Ballet flats and skinny jeans are my go-to casual uniform in Spring and Autumn. I buy Sambag which are more expensive than most but the quality is fantastic and they're a lot sturdier than other brands. But lately, I can only walk around in them for a couple of hours before my feet and legs are fatigued. Even the thinnest insoles with arch supports are too bulky so I have given up on those.
This is bad news. I'm not 80, I'm 41. Do I give up on something so integral to my look, or do I find a solution, friends?
I visited my podiatrist this evening and indeed there is a solution: D moulds! They are little arch supports without the under-sole and they are glued into the shoe. I am dropping my shoes off next week so I shall report back when I test them out. Very excited!
Monday, 22 April 2013
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Winter Casual
Getting a great Winter casual look always takes some effort. You want to be warm but not bulked out. Dressing for Winter in Auckland where it's milder is possibly more challenging than dressing for a cold climate where the rules are much more straightforward.
I'm in the middle of a huge wardrobe clear out. Finally I am letting go of things that I haven't worn for ages, things that don't fit and things that no longer flatter. One of the challenges of my age is that the items you once relied on can all-of-a-sudden no longer work. Most of the items in the 'to sell' bag are in that category.
A clear out is good for the soul but I now have some yawning gaps in my Autumn-Winter wardrobe to fill.
This weekend I spent all of Saturday shopping. I haven't done that for a while as these days I tend to shop in small well-planned bursts. The bulging veins in my ankles indicate to me that I should stick to that approach in the future. Here are my treasures...
And I'm thinking about...
I'm in the middle of a huge wardrobe clear out. Finally I am letting go of things that I haven't worn for ages, things that don't fit and things that no longer flatter. One of the challenges of my age is that the items you once relied on can all-of-a-sudden no longer work. Most of the items in the 'to sell' bag are in that category.
A clear out is good for the soul but I now have some yawning gaps in my Autumn-Winter wardrobe to fill.
This weekend I spent all of Saturday shopping. I haven't done that for a while as these days I tend to shop in small well-planned bursts. The bulging veins in my ankles indicate to me that I should stick to that approach in the future. Here are my treasures...
The Ankle Boots
My casual look is always based around skinny jeans. Last Winter I discovered ankle boots which go so well with skinnies, so I decided to go forth and find a new pair. Originally, I wanted to get black or brown suede as I already own camel-coloured ankle boots. But I decided on boots that are a similar colour to my current ones, but with a finer heel and a cooler bone colour. Interestingly, I find this shade more versatile than black.
The Long-sleeved Top
I love striped tops and have far too many. But you know, I wear them all so I must be on to a good thing. This top is lightweight but a great layering piece while it's cooling down but not yet really cold. I love the studs on the shoulders and the curved hem.
And I'm thinking about...
In reality, this jumper is actually slouchy not fitted as it appears in the above image. It's beautifully soft with a slightly longer back than front, and has cool silver foil on the elbows as a nod to this season's metallic trend.
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Cream Silk Blouse, Two Ways
A new purchase from Country Road and a colour I love, but normally avoid as it tends to make me look deceased. But, this shade of cream is warm and it rocks with black pants, grey pants, skinny jeans... a versatile piece! I've worn it at work a couple of times but this weekend I plan to team it with black cropped skinny jeans, ballet flats and a pale tank beneath...
Sunday, 31 March 2013
Style Inspiration: My Friend Hayley
So a few weekends ago we were at an open home and my dear friend Hayley rocks up in a simple yet stylish outfit for a Saturday morning. So I decided to copy her.
The outfit was black skinny jeans, black ballet flats and a navy tee. Casual yet so pulled together. Hayley is a fellow 40+ chick, just a few months younger than me. Here is my take on her look from that day:
Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze; Leather Cuff: Dyberg Kern
Photos by Paul D
The outfit was black skinny jeans, black ballet flats and a navy tee. Casual yet so pulled together. Hayley is a fellow 40+ chick, just a few months younger than me. Here is my take on her look from that day:
Bright Star Tee in 'Smut' | Andrea Moore | Sold Out
Slim Black Jean | Trenery | $109.95 | 6 - 18
Cecily Stud Point Flats | Country Road | $149.00 | 37 - 42
And below is the outfit featuring these very three items on me. The tee has some subtle sequin action going on, just hard to capture on film. I really hope Andrea Moore repeats this style. The flats are selling out. I bought my pair yesterday and they are very cool:
Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze; Leather Cuff: Dyberg Kern
Photos by Paul D
Saturday, 30 March 2013
Stylish Wet-Weather Gear
My stylish 40-something sister Tanya moved to Hokitika on the west coast of the South Island late last year. Spring happens to be the rainy season on the coast so she endured about a million weeks of torrential rain while settling into a new town and a new high-profile job. In Tanya's honour, I have compiled a collection of pieces that protect from the rain but don't compromise on style. These are all international buys to spice things up a bit. Enjoy!
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Medicinal Flats
So I have been diagnosed with vertigo. Felt dizzy today at work, lay down for an hour, felt sick. Paul had to come and collect me and our car (thanks to Jan for dropping him off!). Doctor says it's vertigo. So that means flat shoes at work until I get my balance back. Luckily, I have just started looking for some new point-toe flats for Autumn/Winter. Here are my latest style crushes. Country Road has a fantastic range:check them all out online. I have tried on the three styles from CR below and they are true to size.
Note: Country Road and Trenery have a spend and save on for card holders: spend $300 get $100 off; spend $150 get $50 off.
Note: Country Road and Trenery have a spend and save on for card holders: spend $300 get $100 off; spend $150 get $50 off.
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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