“Real people wearing real clothes. MORE MORE MORE!” That’s a comment from Mamamia’s Wardrobe Week post, which we published two weeks ago. So here we are for post number 2.
If you missed last week’s post, here’s what you need to know: Wardrobe Week is about you and what you’re wearing. We asked you to send us photos of what you wear on a regular day – whether you’re at work, at home with the kids, at uni or taking to the couch and watching Ellen.
In this week’s gallery we have:
Carly Findlay: I wear this on Sundays when I go to the farmers market and hanging around the house. The tee is from a Bob Evans concert, the cords are Just Jeans circa 2003 - they are just so comfy and don't scrape my legs like jeans can – shoes are Converse and headband is Mimco.
Meaghan Smith: Meaghan Smith is a personal stylist. You can check out here website here.
How would you describe your style? Classic/chic. I like to mix up my outfits with pieces I’ve bought from designers, discount stores and op/vintage shops.
Do you have a favourite piece of clothing or accessory? For sentimental reasons it would be a black mohair jumper my Nana, who passed away recently, made me when I first started working at 18. I put the wool on lay-by by I received my first pay. I still wear it often in winter.
Carly Findlay: Carly Findlay is a writer, blogger, community tv presenter, communication student, music lover and fashionista. You can follow her on Twitter here, check out her blog here and see her portfolio here.
How would you describe your style? Stylish, comfortable, affordable and layered. I like bright colours. I love dresses! I also need to ensure I keep warm and protected from the sun and wind, and so I almost always wear a long sleeved tee under my clothes, and carry a jacket or cardi. I also like brooches. I like jewellery that is is minimal but also makes a statement.
Do you have a favourite piece of clothing or accessory? I love all my clothes! I have a beautiful handmade glass bracelet my Dad chose for me on a holiday in Tasmania. It’s purple and gold – the only piece of gold jewellery I wear. I also really like the pink vintage dress I bought recently.
Kate O’Bree: Kate is a a newly-minted country girl studying journalism at CSU- trying to navigate her future, renovations and being a domestic goddess simultaneously. Follow her here
How would you describe your style? Classic: trench coats, cropped jeans, ballet flats.
Do you have a favourite piece of clothing or accessory? Red dresses! I never like to be one of the crowd wearing an LBD; my staple is a great red dress!
If you want to get involved.. get in touch. You can send us a week’s worth or clothes, or just a couple of days or even just a picture of you in your favourite outfit. Just send us an email to wardrobeweek@mamamia.com.au or for more info, check out this post.
We’ll be sending all our participants a little something to say thanks.
Now over to you. What’s your favourite piece of clothing or accessory?
Comments
78 Comments so far
Kate, you have inspired me. I am a uni student too and struggle with my limited budget… but your outfits are so chic! I love your Big W LBD & white jeans especially.
Carly & Meaghan, love your style as well!
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Oh thankyou! luckily I go to uni in the country not the city, the limited shopping options certainly help me restrain myself!
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Carly I have small feet and I feel the frustration!
I buy most of my shoes from Wittners- true to size shoes.
Where do you buy yours?
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Small feet as as bothersome as big feet, right!? Size 5 is a pain!
I have some Wittner ones, and the smallest Target size which is still a bit big. And I’ve found cheap shops in China Town are good for heels. Those black flats that I am wearing in some of the pics had a hole in them recently, so I had to throw them out – I wore them so much.
With sneakers, I’m ok to buy a size 6 and the same with boots as I wear them with socks. Once I had some shoes on that were a bit too big and I fell out of them while holidaying in Tasmania and did a drop roll on the concrete. My parents were furious and laughing at the same time!
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One cheeky advantage to size 5 feet….children’s runners…half the price….and children’s Walnut ballet flats….half the price and same styles as the women’s range….. My 7 and 5 year old daughters thought it was hilarious when I bought some Walnuts from the childrens shoe shop where I buy there’s… They are one line too. Super soft leather.
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Just gorgeous, everyone! I love this topic. Tempted to join in, but not sure.
