Fashion blog

A Summer English Wedding (featuring actual sun)

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

The day finally arrived! I travelled to England to attend the wedding of my partner’s sister in a majestic country house in Cheshire just over a week ago. The sun was beaming, the birds were chirping, and I truly felt like I was enjoying a typical Australian summer’s day. But alas, we were in England, and the weather gods blessed the occasion with plenty of glorious sun. We enjoyed the sights of Arley Hall and the surrounding gardens  (which is Thomas Shelby’s home in Peaky Blinders, for all the peaky fans out there) with some lovely food, drinks and great company.

To prepare for attending my very first British wedding, I knew I needed a new outfit. I despaired over the fact that most of my dresses would be just too formal for this sort of wedding, and any other appropriate options were either black, white or worn to death. So, in order to continue to abide by my pledge to not buy any clothes in 2019 (which, let’s just say, is not getting easier) I was fortunate enough to be gifted this Alice McCall dress for my birthday. It’s still probably cheating, but what the heck – this was THE dress. It exemplifies ‘summer garden wedding’ to the very last metallic flower AND features puffy sleeves. And we know that puffy sleeves are 2019’s most inflated trend (ha) and should eternally be in the best-trends books alongside sequinned dresses.

Now, onto the accessories. I had watched plenty of Bridget Jones and studied most of the recent royal weddings, and knew for sure that headware is a fundamental thing for British weddings. I found this metal headband adorned with pearls in David Jones to pick up on the dress’s metallic print. I matched the headband with a silver Novo clutch, and wore my black Mimco heels that feature blue jewels in the silver block heels. You could say I looked fairly low-key with bejewelled heels, a leaf crown and Snow White-worthy puffy sleeves.

(This is Dan, who was also a groomsman)

Dress: Alice McCall

Shoes: Mimco

Bag: Novo

Crown: Kitte

It really was a stunning wedding, with full-use of the venue’s beauty, a few cute surprises here and there, and plenty of romance scattered through-out the day. The bride and groom are definitely off to a wonderful start to their married lives.

Thanks for stopping by!

What Does My Dress Really Cost?

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

Just as I thought that I would have to pack away my summer dresses for good, the Easter break brought along some beautiful weather. For a Good Friday lunch, I brought out this multi-layered dress from Tree of Life that I purchased at the end of 2018 for a bargain and absolutely adore wearing. There’s just so much going on with the paisley print, the inconspicuous sequins that are dotted all over the fabric, and the pretty under layer that peeks out from the paisley. This dress can also be worn as a long skirt, which I have been matching with a white cotton t-shirt or bandeau top and some nude sandals. I think I’ll keep it in my winter wardrobe for some multi-seasonal use, because I have a feeling that it might look alright as a skirt with some boots and a leather jacket.

 

Dress: Tree of Life

Bag: Markets in Italy

Tree of Life was given a grade C ethical rating in the 2019 Baptist World Aid Ethical Fashion Guide, which isn’t terrible, but there’s certainly room for improvement. This is particularly important in the face of the climate disaster we are facing, where the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries due to its excessive use of resources. And unless the fast fashion movement is halted, the fashion industry will continue to jeopardise the state of our climate.

This week is Fashion Revolution Week, which aims to highlight the social justice issues that are rife in the industry as well as the environmental consequences that are posed. Fashion Revolution Week is urging people to post on social media a photo of themselves in their clothes with the hashtag #whomademyclothes, directed at the brands they are wearing to encourage transparency in the supply chain. Maybe I’ll ask Tree of Life, or maybe I’ll ask some of the other brands that I love to wear. Either way, it’s important as consumers to recognise the power we hold and to use it to demand the production of clothing that doesn’t cost the earth or the rights of garment workers. And next time I love a dress like the one above, I first and foremost need to consider where it came from and what it’s made from before I hand my cash over.

Thanks for stopping by! x

The Beach & the Boots

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

Ever since pouring over 2018 street style from the various fashion weeks, I noticed a specific trend: white boots. Why? Simply because they look great with anything and everything. They are possibly even more versatile than the black boot, if that’s even possible. Instantly I knew I wanted a pair in my life so I could trapeze around in white boots all day/everyday, just like those fabulous bloggers and fashion editors that would don the same pair with a different outfit all through fashion week. I did some exploring as you do, and found a pointy-toed pair from Midas that was well within my budget. These are going to last me all through the year AND they are fabulous enough to prevent me from desiring any more boots, as I have made a pact with myself to STOP BUYING FASHION because a) the environment, and b) I have so much stuff already (and who really needs that much stuff?).

I knew the boots would look effortless with a summer dress, so this week I wore them with a midnight green dress from Dissh, a white Furla wallet and some drop earrings from Witchery. Clearly they are not going to be my go-to shoe as the temperature creeps up to the blazing 40s, but I love the way they contrast against the green and make the outfit ‘pop’. Such popping good fun.

