Tips on Style

Top: From Kimberleys. Jeans: Levis Bold Curve. Shoes: Rubi Shoes.

Get your basics in order.

There is no point in having a wardrobe full of candy, if you don't have great basics. That soft gray tee to go under a white blazer. That cozy long-sleeve, to top a pair of patterned pants. My biggest style mistake for too long, was having nothing nice to layer on those days when you can't be bothered with anything elaborate (most days for me).

Know your routine.

Again, I am speaking from mistake experience, which is why I feel I have license to write on this topic. Know your routine. I was the girl who wore jeans with a tee and a cute pair of sandals to work every day. I was on the floor doing cognitive testing on 2-year-olds, a frilly dress just wasn't going to be practical. My yummy mommy readers are nodding their heads right now.
For some reason, every time I went shopping, I came home with said frilly dress! And would then wonder why my bank account was depleted, but I had nothing to wear! It was like a sickness. I walked into the shop and was attracted to all the things I really didn't need and none of the things I actually did. My other weakness is heels...and I live on an almighty hill, so you know I'm not walking to work in those. They sit, lined up against the wall, staring at me with sad faces. But I love them like babies, so I will let that one slide.
I've digressed. Once I started to focus my energy on the sort of clothes I wear most days, I shopped better and came home with things that wouldn't live most of their lives on the hanger. Best of all, I felt like I had more clothes! My money started to go into what I call 'good bum jeans'. Every girl should own a pair of jeans that makes her feel amazing. That is money better spent for every day use, than seven out-on-the-town dresses. Unless you still have the energy to hit the clubs every night, then buy up a storm and all power to you sexy wahine. I'm impressed/jealous/stunned.

Know Yourself.

What makes you feel sexy, cool, pretty, comfy? Write it down if you must. Really get to know your style. What do you love, who are your favorite style icons. Eventually, you will automatically start to gravitate to things in the store that you know will serve you well. It will also stop you falling into that trap of buying the top that looks good on the model or is highly fashionable, but isn't really your thing. Don't feel the need to buy what is 'so hot right now'. Buy what YOU like.
I will give you an example. I love Miranda Kerr, Alexa Chung and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's street style. I look at pictures of them and get inspiration. This helps me to branch out and not play it too safe. Also, I know my own style. I know that skinny jeans and heels make me feel sexy, say, for a dinner out. Suede boots and jeans help me to feel cool and relaxed. I feel pretty in a little vintage dress on a summer day, and yoga pants are my go-to when I just want to be comfy. I buy accordingly. And I definitely don't buy that backless top that makes my boob do some strange thing on the side, just because the model looked smokin (actually nearly did, but luckily my phone rang and woke me out of my potential style error).

Don't feel the need to stick to one style niche.

Although it is important to know ourselves, fashion is an expression. It doesn't have to be a constant advertisement of who we are. I wear vintage, some bohemian, but other days I am quite classic. I don't feel bad for moving between fashion niches that suit me, that is my right. I'm not cheating on the bohemian part of my personality, by dressing classic for a night out. Personalities are layered. It's ok to be whoever you are when you get up that day and dress how you feel like dressing.
All the time I hear 'I just can't pull that off'. Can you not? Or do you actually love it, but don't want to stand out in a crowd. Style is about finding the perfect mix of knowing yourself and what looks good/not-so-good on you, while still being a little brave, stepping out from the plain Jane, and letting your confidence shine through.
(If you are a plain Jane and you love it and it makes you happy and you are rocking that look, that's excellent news, ignore me).

Passing fads.

Buy cheap when it comes to high-fashion, transient items. You will just end up sticking it on trademe/ebay next season anyway won't you?

Classic pieces.

Buy the best you can afford when it comes to classic pieces. I have a perfectly cut, black tuxedo jacket that I have had for years. I think it cost me about $220. Which was quite a lot at the time, especially for a student. But I still love it dearly, seven years later.

Tailoring.

I am a massive fan of tailoring. Clothes are often made for girls without curves and this can be disheartening when you go shopping. When I buy dress pants, I suck it up, pay the extra and get them tailored properly to fit me like a glove. What's the point in owning baggy pants? What do you need to keep in there? It can be a good idea to ask the tailor for a fitting with pants. They take them in, but I come back and try them once more before any cutting is done. This ensures no heartbreak. Talk to your tailor about the clothes and fabrics she/he is most comfortable working with and the things that they won't touch for less than a pretty penny. If you are unsure, take a pic on your phone and go and talk to her first before buying. Also, get recommendations...all tailors/dressmakers are not created equal.

Check the care label.

If it says dry clean only and you are wanting to wear it a few times a week, don't do it to yourself. Also, if you don't have time to hand-wash, buy more durable fabrics. Otherwise, you are just going to ruin your clothes on a wash cycle, or leave them in the 'hand-wash pile' for six weeks. Another one of my tricks.

Less is more.

I am slowly learning that less is more - but it is hard isn't it?! It is so much more pleasing to go out on the weekend and buy two $30 tops, rather than save for that $100 top with the beautiful fabric that waterfalls down your back and floats like a feather when you spin. But I have learnt my lesson the hard way. My investment buys, are still in my wardrobe. My sale buys and cheap nasty stuff is sitting in a pile in the hallway waiting to get it's seven days of fame on trademe. This is a tip that I am still mastering myself, we'll get there together.
More style tips coming soon.
In saying that, you are taking advice from a girl who went out dressed as a cat for a hen's party the other weekend, so what would I know...