Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts

Saturday 18 January 2014

Topshop launches in Brisbane!

Yes, completely aware that I'm a little late in this news and hopefully you've all already been to check out Topshop's gorgeous new store in Brisbane! During launch night I was lucky enough to gain access to the event and even ask Chairman of Next Athleisure Hilton Seskin (The company responsible for bringing Topshop to our shores) a few burning questions about Topshop.

How will Topshop/Topman cater to Brisbane?
A lot of research goes into any new location we open in, and we strive to understand the local fashion scene in order to tailor our collections to the audience. Combining this with our fast fashion philosophy, this is one of our key points of difference in the market.

Where will you be opening next in Australia?
These is a new location coming to Melbourne at Highpoint Shopping Centre and a store is planned for Perth in 2014.

Has Brisbane influenced the current collection?
We have sent Topshop/Topman designers to Brisbane to design exclusive wares for our latest audience. The collection we have in store here is custom selected and designed with Brisbane in mind, so there are many items in here that you won't find online or in other stores.

Are the collections in Australian stores what you'll find online?
Not quite, You will find completely new designs for each store each season and while there may be familiar themes we select different fabrics, shapes and stories across our stores.

What do you like about Brisbane?
I have been here many times and I'm finding that Brisbane is becoming more quirky. There is a renewed interest in the little laneway cafe and the trendy restaurant, There is a lot of personality and individual touches to find.

So how about that! I'm really impressed to find that amount of research and care is put into each Topshop location, Have you checked out the shop? What did you buy!

Saturday 30 November 2013

Sambag Celebrates their First Birthday at Wintergarden Brisbane

I love an Aussie success story! After reading the news and seeing stories about renowned labels going into administration, or being sold to new overseas owners it really makes my day to see Sambag thriving.
For those who haven't heard of this label yet it is the epitome of Simplicity being the ultimate in sophistication. Renowned for their impossibly soft ballet flats and classic accessories, it's a brand that you cannot go wrong with.

Luxe Scarves to finish off an outfit

I'm completely in love with these Leopard Print Ballets!

Earlier this month I had the privilege of having an early viewing of their upcoming range and to meet the designer and creator of Sambag - Sam Wagner herself. I have a lot of admiration for her, as a single mother building an entire label from the ground up into an international brand with stores in Australia and Hong Kong, Sam even sold her engagement ring to help fund the venture, which as you can see has truly paid off!

The store invites you in with chic light scarves perfect for our upcoming Summer hanging luxuriously from displays, accompanying supple leather bags and shoes that beg to be touched. The Signature shade of blue speaks volumes of the effortless chic the label embodies.

Designer Sam Wagner with her creations (Pink flats! <3!)

Jewelry by Deepa Gurnani, Clutch by Sambag

Of course I had to try on some of the wares! I completely fell in love with these incredible bracelets by Deepa Gurnani. The Cuff styles are created on a leather base with lobster claw closures, and I simply adore the studded one on the top, Perfect to stack, you've really got to go and see them on yourself.

The wonderful team at Sambag Brisbane

Sambag Brisbane is located in the recently refurbished Wintergarden Shopping Complex, Nestled in Brisbane's humming CBD, the girls in store are waiting to help make the shopping experience something to savour!

Sambag Brisbane
Wintergarden Shopping Centre
Shop G14, Ground Level
171-205 Queen Street Mall
Brisbane
(The same block as the Hilton Hotel)

Opening hours
Mon – Thurs 9:00am – 5:30pm
Fri 9:00am – 9:00pm
Sat 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sun 10.30am – 4:00pm

Have you been to Sambag or Wintergarden recently? What gorgeous things did you find?


Sunday 22 September 2013

How to hand wash your Delicates

Hand-washing. Ugh, who has the chance to do it honestly? So much time that I could be doing things I actually enjoy.That's why I'm glad I found this method, it makes it an utter cakewalk, and the results are much better then handwashing in a basin. This method is ideal for small delicate items, such as bras, knickers and slips made of lace and silk.

how to wash underwear delicates knickers bras hand

Take a large jar that you have washed thoroughly (or put through the dishwasher, we're talking low effort here!) I like to use Kilner jars, the ones with the slip top lid and rubber seal or giant Moccona coffee jars.

You will also need:
Laundry Powder suited to the items your washing
Water
Dirty Delicates!
That's about it actually ...

