Shop Your Closet: White Shirt and Denim - Celeb Inspo

 

A white button down shirt, and a pair of jeans. It's been a classic combo for eons. It's a little dressier and more polished than a more casual white tee and jeans pairing, but just as easy to dress down.

Proportions, cuts, fits and styling considered "timeless and classic" change from season to season, decade to decade, but there are elements from the past we can pull from when we get dressed today.

Lately, I've turned to celebrities for inspiration on how I can make these wardrobe staples feel fresh and fun. Shop your closet, there's no need to rush out and buy new pieces (unless you really want too!) Here are some of my favourite white shirt and denim looks that are currently on my mood board:

 

Princess Diana 

 

(Mandatory Credit: Photo by Keith Waldegrave/Mail On Sunday/Shutterstock)

 

Princess Diana, the ultimate fashion icon. I love the proportions here, not so fitted and not so loose. This one is easy to recreate with a tan belt and loafers, statement gold earrings, a black banded watch and dark sunglasses.

 

Dua Lipa 

 

(Image credit: Ricky Vigil M /Justin E Palmer/GC Images/Getty Images)

In many ways, Dua's fit is the cool toned version of Princess Diana's look above. Pair your straight legged jeans with a slightly oversized shirt, black mary janes, a shoulder bag, and a pair of striking silver earrings.

 

Jane Birkin 

 

 

 (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage)

 

 

 (Photo by David Thorpe/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

The legendary Jane Birkin, rocking the same formula 48 years apart. For 2021, an oversized, relaxed, menswear vibe with an untucked shirt and Converse sneakers. In 1973, a slightly bohemian feel with a fitted silhouette, a sweater casually tied over her shoulders, sandals and a wicket basket in-lieu of a bag. 

 

Nicole Kidman 

 

 

 (Photo by Bob Scott / Liaison Agency) 

 

No embellishment needed for Nicole - a just a late 80s / early 90s cool girl look. A slightly relaxed fit and no accessories lets your natural beauty shine through. 

Jennifer Aniston

 

 

(Getty Images)

This look would feel even more 2010s, if Jennifer wore skinny jeans.  The Gucci logo belt, and Chanel Double Flap were on every girls wishlist at the time - they certainly were on mine! 

 

Katies Holmes 

 

(Grosby Group)

 

A cropped shirt doesn't mean you have to bare your belly! Offset the sharp look of this crisp shirt with relaxed baggy jeans and leave your hair down and undone. 

 

Megan Markle 

 

(Backgrid)

 

 

(Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images)

Megan updates her 2016 look to elevate it - swap the skinny jeans for a straight leg, tuck in your shirt (but leave off the belt!) and switch out the brown ballet flats and tote bag for two tone flats, a smaller, more structured bag and pulled back hair.

 

Making The Most Of A Small Closet (On a budget)

 

I often see American TV shows, and social media content, where folks have enormous bedrooms, with an even larger walk in closet. Something that I can only dream about in the older Sydney neighbourhood I live in, where most of the housing stock is Postwar, Edwardian or even Victorian, and space is at a premium. 

When I had my cleaning business, I helped a number of my clients reorganise their spaces to get the maximum utility, who, like me, often live in small homes with pokey, cramped bedrooms. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way:

• Purge ruthlessly - I am no minimalist, by any means. But an easy way to start is to immediately toss out garments that are worn out, beyond repair, do not fit, and you have no intention of ever wearing again. A common suggestion is to donate clothes to thrift shops, which is a great idea, but please, do not donate something that is more suited to be cut up for rags - thrift stores are already groaning under the weight of fast fashion and raggedy garments. 

• Make it pretty - Think about aesthetics. Just because the space you have to work with is small, it doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve a beautiful, organised closet that inspires you to look your best every morning. Start by taking everything out, giving everything a good wipe down and vacuum. Think about form and function as you place your garments back in. 

• Reuse and repurpose - Don't spend a tonne on organisation products - Have a look around your house and see if there are any storage items you can repurpose, before going shopping, as tempting as that may be. 

• Use Uniform Clothes Hangers - In direct contradiction to the above point, I do think its worth investing in all new, uniform hangers for a clean, cohesive look. I'd especially recommend those slim velvet hangers, because they aren't bulky, and they help prevent your clothes from slipping off. You can pick these up fairly inexpensively from many major retailers.  

