G’day ladies, hitting you from the Beaches this morning with another fashion post…after my recent wardrobe de-clutter I feel like a girl with a whole new wardrobe and it got me to thinking about what I wear and my ‘uniform’
I am always amazed at how people seem to like these fashion thingies of mine…because, c’mon, it’s weird, I never thought as a forty-is-the-new-thirty gal I would be blogging about my clothes…and certainly not as a lot of them are not exactly, errrm designer….but if I have learnt one thing with this blog of mine, it takes me in different ways, moves and grooves on it’s own merry little way…
*apologies, this turned into a long one, issuing a BC Ramble Alert today
It seems though that the non-designer bit of this whole thing is the attractive bit.
Real Girls want Real Clothes from Real Girl Shops.
Real Girls still want to be able to play dress-ups…but they have Real Lives and things going on in it that means that $900 handbag of their dreams, will, save missing a mortgage payment, always be just that, in their dreams.
However, Real Girls still want to look good…
The thing with me though is that, at the end of the day, as with most things in life, like the recipes I lean towards, the home decor I like, everything has to be easy…if I have to put too much effort in, quite simply, I lose interest quite quickly.
That’s why I fall back on the Beach Cottage ‘Uniform’.
I happened on this ‘uniform’, when I had my third bambino and things got a little hectic, getting dressed in the morning, with two young littlies and a big fat baby boy who wanted feeding a lot…I was barely making it out of the house in clothes, let alone presentable ones!
It was Summer in the UK and I decided that I needed to walk out of the house in something other than trackies / sweats and t-shirts with baby spit-up on them… and yes in my role as a Stay At Home Mum it was important that I kept some resemblance of an identity and still looked halfway presentable….I think looking the best you can and taking steps to feel good is really important in life…too often I have come across certain people that poo-poo this as if ‘dressing-up’ is somehow shallow…I totally disagree with that, looking ok can set you up for the day and more importantly, get you through it…
So I thought about it a bit and incorporated getting *my clothes ready the night before along with everyone else’s …duh, no brainer right? I organised everyone else looking neat and presentable for school, ironed Mr Beach Cottage’s shirts for work…and even though I wasn’t ‘going’ anywhere I still wanted to look good and why not include me in the getting everyone ready bit?
So I decided to get myself a ‘uniform’ just like those three did…I took the brain power out of it and turned it into a set of clothes that worked for me at that post-baby time….Mr Beach Cottage wore a uniform in the guise of a suit and tie every day, Mr Teenage Beach Cottage who was at school and wearing a uniform every day, and Miss Beach Cottage who was at pre-school was wearing very pretty clothes every day.
shorts : Emerson @ BigW basket : shop Noosa scarf : Equip t-shirt : Emerson @ Big W sunnies : CottonOn
So, I analyzed
1. what I needed
(to feel comfortable )
2. what I wanted
(to look passable/presentable )
3. what I had
And I came up with my very own uniform…it consisted of :
a couple of pairs of linen trousers (I still own and wear them today)
a pair of jeans that fit like a dream (Top Shop Moto Baxter great value, great quality & ship worldwide, before I found Mavi jeans)
a pair of shorts (for super-hot English Summer days!)
a few plain t-shirts
a few dressier t-shirts
a couple of neutral cardigans (for regular English Summer Days)
I concentrated on this rotation of clothes, similar to the kiddos uniforms….and oh my goodness, did it work or did it work? Suddenly there wasn’t any problem what to wear…I knew what suited me (classic linen pants, jeans & shorts in neutral colours) and I worked that around simple tops & t-shirts.
Then I had a moment and realised that, actually, it wasn’t that hard to add a lil’ bit of bling to brighten oneself after having fed a big ole baby at 6am and spending the morning getting other people ready…nup, it really was too easy to chuck on a scarf and a bracelet on top of the uniform…
It all worked a treat, and it probably looked like everything was tickety-boo in my world from the outside, although in actual fact I was struggling to keep all the balls in the air with hubby at work for long days and no help…yadda yadda
Roll on a few years and we moved to Australia.
And it all went horribly pear shaped.
You see it was the middle of a stinking hot summer when we landed here…linen trousers? jeans? hahahaha, very funny…my legs did not see a pair of jeans for 6 months, it was too hot…now I have aclimatised a bit more and can wear jeans on a cooler summer day…
I did the classic Brits Abroad thing…I threw all my fashion sense (like I really had any) out of the window and frantically hit the mall for cooler, holiday clothes.
Yowzers.
I bought very strappy tops, boob tubes (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), summer dresses that didn’t suit me, all sorts of printed cotton patterns…the list goes on
Talk about get it wrong.
It’s funny now too, because on this side of the world we watch those programs on the tv about English people changing their life, moving to the other side of the world for a warmer climate etc…and every episode I watch the women do exactly the same thing…out goes their normal style clothes and in comes clothes that are suitable, at a push, for laying on a sun lounger by a pool, being served a pina colada, not going about one’s regular old life.
So, I am getting somewhere with this I promise.
