Saturday 29 March 2014

Macgraw

I recently attended the VAMFF runway show number 7. The show featured designers; Alice Mccall, Bec and Bridge, Limedrop, Macgraw, Nevenka, Secret South and Shakuhachi. Whilst for the majority all the collections featured on-trend colour palates and silhouettes. The standout collection from the show for me was Macgraw hands down. Sisters Beth and Tessa Macgraw nailed it with every piece they sent down the runway. Wearing head to toe Macgraw themselves at the show, these Sydney sisters are going from strength to strength. VAMFF was their first ever runway show, although it definitely wont be their last.

I first fell in LOVE with Macgraw pieces last season when I saw their Flute dress in Stripe Ponti on fellow blogger Sara Donaldson from Harper and Harley. I quickly snapped it up before it sold out and it became my go-to piece last Winter. Fast forward a year and I'm still loving their designs. I'd already purchased a piece from the Autumn Winter collection before attending the runway show and had my eye on several other pieces, although watching piece after piece come down the runway- my Macgraw wish list tripled in size.

The sisters styled their pieces with black beanies giving the show a relaxed feel and making each piece feel wearable and transferable from runway to side walk.

Featuring bold, bright prints and delicate lace, I'm sure you'll find something (or several things) you love as much as I do- Shop all the looks here http://www.macgraw.com.au/e-boutique/all

Happy Shopping
xx
A Stylish Affair





  
 

Wednesday 26 March 2014

VAMFF

Posting my own outfits is unchartered territory for me. Yes I post on Instagram (if your not following already, please follow @astylishaffair87) although I've never done a whole blog post on my own outfits.. While I'm still going to continue to provide options on ways to wear new styles and trends I've also decided I'm going to feature my own outfits too.

Having a passion for styling doesn't mean that I don't experience the 'what to wear' anxiety- the only difference between mine and anybody else's anxiety is that I experience it much earlier than most.  I have my outfit planned weeks (ok I admit, sometimes months) in advance. I have anxiety if I know that I have an event (yes most of the time even if its just a dinner) and a week out I haven't chosen an outfit yet. I usually have several outfits mentally planned 'just in case'. I always wonder what other people think of when their minds go wandering.. mine always, always wanders to my wardrobe.. 

I recently attended the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF). I had my outfit planned weeks in advance. Something new (and a little bit special) that I ordered on-line, paired with a piece I already owned. However a week before VAMFF and my new special item hadn't arrived yet. I waited with baited breath until the day before I was attending then at the 11th hour went into 'what do I wear' anxiety. I stuck with my tried, tested and always trusted combination of black and white and as it turned out I absolutely loved the end result. 

I'd had these two Piper Lane pieces for several months and I knew they would work together. I tied the skirt at the hem to create a more casual look and paired it with chunky Wittner heels. I used my Givenchy clutch to inject a pop of colour and topped off the outfit with my Muubaa leather jacket. This jacket worked as opposed to a cropped jacket as the bustier top is very structured, the drape style jacket pulled the outfit together nicely and gave it a more relaxed look. 

Let me know your thoughts
xx
A Stylish Affair




Shop The Look Here: 

Sunday 23 March 2014

It's All In The Skirt

Leather skirts are popping up in most Autumn Winter collections. I've always loved a good leather piece- leather pants, leather jacket, leather bag.. Although I have never really considered a leather skirt. I had to be convinced to purchase a Harlston Heritage one in Vegas and whilst I was hesitant, it was actually one of the best pieces I bought whilst in the states. My hesitation with skirts is in the way they are styled, its all to easy to get it wrong and wind up looking like a stereotypical librarian. I've styled this Witchery skirt 6 ways. The key to not looking like a librarian is to keep it simple, think relaxed tee's, denim and oversized knits. Ensure you choose a pencil style skirt, with an on the knee or just below the knee hem line. Avoid pairing your skirt with blouses or any top that you cant tuck into the waist.

One Skirt- 6 Ways.

Enjoy
xx
A Stylish Affair







Left to Right.

Left to Right.




Tuesday 18 March 2014

The Designer Purchase


There is nothing like that feeling of your first designer purchase. The whole process of the store visit, selecting your soon to be new purchase and that glorious feeling of walking out carrying that carry bag. Whilst the concept of the ‘it’ bag has long been and gone. The ‘it bag’ craze saw many classics that we still covert today become household names. The name ‘Kelly’ cant be mentioned without automatically thinking of the Hermes cult classic, the same with the names ‘Jane’ or ‘Birkin’, Paddington the suburb or the Chloe classic? Motorcycle as in the vehicle or the Balenciaga? And so the list goes on. I was recently asked for my advice on making that first elusive purchase. We all have grand ideas on what that first purchase is going to be. Mine was going to be a Chanel 2.55 within my first year of full time work (despite the fact that I pretty much worked full-time all throughout uni, somehow I thought I’d magically become better with money when my pay slip actually read ‘full-time’ employee). Even though 4 years on I’m no closer to my 2.55 I have made quite a few designer purchases in my time (funny enough this habit started when I was in uni). I’m no expert but here are the tips and tricks I’ve learnt along the way.  


1.   Choose a neutral colour, this will ensure that you get maximum wear for years to come.
2.   Decide on a larger size, this will ensure you will get more use out of your bag- Clutches can be for your next purchase.
3.   Research, Research, Research! Most of us gravitate to one particular brand more than the rest. Research their lines and their price ranges..
4.   Set a rough budget.
5.   I’m a fan of on-line shopping for everything- everything expect the designer bag purchase. If you can, I always recommend visiting the store to make your purchase.
6.   It can sometimes be daunting to go into the store- it always helps me to be prepared before I go, write down some of the styles that you are keen on –within your price range.
7.   Don’t rush! When your in store take your time, be sure to see all of the styles you had written down and be sure you love, love, love your choice.
8.   Once you’ve made your purchase, always keep your bag in its dust bag, have it regularly treated (if its leather) and always spot clean after use.
A designer purchase is such a personal choice, which is ultimately why the ‘it’ bag craze died so quickly. Its personal and a big investment, so be sure the choice that you make is perfect for you.

