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It was one of those dresses I looked at suspiciously on the rack: horizontal stripes, stretchy material, sleeveless. I’ll just try it, I thought.
As soon as the dressed slipped over my head to the rest of my body, I immediately knew I loved it. I’m talking about this dress by Aussie designer Peter Morrissey for Big W.
Dressing for My Life
In a usual day, I can go from a business meeting, to house cleaning, to the shops, (sometimes I even sneak to the beach), to the school pick-up so I look for clothes that are easy to wear and adapt. Below is my priority list:
- Minimal ironing/easy care
- Classic cuts/style
- I enjoying wearing it
- Good quality/reasonable price
- Versatility
See, right at the top there is easy care because I know clothes will sit in my cupboard if they need special care. I like to wear everything I have — not worrying too much about keeping things special — because I figure clothes are there to wear and enjoy. This dress ticks all of the boxes.
Peter Morrissey Interview
To celebrate Spring and the new range of affordable and stylish clothes from Peter Morrissey for Big W, I’m interviewing the designer. I adore how Peter makes it less about the clothes and more about the people who wear them. He’s inspirational like that. Plus there’s another $200 giveaway on offer.
Kelly: Peter, love the new range! If I had to sum it up in a line, I would say this: the range displays an amazing combination of wearability and elegance. Where do you find inspiration for each new season?
My inspiration is always Fashioning the Life of men and women and offering them needs, wants and desires in the collection.
As I say, “If you wear the look you live the life”. I have stuck to a classic palette in this collection, so it’s easy to mix and match the pieces and create several looks for your wardrobe.
I have the floral sleevless top.
Kelly: Do you have a favourite piece?
I am not lying when I say every piece is a favourite for a different reason based on why I designed it for the occasion in a woman’s life – from dressing for dinner to dressing to pick your children up from school.
Kelly: Does easy-care factor into your designs? I ask because I look at many of the pieces and go: Peter knows I hate ironing!
Time is our greatest luxury and fashion should enhance our lives not torture it!! So yes I like to say I am VERY USER FRIENDLY!!
Wearing: Peter Morrissey Sunglasses. I love the sleeve line of the dress as it comes just a little over the shoulders which is both flattering and comfortable.
Kelly: As mum to four small persons, time for myself in the mornings is premium. Can you give me three tips on how to co-ordinate clothes so dressing for the day can be done quickly and confidently?
It’s how you feel that is most important because when you feel good in an outfit, you wear the outfit; it doesn’t wear you.
- Keep it simple: pants, top or shirt, jacket
- Pencil skirt, twinset or sweater
- A great dress that looks good with flats or heels
Kelly: How can fashion and personal style bring enchantment to the everyday?
Dress like you’re embracing life, not hiding from it.
If you wear the look, you live the life – so dress to express you, not worrying about dressing to impress.
Kelly: Can you recommend a go-to outfit for those “I don’t know what to wear” days?
Black pants, white shirt, good bag and sunglasses as it always looks sharp, chic, whispers elegance and has a proudness about its look.
Kelly: Five essential wardrobe items?
- A Little Black Dress
- Black Jacket
- White Shirt
- Jeans
- Great Pair of Sunglasses
Kelly: If there is one thing you want women to feel when they wear your clothes, what would it be?
That people tell them that they look beautiful before they ask them where there clothing is from or who designed it.
The new season Peter Morrissey collection is available now in store and online at Big W.
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It’s become my favourite go-to dress. I just may be wearing it too much!
1. All glammed up
2. More casual with Mox flats and a beige belt
3. On a still-cool day with my Bared boots & cream Emerson cardi
4. To the beach with a straw hat, Peter Morrissey sunglasses and aqua Emerson cardi
Celebrate Spring!
Just a little video celebrating the first of many beach visits this Spring.
Giveaway
To celebrate Spring, I’m giving away another $200 Big W voucher you can spend on anything in-store. To enter, use the rafflecopter form below. There are 2 chances to enter (you can do just one, or both): 1. I would love to hear about your top 2 priorities when you look for clothes (leave a comment below); Tweet the giveaway.
Giveaway now ended and winner has been notified.
