Random Witchery pieces - AW 2014

Just some Witchery pieces I noticed for AW 2014:

This is a cotton chalk stripe shirt. It is the same cut as a 2 tone chambray & a white they recently had alot of success with. 

However this shirt, in addition to having the chalk stripe print, has a mini jacquard stripe in the fabric - the result is that's unlike the other two, it's very hard to iron because the jacquard isnt a smooth surface. 

It's now reduced. I am not surprised it hasn't sold well - with the wrinkling, it looks like PJs. 

If you want a denim skirt but find the blue denims are everywhere, this is a nice one to try - in a faded grey, cotton with a bit of poly & elastene.

It's a pencil style and doesnt have those ugly fly fronts, making it more dressy than otherwise 

SIA is always a sucker for a black skirt which hugs the thighs then flips out. 

This one is the "Hi Low Flip" for $100 in polyester (think microfibre).
It's average length is 40 cm. 
Be careful if selecting on line - as the average length covers not only all the sizes (4-16) but the front & back too. 
If you are leg conscious, I'd be asking for a precise measurement of the shortest length in your best size.

This next one is the "Fishtail Peplum Skirt", again 100% but in a different fabrication to the hi-low.

Its average length is 44.5 cm. Again, take care in the measurements if you are conscious of your pins. 

Also notice how it looks almost the same length as the hi-low, but with a 4 cm length difference! It pays to ask questions. 

The next Longline Sleeveless Shirt, $90, looks fabulous on the page if you love white & dalmation prints. 

It's stated as 100% polyester, which is a good thing - fine breathable poly is a very hardy fabric which retails shape & colour. 

It's also stated as a "milky white", even though this photo looks white-white.

But when I saw this in store, I did a double take. 
It is pretty much white-white but it looks & feels like a rayon/viscose. Really cheap & thin in a bad way. Am sure it doesnt crease like rayon, but while I want cheap, I dont wnat to look cheap. 

I havent seen this next one in real life, but it's a clever top. 
Called the"Metallic Ombre Tee" its fabulousness is that the lighter band just under the bust creates a whittles torso in that area. Terrific to create an empire line for pear shapes. 

Unfortunately it's 100% viscose, so I am not holding my breath.

Below, the new generation flat pleat skirt is in store now & will be on line soon.

Like all its sisters, it's a midi length - about the least flattering skirt shape on the planet.

Plus pleats tend to create a heavy look, causing the eye to move down, adding to the heaviness and unflatteringness. Yes, when a garment is this bad, unflatteringness is a word. 

However there may be a saving grace. The diagonal seam joining the mesh tulle to the body creates a vertical line and the blush colour lightens the hem & helps to slow down the downward eye movement. 

The waist is elastic. 

It's dry clean only - not sure why as yet. 

The next studded blush shell top, $100 looks lovely if you suit warm tones. The studs look like silver, but they don't alter the warm tone of the top. The studs are only placed at the front. 

The only drawback - its 100% viscose - it may drop/hang very easily, flattening you at the front & cling to every lump & bump at the sides/back. 

The next knit has done very well for Witchery - in 100% babywool Merino, SIA still hasnt figured out what baby wool is other than maybe lamb Merino? It's called a "Step Hem Knit" & she isn't sure what that means either. 

Apart from the colours currently available (grey, black, camel, off white/marshmallow, it was also previously released in pale blue & pale pink. It's $100.

This sweater has a fabulous look & a fine feel. The only thing I dont like about it, is that the basque at the front, is stitched together at the point of the inverted vee - it isn't a continuous basque. Having that vertical seam there makes it look cheap IMO & I think the reason is that it was cheaper to do it that way.   

The next one is a wrap knit in 50% rayon & 50% wool. It has way too much fabric for a petite. It is $170. 

A good basic style, however it reminds me of Oroton's "Chalet" style, which they have been doing for years in either 100% wool or 100% cotton. Oroton's is $300 irrespective of fabric and available in cream, black, navy (it was a bright navy) & a few other colours. 

The only real difference is that the Oroton is short sleeved and shorter in the body. I find that works better for layering year round and for petites.  My money's on the Oroton - much better quality & you can usually score 25% off without much of a sweat. 

Here is the Oroton "Chalet" which I think is in direct competition with the Witchery cheaper version. 

