Fashion Files

summer closet staples

Summer Closet Staples:10 Must-Have Minimalist Essentials

Hi friends, it’s time to link up with Shay and Erika for the May edition of Let’s Look! This month, we are sharing our summer closet staples. I’m excited about this topic because, even though we’re heading into winter over here. I love talking about my favourite season-summer. Add fashion to this, and I’m in! I’m a minimalist at heart and I love neutral tones and timeless pieces. My summer closet staples are mainly made up of favourites I can mix and match easily depending on the occasion. So let’s take a peek at what my summer closet staples look like. Summer Closet Staples 1. T-Shirts Black, white, and black-and-white striped t-shirts are my favourite summer closet staples. They’re my ultimate go-to for any outfit and I wear them on repeat all summer long. You can’t beat the simplicity of a classic T-shirt because not only do they keep you cool, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Perfect for dressing up or down. 2. White Shirt The white shirt is a classic piece I love wearing with jeans when it’s not too hot. It also goes great with a skirt or shorts too! 3. Shorts I love casual shorts, denim shorts as well as structured dressier shorts. Shorts are a perfect summer staple as long as they’re not super short on me! 4. Tan Coloured Sandals They’re a perfect summer closet staple because they just go with everything! 5. Aviators I got a pair of Ray-Ban aviators for my birthday a few years ago and I love them because they feel so light on my face. They’re brilliant for UV protection and they also look cool! Hehe. 6. Jeans I don’t love wearing jeans when it’s very hot. But they’re still a great summer closet staple for those breezy days or nights. I have a pair of light denim high-waisted jeans that are oh-so comfortable! I like wearing them in the warmer months because the light denim colour makes them look more summery than darker ones. 7. Hoop Earrings I hardly wear any jewellery at all but I do love my big hoops in the summertime. 8. Denim or Military Style Jacket Perfect for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces. I get cold very easily so a denim or military-style jacket is always a handy addition to my summer wardrobe. 9. Tank Tops I buy my tank tops from Country Road because they fit just right and they’re made of comfortable, good quality, stretchy fabric. They wash so well, too. They look great as a casual outfit with shorts, and if I want to dress them up, they also go well with a skirt. 10. Summer Tops My summer tops are made from lightweight fabric and are either sleeveless, flowy or form-fitting. But the one thing they all have in common is that they’re mostly all in neutral or single colours except for a couple.   And that sums up my summer closet staples -10 items that keep me cool and feeling great all summer. I haven’t included swimwear because although I do own a black one-piece swimsuit, it’s been gathering dust in my closet for about two years. I guess you could say that I’m more of a land lover than a beach girl! Thanks so much for joining me as I shared my summer closet staples. I really appreciate you stopping by and I hope you have an amazing day!      

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fashion pet peeves

My Top Ten Fashion Pet Peeves

Hey there everyone it’s good to be back for this month’s edition of ‘Not Just A Mom’ hosted by Adrienne, Dara, Jen, Joanne and Sarah. Today’s topic is ‘Pet Peeves’. If you remember back in April I shared with you guys a whole bunch of everyday pet peeves. And I was surprised that I came up with so many! But I have to admit that it kind of felt good to get them all off my chest. Anyway as I have already covered quite a few of my everyday pet peeves I thought that for today I would talk about some of my fashion pet peeves. But before I go ahead I just wanted to say that fashion is such a personal thing and we all have our own unique styles and preferences. What works for one person might not work for another. So I’m just keeping it light and fun and I’m most definitely not here to judge anyone’s style choices. Today I am just chatting about some things that don’t work for me when it comes to fashion. So without taking things too seriously let’s have a look at some of my fashion pet peeves! Fashion Pet Peeves Socks And Sandals Ok, so this would have to be number one on my list of fashion pet peeves. Socks and sandals are just not my thing. But my husband is a fan, and it wasn’t too long ago that he tried this fashion combo when we were getting ready to go out one night. He thought I wouldn’t notice! Oversized Designer logos Yeah, I’m not into big flashy designer logos on everything. I think the fashion houses are doing ok and don’t need me to boost their sales by being a walking advertisement for them. Jumpers With Cut Out Shoulders I’ve seen ladies wearing jumpers with cut-out shoulders and they look amazing. So it’s not that I don’t necessarily like the look. No, it’s not about that at all. For me, it’s just that I would feel so incredibly cold wearing a jumper that leaves my shoulders exposed! When I wear a jumper I want every single bit of my body to be covered up and warm. Wearing Leggings As Pants I’m not sure that they are meant to be worn as stand-alone bottoms. Especially when the leggings are made of very thin light-coloured material and you can see clearly right through them. Excessive Cleavage It’s not that I’m jealous because I don’t have a whole lot going on up there. It’s just that I think a more subtle approach looks classier. Wearing Clothes That Are Too Small And Tight We need to let our bodies breathe, it deserves some space! Itchy Fabrics Just thinking about itchy fabrics makes me want to scratch! You know what I’m talking about right? I have made the huge mistake of buying those woolly jumpers that might be super warm but they make me want to scratch the skin off my neck. Deceiving Mannequin Display You know when you are out clothes shopping and you get all excited because you spot a really cute perfectly fitted dress on a mannequin? And you think “Yes, that’s it! That’s the one I want!” But then when you look closely you realise that the reason why it looks so great is because it’s been pinned and tucked at the back. And in fact, the dress is just a shapeless sack. Too Many Prints At Once I love a good pattern but combining multiple patterns in one outfit can look a bit overwhelming. Gaping Tops There’s nothing worse and more uncomfortable than wearing a cute top that gapes wide open when you bend over. This happens to me often and it’s probably because I have zero cleavage to hold my top in place. Anyway, my dilemma with gaping tops is all over now that I have discovered Hollywood Fashion Tape. It’s the best solution ever! I guess that just about wraps up most of my fashion pet peeves. It’s been fun exploring them and I’ll probably think of a few more that I forgot later on. I’d be really interested to find out some of your fashion pet peeves. Thank you so much for joining me today and I hope that you have the best Monday! This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.    

