Fashion Fix-It

From the Forever New Collection

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**

Rosie Remix

Recently, a reader wrote to me wanting to update her 'Stay At Home Mum' style. Already quite the cute mama, she wanted to incorporate a more vintage feel into her daily wardrobe, and asked me to look to Rosie The Riviter for some inspiration. So I've put together a few options for daytime and a few for playtime.

I don't believe that mums have to live in pants or jeans. Given that small children require lots of bending and floor time though, skirts need to have lots of movement. I've included this plaid number for those days when the babysitter is on call and a sexy someone meets you for lunch. Our mystery mama is still nursing, so 'easy access' tops, that flatter a larger bust, are critical here. So to create balance, I've focused on her lovely hourglass shape. Wedge heels are a great alternative to court shoes. They give you a bit more stability and are a much more flattering choice with these longer line skirts.

Of course, you can always break out the denim for days at the park, and it wouldn't be a 'Rosie' look with out a little blue. Once again, I've focused on the waist using vests instead of belts to give this look more shape. Updating 'Rosie's' polkadot scarf, is the super cute polka dot head band. A few big curls in the fringe, and you're good to go.


After all this talk of Rosie, I chose to channel her myself today, and fixed a little scarf action for a day of housework and errands. And I think this is a super kawaii do!

A Vintage Dream

The last few days have been nothing short of amazing for me. Firstly I was invited to attend the opening evening of the Art Deco event at the National Gallery here in Melbourne. Given that my schedule has been quite hectic with birthdays, babies and house guests, I was concerned I wouldn't have time to find something appropriate to wear to such a magnificent event. And then in stepped the wonderful Nicole from Circa Vintage. Those of you who read my High Tea post will recall that I met Nicole and her charming husband Tim that day, and had a lovely long fashion chat. I mentioned my fashion dilemma to Nicole, who was of course only too happy to help me out. And so with my house guests roped into babysitting for a few hours, I headed into Circa - The most wonderful vintage clothing store I have visited. If you live in Melbourne or have the good fortune to visit us here, do not miss this treasure trove of quality fashion history.

When you consider that trying to find a vintage dress can have many considerations, a short lead time is not usually to your advantage. You may find many wonderful things, but will they be your colour, your size? Nicole, knowing her stock and having quite the eye for a perfect fit, had just the dress in mind. And it was of course, perfect. A 1930's panne velvet evening gown in Eau De Nile (Water of the Nile). Slipping into that baby made me feel like Veronica Lake and Ginger Rodgers all rolled into one. With the addition of some white evening gloves, we were almost complete. Given that winter in Melbourne is quite cold, (although not quite snowing) I needed a little something to add warmth to the ensemble. Now, before I am lampooned for my choice of evening wear, let me say that he and his buddies lived a long full life, frolicking in the wild, before becoming a stunning part of fashion history. And it was with this historical perspective in mind, that I donned the most beautiful piece of clothing I have ever worn, a pure white Arctic Fox wrap.

And so, dressed to the nines, I headed off into the evening. Want to see how it turned out? You'll just have to wait for the next installment, which I am writing as fast as my fingers will carry me.

What To Wear To a Job Interview - For The No Longer, Stay At Home Mum.

There are some that would rather swallow rusty razor blades than attend a job interview. I have had my fair share, from both sides of the table. I worked for a number of years as a recruiter, hiring everyone from Secretaries to C.O.O's, and do I have some stories to tell! But this time, rather than revealing others in their most embarrassing moments, I can hopefully help you to avoid yours. I recently received an email from a Stay at Home Mum, who is no longer staying at home and has to hit the interview circuit. Not having been in paid employment for years, and her best suits long since gone to charity or the costume box, this Mum is in dire need of interview fashion magic. While I have a list of general interview tips a mile long, I'll keep this advice specific to the aesthetics of how to present yourself - on a budget.

Firstly; The Suit. While not all jobs call for a suit, interviewing in one is your safest option. You can get out your elasticated pants once you have the job, (but for god's sake please don't!). And one suit will do you for all your interviews. Worry about more once they start to pay you for being your fabulous self.

