Holidays!

Hi All,

This is will be my last post for the year. I'm off to America on boxing day. Thank-you all for your support. 6 months ago, the idea of having a blog was a distant dream, now its a reality and people are actually reading it! Follow me on Instagram- astylishaffair87 i'll try to upload as many pic's as I can whilst I'm away. I'm quite nervous about the cold, packing was a challenge as winter clothes take up so much more room than summer clothes and living out of a suitcase for four weeks is going to make for some interesting outfit options!  

May your Christmas sparkle with love and laughter. Faith makes all things possible, hope makes all things work and love makes all things beautiful. May your Christmas be filled with all three.
Best Wishes for the New Year.

See you in 2014 with some fresh and exciting posts!

Much Love
xx
A Stylish Affair.

New Years Eve

Ok, I know for many of us the thought of New Years Eve sends a shudder down our spines- "Its so far away, theres still so much to do before then!" I'm hearing you, but seeing I'll be away for new years this year, I'm getting in early and providing you with a plethora of options, no matter which way you choose to welcome in the new year.

Whenever New Years Eve is mentioned, it usually evokes a different set of emotions and reactions depending on who your speaking to. There are those filled with enthusiasm at the thought of welcoming in a new year, love the excuse for a party and often see it as the highlight of the year. Then there are those who believe its over rated, almost never lives up to the hype and would rather sleep through the dreaded count down (well maybe not literally sleep but you get the idea!).

I was always of the later opinion.. I've always dreaded new years; trying to find something to do that pleases everyone, there almost always seems to be something that goes wrong on the night and it generally has never lived up to the hype for me- it always seemed like way more drama than it was worth.. until last year. Last year on New Years Eve, by chance, I was fortunate enough to meet one of the most beautiful souls I've ever known. There are a multitude of different sayings relating to new years, "what your doing on new years you'll be doing for the rest of the year","new years sets the tone for the whole year"- you get the idea. Last year, my 2012 had a perfect ending, and 2013 a perfect beginning. Whilst unfortunately I didn't continue doing what I was doing on new years for the rest of the year, I'm hoping that partying in the big apple this year will top last year and not only bring me a perfect beginning and ending but heres hoping that that excited, elated feeling of joy and optimism lasts the year.

Wishing that your 2013 has a perfect ending and 2014 a perfect beginning, no matter how your celebrating.
xx
A Stylish Affair

P.S: It is so so easy to get it wrong on New Years Eve, I promise you its not the time to bust out the sequinned mini you bought ten years ago. Think about where your going and what you'll be doing on the night. I tend to choose either a feminine floral or classic fail safe black. As always, feel free to email me for other outfit options/advice.

Cocktail Parties

Style Tip: choose something sleek and not too in your face, you'll stand out amongst those whom have opted for the brightest in your face colour schemes or worse- sequins. 

Left to Right

1. Dress: Manning Cartell

http://www.manningcartell.com.au/shop/productdetails.aspx?nk=13S51091.BRNM&name=-Tybalt+Stripe+Shift

Shoes: Alice and Olivia from Shopbop

http://www.shopbop.com/dina-suede-pump-alice-olivia/vp/v=1/1515357825.htm?folderID=2534374302112441&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=10188

Clutch: Sambag

http://www.sambag.com.au/poppy-navy-leather-pouch

2. Dress: Lover the Label from The Iconic

http://www.theiconic.com.au/Courtney-Slither-Dress-124949.html

Clutch: Oroton

http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/raisa-envelope-small-clutch/w1/i2889614_1001570/

Shoes: Wittner

http://www.wittner.com.au/shoes/heels/saintly-black.html

3. Dress: Lover the Label from The Iconic

http://www.theiconic.com.au/Alice-A-Line-Dress-110815.html

Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood from Green with Envy

http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/product_details.php?id=779050

Left to Right

1. Dress: Josh Goot from Green with Envy 

http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/product_details.php?id=828321

Shoes: Tony Bianco 

http://www.tonybianco.com.au/categories/heels/asutha-35920.html#.UrVdWyhQ0_s

2. Dress: Zimmermann

http://www.zimmermannwear.com/readytowear/clothing/dresses/valiant-inverted-brocade-dress-1.html

Clutch: Alexander Wang from Shopbop

http://www.shopbop.com/prisma-sketetal-double-envelope-bag/vp/v=1/1570500715.htm?folderID=2534374302055387&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=13092