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Do it!!
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A general comment: I. LOVE.THIS.POST.!!!!!!!!!
Also LOVE all the outfits from everybody so far.
And a third one to Carly: You look fantastic, and those shift dresses suit you very well.
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Aww your comments are so lovely. Thank you x
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I only looked at this page because of Carly. She’s awesome. And a good dresser, apparently.
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Haha thanks An Idle Dad!
You rock too.
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Carly, your dresses are awesome!
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Thanks Joey – I never used to be a dress girl, but they are just so easy to wear!
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LOVE Carly’s Sportgirl floral blazer… I want one!
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Thank you! I think you can get similar at ASOS now – mine was bought in 2010.
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Dying over meaghan’s French connection white shirt! Love it so much! My sister always jokes that every top I have has frills on it! Definitely my style
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Thanks Laura. The shirt is a few seasons old now but you might find something similar on ASOS (just type in Pussy Bow Blouse)
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Carly you look AMAZING!!!!
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Thanka Dani – it was so much fun! Gosh I love dressing up!
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I know I’ve already commented…but I am just so chuffed how this worked out!
For the record – today I slobbed around in my pyjamas.
As I wrote on my blog earlier – I love that Mia and the team have embraced this concept, and that readers want more. Body image and body diversity is so much more than size (and fashion is more than unattainable prices), and it’s really good that you’re showcasing a wide range of people. Thanks for including me, and I definitely encourage so many others to get involved.
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Love, Love, Love it!! Three more very stylish ladies again this week. Thankyou for the inspiration. Now I’m off to my wardrobe to try and get a bit creative……..
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The only downside to these posts is that they immediately send me scurrying off to ebay and online shops to try to find the pieces I love, or at least something similar. So nice to see gorgeous, stylish ladies who aren’t blinged and labelled to the hilt. Thank you for the wardrobe inspiration!
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Fabulous style from everyone. Love the mix of op shop and quality which certainly reflects how I shop. Are there any Peter Morrisey dresses left at BigW ?
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Nope I bought it last winter but every season he releases a few staples like that which are so well priced ( he also does some shoes and lingere)
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I love this whole idea, real people do have some nice clothes!
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Wow! Meaghan is my sister and I think she looks great in these pics as she always does. Meag, not only are you great at what you do, my teenage daughters think you are wonderful too. They are always saying ‘I wonder what Meme thinks I should wear’ whenever they are going out..xxx Thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement and advice you give to me and many others. Keep up the great workxx
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That’s so nice! Thank you. Really my passion for styling and helping women look and feel good about themselves, came from helping my mum, sisters and nieces shop and put outfits together. So thank you x
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Those turquoise jeans are amazing on Carly, am tempted to give them a try myself!! Meaghan I love your mix of high end and sale/op shop, gives me hope that I will one day pair a Givenchy Nightingale like that with my op shop loves
Great post, a brilliant Saturday morning read x
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Thanks Emma. I do like to mix (what I call Chic on a Budget) bargain finds up with designer pieces. I feel more creative when I put outfits together and dress that way.
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When I saw I was featured with these two gorgeous ladies I admit I freaked out a little, but it works so well. We are all different ages, have different styles and from different walks of life- it comes together seamlessly if I do say so myself!
Carly i LOVE your dresses (spesh that jeanswest purple, pink & white one) and Meaghan you just nail it every outfit- I wish I had that same styling ability!
What I wrote under my outfits makes me look like such a cheapskate hah! But in all honestly with renovations and being a student I am pretty stingy when it comes to buying clothes. Actually I think I’ll always be stingy not matter how much I earn- temt will always be my favourite spot to snag a bargain!
Thanks MM, lots of fun! x
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Loved your outfits Kate. Thanks for being involved!!!
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I wish somebody would compile a post about the secrets of op-shopping. I tend to walk into a thrift store, freak out, and then leave again… but I know there are bargains to be had. How do you find these gorgeous things, ladies?