Put a small amount of washing powder in the jar along with some hot water. Seal the jar and shake shake shake!
Once the powder has dissolved, fill up the jar to about halfway, pop in your laundry. One item at a time works best but it depends on the size of your jar really. Continue to shake for a minute or two (See? It's a workout and laundry in one! Time saved!)
Repeat with any remaining smalls until you're done, you can use the same soapy water but replace it if the water becomes murky ...
Replace the soapy water with clean cold water and shakes again to rinse. Replace the water as required.
Once they're washed, lay your smalls on a clean dry towel  and blot them with the other end to mop up excess water. Delicate items don't tend to like being wrung out so please don't do that.
Hang them out to dry!

This method works much like a small washing machine in order to give great results with maximum safety for your clothes. Because fabrics such as silk actually get weaker when wet it's a common occurance for them to tear when washed in a machine.
Make sure you wash the lid properly too, We don't want bits of dinner on our freshly laundered bras!.

Want more tips and advice? Be sure to Subscribe to Bought by Birdette or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Wednesday 14 August 2013

Quick Style Buys for Spring 2013

We've been lucky enough in Brisbane to have had a gorgeously mild Winter, even looking outside the window today the sun is shining and is beckoning me to get out and enjoy it.
But of course there's the little matter of what to wear. This is a new season coming and the warm, snug options we've been bundled up in just aren't going to cut it! Fashion is heading towards a massive mash-up where the more it clashes, the more eclectic, the more individual, the better. For great inspiration, look at how fearless Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, and Rita Ora are with their styles. You know the girls I'm talking about!
Here are Birdette's hot picks to add to your wardrobe for the upcoming season.

The Loose Boyfriend Tank:



The slouchy cool styles we've been stealing from the less then fairer sex are the most comfy things ever! make it your own with a print and cut you love -slogans are perfect- and pair with my next pick for an instant outfit.

The Wrap Skirt:


We're leaving behind the Hi-lo styles of recent times and going back to a rather sleek asymmetrical style, tuck in your top, add some cute shoes, and easily bring this new addition to your wardrobe.

The Maxi Skirt:


This is an example of a trend that has transformed into a regular style staple (much like Skinny Jeans) the style to go for this season are body skimming jersey versions, buy with a split to keep you cool in Summer. Make sure you wear VPL free knickers too!


The Boyish Boots:

We didn't get much of a chance to wear these last Summer as the trend was only just trickling into local stores.Cut out boot styles are also still very stylish but make sure it's not going to rain, no one likes squishy feet! Brogues are also still very cute and stylish.

The Hat:

(Left to Right)

Baseball caps in sleep leather type fabrics have been popping up everywhere, thankfully this time with any chav connections, very sleek, very wearable, just don't wear them like a douche, the brim goes over your face dear!

The Bag:


Admittedly the backpack is still going to be huge this season, but if you want to stay ahead of the curve, buying a ladylike top handle will do the trick, something to juxtapose all the styles stolen from boys this season. Look for top handles you can wear daintily on your elbow, (but I also love a shoulder strap for convenience!)


The Accessory:



That gorgeous Ear Cuff trend I was banging on about some time ago, You don't need to think about any other accessories once you put them on. Instant outfit finishers! Ears are the jewelry focus point of the season, moving on from handmade wristwear, and watches.

So tell me, what are you excited to add to cart for this season? I'm personally stalking my mailman!


Wednesday 17 July 2013

Cheap trick to make stockings last longer

We've all had it happen to us, you're going about your daily business when something catches your stockings and ping, you have a great tear in them. I used to be pedantic enough to carry a spare pair whenever I was wearing them, but I was told this quick and simple trick to help them last longer. Brilliant for your gorgeous expensive finds like silk stockings, fully fashioned styles or ritzy brands like Wolford. You just need three items, and your chosen stockings

Gather your supplies: Hairspray, a sealable freezer bag, a freezer and your stockings.

Spritz stockings lightly with hairspray.

Place stockings in sealable bag and squeeze excess air out, I found rolling really helped.

Freeze overnight.

Pull out of freezer 15 minute before wearing to allow them to warm back up.

Put them on and go!

You will have to repeat the process for every time you wash them, but the hairspray and freezing help make the fibres stronger against snags, and will even stop runs from being as bad as they would be otherwise. But I've found it a treat for helping to keep my pricier pairs in better nick for longer.

Have you tried this trick before? How did you find it worked for you?


Sunday 5 May 2013

Loving this week - Tough Chic Jackets, Snobbery and Glitter Brogues

It's time to bring back an old favourite of mine, loving this week is where I tell you exactly what's made me want to run to the shops or just happy in general lately.

Firstly is this insane Jacket from the guys at Boohoo.com drawing on a stack of key trends this winter I would love to have it in my closet, I'm not sure if the peplum can actually be zipped off like the photos suggest but the way the jacket hints it can be styled in different ways really has my heart racing. Perfect for creating curves on boyish body types and at the same time the cut will flatter hourglass shapes too!


