tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50284958224515180242024-03-13T14:46:44.126-07:00The Breastless YearsFashion after mastectomySharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-39737200049796308182016-09-09T21:54:00.001-07:002016-09-09T21:54:42.824-07:00Blood On The LeavesMy eldest son turned 25 this week. Imagine how old I feel!<br />
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One of the things I love about having adult children is the exposure to new ideas they give me. I mentioned to my son the other day that I didn't really understand why Kanye West was held in such high regard. He sent me a link to a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgJyhKEZ8QU" target="_blank">wonderful explanation </a>of how Kanye has used the human voice in revolutionary ways within the hip-hop genre and had thus progressed music as a whole. I now feel like I have a whole new appreciation of the artist and I can listen to his songs with a completely different perspective.<br />
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I have had a similar experience with a fashion style recently. Up until now, I have avoided low-cut or open neck styles on dresses, for obvious reasons. I felt that they were one style that made no sense for me and would never have a place in my wardrobe. This was despite loving the look of the simple, plain slip dresses used as the underpinning for many outfits in the exhibition of costumes from the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/miss-fishers-murder-mysteries/" target="_blank">Miss Fisher Mysteries.</a><br />
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<i>Dress: Alpha60</i></div>
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Risk of scar exposure: High </div>
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And then I noticed <a href="http://www.veronikamaine.com.au/" target="_blank">Veronica Maine</a> styling their summer collection with high-neck knits underneath open necklines and I suddenly got a new appreciation of ways that I could make the style work for me. I had a number of tops that I had relegated to layering pieces last summer and it occurred to me that they would work perfectly for this job!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91MfbiSom6U/V9OLtarYzNI/AAAAAAAABGw/ToCSYDvP4agZjZUkyWa-rb6oe0vwL7VJQCEw/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91MfbiSom6U/V9OLtarYzNI/AAAAAAAABGw/ToCSYDvP4agZjZUkyWa-rb6oe0vwL7VJQCEw/s320/DSC_0057.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KS_IY-TYo-I/V9OLtpfOChI/AAAAAAAABG0/8S5kK_oqJ7YVKeVkHkWFUHqd5SWaEpvbgCEw/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KS_IY-TYo-I/V9OLtpfOChI/AAAAAAAABG0/8S5kK_oqJ7YVKeVkHkWFUHqd5SWaEpvbgCEw/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i>Tops: Cue </i></div>
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To my eye, the tops need to be short-sleeved and high-necked for this to look intentional. I tried it with T-shirts and did not like the result nearly as much. Of course, it is always possible to layer over the top of a dress like this too.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIVjLqX5oSo/V9OLqd4s3-I/AAAAAAAABGs/-ZN_1mlCPHIwYtcrib2C2kQnZpiap9djwCEw/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIVjLqX5oSo/V9OLqd4s3-I/AAAAAAAABGs/-ZN_1mlCPHIwYtcrib2C2kQnZpiap9djwCEw/s320/DSC_0065.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pAFFvfuT7do/V9OL9iW-YDI/AAAAAAAABG8/sBEWKHtthPA7LanQnYod_zgeczMKxkXswCEw/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pAFFvfuT7do/V9OL9iW-YDI/AAAAAAAABG8/sBEWKHtthPA7LanQnYod_zgeczMKxkXswCEw/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i>Long tunic: Dogstar</i></div>
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<i>Crop top: Carla Zampatti</i></div>
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So I have gone from being sure that slip dresses were unworkable to being excited by the versatility to the style and enjoying the ability to pair it with things I already have</div>
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A new dress and a new type of music to enjoy! What more could a girl want?</div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CDIzsOEzN4" target="_blank">Blood On The Leaves</a></i></b> by Kanye West</div>
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<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-62521814404439407352016-07-16T17:59:00.000-07:002016-07-16T17:59:48.711-07:00Cool WorldHere in Brisbane, we are well and truly into Winter. Complaining constantly about the cold, arguing with my husband for turning the heater off and struggling to get out of bed and do some exercise has pretty much become a full-time job for me, but I did want to share something with you that I have found helpful this season.<br />
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Last Winter I realised that my preferred top in the colder months is a long-sleeve T-shirt style. They are warm and soft and cosy, and I find them much more comfortable than woven fabrics when the days are cool. The only downside is that whilst I usually wear them as a base layer with a jacket over the top, sometimes I need to take the jacket off and I am very ambivalent about the look of closer fitting tops worn on their own.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5XzacGFDxo/V4rP0pgux8I/AAAAAAAABFs/1pRxgfedEIot91nxQGn6PwWtvlAVeGpCACLcB/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5XzacGFDxo/V4rP0pgux8I/AAAAAAAABFs/1pRxgfedEIot91nxQGn6PwWtvlAVeGpCACLcB/s320/DSC_0036.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i>Top:Witchery</i></div>
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<i>Jacket:Cue (last season)</i></div>
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<i>Pants:ScanlanTheodore(last season)</i></div>
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<i>Boots:Wittner</i></div>
Happily, fashion has once again come to my rescue with the off-the-shoulder trend. I found this knitted top recently and have worn it often on days when it was warm enough to possibly require jacket removal. Whilst it is still close fitting, the cross-over detail and skin exposure around the shoulders and neck provides enough interest for me to feel that all the focus is not on the contours of my chest. I wear the top in a "portrait neckline" style, but if you were a little more daring than me it could easily be worn completely off the shoulder for a more glamorous look!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZhMh6eaNUE/V4rPxyhxTKI/AAAAAAAABF8/yIDP4pE3CYgT_PN46CjGZDoUKzmRU4UhwCEw/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZhMh6eaNUE/V4rPxyhxTKI/AAAAAAAABF8/yIDP4pE3CYgT_PN46CjGZDoUKzmRU4UhwCEw/s320/DSC_0041.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
Now, this certainly doesn't solve all the problems with fitted tops. The side view is still unapologetically flat, and if anyone is rude enough to look closely at my chest from the front, the lack of breasts is obvious.<br />
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However, one thing I have learned over the last three years is that looking good is much more about how you feel and the confidence you project, than the items you choose to put on your body. As the wonderful Mr Bill Cunningham said "Fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life".<br />
Now I just need to find thermal armour.<br />
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Vale, Bill.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WRozCdiR6U" target="_blank">Cool World </a></i>by Mondo Rock<br />
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Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-22233696529738934272016-05-21T21:07:00.000-07:002016-05-21T21:07:22.971-07:00Accidentally In Love<a href="http://www.accidentalicon.com/blog/2016/3/23/accidental" target="_blank">The Accidental Icon</a> wrote a post recently in which she described layering as sculpting with garments. I love that idea! I am not at all creative or artistic but I really appreciate the beauty and individuality that can be created through layering. Deborah on <a href="http://www.stylishmurmurs.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Stylish Murmurs </a>layers to perfection and I think she has really influenced me to see the potential of the style.<br />
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One of my most frequently worn items this summer has been a sheer tunic that is used only for layering. I have been astonished at how versatile it has proven to be, given that it is too sheer to be worn on it's own. I have already shown it on this blog worn under a strappy top, but here I am also layering it with other sheers to give volume and opacity.<br />
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<i>Tunics:Nicola Waite</i></div>
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<i>Skirt: Dogstar</i></div>
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<i>Vest :Dogstar</i></div>
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<i>Necklace:FrankIdeas</i></div>
