A pop of colour for the workplace

If you've had a chance to read yesterdays post, you will now be familiar with capsule wardrobes and how they work. Today's post will further expand on this topic. Workwear has always and will always be about pulling together your basic items from your capsule wardrobe and adding in 'trends' that complete the look to stop it from being boring! Let's be honest, no one has the budget or the time for a new work outfit everyday, so it's important to be creative and find new ways of making similar looks fresh and new.

I'd like to share two affordable looks that can be sourced from retailers within the centre. Both looks use items that you should find in your capsule wardrobe (your basics) combined with trend pieces. These looks are based on my workwear tip of adding colour for summer, so be bold and ditch the black on black ensemble.

My first look combines a classic and 'safe' combination of black slim fit pants teamed with a white shirt, both are from Sussan. To keep the look on trend I have added a colourful twist to what is a timeless ensemble. I have combined a necklace, ring and a bag in bright tangerine orange from Colette, to make the whole look pop. The heels are from Freelance Shoes, which are a suitable work height. I love these as they are on trend with their digital print and neon ankle strap (straps are great for support). This is a perfect look for women of all ages, shapes and sizes providing you get the correct fitting pants. A new way to bring a classic work look back to life.

My second look uses an on trend digital print wrap dress from W-lane, with its high neckline and appropriate length it's a great staple piece for this season. I have used a black Colette tote (which should be in every girls capsule wardrobe), as well as a black geometric designed necklace also from Colette. For shoes I have included a few colour options of the same style, all of which are from Freelance. I want to show you just how versatile print dresses can be when adding colours and how many options you have as to which colours you use.

TIP- while these looks do not include sunglasses, one should always carry a pair with them for use to and from work. UV protection and style, double win! My best stores for Summer shades in the centre are Glue Store and Sportsgirl, both stock a wide range of affordable on trend colours and shapes!

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How To Create A Capsule Wardrobe

If you were able to come to Top Ryde City over the weekend, you would have seen Amanda and I run our Style Me workshop. A main focus of our workshop was how to create a capsule wardrobe. For everyone who did come to our workshop and those who did not, Amanda has elaborated on how they work and what goes into one! Our current focus in the centre is tips for workwear and trust me, creating and building a capsule wardrobe will make dressing for work so much easier. Forget trends, it's back to basics!

CAPSULE WARDROBE –

• A capsule wardrobe is a mix of clothes (your go-to pieces), which can be adapted for any occasion and updated with current trends season to season.
• For me these are the pieces I spend the most on, these are classics that should not date or ever go out of style.
• Fit is crucial, always know your budget and buy the best you can afford.
• A capsule wardrobe allows you to effortlessly throw an outfit together at the last minute, a lunch, business meeting or black tie event.
• Always remember your body shape and age when purchasing your classic pieces, stick to what suits you, not what is necessarily in fashion.

WHAT GOES INTO A CAPSULE WARDROBE –

Here are Amanda's items that go into a capsule wardrobe and my 'Shop at' suggestions to help you find your essential pieces in Top Ryde City. Everything you need can be found in the centre.

Black Blazer

Shop at- Myer, Bardot, Sheike 

Little Black Dress (LBD)

Shop at- Review, Sussan, Noni-B, Forever New, The Dollhouse

Classic straight leg jeans – blue and black

Country Road, Millers, Myer, Sheike 

Black tailored pants

Myer, Bardot, Veronika Maine, Witchery, W-Lane

Plain Tees in grey, white and navy

Shop at- W-Lane, Blue Illusion, Country Road

Striped Tee

Shop at- Blue Illusion, Bardot, Be Me, Country Road, Millers, W-Lane, Table Eight

White / cream silk shirt

Shop at- Be Me, Millers, Table Eight, Forever New, Blue Illusion

Classic trench (does not have to be beige, mine is navy)

Shop at- Myer, Millers, Blue Illusion, Table Eight

2 Sparkly tops for evenings 

Shop at- Bardot, Sheike, The Dollhouse, Forever New, Review

2 pairs of flats –(ballet and summer sandal)

Shop at- Freelance Shoes, Nine West 

2 pairs of heels – (one super high and a shorter heel for day time)

Shop at- Nine West, Betts, Novo Shoes, Freelance Shoes

Big tote

Shop at- Colette by Colette Hayman, Myer, Kookai, Strandbags

Clutch

Shop at- Colette by Colette Hayman, Myer, The Dollhouse, Strandbags

Evening bag

Shop at- Colette by Colette Hayman, Kookai, 

Pair of oversized sunglasses

Shop at- Myer, Glue Store

Oversized watch

Shop at- Michael Hill, Top Ryde City Watch Centre.

