WORN | Romper + Paisley Boots + a Beanie

With red making quite the impression on me as we head into winter, I've searched out existing pieces in my wardrobe to inject a bit of life into the black-white-grey-cobalt formula I've been indulging in for quite a while.

The rediscovery of these Beau Coops x Karen Walker boots from 'Sea Monsters' has me berating myself for letting them sit in a corner ignored for so long.

I am a horrible person. 

But let's move on shall we? Dwelling on that which we cannot change prevents us from growing.

Beau Coops x Karen Walker boots

I'm also loving this playsuit from Glassons. Having boarded the bus on denim overalls, I can't bring myself to alight at the next stop and buy any denim incarnation of the shortall or pinafore kind - it just feels too cute for me and I am not a cute kind of girl. Made in a black fabrication however, it easily sits between youthful and sophisticated in that anti-fit way I am comfortable with. There's also this disco-esque version I will no doubt succumb to buying and wear with a bright lip and trainers or the Glassons striped cropped skivvy and courts.

wearing: Dollarstore beanie, Glassons coat and playsuit, J Crew breton top and  Beau Coops x Karen Walker 'Louise' boots.

Along with rediscovery comes a renewed desire to acquire newness. Snapped!

Just ask The Boyfriend.

"What are these?"

"Pants. Red. $12 bucks. Sale."

"These?"

"Beanies. Red. Blue. $10 bucks each. Bargain."

"These?"

"Pack of undies. Sale."

"Are they for Dev?"

"No. They're mine."

"But they're little boys undies."

"I know but they fit me better and there are 8 pairs and they come in red, navy and black! SCORE!"

"This is discomforting."

"Your face is discomforting."

"Don't get mad 'cos you got snapped with these."

"Grrr....noob."

Tweet

WORN | GnR + Nude Leather + Red

If there's something I'm really into right now, it's courts. Ladylike courts, statement courts, patent courts, nude ones, white ones, furry ones, ankle collar ones - so long as it's a court, I'm giving that shoe a long, hard look and wondering how many wonderful ways it could slip into my wardrobe.

Number One Shoes 'Emma' Court' in red.

And who would have thought those corporate bloody courts would become such a phenomenal force in fashion?

The Boyfriend certainly didn't.

He equates them to teachers, business ladies and nana's Sunday best.


For me, I like the idea of how a court can work as the 'anti-fit' to deconstructed denim, grungy references and the slogan stamped garments currently doing the rounds. And you don't need to spend a fortune to get on this ride, Number One Shoes do a great range of courts in different finishes, colours, toe shapes and heel heights.

I'm looking at this black patent pair as an essential addition to the closet collection but in the meanwhile, I'm loving how a pop of red is putting a new spin against nude tones while lending an air of sophistication and fun. The fact I can walk easy without fear of falling from platform heights is just a bonus. I guess Nana does know best?

wearing: Glassons sweatshirt, Little Brother oxford, Witchery leather joggers and Number One Shoes 'Emma' courts.

"What are those?"

"Courts."

"Whose Court?"

"Courts not a who, courts a what."

"Still, what the hell are they and why are you wearing them? That jumper's pretty sweet, I just don't get the shoe things..."

"Courts! And they are hard out awesome."

"They should be called 'Soft on's'."

"Why?"

"Trust me, no guy is gonna be glad to see you in those."

"A win-win for us both then."

Tweet

WORN | Dungarees + Reeboks

Dungarees. Overalls. Denim one pieces. Rompers. You're all about, they're all about it and so am I.

Get amongst it people!

I've had these dungas for a while but I still want another pair in a darker wash.

And I missed out on the Glassons ones.

And that hurt my feelings.

Just sayin'.

The pale denim of this pair borders on white and were it not for the printed shirt I would've become one with the wall.

wearing: Cotton On shirt, old dungarees and Reebok 'Princess Lo'.

Tweet

WORN | Biker + Leopard + New Balance

An 'investment piece' is usually the language we use to persuade others - and ourselves - that we didn't just over indulge on some fad item but a classic garment that is timeless, that will serve as the glue or exclamation mark to our current wardrobe and is on every "10 Closet Staples" list in every magazine e.v.e.r.
Let's get real - justification is usually the reason. We bandy about the term 'investment piece' to appease our conscience that we did not just waste a phenomenal amount of money on what is really a lust-have item. 

And as a sound excuse to your significant other why you can't cover rent this week.

Or thrifty anti-fashion friends before the upcycle speech.

Or your money mouse because your discretionary spend allowance is only $30.

I do not deny that there are genuine garments that really are staples and due to construction, superior fit or some connection you have to the detailing or fabric lift them up into investment piece territory which is a nice place to be....if you can afford it.

Seeing as life with kids and a full time job is not the same as life hanging out, doing stuff, living large and instagramming the hell out of dates-with-mates, I do find it hard to justify or afford investment pieces. But for the longest time I have loved with all my superficial heart Acne's cobalt biker. Then there was the Christopher Kane version. And the Balenciaga. And the Jason Wu. 

All out of my reach.

