Navy spot dress - Zara v Target

Looky, Looky:

EXHIBIT A:
$49 Target, Sydney, January 2012









EXHIBIT B:
$119.00 Zara, Sydney, February 2012






Both of the frocks were 100% polyester (not the unbreathable poly of the 70s), but the Zara fabric was slightly softer while the target one has a bit more body.

Both had a short gold zip on the back, 3/4 sleeves and a gathered section over the bust.

So which dress did I buy?

I think this dress has absolutely no hanger appeal, but I was drawn to the polka dots & surprise, surprise, it looked great on.

It counterbalanced my pear shape, hid my knobbly knees and I can wear it and have a big lunch & dinner).

It also was navy & white, unlike alot of navy polka dot patterns where the white is actually off white or cream....

Even if their prices were identical at the higher value, I would have bought the Target version. It was just better quality.

I will be accessorising it with the Marni necklaces, as shown. If you're thinking about a belt, its not for me - as it will limit my ability to eat.

Book reviews: Fashion memoirs and lessons from retail therapy

I recently connected with a reader about Tim Gunn's book, Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work. I had managed to score it for $5, she has seen it for $30 and of course we talked about being able to transfer the bargain situation to her as well.


The outlet which had the $5 book (many copies in fact) have since transferred them back to the warehouse, so they are in the process of bringing one in for me. At a price of $5. Woot, woot.


This led us to talking about fashion books and she indicated she was interested in titles about leading a stylish life and how fashion etc was a part of that. There are a gazillion books out there on wardrobing, style and how to kit yourself out beautifully so that you can achieve more in your life. In fact, that is the central theme of the name "Style into Action"...namely that by cultivating your sense of style you can develop your confidence and take more effective action to improve your life.


As one woman once said to me: "I can accomplish anything in an Armani suit." Amen.


In due course, I will highlight all these in blog book reviews.

In this post however, I want to highlight books that are a bit more cerebral than the gazillion style books on the market. Cerebral (I love that word!) because they talk about how clothes impact our lives, how what we wear (& dont wear) says so much about who we are and the feelings and memories that our clothes evoke.


My fave cerebral fashion books are:


Alligators, Old Mink & New Money


A celebration of everything vintage that captures one woman's memories and imagination.

Written by a Parisian/Manhattan model who loved fashion and after her catwalk days, opened a vintage store in Brooklyn, that store is still there and thriving.




A Life in Frocks

I bought this to read on the plane going to New York, then my sister in law gave it to me for Christmas a few weeks after my return. Didnt have the heart to tell her its was duplicated - doesnt she know me by now, to know I have every fashion book ever written?

Written by a woman who is passionate about clothes - her first and most enduring love affair. She adores the ritual of getting dressed each day, buys far too many glossy magazines, spends half her life shopping and still wonders why she has nothing to wear.

Over the years clothes have comforted her, given her confidence, made her invisible, secured jobs, lured lovers, aged her and given her back her youth.

A beautifully illustrated mix of memoir, philosophy and fantasy.




Money, A Memoir


This one knocked my socks off.



The author shines a spotlight on the ambivalence women have about things financial - they love nice things but feel guilty when they have them and resentful if they dont.



It covers women's mixing up of money for love and the fact that such a mix up is an awful lot to ask of a paycheck and yet many women never challenge the belief that it can happen. It talks about how a sense of value and security doesnt depend on cash nor who a woman is married to, nor what she did for a living.



Thoroughly recommend this one.





The Thoughtful Dresser



One of my ultimate favourites.

For centuries, an interest in clothes has been dismissed as the trivial pursuit of vain empty-headed women. Yet, clothes matter, whether you are interested in fashion or not because what we choose to dress ourselves in defines our identity.

For the immigrant arriving in a new country to the teenager who needs to be part of the fashion pack or the woman turning forty who must reassess her wardrobe, the truth is that how we look and what we wear, tells a story. And what a story. For example, it tells us how a woman’s hat saved her life in Nazi Germany, looks at the role of department stores in giving women a public place outside the home, savours the sheer joy of finding the right dress.

Here is the thinking woman’s guide to our relationship with what we wear: why we want to look our best and why it matters. This book celebrates the pleasure of adornment.



Retail Therapy - Life Lessons Learned While Shopping



A cartoon cover, but dont be fooled.

Shopping and style advice, yes, but so much more.


Intertwined with the ethos of how you shop is actually how you live.


