We Have All Done It - Poor Purchasing Decision

Let’s admit it - everyone will have made a poor fashion purchase decision at some point of their life.

Never intentional, although it is very likely you have hanging or folded in your wardrobe an item that you have never worn or worn once and do not plan to wear again.

Do not beat yourself up, because I am here to tell you as a stylist I also put my hand up and claim a few very poor decisions. Often they come from the following; invited to an event or an occasion and rush out to purchase “something”, not really sure what, although just “something”. Or you have purchased online not really certain how it will fit or look, and it arrives, it is not perfect, and you do not take the time to return it. Or you are in the mood to shop, determined to buy and do try on in store, and it is not quite right - guess what - it does not get better at home. Sometimes it can be as simple as wearing it and realising it does not sit right, its too revealing, its too transparent, its neckline does not suit your body shape - you get the picture, many reasons why an item does not cut it.

Put that decision behind you - remove that item from your wardrobe and either gift it to a friend, donate it to charity, or take the the time to sell it on a second hand website. Don’t hang onto it, hoping it will get better.

My recommendation is to keep the tag on an item once home, try on, move around, sit down and then if you are loving it - wear it. Otherwise it is not too late to return it and get your money back.

Myer Melbourne - Tommy Hilfiger

Accessories I Could Not Live Without

Accessories can bring an outfit to life and it can be done in the most economical way.

When I say accessories think: jewellery, scarves, belts, hair bling and bags although you can throw in shoes if that is another passion.

This is where you can create a look that talks to your personal style. You may have an item you wear every day like a necklace that is symbolic and sentimental to you. When I say economical I mean it, this is when you can shop the discount chains to find pieces that suit. Being mindful, quality is important if you want these pieces to last. Although I would say some of the commentary received for me personally has been on items that did not break the bank.

Costume jewellery is an easy one - think earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets that can be about design, style or colour. It can be chunky or fine. It can be a true statement piece or the perfect everyday accessory.

A collection of scarves is handy to have. They can be worn in so many ways and often be the pop of colour you need in the winter months. There are the traditional woollen scarves truly meant for warmth although the lighter fabric ones can be worn all year round as well as being a great cover up if travelling or to create a statement can be tied to your bag. The long rectangle version can also be utilised as a belt.

Belts come in so many shapes and sizes and can be the ideal way to create the silhouette you need when wearing loose fitting layers. Belts can sit right on the hips, around the waist or even higher up underneath the breasts. Essential for me would be a black and tan belt. Think about what width will work best for your body shape. Even if you don’t need the belt to hold up the pants/jeans/skirt it can just be an easy way to create interest in any outfit.

Hair bling can cover hats, head scarves, scrunchies (yes they are back), headbands, hair clips and hair ties. This accessory can be very practical where you need your hair tied back and you can add a statement via a hair scarf or clips. The blinged-up hair clip continues this year from 2019 and again can be very affordable. Especially if you shop in the children’s wear section.

So I would say with bags this is where I personally am way more likely to go quality and make sure they are stored correctly so they can make it through year after year of use. Again so many different designs and styles and you just need to find what works best for you. I always look for a bag that can still carry the essentials - I think some are so mini now it is impractical as they cannot even hold your phone or a set of keys. Shop smart and you will easily be able to wear continuously.

If you would love advice on where to shop for these accessories drop me a comment or email me and I will be happy to provide suggestions.

Accessories - a simple way to bring your personal style to life.

Michael Kors - David Jones Melbourne