Oaks Day

Anyone that knows me, knows I'm a girly girl, so naturally Oaks Day is one of my favourite days of the year! An excuse to wear girly dresses and drink champagne before lunch for a day- Yes Please!!

Oaks day (Ladies Day) is all about feminine dressing- think floral, pink and girly. Now before you roll your eyes, girly doesn't necessarily mean not sexy- think sexy in a demure, understated way. Oaks day is the one day you can truly dress for the girls.

Because I couldn't choose just four outfits, this post, I chosen eight options for you to browse (and even limiting it to eight was hard!).  As always less is more so i haven't included many accessories with the outfits- most of them speak for themselves.  

Enjoy!
xx
A Stylish Affair

Dress: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/readytowear/clothing/dresses/honour-cats-eye-tulip-dress.html
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/alita-32864.html#.Um4D2ShQ0_s
Bag: Oroton
http://www.oroton.com/view-all-bags/luminous-grip-top/w1/i2889471_1001245/

Dress: Camilla and Marc
http://www.camillaandmarc.com/distinguish-dress-nude.html
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/categories/heels/alesci-34720.html#.Um5HYyhQ0_s
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/clutch-and-evening-bags/OC187-1-6697/HYBRID-CLUTCH.html

Dress: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/readytowear/clothing/dresses/precocious-stitched-bow-dress.html
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/kallista-29387.html#.Um5IHihQ0_s
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/clutch-and-evening-bags/OC187-4-100/Hybrid-Clutch.html

Dress: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/readytowear/clothing/dresses/honour-asymmetric-drape-tunic.html
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/categories/heels/alesci-28045.html#.Um4GJChQ0_s
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/LF811-1-2221/Square-Tux-Clutch.html

Skirt: Camilla and Marc
http://www.camillaandmarc.com/circuit-skirt-pink-w-white.html
Top: Camilla and Marc
http://www.camillaandmarc.com/triangular-top-white.html
Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood from Green with Envy
http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/product_details.php?id=801560
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/clutch-and-evening-bags/OC189-1/OFFBEAT-CLUTCH.html

Dress: MSGM from Grace Melbourne
http://www.gracemelbourne.com.au/collections/get-racing/products/msgm-floral-silk-duchess-dress
Shoes: Pierre Hardy from Green with Envy
http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/product_details.php?id=CN0436
Clutch: Oroton
http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/akala-texture-mini-bag/w1/i2889271_1001570/

Dress: Mary Katrantzou from Matches Fashion
http://www.matchesfashion.com/womens/mary-katrantzou
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/alesci-34726.html#.UnDb0yhQ0_s
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/clutch-and-evening-bags/OC309-2-1805/Molten-Envelope-Clutch.html

Dress: Simone Rocha from Green with Envy
http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/product_details.php?id=835091
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/tabbie.html#.Um5JDyhQ0_s
Bag: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/clutch-and-evening-bags/LF811-4-1/SQUARE-TUX-CLUTCH.html

The Race That Stops The Nation

So Melbourne Cup is said to be the race that 'stops the nation'- when the whole nation is watching- you want to give them something to see! 

Cup day allows you to bend the rules of traditional race-wear a bit. Cup day calls for colour, sleek, bold tailoring and allows you to push the boundaries and make a statement. The only rule of race attire is this: Please KEEP your shoes on!! Like most people I don't find high heels the most comfortable choice of footwear for a whole day however this is why fold up ballet flats were invented. They are cheap, fit in most purses and ensure you'll always look much classier than the girl stumbling around with no shoes on. 

Admittingly some of the featured outfits are on the more expensive side, however they were too beautiful not to include. As always, I have chosen looks that work just as well on as well as off the track and an investment in any of these dresses will see you through the Christmas and New Year period in style.  

Feel free to let me know what you think!

Heres hoping you back a winner!

xx

A Stylish Affair 

Dress: Camilla and Marc
http://www.camillaandmarc.com/black-square-lace-dress-black.html
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/OC386-908/First-Kiss-Hardcase.html
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/categories/heels/alita-33347.html#.UmzgcihQ0_s

Dress: Ginger and Smart from Green with Envy
http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/product_details.php?id=806909
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/categories/heels/trinity-21933.html#.UmzlfShQ0_s
Clutch: Oroton
http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/scent-mini-bag/w1/i2810289_1001570/

Dress: Zimmermann
 http://www.zimmermannwear.com/readytowear/clothing/dresses/silk-shaped-wire-drape-dress.html
Shoes: Sophia Webster
http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/product_details.php?id=808088
Earrings: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/jewellery/earrings/JE363-2101/PETITE-SPOT-STUD.html
Clutch: Oroton
http://www.oroton.com/view-all-bags/raisa-envelope-small-clutch/w1/i2889615_1001245/

Dress: Camilla and Marc from Green with Envy
http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/product_details.php?id=1000000002300
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/alesci-pre-order-28142.html#.Umzo1ihQ0_s
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/clutch-and-evening-bags/OC317-1/ATLANTIS-CLUTCH.html

Monochrome and Derby Day

One of my favourite trends at the moment is monochrome black and white. Both classic, easy to wear colours. I admit white is a bit harder to pull off and whilst one can never go past a fail-safe little black dress, there’s something about a crisp white ensemble that, when worn with the right shoe and (fake) tan, screams chic, fresh and summer. Together, black and white are a fail-safe option for any outing. 

My favourite time to sport black and white is the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival's Derby Day. I love Spring Racing Carnival and being a traditionalist at heart, I always stick with tradition and sport black or white on the day. 

