Audrey says "How to Dress Gamine Style"

In my last post, I discussed my Split Style Personalities which included Audrey (the gamine), Gwenyth (the ice queen), Natalie (the minimalist) and Elizabeth (the sophisticate). In this post, we'll be looking at Audrey's gamine style.

Gamine style icons:

• Audrey Tatou
• Jackie Kennedy
• Edie Sedgwick
• Audrey Hepburn
• Mia Farrow

Her desired designers:

• Marni
• Marc Jacobs
• Chloé

What you'll find in her wardrobe:

• Little black dresses with high collars
• Tulip skirts
• Capri pants
• Pretty white blouses with round or peter pan collars
• A flared, woollen coat

Her favourite accessories:

• Big, round sunglasses
• Thin, patent leather belts with cute buckles
• Ballet flat pumps
• Delicate earrings
• Berets

What's on her vanity:

• Mascara - for doe deer eyes
• Girly, neutral hued nail polishes
• 'Daisy' by Marc Jacobs

Day Wear

Blouse - Bonne Chance / Pants - True Religion / Shoes - Debenhams / Sunglasses - Witchery / Earrings - Juliette & Company

Girly and mischievous, this outfit is ready for the outdoor elements while possessing the 'pretty in pink' aura. Pedal pushers look less 'blonde bombshell' and more 'gamine girlish' when paired with a modest, floaty blouse. 

Evening Wear

Dress - Jane Norman / Coat - Moschino / Purse - Mulberry / Pumps - Calvin Klein

This high collared, tulip skirt LBD fits my perception of an evening gamine outfit perfectly. Kitten heels are a great compromise for those used to wearing ballet flats. Isn't that purse just adorable? A cute, kitschy sweet purse is an important element for the gamine ensemble.  

I hope you enjoyed my post. I have a surprise for my readers that will be in my next post published. I can't wait to tell you all.
Love Claire, xo.

Fashion Bunny: What to Wear on Easter Sunday

The best part about holidays, in my opinion, is dressing up for them. This doesn't have to mean that you get out novelty bunny ears and wear something silly for the day (nothing wrong with it, though). I like to take my interpretation of a holiday and translate it into an ensemble. Here is my classic take on Easter Sunday.

With a cute pussy-bow blouse and an a-line skirt with a contrast panel at the hem, I've added a pale pink coat which just screams Easter to me. Accessorizing with a simple pearl bracelet, quilted purse and a pair of cute open-toe bow pumps, this outfit could be worn out to lunch or a garden party. 

How did you like my outfit? I hope you gathered some inspiration for your own Easter ensemble, and you have a merry Easter Sunday. I will be posting again soon.

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

How to Dress for a Plane Flight

My moving plans have changed. My mother decided to take the car, while the rest of my family caught a plane (yay for being able to take more things with me!) Now, faced by a new dilemma – what to wear on a plane flight. Before outfit suggestions, let’s take a look at priorities of dressing for flight.

                                                                                                                 

1.       Safety and Practicality

No one wants to have to deal with annoyed security. Avoid items that will set the metal detectors off, such as big-buckled belts and other metal jewellery. If you can’t live without your statement jewellery, you can put it in your carry-on luggage.

We all have to take our shoes off, going through security, so stay away from strappy sandals (god forbid heels) and opt for a pair of ballet flats. If you‘re disgusted by airport floors, wear pantyhose or tights.

2.       Comfort

Wearing natural, breathable fabrics are your best bet for staying comfortable on a long flight. Unnatural textiles and tight clothing will restrict your blood flow (and could make you very sweaty is it’s a summer trip – gross). You also want to make use of easily removable layers if you are drastically changing climates.

3.       Style

I don’t have much to say here, pretty much because it’s what my whole blog is about. All I can say is that channelling the simple, classic look will leave you looking and feeling great as it’s versatile through the use of so many different pieces of clothing. Let’s take a look at some sample outfits.

Traveling to a Colder Climate

No one wants to go out and by a new wardrobe just for a holiday. You can make up with outfit with items that you should already have in your wardrobe, slacks and a cotton t-shirt, then a trench coat (which many in a warmer climate may not have, this is an item you should buy – even if it’s a cheap $40 from Best & Less). These items are versatile for occasion and can be worn practically anywhere.

You want to keep with neutrals for a winter look, however feel free to play up the colour with your carry-on or scarf. A scarf can be worn almost anywhere comfortably, and when layered has much warming potential.

Traveling to a Warmer Climate

Here I’ve paired a Chloe, pleated midi-skirt with a silk shell for light, versatile fabrics. Over the top, you can wear a nice cardigan (thickness depending on how cold you are at the start of your trip) and you can put it in your carry on luggage on arrival. Note the use of flats that I recommended before, that match with a large, quilted tote. Accessorize with a scarf to layer for warmth while on plane, and then use as a cover-up later when at the beach.