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essential spring fashion

Essential Spring Fashion Pieces

Hello and welcome to Monthly Musings! Today’s topic is all about essential spring fashion pieces and we’ll be exploring everything from transitioning our wardrobes from winter to spring to discussing favourite spring colours, accessories and wardrobe items. We have so much to cover, and I’m thrilled that you’re joining me on this fashionable journey. So let’s dive right into the world of spring fashion. Essential Spring Fashion Pieces HOW DO YOU TRANSITION YOUR WARDROBE Layers layers layers! I think that this is a top tip that I like to follow when it comes to transitioning my wardrobe. Spring is the time when I will wear my denim jacket on repeat. Denim is the type of fabric that keeps me warm but it’s not too hot either. Plus denim goes with just about everything and it never goes out of style. FAVOURITE SPRING ITEMS I think that once I start to get towards the end of winter and I can feel that spring is just on the horizon. This is when I really want to ditch the dark-coloured pants and jeans and switch to light-wash jeans. Light-wash jeans still keep me warm when we are in that cool weather period during the early days of spring but they just feel so much lighter. FAVOURITE SPRING FOOTWEAR White sneakers! Transitioning from winter footwear to white sneakers can feel so liberating and refreshing. After months of wearing heavy boots and thick socks, it feels absolutely wonderful to slip on a pair of bright, white, airy sneakers. Additionally, white sneakers have a fresh crisp look that instantly freshens up any outfit. They are just so versatile and comfortable! FAVOURITE COLOURS YOU WEAR IN SPRING Neutral colours are always my favourite all year long and so I will usually just incorporate them into my spring wardrobe. Sometimes I will add a pop of colour to my outfit like these bright shoes that I picked up a couple of years ago. I also like pastel colours such as baby blue and blush pink. These two colours are perfect for spring and they go so well with neutrals such as white, beige and grey. WAYS TO ADD SPRING TO YOUR OUTFIT EVEN WHEN THE WEATHER DOESN’T COOPERATE Sometimes when I have been really keen to wear a spring dress and the weather is just not on board with me. I will wear some tights and ankle boots to keep my legs warm. Then I will throw a lightweight jacket over the top. But this all really depends on the dress because this look doesn’t always work with all types of dresses. DO YOU CHANGE UP YOUR MAKE-UP ROUTINE IN SPRING Not really, I don’t wear a lot of makeup to begin with, and I always prefer to stick to a natural understated look. So my makeup routine is pretty much the same all year-round. That being said I do like to incorporate some spring-inspired elements into my makeup routine from time to time. I do this by experimenting with different shades of my preferred lipstick colour. And I might also invest in a pretty lip gloss. PUFF SLEEVE TREND…YES OR NO Ummmm……no. I didn’t like the puffed look in the 80s and I’m still not a fan. Although I did cave into the puff trend and I bought one white top with puffy sleeves. I have only worn it once and it looked ok but the sleeves annoyed me. But I’m willing to give it another shot and see if I can find the love for that top. DO YOU CHANGE UP YOUR MANI/PEDI COLOURS IN SPRING As I mentioned before neutral colours are always my go-to. They are so classic and timeless plus I love that there are so many variations of neutral shades to choose from. So I will always pick a colour from the neutral family such as soft pink, taupe and soft nude shades. RECOMMEND YOUR FAVOURITE SPRING HANDBAG ETC One of my favourite handbag styles is the crossbody bag and I think that they are just perfect all year round. But when it’s spring then I like to go for lighter-coloured leather or canvas crossbody bags. And that just about wraps up a few ideas on essential spring fashion pieces. Transitioning from winter to spring means that it is a great time to refresh our wardrobes with lighter and brighter fabrics. Or if you are like me and prefer to stick to neutrals, then there’s always something for everyone in the world of fun spring fashion! PREVIOUS POSTS Here are a few articles on fashion and essential spring wardrobe inspiration that you might enjoy. Types Of Bags Every Woman Should Own Spring Outfits Neutral Outfits How To Look Luxe     Linking up with Holly and Patty for the March edition of Monthly Musings.

