The Maxi skirt???

 I have toyed with the idea of a maxi skirt and wondered should I risk it, Can I do this being only 5 foot 4"? but I decided to put myself out there and brave it.  So here I am I chose this maxi as it had a waist band as opposed to elastic as it helps to create the waist and when you tuck in (yes) it gives an illusion that my legs  are longer than they are as I have placed the belt a touch higher than my waist..

  

 

Maxi skirt from Tatoo $39, top dotti $29, Denim jacket $39 some boutique I cant remember, belt Portmans, Boots Wittner, bangles Diva, necklace markets and Lovisa, Sunnies markets and bag Steve Madden

 

As above for top and skirt necklace markets belt coussenet

Rainy long weekend

It is the last day of the long weekend and has pretty much rained all three days.  My plan was to get outside and take some photos but too wet. Yesterday had a great afternoon, went out for my friend Karen's birthday to this very cool restaurant/bar called The Winery in Surry Hills it was packed.  It was full of groovey Sydney people.  One of the Waitresses we had was wearing a "skivvy" but she did it very well and looked so cute, loved her scarf. 

 

All of my friends are very stylish, and each has their own unique way of putting things together.  Here is a photo of my friend Di she had a cute knit dress/coat with ruffles.  It looked fabulous and I must say, this is after our day out and she still looks great.  Di wore this as a dress with boots but you could do it with jeans or leggins.  Love the look.

I thought this was pretty funny.  My friend Maryan took me to some great shops that suprise, suprise I had not discovered yet and we both bought this jacket - but after quiet a few wines we thought we would be siamese twins.

Is Fashion Frivolous?

We have to wear clothes, it is a fact! I have been in a place where I coudn't be bothered so I have worn a tracky all day for days in a row.  I also love to dress up, accessorize, put some thought into what I am wearing and I know the difference in how I feel.  When I am in the slothing stuff I want to hide and have no one see me.  When I have taken the time to groom myself I feel fantastic and want to go out.  So, as for Fashion being frivolous, mmmmmmm no, it is like exercise or a good night's sleep or, in my case a glass of wine.  We all need it.  Tell me what you think!!!  

I have been thinking a lot lately about my obsession with clothes and fashion and how much time I spend thinking about it, looking at it,  playing with new combinations, creating accessories.
I get distracted as I pass my hat room (I am a Milliner and have a room where I keep all my treasures I have collected and made, and my clothes) as I am cleaning the house or doing washing or just trying to get out the door!

It always happens while I am doing a chore that does not involve creativity. When I give in to my impulsive behavior, I find myself  looking at my collection of bits and bobs, ideas explode out of my head and I then find myself overwhelmed and the time I had spare has gone!

To some this may be a frivolous waste of time, but for me it is a necessity, it is something I have to do! (it could also be a lack of discipline).

Anyway one of the results of this "playing" one day was this necklace I made with some dyed lace, vintage beads and trims I have collected and swarovski crystals and pearls. I will do some posts wearing it in the future.  

The little black dress

I have this black dress which I have worn through summer until now in this freezing cold snap we are having.  I am just going to show a couple of different ways I have worn it.  It can be done in your own ways with most sleeveless (or small sleeve) black dresses with a bit of structure, even better with a zip down the front.  There are a few around at the moment.  Mine is from Cue.  In Summer I obviously wear it with just a cami or no top underneath and add colour with my necklace or a belt.  I have also worn it with a pussy bow blouse.

I have chopped my head in some of the photos as I am really not very good at taking my own photo and not photogenic.  After taking so many photos, only a few are worthy of me subjecting you to them.  I am hoping my photos will get a bit more professional as I go and perhaps be in interesting locations.

Here I have worn a printed top underneath added a black belt with a gold detail buckle around the waist of the dress, added a fur gilet and wearing my black patent boots.  You could wear a stripey long sleeve topor a colour or just black and add some colour with your accessories.

With my fossil bag.  It has gold detail and I put the belt over the gilet for a different look.

This is with no fur gilet but just a scalf and my new sunnys I just had to have in the photo!!!Even though it is inside and night time,  I just love the shape as my sister would say "Would your like some face with those glasses?" Calll me a fashion victim!

With a wider tan belt and boots and a casual looking jacket gives a more relaxed feel. Could be done with black top underneath or grey.