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You may also recognise the woollen vest I am wearing. One of the fun aspects of being flat-chested is that it is sometime possible to wear clothing items back-to-front to achieve a different look. I like the trapeze shape created by wearing wider pieces on my bottom half and keeping things sleek at the top and wearing the vest like this gives a smooth, straight line down the front.</div>
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As you can see, reversing the vest also gives an interesting drape and flow to the back and side of the outfit. This is an off-duty look for me; it is not structured or simple enough for me to feel comfortable wearing it to work. I enjoy having a more interesting, arty style on my days off. It feels a bit like having a secret identity and for a non-creative like me, it is as close as I come to beauty.</div>
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Are you a fan of layers? And have you tried reversing your clothes?</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUypt2nvorM" target="_blank">Accidentally In Love</a></i> by Counting CrowsSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-65348655940366115302016-04-15T23:08:00.001-07:002016-04-15T23:08:44.238-07:00RecklessLast week saw the death of a well known Australian writer and political commentator, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Ellis" target="_blank">Bob Ellis</a>. I happened to be listening to the radio when an old interview of his was broadcast, and was immediately drawn in by what he was saying. He described most people as creating a large group of friends in their youth and then gradually losing them as they moved through life. He saw this as the mechanism by which we become "old" and felt that we lose something important to our sense of self by no longer having people in our lives who knew us when we were young and vulnerable and naive.<br />
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I found this fascinating, because I have recently re-connected with two old high school friends, and have been amazed at how easily we have managed to bridge the intervening decades and how comfortable we have felt in each other's company. Maybe it is our oldest friends who can not only tell us who we are but also remind us of who we were. Perhaps they provide the milestones that help us to appreciate both how far we have come and how much the journey has cost us. And maybe they are the ones who, having seen us in our awkward, arrogant, unfinished, unpolished youth, are best placed to be forgiving of our middle-aged follies. Bob Ellis, thank you and rest in peace.<br />
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And so, to fashion. As promised last week, I am showing you another silhouette I wear frequently. It is essentially the reverse of last week:<br />
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<b>Slim pants +trapeze-shaped top</b></div>
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This is a particularly comfortable combination to wear in summer, as loose tank style tops work well.</div>
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Here is the casual version, which I wear often at home.</div>
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<i>Top:Manning Cartell</i></div>
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<i>Pants: Country Road</i></div>
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<i>Necklace: Frank Ideas</i></div>
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<i>Shoes:Jo Mercer</i></div>
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And here is the dressy, work version. Once again, you can see that the overall look is the same and the dressiness can be dialled up or down depending on the fabric and colour of the individual pieces and the footwear you team it with.<br />
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<i>Pants:ScanlanTheodore</i></div>
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<i>Top:ScanlanTheodore</i></div>
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<i>Jacket:Veronika Maine</i></div>
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<i>Boots:Wittner</i></div>
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I find this silhouette the easiest to wear in summer, because trapeze-shaped tops generally look good without a jacket or another item over the top. That means that on the really humid days, I can get away with a single layer of fabric and no sleeves and enjoy the cool. However, it is a simple look and I feel like I have to make sure the rest of my outfit is quite polished to be comfortable wearing it to work. These pants have a slight shine and the top is textured, so up close they look a bit more grown-up than the casual version. I also think wearing a heel and a jacket make most outfits more formal.</div>
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Do you still have friendships from back when you were young and reckless?</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEPp5gJaCXM" target="_blank">Reckless</a></i> by Australian Crawl</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-64692814836722681772016-04-03T00:06:00.001-07:002016-04-03T00:06:57.659-07:00ABCWell, that took longer than I thought! Uni has commenced again for me and between study and Easter and family, I fear I have neglected you. First things first. As promised, a picture of my beautiful sister and sister-in-law with me before we headed out to the Brisbane Comedy Festival:<br />
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<i>A good time was had by all!</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Today, I thought I would talk about silhouette, and how considering it can make it easier to choose clothes you feel good in. The blog </span><a href="http://into-mind.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Into Mind</a><span style="text-align: left;"> has a really good explanation of this concept. I like variety in my wardrobe but I still find I gravitate to a few basic combinations. One of my favourites this year has been: </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> <b> Flared or wide leg cropped pants +boxy short top +heels </b> </span></div>
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So here it is, translated into outfits for both casual and work. This is what I am wearing today for a lazy day at home avoiding study and procrasti-baking.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LvRYPaNLJnE/VwC0gTXfBRI/AAAAAAAABDI/87l7IUaRcAQKzHF65SCG0A1XFe-q2lLMw/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LvRYPaNLJnE/VwC0gTXfBRI/AAAAAAAABDI/87l7IUaRcAQKzHF65SCG0A1XFe-q2lLMw/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOh1u52Dq94/VwC0hqffWlI/AAAAAAAABDI/J4sQNPCDBVwiEaE-9k1MBm8LEYlr0mavQ/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOh1u52Dq94/VwC0hqffWlI/AAAAAAAABDI/J4sQNPCDBVwiEaE-9k1MBm8LEYlr0mavQ/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i>Top:Veronika Maine</i></div>
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<i>Jeans: ManningCartell</i></div>
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<i>Sandals:JoanneMercer</i></div>
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<i>Necklace:FrankIdeas</i></div>
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And here is the work version of the formula.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPkbqmW5YyQ/VwC1F1Ml-RI/AAAAAAAABDM/fq6jqHjyTeMyb52nGPBdMQy0vZ-_Tt1SA/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPkbqmW5YyQ/VwC1F1Ml-RI/AAAAAAAABDM/fq6jqHjyTeMyb52nGPBdMQy0vZ-_Tt1SA/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMRHvu2Bfn8/VwC1Inf7MyI/AAAAAAAABDM/V3PgovHOnWgvw4qcZrRjTE4XgMxGoYmcQ/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMRHvu2Bfn8/VwC1Inf7MyI/AAAAAAAABDM/V3PgovHOnWgvw4qcZrRjTE4XgMxGoYmcQ/s320/DSC_0015.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i>Top: ManningCartell</i></div>
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<i>Culottes:Uniqlo</i></div>
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<i>Shoes:Wittner</i></div>
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Now, you can probably see that these are almost identical outfits. The shapes are the same. The colours are the same. The difference lies solely in the individual elements. I could wear the first top with the second pants and have a perfectly respectable outfit for work (in fact, I'm pretty sure I have worn that exact combination). Likewise, wearing the lace top with jeans would dress them up enough for me to feel comfortable going out at night with the girls.</div>
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Having that formula in my head has been extremely helpful when choosing individual pieces that will work with my wardrobe. It also makes getting dressed in the morning easy: if I want to wear wide pants, then I choose a top from the options that fit into the "short and boxy" category. I have a few other silhouettes that I wear frequently, so over the next few weeks I will show you the casual and work-appropriate variations of those. What are your favourite combinations for outfits?</div>
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Oh, and yes! New hair! <a href="http://www.davidmurrysalon.com.au/" target="_blank">My hairdresser</a> asked "Do you trust me?" I think my faith has been rewarded!</div>
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ABC by <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho7796-au8U" target="_blank">The Jackson 5</a></i></div>
