Just Jeans vs. Witchery

Summertime – it’s hot, the sun’s out and relaxing on the beach or in the surf with cold drinks and a couple of mates is looking good right about now. Looking good during the heat of the day is all too easy, no matter what your price range. Now if you can’t find a cute dress to tickle your fancy, perhaps a sweet little cami will do the trick.

Witchery brought out a gorgeous warrior print cami a few months ago, followed by a navy and white splash print version more recently. The top’s cut is empire line and fitted around the bust, with tiered ruffle detail on the bodice and a racer back. I’ve seen it styles with jeans, as well as with a tight skirt worn underneath the top. But for a summer-beach look, shorts look great with the cami. Originally priced at $129.95, the top is currently on sale for $79.95.

Witchery Ruffle Layered Cami

However, if the pattern or price isn’t to your liking, Just Jeans offers the exact same style of top in a different material and pattern. Just Jeans’ version is in a green floral print with beading around the neckline. Originally priced at $59.95, the top is currently on sale for $29.95.

Just Jeans Floral Ruffle Racer Cami

The difference in materials between the tops is what changes the price tag. Witchery offers their cami’s in 100% silk, whereas Just Jeans’ cami is 100% polyester chiffon. If you’re on a budget, Just Jeans’ chiffon version is a great choice and the floral pattern is an easy go-to choice for summer.  Pair them with dark denim shorts and detailed flats. However, if silk is your fabric of choice and you’re not afraid to fork out a little bit more, then the prints offered by Witchery are likely to make you stand out from the more usual summer prints. Pair both the warrior and the navy versions with white shorts and some cute low-heeled clogs. If you’re still stuck on which you prefer, then consider the top’s versatility. The Just Jeans cami best works during day-time or more casual events at night. Witchery’s cami is a more dressy day-time look and makes just as good a party top. Whichever your preference, pop it on and head out the door asap to start enjoying that summer air!

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J Brand Houlihans

 

J Brand Battled Vintage Houlihan in Smoked Topaz

I am finally the proud owner of a pair of J Brand Houlihan jeans. Under my current budget it did feel like they cost me an arm and leg, however, the low-rise skinny cargo’s are super comfy and – if celebrity trends are anything to go off, are all the rage right now. They come in heaps of colours such as black, khaki and white, as well as my three personal favourites of worn onyx, west point and battled vintage smoked topaz (which I now own). Celebs such as Rachel Bilson, Leighton Meester, Rihanna and Gwen Stefani have all been seen wearing them. Although I was completely clueless about this fact when I first saw them and started wanting a pair; after hearing that they’re quite the ‘It’ pant, I did want them a little more.

Celebrities wearing J Brand Houlihans

The battled vintage smoked topaz style suits most pink, purple, cream and white tops; and I’m yet to see if what black tops of mine they suit. Tank tops go great with them, but not if you’re going to them pair them with chunky boots. Piper Perabo wore both the vintage and khaki versions of the houlihan in a few episodes of Covert Affairs with chunky shoes and it was not a flattering look. If you have the slightest bit of curve it’s best to wear them with cute flats and sandals, as well as heels. The pants now come in shorts versions which are also super cute and a great alternative for the summer. So if you get the chance to try them on, do it!

J Brand Houlihan short in vintage olive

Witchery Indulgence

A few weeks ago, during a clothes splurge day, I came across a great little summer ensemble at the lovely Witchery. These sweet little high-waisted black shorts are dressy enough for a night out or any smart casual event and are super comfortable. I’ve been searching for a nice pair of black shorts for a ages and while these don’t exactly fit the image of what I’m looking, they’re still a great buy and so far go with everything in my wardrobe.

A girl can never have too many tank tops in my opinion. Preferably in multiple colours and styles to suit absolutely ever occasion. With my current favourite colour being nude, I thought this sweet little pink/nude top would go nicely with my summer wardrobe. It comes in different colours and I may have to put a toe out of my budget to invest in another colour.

What made these finds even better was the fact that Witchery had 30% off for member that week. While the outfit full price only costs $89.90 ($19.95 for the top, $69.95 for the shorts), the members offer meant I paid a lovely $63. So if you come across a great basic outfit that will suit everything in your wardrobe, don’t be afraid to invest because you probably won’t regret it!

Witchery washed cheeky shorts with a basic pink/nude tank

The NYE Outfit

As far as the saying goes, new year’s eve never quite seems to go according to plan. In a way, it should be one of Murphy’s Law’s – those who expect a great NYE, never seem to get it and those who expect a bad one, always seem pleasantly surprised. I haven’t experienced too many solo NYE’s (and by solo I mean, not having anything to do with family), but those that I have always seem to follow this theory in some ways. I’ve learnt never to expect too much from the event. Because the less you expect, the less annoyed you get and the easier it is to go with the flow. One thing I always put a lot of thought into and always expect to be fantastic is my new year’s eve outfit. I mean, who doesn’t want to look good starting off a new year? And the best way to ensure you look good is to make sure you plan in advanced.

Thanks to my trip to Melbourne with my mother in January, I’m saving like crazy and therefore, have limited money to spend on myself at the moment. After all, no one wants to be surrounded by the lovely selection of clothes offered in Melbourne with no money to afford them! However, I did manage to squeeze a new, new year’s eve outfit into my budget. My absolute limit was $200 (such a shame I had a budget too because otherwise I would have convinced myself I needed the gorgeous silk tiered trapeze dress by Willow in Miss Ruby at the moment).

Much to my delight, after shopping around, I found a lovely $90 dress by a brand named Lumiér in Peaches N Lola in Flinders St Mall. While the trends may once again be changing, last season was my first encounter with the nude palette. I tended to avoid it in previous years because I used to think it might make me look too much like my mother or because I thought it would make my skin look more yellow than it already is. Now I’m quite partial to my mother’s favourite colours such as camels and khaki’s (I’m dying for a cute khaki dress) and so, when I came across this lovely high-necked nude dress I was ecstatic. The dress looks lovely both belted as well as plain and seems to suit both silver and gold accessories. I may even try a nice purple tone with it at some point. For new year’s, however, I will be pairing it with the cute black and diamante belt, which I picked up in Dotti, as well as my favourite Ecclettica black clutch and one of my pairs of black heels.

Nude coloured Lumiér dress from Peaches N Lola

 

Being the fashion-crazy person I am, while shopping around I came across a lovely cream silk dress in Forever New for $100. Bit of a bargain if you ask me. I’m quite into flowy, trapeze shaped clothes at the moment – something my boyfriend tends to dislike. However, even he had to admit this little number was a winner and I simply couldn’t pass it up. I plan wearing it to my friend’s 21st birthday this weekend and possibly on Christmas day if I’m in a dress wearing mood. For the birthday bash, however, I will be wearing it with my cute plaited tan belt that matches perfectly to my favourite Natasha sandals.

Forever New cream silk dress

 

Two dresses, $200 – quite the bargain if you ask me. My clothes cravings will definitely be satisfied now until I head to Melbourne (assuming I don’t go into Witchery and become tempted by their 50% off sale – oh dear!)

Word bracelets

Despite how confusing it is that Jaxx’s other Gregory Street store continually changes it’s name with each new season, it always seems to stock great accessories. Jewelry, shoes, the odd bag and even little gift items such as journals and the like. I’m forever wanting some cute accessory there!
I recently picked up a cute silver word bangle there. Written on it is, ‘sometimes the heart sees what’s invisible to the eye’. I just couldn’t pass it up, as my gold bangle with, ‘amore’, on it goes with everything and I’m always wearing it. An easy outfit accessory!