fashion advice

Home sweet home







After a month abroad it is great to be back home!

One of my first stops back was a local thrift store where I picked up some great vintage pieces, including this cute floral tank for $1. I am loving cropped shirts layered over fitted singlets at the moment. This tank also looks great worn loose over skinny leg jeans, or tucked into a high-waisted skirt.

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Fashion flashback






Digging through my wardrobe over the weekend, I stumbled across this cute pair of vintage culottes I remember my mum picking up for me at least 15 years ago! Firstly I was thrilled that they still fit me, and secondly I had to laugh, thinking back at how much I loathed wearing these when I was younger!

Inspired lately by 50’s and 60’s fashion, I’ve teamed the culottes with a ruffled shirt, cardigan and bow which compliment the spotty print.

On a side note, this time next week I’ll be boarding a plane bound for overseas (so excited – can’t wait!), so apologies in advance, this will be the last outfit post for a couple of weeks, but no doubt I’ll pick up lots of great overseas bargains to share upon my return.

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Baby it's cold outside





I was ecstatic when I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon raiding my mother’s wardrobe. Amongst the gems was this gorgeous box pleat dress. I love the pleating in the skirt, drop waist, brocade inspired print and of course the colours. Teaming with a green coat makes for a vivid alternative to traditional monochrome winter staples - thanks mum!

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Back to basics

women's fashion clothing accessories @ friendinfashion
women's fashion clothing accessories @ friendinfashion
women's fashion clothing accessories @ friendinfashion
This is a simple but striking outfit that exists in everyone’s wardrobe. Adding a graphic tee and a splash of colour adds interest and lifts the classic black and white.

My tip: transform a black and white base outfit by experimenting with different textures (leather, satin, metallics), prints and accessories.
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Bandage me up

womens fashion bandage skirt@ friendinfashion
women's fashion bandage skirt@ friendinfashion
women's fashion bandage skirt@ friendinfashion
I picked up this great bandage skirt for a steal (A$10) and can’t stop wearing it. I like to team with ankle boots and a metallic clutch for a night out, or with a t-shirt and flats for something more casual.

My tip:
When styling the bandage look avoid pieces that are too tight. Although a figure hugging style, there is nothing worse than a ceased circulatory system. To avoid bulging in the wrong places, try the next size up, or layer your bandage skirt/dress over smoothing underwear.
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Autumn hue

womens fashion trench coat @friendinfashion
womens fashion trench coat @friendinfashion
womens fashion trench coat @friendinfashionThe trench coat is a staple in any wardrobe. Teaming the trench with a sweetheart cut dress perfectly defines and compliments an hourglass figure, creating a bold, yet feminie look.

Photos: Sasha Pazeski: http://www.flickr.com/photos/owmyhands/

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Playful brights

fashion photography @ friendinfashion
fashion photography @ friendinfashion

fashion photography @ friendinfashion
Wearing bold, bright colours always brings a smile to my face and this has to be one of my favourite outfits. I love the contrast between the pink and green and how the black ties the whole outfit together.

Shoes: Nude, skirt: Ladakh, belt: lace trim - Lincraft, tank: Supre.

Photos: Sasha Pazeski: http://www.flickr.com/photos/owmyhands/

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Power Dressing

"Dress sharply and they notice the dress. Dress impeccably and they notice the woman" – Coco Chanel


80's fashion dressing @ friendinfashion
80's fashion dressing @ friendinfashion

80's fashion dressing @ friendinfashionPower dressing is back, sprawled across magazines and catwalks alike - the reintroduction of shoulder pads, suiting and bold colours. Power dressing is a style of clothing intended to convey the impression of assertiveness, confidence and competence.

Prim and proper

A favourite look of mine at the moment is tailored and feminine dressing. Outfits that radiate femininity and elegance are classic, suit every body shape and are simple to achieve.

vintage womens fashion @ friendinfashion
My tip: Look for clothes that highlight your figure - think pencil skirts, detailed blouses and cropped cardigans. Define waists and accentuate curves.

vintage womens fashion @ friendinfashion
The key to mastering this look is in the finer detail and accessories are a must. Keep an eye out for pearls, lace, brooches, flowers, gloves, ruffles and skinny belts.

vintage womens fashion @ friendinfashion
Thanks to my gorgeous model and the talented Sasha Pasezki. You can find more of his work at: www.flickr.com/photos/owmyhands/

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Featured photographer: Sasha Pazeski

fashion photography @ friendinfashion
Last weekend I was lucky enough to work with the fabulously talented Sasha Pazeski.

For this shoot I decided to head outdoors to demonstrate some key looks and trends. Over the next few weeks I'll be posting our collaboration.

Sasha is a fabulous photographer and an even nicer guy. I would encourage all fans of beautiful photography and great talent to check out his work at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/owmyhands/
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Ways to wear: Stretch cotton dress

This is another of Alice Wark’s designs.
A simple stretch cotton dress is a great versatile addition to any wardrobe.

ways to wear women's fashion clothing @ friendinfashion
Here I demonstrate just a handful of different ways you can experiment with the one design to create a range of different outfits easily and inexpensively.

My tip: Be creative, but stick to styles that compliment your body shape and always dress to accentuate your good points. For example if your problem area is your legs, try a fitted style up top and a fuller/flared skirt.

A simple style dress like this also looks great with accessories so why not try creating new looks by adding different belts, jewellery, bags and shoes.

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Featured designer: Alice Wark

A friend of mine put me on to the super talented local designer, Alice Wark.

