Trends with Benefits

Few of us need extra motivation when it comes to justifying the essential purchases required to update our look. 
However, just in case you are second guessing yourself and looking for sound, logical reasoning beyond 'price per wear', consider my 5 favourite must have spring/summer trends….with benefits xo

1. The oversized clutch

We have all been asked the question, "what is the one item of make up you cannot do without?" Impossible. At a pinch I could possibly give you "3" and with the oversized clutch, you can be ever-ready with enough room for all of your 'essentials". The contents of our handbags are a mysterious wonder and with an oversized clutch there will be no need for talk of crazy compromise.

Michael Kors Clutch

2. Oversized Sunglasses 

Universally stylish. Not only will the perfect pair instantly transform you to chic, they will singlehandedly cover a multitude of sins. Pulled an all nighter? Not enough sleep? Bad break up? No make up? All hail the perfect shade. 

3. The Turban

Uber chic. The turban has covered many a bad hair day and past and present day fashion icons have proven it's chic, timeless quality. 

4. The Nude Shoe

The promise of longer leaner looking pins? All of a sudden "price per wear" is fading into insignificance...

5. The Kaftan

Unfortunately not all of us emerge from the winter covers looking like tanned, toned, glamazons. Enter the Kaftan. 

Channel your inner goddess, and disguise the after-affects of a few too many hot chocolates consumed during hibernation…

Warning…the love of Kaftans can quickly turn into an obsession.

roberto cavalli Kaftan

 Lisa Brown Kaftan

 Nancy King Kaftan

camilla franks Kaftan

Images courtesy of pinterest

Kaftans and Champagne

"You know me, I live in la la land where it's all kaftans and champagne".

My friend and I laughed, knowing there was more than an element of truth to my statement. 

After a number of hugely successful learning curves, (otherwise known as epic failures), one of the things I came to realise about myself was that I would happily sacrifice more than a few essentials in order to keep myself up to date with vogue.

Maintaining a sense of style in everything I did was an essential part of me and no external force or circumstance was ever going to change that.

It's reminds me of the now famous SATC quote, "When I first moved to New York I bought Vogue instead of dinner. I just felt it fed me more"

Fast track to 2013. I have started a styling business, I'm blogging about fashion, and playing with facebook and pinterest is part of my daily routine.

And then the question was asked of me, 'So what is "Nothing less than chic"?' 

The word chic has become a term in fashion that is either loved or loathed. Granted, it is thrown around a lot.  

For me, chic is a sense of style, and "nothing less than chic" is about realising it in our everyday lives and the good news, is that it doesn't have to come with a luxury price-tag or a label...unless you so choose. 

It's swanning around in a gorgeous Kaftan when I'm home alone on a Sunday afternoon; it's putting a splash of paint on a wall, and hanging white sheers to create a chic backdrop; it's keeping the cushions fluffed and plump for the benefit of no-one but you (it's true I have been told to step away from the cushions..), it's pouring yourself a glass of wine or champagne and grabbing a sneaky half an hour to read your favourite Magazine...

It's about bringing a little bit of chic into your everyday. 

xo

Fundamentally Fabulous ~ The Pencil Skirt

Strong, sexy and timeless. 3 reasons why we love the pencil skirt. 

A classic since it's introduction by Christian Dior in the 1940's, this chic little number has well and truly earned style status.

Like the dress pant, the pencil skirt has long broken out of the office routine and has become one of the most versatile pieces in our wardrobes. 

When styling your pencil skirt, the key elements you will want to consider for your shape are its length and the height of the waist and while this piece is designed for a close fit, to remain chic, the pencil skirt should skim..not cling. Finally, look for a quality fabric with some weightiness to it to ensure it holds it's form. 

Leather or lace, cotton, embellished or plain, this little beauty boasts endless styling options...pair back with a white tee, your button down shirt, a silk cami, even your sleek leather biker jacket; so choose your look, slide into your sky high stilettos, and head out the door... looking Nothing less than chic... 

                                       

pictures courtesy of pinterest

                                

                                         

Fundamentally Fabulous ~ The dress pant

While it can be tempting to live in our denims and take them from day to night and back to day, even amazing jeans lack the polish and sophistication of a gorgeous pair of dress pants.
A must for every woman's wardrobe, you only have to cast your eyes back to the runways showcasing this seasons trends to see the dress pant breaking some of the traditional 'style' rules. 
They have become a style staple that extends far beyond the boardroom, and into many a social gathering.

Like all your fundamental pieces, look for a timeless and versatile quality in dress pants and when building this part of your wardrobe, try to include 2-3 different styles that flatter and fit well in both dark and light neutrals, (for example, black, cream, white and Navy), with clean lines and minimal detail.