Dress: Dissh 

Shoes: Midas

Wallet: Furla

Earrings: Witchery 

Thanks for stopping by! Check me out on Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog (in my popping white boots)!

Is it Spring Yet?

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

The warm weather I was promised is still missing but that hasn’t stopped me from getting out my summer clothes. After a winter of wearing mainly black, grey and burgundy, I am incredibly keen to throw on some bright colours. And what better way to transition from winter to spring with a floral skirt and a chunky knit. I’ve been wearing my summer skirts and dresses with a plain jumper to bring some much needed colour to my daily life while still keeping warm, and I usually pair it with boots or wedges depending on the temperature.

This jumper and skirt are both from Zara, and I love a cropped knit because it’s perfect to wear with my high-waisted bottoms. To further enhance the look, I put on some exciting earrings from Witchery and added more colour with orange wedges. The look is not complete without a touch of red lippy, of course.

I love how colourful this skirt is, making it simple to accessorise with because you can just pick a colour in the skirt and go with it. And not to mention how comfortable any outfit instantly becomes with an oversized jumper. I think I’ll be fine with this look until spring decides to arrive.

Skirt: Zara

Jumper: Zara

Shoes: Witchery

Bag: Market in Florence 

Earrings: Witchery

Thanks for stopping by! x

Sleeves for Days

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

When I initially took a look at my prospective summer wardrobe in November, I was disappointed to see a complete lack of colour. Not only was I thoroughly worn out by the barrage of black and grey from my winterwear, but all I had left for summer was WHITE.

My eyes were starved for something exciting. Firstly I rifled through some of the local op shops and found a few items, and then headed over to Tree of Life during their Boxing Day sales because the store is always inundated with beautiful colours. I found this stunning green-patterned top with oversized bell sleeves, and bought it immediately. It’s unique from anything else hiding in my wardrobe, and actually suits plenty of items I already have in there.

I wore it with my suede creme shorts that I haven’t taken out in years, and my burgundy Prada bag to add a warmer and darker tone into the mix. I cannot believe that I haven’t worn these shorts in so long, considering how gorgeous they look with the lace detail. I suppose that’s what happens when you keep accumulating quality clothes over the years, and forget what you own!

Top: Tree of Life

Shorts: Lumiere

Bag: Prada

Thank you kindly for visiting my blog. Feel free to Let me know your thoughts on the top in the comments! x

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

Trackside Fashion

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

The Melbourne spring racing carnival has come and gone, and I took a total of one day off from exam study in order to make the most of it. The fashion stakes are always high (not just describing the headwear) and the depth of creativity expressed in some of the outfits is astounding. Racing fashion has transformed in recent years, as just about anything goes these days. Maxi dresses, mid-thigh dresses and even ballgowns were displayed on the side of the tracks, alongside plenty of colourful blazer/pants combos. Many women were rocking wide-leg pants and sheer tops, bringing some edgy glamour to the races. Jumpsuits also seemed to burgeon in popularity, and an outfit wasn’t complete without a crown.

The variety of styles worn is a testament to how far women’s fashion has come, and demonstrates how women are more empowered to wear styles that suit their bodies and personalities. I couldn’t bring myself to participate in a conversation occurring beside me between two women who were discussing outfits that were passing in front of them because of some of the unnecessary criticism they were giving. Anyone should be able to wear whatever they want without judgement, and that’s why I decided to go to the races as a bride. I’m totally joking, but when a relative saw me in my outfit earlier in the day, she did exclaim in Macedonian that I look like a bride and wondered why she wasn’t invited to my wedding.

Thanks to the tan I accumulated while reciting my law notes in the sun, I decided to wear a white dress from a boutique in the Gold Coast and this bridal veil from Mimco. I wore my incredibly comfortable Topshop mules that I don’t resent wearing (unlike all my other heels that spend their time politely sitting in boxes), and a matching bag from Napoleon Perdis to coincide with the black, white and pink outfit theme. I felt comfortable, pretty, and not nearly as much as a bride as I thought.

Dress: White Closet

Headpiece: Mimco

Shoes: Topshop

Bag: Napoleon Perdis

Thanks for visiting my blog! Check out my Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog x

Trench Transition

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

Despite being well into September, we are only just beginning to receive indications that Spring is on its way. And although I would love nothing more than to ditch my heavy coats, we still have some coat-wearing time ahead. The good news is that I have the perfect spring coat to help me on my way to warm weather, which comes in the form of a trench coat. Light in both colour and material, there is no way that I could have worn this in winter but happily the seasons do eventually change – and this is the perfect in-between coat.

