Archive for May, 2011

May 27

The one where I don’t understand fashion sometimes

So I think I know quite a lot about fashion, I’ve been in the industry the better part of a decade (I feel old when I say it like that!). I think that I can recognise and appreciate trends even if I can’t wear them personally, I even think I’m pretty good at spotting a trend quite early on (I have been wearing maxi dresses for yeeeeeeears – way before they were cool!) BUT there are a few ‘trends’ and I say that with VERY BIG inverted commas, that I just do. not. understand. Can someone help me out with these?

What NOT to do (image from goggle images)

You all know what I am going to say as numero uno (so say it with me again people!)…..

LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS!

Do I really need to say anything else? I’m thinking of changing the name of my blog to Leggings Are Not Pants (oh wait! someone has beat me to it – have you seen this site? tightsarenotpants.com CLASSIC!) Now don’t get me wrong, I will be rocking the leggings all winter (I don’t do jeans remember) but I will always ALWAYS make sure that you cannot tell if I’m wearing my pink striped Bonds undies or not before I leave the house. Ladies if you are going to wear leggings this winter/spring – make sure the top/dress you are wearing is one that you would be comfortable wearing WITHOUT leggings too – that is the simplest way to tell if your leggings are acting as leggings or in lieu of pants.

TOE-LESS ANKLE BOOTS

Toeless wedge ankle boots - not a fan

Well are you cold or not? Why are you wearing boots with your toes sticking out? I just don’t understand!! (Now this also may hark back to my fear of showing too much toe. I have ‘dancers feet’ - read: ugly toes so especially when I was younger, I always used to hate showing too much of my toes.) That may be one reason that I don’t understand this current fashion, but add a wedge and make it an ankle boot and it is ALLLLLLL sorts of wrong! The boy and I went to dinner tonight in our local foodie area (Rosalie for those of you who know BrisVegas) and there was a whole table of toeless-shoe-boot-thingy-wearing young ladies. As a boy he thinks they are ugly, as a fashion lover I think they are ugly, but maybe it’s one of those ‘I’m too old for this sh*t’ type of things.

I should also mention the flip-side to this fashion crime – uggs in public – really?!?! Again at said dinner, we counted as many ugg boots making an outing as toeless booties! What, are you just showing the rest of us how cool you are because you can get dressed all the way down to your feet and then you just don’t care anymore?? They are SLIPPERS people, they do not leave the house! That’s all.

OK, that’s enough negative energy – here are some things about fashion that I LOVE!

HIGH HEELS My very own 'Dorothy' shoes. Christian Louboutin pumps - LOVES!

MAXI DRESSES - This little Gucci number is on my 'yeah right' list but a girl can dream can't she?

STATEMENT RINGS - I have skinny fingers, big rings make them look not-so-skinny

What fashion ‘trends’ don’t you understand?

And then to make you feel all warm and fuzzy, what are you favourite fashion things?

May 11

5 Comments

The one where I get it wrong (I know! It happens)

So this is just a quick post to prove that even us fashion industry ‘experts’ can get it wrong sometimes! I was looking for some cool pants for winter that I could wear around the house, but also to uni and on the weekends. Preferably not jeans, me and jeans are not friends. I also bought a fun pair of ankle boots yesterday and I wanted a lighter colour pant to match with them as I think black will be too much of a contrast.

My new boots. Rubi shoes $59.95

Enter these pants…. I’m not going to say where they are from because this post is not about how crap these pants are, it’s more to show you that everyone gets things wrong in the change rooms – even me!!

We all have different body shapes so the same clothes will look different on every body. These pants just show off the bits that I usually try to hid (my thighs) and make me look short (if that is possible). On another body shape, (or in a different colour or fabric) these pants would look amazing!

The point of me showing you this is to let you know not to be disheartened by change room mishaps (or in this case dis.as.ter!!). Not everything is going to look amazing right away (or at all) but that is no excuse to stop looking! Sometimes you need to try things with a belt, or the right pants, or a higher pair of heels to get the full effect of how it is going to look its best.

So don’t give up!! (and if you think you can never get it right? give me a call – I’m much better at dressing other people than dressing myself!!)

So here is how I got it OH SO WRONG haha! Yes, go ahead, laugh at my pants, I am!

Oh so wrong!!

I have to say that I did then make myself fell much better by scoring an absolute bargain at Country Road. A black leather belt marked down from $129 to $4.95, yes that is just a 4!! Hopefully next time we talk, I can bring you something else that I got right just so you still believe I know what I am talking about!

What is your latest fashion disaster? How did you over come it? Did you get back on the (clothes) horse?

May 10

12 Comments

The one where leggings are not pants (and how to layer for winter)

Do you live somewhere that is cold in winter and warm is summer!? If you do, I envy you! There is nothing as confusing as a Brisbane winter for deciding what to wear in the mornings. As I sit here writing this, the Katy Perry song Hot and Cold just keeps running through my head – it describes a Brisbane winter pur.fect.ly!

