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9 Essential Layering Clothes For Autumn and Winter

Layering garments is the best way to transition your outfits from warmer to cooler months, as you can easily use trans-seasonal pieces to create stylish outfits. If you’re unsure which wardrobe elements you could add without compromising your style, check out this list of what I find to be my essential layering clothes for autumn and winter.

Early Autumn is the optimal time to invest in these pieces to prepare for the months ahead as you can find the best range of styles and colours.

Layer with a Camisole

You may already own cotton knit camis and tanks that can easily be used as a layering piece and may add a touch of colour to an outfit as they peek out the neckline of your V-neck tops.

Layer with Body Fitting Thermal Tops

Lightweight, half-sleeve or long-sleeve thermal tops are handy base layers to wear under your regular clothes. They should fit close to your body with no gaps around the arms, neck and waist (to keep the heat in).

Layer with Longline Cardigans

A longline cardigan is such a versatile layering piece. Wear yours with jeans and a tee for a relaxed, casual look, or team it with a dress and heeled boots for a dressier vibe. Remember: bulky knits add bulk, and finer knits are slimming.

Tip: If you have a defined waist, use a belt (either on top of or underneath your cardi) to flatter your figure.

Layer with a Blazer or Jacket

 Own at least one stylish blazer or jacket in a solid colour in one of your best neutrals so it mixes and matches with everything in your wardrobe. Choose a timeless, classic style for longevity. A blazer or jacket is an excellent staple to have in your wardrobe and can be worn all year round. You might choose a denim or moto style jacket or one of the current blazer styles depending on your style preferences.

Layer with Fine Wool Jumpers/Sweaters

Fitted jumpers. ‘Sweater weather’ is widely used in America to describe cold days. Jumpers made from soft, lightweight wool, luxurious cashmere, or a blend of materials like 70% wool, 20% acrylic and 10% cashmere are excellent layering items.

Wear a simple tee, cami, or thermal as an underlayer. Or, elevate the look by teaming your sweater with a button-up shirt underneath or wear it under your blazer when it’s chilly.

Fine knits are very versatile. Wear them with a longline cardigan and a scarf for colder days for extra warmth and cosiness.

Layer with Scarves

Scarves protect your neck from cold weather. They keep the air around your neck where it is. Your body warms the air around your neck, and a quality scarf will keep the air there, keeping your neck warm. Choose from natural fibres: cashmere, fleece, wool, and silk.

Plus, scarves are a great way to add colour, texture, and interest to your outfit.

Tip: If it’s really cold, wrap your scarf over your head and ears for extra warmth.

Layer with Hosiery

Tights and socks are great layered under dresses, skirts, and pants. They’re useful under dresses and skirts to protect your legs from cold air. Keep it simple with opaque neutral tones like black, grey, and brown. Or, liven things up with fun, bold hues or patterned tights.

A women is standing in a garden. She is wearing various layering clothes for the cool autumn day. These items include a leather jacket, teal coloured hosiery and a woollen scarf.

Fun layering clothes for Autumn: colourful tights.

Layering Clothes for Autumn: Trench Coat

The classic trench coat is timeless, as they are always in fashion. Choose styles without overly fashion-forward features, such as oversized collars, and ensure it is a comfortable weight and drape for you, so it doesn’t feel heavy or stiff.

Layer with a Leather jacket

It can be either genuine or faux leather. Either way, leather-style jackets are an ideal wardrobe staple for the cooler months, mainly if they are lined.

Choose from the blazer, biker or motto style jackets depending on the look you want to achieve.

Five leather jackets suitable for women. The colours are tan, black, maroon, off-white and apricot.

Click the image or here to shop the leather jackets.

Styling Tip: If your upper body looks bulky due to wearing many layers, keep your lower half more streamlined to create visual balance. This concept is called the ‘Principles of Volume’, which you can learn more about here.

If you’d like a ‘style best friend’ to help you select the perfect layering pieces for your Autumn/Winter wardrobe, so you’re sure the items you buy are ideal for you and will last for years, a Personal Shopping Trip is a fun, hands-on experience that will elevate your style and save you time, money and stress. Be your best stylish self today!

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By icadmin
March 22, 2023
In HomePage-Blog, Shopping, Style, Wardrobe
0 Comment

Statement Necklaces to Liven Up Your Outfits

Statement necklaces provide an attractive focal point and turn a boring outfit into something special.