About learning to say NO, about saying YES loud and clear to the things you wish for (even if they are expensive). Why? Because good things have a way of finding us if we are just clear about what we want.

This book is for you if you love shopping, but occasionally have asked yourself Is there more to life than shopping?

My Mother's Wedding Dress

A book about what we wear but also what lies beneath.

Told as a sequence of stories about the author's various outfits and starting with her mother's black wedding dress.

Totally engaging.

Mommy Dressing



Tells of the author's childhood, her mother being a fashion model who knew everything about clothes and nothing about being a parent. Shows how despite the fact that her world was full of glamour and riches, she was very truly deprived.




The Classic Ten



Takes ten classic items, such as the white shirt, trenchcoat, little black dress and uses examples from literature, magazines and film as well as personal stories to trace their evolution to icon status.



Heart & Sole



One woman's memoir of her life though her shoes told as a mix of shoe advice (toe cleavage is sexy), memories (her first pair of heels, move over Suri) and warm hearted observations (shopping with girlfriends and the power of red shoes).

Need I say more?




Its in the Bag



Looks at many many bags, both iconic and IT bags and discusses what they say (& dont say) about the carrier.



"When a woman fondles her beautiful Bottega, what she experiences has little or nothing to do with transporting her keys and wallet. "Its all about the feeling," he says, "about something that's a joy and a delight. The things we like give us pleasure."

Amen




The Necklace




Surprisingly wonderful


13 women purchase and time share a $40K diamond necklace.


The book tells of how they become friends as a result of the purchase and sharing arrangement as well as how their relationships evolve.

Each chapter focuses on one of the women and how the bling affects aspects of her life - whether its a marriage, their passion for life, their inspiration to become more healthy and raise awareness of women's issues.



The purchase also affects their communities as they use the necklace for fund raising develop a media profile in the process.


It truly is an inspiring book.





Style



Kate Spade talking about people and experiences that have inspired her style.
She emphasises its about knowing who you are and having self confidence. Sound familiar?



PS: She also has an equivalent book called Occasions (red cover) and one called Manners (blue cover).









A Guide to Elegance



A French woman writes a how to, about fashion as well as life topics such as men, alcohol, funerals and matters financial. Viewed as a classic style bible for a timeless, chic and graceful life.



Ok - I snuck this onto this list even though its a style book. Couldnt resist.




Screw Inner Beauty - trash the diet and self loathing and get on with your life




OK - I have snuck this in too, even though it doesnt fit the mould of the cerebral fashion books of this post. But I couldnt help it - how can you not read a book with a title like this one??



The authors show you how to live your life with joy, pride and plenty of healthy self respect, no matter what dress size you wear. They teach you how to eat what your body asks for, to exercise because it feels good and to ignore all the haters as well as forget the number on the scale.



Very clever and insightful ideas.






I do have a few more titles that would qualify as cerebral fashion however I could not locate them ATM. Stay tuned.

In the mean time, please let me know if you have read or read any of these and what you think.

If you know of any others that I can add to this list, please also let me know.

sass & bide inspired by Balenciaga

Frankly, this is a bit disappointing....



First, Balenciaga AW 2011



Then sass & bide SS 2012



When I talk about designer style at budget prices, this is not what I mean.




Unfortunately, the connection is unmistakeable.

Pinky - red lippy - reader request

A lovely reader asked for a lipstick match to Camilla Belle's lippy in the following photo. Given that Camilla does not use a stylist, the chances of getting the name of the brand/colour are quite remote. The only possibility is if this photo turns up on a magazine cover and they credit the cosmetics used - again, very remote. So I set out to try and find some matches for our reader.

Mr Sabotage

Boy oh boy, did I learn a few things - I learnt that this project could be sabotaged by the following:
- real life colours vary with monitor colour differences like Amazon etc - a lippy will vary in colour depending on internal and external lighting - a lippy will vary in colour depending on skin pigment differences - the lippies I swiped on paper look different to the colour they show on skin - there are a gazillion brands out there which I have not tested.

Short list of nine lippies

I went to the local Kmart & checked out all the lipsticks in the brands Revlon, Maybelline, L'Oreal, Rimmel and Covergirl.
I came up with a short list of colours, as follows:

1. Covergirl Lipstain Outlast, Everbloom Kiss 400
2. Revlon Colourstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick Premium Pink 010
3. Revlon Colourburst Lipgloss Lipshine Bordeaux 016
4. Maybelline Colour Sensational Gloss, Hooked on Pink 065
5. L'Oreal Colour Riche Cassis Passion 376
6. L'Oreal Colour Riche Rose Creme 453
7. Rimmel Lasting Finish Hear Breaker 016
8. Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Rossetto 60
9. Covergirl Outlast Double Lipshine, Antique Rose, 220

Then I swiped those colours on paper, from left to right, in the same order as my short list.