• Categorise and Systematise - Arrange your clothes by categories, such as work wear, casual wear, event wear, athletic gear, etc. You can go further, and arrange things by colour within these categories, for a neater look, which also makes it easier to spot things quickly. Have a dedicated spot for everything, so things don't end up in a pile, or slung over the back of a chair. Ask yourself - does this need to be hung? Consider folding things (the KonMari method is great!), that don't strictly need to go on hangers to save even more space. Here are a few storage ideas for additional space outside of your closet:
  
• Handbags - I have a designated multi layer hat rack to hold my all handbags. I've done this for a few years and it has worked really well. You can see what you have for an added bonus.
• Over the Door Organiser - the pockets work well for small accessories, or shoes. 
• Pegboards and Hooks - great for belts and scarves.
  
• Under the bed or on top of a shelf - A good spot to keep infrequently worn, or out of season items.   

• Catalogue and Digitise - The final step will be to go ahead and catalogue all items in your wardrobe. There are many closet apps out there, such as Indyx, Whering, Acloset, etc. They all have their pros and cons, depending on your individual needs. Having your complete closet in your pocket when you go shopping, being able to create outfits, and seeing the gaps in your closet (and where you overdo it - perhaps you own a dozen black shirts like me!) is truly amazing. 

And there you have it! Some of my tips for making the most of a small closet on a budget. Remember to have fun and not get overwhelmed while you embark on this project - you're doing this to make getting dressed easier and more fun! Let me know in the comments below your thoughts!

Sophie's Kmart 2025 Workwear Capsule For Under $350

 

There are any number of reasons that you'd want to update your workwear wardrobe. Perhaps you need a wardrobe refresh, have gained or lost weight, been out of the workforce for a while, making the switch from WFH back to the office, or moving from the blue collar world to the white collar one.

It's not always practical or affordable to purchase everything from a less fast fashion-y brand, or at the op shop, as much as we'd like. Especially with limited time, and a limited budget.

Here is my affordable, accessible Kmart workwear capsule for under $350, which, at the time of publication, was available at the prices I've listed below. I've kept the colour palette neutral (with a splash of leopard print to keep it fun!) for simplicity's sake, and for maximum mix and matchability. 

I've also added two sets of jewellery - in silver and gold, to match your cool or warm undertones.

Goes without saying, it's absolutely not necessary to rush out and buy every piece, if you've already got a serviceable version hanging in your closet already. Use this capsule as inspiration, or a starting point, for your own workwear capsule.

Here are the pieces:

Clothing

• Short Sleeve Belted Midi Dress - $35 in black
  
• Relaxed Blazer - $38 in black
• Tailored Pants - $25 in black
• Linen Blend Maxi Skirt - $25 in leopard
  
• Pocket Textured Cardigan - $30 in oatmeal
• Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt - $25 in white 
• Long Sleeve Boyfriend Shirt - $20 in grey stripe
• Short Sleeve Elevated T-shirt - $15 in snow stripe
• Short Sleeve True Knit Fitted T-shirt - $15 in taupe

TOTAL = $ 228

Accessories 

• Mid Heel Court Shoes - $16 in black
• Saddle Loafer Flats - $20 in beige 
• Large City Tote Bag  - $22 in black
• Slouchy Shoulder Bag - $18 in tan 
• Double D Belt - $8 x 2 in black and beige
• 3 Pack Statement Stud Earrings - $5 x 2 in gold and silver 
• Intricate Chain Necklace - $6 x 2 in gold and silver 

TOTAL = $114

Bonus

• Oxx Cosmetics Matte Lipstick - $2 in Apple
• Oxx Cosmetics Nail Polish - $2.50 in Scarlett

GRAND TOTAL = $346.50 

 

So how many outfit combinations can you create? I haven't run this through a combination calculator, but here are a few sample looks you can create, to get you started:

Monochromatic Look = Dress + Belt + Pumps + Blazer + Bag + Gold Accessories

 Leopard Look = Top + Skirt + Cardigan + Loafers + Bag + Gold Accessories

 

 

 

Sporty Look = Blazer + Pants + Tee + Belt + Loafers + Bag + Silver Accessories

 

 

 

 

 

Let me know how you go!

My Top Five Thrift Shopping Tips

 

 

The first time I went thrifting (or op shopping, as it's known in Australia) was back in the nineties as a high schooler, with some of the money I made as a checkout chick (aka working the cash register at the local supermarket). My mother was horrified when I brought home what she considered dirty junk! I've been an avid thrifter ever since. I've made some great finds, such as a Georg Jensen candelabra, Murano glass, Selangor pewter, lots of crisp linen shirts and dresses, a Stella McCartney frock, and beautiful coats, dresses and Bunnykins for my daughter.