HINTS TO HELP YOUR EDIT –

(Amanda's rules and guidelines)

• Dress your age
• Dress your shape
• Leggings are not pants, they are a layering piece
• Thongs are for the beach or pool
• Just because it's a current trend or ‘in fashion’ doesn’t always mean it will suit you
• Big sunglasses are instant glamour 

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Workwear

Male Model 

Shirt – Witchery Men

Tie – Oxford

Black pants – YD

Belt – Country Road

Trench – Oxford

Shoes – Industrie 

Our 'Style Me' campaign is focusing on a new trend starting today- Workwear. Over the next week I will be finding you items within the centre that are great buys to inspire you to mix up your style. Note- many of these updates  can be found on our Facebook page, so be sure to give it a LIKE.

Dressing for work is a basic equation, it's all about using your 'capsule wardrobe' with updates. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, a capsule wardrobe is made up of classic basic pieces (i.e a pencil skirt, blazer, suit, structured dress) which can then be coupled with accents to create new and diverse looks. I will be blogging about how you can pull together an effective capsule wardrobe (everyone already has one...they just might need some tweaking). The coming blog posts will teach you how to best update your workwear for this season by using the latest trends, all of which can be found within Top Ryde City. Putting in the extra effort and attention to your work attire will ensure you look and feel your best. You will be surprised how an update of your workwear will positively affect your day to day attitude in the office. 

TIP: For workwear this summer, ditch black and only use it as a building block for your outfit. Outfits made of black suits or dresses should be banned in the summer months, unless they are updated with colour. Colour can be added so simply, be it a belt, shoes, sunglasses, shirt or bag, the options are endless. The colour trends for this season are prints, florals, pastels and fluro (for the daring worker), white is also a huge trend at the moment, so experiment. Always remember, just because it is a trend does not mean you have to follow it. Trends only work for you if they compliment both your shape and personality.

Stay tuned for tomorrows blog on how to create and build your own capsule wardrobe, with advice from Top Ryde City's 'Style Me' creative director and stylist Amanda Mahoney.

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Who is Stylist Amanda Mahoney?

Rochelle here, hope you liked the inspiration above, we all need a pick me up on a Friday ;) 

I am super excited to be holding a style workshop at Top Ryde City this weekend, alongside my Creative Director and Stylist Amanda Mahoney. I worked alongside Amanda, styling the 'Style Me' campaign at Top Ryde City. With a distinct taste and a great eye, Amanda has taught me a lot while I've worked with her at Top Ryde City. She has proven to me that one should never stop learning and evolving their own style. Her constructive criticism has gone a long way and left quite an impression with me. 
Both Amanda and myself can't wait to see you on Saturday, for bookings give the centre a call on-9808 8816 and reserve your spot. In the meantime, here is a little interview I did with Amanda Mahoney to get you acquainted. I adore her, she is one talented lady xox

You're a personal stylist for many leading  brands, on shoots, celebrities, as well as every day women alike. Tell us a little about a day in the busy life of Amanda?

Every day is different and always exhausting! If I'm styling a shoot this requires production meetings and prep - so lots of running around and shopping or sourcing then getting ready for the studio or location, making sure all the clients and the agency requirements are covered. With my personal styling, I will often be at clients houses, reworking their existing wardrobes and then spending time buying and sourcing what they are missing and need for the season ahead.

Styling people for events requires a lot of running around and sourcing from PR agencies to stores all over the country and sometimes overseas. I like to mix vintage pieces in here, as they are often one off's and won't be seen on anyone else.

What is one thing in your wardrobe that you can't live without?

I have a black tuxedo JKT I have had for nearly 20 years. It cost me a small fortune, but has saved me many times over the years. It's my 'throw on and make any basics look good' both day and night piece. A few years ago I bought a cream one that is similar, it has also paid off the hefty price tag many times over! 

How would you describe your personal style?

Relaxed and classic with a bit of an edge. I like to stick to jeans, leather leggings, blazers, great shirts and always a fabulous heel and bag. Accessories and jewellery are a favourite to update any look.

You were the creative styling director on the latest Top Ride City shoot. What was your favourite look from the campaign?