Note though, Mr Sabotage has made all these more browny than they are in real life.



Here is another photo of the swiped lippies - taken at a 90 degree different angle at the same time of the afternoon. Amazing how different this looks - most of the lippies look more browny than the above photo & far more browny than real life.


Short list of four lippies

Then I eliminated a few of those colours based on a second view of the tubes and the swipes....to arrive at a final short list of:

Covergirl Outlast Double Lipshine, Antique Rose, 220 (my #9)
Covergirl Lipstain Outlast, Everbloom Kiss 400 (my #1) (love stains to lock in the colour)
Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Rossetto 60 (my #8)
Revlon Colourburst Lipgloss Lipshine Bordeaux 016 (my #3)

My preference is, well I like all four actually, but perhaps the Covergirl is the best match. Seriously I couldnt swear that in stone - the only way to do any justice to this properly, is to try all the four lippies on the actual lips of the person who wants the lippy.

I slicked the Covergirl on my hand, raced out of Kmart and drove home, trying not to touch the back of my hand with anything (any idea how hard that is? hahaha)...at home I pounced on the camera before it went dark & came up with some outdoor photos.....

Note by this time the Covergirl had started drying up - thats why it looks a bit funny...

Photo 1: In this one it looks too corally - it isnt like that in real life....


Photo 2: This looks realistic


Photo 3: Another photo - realistic


Photo 4: Another one, also realistic


Web research

By the way, the other thing I did was look these up on the web - some of them looked very different to the real life lippy I saw today, so computer monitors can be working hand in hand with Mr Sabotage. Another reason for the reader to do the testing in real life.


Conclusion:


I hope this post helps my dear reader, however please take my advice that the best way to really do this is by going out and trying lippies and then trying more lippies and more again. After all, there are so many brands that I havent tested, let alone the impact of Mr Sabotage on the selection process.

Teacher's Wardrobe

One of my lovely loyal readers has just returned to the workforce after having taken a few years to raise two young children.

She asked me for tips on where to go and how to build a wardrobe for work as she has had a very casual existence for the last few years, she felt "a bit daggy" and she hadnt had much time to devote to shopping.

Our reader is a teacher and she is a nicely proportioned size 10 on the top and bottom.

I am going to use this post to provide an outline of the types of workable wardrobe pieces she should aim for, together with suggested stores to find those pieces.

Obviously without spending face to face shopping time, its impossible to select an entire wardrobe for her - this is because items that work on paper, may not work on her body (& vice versa).
But my suggestions will work to get her started.

I think our reader has recognised that she cant just go out willy nilly to shop - that she needs a plan.

Yes - a plan!


Her big picture steps are:

1. Assess - what sort of life do you live and what are its needs?
2. DeJunk - edit ruthlessly even if to allow you to see what you have
3. ReNew - shop for what's missing

Typically, all three should be carried out together, but in this case, we have been asked just to focus on the third step, ReNew.

Before we do that, lets start with 5 tips:


TIP 1. Hitting the pavement

You cannot build most of this wardrobe by shopping on-line. As you have been away from the shops for a while, we need to narrow down the brands/styles that suit your shape by trying on various high street brands. If you attempt to do this on-line it will take far more time and frustration than you will ever anticipate.




I suggest you start (now) lining up a relative, hubby etc for a few baby sitting sessions on a Saturday or Sunday when you will be at the shops. Under no circumstances should you attempt hitting the pavement with the kids in tow.

Once we have narrowed down what brands and shapes work for you, for future purchases, you can use on-line facilities as you will be more confident with particular brands and their sizing.


TIP 2. Rome wasnt built in a day

Do not expect to buy all the suggested items in one session or one shopping trip. If you force yourself to do this, you may compromise fit/quality for the sake of having a complete set of the items on your list. The best way to handle this is to buy a few of the items on the list, the ones you absolutely love, then to add to them as you find more of the pieces on the list. Only buy an item when it is PERFECT for your shape/budget and has great quality/fit/colour flattery.


TIP 3. Shop your closet

Go through your closet and see if you already have items that are on the list.
This is the DeJunk step above.