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Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-49649650320779383322016-03-15T03:45:00.000-07:002016-03-15T03:45:10.447-07:00Fade To GreyMy husband travelled interstate last week to spend some time with his parents, so I lost my photographer, but he was kind enough to capture this outfit when he returned. It is a casual outfit that I was wearing for a day a home but the day was one of the few cooler ones we experience here in Autumn, hence the long sleeves.<div>
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Last Winter, I realised that I loved the warmth and ease of long-sleeved T-shirts, but was not a fan of how they looked on me. I had a few different fixes for that last year: crop tops worn over the shirt, jackets with detail on the front and scarves. This is another variation on that theme: a draped knit vest.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ot-YGwKg4M4/VufagIsPG5I/AAAAAAAABCE/Ibk8B2rK1X07RRXWoYABdS7su3NDP7oiA/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ot-YGwKg4M4/VufagIsPG5I/AAAAAAAABCE/Ibk8B2rK1X07RRXWoYABdS7su3NDP7oiA/s320/DSC_0216.JPG" width="212" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgZcr6vjccM/VufaiOy-ylI/AAAAAAAABCE/bI1RPpobnoAgjxmFdE7-4KWxfPlGhzN4A/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgZcr6vjccM/VufaiOy-ylI/AAAAAAAABCE/bI1RPpobnoAgjxmFdE7-4KWxfPlGhzN4A/s320/DSC_0217.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i>T-shirt: Sportscraft</i></div>
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<i> Culottes:Veronika Maine</i></div>
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<i> Vest:Dogstar</i></div>
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This particular one can be worn a few different ways, but the general idea of wearing a light-weight layer over my torso remains the same. I like the contrast that the drape and generally unstructured style of the vest creates with my more dressy pieces. I have also worn this vest over a fitted, body-con dress and enjoyed the effect.</div>
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Balancing comfort and aesthetics can sometimes be tricky, but I have fun experimenting and in my view, feeling good and having fun are the most important points of fashion. And speaking of fun, next weekend sees my beautiful sister and sister-in-law visit me for my sister's traditional birthday girls weekend. I will be sure to post some pictures!</div>
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What are you looking forward to this week?</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMPC8QJF6sI" target="_blank">Fade To Grey</a> by Visage</i></div>
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Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-2370232950092709582016-02-14T13:48:00.000-08:002016-02-14T13:48:58.577-08:00I'm A PunkNot really. In fact, not at all. Although I do like pop-punk bands such as The Living End, which earns me disdain from my eldest son who is a fan of the Saints and the Ramones! I was a teenager in the 80's and remember the both the music and the clothes, but always found both a bit too rough around the edges for my tastes. One of the advantages of enjoying an aesthetic that is usually structured and feminine is that I don't have to colour too far outside the lines in order to feel quite daring and hard-edge. This is one such outfit for me.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGw8_ywSJuQ/VsDvdR_cmjI/AAAAAAAABBE/rhoQnd18Odk/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGw8_ywSJuQ/VsDvdR_cmjI/AAAAAAAABBE/rhoQnd18Odk/s320/DSC_0208.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i>Top:Veronika Maine</i></div>
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<i>Skirt:Dogstar</i></div>
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<i>Boots:Wittner</i></div>
This is what I wore to see <a href="http://katemillerheidke.com/home" target="_blank">Kate Miller-Heidke</a> perform at <a href="http://thetriffid.com.au/" target="_blank">The Triffid</a> on the evening of Valentine's day. The rough-textured matte look of the linen skirt, the metal clip holding the hem, the loop hanging from the waistband and the heavy flat boots provide a darker, messier look than I usually wear, but I have made it feel true to my style by pairing it with this top, which you may remember from a <a href="http://thebreastlessyears.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/i-walk-line.html" target="_blank">couple of years ago</a>. The femininity and structure of the top teamed with a bright lipstick means I can wear this without feeling inauthentic, even though it is a little outside my usual style.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrm7KTsoWu0/VsDvXt-uRBI/AAAAAAAABA8/CVImW6ZoRgM/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrm7KTsoWu0/VsDvXt-uRBI/AAAAAAAABA8/CVImW6ZoRgM/s320/DSC_0214.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Ld2jvbmaUs/VsDvXxaJY1I/AAAAAAAABBA/6ONcEGKGAJw/s1600/DSC_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Ld2jvbmaUs/VsDvXxaJY1I/AAAAAAAABBA/6ONcEGKGAJw/s320/DSC_0209.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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I've always loved the shape of this top but I haven't worn it much this year. The shiny look of the memory fabric feels a bit too dressy for day-to-day wear but the shape feels a bit too office-y for evening wear so it was never a piece I reached for first. It never ceases to amaze me how different items can look, depending on what is worn with them and I think in this case, teaming it with a more casual skirt made it feel just right.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjSfLyBAU-w/VsDyRMSXvuI/AAAAAAAABBQ/jckE39ZGbec/s1600/DSC_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjSfLyBAU-w/VsDyRMSXvuI/AAAAAAAABBQ/jckE39ZGbec/s320/DSC_0210.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
So whilst I will never lay claim to the descriptor "punk", I do feel that adding in a few of the elements of the style has helped me give an under-appreciated item it's time in the sun. And yes, the concert was fabulous! Kate is touring at the moment, and I highly recommend you see her if you can.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhOe3C6cg30" target="_blank">I'm A Punk</a></i> by Doug MulraySharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-48922545790076335302016-02-06T21:55:00.002-08:002016-02-06T21:55:25.782-08:00StarmanThe final new-to-me brand that I tried during the sales was a Brisbane designer, Dogstar. I must admit that I had seen their clothes a few years before my mastectomy and admired the edgy, Japanese aesthetic, but they had never made it into my wardrobe. It never felt authentic or flattering on my former body and I had relegated the brand to "looks great, but not on me" status. I am now rethinking that opinion!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4G80j3fMLQ/VrbQt5syErI/AAAAAAAABAw/yR-iz_Ov-nA/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4G80j3fMLQ/VrbQt5syErI/AAAAAAAABAw/yR-iz_Ov-nA/s320/DSC_0194.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uiOrvGH7zn0/VrbQZ2QwujI/AAAAAAAABAw/c_IPj2UT0MI/s1600/DSC_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uiOrvGH7zn0/VrbQZ2QwujI/AAAAAAAABAw/c_IPj2UT0MI/s320/DSC_0188.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i>Tunic:Dogstar</i></div>
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<i>Obi belt:Etsy (Lorella Creations)</i></div>
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<i>Tank top:Uniqlo</i></div>
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<i>Culottes:Uniqlo</i></div>
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I found this beautiful silk tunic and immediately thought that it could be a very useful item. It reads as a dress but is light and translucent, providing volume and movement without being heavy or hot.</div>
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It allows me to dress up simple tops and pants and provides an extra layer of camouflage over my chest when wearing close-fitting tops.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e36kGSNF-Jw/VrbP8Xdl5AI/AAAAAAAABAw/dusKxA9O69w/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e36kGSNF-Jw/VrbP8Xdl5AI/AAAAAAAABAw/dusKxA9O69w/s320/DSC_0191.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5uFVuhe3JpA/VrbQuW73gRI/AAAAAAAABAw/6-2JVklFitE/s1600/DSC_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5uFVuhe3JpA/VrbQuW73gRI/AAAAAAAABAw/6-2JVklFitE/s320/DSC_0193.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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The front is cut slightly lower than I wanted, but I have found that I can wear this back-to-front, which gives me a high, boat neck look that works well if I want to wear a camisole with thin straps as an under layer. </div>
