RATE

This is nothing special, but in the spirit of being real, I decided to post.

As I looked at these photos a song from the 80's filled my mind.  It was a favourite and even now brings back memories and feelings associated with that time of my life.

sweater : mossman
skinny jeans : kmart
wedge heel sneakers : target
garden setting : mine

I wore this outfit last Monday to go and play Laser Tag with Master 10.  This is pretty RATE (rough around the edges) for me but I like it.

The sweater is a recent purchase from Mossman and has a very cool split at the back and "ladders" on the front and sleeves.  It's an easy choice for skinny jeans, but works quite well over a longer length draped skirt also.

So back to that song.. it's "The Garden" by John Foxx.  Does the term "new romantic" mean anything to anyone??   No denying it!  I'm an 80's girls.  Oh and if you're wondering, I was seriously defeated in Laser Tag.  My goodness little boys move fast!

xxx Deborah

Dress

Well, I did promise a work outfit!  

I love this dress and it is now about 4 or 5 years old.  It did fit better 6 kg's ago but I am working on that.

jacket (faux leather with ponte panels) : target
dress : target
animal print skinny belt : target
booties : django & juliette

If you have just read the outfit details... no this is not a sponsored post for Target :)  It's purely a coincidence the majority of these garment are from Target.    Target Australia has certainly improved over the years and are now producing some very nice, modern and budget friendly clothing.  Their work wear is well made with classic styling, and for something a little special their Limited Editions range is worth a look.

The Target dress reminded me of a Gucci dress (above) that I had pinned some time after I had bought the dress.  The fabric is quite a nice weight and the shorter sleeve length allows it to work reasonably well across Autumn / Winter / Spring.

Thanks for dropping by, and I hope to introduce you to a young upcoming local designer in coming weeks.

xxx Deborah

Tunic

Its funny how things can change.  Once my biggest struggle was with casual looks.  I didn't wear jeans, had a more modern classic/corporate style for work, and really didn't know how to dress 'down' on weekends. Fast forward to today and I love jeans, particularly skinny jeans, leggings and more relaxed and draped looks that certainly are appropriate in my workplace, but make for perfect dressy casual wear.  Dressing for work is boring me a little at the moment, and as a result most of what I have been posting recently are non work day outfits. 

draped cardigan :  'gorgeous'
long black tank : can't remember
tunic : yvonne black
jeans : katies
booties : hush puppies

Should inspiration strike, I may just see if I can 'wow' you with an office ensemble next week ;)

And thank you for your interest in last week's "Meet the Designers" post.  I would love to write more of these types of posts and hope to have something new  for you in coming weeks.

xxx Deborah

Meet The Designers / One

Last Monday,  I had the pleasure of meeting the design team behind Australian Fashion brand, Brown Sugar.

Brown Sugar was established in 1975 only a few suburbs away from where I grew up, and
my first recollection of Brown Sugar, was of a fashionable, must shop at boutique.   Over the years I noted changes and the ranges seemed a little staid and to be honest they fell off my radar.  However I have recently rediscovered Brown Sugar who are once again producing quality clothing, with a timeless elegance and just a touch of trend.

Designers Jessie Morrison and Kat Ignatieva joined the team in September last year and where once Brown Sugar was primarily reaching the 50/60 year old age bracket, the brand is expanding it's reach and now attracting women 35 and up.  Their vision for the brand is to produce quality garments that are timeless, classic, and elegant.

Brown Sugar Design Team:  Jessie Morrison & Kat Ignatieva

When designing, both Jessie and Kat explained that they consider the women in their own lives... their mums, their friends, family members, asking them would they wear this?   They also keep an eye on sites such as Net A Porter and Shopbob both known for being very current, if not well ahead of what's trending.

Kat & Jessie taking a look at one of my favourite peices, the Baroque Feather Print Dress

In coming ranges, Jessie & Kat shared we can expect to see more natural fibres, and blended fabrics to ensure garments are easy to wash and care for, thus contributing to the longevity of the garments.  Spring / Summer will see a touch of the Sport Luxe trend, lots of colour and texture, and the peplum is still in.  Jessie & Kat showed me a gorgeous light weight peplum summer dress which will be available in a black and also a patterned black and white... with sleeves!   I am quite looking forward to trying that on when in it arrives in store.

What impressed me the most is the commitment Brown Sugar demonstrates to their existing, and  growing, customer base.   The team at Brown Sugar express a genuine interest in, and desire to know, what their customers want.  What works for them and what doesn't.  That in itself makes we want to shop with them:) 

From left to right: Kat, Haylee (Store Manager, Bendigo) Alisha (Sales Assistant) & Jessie

Brown Sugar is definitely worth checking out.  The website is incredibily user freindly and yes you can order online.  I will leave you with a few of my favourite pieces currently in store.  

Baroque Feather Print Dress

Baroque Jaquard Long Sleeve Top with Contrast Shoulder Panels

Boucle Gold Thread Jacket

xxx Deborah

* Please note this not a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed in this post are my own*