 Having finally got my head around how I want to dress this season ... recently, I found a very cute dress in a bold black and off-white colour scheme in K-Mart! It has a large print, it is banded in black and has a black sash. It looks fantastic with leggings, wedges or slides, or for the colder months, with a poloneck, opaques and boots. Though it's a cotton dress, the strong print and black base will work for our mild winter, and with 25% off the total was only $23.50. After Stella - I have no complaints as my Stella pieces are lovely - but this was a reassuring budget buy!
Last week, I was at a big women's event and had great fun observing the outfits on many of the women: looks on the street as it were, not just styled for a fashion shoot. Leggings were a big feature. This look has been on the pages of magazines for over 12 months and worn with baby doll and high-waisted printed dresses and floaty sundresses. This look is wearing well and will translate into opaques for winter as a staple fashion item. (Something our European sisters have known for many years, but Australian weather hasn't always encouraged tights.)  Flat gladiator-style sandals and ballet slippers very popular in the casual stakes, and boots with dresses or tucked in jeans, were favourites, as well as platforms.. I especially liked the dresses with a slight A-line or pleated skirt, and knee length boots with either the turned over flap on top or the plain. While slouch boots are currently fun, I thought these classic boots looked very groovy. Bags were either studded, slouchy leather or large, in tan, white, black and metallic. It was also nice to see belts on the waist with sundresses or skirts and layered tops. This was not a "fashion" event so it was exciting to see fashion interpreted on real women-us! For some practical ideas, take a look at: - EziBuy this month as there are a number of pinafore options, all under $50.00 which are a good way to start your new look off.
- Cotton On, who have some cute cardis, pinafores and mini trenches.
- Portmans, are doing great leggings and longer-sleeved budget tops for layering.
Recently I saw a pair of metallic stilettos in a silver and pale gold combination at Williams the Shoeman. I thought they were gorgeous and they were on sale at just $39.99! As I had already spent my clothing allowance for the month, I decided to put them on lay-by with $10.00, knowing that I didn't really need them straight away.   The following week, as I walked past the store, I saw the same style on the half price table! They were down to $19.99! If only I waited an extra week! Anyway, as I love saving as much as I can when shopping, I asked the sales assistant if it were possible to cancel a lay-by and told her the reason why. She said it was, and gave me my $10.00 back. Still knowing that I didn't need the shoes straight away, and swallowing my pride even more, I asked her whether I could put the same pair back on lay-by. She confirmed that I could! Wow! What a bargain!
 If you read Fashion Fun with Sussan Knits, you may have visited the store in the last two weeks and have your eye on an item or two. If you subscribed to the Sussan newsletter, you would have received a 30% off sale offer on all items (excluding denim) for today through till Sunday. Unfortunately, their website isn't set-up to extend these offers immediately to new subscribers. However, to ensure you don't miss out next time around, make sure to register soon. It's always great to bag a bargain!
 This autumn/winter, you can't go wrong with the look of tights (opaque tights are 70 denier plus as opposed to sheer) under dresses or skirts. They will instantly make an outfit look more fashionable and up-to-date. Unlike the footless tights we saw during summer, opaques are full pantyhose, and give a longer, lean look, and of course, added warmth. Last winter, we saw them teamed with Mary Janes. This year, wear them with any heavy weight shoe, in a platform or peep toe, but not patent leather. It's best to keep it all black as black is definitely a major shade on the winter palette. [Note on 22.04.07: I recently broke this rule myself and found that grey opaques with black patent shoes actually work quite well!]However, if you're ready to put a high fashion edge to your outfit, wear them with the short ankle boot, also know as "shootie" or dress bootie. All major shoe brands such as Diana Ferari and Sandler, have their own versions, but if you can only spend the bare minimum, Target and Payless have great options too. My recommendation would be to buy in black, as you will be able to wear them under black trousers in future years and they'll always look smart.  If you work in an office which has a conservative dress code, opaques are a totally acceptable option to footless tights. Buy the best quality you can afford such as the Voodoo Lavish Opaque Tight (pictured) which are 70 denier luxurious microfibre. They'll wash and wear well and you'll probably only need one pair. Also, try and keep your boots or shoes in good condition as you never know when they'll take centre stage again. This year I'm wearing a pair of ankle boots I bought at Nine West around seven years ago and they still look gorgeous!
