Culottes: Don't be Afraid

The latest David Lawrence campaign features culottes, that tricky trend from the 1990s (oh, and the 1940s). And the 1920s come to think of it. Interestingly, their article encourages women to not be afraid of the new silhouette, but to embrace culottes as versatile and flattering.

Will you try them?

I'm thinking of trying them as a Spring/Summer option. Say, navy with a crisp white collarless shirt, a gold chunky bracelet and my Saba grey and black high heels with the ankle strap.

Here also is some inspiration from The Guardian's fashion pages.

Back In Black

Jumper: Jigsaw UK | Jeans: Trenery | Bag (worn as clutch): Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop) | Scarf: David Lawrence | Shoes: Top End | Bracelet: Moochi | Sunglasses: 'Deep Freeze' Karen Walker

All Images © Copyright Sara Mole

Orange

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jumper: Country Road (2011) | Jeans: Trenery (Current) | Scarf: David Lawrence (2012) | Shoes: Sambag (Current) | Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze'

 

Photos by Paul D.

 

   



Winter Coats

I always find buying a Winter coat a challenge. For me, elegance and practicality are key and so is quality. With coats, you really do get what you pay for. If going for a cheaper coat, accept that the fabric quality will be low. If you have the time, compare a cheaper coat with one that's $50.00 or $100.00 more expensive. Decide if you can stretch a little more for a better-quality coat. It's a substantial garment, so aim for the best quality you can afford.

If your budget means you have to go for a cheaper coat, check the following:

- Are the seams straight?
- Is the lining in the sleeves sitting right? Does it come out of the sleeve when you put your arm in?
- Do the lapels sit flat? No amount of ironing will alter this so put it back if in doubt.
- Are the sleeves long enough?
- Does it have pockets? A cheaper coat may be missing these and you will hate that come August!
- Are the buttons secure?
- Does it actually make you look and feel great or are you just happy it's a cheap buy?
- Live in Wellington? Dunedin? Invercargill? Do you really believe acrylic is as warm as wool?

A bit early in the season, but here is an edit of what's in local stores/online for Southern Hemisphere AW13. A real mix of styles here - corporate and casual. I have categorised them into price ranges to make it easier for you to stick to your budget. My personal favourites are the Military Pea Coat from Portmans (casual) and the Reefer Double-Breasted Car Coat from David Lawrence (corporate). I am waiting on Saba to release their coat range. They do amazing coats so as soon as they release, I will update you. Also, old standby Country Road should release their coat range in the next week or so after the mid-season sale is over.

Thanks to my gorgeous cousin Selina for the inspiration for this story. Enjoy!

Under $200

 

 Hooded Double-Breasted Coat | Glassons | $79.99 | 6 - 16

 A cute take on the pea coat style. The hood makes it a cool weekend coat. Note: this is acrylic, not wool.

 

 

 Classic Double-Breasted Coat | Glassons | $99.99 | 6 - 16

 Can't afford a trench coat and a wool coat? This combines both! Wear belted for a chic silhouette. Note: acrylic, not wool.

Abbie Single-Breasted Coat | Forever New | $99.99 | 6 - 16 | More colours
Forever New has a great range of cute coats in a range of sizes and styles. They tend to produce more lighter colour options, so if you're seeking a non-black coat look here. This Winter white coat has a simple shape that would look great in any budget fashionista's closet. The pleating detail is really pretty too.

Military Pea Coat | Portmans | 6 - 16 | $149.95
I love the details in this coat. Faux leather collar and shoulders; big buttons. Perfect weekend coat with a striped tee or jumper underneath, black skinny jeans and some cute ankle boots. This coat would look great on a 20-something, a 40-something... a 60-something...
 

 

$200 - $500 

 Essential Work Coat | Max | $249 | 6 - 18 

Like the military trend but not ready for epaulettes and medals? This coat's fit and flare shape, big buttons and wide lapel provide a very subtle take on the military trend. Medals optional.

