Winter whites

Winter means winter whites, any stylist and they will tell you that wearing all white will instantly makes anyone look sophisticated and in the words of Alex Perry 'Expensive'! Personally I'm afraid of white because, look I'll be honest, I am a big smudge waiting to happen. If you're unlike me, and you're clean, neat, tidy managing to go the night without spilling dinner and desert down your front then white this winter white is definitely a trend you should explore. Tailored all white looks are amazing, they give off an almost royal vibe to dressing but not everyone feels comfortable in all white so here is my go to guide on how to do winter whites without being a fashion wipe out!

• White is not the most sliming shade so you need to be mindful of the cut and tailoring of white pieces. Look for items while shopping in the centre that have structure and compliment the natural curves of your body.
• White jeans are a fantastic staple piece and make the perfect go to dinner pant when you're not wanting to do a dress or skirt. When wearing white to a nice dinner it's best done when teamed it with other neutrals and a bit of sparkle for a soft feminine look that is strong. A casual look that looks great with white pants and is easy to achieve is pairing white pants with a classic navy and white striped top . Wearing this combination will have you looking like you've stolen Kate Midelton's wardrobe and lets be honest who wouldn't  love to steal her look!
• Play with white accessories. A white beanie, gloves or a great white tote bag can clean up an outfit and can do wonders when breaking up colour. Think of white as a blank canvas to complement your look.
• White is best done while embracing a minimal attitude to dressing. Adding loads of accessories when wearing a white top or jumper can spoil the look. Remember that anything you wear on white will stand out and take away from the clean fresh approach.
• Vests in white are a good investment item that are perfect for laying in winter. When shopping for a vest look out for woollen and sheep skin varieties that are thick and warm. If committing to a white look is a scary for you then try layering the white vest with another coloured jacket. A white vest is a fantastic way to keep warm and to break and lighten a look with a predominately dark colour palette. 
• Stains are one problem you will encounter when wearing white they can be created from smudged fake tan, eye shadow, foundation finger prints. One stain and you could ruin your outfit result in a big dry cleaning bill. It goes without saying white is not easy to keep clean but be prepared. Avoid dark or purple food or drinks when wearing white. If you're a tad clumsy pack some babywhipes in your handbag just in case and stock up on the bleach! 

Happy shopping be sure to check out my Facebook album HERE for some great white pieces I've found in the centre :)

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Warming your wardrobe with Persian nights

BRRR! I know I am not the only one that felt the winter chill creep in over the weekend. It's weekends like the one we just had that leave most of us in a state of 'OMG what to wear', with cold wind, rain and a serious drop in temperature! I've been resorting to jeans, knits, beanies and have even pulled out a scarf. Ensuring you have all of winters creature dressing comforts is a must. Thats why i've done the winter fashion hunt for you in the centre and have found the perfect collection at Forever New- 'Persian Nights'. It's defiantly full of new pieces that will be sure to warm you up in style! 

Forever New's Persian nights collection is a beautiful and warming collection that is inspired by the middle east with eclectic mix of paisley prints and geometric patterns for a modern vintage feel. My favourites in store would have to be the over sized knits and coats in a rich colour palette of wine and caramel. I am a sucker for a good coat and they have made their new coats that much more special with faux fur trimmings and cute bow details, that are to die for.  Persian nights also has great basics with slim fit jeans, woven mini skits (which are perfect for laying), slinky tops and beanies all in a dark peacock blue. The middle eastern inspired paisley prints can be found on pants and dresses in deep magenta, which is a great colour for this season. The collection also covers winter accessories with textured and tactile pieces, of woven scarfs, beanies and trappers. Their accessories are detailed with tassels and embellishments which give the collection that modern bohemian touch.

Style Tip- Remember winter is all about laying and being warm. With the change in season it's a good idea to write a mini shopping list of what you're in need of. A great coat is an essential piece to keep you warm. As are scarfs and beanies because they enable you to keep wearing that autumn wardrobe for a little longer without freezing for fashion. 

Happy Shopping 

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How to do casual military chic!