Over the coming days, I'll feature my top picks for the upcoming Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Beginning of course with my favourite day and favourite trend... black and white picks for Derby day. I'm always of the opinion that less is more- when choosing an outfit consider the hem length and amount of cleavage showing- I'm usually of the belief that it is only ok to show one or the other at the one time.. I've tried to include a variety of looks and price points as well as looks that will work both on and off the track. 

As always please get in touch if you have any questions/comments. 

Enjoy!

xx

A Stylish Affair 

Dress: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/readytowear/clothing/dresses/silk-plunge-dress-2.html
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/alex-28750.html#.Umei0ChQ0_s
Clutch: Oroton
 http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/society-clutch/w1/i2588653_1001570/
Necklace: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/jewellery/necklaces/statement-necklaces/JN679-1-1809/HAVE-HEART-NECK.html

Top: Sass and Bide
http://www.shopbop.com/absurd-bustier-top-sass-bide/vp/v=1/1517602895.htm?folderID=2534374302049305&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=16251
Pants: Sass and Bide
http://www.sassandbide.com/eboutique/pants/the-wind-blows-3.html
Shoes Wittner
http://www.wittner.com.au/shoes/heels/ramira-black-white.html
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/clutch-and-evening-bags/OC189-1/OFFBEAT-CLUTCH.html

Dress: Camilla and Marc
http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/product_details.php?id=810678
Shoes: Wittner
http://www.wittner.com.au/shoes/heels/saintly-black.html
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/clutch-and-evening-bags/OC354-1-1/Dino-Clutch.html

Top: Seed Heritage
http://www.seedheritage.com/tops/basic-silk-top/w1/i9192093_1001329/
Skirt: Manning Cartell
http://www.manningcartell.com.au/shop/productdetails.aspx?nk=13S40251.WHTM&name=-Duality+Pencil+Skirt
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/kasandra-27217.html#.UmeuOShQ0_s
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/clutch-and-evening-bags/60161081-1/Amazonia-Envelope.html

Winter Weather

I was originally going to post about the search I'm currently on to find a perfect floral dress to take me through the upcoming Melbourne spring/summer, however the Melbourne weather at the moment is anything but the warm, fresh sunny weather you'd expect from Spring. The rain has got me reaching for my chunky knits and boots STAT!  With the rain set to stick around for the next week I've got to thinking about my upcoming trip to the U.S in December.. I've never travelled into a winter climate before and I'm nervous about just how cold NYC is in Dec/Jan. And packing for a winter climate is a whole other drama....  So I've decided to share my current winter weather lust haves... these will see you through the cold, rainy weather feeling warm and toasty... Just don't ask how I plan to pack them all into a suitcase!

Classic Grey Marle Beanie - I love Mr Mittens
http://i-love-mr-mittens.myshopify.com/collections/cotton-collection/products/classic

A Classic Grey Beanie will match with any outfit - customise it by adding a lepoard print pom pom. 

Boxy Wool Jumper From I love Mr Mittens.
http://i-love-mr-mittens.myshopify.com/collections/wool-collection/products/wool-boxy-jumper
One can never have enough black- this jumper is handknitted and the boxy fit will ensure comfort as well as keep you warm. 

Louis Vuitton Monogram Shawl 
http://www.louisvuitton.com.au/front/#/eng_AU/Collections/Women/Accessories/Scarves-and-more/products/Monogram-Shawl-M7241The most beautiful shade of navy- I love navy in winter- A bit of a splurge but one you'll definitely keep forever. 

Black Josh Leather Over the Knee Boots 
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/categories/boots/josh.html#.UmYynyhQ0_sI love a flat over the knee leather boot- flat boots are so much more practical for during the day than a heeled boot. I always opt for an over the knee style as it elongates the leg. 

Leather Muubaa Phoenix Jacket
http://www.theoutnet.com/product/388416I recently purchased this leather and shearling jacket by Muubaa- I'm absolutely in love with it. Made from the softest leather, the shearling lining keeps you warm without being too bulky. The shearling lining is actually a detachable gilet, leaving a fantastic leather biker style jacket wearable in the warmer months.  Two for the price of one! 

Please feel free to comment / ask me any questions!

Happy Shopping, Stay warm. 

xx

A Stylish Affair 

A Stylish Affair

What to write on my first post... 

I've contemplated starting a blog for quite some time now. With a background in Public Relations/Communications, I am now working in a completely different career that has almost nothing to do with fashion. However I've always had a love for fashion and writing so I've combined the two to create a blog. 

Will anyone read it? Only time will tell.... but I believe that everything happens for a reason and its time to take a leap of faith and see what happens. 

I'm an aspiring stylist.. very aspiring and this is my first step towards making my dream of styling come true. I love all things fashion but I believe in staying true to yourself and what works for you.. I try to follow trends whilst always staying true to my own sense of style. I am very much about investment buying and tend to spend a lot on special 'keep forever' pieces.. so much so that I often forget I need some not so special pieces for everyday. I've always been told I have an eye for 'putting things together' and love nothing more than to dream away new outfit combinations.. I spend my days often thinking about the upcoming weekend, where I'm going and what I'll wear. 

My style icons vary although I firmly believe that Christine Centenera cannot put a foot wrong, followed closely by Olivia Palermo. I love the old school glamour of Audrey Hepburn.. One can never go wrong with a Little Black Dress and a string of pearls. 

What do I hope for my blog? A question I'm still not sure of the answer to... I'm hoping to share my current lust haves.. my take on current trends..  and have a stylish affair with those I meet along the journey to wherever the road leads.  

Please feel free to leave comments/suggestions and check out my Instagram - astylishaffair87

Thanks for reading.

xx
A Stylish Affair.