266 Comments
Kirsten Benhiam
September 3, 2013 at 11:08 amThey need to be good quality with a great feeling material. I don’t have many clothes so they aslo need to be durable as I wear the same ones all the time. Classic pieces that aren’t going to date make up most of my wardrobe and then I might pick up an impulse buy once in a while.
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
September 3, 2013 at 11:11 amYou sound like me. Ha! I like classic but then I do a wild card sometimes.
Erin B
September 3, 2013 at 11:09 amPrice and comfort! Since having kids its all about affordability and being comfortable in clothing. 🙂
tina brooks
September 3, 2013 at 11:14 amthanks for sharing about this new range from Peter… I cant wait to see it in real life and explore his new range and all the possibility’s I can do with each fresh new design… ill be shopping for a light weight jacket and a new dress amongst many new items this spring =)
tina brooks
September 3, 2013 at 11:20 amwhile I’m shopping for items for myself I like to look for… items that I can dress up and dress down and create new looks with the one item (plus accessories of course) and value for money… I cant wait to check this range out very soon =)
Cathy Stone
September 3, 2013 at 11:16 amTwo things I look for when buying clothes for myself is 1. They have to fit my body shape well, and make me feel great, 2. Quality is very important. I always buy good quality clothing as like favorite items to last a few seasons.
Kristy
September 3, 2013 at 11:17 amI’m always after something that looks good and is reasonably priced.
sapna
September 3, 2013 at 11:21 amBeing a mum with two little kids I look for clothes that are comfortable and needs minimum or no ironing as i get 10 minutes or less to get ready. Peter Morrissey collection will really make the life of this time poor mum easy and definitely add style to her dressing.
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
September 3, 2013 at 11:23 amHi fellow non-ironer 😉
Cindy
September 3, 2013 at 11:22 amIt has to feel comfortable – if it itches or I’m forever pulling and readjusting it will just sit in the wardrobe. It must suit my body shape, no point wearing tight tops if I’m still sporting a tum from my children 🙂
Mev
September 3, 2013 at 11:22 amI like things that they do not require ironing too. I hate ironing.
Price is important and they should be easy to take care. 🙂
Leonie
September 3, 2013 at 11:24 amComfort and quality are my top priorities…Especially when you are running around after kids!
Katie Rablin
September 3, 2013 at 11:25 amI got some new clothes after losing some of my baby weight, and love my peter Morrissey stuff! I have the black and white skirt in the top photo and got one of his black shirts to go with it. I feel like a big person again instead of just a mum. It is also so slimming. Love, love, love his designs! Will be going back for more!
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
September 3, 2013 at 12:49 pmI almost got that skirt too Katie. LOVE! But I couldn’t get everything – lol – and the dress won me over. Glad you’re enjoying it. It’s good to enjoy what we wear – hey.
jackie
September 3, 2013 at 11:28 amLooks great on you! Price is important, times are tough!
alana
September 3, 2013 at 11:37 amIm always a bit scared of horizontal stripes but that dress looks so great on you!!!! I love the beach look with the aqua cardigan! I am also a fan of the no ironing – if it looks like it will need ironing it puts me off buying it haha
Clare S
September 3, 2013 at 11:38 amWow, that is a gorgeous dress!
It’s so nice to see there are some more fresh, affordable and mummy friendly clothes. Think I’ll go check them out. 🙂
Jennifer B.
September 3, 2013 at 11:42 amQuality of fabric and finishing is my primary consideration. I hate clothes falling to bits after only a year or two.
Then my mind shifts to a figure-flattering design. Dieting has never worked!…
Marcia Coventry
September 3, 2013 at 11:48 amMachine washable and it must also be easy to mix and match with other pieces in my wardrobe.
Marnie
September 3, 2013 at 12:10 pmDurable/ easy care – cause once I get a favourite, I usually wear it to death, & then timeless/ easily adapted into my existing wardrobe without the need to buy too much more.
Amanda
September 3, 2013 at 12:12 pmeasy to care for and once washed still looks new, It annoys me when you wash something and it goes out of shape and fades after the first wash.
Charlotte L.
September 3, 2013 at 12:21 pmI look for comfortable clothes and clothes that can be dressed up or down easily.
kat
September 3, 2013 at 12:23 pmI have already brought two of the Peter Morrissey shirts & love them! I look for quality these days & something classic that won’t date for my basics, then add cheaper accessories to add a current touch.