Eye-catching necklaces are a simple way to express your personal style. From classic to quirky, feminine to playful, there are plenty of designs, colours and styles to choose from. 

Are you finding it hard to find accessories to go with your outfits?

People often ask me to find unique jewellery pieces for them or want to know where to find them. I thought you might like to see some of my suggestions. 

Here are 10 statement necklaces to add to your jewellery collection.

Tip: Click on the image to take you to the source.

This handmade necklace in cool blues is made from Tagua nuts. It would look gorgeous with a scoop neckline. I love the organic shapes and adjustable cord (which can be lowered or raised depending on the top or dress you’re wearing).

Blue handmade necklace with five organic shaped flat beads with an adjustable black cord.

 

Here it is in beautiful warm greens.Green necklace made from Tagua nuts. It features five large organic shaped beads.

Now here’s a very versatile piece! Multi-coloured links made from resin. I can see it working with a great variety of outfits from super casual weekend wear (tee and jeans) right through to an office environment.

Colourful link necklace with adjustable length.

It’s handy to have a long necklace in your accessory stash. This style comes in 13 different colours including sunny orange, tradition black, and warm and cool reds combined. Don’t get too hung up on the silver beads if you suit warm colours – it’s far enough away from your face and in such a small quantity not to matter. Just make sure the coloured beads are in your palette.

Long statement necklaces with silver and resin beads. There are 13 colours to choose from.

If you’re looking for feminine sophistication, this Kate Spade ‘Lady Marmalade’ short (16″) necklace is a perfect choice. It will team nicely with a V neckline or an open collared blouse.

Kate Spade 'Lady Marmalade' 16" necklace in gold and diamonds.

‘Glamour personified’ is how I’d describe this statement necklace. Don’t you just love the glittery bits?! The shape is perfect for everyone because it’s not quite square and not totally round. Perfect for special occasions, the office or when you need a little sparkle in your life 🙂

Yellow gold soft square pendant necklace by Kate Spade. Beautiful glittering cubic zirconias are pave set on the square shape.

Statement Necklaces from Nature

This gorgeous bib necklace is made from strands of black onyx. The same style comes in seven other stones including lapis lazuli, turquoise, tiger eye, and amethyst.

Multi strand black onyx bib-style necklace with a silver ring clasp.

There’s so much to love about this cultured freshwater pearl necklace. At its shortest length the strands are 45 centimetres (18 inches) long and at their longest, 58 centimetres (23 inches) long. This stunning piece comes with a certified Seal of Authenticity. These silvery grey pearls are perfect if you suit cool tones.

multi strand cultured freshwater black pearl necklace.

I couldn’t leave my warm sisters out of the pearl party. Here’s your version of the multi-strand cultured freshwater pearl necklace. I love it!

Cultured freshwater pearl necklace in warm tones. It has nine strands.

So romantic! Swarovski’s Infinity Heart necklace features a white crystal heart and a rose gold infinity symbol that intertwine elegantly together. It may not be big, but this necklace really makes a statement – it’s a very special piece.

Swarovski Infinity Heart necklace featuring a white crystal heart intertwined with a rose gold plated infinity symbol.

 

 

 

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By icadmin
February 11, 2022
In HomePage-Blog, Style
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Must-Have Handbags for Your Wardrobe

Handbag lovers unite!

Selecting a handbag is a very personal choice. There is plenty to consider as you explore all the options.

Where do you start?

Firstly, aesthetic appeal: Do you like its colour, shape, form?

And secondly, is it fit for purpose.

 

Choosing a handbag, you love

There will be particular reasons why you are attracted to the look of one handbag and not to another.

Does it appeal to your style personality and preferences? Do you prefer classic, relaxed, dramatic, feminine, elegant chic, or creative styles?

Is it the size you like to wear? Some people like the oversized look. Others prefer to wear items that complement their body proportions i.e., a petite person wears smaller bags.

Will you choose a neutral shade (e.g., tan, black, navy, grey, khaki) or an interest colour (e.g., red, orange, purple, cornflower blue, green)? Selecting a colour from your personal colour palette, whether it’s neutral or an interest colour, will mean it will match well with the rest of your wardrobe, and will be an easy choice, so you use it often.

 

Choosing a Handbag from a Practical Perspective

Here are some aspects to ponder:

What goodies will I be carrying in my handbag? Some people need the bare essentials: keys, wallet, phone. Others (like me) pack much, much more.
How many totes do you need for grocery shopping? And, if you shop at markets, there’s a bag for that too!