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I wore this to my son's 21st birthday dinner last night, underneath the <a href="http://thebreastlessyears.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/happy-birthday-helen.html" target="_blank">gilet I showed you a few months ago</a>, and loved the petticoat effect of the tunic peeking out from the opening. I have also worn this over jeans and a T and like the way it dresses up a casual outfit. I have never been very confident with layering clothes, but I think a light, neutral piece like this is a good introduction to layering 101 for me and a great introduction to Dogstar as a brand.</div>
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Have you had any brands which you initially dismissed subsequently turn out to really blow your mind?</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B5zmDz4vR4" target="_blank">Starman</a></i> by the late, very great David Bowie</div>
<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-72441429795004387862016-01-31T00:42:00.002-08:002016-01-31T00:42:45.267-08:00Biding My TimeThis is the second experimental sale purchase I wanted to show you. I bought <a href="http://thebreastlessyears.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/ne-me-quitte-pas.html" target="_blank">a winter dress by this brand</a>, Alpha60, last year and loved it. This dress was in their summer collection and caught my eye when I saw it on their website during the sales. Alpha60 don't have a store in my city so I couldn't try it on before buying it, something I always prefer to do. I was a bit concerned that the neckline might be too low or gape-y but I decided that I could always wear a T-shirt underneath and went ahead and ordered it.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qB-Ki15t-TI/Vq2-3O6kRTI/AAAAAAAABAA/2sF651rcmMQ/s1600/DSC_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qB-Ki15t-TI/Vq2-3O6kRTI/AAAAAAAABAA/2sF651rcmMQ/s320/DSC_0173.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<i>Dress: Alpha60</i><br />
<i> Culottes: Uniqlo</i><br />
<i> Necklace: Frank Ideas</i><i> </i><br />
I have to tell you that it is one of the most comfortable and versatile dresses in my closet. On very hot days I wear it on it's own, and the top is just fitted enough not to cause a problem with gaping or chest exposure. I also wear it with a shirt underneath when I want more coverage, and today I have worn it over a pair of culottes to give more volume and length at the bottom of the dress. The asymmetry and drape make it visually interesting and the sides can be buttoned together at the back to create a sleeker look. I am now putting "strappy sun dress" on the list of things that can work for me.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AA8f2UTpMRY/Vq2_X59VOqI/AAAAAAAABAQ/kXQQD899D_o/s1600/DSC_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AA8f2UTpMRY/Vq2_X59VOqI/AAAAAAAABAQ/kXQQD899D_o/s320/DSC_0181.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nVUAR31W7g/Vq2-xsZR8oI/AAAAAAAAA_w/QXr_OD3SaCc/s1600/DSC_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nVUAR31W7g/Vq2-xsZR8oI/AAAAAAAAA_w/QXr_OD3SaCc/s320/DSC_0176.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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One important point: I do think that fit is important with this style. I suspect that if the top of the dress hadn't fitted quite so perfectly I may have felt much more anxious about wearing it with nothing underneath.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80rbfUC4rA8/Vq2_Th-BVDI/AAAAAAAABAI/CFAOYTSBfzw/s1600/DSC_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80rbfUC4rA8/Vq2_Th-BVDI/AAAAAAAABAI/CFAOYTSBfzw/s320/DSC_0185.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
Happily, the Alpha60 size guide appears to be quite accurate. I have had pretty good experiences with ordering the right size online and I think it may be partly because I take chest, waist and hip measurements periodically and use those when deciding what size to order, rather than the number on the tag. The only problem I have had so far with biding my time and stalking pieces online has been that sometimes my size sells out. But as someone over at <a href="http://www.youlookfab.com/" target="_blank">YouLookFab</a> sagely remarked, "It is not necessary to own every pretty thing in the world"<br />
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Do you buy clothes online? Have you been happy with the results so far?<br />
<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHHyKw-r8cs" target="_blank">Biding My Time </a></i>by Busby MarouSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-12917650418726107922016-01-23T13:23:00.000-08:002016-01-23T13:23:59.134-08:00Hot Hot HotI live in a city with a warm climate and one of the big advantages is that when the summer sales happen, there is still a good two months of weather that will require summer clothes. Knowing that anything I buy will get good wear in the current season, I have used the sales as a way to try out new-to-me brands and styles or silhouettes that I want to experiment with without too much of a financial commitment. I bought three items at the sales, so I will be showing you the results over the next few weeks.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AStaBM2DdgY/VpC0gby3-kI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/croPEAAJ2yM/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AStaBM2DdgY/VpC0gby3-kI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/croPEAAJ2yM/s320/DSC_0130.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Om-lVD0eEWs/VpC0Rjf80BI/AAAAAAAAA_I/E02IC_n3NE4/s1600/DSC_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Om-lVD0eEWs/VpC0Rjf80BI/AAAAAAAAA_I/E02IC_n3NE4/s320/DSC_0134.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i>Top: Manning Cartell</i></div>
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<i>Necklace: Frank Ideas</i></div>
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<i>Pants:Country Road</i></div>
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<i>Shoes:Wittner</i></div>
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This top was a find from an Australian design house that I have admired, but never purchased from before. It is a linen blend and has a trapeze shape and an asymmetrical hemline that provides a dramatic train-like effect at the back. I seem to have fallen in love with tops that give me movement and drama when I am walking around!</div>
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<i>Jacket:Veronika Maine</i></div>
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The shape of the top, the lustrous fabric and the darts at the bust line actually create the impression of volume over my chest. And I also like it worn with my cropped jacket from last summer, so I can continue to wear it even when the days are no longer quite so beautiful. I am counting this experiment as a success, and will be keeping an eye on this brand in the future.</div>
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Do you use sales as a way to dip your toe into the water of a new style or brand? </div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkGgdIBX1to" target="_blank">Hot Hot Hot</a></i> by Arrow</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-18636096973434178082016-01-16T13:01:00.000-08:002016-01-23T13:27:26.914-08:00Uptown FunkI think I confessed in a previous post that I am not generally a fan of the boho look. Whilst I appreciate it on other people, it is almost the exact opposite of my usual style. It is therefore with some surprise that I have found myself wearing a style that definitely has boho roots, namely the peasant blouse.<br />
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<i>Top:Forever New</i><br />
<i> Pants:Veronika Maine</i><br />
I like the way the elastic at the neckline creates gathers that gives volume over my torso. I like the opportunity to show my neck and collarbone without exposing my chest. And I like the way I can tuck it to emphasise the waist. I have chosen a version without tassels or embroidery and in a simple navy and white stripe so it feels quite congruent with the rest of my wardrobe. I guess that is a good illustration that most trends can be made to fit most wardrobes, if the details are done right.<br />
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I have seen this style being worn off the shoulder a lot, but I prefer not to expose that much skin during the day. And with this sort of neckline, I find you do have to be a bit careful about gaping when you bend over. I solved that with a little bit of fashion tape applied to the centre front. I don't think it is obvious, and it means I can loll around without concerning myself about possible wardrobe malfunctions.<br />
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I am back at work now, so my lolling around opportunities are significantly decreased, but I have had a lovely break and I hope you have too!</div>
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<i><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPf0YbXqDm0" target="_blank">Uptown Funk</a></b></i> by Mark Ronson</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-1021843055200410312016-01-09T14:04:00.000-08:002016-01-09T14:04:15.748-08:00Shut Up And DanceThis is such a party time of year for me, because less than a week after the New Year begins, we celebrate our wedding anniversary. This year is number 26 for us and after the turmoil and stress the last couple of years has put on our marriage, I feel glad to have reached a calmer and happier place. Marriage is full of ups and downs for everyone, so sometimes it's nice to be able to look at the life and the family we have created together, appreciate the good things we have achieved as a team, gaze into each others eyes, turn the music up and dance!<br />
