Tag Archives: style

{Holiday Series} Love: Animal Print

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Once again, I’d love to feel comfortable in thigh-high boots, but as I’ve discussed before, my legs feel a bit chunky. I think I might try to put this aside this coming winter and brave the thigh-high boot with the tunic and tights-look. I like some of the animal-print fashions that are popular this year, especially this tunic. I think I like the simplicity of it. I also have a love for asymmetric zips on jackets and jumpers – so cute and a little different without being too far out there – thanks to my conservative side. The pop of yellow in the nail polish and bag, reminds us that the sunshine will be back after the winter months have hit.

– Getting ready for winter -

1. French Connection Sling Thing Jacket in blue wash/black (129.95 down to 149.95)

2. Portmans Animal Back Zip Tunic in black/gold (79.95)

3. Rimmel Lasting Finish Nail Polish in Sunshine

4. French Connection On Edge Scarf in black (19.95 down from 69.95)

5. Sussan Jenna Bag in Mustard (59.95)

6. Forever New 1200 Opaque tights in Black (14.99)

7. Diana Ferrari Willis boots in Black (229.95)

How are you preparing for the winter?

Alison

{Holiday Series} Love: Kiss of Coral

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I have carried an obsession for anything in coral for quite some time. It’s like I’m drawn to this colour in shops and have to stop myself from buying EVERYTHING I see in this shade. I am aware that not all these coral colours are exactly the same, but I don’t think this matters – they are definitely all from the same family – you know, like aunties and cousins and sisters. I think this outfit is a bit dressy and would be perfect for a special party or perhaps even an Autumn work day if you are out to impress a little.

– Cute Outfit -

1. Forever New Samantha Bow Pocket Cardigan in Coral (49.99)

2. OPI Nail Polish in Conga Line Coral (rrp 19.95)

3. Forever New India Turtle Neck Swing Dress in Black  (89.99)

4. Bracelet in Red Coral from Etsy Shop LanaChayka (31.98)

5. Sportsgirl Box Lock Sling Bag in Coral (29.95)

6. Diana Ferrari Estele Shoes in Black (119.95)

What colour or colours are you naturally drawn towards?

Alison

{Holiday Series} Sew: Simplicity 3803 Maxi Dress

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I actually started making this dress in the summer of 2010, believe it or not. Then I fell pregnant and it sat in my sewing ‘storage’ until this summer, when I finished it off. It was a simple pattern, with a flattering v-shaped neckline. As it is an a-line style, I think it’s quite flattering as it covers all the lower bits that sometimes are best kept hidden (aka thighs, hips and tummy).

– much-loved, ripped pattern -

I wore it out to dinner with two of my gorgeous girlfriends (Shan and Brooke) and it wasn’t until later in the evening that they commented on it, and were very surprised to hear that I had made it myself. Later that same evening as we were walking back to the car, a stranger commented on how beautiful it was…needless to say, I was chuffed!

– What a beautiful sunny day! -

The bodice and the skirt are lined – I just used the same fabric to line it as it was quite reasonably priced fabric to start with. I purchased the fabric from Spotlight (great stuff, bad service!)

– What shoes to pair it with? -

There’s a couple of things I would change if I ever made another one. Firstly, I would get a longer zip (not sure why it’s so short – maybe I picked up the wrong one) and I think I gathered it too roughly around the sides, therefore adding bulk to my hips (none of us need that!!)

– The back -

What things have you made that people have commented on? OR you’re welcome to just leave a random comment – I’d LOVE that!

Alison

Love: Evie’s Bedroom

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One thing I WILL miss when we leave our current home is Evie’s bedroom. I designed Evie’s room when I was pregnant with her, and I didn’t know whether we were having a boy or a girl. I kept it pretty neutral and have since added girly colours and features. We are very, very lucky to have received many gifts that Evie can enjoy in her beautiful bedroom.

I will miss this bedroom a lot. However, there is always the nest bedroom, and the next phase in her life that I will look forward to enjoying and decorating.

Do you have a favourite room in your house? What is special about it?

Alison

Love: The Ankle Boot – Tan or Black?

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Loving these styles right now – they’re popping up all over. Can be paired with skinny leg jeans or pants, under straight leg pants, or with tights and a skirt – too cute!

1.

– Hush Puppies Belinda Ankle Boot in Black Leather ($169.95) -

2.

– Jo Mercer Grace Ankle Boot in Natural ($169.95) -

3.

– Betts Texan Ankle Boots in Black ($89.99) -

4.

– Glassons Double Zip Up Boots in Taupe ($48.59) -

5.

– Novo Vespa Ankle Boots in Cognac ($79.95) -

 So what’s your preference when it comes to an ankle boot – black or tan? Leather or Suede? Heel or no heel? SO many options!!

Alison

Love: Dress as a Skirt

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As I’ve told you before, I love op shops. When I’m in the mood (and I have my trusty dad to look after Evie so I can concentrate) I love nothing more than flicking through the old patterns and clothes and books in op shops. I recently found a dress in a local op shop that I immediately knew would never work on me as a dress – I simply don’t have the upper body for a strapless, ruched dress. But I also immediately loved the fabric.

– The dress it is supposed to be -

So…I got it home, washed it, and tried it on as a skirt…and guess what???

