Workwear

When I first started working in an office many years ago and wise man told me "to dress for the job I wanted, not the one I have". I think this is great piece of advice; thank you Mr D.

From that day on I was aware of what is appropriate for the workplace and what should be left in the nightclub. Reading some of the fashion magazines it is no wonder there are people out there getting it all wrong - I would love to know other in the fashion industry or some cool creative office, where off the shoulder tops, dangerously short minis and towering shoes that would normal grace a pole are acceptable in the workplace. Jeans should only be worn on casual Friday, and even then they should not have any holes or excessive fading.

My general rule is to keep it conservative until you know what is acceptable in your work place. And here is what I would wear.

Skirts to the knee.
Tailored trousers.
Structured dresses.
Blouses or knit tops (not tshirts)
Jackets or cardigans
Classic shoes - ballet flats are fine if you can't wear heals.

These two outfit are from Banana Republic (one of my favourite stores).  The first is a great more corporate look and the second for a office where a suit is not required. You can insert your personality to a more conservative outfit by using colour as seen in the first picture or subtly using interesting accessories.

My advice is it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.

What does your look say about you?

I often hear that you are shallow if you take care of yourself , dress well or follow fashion. THIS IS NOT TRUE.

Fashion and style are forms of non-verbal communication.  It can tell people what you are about. If you look like you have just rolled out of bed and into some clothes, what do you think this says about you?  People can perserve this as you don't care about yourself.

So for those of you who are thinking - I don't care what others think of what I wear or how I present myself - think about how your image might affect your career or other opportunities that life might send your way.

If you are presenting yourself this way others may assume incorrectly that you don't care about what you do, that you won't put effort into your work.  Often this is far from the truth.

If you present yourself in a stylish way it will remove a barrier which will make you more approachable. Thus bringing you more opportunities.

Your outfit doesn't need to be expensive, just flattering by fitting well and being in a colour that suits you. An expensive outfit can look cheap if it doesn't fit well.

Why would you not want to look your best everyday.

Keep an eye out for my new website early next year.


Seasons Greetings

What to buy to setup your wardrobe

If you are on a budget or just want to make it easy in the morning rush a mix and match wardrobe will be perfect for you.

A good place to start is to look back at my previous post about my ten must have items.

http://stylishleigh.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/my-ten-must-have-items.html

Buy these ten items in the best quality you can afford.

To update your look each season buy some jewellery or shoes in the latest colour or style.  Lovisa and Diva are great places to pick up some trendy and well priced fashion jewellery. Below is an enamel bracelet from Lovisa for only $16.99

Remember if you are unsure of the best shape for you body - hire a Stylist.

Oaks Day

Today we had an Oaks Day breakfast for the girls at work.  We get dressed up and there are prizes for the best dress.

I wore my favourite dress and was a bit worried that the lack of colour would not win me a prize. I love this dress so I wore it and came second. I am wearing an Anne Klein dress, Wittner shoes (current season), Celine Victoria fasinator Tiffany bead bracelet and Mimco earings.

Here is the line up of all the girls.  (BTW the time on the photo is incorrect).



Here are two beautiful girls actually at Flemington for Oaks Day, you look fantastic K and K.

Spring Racing - Derby Day

Black and White!

How do you stand out when everyone is wearing black and white this Derby Day?

I like this Jigsaw lace dress, the lace makes a simple dress elegant.

Worn with a black and white facinator available from fashionaddict.com.au

I would also recommend wearing wedges as we have had a couple of wet days, this will stop your heals sinking into the grass.  What about these Mimco wedges?

Out of your comfort zone

Recently I posed as a "client" for another Stylist in training where I had to let her guide me in what she thought I would look good in.

She was fantastic and worked out my style, often picking out pieces that I either wanted or already had. But she also took me out of my comfort zone; into shops that are not really my demographic. She suggested a great belt which I bought, something I had been looking for but hadn't found in my favourite shops.

This got me thinking - how many of us are stuck in our comfort zone?

I challenge you to take yourself out of your comfort zone the next time you are out shopping - walk in and check out the accessories, look for the well made basics, or the quirky piece you would have otherwise missed.

Have fun shopping!

Style Review

Last  Monday I had a girls night out with a couple of great friends at Cindy Newsteads' Style Review.  Twice a year Cindy has a fashion parade; Springs /Summer and Autumn / Winter; modeled by her clients who have real figures and flaws, and uses accessable clothes available at most malls.

With a glass of champagne in hand we watched seven models in three looks each; Smart Casual, After Five and Spring Racing. Using outfits from Alannah Hill, Cue, Veronika Maine, Trenery, David Lawrence, Ted Baker and Jigsaw, Cindy explained why outfits worked for each model and how to make outfit more versatile.

My personal favourite was the collection from Alannah Hill and I am loving these green shoes (they come in pink too).

Have a look at the professional photos here.

Zara Opening at Doncaster

Spring is here - toss it, donate it or sell it?

Hope you are enjoying the typical Spring weather, hot one day and wintery the next.  This a great time to take out your Summer clothes and pass a critical eye over them.  You will need to toss some out and donate some to charity or sell it.