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My favourite fragrances

My Favourite Fragrances

My Favourite Fragrances- I have been on a quest to find a signature fragrance for years. There are just so many lovely-smelling fragrances to choose from. So finding just one has been a fun challenge. In the past I have smelled fragrances on friends and have really thought “that’s the one for me!!” But when I have worn the same one myself. I haven’t liked it nearly as much as I did when I smelled it on them. So over the years, I have narrowed my favourite fragrances down to five. I like to use a little perfume every day but I don’t wear too much because I have a super sensitive nose. I much prefer a soft and faint effect when it comes to fragrances. A List Of My Favourite Fragrances Chanel Nº19 I love this classic fragrance. My husband gave it to me many years ago. It was either an anniversary or a birthday present. I can’t remember because it was that long ago. I loved it then and I love it now. For me, Chanel Nº19 is a perfect balance of floral and woody. It contains bergamot which is one of my favourite scents. And this probably explains why I love drinking Earl Grey tea. One of the main ingredients in Earl Grey tea is actually bergamot oil. White Linen By Estee Lauder My dear uncle Bill, the best uncle in the whole world gave me a small bottle of White Linen perfume when I was a teenager. He brought it back especially for me when he returned home from a trip to America. I love White Linen because it is a gentle floral fragrance that reminds me of spring. It is also very special and I love it even more because my uncle introduced me to this lovely fragrance all those years ago. Narciso Rodriguez For Her This beautiful fragrance smells so lovely with a distinct yet subtle note of patchouli. I remember trying this perfume when I was pregnant with my younger son. I was in the Myer city store and shopping for baby things but I went ahead and treated myself to this fragrance. Because I knew that after I had my baby it would be a long time before I would have the luxury of a leisurely day out shopping. O de Lancome This is one of my favourite fragrances because it is very different to the usual floral, woody ones that I love. O de Lancome has more of a citrus smell. So it’s quite fresh and perfect to wear on a summer’s day. When I think about this fragrance, I think of crisp white shirts! Coco Mademoiselle This is probably my most recent fragrance purchase. One of my very good friends used to wear it a lot and it reminds me of her. I like it on me too! It’s a very elegant fragrance and I usually wear it at the weekend if I am going somewhere special or if I go out for dinner. This fragrance is different from the others that are my favourite. Coco Mademoiselle has a slight oriental note to it. So it’s less subtle than my other fragrance favourites. I feel a bit more daring when I put it on. Probably because it is a more obvious scent. I really love it though and it’s nice to have a special occasion fragrance. ********** These are my five favourite fragrances. Now I don’t own all of them at the moment and I have certainly never owned them all at the one time. I tend to alternate between them. Currently, I am wearing Narciso Rodriguez For Her on the days when I remember to quickly spritz as I run out the door. And I leave Coco Mademoiselle for more special occasions. I have tried other fragrances in the past that I have liked. But probably not enough to buy another bottle. So although I haven’t found just one fragrance that I love enough to call my signature fragrance. These five fragrances are my favourites that I always go back to!   Fashion-Related Posts You Might Be Interested In Accessories Every Woman Needs Ten Wardrobe Essentials For Every Woman How To Look Luxe

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essential handbags for women

