Super Stylist: Shopping with a Friend

Today I was a personal stylist! For about an hour and a half. I went shopping with my friend Angelina whom I've known for many years. This longevity has resulted in one of the strengths in our friendship: being able to speak with-mostly-absolute freedom in regards to fashion (if not everything else).

We have quite different personal styles, eclectic versus classic, professional vs stay home mum, but this can work in a very complimentary way, with a new perspective and fresh observations that on our own we might not see.

Today we were looking to add a bit of "zoosh" to Angelina's more working-day wardrobe: perhaps liven-up her more comfortable choices with some new shapes - for example; a cropped cardi, fitted layer tops, 3/4 pants, etc.

Angelina has gorgeous taste and some great modern classics, but sometimes feels she is getting a bit staid in her mostly black, tan or white choices. For me, Angelina provides inspiration to slow down on the "girlie" budget pieces and look for items that will not just suit the moment but actually last ... not just financially but style-wise too.

So I'd like to encourage you all to take the time and the possible risk, to shop with a great friend, one who is not afraid of your wrath in the dressing room when pleading (like today) empire line tops don't always make you look like you're expecting. And one who can enjoy your love of any sort of striped garment, preferably in navy. If you include the latte/cappucino break, people watching, trying on platforms and hats....it all makes for a great day.

I would like to report success from today's excursion. ... I purchased a Witchery cardi and a Seafolly Bikini, which was an unexpected achievement, and made possible only through long-suffering friend answering the - though I tried to rephrase it intelligently - age old question; "Does it make me look ..." I must have heard the right responses, and got a thumbs up from my husband later on. Angelina, who has great legs, settled on some black leggings, and a denim mini skirt. Go girl!

Good luck styling.

Review: The Devil wears Prada

EXTRA EXTRA ... On the Must Do List:

I just saw the movie "The Devil wears Prada" and would highly recommend it to anyone who is even remotely taken in by fashion and the allure this elitest world holds.

Meryl Streep plays the editor of the fictional "Runway" Magazine, where our confident but naive - journalist -turned- fashion- assistant works. Meryl Streep is diabolical and yet watchable as the absolute hub of the fashion universe, a law unto herself and with no scruples whatsoever, at least where Runway is concerned.

Assistant Andy (played by the beautiful Anne Hathaway of the Princess Diaries) is endearing, hopeless and finally both taken in by fashion and wised up to it. The dialogue is laced with all sorts of fashionable name dropping, bolstered by gorgeous clothes and locations and overall is great fun.

(For anyone who's read the book, this is a much lighter and more feel good version, with less venom and more humour. We'd love to hear any opinions)

Put Some Colour on your Shopping List

Every few seasons in 'fashion world' the colour thing happens! I think you can usually see it coming ... after a more sombre direction such as black, grey and khaki now we are welcoming neons, bold brights and (this season) strong prints plus some very solid primary colored accessories. Which can be a bit challenging for the uninitiated. Especially if you've got settled on a few white t-shirts, black singlets, a denim skirt and, maybe a sarong from Bali, and wonder if you need a university degree in mixing and matching the tonal shades.

I have an idea as to how we could survive this new fashionable moment. In Australia where the sun shines all the time and colours are very strong, I think we need to embrace colour. It suits us and our environment! It's also a lot cooler than wearing too much black, particularly during the 6 months of warm weather we have.

In winter we enjoyed accessories that were mostly black, so why not start off this colour revolution with neon shoes and bags, or at least in a jewel or pastel shade.

Colours like blue, raspberry and lime, or fabric/cane combinations, can accent a colour and complement your print dress or skirt, pastel cardi or striped tee without excess effort.

If you like making changes more slowly, then go for an elaborate print or embroidery bag, stitched and detailed, which will liven up a denim outfit or more casual capris and shirts.

Here are some colourful possibilities for your next shopping trip:

• Red ballet flats at Dotti $39.95
• red or cobalt blue platforms at Witchery $129.95
• Charlie Brown leather and rope bag in yellow $99
• Milk and Honey Polyurethane bag $95
• Wanted leather heels $119.95
• Accessories at Wittner or Sportsgirl.

It's a good feeling to wear colour during summer and it only takes a few great accessories to break the black habit- even if you take it up again in winter!

Return Policies are a Busy Girl's Best Friend

My husband jokes that I purchase 6 outfits and return 7! Hey, I'm not that bad ... but I must admit I do love to shop for clothing and accessories. For me it's the whole experience, even the "umming and arring" that I enjoy, not just the final result.

