Today I was fortunate to have the morning off to do a bit of shopping and stock up on all those basic products I was running low on. However, it was such a cold morning that I was tempted to skip it altogether and sleep in instead, (not likely with Miss Four raring to go!). I find it very hard to get inspired on these freezing mornings. When the days starts out at 4 degrees Celsius and you know it will reach about 20 degrees by lunch time, it is hard to plan ahead when all you want to do is stay wrapped up. So today I found a compromise between comfort, warmth and style. My fabulous red leopard top came courtesy of The Coveted (recycled) some time back, and is the closest thing to a “tracksuit” sweater I own. I say this because of it’s billowy style and the fabric it is made from. The skirt is a super stretchy pencil skirt that is also super comfortable. So much so that you can kick off your shoes and curl upon the sofa while wearing it without feeling constricted. It is more like a hug than a tight fit. Cap all that off with a pair of 120 denier opaques for added warmth and you’re good to go. I’m not going to lie and tell you the heels are just as comfortable as ballet flats, but for a style and comfort compromise, I was quite chuffed with this combo. Do you have a stylish but secretly super comfy ensemble in your arsenal?
Outfit details:
Red Leopard top – recycled via The Coveted Black jersey top – Postie
Stretch pencil skirt with belt – Portmans Opaques – Voodoo
Shoes – Luca & Marc Rings – Diva
Hair Bow – Sugar Doll designs Earrings – SIX
And I’m ALWAYS happy to be the...
Oh, I remember that top. Loved it then, love it now! I think it’s hilarious that you mentioned having difficulty getting up in 4 degrees which will go up to 20 because that’s what it’s like here right now and I’m having spring fever and leaping out of bed! (The change in light patterns is very relevant I realize, but still… I gotta move to Melbourne.)
So funny! Just a few hours ago I was looking for an old post I did on Jennine, noticed this one and was thinking about how good the sweater looked on you!
http://wbjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/10/patrick-kelly-has-landed.html
I love how you can be having an “off” fashion day where comfort wins out – and you STILL look awesome! Just shows that there’s no excuse for drab!!
You look fabulous. I love your blog and find it so inspirational. But can you tell me, do you really wear heels like that on a ‘comfy’ day? And for walking around shopping and dealing with kids?
I have some superstretchy fake skinny jeans that look awesome and are really comfy. They even have an elastic waistband!
Tizz: I saw some like this the other day. They are made by a hosiery company here and are a cross between leggings and jeans. They must feel great, but as a woman with hips I’ll have to skip those.
Rochelle: Yes and no. I do wear heels like this when I am out shopping and dealing with kids. Fighting trolleys and denying them things from the candy isle. If I am running around at home and playing on the floor a lot, I will wear ballet flats. The heels in this picture are very well made and actually quite comfortable. I would’nt hike in them , (but then I don’t hike) but they will stand up to a whole day on my feet and what that entails. I am off to traffic school with Miss Four today, but I think that I’ll skip the heels for helping her ride her bicycle. I’m all about style, but I still know where to draw a line between looking good and just plain ridiculous.
Esz: Well I was still heading out so it was a cross between going our gear that made me fell like I still had a day off. When I do “off” and at home, I tend to stick to wide leg pants and comfy vintage sweaters.
Wendy B: Ha ha I remember that!
I might have to pop into Portmans again to stock up on some basics like this lovely pencil skirt. Ruffles and pleats and certain types of stockings seem to be calling to me more than ever this year, so I think I’d better heed their call. Though I’ve also been eyeing off some stuff in Cue, so it might have to be a trade off…
Love the red in this ensemble SKM! You look hot to trott!
I also love that killer skirt.
Very stylish.
Xx
Love the outfit! I just found your site today and am already infatuated! lol Kawaii and vintage together in one? Awesome! lol
Looking fab !!! I had forgotten about Voodoo stockings, thanks for reminding me. It’s great for me to read an Aussie blog and have memory jogged at times.
Jaede: Voodoo really are the best. They feel more velvety than the other brands and last forever.
Maggi: Thank you! Hope you enjoy your time here.
Grant: Aww shucks Mr.
Lauren: Funny that you mention those two stores. Both Cue and Portmans have received most of my pocket money lately. I am just in love with this seasons range from Cue and I know that I am supporting Australian made quality when I buy from them, so it is all good.
20 degrees!!! I wish, it only got to about 12 here with torrential rain all day! Love the outfit comfort but no slumming!
Comfy and stylish, well done!
I have a black jersey dress that I wear with an elasticated belt, heels and coloured tights when I want comfy but stylish, people often ask why I made so much effort, if only they knew it was my sartorial equivalent on nightwear!
Mine is a black dress shirt that I can pair up with a nice belt and heels or flats (whatever I feel wearing that day). The dress shirt is thin enough for warm weather but looks warm for cold weather .:)
Meream: “Looks warm for cold weather.” Does that mean that it also keeps you warm or is the power of suggestion enough?
Retro chick: That’s so funny. i have a cashmere dress that makes me feel the same. You go out feeling like you should be secretly getting ready for bed and no one knows.
Floraposte: Sounds like hot chocolate weather.
omg! the red leopard never loses its spots! i was *this close* to keeping it…
oddly enough, i’ve been wearing these harem pants alot, they are so comfy, actually these days i’ve been slumming it a lot, so the secret, realy isn’t that secret.
oh, and pretty much every skirt i own is a comfort thing, it looks dressy but i wear them for the comfort.
Jennine: And I think of you every time I wear it!
Georgy Girl: thank you, I’m honored!
M. Lady finger: It is one of my favorites! I really must make some more like it, as I can’t find the seller again.
Katie: I love little surprises like that.
I’ve just given you a One Lovely Blog Award for being in my Top Ten blogs, which you can pick up at http://plotz.blogsome.com Big hugs!!!
LOVE the hair bow xxx
The ruffles on the skirt are too cute!
Wonderful… I love the blouse and the skirt.
Love those shoes and ring. And I totally envy you! How on earth did you get such beautiful hair?
so glad to see my fav skirt out and about. Love the outfit darling
Fantastic! I love the stripy bow too, what a lovely touch. And you hair is looking extra amazing!
Marianne: I’ve been having some great hair days recently, which is a relief after a bad hair cut about 9 weeks ago. I’ve been doing lots of experimenting for some new tutorials too!
ooo this is one of my favorite daily outfit posts!! I have been on the hunt for a stretchy, black pencil skirt for some time now (no luck yet). my wardrobe is seriously lacking the comfy yet stylish section…hmm… i sense an excuse to go shopping!
xoxo
have a fantastic weekend, skm!
Miss Red Lips; Yep, this skirt gets a workout. It is rather fab, and the stretchiness means it is worn much more often than just a straight version. There are loads of versions of this one around so you shouldn’t have too much trouble.