Essential Handbags for Women

As we all know fashion trends come and go. What’s in one year is out the next, sometimes trends last a few seasons and others not so much. So it’s probably a good idea to try not to get swept up with trends that won’t last very long. It’s damaging to your budget and not good for the environment. Discover these essential handbags, a collection with the perfect blend of classic, style and practicality. These bags not only hold all your necessities for any occasion but also ensure you stay stylish year after year. 8 Essential Handbags for Women The Cross Body Bag The cross-body bag is probably the most versatile bag ever. It is great for keeping your hands free to be able to do things like shopping and running errands. Cross-body bags are more thief-proof than other bags. So they are great for when you are traveling and need to keep important documents safe and close at hand. It is easier to be able to keep a close eye on a cross-body bag due to the fact that it hangs right by your side as you go about your day. Furthermore, because you essentially ‘wear’ a cross-body bag it also means that you are less likely to lose it by accidentally leaving it behind somewhere. The Carry-All A carry-all is high on the list of essential handbags every woman should own. The reason is that it will hold all your necessities and a good many other things. Some days you might need to fit in a book that you can’t put down. Or maybe the change in seasons means you need to carry an extra layer. Carry-All bags are also great for busy mums who need to have snacks on hand for their kids. As well as important items like disinfectant wipes or hand sanitiser. Carry all bags even have enough room to hold that special cuddly toy and things like rocks, sticks, or shells that kids just love collecting to take home! In addition, the carry-all bag is the perfect go-to bag for teachers who need to fit things like folders, papers, tablets, or even a computer.  A Clutch A  sleek and stylish clutch will complete your evening outfit. It should be the right size to fit your phone, credit card, ID, lipstick, and keys. You can stick to a simple black one that will suit almost any outfit.  Or you could be daring and go for one with a bold print. If you really want some glitz and glamour why not choose a metallic or glittery one! A clutch will elevate any evening outfit because it works as an important accessory that will compliment your outfit. The Top-Handle Bag Vintage-inspired features have become very popular over the last few years. This is definitely no surprise because as we all know, fashion runs in cycles. Structured top handle bags have that vintage element and classic, elegant style from the 1950s. They have since evolved from the time Grace Kelly was first seen carrying her top handle bag to hide her pregnancy from the media. Nowadays many top handle bags also include a shoulder strap which will leave your hands free and allow you to do all the things you need to do when you are out and about. Top handle bags are both functional as well as fashionable. They are typically larger than a cross-body bag, therefore they will suit perfectly on days where you need to carry more things. Furthermore, the nice structured look of this type of bag makes them a much more stylish and elegant option than a typical shoulder bag. Hobo Bag Hobo bags make a great fun everyday casual bag because they have that cool slouchy look. They are usually made from soft flexible materials such as canvas, leather or vegan leather. You can fit just about anything into a hobo bag. They are perfect for when you need a bag that will hold more than just your usual essentials. Some days you might need to carry a water bottle, a small cardigan or maybe you need some extra storage when you are out on a fun shopping outing with friends. They look really stylish worn over your shoulder and will give any outfit a relaxed yet fashionable element. Handy Fold Up Shopping Bag Most shops have banned single-use plastic bags so this means that it is important to always have the essential fold-up shopping bag just in case. As many of us know the minute you run into the supermarket, for just one thing, you usually come out with ten!! Therefore keeping a fold-up shopping bag in your usual handbag is a must. Fold-up shopping bags also come in a variety of fun colours and sizes. You can find many beautifully handmade varieties in places like Etsy. They can be made from nylon, fabric, or even silk. So who says shopping bags need to be plain and boring? You can find so many choices of fold-up shopping bags to suit your individual style. The Good Old Shoulder Bag Shoulder bags are practical, spacious, convenient, and are a great everyday use bag. They typically have one strap and many compartments with or without zippers. This makes them ideal for shopping, running errands, outings with kids, and taking to work. You can fit so many things inside a shoulder bag and you can keep your things organised within the available compartments. They are more structured than a hobo or tote bag and are made from an endless variety of materials and fabrics. There are just so many options to choose from when it comes to shoulder bags. They really are a must-have addition and probably on top of the list of types of bags that every woman needs. The Weekender Perfect for short trips and fun weekend getaways! Every woman needs a go-to convenient weekender bag. They should be roomy enough to fit about two days worth of essential items and clothes. With enough

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crossbody bag for accessories every woman needs