  

  Italian Melton Tab Detail Retro Coat | Marcs | AU$399.00 | 6 - 12 | More colours
Not the best size range but this coat is a lovely mid-price option. A very chic shape and the powder blue colour is stunning. Also comes in yellow and red. If you wear mostly black, this is your perfect coat. 

  Wool Trench | Trenery | $399.00 | XS - XXL | Wool/Cashmere

A classic, elegant coat combining some key trends: cashmere, camel and trench.

 

 

Double-Breasted Wool Coat | Witchery | AU$399.00 | 6 - 16 

Another military-inspired coat and also one which celebrates the return of the double-breasted style.

 

 

Lipped-Collared Coat | David Lawrence | AU$359.20 (on sale) | 6 - 18

Heard about the 1920s influence on fashion this season? It's not all about flapper dresses and Downton Abbey beading, friends. The cocoon coat is a classic '20s shape. This coat is a modern take on the original (though they would typically have a single button positioned at the hip). The influence of pale blue is strong this season.

 

 

Reefer Double-Breasted Car Coat | David Lawrence | AU$319.20 (on sale) | 6 - 18

Burgandy was a key colour on the AW catwalks in the Northern Hemisphere. This plum car coat is elegant and affordable - and bang on-trend. A perfect shade to offset your black, charcoal and navy Winter work wardrobe...

  

 

$500 - $800 





Active Cape | Andrea Moore | $675.00 |  S - L | More colours

Capes are a cool alternative to coats and can work well for both a corporate and high-casual look.

 

 

 Catherine Trench | Kate Sylvester | $895.00 | XS - L | More colours 

Another wool trench. This Kate Sylvester coat comes in Marine (above), Aqua and Black. The Marine colourway is in the Teed Street store window now!

  

Soft Wool Coat | Veronika Maine | AU$449.00 | 6 - 16 

Liven up this plain grey coat with a colourful scarf. A nice easy coat in a flattering single-breasted shape (good if you are larger in the bust).

 $1,000+

 Awe-Inspiring Coat | Karen Walker Mainline | $1,015.00 | 6 - 12 | More colours
From the current Fantastique Magnifique Mainline collection, this baby-pink swing coat is a real investment but would be yours forever. Also comes in caramel.

 

 

Transitions: Going Lower

When I hit my late thirties, I realised that I could no longer wear the very high heels I had worn since my mid twenties. They just became uncomfortable, and the pain wasn't limited to my feet. Knees, hips and back all gave me the signal: time to go lower!

There's no denying that a heel adds a certain something to an outfit. One of my big fears was 'looking frumpy' in a lower-heeled shoe. Well, there are ways to walk in comfort and stay sexy.

Make a Point
Start with an elegant point-toe shoe in a lower heel height. My Zara heels (see the Tricky Trend: Optical Prints post) are a mid-height shoe but their pointed toe makes them sexy and modern. The toe box is also cut low so you get a hint of toe cleavage. Point-toe shoes I find are easier to work into a myriad of looks from corporate to casual Fridays. Here is a similar style to my Zara heels - Austin from Nine West - (which I also own) available from the Australian site The Iconic:

Add Some Elegant Hardware
I find kitten heels confusing. They're not quite a flat, not quite a mid-heel. I have found them hard to work into my professional wardrobe. Still, I really like the look of these kittens from David Lawrence which feature a some cute detailing at the back of the shoe. I might just give them a try:

Experiment With Prints
If you're new to printed shoes, go for neutral tones or an embossed print such as faux lizard, snake or mock-croc rather than brights. The Evon Snake Mid-Heel has just hit Country Road stores and would look great with slightly cropped black cigarette pants and a crisp white tailored shirt for a classic (and comfortable!) silhouette. Note: the shape of the toe is an almond shape - a softer point if you prefer this look. Personally, I like to have the ability to fillet a person at twenty paces, but that's just me:

By Design
Take the plunge and fork out for a stunning designer pair like these from one of my favourites, Stella McCartney:

Stay Slim
Keeping your heel style to a slim stiletto will help keep the look simple and polished.