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Ethical Fashion in Australia

Posted on December 6, 2018

Photo by Tochi Onwubiko on Unsplash

When it comes to fashion, sustainability is truly the key word of the decade, and for a good reason. The fast fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world and its impact on the environment is devastating. However, there is a silver lining here – more and more people are becoming aware of the state of our environment and are turning to ethical fashion in order to try and preserve it, which resulted in an increasing number of brands that are hopping on the sustainability train. Prepare to feel optimistic as you read through the list of some Australian labels that exist in this sphere of fashion.

Reformation

Photo by Rebecca Orlov | Orlov Design Co on Unsplash

Reformation is a brand that has always been committed to sustainable fashion. Apart from using deadstock fabric and repurposed vintage clothing to make their designs, they also avoid cotton and opt for more environmentally-conscious fabric options such as Tencel, viscose and Modal. They also have a practice of publishing a quarterly sustainability report to their consumers, which makes them a great ethical brand you can feel good about buying and wearing.

Adidas

Although Adidas is an extremely popular brand in Australia and the rest of the world, not many people are aware of the fact that it’s one of the most ethical fashion brands. Being careful about the impact on our planet while still creating extremely fashionable Adidas sneakers, they are truly leading by example. Fashion designer Stella McCartney has even teamed up with this company in order to create a revamped vegan version of the classic Stan Smith model and support sustainability and cruelty-free fashion.

Spell The Label

Photo by Nazym Jumadilova on Unsplash

Spell is an Australian label that designs beautiful bohemian clothing, but they are also very committed to sustainable fashion. Their plan for 2025 is presented on their website in detail, consisting of the transparency of their supply chain and the use of sustainable fibers, as well as environmentally-friendly dye and printing practices, just to name a few. They are already using ecologically-conscious fabrics, such as Modal and Tencel, but are in the process of incorporating recycled nylon and organic cotton into their production process as well. As far as dyes and prints are concerned, their focus is on the responsible use of water, energy and chemicals.

Bon

Bon originally started with the idea to create an excellent line of staple t-shirts that can be dressed up or dressed down and worn on many occasions for years to come. But apart from their versatility, they also have a strong commitment to sustainability. They use certified organic cotton jersey for all of their t-shirts and sweaters, which is spun, woven and dyed in Australia in a certified, eco-friendly manner. Their leggings are also made from lycra derived from recycled PET bottles, and the lining from unused parts of cotton plants at a factory with near 100% recycling.

KowTow

KowTow is a New Zealand label that makes incredibly chic and wearable staple pieces. They pride themselves in using sustainably sourced materials, while being exceptionally ethical. In an effort to eliminate the slave trade, they also provide certified rights and safety to all of their workers.

KitX

Photo by Coline Haslé on Unsplash

Each KitX collection is full of luxurious, intricately designed pieces that often feature asymmetrical hemlines and unexpected cut-outs. But apart from being highly fashionable, their clothes are also made using eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Their main focus is on the traceability of fibers that go into their fabrics, which is why they only use certified organic, renewable and recycled manmade fibers, as well as non-hazardous working materials. Not only do they put a lot of effort into making sure they don’t damage the environment, but they are also very serious about the fair treatment of their workers.

Well Made Clothes

Although they do produce some clothing items under their own label, Well Made Clothes is less of a brand and more of a hub for sustainable and ethical fashion lovers. They stock a large variety of Australian, as well as global fashion labels that abide by ethical and sustainable practices, meaning you can rest assured the clothes you wear were produced responsibly if you choose to buy them here.

While fashion practices are slowly starting to shift throughout the industry, we, as consumers, are the ultimate creators of change. With that in mind, there has never been a better time to support brands and labels that are leading the way in creating a cleaner and greener future.

fashion

Dress like an Influencer – by Claire Hastings

Posted on October 3, 2018

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In a year when the focus was shifted to female empowerment, it’s no surprise that the message has also manifested through beauty and fashion choices. Influential women have picked out the best beauty and fashion trends for the upcoming season and they are here to help you dress for the perfect fall look with these amazing tips:

Popular prints

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We’re forgetting everything we thought we knew this season – zebra and leopard are back in a big way. Animal prints are seen all over Instagram lately, and the trend is here to stay. Apart from snake, zebra and cheetah patterns, it looks like leopard-print coats and shoes are going to be the biggest hits this season.