Thrifting's popularity has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and the thrift stores have certainly cottoned on by raising prices, and moving items they deem valuable online. There are still bargains and deals to be had, if you know where to look, and make a bit of an effort! Here are my top five tips that I've gleaned from years of op shopping. I hope you find these helpful if you are new to the world of thrifting.

1. Don't go in with a preconceived idea of what you are going to find, or try to stick to a shopping list. There's really no telling what kind of inventory you may find from day to day, as thrift stores are accepting new donations all the time. It's great to have a wishlist of items you might need or want, but be open to happenstance - it's likely that you will chance upon something that jumps out at you, and if you leave it behind to have a think about, it will likely be gone by the time you come back. 
2. Check out the entire store - not just the section you are interested in (such as womenswear, books etc). Things get miscategorised, customers move things around, you might happen upon something you can wear or repurpose. Also, I often love to check out the menswear section, as mens clothing tends to be made in natural fibres like cotton or wool, more often than womenswear, sad but true. 
3. Ignore sizing! - know your measurements (and those of your kids), and bring a tape measure with you. Vanity sizing is a thing. Vintage sizing runs smaller than modern sizing. Things shrink in the wash. Items get taken in and altered. Size is just a number - don't let it ruin your day!
4. Learn about dressmaking and tailoring basics - Even if you aren't handy with a sewing machine. There are lots of great, free resources out there, I'd recommend starting on YouTube. Turn things inside out and look at the stitching. Check for damage, missing buttons etc. Learn to identify fabrics through touch. Remember that brand doesn't necessarily equal quality.
   
5. Come back often! - This is the most important tip. New stock is arriving all the time, and there's no telling what it might be. If you run your errands in a certain place, and there's a thrift shop nearby, add it to your route. Heading to a different part of town? Google thrift shops / op shops in the area and check them out!

Got anymore tips? Share them in the comments below! 

Finished Knitted Object: Snowflake Hat

 

Need a small knitting project you can whip up relatively quickly, that's simple enough, but not boring, that you can make with your DK yarn odds and ends? This is the perfect project for you - The Snowflake Hat (and Mittens, if you have enough yarn). You can find it here on Ravelry, or directly here. 

I made mine for my daughter using 8 Ply DK acrylic yarn scraps from a magazine project kit. I added a red faux fur pompom (you can easily find an affordable one on AliExpress or eBay), after multiple unsuccessful attempts to make a yarn pom pom. The Fair Isle / colourwork portion was easy enough, yet kept the knitting from getting boring. 

My daughter has worn the beanie out now a couple of times and loved it. 

Let me know if you go ahead and knit this yourself, or leave a comment below if you have a similar project, I'd love to know!

5 Free Knitted Tank Patterns For Summer

 

Do you have some cotton or linen yarn in your stash, not quite enough for an entire jumper or sweater, and stuck for ideas on what to knit with it?

If you are in the Southern Hemisphere like me, summer is here, and it's too hot to think about your woolly WIPs (I have way too many projects in progress!) and start thinking about lighter, airier projects that you can complete relatively quickly, and wear straight away in the warmer weather.

Below, I've linked 5 free knitting patterns for summery sleeveless tops in my Ravelry queue. I really love knitwear designers to be compensated for their work, and often buy pattern pdfs, but these designers have been generous enough to provide these designs to us for FREE! Be sure to check out their other paid designs too. 

As much as I love to knit intricate laces and cables, I prefer to wear mostly minimalistic and sleek designs. I hope you enjoy these and find inspiration from them, as I have.

1. Tip Top Tank by Emily Bolduan - This is a simple, deep V necked tank top that calls for sport weight yarn. You have the option to knit it either flat or in the round, and there are now added instructions for an optional bow tie to the straps!
2. Simple Summer Tank by Kaitlin Barthold - This is a simple square necked tank top with a unique neckline construction. It uses a 10 ply yarn, so it will knit up quickly.
3. Streamline Tank by Alexandra Tavel - This tank is inspired by the architectural lines of the 1920s. There is both a paid and free version avaible, and it knits up in DK 8 ply yarn. 
4. Harbor Top by Steffi Wehrle - Knit in 10 ply worsted weight yarn, this is knit top down in a beginner friendly way. It features simple construction, stripes and a boat neckline. 
5. Gulf Shores Top by Lisa Carnahan - Another great little tank knitted in worsted weight yarn. It features a laddered detail down the centre front to add some dimension, and keep it interesting. 

So, what do you think? Do you intend to knit any of these, or perhaps you already have? What other patterns do you have in your summer Ravelry queue? Let me know below!