Friday, 13 June 2014

Not Into Fashion?

Nothing grates on my nerves more than when having a conversation with someone and they say "oh I'm not into fashion". Really? Well you're wearing clothes so its safe to say that yes, actually you are into fashion.  Fashion is what you wear, its the statement you make to the world about who you are.

I'm not saying that everyone should be wearing couture or reading Vogue religiously every month. However I am saying that everyone to some degree cares about what they look like. Even those who claim they're 'not into fashion' are making a choice about what they wear each day. They may be choosing to rebel against current trends (creating their own fashion statement in the process), borrowing from their boyfriends wardrobe (which in fact is delightfully on trend) or wearing pieces from two seasons ago, but the point is they are actually making a choice. 


The fact of the matter is that whilst they believe they aren't 'into fashion', every single piece of clothing they own has actually been carefully curated and represents millions of dollars and countless jobs. A designer designs a piece in a certain colour or print. That trend (the print, colour shade or hem length ect) is usually seen in several runway shows before being filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some clearance bin. This is usually where those who claim they aren't into fashion and possess that 'I'm trying to tell the world that I take myself too seriously to care about what I put on my back' attitude found it. So whilst they claim they're not into fashion, they are actually wearing something that, in some form, was featured in Vogue a few seasons ago. 


And those who claim that they just buy clothes to be clothed and really truly don't care about what their wearing- they do in some way care about what they look like. Even if they refuse to admit it or pretend that they don't, every one likes to feel good and its a scientific fact that when you look good, you feel good. 


So next time someone looks at you blankly when your talking about the McDonald's themed pieces that Jeremy Scott sent down the runway for Moschino and blurts out the line "oh I'm not into fashion" and proceeds to say that they have no intrest in what they wear at all. Remind them that they have made a choice about what they're wearing and that it's ok to admit that they like to look good once in a while. 


Theres a reason you learn about the way Dior revaluationised women's fashion post World War Two in high school. Fashion doesn't have to be their be all and end all but it is important to acknowledge that everyone in some way does buy into fashion. You live your life in it.


"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening" - Coco Chanel 

Now having style? That's a different matter completely! And one for another day. 
What are your thoughts?


XX 

A Stylish Affair 





Friday, 6 June 2014

Dresses and Knits

Dresses and knits are two of my favourite things, so why not combine them?
Keep the colour palette simple and choose a loose fitting dress. Pink is on trend for this Winter and keeps the look bright and fresh but you could also try this with a navy dress and black knit.

Shop the look here: 
Dress: MLM http://www.mlmlabel.com/shop/Shop-with-love/Dresses/PRE-ORDER-Ziggy-Roll-Sleeve-Mini-in-White-Avl-9th-June/ (Also available in black and navy)
Knit: Below Knit is from Sussan (not available on-line) Similar by Style Stalker available here http://www.revolveclothing.com.au/r/DisplayProduct.jsp?aliasURL=style-stalker-moon-base-sweater-in-vivid-pink/dp/SSTA-WK2&&product=SSTA-WK2&utm_source=cj&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=4441350&source=CJ&AID=10568535&PID=4441350&utm_content=10568535&cvosrc=affiliate.cj.4441350


Let me know your thoughts,
Tweet me @a_stylishaffair
XX
A Stylish Affair

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Monday, 26 May 2014

Flying in Style

I've been lucky enough to have done a lot of international traveling in my life. I'm constantly being asked "what do I wear on the plane? I want to look stylish yet still be comfortable". I used to always wonder how celebs flying on commercial flights like the rest of us mere mortals still managed to look nonchalantly pulled together. After flying business class long haul a few times- I now understand. However, majority of the time that I'm flying long haul its certainly not in business so I have a few go-to rules/tips and tricks that I've learnt from my many years of long haul flying (I've also thrown in a few packing tips too). I thought i'd share just in time for those jetting out for the European summer.

Safe Travels
xx
A Stylish Affair




Packing 
Before you decide what to wear on the plane- you need to pack first. My holiday wardrobes are always a carefully edited selection of pieces- if you throw everything in the suitcase, you'll struggle to keep within weight restrictions (I still struggle with this even though I do edit), end up with 10 white tee shirts and leave that once piece that would be perfect for that beach party/dinner/sightseeing day at home.

Have an idea of the places you'll be going and suitable attire for each event. I roughly pack an outfit a day/night and some spares. Making sure that everything matches and love everything that you've packed. DONT pack anything your not 100% sure about or haven't worn in the last season. Don't make the mistake of thinking that maybe, just maybe you'll wear it- trust me, I can promise you- you definitely wont. Try and choose pieces that mix and match, you want to be able to just throw on an outfit and enjoy yourself. Knowing that you have a selection of pieces that all match and that you love, will cut your getting ready time in half, leaving more time for that extra cocktail.

Lastly- roll all your clothes, it creates much more space. Stuff your shoes with socks or underwear (if they are boots or sneakers) and pack shoes so that that underside of the shoe faces the edges of your suitcase- creating even more room again.


