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


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.