Tag: Fashion Blogging

Easter Sunday Look Book

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Anyone who grew up in the Church would tell you that Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day somewhat resemble an exotic fashion Show in Milan. Whether it be polished shoes, manicured nails, perfectly placed hair or exquisite gowns; Easter Sunday is always a time of celebration, family and putting the regular ‘Sunday best’ to shame.

Well versed and knowing this will be the case, I sought to outfit my old-world conservative lace tier dress with youthful accessories to create a playful, yet Church appropriate look.

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Shop my look:

Seed Heritage Lace Tier Dress

Gucci Blooms 

Hugo Boss Nude Shoes

Longines PrimaLuna L8.110.4.87.6

MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick

Wishing all a happy and safe Easter!

Disclaimer: well-aware that the canines pictured are by far the best accessories to any outfit.

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Styling Menswear

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Throughout my years of retail experience, I have met men from various walks of life who have different levels of competence when ‘outfitting’. As a result, I felt it necessary to share some helpful hints and tips I have aquired from my 2.5 years working in men’s fashion.

1. Trans-seasonal Layering

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Tran-seasonal periods are when both men and women have the opportunity to exhibit their personal approach to fashion.

Unlike the warmer months, it is hard to dress with style in mind when your primary concern is not melting in the heat. Personally, I believe that during the colder months one can layer high street pieces into a decadent (yet stylish and affordable) outfit that both looks and feels incredible.

The best tip that I could ever offer is to invest in staple pieces.

Whilst fast fashion can be riveting and playful – certain items of clothing should not be compromised for trends. A classic investment piece of clothing can be worn hundreds of times without looking worn and tattered. Whether it be a wool jacket, suede desert boots, a comfortable pair of boat shoes, high quality yarn knit-wear or a cashmere scarf – pay attention to the fine details of your clothing investments, as these are the pieces your outfits will revolve around.

Now I know what you’re thinking – I bet that you’re scrolling through your phone or sitting behind your computer screen rolling your eyes thinking… “yeah okay, and how much do you expect me to invest?“. Well, the truth of the matter is that high fashion companies are lifting their game – no longer do luxury materials and well fitted pieces have to be purchased from the luxury market. Newsflash, in this competative market, quality garments and expensive price tags are no longer mutually exclusive. Everyday accessible brands such as Connor, Tarocash, YD, Industrie, Saba and Country Road can offer fantastic alternatives to designer clothing, with a similar finish.

When investing in basics, pay close attention to the fabric content and don’t be afraid to ask the sales associate of the best ways to clean the garment, or how it will wear over time.

Alternatively, if you own a classic coat that needs updating, take that coat to an alterations shop and taper the shoulders and waist to flatter your figure. The smallest details can be the difference between items looking mass-manufactured and made for you.

2. Everyday-wear

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Working in men’s fashion you quickly learn that every sales assistant gravitates towards different styles, so much so, that as colleagues we direct customers to one another if we feel our personal style aligns with a customers. If you are after trend-driven casual streetstyle that revolves around fresh sneakers, I could blindly assist you with sizing and not much else. On the other hand, if you are after a collared shirt, fitted chinos and boat shoes – I’m your girl.

For everyday outfitting, I suggest that you consider what appeals to you most and working from there. Determine whether you appreciate sportier styles, trend-driven streetwear styles, or anything in between. Once you know the look you are trying to achieve, it is easier to shop for individual items.

The ‘preppy’ look always spoke to me – the timeless blend of comfortable everyday clothing with a touch of formal flair. This appreciation inspired me to style the model (pictured above) in a quintisential preppy look appropriate for university, casual fridays in the office, or weekendwear.

3. Work-wear

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Dressing for work isn’t too complicated. If you stick to a few golden rules, there’s not much that can go wrong.

Firstly, always match your belt and shoes (and workbag if you so wish). Far too many times men have come into the mens-wear store I work at with the intention of purchasing a semi-matching belt for their work outfit.

I’m sorry, but no.

There are some things in this world that are fundamentally wrong…this is one of them.

The purpose of wearing a belt other than for functional reasons, is to tie the details of an outfit together to achieve a polished look. If your belt and shoes do not match, the proportions of the outfit are scewed and you are better off untucking your shirt and sporting the shoes on their own.

