What to Wear
To DFO or not to DFO – that is the question?
I am often asked if I ever go to DFO. I think you should never buy things for one reason only – because they are cheap. Clothes should make you look good and enhance your best features and body shape. So if you know what works for you and keep that in mind when you go to DFO, you can pick up some great bargains! One of my best bargains were these blue ripped Hollister jeans from Frat house for $20! and Nine West wedges reduced from $129 to $7.20! Zoe Wittner is also great for high heels or ballet flats to wear with skinny jeans.
DIVA re-discovered!
I’ve always thought that DIVA is a great shop for twenty somethings who love fashionable and inexpensive jewellery and accessories. The bracelets, rings, earrings and hair bands are very up to date and have all the latest trends . But lately I have been amazed how great some of their pieces are and if you have a good eye, you can get some great things for any age. I would not recommend absolutely everything they’ve got, but you can find some very interesting pieces that you can wear again and again and that will last more than one season. Check out some of the accessories I’ve found at Diva recently. All these pieces are a lot of fun, great for summer and can funk up even the most basic everyday outfit! Also, they often have sales and special deals, so you can get your fashion fix for almost nothing!
The importance of investment pieces
I often have to remind and explain to clients the importance of a good investment piece, especially to the ones who are reluctant to pay a bit more for something that will last for a very long time. An investment piece is usually something of very good quality and tailored . It can be worn everyday or only occasionally ,dressed up or down and YOU WILL ALWAYS GET THE VALUE OUT OF IT BECAUSE IT’S TIMELESS AND VERSATILE. An investment piece can be a tailored jacket, a classic black dress or a pair of your favourite jeans that fit you like a glove. This sheepskin jacket I’m wearing in Melbourne’s Fitzroy Gardens (with Captain Cook), I bought in London at Fenwick , Bond Street about 6 years ago. It was quite expensive at the time, but I’ve worn it a million times since then (even in the Queensland climate on cold winter mornings ) and it still looks good and fashionable!
Clothes and pieces that have stood the test of time
There are some clothes and pieces that are timeless and iconic and have stood the test of time. They are beyond fashion, will always look stylish and never date. You can build your wardrobe around them.
Here are a few examples:
Oversized glasses
The most classic look are black or brown. Always stylish and chic and will be for many years to come. Think Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy back in the 60’s or Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham now. They don’t have to be designer label and cost $500+. Most important is that the style you choose suits the shape of your face.
White cotton/linen trousers and white denim capri or ¾ trousers.
These are perfect for summer and different cuts suit women of different shapes and sizes. White always looks dressy and goes with any colour imaginable!
Classic black or charcoal pencil skirt
The most flattering length for the majority of women is just below the knee. It should fit you perfectly around the waist as well as the hips. If it doesn’t - you have alter it. Perfect for the office. Every woman needs one for formal occasions. You can also dress it up for the night with high platform heels and a sparkly top.
Cowboy hats
Perfect for the beach or taking kids to the park and also protect you from the sun. Cowboy hats are fashionable and suit all face shapes. They look great with shorts, jeans, white capri pants, miniskirts or maxi dresses. They come in different colours but the most wearable is probably natural straw colour that goes with everything.
Ballet flats
Suit women that are on the slim side (regardless of their age). Perfect with skinny or slim fit jeans or trousers. Choose the ones with elastic so they stay on your foot firmly. So comfortable and stylish at the same time.
Black skinny jeans or slim (tight) fit trousers
They’re classic – you can dress them up with a tailored jacket or down with a T-shirt. Great with high heels or flats.
Blue denim jeans
Can be straight leg or flared, ripped or low cut – whatever suits you and takes your fancy. Blue denim always looks good with pure white or French navy.
Maxi-dresses
Perfect for summer and so easy to wear! They give you a goddess -like look that is effortless at the same time . And you don’t have to put sunscreen on your legs when wearing maxi-dresses - so they save you time too!
Oversized bags
They are cool and practical – you can fit anything in them from your sunscreen lotion, mobile, baby wipes, snacks and water bottles. In our busy multi-tasking times we live out of our bags. They usually don’t suit petite women though.
Rhinestone /diamante thongs or sandals
These are also classic and glamorous and are a great change from basic thongs. If you don’t feel like wearing high heels at night, put rhinestone thongs with a maxi dress and some oversized or vintage earrings and you will look chic yet understated. Can be worn during the day as well.