Anyone can get dressed up and be glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are most intriguing". - Alexander Wang

Knowing how to take a basic outfit look chic is an important skill in your quest for personal style. Through accessories and seasonal pieces, you can switch from drab to fab. This is why Amanda and i have based our second 'Style Me High Tea' workshop around creating everyday casual chic looks from our great retailer in the centre. 

We also explored the current military chic trend, which is a great way to do casual, but keeping on the fashion pulse this season. Sure, we can all find a WOW dress with a WOW price tag to look a million bucks, but a woman with style knows how to make her comfort & casual looks have that wow factor without the price tag. Like Wang said, it's what you wear on your days off that is most intriguing and I couldn't agree with him more.

I will be posting the second instalment of looks tomorrow, but today's post focuses on our military chic trend. Military chic is a great trend for all ages, I am not just saying that, so please as always don't be scared to give it a shot! Younger ladies will enjoy experimenting with army printed pants and metallics for a casual look that stands out from the crowd. While this trend sports a youthful street vibe, it can be toned down to work for the individual. You can get the military chic look by wearing a neutral Karachi trench or parker with your favourite jeans and white T-shirt. It's about effortless casual dressing, while rocking it with a bit of attitude. While shopping, look out for everyday pieces with military style detail, such as black leggings with leather panelling and boots with statement zippers.

Check out our styled looks below, all of which are available now in centre!

LOOK 1 – Natalie

Top – Kookai

Pants – Bardot

Shoes – Kookai

Fur- Bardot

 LOOK 2 – Claire

Top- Bardot

Jeans – Witchery

Boots – Freelance

Jacket- Susans

LOOK 3 – Natalie

Top – Bardot

Jeans – Big W

Shoes – Freelance

Jacket- Sussans

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Catwalk to closet looks from out Style Me high tea

Tip- Opt for a vertical striped pants in black and white to be on trend whist creating the illusion of slimmer legs!

Get the look in centre at;

Scarf : Country Road
Top : Veronica Maine
Jacket : W-Lane
Pants : Country Road
Shoes : Freelance
Clutch : Colette
Accessories : Colette

Style Tip- Black stocking are a winter essential, always invest in a good quality pair to get maximum wear out of them.

Get the look in the centre at;

Jacket : Sheike
Top : Sheike
Skirt : Veronica Maine
Tights : Country Road
Shoes : Basque - Myer
Clutch : Nine West
Necklace : Colette

Style Tip- Leather or good looking pleather pants will be your new best friend this winter, go for a pair that is thick with stretch while still being firm fitting.

Get the look in the centre at;

Trench : Country Road
Top : Oxford
Clutch : Colette
Shoes : Freelance
Pants : Bardot

Style Tip- When wearing this trend for night don't be afraid to sparkle, use black as a base colour for your outfit and build on the look from there adding statement items that glam up the look and bring it to life. 

Get the look in the centre at;


Jacket : Oxford
Top : Lorna Jane - Noni B
Pants : Bardot
Bag & Earrings : Colette
Shoes : Nine West

Style Tip- A black blazer is in every women wardrobe but if your looking at vamping it up look for a blazer in velvet for a luxurious look and feel.

Get the look in the centre at;


Jacket : Bardot
Top : Bardot
Bag : Bardot
Jean : Esprit
Shoes : Nine West
Bracelet : Colette

Style Tip- Glam up your look with baroque and invest in statement jewellery inspired by the catwalks, look for accessories that will last the test of time and bring a instant WOW factor.

Get the look in the centre at;

Jacket : Oxford
Skirt : Bardot
Shoes & Bracelets : P&S Michael
Top & Tights : Country Road
Rings & Necklace : Colette

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Styled to a Tea!

Hello Style Me readers!

I wanted to say a big thank you to all our lovely shoppers that joined us last Saturday for our Style Me to a tea event hosted by myself and Top Ryde City  fashion consultant, Amanda Mahoney. It was so great to see you all there enjoying the delicious treats from Bakers Delight, The Rustic Pie Co. and Coffee Traders, I was drooling just looking at them YUM!