Accessories Every Woman Needs

Accessories Every Woman Needs- “A woman makes an outfit her own with accessories”                                                                                               Oscar de la Renta One thing that always stands out about women who are fashionable is their ability to accessorise. Clothes and accessories are both equally important and they work in partnership when it comes to creating your own unique style. Accessories are a fantastic way to add interest to any outfit. If you accessorise then you will instantly turn any basic outfit into a winning look! You can play around with accessories to suit your style preferences. If you are an extrovert who doesn’t mind being noticed or in the limelight then you can wear bold accessories that will stand out. On the other hand if you are an introvert and prefer a more minimalist look then you would probably go for single statement accessories. The choice is really all yours!  Reasons Why You Should Accessorise You Will Save Money You can use accessories to your advantage and this might mean that you do not need to spend much money on buying different outfits for different occasions. Undoubtedly, one outfit can be accessorised in so many different ways. Therefore it will seem as if you are wearing a totally new or different outfit if you just change up the accessories. You Will Look Amazing You will feel and look elegant and confident if you accessorise using pieces you love and that will show off your style and personality. List Of Accessories Every Woman Needs Stud Earrings Simple stud earrings are a real necessity. While you might not always want to wear big obvious earrings. simple studs will look cute all the time. Wearing small pearls or diamante styles will make you look more polished and put together. Even if you’re wearing a super casual outfit of jeans and a T-shirt. Wearing studs is a perfect accessory. Cross Body Bag A bag that you can conveniently sling across your body not only looks good but is also super practical. Wearing a cross-body bag will mean that your hands are free. Essentially these bags are perfect for when you go out for drinks as you don’t have to worry about putting your bag down somewhere in a crowded venue. You can carry the necessities and look cute all at once! Classic Watch or Smartwatch A classic gold or silver watch will always look beautiful. Choose the style and size you feel comfortable wearing and go for it. If you prefer a more feminine look you can opt for a small watch. Large watches can also look sexy on a small wrist. If you pair your watch with a stack of bracelets it will look even more sophisticated. With so many bands available for smartwatches you can certainly find one or a few to suit any style. You can invest in a couple and change them up whenever you feel the need to. Go for a sporty band for casual days and have a metal one for more formal occasions. Bangle or Cuff You just can’t beat a gorgeous bangle or cuff. They will elevate a super simple outfit and make it look so sophisticated. Chanel and later Jackie Onassis were frequently photographed wearing cuffs on their elegant wrists and of course, Wonder Woman always looked amazing in hers! Sunglasses Sunglasses will add a touch of individual style to any outfit. As well as being an accessory, sunglasses are very important for sun protection. But don’t let your age rule when it comes to deciding which style to buy. If you want cool Rayban mirrored aviators then go for it! If you prefer classic Wayfarers then wear them with confidence. Your style. Your choice!! Clutch A clutch is perfect for going out in the evening to parties and functions. Furthermore, a clutch will always add that simple touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. You can carry all the things you need in a clutch. There are so many varieties of clutches with different embellishments and colours but if you stick to basic black then you really can’t go wrong. Holdall It’s essential to have a go-to bag that will hold everything you need for some occasions. You can choose from leather tote bags, hobo bags, or canvas bags. There’s a style for everyone and they can look very smart while being practical too. Thin Leather Belt A thin leather belt is a classic which will never go out of style. A thin belt looks great when you wear them with jeans or to highlight your waist in a dress. Rings A classic chunky style ring will look beautiful and give you that elegant sophisticated look. If you prefer smaller more delicate ones, they can also add another subtle yet classy element to your whole outfit. Tights and Leggings Tights and leggings are also an important accessory item as they can really add that special touch to any outfit. The great thing about them is that they will also allow you to extend your wardrobe across different seasons.  A beautiful pair of opaque tights and ankle boots will look sensational when you wear them with a simple dress that would normally only suit warmer weather. A Mask These days a face mask is a fashion accessory that is trending globally. Now you can coordinate your mask to go with your outfit. However, not all masks will fit everybody so try out a few different styles for the perfect look and comfort. A Smile Lastly, a smile will always be the very best accessory you will ever wear. It is after all the first thing people will notice about you when they first meet you. If you wear a bright, brilliant

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Black pumps fro 10 wardrobe essentials fro every woman