It was a cool(ish) 13 degrees this morning when I got out of bed – for us Brisbanites that means at least two layers of clothing (well we do only wear cotton up here in the Sunshine State!). I pulled on raspberry opaque tights, a striped mini dress and added a fitted blazer with some chunky blue jewellery and ballet flats. Sounds nice huh, the only problem was, by lunchtime it was too hot for the blazer! So I my first thought is “oh no! How short is my dress? Is it acceptable to see the light of day on its own? Does it cover my bum?!!” because as we all know girls (say it with me) LEGGINGS AND TIGHTS ARE NOT PANTS!

My attempt at winter layering. Jacket by Sacha Drake, dress by Witchery and tights by Voodoo

This is a typical process I go through each Brisbane winter! (You think after over 20 of them I would learn). Although when I lived in Sydney it was almost as bad in the other direction! I spent whole winters freeeeeeezing my not-so-little behind off because ALL I wore was cotton, there may have been six or seven layers of it, but it was all cotton.

My boss at the time, who was originally from Melbourne, said to me one day, “Honey, if you want to be warm in winter, you need to wear wool!” This was a new concept to me, but I bought a wool dress and wore it to death for three years!

The other thing I love about Brisbane people, is when we get a sniff of cold air, we all jump into our jeans, tights and boots straight away! It’s almost as if we know it’s only going to be cold for three days before the thermometer hits the high 20′s again so we all need to wear our winter clothes before it get hots again!

So how do we dress for this schizophrenic weather?? Here are my tips for laying as it gets a little cooler.

1. Make sure that you are happy with the first layer of clothes you are wearing. If your bottom layer is a tight white singlet – have you got the right bra on? Is your T-shirt long enough to cover your behind if you take off your cardigan or jacket?

Tunics and mini-dresses worn with tights or leggings are great for this. Find one that is still made out of a lightweight material (cotton or jersey) but also looks great with a fitted blazer or long cardigan over the top. This trapeze top from Sussan (www.sussan.com.au) is the perfect example.

How to layer for winter from Sussan

2. Leggings are a girls best friend as it gets a little nippier. But please remember (say it with me) LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS!!! (no I will never get over that!). Ok, now that’s out in the open, Leggings are my staple for winter. I’m not a jeans girl (although I am intrigued by the new Levi’s 3 bum sizes!), pants don’t really suit me most of the time. Leggings are a great alternative, you are still covered up and keeping warm, they are super slimming because they show off how slim your ankles are and they cost a LOT less than a new pair of jeans.

Now we also need to distinguish between leggings and opaque tights. Leggings generally are quite a bit thicker and normally finish at the ankle. Opaques are great for adding a pop of colour (raspberry is my new favourite hue) but are probably more appropriate for wearing under dresses that are a little longer, more than long t-shirts etc as they are not as thick and not as supportive (so that means more on show ladies – more is not always best).

My favourite brand of leggings at the moment are from a wonderful Melbourne label called SpencerLacy. Now you will pay a little more than your regular Target tights (and we all know how much I love Target for a bargain) but there are some things that are worth paying a little extra for, and something that reveals as much of your shape as leggings do are worth paying for. Leggings have become a staple for me in the colder months – they are great for bringing your summer wardrobe into winter. Use leggings to layer under summer frocks and add a cardi, denim jacket or blazer to keep warm.

SpencerLacy leggings RRP $69.95 - WELL worth the price

Other quick ways to add layers to your winter look:

Scarves. Wool scarves, silk scarves, cotton scarves or $12 animal print scarves from Supre (my current choice for winter – see here) all add an extra layer to your outfit.

You can also layer more jewellery in winter (not as hot and sticky on your skin. Long, beaded necklaces (layer a few in the same tones to get a scarf-like look with jewellery), chunky bangles that make a statement or big, bold earrings. You are wearing more clothes in winter so don’t be afraid to wear bigger accessories to match that.

Condura 'Cloche' hat in olive felt. RRP $39.95

Hats are great to hide a bad hair day (come on, we all have them, even Jennifer Aniston has them and we all know how perfect her hair is). I’m lusting after a broad-brimmed burgundy felt hat I saw in David Jones last week so I am saving my pennies, but a beanie, a felt fedora or even a scarf tied in you hair will keep you warm and add another dimension to your wardrobe.

So what did we learn about layering?

1. Make sure ALL layers are acceptable to be seen in public

2. Invest in good quality leggings or tights, you will reap the rewards in the long run

3. Leggings are NOT pants

4. Use accessories to keep you warm and add another layer to your outfit

What is you best layering tip for winter? Do you live in a colder climate? How do you keep warm if it’s freezing outside?
UPDATE: One of my gorgeous friends just read my post and sent me this hi.la.ri.ous picture so I thought the best thing was to share. Enjoy!