Out came the uniform thing again….I dumped all of those horribly inappropriate clothes that didn’t suit me…the dresses that shouted out the size of one’s shoulders, the strappy tops & boob tube so not appropriate for the school run, and why I suddenly embraced printed loud pattterned things when I moved here I have no idea, but out they went.
And so I did the same thing here in Australia that I had done a few years before after lovely third baby…so that when Spring/ Summer rolled around next time I would not look like some horrible tourist on Get-Me-A-Tan-And-Get-Me-It-Quick steroids.
a few pairs of neutral shorts
a few pairs of dressier lightweight linen pants
a few stripes
a dress to wear over swimmers
lightweight summer scarfs for draping
pretty summer bangles
And that’s it, this uniform works for me in my everyday life…nowadays that does not involve spit-up but it does involve being busy…I like that my casual ‘uniform’ makes me passable for school, but I can kick off my shoes and take a stroll on the beach, I like that I am comfy and not exposing too much, ahem, skin, I like that with a nice bag and good shoes this uniform can take me from school-run to lunch with a friend to the mall without any shudders…
if I have a school function to go to or a bloggers thing or business meeting with Mr Beach Cottage I will normally just wear a carefully chosen, shoulder concealing dress…as I said in my de-clutter wardrobe post, I have 8 dresses now and think in hot weather, or any weather a dress dresses you up in one quick hit…or I swap the shorts for linen / neutral pants, add a dressy tee and a scarf plus heels…
oh and on other days, I just do all of the above in pj’s, huge sunnies, messy bun and don’t get out of the car…;-)
Now….do you have a uniform? And how does it change in the Seasons? Shorts work for me, but skirts, not so good with those, I nearly always look frumpy…do they work as part of your uniform?
What works for you? I love talking about stuff like this and love the ideas I get from you girls on here….that’s why I come back you know…so c’mon let’s talk! yes, that means you Beach Cottage Lurkers
See you tomorrow
Sarah
linen t-shirt : Country Road scarf : Eb & Ive basket : Market Basket Co sunnies : Cotton On bracelet : Seed
shorts : Emerson at BigW
more on wearing a uniform here on the latest from Beach Broadcasting Corporation (thanks for that Janmary) vlog… 
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Hmm… unfortunately, I go in fits and spurts. When I have more time, I put a more effort into how I dress.
But I usually wear jeans/ chinos with a sweater or knit top.
Depending on what I am doing, I may wear sneakers (Converse or KEEN) or boots.
.
I try to dress up the sweater with a scarf, and almost always wear handmade OOAK jewelry that either I made, or was given to me.
Every once in a while I wear a denim skirt with tights and boots with the aforementioned sweater/scarf combo.
Depending on what I am doing, and what type of weather we are having, my coat changes. I dress up an outfit with a wool coat. Or dress down with a down jacket or goretex shell for the endless rainy months. BORING.
I am trying to infuse a lot more color into my wardrobe, hoping that this will keep the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) at bay. We have at least 5 more months of gray skies and rain.
Be ever so thankful that you skipped town, Sarah, and headed for the golden coast. The weather in England is VERY similar to Washington State, which is where I am. It S.U.C.K.S.
I cannot even think about my summer wardrobe. But when it is warm, I wear a lot less, that is for darn sure.
Shorts, t-tops and flip flops. Ah, sounds wonderful.
Thanks for the inspiration. I am seriously going to tackle the wardrobe soon.
hmmm interesting on the handmade jewellery, thanks I will look into that…i think that would be a nice thing for me too!
I tried the colour thing this Summer, I am not sure about it…this t-shirt is a case in point but I still very much like neutrals but I think as I get older colour is nice and bright!
Yeah I have to say i don’t miss this part of the year in England when Christmas is over and everyone is miserable and the nights are still so long and spring never seems to come! I prefer the weather on this side of the
get on that wardrobe! x
Ok since your bedroom closet clean up I have been thinking lots about this…. I think you also need to know who u r and what image you feel you want to present to the world. The best way this works is if the image you are trying to portray is a close as possible to who u really are. If you are the Kim Kardashian type then there is a look for you and if you are the Sarah BC relaxed type then there is a look for you…. You have to look in the mirror and say is this me…do my clothes represent who I believe to be me. I think people get it wrong when they try to be someone they are not….although its not easy sometimes to know who u r… I see it like decorating a house…collect as many pictures as you like (pinterest is great 4 this) of outfits you like and then see what the common threads are between looks you like and then you will start to see what looks best represnt you. Often decor advice I give (as a moderater on The Decorating Forum) gives such advice about decor style….find out what your decor style is by collecting images of rooms u love and then picking common threads that seem to best fit you.
oh yes that is so very true!
I have had to re-think a few things lately with my wardrobe having to move into a more dressier stage for certain things…there are some things in life jeans, shorts and a scarf cannot get you through lol
I have got it wrong so many times when trying to do exactly what you are saying, very very interesting!
