Chic Illumination: dresses

Showing posts with label dresses. Show all posts

sale alert - it's the new black

I don't know about you, but closing down sales have always caused some inner conflict for this fashion lover. On one hand it's a chance to get our paws on some incredible percentage off savings, but on the other, it means we have to wave goodbye to what could be our favourite boutique down the road, or in this case, a great Australian online retailer.
It's The New Black have announced final reductions in their closing down sale. Once stocking brands such as 7 For All Mankind, Citizens Of Humanity, Ginger & Smart and White Suede they have been a destination for me for quite some time. But alas, it is to be no more. But enough of the sad stuff and on to the benefits, the sale finds! There are savings from 60 - 85% off to be had, presumably until sold out, so get in quick ladies.
Here are my picks to peak your interest, with all images linked directly to the sale pages. Happy hunting!

Ginger & Smart Trancendent Coat Dress

Reduced from $655.00 to $229.25

Is it a dress, is it a kimono? Who cares?! Made from a glorious mixture of silk, satin and chiffon and featuring fabulous bell sleeves this piece is sure to add some fun in your life.

House Of Harlow Black Cary Sunglasses
Reduced from $149.00 to $59.60
Nicole Richie has designed these classic inspired large black shades with a twist. Featuring a HOH logo on the sides in a bronze colour, they are sure to turn heads. They also come complete with a designer hard case. Look like a modern day Audrey Hepburn for less.

Tigerlily Nude Pitch Dark Loop Drape Dress
Reduced from $179.95 to $62.98
Want to achieve the look of layering without the effort this Winter? Enter this piece of delightful draping from Tigerlily. Made from 100% viscose with long sleeves to keep you warm and press studs running down the front centre it's a brilliantly versatile piece.

Mezi Antique Gold Cuff

Reduced from $179.00 to $71.60

If you can't get enough of the arm party and have been eyeing the metallic trend this season then this is the sale score for you. This stunning cuff has a cut out solid mesh look band with 6 raised hexagon shapes.

sale alert - bettina liano four days only

Listen up bargain hunters! For four days only Bettina Liano are taking 50% off almost everything. The sale starts today and continues in stores until the end of Sunday 2nd October. The discounts don't apply to new arrivals and denim items, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of fabulous buys to be found.
So, this weekend when your fella is glued to the "big game", take this cue to leave the house (and say "thanks, but no thanks" to that finals barbeque you've been invited to) and in stead head to your local shopping strip and take some joy in the crazy sale prices on offer at Bettina Liano.
There's a sale going on at their online store right now too, where there are some equally fabulous buys to be found. Here's a little teaser - my picks of the sale bunch. All images are linked directly to the sale pages, enjoy.

Trasher Dress in Tea Stain

Reduced from $185.00 to $125.00

This tasty cotton number has just the right mix of girly and grunge. Team with some wooden soled platforms and a knitted cardi for the ultimate vintage inspired look.

Ipanema Skirt in Green

Reduced from $295.00 to $195.00

It's so great to see a quality peplum style skirt at an affordable price! This gorgeous green is calling me from the screen, it's so bright and vibrant. I'd be getting some colour blocking action on with this baby and pairing it with an equally bright cobalt blue.

Ace Light Denim in Blue Ripple

Reduced from $239.00 to $99.00

The ultimate in super skinny jeans. Bettina Liano are renowned for their top quality denim, and if you haven't owned a pair before, crazy prices like this are the perfect opportunity to discover them for yourself.

Kinky Kitty Crop Cardi in Lemon

Reduced from $245.00 to $125.00

The animal print trend is still going strong and showing no signs of waning, but if you find a lot of the animal prints on offer a little too loud for your tastes, then perhaps this kinky lemon number is for you. Wear with a high waisted skirt for a super feminine look.

Neo Infusion Knit Dress

Reduced from $295.00 to $199.00

An ideal addition to your Summer work wardrobe, the body-con style is sure to get you noticed, while the high neck-line ensures you remain looking professional. The beautiful blend of cotton and viscose means it will breathe right through the hottest of working days.

Bandage Top

Reduced from $180.00 to $39.00

A tee with a twist. The super soft combination of viscose and polyester makes this fabulously simple design even more wearable.