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Plaid is always a popular trend, and this season is no different. However, you can spice things up this fall by mixing different materials, or even different color plaid pieces together, for the ultimate fashion look.

Flares are always in

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This season is all about mixing the free-spirited hippy vibe with a polished high-fashion look, for a truly dramatic look. Check out some of the beautiful Ellery pieces, which embody this trend perfectly.

Inventive Layering

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From a new way to tie your old scarf and trench coat together, to an interesting shirtdress, elegant flats and trouser combination, this season is all about adventurous layering ideas, so don’t be afraid to experiment with a bold new look.

Red, red, red

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This fiery, powerful color has been spotted all over the social media lately. Although it is not a trend on its own, wearing red as a monochromatic look is definitely a statement trend that is sure to grab all the attention.

Power lips

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Not only is red popular in fashion, but it is also a recurring makeup trend. A bold bright red lip with a touch of gold highlight on the Cupid’s bow is the biggest beauty trend this fall.

Glossy lips give off a youthful feminine energy this season is all about. That’s why neutral-colored lips (or even colorless) with a delicate sheen are a big hit you wouldn’t want to miss.

Perfect skin

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Skin is always in, but this fall it’s all about the prep. Instead of layers of heavy foundation, focus on moisturizers, primers and strobe creams to achieve that perfect, radiant complexion.

Summer’s bronze trend is being replaced this season with peachy pink blushes that gently warm up the face, bring out the cheekbones, and create a radiant feminine look. Bold contouring is finally a thing of the past. This fall beauty influencers are only lightly contouring their cheeks to play up the natural shape of their face and subtly bring out their natural beauty.

Beautiful eyes

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Alluring, provocative smoky eyes are another great trend to watch out for. Go for dark shades of brown and black, don’t shy away from gels and liners, smudge it out, pair it with a nude lip, and you are ready to rock. If you are a woman who likes to keep her lines simple and eyes defined, then you are in luck. Precisely waterlined eyes are a big hit this season. They allow you to contour your eyes and define their natural shape, and they are a brilliant way of subtly wearing eyeliner.

Summer’s glitter trend is not going anywhere this season. Shimmery eyeshadows, light-catching highlighter, and glittery lips are a great way to brighten up a plain makeup look and an easy way to transform any look from day to night.
Polished, sophisticated tan eyeshadow is the perfect fall trend. Whether you go for a classic no makeup makeup look, or choose to pair them with a bold wine lip, flattering camel and golden brown shades give you a great variety of options to explore.

Corporate chic hair

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Hair slicked back into perfect buns and ponytails is a trend you can’t miss this season. If this hairstyle is too clean for you, accessorize it with thin headbands or statement hair clips for a more dramatic look.

This season women are not afraid to make a statement with their bold outfits and eye-catching looks, and who better to truly embody this newly found confidence than the powerful social media influencers.

Follow Claire here!

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Australia Fashion Week Resort 2018 Trends – by Claire Hastings

Posted on June 14, 2018

Although resort trends and collections don’t bear the same significance as those presented during the spring and fall fashion weeks, they actually have a much bigger commercial significance. Namely, not only are the pieces presented on resort runways more timeless and devoid of the trendiness that often marks the other collections, they actually have a bigger staying power, and not only in our wardrobes but in stores as well. Aside from their more timeless vibe, these are the perfect layering pieces that you can rock both in the hotter as well as the cooler season, due to both the fabric choices that allow for chic layering and the timelessness of the pieces themselves. This is why it’s extremely important to see what these collections have to say, because chances are, they’ll be in our wardrobe arsenal for much longer than pieces from those more coveted lines. Of course, it’s also time to bring the Australian design talent into the spotlight and ultimately make Sydney a fashion capital of the same importance as the rest of them.