You may be surprised that you already have a few things. If you do, then try them on & if you have ANY doubts about size/fit/suitability, take a photo and email it to me. I will give you an honest & constructive opinion on how the items is working for your shape and whether it looks fresh and appropriate.


TIP 4. Co-ordinated pieces


The pieces I will suggest will be interchangeable - this means that they will all work together in complementing tones so you get the maximum value for money.

Such an interchangeable wardrobe needs a base colour around which everything works. This will typically be a dark-ish colour. Black is very common, but it can also be navy, brown, bottle green, taupe, camel & grey. Ultimately the reader - you, will need of select this colour.




Some of the benefits of a darkish colour are that it doesnt get as dirty as lighter colours and they are also more slimming than lighter colours. Note also that of all the women who select black as a base, only about half of those women can wear it near their face. The other half are too fair for it. So have a look at your hair, skin & eye colour in the mirror and decide whether black will be too harsh for you. If so, select one of the other base colours.

The seasons & layering

I am sure you already know that you wont be buying a winter wardrobe now & then another whole new summer wardrobe in six months. That would be crazy, oh and a waste of money. You see, most of the pieces on this list are transseasonal - in a country like Australia, that is important. Yes, you will add the odd piece of very summery or very wintery piece, but most of the items will work year round - this will give you the greatest value for money.

The way to make this work is to layer pieces. In winter you can wear the coat with a scarf, over a jacket over a cardigan over a shirt. No one says the jacket has to be a warm nubby tweedy wool.

Get the drift? They are many ways to combine the pieces & you may need to set some time aside to play around and get the maximum combinations which work year round.


TIP 5. Maintenance


Even if we shop on the high street, clothes can be expensive. Hence we want them to last for as long as possible and to look smart during the time we wear them. In order to get the best value for money, I will show you how to look after the items as well as give you tips on what fabrics work best




Now, lets get to the good stuff:


THE TEACHER'S WARDROBE

After having a think about my teachers at school and specifically what the women wore, I have come to the conclusion that I dont want you wearing anything those women wore. Plus they were all about 20 years older than you and looked 50 years older than you!

There was one young teacher who wore a different pair of jeans every day. She was pretty and petite, drove a Ford Laser and all we were besotted by was those hundreds of jeans.

Seriously, give or take, your teaching wardrobe should consist of the following items:

Single breasted suit with matched skirt and pants
Jeans - 2 pairs
White shirt
Tee shirts - 3 white & 3 coloured/patterned
Blouses & tops - 2 patterned
Jacket with pop
Flat front trousers
A line or pencil skirt
Sweaters
Dresses - 2
Coat



A single breasted suit with a matched skirt and pants

A good suit, well taken care of, will give you more credibility than any other item in your wardrobe. In a non suit wearing profession, you only need one which you will wear for presentations, formal events etc.

However, you you will get your mileage from this by wearing the three pieces as separates with the other items in your wardrobe.

Your suit must be in your base colour.

If it is patterned (texture or pin stripe is OK), make the pattern subtle (so it can mix with the other items in the capsule)

Make the fabric lightweight (so you can wear it year round).

Try to avoid viscose blends (they dont wear well & start to look fluffy around the seat, sleeves, hips etc)

Aim for approx 90% wool/10% elastin (wool = quality & elastin = gives you room to move)

If you hate pants (like moi!), buy two skirts

If you hate skirts, buy two pants.

Dont worry about wearing the same thing on the bottom - people notice what is on top, not what is on the bottom

Dry cleaning

The suit will need to be dry cleaned on a regular basis - but did you know that the chemicals in dry cleaning are very bad for natural fibres like wool? That means. apart from the cost, we have another incentive not to dry clean too often.

So after each wear, hang up to pieces outside the wardrobe so air flows around the garment for 24 hours - this will help the wool get back to shape. Use a lint brush to brush off dead skin cells from the collar and the inside of the cuffs & I can guarantee these simple steps will significantly reduce your need to dry clean.

Oh, sorry to be a pain, but you MUST dry clean all three pieces together. If you dont do this, the varying rates of dry cleaning on the three pieces will cause fading at different rates. Trust me, there is nothing worse than a suit that almost looks matched.

Where to buy?