I note that whilst in this image the workbag is black and the other accessories are a deep chocolate brown, the subtle hardware of the bag paired with the brown patch detailing on the strap ties the outfit together.

Further, do not fear the ‘dress chino’. Whilst a lot of mens fashion brands are yet to jump on the bandwagon, I am a great believer in the versatility, practicality and beauty of the dress chino. This is a pant that can be worn for work and paired with a different top, can be transformed into an everyday pant for casual day-to-day life. If purchased in a subtle color such as black, navy, ink, camel or sand, the dress chino can be the perfect addition to a capsule wardrobe (whilst still looking professional and polished).

Whatever your style, experience or confidence with men’s clothing, we all have to start from somewhere. Thanks to my delving into clothing styles, I have progressed from the completely inexperienced 19 year old to a reasonably well-versed near 22 year old – I have no doubt that you can do the same!

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February Favourites

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Fashion

1.  Dior Tribal Earrings

The En Dior Tribale earrings have quickly established themselves as a staple piece of every bloggers wardrobe. For that specific reason, I vowed to never show interest in the seemingly over-hyped pair of earrings. Whilst I am a huge pearl enthusiast, I like many was unwilling to look past unbranded accessories that exhibited great craftsmanship and individuality, for mass-produced pieces that are not even freshwater pearls.

My stoic attitude was however challenged by one of my favourite bloggers Lydia Elise Millen, as she unboxed a stunning sterling silver pair of Tribal Earrings from Paris, with an unrivalled intricate design. From there on, I could not get the less common tribal earrings designs out of my mind, helplessly watching the items sell for ludicrous prices on the consignment market. For that reason I decided to invest when I had the opportunity and jump on the tribal bandwagon…and I have not looked back since!

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2. Gucci GG Blooms Continental Wallet
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As exhibited in my previous posts, the GG Blooms print truly is the apple of my eye. With that in mind, let’s not act surprised that I am insanely in love with my GG Blooms Continental ‘Zip Around’ Wallet.

Even though fashions are moving away from continental wallets towards sleeker card cases, I proudly rock my floral beauty like a nana with her decades old fur jacket – wearing it without a care.

If you are on the market for a sturdy canvas wallet that can be utilised as a clutch (and that isn’t sported by every Tom, Dick and Jane) – I would unreservedly recommend this piece.

3. Zoe Wittner – Clide Shoes

Quite literally my ‘go-to‘ shoe.

Work? Clide.

Date night? Clide.

Mountain walk? Clide.

Wedding? Clide.

Funeral? Clide.

Okay, perhaps exaggerated slightly, but nevertheless these shoes scream Aquazzura vibes to me (minus that painful Aquazzura price tag) ! This attention grabbing pair is always the focal part of conversations, and/or outfit. After spending a day in the city shopping with my mother, she came to the opinion that women and other on passers spent more time staring at my shoes than they did anything else. They are the perfect comfort sandal, with a durable suede lining, paired with that certain pazazz you do not often see in high street.

My love runs deep for them, so much so that I returned to purchase the style in all provided colours – not even sorry!

Beauty

1.  Guerlain ‘Rouge G de Guerlain’ Lipsticks

Guerlain is a brand I always wanted to try, but somehow never got around to (like most things in my life). Hearing esteemed lifestyle bloggers rave about the velvety and luxurious pigment of the lipsticks made me instantly lust for one of my own. As if that wasn’t enough, the heritage of the company had me swooning unimaginably, with the House of Guerlain was founded in 1828, when Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain opened his perfume store at 42 in Paris.

I finally took the leap into Guerlain, and have not looked back since.

The two colors I can not get enough of are the Orgueil M69 and Luxure M27 (pictured below). As someone who rarely stray from my holy grail nude shades, and in the rare occurrence that I do it is to sport another nude, these shades are a well needed sophisticated nighttime shade.

2. Omorovicza Skincare

I first encountered Omorovicza products in Mecca Cosmetica and to be blatantly honest, the moment I heard of the process behind the product, the efforts chemists went to and the active ingredients, I was listening.

The moment they told me the story of Margaret and Stephen, the founders of the product, they had my attention.

