This goes with that...At Sussan

Now that I have kids it is very rare that I have a nice leisurely stroll through the shops. Most of my shopping is a snatch and grab affair. The main goal is to be out of the shop before the offspring cause too much damage or offence. A good returns policy is an absolute deal breaker. As a result I tend to go into the same shops as I don't have the time to investigate further afield. Or if I have the time, prolonged clothes shopping with a 1.5 year old and a 3.5 year old and I may lose the will to live.


Whilst I don't spend much actual time in clothes shops, I do seem to spend a lot of time in shopping centres. At the playground area. At those ride things (that I let the kids play on - I usually tell them that the ride is broken. Mum of the year?). I was hanging around one of those ride things the other day (Thomas and the troublesome trucks) when I noticed the shop window nearby for Sussan. I liked what I saw. We didn't actually venture inside ( a meltdown was on the cards) but I did do some investigating when I got home.  Thank heavens for the Internet!


First thing that caught my attention was some of their tops.

Circle cutwork top $89.95

Print Shirred shirt $34.98

Both of these tops would look great with jeans - either skinny or boyfriend- and sandals for springtime.  For a (slightly!) more dressy look a pair of straight/skinny ankle pants like the ones below would be fab.

Crop Sateen Pant $69.95

Summertime is shorts time in the MRWS household. Running shorts, short shorts, long shorts. Love them all. I especially like the print shorts around this year. The ones below fit the bill ( though the website pic is crud) - geometric print in navy. Be still my heart!

Print short $69.95

The one thing that Sussan has always done well is accessories. I love scarves and bags (and jewellery. And shoes. Hmmmm. So everything. I like everything.). If I am wearing a boring plain outfit I can throw on a scarf and it looks better and dressier. Or that's what I tell myself. I like these ones

Multi Tassle Scarf $39.95

Navy Polka Scarf $29.95

The necklace below would look fabulous with just about everything! I would start with a crisp white button down shirt. Then whatever floats my boat for the bottom half - skinny jeans, trouser jeans, the black sateen crop pants above. Actually I think  a full a-line, black, knee length skirt. With either sandals, ballet flats or serious shoes (heels, slinky ones). So basically I need this necklace. Plus, it's hexagons. As a Mathematician, gotta love that!

Hexagon statement necklace $39.95

To finish, this bag is yummy! I may have to risk going to the store - god help me - to check it out. Browns can be so tricky or maybe I am just picky particular. The long strap and the tassel are fun.

Avery Satchel Bag $59.95

These are some of the things that caught my fancy. Also at the moment Sussan has a deal - every $100 you spend you get a $25 gift card. Finishes at the end of the month. I might need to scoot on in.

 I would love suggestions for other stores. Let's face it, I can't be bothered trawling through in person with the two mini me in tow. Where else should I rediscover?

What I wore to work - floral blue wrap dress

I seem to have been wearing predominately dresses lately.  I have always worn dresses a lot but the last few weeks have been somewhat prolific. Since having children my shape is not the same (derr) and sometimes pants seem to highlight the fact. Too big in some parts, too small in others. You would think that at 20 months postpartum I would have it sorted. Apparently not.

I love wearing this dress. It's comfortable, looks ok and reasonably flattering. On slightly cooler days I layer a Kelly green elbow length cardigan on top.

The print is a white floral on dark blue background in a slightly stretch viscose jersey fabric.

The shoes are a wedge peep toe. Comfortable for work, add a heel to a look and fairly neutral. The boring work horse of your wardrobe that make so many other combinations possible.

The dress was from Big W, many years ago.

This Missoni for Target wrap dress ($79) is a similar feel in black and white.

This dress from Target  ($20) is also a similar option.

I personally prefer the Missoni option above. I think it would be quite flattering on.

What are you wearing for work? Are dresses a staple for you as well?

Lily.



Springtime shoes, of the Skate variety.

Are Skate shoes the perfect shoe for Spring?

Seed Mason Sneaker in Black Snake $129.95

I kind of think they might be! They seem to go with most outfits and they don't feel too winter-ish for a nice clear Spring day. This time of the year I feel silly wearing boots when it turns out to be a warm, sunny day - but maybe that's just me! I find the skate shoe is a really good alternative.

Skate or slip on shoes look great with both pants and skirts and an easier alternative to the sneakers that have been popular of late. They are a more streamlined look and I think manage to straddle sporty, pared back and sophisticated. Not bad for a shoe! And actually now that I think about it, I think the reason they appeal so much to me is that the general aesthetic I go for is sporty, pared back and sophisticated. Sometimes with girly/feminine thrown in instead of sporty. I don't always hit the mark but it is certainly what appeals to me.

Some inspiration looks-

Metalicus

I adore this look. When I tried it on it looked like I was wearing a bed sheet. A super sized King bed like you see in hotels. So.much.fabric. I was gutted.




Hush

Hush is a UK company that have divine looking clothing. They are really strong on layering. I can see the above look being perfect for the weekend, running errands, kid wrangling. It's comfortable but looks polished and put together. Looking good for little effort. Holy grail stuff, or what!

Hush

Again, I think this is a great look running around in. The shoes keep it casual but in a simple, stylish way.

Hush

This really is my ideal outfit. Stripes? Check. Slim cut, straight leg pants? check. Comfy but sleek shoes? check. Love it.

The predominant look in skate shoes is either black or an animal print. I am always partial to animal print, especially leopard. The pair I have are from ASOS, a standard leopard print canvas.

Asos Dockland Plimsolls $38.03

Asos has them in  a variety of prints. One that caught my eye was the fluffy cow print. (looks better than it sounds!).

Asos

Other options out there include Seed Heritage

Seed Mason Sneaker in Natural Snake $59.95



Seed Mason sneaker in Chocolate/Black  $129.95




Target has similar options - the Rapid slip on - in black and white for $25. (The 'white' is actually a white based snake print)



At Cotton on they are called the Jazzy slip on and are $29.95. They have a number of options, I like the Black Croc

Cotton On Jazzy Slider in Black Croc $29.95

So there you have it. I'm a recent but devoted convert.
What do you think about Skate or slip on shoes? Will you be wearing them? How will you wear them?

Time to think Spring Fashions with Country Road

Is spring in the air? This time of you is always tough, sartorially.

Do I wear boots, scarf and coat or do I wear a dress with bare legs? I tackle all the big issues here!

The method to my particular madness is to wear the boots and plan (dream!) of spring.
Whilst Spring may not be evident outside, it is evident in the shops. So I will eek a few more wears out of the winter lovelies while I can and strategise for when it actually does warm up outside.

Country Road is always a favourite. I sometimes struggle with the hemlines, I sometimes struggle with the colour palette ( fluoro anyone? anyone?) but I always come back for the classics. It's what they do brilliantly. Classic items that stand the test of time.

 Black cigarette pants, crisp T shirts, tailored jackets. Nothing groundbreaking but you can't have an entire wardrobe of "look at me!" pieces or you risk looking like a dog's breakfast! Can't have that!

The new season's pieces have a strong monochrome look with just splashes of muted colour to break up the black and white. Lovely, luscious, sophisticated.

Here's how I would wear it:

one   two   three   four   five   six   seven

Either the T Shirt or the ruffle top would look fabulous with the simple look of the pants. The biker jacket would be perfect for this time of year and I love the look of black and navy together.

To this I would add some beautiful jewellery in the form of a chunky metallic watch and a mix of bracelets.

bracelet    watch    bracelet

 

How are you planning to "wear" spring? Are you even thinking of Spring yet  or are you enjoying the last days of cooler weather?