Thoughtful Purchases

It's no secret that I am constantly wishing I had more clothes. No matter what occasion I'm dressing for, or how many clothes I already have in my wardrobe, I'm always wishing for that elusive must-have item that will magically transform my average outfit into the perfect outfit.

Oh Yes, this jacket would completely overhaul my wardrobe and make it PERFECT! <3
Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpzlIJFilOlV6aVrBX4-PG03Rf9O8F5-zegv2yjNuizPvROtLX-ykCcc7ZPeM-SaH61CKaGQUPLDyHVq88ZzN3UuL83i7izGHesypi_Sh40jKehEAxBO72qkG4opUg_LS0nU-HJqfhrw5/s400/tumblr_lmns1nYCyx1qgkak1o1_500.png

The problem lies is when most of your wardrobe becomes composed of this "magic" item that will completely change your life/outfit. Whilst these "wow" pieces are great as the standout elements of your outfit, the trouble begins when all you buy becomes those "wow" pieces.

Taylor swift doesn't heed my philosophy, buying the same dress over and over again. The poor girl needs a Little Black Dress stat!

Source:http://moteldresses.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/tumblr_lb8c0vc9wQ1qe6kcqo1_500.jpg

I find I end up with nothing to wear as I have nothing basic to tone down these pieces, but also end up with a whole bunch of clothes that can't be matched with anything else. Any more than 1 (or at very most, 2) of these types of pieces just becomes too distracting and too much, and the addition of the other piece takes away some of the lustre of the first piece, and vice versa. A bit like being two actresses competing for the lead role, one will surely win/dominate.

Double 'Wow' follows the same rules as Double Denim. No matter what Chloe says, that shiz' just ain't right.
Source: http://cdni.condenast.co.uk/272x408/Shows/SS2010/Paris/R-T-W/Chloe/00200big_272x408.jpg

I've seen many bloggers do the Feb Fast challenge and not buying new pieces, but, hey, who am I kidding, I would totally fail at that. So instead, I'm going to try and think more carefully about the purchases that I do buy. Now obviously, as a subscriber to the More is More theory, I don't think that I will be able to cut out buying those standout pieces, and quite simply, I shouldn't, as they are still a reflection of my personal taste and personality. But, what I will do, is make sure that these pieces, and any other clothing I buy, will fit into the following rules:

1. Must fit perfectly. This is obviously important, as a perfect fit means it will be worn more often than clothes that aren't quite right.

2. Must be able to be worn with at least 5 other wardrobe items. No point in buying the most fabulous jacket in the world if you can't match it with anything else in your wardrobe and have to buy a new outfit to accomodate it.

3. Must be able to be styled into casual, dressy, and work situations. (Versatility is Key!) If a piece of clothing can transcend a few different occasions, there is a higher likelyhood of it being worn more often, rather than just waiting in the cupboard for that "ideal" occasion that never eventuates.

4. Must be able to be worn beyond one season, and at least a year. I am sick and tired of wasting money on outfits I wear once, then hate. If I can't see myself wearing it next season or next year, I shouldn't bother. Fads never last :(

5. If you don't love it immediately when you see it/try it on, leave it at the rack. Whenever in doubt, hmming and ahhhing in the changeroom, this is the clear sign that there is something about it that you arent completely sure about. Sadly, I have found that this doubt doesnt clear up once you get the piece home either. Usually, the doubt gets worse! Buyers Remorse Beware!

How I'd like to envision my wardrobe will look if I follow these guidelines. Sooo Neat, Coordinated and Tidy...
Source:http://media.merchantcircle.com/506861/wardrobe_full.jpeg


What my wardrobe will probably still look like in real life. AKA The Floordrobe, a black hole for all random clothing.
Source: http://moblog.net/media/h/e/l/helen/so-this-tiny-silvery-beigey-moth-came-fluttering-o-2.jpg

Hopefully if I consider some of these points when buying new clothing, and especially those standout pieces, that I will end up with a more interchangeable wardrobe that better fits in with what I already own, and that I will wear more often, hence reducing the need to buy more stuff.

Do you think these rules are useful? Do you have any of your own rules for new clothing purchases? Let me Know!

Mary Katrantzou for Topshop

If you live in Melbourne, or even if you just browse the Topshop website regularly, no doubt you would have heard that the chain street store has collaborated with Greek designer Mary Katrantzou.

Mary's diffusion range is apparently set to be stocked in Melbourne's Chapel St Topshop store this coming Friday. There were reports of her dresses being sold out within hours in London Topshops, so it'll be interesting to see whether her line will have the same amount of success over here in Australia.

All the celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon, endorsing Mary's collection.
Source: http://jscdn.swaggernewyork.com/media/2012/02/mary-katrantzou-topshop.jpg

To be honest, Mary's label wasn't really on my radar until her collaboration with Topshop, but overseas she is quite popular, with her dresses selling in excess of $1000. If Anna Dello Russo is a fan and Alexa Chung is wearing you, you know you've made it! I'm not too sure if her main line is stocked in Australia, which might also be why her name isn't a household name over here just yet. One Dress, Four Celebrities. Who Wore it Best? Fashion Juries Out!
Source: http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/3BJ_7D705ij4Zfp36JRyBg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-GB/blogs/the-juice/Mary-Katrantzou-dress.jpg

Having previewed the range online, I think that once her range hits Topshop she will become quite popular though, as her signature style appears to be very girly and feminine, with lots of form fitting dresses, florals, and colourful prints. Everything a dress should be and more, really ;)

Below are some of my favourite picks from the range, however I'm still not sure whether any of these will be a welcome addition to my already full wardrobe. I remember the big fuss over the Stella McCartney for Target line, and how pieces were sold out within hours, but then how a week or so later once the fuss and publicity had died down, many pieces were returned to Target, once the initial craze had died down. Will this end the same way? Who knows!