Unfortunately, I don't seem to have much time for fun shopping lately. I have to snatch a half hour here or 10 minutes there during a grocery trip. Often, I make quick purchasing decisions (or impulse buy) in order to go home with something, as I know there won't be any occasions in the coming months when I will be able to make a day of shopping with a girlfriend.

Because of this, I've found it important to take some time to be sure about my purchases (albeit at home), as they have to be a functional addition to my already existing wardrobe. I love adopting the latest fashion in any given season, but the problem is that I'm not built like Gemma Ward (our very own Aussie supermodel pictured)! I have to carefully deduce which version of the bubble skirt, ankle length tights/leggings, high-waisted pants, etc would suit my size, shape and style best.

Sometimes I can't even try things on the minute I get home as I find I'm in demand straight away (kids!). I usually have to leave it for a quiet time when I can pull out complementing pieces and see how they work together. Often, looking at the purchase again, in a relaxed atmosphere, without any sales pressure and in natural daylight, all means that a better decision is made in the end. On the odd occasion when I'm still not sure about it, second opinions can be solicited at home, usually without any ulterior motives.

Since I often need to return an item, I've had to start shopping more often at stores which have a "no questions asked return and refund policy". These are usually chain-stores like; David Jones, Myer, Sportsgirl, Jeans West, Target, etc. Smaller boutiques usually allow return and exchange only and so I will only make the impulse purchase if I'm 99% sure.

At the end of the whole process, if I feel the garment doesn't do enough for me or my wardrobe, I can return the item to the store, without any guilt whatsoever. The best thing is that even though I might not keep the item (which doesn't happen very often), I still get to enjoy the whole process!

Shopping in your Own Closet each Season

I've never liked throwing out my old clothes. They're just too valuable! I prefer to keep them and use them when they're back in fashion.

Over the years I have given away a lot of clothes to family or friends. Sometimes my mother would take them home and disperse as she saw fit or (much to my recent delight) keep some of the better pieces for a later date. With this discovery, I have reclaimed some classics which are quickly becoming an integral part of my wardrobe. This year it has been; black peeptoe slingback platforms, a classic beige trench coat that looks very Burberry, and the original Ray Ban Wayfarers (all in great condition).

So when I read Kathleen Fifield's article called "Shop Your Own Closet" in July 2006's InStyle I felt vindicated! Finally, an article in a fashion magazine which doesn't suggest throwing out everything that hasn't been worn in the last six months in order to make room for the new.

Kathleen shares three key steps in setting up your wardrobe to ensure you create some exciting looks with your current clothing, before going out to get the latest and greatest must-haves for the season.

She looks at:

• what to keep, what to throw out and how to update your favourites,
• how to inspire new combinations and looks, and
• how to organise your wardrobe so that it's practical, useful and appealing.

Here are some things that have worked for me:

At the beginning of each season, I check what I have in storage and pull out items that reflect the current shapes and styles. (Just last week I retrieved a navy and white pinnafore, denim capri pants and a lightweight red and white stripe boat-neck knit.)

I pack away anything I'm NOT planning to wear, such as last season items, or anything that's not currently "in style" (fashionspeak for "Wearing this will date your look as soooo 2003! "). As I don't have much closet space, I use old suitcases for storage.

Finally, my closet is free of clutter. With what is left, I group like colours and items so they are easily identified. For example; I hang pants, jeans and skirts together, while folding or at least grouping tops and shirts. I also group light and dark colours and fabrics.

I store shoes in shoe boxes, but there are some great plastic boxes available like those from Pinklily or the Clear Shoe Box Co. They are a great space-saving solution, they allow clear visibility and keep shoes clean and tidy. (I find that if you do look after your shoes, eventually you will be able to wear them again!)

I also try to make sure accessories like scarves, belts and bags are within easy reach. (Kimberly likes to store her bags in store carriers - of course if we had acres of shelving they would be on show!)

As there is less to choose from in the final wardrobe, the majority of items can mix and match more visibly and putting an outfit together becomes a lot easier.

I really recommend a little wardrobe organisation. It certainly minimises the need to rush out and buy new clothes at the beginning of the season, and inspires you to look after what you already have.

Got your Bag Girls?

In fashion I think we have personality types, not unlike the psychological profiles now required by any 21st century employer. You might be the shoe queen, unable to resist sales which fill your closet space with shoes you rarely wear. Maybe its lingerie, maybe its jewellery or t-shirts or vintages scarves. Or makeup - you buy the one or two items required for a free offer and thus your bathroom drawers are spilling out with sample night creams and lip gloss.