10 Wardrobe Essentials For Every Woman

Creating a wardrobe with a solid base of 10 wardrobe essentials means that you will be able to put together stylish outfits very easily. Best of all, investing in classic pieces ensures that you will always look on-trend no matter what season or decade you are in. Fashion trends come and go every year but true style is timeless. Sadly fast fashion has made clothing cheap and easily disposable. Nowadays fashion-conscious shoppers are able to update their wardrobes constantly because clothing is sold so cheaply. As a result, this is a huge cost to the environment. However, the good news is that there is no need to be a slave to passing trends. If you invest in these 10 wardrobe essentials you will be able to mix and match them for years to come. As a result, this is a win for your budget and a win for the environment. So let’s take a look at 10 wardrobe essentials that will make getting dressed effortless. Classic White T-shirt You could easily say that the classic white T-shirt is a popular culture icon. To illustrate, in the ’50s Marlon Brando and James Dean made the white T-shirt popular. Later down the track fashion guru Jane Birkin and famous designer Karl Lagerfield turned the white T-shirt into a wardrobe essential. Today it has become a firm closet staple that you can see on celebrities and fashion stylists everywhere. There are so many ways to style a white T-shirt, you can pair it with a blazer and pants for work. Dress it down and front tuck it into jeans and slip on a pair of white sneakers for a fun weekend outfit. Style it up and wear it with a beautiful skirt and heels for an evening look. The choice is yours and the possibilities are exciting and endless! Good Pair Of Jeans Finding a good pair of jeans that complements the shape of your body is a must! There are so many different styles of jeans with various cuts and styles taking turns at being “in”. Skinny jeans have held onto popularity for a long time but more relaxed styles are now on-trend. Straight-leg jeans look very sophisticated and versatile as a result of the flattering straight-leg silhouette. You can very easily style them with the other basics from your closet. Black Pumps Every woman needs black pumps as part of their wardrobe-essentials. The black pump will take you through any occasion looking stylish and sophisticated. Investing in a good pair of plain black pumps will mean that you don’t need to buy a different black shoe for every occasion. This is because the classic black pump is an all-round shoe that will go with just about everything. Little Black Dress Perhaps the only way to describe the little black dress is timeless, sophisticated, and ageless. It is suitable for so many occasions and is generally a lifesaver for when you are not sure what to wear, or for last-minute events. Ankle Boots Ankle boots are of course a fantastic easy style for winter fashion. But they will also enliven any summer outfit. There are many varieties when it comes to ankle boots. They come in high heels, block heels, flat, and kitten heels to name a few. Ankle boots match beautifully with jeans and will add a bit of fun and flair when styled with a cute summer dress or skirt. A Blazer A simple well-cut blazer will elevate any outfit and make it look stylish and chic. A blazer is incredibly versatile and can be worn with almost anything. You can throw a blazer over jeans and a white T-shirt, wear it with a dress, shorts or trousers. A blazer will be sure to give any outfit a boost! Black Pants You don’t have to work in an office to wear black pants. They are also considered casual and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. To make sure you can wear your black pants across all seasons choose a fabric like viscose or light wool. They can be tie-waist trousers, wide-legged, pencil-straight, or cropped at the ankle just like Audrey Hepburn made famous. A pair of black pants is a must-have wardrobe essential. Knee Length Skirt A knee-length skirt will take you everywhere from work to casual settings. Pencil skirts are both sexy and sophisticated and an A-line skirt is always flattering to the figure. Striped Back and White T-shirt In addition to the white T-shirt, a black and white striped T-shirt is also a classic wardrobe essential. It can be styled in so many different ways and it is such an inexpensive addition to your wardrobe. Coat It’s important to find a style of coat that works best for your shape and body type. Trench coats are often added to the list of essential wardrobe items however they may not always be flattering on everybody. Find a style that suits you best and add this as part of your 10 wardrobe-essentials. You can go for a three-quarter length coat, pea coat, or moto style. The choice is yours depending on what makes you feel the most confident. Ready To Simplify Your Wardrobe? Go ahead and make sure to add some of these pieces if you haven’t already. These 10 wardrobe essentials are made up of basics that are sure to help you blend outfits together easily.  

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How to Look Luxe

Looking luxe doesn’t mean you have to be rich or that you need to spend money on designer labels. You don’t need to follow fleeting trends or be flashy. Because luxe is not just about what you wear, it’s also about your frame of mind and how you present yourself. Here are 15 simple tips for how to look luxe. Nails One of the first ways to look really well put together is to make sure nails are neat and tidy. I don’t think they have to necessarily be long and salon manicured. They can look really nice if they are short, neat and healthy. Don’t ruin your beautiful outfit by neglecting your nails. If and when I do wear nail polish, which is not very often. I stick to neutral colours like nude. Nude is a safe colour choice as it will go well with any outfit. Remember to take your nail polish off before it starts to get chipped. Chipped nail polish is a big no-no if you want to look elegant. Makeup If you really want to look luxe consider going for understated makeup that will enhance your natural beauty. It’s a good idea to stick to natural tones. Even going super simple and wearing a bit of BB cream, bronzer and soft lipstick will lift your look and compliment your outfit. Keep Jewellery Simple It might be a good idea to go for less when it comes to jewellery and accessories in general. I like Coco Chanel’s famous saying “Once you’ve dressed, and before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off”. Simple stud earrings and a nice watch always look very sophisticated. There’s an accessory brand I like called mimco. They have a good range of simple pieces and you can often find some nice and more affordable pieces too if you wait for the sales. Go For Neutrals Wearing neutral colours will easily make an outfit look more expensive compared to other colours. Neutral colours are timeless, chic and sophisticated. One of the huge advantages of investing in good quality neutral coloured outfits is that they won’t go out of fashion. I’ve got a post full of neutral coloured outfit inspiration here. Simple Clean Lines Consider looking for clothes that are well cut with clean lines and flattering for your body shape. A Structured Handbag A structured and simple handbag will always look expensive. Try to stay away from backpacks and slouchy styles. Instead, maybe think about a minimal looking bag in a classic colour with not too much hardware. Lustre Have you noticed that ladies who look expensive usually look glossy and shiny? They have a lovely dewy complexion, healthy nails, and of course shiny hair! I have a friend like that and if someone asked me to describe her I would say she glows! Avoid Showing Too Much Modest dressing always looks classier. Keeping hemlines just above the knee is flattering and will make you look stylish. Stick to safe necklines such as round, V-neck, square or boat-shaped. Avoid anything plunging or low cut. Keep Clothes Free Of Wrinkles This is a simple thing you can do to elevate your look. Wrinkled clothing looks messy, so try and spend an extra couple of minutes making sure your clothes are wrinkle-free. Pulling out the iron and ironing board is always such a huge hassle especially when you are in a big hurry. I bought an inexpensive handheld steamer from Kmart last year and it’s made it so much easier when it comes to getting annoying wrinkles out of my clothes. Make Sure Your Shoes Are Clean Your whole outfit might scream luxe but unfortunately, if your shoes are dirty and scuffed it will bring your whole outfit down. Try and make sure your shoes are clean and well maintained even if it means a trip to the shoe repair shop. Wear Proper Underwear Avoid any underwear that shows lines under your smooth skirts and dresses. The same with bra straps, make sure they are out of sight. Avoid Tight-fitting Clothing Wearing flattering clothes that suit your body shape is the way to go if you want to look expensive. So this means staying away from clothes that are too tight. Don’t go to the other extreme and wear loosely fitting clothing either, just find clothes that are well fitted and comfortable. Wear Classic Styles Invest in classic garments and accessories that are stylish and classic. They never go out of fashion and they always make you look luxe. Crisp button-down white shirts, a cute black dress, pencil skirts, slim pants and a good pair of jeans will keep you well dressed and chic for decades. Tuck It In Tucking your tops in will give you an overall much more structured look. You can also add a simple belt to polish off your whole outfit. Wear A Smile It’s great to aim to look your very best, however it is also important to be kind, friendly and well mannered. You can wear your very best outfit and exude luxe but you will be much more beautiful if you remember your smile and kind manners!        