 A hard one, I love all of the looks as they cover so many different styles and women. My personal favourite is probably our casual look with CK jeans, wedge heels and Diva statement necklace, because it's most like my personal style.

What are some styling rules you would recommend for the upcoming spring/summer season?

To stay on trend, still follow the rules of knowing your age and body shape. You can add a digital or floral print in small doses, the neon and pastel as well. Stick to your classics and layer the trends from here. Head to toe OTT only works on editorial campaigns and the catwalk! 

Which is your favourite retailer at Top Ryde City for this spring summer?

I couldn't possibly pick a favourite!!

If you were given $200 to splurge at Top Ryde City, what and where would you spend it on.

I bought a fabulous pair of white patent leather heels from freelance the other day, that I have not taken off since. They were under $200 so I still have some to spend, don't I .......- I would probably head to Collette for jewellery to wear on mass for summer. What I have discovered and think is fabulous at Top Ryde city is that $200 can go so far. All the retailers are fashion forward and on trend each season. Like me, you can buy one main piece to update or spend it across a few retailers and get many pieces to take you through spring / summer.

You're a mum as well as a successful stylist that always looks FAB! What is your advice to woman that are in a similar family & working position as you, that want to be on trend and feel good about what they wear?

Some days not so fab, some days I feel tired and old!!  But thank you - wardrobe editing and organisation is a key for me. I edit every season and tend to stick to my classic pieces and then update. I know what works on my body and for my age, I follow fashion, but am not a slave to trends. Know what is right for you, take some time, when you have a spare moment and go through what you own, what you need and what to get rid of. If I have an important meeting or event I take the time to prepare and lay out the night before or source something fab for that wow factor.

You have a great eye for men's fashion, what advice can you give to guys looking to update their look?

The same advice applies to men as to women - stick to your classics and update each season - and no distressed jeans - the 80's are over! 

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Summer Short Advice

Who likes short shorts? I like short shorts! ....Wait, let me rephrase that. I like short shorts...when they're worn appropriately.

One of the best things about Australian fashion is the laid back casual approach we have developed. As Australians we really do have our own unique style. Something you'll find in any Australian girls wardrobe, young or old, is a pair of shorts. Now don't get me wrong, I love a good pair, but when it comes to wearing shorts there is a cut, a time, an age, and a place to get the look right. 

I am not a big one for rules when it comes to fashion because I love experimenting, but one thing I have seen a lot of are ill fitting shorts that do less than compliment girls. The majority of these ill fitting shorts seem to be denim cut off mini shorts, displayed on the wrong age group or worn at an inappropriate time. Denim shorts are fab, they are an Australian staple, but sadly not everyone can get away with them. What looks amazing on a 16 year old girl at the beach on the weekend may not look equally flattering on a 30 year old woman off to a BBQ at the in-laws. I believe shorts can be worn by everyone, but not everyone can pull off Daisy Dukes with that same youthful confidence as the teenager we once were. 
Shorts are there to show off your legs, so they should always compliment your shape and elongate your frame. Believe it or not, shorter shorts can create the illusion of shorter, stumpier legs on the wrong girl.
My fashion tip for this summer; While shopping for a new pair of shorts to show off your pins, look at buying black tailored leather shorts. Now I know you're all thinking "Leather in summer…? Rochelle, you must be crazy!". Fear not though, I have done the searching for you and found a great option from Kookai (available in the centre), that is light weight and totally wearable in the Australian climate.  

If leather shorts scare you, then opt for tailored white shorts or coloured shorts. Country Road have some great options that will not break the bank and are a great fit! Miller's also have some good shorts for ladies looking for a longer 'past the knee' cut.
My advice is to ask yourself "When rocking shorts this summer, are they doing me a favour?" Remember, shorter is not always better, in this case less is definitely not more!

PS. I will be presenting alongside the Top Ryde City 'Style Me' creative director and personal stylist Amanda, this Saturday at 12noon. Details and invite to follow tomorrow :)

Check back for Thursday's post featuring Amanda's advice on how to build a capsule wardrobe.

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Race Day!

