Horsing Around

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.

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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.

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My absolute favourite. Jennifer Hawkins looking like a goddess. Those sleeves *dramatic sighs*. vogue.com
My absolute favourite. Jennifer Hawkins looking like a goddess. Those sleeves *dramatic sighs*.                          vogue.com

As for the boys, blue suits and brown shoes were the winning combination.

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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

Going Boho

Boho-chic has been prevalent in fashion to varying degrees for the last 20 years. There is something about the flowy designs, pretty prints and casual femininity which designers and celebrities alike continue to resort back to. Coachella is practically the yearly celebration of boho-chic. This season pays tribute to the 70’s boho look with flared pants, wide-sleeves, maxi-dresses and fringing.

Emilio Pucci Spring/Summer RTW 2015. 70's vibes are strong.
Emilio Pucci Spring/Summer RTW 2015. 70’s vibes are strong.

Personally I was not a fan of the 70’s fashion, and I may never be a fan of flared pants, but it did pave the way for intricate prints and feminine dress styles. They make me fantasise about dancing around in a field of daisies barefoot without a care to spare, which is sort-of how I imagine the 70’s decade to be honest. Here is a collection of some of my favourite new boho-chic dresses:

asos boho dress
‘Asos’ Boho Dress
Glamorous fit and flare in geometric print
‘Glamorous’ fit and flare in geometric print
‘Jen’s pirate Booty’ Lace Dress
‘Misguided’ Maxi Dress
‘Sportsgirl’ Fringed Faux Suede Tunic

 

So what do you think? Follow me here and on Instagram! x

Formalities

I recently attended school’s senior formal-the school’s night of nights where the boys and girls from the senior years dress up pretty, dine and dance in an exquisite venue and have a generally fabulous evening. After years of watching the Oscars and yearning to look as glamorous as Angelina Jolie, I seized this chance to become my own red carpet stylist. I am not going to lie, organising my outfit was serious business and thoroughly exciting. I even travelled interstate to find the dress (I was on holidays) and bought luxury brand shoes (on sale, of course) so clearly I was committed. The night rolled around sooner than expected and it was lovely. The gents looked handsome and the ladies were stunning. I really don’t mind formal events, dressing up was hands-down the best part.

 

Thanks to my inspiration…

Angelina Jolie at the 2009 Academy Awards thegloss.com
Angelina Jolie at the 2009 Academy Awards
thegloss.com

 

My b-e-a-utiful best friend and I

 Dress- Rose Noir

Shoes- Guess

Bag- Kate Hill

Jewelry- Lovisa

Off to the Races

The misguided weather man’s forecast for a cold and rainy Saturday proved to be incorrect as today the sun was shining and I didn’t even require a jacket. It turned out to be a beautiful day for the races, and there was plenty of beautiful fashion on display at every corner.

Just about every colour was paraded around, with the neons and brights among the most popular. There were so many lovely outfits everywhere that I repeatedly wanted to stop people and ask to take photos of them.  Also witnessed a few fashion faux pas’ that I was tempted to capture by camera (see through dresses+brightly coloured underwear, dress and vans, over excessive use of fake tan..). All in a day at the races!

My Friend Emma and I
Emma looking lovely in a classic racers outfit highlighted by some neon

Dress: Jess & I          Shoes: Guess          Hat: Forever New         Bag: Fiorelli         Belt: Cotton On       Necklace: ?         Sunglasses: ASOS

Put a Sequin on It

Or a few, because there is no denying that sequins are the greatest things since melted cheese. They’re  shiny, outrageous and bold, so of course I wanted to own a sequin covered something. To join in on the sequin spirit, I purchased a green sequined asos skirt. Sequins can be tricky because they’re not appropriate for all occasions, but they absolutely have their place at parties, formal events and at the more ‘special’ outings. I most recently wore my skirt to a Lady Gaga concert. It fit the Gaga criteria and you can never not have a great time in a sequined skirt.

skirt- ASOS jacket- mother’s wardrobe top- Cotton On stockings- ? shoes- Inniu
Me and Stephanie

 My gorgeous sister Stephanie and I in all our Gaga glory, coincidentally both wearing sequined skirts.

Good-quality sequins can come with pricey tags. Here are a few less costly items I spotted:

Read or Dead heart top $38
bankfashion.co.uk 
MOTO hotpants $53
topshop.com 
tfnc Paris dress $84
tfnclondon.com
Aftershock Vonnie leggings $53
houseoffraser.co.uk
Tutu skirt $33.50
lipsy.co.uk
Envelope clutch $26
forever21.com
Tulle jacket $34
piperlime.gap.com