I do exactly that with clothes, I collect images I LOVE on Pinterest ….
nice comment, thanks x
I really enjoyed reading this post! Love the idea of an “everyday uniform”. I have to wear a coporate uniform for work but on casual Friday and weekends I just chuck on the first thing I can find. Hmm.
I sorted out my dinner-making chaos with meal planning, maybe I can sort out my what-to-wear chaos with outfit planning?
it really helps out to have a Casual Uniform I think Sarah
oh and yes meal planning…life saver! x
Fun post sarah!! You look great!!
Oh and just wanted to ask……….u could u ever see yourself embracing the new coloured jeans that everyone is blogging about? I looked at them today and was reminded of that saying that if u were around to wear them when they were first in fashion (we used to call them bubblegum jeans) then u shouldn’t wear them when they come back around again….
btw I finally found one of the last supre blue striped skirts @ $15 today!!!!
Rosie,
I saw some cobalt blue cropped skinny jeans that I ALMOST purchased recently. And I was definitely rocking them back in the mid- 80′s as well.
I came really close. I thought they would look hot with some black loafers (no socks) and a cute black fitted top.
But I did not buy them, because I told myself that I was too old for them. But they were Michael KORS for god sake! Isn’t he an old lady (40 is the new 30) designer?
Sorry had to interject my two cents there.
Jay
thanks Jay, I have been telling myself the same thing, but Nikki at Styling You says not???
x
yeah I am pretty skeptical myself…you have to be pretty hot to carry it off at my age I reckon without looking like either a wannabe or mutton dressed as lamb…just my opinion
but for the sakes of fashion I will be trying some on in the less loud colours….to be honest I didn’t like coloured jeans the first time around though I have to say I have rocked white jeans in my time…like seriously…
to me jeans should ultimately be DENIM! what do I know??? not a lot?? I am no fashionista I try to kinda look classic…
however if I find some I like I will be pairing them with some full-on neutral stuff…if I find budget coloured jeans that actually fit me it will be a FASHION MIRACLE that the whole world should know about…
xx
Have a look at Coco Latte at the mall (opp Supre). 12 bucks!!!!!
Great post Sarah. I love your down to earth style and that your outfit posts are REAL!!! I have been really turned off a few blogs I read lately when they do their outfit post and its all designer this and designer that and totally unaffordable and oh wait ….they were gifted the outfit and accessories that they flaunt – I’m so over it!!!
I struggle with the uniform thing but I think its great and saves many a wardrobe malfunction and I’m going to give the process a go. Although I also find that the pudgy/muffin factor also plays a role in what feels/looks good on any given day and the shorts that looked great yesterday make me look like a frump today.
Yesterday I put a dress on I made for under $20 and whilst I was shopping a lady stopped me and said my dress was fantastic and had I made it – Note I was in a fabric shop so she wasn’t implying that it was of poor quality she was a dressmaker
I lurk on many a blog but I love your blog so much I can’t stop commenting and I love that I nearly always get a reply xx
Oh I hear you Caz.
One of my face bloggers recently did a post where everything was gifted. She is very popular but got heavy criticism on it, lots of comments on how the outfit alone was nearly one thousand dollars aimed with the blog readers being young mums on a budget. Interesting. It really turned me off
Personally I like to see stuff people have paid for with a few gifted things if they are really nice….
Your dess story is very encouraging
Give the uniform thing a go, you have got nothing to lose…it really helps me just throw it on and go without too much brain power in the morning xxx
Hi Sarah, my everyday ‘uniform’ for summer would have to be dresses. I love that it is just one thing that you have to put on and they are so light and cool. My dresses are usually all cotton, summery, florally, vintage style dresses. Shorts are a no-go for me. My legs just don’t look like yours. Love your uniform, it’s so casual and dressy at the same time. Leahx
thanks Leah, I wish I could wear a dress more…I have done this summer so pretty proud of myself xo
Im a denim shorts girl all the way, nothing too short, just comfy. You’ll find me in denim shorts and a loose singlet top over swimmers most days when not in my scrubs at work. This summer at the beach I’ve lived in a couple of crochet dresses that go so well over swimmers, they’ve been nice and cool. Whites, some stripes, greys and black are usual, but i do too love a bit of colour – nice coral/watermelon is a fave, oranges, purples and blues. Long striped/plain skirts have been good on our not so hot summer days this year…they so easy to dress up or dress down. Aviator sunnies are my fave! Polka dots have also featured in my wardrobe a little this summer, nothing over the top though, just a little retro…which I think actually sums me up pretty well – ‘nothing over the top, comfy and a litlle retro/hippie’. Some of my friends/family call me a bit of a hippi with my love for all things natural/green/oragnic and vinatge, crochet/lace little vests, a small touch of respectable tie-die here and there, a sun dress with hair out with the front bits braided to the sides with mid length cow girl boots, and my wooden and old jewelery that I find in odd places, here and around my travels.
