Seventies Flare

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogNovember 29, 2018November 29, 2018

When my mum would describe in great detail the outfits she’d proudly don in the late 70s in all their glory, I tried to hide my disgust (not unlike my reaction to 90s fashion). But no matter how ridiculous trends seem at some point, they always tend to return and are re-rationalised as ‘trendy’. A few years ago I would say that you’d never catch me in flares, but I ate my words when I was immediately drawn to these fabulous Stella McCartney flares. They’re sort of impractical in the sense that I always need to wear them with heels as my mum consistently reminds me (“we wore the highest heels to make our legs look extra long!”), but regardless of this limitation they give me pure JOY.

Whenever I pop into these jeans, I feel like I’ve been transported to the 70s. Admittedly this would be a pretty interesting time to experience, based on my knowledge of the 70s stemming from the Bee Gees, Farrah Fawcett and Anchorman. I suppose the inner disco diva (originating from my mother who claims she was a “famous disco diva” in her day) comes out of me and I feel a need to disco-up the outfit further, as shown below by coordinating the jeans with a plunging bodysuit, a wooly red jacket, some dangly big earrings- oh, and some sky high heels, of course.

As horribly clichéd as it sounds, fashion is so much fun. I can dress like I’m from an expired decade, occasionally receive some funny looks, but remain totally content with the chosen outfit because dressing up is the best fun. And I think the 70s, just like the decades preceding and following it in the 20th century, will continuously deliver the goods despite the evolving world of fashion.

Jacket: Minkpink

Jeans: Stella McCartney

Bodysuit: Witchery

Bag: Italy

Boots: Witchery

Thanks for popping by! x

Vintage Party

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogApril 8, 2018

Last year, my aunty generously donated to me a heap of her old clothes. The treasure-filled bag contained silky materials, some sequins and plenty of shoulder pads- a homage to their 80s roots. Most of these clothes were specifically made for her, and in particular she adored this peach A-line dress.

You can immediately acknowledge the power of well-made clothes by the way they sit on your frame. This dress falls naturally over the waist and gathers into natural pleats in the skirt, forming a flattering silhouette supported by the gorgeous lace that really gives the dress a vintage vibe. To me, it just seems like the ultimate vintage party dress. You can imagine twirling around with the skirt following suit to some jazzy music.

I paired it with Nine West nude court shoes (they are killers to wear, but aren’t they so pretty?) and a pearl embellished clutch. Funnily enough, the jewellery is all vintage with a bracelet I picked up in an op shop and earrings that used to belong to my grandmother.

I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to wear this beautiful dress. My Aunty Mary sure has style. x

A 20s Soiree

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogJune 26, 2017

A fabulous exhibition called ‘Night Life’ is on display at Rippon Lea Estate in Melbourne, featuring original fashion items from the 20s and 30s that were made and worn in Australia. The ‘roaring 20s’ manifested a time of economic prosperity and joy due to the conclusion of the War. Skirt lengths and hairstyles were shorter, and sequins and fine embellishments were all the rage. Although there was reluctance to adopt these new controversial styles that brought fashion into a less conservative era, they soon became accepted in the western world by the mid 20s. Even in the present day, the 20s are known to have produced some of the most desirable and chic fashion of the 20th century.

Elaborately detailed wraps and capes rose to popularity in the 1920s, as can be seen in the above picture where the sheer cape decorates this plain black maxi dress.

This dress exemplifies the look of the 20s with a dropped waist, skirt measured just below the knees, and fine embroidery with sequins.

Floral prints became popular in the 1930s, and obviously this trend was repeated in the 1970s. These historical fashion exhibitions present how trends will always repeat themselves, and how in our own lifetimes, we are bound to experience the same trends a few times over. Nevertheless, style will always be in fashion, and fashion these days is so broad that it is constantly integrating trends from different eras into single outfits. This is also demonstrated by the contemporary Melbourne-based stylists and photographers who have featured their work in this exhibition.

