I have been asked this question so many times I could answer it in my sleep. And honestly? That tells you everything. If “business casual” were actually clear, nobody would need to ask. Here’s the uncomfortable truth. “Business casual” and “smart casual” are not dress codes. They are dress code suggestions written by people who…
Maybe there’s a better way… How to find the right balance of practical clothing that work from general household chores to running to the shops. Reader Question – How do I find the right balance of clothing for my varied life? From home cleaning and yard maintenance to going out to the shops. I like…
One question that popped up for me (and is something I’m asked about) when I wrote about the expected fashion lifespan of your wardrobe staples here, is how long can you expect a garment to really last – as far as it still looking good and wearing well – how long will your clothes really…
As a child, I learned to sew. I was lucky, my grandmother taught me to knit, and my step-mother taught me to sew (as she sewed), and I always loved making things (we did a lot of toilet roll craft in our house and for many years had napkin rings covered with wool made from…
There are some colours and neutrals we label as “universal”, in that they can be worn by all. That said, the version of each of these colours varies depending on the colour properties of the colour direction. For example, the colour may be brighter or more muted and smoky. It may be a lighter or…
Today is Australia Day, and it’s a day that is traditionally celebrated with barbecues. It’s a day at the end of the summer school holidays that is usually hot and a reminder that the working year is gearing up again (Australia really does go on holiday most of January). We love a bbq so I…
From London in the UK comes Rebecca Ffrancon, a graduate of the Academy Professional Image and Image and Colour Consultant who shares her tips on building a more stylish and colourful wardrobe on her blog and Instagram. 1. What is the secret to great style? I think it’s all about understanding the huge role your…
One of the big life changes many women go through is having kids. And adjusting to life with young children is difficult. Even more so if you have come from a professional workplace and you have a preference for the Classic personality dressing style, one that loves a crisp button-up shirt and a smart blazer…
There is so much out here on the internet about wardrobe capsules. When I started writing about them six years ago, it wasn’t something that people talked much about. Now, they are everywhere and there are hundreds (if not thousands) of blog posts giving advice on how to create your ideal capsule. But what I…
Colour surrounds us, and we a coloured experience is much more impactful on us than a black/white/grey experience. We make buying decisions based on colour. Here are just a few interesting infographics and informational pieces on colour. Picture Source Men and Women label colours differently. Men tend to go for simpler names, and group more…
Tips on What to Keep and What to Let Go I love shopping my closet and tend to keep things a long time as a result. My problem is knowing when to get rid of things. I don’t believe in throwing clothes out just because they’re X years old, but I worry that I don’t…
I am a sewer and some ideas about how to choose fabric to sew would be great. It can be challenging to locate good fabric and then imagine how it will look best sewn, and then find a suitable pattern. Fabric Drape How fluid or stiff is the fabric. The drape is not about how…
At the moment it’s Christmas Party season. Some are more formal, some more casual. Some are for work functions. Some are completely social. So what to wear to a party? Here are some ideas for your next event. What to Wear to a Formal Cocktail Function If the dress code is cocktail or after 5…
My daughter and her friends were chatting with they were saying low rise jeans were coming back into fashion. They were adamant that they were never going to wear lower rise jeans. When I was their age, back in the 80s, high-rise jeans were the trend. I could never imagine wearing low-rise jeans. To my…