Shoes: Tony Bianco

http://www.tonybianco.com.au/categories/heels/alesci-34746.html

3. Dress: Zimmermann

http://www.zimmermannwear.com/readytowear/clothing/dresses/precocious-asymmetric-tunic-1.html

Left to Right

1. Dress: Sass and Bide

http://www.sassandbide.com/eboutique/dresses/strength-to-strength.html

Shoes: Wittner

http://www.wittner.com.au/shoes/zoe-wittner-design/rory-black.html

Clutch: Oroton

http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/raisa-envelope-small-clutch/w1/i2889614_1001570/

2. Dress: Sass and Bide

http://www.sassandbide.com/eboutique/dresses/traveller.html

Shoes: Nicholas from Green with Envy

http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/product_details.php?id=611398

Clutch: Oroton

http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/monaco-mini-bag/w1/i2957373_1001570/

3. Dress: Manning Cartell

http://www.manningcartell.com.au/shop/productdetails.aspx?nk=13S51123.BLKM&name=-Polished+Lacquer+Dress

Shoes: Wittner

http://www.wittner.com.au/shoes/heels/saintly-black.html

Clutch: Oroton 

http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/raisa-envelope-small-clutch/w1/i2889614_1001570/

House Parties and Pub Parties  

Style Tip: If your attending a pub party opt for a cross body bag, it will leave your hands free to hold your drinks and protects you against putting it down and 'accidentally' loosing it. 

Left to Right

1. Playsuit: Zimmermnan 

http://www.zimmermannwear.com/swim-and-resort/clothing/dresses-coverups/verano-ric-rac-playsuit.html

Sandals: Sambag

http://www.sambag.com.au/paris-green-rectangle-jewelled-sandals

Clutch: Sambag

http://www.sambag.com.au/lana-red-woven-leather

2. Dress: Zimmermann

//www.zimmermannwear.com/swim-and-resort/clothing/dresses-coverups/vivid-barely-there-dress.html

Sandals: Sambag

http://www.sambag.com.au/mia-pewter-plain-patent-new

Clutch: Sambag

http://www.sambag.com.au/poppy-navy-leather-pouch

3. Dress: Zimmerman 

http://www.zimmermannwear.com/swim-and-resort/clothing/dresses-coverups/scout-chevron-maxi-dress.html

Sandals: Sambag

http://www.sambag.com.au/heidi-black-plain-patent-sandals

Cross Body Bag: Oroton

http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/bueno-clutch-bag/w1/i2889342_1001570/

Style Tip: Wearing flats especially if  your at a pub or house party ensures you'll be comfortable and wont look out of place. 

Left to Right

1. Dress: Zimmerman 

http://www.zimmermannwear.com/swim-and-resort/clothing/dresses-coverups/instinct-drape-dress.html

Sandals: Sambag

http://www.sambag.com.au/heidi-apricot-shine-snakeskin-sandals

Cross Body Bag: Oroton

http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/bueno-clutch-bag/w1/i2889347_1001570/

2. Dress: Manning Cartell 

http://www.manningcartell.com.au/shop/productdetails.aspx?nk=13S51126.WHTM&name=-The+Hunted+Maxi+Dress

Sandals: Sambag

http://www.sambag.com.au/mia-blue-plain-patent-new

Cross Body Bag: Tory Burch from Shopbop

http://www.shopbop.com/leather-closure-clutch-tory-burch/vp/v=1/1568095805.htm?folderID=2534374302055387&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=30530

Easy Like Sunday Morning

As the days get longer and coming up to Christmas and holidays, I'm finding instead of slowing down, we are getting busier and busier. I have recently been asked to do a post on outfits that will 'go the distance'.  Outfits that will ensure that you look stylish from your morning appointments to your champagne lunches, see you through your after lunch shopping and still ensure your looking fab as you head to dinner.

When choosing an outfit to withstand a variety of different outings in a day:

1. Choose a large tote bag to ensure you can fit everything you need to in it. 

2. Begin with jeans and a tee- especially in Melbourne, knowing that we experience four seasons in one day, a tee will make it easy to add a cardie or denim jacket to adjust to the weather accordingly. 

3. If its going to be nice weather and you can get away with a dress or shorts, ensure they are in a comfortable cotton or easy to wear silk. The key to still looking fab at 7pm when you left the house at 7am is comfort. 

