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Friday 31 July 2015

THE WHITE SHIRT

If you have read any must have list for the stylish woman, it cites the white shirt as an absolute necessity!  Now to be honest with you, I really dislike those lists.  There is a presumption that we all share the same lifestyle and style goals when clearly we don't.

But, I cannot deny that the perfect white shirt is something that has tempted and taunted me over many years.

My body shape makes it difficult to fit a classic white shirt, the crispness and stiffness of the shirt often adds extra bulk to my frame and then there is the comfort issue.  I often feel too restrained in a crisp white shirt.

There are a number of designers who create the most beautiful, interesting and edgy white shirts.  Anne Fontaine makes the most wonderful white shirts.  I find them to be more on the conservative side of fashion, but beautiful all the same.   Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake design the most interesting and edgy white shirts.  Unconventional design, often oversized, and statement pieces.  For them the white shirt is not a support item, its often the star of the outfit.

Thankfully some of the more interesting design features are trickling through to the mainstream retailers making them more available to those of us with budget constraints.

My foray into the world of white cotton shirts has been slow and cautious but determined. There had to be a white shirt (maybe even two) out there for me:)  And there was.

Of course, it's rare to find what you want when you are specifically looking for it.  I found these two shirts browsing in store on two separate occasions.




The Sussan Sheer Back Long Sleeve Shirt (it's a tunic on me) is a nice take on the classic white shirt.  The sheer back and sleeves provide more movement and the shirt is not as bulky to wear as it would be with a full cotton back and sleeves.  The collar is very small and just right for my not long neck and small head!  This is also a great shirt to layer with.  To date I have layered a long black, similar length soft jacket, and a long sleeve black cropped knit over it.  I do prefer to layer as the expanse of white on my mid section is not totally appealing to my eye.


The second shirt is the White Contrast Edge Shirt from Cos.  Cos make some awesome shirts and I was thrilled to find this one.  Fit is good, it has a slight A line, sleeves are the right length for me and it is easy and comfortable to wear.

So as you can see, I am treading carefully, erring more on the side of modern classic but hopefully through styling these shirts, I can add some edge.  I am now on the look out for something with drape, that is oversized and has some length.

Over to you!  Do white shirts of any description have a place in your wardrobe?  What role do they play?

And for some white shirt inspiration, take a look at Accidental Icon's White Shirt board on Pinterest *sigh*.

xxx Deborah

Tuesday 7 July 2015

METALLIC GREY

Split back/Open Back tops and sweaters have been trending for a while and it is one trend I quite like. It works nicely with my love of drape and layering.  And this one proved to be a prefect length.

metallic split back sweater : suzanne grae
tube skirt : metalicus
ankle boots : serra
jacket (other photos) : motto
clutch :  myer miss shop






We have had longer length tops and cropped length tops over the past few years, but I am seeing a mid length back in retail that works very nicely worn over skirts.  I have purchased a few of these shorter length tops recently with a view to getting more wear out of my skirts. It has been a challenge finding the 'right' tops to wear with my skirts and culottes, but hopefully I am on the right track.

How about you?  Is there one type of garment that causes you grief? Something that you are always looking for the perfect version of?

xxx Deborah


Saturday 4 July 2015

"THE" JACKET!

I have just rediscovered wonderful Melbourne Label Motto!  

leatherette hi luxe jacket : motto
mana drape tunic : metalicus
leggings : millers
ankle boots : serra





Motto opened a store in my town this week and I just happened to find myself there on their first day.  The staff were delightful, and the range just stunning.  While I certainly appreciate their patterned garments, it was the solids, and particularly the coats and jackets that captivated me.

This jacket in particular won my heart!  It is a double coated jersey that creates a finish that could be mistaken for leather.  The fabric has stretch, the fit is perfect and the jacket is beyond comfortable and surprisingly warm for our cold winter. I expect this jacket will translate extremely well into Spring when worn with lighter layers underneath.  

A jacket like this has been on my 'wish' list for a long time.  It's reminiscent of Rick Owens' brilliant styling and reflective of his aesthetic which I identify strongly with, albeit in my own way. So for me, this is "The" jacket.  Two faux leather jackets have since departed my closet as they now fade into  insignificance compared to this one.  

How about you?  Is there an item in your wardrobe that is "THE" one.

xxx Deborah