Here are some tips to Spring cleaning your Spring/Summer clothes.

1. Are your whites still white?  Make sure any white clothing doesn't look grey or have yellow deodorant stains on them.  If it does toss it out and replace them.
2. Are your darks still dark or have they faded and look worn out? Yes then toss it!
3. Do any of your clothes have stains, rips or pilling; then decide if you love it enough to try and remove it or if you should toss it out.
4. Do you remember the last time you wore an item? If the answer is no then donate it to charity or sell it.
5. Do you still like it or wear it? You may have outgrown a certain style or it may not fit your current lifestyle. If you don't like it then donate it to charity or sell it
6. Does it still fit you (or did it ever fit you)? If not donate it to charity or sell it. Clothes may not fit due to weight loss or gain or pregnancy, or it simply may have got out of shape.
7. Does it flatter you - if either the shape or colour or scale is unflattering then donate it to charity or sell it.

So now you have weeded out all the bad pieces in your wardrobe it is time to pickup some new pieces!

Fashion's Night Out

Fashion's Night Out is a global event sponsored by Vogue and the CDFA, which started in 2009, as an initiative to encourage people to shop and support the fashion industry.

In was originally only in NYC but is now in 16 countries.  This year I was lucky enough to be in NYC for this event.

People line up outside their favourite stores, dressed up, to see what the stores are offering for the new season.  Patrons get to rub shoulders with celebrities and get exclusive offers.

As an America's Next Top Model fan I was happy to see Nigel Barker at Nine West. Designers, models and fashionisters attend this event which kicks off the first day of NY Fashion week.

Sydney hosted the event in Australia with Miranda Kerr.

So as Melbourne is dubbed the Fashion Capital of Australia I think we should campaign for the event to come here too.

Shoes Shoes Shoes

Those of you who know me will know that I have just had a shoe closet built that can take around 40 shoe boxes and some room for flats on the floor (and handbags on the top shelf but that is another post all together).  So it is not a surprise that I bought a few new pairs on my recent trip to NYC.

A lot of the "High Street Brands" rip off the designer brands and for me it paid off.  A while back I posted a pic of some Christian Louboutins that I loved; a lovely pair of gold heals.

Well I didn't buy them but I did buy these ones that I love just as much.

My best bargin shoes were these Ralph Lauren Collection shoes from Century 21, a bargain as they were reduced by $540!

And these great wedges which I can't wait to wear - bring on summer.

New York City

I have just returned from a trip to New York City! I love that city. I have been prompted to show you what my purchases are!  Stand by and I will update you.

What a difference an outfit makes!

From frumpy to hot, it is amazing how an outfit can change the way you look.  Just take a look at Jennifer Aniston.  From this (note she is dressed for a role in a movie).

To these fabulous outfits.

Zara - Chadstone Opening

Zara is opening at Chadstone on Wednesday August 8th at 9.30am to 9pm

Happy shopping!

Boatshed Beach Towels

I know it is a bit hard to think about going to the beach right now in Winter; although we are already half way through the cold months now. But I have discovered some great light weight beach towels that I wanted to share with you.

Boatshed Beach Towels are created by Jenny Baxter and Amber Brown, two mums who were sick of being left carrying heavy beach towels to and from the beach.  Together they have created some lovely light weight towels in linen and cotton. The come in lovely colours and are quick drying.

Check out their website http://www.boatshedbeachtowels.com.au/

The Clothing "bucket list"

One the radio and internet there has been much talk about "life" bucket lists, or things to do before a certain age.  This got me thinking what is my "Clothing Bucket List"

A pair of Christian Louboutins (more a problem of which to choose!)

A Burberry Trench

A Chanel pearl necklace (the one I coveted didn't come to Aus and sold out in the US- see below), so waiting for a new one that I love.

An Alex Perry dress (probably need an event worthy of this).

And this one is really just a pipe dream unless some really rich person wants to spoil me - Hermes Birkin.

Trends - what should or shouldn't you try?

What trends should or shouldn't you try?  If you are in the teens, or twenties I think give anything a go, you are young, have fun - why not.

But as we get a little older some trends can look a bit silly, aging, or just down right unflattering on us.  So what to do?

One of the trends for this winter was skinny jeans or trousers with oversized jumpers.  This trend is not one I can wear as I am too curvy.  The skinny jeans emphasis my hips and the oversize jumper takes away my waist making me look like a box ontop.  So what could I do instead?  I wear the skinny jeans with chunky boots to give another focus, and with wear a more fitted jumper or belt the ovesized one, or add a fitted jacket over the top. Kim K does this well.

Another of my favouite is the fur vest, collar or scarf but this trend is not great on someone with a large bust as it adds bulk to that area.  So to use the fur trend here I would have fur trimmed gloves, boots or the hood of a jacket.  Or if you want a fur "Star of the Show" how about this Mimco handbag.

So when the new seasons trends come out, use the styles that flatter you or pick a colour that suits your colouring.  You will look on trend without looking like you are trying to hard.  Do you own twist on the trend and you will look like an individual.  And if you need help, try a stylist - I know a good one ;)

Star of the Show

When putting together an outfit I think you should have one piece that is the "Star of the Show".