Nail Polish - available in six colours

Reduced from $18.95 to $5.00

Colours include: Corvette (bright red), Jailbait (bright coral), Poolside (bright turquoise), Gold digger (sparkling gold, shock), Blue jeans (pictured) and Trashbag (deep metallic green).

sale alert - all about fashion

All About Fashion (formerly known as Sassi Parella) was started by fashion stylist, buyer and shop owner Catherine Clark.

"My aim was to create convenient online shopping and educate women about their body shape and problem areas. I want women to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin and make them look their best everyday by providing the necessary resources."

That, I must say, is something she has achieved in spades. All About Fashion have revolutionised online shopping by allowing you to shop by your body shape, personality and problem areas and cater for sizes 6 - 18. Stocking a great range of Australian labels including: Wish, Bless'ed Are The Meek, Cooper St and Ladakh to name just a few, the site is full of so much useful information including fashion tips, information on fabrics, face shapes and styles all to help you make the best choices for your daily needs.
All About Fashion are currently having a massive Winter clearance to make room for all the new Spring and Summer arrivals. All Winter stock is reduced by at least 50% and some items have been discounted up to 70% with prices starting at $25.00. They are also offering free shipping with no minimum spend until the end of September, using the code "september" in the coupon box at the check-out.
Even though this is a Winter clearance, there are plenty of goodies that will set you right during this trans-seasonal time of year and all the way through to the end of Spring.
As usual, I've picked out a few of my favourite selections from the sale pages, just in case you weren't tempted enough already! I tell ya, it was difficult to pick just a few, there are so many great pieces on offer. All pictures are linked directly to the sale pages, enjoy!

Anise Nightingale Dress

Reduced from $109.95 to $54.98

This stunning cotton dress is ideal for those who are self-conscience about their arms and is perfect for a girls night out. Pair with some killer heels and statement accessories for a chic and sultry look.

Ladakh Hutton Jacket

Reduced from $64.95 to $32.47

This light-weight rayon jacket is ticking all the trans-seasonal and style boxes. It's adjustable sleeve lengths will take you from day to night with ease and it's desert orange colour is perfect for a bit of colour blocking.

Honey & Beau Seeking Serena Top

Reduced from $89.95 to $44.98

This gorgeous top is slightly sheer and is on trend with it's softly tailored, neutral look. Tuck into a high waisted skirt to help maintain shape.

Anise Motorcross Skirt

Reduced from $89.95 to $44.98

Speaking of high-waisted skirts, and hot off yesterday's post about pencil skirts, this wrap style is a must have. It comes included with a black belt to further highlight your waist and will take you from the boardroom to the bar without missing a beat.

Bless'ed Are The Meek Battlestar Maxi Dress

Reduced from $229.95 to $114.97

The 70's are officially a huge style inspiration for the Spring and Summer trends and this maxi dress is a fabulous example of the glamorous styling that comes with this look. The incredible and exclusive print is sure to turn heads and will work best with towering wood sole platforms.

Ladakh Escaper Dress

Reduced from $79.95 to $39.98

Who doesn't love a bit of floral in the Springtime? This rayon day dress is great for many body shapes and concerns. It can be unbuttoned to be worn over a singlet and jeans, belted to enhance your waist or simply lusciously loose as it is. I'm loving the flowing bells sleeves, divine.

Ladakh Demure Top

Reduced from $49.95 to $24.97

This wonderfully vintage inspired top, complete with peter pan collar has just stolen my heart. It's perfect for a unique work look matched with some wide leg trousers, go mod on the weekends with some cute capris or simply sweet with a little skirt like below for drinks with the girls.

Excuse me while I go slay my bank balance...

festival fun - boho odyssey

There is no better time or excuse to unleash your inner tree-huggin'-hippy than the blessed outdoor music festival. Just ask Sienna Miller who practically created the boho look and subsequent trend at Glastonbury Festival a few years back.
What's great about this style is it's relaxed and earthy nature which equals instant chic comfortability.
So what's the festival that's got my attention this week? It's the Odyssey Day Festival being held this Saturday, September 10th at Perry Park in Sydney. Here's what the organisers have to say:

"For those sick of Sydney clubland with its overpacked clubs, aggressive security and bland music policies, an alternative has arrived! Join us for a FREE relaxing afternoon in Perry Park, Alexandria for the first Odyssey Day Festival! Featuring a mish mash of local musicians performing/spinning dubstep, downbeat disco, deep house and a smidgen of funk!"