Fast forward to the early days of this century Margaret and Stephen met in Budapest. Stephen took his future wife on a tour of Hungary and their first stop? The thermal baths. Here, they were amazed at the transformation of their skin and so enlisted the help of a Nobel prize-winning laboratory to harness these healing waters into a pioneering new luxury skincare range, using Hydro Mineral Transference.

Origins of Omorovicza

The moment they told me the product originated from Budapest – I was sold.

Irrespective of the product packaging, indifferent to the scent and/or the popularity, Omorovicza is by far the best skincare I have ever used (finally, something knocking Clinique Anti-Blemish Solution Review off it’s pedestal).

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3. MECCA COSMETICA (store)

Okay, so, newsflash to everyone else out there who like me, didn’t know that Mecca
a does not purely specialise in makeup (Mecca Maxima), but also in skincare!

Further to that, I can hand on heart attest to the fact that I have never been so impressed with the sales assistants as I was in Mecca Cosmetica. After wandering aimlessly into The Galleries store, I was so thankful to have met a brilliant sales person named Alma who spent in excess of an hour with me, discussing the heritage, stories and skincare products within the store. What struck me was how much knowledge these women possessed and the inconceivable passion they had for exceptional product and helping
clients with their skin needs.

I will be hard pressed to shop anywhere else for my skincare needs from now on. Through old fashioned customer service, I will happily blow the trumpet and be an ambassador for Mecca Cosmetica. If you too feel like you are wasting hundreds upon hundreds of dollars on ineffective creams – head into your nearest Mecca Cosmetica and merely ask for help.

4. Carolina Herrera, Good Girl

My first encounter with this scent was in the duty-free shopping of the Pacific Jewel.
From that first whiff, I could not get the flirtatious fragrance out of my head, so much so that I woke up the next day knowing that I could not resist brining the stiletto shaped bottle home. Carolina Herrera’s new fragrance is a delicate balance between sweet floral scents and deep sexy undertones.

5. Priceline Hair Care ‘Goody Bag’

This month Priceline offered customers a ‘Goody Bag‘ with product amounting to $260 when customers spent $50 on hair care products.  This bag consisted of various full-sized products which to my surprise were of impeccable quality and value.

Miscellaneous

1. 7/11 Iced Coffee

At the risk of sounding like a ‘BB’, iced coffee is the man-kinds greatest creation since sliced bread.

Why not enjoy a guilt free iced coffee that will only set you back $2, in comparison to cafes that will end up being a robbery by daylight?

2. ECOYA White Peach & Orange Blossom Reed Diffuser

As an appreciator of all scents peach, it seems fitting that my room constantly smell of sweet citrus!

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3. Spotify – Sleep Playlist

I am still unaware of what the third track on the playlist is… I am always in a peaceful slumber by that stage.

4. T2 Tea Flask

I was lucky enough to be gifted the much anticipated tea flask for Valentine’s Day. H999BU078_t2-stainless-steel-flask-lilac_r1.jpgWhilst I was advised that the tea will stay hot for 6-8 hours, a claim that I was sceptical about, I found that tea could stay hot for much longer. I can confirm that these claims are not mere puff and they are completely and unreservedly worth the money.

My flask was my number one item used on my recent cruise, addressed in Travel Tips & Tricks: Cruises. A stunning gift and addition for anyone who loves there tea anywhere near as much as I do.

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2016 Favourites

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As a consumer who gullibly believes the claims of beauty companies, I have dabbled in various products and their claims to determine what is and isn’t mere puff.

To celebrate the beginning of the new year, I would love to share the products that proved exceptional, that I will continue to use throughout 2017!

Skin Care

Clinique Anti Blemish Solution

2016 was the year of acne.  Vicious, aggressive and unyielding acne. Quickly I learnt that  teenagers are not the only ones to fall victim to the curse of cystic hormonal acne.

Thankfully, with the assistance of the Clinique Anti Blemish Solution Range (review available at: Clinique Anti-Blemish Solution Review), my skin has been afforded the opportunity to clear up. I recommend these Clinique products to those struggling with their skin, yet do not want to use harsh chemicals or reach to prescribed oral or topical medications.