Am I wearing pants?

May 4

7 Comments

The one where I buy all the shoes

So you know how I am now a Birkenstock convert? (no? see here) well I take it all back. I may or may not have just bought one (read two) new pairs of FAB.U.LOUS high heels. I mean sky high.

I don’t know what came over me! Maybe it’s the lament that I’m not at Fashion Week this week (don’t worry honey, it’s fine!) or maybe I’m feeling the pressure of student life again and want to rebel against it but what ever it was – I love them!

I have no idea where I am going to wear them (I still work standing on my feet) and I have no idea what to wear them with (my whole wardrobe is working around leggings and layering at the mo) but did I mention I love them?

I’m reading a book at the moment called A Life in Frocks by a wonderful Australian author Kelly Doust, and the thing that really comes out in the book is her obvious LOVE of fashion. I guess it reminded me that I too just LOVE fashion! I love clothes, I love shoes, I love accessories and did I mention I loooooooooove shoes (see here) so I felt inspired to go out and enjoy fashion again! Play with it, have fun and deal with the practicalities (and bank balance) later!

The other thing that I guess inspired me is the saying ‘dress for the job you want not the job you have’. It has appeared on my radar several times in the last few months and I thought that since I love talking about fashion and style, I really should dress the part (even if it’s in my own living room) so watch out honey, girl in heels walking (read hobbling) all over the house this week.

So do you want to see the shoes??

Olive green killer heels from Payless Shoes (I know!!) $59

Target baby!!! Black peeptoe pumps for just $32 (on sale from $40)

They are only cheapies (I am a full time student after all) but let’s face it, they are probably going to last a season or two. Just a note though, I have actually gone down a size in both pairs. Normally I’m a size 9 (or a 40) but both these shoes are a size 8 so if you are bargain-shoe hunting in either of these stores (which I highly recommend), just keep that in mind.

UPDATE: I may or may not have gone back and bought a third pair of shoes from Target within 24 hours. It was on very sound advice from a friend (thanks V). They are the same as the black peeptoes….. but in champagne!!! yum!

What is your latest TOTALLY impractical, but awesomely fabulous fashion purchase?

May 2

1 Comment

A weekend full of frocks! (plus the occasional frock-up)

My poor little fashion brain is still in overdrive after the exciting weekend we have all had! A Royal Wedding AND the Logies – phew!!! So you already know my thoughts on the dresses at the wedding (any eyeballing Pippa’s dress off as my own as we speak – no I’m not engaged mum!)

The Logies – TV’s night of nights – have to say Channel 9, was a little disappointed with your red carpet coverage, so thank you Mia Freedman and team at Mamamia for keeping me more updated that the actual coverage!

So! Here are my favourites (and a few frock-ups) from last night.

: Zoe Ventoura in Rachel Gillbert – this is my favourite of the night

It’s hard to wear gold but with her olive skin (gotta love a fake tan!) and gorgeous brunette locks, Zoe looks elegant and at easy in this amazing dress by Rachel Gilbert (the queen of sequins).

: Rachel Finch in Aurelio Costarello

I LOVE Rachel Finch (and so does the boy I might add). She has a sweetness about her and it comes out in her clothing choices too. Once again, simple and elegant rules the red carpet.

: Claire Hooper from GNW

Now I think Claire was a bit of a dark horse on this years red carpet. This is one of those love ‘em or hate ‘em frocks and this one I LOVES! The hair, meh, maybe a little 90′s prom but the dress steals the show so nobody is really looking at the hair anyway are they.

: Esther Anderson from Home and Away in Alex Perry

Would someone please give this girl a cheeseburger or two? She was criticized on Dancing with the Stars last year for being ridiculously skinny, and this dress doesn’t do her any favours either. No, that’s a lie, it’s a stunning colour, the halter neck is flattering, but the dress is puckering where the BOOBS should be!!! If you don’t have real ones (or real fake ones) get some chicken fillets girl! Her stylist should know better, shame on you stylist.

: Laura Dundovic

Cougar-in-waiting? I get trying to be brave on the red carpet, and it’s actually not the animal print that puts me off this dress (because you know how much I love a bit of animal print), it’s the actual dress itself. Leg split, boob split, backless? Too much on show – I don’t think she got the memo about staying classy San Diego. Plus I have just realised – I CAN SEE HER UNDIES!!!!! Red carpet fail!

: Kat Stewart in J’Aton

Another front-runner for fav of the night. The pictures don’t even do this dress justice. It had much more vibrancy and simmer on the TV and I can only imagine how striking it would have been in person. A little call-back to 70′s glam don’t you think?

Phew!!! How many amazing looks were there. The running theme seems to be elegance and simplicity. Not too much frou frou (although there were a few “Carrie Bradshaw inspired” shoulder corsages – Shelly Craft, Rebecca Judd).

What was your favourite Logies frock? What would you wear if you were invited to the Logies?