Minimalism comes from Melbourne

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It’s no secret that, in Australia, Melbourne does wonders with black and their own version of minimalism. Hence, the appearance of amazing minimal pieces comes as no surprise, and we’re particularly fond of the all-black sandal collection presented by A. Amery. There were classic flat slides, T-bar gladiators as well as crisscross style sandals that wrap at the ankle. They are every minimalist’s dream summer shoe, and we have no doubt that fashionistas from the Northern Hemisphere will jump at the opportunity to snag them, particularly if they’re tired of the platform crocks and other ugly shoes.

Away from the body

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The oversized and modest fashion trends have been ruling the runways for quite some time now, but we haven’t seen anyone execute the trend in the way that Akira Isogawa has. In the ‘resort spirit’, stripes were present, but unlike in other resort collections all over the world, they weren’t full of ‘sunshine and rainbow hues’. Instead, Isogawa brought dark shades of blue, gray, red, and then a bit of white for good measure and a bit of brightness. The designs are also like nothing we’ve seen so far. The dresses are not made to be fitted, but in an almost deconstructed way with interesting and mild layers, and we particularly love the asymmetrical moment on the sleeves which is both whimsical and bold.

When pastel met minimal

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One wouldn’t normally associate colors with minimalism, but Bianca Spender did such a wonderful job that it left us completely in awe. There were some traditionally minimalistic pieces such as breathtaking and extraordinary black jumpsuits as well as Australian signature white dresses, but a pop of color caught us off guard, particularly in the form of the royal blue sharp and minimal suit. However, the real surprise was the meshing of minimal yet intricate design with gentle pastel hues. Spender made it quite clear that minimalism certainly doesn’t have to be devoid of color, bold or gentle, and we have a sneaking suspicion that even the die-hard minimalists will be tempted by dresses like these.

The best of athleisure

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Well, when it comes to Double Rainbouu, the runway was full of, well, everything. From ironic T-shirt logos that had tabloid newspapers’ names instead of the actual brand, to surfer shorts, hoodies, chunky dad sneakers and prints for days. The only thing missing was a great Fendi bag and the over-the-top athleisure mission would have been complete. We can’t say with certainty whether this is paying homage to athleisure or the beach vibes – perhaps it’s taking athleisure to new levels or places – like the beach. Black and simple one-piece swimsuits did make an appearance, accompanied by a murky kimono-looking shirt, which is completely unexpected from the boho and color-loving Aussies, but perhaps it’s time to shelf the boho for a while and move on to something else.

True resort

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Leave it up to the likes of Ginger & Smart to bring us the resort every real classically stylish vacationer or simple summer-breeziness lover craves. Aside from the whimsical dresses made out of flower petals (which one could easily rock to a classy evening event), the rest of the looks were simply stunning and worthy of the French Riviera. Color-block dresses with a hint of tulle, sharp lines in gorgeous dusty blue shades, classic striped resort sundresses – this is what we’ve been craving. You can almost feel the delicate and breathable fabrics that will look stunning in the warm summer wind, and among all resort collections, this is the one we predict will be the most coveted one.

Follow Claire here!

Fitness

Athleisure Aussie Style – by Claire Hastings

Posted on April 4, 2018

Anyone who’s ever been to Australia knows that our neighbors from the Down Under are pretty damn active. From surfing to netball and beach volleyball, is it any wonder that most of them look so hot and gorgeous when the love of sports and outdoor activities seems to be the favorite national pastime? Gymwear and athleisure are a lifestyle, and no one can pull off that slouchy, cool, I-do-push-ups-for-fun kind of chic like an Aussie can. Whether you’re interested in becoming more active or you simply want to up your athleisure game, here are some cool style tips and brands that can help you pull off that sassy gym look with ease.