Saba

The Winston Suit (black)
http://www.saba.com.au/suits/winston-suit-jacket/w1/i4915758_1001271/

The Mavrik Suit (navy)
http://www.saba.com.au/suits/mavric-suit-jacket/w1/i4757591_1001271/

Jacqui E
http://www.jacquie.com.au/suiting/viewall

Portmans
http://www.portmans.com.au/jackets/suiting
http://www.portmans.com.au/pants/work
http://www.portmans.com.au/skirts/work


Jeans - 2 pairs

One with yellow stitching (to complement tan/camel accessories)
One with white stitching or very dark stitching



Suggest dark wash (much smarter than faded jeans)



Suggest bootleg cut (gives a longer line & is more elegant than skinnies or wide leg)


Where to buy?

I wont go through places to select jeans - perhaps you already have favourites. If not, go to Jeans West & Just Jeans & get fitted. Make sure you also try the Levis Curve ID range too.

Once you know what style works for your body, I'd also go to Target & Kmart for much cheaper versions. You never know your luck.

There is also another brand to try - Not Your Daughters Jeans which guarantee to make you look a size smaller & they have a higher waist than others so they suck you in better. They are in selected boutiques. Check out their Facebook page for details.

White shirt

In a lightweight poplin with an opening all the way down the front (not tunic style).
It can be ruffled, pleated, or plain.
Remember that the plainer it is, the more versatile it is.

Try to stay away from rayon/viscose (such as Sussan's Pretty Utility Shirt) and get cotton or a strong cotton blend. It will look better in the long run.

Down the track you should aim for a long sleeve and a short sleeve version.

Where to buy?

Portmans
White Origami Shirt
http://www.portmans.com.au/tops/work/476059

Saba
Austin Shirt
http://www.saba.com.au/elements/austin-shirt/w1/i4123530_4890045/

Jacqui E
Kelly Stripe Shirt
http://www.jacquie.com.au/tops/shirts/516524
I'd suggest you dont get this one - the self stripe is distracting & will take away from impact of the other pieces

Cue also normally have great white shirts - but i couldnt find any on the web ATM - go instore.

The other stores where you can find white poplin shirts include Kmart, Target & Big W. Just make sure the blend is a cotton poplin. The prices in these stores will be alot cheaper than the links I have attached.

If you are the sort of person who really likes classic shirts, you may want to buy another in a colour such as pale blue or pink or even a brighter or deeper shade. The above stores normally carry colours depending on whats in season.

Tee shirts

You need a few of these in solid whites, solid blacks (or whatever your base colour is), solid brights or pastels (whatever you prefer).

These will work under the suit jacket, under a cardi or on their own.

Have multiples

Avoid viscose.
Go for cotton/lycra
Avoid 100% cotton - they look a bit furry & ratty after a few washes & their colour fades.

Start to notice necklines - a scoop or vee neck will allow you to show a nice necklace.
If you have plump arms, dont end the sleeve at the widest part of your arm.
Keep the length at the top of your hip, so that it can be tucked in (without too much bulk) or left out.

Sometimes stores (like Witchery) do very long line tees (for layering) - these are probably not the smartest look - better for playtime.

Where to buy?

You cant go past Giordano, Kmart, Target, all will be less than $10 each.

Stores like Witchery so alot in viscose and seem to charge too much for them.

Blouses & tops

You will need a selection of these - to start with, probably two.
The good thing about these is that they will add a bit of pop without you having to think about what jewellery goes with what. For that reason its best to use a print or a colour that pops.
If you are using a print, make sure it's predominant colour looks good on you.

In selecting prints & colours, think about what sort of person you are:

Romantic - go for a floral or a ruffle top

For floral & girly, try Review or Alannah Hill

Jacqui E
http://www.jacquie.com.au/tops/fashion/468504

Portmans
http://www.portmans.com.au/tops/work/476065

Playful - go for a bright floral or spots

Review - Minnie skirt
http://www.review-australia.com/wardrobe-2/

Jacqui E
http://www.jacquie.com.au/tops/fashion/561008

Saba
http://www.saba.com.au/tops/alessandra-t-shirt/w1/i4612239_1001264/

Dramatic - go for colour blocking

Trenery
http://shop.trenery.com.au/Collections.htm#page=/Collections/January/Trenery_Womenswear/Smart_Casual.htm&show=prod_15208

Trenery
http://shop.trenery.com.au/Collections.htm#page=/Collections/January/Trenery_Womenswear/Smart_Casual.htm&show=prod_15203

Modern - go for a digital print

Ginger & Smart - Watermark sleeveless dress
http://shop.gingerandsmart.com/Products/FASHION/DRESS/Watermark_Sleeveless_Dress__W12061.aspx

Sporty - go for a animal print or a military look

Sussan
Leopard Tuck Tee $50
http://www.sussan.com.au/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_10351_10551_12653_-1_10052_10052_image_0