For those of you who where not able to make it, don't worry as its happening again this Saturday so this time around don't miss out!

You are all invited to come down once again and get pampered with our beauty bars, personal styling workshops with Amanda (which you can book here) and come along to watch our styling show as we will be working with two new trends this week. 

I will be posting our catwalk to closet looks with all the details on our Top winter trends; Monochrome and Baroque on Thursday so be sure to come back and check them out. Just in time to shop our looks before the weekend and late night shopping! Remember, if you do treat yourself to a new look and spend over $100 in the centre be sure to enter our competition to be in the running to win a fabulous $1,500 shopping spree with Top Ryde City's stylist Amanda Mahoney, which will be one amazing shopping spree the lady know her stuff- Details are on our website here.

Style Note- I wore Sheike's 'WONDERLAND KNIT DRESS' from there new A/W collection which is inline with winters baroque trend, this season. It's a super cute dress that is a must to try on in the centre! xx 

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A fun girls day out

What sounds like a fun girls day out? How about a complimentary high tea, while learning from Stylist Amanda Mahoney and myself about the latest winter trends, combined with personalised one on one styling advice?

I am thrilled to let you know, (in case you haven't already received our newsletter) that this weekend and next, Amanda Mahoney and myself will be running our second set of complimentary 'Style Me' workshops for Top Ryde City's customers. Top Ryde City are always doing things bigger and better each season and this season they have taken our 'Style Me' workshops to the next level. Our one hour workshops will now run during a high tea seating for pre-booked guests, as well as new 20 minute personalised styling appointments with our Top Ryde City Stylists.

Taking part is a great chance to revamp your look and learn something you didn't know about fashion. Best bit is we will be using pieces from all around the centre and focusing on fashion for all shapes and sizes, which means you can shop the look right then and there after the workshop!

If you're looking for a fun girls days of shopping, pampering and talking all things fashion, then we would love to see you at our 'Style Me High Tea' so we can 'Style you to a Tea'.

Pre-booked Seating for our 'Style Me to a Tea' workshop is already booked out, however you can still come along and watch the show while standing, as we show you how to take a look from the catwalk to your closet. Bookings are still available for our one on one styling workshops. These workshops are 20 minute appointments, where our stylist will work with you personally to try on some new pieces and help you get the look you're after - click here to secure your place.

I can't wait to see all our 'Style Me' readers and local shoppers this weekend and next.

Bombers are back!

The 21st century bomber jacket is chic yet a little tough at the same time, they are a trend that was big in the 50's and 80's and they are having a revival this coming season. Bombers are no longer restricted to high school sport team merchandise, fluro palettes and far out prints. The trend has come a full 360 with the 21st century bomber being a workable piece that has it's place in the office board room as well as the city streets.

Finding the right fitting bomber will also do wonders for your shape, not just your street creed. Traditionally all bomber jackets are cropped, elongating the look of your legs. Another plus for your shape is that bombers have a band on the bottom, which breaks up your waist when zipped up, highlighting the shape of your figure. Below is my styling advice on how to wear my favourite bombers I have found available at Glue Store.

Printed Bombers

Printed bombers are a great way to have some fun and brighten up a look, while bringing out your quirky side. Winter Floral prints are big this season, replacing the bright floral prints of spring with moodier darker florals. Camo and army prints are also hugely popular this season for both guys and girls and are a great option if you're seeking a more streety look. When shopping for bombers that are printed, be sure to look out for prints that use a colour palette which you can work back with your existing wardrobe. Doing this will ensure that you get maximum wear out of the trend.

THE STREET STYLE INSPIRATION

Bombers in the Boardroom

Bombers are work place friendly, it's just about finding the right fit and style. When incorporating a bomber jacket to your work look I would opt for black as your first colour option. Look out for a bomber jacket that has a slightly oversized masculine fit. The goal of the work bomber is to have a classic look while incorporating an athletic edge. Bombers in the boardroom are best worn with straight leg pants and pencil skirts, with the oversized look of the bombers you want to keep your bottom half fitted and no fuss. If your workplace is super corporate leave experimenting with a bomber for casual fridays for a look that will make you the office trend setter and keep you looking super cool at friday drinks!