Or it might be bags. Handbags, totes, baskets, clutches, beaded evening purses. This is me - I'm a bag girl. Preferably larger bags; I'm tall enough and have the snail mentality where carrying your home or most of your makeup/books/glasses/diary/unpaid bills/phone/suncream etc is a priority. I love changing my bag depending on how I feel; if I'm wearing jeans but a different bag I feel so much better! ( I'm thinking as I read this that three kids at home for the last few years has caused some serious brain damage ... but you get the idea)

Actually I was thinking through the why of the bag fascination and I dont think its just about how much I can take round with me. The accessory is the complement to the outfit- not sure if I just made that up - and if my outfit is ordinary, (in my mind) then the bag takes on a whole new meaning as my defining fashion statement.

That all sounds very serious .. .but there are other people out there just like me, I know it. My daughters are showing signs of the same addiction - they carry round all sorts of stuff in tiny little pink bags, drawstring library style bags, store carriers, baskets etc. I read somewhere that there is a sort of status one can aspire to; if you can't have the whole look/label then having a great bag still indicates you are a mover and shaker.

So at all levels we can meet our fashion needs with a new bag! Of course those who feel this way about new china, linen, collectible perfumes, nailpolish, etc please bear with me.

Back to the new season ideas: In order to satisfy the bag mania I looked around for a few styles that are great for Spring '06. You can either break the bank or go budget but either way enjoy.

I looked mainly a good sized bags, white or tan, buckled, or otherwise decorated ... a variation on what designers have been sending down the catwalks for the last two seasons. These are bags that can carry luggage: while oversize looked good on the runways we don't necessarily want to be lugging anything requiring a trolley to assist. So thinking bigger but not OTT is best.

• First off, Oroton have gorgeous salmon, creamy white or black, discreetly studded in a large hobo style- in very soft leather around $599.
  

• Then I looked at a great store, Bag & Baggage, which holds all sorts of labels from Charlie Brown to Cosgrove and Beasley to Fiorelli. Excellent price range from $50 through to several hundred. Lovely squishy totes, enlarging on the bowling bag style, double strapped and buckled or even patchwork leather-look Hobos or smaller structured styles.
  

• A favourite investment for me right now would be Witchery leather bags: round $189 for tan (like that pictured above) or black leather in sophisticated shapes and detailing.

• At a shoestring end, we also love what's available at Strandbags ... good looking accessories ranging from evening purses, tote bags (pictured in white above), leather look handbags, hobo style- a huge variety and under $100.

Hopefully that helps fellow bag ladies. Do you have any questions or great finds - like Cellini Sport on ebay perhaps - please let us know.

To start off your spring wardrobe a tan or lighter colour bag with lots of details, incorporate cane with leather, mid-size to roomy, is another great way to revamp. I also have a pale blue bulky handbag with loud gold buckles which will be great fun with Ibiza style slides and a white sundress ... don't be afraid of colour girls! But that's another story!

A key Look for Spring/Summer '06

While attending the David Jones Fashion Previews for Summer 2006 with Kimberly, I jumped at the opportunity to meet Kerrie Alcorn, editor of Shop Til You Drop and ask her about the key looks for the season.

Shop Til You Drop has to be my favourite rag mag! For those of us who don't have the time to browse for hours anymore, all the hard work has been done.

It's the ultimate shopping guide for the season, with pages and pages of fashion finds each month. It has great suggestions for everyone, regardless of their disposable income and every item shown is sourced, sourced, sourced ... with the cost, designer/supplier name and telphone contact.

So when I had the chance to ask Kerrie what would be big this season, she said:

"... a key look this season will be the printed dress and there are some great examples here from Veronika Maine (pictured) and Mint."

You'll find that there is an endless supply of lovely dresses to choose from this Spring/
Summer. All your favourite shopping haunts should carry their own versions of the printed dress, but here, I've looked into two options for the "cash strapped" and "time poor".

Ezibuy is an online shop with a mail-order catalogue. They have an extensive range of clothing, including some accessories. The prices are very affordable, however you will need to factor in postage costs, etc. Pictured below are some of the dresses they offer that reflect some of this season's key looks, including the popular shirt dress.

Target have an extensive selection of dresses this season as well. I keep being amazed at how extensive and quickly they carry the latest looks for each season, both in clothing and footwear. Target now has a Shop From Home facility which allows you to make purchases off their sales catalogues by calling up a home shopping store in your state. Of course their prices are very reasonable, and you can pick up a bargain through their catalogue sales.

I'm really excited at the prospect of dresses playing a major part in my wardrobe this season. They're very simple and yet very stylish. There's no need to match tops with bottoms or work out layering. A lovely summer dress, some oversized sunnies, a great pair of shoes (either some metalic flats or earthy platforms) and the latest tote, means you can head out the door with lots of style and a minimum of fuss.