Love talking about this stuff too…obviously lol
ooh I like it Karlee ‘nothing over the top, comfy and a litlle retro/hippie’
ummm with that kinda style I am thinking girlie you should be starting a blog…it’s my fave look for here, but unfortunately one I CANNOT carry off…firstly too old, secondly skin, thirdly shoulders…I love that hippy Aussie beach girl vibe
rock it
x
haha funny you say that. I’ve actauully been thinking about starting a blog about all the things I love – lifestyle, health, motivation, beach, vintage things, good food etc, but Im really not sure whether I could do it. Im sure you’ve heard that a million times, and you probably said it yourself to start with…. but I am just SO not tech savvy! I have a prehistoric phone, I dont Twitter or Instagram. I do have facebook but I like to stay pretty private. I guess Id make another account for the blog. Id want to keep myself pretty anonymous besides my first name and some photos without showing my face. And I just dont know whether Id have the time with working shift work and not being the most organised person in the world lol…and I wouldnt want it to take up A LOT of my time :-S
Hmmmm, maybe I need to look into it more
Any guidance?
hmmm it does take a lot of time…but it depends what you want to do…you could just start with one round-up post a week….
you know what though I think micro-blogging is amazing…and by that I mean using social media like Twitter, Facebook etc to upload your photos to, tag and make some friends that way…that’s what I am loving about Instagram….it really is like a second little part of my blogging life, and so very very easy…not sure if you have an iphone
good luck xx
Well…I did it. I started a blog! YAY! I’ve tried to follow your tips….but of course, got a little tied up with the ‘fluffing around’ of my blog and how it looks lol. Hope it looks OK….. :-S
Anyway…. thanks for the inspiration x
p.s hope I’ve entered my url and things correctly to this comment… all very new to me lol
happy beach days x
Sarah
I am such a casual dresser, jeans, t shirts, cardi’s, boots, shorts, scarves, long necklaces etc and the odd dress for fancy occasions. I would love to be that woman who always looks a “million dollars”, perfectly “turned out”for every occasion. Believe me at times in my life I have tried, but I have always felt uncomfortable and I never got it right. When my kids were pre schoolers, we moved from England to America, to an area where the mothers were a good 8 to 10 years younger than me, had pots of money and walked out in designer clothes every day. The competition was fierce, this also included the houses they built and the cars they drove and yes, maybe to fit in, I tried to be something I wasn’t!! I can tell you it didn’t work, I was unhappy, had clothes hanging in my wardrobe which I had only ever worn once or not at all. What a waste of money and in some ways, my life!! Luckily ten years on and now living in Australia, I am more confortable in “my skin” or maybe the perceived pressure is off, but I try to buy what I know I like and will wear, again and again, (I still at times can get it wrong tho). I agree with you, how you look and feel can be the difference between leaving the house or not. You are right we all crave real fashion, for real women, with real lives.
PS My husband thinks women get more attractive and sexier as they get older!! God bless him… : )
wow my husband thinks the same…hmmm???
I was most interested to read your story and thanks for taking the time to comment…I hear you b/c I have been in similar situations, especially in Sydney which was a real eye-opener because we were very naive about the snobbery etc in Australia that you are talking about in the States…
now though I just go with what suits me and that works, I don’t care where my stuff is from, just that it works for me in all areas including budget.
I soooooo crave real fashion, I think that is how these posts came about
x
Great post!! That would be something if I could could simplify my wardrobe down to this. I think I do exactly the opposite. I have versions of every style going ( well, not quite ) and I live in colder climate ( Canada), so I have vast difference in what I can wear in each season. I think I buy things… imagining I’ll have something if I need it. I also love clothes.. I don’t spend much on the things I buy. That’s my reasoning sometimes … It’s so cheap…seems silly not to get it. Trouble is, I really want to simplify and have a look that works. I also really like taking pics and I take so much extra stuff with me sometimes ( for wardrobe changes.. at the beach… not kidding, for me, the kids, and my hubby) Sounds crazy I know but when you’re the photographer, stylist, location scout, editor … of all your family pics… this would be a hard habit to break.
oh I hear you Debbie!!!!
that is one of the downsides of buying budget and one of the reasons my wardrobe was in the state it was…I am determined not to buy stuff even if it is only 20 bucks unless I really need it and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! I reckon that is the answer…
I really think the uniform thing works, so give it a go
x
I really think you’re right about that. I’ll have to try. I think it’ll be worth the effort and just so much easier. Hate the guilt of looking at things in the closet that hardly get any wear.
I bought a pair of white shorts and 5 tops , two of them striped and 3 dollars each!!!sandals and a toddler on the hip concludes the look for me this summer.. can’t do any jewellery yet, just gets ripped off….LOVED the video, was watching it with the above mentioned toddler and he was entranced…lol, my 4 year old was happy with her playdoh…your blog does bring a ray of sunshine to this housewife….keep it going and thank you soooooo much
oh you are so kind Sharon! remember you are doing the best job in the world ….I KNOW that for sure…so glad I chose to stay at home with my kiddos…
bring on the 3 dollar striped tops!!!!
