Making the effort

Melbourne Cup is now over for another year!
This is the first year in many years I have not been mad hattering away every day and night for weeks leading up to The Cup.
I am usually so exhausted and uninterested in thinking about putting a hat on my head once that last hat has been picked up (usually on the morning of The Cup).

This is what I ended up wearing

As I am no longer making hats, this was my first year to enjoy the festivities, and that I did!

The morning went on and I put a couple of potential outfits out and then went about what I was doing all of a sudden it was 11.00am then it was midday and we were meeting at 1.00pm.  I had to have a shower, wash my hair do my nails and make up and sort out how the hat would stay on my head.

Needless to say I love an opportunity to dress up and wear a hat but it does take a bit of an effort, of course it is well worth it when you win best hat, which I did !!!

What to wear?

So, have to leave in forty five minutes and still havn't decided what to wear to Melbourne Cup luncheon. I have two choices and luckily as I used to make hats, I have two that may work.  Here they are and will fill you in later tonight what I wore! Have a great day and Good Luck.

Very Frou Frou and not sure about the hat on me

In the change room weekend outfits

Here is a selection of pieces I have put together from Zara that are in store now. 

I just love the fluro yellow colour especially with the tangerine shoes and my coloured necklace.This dress was in a variety of colours also.

The fabric of the dress is so cool and comfy for summer with a pair of blingy sandals or thongs (flip flops) and a jean jacket and wedges for another look. 

As you have seen in previous posts I am experimenting with the printed pants look.  I did like these ones in the Bali style print in the olive greens however they didn't have as much stretch as your jean or jegging variety so not as comfortable and as my thighs are bigger the smaller the print the better. 

  I put them with a tropical print top which is fairly shapeless but it was quite sheer so you can see your shape through. I loved the longer tail at the back this would also look fabulous with heels or put the top with black wet look pants for an evening look. 

 The cream leather jacket is also a like from me.  However perhaps a tad hot for our summer but for those breezy nights we have been having could be handy. Then would work through to Autumn/Winter. 

 Love a purchase that will transcend!

The sandals were so cute.  I did buy them!

 Last one is a knit maxi, a bit boxy but really comfy and loved the tassels, great for a summer evening having drinks by the pool. 

Thanks for reading xx

Zara cotton shirt dress $89,shoes $99, my necklace Valley girl

Zara Print jeans $69, Zara tropical mullet top $45,Zara leather jacket $299, Zara Valentino shoes $89

Zara maxi dress $79

In the Change room - Melbourne Cup outfits

It is now very close to the big day. If you are like lots of Australians it creeps around all of a sudden.
 "What! Melbourne Cup is next week, What are you doing?"
Not only can you not believe it was already a year ago that you lost all that money on the sure thing, but  you suddenly realise it is November and December is next and Christmas is nearly here!

 Then a New Year and so many things need to be done!!!.
 So Melbourne Cup to an Aussie has so many meanings.
I worked for many years as a Milliner and it never seased to amaze me how many girls would come in a couple of days before the big race day and want a hat made up.
I suppose as I was on the other end and was the one coming up with the creations and had to labour over the end result, I would find it frustrating but at the same time appreciated that  these girls and women put their faith in me to make them look and feel fantastic on that special day in November.
 The day that gives us an excuse to dress up and feel grand for one day.
 The day when nearly everyone can forget what the pressures of our everyday bring, when we can laugh and cheer with friends and colleages, when for a short moment in time all is forgotten and the cheers make you feel so joyous and strong  even if it is not your horse's nose that clipped the finish line.
 As a consumer myself I still have no idea what I will be wearing next tuesday, three days away.  Although I will not be approaching a Milliner and expecting a piece to be made for me, I fall into the category of last minute shoppers but this is our one fine day and let us all enjoy and embrace out nation and the chance to celebrate what we stand for Freedom, love and happiness!!!
Below are some outfits that are in stores now and beautiful hats from my friend Catherine Kelly from Embellish who now have a pop up store in the Queen Victoria Building until the end of next week, otherwise you can find her in her studio in Rozelle or call her on 0416182486

Cue pencil skirt $215 and jacket, $195 with blourse under and Embellish hat in QVB $650

Here are some outfits I tried on from Karen Millen and Cue in the QVB, Sydney, the hats

Karen Millen cotton  Floral print dress $325, magenta shoes $175.and $145.bag, Hat Embellish Atelier $650

Cue dress $315, Embellish Atelier hat $395

Karen Millen dress, shoes and clutch, Embellish hat

are from Embellish Atelier  embellish-hats.com who have a pop up store on Ground level QVB Sydney until after Melbourne Cup.

Style for Real People: Printed t -shirt three looks

Style for Real People: Printed t -shirt three looks: Zara pants, Witchery top, Lovisa necklace, Vintage bag, Op shop cuff  I do get asked by clients a lot "Where do I find nice t-sh...

Printed t -shirt three looks

Zara pants, Witchery top, Lovisa necklace, Vintage bag, Op shop cuff

 I do get asked by clients a lot "Where do I find nice t-shirts.

When I think about this, An interpretation for a what a good tee exactly  is, is very personal.