Yoga every damn day

Photo by David Kuba on Unsplash

Yoga fanatics (or just those who favor yoga pants) are particularly fond of brands such as Dharma Bums, an activewear brand that was founded by Debbie Lawson, the famous guru back in 2013. Outdoor yoga is a huge thing in Australia, and some people actually make a living from creating Instagram and other social media profiles where they post a lot of pictures incorporating spiritual yoga poses with beautiful scenery to serve as a backdrop. Stylishness is important, and Dharma Bums offers elastic, high-quality stretch materials that don’t hinder movement, and it’s possibly the very reason why even people who don’t practice yoga are fond of this activewear. Comfort comes before all, but that absolutely doesn’t have to mean that it can’t be chic as well, so if you’re looking to pull off a slinky little yoga look, we suggest a vibrant, patterned pair of tight yoga pants with a solid black or gray top.

Combining pieces

The trick to pulling off that laidback Aussie style is knowing how to combine your pieces. This is First Base brand is spectacularly simple, but they embrace that old-school sporty vibe and pair body contoured clothes with other pieces that are loose-fitting, slouchy, and an absolute joy to wear. There’s nothing as great as a slouchy tee and leggings to not only get you through a workout, but through a regular day as well. You see, this is what athleisure is all about, a movement that helps busy people who need a way to get from work, to pick up the kids, and then go back to the gym without much fuss and changing in between. This is your everyday cool outfit, so just throw on a denim jacket over it to zhoosh it up a little, and maybe wear a cool pair of sunglasses and a messy bun to complete the look.

Sport as a passion

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Healthy lifestyle is what adventure-seekers are all about, and if you like to train, or just need a fun way to get in shape, the right outfit is incredibly important. You know how they claim you can’t have both high fashion and sporty comfort in one? Aussies beg to differ. People who play popular sports understand the motivation behind wearing something that makes you look good, so stepping into the room with a custom netball uniform that happens to be cute as hell is totally what they’re all about. We love that attitude – regardless of whether you surf or play rugby, or just happen to be a gym rat, fashion is still within your reach and you can indulge in it as much as you like.

Off Duty

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While Australian weather is warm, evenings can still be cool, and layering your outfit properly is the ticket to both style and comfort. If you want to upgrade your getup and really make it special, a good jacket is required, and picking out something from Adidas by Stella McCartney collection is a perfect way to get that fashion diva vibe. The whole collection is very cute, very girly, and excellent to wear when you want to take a selfie, so find a hoodie to go with your shoes and enjoy your activewear.

Ready to pull your sneakers out and hit the pavement? Gymwear is slowly becoming daytime wear, and in Australia we’re already seeing people embrace this trend of comfort and leading a healthy lifestyle, so let it inspire you to start your own fitness journey.

Follow Claire here!

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Winter Fashion Guide – by Claire Hastings

Posted on January 20, 2018

Winter is a tough fashion customer that is very hard to please. You want to remain stylish as ever, be able to finish work and head out for drinks without having to go home and change before heading out again, and accomplish all of that without freezing. There are of course holidays with family to take into account and all the appropriate outfits to plan, and let us not forget about all those parties and perhaps even quick holiday getaways. Indeed, winter is tricky to maneuver, but that’s why we’re here. To make outfit planning easier so your style never has to give up in the face of harsh weather and multiple events and special occasions.

Photo by Frank Flores on Unsplash

Casual Saturday’s
The probability that there are people who don’t live for those wonderful strolls on Saturday afternoons is incredibly low. We all long for that time when the work week is behind us and Monday seems so far away. The perfect outfit for hopping around the town has to consist of a great pair of straight leg, dark-wash jeans that hug your body just right, a cozy turtleneck sweater (so you don’t have to bother with a scarf), a grey coat and a great crossbody bag that leaves the hands free to hold those takeaway coffees or snapping photos. Of course, even casual Saturdays deserve an extra dose of chic, and that can be best accomplished with an amazing pair of embroidered ankle boots that have the ability to elevate any given outfit, but are still comfy enough to spend an entire afternoon in.