I've always loved this style of notebooks and have been filling out a book one for the better part of my life (I like to think I read a lot, in truth I do read a lot ... of magazines). It's a perfect gift idea for anyone you know who likes to go and try new gastronomical experiences, food not their thing? What about Coffee Shops or Wine or even Boutique Beers? These books are an awesome tool to help with keeping track of what was epic, and what didn't really do it for you with heaps of room to enter details such as favourite waiter, dress code and wait time.


I picked up these gorgeous newbies from a LipstikWindsor Smith Shoes Outlet in Melbourne last week and I am in love, I'm sure regular readers will already know about my penchant for sparkly shoes, and I've been hunting for a pair of brogues I like for a few seasons now. Silver glitter wingtips for $15? OMG yes please!


What's been making you smile this last week? Be sure to let me know in the comments!


Sunday 7 April 2013

Where to buy Jeans to Flatter your Figure

This post rounds out Birdette's three piece special on Denim for Winter 2013, Check out some great Skinny Jean styles or Top Trend Denim as well!

Anyone who has ever gone on the search for the perfect pair of jeans will know well and truly that one size does NOT fit all. Because of this shopping for your next pair can be a menacing heartache full of disappointment. Even worse is when you find a style that works amazingly for you, and just as you tear a nasty irreparable hole in them, you find that they're no longer in production.
So I've come up with this quick guide of brands that you'll find in Australia that may help you find your next pair of 'The ones',
Of course if you find something that you love that just doesn't quite fit right, the best option to add them to your wardrobe is to take them to a tailor for any minor adjustments.

jeans brands to suit women apple curvy slim tall plus size petite
Tch, where do you even begin?!


Petite Young

What to look for:
Feeling swamped by most clothing brands? Time to try some labels that cater especially to petite girls and those with youthful bodies out there, keep an eye for for brands that offer different leg sizes and extra small sizes.
Tailor them? Ask your tailor to take up the hem in a manner that retains the original hem, so you don't lose any of the detail. This normally requires cuffing them once, then sewing as close to the original hem seam as possible before cutting off the excess.
Brands that work for you:
Bettina Liano
Supre


Boyish figure body type

What to look for:
Hello? Curves? Can I please have some of what Beyonce has happening?? If your figure leans towards an adolescent boy you're after a pair of jeans that will give you some booty and show off your beautiful legs (ever noticed how drag queens have amazing legs?)
Brands that work for you:
Just Jeans
Sportsgirl


Tall Slim body type

Similar to the boyish shape,If you're tall and slim you're already pretty close to what a lot of girls aspire to anyway, you can really get away with and wear it all!
Tailor them? Some styles come untreated and you may be able to let them seam down as required, but it's much easier to look for brands that come with a longer leg option.
Brands that work for you:
Sportsgirl
Sass and Bide

curvy body type

What to look for:
With your ample hips and tiny waist it's a challenge to find anything that will fit both of these points of your curvy body at the same time right? We need brands that have a little extra room in the butt and thigh while nipping in at the waist with no gape.
Tailor them? Get the pair that fit your legs and take them to a tailor to adjust any waist gape.
Brands that work for you:
Jeanswest
7 For All Mankind

apple body type
For girls who have a bit of a tummy or love handles, we define you as an Apple. Finding a pair that don't pinch in the waist is a dream come true. Keep an eye out for styles and brands that don't bring the waist in too much.
Tailor them? Make sure they fit your waist perfectly and then have your tailor streamline the legs to perfection.
Brands that work for you:
Levi's Curve ID in Slight style
Target


plus size body type

It can be really hard to try and find good modern cuts that will flatter a bigger frame while still being in Fashion, luckily with the boom in internet shopping it's easier then ever to fill the gap between retailer and customer and find jeans that suit Plus Sized girls out there.
Tailor them? Depending on where your weight lies you may need the hems taken up, the thighs slimmed or any waist gap taken in, choose a style that doesn't pinch anywhere, and adjust as required with your tailor.
Brands that work for you:
ASOS Curve
Jeanswest

Happy hunting girls! Have I missed anyone? Or if you have a particular body shape and a failproof store let me know about it so I can add it in!

Image Source:  Clean Wal-Mart

Thursday 4 April 2013

More Hot Denim for Winter

This is the second post in a three part special following Birdette's picks for Denim, Please find part one here and watch out for part three, helping you find what stores to shop for your figure later this week.

