Turtlenecks

So as I mentioned in a previous post, with my newly-minted C-sized bust, I was so looking forward to investing in a new turtleneck this season.

Even as an F cup, I would wear them, even though it looked like I had stuffed the Goodyear Blimp down there. The same charcoal grey merino one from Country Road. Well, my one just gave up the ghost after six faithful years, and Country Road informed me that they would not be repeating this style this season. Sigh.

So I tried on Juliette Hogan's offering in black merino. Gorgeous, matte-black fine merino but the L was too snug. On to Gregory. Their version is lovely, a great fit and $50 cheaper. But I honestly couldn't make my mind up about it. Even with a smaller bust, I think I might have outgrown this style. The fashion gods work in mysterious (frustrating) ways.

I ended up buying one from Glassons for $39.95. It's not as fine as the others, but it will do the job (and come in handy for layering). My turtleneck is still a staple, just more a layering piece rather than the star of the show.

And tonight I looked on Country Road's website to be greeted with this! Not exactly the same style as yesteryear, but I'll give it a go!

A Day of Shopping

I had a day's leave on Friday. I took advantage of the warm early Autumn weather and spent the day shopping for Winter goodies!

It was good to see what's out there. It was also useful because I found out I don't suit black low-heeled ankle boots. So I'm sticking with camel/bone suede ankle boots. I picked up this pair of Hudson boots from Workshop - heavily discounted from $479 to $179:

I love the feminine details such as the perforations and the shaped ankle shaft. The colour is a warm weak coffee/camel colour with a hint of rose. They seem to go with everything!

I do however suit higher-heeled black ankle boots. I ended up buying the pair I've been coveting from Country Road:

I'll wear them with Winter dresses and opaques for work. I already have this one (in black) but I plan to purchase at least another. The final purchase? A black merino turtleneck from Glassons for $39.95:

There's an interesting story behind this one which I will discuss at length in a later post...

Quilted // Glassons

Not a huge fan of the House of G but slowly they are modernising and improving the quality of their garments. Spotted two items that are bang on-trend in my local store today:

The Quilted Jacket $69.99

Two ways I would style this:

1.With a white tee or tank, pale ripped boyfriend jeans and white sandshoes.

2. White tee or tank, indigo skinny jeans and black point-toe heels.

The White Structured Sweatshirt $39.99

This is a very cute sweatshirt: white with grey marle trim. I would wear this with a black pencil skirt and black high heels.

Wellington Weekend Haul

Mostly Christmas shopping but I managed to pick up a few treasures for the closet:

Veronica B Flat Gold Bracelet (bought from Souer in Martinborough)

Glassons Animal Print Sweatshirt

The grey and beige Wirth brogues were bought from Ultra Shoes. I wore them all day today and they are super comfy. Part of my plan to move away from ballet flats to a more supportive flat casual shoe.

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.

 

 

Store Watch: Glassons

I'll be honest. I don't generally purchase anything from Glassons. It's not just about the quality (you get what you pay for), it's also the fact that they are not pitching to me, so I walk on by and let the young-ins have their fun.

I was interested to see (via FOUREYES) that Glassons' new Creative Director is reinventing the brand. This happened to Country Road in the early 00s when it went from jodphurs, chambray smocks and penny loafers to fashion-forward casual chic. Click the link above for the full FOUREYES article. Below are my favourite looks from the AW13 collection at Glassons. I see some Zara influence coming through, especially with the multi-fabric items like the jackets with the faux leather sleeves:

 

 

 

 

 Thanks to FOUREYES for these photos.