Photo by Pete Bellis on Unsplash

High-style Office Attire
One of the best things to strut down this year’s runways is the plaid trend. Plaid has always been associated with professionalism, but unlike the ‘work uniforms’ of yore, designers made it their goal to create plaid-patterned garments that contain the perfect mix of playfulness and office appropriateness. This month put those high-rise pants (Tome) in a pungent yellow plaid pattern to work. You can mix them with a classic black button-down or a simple blouse and a fitted blazer and what you get is an outfit that looks amazing in office light but that can easily be taken for drinks afterwards.

Photo by Pete Bellis on Unsplash

A Quick Getaway
If you live in the part of the world where January means low temps and gloomy skies, the holidays might just be the perfect time to make a break for it and head somewhere warm and breezy. Of course, for this venture, you’ll need to turn up the heat in your suitcase as well, and aside from the pastel swimsuits that will be dominating next summer, make sure you pack only the finest designer resort wear – beach kaftans, luxurious robes, large hats and stylish beach totes. Going away gives you a chance to put your best summer look forward and escape the cold reality if even just for a long weekend.

Photo by Eduard Militaru on Unsplash

If, on the other hand, you’re the type who spends holidays with family, that requires an entirely different attire. Now, there are two ways to go about this. If you have the kind of family who nurtures the tradition of wearing ugly sweaters – well, you will have to go shopping for one. Regular jeans will do the job for the rest of the outfit and as far as the sweater goes, well, there are virtually hundreds of them so just take your pick and if it has to be ugly at least wear it ironically. The other way is of course, the classy way, and this year the chicest family-time appropriate outfit has to be a dark floral dress. As the floral trend has experienced a rebirth of a sort and thanks to the murkier shades it’s no longer reserved for summers only, a long-sleeve long floral dress will look wonderful on those family portraits.

Photo by Arthur Yao on Unsplash

My Girl Wants To Party All The Time
If you don’t go to at least one wild party, it’s like the holidays never happened. Now, for several years the traditional winter party uniform has been a glittery sequin dress in every shade possible. Now things are a tad more subtle so instead of going out full disco-ball mode, opt for something slightly more understated and chicer. You can still get your glam on, but choose your battles. The best way to go is with a gorgeous white or black lace dress, (the cut is up to you) and complete the look with a gorgeous silver or gold sequin blazer. Add some glitter on the eyes, and put that red lipstick to use. You’re ready to be the classiest dancing queen there is.

Follow Claire here!

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6 Aussie Swimwear Trends for 2018

Posted on January 13, 2018

It may seem too soon to look into swimwear trends during the colder months of 2018, but if you want to make the most out of your beach look for the upcoming beach season, there’s no better place to look than Australian beaches. After all, summer and beach season are at their highest peak at the Aussie shores at this moment. Thanks to the different change of seasons in The Land Down Under, you can always rely on fashionable Aussies to set summer trends for the rest of the world to follow for 2018.

Crop top swimsuits

Photo by Remi Bedora on Unsplash

Regardless of your preferred pattern and color, or the shape of the swimsuit bottom, a crop-top for the top bit of a swimsuit is definitely very popular at Australian beaches. And, thanks to the various styles that you can find of a crop-top swimwear option, you can create different looks, from sporty and chic to girly, gentle and romantic. Of course, make sure that you get the best size for you and even look into different sizes when it comes to bottoms and tops of the same swimsuit since a crop-top can look a bit unflattering if it doesn’t fit you perfectly.

Boho patterns, frills and tassels

Photo by Courtney Clayton on Unsplash

It doesn’t matter what cut of a swimsuit you prefer – if your go-to style involves boho vibe, you’re in luck, so far in 2018, Australian beaches are filled with colors, frills and tassels that would make any boho-lover truly excited for the beach time. If this is something that sounds promising to you, definitely check out the Camilla brand of swimsuits, known for its amazing boho swimwear designs.

Sporty yet elegant

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Sporty bikinis and one-piece swimsuits that feel elegant yet gentle at the same time are also really popular this swim season in Australia. Essentially, the “effortless” yet comfy look of these swimsuits allow you to express your personality. Also, you will draw attention to the best aspects of your beach body since they are so minimal yet flatteringly cut. In case this sounds like your cup of tea, you should definitely check out the amazing White Fox Boutique swimwear.

