Today I used up some store credit at Country Road and picked up a similar pair. They're called 'technical leggings' on the website but they're definitely pants:
Showing posts with label Saba. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saba. Show all posts
Sunday, 10 April 2016
In Praise of Elasticated Trousers
No longer the sole domain of the elderly, trousers with an elasticised waistband are actually a stylish and comfortable option. I have lived in my Saba trousers that I purchased in Melbourne last year. They are work trousers, in a beautiful crepe fabric with a tapered leg and sit just on my ankle bone. They're also machine-washable!
Today I used up some store credit at Country Road and picked up a similar pair. They're called 'technical leggings' on the website but they're definitely pants:
Today I used up some store credit at Country Road and picked up a similar pair. They're called 'technical leggings' on the website but they're definitely pants:
Sunday, 2 August 2015
Melbourne Shopping
A different trip this year. I managed to do some shopping but was running on half power. An exhausting two weeks leading up to flying out, coupled with extreme dehydration and a 2kg weight loss resulted in my blacking out on the descent into Melbourne.
I was tended to for over half an hour by Air New Zealand crew and two sets of paramedics (all amazing), put on oxygen, wheeled off the plane and placed under observation at the medical centre at Melbourne Airport. I couldn't speak or walk. A visit to a GP a couple of days later (to get clearance to fly home on the 31st) revealed the cause of the issue.
I have never been a big drinker - especially water - but I drank steadily and regularly all week! H20 is my new best friend! The flight home was uneventful, thank God. I am now getting into a habit of drinking water and my natural thirst is slowly returning after many years!
I did manage to pick up a few goodies, so I'm happy. A lovely collection of classic pieces to add into my wardrobe. See below. Paul and I also ate at a new amazing restaurant in Melbourne for his birthday on the 29th - Cutler & Co. Check it out if you're ever in Melbourne!
I was tended to for over half an hour by Air New Zealand crew and two sets of paramedics (all amazing), put on oxygen, wheeled off the plane and placed under observation at the medical centre at Melbourne Airport. I couldn't speak or walk. A visit to a GP a couple of days later (to get clearance to fly home on the 31st) revealed the cause of the issue.
I have never been a big drinker - especially water - but I drank steadily and regularly all week! H20 is my new best friend! The flight home was uneventful, thank God. I am now getting into a habit of drinking water and my natural thirst is slowly returning after many years!
I did manage to pick up a few goodies, so I'm happy. A lovely collection of classic pieces to add into my wardrobe. See below. Paul and I also ate at a new amazing restaurant in Melbourne for his birthday on the 29th - Cutler & Co. Check it out if you're ever in Melbourne!
(Also from Zara: a tan faux leather tote bag and a basic black blazer.)
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Blue Jeans, White Shirt
Shirt: Saba | Jeans: Zara | Shoes: Top End | Bracelet: Veronica B | Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze' in Black
All Images © Copyright Sara Mole
Monday, 9 June 2014
Navy + Khaki
Trousers: Zara | Tshirt: Saba | Shoes: Sambag | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze' in Black
All Images © Copyright Sara Mole
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Melbourne Haul
Each time in Melbourne, I buy less but come away with so much more. My focus this trip was work wear and I also wanted to experiment with a different silhouette, whilst still retaining clean lines and polish in my corporate wardrobe. It certainly is tricky to balance elegance with modernism, corporate with edgy. But this time, I feel I have actually achieved that balance.
Being a size 12 - 14 certainly helps. The reality is, that most fashion-forward brands stop at a size 14 (or even a 12 in some cases). So, it was lovely going into boutiques showcasing their new season collections knowing that I was likely to fit most of it. On reflection, I fitted about 90% of what I tried on.
One thing that becomes more obvious with each visit to Melbourne is the gaping hole in the 35 - 50 corporate wear market for women here in New Zealand. Country Road and Trenery don't cut it for me these days. The tailoring is rarely crisp and the collections lean towards the casual. Don't get me wrong: I can still find things to purchase at Country Road, but more and more, items I buy are for the weekend or casual Fridays at the office.