Is the handle or strap going to be comfortable to use.

Does it have internal or external pockets? Is this important to you?

If you were using your handbag for overseas travel you might like to ensure it has a good quality zip at the top so the bag can be securely closed.

Is it within budget? What is its cost per wear? E.g., If you purchase a handbag for $365 and use it every day for 1 year, the bag is only costing you $1 a day 🙂
Tip: If you purchasing an every-day bag ensure it is made from quality leather for longevity and durability.

Can I use it for many occasions i.e., is it multi-purpose?

Finding the right balance of form and function is key to owning a handbag you love, and that will be used for years to come.

Watch the video to see my pick of selected totes, cross body bags and timeless handbags. Some are super stylish, some are fun, and all of them are versatile.

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By icadmin
August 27, 2021
In HomePage-Blog, Style
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Eyewear Colours: What Colours are Best for You?

Choosing eyewear colours can be tricky – there are so many shades to choose from!

An easy way to narrow down the options is to choose glasses that complement your hair, skin and eye colours.

There are 2 important factors to consider before you start choosing the colour of your frames:

  1. Do I suit warm or cool colours?

Your answer influences the undertone of the colours you choose. How do you know which colours suit you? Coral suits people with warm, yellow-based undertones. Fuchsia suits cool, blue-based undertones. Or, you can use your comprehensive colour swatch to guide you.

  1. Do I want my glasses to work with my natural colour palette or do I want them to make a bold statement?

Below you will find ideas about how to choose frame colours that work in harmony with you. If you have a style personality that enjoys creative, more dramatic, or fun looks – go ahead – break ‘the rules’!

Eyewear Colours – Take Inspiration from Your Locks

Look at the different variations of highlights and deeper colours in your hair. Any of these shades will look fabulous as a frame colour.

Tip: Do you have a wide range of light and medium or dark tones in your hair? Tortoiseshell frames could be a great choice.

Black and dark brown hair – deep, dark colours, including black, will look striking on you. Avoid pale, ashy colours.

Light brown hair – If your hair is warm brown choose russet tones, camel, deep taupe. Cool brown hair? Select rose brown, blue-greys.

Red hair – rich tans and umber, reddish and chocolate browns – colours inspired by nature (think Autumn leaves). Brighter orange hair will tolerate more vibrant hues.

Blonde hair – Warm blondes suit honey, caramel, cinnamon, peach, and gold coloured frames. Whereas, cool blondes shine in rose beige, deep taupe, soft pink and silver.

Tip: black can look harsh if your overall colouring is light.

Woman with blond hair wears light coloured eyewear. Woman with black hair wears complementary black framed glasses. Girl wears rose beige coloured glasses to match her hair colour.

Grey hair – Is the undertone of your grey warm or cool? Warm (yellow-based) grey will look terrific in brushed gold glasses (a lacklustre version of yellow gold). Cool greys suit silver frames. Avoid yellow and brown frames.

Best Glasses Frames To Enhance Your Eyes

Have a close look at your eyes. What colours do you see? Choosing frames that are like the colours in your eyes will make them ‘pop’. These are called eye enhancers.

Image of an amber coloured eye and two pairs of glasses that will enhance that eye colour.Picture of a teal blue eye and two pairs of teal blue glasses which will enhance the colour of the eye.

Eyeglass Frames That Complement Your Skin Tone

Does your skin have a pinkish hue or does it appear more yellow? Wearing glasses in your optimal shades of red, pink, burgundy or purple will make your skin glow.

Tip: If you have a warm, yellow-based undertone you will also suit orange.

Woman in red floral dress and two examples of eyewear that will suit her warm skin tone.Woman wearing maroon top with two pairs of glasses that suit her cool colouring.

By choosing frames that complement the colours of your hair, skin and eyes you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect look for you.

Eyewear images were sourced from Specsavers.  This brand also operates in the UK, Ireland, other countries in Australasia and Nordic countries.

 

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By icadmin
October 25, 2020
In Colour, HomePage-Blog
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Your Comfy, Stylish Capsule Wardrobe For Stay At Home Living

A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes that you can mix and match to effortlessly create many outfits.

Home isolation is our current reality and it’s easy to slip into wearing your gym gear, tracksuit or PJs on a regular basis.

Sure, it’s comfortable, but it doesn’t help your mindset around the fact that you’re stuck at home. Wearing those types of clothes day in, day out can make you feel a bit ‘blah’.