Frank Coffee Scrub

When it comes to ensuring soft luxurious skin, coffee scrubs have been all the rage this year. Every Tom, Dick and Jane have released their take on the humble coffee scrub. Meanwhile, I have been the foolish consumer who has purchased dozens of coffee scrubs in an attempt to knock the most popular of them all, being Frank. Unfortunately, said venture has led me to some skin issues. Some of the scrubs have been too coarse, causing grazing and irritation, some have had far too many chemicals, causing mild allergic reactions, whilst the others were bluntly underwhelming. Through my hundreds of wasted
dollars and my many skin issues, I have come to the final determination that Frank is not at all overhyped and that it is about time I show fidelity to the original coffee scrub brand.

The Frank: Peppermint and Coffee Scrub has established itself as a staple of my beauty routine. Beyond the fact that I am a stickler for anything peppermint flavoured or scented, the scrub has an incredible ability to penetrate the skin’s surface to leave a luxurious sheen to the skin (of oil), whilst relaxing tense muscles. I particularly appreciate this particular coffee scrub for post-workout relaxation (as discussed in my first point in 16 Lessons Learnt throughout 2016!).

Makeup

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Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

There is a reason why the Double Wear Foundation is the number one selling makeup product from the internationally acclaimed skin care brand. The medium to high coverage buildable foundation is incredible for both day-to-day wear and for special occasion makeup.

It is no secret that a wide range of influencers speak glowingly about this product (to be fair, I was late on the bandwagon), but repurchasing on multiple occasions throughout 2016, I would not enter 2017 wearing anything else.

p.s I recommend wearing the matching pressed powder on-top so not to look caked. 

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer

I originally purchased this product purely on the premise of price. Cosmo Cosmetics in Sydney was clearing their Giorgio Armani range (still in date) for a fraction of their retail cost. As a constant fake tan user, I was recommended the fluid sheer in shade three, which is a luminous colour corrector that I mix with my foundation. I love the natural highlight that the fluid sheer provides and the fact that it alters to my individual skin tone.

It is also worth noting that the product packaging is stunning and can easily be used as a decorative piece (as discussed in Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget: Budget Friendly Luxury Design).

Too Faced: Better Than Sex Mascara

One coat of the carbon black, collagen-fuelled mascara formula and lashes are full, defined and stretched to unbelievable lengths. Two coats and lashes are even more luscious, curled and dramatic. Three coats and achieve the most intense black, oversized, multidimensional lashes possible! A mascara so amazing it’s Better Than Sex!

Mecca Details

…took the words out of my mouth.

Physicians Formula 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Liquid Eyeliner 

I struggle with liquid eyeliner. Watching me create a winged eyeliner somewhat resembles a scene from the Trojan War. The Physicians Formula 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Liquid Eyeliner is an incredibly thin brush that is easy to control, which is always a positive when working with carbon black eye products.

Mac Lipsticks: Angel and Honey Love

Considering actions speak louder than words, let us appreciate the fact that I have repurchased the Frost Lipstick Angel six times this year!

Angel is a stunning hybrid of glossy pink and nude that provides medium to full coverage on the lip. Whilst I begun using Angel without a lip liner, I soon determined that the shade suited a slightly darker nude lipliner (currently using one from Nude by Nature). Surprisingly, I recently wore the shade without the lipliner and came to the determination that the colour was slightly too pink and youthful without a darker undertone (which might suit those with lighter coloured features).

At the same stage I started reaching past Angel, I was inspired by the infamous lip combo of my favourite blogger and YouTuber, Lydia Elise Millen. I was gifted Honey Love for Christmas 2015 but did not wear the colour as I am not a fan of Matte lipsticks (seemingly unlike the rest of the world). Lydia prompted me try the shade and have not put the lip product down since!

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Hair Care

For as long as I can remember, my best friend has tooted on the horn of BioSilk silk infused hair therapies (which fell upon deaf ears).

Whilst sailing through the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, my hair became dry and brittle due to the effects of the harsh and unyielding elements. In returning from the ocean, I fell into the habit of running the BioSilk treatment through my hair after I washed it. In no time at all my lifeless mop turned light, luscious and felt nourished – somehow my hair looked and felt far better than it did leaving Australia.

