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Sunday 26 April 2015

ITS A WRAP! THE BLANKET WRAP

It is Mother's Day on Sunday, May 10 and as I won't be able to see my mum this year on Mother's Day, and in conjunction with Millers Magic Moments with Mum, I thought it would be nice to share my love and appreciation for my mum in a blog post!


colour block wrap : c/- Millers  /  jersey top (not seen) : target  /  regular slim ponte pant : c/- Millers  /  boots : serra
  track chain necklace c/- Millers  / flat disc flower earring : c/- Millers






I am thrilled to be part of Millers Magic Moment with Mum and share with you how special my mum is.   I am incredibly blessed to have a mum who has always been there for me. There have been many Magic Moments with my mum, some very positive and full of joy and others encompass sadness and times of challenge.  My mum has a beautiful servant heart and is always the first one to offer to help when a friend or family member is in need. 

When I was pregnant with my son, I had no idea how challenging a new born would be and how dramatically my life would change. I naively expected I would take it all in my stride, continue to work and my baby would just slot nicely into my schedule.  Well was I in for a shock?!    During those first 6 weeks, my mum would come over to my house ... frequently! and do my washing, some housework, make sure I got some rest... and she would cook! 
My mum has always been a wonderful cook - I remember many dinner parties as a child - where she would cook up a storm for her friends. I didn't have to cook for months.  I recall her making small individual pies, soups and casseroles and filling my freezer with the most delicious meals.  If not for my mum, I don't know how I would have coped.  I am forever grateful for her love and support. 

Partnering with Millers is also significant as my mum has been a long time customer of the brand, so it was fun to peruse the current range this time with a view of what I might wear rather than what my mum might wear.  I was quite excited when I spotted their range of wraps and ponchos.  Wraps and ponchos are a winter staple in my wardrobe irrespective of whether they are trending or not, so when I spotted the very Burberry-esque Colour Block Wrap - despite it not being all black - I felt it would be an excellent addition... a bit of a wardrobe wildcard if you like.  The drama of the wrap calls for a simple support act so I went with a column of colour (black of course) with some silver accessories, also from Millers, to lighten the look.


Black Check Wrap     /    Colour Block Wrap    /     Zebra Knit Weave Wrap
all available @ Millers

Do you have special plans with your mum for Mother's Day?

And what about ponchos and wraps (or open ponchos as some refer to them)?  Is this a garment that you have added, or plan to add, to your Autumn/Winter wardrobe? I have also purchased a grey marl poncho for this season but have my eyes open for a black jersey version too!


xxx Deborah

Linking up for Visible Monday.  Do drop by.

I have written this post in collaboration with Millers Fashions.  Items cited as "c/-" have been gifted to Stylish Murmurs, however all opinions expressed are 100% my own. Garments for review are selected by me and I only accept items that I would choose/purchase myself.

Wednesday 22 April 2015

STYLE INSPIRATION : RENAE

Vintage is probably not a word you would associate with my own style, but regardless, I have a real love and appreciation for vintage clothing and vintage stylings, and today I would like to introduce you to my beautiful friend, Renae, whose vintage wardrobe is enviable.





Renae is a friend and designer of the most beautiful handmade collars and headpieces, which I hope to show you in a future post.  

Renae has the gift of thrifting and putting together the most fabulous outfits from vintage and recycled/preloved clothing.  Each time I see her, I am wowed by how she puts her outfits together and even more so by the fact that almost all her clothing is purchased pre-loved.

While not driven by trend, Renae is an avid fashion magazine reader and the inspiration 'wall' in her studio is covered in beautifully styled pictures of this year's style offerings.   But instead of jumping on the bandwagon and seeking out this year's (or was it last year's) "must have" streamlined black jumpsuit (as I would do), Renae found her fabulous red, ruffle sleeved jumpsuit in a local thrift store.  Pairing it with patent red Steve Madden platforms and a vintage faux fur jacket, this outfit was perfect for a recent night out to the theatre.