The Stella McCartney for Target range and its release, has to be one of the most talked about in recent chain store history - in Australia at least. Queues of shoppers lined the footpaths for the 9:00am store openings yesterday ... which always guarantees a potential frenzy of purchases.  I managed to get down to my local Target at 10:00am where customers were still trawling through the offerings - though very politely. I picked up a few things, but the long line to the change rooms put me off (and having the youngest child strapped down, with donuts) Target staff were beaming and said most of the range had been sold out. Seeing the armfuls of clothes customers were carrying about, people had obviously grabbed what they could. In the checkout queues people were remarkably patient; one shopper mentioned that their friends were buying up in different stores and ringing each other to get sizes when they ran out. Nothing like marketing! However, I have to say that I'm not sure what all the fuss was about. I loved the idea of this concept - and I did find a great knit (tunic-style) for $119, which compares to Witchery and Sussan's long cable knits on offer in a similar price range. But in my view, the overall range was not adventurous, the fabrics - dare I say it - more Target than Stella, and they had a limited print and colour palette. The dresses had great detail and interesting shapes and the trenchcoat design exciting, but the jersey knits seemed very thin. I sound a bit 'picky', but while one or two items were fun, I don't think Stella for Target is exactly a budget shopper's dream. Chrissy got to her local store by 2:00pm and only got to see a remnant of the collection. She ended up straying from the Stella racks and picked up a pinafore dress on sale and a lovely top, at full price, but still very reasonable, without needing a Stella moment at all! I'm sure Target were delighted with the outcome and it has made styling from an international label accessible to the budget shopper. I'm going to enjoy the sweater, but I wonder if we weren't taken in just a bit. If you did go overboard with Stella however, there's always the returns policy or eBay! In the UK, Kate Moss has just released her own range for Top Shop - read about the success of this venture in British Vogue.
 In my view, the pinafore, smock or shift dress, are "must have's" for the coming season. I really enjoy the challenge of taking simple items and putting them together in varying ways to get different looks. These dresses allow for lots of possibilities, in terms of layering and accessorising, including mixing fabrics, colours and textures. However, I also like the monochromatic effect of the simple black and white too. In recent fashion photo shoots, we've seen the dresses teamed with skivvies, shirts, leggings and tights, but as we get into the colder months, I'm looking forward to adding boots such as the dress bootie or the gorgeous over the knee designs on offer at Nine West (of course the longer boots will suit shorter pinafores best, as will slim-line straight leg pants instead of leggings or tights).  Almost every label has their own version of the pinafore. Country Road's Urban Career Range has some lovely smock dresses. There is a wide selection of black available in these styles, but look out for grey as it features prominently in the winter palette this year. Finally, for some great inspiration in the area of layering, take a look at Streets Ahead in Style.com for the Sartorialist's best snaps from Milan and Paris.
 My guess is that we can all remember Sussan from long ago! They are certainly a mainstay of the Australian fashion industry. While they interpret the latest looks conservatively, they still have some fun, slightly "edgy" pieces. Of course, if your requirements are corporate styling, they are one of the better budget options for smart business wear. This season however, I love the knits on offer as they provide a casual context for playing with the season's new proportions. Layer them with fitted skivvies and T's, and spice them up with tights and flats or skinny pants and platforms. I think Cue Club's Counter Culture newsletter offers the best advice about this season's new proportions in the article Turn Up the Volume; "To wear the new proportion with ease - only one rule applies. If there is volume on top - keep it straight and streamlined from the waist down. For the volume below - keep it neat and narrow on top."