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We have been known to forget our anniversary, and when we remember, we usually do something fairly low key. This year I bought us both some new pyjamas to mark the occasion. My husband does not say much about this blog, but he was very adamant about me showing you the result.<br />
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<i>Nightdress:Peter Alexander</i><br />
I like to wear quite feminine night clothes and have had difficulty finding ones that I felt happy in. Most are low cut and gape at the front. I wanted something that would hide my scars, flatter my shape and feel nice to touch. I often end up wearing the tried and true T-shirt and sleep shorts combination to bed, but I definitely prefer a pretty nightdress. I stumbled across this one on the sale rack, and it is just about perfect for my needs.<br />
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The straps are adjustable, allowing me to bring the neckline up as high as I want. The top edge is elasticated, so it sits close to my chest and does not gape. The shape is a gentle A-line, flaring out from the top in a flattering way. It is made from a soft, smooth fabric that feels cool and comfortable to wear. But perhaps most importantly, my husband loves how it looks on me. And I do like to keep my dance partner happy! </div>
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I was tempted to duplicate this purchase, as nightdresses that fit all the criteria above are few and far between. Sadly, the downside of sales is that size availability is limited, so I was only able to find this one. But it has given me a good check-list for what to look for next time I purchase sleepwear.</div>
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Do you wear anything to bed? Is your choice dictated by practicality or aesthetic preference?</div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q" target="_blank">Shut Up And Dance</a></i></b> by Walk The MoonSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-64218892429965666822016-01-02T17:32:00.000-08:002016-01-23T13:24:33.860-08:00ConfidentHappy New Year to everyone!<br />
I was unfortunate enough to be struck down by a gastro bug shortly after Christmas, so it was an early night and light rations for me, but overall 2015 has been a good year.<br />
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I was diagnosed in mid-2013 and spent the rest of that year recovering physically. 2014 was all about difficult conversations, re-negotiating relationships and recovering emotionally. 2015 has been the year I have managed to be me again. If you are struggling with the difficult physical or emotional work a cancer diagnosis brings, please believe that it will get better. And in the meantime, there is always fashion!<br />
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<i>Camisole: Uniqlo</i><br />
<i> Pants:Cue</i><br />
<i> Dress: Gift from my baby sis!</i><br />
<i> Shoes:Wittner</i><br />
My beautiful baby sister sent me this dress for Christmas, and I think she must have read my mind because I have been wanting a shirtdress that I can wear open as a long jacket, for a 1920's style look.<br />
This is not a figure-revealing silhouette and I like the long, straight vertical lines, which I think are quite flattering on a straight body. However, the true beauty of this style is really only captured in movement: the dress billows around me in a very satisfying way. I suppose it is another version of a cape.<br />
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I like to wear a top and bottom of the same colour when wearing a long jacket over the top. I think it makes the outfit more cohesive and reinforces the tall, slim look of this style. I'm wearing a simple, close-fitting, inexpensive Uniqlo camisole as a top and I think the simplicity works well when there are other aspect of the outfit doing the heavy lifting style-wise.<br />
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I hope 2016 is a year of dreams coming true for all of you and I am confident that whilst the year will hold both triumph and disaster, we will prevail! Many thanks to all who have read and commented over the last year. I hope I will have your company again this year. xx<br />
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<i><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwLRQn61oUY" target="_blank">Confident</a></b></i> by Demi LevatoSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-61876461963007583252015-12-25T19:55:00.001-08:002016-01-23T13:24:54.796-08:00I'm Growing A Beard Downstairs For ChristmasOne of my concerns about living in an age where pubic hair is apparently passé is that post-mastectomy, being hair-free can look child-like. That's not an appearance I want to cultivate, so I was very amused when Kate Miller-Heidke released a single in support of Decembeard, a fund raising effort by Bowel Cancer Australia. You can watch it on YouTube, but there is also a "Donate for Download" option below, if you are partial to the comedy Christmas song or would like to support a great cause. For those who feel like that is entirely too much information, I give you pictures of my Christmas dress for 2015!<br />
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<i>Dress: ScanlanTheodore</i><br />
<i> Sandals:Wittner</i><br />
<i> Bangle:Mimco (gift from a friend)</i><br />
You may recall that a new dress is a childhood Christmas tradition for me, and I try to choose something dressy enough for seasonal parties. I wear mostly neutrals, but I fell in love with the colours and print of this dress. I worked for a number of years in rural Australia and this print reminds me of the beauty of the Australian bush.<br />
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It is made of silk, and is very soft and light and cool, perfect for summer parties. I also love the way it drapes: it does not cling to my chest and the gathers at the waist are just the thing for disguising the effects of holiday indulgence!<br />
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I also wanted to show you my Christmas present from my lovely husband: some beautiful, delicate leaf-shaped earrings. I think they echo the print of the dress beautifully.<br />
I wore this dress on Christmas day and had a wonderful time with my boys, their girl-friends and members of our extended family. I now have a week to relax, read and have some down-time before work starts again. I hope you all had a very happy Christmas surrounded by people you love. xx<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLNqmDOa-Ww" target="_blank">I<i>'m Growing A Beard Downstairs For Christmas</i></a><i> </i>by Kate Miller-Heidke and The Beards<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.decembeard.org.au/ChristmasSingle" target="_blank">Decembeard Donate for Download</a></b><br />
<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-30310863655763537192015-12-20T13:17:00.001-08:002016-01-23T13:25:19.825-08:00Santa BabyI am lucky enough to work with some truly fabulous women and feel fortunate to be able to count them as friends as well as colleagues. As the year comes to an end, we have begun to exchange gifts. I was given this top last week, and I thought I would show you because it illustrates a few really good principles to bear in mind if you want to wear a fitted top rather than something more voluminous.<br />
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<i>Top:Seed (Christmas gift)</i></div>
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<i>Skirt:ScanlanTheodore</i></div>
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<i>Belt:Veronika Maine</i></div>
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<i>Bag:Oroton(Christmas gift)</i></div>
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<i>Shoes:Wittner</i></div>
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Ok, so here are my thoughts about rules for wearing fitted tops. Your mileage may vary, but I have found these ideas helpful in choosing clothes.</div>
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<b>1</b>. Silhouette is king. I like to think about the overall shape of the entire outfit. I tried this top with a fitted skirt and found that creating a lot of shape on my lower half just emphasised the lack of shape at the top! I feel much more comfortable with the overall triangular, 1920's style of a full skirt or wide-leg pants when wearing a fitted top.</div>
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<b>2. </b>Texture is your friend. This is a thick, Milano knit fabric with a lot of weight and body. Whilst it is fitted, it is not clingy and it sits slightly away from my chest. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned this year has been the importance of fabric.</div>
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<b>3. </b>Dark is good. The light does not bounce off any unevenness over my chest or create unflattering shadows in the way that lighter colours do when I wear fitted tops. (Lycra gym wear, I'm looking at you!)</div>