Chopped the boots off as could look good with wedges in black or tan. 

With a different bag

Young Mum's Makeover

I had a client last week who is a young Mum with a nine month old baby, she is going back to work next month and her husband gave her the Makeover for a gift.  As she is so busy with the baby and once she is back at work, needs to be able to look good with minimal fuss we took this in mind with her hair styling and looked at ways to do her makeup without spending too much time on it.

BEFORE

We decided on a few layers and bangs that can either be blow dried or washed and hand dried quickly or a few velcro rollers in it after it has dried naturally.  To do this you let it dry naturally (wash it the night before) and then in the morning while you do your makeup put the velcro rollers on the top layer of hair and spray lightly with hairspray then when make up is done or just before you leave the house take them out and tossle lightly.  Gives a flouncy natural look with body. With her make up they did the eyes with a bit of colour but left putting the foundation on till last as this only needed to go on areas that needed to be blended (this gives a more natural look)

AFTER

The new clothes we bought we focused on bringing out her gorgeous hour glass figure but we also chose items that will be good for work and cross over to her daily life and some pieces that can be dressed up  to go out with her husband to have that much needed time out together or can look cool  dressed down also.  The top in the picture is a tunic from Esprit Collection that is worn here with a belt and jacket but can be worn loose with sandals for a more casual look.  In summer with a pair of tailored shorts.  Or tucked in to a pencil skirt and you have a really smart look for work or dinner.

If you would like more information on the Makeover or any other packages we offer at Smitten with Style her is the link 

http://wwwsmittenwithstyle.com.au

My friend Inspy

I have another inspirational story for you.  Most of you know our beautiful friend Sigrid and the challenge her and her family faced starting two and a half years ago, when she was in a horrific car accident. 

Sigrid looking fabulous with a Sussan cardigan and Vivienne Westwood jacket (bought in New York) and her Grandma's necklace

 We watched her have to start from scratch again and learn to do all the things we take for granted everyday.  While we watched and marveled from the outside at every improvement and every little change.  We had and still have no comprehension of the will power, determination and the positive attitude that Sigrid and her family had to constantly maintain to get through every day.

 Over the two and a half years I have watched my gorgeous friend work her but off mentally and physically and become fitter than she ever was and have an insight into life that can only come from a life changing challenge that she has faced.    

One of the loves that I share with Sigrid now and before her accident is the love of clothes, fashion, accessories and making yourself feel good by making an effort to dress up.

 My nick name for Sigrid or as I call her Sigas is Inspy, as she is a constant inspiration for me every time I talk to her or see her.  Her positive attitude never waivers and her- just get on with it and don’t sweat the small stuff point of view is always a pick me up, when I find myself whining about the tiny insignificant things in life.  Thank you Inspy xxx

Sigrid's Story

I had a serious car accident in August 2008.

When I came home from hospital I could sit 

in my tracksuit and runners all day not really make an effort in my 

appearance, I couldn't care I just wanted to be comfortable. Then we 

where invited to a fiftieth my husband wanted me to wear a dress and 

right shoes, he said I used to be so stylish.  So I made the effort to 

wear an appropriate outfit and boy, did that make a huge difference, 

I felt  great, it was really good for my confidence, It made all the 

difference in knowing that, everyone tells you that you look great but 

its not until you feel it that you think its OK.  Now I make an effort 

in my appearance when I go anywhere and when people tell me I look 

good and they love what I'm wearing, I instantly feel great not think 

they're just saying that to be polite.

Then we took the jacket off !!

Staring the famous Ruby

We changed the look by just adding a scarf (New York)

Another thing that inspires me about Sigas is her amazing wardrobe she has collected over the years and has kept and added to.  As she lived in London for a while she has some fabulous items from there. 

So here are Sigas own words and some photos of some of her casual gear.  I think Sigas will be a regular as she has so many combinations it will take years to show you.   

