When the warm rays of spring appear, I welcome the return of my linen clothes.
However, this dress is a new season purchase. I recently bought it from Witchery for the anticipated return to working in retail once restrictions are lifted. It also helps that I have an affinity for balloon sleeves and dresses that would look perfect when frolicking in a field of flowers. The more fit for unnecessary frolicking, the better.
It’s made from 100% linen and the sleeves are actually intended to be worn on the shoulders, but I prefer a bit of off-the-shoulder action. It makes me feel like a young lass from the old-timey times who didn’t have a whole lot to do a part from dress pretty and sit around in nature dreaming about a future husband. Not too dissimilar to current day in Covid, except I sit around and think about watching another episode of Younger (are two seasons in one day too many?).
Dress: Witchery
Shoes: Zara
Earrings: Witchery
Not going to lie, I’ll probably engage in some hysterical frolicking when stage 4 restrictions are over. There’s much to look forward to when the weather gets warmer, including a bit more freedom.
It was Derby Day the other weekend, the black & white themed event of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival which is arguably the easiest theme to adhere to. So I sifted through my wardrobe, full well knowing that it already contained plenty of options, and I quickly I found ‘the outfit’. The top was actually found in an op shop years ago when my sister was hunting for costumes for an amateur production of ‘Rent’ about 8 years ago, and the skirt was was a special find in a boutique in the Gold Coast. After years of my mum fashionably attending the races, we have amassed a collection of hats and fascinators. So I simply plucked this black hat from the collection, and was all set with a sparkly black Mimco bag and my Topshop mules. My wardrobe is absolutely bursting with clothes collected through the years, so I know that whatever I need will always be in there – even if it requires a twist of creativity.
Racing fashion has progressively become more playful and broad, with headbands, crowns, fashion turbans and headscarves all being applicable racing headwear. Pantsuits and blazer dresses in an assortment of colours have been all over the track this season, with a spot of androgynous dressing being sported by plenty of women making a contrast with the traditional racing styles. I regret not taking photos of some of the unique outfits I noticed during the day – there was so much creativity on show and some really extraordinary looks.
Top: Op shop
Skirt: White Closet
Shoes: Topshop
Hat: Vintage
Bag: Mimco
I wish we didn’t need an excuse to don racing fashion – it’s so much fun to play around with the headwear! x
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.
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
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Summer has officially ended for us southern hemisphere-ers, so it’s a better time than never to reflect on some of the most noticeable trends of the warm season. This was inspired by the spring/summer 2016 international runways, some serious street-style stalking and painfully careful observations.
Middle-aged Dad sandals
Okay so that’s not exactly the name for them, but I couldn’t find the name for flat sandals with wide straps and a platform which were initially designed for Dads who prefer comfort over appearance. Now these beauties have a more superior standing in the fashion world and are considered the staple sandal for the season with the bonus comfort factor included. Chanel has even approved the notorious socks and sandals duo, complete with illuminating lights to ensure that these bad boys do not go unnoticed.
Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry Prorsum, ChanelRound Toe Sneakers
If there is ever a sneaker to wear with skirts and dresses, it’s this one. Comfort continues to be an overriding feature of shoes this season, and also the simplicity of the plain white enables the shoes to match practically any casual outfit. Just avoid wearing socks with these ones, as the ankles are meant to be visible and socks would add an unwanted schoolgirl element to it.
Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, JosephSuper Baggy Pants
Long, wide-leg pants appear to be popular for spring/summer 2016. Hopefully they will prove to be more popular than flared pants, because these pants, although resembling trackies, are far more chic and cosy. Match with a fitted turtleneck and round toe sneakers for a perfect day-time look.
Missoni, Tod’s, Ralph LaurenChokers
These violently-named accessories have made a spectacular comeback since the 90’s and have been reinvented through all sorts of styles and diverse fabrics. Throw on a choker to enhance a V-neck top or jacket, tubes tops and over-the-shoulder tops.
Etro, Versace, DiorLingerie-style Clothing
Louis Vuitton’s fall/winter 2013 collection introduced the idea of day lingerie, and I experienced mixed emotions about it. Lingerie is beautiful, feminine and sexy and I just didn’t believe that it had a place in casual day wear. Despite my reservations, the trend has persisted and was a popular style for Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, Chloé, Givenchy and Celine just to name a few.
Chloe, Givenchy, CelineLace up Shoes
Lace-up sandals and heels were a highlight of the spring/summer collection and were purchased by essentially every girl I know. Chloe and Valentino employed similar styles when opting for the lace-up shoes, going for wedges that were infused with the 90’s factor. But whether you choose stilettos, wedges or flats, lace-up is the way to go.
Balmain, Chloe, ValentinoMetallic Silver
Hints of metallic silver ran rampant on the runways and were displayed through bags, shoes, dresses and jackets. If you have been following my blog then you would recall my affinity with metallic silver and my persistent need to add a bit of silver to every outfit I wear. And this is because it automatically adds some shine and a futuristic element to an outfit. Metallic silver shoes have been a particular standout this season, particularly in sneaker-form and flat sandals.
Dior, Givenchy, Milan Fashion WeekSnakeskin Print
Alongside the metallic silver trend there is snakeskin; arguably one of the less tacky prints in the fashion kingdom. Snakeskin-printed bags have been around for long enough, however this season could not get enough of the reptilian print as exemplified by Fendi’s snakeskin jacket, and Louis Vuitton’s stunning snakeskin heels. It is an edgy addition to any outfit that is reserved for those who want to bring their outfit to the next level.
Fendi, Louis Vuitton, PradaFringe
Fringed garments have remained a favourite on the runways for a while now and it does not look as though it’s planning to slow down anytime soon. It was a favourite on suede clothes in autumn/winter 2015 in light of the bohemian trend, however the sky’s the limit as designers have shown with inspiration drawn from western, tribal, flappers and bohemian perspectives. Think Cate Blanchett at this year’s Golden Globe awards in Givenchy: fringe is daring, fabulous and incredibly flouncy.
Dion Lee, Prabal Gurung, GivenchySo, those are my picks for some of the top trends that spring/summer ’16 had to offer! If there are any that I missed, please comment below!
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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:
vogue.com
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.
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:
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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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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.
harpersbazaar.com
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.
stylecarrot.comhercampus.com
Yes! I am loving the floaty femininity of the coral off-the-shoulder dress mixed with the grungy Docs.
asos.com
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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