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

Wednesday, 26 February 2014

Sussan

I recently took a client shopping and wandered into Sussan and oh was I surprised. Their current Autumn/Winter collection is bursting with on-trend, easy to wear pieces. The range was easy to mix and match and consists of an on-trend colour palette. All very reasonably priced! I definitely recommend hot footing it into your closest store to snap up these pieces which will easily see you through Autumn/ Winter in style.

Heres my pick of whats currently available in stores and on-line at Sussan.com.au

Enjoy
xx
A Stylish Affair







Saturday, 22 February 2014

Worth the Investment

One of the main concerns that I hear from clients all the time is the cost of fashion. The idea that looking good is expensive is one of the biggest mis-concpetions out there. I'm not denying that yes, quality products are expensive and I'm a firm believer in the saying "you get what you pay for" but the secret lies in the way you shop. People often think that I spend all of my money on clothes.. yes a majority of my money is spent on clothing but I do also manage to pay my bills.

One day I know I'm going to have to cheat on fashion with home decor and swap my Prada to Pure baby.  The secret is that I have spent a long time building up a wardrobe of classic, wearable pieces. So when Kenzo becomes Kenzo Kids, I know exactly what pieces are worth investing in for myself and what works for my body and lifestyle.

I've compiled a list of essentials.. essential pieces bought in neutral colours that are well worth investing in.. with proper TLC these pieces will last a few seasons and wont date.

1. The White Tee

I'm VERY fussy with tee-shirts, I don't like them too clingy or too baggy.. so after a long search I've finally found that these Bassike tee-shirts really are the best. Made from organic cotton they have the perfect fit and don't stretch or loose shape.

2. Dark Wash Denim Jeans 

As it happens, I'm also very fussy with jeans, after lots of legwork, I cant go past Bettina Liano for a perfect fit every time.  A dark wash ensures your jeans are wearable year round and is also slimming. 


3. Leather Ballet Flats

Wearable year round, last a minimum of one season and match with everything. 


4. A Leather Jacket or Warm Coat

A leather jacket will give you more bang for your buck in terms of wear-abililty. It can be worn with your jeans and ballet flats as easily as it can be over your summer dresses. If your choosing a coat option go for a cashmere again it will last longer and will actually keep you warm.
 Coat: http://www.camillaandmarc.com/grayscale-coat-grey-marle.html
Leather Jacket: ttp://www.asos.com/au/Muubaa/Muubaa-Lindus-Detachable-Collar-Leather-Jacket/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3771173&SearchQuery=muubaa&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Blacksapphire

5. A Large Leather Tote

Durable enough to hold the kitchen sink and classic enough to double as your day and night bag.

6. A Knit Jumper 

Warm, classic and you'll wear it forever.

7. Leather Boots
your go-to in winter, leather means you'll be able to wear them for at least two seasons.


Once you've stocked up on the essentials and aren't having to buy cheap versions of the same thing every season you can buy that amazing Zimmermann dress that just dropped or that new baby Zara piece that your little darling needs in their wardrobe.

Happy Shopping
xx
A Stylish Affair

Saturday, 15 February 2014

New York Fashion Week

Sorry for my lack of posts lately but I am currently on hiatus from shopping while my MasterCard recovers from my American splurge.

If your Instagram feed is anything like mine, its been flooded with pictures of collections showing at the just wrapped NewYork Fashion week. Rather than regurgitate images that have been Instagrammed and re-grammed a thousand times, I thought I'd focus on what always intrigues me the most about Fashion Week in any city - the street style.  Here are my top pics of what the stylish wore to NY fashion week this past week.

Enjoy
xx
A Stylish Affair











 

Friday, 7 February 2014

Sunday Sessions

I was recently inspired to put this post together after venturing out on a Sunday for a few drinks. So many girls got it oh so wrong... Sunday sessions require effortless styling. Ok I admit when its a 30 degree day its difficult to get the balance right between showing the right amount of flesh and staying cool but that doesn't give you permission to go out in public practically naked. These looks work for bbq's, Sunday sessions, afternoon drinks.. anywhere your headed thats going to be hot and bikini's just wont cut it.  Choose easy to wear fabrics.. silks or cotton that are breathable and wear well, cuts that  flow and are loose. When putting an outfit together think about the overall composition, balance is the key. If your wearing a short skirt balance it out with a loose cut tee, midriff revealing tops only work when paired with a high waisted skirt or shorts. A hot day doesn't give you permission to pair short shorts with a crop top and call it an outfit!

Stay Stylish
xx
A Stylish Affair

Dress- Twelfth St. Cynthia Vincent from Shopbop:
 http://www.shopbop.com/embroidered-jalaba-twelfth-st-by/vp/v=1/1541571132.htm?folderID=2534374302072409&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=57854

Sandals - Sambag: http://www.sambag.com.au/heidi-terracotta-peach-donkey-3-tone-patent-new

Tote- Mimco: http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/60164871-268/Victorian-Satchel.html

Dress- Twelfth St. Cynthia Vincent from Shopbop:
http://www.shopbop.com/tie-waisted-printed-maxi-twelfth/vp/v=1/1544770560.htm?folderID=2534374302063654&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=58875

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

Tote: Juicy Couture from Shopbop: http://www.shopbop.com/sierra-mod-box-tote-juicy/vp/v=1/1539980793.htm?folderID=2534374302024667&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=12867

Top- Sambag: http://www.sambag.com.au/paige-black-nude-silk-double-layer-singlet

Shorts- Sass and Bide: http://www.sassandbide.com/eboutique/shorts/rise-up.html

Sandals- Sambag: http://www.sambag.com.au/heidi-pink-metallic-leather-sandals

Fedora- Lack of Colour: http://www.lackofcolor.com.au/?product=fuchsia-flamenco-hat

Bag- Missoni from Shopbop: http://www.shopbop.com/woven-shoulder-bag-m-missoni/vp/v=1/1595115611.htm?folderID=2534374302154911&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=12201

Wide Brim Fedora- Lack of Colour: http://www.lackofcolor.com.au/?product=montana-cobalt-coltrane

Mini Dress- Mara Hoffman from Shopbop:
 http://www.shopbop.com/shakti-mini-dress-mara-hoffman/vp/v=1/1523678782.htm?folderID=2534374302031143&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=56411

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

Tote- Seed Heritage: http://www.seedheritage.com/new-arrivals/pocket-tote-bag/w1/i10087637_1001286/

Playsuit- Zimmermann: http://www.zimmermannwear.com/swim-and-resort/clothing/sundance-embroidered-playsuit.html

Sandals- Sambag: http://www.sambag.com.au/heidi-pink-metallic-leather-sandals

Tote- Mimco: http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/60164891-1314/Standoff-Zip-Top.html

Dress- Mara Hoffman from Shopbop:
http://www.shopbop.com/mirror-embroidery-maxi-dress-mara/vp/v=1/1578493264.htm?folderID=2534374302063654&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=12397

Tote- Mara Hoffman from Shopbop: http://www.shopbop.com/vinyl-tote-mara-hoffman/vp/v=1/1552357470.htm?folderID=2534374302031143&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=56418

Sandals- Sambag: http://www.sambag.com.au/sarah-baby-pink-rectangle-flat-stone-sandals