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<b>4. </b>Detail allows you to choose where you want the focus to be. I love the asymmetrical hemline on this top, as it draws the eye down. I have reinforced the effect by adding a decorative belt. Jewellery and accessories can fill the role for plain tops, but I find that I am drawn to pieces that have some kind of built-in design interest.</div>
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<b>5. </b>Yeah, the side view is never gonna be great with a fitted top. You need to be at peace with that if you want to wear them. This style is definitely about looking good without breasts rather than looking like you might <i>have </i>breasts. I find that I reserve fitted tops for days when I am feeling particularly confident and fabulous for this very reason!</div>
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I think my friend did a great job in choosing this top for me! I really love it. Do you receive any fashion-related gifts at Christmas? How do you feel about others choosing clothes for you?</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFMyF9fDKzE" target="_blank">Santa Baby</a></i> by Eartha Kitt</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-67338060161692484032015-12-06T00:45:00.002-08:002016-01-23T13:25:37.424-08:00Living In The 70'sHello! The weeks seem to be passing so quickly at the moment, and the weekend is over before I have had time to think about an outfit to show you! I will try and be a little more consistent now university has ended for the year and the days are getting longer.<br />
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A huge trend that has hit all the shops here this Spring has been the 70's look. I am not a big fan of boho style - it is generally too unstructured to really make my heart sing. However, this resurgence of 70's style has brought with it the return of the flare and the bootcut. I really like the freshness of the new silhouette, but I was concerned that it was not a look I would be able to wear. It seemed to me that the extra width on the bottom would require a fitted top to balance it and I usually prefer some volume over my chest, especially in the warmer months when I am not wearing a jacket or cardigan.<br />
The solution I have found has been the tunic top.<br />
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<i>Top/dress: Cue</i><br />
<i> Pants: Cue</i><br />
I had several in my closet from last summer, and I have bought another one this season to get the "white-out" look. A few of these are dresses which are a little too short to be work-appropriate. They are now going to do double duty as both at-home summer wear as a dress and over pants as a tunic for work.<br />
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I think the trick with this type of pairing is to choose a tunic with a triangular shape.That way, the top flares out in a way that echoes the pants. The shape also draws the eye down, and the narrow, fitted shape on the shoulder and chest becomes a part of the overall silhouette rather than the focus of the outfit. Wearing all one colour also helps create a long vertical shape that de-emphasises my chest. This is essentially a longer version of the trapeze top silhouette that I wore a lot last summer but with the fun addition of flared pants.<br />
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One of the things I love about fashion is the excitement of the new, and the clever reinterpretation of the old. How do you feel about the return of the flare?<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLUtKKoMetM" target="_blank">Living in the 70's</a> by Skyhooks</i>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-26274940162911772052015-10-25T00:33:00.000-07:002016-01-23T13:26:11.665-08:00Underneath Your ClothesThe warmer weather is here, to my infinite relief and I have been sorting through my clothes from last season. I still really like almost all of them, so one of the challenges I have set myself is to find new ways to wear them. You may remember this top from last summer - I loved the strappy style, but struggled with the fear of scar exposure. I ultimately found a work-around with fashion tape. This season I have found another solution, and one that I feel really happy with.<br />
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<i>Tunic: Nicola Waite</i><br />
<i> Camisole:ScanlanTheodore</i><br />
<i> Shorts: Country Road</i><br />
I bought this sheer tunic as a layering piece to wear over shorts. I figured it would minimise skin exposure whilst still giving me the coolness and airflow of exposing my legs. Happily, I discovered that it also works for strappy tops. The high neck and close fit means I can be confident that I am not showing the world my chest, whilst the light style still looks summer-y and cool and feels comfortable to wear.<br />
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Sheer and lacey garments seem to be trending at the moment - I am seeing a lot of sheer skirts with opaque linings that end above the knee, so I am happy to have found another way to make this look work for me.<br />
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Have you restyled any of your garments from last season?<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwBwKcQ1k84" target="_blank">Underneath Your Clothes</a></i> by ShakiraSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-66740932719694652302015-10-19T03:43:00.000-07:002016-01-23T13:26:34.646-08:00Happy Birthday, HelenHow cool would it be to have a song written for you to celebrate your birthday? I always enjoy the little insight into relationships that songs written for a specific person gives. Yesterday was my 48th birthday and whilst I did not have a song written for me, my lovely boys did work together to make a delicious meal that we all shared. Eating and talking and laughing with my husband, my sons and their beautiful girlfriends is one of my greatest joys.<br />
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<i>Tunic:Nicola Waite</i><br />
<i> Gilet: ScanlanTheodore</i><br />
<i> Shorts: Country Road</i><br />
<i> Shoes: Wittner</i><br />
This was what I wore to dinner with my Uni girlfriends on Friday night. The 70's look is really big in stores at the moment and this gilet is one of many I have seen around. I really like the way the fastening gives some emphasis at the waist but allows the gilet to open out at the top and bottom, creating an hourglass shape. I think simple, long lines like this are very flattering on a straight figure and I have tried to keep the look as cohesive as possible by wearing a long, sheer tunic underneath.<br />
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The advantage of a piece that goes over the top of other clothes is that it skims the body and gives just a hint of shape rather than clinging. It also dresses up more casual clothes: I am wearing shorts under the sheer tunic, which is not something I would not usually choose when going to a nice restaurant. I think this gilet is going to be my go-to piece for smart casual occasions over summer.<br />
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Have any of the 70's looks caught your eye recently?<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a96RZURNtII" target="_blank">Happy Birthday Helen</a> by Things of Stone and Wood</i>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-9897960509299131982015-08-16T23:21:00.000-07:002016-01-23T13:26:50.210-08:00Day By DayYou may have noticed last week that I now have an Instagram icon on my blog. Last summer, I attempted to define both my warm weather style and the items of clothing that I wore more frequently and felt best in. The single most valuable tool in that quest was the month of daily outfit photos that I took at that time. They allowed me to see at a glance what I was ACTUALLY wearing, what felt good in and which combinations worked for me aesthetically. I decided that I would repeat this for winter and so have started taking daily outfit photos. I am posting them on Instagram in case anyone has an interest in how the individual pieces I show on this blog translate into real life.<br />
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<i>Top:ScanlanTheodore</i><br />
<i> Belt:Cue</i><br />
<i> Skirt:ScanlanTheodore</i><br />
At the beginning of winter, I had a shopping list that included some winter tops that I could wear without layers or scarves. I ended up buying three, two of which I have shown you already. This is the last. I especially like it because my husband urged me to buy it when he saw me try it on, and it remains a favourite of his. It is felted wool, so it is warm and has a soft, sculptural appearance. The pleat at the front not only gives me some texture across my chest but also give me a hint of waist definition, which I always enjoy.<br />