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How To Dress For Your Age

How to dress for your age. Hmmmm. Sometimes, especially around my birthday, I find myself googling ” What to wear if you’re over___”. I then start to wonder if my tops might be too tight or if my shorts are the right length and the same with my skirts. Not that I am now or ever was into wearing anything short, too tight, or revealing. Even in my 20’s, I was always I guess you could say a conservative dresser. I was firmly brought up to “not dress like a crazy” as my mother would say. Aging As each year passes by, instead of whinging about getting older and my cheeks sliding down off my face. I am trying to be more thankful for aging and the fact that I get to celebrate another year of being alive. But with that being said, anybody who is close to me will tell you that I do a lot of whingeing with each approaching birthday, but I am trying to change! My super kind friend does helpful things to help me when I am carrying on about getting older. She sends me text messages with photos of gorgeous-looking celebrities who are my age. Last year I got photos of Jennifer Lopez and I instantly felt better! Thank you, lovely friend!! But what exactly is age-appropriate dressing? Sometimes age doesn’t have anything to do with how we should or should not dress. Because I tend to think some styles are just not really very flattering no matter how old you are! Things like wearing see-through leggings as pants. This is not a good look EVER!!  Or what about those super frayed teeny tiny short shorts. Unless you’re Daisy Duke, this is probably a very risky fashion choice. Aging itself can be challenging enough as it is. So to limit yourself when it comes to fashion is just downright depressing. Why should we be told that you shouldn’t wear this or that? But How exactly do we dress for our age? Maybe we need to cut ourselves some slack. Instead of just focussing on our age when it comes to how we dress. Maybe we can focus on other important things like body type, dressing for the occasion, and the quality of the clothes in our wardrobes. Body Type As we age our bodies change so it’s important to work out the cut and style of clothing that suits our body shape the best. It’s a good idea to find the style of clothes that actually flatter the shape of our bodies the most. Dressing For The Occasion It’s important to consider that what you are wearing suits the occasion. In addition, once you have worked out the fashion styles that work well for your body type it might also be worthwhile to look at whether or not your clothes compliment your lifestyle. Quality of Your Clothes It’s better to have quality rather than quantity when it comes to clothes. Stick to good quality basic pieces rather than having a wardrobe full of cheaper clothes that go out of fashion and don’t last long. Focus On Classic Style Instead Of Passing Trends I think it might be better to stop worrying about what exactly is age-appropriate fashion and instead focus on classic fashion style regardless of how old you are. Classic fashion is a style that will last for much longer than one season. It’s a style that will last for many years and you don’t have to worry about looking dated. I’m referring to a simple black dress, a classic white button-down shirt, or slim black pants. All these simple elegant pieces will be totally fashionable year after year. Maybe the safest way to incorporate trends into a wardrobe might be to accessorize using colors that are “in” rather than buying a whole outfit made up of that particular trending color. I remember many years ago hot pink was very ‘in’ for about one season. I was so relieved to have only bought a pair of hot pink slip-on shoes because sure enough as is the case with most trends, this one was very short-lived! Dress Confidently This I feel is the key! Once you know what suits you and you love it, wear it with confidence! Think of Iris Apfel, a fashion icon and interior decorator who is 100 years old. She has got such a fantastic bold style. She dresses in bright colors, loud patterns, and lots of accessories. Her style is not necessarily a style I would be comfortable wearing but she just looks amazing. Her wardrobe suits her and she wears it full of confidence. Another fashion icon who dresses beautifully and confidently is Anna Wintour. She is 71 years old and has served as Editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988. Anna Wintour seems to steer very clear of passing fashion trends and has adopted her own signature style made up of elegant well-cut basic pieces with a bold dash of color and fun. Have Fun With Your Wardrobe When thinking about how to dress for your age, I think it is liberating to focus on what suits you the best instead of worrying about how old you are. Wear what makes you feel and look good and what makes you feel confident. Try and stay away from negative limiting advice that focuses on what you can’t or shouldn’t wear. Just have fun finding your own signature style. By doing this it won’t matter how old you are because you will always be wearing clothes that make you look and feel fantastic. One Last Thing If you would like to see some of my favorite outfits in neutral colors, click here.  

