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“It was the highlight of my day,” my husband said later that evening. I was surprised at this comment.
“Really?” I thought he was joking.
“I’m serious,” he responded. “I loved seeing you in all those outfits. “
Ha! Sweet!
My gracious husband was the photographer for this post. I’m talking about festive fashion. For me, this summer season is all about variety and I need my clothes to keep up. There are long lazy days at home with the kids, day trips exploring, grocery shopping with four small people in tow, hanging out with my sisters, meeting with friends, and break up parties at night.
A few months back, I did another fashion related post with BIG W about refreshing my spring wardrobe. I’m thrilled with how the clothes fit around my life. I’m especially impressed with the quality of Aussie designer Peter Morrissey‘s label for BIG W. This dress has become one of my staples – I wear it almost on a weekly basis and it looks as good as the day I purchased it; it’s gone through many washes without loss of colour or stretch. (You read my interview with Peter Morrissey here.)
I already have a good variety of clothes at the moment; the only thing I needed was a pair of shorts and a few sleeveless shirts/singlets. To spruce up things for the festive season, I often inject the sparkle with accessories in silver, gold, black, brown or pewter. This means I look through my cupboard for existing items in my chosen highlight and then sometime add a few new pieces.
I chose silver this time because it goes with so much of my clothes and has that Christmassy feel. I raided BIG W in the search for silver, and I found plenty in the form of summer shoes, necklaces, clips, earrings, bangles and bags.
Accessories
Some ways I utilise my accessories:
– Wear a few different necklaces together at different lengths to give that layered look.
– bangles on one arm only, or both
– Adjust a long necklace in length by tying a lose knot at the back
– A black dress is always a winner for parties. Couple with heaps of silver sparkle for a fun look
– If you have small children and necklaces aren’t easy to wear (because you’re constantly being stranged!), stick to bangles for that added bling
Shorts!
Because I was impressed with the Peter Morrissey range, I went back to have a look again and found these adorable spotted shorts ($20) – the perfect length —- and they come with a green belt. The singlet top was $5, shoes $15 and necklace $13. Not bad for a summer outfit! I’m wearing a bracelet I already had here too.
If you’re interested in this library room I’m in, there are feature pics in this post: A Wall Bookcase
In this series of posts I’m doing with BIG W, the focus is about utilising what you already have by highlighting them with a few festive items. I tend to group the type of clothes I have in terms of how I use them and where I typically wear them. This makes it quick and easy for me to fit the clothes around what I’m doing.
Casual
Items: shorts and knee-length skirts that can be coupled with different tops
Wear: shopping, meeting with friends, beach, day trips
Wearing
- Peter Morrissey Shorts $20 (with green belt), white singlet top $5, necklace stack $13, bracelets on each arm $10, silver shoes $15
- As above with a green top I had in my cupboard for a different look
Relaxed
Items: slacks, maxi skirt, jeans, ¾ pants, flowy tops, singlets, tshirts.
Wear: shopping, meeting with friends, day trips, lounging, home days
Wearing
- Emerson chambray love heart top $19, white jeans, silver bangles $10, silver earrings $6.35 (pack of 3), silver shoes $15.
- Emerson white button up top, maxi skirt $19, drop crystal necklace $13, silver bangles $10, silver stud earring $6.35 (pack of 3), silver shoes $15
Party
Items: A nice going-out dress. A LBD always a winner. Red is fun and festive
Wear: parties, break-ups, get-togthers. Christmas
Wearing
- Red knit dress (had for about 5 years), tear drop crystal necklace (tie up in length) $13, bracelet stack on one arm $10, silver shoes $15, hoop earrings.
- Black dress with see-through sleeves (from Forever New a few years ago), long heart crystal necklace $13, black shoes, silver earrings $6.35 (pack of three)
Floral & Summery
Items: Light summery dresses that can be dressed up or down
Wear: hot summer days, parties, going out for dinner, shops, beach….anytime I want to feel extra feminine.
Wearing
- Floral dress (Jeans West), all gold accessories this time instead of silver, Emerson cardi, nude shoes
- Floral dress (found in a little boutique), drop crystal necklace $13, purple shoes, bracelet stack on one arm $10, silver earrings $6.35 (pack of three)
Hair
I have two main styles that are my go-to and they both take under 5 minutes (in my hair) to do.