3. Keep it simple and add colour in the form of accessories. 

Enjoy!

xx

A Stylish Affair 

P.S Hope you like the makeover I've given the blog, feel free to let me know your thoughts! 

Hat: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/swim-and-resort/accessories-shoes/cap.html
Tee: Bassike
http://www.bassike.com/shop/women/t.shirts/scoop_v_neck_t.shirt/1368/WHT
Shorts: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/swim-and-resort/clothing/shorts-pants/wanderlust-short-1.html
Sandals: Sambag
http://www.sambag.com.au/heidi-black-plain-patent-sandals
Bag: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/shoulder-bags/LF338-1/Jurassic-Day-Bag.html
Bracelets: Mimco
Mesh: http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/jewellery/wristwear/60162268-901/Mim-Mesh-Tube-Wrist.html
Pink Leather: http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/jewellery/wristwear/JW391-1-1589/BUCKLE-UP-LEATHER-BRACELET.html

Tee: Bassike
http://www.bassike.com/shop/women/t.shirts/scoop_v_neck_t.shirt/1368/BLK
Jeans: Current/Elliott from Shopbop
 http://www.shopbop.com/stiletto-jean-current-elliott/vp/v=1/845524441943459.htm?folderID=2534374302064885&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=37203
Sandals: Senso
http://www.senso.com.au/category/Sandals/Fifi-II
Bracelets: Mimco
Mesh: http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/jewellery/wristwear/60162268-901/Mim-Mesh-Tube-Wrist.html
Enamel: http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/jewellery/wristwear/60164485-9471/Narrow-Enamel-Bangle.html
Bag: Witchery
http://www.witchery.com.au/shop/her/accessories/bags/612085/Astrid-Handbag.html

Tee: Nicholas from Runway Brooklyn
http://www.runwaybrooklyn.com.au/giraffe-silk-tshirt
Jeans: Bettina Liano
http://www.bettinaliano.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=1_2&product_id=115
Sandals: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/shoes/flats/sandals/abacus-flat-sandal-sh064-1
Bag: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/shoulder-bags/LF510-826/STANDOFF-ZIP-TOP.html

Dress: Clu from Another Love
http://www.anotherlove.com.au/collections/dresses/products/striped-knit-dress
Sneakers: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/swim-and-resort/accessories-shoes/sneaker-1.html
Tote: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/swim-and-resort/accessories-shoes/clutch-3.html

Beach Essentials

Whilst I'm preparing for a white (COLD) Christmas this year, I'm trying to put off thinking about the cold for as long as possible. And as the Melbourne weather finally heats up, I'm finding myself slightly  jelly of everyone beginning to discuss the upcoming summer and their beach plans. Here are my beach essentials for this Summer.

Enjoy and remember to Slip, Slop, Slap
xx
A Stylish Affair

Beach Bags 

Style Tip: I tend to opt for a black and white printed beach bag to ensure it matches with whatever bikini's and coverups I choose and doesn't need to be changed seasonally. 

Left to Right. 

1. Zimmermann sailor bag http://www.zimmermannwear.com/accessories/sailor-bag-2.html

2. Mimco http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/non-leather/NL170-2683/Packable-Tote.html

3. Swash from Shop Bop http://www.shopbop.com/corsage-thistle-tote-swash/vp/v=1/1564742366.htm?folderID=2534374302145731&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=58306

 Cover Ups

Style Tip: Choose a coverup in a bright colour, if your wearing printed bikinis or a printed one piece, choose one colour featured in your swimwear and accessorise in a coverup in that colour, or your clash prints and colours- as long as you stay away from Neon's anything bright and fun goes in Summer. 

Left to Right- Row One. 

1. Seafolly http://www.seafolly.com.au/clothing/kaftans/byron-kaftan-82000.html

2. Tigerlily from Surfstitch http://www.surfstitch.com/product/tigerlily-goa-geo-dress-ink

3. C&M from Surfstitch http://www.surfstitch.com/product/camilla-and-marc-adrianna-dress-blue-with-white

Row Two. 