Girly and earthy

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Girly and earthy are the attributes that best describe the popular fashion street style called Mori girl. So, if you’re a fan of that particular style, there’s no doubt that you will find a perfect swimsuit for you among the many choices Peony Swimwear has to offer.

Retro-style swimsuits

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Retro-inspired swimsuits with high-waisted bottoms are still at the top of the trend list when it comes to popular swimwear this beach season. However, every new season brings something new when it comes to the timeless cuts and designs. This year, while the high-waisted trend remains, there’s more interest added with prints, knots and straps. Also, you can easily find tops that pair with high-waisted bottoms but that still combine some other styles like a crop-top or a traditional bikini. In that respect, you have endless possibilities to showcase your personal taste and look your best at the beach.

One-piece swimsuits

Photo by Ana Pavlyuk on Unsplash

A One-piece swimsuit will always be a classic but if you want to make an unforgettable impact on the beach, you just have to take a look at the confident Aussie ladies and the way they can make the classic one-piece more daring and fashionable. Really deep cuts at the front, one-shoulder pieces, straps as an accent detail as well as one-piece swimsuits with long sleeves will not only make you look fabulous but help you make a true fashion statement as well.

These days, fashion is all about wearing your personality freely and openly. This aspect is definitely becoming a part of swimwear trends as well. Just because there’s not a lot of fabric to work with doesn’t mean that you can’t create an incredibly personal beach look that will highlight your best features as well as your individuality. You can trust Aussie ladies on that.

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The Biggest Beach Trends from International Fashion Weeks

Posted on November 5, 2017

Now that summer’s officially over, we can sit back and think about the things that were the trendiest on the beach, and we can definitely try to speculate about the things that will be huge next summer. Seeing fashion runways being transformed into beaches and checking out all the amazing outfits and combinations out there gives us many ideas about the way we want to look next summer. Let’s take a quick look at the most important beach trends this year, that will definitely make an appearance come the next one as well:

Photo by Ana Pavlyuk on Unsplash

1. Swimwear
According to Funkshion (Fashion Week Miami Beach) – the simpler the swimming suit, the better. Having a swimming suit that’s not of a pastel colour was kind of unpopular this year, since the rocking colours were beige, navy blue and white. Things won’t change in the following year either – Issa di Mar’s and Liliana Montoya’s swim collection for the following year also incorporate these colours, with both the one-piece retro and the classic two-piece swimming suit being pulled off, but with a twist. Don’t be surprised if you see someone wearing a two-piece corset-like swimming suit, it’s so much in.

Photo by Jessica Bristow on Unsplash

2. Bags
Woven beach bags have made a comeback this year – and we’re not only talking about the beach. If you have seen a girl rocking one to and from work, she might have been a fashion guru. Taking the very elegant Eugenia Kim Flavia or any bag from Frances Valentine to the beach will surely catch everyone’s attention. Moreover, light, woven backpacks were also dominant on the sandy beaches, and it’s definitely a trend that will be very popular in the following year, as well.

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3. Accessories
You can never go to the beach without being properly accessorized. Having good-quality sunglasses, nice, summer-inspired necklaces and bracelets is something that never goes out of style. According to Elle, one of the most important accessories this year were printed kaftans and cover-ups. If you happened to choose one that’s cheerful and elegant, going without any extra accessories was totally forgivable. Moreover, choosing a nice summer-themed phone case, and nice foot-bracelets can also do the trick.

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4. Shoes and tops
A girl can never spend too much money on shoes, and the ones for the beach also count. Having good footwear and combining it well with the outfit you’ve chosen for that day is totally an eye-catcher. Long tees that you wear as a dress (preferably a single-coloured one with motivational quotes) were very big this year, so mind these during the summer of 2018 too. When it comes to footwear, you don’t (and you shouldn’t) be wearing stilettos – Victoria Secret’s double-strap beach sandals or the classic and elegant Birkenstock shoes were, and will be, a total must-have the coming summer. If your outfit is on point, you can match these with whatever. It doesn’t leave the impression you were trying too hard and, yet, it looks classy and cute.