See anything you like peeps?

My wish for you...

This post is using ballet flats as an example. 

But the post can apply to anything really. 

I am not just talking about shoes, be they loafers or heels or sandals or pumps. 

Nor just clothing or accessories. But any item of white goods or garden thingey or car thingey. Or any thingey. 

Hopefully you've just noticed my extra articulate way with stuff in the garden or the garage. I am very good like that.

Let's set the scene.

You've been looking at ballet flats.
The high street is on sale so the $200 flat is now $120. That's 40% off.

What I wish for you is a better quality item than you envisaged, at a price that competes with the high street.

But for this wish to work, you need to ignore the fact that the high street ballet shoe have gone on sale. That's code for the reduced high street price will not become your new benchmark for what you are willing to pay for ballet flats. You need instead, to focus on the better quality item and it's long term value, rather than any short term prices. 

You see I know you can afford the high street price of $200.
How do I know?
From years of dealing with Western women & their wardrobes. See, you're not destitute, you're not living on a park bench. You probably have a family, children, a mortgage.

I am sure you can pinch $20 here & there, so that you could still pay $200 if the sale hadn't occurred. 

The only reason you didn't is because you CHOSE to shop on sale. You've been conditioned, by all sorts of things, to think cheaper is better. 

Reasons, eh?

* Australians in general dont value spending money on image (say compared to the Europeans, where part of a girls upbringing is to learn how to look good)
* Aussies & Americans tend to value quantity (turnover) over quality compared to the Europeans
* Fast fashion has just taken a foothold in Australia & Aussies are still enjoying the ride.
* Spending on personal items like clothing is viewed as frivolous and unimportant.
* The sales are on so often that you deserve the reduced price or would be a fool to pay RRP.

As a result, it's easy to re-direct your clothing budget to something else - the cars, the holidays, the kids, the investment property, entertainment & experiences. 

On the wrong side of 30:

But now, on the wrong side of 30 (you & me both sister!), cheaper is generally not better. Because you can only look so good when you are older, with cheap clothes. 

Don't take this & go on a downer, but when your "young & beautiful", your youth & beauty can carry most things. Including cheap clothes.  

So back to the wish....when the better brand gets reduced, I wish for you to grab it & hold tight. After all, it's within ball park of the original high street price, if not cheaper. 

Did I mention, grab it & hold for dear life? 

Here, the better quality is a David Jones Milana flat, original price was $250, now reduced to $175. They are made in Italy, they are sturdy & stand upright. 

It's no surprise that $175 is within the original high street range of $200. If you start looking for reductions on the better brands, you will find them. I promise you that.  

Unlike the made in China/India cheapies at Wittner, Nine West & Aldo, where the sides fall down & scrape the ground or your toes distort the outer layer due to poor lining. Or no lining. 

Out comes the calculator. The current reduction is 30% off.
If you are not experienced with how stock moves & the pace of further reductions, take the current price & watch what happens next. 

Because a good quality piece at 30% off is much better value than no piece at 50% off. Something about a bird in the hand comes to mind. 

As you go along, you will get a much better feel for whether to take it now or wait another week or two or three. You also get a better feel for where to spot the quality brands - because it's certainly not in the cheap & cheerful stores you have been frequenting up til now.  It could be pre loved, on line, certain stores in certain suburbs, swap groups, etc etc. 

My Armani experience:

A good example for me is jackets. I am a jacket nut. Out of the house, I wear them all the time. But I would never ever touch a high street jacket any more & havent for many years. I go straight to ebay & buy pre-loved Armani black label. I know how it fits, I know the styles, I know it will love me as much as I love it. This isnt knowledge I was born with - I learnt it over time. So if the Witchery jacket is $250 or the Saba jacket is $400, the Armani RRP is $2K & I score it for (usually) less than $120. Including shipping. No guesses for which one looks amazing forever & which one looks like crapola after a season.   

Get out of your comfort zone or go backwards: 

Alot of women I have met, don't want to go out of their comfort zone & search new, better quality stores. Yet they whinge (all the time) about how unhappy they are with the high street offerings. When I see these women, (who I know enjoy shopping), there is nothing I can say to them, other than hire me to do it for you, or keep quiet if you don't take my suggestions. Harsh? What would you say after making the same suggestions time & time again and hearing the same complaints.  