Keep your style game on I say! Not only will you look good, but you’ll feel much better too.

The key to creating your capsule wardrobe is to include clothes that have a common theme. The theme I use is colour.

Ten items of clothing plus two pairs of shoes, and matching accessories.

The 10 garments I’ve used in my example are all warm colours i.e. They have golden, yellow-based undertones.

Here are examples of a warm and cool set of colours:

 

A swatch of warm, yellow-based colours.

Warm colours

A swatch of cool, blue-based colours.

Cool colours

If you’re not sure whether warm or cool colours suit you, a Personal Colour Analysis is the way to find out. You can have yours done online – it’s so much fun, and you receive ‘goodies’ in the post which is like Christmas 🙂

How To Create Your Comfy, Stylish Capsule Wardrobe

To create your capsule wardrobe choose five tops, two bottoms and three jackets or cardies.

When you calculate all of the ways you can mix and match the garments i.e. 5 tops x 2 bottoms x 3 outer layers you end up with 30 outfits.

You can make your capsule wardrobe as extensive as you want. For example, if you wanted to add an extra bottom, you would be able to create 45 outfits i.e. 5 tops x 3 bottoms x 3 outer layers = 45 different combinations.

Also, you can have all skirts, all pants or a selection of both in your capsule depending on your preferences. You can easily make this wardrobe formula your own by introducing tops with different necklines, sleeve lengths, fabrics, and patterns.

Finally, include accessories like necklaces, earrings and scarves to complete your outfits and add your stamp of individuality.

It’s that easy!

 

If you have any questions about creating your capsule wardrobe write them in the comment box below – I’ll be happy to answer them.

 

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By icadmin
April 14, 2020
In HomePage-Blog, Wardrobe
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Cartier Exhibition Highlights from the NGA Canberra

As you might have guessed, I have more than a keen interest in style, design and colour – so my recent visit to the Cartier exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra was a real treat. It is a beautifully curated wonderland of sparkling jewels, exquisite timepieces and luxury items. Every piece was meticulously created and crafted for royalty, celebrities and society’s elite.

The exhibition finishes on the 22ndof July and is definitely worth seeing.

Here are some of my favourite pieces:

Necklaces

Cartier diamond necklace, Nizam of Hyderabad

The Nizam of Hyderabad was a gift from the Indian prince to the Queen for her marriage in 1947.

Cartier Bib necklace 1955

The 1955 Bib necklace features plaited gold, brilliant cut diamonds and turquoise cabochons

1936 Necklace boasting total of 198.45 carats of emerald-cut peridots!

Mystery Clocks

These Asian-inspired Cartier Mystery Clocks give the illusion of floating minute and hour hands. All of the mechanisms that move the two hands are made from transparent clear crystal – amazing!

Cartier Chimera Mystery Clock 1926

Chimera Mystery Clock 1926

Cartier Striking Mystery Clock 1931

Striking mystery clock with deity 1931 – 19th century Chinese white jade

Stunning Tiaras

There were so many beautiful tiaras on display at the Cartier exhibition that I found it difficult to decide which ones to show you. I chose these four because of their intricacy of design and the amazing coloured stones.

Cartier Tiara 1905 featuring 7 pear shaped diamonds

This 1905 tiara features 7 pear shaped diamonds

Cartier diamond and aquamarine tiara 1937

Diamond and aquamarine tiara 1937

Cartier Tiara 1932: baguette-cut diamonds and emerald-cut citrines

Tiara 1932: baguette-cut diamonds and emerald-cut citrines

Cartier Indian tiara, 1923. Platinum, diamonds, sapphires and pearls

Indian tiara, 1923. Platinum, diamonds, sapphires and pearls

Brooches

Cartier Lace ribbon brooch 1906

Lace ribbon brooch 1906

Cartier Palm Tree Clip Brooch

Cartier Palm Tree Clip Brooch

Cartier Bird Brooch 1948

Uma Thurman wore this Bird Brooch to the Met Gala in 2016

Cartier and Celebrity Glamour

For me, the Twentieth-Century Icons room personalised the exhibition. The photos and stories of celebrities and royals, and the special pieces Cartier had made for them, really bought the pieces to life.