Classic - go for a stripe design or a solid colour

French Connection
http://www.frenchconnection.com.au/new-collection/toulouse-stripe-3-4-sleeve-tee/w2/i2744787_2407005/

Country Road
http://shop.countryroad.com.au/Collections.htm#%3Futm_source=countryroad.com.au&utm_medium=Collectionslink&utm_campaign=CollectionsLink%2B&page=/Collections/February/Womenswear/Urban_Career[1].htm&show=prod_15946

Flat front trousers

This is in addition to the suit pants.
They will be your go-to pants.
The reason the suit pants wont be the go-to will be because if you wear them alot more than the other suit pieces they will dry clean more often & fade faster as a result.

These will work with all the tops and tees.

Where to go to buy?

All the places that had suit options, have pant options.

Also I liked this one at Trenery
http://shop.trenery.com.au/Collections.htm#page=/Collections/January/Trenery_Womenswear/Smart_Casual.htm&show=prod_15205

Pencil or A line skirt

This is in addition to the suit skirt. It will be your go-to skirt.
The reason the suit skirt wont be the go-to will be because if you wear it alot more than the other suit pieces and dry clean it more often, it will fade faster as a result.

This skirt will work with all the tops and tees.

Where to go to buy?

All the places that had suit options, have skirt options.

Cardigan


A cardigan is a softer option than a suit jacket and more comfortable in the classroom.
It may be a good idea to have a couple to start with.

Select one in a similar plain colour to your base colour - so you can wear the skirt/pants with the cardi as a "suit".

Then select the other in a contrast colour, interesting texture, or a pattern or with embellishments that you can wear with the skirt/pants as a another "suit".

Portmans
http://www.portmans.com.au/tops/knitwear/539026

Sussan snake print cardi
http://www.sussan.com.au/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_10351_10551_20735_-1_12652_10052_10052_ProductDisplayErrorView

Trenery
http://shop.trenery.com.au/Collections.htm#page=/Collections/January/Trenery_Womenswear/Smart_Casual.htm&product=/Product/FKN237F006/Zip-Jacket
If this wasnt white (would get insanely dirty), I'd look at it.

The other option is one of the drapey cardis that can also double for play.

Sussan
http://www.sussan.com.au/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_10351_10551_19059_-1_12652_10052_10052_ProductDisplayErrorView

Saba
http://www.saba.com.au/knits/regatta-cardigan/w1/i5059791_1001266/

Jacket with a bit of pop

This is addition to the suit jacket. It will be more "exciting" than the base colour jacket - an interesting colour, an interesting print or textures. Dont forget, generally, the more you pay, the better the quality and the longer it will last. You should expect this to do double duty as well - lunch with friends, dinner with hubby, mothers club.

Dont go for anything too "out there" though - I've seen some tuxedo styles and jackets with sequins, which would be too memorable to do alot of wear for you.

Sussan is showing four which give you an idea.
http://www.sussan.com.au/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_10351_10551_12654_-1_10052_10052_image_0

Saba
http://www.saba.com.au/jackets-vests/angus-jacket/w1/i5059902_1001268/


Sweaters

I'd invest in say three sweaters to start with.

Firstly I'd suggest a dark one that blends well with your base colour.
I can guarantee that this will be a go-to.

You may want variety with a long one

Trenery
http://shop.trenery.com.au/Collections.htm#page=/Collections/January/Trenery_Womenswear/Smart_Casual.htm&show=prod_15202

and a shorter one

Country Road - a 3/4 sleeve knit
http://shop.countryroad.com.au/Collections.htm#%3Futm_source=countryroad.com.au&utm_medium=Collectionslink&utm_campaign=CollectionsLink%2B&page=/Collections/February/Womenswear/Casual.htm&show=prod_15880

Sussan - a cable sweater or a wide stripe sweater
http://www.sussan.com.au/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_10351_10551_12652_-1_10052_10052_image_0#http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sussan.com.au%2Fwebapp%2Fwcs%2Fstores%2Fservlet%2FCategoryOnlyResultsDisplayView%3FpageView%3Dimage%26catalogId%3D10551%26top_category%3D10052%26parent_category_rn%3D10052%26categoryId%3D12652%26categoryId%3D12652%26langId%3D-1%26storeId%3D10351%26beginIndex%3D12%26identifier%3D1328445140426


Dresses

It a good idea to have a few dresses. They can be worn with a jacket (more formal), with a cardigan (softer) or alone (in summer).