Plane Attire 
1. Footwear
Now that you've planned your outfits, try and wear shoes on the plane that you know you'll actually wear on your trip.  My feet always get cold on the plane so I always travel in sneakers, then I wear them when I'm sightseeing.

http://www.authentics.com.au/530057-white

http://www.tonybianco.com.au/categories/sneakers/rule-38462.html


2. Pants
I always travel long haul in pants. You want a pair that you feel comfortable enough sitting in for hours on end (read: this is so not the time to wear your jeans). I never advocate leggings as a form of dressing however this is the only time i'll make an exception and only if you wear a long top or jumper over them. I tend to choose cuffed track pants, I find them comfortable and if your flying in the next few months you'll be right on cue with the sports luxe trend.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/449884/Zoe_Karssen/cotton-blend-jersey-track-pants

http://www.sussan.com.au/shop/en/sussan/clothing/pants/spacedye-jogger#.U4Ln1ShkI_s

http://www.witchery.com.au/shop/8fourteen/clothing/new-in/melange-trackpant-60164301

3. Tops
Layering is the key to comfortable yet appropriate flying attire. Usually when your flying long haul its from one climate to another i.e: hot to cold or cold to hot, and in the air its always cold. Wear a tee shirt or a shirt (again one that you actually intend on wearing whilst on your trip) and then a jumper (I like to wear a printed jumper to add some colour). If your going to a hot climate once you reach your destination you probably wont see the jumper again until its time to check in at the airport for your departure, so make sure its light weight so as not to take up to much room. I sometimes wear a jumper and a jacket (I'm usually flying from a cold Melbourne, to a warm Europe) my jacket of choice is always a denim jacket- ALWAYS. As I know when I get to my destination I will wear it in the evenings over my summer dresses. 

http://www.theoutnet.com/product/438531?cm_mmc=LinkshareUK-_-Hy3bqNL2jtQ-_-Custom-_-LinkBuilder&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-dFmghBBB7mw8YtPax7Xesg

ttp://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Boyfriend-Sweatshirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3916353&cid=11321&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Pink

http://www.asos.com/Monki/Monki-Mono-Print-Hoodie/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3944111&cid=11321&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black

4. Tote
I always carry a large leather tote on board with me. I'm a lover of the big handbag anyway so I use it on my trip too. Make sure its large enough to carry magazines, books, bottled water, lip balm and all the other in flight necessities. 

http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/tote-bags/NL038-1/LUXE-LOCK-TOTE.html

http://www.mimco.com.au/shop/bags/tote-bags/60166917-1/Hitch-Tote.html


 
Comfort and Style Combined 



P.S You may also find this Anya Hindmarch travel case handy too, clear PVC means you wont have to stop at security and search for any lip glosses hiding in your bag. 

Friday, 23 May 2014

Boyfriend With A Twist

Whenever I'm putting my outfits together, I always try to stay true to my personal style (feminine, preppy with an edge). This outfit was a combination of two of my favourite items; my boyfriend jeans and a pair of T-bar sandals. I love these sandals although the heel height limits what they can be worn with; it's not quite high enough for a dress or skinny jeans. Pairing the sandals with my boyfriend jeans gave the look a bit of a preppy feel to it and I love that these sandals balance out my jeans perfectly. I loved the contrast of the grungy edge boyfriend jeans bring to a look contrasted with the girly feel a T-bar sandal brings.

XX
A Stylish Affair










Shop the look here:
Jeans- 




Shirt-



Jacket - 


Sandals:

Friday, 16 May 2014

Print on Print

A few weeks ago I was sitting at my hairdressers idly flicking through magazines when I came across this picture of Selina Gomes in head to toe Chloe`.






From then on, I have literally been obsessing over print on print. My style has always been very polished and matchy matchy, so I couldn't be happier that print on print has been popping up all over the street style scene.  For a fail safe option, try the trend with matching pieces in the same print. If your feeling adventerous; mix and match prints to create your own spin on the trend. Most of the pieces I've chosen are from Autumn/Winter collections, however I'm tipping that floral print on print is going to be huge this Summer. 

Not for the faint hearted but definitely one to try!
XX
A Stylish Affair 



Sandals: Sambag (available in Spring/Summer) 


Top & Skirt: Tibi 



Clutch: Oroton (available in store)


Clutch: Oroton (Available in Store)

Saturday, 10 May 2014

Lack Of Colour

I've always loved the idea of wearing a hat, I just never thought I could really pull it off. However ever since I tried the trend in NYC I've been hat obsessed. My style has always been very polished and I just love the way a hat can pull together an outfit giving it that old school glamour feel.

Lack of Colour are my pick for affordable and stylish Fedoras. Made from 100% Australian wool, they have the right amount of structure and a perfect brim size. The brims can be steamed to create a 'softer' look and they hold their shape fantastically. Having already bought all the pieces I coveted from the 'Rebirth of Colour' Summer 2014 collection, naturally I waited with baited breath of the release of the Winter 2014 collection titled 'Dark Fantasy' and it didn't disappoint.  Featuring an on-trend colour palate, I've already bought 2 pieces from this collection.

Lack of Colour is an online Australian fashion retailer however they offer worldwide shipping. They do have stockists in Australia (http://www.lackofcolor.com.au/?page_id=791) and were also seen on the VAMFF 2014 Runway featured as part of the Bec and Bridge and David Jones collections.

I've selected a few of my favourite pieces, even if your not a hat person its worth a look just to see the fantastic bejewelled mask.

Shop the entire collection here: http://www.lackofcolor.com.au/?post_type=product


xx
A Stylish Affair









Sunday, 4 May 2014

Just Because...

Those of you that know me, know I'm a bit in love with the Kenzo tiger. I love my Kenzo jumpers and I have gone through two different coloured tiger i-phone cases and am currently on my third. So when I stumbled upon these ballet flats I couldn't help but share them with you.

Add a little bit of glam to your winter street style wardrobe.
xx
A Stylish Affair


Navy Leather: From Luisaroma.com





Zebra Print: From Farfetch.com

White Leather: From Matchesfashion.com