Travelling a Short Distance

Tips from my previous post ‘How to Move Away (With Your Clothes)' pretty clearly outlines what I mean by this trip and tips. However for a flight, as its air conditioned, you could wear something a little thicker (I’m writing from an area that’s so hot for skivvies, that many have never heard the word before). Clothes with a little stretch will be comfortable, and this dress would be perfect for it. Pantyhose are pictured here, as they were recommended before, along with the tote and flats.

Bonus Look: Make-up

When on the plane, you want to wear minimal make up. Focus on making sure that:

-          Your face is moisturized

-          Balm for you lips

Other than that, a little concealer never did anyone any harm. If going with a gloss instead of a balm, keep it light and minimal. Remember: when you arrive you can make up your face until your heart is content.

Well this has been a fun post for me. I hope it helps someone wondering what to wear on their holiday vacation, or even moving – like me! Anyway, my next post is an Outfit Photo Friday, so I hope you’ll come along and read that. See you then

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.
Love Claire, xo.

How to Move Away (With Your Clothes)

I’m moving across the state (out of my family’s home and into a student apartment). My finances, medicare, lease and uni are sorted. One of my biggest issues are, what do I do with my clothes!? Fortunately, I can leave the clothes that I don’t take at my mums, but now I have to choose between clothes. After researching efficient ways to choose and move my clothes, I've come to a few conclusions.

Choosing what to take

I hate this part. So many times I've stood in front of my wardrobe and thought ‘Would I take this over that? But what If I need that for so-and-so occasion!’ etc. So here’s how I judge the value of my clothes.

                                                               

Priority list:

-          Quality – Top priority, pieces in impeccable condition (no rips/tears, good material, durable)

-          Size and fit – Needs to fit well, and if it doesn’t, sizing needs to be easy to fix

-          Classic or trend – Trends are out, classics are in (of course)!

-          Season – I can get winter pieces from my mums later, I need summer clothes!

-          Price – It’s harder to let go if you paid an awful lot, but not if you’re over it

Examples of what I’m bringing

-          Light, chiffon blouses

-          Pencil skirts

-          2 semi-formal dresses

-          1 spring cape

-          A pair of versatile capris and well-fitting, navy jeans

-          3 pairs of ballet flats

Examples of what I must leave

-          Gorgeous, Italian winter coat (too hot for that!)

-          Ill-fitting blouses that I meant to mend and never did

-          Obviously old clothes

-          Things I hadn't worn in over 6 months

-          A few formal dresses

-          Boots – fur trimmed and knee-high pairs

Packing the clothes

So, I love my clothes dearly, but I’m travelling by car with my 5-person family – and no trailer. I was faced by the dilemma, how do I take it all? I have so many things to take, but after some searching on the internet I've found some tips to fit my things!

-          Sort clothes into types (eg. Jackets, shirts, pants, underwear etc.)

-          Turn clothes inside out to decrease the amount of creases in your clothes!

-          Roll thinner items into a tube (thin blouses, underwear etc.) instead of folding

-          Pack heavy things/less-likely-to-crease pieces at the bottom of box/bag/case

-          Pack clothes in heavy duty bin liners – it’s cheap, clean and fits awkward car boot space

-          Take some clothes in a big handbag on the way down – you don’t want to open the bin bags

-          Shoes are packed in boxes with scrunched newspaper in the feet

-          Put jewellery in a separate ‘valuables’ box

What to wear while I drive

Being in a cramped car for three days will comfy. It’ll be 30C+ degrees, hot hot hot! Anyone that has been on long road trips should know how to dress, but if it’s your first time here’s an example outfit.

A skirt won’t be too comfortable, so shorts or play suits are a must. Light coloured clothes will deflect light/heat more than darker. Jersey cotton is comfortable and breathable choice. For shoes, open-toe ballet flats are my go-to, but some would prefer sandals. To top it all off, a pair of cute sunglasses will protect the eyes and some cute hair clips would help to pin back your hair. These are the type of outfits that I will be wearing on this hot summer trip!

Well, I’ll be testing how this all goes in a few days, and reporting back with how my move went! I’ll be driving 1722km/1070miles in the space of 3 days, it should be very tiring. I’ll see you soon with my next Outfit Photo Friday.

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

Contemporary Take on Classic Nails

Today we’ll be looking at a ‘Contemporary Take on Classic Nails’. So, what we know about western nail polish history and trends is that, to begin with, women painted their nails in the 1920’s with car paints, oh dear. Fire-engine red nails and simple French Manicures were the most popular nail looks during the 1950’s. Both are timeless and versatile, and I will be giving tutorials on both, like my ‘Smile of a Silver Screen Star’ post, but with a twist added.

Okay, so again before this tutorial, you want to make sure your nails, and hands, are in good condition.

-          Start by making sure you have no remaining nail polish on your nails.

-          It’s a good idea to moisturize your hands regularly, maybe before bed?

-          Remember your cuticles! Cuticle oil, or almond oil, will nourish these.

For both tutorials you will need:

-          a strong white nail polish

-          a basic top coat polish

-          nail polish remover

French Manicure

On to the classic, the French manicure! You can find high and low tutorials on the old-school French mani, however today I’m putting a spin on this old girl.