If this doesn't Motivate us nothing will

With Reality television giving us the opportunity to sit in our lounge rooms and watch men and women transform into fit, healthy and slimmer versions of what they were, virtually being tortured.
 It motivates us for a fleeting moment until we talk ourselves out of it "No way that really looks hard work, we don't have the trainer and someone making us eat the right food 24/7".
It is so refreshing to hear a story that incorporates daily life into making it happen and just finding ways to fit exercise and keeping healthy into our very crazy busy lives.
I was telling you about this wonderful lady I had as a client last week who had gone from a size 22 to a 12 to 14 and she has done just that.  Heather has kindly let me share her inspirational story with you and here it is: 

Heather before

Heather after all the hard work (She looks amazing)

Heather Wass's Story

I found WW (weight watchers) educates you to choices, it teaches you the energy value of foods so you can decide what to choose before you eat.  All food eaten needs to be burnt off or used for body function or it turns into stored fat.  When you are trying to lose weight you need to eat less than what you are using so you use up the stored fat.  To do this without feeling hungry or deprived is a little tricky and you don't always manage to do it. 

The first week I started I just increased my incidental exercise.  I parked my car a block away from where I needed to go, I walked for 15minutes before work, I walked at lunch time for 20 to 30 minutes, walked to get something instead of driving my car.  When I lost a little bit of weight I started to ride my pushbike (very cheap one from BigW but has a ladies seat on for comfort).  I found this became addictive, when I first started I couldn't ride very far before I had to rest but would then get on an go again.  I was riding in the mornings in the dark with a head torch on to see the rough gravel, rutted farm road/track (a very stylish site!!!).  I would ride before work 20 mins, then walk (faster as I got fitter) at lunch time then come home and walk or ride in the afternoon if I had time, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.  Thursday was WW meeting day and I worked later so would walk around the streets of Nyngan for about an hour prior to the meeting, this attracted other ladies at one stage and we had a little gathering of us at one stage.
The weekends if I was at home I would ride during the day both days.  If we go away I always take joggers and walk or run, I take our daughter's dog running if we are with them in the Hunter Valley.  We went to Tasmania the July after I had started to lose weight and we did a lot of driving (sitting in a car) and eating and drinking so I would do a resistant workout in our motel room each night.  Some Hotels have gyms so if they do use them, get on a walking machine just keep moving.  If we are away I always like to walk around where we are to explore.  I tell my WW ladies start by walking to the end of your street, then extend it each day.  Even if you only have five or ten minutes use it your body will thank you.

My husband Haydon had a great insight one night when I was doing my notes for a meeting and was a little stuck for an opening he said tell the members 'Weight gain is like maxing out your credit card, there will come a day when you have to pay it all back.'  You have a great time maxing it out (gaining weight) but it isn't as easy paying it off (losing the weight).


I love the analogy Heather's husband gave her.  I am sure most of us can relate to that!  

Hats and being a Milliner

From a Collection this is 'Land of Plenty'  I hand painted the silk fabric and then blocked it and stiffened.  I was inspired by an Alexander McQueen dress.

Small headpiece with quills and felt flower

Sinamay beret with dyed peacock feathers

Thought you might like a break from seeing me in the photos today.  So have put some of the hats I have made.


I am going to talk to you about the  hat making (Millinery).

Hat block for crown

Hat blocks for crown and brims I also use all sorts of items that give me interesting shapes

Small base underneath a flat brim on top that has been turned up.

Part of a hat for an exhibition on Outlaws, This one is called 'Flight to Freedom' This is made from felt and left over hat materials like straw, felt , stiffened fabrics,braids, ribbons and  an old doily.

 It is a beautiful thing to do but very time consuming.  I sometimes say it is more of a curse than a talent because you just keep going and going and never stop.  Hats take so long to make, make a big mess and it is hard to make money from them because of the labour and time involved, that starts when the client arrives to discuss their requirements.  I hope I am not discouraging any budding Milliners but it is worth knowing what you are getting into.  I have loved it for many years.  I still get a buzz when I go in to my hat room and start playing with my bits and pieces and thinking about what I can make.  

You need a hat block, or if you are making a hat with a crown and a brim you will also need a brim block.  You then either have straw or felt and mold the fabric you are using to the blocks and leave them to dry.  Depending on which fabric you are using and if it is pre-stiffened or not or if you want the hat to last longer or be a floppy style you may need to paint a stiffener on.  Once it is dry and you have done the coats of stiffener you will finish the edges and stitch together then do the lining or inside band. After this you need do decide on a trim, this may be feathers, flowers, fabric bows or pieces this is where the creativity comes in to it.  You spend a lot of time getting the balance on the hat and making sure the trim is correct.  Once you stitch the trim on to the hat  you are done but this can take hours and hours. 