I love pairing this stone colour with burgundy, because makes the coat stand out and the dark shade allows me to incorporate some black accessories, when typically I would opt for brown or red accessories. Of course I’m wearing another Witchery knitted dress, because I tried wearing my jeans all day and bitterly regretted it. Wardrobe choices can be pretty darn limiting when a simple pair of jeans can’t be an option. It’s actually ridiculous how crucial jeans are, and you don’t realise until they’re nastily snatched out of your life. I can’t wait until I get these screws in my hip removed, because I am about to claw them out myself.

The outfit tied in well with this Mimco necklace that my cute older sister bought me for my birthday. Put it all together with a black corset belt and backpack, and you have a pretty well-coordinated outfit. And talking about corset belts, I am contemplating purchasing a white denim one although I can’t think of what to wear it with, and it’s NEVER a good idea to buy an accessory that doesn’t work with any of your clothes (unless you really love it). It forces you to buy things that will work around it, which is an issue if you already struggle with being financially reduced by fashion.

Dress: Witchery

Belt: White Closet

Trench: Witchery

Shoes: from Italy

Backpack: Cotton On 

Jewellery: Mimco 

Thanks for stopping by! Also check out my instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog ! x

The Land of Harry Potter

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

Clearly there has been a lengthy unexplained absence, and the only excuse I have for that is, well, Europe (Europe, of all places!). I wish my excuse wasn’t as clichéd as Europe, but to be honest I thoroughly enjoyed being one of the countless Aussies spending the winter over by the beautiful beaches in the Aegean Sea, throwing back cocktails at the sunset and gorging myself on custard tarts. There are absolutely no regrets, and I feel as though it is my official duty to offload all of my gooey feelings of love and joy towards the wonders of Europe onto this blog. Please bear with me.  

The first leg of our grand old adventure was little ol’ London, England. It was a far cry from the highly anticipated sun-kissed beaches and cocktails, as we were greeted with grey skies and an unpleasant smattering of rain. But no amount of petty rain could keep us from seeing as much as we could manage in the 24 hours spent in London.

I was convinced this was The London Bridge but apparently not.
Tower of London (feat. boyf who blinks)
Buckingham Palace

After our far-too-brief stint in London, we headed outside the hustle and bustle and visited the quaint medieval village of Lavenham in Suffolk. Coming from a country of relatively modern buildings, this quiet village filled with crooked, timber houses was pretty exciting. Apparently some scenes from the final two Harry Potter movies were shot here! We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon tea in one of those medieval timber buildings, and it honestly felt like I had been transported back in time. It is remarkable how history can be preserved in this way, and that is something I really appreciated during my 4 days in England.

I would have loved to stay in England for longer to work out the mechanics of these higgledy piggledy houses, but my limited number of winter-suitable clothes had already been expended and we already had our flights booked for Crete, Greece. Plus, the cocktails were calling. So next stop, the Greek Islands!

Stay tuned for more European adventures by following me on my blog or on Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog. Thanks for stopping by! x

Vintage-esque

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

The beginning of our glorious winter and the remaining autumn leaves have inspired me to go a little vintage. I believe that the time of the transition between autumn and winter is the most stylish, and is when I feel most creative and compelled to take risks with my wardrobe. I adore the classical elegance that emanated from the decades of fashion preceding the 70s, and I tried to capture some of that grace through this 20’s-esque outfit. I felt like I was a woman in London waiting to take the train to visit my friend in the countryside, despite the fact that not one item of clothing is ‘vintage’, and they probably aren’t exactly historically accurate. 

I wore my Zara blazer that I’ve loved since I was 14, a black sheer skirt which shows more leg than even the 20’s were accustomed to, and this vibrant orange scarf my mum gifted to me from Italy. The gorgeous tones of the autumn leaves inspired that choice of accessory, alongside my Prada bag and little felt hat. Actually, it’s mainly the hat that gives this outfit a vintage appeal, in addition to the leather lace up boots that seem to always be in fashion.

Velvet blazers are timeless and look particularly feminine and smart with long skirts and dresses. I think I’ll have this blazer forever, especially as I don’t have anything else in this colour in my wardrobe. Darker tones of green and red always appear instantly vintage, and work well with gold jewellery or accessories.

I kind of love the clash between the bright orange in the scarf and the burgundy tone of the bag. I attempted to tie it together using my burgundy lipstick (which is Revlon, by the way).

Blazer: Zara

Skirt: White Closet

Shoes: Magnini

Hat: Princess Highway

Bag: Prada

Scarf: ?

You don’t always need to raid your grandma’s wardrobe to get the vintage look, although it most certainly helps.

Whether you’re op-shopping, online shopping or simply shopping, it’s important to buy smart, buy good quality and if you know how to use what you’ve already got then you will always have something decent to wear.

Check out my Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog for more of my personal style and fashion musings! Thanks for visiting! x