 I have to confess, I am obsessing about the idea of a Stella McCartney piece from her collection for Target which is now available to see online. I also went onto the official Stella site, to check out her Spring 2007 range which is very white, very short and very chic, and also to remind myself why Target is looking good price-wise. In the Sunday Telegraph magazine, Tony Magnusson comments on whether this is the 'end of style snobbery". Not so, he declares, and I agree ... even if you don't hold with high end priced fashion on purely moral grounds, I defy anyone even a bit taken in by fashion, to ignore the possibility of owning a luxury brand at a potentially - chain store price bracket.  Apparently, Kate Moss is releasing a range with the famous London chain store Top Shop - sadly not yet reaching as far as Aussie shores, but perhaps we can petition!? With Stella, the hype is increasing over possible e-bay sales too, so I am suggesting that we queue now, or at least stand by. Have a look at Marie Claire magazine this month for an interview with Stella and some great insight into the upcoming collection.
After popping into Glebe Markets on Saturday for some lovely Wish Clothing at reduced prices, I was disappointed to find that they weren't there! My apologies to anyone who may have gone searching for them as well. Other stall holders mentioned they are usually located just inside the main gate, clearing end of sale items and excess stock. Anyway, keep an eye out for them. Of course, Glebe Markets has the usual eclectic mix of new and pre-loved clothing and accessories. However, two labels really stood out in terms of great design, high quality workmanship and value for money. They were Stellino and Kuto Clothing & Jewellery.  Stellino (pictured) have two stores in Newtown and Paddington and are at Glebe Markets on Saturdays and Bondi Beach Markets on Sundays. Their range reflects current fashion trends, with many items which will outlast the season. You'll find everything on offer is 10-15% off their regular store prices. Also, if you mention you read about them on Fashion on a Shoestring, they'll give you a further 5% off!Kuto Clothing & Jewellery don't have their own store, but say they supply fashion outlets in Australia and the Asia Pacific region, as far as Singapore. Their style is on the fringe of current fashion, with inspiration from European trends as well. They have a lot of "one size fits all" items which suit the smaller build. Next time your at Glebe Markets be sure to look out for these labels.
Today Chrissy and I had the great good fortune to meet up with some other Sydney fashion bloggers, thanks to the organising skills of the The Bargain Queen who got SassyBella, CoolChiq, Slave to Shopping, Harriet (blog coming ...) and Rogue's Lifestyle Blog (from Melbourne) together at Swissotel (see the mouthwatering Grab Your Fork review).  It was fantastic to meet fellow fashion devotees all with their own slant and style on the addictive world of fashion. Great to chat, and with everyone from such diverse backgrounds, yet we all love to blog about fashion! Gotta love that! A big thank you to Sara, The Bargain Queen for a fun afternoon. Kimberly & Chrissy
 Great news ... apparently Wish Clothing is available at Glebe Markets at reduced prices!  Glebe Markets are located at Glebe Pt Road, Glebe NSW 2037, in the grounds of Glebe Public School. They are open from 10.00am to 4.30pm every Saturday. I'm told these items are not pre-loved, but rather more clearance stock. Of course, I'm guessing this will be summer items, and I'm hoping some of the autumn range will be there too. It's definitely a "must see" in my diary for tomorrow!
 If you shop at Myer frequently, then make sure you have a Myer One card. It isn't a credit facility, like the David Jones card, but rather a rewards based program.  You can earn 2 points for every dollar spent, and once you reach 2000 points you will receive a $20 Gift Card. If like me, you have a local Myer store and you find you're always shopping there, then it's definitely worth getting a Myer One card, just apply online or ask for an application form from your local store. You can imagine my delight when I received my first $20 Gift Card just the other day. I accumulated 2000 points since 1 October 2006, probably propelled along by Christmas no doubt. However, my dilemma now is whether to put the card towards my favourite Wish dress for the season (pictured), or to buy school regulation sport shoes for my son who has just started school! Oh, this is so hard!
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Having finally got my head around how I want to dress this season ... recently, I found a very cute dress in a bold black and off-white colour scheme in K-Mart!