Wearing vintage and recycled clothing can actually give you an edge on the trends. Culottes are everywhere you look at the moment and these culottes are amazing!  Fitted and flat across the hips and tummy, then adding volume further down the leg line.  The pattern and the split at the side of each leg (unseen here) makes these a very unique and special garment, and yet thoroughly on trend.


Finally, Renae has taken this vintage dress, added tan/cognac belt and boots and created an outfit which creates a very lady like 70's look.

For a time I did collect vintage coats and shoes, but decided that if I wasn't going to wear them, they didn't really deserve to take up so much space in my closet.  I sold all but one coat that I still enjoy wearing every now and again.  

What about you?  Are you a thoroughly modern woman?  Or are vintage and recycled garments part of your wardrobe?

xxx Deborah




Sunday 19 April 2015

THE DRAPED COAT

I have a bit of a weakness for outerwear and really enjoy the variety that jackets and coats can bring to my pretty standard winter silhouette of skinny leg pants/leggings and draped tops.

coat : c/- sabena / oversized top : metalicus / leggings : target / boots : pons quintana





The Drape Coat is from the current Pretty In Pink range from Sabena, and ticks all my boxes for a winter coat.  It's a wool blend, has my signature drape, can be worn tied with the belt, or worn open and draped, and the neck line can be worn as more of a funnel style with a little tucking and adjustment.

One of the things that particularly appeals to me about Sabena, apart from the fact that they are a local fashion brand, is that they are a genuine family run business - something we don't see so much these days.  They were established 60 years ago, and today the founder's Grandson and his wife are at the helm continuing to produce quality fashion for real women.

The coat has perhaps a more classic vibe than much of my wardrobe, however I do think it will provide an interesting juxtaposition when worn with my signature pieces and I must admit I don't mind mixing things up a bit.  I don't want to be totally predictable... right?  It will also be perfect for my work commute as part of my "professional" capsule.

You can see my other top pick from Sabena for this winter HERE.  And to see more, you can check out and follow Sabena's Facebook page HERE.  If you would like to know who stocks the range you can contact the lovely Shana HERE.

What do you look for in a winter coat?  Are your choices trend driven, or do you look for more longevity?

xxx Deborah


I have written this post in collaboration with Sabena Fashion Group.  Items cited as "c/-" have been gifted to Stylish Murmurs, however all opinions expressed are 100% my own. Garments for review are selected by me and I only accept items that I would choose/purchase myself.

Wednesday 15 April 2015

STYLE INSPIRATION : ACCIDENTAL ICON

Lyn from Accidental Icon has taken the blogosphere by storm and has brought with her a unique and thoughtful take on fashion and style.










Lyn states on the blog that she started Accidental Icon "because I was having trouble finding a fashion blog or magazine that offered an urban, modern, intellectual aesthetic but also spoke to women who live what I call “interesting but ordinary lives” in cities. Women (like me) who are not famous or celebrities but are smart, creative, fashion forward, fit, thoughtful, engaged, related and most importantly clear and comfortable with who they are.."
Her words really struck a chord with me. Of course there are some wonderful blogs out there that do meet Lyn's criteria... it's just finding them.   Lyn's outfits are fabulous but her words are challenging, provoking and informative.  Two of my favourite posts to date are this one on "Grey Matter" along with this one that asks the question "who or what do you wear when you are need of protection?" 

If you happen to be under the misconception that we become invisible after 40, think again! I think I want to be Lyn when I grow up!

xxx Deborah

Sunday 12 April 2015

THE DRAPED VEST

If you read regularly, you will know that I love both layering and drape in my clothing.  This beautiful vest does both... and rather well.

california wrap vest : metalicus
mana drape tunic : metalicus
ponte leggings : target
ankle boots : serra



I have long had a love of sleeveless jackets and 'vests'.  Something I wasn't fully aware of until a recent review of my closet.  It seems I have a few.  This one is the California Wrap Vest from Metalicus and it unfortunately appears to be sold out on line.  The beauty of this wool blend vest is that it can be worn a number of different ways (something I love in a garment).  You can see that I have over exposed the second photo to demonstrate the drape in the garments, but you can also see on each shoulder there is a clasp.  There are corresponding clasps on the long points (at the hem) on each side and one on the inside waist and one of the outside waist on the opposite side.  Did you get all that:)   So the long points can be secured at the shoulder or the waist, or the shoulder and the waist in a number of number of ways.  I am sure I will have other iterations to show you in future posts!