1. Mara Hoffman from Shopbop http://www.shopbop.com/ganesh-racerback-mini-dress-mara/vp/v=1/1540741057.htm?folderID=2534374302072409&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=56407

2. Shona Joy from Shopbop http://www.shopbop.com/oasis-bound-drawstring-dress-shona/vp/v=1/1584949663.htm?folderID=2534374302072409&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=12762

3. Seafolly http://www.seafolly.com.au/clothing/dresses/zig-zag-maxi-dress-80986.html

Footwear 

Left to Right.

1. Havaianas from Surfstitch http://www.surfstitch.com/product/havaianas-slim-prints-neon-stripes-thong-grey

2. Zimmermann http://www.zimmermannwear.com/accessories/shoes/slide-sandal-1.html

3. Kate Spade from Surfstitch ttp://www.shopbop.com/fresh-jelly-bow-sandal-kate/vp/v=1/1513797341.htm?folderID=2534374302112442&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=18926

Hats 

Left to Right. 

1. Zimmermnan http://www.zimmermannwear.com/accessories/hats/cap-1.html

2. Viktoria and Woods from Runway Brooklyn http://www.runwaybrooklyn.com.au/baseball-cap-alcatraz

2. Mimco http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/accessories/hats/HS203-806/Jurassic-Print-Cap.html

 Towels 

Left to Right. 

1. Zimmermann http://www.zimmermannwear.com/swim-and-resort/holiday-list/towel.html

2. Oroton http://www.oroton.com/polka-dots-towel/w1/i2957638/

3. Mara Hoffman from Shopbop http://www.shopbop.com/shakti-towel-mara-hoffman/vp/v=1/1505062631.htm?folderID=2534374302197440&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=10917

Christmas Party Dressing

Christmas parties are well under way, so here is my pick of options available in stores at the moment.

I must admit when I was re-viewing my choices, I did notice black featured heavily...  and rightfully so, black ALWAYS works well but it works especially well for Christmas parties, particularly, work Christmas parties. Its understated, polished and ensures you'll look instantly chic.. just ensure to pair with some coloured accessories... Christmas parties are fun and a way to wind down.. save the black on black for the office. 

Remember to let the outfit speak for itself, don't overdo it with too many accessories. Christmas parties often give your colleagues a chance to see you in a different manner (read- different attire)  however when selecting an outfit remember to stay true to your personal style. The antics of the night often find themselves being talked about long after the last champagne cork was popped- you don't want people to be discussing  your sparkly sequin dress paired with your huge cocktail ring, when your rarely seen in colour on a day to day basis. 

Remember, whilst a work Christmas party seems like a great time to have a few drinks and wind down for the year.. you do see these people on a day to day basis.... don't wear anything you wouldn't be comfortable wearing in front of your boss.. in daylight. 

Enjoy your champagne 
(and remember your fold- up flats if its going to be a big night)
xx
A Stylish Affair 

Dress: Camilla and Marc
http://www.camillaandmarc.com/invocation-dress-blue-and-red-graphic.html
Bag: Oroton
http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/luminous-mini-bag/w1/i2889497_1001570/
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/categories/heels/asutha.html#.Up22-ihQ0_s

Dress: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/readytowear/clothing/dresses/silk-t-bar-dress-2.html
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/clutch-and-evening-bags/60163086-1/Sporto-Large-Pouch.html
Sandles: Sambag
http://www.sambag.com.au/heidi-black-plain-patent-sandals

Dress: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/readytowear/clothing/dresses/valiant-diamond-twist-dress.html
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/clutch-and-evening-bags/OC189-1/OFFBEAT-CLUTCH.html
Pumps: Wittner
http://www.wittner.com.au/shoes/heels/saintly-black.html

Dress: C&M by Camilla and Marc
http://www.camillaandmarc.com/effervescence-dress-floral-camo-print.html
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/categories/heels/alesci-34730.html#.Up25qyhQ0_s
Clutch: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/clutch-and-evening-bags/OC309-2-1805/Molten-Envelope-Clutch.html

Dress: C&M by Camilla and Marc
http://www.camillaandmarc.com/lucky-days-dress-animal-print.html
Pumps: Wittner
http://www.wittner.com.au/shoes/heels/saintly-black.html
Clutch: Oroton
http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/raisa-envelope-small-clutch/w1/i2889614_1001570/

Dress: C&M by Camilla and Marc
http://www.camillaandmarc.com/black-book-dress-black.html
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/categories/heels/calibra.html#.Up27vChQ0_s
Clutch: Oroton
http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/raisa-envelope-small-clutch/w1/i2889614_1001570/