In this second part of my series this week I want to focus on Skinnies. They have become a featured style in the wardrobes of many girls out there because they can flatter a multitude of figures. It's all about finding the right cut as it is with all kinds of jeans. Skinny jeans should not be made without at least 2% Elastane to ensure a snug fit that will bounce back wash after wash.
This thing to remember this season for Skinny Jeans is avoid your basics and go all out with prints and colours. Put your everyday blacks and blues away for this season and say hello to great colours and look at me prints.



A great option for those who just can't go past their Skinnies are to find a gorgeous pair of coloured jeans. The perfect antidote for the plain denim for those who who find Printed Jeans a bit confronting, Skinny cuts are the ideal canvas to show off such a bold colour statement. To find your perfect pair it's best to go back to the makers of your favourites and see what incarnations they have for the upcoming season. Find a colour you love that will sink easily into your normal fashion scheme for the pair that will work best.

metallic denim jeans skinny skinnies colour color





Possibly the easiest way to add notable trends such as Baroque and to your wardrobe, Printed Jeans will take your anywhere this Winter. It's best to keep such graphic denim in a Slim cut before you run the risk of looking like you've stepped out in your Nan's Pajamas. (And no, I did not understand the Pajama dressing trend recently....)

print denim skinny skinnies jeans floral baroque


I'm also a huge fan of union jack printed skinnies, I'm still on the prowl for a reasonably priced pair, let me know if you spot some before I do!


Tuesday 2 April 2013

Hot Denim for this Winter

This is part one of a series of Three, Please check out my post on gorgeous skinny styles for this season too!

Jeans for most girls are the essential wardrobe staple. The ultimate go anywhere, do anything piece of clothing that can make you look fab in seconds. It can be a hard slog finding the right pair but by god when you've found them, you'll wonder what life was ever like without them.
This upcoming season as always there are a plethora of varieties out there and I'm always grateful for this, as it means that there should be something gorgeous for every body type. Here are my picks for the season.



For a few years I've been cuffing the legs of my old faithfuls and they've been cute in their own right, but they just lack the cool slouchy feel that come with the right cut and style. These are really quite flattering to all kinds of body types, even though they sit low on the hip which can be a little confronting after these years of high waisted styles. If in doubt (and they're sliding down your butt) remember that they are supposed to be loose, buy a size bigger because this style will shrink a little in the wash and wear them with a leather low slung belt. I love the look of heels with this style as the cuffs draw attention to anything on your feet, pull out your best statement shoes!

Boyfriend Jeans Denim ASOS Uniqlo Jay Jays


Dungarees (or Overalls as we call them here in Australia) are a little dubious to me but there's no use denying that they're everywhere right now. They're at that critical tipping point where you can't open a magazine without seeing a pair because Alexa Chung and the cool girls are embracing them but I am still yet to see them on the streets here in Brisbane. Heck, I can still remember the last time they were cool. I was 10! To style them it's best to stick to the modern slimline styles otherwise you'll look like you belong on a Dexy's Midnight Runner's Videoclip. Cuff them like boyfriends and follow the same shoe rule as above, (so hot and elongating with heels!) otherwise wear a shorts style with tights. Cute loosely slung tops and singlets are best, anything too tight and babydoll tees are way too much of a throwback.

Overalls Dungarees Shorteralls Boohoo ASOS Topshop

What styles are you looking to add to your wardrobe this year? I personally can't wait to get my hands on my ASOS Boyfriends as featured above!


Sunday 3 March 2013

Haute Look - Labels for Less

There's a new way to find those chic buys on the internet without the audacious price tag. Welcome to the world of online outlets!

Haute Look


Haute Look have been operating out of America for a few years now and I was really excited to find that they are now shipping to us way out in Australia! Nordstrom acquired the site back in 2011 So you can be sure that the labels are top notch. For no membership fee there are new sales to be found every day at 8:00 am Pacific time (which suits Australia fine, we get the start of the sales in the evening here!) A factor I really like about Haute Look though is that they stock a tonne of labels that we would have a hard time finding in store here. With Beauty, Fashion Homewares and more at your fingertips -but only for a limited time- it's a site you'll want to bookmark and visit often.

So armed with my bargain hunter instinct, I dove right into the site on the hunt for something awesome. Here's what I picked up!
Hair Tie Candy
So much cuter then an elastic on your wrist right?

These gorgeous hair ties rock my socks, not just for me of course as they make brilliant gifts for friends as well. Of course I couldn't go past something with glitter in them either. They came in a variety of colours so I chose what went best with my wardrobe.
Ox Blood Wedge Boots

The other thing I picked up were these boots. How amazing are they! Also in this seasons must have hue of Ox Blood. I'm loving how last seasons wedge sneakers are transforming into more styles, they are mega comfy to wear. But I have to admit I laughed so hard when they arrived in a massive box. Seriously, it was about 1m (3' odd) tall! 

