The Beach & the Boots

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)!

Black Derby

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

Racing Mad

When cold days still reign in October and November in Melbourne, the perfect races option for those who can’t handle the cold is a jumpsuit. As women’s fashion is generally becoming more androgynous, two-piece suits and jumpsuits for women are being seen all over the racing fields. The name “jumpsuits” were literally given to the one-piece suits worn by parachute jumpers, and then eventually in the 1930’s it evolved into a fashion piece initially crafted by Elsa Schiaparelli. Since then, jumpsuits experienced their heyday in the 1980s complete with shoulder pads and plenty of colour and sequins. Although most of us don’t exactly care to repeat the trends from the 80s, this trend is only getting stronger, as jumpsuits are still being sent down every major runway to this day.

A part from the inconvenience of getting out of one for the purposes of going to the bathroom, this jumpsuit from Forever New was perfect for the cool, windy day that I attended for the Caulfield Cup. Fortunately I wore a fascinator that was stuck to my head so couldn’t fly off from the wind, and comfortable block-heeled mules from Topshop. To inject some colour into the outfit, I wore my sparkly aquamarine Mimco bag with matching blue earrings. Unless it’s Derby Day, additional colour should usually be included to support an entirely black outfit, even if it’s just a spot of red lipstick. There’s so many beautiful colours to choose from, so why just settle for one?

 

 

 

 

Jumpsuit: Forever New

Bag: Mimco

Shoes: Topshop

Headpiece: Morgan and Taylor

Earrings: Mimco 

Thanks for popping by! x

Is it Spring Yet?

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

When Rome Hits Your Eye like a Big Pizza Pie

The concept of Italy is so romantic. Everything is awash with shades of red (napoli sauce, vino rossa, Ferraris – that fiery Italian passion), and one can’t help but flirt with the expectation of a steamy love affair with a gorgeous Italian stallion thanks to the barrage of starry-eyed american movie narratives. Unrealistic flings aside, I will whole-heartedly give myself over to bottles of chianti and pasta al pomodore. And I refuse to engage in any self-talk about the effect of my extravagant consumption, because as seen in the inspiring american narrative of Eat Pray Love, one can simply buy bigger jeans. I intend to carry this attitude with me for the next two months in Italy, because I shall actually be living and breathing in the city of Firenze (for those uncultured folk, it’s Florence) and that’s a pretty exciting opportunity.

My introduction to Italian culture was set in Roma, which I suppose is natural for a first time traveller to this pizza-and-pasta-abundant land. My first impressions of Rome have been fabulous and filled with awe; how can one city house so many spectacular buildings and features? It was staggering how many imposing monuments would be waiting at every corner, with some dating back a couple thousand years. It clearly demonstrates how their history boasts plenty of wealth and pride, and as a history lover myself, I ate it all up.

We spent three days exploring the unmissable main sights, and often while it was cold and rainy. Fortunately I had my exceedingly bright Aldi jacket to protect me from the elements, but not from the stares of disapproving fashionable Romans.

Trevi Fountain
The Colosseum
Roman Forum
Pantheon
As seen in the Vatican Museum
Vatican Museum

My primary question and concern during my trip in Rome was: how did the artists manage to paint detailed images on ceilings? Surely there would have been some intense logistics (and possibly a few stiff necks) behind how these ceilings were created.

St Peter’s Basilica

The architecture! The artwork! There’s evidence of unbelievable craftsmanship everywhere. Three days was sweet, but definitely not enough to completely appreciate the inexhaustible facets forming historic and contemporary Roma. This means that another visit to this remarkable city is on the agenda. x

For more pictures of my Italian adventures, check out my Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog!

Sleeves for Days

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

Playing Around

Playsuits, jumpsuits, onesies; whatever you prefer to call them, they’re plenty of fun. Obviously they’re not terribly convenient to get out of (and a trip to the bathroom is never a good idea ), but I suppose fashion isn’t always perfect.

Playsuits are one of my staple summer items, and I particularly love the silhouette of this Witchery playsuit. The khaki style reflects the heat of summer and need for mobility with its lightweight material, and I accessorised it with some silver hoops to match the belt. It’s a simplistic look but the playsuit doesn’t need much drama surrounding it, and summer fashion is generally lazy anyway.

Playsuit: Witchery

 

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LWD

Audrey Hepburn championed the little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, as did countless women preceding her and plenty who have followed in her fashionable footsteps. A LBD will always remain essential regardless of the weather, but my summer staple will always & forever be the little white dress.

My summer wardrobe consists of primarily a dozen white dresses in a variety of shapes and sizes – and I wear every single one of them. They become decorated with colourful accessories and lipstick shades, because I’m all about my splash of colour this summer until we’re inevitably plagued by the dreary Melbourne winter.

Tassel earrings have gone absolutely bonkers recently, so I purchased the biggest ones I could find to add some blue and green tones to the outfit to accompany my Mimco bracelet. I wore my pearl-embellished bag and nude heels, which are beautiful but positively painful (and possibly not worth the beauty).

Dress: Kookai

Shoes: Nine West

Earrings: Lovisa

Bracelet: Mimco

Bag: Chi Chi London

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The Blues

My work colleague and myself were playing around with some of the beautiful new season fashion at Witchery in an effort to learn more about the products and ways to style them- definitely not just for fun. I played dress-up and had the time of my life while my colleague styled me in outfits all revolving around these pale blue tailored pants. They’re lightweight, comfortable and could easily be styled using an array of tops and accessories.

Navy and pale blue: a killer combination. I love the navy slingbacks and I am immensely relieved that kitten heels remain to have a spot on the ‘latest trends’ pages. The matching blazer rounds off this work-chic look.

All clothing and accessories: Witchery

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Trackside Fashion

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

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