Witchery biker jacket

Then Witchery delivered a version with great fit, detailing, in buttery soft leather and the most electric blue hue. I swooned, my account groaned and I obsessed for weeks about it. I made budgets. Saved. Paid unexpected bills. Made more budgets and savings and paid more bills and practically gave up. I had forlorn self talks about it being a waste of money anyway and there were more important things to do with any spare cash than buy myself a stupid jacket. But my heart was heavy.

However, when a spend and save email dropped in my inbox alongside a members reward voucher and coinciding with a decent pay packet from some serious overtime, I took no time in heading towards my local Witchery store to seal the deal.

And I'm glad I did.

I wear that jacket a few days a week and love how it can take an everyday ensemble into next level territory. I get comments every time I wear it - great for the ego. School drop offs and supermarket trips become something else in that jacket. The buzz from wearing it on dreary days doing mundane things is worth it and I honestly believe it's one of those wardrobe pieces that won't fall from grace.

And if you're in the market for one, it's now on sale.

ASOS sweatshirt

How do I really know I made the right call and don't have buyers remorse? 

I don't care that I paid more.

wearing: Witchery jacket, ASOS sweatshirt, Little One skirt and New Balance.

Tweet

WORN | Bandits + Glassons + Black Sheep

It's Kiwi winter time. A time when we're pulling out the woolly blankets, the tatty but comfy slippers and coats, coats, coats.

But when a sliver of sunshine presents itself....

...this tends to happen.

One Teaspoon 'Bandits' and boots from Wild Pair.

It's the whole, bare-legs-freezing-but-I'm-wrapped-up-warm-everywhere-else-and-this-makes-total-sense, okay? way of dressing.

Like puffer jackets with jandals.

Scarfs with t-shirts and shorts.

Thankfully my Glassons wool blend coat layered with this textured 'Black Sheep' sweatshirt from Switch keep me toasty up top and fool my legs into thinking all's right with the world. 

Glassons coat and Switch sweatshirt

You and I know the cold, hard truth is this:

When you obtain some wardrobe newness, you will force the internal reasoning barometer into 'justification' territory by telling yourself and those around you concerned for your welfare whatever it takes to make sure you get out that front door dressed in it.

Tweet

WORN | Topshop + Low Drops

I will not deny my homie heritage in that wearing baggin', saggin' and fwangin' has always been my favourite way to wear denim. Whether raw and untarnished, overdyed or holey and deconstructed [but never with that paint splatter graphic thing], I've preferred to have some low riding or drop crotching action to my jeans. 

I love me some anti-fit.

It must be my Aaliyah obsession.

Back in the '08 a good friend of mine presented her AUT Rookie collection featuring what I can only describe as my dream jeans. The rear pockets man sized, the exaggerated drop, the slimmer fit to the leg and a deep dark rinse were all features that seem suited to my style DNA.

If only I could get her to run me up a pair in a ripped up vintage wash...

Until then, I'll keep my eyes on the Bassike Lo Slung in that 30 year wash thanks.

wearing: Diva neckpiece, TopShop tee, Kookai mesh clutch, Herrick denim and Wang heels.

As for this tee I got at the beginning of the year, it's becoming a bit like that Zara skort [that I still want]. Everyone's got it. Let's make a club.

Tweet

WAYS TO WEAR | The Striped Trouser

Stripes. Monochrome. They're both 'a thing' in fashion and are having a 'moment' but you and I both know this is nothing new. An updated cut, fabrication, or change in proportion of a garment may be the look every editor declares 'is so now' but black, white and stripes separately or as a combination are an enduring fashion classic. Polished, statement, casual, classy, timeless, current - all at once and without overpowering the wearer or being rendered useless once the 'next big trend' comes along, black and white stripes are a no-brainer and have a strong presence in many wardrobes [including mine].

Being a trouser girl since I was hiding a pair in my backpack to change out of some horrid ra-ra contraption once I reached the school cloakroom and taking a quick survey of my current closet, I am easily at a 80/20 split in favour of trousers over skirts or dresses. There is an ease that comes with the right cut which makes any outfit you put together look and feel like you while still being down with the cool kids.

To find trousers for this season that could change to suit whichever persona I decide to wear on the day has been arduous. The right cut, the wrong colour. The right print, the wrong shape. The right rise, the wrong length. That elusive pair that could take me from street to supermarket to concert to store opening had become quite the obsession but thanks to Boohoo, everything is coming up Milhouse. This pair of striped 7/8th trousers are versatile and tick all the boxes - affordable, great cut, on trend length, classic stripes and a mid rise meaning should I dare to bare a midriff, I can. [Okay, okay more realistically for me, providing a great tuck in option for shirts.] 

So if you too are on the hunt for the right trouser, check out the options at Boohoo.com. I know I'm already eyeing up another pair.

Thanks Boohoo!

Trousers courtesy of Boohoo.com

All other garments and accessories, stylists own.

Styling: Aneta P

Images: Richie

Tweet

OBSESSED | I'm Into...

I become obsessed with many, many things so easily that it is embarassing. 

"Oh my goohhhhd! I LAAAAAAARRRVE that!"

I'm materialism and consumerism personified.

Like a magpie.

Like a hoarder.

Wanting to out do The Joneses'.

And it changes with a frequency that suggests I have commitment issues.

This week I'm Into...

Tweet