Sarah xo
I love that you are so very REAL Sarah, and that you share so openly with us all, and that you take the time to write us replies, when you have the time. I don’t know how you manage to find the time really, your blog is so very busy! For all of this, I am grateful, and I am sure there are many of your other followers out there that are too.
I too like to be “presentable” for the school and preschool runs, catching up with friends, and meeting with customers. It makes me feel better about myself if I actually take the time to put myself together, throw on a bangle/bracelet or two, put on a pair of earrings and a dash of make-up. I think it is about taking the time for yourself when you are a busy mum. And I have a bit of a rule, trackies don’t leave the house! Except if you are going to the gym or sport, or doing the sneaky kick-out-the-door school drop off.
And this real girl agrees that we all want real style, and when there is the mortgage to pay and kids to put through school, and extensions and renovations to do, the $ don’t always stretch very far to allowing us to afford the clothes we may desire.
So, after seeing one of your posts, I think it was the one where you were deciding what clothes to take to the blogger awards trip, you let us know that, for those of us who didn’t already realise this, that you can actually buy clothes at Coles!. So when I had the opportunity, I popped to my local Coles and found myself some bargains. Yippee! I grabbed and $8 little black dress, wow! And I love it. I have already worn it to a “date” night with hubby, topped off with a little coloured cardi and a killer (in more ways than one) pair of heels. And when hubby found out how cheap the dress was and where it came from, he was one happy man
And you think you can ramble
xx manda
haha we need to ramble together Manda!
thanks for the lovely blog love…I am often quite surprised how people say I am real…is there any other way?? yes I know there is….
hmmm my trackies do most certainly leave the house and my Uggs in winter often…I DO like daggy days…somehow they make me feel good about my choices in life (not having to be at an office etc) but I must say the best thing about daggy days is that the other days make them feel so good, if you know what I mean…most times I like to be with some make-up and ok clothes…
yeah Real Girls clothes are so very important to me, one of the main reasons I stopped reading magazines cos it was all so ridiculous stuff I just couldn’t ever justify spending our money on…our main aim is to pay off the mortgage…not spend it up on labels…
so glad to hear the Coles story, I have to say I have had lots of people email and contact me about it after seeing it on this blog….to me being from the UK it’s perfectly normal to find great quality, affordable clothes while doing your grocery shopping…so glad to see australia moving down that avenue…
yep there is nothing like your hubby thinking you look great and then learning it only cost him 8 bucks haha
thanks for taking the time to leave a comment on here, I appreciate it
x
I’ll join you for a good old ramble anytime Sarah! I’m good at nattering
x manda
I gathered that
x
A uniform definately makes life a whole lot quicker and easier for sure – find a good look and run with it – hooray
I once read that for staples/basics (like say neutral shorts) that one should adopt a Noah’s Ark strategy and buy 2 pairs of the great fitting item. It seems a bit boring but works a treat for things like jeans, shorts, a great skirt, t shirts – 2 of the same perfect staple (perhaps in different colours) that you will wear constantly and that can then be dressed up or down. I love this concept and have gone with it – effortless and whose to know?!
Love your BC tv xx
yes melinda I always do that…I always figure if I find something I love and it fits well, buy two…or three!
x
x
As someone who is about to have her second bub I am all for embracing the idea of a uniform and looking well put together. I agree that small things like that (my other thing is making the bed so I don’t crawl back into it!!) DO really set you up for the day. I don’t want to have photos with my gorgeous newborn and daughter looking frumpy. On one income budget is important. Keep up the awesome posts.
thanks Michelle you nailed all my thoughts a lot more succinctly that I did lol x
good luck with the bub! xx
Good ideas and food for thought about organising our clothes. Taa.
alison
my pleasure Alison x
“and yes in my role as a Stay At Home Mum it was important that I kept some resemblance of an identity and still looked halfway presentable….”This resonates with me… I make the effort every morning to look nice as I did before my kids and when I go to things like playgroup or a library session I do feel very self concious…Because I tend to look over dressed… I try and ignore it all…I have noticed though these last couple of months more and more mums are getting dressed up for playgroup (and getting their kids dressed up a bit more too which is nice compared to ripped stained tops on both mums and bubs).
As for me I am very much a denim girl in winter and linen pant, dress wearing girl in Summer. I have developed a love for cardigans only recently. I love my jackets(except my bomber ones – I love them too)/blazers/coats to be fitted (even if it means taking them to a taylor or dress maker to take the shoulders in and make it fit my body). For my denim bootcut I am told suits me best but I find that straight jeans looks better for some reason. I tend to stick to black/charcoal or dark blue denim (never that faded blue or dirty look or ripped!look) and if I want a bit of colour the brightest I will go( I am on the hunt) is red wine red (which has more blue in the red) or Khaki coloured. Plus they need to be mid rise. No ifs or butts! As for winter tops I like layering(i.e wear a short sleeve shirt over a long sleeve top) so I keep them really simple no patterns all block colours and I like them bright. They can’t be too short though must skim the hips or too low cut. My coats/jackets /blazers come in diffrent colours too from snow white to green to red to striped blue and white to brown to black). I LOOOOVVEE Coats and have way too many! It’s crazy considering what Australian winters are like. Scarves are a winter must! I have several in all different colours and prints and believe me I wear them all! They are like my neckalce for winter. I am not keen on jumpers, they have to be ultra special (like a nice knit) for me to wear it or buy it. I am looking to buy some really nice thick stockings in charcoal grey, black and brown. I can’t find them anywhere at the moment. I intend to wear more dresses and skirts this winter with (hopefully some new)boots and (hopefully new) black pumps.