The only problem I've found is that not all items ship to Australia, which is a little disheartening, but this can be fixed through an American forwarding address company such as Prezoom.

All in all, it's a place I would go shopping again, especially for the hard-to-find in Australia items at great prices. Go check them out now at Hautelook.com

This has been a sponsored post.

Sunday 10 February 2013

Incoming - Spliced and Contrasting Fashion

A lot of what fashion can say isn't purely what you see, textures can play a major role too. Mixing a black leather jacket with something light and feminine can completely alter the tough edge that your jacket can be screaming, while going for a material other then leather for said jacket can soften the effect too - so it's only whispering of how tough you are (lol!).
Spliced fashions are articles that have been created from two vastly different contrasting materials combined into one for maximum impact.Think a soft jersey t-shirt with capped leather sleeves or black leggings with a stripe of colour down the sides. Last season I spotted a few things like denim jackets with black leather sleeves but it looks like fashion may really walk this trend out for Autumn and Winter. Close to the colour blocking trend, the main difference is that splicing adds an entirely new fabric and not just a new colour to a piece of clothing.


The trend works perfectly with a sporty look, and blends in well with novelty but don't let that restrict you, almost any trend  you wear can feature this look without getting it wrong. Try some tailored trousers with this top from Sportsgirl with some chunky bangles or delicate necklaces. Or how about trading in your normal biker jacket for this hybrid anorak from Dotti? Think of them as items you can trade in for what you already wear and you'll be onto a winner!


Tuesday 5 February 2013

Pantone's Colour of the Year 2013

So if you haven't heard by now that Pantone's colour of 2013 is Emerald you'd have to be hiding under a fashionable deprived rock. Green has come back for this year with a vengeance in a beautifully crisp jewel shade. Just look at that beauty! Lurking deep in the cooler spectrum of the colour wheel this colour works with a surprising amount of people due to its muted tone.

Source: Pantone

Pantone's colour predictions are an important tool in predicting what's going to be hot in the upcoming season, as they say themselves "The PANTONE VIEW Colour Planner is a biannual trend forecasting tool that offers seasonal colour direction and inspiration 24 months in advance for multiple usages, including menswear, women's wear, activewear, cosmetics and industrial design."

Lots of designers are incorporating the hue into the collections, the colour will also work in Autumn and I can't wait to wear the moody shade! Here's what I want to add to my wardrobe.




Saturday 5 January 2013

Day of the Dead - Incoming Mexican Fashion

Using the momentum from both the Novelty and Tribal pattern trends, what I'm loving coming into stores now are the cute Day of the Dead style fashions. Prettied up sculls, intensely bright colours, intricate patterns, crochet and crisp whites are all hallmarks of this style, but this time around the colours are more subdued and easier to work into your everyday wardrobe. Think deeper, muted and more natural tones with a polite pop of neon or pastel. Try a cute crochet top with your favourite shorts, some candy coloured skull jewels, or an Aztec patterned scarf for a subtle take or go all out with a printed bodycon dress.

Crochet Front Tank / Forever New
Aztec Patterned Skirt / Ally
Crochet Hem Shorts / Ally
Printed Bodycon Dress / Dotti

Mexican Space Shirt Holdall Handbag / Topshop
Nail Rock Strips / ASOS
Skull Mish Mash Bracelet Set  / Diva
Aztec Sequin Clutch  / ASOS

If you want some more inspiration, (or even a good movie to watch this weekend) I highly recommend you check out the Frida biographical movie from a few years ago staring Salma Hayek. It's a little unnerving to watch her sport more facial hair then my boyfriend but the movie blew me away.

Are you getting into this trend? How are you wearing it?


Thursday 3 January 2013

Bought! Asos Haul January 2013

Well more of a mini haul really. Asos is another must do destination in the sales as the prices that normally can't be beaten get even better. Here's what I picked up.

This aqua peplum top fits like a dream and hides any bumps with it's gorgeous Ponte fabric. The trousers are also awesome, they're linen blend so they're comfy as in Australia's blazing hot summers, and they also have a cute feature waistband.



I couldn't say no to some cute accessories too. I love the little musician cat and mouse, I finally have a pair of cats eye sunnies that suit me, and the pillbox hat is something out of the ordinary in this day and age but I don't think they should be! They're gorgeous worn with an up-do and add an air of elegance.

Share this post?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
×
bloggerWidget