Australia

We Need to Take Action this Earth Day

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

Today is Earth Day, which coincides perfectly with Fashion Revolution Week.

We know that the fashion industry breeds significant environmental impacts and is majorly responsible for marine pollution by textile dying and microplastics. Our love for synthetic clothing (which I’m guilty of as a purchaser of activewear) is causing our waterways to become filled with plastic fibres with every wash. This harms our wonderful marine biodiversity, but you may not be aware of the fact that it also affects human health as a result of microplastics ending up in our food. That’s why it is crucial to consider the materials your clothes are made from and what the potential environmental impacts are.

I was basically ignoring these impacts while on an activewear purchasing-spree during the beginning of the year. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but I failed to consider what they were made from and who made them. Although I made sure that I needed the items and knew that I absolutely loved them prior to purchasing, I should have done better. It’s difficult to think consciously all the time, especially with the number of brands out there, the lure of greenwashing and hefty discounts. It used to be that we saw something, liked it and bought it. But we can’t be so ignorant anymore. I love the guide for choosing well from Every Woman’s Guide to Saving the Planet.¹ She recommends asking yourself the following before buying clothes:

  • Is it made well?
  • What’s it made form?
  • Who made it?
  • Do I love it?

Actively considering these four questions may be a longer process than usual, but it’s not going to hurt us. On the contrary, we really should be taking this time to make sure that our spending habits aren’t hurting people or the environment. This Earth Day, I’m going to find out from my favourite brands #whatsinmyclothes to learn about what materials are being used and whether their processes are environmentally friendly and kind to their garment workers. As consumers, we need to urge our favourite brands to be transparent and hold them to account if they are failing to implement environmentally friendly and safe manufacturing standards. Things need to change, and there’s no better time to use our voices than during Fashion Revolution Week.

To find out more about what you can do this Fashion Revolution Week, head to: https://www.fashionrevolution.org/about/get-involved/

If you’re interested in Australian activewear brands that use recycled materials – and even plastic waste! – to produce their garments, head to: https://www.brittslist.com.au/article/sustainable-activewear-brands-australia/

Thanks for stopping by! x

¹ Natalie Isaacs, Every Woman’s Guide to Saving the Planet (2018, HarperCollins) page 245.

Wining & Dining on the Peninsula

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

After a gruelling exam period that seemed never-ending and left me obsolete, the light at the end of the very long tunnel was a weekend getaway to the peninsula with the boyfriend for the purpose of undertaking a wine and food tour. Eating and drinking happen to be my two favourite activities, so I’m uncertain why I still spend my time studying law when it can never measure up to the joy of consuming tasty morsels and alcoholic grape juice.

Regardless, we had been looking forward to this weekend away for a few months and glorious weather was bestowed upon us for the occasion. We enjoyed travelling around Red Hill to taste the local wines of the region, an assortment of goats cheese and some delectable food. We visited about six charming places boasting different products from around the region that were run by passionate locals who were inspired by the beautiful area, and we were lucky to sample a fair bit of it.

Cider is the best because it is like apple juice and somehow alcoholic.

Yummy cheese from the very cute goat

The gardens at these winery estates were breathtaking with the array of colourful flowers in bloom and some seriously rustic outdoor decor. Although I’m sure the region has its aesthetic perks in winter, there’s no doubt that everything looks and feels better in 24 degrees with sunshine.

Ahh, the serenity. Now that uni has winded up for the year, maybe more escapes to the peninsula are in order. You know, just to improve my wine tasting and cheese-eating capacity and what not.

Top: Lioness

Skirt: Witchery

Slides: Midas

Thanks for visiting my blog! x

Dungarees for Days

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

I used to own a pair of red corduroy overalls when I was approximately 4 years of age and I wore them with a matching red ribbon in my hair. Mum would exclaim how cute I looked, and I was just happy to have matching accessories and my Baby Born to accompany me and all of my outfits.

Now I no longer carry around a Baby Born, but I’m still a fan of this comfortable clothing item they call ‘dungarees’ and matching accessories. I opted for denim because they’re classic and simple, and you can dress them for any season by changing the under layers. A balmy summer’s night in the Gold Coast definitely calls for a light floral crop top and little else, and a walk on the beach in these bad boys tempts a person to launch into some spontaneous cartwheels.