Dress: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/readytowear/clothing/dresses/silk-plunge-dress.html
Necklace: Gemma Redux from Theoutnet.com
http://www.theoutnet.com/product/418470
Clutch: Saint Laurent from Net-a-porter.com
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/368019
Shoes: Sophia Webster from Green With Envy
http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/product_details.php?id=SWSS1403239

Top: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/readytowear/clothing/tops/honour-pleat-wrap-top.html
Skirt: Zimmermann
http://www.zimmermannwear.com/readytowear/clothing/skirts/good-love-brocade-skirt.html
Clutch: Oroton
http://www.oroton.com/clutches-wristlets/raisa-envelope-small-clutch/w1/i2889614_1001570/
Shoes: Wayne by Wayne Cooper
http://www.myer.com.au/shop/mystore/women/heels-pumps/wayne-by-wayne-cooper-haiti-black-pump#&panel1-2

Dress: Camilla and Marc
http://www.camillaandmarc.com/rotation-dress-black.html
Earrings: Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/jewellery/earrings/JE347-2265/PYFABULOUS-DROP-EAR.html
Clutch: Tory Burch from Shopbop
http://www.shopbop.com/robinson-zig-zag-crossbody-tory/vp/v=1/1565483338.htm?folderID=2534374302055387&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=32601
Shoes: Diane von Furstenberg from Shopbop
http://www.shopbop.com/rowan-ankle-strap-sandal-diane/vp/v=1/1553723928.htm?folderID=2534374302112441&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=56010

Bustier: Camilla and Marc
http://www.camillaandmarc.com/stigmata-bustier-red-w-pink-leopard.html
Leather Pants: Camilla and Marc
http://www.camillaandmarc.com/merchant-leather-legging-black.html
Earrings: Kenneth Jay Lane from Theoutnet.com
http://www.theoutnet.com/product/377581
Clutch:  The Mode Collective
http://www.themodecollective.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=84&product_id=262
Shoes: Tony Bianco
http://www.tonybianco.com.au/categories/heels/alesci.html#.Up28zyhQ0_s

Style Tip: The Mode Collective have a fantastic range of luxe leather clutches on which they offer personalised monogramming  for no extra charge- definitely worth checking out... they'll make a fantastic Christmas gift or a gift for yourself! 

http://www.themodecollective.com/index.php?route=common/home

Dresses Under $200

Four casual, chic dresses under $200. Easy to wear, versatile and perfect for the long Summer days ahead.  

Enjoy!
xx
A Stylish Affair

Dress: Country Road
http://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/woman/clothing/dresses/stripe-maxi-dress-60160030
Hat: Seed Heritage
http://www.seedheritage.com/hats-and-scarves/summer-fedora/w1/i9721172_1001340/
Bag: Seed Heritage
http://www.seedheritage.com/bags/printed-tote/w1/i9858944_1001339/
Shoes: Seed Heritage
http://www.seedheritage.com/all/maddie-strappy-sandal/w1/i9730754_1001344/

Dress: Portmans
http://www.portmans.com.au/shop/en/portmans/dresses-portmans/dresses-portmans/square-spot-ottoman-drss
Shoes: Sambag
http://www.sambag.com.au/heidi-red-white-blue-3-tone-patent-sandals
Bag: Witchery
http://www.witchery.com.au/shop/her/accessories/bags/612085/Astrid-Handbag.html

Dress: Seed Heritage
http://www.seedheritage.com/dresses/stripe-tee-dress/w1/i9765617_1001333/
Scarf: Seed Heritage
http://www.seedheritage.com/new-arrivals/flower-print-scarf/w1/i9909003_1001286/
Shoes: Seed Heritage
http://www.seedheritage.com/all/harper-mesh-espadrille/w1/i9675888_1001344/
Bag: Seed Heritage
http://www.seedheritage.com/bags/block-panel-tote/w1/i9810119_1001339/

Jumpsuit: Portmans
http://www.portmans.com.au/shop/en/portmans/dresses-portmans/dresses-playsuits/emily-sweetheart-jumpsuit
Bag: Country Road
http://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/woman/accessories/handbags/60152947/Izabella-Tote.html
Shoes: Seed Heritage
http://www.seedheritage.com/new-arrivals/blair-platform-wedge/w1/i9675823_1001342/