THE STREET STYLE INSPIRATION

Varsity style Bombers

True to it's roots, the 21st century bomber jacket can still be found in it's old school varsity style. These varsity bomber jackets will create a 50's high school street style vibe that will have you thinking you're in Grease. This variety of bomber jacket usually has a classic emblem detail on the front and sometimes on the back, as well as sporty inspired stripe detailing on the waist band and arms bands. For girls, rocking varsity style bombers is best accompanied with preppy inspired styling. Think skinny jeans and white singlet tops, worn with Converse shoes or a skater style dress for the more girlie inclined. Guys, keep the look cool and effortless with jeans and a white T-shirt and Converse shoes or sneakers, incorporating a vintage style cap and backpack will finish the look for both sexes.

THE STREET STYLE INSPIRATION

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Looking chic in Sheike this winter

A shopper tweeted me last week asking what my favourite go-to store was at Top Ryde City. My natural answer, Sheike. I am always checking out what is new in their store, because season after season I have formed a fashion love affair with Sheike's collections. 

I know I am not alone as the store is always buzzing with ladies trying on new looks. It's easy to see why they are so loved with their ability to design on trend, chic, structured- and affordable styles each season. That being said, I was super thrilled this week to check out the Sheike A/W lookbook. It was just released and yes ladies, it's drool worthy! 

CHECK OUT THE FULL LOOKBOOK HERE

One trend that I have been watching develop this season is Baroque and Sheike have some killer dresses that are right on the Baroque trend. Here is my stylist low-down for anyone unfamiliar with Baroque prints! 
Like any new trend, don't be scared to give it a go, think of baroque as this seasons new twist on floral print. Baroque is a print typically made up of chains, animal, and floral motives but overall baroque translates to over the top and elaborate design. It's reminiscent of vintage Versace collections, which in my eyes brings out an 80's supermodel sex appeal when worn. This trend requires minimal accessories especially when wearing a baroque print dress a necklaces will most likely get lost in the print, so opt to earrings and or a statement cocktail ring instead. Belts can also be handy when wearing a baroque print, especially if your a girl who is body conscious. A waist belt will break the print up and cinch you in at the waist. 

Sheike's new collection sees baroque print on knitted fitted dresses in a colour palette of emerald green, off white and tones of blue, grey and black. As well as on a stand out navy peplum dress, which is one of those great pieces that works from the office to a hot date in seconds or even to the races on the weekend when styled right. 

Below are my Style Me boards on how to accessorise and style this new trend. P.S As always feel free to tweet me @rochelle_fox and even twit pic me. I am here to help you with any of your fashion faux pas and lend advice on how to make this trend work for you!

STYLE NOTE- All accessories and clothing is Sheike shoes are new season looks from Nine West

STYLE NOTE- This peplum dress is the perfect dress for all occasions, its fitted structured and offers a more modern peplum detail to most peplum looks I have seen, (which is great because no one wants to be rocking 80's looking peplum). I've styled this look for the Autumn races, all it needs is a fab hat or fascinator to finish and you are frocked up for a day betting on the fillies! 

 STYLE NOTE- Emerald green is a big colour trend this season. I've kept the rest of this look sleek and black to keep the dress as the statement. Don't be afraid to experiment with footwear as knee high boots will take this look to another level!

STYLE NOTE-  Sheike's Heritage knit dress in navy and white is on my 'must have list' because there are so many ways to style this look again and again. Wearing Sheike's 'Heritage Dress' would work great with simple black or navy heels, stockings and a structured blazer, creating a minimal but on trend work outfit for the girl who likes to be known as the fashion forward chick in the workplace.

 This dress can go further than the office, it's just as easy to amp up this peice for a night out on the town. Simply adding a red coat and clutch will create instant sex appeal and everyone loves a woman in red! Take the look even further by a applying a red lip with lashings of mascara and you can go from the office chic to vixen in seconds.

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