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I have reached a point now of feeling really happy with my winter wardrobe. I feel confident when I choose my outfit in the morning that I have items that will go together well and that I will feel good wearing. I am so happy to have reached this point and it has been fun for me to take photos every morning and see how everything works together day by day. How are you feeling about your wardrobe as you approach the end of the season? Have you had any unexpected hits of misses?</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqEHaQ1RbME" target="_blank">Day By Day</a></i> from Godspell</div>
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<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-92208045582690573552015-08-02T00:16:00.000-07:002015-08-02T00:16:11.156-07:00Ne Me Quitte PasA few weekends ago, we attended the Brisbane French Festival. I particularly wanted to go because, along with the great food stalls and the wonderful atmosphere that comes from having all the people around you conversing in French, the Festival had invited Parisian designers Jerome L'Huillier and Mette Pedersen to create a fashion show and answer questions. The fashion was lovely - lots of bright prints, which my husband loved!- but the most interesting part for me was the Q&A afterwards.<br />
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A young designer in the audience asked Jerome for tips about building a successful business and competing with big fashion houses with their enormous marketing budgets. His reply contained two ideas that I found interesting: firstly he believed that whilst, when he started out, talent and hard work was enough to ensure success, he no longer thought that was sufficient. Secondly, unless the public are prepared to support local designers and pay a fair price for their work, the market will contract and the only two options will be either fast, cheap fashion like H&M or the very expensive, high-end design houses like Dior.<br />
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<i>Dress:Alpha60</i><br />
<i> T-shirt: Sportscraft</i><br />
<i> Shoes: Wittner</i><br />
The talk really made me think about the value I place on my clothes and the necessity of being willing to support things that are important to me. And I do believe that fashion is important. Over the last few weeks, I have been exploring Australian designers and last week I bought this dress from the new-to-me Melbourne designer Alpha60.<br />
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I think this may be the perfect dress for a flat chest. It has an overlay that covers the chest and long pieces that can be either tied to emphasise the waistline or allowed to fall free and create flattering vertical lines. It is a wool blend and so will give me some much needed warmth - even though I live in a warm part of the world, I feel the cold and I anticipate this will be worn until the beginning of Summer. I am quite thrilled to have found another possibility for my clothing choices and I hope that Australian designers continue to receive support in their quest to provide us with interesting and unique fashion options.<br />
Do you have any local designers that you especially enjoy and like to support?<br />
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<i><a href="http://Ne Me Quitte Pas" target="_blank">Ne Me Quitte Pas</a> </i>by Nina SimoneSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-89203124101274600432015-07-25T06:35:00.000-07:002015-07-25T06:35:05.299-07:00Winter WindsAn unexpected (although in retrospect, logical and predictable) consequence of scheduling in social time with my friends has been that I now go out in the evening during the winter months more frequently than I have before. Usually, I spend my winter evenings ensconced on the lounge in my pyjamas, but a night out with the girls calls for more glamorous attire. I find that creating outfits with some glamour in winter is much more difficult that in summer. In warm weather I can wear bright colours and light fabrics that create a fun and carefree feel, but in winter the heavy fabrics and dark colours feel more serious and sombre.<br />
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<i>Knit: Veronika Maine</i><br />
I bought this knit to give me a dressy option to wear in the evenings. The lacy look is delicate and pretty and allows me to show a little skin, whilst the long sleeves are surprisingly warm. It is slightly loose fitting, and whilst it does not give me any volume over my chest, I think the textural effect of the top and it's combination with a statement style of bottom, ensures that the focus of the outfit is elsewhere.<br />
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<i>T-shirt:Sportscraft</i><br />
<i> Jeans: Country Road</i><br />
<i> Boots: Wittner</i><br />
<i> Coat: Veronika Maine</i><br />
I have worn my new knit twice this week. The first time was to meet some friends for a casual dinner after work and I wore a plain T-shirt underneath, both for warmth and to showcase the lace pattern of the top. I paired it with my silver jeans to add a touch of shine and provide a dressy edge to the practicality of flat boots and a simple silhouette.<br />
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<i>Skirt:Veronika Maine</i></div>
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<i>Belt:Cue </i></div>
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<i>Shoes:Wittner</i></div>
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The second outfit was for a long overdue catch-up at a more formal location. This time I wore a simple camisole under the top so as to expose a hint of skin and paired it with the full skirt I wore to my niece's wedding last year. The skirt is definitely a statement piece and I like the idea of wearing a top with a fairly straight shape when it is paired with this much volume on the bottom. And of course, a pair of killer heels always helps when you are heading out for a night on the town with the girls. I took these photos before the sun went down, so I had not done my hair or make-up and I swapped out the tights for sheer pantyhose before I left, but you get the general idea!<br />
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How do you dress up in winter?<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KCg_QEHtkY" target="_blank">Winter Winds</a></i> by Mumford and SonsSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-4679439861804091982015-07-17T23:11:00.000-07:002015-07-17T23:11:23.192-07:00EverybodyYears ago, when we were watching our young children play, another parent commented that my youngest son was very "in his body". At the time, I thought it was quite an odd comment. I couldn't really see what other option he had, but I think I now understand what she was talking about. She was referring to the joy he experienced in movement and his ownership of his physicality.<br />
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This is an experience that has come fairly late in life to me. About 6 months before my diagnosis I had begun a program with <a href="http://www.precisionnutrition.com/" target="_blank">Precision Nutrition</a> and had changed my diet, lost weight and was exercising daily. I loved the way I felt with those positive changes and have continued to use the tools I learned in the program, but I must confess to never really understanding the exhortation to "find an exercise that you enjoy". I saw exercise as a means to an end and whilst I greatly enjoyed the wellbeing and sense of achievement that it brought, I never thought of it as fun.<br />
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Well, that has changed recently, after I enrolled in a course at <a href="http://www.vulcana.org.au/" target="_blank">Vulcana Women's Circus</a>. I have completed a Circus Essentials course and am now doing an Aerials course and although the lessons involve working quite hard, I enjoy every minute of it and look forward to the class all week. So I guess the message is that if you haven't found an exercise you love-KEEP LOOKING!! The two things that have given me the greatest sense of ownership and pride in my body since my surgery have been exercise and fashion. They are the things that allow me to be "in my body", to inhabit my physicality and feel good about the way I appear in the world. What are yours?<br />
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<i>Top:Trenery</i><br />
<i> Cardigan:Trenery</i><br />
<i> Jeans: Jag</i><br />
<i> Boots:Wittner</i><br />
This is what I am wearing today for a quiet day at home. I really like shawl and draped collars on jackets, as they give nice volume over my chest, but this one does remind me a bit of my dressing gown, which is a similar colour! It's one of those pieces that I appreciate for it's practicality and comfort, but feel a little ambivalent about.<br />
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I have noticed that my style has evolved quite a bit as I adjust to what works with my body now, and I am finding myself drawn to straighter, simpler silhouettes. I suspect that drapey pieces may look better on curvier figures, but in the middle of a Brisbane winter I am quite grateful for the cosy, dressing-gown-like qualities of this cardigan and will continue to wear it for the remainder of the season.<br />