You will need:

-          a sheer pink or peach, a neutral colour

-          a dotting tool, you could use a skewer or tooth pick here

Let’s start!

1.        Begin by painting a classic white French tip over the top of your nails. If you are a little inexperienced, and/or it got messy, use some polish remover to clean that up now.

2.        Get out your dotting tool! Just below the French tip, make a row of dots. Depending on your nail/dot tool size, the amount of dots could be from 4 to 6. Try to make them as even as possible.

3.        Between the dots you just made and the tip, make another row of dots where they fit. Not directly above the dots you’ve made, but diagonally.

4.        If you’d like an accent nail, choose a nail or few to fill in with dots, like so.

5.        After the polish has dried, polish over with a thin coat of your neutral-coloured nail polish

6.        After that coat has dried, apply a top coat to ensure a longer life!

Voila, cést tres mignon, non? I hope you like!

Vintage Red

Now, for something a little more show-stopping, red, red, red! The vintage classic, with another twist!

You will need:

-          Either one really strong red polish or 3 reds in varying dark/light tones.

-          Card

-          Dipping water

-          Mini brush

Start your engines!

1.        Apply a strong white coat of nail polish to your whole nails.

2.        Find your lightest shade of polish, or begin mixing your polish on a piece of card, add water to dilute it. I didn't like the use of water as well as different polishes, as nail polish is a lacquer it doesn't mix well with water.

3.        Apply this shade like a very thick French tip with a mini brush, you can see here an example of width.

4.        After the previous coat has dried, apply the second shade darker (by either mixing a new diluted colour, or a different polish) so that you can still see the first shade, leave a few millimetres, or whatever your preference. Repeat as many times as you prefer, leaving a tip for whatever size preference.

5.        It may end up messy so you may need to go over spots or remove spots.

6.        Apply a very thin layer of non-diluted red over the entire nail

7.        Finish again with a top coat, you can’t go wrong here!

Achieving this look takes practice, so good on you if you mastered it (I know I haven’t, yet)! If not, there’s always next time.

Also, I have to share with you my most recent purchases! I bought so much this week it feels like a waste If I don’t. 3 pencil skirts, a dress, sunglasses, a purse, a card holder/wallet and a cardigan and tank top set.

In total it all cost me $35, not too bad if I say so myself!

This post was a challenge taking all of those photos! I’m rather glad how it turned out though. I hope you enjoyed it! Maybe it could be a little project for this Sunday afternoon, how nice. My next post will be titled ‘Channeling Your Inner (Audrey) Hepburn – Funny Face’, I hope you will tune in to see it on Wednesday morning (GMT 10+).

Love Claire, xo.

Smile of a Silver Screen Star

In this post, tutorials will be given on how to achieve vintage lipstick looks with the help of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.

Before applying lip make up, you want your lips to be in good condition. If they seem a little dried out, you can exfoliate them gently with a wet cloth or tooth brush. Another tip is to begin regularly applying lip balm before bed.

Marilyn Monroe

Firstly, the famous retro lips!  This is the most Marilyn sported the full lip look very well. It is and iconic of the 1950’sand can turn most looks into appearing retro- inspired, if done correctly.

1. Line your lips a little over the natural lip line. This makes the lips look really full and ‘old Hollywood glamorous’. Make sure you line the full round cupids bow. Warning: You do NOT want this to be noticeable at all, just a teensy bit past the natural line.
2. Fill your lips with the liner in a shade that matches the red lipstick of choice.
3. Apply lipstick to cover the lips entirely, in brush or stick form.
4. Lips should be blended perfectly. Lip gloss can be applied over for a glossy shine or left matte, Marilyn was seen wearing both on separate occasions. If liner is obviously too over-drawn, it is advisable to start from scratch, better no lip stick rather than clown make-up!

Extra tip: Sweeping a light, neutral coloured eye shadow over the middle of the bottom lip and the cupids bow (and blending) will make the lips really stand out! I do not know how this would look over glossy lips, and therefore do not advise it without experimenting yourself.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey would say “For attractive lips, speak words of kindness”, but we’re looking for advice a little less metaphorical. For starters, she preferred a classic matte or satin lipstick over lip gloss. Audrey usually wore browns and light pinks on her lips, rarely red. Audrey emulated this look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

1. Fill your lips lightly with darker pink lip liner, and then the bottom lip. If you choose to line the upper lip, do it very lightly as she did not have the common fifties look of a fuller upper lip. Smooth this over so it isn't too sharp looking.
2. The exact colour of her lipstick is unknown, to the best that I can describe it is a light mauve. It was not very dark, maybe a shade or two darker than her natural lip colour.
3. The lips should be looking quite light and fresh. Make sure the liner and lipstick blends and that it isn't too sharp or full looking.

Warnings: Remember – no gloss! It is a matte look you want to achieve here.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on retro lips, and look forward to my next post titled ‘Channelling Your Inner (Audrey) Hepburn – Paris When it Sizzles’. See you then!

Love Claire, xo.