I also wondered if anybody could comment on the quality of Cotton On ? How’s it doing these days? Are there things to avoid?
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check out op shops closest to well to do areas.
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I love cotton on, spesh in sales. I go in once a week to scout for bargains but I don’t always buy something.
Shopping for bargains is like working the stock market- you’ve got to constantly be in the know!
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I feel like Supre does better quality tees, leggings and tanks than Cotton On (they feel thicker) but I own about 8 Cotton On cardigans. I’ve recently had bad experiences with quality from both.
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I have an op shop blog Ber, and I also wrote a post here a while back about why you should op shop.
Links are here:
http://www.mamamia.com.au/author/bek-mcgrath-2/
My advice is to explore the op shops in your area, have lots of patience and go back regularly. Often the good stuff is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. If you find it overwhelming, just concentrate on one area for a while until you feel more at ease. For instance, every week go in and just look at the racks of tops, nothing else. Expand your looking as you feel better. Chat to the ladies working there and find out when they put out their new stock, and go on that day.
Give it a try- I love op shopping
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I think the real trick with op shops (or any designer recycled shopping) is that you need to know what gaps there are in your wardrobe as well as your limits as to what may pop up but isnt on your list. And if you are looking to match something, take it with you – memory doesnt work in op shops!
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Personally I think Cotton On is rubbish, and often very overpriced for what it is ($50 for a wrinkly cotton shirt dress that already has loose threads and buttons? No thanks). Kmart is cheaper and better quality.
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Yep, Cotton On clothing is terriblE quality, I’ve only bought kids stuff, itblooks ok new but it doesn’t wash or last well and it stains badly.
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I’ve been op shopping for the best part of a decade through necessity and it really is a matter of checking in regularly. Some days there might be three things you want, other days you walk out empty handed.
I’ve got great wear out of my clothes (geneally wearing them till they fall apart). I work with a whole stack of amazingly dressed ladies and love it when they compliment me and I know my whole outfit cost $12.
Finally at a point in life where I have a little more cash to spend on clothes. Spent all morning looking in proper retail shops and walked out empty handed. Definitely up for some op shopping tomorrow – old habits die hard
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Honestly, I think the only real secret to op shopping is patience. You have to be willing to wade through A LOT of crap to get to a gem. Think of it as a marathon. You might have to visit 10 op-shops before you find something as gorgeous as Meaghan’s red and blue top. But when you DO find a gem, oh m gosh it’s worth it!
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Yes to everything everyone said about patience and being brave when you purchase. I also think you need to be prepared to make a few mistakes. Just be honest when you get home and donate it back, dont leave it hanging around for to long. Also be prepared to change buttons, change hem lengths and alter clothes yourself if you have the capacity / knowledge. I have bought great dresses and made them into skirts, added belts, cut off sleeves. Sometimes all it takes is changing the buttons like Meaghan did!
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Hi Ber,
Op-shopping can be a bit hit & miss. Sometimes there are great things to be found, & other times there’s nothing. But it does help if you have a strategy & know what to look for. When I found the red, white & blue shirt I wrote a piece on my blog called, How to Find a Unique Treasure in an Op-Shop. (I’ll try & attach the link but I’m not sure it’ll work) http://meaghansmith.com.au/2012/01/19/how-to-find-a-unique-treasure-in-an-op-shop/
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Thanks for all the advice, ladies. It appears that I lack the patience virtue. But I feel inspired…
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Nice work girls … you look woohoo gorgeous
On my soapbox – love this so much more than photoshopped, airbrushed celebs!! Big thanks MM.
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Thank you Susan
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Great!! I actually already have a couple of the tops Kate is wearing, so now I have a few more styling ideas!
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I’d love to send in photos, but I have no well-lit blank walls anywhere in my house.
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Bookworm – my friend let me do the photoshoot at her house, as she has lovely white walls in a sunny room, and is a great photographer. Maybe you can ask a friend too?
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Thanks for the tip Carly, I’ll see if any of my friends can oblige.