So what about you?  Do you have a sleeveless jacket /vest in your wardrobe?  Do you prefer a tailored vest or something less structured?

xxx Deborah




Wednesday 8 April 2015

STYLE INSPIRATION : GLASS ORGANELLE

One of my favourite reads is the blog Glass Organelle.  A fellow Aussie, Mia is gorgeous, and her posts are always intelligent, thoughtful and insightful.




Mia describes herself as a fashion enthusiast and leather hoarder who sees the value in investing in quality leather pieces over fast fashion.  She favours a neutral palette of predominantly black, white and grey, yet occasionally surprises with items like her Paul Harnden jacket (first picture above) or her pumpkin coloured Rick Owens Leather Jacket.  Mia shares on her blog how she prefers to explore texture and silhouette as opposed to colour and trend.  Her favourite designers include Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester, Guidi, Yohji Yamamomto and more recently Paul Harnden.

Be sure to checkout Mia's style HERE

Sunday 5 April 2015

THE BLACK LEATHER BLAZER!

Autumn has arrived, which means I can finally start dressing for the cooler weather.  Have I told you Autumn/Winter are my favourite style seasons?

leather blazer : c/-  sabena / drape top : katies / ponte leggins : target / ankle boots : sierra / scarf : i can't recall






I have been so looking forward to wearing this beautiful leather blazer by Kesta  from Sabena Fashion Group.  When the lovely team at Sabena contacted me and asked me to select two items from their 2015 range of coats and jackets, there were a number of styles that quickly caught my attention.  The range really does have something for everyone, from classic to modern classic right through to designs with a subtle edge.

I could see the leather blazer bringing a nice edge to my smart casual work wear, adding some structure to my more draped pieces and then, on my 'mum on the go' days, it will be the perfect jacket for throwing on over skinny jeans and leggings.  The cut of the blazer is actually quite classic but the combination of classic cut blazer, and the hard edge that leather brings to a garment, makes this a fabulous piece.  This is the jacket's first outing, but I already have a long list of outfit combinations in my head, and I expect this to be in very regular rotation over the coming months.

For a day of running around, I styled the blazer with a skinny leg pant, which is a perfect accompaniment to the jacket, keeping the look streamlined, simple and minimal. I have added my signature drape with the white jersey tank and a soft grey chunky scarf. 

Now back to my new favourite blazer!  The leather is incredibly soft and the garment is beautifully made.  I think this might qualify as one of those invaluable investment pieces, you know the ones we can't imagine living without?  

The Sabena suite of labels - Kesta, Pretty In Pink & Sabena - is now firmly on my radar and I will be looking forward to coming collections. To see more, you can check out and follow Sabena's Facebook page HERE.  And for stockists of the range you can contact the lovely Shana HERE.

 Are these labels new to you?  Is a leather blazer on your wishlist for Winter?  How would you style a leather blazer?  

xxx Deborah

Linking with Patti over at Visible Monday today.  Do pop over and check out some great style.



I have written this post in collaboration with Sabena Fashion Group.  Items cited as "c/-" have been gifted to Stylish Murmurs, however all opinions expressed are 100% my own. Garments for review are selected by me and I only accept items that I would choose/purchase myself.




Wednesday 1 April 2015

STYLE INSPIRATION : RUTH

I am an avid blog reader and find blogs a fabulous avenue for inspiration and new ideas. Recently I came across this gorgeous woman, Ruth, from (I think) Noway.  Her blog is a forum for promoting her beautiful lifestyle store Mathildes Verden and her style is just stunning.  Her winter looks, in particular, absolutely resonate with me.









This black and white dress so needs to be in my wardrobe!!


Check out Ruth's style here.

Hope you are having a great week.

xxx Deborah