Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. 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!

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 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!


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.

Monday 31 December 2012

The Best of Bought by Birdette 2012

Hello everyone! How did you enjoy the holiday period? We're glad to be back in business here at Birdette Headquarters to bring you all a wrap up of the most popular posts of 2012. Did your favourite make it in?

Most read Beauty Post:


Always a goodie, sad to see it for the final time on TV last week but unfortunately for Gossip Girl lovers the show just wasn't what it used to be.

Most Pinned DIY:


A surprising success, and I do have to admit I still haven't entirely finished mine! It's about 7 metres long, I just keep running out of tape or missing flags to finish it off! I know there's a few more flags somewhere... lol.

Purchase of the Year:

Still a Favourite for readers all over the world, this classic bag is high up on many shopping lists.

Best Discovery:


If you don't already own this, I still highly recommend you give it a try, nothing else has helped me with my uneven skin tone more.

Best Tips and Tricks:
How very well timed! I can imagine more then a few of us will be sporting bleary red eyes after partying tonight! Here's how to minimize the the appearance

It's been a good year here at Bought by Birdette and we're very happy to have you all as readers! You've been steadily growing and spreading the word and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you. If you don't already, please take this chance to follow us to keep up to date. You can choose from Twitter, Facebook, Google Friend Connect, or Bloglovin, and please keep in touch! We love to know what you're loving, and want to see more of. (Comments and Shares! Yay!)
Thanks again for an awesome year and your continued support, I hope you all have a fantastic New Year, Be the best you can be, and take care of yourselves.


Saturday 8 December 2012

Bought! Sportsgirl Cut Out Boots

So a few weeks ago I posted about some gorgeous Jeffrey Campbell Cut Out Boots that I was in love with, but just couldn't justify on my budget. Hello wallet friendly alternative!




So Mischa likes the boots too, or the camera, I'm not sure.

Can you tell I'm in love? You can pick up your own pair from the guys at Sportsgirl, I found them to be a little tight in the width, so make sure you walk about the store a bit in them first, and I certainly had to buy the bigger size my foot size normally falls into.

Sunday 2 December 2012

Loving this week - Bargain leather goods and Mecca Maxima

December is here and that means I can officially get all Christmas-y without anyone cracking the sads that I'm getting in too early. Hurray for that! I love this time of the year because the weight of the year starts to lift off everyone's shoulders. Even people on the street seem to smile more.
Of course it also means great deals for shoppers too, so I've been pounding the pavement (or carpet in Westfield Carindale's case!)
Colette is a store I haven't paid much attention to, I noticed when suddenly they appeared in almost every mall overnight but I've been afraid that my allergy would prevent me from wearing the jewellery. However I was walking past the store when I saw new posters up talking up their new leather range, Always keen for a leather handbag I had to check them out.


Nice, simple and clean lines are a great first impression to make on the handbags. However, when you look a little closer the top corners of the bag actually clip together internally and form a new bag shape, and a gorgeous one at that! I'm sorry to say I couldn't find any pictures of the alternate way to wear it, but I think it's worth going to the shops and checking them out, it could just be your brand new handbag (and matching wallet!) It also currently comes in other shades of tan, dark blue, and a pinky coral hue.

I'm a little ashamed to admit that I have waited this long to check out the new Mecca Maxima, or any Mecca Maxima in that case! I've been shy. It's like that feeling you get when you see the security guard on the doors of Louis Vuitton or Chanel, sometimes you don't feel brave enough and run away! But after entering I don't know why I felt that way. I almost squealed out loud at some of the cute stuff I found! Heart shaped foam hair rollers anyone? Don't mind if I do ...

Comes in a pack of six

I also picked up some Soap and Glory goodies that I'll talk about after I've given them a go. The tools section was of course unbelievable but the range of hard to find brands is awesome. I'm really glad to see that someone who has the means to has opened up the world of international niche cosmetics to Australians who would otherwise resort to eBay or overpriced international postage. After leaving the store I'm already plotting my purchases for next time in my head.

Saturday 10 November 2012

Loving this week - Summer boots, Oil and it's finally raining!


I'm a fencesitter, while you get most people who are very black and white about things I tend to find the good in both ends of the spectrum. I like cats AND dogs, Summer AND Winter. But most of all I love it when a piece that would usually be relegated to one season, can be worn in the other.
Cut out boots are going to be huge this Summer, and already there are enviable versions in store. Balenciaga have an awesome pair but not everyone can reach that price point. Here are two styles that I would love to add to my shoe rack, perfect to throw on with a summery above the knee dress. These two varieties by Jeffrey Campbell tickle my fancy. The Tripoli Cutouts almost look normal from the front but feature a sneaky cut out around the heel, while the chunky flatform of these Roscoe Cutout Boots rock my socks.



Nothing beats an oil to remove hardcore makeup. They operate on the notion that like attracts like to remove the day without stripping your skin of its natural protection. So far all of the ones I've found are just too expensive for me, So when I spotted Cleanse off Oil by MAC for $15 a bottle I figured I'd have to give it a try. Add to cart.


Lastly, it's raining.. Oh my god. It's been about 3-4 months since we're had proper rain, and the days where it's sprinkled I could count on one hand. I miss the way the world is lit with white light under the clouds, the way water runs down the window panes, and the crisp, clean scent. Snuggled on the couch with a book and a nice hot cup of tea. These are my favourite kind of days.

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