For colours, I'd suggest one in your base colour, or something that compliments your base colour.

Another may be in a print - along similar lines as the prints I laid out in the "Blouses" section.

Try not to wear anything too figure revealing or skimpy.
You can usually winter-ise a summer dress by adding tights too.

The style depends on your figure shape and your preferences.
Think about whether you want a straight style with a slim skirt, or an A line skirt.
Alternatively, you may prefer a fuller skirt.
What about a wrap dress? Easy to wear and flattering
Seriously, there are truck loads of options out there.

Review have the best selection of full skirted dresses and skirts.
They are also wonderful with prints.
Have a look at the Gardenia dress.
http://www.review-australia.com/wardrobe-2/

David Lawrence
http://www.davidlawrence.com.au/DL-Product-Detail.html?styl=9220&cat=168

David Lawrence - the wrap
http://www.davidlawrence.com.au/DL-Product-Detail.html?styl=8864&cat=168

Sussan
http://www.sussan.com.au/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_10351_10551_23971_-1_11657_10052_10052_ProductDisplayErrorView


Coat

You will probably need a coat.
Ensure it is at least 80% wool.
Make sure you try it on with a jacket and move your arms around like crazy to ensure it fits and doesnt cut off your circulation.
Further, as much as furry vests are the "in" thing, they dont really keep you warm. Look out for a warm coat - not a fashion accessory.

I dont see alot of coats now in the Aussie market. I'll keep a look out for you.

Accessories

These babies are what will give your clothes extra mileage.

Firstly, shoes

Alternate 3 pairs of low heel shoes.

Pair A: in the base colour
Pair B: something that complements the base colour but is still neutral

If the base colour is black, then Pair B can be tan, eggplant, grey, even red. This is important - make sure this complementary colour appears as part of the colours of your tops and dresses, otherwise it will look out of place.

If you are finding this choice difficult, then make Pair B another base colour pair of shoes, but in a different style/design to Pair A.

Pair C: something more zingy/contrasting than Pair A or Pair B

The zing can be in colour or in design.
Dont forget, the trendier the shoe (platforms, huge thick straps, cork) the less versatile it will be.
Suede is a killer to maintain in winter/rain - try to avoid this.

In summer, you will need another paid, Pair D: a sandal.

The rotation process means you must never wear a pair two days in a row - not because of what anyone else will think, but because rotating will ensure your shoes last way longer than if you didnt rotate. You see, leather needs time to relax, for the moisture to evaporate and to go back to its original form, before you wear them again.

Check for scuffs regularly and use a bootpolish to remove them.
If you wear the base colour shoe 2 times a week, rub in a neutral shoe cream every 3 weeks to keep the leather supple and soft.

Keep another pair of flats for when you can relax but are still at school (loafers, ballet flats, canvas sneakers)

Where to buy?

All the shoe stores in a typical Westfield will have all of these.


Second, belts

Belts can be worn with dresses, tops and pants. If the skirts have belt loops, then the belt can be worn with those too.

Apply a similar way of thinking to the belts as we did to the shoes.

Third, scarves

Scarves can provide no end to the variety of a fixed wardrobe.

Summer scarves in cotton, linen or silk blends easily work to pretty up plain coloured clothing.
You will also need at least one wool scarf, or if you save some more pennies, a cashmere one.

Watch this video to get 25 ways to wear a long scarf. Its priceless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU


Third, a handbag

You will need a handbag that is smart enough to appear with you at a formal meeting with the principal but that isnt too stuffy to carry around every day when you deal with your non school life.

All the stores mentioned above carry bags at every price point.
Also look at Strand Bags for cheaper options.
Myer and DJs too.

The trick is to figure out what works for you.
My suggestion is to think about the handbags you have had in your life which have been most convenient. Ask yourself, what their features have been. I have list some features to get you thinking.

height
depth
colour (light, dark)
finish (matt, patent)
pattern (plain, pattern, animal)
hardware (gold, silver, antique, none)
shoulder strap v arm handle or both
zips v flaps
compartments/pockets

My only suggestion is buy leather - it will look so much better than anything vinyl.

I am also sure you will be carrying students' work home to mark it. So you will need another larger tote for that. Please dont use those Woolies green bags. Buy something a bit classier, that will give you a professional image.


Fourth, jewellery

You dont need anything fancy here.
Unless jewellery is your thing, a watch, a simple necklace (gold or silver depending on your best metal), maybe a bracelet (Pandora style). You can add to this as you go.

