Party Like it's 1987

1987 was the last time I owned a jean jacket. It was acid-wash and oversized. And I had matching jeans to go with it.

I've been admiring for some time the way women around my age have been styling denim jackets. Usually with a casual striped dress or skirt and tshirt, and white sandshoes. I believe I'd totally rock that look so I bought one!

I'm not a big fan of Max. To me, they've hardly updated their look since the 1990s. But theirs was the first I tried on and I loved it straight away.

 I also popped into Witchery and bought this cute little J brooch:

I also bought this pretty, feminine knit from Witchery and I can't wait to wear it in Spring:

Azure Blue

Top: Gregory |  Trousers: Max  |  Shoes: Mi Piaci  |  Earrings: Found Jewellery  |  Ring and Bangle: Country Road  |  Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze'

All Images © Copyright Sara Mole

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.

 

 

Interpretations: Designer to Wardrobe

Recently, I bought my first-ever Kate Sylvester piece. I have admired KS designs for some time. Now I can actually fit some of her pieces, I decided to take a closer look and see how Winter 2013 stacks up for the 40+ woman. KS is a real mix of influences: retro glamour, secretary chic, tough girl... the potential for different looks is endless. As usual with these types of collections, you need to look past the 12 year-old size 4 model and work out how key pieces might fit into your own wardrobe. Here are my top five picks and how I would style them:

Nautical Top | $185 | XS - L

 

 

Avoid matchy-matchy unless you want to look like a jailbird from a 1950s movie. I wear my top with black skinny jeans and heels for an easy casual Friday look. This top would also look great teamed with a black pencil skirt, heels and a chunky necklace. Size guide: my size L is a generous NZ 14.



Shanghai Fox Collection Tee (Price and Sizing Not Yet Available)



The older I get, the more I appreciate a tee with an interesting print. I think the safest thing to do is avoid cheaper tees with some kind of image or phrase printed on them (bound to look cheap/offend someone) and go up-market. This tee is great in the above look which is exactly how I'd wear it. But if skinnies aren't your thing, try tucking this into shaped sweat pants and team with plain white sand shoes for a comfy but stylish weekend look.

Suska Skirt | $265.00 | XS - L





 

Pencil skirts are the only skirt for my boyish frame. This skirt has a bold pattern and sexy shape, but its length is still conservative enough for the office. Do as KS has done here and team this skirt with a block-colour top in a similar hue, classic pumps and minimal jewellery.

Shanghai Fox Collection Blouse (Price and Sizing Not Yet Available) 

I like the idea of sheer, floaty blouses but always end up looking twice my actual size and 20 years older. This Autumn, I'm looking for a blouse in a floaty fabric, but with tailoring. This one is in a floaty fabric but is not billowy and the sleeves and neckline keep it modern.

Shanghai Fox Collection Cardigan (Price and Sizing Not Yet Available)

See? Cardis can be sexy. It's all in the way you wear them. Modernise by choosing a shorter, fitted style in a good-quality fabric, then tuck into a pair of plain black pants or structured skirt. A little cami underneath means you can undo another button without feeling exposed.