Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Fashion Fix-It


I'm getting back to basics this week and shoring up my wardrobe with some cracking buys pre autumn winter. You'd think that with the size of my wardrobe this wouldn't be necessary, but as it seems I have been buying for love rather than need of late, I am seriously bereft of some essentials. So I made an actual list, knocked back two coffees and tried to put on my blinkers as I focused my eyes on the prize.

For very affordable chic, I've just discovered how great Forever New is. A big step up from the style offerings of Valley Girl and Tempt, but still in the same(ish) price range. It's all up to you what you make of their pieces, as there is enough variety to get creative and turn a piece from this seasons trend into your signature look. I was particularly turned on by their range of very cutting edge trend accessories. Wandering through the racks I could clearly see the reflection of certain bloggers iconic style, and at the price the possibilities are endless. Yes, one did end up in my possession for a little jewelry cannibalism.

I'm on the wait list for this stunning sapphire velvet tuxedo jacket by Cue. Drool... But in the meantime, I've snatched up a ST-UNN-ING houndstooth number and a couple of very tailored shirts. During a small wardrobe crisis on the weekend, it came to my attention that I did not own even one white shirt! How on earth that happened I'll never know, so I took immediate steps to remedy the situation. After searching several top name stores I was very disappointed by the bland offerings - until I got to Cue. I can always count on them for superb tailoring and unexpected detail.

Portmans high waisted stretch skirt with back ruffles

I cannot remember the last time I went into Portmans and it is possible I've never bought anything there before. But if this weeks offerings are indicative of their future direction, I'll be back in a heart beat. I came away with the perfect black knitted tank, a little cropped cardi, ( a favorite of mine and I had so much trouble choosing only one), and the piece de resistance - this great black skirt. Not having an "office job" to go to these days, there are a few things that haven't been replaced over time. One was the classic pencil skirt. For the longest time I couldn't find just what I wanted, and never got around to making it. Yet, I focus my shopping thoughts and lo and behold it appeared, in the shape of this high waisted stretch number above. I had rather a hard time sticking to the plan with so many pieces right up my alley. In saying that though, you may walk in and not at all see what I see, but the secret is in the styling. Of course outfit shots with all these pieces in traditional SKM style are all forthcoming.
Suede Victoria heels from Witchery

Last on the list was a new pair of classic peep toes in black. I hardly need to tell you why I've chosen these babies.
Love.

**Shhh... something is happening. Stay tuned for a big surprise this week**

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

that cue jacket is stunning, looks like they have some interesting stuff this season. btw, loved the outfit in your last post, purple top with pink shoes looks fantastic! love your blog.

bittersweet life said...

very nice stylish sophisticated and chic pieces! well done!

KittyMeow said...

Portman's has got pretty awesome in the past year or so. They used to be really average but something happened and now they have some really great stuff! I got a wicked bright red shirt-dress the other day and yes - their suit skirts are lovely. There is a grey one with small pleats all around the bottom that I particularly want.

It's fun to smash the wardrobe crisis! I am in the same process too...knocking out things I don't like and knowing exactly what I want. Joy!! I wish the best of luck with your future shopping endeavours and I can't WAIT to see that Cue jacket on you :-)))

WendyB said...

Am I crazy or are those shoes a total Prada knockoff?

Candice DeVille said...

Emma: Thanks for reading. :) Cue sure does have some beautiful pieces this season. It is only my wallet telling me when to stop!
Kitty Meow: Oh do let us know how yours goes. I love to see before and after shots of these things.
Wendy B: Entirely possible. But after all the other shopping their $180 price tag can't be ignored. Finding the real thing here is stores is much more of a challenge as the top end shoe stores only ever carry a very limited range. It never ceases to amaze me the choices you have there in the States. Thank god for Net A Porter!

Bucca said...

Ah I need to get back into Forever new it's worrying though as I know I'll come out far poorer than when I went in!

Tiki Doll said...

I can tell you gals now the revamp of Portmans is only going to get better. Pencil skirts, soft fabrics, rich colours and in general stunning pieces. There is a stunning grey dress with corset style waist and delicate detail. Their next big promo is the LWD (little work dress) which will see some wonderful pieces. If you join up to the Eport program they send info through. Plus the city store on Burke street mall not only has all the full priced hot items it has a whole basement level of DFO bargins...including dresses from 9.95.

The next few months in the worlds of Forever New and Portmans is all about being a lady and loving it.

Twila Jean said...

those victoria shoes are darling!!!
If the heel was a tad bit lower I would be all over those puppies! yummy!

Chloe said...

I wandered past Cue today and they had that jacket in the display in the window. The 'tails' on the back of it are pretty impressive. Definitely a great statement piece.

Imelda Matt - The Despotic Queen of Shoes said...

If it wasn't for the darts, I'd beat down some bitch to lay my hands on that Cue coat...it's stunning. Nice Parda knock-off.

Neroli said...

Yay for affordable style! And I love TikiDoll's commentary on the direction of our accesible chain stores. The Cue jacket is just gorgeous, can't wait to see how you pull all your new purchases together...

...and surprises? I LOVE surprises!

Shannon said...

I bought that skirt the other day! Isn't it gorgeous? I love Portmans.

I am working on wardrobe staples as well - isn't it surprising how you wake up one day without the basics and have no idea where they all went?

Gervy said...

Thanks for the tip-off about Forever New. As for Portmans, that's one shop I'd stopped even looking at for many years, until a few months ago when I discovered they are doing much better. I bought my sunglasses there for $25 and get heaps of compliments on them...

Anonymous said...

thank you SKM...i bought that same portman's skirt today and i LOVE it!!

sharon

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Sadako said...

Liked the shoes--they're very cool!

jimmy said...

I wandered past Cue today and they had that jacket in the display in the window. The 'tails' on the back of it are pretty impressive. Definitely a great statement piece.

5ft0 said...

I've just discovered your blog from Individual Chic. It's a pretty blog and I love the 50s style header!

Cue has great designs at the moment and Portmans are definitely re-branding their image. I just hope their prices don't sky-rocket like Witchery and Sportsgirl.

Tine M. said...

That stretch skirt with back ruffles is so dreamy! This season's clothes are absolutely a must-look!

Des Moines workers compensation said...

Lovely.. I love the Forever New stuff. Classy and flirty!

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