As for dresses my one and only rule is that they hit the knee or just above but no shorter or longer oh and no baby doll or tulip! cut. I am really loving high waisted skirts. Usually I stick to A line skirts/dresses. I prefer block colours (not too bright) but I do love a print here or there. Lately I have been buying minis because I can wear them with skinnies or with leggings and boots for autumn but only if the they have nice detailing around the bust/chest/torso area so like that I can wear them under the high waisted skirts and can double up as looking like tops! I have a couple of these I love wearing white/nude/navy/red shoes in summer.. Be they flats or heels. For tops again fitted are my choice though I do have one or two that are flowy for those really bloated days. I like singlets (like the racer backs not so much the strappy ones) and wear them often. Fun T-shirts are nice too or shirts, again both fitted. Umm I have a load of boob tubes but thats because I like to wear them under plunge neck tops, or if the top is just a little too low cut etc to preserve my sense of modesty (hee…hee), plus the 2 that are to wear alone really show of my neckline and shoulders (positive attributes – very few so I amy as well show them off… Though my rule is If I am wearing a boob tube I must cover my legs).
I could go on but I am goning to stop or else I will be here all night.
I just have to say one thing…
All those clothes shows (i.e what not to wear etc), all those stylish celebrities they all have those clothes taylor to fit their body shapes hence why they look so good all the time (yes even the most casual of clothes!). I found this out on another blog I like to follow (alterations needed). It was a massive eye opener for me. It also made me realise that I would rather invest on some good classic pieces, get them fixed to suit my body and have less… So I will be culling a lot more! Or perhaps just getting my classics done and leave the rest as is
.
I love your style Sarah… Thanks to you I have fallen in love with stripes ohhhh how I wish I could wear shorts like yours!!!! I love that look! But alas my thighs don’t like to co-operate hahaha…
OMG I need to get out of the house more!
haha ditto girlie xo
wow Alice thanks for your input
you have got me thinking especially that tailoring thing…that might help my shoulder problem!
I am interested to hear about your scarf wearing as a necklace…that is exactly what I do, so I think it is funny when people say, oh are you wearing a scarf in summer, I am like, errrm yeah like your necklace…
last year I hunted HIGH AND LOW for good thick stockings plus some of the chunky knit pattern ones that you see on the blogs from the States..could find nothing really here that floated my boat though Target did have a very few, that sold out quickly, I got some really nice grey knit ones in there to wear with skirts and boots…skirts go better for me in Winter…also found that BigW own brand thick cotton tights are great quality and wash really nicely…however they about run out of the store…i actually bought two pairs on Tuesday…yep they are already in store and will probs sell out well before Winter…
I am surprised to hear you have so many coats living here, or do you mean jackets??? I love me a reef jacket and collect them…plus denim is good too as long as the bottom is not…
thanks for your comment, I think I told you before I like them
x
Oh dear Sarah you should not have said that lol! Here is some info…
Stockings – Forever new – range from 12.95 (no pattern) to 14.95 knitted and jays jays – 14.95 knitted. Now that I know they go quick will be buying some on the weekend.
When I say jackets/coats/blazers I mean all 3! Yep crazy but I love it!
Checked out the emerson range! I am in love, bought me a checkered shirt that goes beautifully with my wine red (burgandy) jeans that I bought from sports girl for 99.95. They are skinny jeans, super comfy and are high waisted (they do gape a little but most do anyway thanks to my pear shape so no big surprise there). I also bought a stripy singlet with crochet back in red and white (I have so much blue) all reasonably priced! I also loved their cardigans but hubby looked like he was having a heart attack so I put that one back. Unfortunately they didn’t have the coloured denim in my size (only 16 and up!). Got me a mustard colured scarf too…
I have placed an order with jeans west (they don’t gape and come in a straight leg for when I am wearing flats or heels) might buy myself a beannie too… That’s something I didn’t mention above – I am also crazy for hats and beanies and jewellery! Jeans west have a great deal Sarah 2 denim pants for $109 or $70 each… I am thinking perhaps red wine again or even a moss green and royal blue.. Available in stores in march! (Nope I never worked for them just a real fan of their style, I have worked in the fashion industry and do miss the colours and fabrics!) The colours are not super bright, they are quite muted…
I have a massive collection of scarves! But because I need to keep warm in winter (that means covering every inch of my body hands included) I can’t wear my necklaces. In summer is when I get to show my necklaces off!