GET THE LOOK AT TOP RYDE CITY

Dress & Belt- Sheike 

Shoes & bag- Betts

Nail polish- MYER- Sally Hansen

Ring, Fascinator & Bracelet- Diva

Sunglasses- Glue Store

If you have visited the centre lately, you would have seen the Top Ryde City 'Style me' campaign in full swing, complete with my 'Style me' tips! The latest looks in the centre have been evening wear and the races, but as of today a revamp with a new look being released. Before the race wear posters come down though, I thought I would rock one more look which I've pulled together from what's currently in store at Top Ryde City. Now I know this outfit is bright and bold, but the races to me are all about colour. Affordability is another big point when shopping for the races, you will be surprised that this look is really affordable! One of my top tips for the races is always to dress for the day, it's not a nightclub (you can read more of my tips here). When dressing for the races I suggest to think slightly fairytale, Alice in Wonderland down the rabbit hole and to get creative. 
With this look I've incorporated pastels as well as bright bold colour blocking.
My favourite piece in this look is the shoe and bag combination, which can be found in the centre at Betts shoes, you will find them in the window. ;)
I love them because whilst they come at an affordable price point, they are a shoe and bag combo that I know I will wear over and over again this spring/summer!

The Sheike dress can easily be transformed into the perfect Friday night drinks dress if teamed with a pair of black pumps, skinny black belt and a smokey eye. You could even bring it back into a work look with a tanned ankle boot or heel, tanned belt and bag and a neutral blazer. You should always think of how you're going to wear a dress again, that way you will never second guess a purchase. 

If anyone needs any race wear fashion advice, please ask me via our Facebook page.

Hope you love the look.

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Weekend inspiration

HELLO weekend! 

It's Friday :) has everyone found an outfit for the weekend? If you need some tips I've got you covered. I had a look around Top Ryde City this week, pulling together new looks for coming post's, I must say the centre is looking bright! 

I've pulled together some of my inspiration picks for the weekend ahead and really any spring night out.

Purple fever 

I went a little purple crazy. Ask yourself, when was the last time you wore purple? Purple has never stood out to me, until this season. It's a primary colour I'm seeing in shoes, bags, jewellery and prints, purple is taking over and I am loving it. I've pulled a great range of purple pastel pieces from Betts and Diva, as well as a retro floral print dress from one of my favourite dress stores in the centre, Sheike. If you have never experimented with purple before, now is the time to see how it works. You will be surprised at the way it compliments this seasons styles.

TIP: Colour theory tells us that purple conveys feelings of wealth and extravagance. 

Pop's of neon
A lot of people have a fear of neon, so here are some great inexpensive neon looks I've found in the centre. Neon yellow is definitely one of my favourite shades, because it looks so great on all colours and skin tones. These Betts wedges with neon outline are a unique twist on a nude shoe, every girl should own a pair. LOVE THEM! 
TIP: Nude shoes make everyone's legs look elongated. 

The celebrity bandage dress

Made famous by Herve Leger, the bandage dress is a style icon, that won't soon disappear. It is the perfect fitting dress to enhance all the best parts of a woman's shape. Dollhouse in the centre are renowned for their MEGA range of bandage dresses. I used a plain backless navy bandage dress for this look and went all out on neon accessories. Bandage dresses create a wow factor on their own, but a statement necklace takes out the predictability of the look, whilst giving it a bit more personality. All jewellery used is Diva and shoes are Betts.

TIP: When shopping for bandage dresses, if you're scared of your curves choose a dark colour such as Navy or Black to slim your lines.

Skulls, spikes and studs.

If you were to look in my personal wardrobe, you would find my shoes, jackets, shorts & tops (basically everything) covered in a ridiculous amount of studs, skulls and spikes. There is something edgy about putting on a formal or typically girlie dress and teaming it with a spiked boot or bracelet. You can find these spiked and skulled accessories (pictured) at Diva. Available in a massive range of colours, they are great investment pieces that i promise once purchased, you will wear to death.

TIP: Opt for brightly coloured skulls & studs to swap the s&m look for youthful rebellion.

Have a Great weekend and follow us on Facebook for more updates and shopping finds.

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My Style

In the last post I answered one of the questions sent to me about how to create your own personal style. I thought for this blog post I would take the opportunity to show you some of the outfits I've been wearing out, as well as a look I wore last week whilst presenting for 2dayfm's 'The Dirt', all of which I got from Top Ryde City.

As mentioned in the last post, my style is what I would call electric. It's hard to define what I call my personal style, as I feel like it's constantly evolving. In saying this, if I look at the photos below, I would say my style is always quite bright and bold. I love colour and I am never afraid to use it. I am blessed to have a job which enables me to have access to a wide variety of clothing, allowing me to get creative and explore the many looks and styles out there. At the end of the day fashion should always = FUN!