Photo by Anna Demianenko on Unsplash

5. Hats
The bigger the hat, the cooler you look. A good hat has always been a must for a day at the beach, and this year, big, straw hats were very dominant. They don’t have to have patterns – Ralph Lauren released a summer 2017 straw hat collection with such amazing colours that we wanted to take all of them home. However, the classic big black summer hat was definitely a hit, and it can never go out of style. 2017 proved it, and so will the following year.

The things that make your beach outfit are not the swimming suit you’re wearing. If you keep it minimalistic yet trendy, there will be so many combinations you can make with the clothes and accessories. A tip for next year: choose a simple, beige or brown swimming suit, and you’ll see that everything can match well with it – even your new, tanned skin.

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5 Aussie Activewear Brands you Need to Know

Posted on October 18, 2017

Season after season, activewear (athleisure’s big sister) is only getting bigger and bigger. Everyone’s turning to the comfy and stylish and brands around the world are looking to align their designs with the customers’ needs. As we’re always on the outlook for the next best thing, we’ve given this fashion scene around the world a closer inspection and were pleasantly surprised to find that Australia may just be the leading country this season, at least when it comes to activewear brands.

So, for all of you who love being fashionable but prefer staying comfy, here are the top five Aussie activewear brands you should consider wearing:

HyperLuxe
The pride of Perth’s idyllic North Beach, the family-owned business HyperLuxe successfully blurs the line between casual daywear and workout gear, and works perfectly with modern-day lifestyle. HyperLuxe’s designs are intended for everyone who wants to look stylish and still have the ability to easily switch from a workout to running errands, having coffee with friends, carpool, and more. The brand’s been actively growing for two years now and we’re kind of impressed with the offer they currently have. The brand understands the busy schedules their target customers struggle with and they design to make their (active) lives easier.

Twotags
Lovers of active and healthy lifestyle, all those almost religiously committed to their workout routines will absolutely adore Twotags. The brand that prides on their very specific and focused aesthetics is perfect for athletes and dedicated gym-goers (or trainers) who love to look stylish but keep their fitness regimens uninterrupted. The designs are tailored in such a way that they show off your hard work in a stylish manner.
The brand delivers aesthetic fit and quality products, and they pride on their superb understanding of the market they are designing for. Further, by their own admission, Twotags refuses “to work with department stores & retail middlemen, passing on the savings to you”. Kudos!

Dharma Bums
There’s no harm in aligning your chakras with an awesome pair of leggings, is there? This high-performance yoga and activewear brand is everything you want to wear if you are a yoga lover or a stylish girl on the go. Dharma Bums is about to be four (4) years old this November and, as far as we’ve gathered, the brand has built a huge shopping audience by now. It was founded by a fashion designer and yoga teacher Debbie Lawson with the idea of changing the way yoga apparel is made. As laid out on the brand’s page, “Dharma Bums insists on an ethical code of conduct from the companies that make the product. Each Dharma Bum garment is made onshore in Australia and has the stamp of approval from Ethical Australia”. Further, before actually being launched on the market for sale, every new design is tried by yogis worldwide to make sure both fabrics and fit agree with the asana taken. Sweet, isn’t it?

Talbot Avenue
Yet another yoga-inspired activewear brand, Talbot Avenue designs for both yoga devotees and those who’ve never stepped foot in a gym! Women who trust Talbot Avenue wear the brand as their everyday street style looks, not just as a part of their yoga practices. This fact alone is continually stimulating the brand to channel their creative liberty towards actively extending their activewear offer and keeping their audience active and stylish. The fabrics, prints, and patterns they work with are carefully selected by the creative team behind the brand, so watch out for geometric shapes, snakeskin prints, monochromes, high-quality stretch with moisture-wicking capabilities and much more. Talbot Avenue’s designs work with every exercise, making it easy to extend your boxing class to a calming yoga session, afterwards. The brand is Australia-based but stocked in the USA, UK, and Europe, too.

