Winter Casual

Jumper: H&M (old) / Jeans: Wrangler / Shoes: Ziera / Bag: Colorado
Earrings: Made By Me

 



Rocking the messy bun look. 
If you missed my Instagram confession; this is how I put my hair up for a shower then don't bother to do it

 

 

Photos c/o my wonderful Husband

As much I LOVE my midi skirts, I wear jeans a lot.  I love them and they are practical for running around after 2 small girls.

There are so many different styles and cuts of jeans out there I simply can't keep up with what's "in".  I saw a fabulous and stylish London blogger rocking flares, saying they were back in a big way.  Really?  Others are getting back into their boot cuts; lots are still in their skinnies and I'm still seeing lots of distressed denim (which makes me happy, more on why here).  So what's the look in jeans??

I have no idea.  I say wear what you like and feel comfortable in. Unless you're a guy and wearing those jeans that hang below your underwear, that just looks silly.  Why even bother with pants?!

The jeans I'm wearing here I've had for a number of years.  I bought them from Tractor Supply (seriously!) whilst in Upstate New York.  They are Wrangler "Q Baby" jeans with a 36" (92cm) inseam - yay!  I like the dark colour and as they are riding jeans they don't gap in the back. 

On a side note: can I just say how much I love American sizing... these jeans are a 7/8.  Ha!  Love it!  The Australian ladies know what I'm talking about!!

This jumper (sweater for those who don't speak Australian) I bought from H & M (in USA) more than 10 years ago and I still love it.  I remember buying it purely because I was excited that the sleeves were long enough #tallgirlproblems! 

I'd love to know what your favourite style / cut of jeans is??

I Made It Monday - Faux Fur Vest

Wow, this Monday has come around fast!!

Vest: Made By Me / Jeans: Refashioned by Me; Gap / Top: Long Tall Sally
Earrings: Made By Me

Booties: BCBG (old) / Jeans: Refashioned by Me / Top: Country Road
Vest: Made By Me / Earrings: Made By Me / Sunglasses: Kenneth Cole

Photos c/o my wonderful Husband
Who secretly thinks the vest makes me look like a caveman but is too nice to say so.

I love fur vests on other people, I just wasn't sure about the look on me.  So rather than investing a lot of money in something I wasn't sure about, I decided to make one.

Let me start of by saying the fact that this stuff is called "fun fur" suggests the manufacturer had a wicked sense of humour.  It was not fun to sew with.  It was messy and fluffy and stiff and messy... oh and did I mention the mess?! 

To make a pattern I simply traced around an existing vest.  I added pockets to my vest, because I love pockets in everything!  It is fully lined and after scouring the internet I came across this really helpful tutorial for construction.

I am happy with the end result.  I like wearing it with a belt to give some waist definition and it keeps me warmer than wearing it open. 

Despite the massive amount of mess - this stuff flies everywhere while cutting & sewing! - it was a quick and fairly simple project which only cost me $23 as I already had the lining.

Have you sewn with faux fur?

Black & Blue

 Boots: Sergio Rossi (old) / Skirt: Made By Me / Top: Country Road
Scarf: Sportsgirl / Sunglasses: Kenneth Cole (old)

Photos c/o my wonderful Husband

I've styled my navy midi (made by me) for winter with a black wool turtleneck and black boots. 

I think it was way back in high school when someone told me you shouldn't wear black and blue together because you look like a bruise.  That has always stuck in my mind but never stopped me from wearing it!  I most often wear a black top with my blue jeans!

What do you think?  Does black & blue make you look like a bruise?!!

A Wardrobe Classic

Do you have timeless pieces in your wardrobe that you feel good wearing year after year?

For me one of those pieces is this camel coat I bought from Laura Ashley at least 6 years ago.  It's a timeless colour and style which looks good dressed up for a night out or with jeans. 

The great thing about a nice coat or jacket is that it hides the fact that you're wearing a faded old top underneath which may or may not have toothpaste on it from brushing your children's teeth*

Most importantly it works with my favourite scarf which is almost 15 years old - but quality lasts!  Gee, I didn't realise how long I'd had it until just now!

What is your favourite timeless piece?

* Yes, I had toothpaste on my top.  Hey, that's Mama real life!

Winterize A Summer Favourite

Now that winter is upon us in the southern hemisphere it's time to pack up the summer clothes.  I do rotate my wardrobe, but there are some pieces I just can't bring myself to put away.

This stretch floral denim pencil skirt is one of them (made by me). 

Here is how I take it from a summer staple to a piece that works in my winter wardrobe.

My apologies for the iPhone images but life got in the way of taking proper photos!

This is how I usually wear the skirt in summer.  Casual and perfect for running after toddlers.  I do sometimes dress it up with a nice top and dress shoes, but more often than not I'm wearing it as a casual piece.

Skirt: Made By Me / T-shirt: Target / Sneaks: Target /
Earrings: Made By Me / Necklace: Made By Me / Bracelets: Eastern Living

To make it work for winter I add black tights, boots and a black top.  I added a scarf which picks up one of the colours in the skirt and breaks up all that black! 

 

 



Boots: Diana Ferrari (old) / Skirt: Made By Me / Top: Long Tall Sally
Scarf: RM Williams / Earrings: Made By Me



 

For an extra layer of warmth, or to dress it up a bit more I'll add a blazer.  Black of course...I love it and just can't help myself!

Blazer: Cue (old) / Leather Earrings: Made By Me

Ta da!  From summer to winter!

Which pieces do you wear all year round?