Furry

Faux, of course.

 



Scarf: Country Road | Top: TK Store | Pants: Country Road | Shoes: Top End |Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze'

 Photos by Paul D.

Ballet Flats Again...

Not cheap, but J Crew has just released the Kiki Ballet Flat which feature built-in arch supports and a half-inch heel for added comfort and stability.



The Skinny Boyfriend Jean

Aren't trends fascinating? Skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans... skinny boyfriend jeans. Of course!

Actually, I've been rocking said skinny boyfriend jeans for several months now. My Workshop skinny jeans are (to me) similar to a skinny boyfriend style although they are more fitted. I roll the hem just like a boyfriend jean and get a similar vibe. These jeans have been the perfect solution to my dilemma: my figure is actually too boyish for true boyfriend jeans!


PS - for more information about SBJs, the lovely Jess Cartner-Morley (Fashion Editor from The Guardian) shows you some current styles and how to wear them in her weekly video column.

Treasure

My beautiful cousin Selina told me today that one of her style staples is a blazer. "Dress it up or down - perfect for the school run with skinny jeans and a tshirt, or over a dress with chunky jewellery for work".

Isn't it lovely to have such a 'treasure' in your wardrobe? Something so reliable that you can count on it to make you feel great. It always works, and always goes with everything.

Style That Staple

Every woman has her go-to never-fail pieces that become part of her look. The look doesn't have to be cutting-edge fashion, it's just that it works for us. Thinking about the staples that make up my closet, I came up with this list:

Skinny Jeans
Black Cigarette/Slim-fit Trousers
Striped Fitted Tops/Sweaters
Silk Tops
Chunky Gold-tone Jewellery
Scarves
Diamond Stud Earrings
Trench Coats
Ankle Boots
Ballet Flats
Point-toe Heels
Peep-toe Heels
White Sandshoes
Metallic Flat Sandals
Anything Grey

Looking at this list, everything is very interchangeable:

Skinny Jeans + Silk Top + Ballet Flats
Skinny Jeans + Striped Top + White Sandshoes + Trenchcoat
Black Cigarette Pants + Silk Top + Point-toe Heels
Skinny Jeans + Fitted Sweater + Ankle Boots

Over the next few weeks I'm going to think about how I currently style these core pieces and how I can style them differently. Tomorrow, I plan to spend some time shopping my closet to get some outfit inspiration. Hey, the forecast is for rain!

Brand Watch: Samuji

Cool Finnish label Samuji's latest campaign shows a plus-sized model. Sizes vary but some styles go up to a Scandinavian 42 (about a NZ size 16). Nice to see prints in larger sizes that are actually cool. Check out the web store here. My favourites:



 

 



The Scoop on Minimiser Bras

My bust size is 14F. Yes that's correct. Women who envy those with an ample bosom may think it's all fun and games on this end of the tape measure. But oh dear goodness, no. Over about a D cup, many designers exclude you from their collections. Finding a tailored, non-boxy work shirt is next to impossible.

I recently decided to take matters into hand (sorry for the visual) and investigate minimiser bras. The idea behind minimiser bras is to reduce forwards projection and shape the breast tissue slightly outwards towards the armpits without creating the dreaded mono-boob. After a few false starts I discovered the Fantasie Rebecca Moulded Bra. I truly feel about a cup size smaller in this bra. It's very supportive and gives a nice shape. Thanks to the ladies in Avokado in Newmarket for their help.

The Black Silk Blouse

My new Juliette Hogan black silk blouse gets its first outing tonight at a friend's 50th. Gorgeous tailoring and sumptuous fabric, at $399 it's a real investment piece. Nice to find a local designer with at least some pieces that flatter a larger frame. This blouse is just the right length and has a plain crew neck and buttons down the back. And it fits and (flatters) my ridiculous bust. Here it is in cream:

 



Gift to Self

With money left in my pocket, I have decided to treat myself to a special something. Here are my current favourite pieces:

 

 

Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze' in Crazy Tort

 

 

Claire Vivier Foldover Clutch

 

  

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Percy Bag

 

 

 

Emerson Fry Skinny Straights

 

 

Which one should I go for?

 

 





Reality

One top. That sums up my clothing purchases from Wellington.

75% of my wardrobe is Country Road for a reason. Their sizing is generous and they produce enough of a range of clothing to meet most of my needs. Karen Walkers and Kate Sylvesters of the world, listen up: you may consider a size 14 'plus size' but I have money to spend and I want to spend it on YOUR clothes.

My top is from a New Zealand designer I had never heard of (Katie-Maree Cole). A cute striped tee with a heart on the front. Very cool (pictures to come!).

Whilst the shopping gods were punishing me, my sister managed to pick up some cool pieces from a range of stores. Tanya has just discovered skinny jeans (she got the five-pocket skinnies - same as mine - thanks to this post). Her challenge? Find a top to wear with them. She found out that a bat-wing style with a fitted waistband flattered her athletic figure and also provided the much-needed crotch cover, without being a tunic. I would love to post pictures and links, but the well-known store she bought them from doesn't have them on their website!

Despite my obvious fail, we had such a great weekend. Wellington is still a great shopping destination if you are considering a jaunt.