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neutral outfits

Neutral Outfits

For Monday’s styling and fashion inspiration post I thought it would be fun to look at some neutral outfits. Without a doubt, I have to say neutral outfits are my favorite to wear. While I don’t mind a good pop of color every now and then I do tend to stick to neutrals a lot of the time. Whenever I’m out shopping for clothes, I am always drawn to neutral colors. I just think they look so chic and timeless. Over the years I have invested in some neutral-colored staple pieces. Doing this has given me a good foundation for my wardrobe. I can mix and match easily without fear of colors clashing. I love taking fashion inspiration from style icons of the past. Many of their most memorable outfits are mainly composed of simple pieces and often using a neutral color palette. Think of Audrey Hepburn and her slim black pants, ballet flats, and a crisp white button-down shirt. There’s also 1970’s Jackie Kennedy, if you look at what she wore during that decade, a lot is made up of simple neutral-colored pieces and they are still in fashion even today! Another great thing about wearing neutrals is that you are more likely to spend less on current color fashion trends that unfortunately will only last one season. It’s a win for your pocket and a win for the environment. Wearing neutrals also means that nobody will notice if I wear the same white or black t-shirt over and over. The same cannot be said if I was to wear a hot pink one. Here Are Some Of My Favorite Neutral Outfits Number One Here you can see that patterns can be neutral too! These pants are a nice earthy colored tartan, I bought these from H&M last year. They are a nice relaxed fit and I really like the tailored waist and side pockets. The black top is from Country Road and it’s the same style as the cream-colored one I showed you in last week’s Spring outfits post. I love how this top goes in at the waist and gives you a really nice shape. Nude shoes are my favorites, they can be worn with absolutely anything and are just so elegant. I like these pointy-toed ones and I love how the strap gives it a cute detail. I bought these online from Marc Fisher a few years ago and although they might not look it they really and truly are very comfortable. Number Two Here’s another example that neutral does not mean boring. Playing with patterns and textures will give neutral outfits an extra measure of interest. I bought this silk top with the gorgeous detail at the front from Country Road many years ago. I can safely say that I have almost worn it to death. Number Three Beige and black, my two favorite color combinations! I think they look brilliant together. Poor old ‘beige’ has been given a bad rap over the years. It’s been called mean things like boring and draining on the complexion. So poor old beige has been forced to hide under different names such as Cosmic latte, Ecru, and Tuscan. I’ll always be friends with beige but I think the trick is to find the right shade for your skin tone. If in doubt you can always switch things around and wear beige away from your face. So, for instance, you could wear a black top and beige pants or a beige skirt instead. Number Four My good old white t-shirt, here I have styled it with this gunmetal green pants and tan suede slip-on shoes.  These colors are earthy and relaxed. See the Rayban Wayfarer sunglasses with the tortoise shell frames. I’ve had them for about 30 years. I saved up for them while I was at uni and even got prescription lenses put in costing me a small fortune back then. But here’s a great example of how investing in timeless classic pieces will keep you in style forever. Heck, I might even request to be buried wearing these. Number Five When I spotted this top at ZARA it reminded me of the Chanel look. You know the classic tweed fabric that Chanel uses for their tops and jackets. I also like the soft colors in the top and while I don’t usually go for embellishments, I was ok about the pearls around the neckline. When I wear this top with a classic pencil skirt like this one I think it looks quite elegant. I hope you enjoyed looking at some neutral outfits for some style inspiration. You can let me know what you think in the comments or you can find me on Instagram.    

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