Wardrobe Essentials - From Winter to Spring/Summer

Spring may have sprung but here in Melbourne I am still wearing my winter 'favourites'...

This winter I couldn't live without my Manning Cartell grey coat, leather pants, Jerri Jones Leather jacket and Saint Laurent sneakers and it makes me wonder what I will be loving this spring/summer. 

We have so many wonderful trend influences to look forward to and there is something to suit everyone's taste and style - from khaki/military, 70's hippie/boho chic, kimono-style jackets and dresses to lots of beautiful denim, jumpsuits, white lace, suedes and fringing just to name a few.. 

Images from Fashionising.com

Navy will also become the new black and 'monochrome minimalist' is here to stay which I am really loving!

One important thing to keep in mind is not to go overboard with the trends. Just pick a few that speak to you and your style and keep the pieces you invest in simple, classic and versatile. Consider the fit and tailoring and whether you are able to mix and match with other key pieces in your wardrobe. If you're like me and love unique pieces then make sure you look in vintage stores or op shops for your trend pieces. I think I will be staying away from the suedes and fringing but definitely stocking up on the white lace, denim and jumpsuits.  Stay tuned to my upcoming posts, I will cover a few of these trends in more detail.

As I mentioned above I couldn't live without some key pieces this winter which at the time may have sent me broke but they were well loved so I definitely got my money's worth. Although I would love some warmer weather, the best part of living in Melbourne means I can still wear my 'favourites' for a few more months!

Below I styled my grey coat and leather pants with a simple wool knit. I love the colour. It added a pop of colour and adding my Ek Thongprassert necklace brought the look to another level. In the next couple of months I will be transitioning this coat with a skirt or sun dress and the leather pants with a T-shirt or light knit with a blazer and sneakers or brogues.

Coat - Manning Cartell, Leather pants - AllSaints, Wool knit - Country Road, Shoes - G&L Shoes Sydney, Clutch - Prada, Necklace - Ek Thongprassert from Parlour X Sydney, Bracelet - vintage.   Photography by Vincent Calderon (@yourensemble) 

What are your favourite winter pieces you are transitioning through spring? What spring/summer trends are you going to be investing in??

If you're finding transitioning into spring overwhelming or need help re-organising space in your wardrobe or would like help shopping for the new season? Email me on stylemenatacha@gmail.com to book a style consultation.

N xo

To Cape or not to Cape

The Cape has made a comeback this winter. There are a couple of different styles in stores at the moment - the more structured and the poncho/oversized 'blanket' design, the latter being the more prominent. Personally my favourite is the 'oversized' style. It's more relaxed and easy to wear.

I found a few styles worth mentioning on one of my recent shopping trips. French Connection had the best selection that would suit various body shapes with prices ranging from $69.95 to $169.95. Below are some of my favourites:

Witchery also has a navy blue cape which is part of their 'First Edition' Collection. This will set you back $349.95, but made from 50% wool this is an ultimate luxe and stylish piece.



I bought my amazing Cape from Country Road a few months ago. The colours caught my eye and the fact that it was snug and warm was a bonus. I love dressing it up or down which makes it a versatile alternative to a jacket or coat through these colder months. I wear it with a pencil skirt and heels for work or over a dress for date nights. Or with jeans and sneakers or leather pants and boots for a more casual look.

Here I wore it with my Zara wax jeans, a simple vintage silk cami and Nine West strappy sandals. I finished the look with some of my favourite vintage accessories.

Cape - Country Road; Jeans - Zara; Silk Cami - vintage; Bag & bangles - vintage; Shoes - Nine West. Photography by Vincent Calderon from @yourensemble.

What are your thoughts on the Cape? Have you have bought one this winter? How do you wear yours?

Leave me a comment below!

N xo

The Art of Transitional Dressing

What I love most about transitional dressing is that you can wear your favourite wardrobe piece throughout any season!

Did you buy a great dress this summer that you can't part with? Team it with tights, ankle boots and a trench or a biker leather jacket and you have a classic or edgy autumn/winter look.

Or do you have a favourite ankle boot? Pair them with a flowy mini dress or skirt in the summer months.

In my case, I bought an amazing pair of leather shorts last summer. Here I have teamed them with tights, a cashmere sweater and coat and it has become a versatile look that I can wear throughout winter. They're bright and fun and lifts my mood instead of the black pieces I would usually go for.

Leather shorts - Manning Cartel (from Miishu Boutique, Port Melbourne), Cashmere sweater - N Peal (from Net-a-Porter), Coat - Zara, Bag - Chanel, Shoes - Zara, Scarf - Vintage, Sunglasses - Aje the Label

Which wardrobe item that you will be transitioning this winter?

Happy dressing!

N xo

Vintage Denim

Yet again I had an amazing find at my favourite vintage store. As I explained in my previous post you can find some real gems when you know what you are looking for.

I had been back and forth at least four times trying to find a 70's inspired denim pencil skirt. The 70's trend is 'so hot' right now! You can imagine my delight when I finally found it and it fit!

Here I have paired it with a silk camisole and a soft woollen cardigan to keep the look modern. To finish the look I added some strappy heels and my favourite bag.

Skirt from The Vintage Emporium, Silk cami is vintage (found in Sydney) similar found here, Cardigan from Witchery, Shoes from Nine West, Bag by Chanel. 

Photography by Vincent Calderon (@yourensemble)

I will also be wearing this skirt with a tee and sneakers for an ultra casual look or with tights, boots and a coat for a chic winter look.

Some tips for buying vintage:

* Look out for pieces that fit current trends and adapt it to your style

* Look for classic pieces such as leather, knits or denim

* Make sure the piece you choose fit well

* Check for any marks of wear. Since it is vintage it may be discolored or stained

* Make sure you are not paying too much for the piece. Sometimes you will pick up the odd designer piece so make sure the store haven't inflated the price.

* Have fun with it!

If you do need help looking for that perfect vintage piece and integrating it into your wardrobe I can help! Contact me at myfashionalacarte@gmail.com.

Happy shopping!

N x

Khaki

I love trolling through vintage/thrift stores especially when I find something special.. Over the years I have collected quite a few special pieces - the midi skirt from the last post is one example! I have also found Missoni, Chanel, great leather and denim pieces to name a few others.

When I am in a store I usually look for pieces that reflect today's trends and how I can wear it my way. What I love the most is the uniqueness of each item. On a recent troll I found this khaki (the colour of the season) jacket! It was an 80's jacket with shoulder pads and definitely one size too big for me. I love an oversize jacket so that didn't bother me but I did take out the shoulder pads very quickly! They can stay in the 80's!

I like to wear my vintage finds with modern pieces. Here I'm wearing the jacket with jeans and sneakers for a low key look.. Add a silk scarf and you have an instant chic outfit.

I am looking forward to trying this jacket with a skirt and heels for a completely different look very soon!

If you love vintage pieces or what I have done here with my outfit and would like me to help you fit vintage pieces into your wardrobe then please email me on myfashionalacarte@gmail.com for a style consultation.

Khaki Jacket from The Vintage Emporium, Grey t-shirt from GAP, Jeans from Mango, Scarf by Chanel, Sneakers by Saint Laurent, Bag by Mulberry. 

Photography by Vincent Calderon (@yourensemble)