Quality feeds your confidence

If none of this has convinced you, quality speaks volumes. It says more about who you are & what you stand for than most of the things you actually say. If you buy quality, you will look better & you will feel better. Your confidence will grow and you will be more effective in all areas of life as a result. If that doesn't convince you, nothing will. 

Winter casual - let's class it up

Now doubt you've noticed that I gabble on about a jacket being the fastest, easiest, no brainer way to class up an outfit, no matter what you're age, colouring, shape or profession (whether it's CEO or CEO of the household). 

"Class up" means to look more important, to look smarter, to look like you have your act together (even if you don't).

But let's work up the hierachy, so we have the bigger picture. 

A tee is less classed up than a blouse.
A sweat top is less classed up than a sweater.
A sweater is less classed up than a cardigan.
A cardigan is less classed up than a jacket.  

Did you notice that the jacket is at the top of the food chain? 

Now, hopefully you understand that these are general statements - after all, I dont know you & your specific tee, sweat top, sweater, cardigan or jacket. 

This hierachy may be thrown off by:
* fit - so a sausage fit may be less classy than a slim fit & a slim fit may be classier than a loose/sloppy fit. 

* cut - A cropped denim jacket may be less classed up than a luxe cashmere cardi. An anorak is generally less classy than a cardigan due to its inherently casual style. A bomber jacket is generally less classy than a tailored jacket, because it's cut is inherently sporty.

* fabric - a sequin tee may be more classed up than an bulky cable sweater. Change the sweater to a cashmere version and it may be a different outcome. A mesh tee tends to be less classed up than a fine wool cut & sew tee. A puffa pretty much guarantees a non class act, unless you're wearing it with an Hermes scarf and expensive shoes & bag. Otherwise it says you are very relaxed and that can be code for "I dont care about me".

In case you're wondering, in general wovens are classier than knits. But because we are focusing on comfort in this post, I'll leave wovens out of the picture. 

* trims - for garments from the high street, those with more trims or bells & whistles (zips, contrast buttons, epaulettes, fringing, inserts etc) tend to look less classed up than those without. 

* colour - neutrals and soft colours tend to project class, while brights & dramatic combinations tend to project power rather than class. 

* colouring & body shape - put simply, if the item isn't in your best colour (near your face), or the most flattering to your body shape, you will never project as much class as if it was.

* style personality - sorry to disappoint you, but a boho or rock chic style will never project as much class as a monochrome or classic style. It doesn't mean you have to change your style (outside work hours), but it does mean that you may need to tweak your style by adding some classic elements here & there - assuming class is what you want to project. 

Basically, SIA's hierachy may not always hold true, but in most cases, it's a very useful guide. 

Finally, I am not suggesting you dress in this classy mode. I am just saying that if you want to project that kind of image, you need to think about adopting some of the indicators. 

So, back to the jackets. 
This is not about work jackets. 
It's about CEO of the household jackets - pieces you can put on when you're out & about to instantly class up your act.

What's between a cardigan & a tailored jacket?

Glad you asked. 

The answer is a knitted jacket. It has the class factor due to its structure & the comfort of a knit. 

Everything photographed was from David Jones for AW 2014. It's all now on sale.

Marco Polo 100% wool cardi
100% class. The best piece in this post
for an instant class lift.

Mint fringed boho top - not high on the class scale

Marco Polo, 100% boiled wool.
Also 100% class
Available in petites & plus size

Hartford soft jacket, minimalist &
100% class

All puffas say very little about
you being a classy babe.

This puffa is interesting though - not run of the mill - so has a bit of class for that reason alone. The large segments on the upper half/small segments on the bottom half make it fabulous for pears.

Gordon Smith jacket/bomber in a woven wool
Class factor - more than a sweater or a cardi

The Clothing Company, boiled wool.
100% class. Available in petites & plus size

The Clothing Company, boiled wool.
100% class. Available in petites & plus size

Nothing this open weave/textural in a bright
colour will ever be very classy

Oh goody - a puffa in a neon bright
with absolutely no waist definition.
A total class fail. 

A textured rain vest. Unless you're
wearing this with top to toe
winter white & an Hermes scarf,
this is also a class fail.

A soft wool jacket in a bumble
bee stripe is never classy.  