This collection of stunning clothes and accessories made me wonder about the fabulous and fashionable women who wore them. I would have loved to know the stories behind these outfits, and the exciting shenanigans that were performed in them!

Tassels, tassels, and more tassels. These vintage bags were hand beaded with gold clasps and exclusively worn for formal events.

As hemlines became shorter, shoes became an important feature of an outfit as they were constantly on display. These shoes appeared very small and narrow, almost meant for a modern-day child.

How I wish I could be transported into the 1920s for just one night to enjoy a sophisticated society party. If you are in Melbourne, I would highly recommend visiting this lovely exhibition that is open until 30 July.

Follow me on Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog for more fashion snaps and musings. Thanks for visiting! x

Vintage-esque

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogJune 22, 2017June 22, 2017

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

To the 1950’s and Back

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogJuly 3, 2016

Dungatar is the fictional rural Australian town where the Dressmaker movie is set.

As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I visited the delightful Dressmaker costume exhibition at Rippon Lea estate and the requirement was to dress in 1950’s get-up. I looked to my history of fashion books for inspiration on the design classics of the 50’s, and naturally had a bit of help from Google. The fashions were classy, accentuated a petite waist and typically involved bags that matched with hats. Fur was a necessity in the winter time, and hair was of utmost importance. I wouldn’t mind travelling back into the 1950’s for fashion purposes, as I love the elegance and femininity that it exuded. There’s a hypnotic power that is conveyed from some of the 1950’s fashion photographs, as the women pictured appear untouchable and formidable with their armour of graceful clothing. The dramatic effect of the black and white filter definitely enhanced that.

I dug deep into my wardrobe and produced a blue mint A-line skirt from Forever New, a vintage lace top from a market and a shapeless winter coat from Asos. My accessories had to be matched with my crutches, so I chose metallic silver for my bag and sparkly loafers.

I stumbled on this issue of hair. I overreached and hit 1960’s territory with this Jacquie Kennedy inspired hairdo. There wasn’t much time to get the curlers out so I let my hair do what it did once I blowdried it, which happened to be flicking up at the ends.

Everyone abided by the dress code and it was so wonderful to see the effort each person had exerted to look as though they had jumped out of a 1950’s film. Women had borrowed their grandmas’ fur stoles, home-made dresses were worn and some must have spent the afternoon wearing hair rollers. Complete with champagne and dancing, it was a fantastic evening of going back in time.

Coat: Asos

Top: Vintage

Skirt: Forever New

Shoes: Aldo

Bag: Nine West

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

Autumn Leaves & Lace

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogApril 26, 2016April 26, 2016

My affinity for white lace has reached its peak in this long-sleeved Sportsgirl dress. I love the conservative sleeves and dress length which gives it a feminine vintage look, and I paired it with my oxblood-coloured satchel and burgundy lips to maximise on the vintage style. There is nothing that signifies the first signs of autumn and winter like dark red lippy with hues of purple. It compliments the grey skies and resembles autumn leaves, and is often worn with white because it contrasts so beautifully. Also, dark red is essentially a winter colour because it is the same colour as wine, and wine is drunk in winter. There you go.

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In order to slightly modernise the look, I wore lace-up gladiator sandals.

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Dress: Sportsgirl

Satchel: The Leather Satchel Co.

Sandals: Lipstik

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

Silver Linings

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogJanuary 17, 2016January 17, 2016

There is something exciting about discovering an item of clothing that once belonged to someone else and reclaiming it for yourself to give it a second life. Because after all, one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure right? How this Australian-designed Rebecca Valance lace dress came to be someone’s trash is beyond me, but I’m not complaining. This is one of the rare occurrences where you happen to stumble upon a unique and gorgeous item of clothing in an op shop that also manages to fit perfectly *applause all round*. And its soooo pretty.

