Thursday, 30 January 2014

The Ringmaster

Anyone who knows me knows that Zimmermann is my one stop shop for well basically everything. From swimwear and everyday tee's to that special piece to wear to a wedding, I always know that Zimmermann will have what I want. I wait with baited breath for the drop of each of new season and have my credit card on hand whilst trying to limit my 'need it now' list to five pieces from each drop.  And as well all know, Autumn Winter Collections are dropping now!

Whilst being intrigued by the Camilla and Marc collection and having had the Vector dress on pre order since November.. I knew that Camilla and Marc's Autumn Winter collection would be one of their best yet.. and who will ever forger Jessica Gomes in that beautiful black Camilla and Marc number that closed for David Jones last night. However Zimmermann have done it  for me again! Suitably titled 'The Ringmaster' collection, The Zimmermann sisters Nicky and Simone really are the ringmasters of fashion. The uniqueness of their brand lies in their ability to cater to a 15-year old girl as well as a 50 year old woman. Always ensuring that they stick to their own design philosophy means Zimmermann pieces are original and unique. Walking into a Zimmermann store ensures your shopping for an original one of a kind piece rather than a derivative of pieces which already exist, have been debuted on catwalks and then filtered down in some way or another to any major High Street store.

Having just debuted at their first New York fashion week the Zimmermann sisters are going from strength to strength and although its a big call,  'The Ringmaster' collection is their best yet.

Here are my favourite picks from 'The Ringmaster' - all available on:
 http://www.zimmermannwear.com/the-latest-1   






Thursday, 23 January 2014

2014

Being in the glorious city of New York as the clock stuck midnight on the 31st of December 2013, meant that 2014 had the perfect beginning. Welcoming 2014 in with two of the most important and cherished people in my life possibly means I've already experienced the highlight of 2014. However I'm optimistic that 2014 will be a year with many more highlights to come. Sticking with the theme of highlights, I've decided to feature a few of my favourite looks from my holiday for this post. 

Beginning the trip with a temperature of  26 degrees celsius in LA, my Converse sneakers were a God send to achieving chic looks with jeans and a tee that were (almost) effortlessly cool and were comfy enough to endure the long, long days of sightseeing and of course running around Disneyland for 12 hours! Minus 12 degrees celsius in New York meant I lived in my jeans, boots, shearling jacket, beanie, scarf and knit jumpers - with countless thermal camisoles underneath. Layering was the key to keeping warm and my love for chunky knits served me well (choose oversize knits when layering to avoid looking like the michelin man). San Francisco saw the much celebrated return of my Converse sneakers into my daily wardrobe. Whilst the temperature was still cold, I was able to shed some of my NYC layers and zip out the shearling gilet from my leather jacket to inject some fresh looks into my daily outfits. Vegas saw the purchase of my new favourite ripped denim jeans from Gap and me doing a secret jump for joy at the retirement of my much loved (but oh so over wearing them, after being my staple in LA, NYC and San Fran) skinny jeans.  Finishing off in Hawaii with 30  degrees celsius meant we were able to thaw out and enjoy the amazing beaches Waikiki had to offer. My ripped jeans became my go-to for balmy nights and Zimmermann bikinis and a Tigerlily Kaftan, my staples during the day.  

Naturally shopping played a major role in my sightseeing, who can go to New York without saying they saw the inside of Bergdorf Goodman, lunching at Saks and agonising over whether those half off Valentinos are worth the investment (of course they ARE!). Narrowing down my purchases to my favourite three...
1. A felt American Apparel floppy hat
2. A Halston Heritage navy leather skirt
3. Ripped denim Gap Jeans

Enjoy!!
xx
A Stylish Affair 
Converse Cool at Disneyland. 

Skinny Jeans, Boots, Jacket and American Apparel hat in NYC. 


Converse come back and Gilet entry in San Fran.  


Ripped Denim LOVE in Hawaii. 



    

Tuesday, 24 December 2013

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.





Monday, 23 December 2013

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
Shoes: Alice and Olivia from Shopbop
Clutch: Sambag

2. Dress: Lover the Label from The Iconic
Clutch: Oroton
Shoes: Wittner

3. Dress: Lover the Label from The Iconic
Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood from Green with Envy

Left to Right
1. Dress: Josh Goot from Green with Envy 
Shoes: Tony Bianco 

2. Dress: Zimmermann
Clutch: Alexander Wang from Shopbop
Shoes: Tony Bianco

3. Dress: Zimmermann

Left to Right
1. Dress: Sass and Bide
Shoes: Wittner
Clutch: Oroton

2. Dress: Sass and Bide
Shoes: Nicholas from Green with Envy
Clutch: Oroton

3. Dress: Manning Cartell
Shoes: Wittner
Clutch: Oroton 

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 
Sandals: Sambag
Clutch: Sambag

2. Dress: Zimmermann
Sandals: Sambag
Clutch: Sambag

3. Dress: Zimmerman 
Sandals: Sambag
Cross Body Bag: Oroton
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 
Sandals: Sambag
Cross Body Bag: Oroton

2. Dress: Manning Cartell 
Sandals: Sambag
Cross Body Bag: Tory Burch from Shopbop




Wednesday, 18 December 2013

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

Thursday, 12 December 2013

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. 

 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. 

Row Two. 

Footwear 
Left to Right.


Hats 

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

Left to Right. 

Thursday, 5 December 2013

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!