A Chanel style "grandma" cardigan
can be very classy. It can also age
you unless you know how to
make it more youthful with accessories. 

A soft cardi in a bright colour especially if it isnt
a natural fibre can be touch & go classy.
Cotton knits don't launder well
(they become white on the seams quite easily) -
while wool or cashmere last forever. 

A Yarra Trail wool cardi in an even knit
like this can be classy.
But not if you are petite or a rectangle or busty.

The rough texture of this Jump
sleeveless sweater takes away
some of its class factor. 

This baby is classy - cables in a
fine knit tend to scream class.
But in a classy way.

Another textured Jump vest - again,
about as classy as a sweat.

A zip & a shearing look collar.
More boho than class. 

The darker version of the above vest -
the one that  is about as
classy as a sweat. 

These type of loose cardis can be very classy,
especially in neutral shades.
Ditto waterfall front styles especially those
with length at the back.
But the class factor flies out the window
when worn by a petite or rectangle. 

Thin, flimsy & unstructured viscose blend?
Totally not classy.
The black is turning white at the seams. Even less class.
Loud florals? In a good quality knit,
this could be fabulous.
In this knit, if you want class, it's very hard to do. 

No, no, no. Class that is.
Not stopping you buying this -
just telling you
what it projects & it aint class. 

Despite the chunkiness in the collar, this
fine knit & neutral colour say class. 

Chunky all over, highlighting the
tummy (oh goody)
 in an oversize look.
Not much class here. At all. 

The Gordon Smith woven jacket - in an
almost bomber style.
More class than a sweat or a cardi.   

The chunky cowl neck takes away some
of the class factor here, but the
fine knit on the body
could redeem itself in class school.
The bottom half of the outfit will
make or break the class factor.

Summary

1. Everything in this post is from David Jones & available in most stores and online.

2. The pieces indicated as "classy" will run rings around anything you own that comes from the likes of Witchery/Country Road & everything else on the high street.

The quality is infinitely better, they will last forever (if looked after) and can be hand washed without worry.

3. In case you didnt realise, apart from the quality of the fibres, the pieces which pass the class test, do so because they are all basic shapes which are fitting close to the body. Nothing loose or baggy and 100% comfy because they are stretch knits. You can sex them up with accessories if you like, so please don't turn your nose up at them just because they looks "boring". 

4. The Marco Polo jackets come in plus & petite. 

5. If you are on the "wrong" side of 30 and you are whinging about your image as CEO of the household or the quality of the likes of Country Road or Witchery - then do something about it. 

Nina Proudman..the reunion shirt

Yes, you saw the previous Offspring episode and you want the reunion (white silk) shirt. 

You desperately want it. 

You never thought that you needed a flowy tuxedo shirt previously. It was never on your list of things you needed to plug the holes in your wardrobe. 

You may rarely wear flowy. You may even rarely wear such sheer pieces. Or that clean lined look. After all, if your wardrobe resembles the rest of Nina's clothes, this is definitely a different & unexpected style for you. 

If Nina typical style is pretty/boho/country, then the reunion shirt is relaxed/elegant/modern. Very different styles, yes? 

But you are convinced you want it. So you are desperately looking for it. You must have it.   

Turns out it's sass & bide from Resort 2014. 

Now this shirt is around $300 & not available any more. 

So this season's version is oh, also $300, oh actually $270 and its available. The good news is was $380. Oh goody. By buying it, you're saving money. 

It's called the See the World shirt. 

Here is a blogger wearing it, sexy style...

I really need her tips on how she gets those turned up sleeves to stay turned up. Every time I try that, my sleeves end up in my soup. Buy maybe that's just me! 

A few things to note:

Height

If you are petite (say 5f5 or smaller), a shirt that comes down to your crotch, with that style of collar, will make you look like you are literally wearing grandpa's nightshirt. 

Lumps & bumps

The thin flowy silk reveals every lump & bump. If you wear a cami underneath make sure it covers the muffin when you bend over or lift your arms. A body suit (as close to your skin tone as possible) will be better. 

Offspring - literally

Thin flowy styles in pale silks don't go well with children. Don't get me wrong, your kids may love it, but you aint gonna love what they do with it. 

Not all whites are created equal

Silkworms never spin white-white. If you are a snow white complexion or dark skin (cool undertones) with dark hair, chances are this silk will never love your complexion as much as you love it. 