Since returning back to Australia, I am pleasantly surprised to find out that Priceline Pharmacy has decided to stock BioSilk therapies, which were previously only available from the American or in Europe.

The entire BioSilk collection including the shampoo, conditioner and leave in treatment  has revolutionised my hair care routine. I would unreservedly state that this find was the find of the year.

Fashion

Monogram (Hot Stamped) Leather Goods

Up until 2013, it was rare to see an everyday working woman sporting hot stamped leather. Whilst some were lucky enough to get their hands on hand painted Louis Vuitton, the rest of us were left googling images of celebrities showing off their initials.

Irrespective of how common and ‘on trend’ monogram has become, there is still a wow factor about someone taking their wallet to bag to the next level. I personally believe that people look at a hot stamped speedy and appreciate it first and foremost for the reason that it is a genuine Louis Vuitton piece. The initials take a backseat to the name behind the brand. TDE and Monpurse have branded solely around the complimentary hot stamp service. The fact that your bag isn’t mass manufactured for millions of people to wear worldwide adds a sentimental value to your item.

Personalising a Trend: Monogram

From phone case, laptop cover, cosmetics bags, pencil case, pouches, card wallets, purses and everything in between – I purchased it in 2016 and I will continue to love it in 2017!

Miscellaneous

Zara Home Car Air Freshener

Having a immaculately clean car is a must for me. The most commonly used phrase said in
my car from friends is generally “wow, your car is so clean!”, to which I hide an inconspicuous smile well-knowing that I vacuum it multiple times a week. I pay just as much attention to the scent of my car considering how many hours I spend in my vehicle in the week.

Zara Home in Sydney stocks beautiful car air fresheners that are beautiful and luxurious smelling. My favourite scent that I continue repurchasing is the wild berries scent that resembles my favourite triple scented candle.

BOSS The Scent for Her

THE FRAGRANCE

INGREDIENTS:

TOP NOTE: ATTRACTION
The fruity and floral Honeyed Peach and Freesia meet in an exquisite, head-turning combination that creates an irresistible attraction.
HEART NOTE: SEDUCTION
Warm and voluptuous heart notes of the oriental flower Osmanthus connect the top and base notes in an initially light and delicate allure that evolves into a darker, heady quality.
BASE NOTE: ADDICTION
Locked together and powerless to resist, the fragrance unleashes an irresistibly rich base note of Roasted Cocoa. An enigmatic element with strong hidden qualities, it offers an addictive boost that arouses the senses, making the protagonists relinquish control in the moment.

Hugo Boss

The fragrance is stunning and no description can honestly pay it justice! I was lucky enough to be gifted this fragrance for Christmas (features in my Christmas Gift Guide: Women who have Everything!) and I am certain that this will be the scent of the new year!

Clarisonic Mia 2

My boyfriend generously gifted me the pink Clarisonic Mia 2 in the baby pink after I dragged him through Sephora on a summers day.

I love the fact that the Clarisonic cleans six times deeper than washing your face and body with your hands, moving at more than 300 movements per second to deeply clean the skin. Unbeknown to the Clarisonic company, their product is also a vital and effective part of my fake tan skincare routine and preparation. The Mia 2 is waterproof and the cleansing head is wide enough to be used for the rest of the body surface making it multifunctional (also ladies, we are getting our cost-per-wear down).

The only downfall of the Clarisonic is the fact that the charger isnt made for Australian powersockets, thus it requires an adapter which can be bulky when travelling.

The Clarisonic has been a constant companion in my self-care routine and I am certain that it will continue to do so in the new year.

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Work Christmas Party Outfit

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Tis the season ladies and gents.

With every candy cane and Christmas carol comes another right of passage for this time of year –

Christmas work parties!

Having attended my Christmas party in the week past, I encountered the ever so common conundrum of deciding what to wear. In my pursuit of trying to put together the perfect outfit, I came to the conclusion that outfit choice is actually pretty important.

Whilst colleagues are accustomed to one another in  corporate wear , Christmas parties allow you the opportunity to express yourself and your love for fashion.

Having conceptualised the significance of choosing a fun and playful outfit, I too dug through my closet and put together an outfit that I really enjoyed wearing. I would encourage you to dig through your wardrobe and pair items that you are passionate about, yet never had the opportunity to wear.