Toned by Ashy Bines
Designed for all women, Toned has only launched their first collection but we kind of have a feeling this one is the first of many. The collection is chic, comfortable and super functional, with a very stylish twist to it. It is intended to flatter everybody and shape – from the ladies who need extra support in the bust area to those who wish to show off/hide their tummies or thighs. Fitted hoodies, comfy loose sweaters, flattering tights, and other activewear garments are just a few things this super cute brand offers. The designer of the brand collaborated with fitnessees around the world, listened to their wants, needs, feedbacks, and requirements and designed a collection with all that input in mind. We suggest you give it a chance!

Written by Claire Hastings.

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Follow This Summer’s Mermaid Chic Trend – By Claire Hastings

Posted on July 29, 2017

Every summer, new fashion trends pop up or find their way back from the past all jazzed and glitzed up. A great example of the latter is no other than the lovely retro mermaid chic style that will make you look truly mesmerizing wherever you decide to spend these warm summer days. Of course, looking like a mermaid doesn’t mean that you have to slip into a faux tail and lie on the beach all day. This trend is actually a lot more fun and exciting. The best thing is that there are just so many cool aspects of mermaid chic look that absolutely anyone can find their favorite things to do in order to spice up their summer style.
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Get colorful

When someone mentions either retro style or mermaids, a burst of color first comes to mind. You can guess that you have complete freedom with your colorful looks when it comes to the style called retro mermaid. Pairing vibrant outfit pieces is definitely a great way to start rocking this trend. However, the colorfulness doesn’t stop with your outfit. Colorful makeup as well as vibrant hair colors make this trend truly fascinating. Especially since you don’t have to stick to just one hair colour.
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Glitter up

Obviously, a mermaid trend cannot be complete without the glam and glow of glitter. You may be skeptical about putting glitter on you when the weather is so hot but there are actually special glitter gels that you can use for your skin, your eye makeup as well as your hair! You may not want to swim with this on, but there’s really nothing better to make a relaxing evening or a funky gig at the beach more magical. Of course, it’s not all about sticking glitter to your body. Just like colorful pieces of clothing make a great choice for your mermaid-inspired outfit, glittery and sequined clothes make the perfect choice!

Photo by Maximilien T’Scharner on Unsplash

Show off your mermaid body

What can you do to look like a real-life mermaid as you enjoy the beach and swimming fun during the day? Well, you should definitely look for great swimsuits first. Actually, since the mermaid chic style is so retro in nature, one-piece swimsuits have been all the rage recently. Of course, look for patterned and colorful swimsuits or opt for sequin or pearly ones – these will make sure that you shine like a true mermaid under the sun. Just don’t forget to apply your sunscreen. Speaking of sunscreen, you can actually find products with pearly finishes that will add a special touch to the whole look.
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Don’t forget about the jewellery

Honestly, what kind of a mermaid chic trend that would be without appropriate jewelry? Mermaids are said to like shiny and sparkly things and that’s exactly what your jewelry should look like. If you want to swim with your bling, plastic bangles and pearls with shiny and sparkly overlays are perfect. For the rest of your summer fun, you can choose whatever you like. Large statement earrings, dangly necklaces with crystals on them, crystal and turquoise rings and similar hair pieces will bring the whole look together even if you prefer a pastel, less vibrant approach to the whole trend.
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Glam up your accessories

To enjoy this particular trend to the fullest, why not transform all your accessories into a mermaid-approved bling? Apart from your jewelry and clothing accessories, there are plenty of things that can help you feel this look even more. For example, choose iridescent or sparkly bags, wallets and purses. Go for whimsical designs and patterns of your beach towels. Heck, even your water bottle can look magical if you get those with crystals inside them. Don’t fear the change, especially if it’s as glamorous, magical and fascinating as a mermaid chic fashion trend. As mentioned, take the bits of this style that suit your personality but can still help you step out of the box. Remember, your inner mermaid should never be stuck inside the box you yourself created for no reason. Embrace all the fun!

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