Grace Kelly wearing a Cartier necklace

Grace Kelly

Necklace worn by Grace Kelly

 

Wallis Simpson wears her Cartier peacock brooch

Wallis Simpson wears her Cartier peacock brooch

Cartier - Wallis Simpson's peacock brooch
Elizabeth Taylor wears a Cartier necklace

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor wears a Cartier necklace

If you’ve enjoyed this article I have also written articles on luxury brands Hermes and Dior.

Here are the links: ‘Hermes at Work’ Exhibition: Artisans share their talents and skills

and

Australia and the House of Dior 70 Years On

 

 

 

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By Ann Vodicka
July 10, 2018
In HomePage-Blog
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Women’s Accessories – Your Essential Guide

In this month blog, ‘Women’s Accessories – The Essentials’ I share the key items you need in your wardrobe to transform a basic outfit into a stylish one. The choice of colour, size, shape, pattern and style of these items is entirely up to you, so allow your personality and preferences to shine.

Women’s Accessories – Jewellery

– Real or fake diamond stud earrings. These are good all-rounders – you can dress them up or down.

– A pearl necklace or bracelet. These will always say style and elegance like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Women's accessories: Thomas Sabo fresh water pearl bracelet

Thomas Sabo fresh water pearl bracelet

– Some statement necklaces. These will turn any plain outfit into something ‘wow’ and interesting. Experiment with wood, metal and semi-precious stones.

Women’s accessories – Shoes

– Nude or black pumps. Select a medium to low heel so they match nicely with pants or skirts.

– Ankle boots. You choose the colour, style and heel height. Ankle boots will see you through autumn, winter and the early stages of spring.

– Stylish Sneakers – for dashing to the supermarket, travelling to and from work etc.

– A pair of nude coloured strappy sandals with medium to high heels will be very versatile and take your outfits from day into night.

Women's Accessories: Strappy sandals by Stuart Weitzman

NuNakedStraight Sandal by Stuart Weitzman

– Stylish low heeled sandals. Elevate a basic outfit of tee shirt and jeans from your feet up!

– Beautiful ballet flats. These are your comfy ‘go tos’ and like your pumps, they will go perfectly with pants or skirts.

Women’s Accessories – Bags

– Tote bag. Your everyday bag should be made of good quality leather to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Invest in another more structured bag for work.

– A beautiful black or metallic evening bag. Stick to these options as they will go with everything.

– A wallet that is in good condition. If yours is tatty around the edges or falling apart, it’s time to replace it. Think of cost per wear. If your wallet cost $300 and you used it for 300 days that equates to it costing you $1 a day!

Women’s Accessories – Other

– Sunglasses. These should suit your face shape, compliment your natural colouring and have good quality lenses.

– a silk scarf. These are the perfect weight: light enough to wear in summer and warm enough to use during the cooler months.

– 2 lipsticks: 1 for day and 1 that is a little bolder for night. Find your perfect shade here.

Women's accessories: Lipsticks on black background

– Shapewear. Not for every day use, but perfect for under clothes where you want to create smooth, sleek lines. Ensure your shapewear fits comfortably: it’s about flattering your figure, not about making you look a size smaller.

– A good quality leather belt. Use it with your pants and jeans or over a loose blouse to cinch in your waist.

– A Pashmina – Great to wrap around your shoulders when the nights get nippy or when travelling on any form of transport that is airconditioned to subzero temperatures.

– Leather gloves – a must for those who feel the cold, and they are a stylish addition to any coat and scarf ensemble.

– Hats. There are so many practical reasons for wearing hats, like protecting your face, hair and scalp from the harsh sun’s rays, but they are also a great opportunity to make a style statement.

Woman modelling accessories - sun hat and pearls.

Source credit: bikinimuse.tumblr.com

 

Want to know more about how to create stylish outfits using your accessories and a small capsule of clothes that all mix and match together?

SAVE THE DATE because 2nd June is the next Shop Your Own Wardrobe workshop. If you are ready to look and feel fabulous with less clothes and be able to travel lighter and still look stylish, this fun 3 hour session is a must attend.

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Get 25% off your Shop Your Own Wardrobe tickets when you book with a friend before 14 May 2018. This offer is only available if tickets are purchased directly through Ann: ann@imageconfidence.com.au (Pay just $112 each – saving more than $35 off the regular price of $149.75)

After this date, tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite for $149.75 per person.

I’m always interested to hear the style topics you would like me to cover. Send me your suggestions in the comment box below.

 

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By Ann Vodicka
April 26, 2018
In HomePage-Blog, Style
1 Comment
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