Two-ways Tuesdays

 frocks and frou froufrocks and frou froufrocks and frou frou Venice Dress: City Chic

Shoes: Softwalk via Shoebuy

You might not believe it, but most of my clothes are on high rotation in my wardrobe. You might only see something on the blog once or twice, but behind the scenes I’m wearing it regularly.

So much of my wardrobe is statement pieces: Bright colours, fabulous prints, and styles that speak for themselves. It can be a challenge not to repeat myself too much, but I’m conscious that not everyone has the luxury of a gigantic wardrobe and it’s nice to be able to curate a variety of outfits around a single item.

I thought I’d try a new regular section that I’m calling “Two-Ways Tuesdays” that will illustrate two ways to wear a single statement piece. It’s a challenge for myself to think a little more creatively about my wardrobe (and also to encourage me to guarantee at least one new blog post a week!)

This isn’t a great example of what I’m trying to accomplish I’m afraid, but I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a very cute dress.

I was wearing it during the warmer months (I bought it full price, but it’s on sale now for 50% off) and now that it’s turned cold I’ve just added nude tights (from Sonsee, naturally) and a cardigan and it’s a pretty ensemble for autumn.

frocks and frou frou frocks and frou frouCardigan: Paper Scissors

The dress comes with a patent leather red bow belt that I’ll admit was what tipped me over into buying it, but when I got it home I decided I preferred to dress it down with a brown leather belt.

frocks and frou frou - flower beltI bought this one a few years ago from a little store on Brunswick Street. It’s now a total mystery to me what the store’s name was. Oops! This one from Etsy is sort of similar though, and the seller offers custom sizing.

I’ve been fairly impressed with the quality of City Chic clothing lately. For instance, this dress is fully lined. The cut is carefully considered, the arm holes don’t gape, and while the skirt is gathered at the front of the skirt the sides are smooth, meaning you don’t end up with extra volume on the hips. There’s no pockets, but someone wonderful has suggested the inclusion of bra-keepers that allow you to wear the straps wide without flashing your bra.

bra keepers - frocks and frou frouI kept my accessories simple: tan pumps to match the belt, and the ruby red bow earrings which I bought years ago from a store on eBay – Imogen Rose Jewellery, I think!

 Frocks and frou frouSo anyway – There’s your first Two Ways Tuesday post: One dress, two outfits, and two pieces of frou-frou so old I can’t even remember where they’re from! Stay tuned for next week’s installment when hopefully I’ll have a better example of how to mix-it-up!

Blushing Bling

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERATop: Laura Ashley

Skirt: Primark (via eBay)

Shoes: Shoebuy

I’ve had my heart set on a sequinned midi skirt ever since I saw (and failed to buy) one on Asos a year or so ago. I’d been toying with the idea of sewing one for myself, but the logistics of sewing sequins (not to mention the requirement for the skirt to be lined) put it in the Too Hard Basket, so I’ve just been idly keeping my eyes open online for something similar.

This one popped up on eBay just before New Year’s, and though I haven’t had an experience with Primark due to their positively prehistoric lack on an online store presence, it was cheap enough for me to take chance on buying it.

It didn’t make it to me in time for New Year’s Eve, but I’m thinking it might be Just The Ticket for a V-Day dinner in a couple of weeks. (Yes, I just dropped that in there. No, that’s all I’m saying for the moment 😉 )

The colour is a perfect dusty rose; sparkly but not too OTT despite the fact that the sequins are full-shiny rather than matte like my Monsoon dress. Both skirt and waistband are fully lined, so I’m not wearing any of the scratchy sequins against my skin.

I tried to downplay the bling by teaming the skirt with a creamy silk top and neutral pumps. My only jewellery is a pair of pretty studs from Totally Jewel (a steal at just $12)

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAEarrings: Totally Jewel

I get the feeling a sequinned skirt is a bit similar to a tutu – you can play it up or down, according to the occasion. I’ve seen them paired successfully with t-shirts, cashmere cardigans, button down shirts, even plaid. I’m thinking I might try my signature stripes next time.

Anyhoo – speaking of Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking for a pretty outfit to wear you might like to check out the latest offerings at Igigi. They’re doing lots of new separates and a couple of really stellar dresses including a red lace version of my Adelle dress, the Francesca in either a gorgeous blowsy rose print, or a bold abstract print that reminds me of feathers. They’re running a great competition – starting today! – to win one of five $150 gift cards. All you have to do is sign up to their email list here.