Quality and cut are on the priority list and when shopping or editing your wardrobe for pants, and to ensure a great fit, make sure that you have access to a tailor who can make any necessary adjustments. 
Often retailers will have someone that they use and recommend, and in some instances will even offer basic alterations as part of their service.

Pants come in all shapes and sizes and whether at work or play, the styling options are endless.
At the moment the loose, slouchy fit in fluid fabrics, which have a relaxed yet sophisticated feel are a style I adore, however, if you are yet to own a pair, start with a classic straight leg cut with a flat front and where possible, avoid side pockets to achieve a more stream line, sleek effect. 
An important point about hemlines...the hemline on your classic pant should sit approximately 1/2 inch from the ground when wearing your heels. Pants need to be hemmed for the shoes you will be wearing them with, so don't try and pair your flats with the same pant that you wear your favourite stiletto with. 

Retailers such as Country Road, Witchery, Perri Cutten, and Saba usually offer a classic cut, and are a good starting point.
Once you have your basics covered, brands like Camilla and Marc and Alice and Olivia are worth a look for something more on trend if you are looking to 'play up the pant', however you may also discover styles that fall under the classic category.
And of course, on line, check out sites such as Net-a-porter, Shopbop and Shopstyle. 

Pants offer a chic alternative and while they will always hold a key position amongst your  fundamental pieces, they have emerged as a style staple in their own right, so don't be afraid to break them out of the office routine.

xo

pics courtesy of pinterest

Fundamentally Fabulous - The LBD

Perhaps most famously worn by Audrey Hepburn, this is the dress that can be transported through time, and today you could be forgiven for thinking that the original Givenchy as worn by Hepburn had come straight off the runway from the ready-to-wear collections of New York Fashion Week 

This staple holds its own in the style stakes.

Pair it with a great stiletto, a handbag and a string of pearls and you are office ready in a flash; once the clock strikes knock off o'clock, with a quick change of shoes, and a piece of statement jewellery you and your LBD are ready for the night.

Choose a classic cut and it's almost impossible to get this wrong, even for the most "style" challenged amongst us. If you like to take a few more risks and draw on your creativity when it comes to your wardrobe, the styling options are endless.

In terms of getting it right for your body shape, some of the elements that you will need to consider are length, cut and shape of the neckline and shoulders and whether your best option is to go strapless or to choose a style with a sleeve. Check out this post from the The little black dress to help you make the best choice (be aware that gaining such knowledge may result in the necessity of a shopping trip...)

Finding the perfect LBD will leave you feeling nothing less than chic

xo

Fundamentally Fabulous ~ The Nude Shoe

I am about to reveal a universal truth. 

A woman's wardrobe will never be complete without a nude stiletto or pump; a timeless fashion trend, a red carpet secret and forever a fundamental wardrobe staple. 

The master of deception, this shoe is the ultimate leg extender, creating the illusion of the long and lean. While this fact in itself is reason enough to own several pairs, lets explore the wonder of 'nude'.

This shoe will go with almost EVERYTHING and I am yet to find a colour that it doesn't go with. It's versatility lends itself to being the perfect transitional shoe; outfit to outfit, season to season.

The most important rule to follow when choosing your nude is to find the shade that is closest to your natural skin tone. Getting this element right will result in the shoe blending in with the natural tone of your legs, the eye will naturally be drawn upward, and instantly you will have created the appearance of longer, leaner pins. 

Have an amazing dress that deserves ALL of the attention? 
Taking it into the night?  
Looking for a shoe that will go with your patterned pieces? 
Limited budget? 
Want a pair of shoes that is great with your neutral palette and perfect with colour? 
Dressing up your denim? 

There is one answer ladies. Nude. One answer though, does not limit you to one pair. 

There are so many styles to choose from, however considering our focus is the fundamental, start with either a stiletto or pump (stilettos have a thin, high heel, pumps have a lower, thicker heel) with a closed in toe, (pointed or round...OK you can have both). The benefit of the closed toe is that it will walk with you through the seasons. If you are wanting something specifically for the warmer months, a peep toe is a also a great option. 

This season, the nude shoe is very much on trend and is a must have of the moment. For the consumer,  this translates into an abundance of choices, so if you have identified a need, it's the perfect time to shop and while Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin will always remain my inspiration, there is a nude shoe to suit every budget. 
Try Wittner, RMK or  Joanne Mercer on for size, and if you are looking for a designer shoe without having to pay the high end prices, you can't go past Stuart Weitzman. Not always easy to get in Australia, but available on line through retailers like Neiman Marcus who will ship internationally.

The possibilities are endless.... 

The final word? When in doubt...go nude 

xo

pictures courtesy of pinterest