Winter Cocktail Dressing


The cocktail party had been marked on the calendar for a while. Mid-October and the promise of a balmy evening meant that I had settled on a cute summer dress.

Then something extraordinary happened.

Brisbane turned rainy and cold. In the middle of October. Madness.

I was faced with a sartorial choice.

Shop in a panic for something warm that fits the cocktail dress code. Make something in a rush. Or shop my overflowing wardrobe for something suitable. Read more

Spring/Summer Trends from Lights of Paddington

The other weekend I headed into Paddington for a fashion parade. The local boutiques hosted Lights of Paddington and show-cased Spring/Summer trends. A gorgeous array of clothing, jewellery and shoes.

It’s been a long time since I attended that kind of event. Since I had been within the fashion fold.

It rekindled something. Served as a reminder that I really do love fashion. I’ve let that part of me go for a little while. Not that I have been dressing in sack cloth – but discussing fashion, thinking about it, revelling in it has been absent. After my year of not buying new clothes, I have remained fairly frugal and restrained with new purchases. But that attitude to fashion doesn’t preclude being able to enjoy it. Read more

12 x 12 Capsule Wardrobe

Over the last 12 days I have worn exactly 12 items of clothing. There’s been creative mixing and matching. There’s also been a lot of washing.

The 12×12 project is part of my commitment to a sustainable approach to fashion. I’m not sure how the washing fits in here. But I do love a fashion challenge.

This one was courtesy of the Shop Your Wardrobe 2018 Facebook group. We are bunch of like-minded folk who love fashion and the earth and are seeking to make more of what we already have. We’re doing that through weekly challenges and encouraging each other. Read more

11 things I learned when I didn’t buy clothes for a year

When I bother with New Year’s resolutions they seldom last past February. But last year I made a resolution and I stuck to it. I didn’t buy a single item of clothing all year.

My overflowing wardrobe and a nagging sense of guilt about my consumerism propelled me into action. Or inaction. It was the days following the minimalist’s documentary and there was a general air of “let’s make do with less”. After what felt like constant pressure to do more, make more, be more, “less” was an attractive proposition. A way off the hamster wheel.

I committed to buying no new clothes. Shoes and accessories were okay. I also allowed myself to make clothes or receive them as gifts.

I made do with less. But it hasn’t felt like less. In fact, it’s felt like I have gained something. Read more

No-Buy Update: The shopping trip

the shopping trip

For the first time this year I went clothes shopping. Last Saturday I really stress-tested my commitment to my no-buy year.  My dear friend needed a few things for her wardrobe and wanted my help. Everyone has a super power and mine is an intimate knowledge of what stores are likely to stock what. I make a good shopping partner. Read more

Nina’s Style Deconstructed

Nina's Style - Deconstructed

Once again I’m welcoming the Proudman family into my lounge room each Wednesday night. I am excited they are back. But, well, it’s just not quite as good as it once was. There, I said it. A few dull edges where there was once only sparkle. Although the most recent episode shone with the old glitter.

It’s still better than most free to air TV (why does the Bachelor get prime time ahead of it?). And I am still completely in love with Nina’s style. Read more