Can you tell I miss dressing up!? The fortune I have wasted… hmmm… invested is more the word I would like to use the former would be my hubby’s… but it’s like mental therapy for me… is it really that crazy?! lol ummmm…yep! Who cares! (insert maniac laughter…)
I will have a look in jeans west thanks
I have never been in Forever New so will try them for tights and I didn’t even know Jay Jay’s did tights!
I have a lot of scarves too!!! xo
If you ever want something from the US (like the tights you mention), I’m sure there are bloggers who would be up for a trade. I do it all the time for Australian & English bloggers – I tried for Cadbury’s chocolate. Anyway, just a thought…
That should be “I trade”, not “I tried”
thanks Susan! yep a good idea I will keep in mind for sure! x
Oh how i love your blog. You make me laugh and you inspire me to the moon and back. This sentence you wrote above, ” looking ok can set you up for the day and more importantly, get you through it…”, screams out at me. When you are a stay at home mum it is so easy to fall into a “who cares how i look attitude”, but your statement is so true. Sit around in horrible, daggy clothes all day and that’s how you will feel. We should wear our nice things that makes us happy as life is to short. Thank you for your blog.
thank you for your comment…it’s nice to know some people get it… I have been a stay at home mum for a long time, and loved it, but it has it’s downsides… xo
Oh thank-you again Sarah!!! We seem to have very similar tastes in clothes (and most definately white decor!!) so I really love seeing what you”re wearing (because it is so REAL GIRL!) and where you score those bargains! As a stay-at-home mum with 3 kids I find it absolutely necessary to have a bit of fun with our clothes etc. We deserve it right?!? xx
yep Janelle
SAHM’s so worth it!
LOVED this post! It really spoke to me. I’ve been struggling with my clothes and how the define me as a person for a while. I think I need to sort out my wardrobe (it’s on the ‘To Do’ list for this coming weekend!) and figure out what suits me and what defines me and go from there. And who knows, maybe I’ll do a real girl fashion post of my own one day
x Jasmine
yeah go Jasmine…Real Girl FAshion Power!
the uniform things has been great for me x
Hmmn, I have three types of ‘uniform’ plus there are all the ‘good’ clothes for charity events, formal functions and just going out to dinner- we know how to partee in the bush!! The first uniform is my professional wardrobe, Teacher Librarian in a high school- loads and loads of tops and bottoms and dresses and tights, second my Farming wardrobe- for out and about on the farm or dressier for casual outings or shows where the kids whipcrack- jeans, boots and some of my work wardrobe tops, then finally my around the house gear- usually yoga pants and long tees, I tend to wear these sorts of clothes for PJs so no one knows I am in my pjs all weekend hahahaha! I wish I could simplify it but alas this is not possible! My big wardrobe seems to fit my life well. I am really happy with everything in it at the moment!
can I come a bush party!!!!!!!!!????? please pleas please x
My ‘uniform’ is jeans, loafers, gillets, scarf. As you know Sarah the UK is generally cold and in my opinion it’s difficult to look pretty and girly in the winter – it’s a lot easier when the sun is shining! I would be interested to know how (if) you managed to pull it off when you were in the UK – you do seem to have a fabulous talent of putting an outfit together and it would be great to hear what you used to wear in dreary old England?? Jules x
hi Jules, well actually I love winter clothes…love layering up and putting on boots and a big chunky scarf
I think the coat is key in the UK and I got this wrong a lot of times…I think buying a wool coat in a classic smart/casual jacket style was key for me…because if it is wool it will keep you warm without that whole puffy bulky look….and layers underneath
also love love love me some chunky rib tights and skirts with boots xoxo
Sarah,
I, too, love these posts. I’m a stay at home mom to three little babes and I do find it such a challenge to not only put the effort in, but to also find appropriate casual clothes. I agree with an earlier comment that winter clothes seem so much more challenging. Even difficult to shove pants into high boots if you can’t pull off the skinny jean look!
I was wondering if you have any tips for the “in between” wardrobe. Meaning, I had 3 kiddos in 5 years and the weight really got away with me on the last one. It’s hard to know WHAT to wear when you’re working to shed 30 pounds! Any tips are so needed for this stay at home mom who seems to have seriously lost her mojo!!!
hmmm Melissa I think the same thing in terms of the uniform…the linen pants I was talking about in this post were not my regular size they were my post-baby size…very plain, wide leg pants that flattered me…I had two pairs of them and rotated them because they fit me well…I think if you spend some time finding a couple of pairs of really good fitting pants that will help you get through this stage…hope that helps x
Hi Sarah, I have just been glued to your blog lately. Maybe it’s because you, like me are in teh 40-is-the-new-30 stage of life but you aren’t giving into the frump of middle age (*gasp* did I just say “middle age”??!!) nor are you going in the other direction and drawing attention to yourself with tons of makeup and flashy clothes like I see so many women *ahem* our age do. I live in a warm climate like you (Florida) and my uniform is just about the same as yours. I love neutrals on bottom – jeans or shorts or simple skirts paired with a soft tee in a soft, neutral color and then I add a scarf and some bangles and simple silver hoop earrings. I love my sandals in summer and boots in winter when it’s cool enough to wear them. I don’t care how old I am, I want to feel stylish and pretty but in a neutral, classic kind of way that just feels like *me*.
oh yes just like me Christy, ‘neutral classic kind of way’ xoxo
Love the ‘new’ uniform. It’s amazing how at some point we all get happy with who we are and what we’re comfy in. Confidence makes a huge difference too. A fun pair of heels, a great necklace, t and cardy are me in my happy place.