Row One, Left to Right: Givenchy Envelope Antigona Clutch, Louis Vuitton Mono Speedy Bag, Chanel 2.55 Double Flap Bag.
Row Two, Left to Right: Chanel Calfskin Quilted Large Boy Flap Bag, Hermes Crocodile Birkin, Hermes Kelly Bag.
Row Three, Left to Right: Saint Laurent Monogramme Textured- Leather Shoulder Bag, Chloe Paddington Satchel, Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag.  


Sunday 16 March 2014

90's Revival


Mention the word 'overalls' and I immediately have flash backs from the 90's, where my biggest problem was whether I liked Posh or Ginger Spice more. Whilst most fashion trends from the 90's have been left firmly where they belong, overalls are being revived and I couldn't be happier! 

When I have mentioned that I'm currently on the hunt for the perfect pair of denim overalls, I have been greeted with eye rolls, looks of shock and the comments "oh its a fashion thing, I could never wear it". However I'm predicting overalls are going to be big next season.  Worn with a shirt and heels or cuffed at the ankle with a tee shirt and Havaianas, they are versatile, trans seasonal and a worth while investment that I'm tipping will see you through at least another two seasons.   

I have edited the trend to find the best of the best and styled it two ways.

You heard it here first.

xx
A Stylish Affair 



Left To Right: Current/ Elliot from Net a Porter
http://www.net-a-porter.com/intl/product/431214?cm_mmc=LinkshareUK-_-Hy3bqNL2jtQ-_-Custom-_-LinkBuilder&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-EkmdVzcf0CvgroZWI41khg
Sass and Bide
http://www.sassandbide.com/eboutique/denim/boyfriend/doing-my-thing.html?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Linkshare&utm_campaign=Hy3bqNL2jtQ&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-g3hmPyKsgtd.sRLyD2.Y5g
Ralph Lauren- Denim and Supply
http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=24789026&SiteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-8AzYcFOLgY_l5vls_f46Rw&utm_source=Affiliate&utm_medium=Hy3bqNL2jtQ
One Teaspoon from ASOS
ttp://www.asos.com/au/One-Teaspoon/One-Teaspoon-Cobain-Awesome-Leather-Denim-Dungaree/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3702192&cid=15167&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Cobain+denim


Left to Right: Citizens of Humanity from Shopbop
http://www.shopbop.com/quincy-overalls-citizens-humanity/vp/v=1/1551463415.htm?fm=search-viewall-shopbysize
Black Orchid from Revolve
http://www.revolveclothing.com/black-orchid-skinny-overall-in-die-another-day/dp/BORC-WR1/
Frame Denim from Matches Fashion
http://www.matchesfashion.com/product/192792
Seafolly
http://www.seafolly.com.au/clothing/all-clothing/ridge-festival-overall.html





Thursday 6 March 2014

Autumn

The leaves are starting to blush, the temperature is falling and there's a chill in the air. The clocks turn back, the nights start sooner and Autumn is when we first notice a definite change in wardrobe. Its not quite a Winter chill, but not quite a Summer warmth. Autumn dressing is all about layering. Tee shirts with Chambray shirts, long sleeve tees with vests- its all about having at least one layer which you can remove/put on depending on what mood the beautiful city of Melbourne is in for the day.

I've created these looks with relaxed weekend dressing in mind. A guide to Autumn dressing catered to Melbourne's 5 seasons in one day.. clearly I'm still obsessed with boyfriend jeans (but I have thrown a skirt in the mix for good measure) and luckily they work perfectly for Autumn dressing.

Enjoy
xx
A Stylish Affair

The Bottoms 

Left to Right: Basike Universal Jean http://www.bassike.com/shop/women/denim
C&M Like a Movie Star Skirt http://www.camillaandmarc.com/like-a-movie-star-black-white.html
Rag & Bone Boyfriend Jeans http://www.shopbop.com/boyfriend-jean-rag-bone/vp/v=1/1581349417.htm?folderID=2534374302121211&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=60056




The Tee 
Left to Right: Aje Tee http://a-j-e.com.au/products/the-aje-stripe-tee
Bassike Denim Tee http://www.bassike.com/shop/women/denim/raw_fleece_denim_oversized_t_shirt/19306/DBLUE
Bassike Striped Tee http://www.bassike.com/shop/women/knitwear/cotton_knit_t_shirt/19166/BLK.UNDY




The Long Sleeve Tee 
Left to Right: Sussan Striped Quilted Top http://www.sussan.com.au/shop/en/sussan/clothing/essentials/stripe-quilted-shoulder-top#.Uxb80ShkI_s
C&M Just Cant Be Sweater http://www.camillaandmarc.com/just-can-39-t-be-sweater-grey-marle.html
C&M Etoile Sweater http://www.camillaandmarc.com/etoile-sweater-mid-multi.html

The Cover Up
Left to Right: Sussan Dark Chambray Shirt http://www.sussan.com.au/shop/en/sussan/new-in/the-denim-story/dark-chambray-shirt#.Uxb9vihkI_s
C&M You Know it Vest http://www.camillaandmarc.com/you-know-it-vest-black.html
Rag & Bone Denim Jacket http://www.shopbop.com/denim-jacket-rag-bone-jean/vp/v=1/845524441949536.htm?folderID=2534374302066271&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=46760