lovely bag from Viet Nam
The doll I was given from my older sister when she travelled over to Viet Nam. She is wearing traditional womens garments. Loving the headpiece.

The Beginning of a Beginning

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

Anna Wintour once said, “You either know fashion or you don’t”.

Coco Chanel said, ‘Fashion fades, only style remains”.

And John Lennon said, ‘All you need is love’.

I quote three incredibly influential people, each who contributed to society in one way or another. They had to start from somewhere, so here I am at the beginning of this blog, hoping to make some difference. Whether it be distinguishing the difference between a playsuit and a jumpsuit, advising you not to wear shorts when your bottom is visible or stating when tracksuit pants are appropriate (Never. A part from at home or sporting purposes), hopefully you will learn something you didn’t know yesterday. And in case you were wondering, ugg boots in public are never acceptable.