My 1st look: is a casual one from Glue Store with a key trend of neon. The best way to wear neon for anyone a bit scared of being the brightest one in the room is to wear what I call pop's of neon. What I mean by this is utilising neon statement jewellery, lip colour, or a simple t-shirt with a neon panel. Rocking neon does not restrict you to just wearing a neon dress, this look will not be around forever, so make a statement while it's all the rage.

The below look can be found at Top Ryde City's Glue Store outside on La Strada, all jewellery can be found at Diva on LG1 in the centre.

My 2nd look: is a very special Wheels and Dollbaby silk dress, which I found at Dollhouse. 

When shopping for special events that you want to splurge on, always think about the longevity of the garment you are purchasing. A dress like this Wheels and Dollbaby one is perfect to be worn to a wedding, a party, a special date or the races, the list goes on. How you reinvent and pull the look together for different events is through your hair, makeup and accessories. For my event I teamed this elegant dress with black studded high heels achieving a youthful rocker look. If you are wanting to go more  
classic and demur, you can achieve this by changing up the shoes to a black platform heel or nude shoe. You can find some great options in the centre at Novo Shoes, Myer and Betts.

P.S: enjoy my interviews with Jesinta Campbell, Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy for 2dayfm's 'The Dirt'.
Any styling questions? Send them my way.
xx

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How to create your own style.

So part of my job here as Top Ryde City's stylist is to help out and answer any styling or fashion questions you may have. If you have a question send it to me via The Top Ryde City Facebook. This week I received a question message to my personal Facebook page from a Top Ryde City Shopper. It was such a good question that I want to answer it now so everyone can benefit.


Ella, 23 From Ermington asked.

"How did you come up with your individual sense of style? How would I be able to develop my own?"

Thank you Ella, I LOVE this question. 

Firstly let it be known that a personal sense of style is something we all have whether it's good, bad or indifferent (my job is to make yours great!). 
I came up with my sense of style through choosing what I call my Influences. Basically style is stolen, re-created and renewed by each individual. When creating a sense of style you need to choose who inspires you, who you think looks great, the person or era you want to emulate and then workshop your look from there. Below are some more steps you can take to create your own style.

Mood boards- You can create one the old fashioned way on a 
cork board, or try 'pintrest.com' which is the online version. Doing a mood board of your favourite celebrities, artists, musicians, classic films or anything that inspires you is a great way to really discover what makes you tick and develop a visual representation of your style.


Choose retailers- One thing I suggest when developing your style is to choose retailers and stores that reflect the image you're going for.
For example, my style is often what I describe as 'electric' and at times quite 'street'.
A store that always offers me great choices for my personal look is Glue at Top Ryde City. With a mixture of youthful labels that are loud in their designs I can always pull a look together that suits me to a tee!
If your style is preppy or girlie, a store like 'Forever New' in the centre would cater to your needs.

Build on your existing wardrobe- The next step is to build your basics or 'uniform' and buy new pieces from there. Go though your closet and see what existing pieces you have and evaluate what else you may need. One thing I am in need of this season is coloured jeans. I have some great denim pairs, but some pastel coloured skinny jeans from 'Country Road' at Top Ryde City are on my shopping list to re vamp my existing look and to add another great basic to my wardrobe that are also on trend for spring.

Know your shape and colours- Different looks work for different people because of our natural body shape, the same goes for colours depending on our skin tone and hair. What works on Kim Kardashian will not necessarily work on Kate Bosworth, as they have very different shapes. Knowing what compliments your body, skin, hair and shape to enhance your natural beauty is half the battle.  


Understand Trends- Trends are a great way to get a new look, but fashion is not about just following trends because trends do fade, but your individual style lasts! One trend I am loving this season is neon, it's very me, loud, bright and bold. However a lot of girls can't wear it because of their colouring, or don't know how. Just because something is on trend does not mean you need to have it. Choose your seasons trends and focus on the key trends that work for you and build a strong look from them. Know your trends and think of how they work for you independently.

Just be yourself- Fashion is meant to be fun and exciting, so mix things up and ensure your style is never too stereotypical. Being yourself when choosing your look is very important, because you should wear the clothes, the clothes shouldn't wear you. Creating your ideal style is one thing, but unless you have the confidence to really rock the look you're fighting a losing battle. So always love what you wear, love what you look like, be proud of who you are, and last but not least, OWN IT!

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