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Shop my look:

Dress: Romeo and Juliet Couture dress available at Trade Secret and/or online.

Bag: Gucci ‘GG Blooms’

Shoes: Furla (available at Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre)

Bracelet:  Hermes ‘H’ Cuff

 

Other outfit inspiration I put together are also available here:

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Happy experimenting (and merry christmas), xx.

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Christmas Gift Guide: Women who have Everything!

Listen up here Santa, (or my family if you are reading) – it’s time we talk business.

A Christmas Gift Guide for women who have it all, or are super picky.

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Year after consecutive year, the same question. Year after consecutive year, responded to with an identical answer.

“What do you want for Christmas?”

“I don’t want anything. I work. Everything I want, I own.”

Whilst some may see this as a polite response from a humble young woman, who does not want to financially impose or force expectations onto others, for me, this is a legitimate conundrum.

I identify as that woman who has everything. That woman whose name you dread picking for Chris Kringle. That woman who has everything and is painfully picky. That woman.

Whether you are the parents, boyfriend, best friend or colleague of that woman, I would be obliged to provide you with a Christmas present guide for 2016. This is equally my Christmas wish list, so Listen up here Santa, (or my boyfriend if you are reading) – it’s time we talk business.

As a disclaimer, you may look at this gift guide and question where my sense of reality is. Gifts for $100-$500 – is she crazy?! No, no – not crazy. Every family does Christmas differently. Some save up for the whole year to purchase a huge gift, whilst others purchase a small gift as mere symbolism. Irrespective of how you celebrate Christmas, there are options for everyone on any budget.

I acknowledge that others like myself who tend to have expensive taste, might be hard to buy for. I suggest that depending on how close you are to the giftee and how you approach Christmas gifts, you could either purchase or offer to contribute to a larger purchase that the giftee is saving for. Let’s be honest here, there are a lot of twenty-something year old women with a savings account dedicated to their dream designer handbags or shoes. A humble fifty-dollar contribution to said account makes for a beautiful and thoughtful gift.

Likewise, other stunning gifts available in 2016 for women who have it all, include the following…

*drum roll please*

  1. Zimmermann Lace Scallop Waist Belt

Zimmermann is recognised as an elegant and eclectic designer, that does not compromise 2cfff388577a8321e19f41e242cc9d03on quality or finishes. Weighing in at the $120 price point, the Scallop Waist Belt is available in both mink (nude) and black. The stunning leather piece somewhat resembles the previous Zimmermann Filigree range ((pictured to the right)that is still available in the Zimmermann Outlet, Rosebery). Made of supple leather, the on-trend piece is both versatile and timeless.

2. Monogrammed Small Leather Goods (SLG’s)

It is apparent by my previous blog Personalising a Trend: Monogram, that I am the loudest cheerleader for hot stamped leather. There are items for every price bracket and styles that cater to individual taste. I am personally eye-ing out Monpurse’s Crescent Grainy Cosmetic Case in the large size. The beauty of shopping for women (in my experience), is no matter how many cosmetic cases or SLG’s they have, there is always room for more. It doesn’t matter if that woman already has a cosmetics bag, the real question is – does she have a leather one with her initials monogrammed onto it?

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3. The Daily Edited (TDE) Leather Stickers 

I’m going to call it – The Daily Edited co-founders are by far the most ingenious business women! Sydney women (and men) are absolute suckers for TDE’s glamorous and youthful take on monogrammed leather goods. Long behold, the girls have come up with a new product where leather stickers are sold to further personalise your hotstamped item.

‘Customisation just got even more fun with our new range of leather stickers with adhesive backing illustrated by Aaron Favaloro.Stick them to your pouch, phone case, bag, whatever works! You can never have too many of these little bad boys.’

At the affordable price point of $20, the stickers are ever so playful. This gift is perfect as a Chris Kringle gift, or for a colleague that you are close with. It is also highly unlikely that the recipient will have already purchased any of these stickers, let alone know about them, as they were only launched recently.

I have already purchased and fallen in love with the French Bulldog sticker. I can attest to the fact that their adhesive will not damage your SLG or pouch and that you will receive many compliments on the accessory.