For one it could be as simple as a basic tee that is your average fitted cotton style

Add blazer for finishing touch Blazer Massimo Dutti

Same Withchery tee with Cue slim leg pant and flat leopard print ballets, Michael Kors bag

Adde jacket Tempt and Lovisa necklace

 

Saba silk tee (the only style of tee to wear)

I myself don't wear the basic t-shirt anymore, I have decided it just simply is not flattering on me at all.  Looking back over the years at my t-shirt wearing days I shudder.
Why didn't I realise?
 Anyway I have found this oversize baggy and interesting print style can be very versatile and comfortable for Summer. It flows over the tummy area so no handle bars with jeans (not visible anyway).
The other style I am loving at the moment is this printed style from Witchery. They have a few in various prints this season. It is a really comfortable weight and loose and cool.
It looks great with skinny pants or jeans for casual or dress up with pants accessories and heels.
I also am enjoying experimenting with the baggy pants look.  I know it is not necessarily the most flattering for my body shape but I will cope with this for a new look.  It is a throw back to the eighties the baggy top tucked loosely into the baggy pants.

Thanks for reading xxx 

Style for Real People: Summer jackets and vests

Style for Real People: Summer jackets and vests: Hanging out the washing Veronika Maine pants, Mango top, Portmans jacket, necklace diva and Sussans swapped jacket to vest and ch...

Summer jackets and vests

Hanging out the washing

Veronika Maine pants, Mango top, Portmans jacket, necklace diva and Sussans

swapped jacket to vest and changed shoes

changed vest again for a more casual look this is a jacket I cut the sleeves off to make a vest

I really love summer and the warmer weather, however as it gets so hot I do find myself struggling to pull together a finished look other than a dress and some beads.  In winter you just throw on a blazer and a scarf or a great jacket.
I have solved this dilemma, sort of.  I had a jacket and it had the puffy gathered sleeves that I wasn't loving so I cut them off and made this vest (the army green above).
  Vests are great to add another layer and help cover love handles and thigh area, plus the vertical lines when left open help to elongate your body.
So girls this is a staple you will need for summer.
 It can also look great with a pair of shorts.  I don't love my legs so not sure if you will get me giving that a go unless I am going hiking!

Style for Real People: Prints and changing pieces that are not quite righ...

Style for Real People: Prints and changing pieces that are not quite righ...: Jeans Zara, top Veronika Maine, Jacket Very Very, Bag Michael Kors, Shoes Paul Dane, Turquoise necklace old I am at the moment fasci...

Prints and changing pieces that are not quite right

Jeans Zara, top Veronika Maine, Jacket Very Very, Bag Michael Kors, Shoes Paul Dane, Turquoise necklace old

I am at the moment fascinated with the mixing prints trend.  I know it is a scary concept but I do love a bit of a challenge.
In the top photo I have mixed two prints together in a top and jacket.  The prints are both a water washed, marbling type look.  Although the two prints don't have a consistent colour in both, I think because of the style of print and as the jacket print is more subtle, it seems to work together.  The pants are a colour that is in the  top print.  It is also helped by bringing orange shoes in to balance the orange in the jacket.

Before buttons changed

New buttons

I love getting a bargain as I am sure many of you do.  Especially if it is something that you know is a great addition to your wardrobe but you don't want to break the bank.

I found this charcoal jacket last Spring when the weather was at that trans seasonal change over when not quite warm enough to go sleeveless but too warm to wear a heavy structured jacket or blazer, you know, when there is a bit of a breeze that makes you shudder a bit.
The weight is perfect, it is a neutral colour it was $15 but I have never liked the buttons I think they make it look cheap, not $15 though,  as I would never have bought it.

Anyway I have bought some buttons at for around $2.50 each to change the look and step it up.  So tonight whilst watching Housewives of New Jersey, I will sew them on.  

I am also wearing a pair of printed, baggy pants which I really wanted to attempt this look as I do love it. However I didn't want to spend much as I was not sure if I could pull it off.  So I found these also for $15 and thought, will play around and see if I can pull it off, and at least if it doesn't work on me I have a slouchy pair of around the house - really comfy pants. Win Win.

 The black, cream and grey in the pants is easy to match any colour with especially a bright or strong colour.

Style for Real People: In the Change room

Today I was checking out what is new in the strores in Sydney city. I went to Cue in Pitt st Mall and Saba in Westfield. So these pieces are in store now. 

The photos have been taken in the change room with my iphone so I apologize for some of the looks on my face and the over exposure.  Hope you enjoy and please drop me a line if you are looking for something in particular and I will keep an eye out. I will endevour to make this a regular post. 

What is in store today Wednesday 24th October 2012

Cue peplum $189 in Apricot, looks yellow here. I love this !again such a feminine  look great to create or show off and feature waist

Cue Linen jacket in Lime green $289, top Zara $49, Jeans mine Zara, shoes Just jeans mine $39. This is a great casual look for lots of body shapes the peplum on the top covers the belly and creates shape at the same time and the blazer us a fitted shape which helps to nip the waist in.

I just love Cue when I try on there stuff it just makes me feel happy, The cut works for me.  The colours have been quite adventurous the last few seasons.  

Cue top $119, really nice and cool for summer, great casually but also fabulous tucked in to pencil skirt or A line in colour

Tucked in

Another Cue jacket $289 Off white with sheer sleeves, this is a bomber style in a linen mix, the photo doesn't do it justice but it is divine.  This would look great with slouchy pants or a printed skirt or pants  l

This is Saba Night print jegging $149, Priscilla peplum silk and viscose top in black, peplum jacket $299, Aria leather bootie $24. The jeggings are wild, don't know if I would attempt them but I love the peplum jacket and like the look, just need a bit more confidence but if my legs were longer I would not hesitate.  The Peplum was the big trend in all the stores today.

Saba Light Palm dress $299 This is a nice dress but not loving it on me however it would look great on someone a little taller with a longer torso, nice for the races or just a smart work dress with the Off white Kelly jacket below$299, shoes are Carine heel $199

Saba sequin tank $149 not loving this on my body shape but again you taller girls would look great and I love to get a few shiny pieces for dressing it up

Thanks for reading xx