Dungarees: Luvalot

Top: Sportsgirl

Thanks for visiting my blog! Be sure to check out my Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog!

It Was All Yellow

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

Summer is generally about COLOUR, symbolising energy and vibrancy. Working in fashion retail, I have been surrounded by a variety of colours this season, alongside plenty of customers doubting whether they are capable of pulling off such loud colours. This is a fair concern, as not every colour suits everyone out there, and some suit people more so than others. But as a customer turns to me and asks whether a fuchsia top suits them, I always respond with ‘if you love it, then don’t hesitate’. Because at the end of the day, no one should be told what colours they can and can’t wear (unless there is a terrible clash, then it would be negligible to advise dishonestly). And considering winter in Melbourne is a sea of black, I try my best to encourage lots of colour in summer at least. 

So I attempted to practice my own perspective, and bought a bright yellow dress. I’m still uncertain about whether it flatters my skin tone, but I love it regardless. It’s feminine, light, comfortable and completely unlike anything I already have in my wardrobe. It basically embodies summer, because yellow is summer. 

Dress: Witchery

In contrast to a minority opinion that I am always shocked to hear, wearing bold colours is not a form of attention-seeking. Wear what you love, and don’t overanalyse your outfit choices in order to appease others.

Thanks for visiting my blog! x

1/12

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

Today commemorates the official beginning of the Australian summer! Although, it doesn’t seem to be a great start as we’re predicting floods for the next three days. But having endured through a couple of weeks of sweltering heat already, there has definitely been some time to scope out the kind of colour I want in my wardrobe this season. Thanks to working in retail, there’s always plenty of inspiration, and this season is exhibiting plenty of bold reds, oranges and pinks.

As part of my work uniform for this month, I fully embraced the colours of summer with this floral flip skirt and orange wedges (both from Witchery). A lot of my costumers struggle with choosing colourful pieces over staple black because they are more difficult to coordinate, but it’s always easy to match bold and bright colours with neutral shades in the form of shoes, accessories, or as I have worn below. So essentially there is no reason to shy away from bright colours, and a lack of confidence should never get in the way. And if you’re like me and have a winter wardrobe composed of black with some dark shades close to black thrown in, then a seasonal contrast is most welcome.

Top, Skirt & Shoes: Witchery

Earrings: Mimco

Bag: Unknown

I am a very matchy-matchy kind of person, so I couldn’t help but coordinate the skirt with the matching shoes and lippy. The colour stands out against the black top without making me look like a blood orange, although I’m never opposed to embodying fruits or wearing plenty of colour if I feel like it. If you struggle to add colour to your outfit, wearing bright lipstick always provides a nice burst of colour, and colour can also easily be incorporated through jewellery or accessories!

Thanks for visiting my blog! For more pics and fashion musings, check out my Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog. x

Prada and Me

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

The devil wears Prada – or so they say. When I was handed a Prada bag as an extraordinary congratulations-for-surviving-surgeries gift from my parents, I certainly went to heaven. In fact, my hips felt better immediately.

I love the fact that it’s red with a gold chain. I adore how it’s big enough to fit all the necessities. And I appreciate how it’s going to force me to stop wearing silver all the time, because let’s be honest, my silver obsession is becoming a concern. It’s amazing how a bag can possess so much superiority and significance, which is demonstrated by the fact that every future outfit component will revolve around this piece of Prada.

This was actually my Easter outfit for last weekend, where the family and I spent the day cracking eggs, eating plenty of food and collecting way too much chocolate. To cater for the mild temperature, I wore a blue cotton dress with light beige gladiator sandals. The earrings were courtesy of my grandma, since her hand-me-downs comprise of the only gold jewellery I own. I chose a simple dress to place the spotlight on the bag, as that’s what it deserves.

