Wool-lovers

 Frocks and Frou FrouFrocks and Frou Frou Frocks and Frou Frou Frocks and Frou FrouTop: Dorothy Perkins

Cardigan: Woolovers

Skirt: Asos

Tights: Sonsee

Shoes: Comfortview Regina

Belt: Closet Confessions Boutique

 

It’s been a really cold start to winter in Melbourne – the coldest in 65 years, apparently – and my staple range of stretchy cotton cardigans really isn’t cutting the mustard in the keeping-me-warm stakes.

After shivering through the last days of autumn, I thought I’d take advantage of the free world-wide delivery, and multi-buy discounts at Woolovers and get a few merino/cashmere blend cardigans to wear this winter. I’m so glad I did because they’re snuggly warm and great quality for the price.

I’ve been wearing this russetty-orange number for a couple of weeks now, and it’s still in great condition. It hasn’t lost its shape, or become hilariously pilly, and while it’s not as butter-soft as my pure cashmere cardigans, it’s still soft enough to wear against the skin without feeling like I’ve been attacked by a swarm of bees.

I’ve been so impressed with the range of colours that I have to tell you that they’re probably going to be my go-to shop whenever I’m looking for cardigans from now on. They’ve got cotton cardigans and cotton-silk blend cardigans which will be nice as the weather warms up. And they’ve got some pieces with stripes or polkadots too – yay! I like the way they’ve got actual measurements for width, length, and sleeve length. I bought L’s, and they fit my F-cups fine. You can shop by colour, which means that (just letting you know) there’s an entire section for mustard yellow cardigans.

If you’re interested in snapping up a couple then I’ll let you know that when I placed my order with Woolovers they sent me a 10% discount offer to share with other first-time customers. Just click here for the code.

Frocks and Frou FrouBelt: Closet Confessions Boutique

Meanwhile, in other news, I’ve discovered my dream belt! This classy little piece is from blogger Caitlin Bradley’s online shop Closet Confessions Boutique. Caitlin’s started the shop towards the end of last year, and has cherry picked some really cute rockabilly-styled pieces including dresses, skirts, accessories, handbags, and these OMGCUTE bow belts that I spotted on Instagram and knew I’d have to add to my wardrobe. They’re a steal at just $12, come in six different colours, and fit up to a 50″ waist, so win-win-win as far as I’m concerned.

 

Business, or Pleasure

Frocks and Frou Frou Frocks and Frou Frou Frocks and Frou FrouDress: Asos Curve (in straight sizes here & here)

Shoes: Chie Mihara

So, I’ve been a busy beaver these last few weeks, applying for jobs and attending interviews. Honestly, it’s not something that I enjoy (does anyone?!) as I’m a creature of habit, and change makes me anxious. But I’m holding on to my mantra of “Change is a good thing” and trying to listen to everyone who’s told me that by and large redundancies just lead to bigger and better things.

I’ve been fairly restrained in terms of buying things, but because I sold almost everything in my Great Big Ebay Sale (thank you to any readers who bid, by the way!) that I thought I’d splurge on one, good, interview-appropriate frock, since my wardrobe is fairly thin in the business-wear stakes.

I’m not really a “suit” kind of girl, and to be honest most of the roles that I’ve been applying for haven’t been suit-y kinds of jobs anyway, so I thought rather than shelling out hundreds for a pantsuit I’d buy this batwing dress from Asos since it was the sort of thing I’d probably wear anyway.

I bought it in my usual size, but ended up having to send it back for the next size up, so if you’re between sizes I’d definitely recommend sizing up.

The dress is fully lined, with a wide boatneck that forms a deep-v at the back.

Frocks and Frou FrouIt’s one of those dresses that gives the illusion of volume, while actually being quite fitted and shapely. The wonderful cuffed kimono sleeves do more to downplay a substantial bust-line that any minimiser bra I’ve ever tried.

Frocks and Frou FrouThe skirt originally came with a thigh-high slit up the front, that I deemed “not-interview-appropriate” and went at with my sewing machine. Because the fabric has a little stretch it’s still fine for walking in, but the skirt has retained the lovely tapered shape that lengthens my body.

Frocks and Frou FrouI teamed it with black pumps, and the Braun Buffel Compendium that was gifted to me recently at an industry event. It’s a gorgeous luxury piece that smells of high quality leather and helps make me feel like a professional (even if I’ve got Star Wars stationery, and a novelty pen on the inside)

Frocks and Frou FrouI kept my accessories to the bare minimum, but added these “jacket” earrings which are stud earrings with feature backs that follow the curve of your earlobe – you can chop and change the jackets with different studs for different looks, and they’re my new favourite thing.

Frocks and Frou FrouEarrings: Lovisa