Do you have clothes that you wear because they are too easy and practical to let go of?<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M6samPEMpM" target="_blank">Everybody</a></i> by Backstreet BoysSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-33012626921970752102015-07-05T23:51:00.001-07:002015-07-05T23:51:37.746-07:00Sign Your NameWell, I need to start with an apology for my long absence. I struggle with winter. A lot. The cold weather and grey skies seem to sap all my enthusiasm and creativity and I spend my time dreaming of summer and wishing I could hibernate. I will attempt to fight the urge to spend the next two months wrapped in a blanket in front of the TV, because I actually feel really excited and happy about my winter clothes this year.<br />
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Do you have a colour that you wear as part of most of your outfits? Along with the idea of uniforms, I have also been fascinated by the concept of a "signature colour". Angie at <a href="http://www.youlookfab.com/" target="_blank">YouLookFab</a> often mentions her love of bright, sour colours. Deborah at <a href="http://www.stylishmurmurs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stylish Murmurs</a> corners the market in black and Janice at <a href="http://www.theviviennefiles.com/" target="_blank">The Vivienne Files</a> uses the idea of a signature colour in many of her capsules. My own approach has always been a bit haphazard, but planning and building a winter wardrobe has allowed me to step back a bit and realise that I love to incorporate a bit of tan into my outfits. I like the muted richness that the shade brings to the mostly neutral outfits that I wear. I love the way it plays with navy, my new favourite dark neutral base. And I enjoy the way it allows me to repeat my hair colour in my outfit.<br />
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<i>Knit:Uniqlo</i><br />
<i> Top:ScanlonTheodore</i><br />
<i> Pants:Country Road (with Uniqlo leggings underneath!)</i><br />
<i> Boots:Wittner</i><br />
<i> Bag:Oroton</i><br />
I bought this top at the beginning of winter, and have only just managed to get a picture. It is definitely a straight style, which I have mostly avoided in other tops as they feel too masculine. Surprisingly, I have found that I really enjoy the slightly boyish look this top imparts when I wear it with bottoms that have more volume. Paired with slouchy pants or an A-line skirt, the straightness of the top is offset by the curviness at the bottom, so it still feels playful and feminine. Isn't it interesting how often things come back to proportions, and how we feel in our clothes?<br />
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The bag was a birthday gift from my husband about 5 years ago, and I still love it and carry it every day. It is the perfect shade of tan. I also have a belt and a scarf in the same shade. I'm not sure if I can commit to one colour as my signature, but if I decide that I will, I think tan will be it!<br />
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Do you have a signature colour? How did you arrive at it?<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dluHzQhLcME" target="_blank">Sign Your Name</a></i> by Terence Trent D'ArbySharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-4481638577553771142015-06-06T23:43:00.000-07:002015-06-06T23:43:45.743-07:00Graduation DayLast week, Megan commented that one of her "life hacks" was to stop fighting the things she needed to do, and just get them done. This idea really resonated with me as I often procrastinate about things I know I won't enjoy, but need to do. This week I watched <a href="http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/redesign-my-brain-with-todd-sampson/DO1325H001S00" target="_blank">Redesign My Brain with Todd Sampson</a>, a series about using brain neuro-plasticity to improve your life. (Free to watch on iview if your are interested) This episode, he demonstrated that many physical limits were really just our brains giving up, something that apparently occurs long before our bodies reach their true limit. He showed that learning to accept and tolerate pain in the service of a goal will allow us to achieve far more than we think. So I am going to start practicing acceptance of the discomfort or boredom or pain that comes with some of my tasks and start focussing instead on the achievements that come from just getting on with it.<br />
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<i>Knit: ScanlonThodore</i><br />
<i> Jeans: Esprit</i><br />
<i> Boots: Wittner</i><br />
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These thoughts were especially at the top of my mind when we went out last night to celebrate my sister-in-law's completion of her Master's degree. We all recognise the sacrifice and effort that it took for her to get this done and also the great sense of achievement that comes from finishing it. This is a variation of what I wore for the evening. The temperature is down to under 10 degrees in the evenings now, so I dressed with warmth as my primary consideration and I actually wore the cardigan I showed you last month over the top of the knit. I have recently discovered that turtlenecks, which always looked awful on me when I had breasts, actually look quite good with a flat chest and the bonus is that it keeps my neck really cosy! This knit is fine but warm and I think the loose shape and asymmetric hemline are quite flattering as they draw the eye downward.<br />
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We had a yummy Vietnamese meal, then went to <a href="http://katarzyna.com.au/venues/cloudland/" target="_blank">Cloudland</a> where I had another lesson in tolerating pain. I felt simultaneously underdressed and overdressed amongst all the beautiful young things in their short, shiny, backless, low-cut cocktail dresses. Bling and skin were definitely the order of the evening. I'm not quite sure how they managed to avoid feeling uncomfortably cold, but maybe they are prepared to tolerate pain in the service of looking fabulous!<br />
Are you willing to suffer for beauty?<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-C_DSitLpY&list=RDa-C_DSitLpY" target="_blank">Graduation Day</a></i> by Chris IsaakSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028495822451518024.post-56610184732783197902015-05-24T00:20:00.002-07:002015-05-24T00:20:55.015-07:00HappyToday, I want to share an idea that has had a big impact on my happiness and quality of life. I've seen this concept mentioned by others many times in the context of exercise or time management or work/life balance, and it is probably not new to you, but it's value has only become apparent to me since I started implementing it. Here it is: <i>You need to schedule the things that are important to you into your life, just like you do with work</i>. Exercise: put it in your diary. Time with the family: put it in your diary. Friendships: yep, write it down. I have started doing this and it has made me so happy. I now have dinner with my kids and their partners once a month. I meet my BFF every fortnight. I catch up with my Uni girlfriends monthly. All those relationships are important to me, but it was not until I started scheduling time for them that they got the space in my life that truly reflected their value.<br />
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<i>Coat:Veronika Maine</i><br />
<i> T-shirt:Sportscraft</i><br />
<i> Jeans: Jag</i><br />
<i> Boots: Wittner</i><br />
This week, I went out for dinner at <a href="http://www.bourbonstreet.net.au/" target="_blank">Bourbon Street</a> with my Uni posse. I have always wanted to visit New Orleans so it was fun to have a little taste of it and try things like beignets, which I had only ever read about, especially since there was also a live jazz band playing. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the temperature: it was cold and windy and I realised that I needed to move "winter coat" to the top of my shopping list.<br />
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This is what I ended up with. I had originally been keen to get a colourful coat, but the shape of this is so beautiful that I decided I would go with black and use a scarf to add colour. I have realised that scarf collars and wide lapels are the perfect shape over a flat chest. They provide volume and warmth as well as some visual interest, and they prevent the rest of the coat from looking too straight. I have seen this in moto-style leather jackets too, and although that look is a bit too casual and hard-edge for my style, I do admire the look on others. I also like the way that the asymmetrical closure allows the coat to be zipped right up to my chin. That will come in very handy in August, when the cold winds really bite.<br />
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The other coat I contemplated was an A-line swing-style coat. That also worked well on a straight body, but in the the end the wide lapels, extra length and multiple styling options of this coat won me over. I am having a dinner date with my husband tonight, so I am looking forward to being toasty warm as I enjoy spending time with him.<br />
Do you have any life hacks that have made you much happier?<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM" target="_blank">Happy</a></i> by Pharrell WilliamsSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296475654849785168noreply@blogger.com8