Dress: Witchery

Shoes: Lipstik

Bag: Prada 

Earrings: vintage

For more fun pics and fashion tips, follow me on Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog ! x

Wine, Food & Fashion

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

Recently it was my boyfriend’s birthday and his parents took us to a beautiful winery in Red Hill in Victoria to celebrate. There was plenty of wine as expected, and delicious food to accompany a stunning view. There is really nothing that tickles my pickle more than good wine and fantastic food, and the colossal green vineyards made the experience just a tad more enjoyable. I kind of wish that I had taken photos of the dishes I ate, however I didn’t want to be one of those people who whips out their phone every time they are presented with a pretty meal. But I do understand why they do it, because I was lucky to enjoy some artfully displayed dishes that tasted as good as they looked.

Weather-wise it was not a typical summer’s day, so my lightweight blazer from Portmans kept me warm on top of my navy and cream dress from Dotti. Being the girly woman I am, I love the tulle underlay and I attempted to create a more classic look with my vintage porcelain brooch. I have recently discovered that I own an unprecedented number of brooches of a great variety, so I should probably challenge myself to incorporate them into outfits more often.  I think it’s time to bring the brooch back.

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The glare was blinding so there was no way that I was going to take off my sunglasses for this one!

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Dress: Dotti

Blazer: Portmans

Shoes: Lipstik 

Sunglasses: Chloe

Bag: Pratten

Hope all my Aussie followers have been enjoying a beautiful summer! Spending a day outside with friends and family while enjoying good food and drink is truly great for the soul. Thanks for visiting my blog! x

Summer by the Sea

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

In Australia, the beach is synonymous with summer and a swimsuit is just as important as a pair of shoes. So every summer I typically buy a new bathing suit because I can’t help myself when I feel those first rays of sunshine. This season I saved up and bought a beautiful Jets one-piece that I had my eye on from the year before last. I love how the high-neck and panelling exudes such a modern style, and I especially love how the quality of the one piece ensures that the white material will never become see-through! It definitely pays to purchase a good quality swimsuit that you love and feel comfortable in. I think it’s about time that I got rid of some of my bikinis with the saggy bottoms.

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Want to see more of my personal style and fashion musings? Follow me on Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog ! x

Grungy Ballerina

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

I think I have discovered what my life-long love will be: Shoes. I had convinced myself that my love would always be dresses, but then I took a second look at my shoe collection and recent receipts of purchases and it was undeniable. I am a shoe-a-holic, essentially a Carrie Bradshaw, minus the expensive taste (for now).

A recent purchase included these ankle-strapped pointed flats from Witchery. Ankle-strapped flats were popular in fall/winter ’17 collections as shown by Valentino, Isabel Marant, and Vivienne Westwood, taking the sweetness out of the generic ballet flat and pumping it with a splash of grunge. I went with the black pair because when it comes to shoes, I can always match them with anything in my mostly-black-wardrobe.

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Until the sun comes along, I think I’ll stick to my black and grey.

Dress: Bardot

Jumper: H&M

Bag: Nine West

Shoes: Witchery

Want to see more of my personal style and fashion musings? Follow me on Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog ! x

Beanie Bling

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

We are having a ridiculously cold winter here in Melbourne, and there are no signs of improvements in the near future. It has come to the point where beanies are not just a cute accessory but are an utter necessity if you don’t want your head to freeze up and lose brain function upon stepping outside. Many people vehemently refuse to wear beanies on the basis of not knowing how, or they question whether the slouched piece of material suits their facial shape, which is why there are endless tutorials and how-to guides on styling a beanie. This seems a bit excessive as clearly it works like any other accessory; it simply needs to match something else incorporated into your outfit. And, like Doc Martens, there is a time and place for the beanie.

I naturally gravitate towards black accessories to make it easier on my wardrobe, and in this case I have matched it with black ankle boots, and complimented my oxblood red satchel with dark red lipstick. It’s easy to only stick with darker shades in winter, but I always aim to integrate a little colour to avoid fading into the sky’s backdrop.

Check out that beanie bling.

Dress: Witchery

Shoes: Diana Ferrari

Bag: Leather Satchel Co.

Beanie: Witchery

Want to see more of my personal style and fashion musings? Follow me here and on my instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog ! x