Down side-part style
- Blow dry hair and straighten with a hair straighter.
- Part to one side and use a clip or a 5 or 6 bobby pin together to hold in place. Look for silver, gold or other coloured bobby pins for an easy and effective look.
Upstyle
This is the hairstyle I often do if I’m going out. It only takes a few minutes.
It looks good with a clip or simple without any embellishment too.
How to
Make up
When I have the inspiration of a party or event coming up, I try something new with my make-up. Just one small new thing, and this becomes my thing for the season. I went with a cat-eye liner look with a navy edge. Not too bad for a first effort. Apart from the liner, I’ve kept it pretty simple in the eye area so I can get away with bright lips!
It’s all about silver for me this season. I enjoy throwing sparkle on before I go out and I can dress up pretty much anything!
70 Comments
Janelle Cummins
December 12, 2013 at 12:05 pmProtect your precious skin especially on your face with a gorgeous wide brimmed hat.
Dress up your arms with pretty stacks of silver cuffs and bangles.
Wear something with a print or texture.
Cath
December 12, 2013 at 1:50 pmInvest in several good quality sunhats! Good size brims. Gorgeous colours. Light weight. The more great hats you have, the more you can style up with your daily outfits.
Karen Edwards
December 12, 2013 at 3:40 pmMy tip is to buy a couple of key pieces such as a nice skirt and shorts so you can mix and match
Teacher Mum
December 12, 2013 at 4:24 pmFlat sandals go with anything – shorts, skirts, dresses long or short.
Kasey Evans
December 12, 2013 at 9:45 pmDrink plenty of water not only will it be great for your skin but for your health also!
Mick G
December 13, 2013 at 9:30 pmDress light with “airy” clothing that keeps the skin safe from dry wind and sun
Kim m
December 13, 2013 at 9:46 pmI love bright clothes that make me happy, simple as that!
Penny
December 14, 2013 at 7:33 amDon’t spend festive season worrying what to wear or how to do your hair. Keep it simple. After washing your hair, towel dry it and scrunch it to make natural waves and wear a red or green dress snazzied up with some silver festive bling.
Jackie
December 14, 2013 at 8:05 pmThat’s a lot of outfits. You’re husband was patient.
I love the upstyle hair style.
During the festive season I always try to wear red or gold.
Michelle Gray
December 14, 2013 at 9:30 pmWear maxi dresses, you can avoid the need to shave your legs as often, and the free flow of the dress hides the over indulgence on xmas goodies.
Sarah T
December 15, 2013 at 12:01 amI love to but a new dress for Christmas day! Preferably a stretchy dress with lots of room in the tummy area!
Alisia Cameron
December 15, 2013 at 10:58 amMy best fashion tip: confidence is key! Don’t hide away! The festive seasons is about getting out there and enjoying our gorgeous Australian weather with family and friends! Don’t be shy to put on that awesome top that you love! A confident woman will rock her body shape and her clothes, whatever it is!
Marcia Coventry
December 15, 2013 at 12:50 pmAdd a little sparkle and/or colour to your outfits with a festive manicure and pedicure.
Christine Farrugia
December 15, 2013 at 1:18 pmDrink lots of water, in between parties, use a good quality tinted moisturiser when not wearing make up, gives,a beautiful glow to skin, kiss someone spunky under,each mistletoe u go under and even if u r staying home or not going anywhere special,buy urself two new,outfits, one for Christmas, one for,new years eve or day!
Michelle Buckton
December 15, 2013 at 3:23 pmNo orange oompa loompa fake tans!!! Natural is beautiful no matter what your colour is.
Melissa Jones
December 15, 2013 at 5:41 pmI’m obsessed with sunglasses which is a great choice for summer fashion. It can protect your eyes from strong OZ UV and make you look cool with any outfits.
Kylie
December 15, 2013 at 8:07 pmKeep it relaxed, comfortable and fun. Be ready to play and get dirty with the kids 🙂
Christy
December 15, 2013 at 8:54 pmColour – have fun with it!
Charlotte
December 15, 2013 at 9:24 pmAdd a bit of glitz and glam to your outfits if you feel a little casual… it’s nice to sparkle but keep cool at the same time! You have exemplified this beautifully, LOVE those sandals! 🙂