I love the creativity of the camoflauge blackground in contrast to the dress! Where's Wally?
Source : http://www.torontolife.com/daily/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Mary-Katrantzou-Topshop-2-440x624.jpg


This Dress would be perfect for balmy evening summer cocktails!
http://ldnfashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Mary-Katrantzou-topshop7.jpg

This top would look great tucked into a skirt, or left flowing with leggings.
http://fashionbombdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Mary-Katrantzou-Topshop-Collection-2.jpg

What do you think of Mary's designs? Will you be buying anything from Mary Katrantzou's Topshop range? Comment below!

The Designer Bag

It seems to be the thing these days that unless you have a designer tote hanging off your arm, you are not a serious fashionista. Very easy to get sucked into that way of thinking when every celebrity has the latest IT bag (for free no doubt!)

While there is no doubt that the quality of these bags is very good, do you prefer to own one designer bag, or numerous non designer bags? Sometimes it is nice to have a few choices depending on where you're going or what size bag you need.

Bags by tote handbags

Bags 2 by christian dior bags

If you were buying a designer bag, would you prefer to go for the well known IT bag, or a non IT bag? I think I would prefer a non it bag, simply as it would be lesser known, and hence less likely to be subjected to imitations, plus it would last more than a season or two.

What is your current go-to handbag? How long have you owned it for? Let me Know!

The Little Party Dress

The best thing about birthdays, engagements, weddings, and the like, is the chance to wear an amazing dress! I am very much a dress girl, and any occasion I have to break one out I will just jump at the chance! Oddly, this doesn't translate to casual dresses, they don't fill my soul with delight as formal dresses do!

I love dresses that are fairly structured, and brightly coloured! While there is a time and a place for the little black dress, these bore me. I think a dress looks so much more vibrant and show stopping in a colourful hue! Dresses with ruffles, embellishment, or anything visually interesting make me far happier than a basic black dress. More is More ;)

Alexander McQueen a line dress, £1,495
Roland Mouret orange dress, €1.490
Alexander McQueen silk dress, £1,120
Hervé Léger bandage dress, £749
Jay Godfrey short cocktail dress, £224
Floral print dress
Mary Portas little black dress, £150
Oasis pencil dress, $115
Dorothy Perkins floral dress, $75
V neck dress, £32


I think a dress is one of the main pieces in a wardrobe that doesn't have to be neutral and conservative. Dresses don't have to be mixed and matched with pants, skirts, or tops, and so one can afford to be a bit more out there and pick something truly fabulous that makes you feel a million dollars. I think Victoria Beckham is one of those celebrities who wears a dress really well. Plus, I've also never seen a Marchesa dress I didn't like!


Are you a dress person? Do you prefer formal or casual dresses? Do you gravitate towards a particular style of dress? Shout Out!

Flat Shoes

When walking around the city and from place to place, sometimes a heel is not only impractical, but also very painful! I usually go for comfort in situations like this and revert to wearing some stylish yet comfortable flats.

I disagree with those girls who think that an outfit can only be dressed up with heels, sometimes a flat shoe can look just as good, if not better. Especially these days with the variety of styles on offer, from ballet flats, to loafers, to brogues.

Jimmy Choo patent leather ballet flat, $475
Jimmy choo flat, $415
Salvatore Ferragamo leather flat, £255
Born flat shoes, $95
Flat heels, $150
Flat shoes, $150
Miu miu flat, $495
Christian louboutin flat, $765
Flat heels, €68

My favourite leathers for shoes currently include snakeskins, patents, leopard leathers, and pony skins. The bonus is that these leathers last longer, dont make feet sweat and smell as much, and are generally softer than synthetic materials.

I am not a fan of brightly coloured shoes, or material flats. Plus, I can't stand the look of brogues, even though I have seen many girls look fabulous in them!


What style of flat shoe is your favourite? Do you like the new season loafer trends?

Winter 2012 Knits

As we head into the Autumn-Winter 2012 season, one of my favourite go-to pieces for the weekend is a snuggly warm knit! This season I am obsessed with large oversized grandpa sweaters, cable knit sweaters, fine wool knits, and those ski-style patterned jumpers too!

Keeping in mind the ability to mix and match, to still be fashionable next winter, and to buy only things that I love, below are some of my top picks for casual jumpers. Also, apart from these factors, I also consider the ability to be machine washable crucial! I try to buy jumpers that are low on pillage (hard considering most wool will do this eventually!) and avoid those annoying mohair and angora fibres that seem to shed themselves all over every other piece of clothing that I am wearing.

knit jacket

H M wool sweater, £20
Ymc knit shirt, $133
Crew neck sweater, $450
3 1 Phillip Lim knit sweater, $253
J Crew cable sweater, $80
A P C long sleeve shirt, $210
Kaliko grey cardigan, £45
Mint Velvet knit jacket, £79

As you can see from my little polyvore montage, a $50 jumper can be just as lovely as a $400 jumper. All of these jumpers are currently available online and with shipping options to Australia.

This winter, I am drawn to quite neutral colours in these styles, such as black, charcoal, grey, navy, camel and beige. Having said that, my favourite jumper is black and glittery gold striped. I think the frivoulous nature of it makes it my favourite :)


What are your favourite knits this winter? What knits are you planning on buying? Do Share!