My go-to brands for work wear in Melbourne are Saba, Zara, Nine West and Jo Mercer. For casual wear, Zara. I happened to be in Saba's new store at Emporium in central Melbourne the moment it opened (purely by accident!). I met the General Manager of Saba and mentioned to her how I wished Saba would open in New Zealand. Their database is full of New Zealand-based customers, so perhaps some time in the future they will come here. I learned that sister brand Sportscraft has just opened in Christchurch so that's promising. Sportscraft came and went quickly in the mid 1990s so they are trying again, 20 years on. New Zealand retail was very different back then so I am sure this time it will work out.
I tried to get into the newly-opened H&M but with queues around the block all week (and school holidays!), I decided to give it a miss.
Below is a list of my purchases and a few photos of the haul (excuse the amateurish pics; Sara I am NOT)! I'll blog about a few key pieces in coming days, and share some shopping tales with you!
Being a size 12 - 14 certainly helps. The reality is, that most fashion-forward brands stop at a size 14 (or even a 12 in some cases). So, it was lovely going into boutiques showcasing their new season collections knowing that I was likely to fit most of it. On reflection, I fitted about 90% of what I tried on.
One thing that becomes more obvious with each visit to Melbourne is the gaping hole in the 35 - 50 corporate wear market for women here in New Zealand. Country Road and Trenery don't cut it for me these days. The tailoring is rarely crisp and the collections lean towards the casual. Don't get me wrong: I can still find things to purchase at Country Road, but more and more, items I buy are for the weekend or casual Fridays at the office.
My go-to brands for work wear in Melbourne are Saba, Zara, Nine West and Jo Mercer. For casual wear, Zara. I happened to be in Saba's new store at Emporium in central Melbourne the moment it opened (purely by accident!). I met the General Manager of Saba and mentioned to her how I wished Saba would open in New Zealand. Their database is full of New Zealand-based customers, so perhaps some time in the future they will come here. I learned that sister brand Sportscraft has just opened in Christchurch so that's promising. Sportscraft came and went quickly in the mid 1990s so they are trying again, 20 years on. New Zealand retail was very different back then so I am sure this time it will work out.
I tried to get into the newly-opened H&M but with queues around the block all week (and school holidays!), I decided to give it a miss.
Below is a list of my purchases and a few photos of the haul (excuse the amateurish pics; Sara I am NOT)! I'll blog about a few key pieces in coming days, and share some shopping tales with you!
Zara
Grey Short-sleeved Angora Mix Top with Jewelled Sleeves
Black Cigarette Pants
Grey/Black Zipped City Coat
2 x Soft, Billowy Tops with Painterly Pattern (Green and Blue Tones)
Skinny Mid-wash Blue Jeans
Country Road
Grey Wool Pleated-front Pants (a new shape for me!)
Sass & Bide
Saba
White Tuxedo Shirt (another new shape for me!)
Grey and Black Ankle-strap Heels (finally, ankles fine enough to wear a strap!)
Rhodes & Beckett
Jo Mercer
Friday, 25 October 2013
Oversized
Jumper: Saba | Tshirt: Juliette Hogan | Jeans: French Connection | Leopard Clutch: Oroton | Black Clutch: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Shoes: Zara | Bangle (right hand): Marc by Marc Jacobs | Bracelet (left hand): Charlotte Penman | Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze'
All Images © Copyright Sara Mole
Monday, 21 October 2013
Details
Tshirt: Juliette Hogan | Black Jumper: Saba | Jeans: French Connection | Boots: Mi Piaci | Shoes: Zara | Bangle (right hand): Marc by Marc Jacobs | Gold Bracelet (left hand): Charlotte Penman | Silver Bracelet (left hand): Zabbana | Clutch: Oroton | Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze'
All Images © Copyright Sara Mole
Saturday, 16 March 2013
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!
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...
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.
$1,000+
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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