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I’ve got some lovely clothes (well I think they are), but I’m one of those that doesn’t like how I look in photos….
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Maybe you can take pic’s of the outfits ‘set up ‘Like a look book.
I am sure you look just fine btw but I get how you might be a little shy, you’re not alone on that one
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Do it outside on a nice sunny day
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I could do that, but Mamamia seems to want a white wall. I could go outside and stand against the garage wall, easy.
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Doesn’t have to be a white wall! Just same backdrop for each of your shots.
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Love that shrunken blazer, striped
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Catwalk fashion is all about art and design and trends – people shouldn’t take it too seriously at all………..just as Lady Ga Ga ( who is genuinely a brilliant musician, vocalist, composer and dancer) uses her clothing as a “theatrical event” when she’s in public – this kind of fashion is all about “being talked about”………..me, I’ve tried to wear what’s comfortable for my work……. I haven’t worn high heels for over 25 years, or pantihose (except on stage), or short skirts or anything that’s hot – I try to stick to cotton or cheesecloth……..I’ll always be a bit of a hippy I guess – but make-up’s fun and it isn’t affected by my shape thank goodness ….lol.
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I love this but I also genuinely loved the galleries of super fashiony girls from all over the world and really miss it!
Can MM have both?
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Yes we can! And we do! And we will! I don’t think it has to be either/or.
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When I read meaghan was a stylist I thought she was going to be all about luxe brands – great to see someone so into fashion embrace chain stores! And doesn’t she look fab? Love your all your dresses too Carly!
Another great Wardrobe Week!
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Thanks May,
I think there is still a misconception that stylists are just for celebrities and wealthy people. I am very aware that some people don’t have a lot of money to spend on clothes, or like myself, have other priorities & don’t necessarily want to spend a lot of money. In fact, I try to show people on my blog & on my Facebook page that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to dress stylishly. I also take shopping trips, which I call “Chic on a Budget” where we’ll shop in places like Big W, Target, K-mart among others.
Don’t get me wrong, I certainly love my designer brands, but I’m realistic and I have other things to spend my money on so I like to mix things up. (Besides I think it’s more creative to do it)
Cheers,
Meaghan
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love this!! going to go find the previous one now!
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All 3 of you ladies are super-stylish! Keep up the good work
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Thanks Nicki
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this is great – thanks MM and the contributors
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Carly you rock – love your style!
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Thank you so much
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Love this way more than the cat walk fashions keep it coming.
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Oooh I love this – Meaghan – your vintage navy and red top is fab, as is the shrunken blazer with stripes.
And Kate – I love that Big W Morrissey dress.
Thanks for having me, MM!
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Carly, thanks for getting involved!
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Carly! You hugged Sam Johnson!?!?!!? I am super jealous!
You all look gorgeous
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D – haha thank you. Sam is so so lovely. He showed me the “couple pose”. Here’s a video of it: http://carlyfindlay.blogspot.com.au/p/meeting-rush-cast-youtube-video.html (hope it’s ok to post here)
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Oh my gosh! hahaha! loved it! Have been in love with him since I was 12 and watched ‘The secret life of us’ with my mummy ;D. You are one lucky girl xox
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Haha thank you – glad you enjoyed it! He is THE LOVELIEST! Well aside from Callan! I saw him again at a play and the logies (am not a stalker) and he asked me if I remembered him. OF COURSE I FREAKIN’ REMEMBERED HIM!!!
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HAHA! Oh stop it!! I am beginning to turn green! x
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I have only just discovered op-shopping (now that I’m a student again), and I am so happy to see people not afraid to show off their used bargains! Damn, I love a bargain – I am one of those people who would rather show off how little I paid for something than how much or what label it was!
Carly, I love your ‘girly’ dress!
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Wow, great outfits. You all look amazing. I’m so enjoying Wardrobe Week, I hope it turns into a regular feature.
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Ladies, you all look fabulous!! thanks MM for such a great post, i much prefer to look at what real girls wear than the photoshopped girls in mags wear.
thanks MM, keep up the great work!
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