– Could be worn like this on a warmer Spring day -

– Can be worn like this on a cooler day -

I actually wore it work a couple of weeks ago, with tights and boots and lots of layers on top and I was given many compliments – lovely! It is also great for a growing belly – whether you become preggers (?) or eat too much that day!

What do you think of turning a dress into a skirt? is it acceptable fashionable behaviour?

Alison

Love: Pastel Casual

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There have been a lot of harsh, bold colours around for a while, that my eye is now drawn to the softer, more pastel colours on the shelves. I adore Forever New fashions, and this outfit centres around the beautiful blouse in this spread – if you click on the link, and go to their site, you can also see the back of this blouse, which is different, and lovely.

1. Cue Contrast jacket in ink ($295)

2. Forever New Simone drape back blouse in print ($59.99)

3. Forever New Catherine metal sunglasses ($29.99)

4. Forcast Rhiannon necklace in beige ($24.95)

5. ASOS Nude quilted lock across body bag ($27.21)

6. ASOS Shine patent pointed court shoes in nude ($37.41)

7. Portmans Sateen cigarette leg pant in black ($79.95)

What do you think about pastels verses bold, block colours? Any exciting purchases you want to share this week?

Alison

Love: Bags

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Husband seems to have this strange belief that I have too many bags…..pfftt – he’s going mad. I do like bags a lot, but I believe one can never have too many bags, as one needs a different bag for a different occasion, for a different outfit, for a different mood, for a different season, for a different day….shall I stop now?

As it was my birthday recently, I did so happen to come across some new bags, to add to my collection, that is in no way too large…thank you very much Husband.

The first one was part of my birthday present from my gorgeous sister in law and brother. It was one I had featured on my blog several months ago, as part of a Fashion Friday outfit, but it was in yellow. It’s a cute little sling bag that I can grab and fill when heading out for an afternoon drinkie-poos with the girls, or a low-key dinner with Husband.

– Sportsgirl Mimi Lock Sling Bag -

The second one is not as glamorous, but certainly good-looking and very practical. Another birthday present was my Nokia D3100 SLR digital camera, and I really wanted something to protect and carry it in, that wasn’t square, bulky or ugly, like most SLR camera bags. I also found with this bag, that it was suitable for throwing my purse, water bottle, phone and keys into to take out for a day out and about. I love the colour and I love the size and I love the shape – perfect!

– It has stiff sections for holding the camera and spare lenses in place -

The third and fourth are bags that I ordered through my dear friend, Victoria. She works in fashion and deals with a company called Coco Kitten that produces these beautiful, stylish and quality bags. I was lucky to get my hands on two of them (I paid for them  - I’m telling you this so you don’t think this is a paid ad). I ordered them quite a while ago, and the stock has just arrived, so it feels a little like Christmas having two band new bags in my possession. The smell of leather keeps wafting around me when I’m using them, they feel so lovely and soft and they are both perfect for different days and different occasions.

This clutch featured in my Fashion Friday spread last Friday. It can be taken out on the weekends, when I don’t have to carry too much. It pretty much holds my purse (just), phone and a few smaller items, like lip gloss and my Travalo.

– Coco Kitten Macy Leather Clutch in tan -

– The inside has stripy, navy blue fabric, and three compartments, it’s very roomy -

This one is an everyday bag that can hold all my bits and pieces, including my Ipad. I’ve wanted a bag of this style for a very long time, so I feel very lucky to finally have one.

– Coco Kitten Sam Leather Handbag in Vintage Wash Brown -

Spoilt = Me.

Do you have a thing for bags? Do you have a long list of excuses to combat people who say you have too many bags? Please share.

Alison

Love: A Cute Cardi

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One can never own too many cute cardigans – there are just so many occasions they can be worn, so many different outfits to be worn with and throughout the year (in Melbourne anyway).

1.

– Alannah Hill My World Stopped! Cardigan in Cherry ($149) -

2.

– ASOS A Wear Swan Cardigan in Pink ($51) -

3.

– Sheike Fever Knit Cardi in print ($59.95) -

4.

– Alannah Hill Don’t Jump the Gun Cardi in Creme ($219) -

5.

– Dangerfield Dolly Dot Cardigan in Pink ($60) -

6.

– Forever New Lulu Pointelle Cardigan in Aqua Ice ($59.95) -

I know there’s TWO in there from Alannah Hill, but they were both so cute that I couldn’t decide.

What are your thoughts on the cute cardi? Do you own one? Or many? 

Alison

Sew: Friendship Bag

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I was trawling the internet a few weeks ago, looking for a simple, practical and modern patch work project. I came across a blog by a lady named Rachel Griffith called P.S. I Quilt . Rachel is a very clever lady and has many free sewing tutorials on her site – I especially like her Friendship Bag and so I followed the easy instructions, along with many photographs, so you can see where you should be at with each stage. I wasn’t sure exactly how big it would be, and as it turns out, it is quite small. This is a perfect size for Evie and it is great timing because she is at the age where she is loving girly things like jewellery, hair clips and handbags.

I love the fabric – which was actually from a quilting pack I had purchased and decided I’d never make the actual quilt, but that I loved the fabric and will make many other things out of it.

It has been well received.

Have you ever made anything from a pattern and it’s been a different size (or shape) from what you expected?

Alison

Something New 24.05.2012 #photoadaymay

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