I usually have a little identity crisis in the spring but that’s sorted once school is out and a variety of summer dresses are taken out of winter storage.
yes I love that feeling too…when it’s here lol
I have yet to purge my closet but I really do love the idea of a uniform. I have to dress up for work and find myself wearing black pants almost every day with different cute tops and blouses but I never thought of putting together a uniform for casual times! What a great idea! I have so many clothes that don’t get worn but maybe if I got it down to a system, I wouldn’t need to buy so many things that never get worn because they just don’t “feel” right! I too really don’t care about designer brands-I’d rather have a great vacation or make a few extra mortgage payments every year but I do want to look good and in turn feel good every day! Once again girl, you’ve inspired me!
Oh, and BTW, you look fabulous in your navy striped skirt and tank top! I would love an outfit like that!
thanks Meghan
yes the uniform thing is great for casual clothes too xo
When in doubt about whether to leave the house in an outfit (particularly for a night out)
I take pics and load them on the computer. It’s so confronting and sometimes brutal! At least I’m
learning what styles are flattering on me and will hopefully shop better in future!!!
…………………………………………………………………………………….
Tania Maree xx
PS. Your day to day style is so similar to mine, comfortable, yet presentable enough for the school runs…
wow i don’t think I would have time for that! x
The out-takes are still my favs…. especially the last one!!!! LOL!!! Keep at it girl, I love it!!!
Hello Sarah!
Your uniform sounds very similar to mine.
I keep the bottoms neutral and for the tops I try to buy T’s with a feminine detail like a ruffle or something.
Jackets that give me a waistline and cardigans for a layered look.
I love to add costume jewelry and scarfs for the finishing touch.
Oh and cute shoes are always a must!
Loved this post!
I love your fashion posts. I always find some good ideas in them.
I live in the Midwest in the US so I must have winter clothes and summer clothes, with some transitional clothes for spring and fall. It used to be so confusing to me because I did not have a style, I mostly just bought something if I liked it and then had to figure out how to incorporate it into the rest of my clothes and it often did not work. Now that I’ve taken all those one-offs to the charity store, I have finally developed a uniform and it is definitely easier and the way to go. I won’t go back.
In the winter, I wear dark blue or black jeans and v-neck sweaters with scarfs, hoop earrings, and silver bracelets along with my red pea coat and black boots.I have two pairs of dressy pants and heels and a few blouses that I work in if I need to get dressier. In the summer I live in knee-length skirts, tees, scarfs, and sandals or flats. I have a few cardis and jackets that I layer on as needed and it all seems to work together.. I have shorts that I wear around the house but tend to throw on a skirt if I need to go out because I am 51 and just feel more confident in casual skirts. (not that there is an age limit to wearing shorts, it’s just my preference)
I must say you look gorgeous in that red shirt, by the way.
Great post! I’ve been loving your Real Fashion posts for us forty-is-the-new-thirty girls
You’ve inspired me to play around more with scarves and jewelry. And now I’m inspired to hone my closet down to a uniform. It’s been my experience that no matter what I’ve got in the closet, I end up wearing the same 10 things over and over anyway. Life would be simpler if i made it official! And I love how putting a different scarf and earrings on makes jeans and a t shirt feel like a whole new outfit. What the French know so well! Thanks for keeping this spot on the web fresh and new, Sarah! Loving it <3
We recently moved from a colder climate to a warmer one. My wardrobe is all over the place right now. I really need a uniform!
Love ur style Sarah…..simple but nice, I’m totally on the same page !!
I also love the neutrals with hits of color & pattern. I just have one small problem … Here goes….47 & hot flashes… I
Get so damn worm wearing those scarfs & before I know it , it’s the end of my work day or outing & I no longer have the scarf on , completely changing the look of my outfit & I hate when that happens…sooo just wondered if u would try a few fashion Fridays without scarves, but still ur classic look… Just luv it !
Thx for the great style, Decor & recipes
Kathy
hmmmm you know what funny cos I just bought a new dress, budget and AMAZING, tried it on this morning in anticipation for a meeting I have this week and a scarf looks oh so very wrong with the lines of the dress…it totally threw me…I feel naked without one and my neck looks weird..but I will be doing a post on this dress and there probs won’t be a scarf in it…so I guess it will be just the post for you…xxoox
I wll look for it Sarah, thx somuch for the reply,
Kathy
Loving this section! I live in Alice Spring where it gets really cold in winter…..any ideas for winter fashions?