Certainly sounds like my idea of a great time and while the weather isn't exactly set to sizzle in Sydney on Saturday, it is forecast to be clear and sunny. So whip out your little boho dress (or click through to get this one now from birdsnest.com.au, with their super-fast delivery you'll have it at home right on time) and head on down for a free day of dancing in the park.

festival fun - boho odyssey by tessthomson featuring crystal bangles

Dress
90 AUD - birdsnest.com.au

Friis & Company beaded sandals
€38 - welikefashion.com

Fiorelli clutch handbag
£20 - mylabel.co.uk

Samantha Wills crystal bangle
$199 - frockaholics.com

Oasis crystal earrings
£16 - oasis-stores.com

Cheap Monday glass shades
$50 - generalpants.com.au

Gold belt
$20 - bardot.com.au

lazing in lisbon

Spring has officially sprung and it's brought with it a whole bucket-load of new season style finds. My sun-dress wish-list is already off the charts, which is a cause of concern for my bank balance, perhaps, but I cannot describe how much joy I get just from browsing new season releases. As I'm sure you may have already worked out, I just can't get enough!
Frockoholics is a fabulous Australian online store with boundless designer, style and budget range choices. I've included one or two pieces from their site in the past, but today's choice is the hero of today's "day-dream outfit". This day dress has stolen my heart for it's chic yet retro vibe, delicious cut and colours and above all, that bold statement print. It's made from natural cotton voile, has a drawstring waist for ultra comfortability and is the hot-off-the-runway midi-length, sure to flatter most if not all body shapes.
Fun fact about Lisbon, Portugal? If you are invited to a Portuguese home for dinner, bring flowers, good quality chocolates or treats to the hostess. Just make sure you don't choose red flowers, since red is the symbol of the revolution. How about that. You learn something new everyday.

lazing in lisbon by tessthomson featuring leather handbags

Totem - Records Black Lin Dress - Day Dresses - designer dress,...
$159 - frockaholics.com

Leather sandals
$160 - topshop.com

H M leather handbag
£40 - hm.com

Lucky Brand Jeans chandelier earrings
$42 - luckybrand.com

Metal bracelet
$25 - topshop.com

Miss Selfridge enamel bangle bracelet
£8.50 - missselfridge.com

baby bump - trusty tunic

I know that purse strings around the country are getting tighter and tighter as the cost of living rises, and I'm sure that if you're pregnant, the last thing you feel like spending more money on is a whole new wardrobe! Rest assured that this truly isn't necessary, and many items already in the your wardrobe can be used as your mini me grows inside the comfy cave you're so generously supplying.
Tunics, and this outfit, are a perfect example of everyday, "normal body" items being totally workable when you're up the duff. They're long enough to accommodate a growing waist line and by investing in a good pair of maternity pants such as the pair below you'll be able to match many tops already in your wardrobe to create different looks.
Thank goodness for the oversized trend, huh?!

baby bump - trusty tunic by tessthomson featuring leather satchel bags

Blue Juice - Sheer Shirt Dress - Birdsnest Clothing Online
90 AUD - birdsnest.com.au

Skinny jeans maternity
$75 - topshop.com

Strap shoes
50 AUD - forevernew.com.au

Leather satchel bag
$60 - bardot.com.au

Ring
15 AUD - ts14plus.com.au

loving right now - polka dots

While I'm not adverse to a good old polka dot during the colder months, there is something about Spring and polka dots that just go together so well. Perhaps it's because they go so brilliantly with floaty day dresses? I don't exactly know why the connection is so strong, but then again, I don't really care!
Polka dots aren't exactly a major trend this upcoming season, but I've been seeing a lot of them nonetheless. A possible reason could be due of the hordes of vintage vibes seen at recent A/W 11/12 runway collections, this is the upside of essentially being a season behind the European market; "micro trends" can often be picked up by local designers here in Australia so we get a tasty preview of what's to come.
Anywho, back to the adorable polka dot! I've had a long love affair with this print and the young, fun and retro vibe it brings to the table which I find impossible to ignore. So, whether it be via a fifties inspired full skirted dress, some patterned stockings, or with some towering heels; this Spring, get your dot on.