Now I know that everyone thinks that black is slimming and goes with everything, but that isn't always the case. Black fades when pieces are dry cleaned separately, it gets a nasty sheen with ironing, and will give the interviewer a clear picture of how many pets you own. So 'No' to the black from me. Instead opt for a grey that suits your skin tone (yes, there is one for everyone), in a shape that is both modern and conservative. Personally I love the 1940's look that is going around now, as good tailoring in your outfits sends a subtle message of an organized personality to your interviewer. Pant suits can be lovely, but skirt suits have more power, (and that's a whole topic right there) so if you have the option, make sure to buy both matching pants and skirt. This one suit will be the basis for all your interview looks so buy the best you can afford.

Corporate Job

Keep it simple, sleek and classy. Pair your skirt suit with a neutral coloured blouse that still has great detailing. It says, " I may be conservative but I still have imagination." That way your interviewer's first impression will not be that their next hour would be better spent chatting to Joe in Accounting.

When wearing a skirt ALWAYS wear hose. Do NOT wear coloured hose, sheer black hose (so 90's) or nude hose from the supermarket, (these always look like they have the texture of cheap sandpaper and come pre-prepared with dubious lumps). Instead purchase yourself a pair of near nude, ( just a little darker than your skin colour) hose with a subtle sheen. Make sure you get two so you have a spare pair for your interview bag.

Jewelry: Keep it to a minimum. Rings should be simple not statement, and earrings should just peak out with a little sparkle from behind your hair, not blind your interviewer with their size and brilliance. Bracelets and bangles are a no go, as they jingle around creating a distraction during the process.

Bag: Here you can use black, if for no other reason but that I know women are more likely to spend good money on a black bag than any other colour. Make sure it is large enough for everything you need, (but not oversized) structured (without being a brief case) and NOT containing baby bottles, left over sandwiches or a hundred parking tickets - they will come tumbling out at the most inopportune moment.

The Creative or Arty Job

Same suit, but punch it up with a coloured and detailed blouse. It can have more competing detail than the corporate blouse, and chances are that if you are going for a creative job you should have an eye for this.

Hose: While tights may be optional for these industries, I'd still play it safe and wear hose. However, this is the place for your coloured or patterned numbers.

Jewelry: This is where you can have a lot of fun in these interviews. Pick something that reflects your personality or interests. Something with irony or whimsy, not just another knock off vintage brooch. Interviewers love to have a visual cue that can get them talking to you on a more personal level; and jewelry is a great conversation starter.

Bag: You have your great black bag, but how can you punch that up? Add some embellishment in the form of key chain dangles to the handle. This can be customised easily and specifically to the job you are after. Travel involved? Add an Eiffel tower or an I Heart New York, (you get the picture). But just one please, we are not a Christmas tree.

Tech / Geeky Job

This time pair your suit with a witty T-shirt and industry humor jewelry. There is loads of this to be found online, (didn't you know that Geek is the new black?) so have fun, but make sure you get the joke, because there could be some very awkward moments if not.

As far as pants vs. skirt, I would still chose the skirt for this one, but if the job calls for crawling around on the floor with networking cables, those pants could come in handy. Oh, and even if you don't wear glasses, you could always get a fashion pair because they always seem to add a few points to the perceived IQ; and it is another chance to accessorise.

Fashion Job

Relax the suit a little with a structured cardigan jacket, belted with a contrast belt. Once again, the hose with a sheen is still appropriate here. Keep in mind that you want to look professional and fashion-forward, but not outshine your prospective employer. So show of your style with some well chosen accessories instead.

Shoes: VERY important here. Shoes are always important at interviews, but this is the interview where you can really choose fabulous shoes that give a clue to your personality. A good rule for interviews is to never wear open toed shoes. However, for a fashion interview, something along these lines with opaque hose would indeed work.

Jewelry: Given that you are likely to have a fairly animated interview in this environment, I'd recommend a huge, sleek and gorgeous cocktail ring for all that gesticulating. Not super sparky mind you, but still dramatic and day appropriate. And remember to leave those bangles at home.