It was my boyfriend’s birthday on Saturday and the weather was glorious, so naturally I decided on donning this silver number. I wore a matching silver bag from Nine West which was a recent christmas present from my beautiful grandparents, and white Forever New sandals to compliment the white slip I was wearing underneath the lace. We travelled down to St Andrew’s beach in Victoria and enjoyed a lovely afternoon in the sunshine, and most notably, savoured a delicious meal with family and friends.

Dress: Rebecca Vallance

Bag: Nine West

Shoes: Forever New

Sunglasses: Chloe

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekends! Follow me here and on Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog ! x

Something Old, Something New

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogDecember 17, 2015

It was a typical Melbourne summer’s day at 35 degrees when I went op shopping and naturally purchased two jackets. One can’t resist the lure of op-shop prices and vintage delights that are abound with much potential, particularly me. I found an ex-Topshop blazer for a mere $10, and a pastel-pink tweed coat at $12, so how do you expect me to say no to that? I regularly graze at op shops because not only is it incredibly affordable for a not-so-cashed-up student like me, but it’s always a welcome challenge to find old gems and combine them with the new trends.

I grasped at the chance to wear the blazer before Melbourne experiences their continual, sweltering temperatures, and matched it with new Witchery black high-waisted shorts, an aquamarine beaded top and new black strappy heels. Combining the old and the new always produces a fresh outfit, and I love my new shorts because they can be worn for dressy occasions and are supremely comfortable.

Blazer: Topshop

Top: Forever New

Shorts: Witchery

Shoes: Nude

Bag: Marikai

Necklace: Forever New

So what do you think of the outfit combination? Follow me here and on Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog for more fashion news and updates! x

Shabby Chic

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogApril 11, 2015April 11, 2015

I always talk about class and elegance, but sometimes it doesn’t need to be achieved. Sometimes we need to lie back and watch how those who walk down the street, shopping for groceries on a Saturday morning, dress. It’s simple-not necessarily ‘in style’- but caters for the weather the day brings. Comfort is obviously the key, but it doesn’t mean you need to look boring when venturing out to the shops. Especially if you happen to bump into people you know, which personally is inevitable.

I was inspired by the elderly ladies I see walking down the street who wear oversized, dark-toned coats, and thick opaque stockings to battle the winter cold, and decided to get my own winter over-sized coat. I settled on this Asos number, which will hopefully protect me from the Melbourne winter. I feel like it’s a coat that a homeless man used to wander in that can be found in the dark depths of an op shop-and has remained in amazingly excellent condition. It looks a little vintage, and can be spruced up with some necessary winter accessories.

This is my summer hat, but now it’s become my winter hat. Mid-brimmed felt hats have become all the rage, and look fantastic with a killer coat and boots. Obviously they serve for sun protection in winter too.

This clutch was a gift from my mum when she went to China- thanks mum!

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Coat- Asos

Skirt- Nobody

Top- Asos

Boots- Vanessa

Clutch- somewhere in China

A True King of Fashion

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogFebruary 17, 2015February 17, 2015

Melbourne was blessed to have fashion royalty’s Jean Paul Gaultier’s exclusive exhibition for a limited time at our national gallery. The exhibition featured his most fabulous creationa, so of course there were plenty, and they were displayed within their distinct sections. There was a unique vibe and style resonating through every room which presented some of his most critically-acclaimed collections, leaving the exhibition goers with no doubt that this man is a legend.

The man in the (mannequin) flesh. The faces were projections of real models, and moved, spoke and sung! It was brilliant and occasionally creepy.

The corset worn by Madonna during the ‘Blond Ambition Tour’

Native American-chic-princess vibes going on here

The ensembles were absolutely remarkable, and I was astounded by the immense level of creativity which they exhibited. On a less impressive note, I created my own lil’ ensemble for the day with a 90’s skirt and a new season Kookai top.

Just to be clear I was not a victim of a soaking. The photographs were taken at Coles fountain, Parliament Reserve.

Skirt- Vintage

Top- Kookai

Sandals- ASOS

Bag- JAG