If you are a freckled redhead, it is likely to be too pale. Peaches & cream? It may be perfect. So how many of us are peaches & cream? 10% maybe? 

Plus, if you saw the Witchery OCRF white (silk) shirts this year (as an example), you'll see than white silk comes in all sorts of shades from pearl to ivory to cream to off white. You have to trust me when I say that only one of these shades will be optimal on any one person. Why not take the time to find out which one & only buy silk shirts in that shade of white? If you want to look your best, this is the way to do it. 

Today I strolled through a local mall. A reasonably big mall with all the high street chains. I wasnt even thinking about Nina's style. 

But, interestingly, all these Nina inspired pieces jumped out....

First at Sussan...a viscose crepe shirt with upper lace detail.

Granted viscose is my least fave fabric in the world (except for acrylic) - reasons are it launders badly, often shrinks, fluffs up fast & looks shoddy after a few washes (it is very weak when wet). 

But for the price, the top is OK & it has that whole flowy evening thing going.

The open neckline sans collar is great for big & small boobs. 

Add a circle pendant and you're close to Nina style. 

Nina wears circle pendants all the time. Guess what? They are everywhere on the high street. So why on earth you need Nina's identical circle pendant is beyond me. 

Nina tends to wear gold. But if you suit silver, I would prefer you chased down a silver one. Because gold won't flatter you as well as silver does.


Here is the same shirt in a cheapie Sussan double circle pendant in gold tones. Looks nice, though. 

It's sold well - they have now released a threesome version...., again affordable & in gold tones. 

Then I walked past Sportsgirl. I never go in there. Too young & skimpy. But what did I spy just behind the window? A Nina lace trimmed kimono top. This one's in pale pink. Yes, I know Nina normally wears white. 

But wouldnt it be interesting if you werent a carbon copy of a fictional character? Interesting thought. 

This is a size 8. Petites, stay away. 

Sussan also had this more fitted tee with lace decolletage. 
Again, this can also project the same look, but something that doesnt look like a tent is 100 x better for a petite shape.
Busty girls, stay away.  

Here is a crisp cotton - better of you have lumps & bumps as it skims over them & doesnt cling.  100% tuxedo smart. It's from Country Road. Probably not 100% big bust friendly due to the concentration of detail up top.

Next I walk past Laura Ashley & I can see tuxedo styles from the window. Here is a white soft fabric, grandpa collar number in a tiny spot jacquard. A classic men's fabric. Great for a large or small bust. Don't even try to tell me this can't replicate the Nina look.

Laura Ashley also has these (quite lovely, better than the photo) Chinese style broderie numbers in white & in black. 
The open collars will work for a larger bust.

This next one, again Laura Ashley in a find poly microfibre - that peasant style mini lace up is tuxedo cross boho. It will work for larger busts. Nina would approve. The lace on the sleeves is a bonus. This looked totally gorgeous in real life. 

If offwhite/cream, kills your complexion, the black binding on this next Laura Ashley may be perfect. 

This next one was in the window, only in black.  It is more a blouse than a shirt, but it was very pretty & can definitely do the job for Nina's reunion.

I always stop at Target...I have photographed this one previously. It's a Limited Editions & the lace is boho/country. 
Small boobs only please.

and this one, again, target Limited Editions. The open neckline will accommodate a larger bust. 

  

So what's my point folks?

Nina's blouse (& the similar current season s&b version) will only flatter a small portion of you. That's assuming you want to pay that much.

I found all these Nina substitutes without even trying. They were just there waiting to be found in any high street mall.

These varying substitutes will cater for different sizes, shapes, colourings as well as our varying style preferences. After all, none of us have Nina's identical style and most of us certainly dont have her hourglass figure and tall physique.  

If you train your eye to see the differences between what suits Nina & what suits you, I promise, crss my heart, hope to die that you will pull together a wardrobe that makes you smile when you open the closet door in the morning. 

Plus, don't forget that the show is filmed at least a year prior to screening. The clothes are sourced in the 6 months prior to that. It's not that easy finding these pieces 18 months down the track. 

But my real bugbear is if this item wasn't on your lust list to start with, do you really think it's something you're going to want to wear beyond a few weeks? Really? Sure? Absolutely sure?