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
September 3, 2013 at 12:36 pmExactly what I do too Kat.
Emma Mc
September 3, 2013 at 12:35 pmEasy care as I don’t have time to handwash and comfort, especially with two little ones.
Vanessa
September 3, 2013 at 12:40 pmLooking forward to checking it out
Shiralee
September 3, 2013 at 12:45 pmComfort is Priority #1
Making sure its right for my body shape is priority #2
Jenny
September 3, 2013 at 12:49 pmLove something that might freshen up my existing wardrobe. Also must be easy care – hate ironing and hand washing
Rachel
September 3, 2013 at 12:52 pmVersatility and quality are my two priorities when it comes to choosing clothes.
Mel
September 3, 2013 at 1:00 pmSomething that can disguise my stomach and something that is comfortable!
Alison
September 3, 2013 at 1:00 pmBeing able to Mix and match what I already own is important, plus easy care and comfort!
Alison
September 3, 2013 at 1:01 pmBy the way, bought the navy floral skirt.. Can’t wait to wear it!
Jade
September 3, 2013 at 1:08 pmI look for comfort and style!
morgan
September 3, 2013 at 1:08 pmQuality fabrics at an affordable price, but I also like the options of mixing and matching from day to night 🙂
tricia z
September 3, 2013 at 1:09 pmClassic lines, fit and price.
carly modlich
September 3, 2013 at 1:13 pmI look for comfort and choice of fabric over design find clothing in cotton based fabrics better to wear and for skin to feel comfortable in all day !
Sue
September 3, 2013 at 1:21 pmModesty and price 😀
Alexandra Matthews
September 3, 2013 at 1:29 pmDefinitely prefer clothes that are Easy Care & choose items that flatter my “Post Children” figure 🙂
Jen
September 3, 2013 at 1:36 pmI look for clothes that are 1) cheap enough to not feel guilty about buying myself some clothes, and 2) colourful enough to make me feel a bit special!
Annette Comin
September 3, 2013 at 1:56 pmWhen I buy clothes I really look for something that requires wash and hang and usually stretch material because we all have good body days and puffy days. I like mix and match to keep it fresh…
Jessica King
September 3, 2013 at 2:29 pmGreat interview! I look for clothing that is versatile, an item that I can dress up or down with a simple change of accessories.
Jo
September 3, 2013 at 2:32 pmThe two top things I look for are colour and fit. I like to wear colours that suit me and those that will go with the accessories that I already own. I also look for clothes that fit and sit well on me.
Dani Elle
September 3, 2013 at 2:55 pmPrice and quality 🙂
Jane
September 3, 2013 at 2:58 pmThat changes as my little girl gets older! I am now at pre-school stage so I go for feminine and versatile clothes these days, that are casual-smart suitable for work or home. So glad that I now don’t have to worry about not wearing tops that could be pulled down to an embarrassing low by a toddler or something that hides little baby spit stains!
Katy
September 3, 2013 at 3:10 pmI love style and affordability when purchasing clothing these days xx
Amanda
September 3, 2013 at 3:36 pm* Price
* Comfort
Thanks for sharing the new Big range – looks fab! Can’t wait to check it out in store.
deb
September 3, 2013 at 4:14 pmi am really liking some of these clothes, thanks for the post very well written 🙂
Christie
September 3, 2013 at 5:59 pmYou look gorgeous in that dress Kelly. My two priorities are the colour or print and a flattering cut.
Myra griffiths
September 3, 2013 at 5:59 pmI love soft cottony fabric that looks as good as it feels.
Fiona
September 3, 2013 at 6:06 pmComfort and fits my shape!
Miranda
September 3, 2013 at 6:11 pmHow I feel in it (ie dies the cut and colour make me feel I’m showing off my best assets and playing down the areas I’m not so wild about) and easy care are my two top priorities! Life’s too short for handwashing and ironing!!
Miranda
September 3, 2013 at 6:12 pm*does
libby
September 3, 2013 at 6:46 pmMust be both easy care, and easy wear! Love classic designs with beautiful quality fabrics.
Robyn
September 3, 2013 at 6:58 pmComfortable & good value!
AmberB
September 3, 2013 at 9:08 pmThey need to fit well and be easy to care for. I don’t have time to hand-wash and iron clothes.