Lastly, under garments

Fact: 85% of women are wearing the wrong size bra.
Please go to a bra shop or to DJs/Myer and get refitted - 85% is a huge statistic.

Make sure undergarments are invisible - no visible panty line (VPL), ever.

If you are wearing a fitted top or tee, wear a tee shirt bra that is smooth.

If the shoulder line on your top is cut narrow, get the clips that bring the straps together in the middle of your back (Lorna Jane, Bras N Things)

Bras under white tops should be skin coloured - a white bra will show up in this case.

Underwear will last heaps longer if you handwash. If time necessitates machine washing, select the gentle cycle and use a wash bag.


Conclusion

This wardrobe is obviously not static - you will add a piece or two here and there each season to complement what you have and give your look a current slant. At the same time, ensure that your core pieces are always in good condition and wearable, and you will always have something to wear.

Book Review: Hungry

Written by Crystal Renn, and published in 2009, a biography about a model from the US who battled with anorexia and exercise bulimia for many years before embracing her curves and then becoming the most successful plus size model in the world.

Crystal was a junior in high school when a modelling scout told her that she could be a super model - as long as she lost some weight. At 165 pounds and 5 foot 8 inches, she lost 70 pounds and endured mental and physical torture in the process over the next 2 years as a NY based model.

The early days....




Eating virtually nothing and excercising 35 hours a week. Her hair was falling out in clumps, her eyes had a blank look, constant headaches, blurred vision, gray skin, heart palpitations, aching joints, ringing in her ears etc etc. It was no surprise that her career didnt sky rocket either.

Then on day when she literally count stand up, she decided enough was enough - she changed agencies and started to eat. Over a year, her weight arrived at a US size 12 (AU 14) & that was when the modelling world opened up to her & the work started to flood in - when she embraced her natural size and her curves. Up til that point plus size girls didnt do runway/Vogue. Crystal's presence was so mesmerising that she became the most successful plus size model in history and designers were cutting samples for her specific curves.

This was REAL success and happiness & it doesnt depend on being a size 0:

Photo below:

At the top, shot by Steven Meisel, for US Vogue April 2004 - the launch of a plus size career.
At the bottom, with Jean Paul Gaultier on the SS 2006 runway.



Covers as a plus size - wow!





The book offers an honest account through Crystal's eye's of the modelling industry, as well as an account of our weight obsessed culture. Its a story of ambition and strength that goes beyond anything a camera can capture.

It was a rivetting read - I couldnt put it down.

Anyone who is weight obsessed or glamourises the modelling industry must read this.

Core item - Sussan striped jacket

For those of you that love Sussan clothes, you may be aware there was a recent drop - recent as in beginning of last week - as in, two weeks ago.

The time frame is important & here's why...




During the time since the drop, one item in particular has virtually sold out - within days of arrival.

Its a navy & white horizontal stripe ponte jacket with 3/4 sleeves & a single front button.







What is ponte?





Its a fabric that the designers started with & is now on the high street that is a thick stretch jersey with wonderful breathability. Compositions vary slightly, but this one is 75% viscose/20% nylon/ 5% elastene.


Yikes - horizontal stripes?

Dont worry about horizontal stripes making you look bigger - these are narrow, so that isnt a problem.





Its not lined, nor does it have shoulder pads - but the fabric is forgiving & it sits beautifully.




It has openings at the sleeves so they can be turned back & a single vent at the back for more ease.









Core items rock, they really do.

This is a classic item & always will be - no matter what the trends are for this season or the next ten seasons.





If your wardrobe frustrates you (50% of women will put their hand up here), this is a classic core piece which you should own that you can wear back with pants, jeans, skirts & dresses.





Granted its not glitzy, shoulder baring nor studded, but its smart, polished and can look sophisticated or casual depending on how you style it.





Given the enormous popularity of this item - it has to have something special going for it - suggest if you are near a Sussan in the next day or so, ask for it, try it on & if it looks good, buy it. Its $110.




Its also on their web site - do peek (www.sussan.com.au)


Did I buy one?




I tried it on & it looked great. But guess what? I am the queen of core pieces. Seriously.





I already have something virtually identical which I had purchased last summer from David Jones from a German brand called Basler.





As the queen of core pieces I also have two cheapies, one in black with white stripes & the other in white with black stripes - both from Ally (great cheap & cheerful store near Wynyard station in Sydney). I wear the cheapies when I am grocery shopping or very very casual.