Thank God for My Mother In Law

Well, last week when I started my blog I was filled with excitement and enthusiasm.  I was going to put this on my blog, take photos of blah, blah, blah!!! Of course I can easily add another thing to my 'to-do list' each day, as if getting dressed in a decent sort of fashion to get out the door wasn't challenging enough.
What is it with us women that we just keep adding to the things we need to achieve before we say it is okay to relax and unwind for the night? Needless to say the thought of getting to the computer(Once all the chores are done) to put my thoughts for the day down, is something of a reward.  There are also the photos to accompany the days post.  Which I do like to do but as I am just getting used to taking my own photo with the timer, it is rather time consuming.
My Mother in law arrived on Monday and despite her having the worst reputation for photo taking I have ever heard of, my husbands family has albums of photos with bodies with no heads.  Vera my Mother in law has been taking the photos and they are great!!!
xxx

Meeting Inspirational People

I am so very lucky.  Every day in what I do I get to meet some lovely, amazing people that inspire me and I learn something from.  Today and yesturday were no exception.  I met an amazing lady today who had gone from a size 22 to a 12/14.  Over the period of our meeting I got to hear her story.  I will post some photos of this gorgeous lady as soon as I get the photos that we took today.  At the end of the day I came out thinking we can do what ever we put our minds to!  This knowledge fills my heart with excitement!

Yesturday  I also met a lady that filled my heart with joy.  Such a sweet, spunky woman.  Certain outfits we put on her just brought out her personality and the person that makes her who she is.  This is what we need to look for in what we wear, not just something that will cover us up and get us through the day.  We all need to shine!!! and not just sometimes xxx





This is another outfit that changed with layers.  I have on my levi curve id black skinny jeans $54 in New York.  Underneath Cue print top $79, on top DKNY silver sequin t-shirt $20 New York. Patent leather boots New York $99 Cuff Rome, Necklace Katies from a lovely client as a Thank you.

Ok so now have added waistcoat from General Pants Alice in the Eve $79

Have added in the picture below another waistcoat which has frills on the sleeves for a bit of interest and adds balance to my thighs. I like the different textures and patterns.  May be a bit crazy for some but do the layers in the same colours if that is too much for you.  The frill sleeve waistcoat is from Valleygirl and it was $39

Here I have just added (yet another thing) A metallic belt from Forever New.  $39

School Holidays

The children are on holidays and whilst it is lovely to have them around, even though they don't talk (teenagers), it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.  Then I walk in to their rooms and the aroma hits me, then the devistation "what in the hell has happened in this room" then I realise it is three days of undies, smelly shirts, pants and socks that stand (literally) where they were taken off.
  I keep hearing stories of this changing and the  cute, sweet. loving child that just dissapeared without a trace returns eventually apparently around seventeen, eighteen.  Have seen glimpses of him fleetingly, but then he dissapears like it was my imagination playing tricks. Got to love those gorgeous teenage boys!

Here is an outfit I wore today. Pants Anthropology New York $88 not sure if they make my legs look big but I do like the look on other people, so I am just going to go with it.  Silk blouse Moss and Spy, Navy blazer Anthropology $88.  I then swapped the pants with my levi curve id dark navy jeans$55 NYC for a more casual look and my Banana Republic NYC grey boots on sale $85.  One of the looks has top tucked in but if tucking in is not for you, I like the left out look also and I think this hides muffin tops, but be careful not to have a top that is too shapeless.  The jacket helps to give shape and structure.  Thanks for reading. XXX

The pants are back to the eighties with pleats and paper bag waist.   Bluebird necklace Collette $14.95 Cuff Rome small gallery about $25, Ring Collette $7.95
 

Autumn is Here!

The rain has been on and off for a week now.  Should I get out my Winter wardrobe and start putting Summer away? The minute I do take the plunge we will have another 30 degree day.  

I am excited though at the prospect of boots, scarves(colourful with interesting detail) Coussinet a Melbourne designer has the most amazing detailed scarves, wraps etc. and coats not to mention the interesting effect of layering. As above I have on thick ponti tights from Country Road $89, long knit wrap cardigan (left undone) from Macey's $30, Black, white grey animal print, cotton scarf from Gregory Ladner) and fake fur gilet from Calvin Klein outlet in New York $49 and finished off the look and kept me warm with suede boots.   

