Show Time

We had the great fortune of being able to leave behind husbands and children and check out the David Jones fashion parades for Spring/Summer 06. Actually I exaggerate as my 3 and 5 year old daughters unexpectedly accompanied me - at this point can I say a big thank you to David Jones staff as they were fantastic and made my girls feel very special.

However back to the show, clutching our goodie bags and champage( OJ for the littlies!) we enjoyed viewing some great summer stories. Including nautical, whites, a huge range of prints, very pretty dresses, belts firmly buckled up and overall a very ladylike and dressed look with a bit of St Tropez sex appeal thrown in.

My favourite is the Witchery line: I am often torn between what I like to wear and what in my every day life I am needing to get round town in. Chrissy and I often lament the casual element that creeps into mum-at -home wear, but we also feel that you can get round this by occaisonally succumbing to more glam pieces to wear with jeans and heels, or with great accessories.

Back to Witchery: their clothes are simple but striking and suit me as I'm a more influenced by an urban street cred look( thanks to my husband for that terminology -a more interesting way of saying casual?). My favourites were a gorgeous printed sundress, a delicate knit cardi and a range of bronze and white flat sandals and slides.

We also loved Veronika Maine for her prints and very modern shapes: I will be looking for some great dresses when summer hits, which can be dressed up for pm and still worn round the playgroup set.

When new season styles appear one of my biggest dilemmas is how far to follow the trend vs only buying serious investment pieces that can be taken out either every few seasons or worn regardless. Do you throw out your stiletto heels for platforms only? Do you rush to buy beaded caftans and then only ever wear them to the beach?(guilty)

Do you purchase skinny jeans only to realise a)you never suited them first time round b) a bootcut is still acceptable as long as it's dark denim.

I'm going to be chewing this issue over in future posts but here's an example:
The trench coat or belted macintosh fabric coat, a modern classic, originally by iconic British label Burberry, and now available from any number of local stores eg Jag, Esprit, or Sportscraft. I think if investment dollars are available, the trenchcoat is a must. However the bubble skirt/dress, while a current standout fashion moment is unlikely to have a long life or be particularly versatile, so this look I would only consider on a budget basis.

Anyone wanting to comment on their own list of investment vs trend pieces or wish list, please send us your thoughts.