This is just a sample of Alice's designs. I am loving her 60's and 70's inspired print maxi dresses. A very feminine cut, gorgeous colours and superbly priced at A$80.


These make for great summer dresses - simply add flip flops and your favourite accessories. The maxi dress also works just as well in the cooler months - layer over a fitted skivvy or team with a leather bomber jacket (Ways to wear: Leather jacket), add some tights, boots and shorten the hemline by adding a belt - perfect!

If you would like more information about Alice check out her Etsy site.
If you are an up-and-coming designer that would like to be featured, PM me.

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Ways to wear: Leather jacket

In keeping with my last post, I thought it would be helpful to demonstrate ways to wear the leather jacket.

ways to wear leather jacket @ friendinfashionHere are just a few ways I’ve styled my friend’s leather jacket.

My tip: Add feminine touches to the leather jacket for a polished and pretty look. Team the jacket with pastels or floral prints and experiment with different sleeve lengths.

Alternatively add a denim mini, tights and ankle boots to achieve a rock inspired look.

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Pick of the week: Leather jacket

The trusty leather jacket is always a fashion statement and a piece that you will get a lot of wear out of. So for this week’s pick of the week I’ve tried to track down the best online leather buys.


women's fashion leather jacket @ friendinfashionMy tip: Keep an eye out at local thrift shops and markets for your leather jacket. Not only will you save significantly – you will also have a truly unique vintage piece.

Faux leather is also another more affordable option. Many stores now feature some good quality faux leather alternatives which will not only save you money, but also offer a ‘greener’ buying choice.

If you are searching for a leather jacket that won’t date as quickly, stick to a simple design and colour. If you are shopping for a jacket to last you only a couple of seasons, you can afford to pick up pieces with interesting details like ruffles or fringing.

Stockists:

1. Miss Selfridge: http://www.missselfridge.com/ (International delivery)
2. Lipsy: http://www.lipsy.co.uk/ (International delivery)
3. Lipsy: http://www.lipsy.co.uk/ (International delivery)
4. River Island: http://www.riverisland.com/ (UK delivery)
5. Topshop: http://www.topshop.com/ (International delivery)
6. Miss Selfridge: http://www.missselfridge.com/ (International delivery)
7. Topshop: http://www.topshop.com/ (International delivery)

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Ways to wear: Asymmetrical dress

This is a great dress that my friend picked up for only A$60. It is a very basic stretch cotton fabric, but the asymmetrical cut and neon colour makes it a real show stopper.

When I visited her last, she asked me to show her some of the different ways to wear it.

ways to wear women's fashion clothing @ friendinfashionways to wear women's fashion clothing @ friendinfashion
Here I demonstrate just a handful of different looks using the one A$60 dress. You could just as easily wear it as a shirt under suiting, or add a cardigan and boots to create the perfect winter look.

My tip: when styling your outfits, don't be constricted to what the item of clothing is 'meant' to be i.e. if you buy a dress, why not try wearing it as a skirt, or a tunic. Experiment with different lengths and accessories – the only limit is your imagination.

Basic cotton dresses like this one are a great addition to any wardrobe. They are inexpensive, comfortable and can be worn so many different ways.

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Pick of the week: 80's denim


Stumbled across this great 80’s inspired denim skirt for this week’s pick of the week.

Because the skirt is such a statement piece, I’ve balanced the rest of the outfit with basics - black vest and white t-shirt. This combination of red, black and white creates a bold look that comes in at just under A$140.

Stockists/ photos:
Rubi Shoes
Mink Pink http://www.minkpink.com/

Ways to wear: The chunky knit

Dilemma: I love this knit, but I only ever wear it one way.

Mission: to create simple and versatile outfits that can be thrown together quickly, using existing wardrobe items.

My friend is a uni student, so she looks for outfits that are both casual and easy to put together. I have created a range of different looks for her, simply by accessorising and teaming the knit with some wardrobe staples.

My tip: stock your wardrobe full of scarves and leggings. This allows you to easily and inexpensively transform your outfits to create new and different looks that can be worn all year round.

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Wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear.

I hear it so often from my friends – I have a wardrobe full of clothes, but nothing to wear! That is why I’ve decided to feature a segment on my blog called none other than: ways to wear.

This is where I will demonstrate different and simple ways to style some of your favourite wardrobe items. I hope that you can use these posts as inspiration to pull out that old summer dress or favourite winter cardigan that you loved but just didn’t know what to do with.

The best thing about finding new ways to style what’s already in your wardrobe is that you save money, and benefit from having a range of new outfits to wear.

So stay tuned.

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Pick of the week

Each week I will scour the stores for my best fashion picks of the week.

This week I've stumbled across some great buys that form the perfect autumn outfit - all for only $100.

The best thing about an outfit like this is that you can reuse each item over and over again to create different looks. Swap the scarf for your favourite necklace and the flats for some heels, add a cropped jacket and you have a sophisticated outfit for a night on the town.

Simple, affordable and stylish!
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Luv thy layer

A favourite trend of mine at the moment is layers which are a perfect in-between season outfit option.

My tip – to avoid looking stumpy try and choose a ‘base layer’ (the white in my case) that is quite fitted, avoiding A-lines and team with ankle boots or heels.

Also think about colours, fabric and length when choosing your layers. If you are tall you can afford to go for longer layers, if you are short try and stick to layers that sit above the knee. Avoid anything too thick as this will only add bulk to your frame.

Sticking to simple black, grey and white and accessorising with colour creates a chic yet bold statement look. Teaming with a belt defines and highlights the waist creating a more tailored look instantly.

This is a really simple outfit that cost only $60.

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