New York Shopping Tour Launch

This afternoon turned cold and rainy very quickly.  Made my think about casual but cosy outfits and how to make them a bit interesting. 
This is my Coussinet scarf I have had it for a few years now and love to pull it out every winter.  I have my Country Road ponti tights again! again my long Maceys cardigan, flowy waistcoat with zips from Tempt $29 pulled together with a Scottish pin,  then a knit bolero for extra warmth and gives another texture from Just Jeans think it was $39.  I have my grey boots from Banana Republic in New York which I didn't actually get in photo.  Could do this look with jeans and heels, for a steak and a beer at the pub  ( am a bit hungry). 

Yesturday was the Launch of The Smitten with Style New York Shopping Tour.

Wendy Mak owner of Smitten With Style wearing one of my Vintage hats.

Wendy with a very cute accessory Jack my dog.

My lovely Sister in law Suzanne and gorgeous Dianne (unfortunately closed eyes but they are very nice eyes!)

My lovely friend Fran who is the Marketing Coordinator of Can Assist an amazing organization who help Cancer patients in rural areas who need to come to the city for treatment.  Looking beautiful in turquoise. 

About 20 lovely ladies turned up to hear what is all about.  Cupcakes and Cosmopolitan's were flowing.  I snapped some of the ladies as they were enjoying chatting and the beautiful April sunshine while sipping on the drink Carrie Bradshaw and the girls made famous. 

New York State mind

Well another glorious day ahead!!.  As you may have noticed in my blogs I have some items purchased in New York recently.  I am so in love with that place.  I was by myself, so it gave me a great opportunity to just explore and go to places without worrying about compromising with a travel companion (even though that is great too).  I found some amazing places for shopping, eating or just sitting and watching.
The place has an amazing energy, I felt I could just keep going and going.  One of the best things about it is the shopping.  The range, the variety of interesting stuff, designer if you want it, at prices you cant go past.  I stocked up on underwear for my family, socks, Jeans (too cheap) all the labels at half the price we pay here. 

We have a beautiful country and it is the best to live, but we pay a lot for clothes and I love our designers they are unique but to get some great key pieces and basics it is worth the trip Smitten with Style are doing a shopping trip to New York with accompanying Stylists to help you pick out the right pieces and guide you to the right stores.  It is going to be fabulous. 

This is a bit of a crazy outfit mismatched.  I just like how it is a bit Bohemian hippy.  I have my top from Tattoo $29,  Fake fur gilet Calvin Klein (New York) $49, Long skirt Tattoo $39,  Necklace Diva $29. Belt Cue $129. Booties Wittner last winter.  I look a bit crazy but I would probably hitch up the skirt a tad. 

My family thinks I am crazy because I am doing a blog

I love these shoes I found in New York at Anthropologie they were only $79

I

So I am thinking all the time now about what I will put on my blog next.  Anyway when I told my family I had a blog they laughed and laughed. 
It is like having a shop for what is in your head.  You put it out there on display for the world to see.
It was a glorious sunny day today so I felt like wearing a skirt.  This is actually a dress with a top over it and I have belted it to make it look like a skirt  The mix of prints is probably a bit OTT for sum but I liked it with my new shoes and thought the colours are very autumnal. I just love the long skirt look this season especially with boots.
My dress is an old one I got given it is George.  The belt is from Zara (New York again) sales $29.  The top is from tatoo $29.  My earings are from Lovisa.  Just love turquoise with all those neutral colours.  Trying to get my whole outfit  including shoes in the picture  was not easy for an amateur like myself .  Anyway finally got it to happen.  

Kids bring you back to earth!!

Finally got my blog started. Been thinking about it for a while. Got the camera out heard how easy it is to take photos of yourself. Flick around and yay! find the 10 second timer so set it up, get the outfit on and run in front of the camera and strike a pose. "Mum you are weird and that is putting it mildly" Busted by my seventeen year old son. He may take a while to get over it...
Anyway I am wearing again my Country Road ponti tights $89, Zara grey marl long sleeve top $20 in sale (love the way it feels and falls on the body) Anthropologie jacket (got in New York)$99

It has a stretch to it which is fantastic in a jacket as you feel so comfortable, almost like you have a sloppy joe on!