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4. Leather Bag

It wouldn’t be right of me without suggesting gifting one of my favourite items ever… Bags!

*shock horror*

A beautiful piece that I have been lusting over is again, one of Zimmermann’s pieces. The Circular Link Bag was sent down from the heavens with my name written all over it. Experiencing this bag in store was a remarkable experience – I have literally never felt such beautifully supple, yet robust leather in my life. The craftmanship reminds me of Moroccan leather bags that my mother used to buy me as a child. I equally appreciate that there is no branding on the bag and the real hero is the design and quality. I note that whilst this woman has it ‘all’, this is most definitely a underhyped piece that you are highly unlikely to see on the streets.

Let’s not ignore that the bag is priced at $550 – however this could be one of the pieces that you contribute towards.

5. Experiences

Stating the obvious when I explain that if someone already owns a lot, paying money for them to experience something is an easy conclusion. I don’t think it matters how many times someone jumps out of a plane or goes to see their favourite band, the experience is different every time.

Why not scower Red Balloon , invest in a New Years Eve event or merely purchase them a gift card for a facial. To some, money spent on memories is more of an investment than money spend on anything else. I would however drop hints to the recipient of the gift before you go ahead with the purchase, as to some this isn’t the case and they would prefer material possessions.

6. Donations to Charity

Tis the season of giving, right?

For my family, Christmas is a time of religious worship and a time to celebrate the family unit. For us, irrespective of how much you spend on another, there always a tradition to spend some money in the recipient’s name, to worthy charity.

I love this tradition as you inadvertently feel like you have contributed to a less privileged individuals festive experiences. Again, this gift idea depends upon the individual whose name it would theoretically be donated in. Obviously this road isn’t for everyone, but I would encourage you to consider – if someone is privileged enough to own so much that they are hard to buy for, is it perhaps a wise thing to provide another with basic necessities instead?

I love charities that provide you with little tokens that stipulate where your money went with a Christmas message. Last year I invested in World Vision, whilst the year before I donated to Catholic Missionary Work. Again, each to their own, yet the option is always open.

Irrespective of what you purchase for that special lady, your family member, your friend or the person you drew in Secret Santa, never forget that thought and effort accounts for a lot more than a monetary fund in this day and age.

 

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Buying into Luxury?

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From a ripe age, I recall my mothers mantra (which was often shared with me purely out of frustration) ‘buy one thing – but buy one good thing. Don’t waste money on plenty of cheap items. Invest in your purchases and yourself.’

My mothers stern warnings and my at times extreme work schedule, allowed me the opportunity to dabble in the luxury market and develop my own sense of style. As an avid shopper and keen bargain-hunter, I have developed my own criteria and rules when investing in my wardrobe. This criteria caters to my desires to own certain  pieces and the ever-present reality that Sydney house prices will probably be the direct cause of me moving out when I’m merely forty-five.

Like Madonna said “’cause we are living in a material world, and I am a material girl“, I don’t shy away from the fact that I want nice things. In fact, if you claim otherwise, it’s about time to cut that **** and own up to reality.

Like any other young woman from my generation, I trust the experience and reccomendations of You Tubers, bloggers and others who are in the influencing community. Considering this, I frequently find myself gravitating towards #Luxury Addict Tag videos on You Tube. What has become incredibly obvious to me is that there is always a counter-community who judge and criticize You Tubers and bloggers alike for how they invest their money. As a result, influencers frequently feel the need to make disclaimers about how they spend their money and what they choose to do with their material items. Comments range from ‘what do you do to get your money? what a waste! Does your family fund your habits?’. The truth is – it’s no one’s business. So long as lifestyles isn’t funded by the proceeds of crime and no-one is getting hurt, who are you, or I, to tell another adult what to do with their money?!

This article is written for the benefit of those debating whether or not to invest in a piece, and equally to those who don’t understand why people choose to spend more money on fashion items (not that any of us should have to justify what we do with our money).

 

1.Luxury goods and inflated price-tags aren’t mutually exclusive

Something you come to realise as you get older, is that ‘luxury’ is a subjective term. Luxury doesn’t mean spending a small fortune on a pair of shoes,  a bag or a blazer. To some, yes, that is luxury and to others a garment with 5% linen or cashmere constitutes luxury. Just like anything else in the world, the value is in the eye of the beholder.