This can be a piece of clothing or an accessory that takes centre stage.

So what makes this piece "Star of the Show"?  It could be the pattern of the material, the colour, the cut, the texture or you can just make it shine!

Fur/faux fur is a good example of this from the winter trends, it can take a simple outfit to interesting by just adding a fur/faux fur vest or scarf. In the photo below Katharine McFee takes a simple jeans and tshirt to interesting with this vest.

Here is Mandy Moore at the Tangled Premier last year with a simple black dress and a dramatic necklace as "The Star of the Show"

And here is a great example of have a "Star of the Show" in a suttle way: nothing like a statement handbag!

Too many?

At lunch the other day I was asked how many shoes I actually owned. I answered truthfully that I had over 60 pairs of shoes. This person was a bit agast, but being a guy I thought he might not "get" the shoe thing.

As someone who has a "thing" for shoes I am a little blinkered as to how many shoes are too many?

So what do you think, are 60+ shoes too many for one pair of feet?

New Trend - Berry

Each season designers seduce us with a new trend, just so we will buy from them.  It may be a colour, a pattern or cut.

This season the trend I am attracted to is the colour "berry". Here are my picks of to take on this trend.

 From great boots like these one from Wittner, or this classic dress from David Lawrence; the colour is all over the shops.

I love these Witchery jeans, which are great for those that need to create some curves.

And if you are wondering what I bought? A great knit from Jag!

Zara

For those of you who love Zara, you will be please to know that we don't have to go to the city anymore. 

Zara is opening another Melbourne shop at Chadstone, in the old Esprit shop.

Shoes make you happy

"These heels are candy for the feet; they're for pleasure, not practicality" Christian Loutoutin.

These Pensee heals can by yours for $995.  They are made of crepe de chine and suede.  Such a happy colour.

J Crew now deliver to Australia and New Zealand

As the title says J Crew now deliver to us; check out their website

http://www.jcrew.com/

They have womens, men and childrens clothes.  So sneak in a shirt for your husband so he doesn't complain about you shopping!

J Crew stock up to US size 20, the also have Petite range for under 5 foot 2, and a tall range for over 5 foot 10. And shoes from Womens size 5 to 12.

Personal Stylists

Have you even wondered why some people just look put together?  Some people have the knack of just knowing what looks great and other hire a Personal Stylist to do it for them.

We all know the saying "You have 30 second to make a first impression"; so who wouldn't want to look great. 

Personal Stylists know how to make your first impression count!  They know how to make you look the best by knowing how to dress different body shapes; they know how to hide our parts that we don't like and make the most of our best assets. They also know what colour are best suited to our colourings.

I have just spent three days on the course to increase my knowledge about Personal Styling, where I met some fantastic like minds.  Watch this space!

Witchery 8 Fourteen

Introducing Witchery's new range for 8 -14 year olds.

Somethings are worth it.

My friend and I disappeared from her leaving party to check out the Burberry Outlet at DFO South Wharf. 

I tried on a Satin Silk full skirt black trench, and a great blazer with shoulder detail.

Will have to go back again when I have more time.

Just a thought

Show me a person who has never made a mistake and I'll show you somebody who has never achieved much Joan Collins

Trench Coats

The shops think it is time to start thinking about the autumn / winter season even though it is a few months away.

One of my favourite trans-seasonal pieces is the trench coat; an ever stylish versatile piece. 

If you take a peak in my wardrobe you will see that I have a soft spot for them and currently have two black, one tan, one red, one navy with spots and a black with a geometric pattern. Here is my latest from Banana Republic.

Here are some guidelines to purchasing a trench:

Think about your height; if you are short look at coats are shorter in length ending above the hips.  Like this David Lawrence trench.

Think about your shape; if you are curvy a trench that ends mid thigh will be the most flattering. If you need to create curves look for ones with a frill to give you the illusion of curves. Like this Burberry Trench (couldn't have a blog about trench coats without mentioning Burberry).

Think about colour; black is not always the most flattering colour for most of us.  A coloured trench can add some interest to the dull winter wardrobe we often wear. David Lawrence have lovely green trench coming out for Winter, Banana Republic have a bright pink version and there will always be red (like this one from http://www.asos.com/).

Spots or Stripes?

I was having a look in my closet and noticed I have a thing for stripes and currently searching for the perfect outfit with spots. So which do you like spots or stripes?

My latest stripe purchase is this Marcs jacket in navy and ivory (Boxing Day Sales).

If this is too much stripe for you to embrace how about my favourite accessory - shoes.  Similar ones are available at http://www.styletread.com.au/

Now for the spots.  Two trends rolled into one, spots and Mad Men glamour. This dress is from Laura Ashley.

Or perhaps for just a taste of spots, this scarf from Banana Republic.

How pretty are these?

If these Christian Louboutins are too expensive perhaps the next pair for $34.96 plus postage from the Kardashian Kollection at Sears http://www.sears.com/ will be in your budget.