Bag: Using your trusty black bag, give it a little character that is a hint to your personal style preference (and probably budget too) by adding a colourful scarf tied to the handle. While I'd go for skulls on pink, you might choose Hermes or Versace instead.

So, 'No Longer Staying At Home Mom', you should now be well kitted out to make a great impression at your interview. Better make sure that your resume is just as fabulous as your wardrobe.

Excuse Me But Your Style Is Showing.

Get our your glad rags girls, Mama has a new project and it's all about you. Introducing...

Uncommonly Fetching Mamas

My latest project is for all you other Mamas out there who either have style, or need some inspiration. I get a lot of emails asking me all about my personal style, and how I find the time and motivation to dress the way I do every day, while also juggling two kids, ( I know some of you have many more). All of these got me thinking; often times we don't dress to our best because we don't feel we have an 'audience' for our look. This may be because you spend most of your time at home, or have a workplace filled with Tweety bird T-shirts (as one poor reader told me). So I have decided to create that audience.

Uncommonly Fetching Mamas is a new Flickr group for you to post your best and brightest fashion creations. Somewhere you can check out other's style and find out how they do it. There are lots of unforeseen fashion challenges with children, (read nursing, food and Dry Clean Only) but that does not mean we have to live in jeans and T's, or (heaven forbid!) Juicy tracksuits, on a daily basis.

Now there will be those of you reading who don't have children and probably think you can give it a miss, but we need you too! Who are the Uncommonly Fetching Mama's in your life? Is it your best friend, your work mate or your own Mum? We want to see all fabulous mamas here, so get snapping.

So Mamas', your mission is to dress for You, even if you can only do it one day a week, and show us the best of your creative endeavors. Now, no pushing, who's first? You may even just end up here as Mama of the Month.

And The Winners Are......

Thank you to everyone who left me a comment over the last three days. While there are a few hundred that are still shyly lurking around, hopefully they will soon join the fun.
As promised, I have selected three people by random means, ( closing my eyes and pointing to a name on the overall comments list) to dress. And so I congratulate Tizzalicious, Lil Midget and K.Line.

Now, my wonderful winners; please email me a full length photo showing your figure, list any figure flaws you want to minimize, tell me a bit about your current climate and which occasion you would like me to dress you for. Then over the next few days I will post your new outfit selections here for your own personal shopping fantasy, and for everyone else to enjoy.

To be fair, I have had a few private email requests too. So if you don't find yourself on the winners list, and are having a style crisis, feel free to drop me a personal email and I'll see what I can do.

I can't wait to see what I come up with!

The Gym Experiment

So here is what I wore to the gym today. Blue toweling dress over crop top and 3/4 yoga pants. Not really a huge improvement but I like the change of length. I think the dress is a little plain. Any suggestions for fancying it up a bit? Oh and of course there was a black diamonte bow necklace to go with it all.
On another note... the heat has finally gone and today was 21 degrees celcius. So I am *hoping* to try and tackle the wardrobe problem again tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Rock your Body

So I am back at the gym after baby two. I have been back since before Christmas but now I am so much fitter I feel I can hit it a bit harder. But here is a sartorial challenge.. funky gym gear that doesn't cost the earth and also doesn't look like I'm trying too hard. I used to stick to the basic varieties of Yoga pant and singlet top but I am boring myself into oblivion; it just doesn't express anything about WHO I am. I really hate the way so many people drag themselves to the gym looking like they have just rolled out of bed. Bad hair, old over sized T-shirts, too tight gym pants that show just where your undies have ridden to while you were on that tread mill, and a look of silently begging "please don't see me / talk to me". Isn't part of getting fit liking what you see?

There have been a few good blog posts recently about cool gym gear, but truly, I am not planning to spend more than $40 on an outfit and I don't need a whole wardrobe full of trainers - I need all that room for my other shoes! Ah, and one more challenge to add to the mix- I have a baby to breast feed just before hitting the gym floor. So I still have to wear maternity bras (Elle MacPherson's rule!) and tops that allow for fairly easy access in a hurry.

So I am going to try and mix and match, layering approach and we'll see what happens. I'll post up pictures every time I go and see what you think. Any comments or suggestions people?