Irrespective of how you conceptualise this term, there are shopping villages such as direct factory outlets (DFO‘s), where you can find designer pieces at a fraction of the cost. Further, consignment stores, luxury second hand stores and markets are a great place to scower for that showstopping piece (without devastating your purse).

 

2. Invest in staple pieces

I’ll put it out there, I am a complete and utter sucker for fashion pieces. Anything a blogger hypes up, I’m all over it. No matter how ridiculous or un-versatile the item is, I am indifferent and needed the item yesterday.

My all-time ultimate love goes to the GG Blooms Dionysus Bag. Safe to say I drooled on nmv2m85_bk
myself slightly when I first caught a glimpse of the beauty. Yet, I am no fool and recognise that I might not ever reach for this bag after a few years, as it will likely look outdated. I compare this bag to the Gucci Boston bag (back in Gucci’s heyday), where sporting metalic loveheart patches was ‘the’ trend. In retrospect, my automatic reaction is ‘cheap’. I fear that if I was to splurge too heavily on the GG Blooms collection, I would find myself in the same boat. I do however promote purchasing small leather goods (SLG’s) in bold prints – better to not put $400AUD to good use, rather than $2805AUD.

Invest in staple pieces that you are sure you can get years out of. Whether that be a tapered coat, supple leather booties, a soft warm scarf or a designer bag. Go for staple pieces, pieces that age well and can undergo years of rain, hail, shine and spilt drinks on a friday night.

 

3. Quality, finishes and fabric

As an adult, I recognise that my mothers motto came from a place inspired by the quality of garments. She maticulously inspects the stitching on jumpers, the fabric content in pants and jumpers and sticks to recommended care cards like the Bible.

I continue to admire my mothers dedication to good fabrics, finishes and above all the quality of pieces (although it’s takes forever for her to choose the ‘right one’).

 

4. Cost-per wear is everything

Cost per wear is the magic formula of shopping. Whilst many dismiss the notion as a ploy  sales people use to up-sell, I genuinely believe in it’s merits.

Cost per wear is effectively conceputalising your potential material good as something that can be rented. If the GG Blooms Dionysus Bag retails at $2805AUD and I was to theoretically wear it on 250 occasions within the year, the cost per wear ($2805 ÷ 250 = $11.22) – meaning you are paying $11.22 everytime you wear your bag. The more you wear your item, the lower the cost per wear is, meaning you made a successful purchase.

I correlate this formula with a ‘renting’ scenario (whilst others don’t), as I compare cost 8per wear to the renting dress and luxury goods market. Yes, you can pay a handbag conniseur $300 for the weekend to borrow their Chanel – but at the end of the day you are paying off their purchase.

Whilst I love this business model and would be the last person to criticise it – why pay off another persons item, when you can pay off your own?! Likewise, I would rather pay slightly more and own my own home, rather than someone elses investment (again, I’ll probably live at home until I’m forty-five, so no worries there).

 

5. Elevating an outfit
Never underestimate the power a beautiful luxury piece. Pair it with a pair of $30 jeans from Dotti and a plain white top and you’ll still look incredible.

It will probably come to you as no suprise that my ‘thing’ is bags – in my eyes a good bag takes any plain old outfit to the next level. You can save your money for the bag or shoes, or whatever you invested in, on the rest of the outfit. Polyvore: Outfit Ideas & Inspiration sets it out perfectly!

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6. Making money on investment pieces

The amount of time I have been laughed at when informing others of the value of a Chanel is ridiculous. Read it and weap my friends, Chanel handbags have skyrocketed in value, far past the stockmarket.

Images attributable to: BagHunter

7. Everyone has ‘their thing’!

At the end of the day, we are all adults here. We all make sacrifices and work for our material goods. So what that you think someone is wasting their money? So nothing.

Many young people splurge every weekend buying bottles upon bottles at clubs. Others love doing up old cars. Some love eating the most sought after delicacies in Michelin Starred Restaurants.

Some like clothes, fashion and bags ( and only God and my bank account, knows that I’m one of them).

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