MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

I recently bought a couple of pairs of white sneakers at Forges for $3.99 each. Bargain!   I’ve worn one pair a few times and they were starting to look a bit grotty – and besides I figured I didn’t really need two pairs of white sneakers.  One would suffice.  So this weekend I decided I’d dye a pair blue.

If you’ve never dyed anything before, it’s pretty easy, it’s just a bit messy.  Despite that though, I think it’s worth it if you have something in your wardrobe that you really like for whatever reason, but you can’t wear because it’s faded, it’s got a stain on it or the color doesn’t work for you.

On this particular occasion I used Rit, which I bought from Spotlight for about $7.

In the past I’ve also dyed, among other things, towels and even a white dressing gown that wasn’t looking so white anymore.   Next on my list is to dye some bed linen grey.

To get the result you’re after, you MUST follow the instructions precisely.  (I also got on the Rit website and read some of their dyeing tips before I started)

So now these….

Look like this..

Like I’ve said before, you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to refresh and update your wardrobe – sometimes all that’s required is some imagination and creativity.

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As much as I grumble about it and dislike the cold, grey aspect of winter, I do love the chance to rug up and wear some of my lovely warm coats.

I’ve been collecting them for years now.  I thought I’d show you a few.

The green cashmere and fur coat above was found in a charity shop in South Melbourne.  It’s vintage Christian Dior.  It needs a bit of love and attention before I can wear it.  The lining needs replacing and I want to have the arms and the back taken in.  The alterations, my tailor said, will cost me about $200, but given it only cost me $40 I think it’s worth it.

The green, black and white tweed is also vintage.  The label says it’s Made in France and I bought it over a decade ago from a little store in Melbourne’s Royal Arcade called Anonymous Posh.

I think you need at least one coat that you’ve saved for, that you’ll have for years and years to come.   Something classic, that will still be in style in 5 – 10 years time and that goes with 95 percent of your wardrobe. That’s my black Kors by Michael Kors coat below.  I picked this one up in the sales a couple of years ago from Bluefly.

And finally the camel hair and fur coat was discovered in a little vintage shop in Yarraville.  It’s in impeccable condition and incredibly warm.

Vintage coats are great for adding something interesting and unique to your wardrobe without spending a lot of money.  I know that there’s not much chance of anyone having anything like it.  I do however – despite how cheap they might be – make sure they are clean and aren’t smelly or stained when I buy them.  *Always check the lining to see what condition it’s in.

A new coat on the other hand, can be quite an investment so you want to make sure you get it right.

Given that some of you will wear it every day during winter, you want something you put on and it makes you feel great – not just some old ill-fitting, bally thing that does the job.

It needs to flatter your body shape. (Unless of course you are embracing the over sized trend then the style will not necessarily be conventionally flattering – yet style stylish)

Match your style & personality.

Be comfortable and versatile.  There’s no point having one purple coat in the cupboard if it only goes with 10% of your wardrobe.

Think of a coat like a couch.  If you buy something in a neutral tone you can make it look different by changing your accessories.  Just like adding a few cushions and a rug to change the look of a couch, you can add some gloves, a scarf and a bag or boots, to make the coat look different each time you wear it.

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I was in the neighbourhood of one of my favourite op-shops in Melbourne yesterday so thought I’d pop in on the off chance I might discover a treasure.

And I did.  This embroidered shirt – for $5.

I spotted it soon after I walked into the store, which is what usually happens when I browse through op-shops.  I’m not one to spend hours going through every single item on the rack,  I can generally spot a beauty instantly.  My eyes go into quick scanning mode.  Here’s what I look for:

• Stand out fabric – beaded, embroidered, velvet, silk, vintage brocade, sequined or beautifully colored
• Label – I like to see where and by who it was made and whether it might be vintage.  I’m not looking for a County Road or Sportsgirl t-shirt, I’m looking for something unique.
• Quality of cut and fabric.  Not interested in anything that looks cheap and artificial.
• In Fashion – I keep my eye out for styles that I know are currently fashionable (At the moment it’s vintage Levis 501’s which I might be able to customise)
• Flaws – if I’ve found a beautiful fabric and pulled it off the rack, then I give it a once over to see if there are any noticeable flaws or stains…or whether it smells.
• Accessories – I look at both the womens and mens belts, bags, scarves, sunglasses and jewelry

You also need to use your imagination when you shop in op-shops, to determine whether something you find has potential.  One-of-a-kind pieces are hard to come by, but a good tailor isn’t.  You don’t want to walk away from a gorgeous 1950’s chiffon dress you saw for $20, just because you didn’t like the length or the neckline.  Grab it and then take it along to your tailor to discuss possibilities.

Of course we do need to remember that op-shopping is like all shopping.  You don’t want to just get caught up with the price, think it’s a bargain and then suddenly you’re filling your wardrobe with unworn junk.  There needs to be something about it that you LOVE.  It’s need to be flattering (or altered to become flattering) and it needs to represent the image you want to portray.  (ie. no point buying a beaded vintage caftan if you’re a strictly Classic dresser – it won’t get worn)

When I think about it, what I love about op-shopping is the thrill of the find.  Discovering something that is unique and interesting.  Finding a piece that I know nobody will have – like this vintage Christian Dior coat. (Found in a charity shop in Sth Melbourne for $40)  *It needs to go to my tailor to be restored to it’s former glory.

*This article was written in 2011.  I have since had the sleeves of this shirt cropped so they sit about my wrists.   You can see me wearing it here.

READ: “What I Search For On Etsy and eBay” here

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image via here

I wish I had a dollar for every dress I’ve seen in wardrobes that either still had the tags on or was under a piece of dry cleaning plastic, where it had been for years and years.

Unfortunately, many of us buy dresses for occasions and wear them, feeling less than fabulous in them.

Either the dress was bought last minute, or because it was on sale, or because nothing else could be found and it was a “that’ll have to do” purchase.  And because the item was never really loved and it never really flattered the owners figure or made them feel amazing when they wore it – it just remains in the cupboard, hanging there and wasting space.   Or it could be that the dress was in fact lovely, and it did make the wearer feel good, but now they have no idea what to do with it.  They don’t really go anywhere to wear it or they’re not sure how they could wear it again.  Sound familiar?

When you shop for a new party dress there’s a few things to ask yourself so that you end up buying something that not only makes you feel great, but something that becomes a versatile piece in your wardrobe.

• Is it my style?  (Remember how I told you before I understood my style I bought dresses that were other peoples style because I loved it on them – Read about it here)
• Is it accentuating my best features?
• Is it the best length for my particular leg shape?
• What underwear will I need to wear under it?
• Can I change the look of the dress, so I don’t get bored with it,  with the use of different accessories?
• Can I move in it? (Sit, dance and walk elegantly)
• Is it flattering?
• Could I possibly dress it up and dress it down and wear it for other occasions?
• How will I need to take care of it? (ie. will it need to be drycleaned or can it just be hand washed)
• Does the color complement my hair and skin?
• DO I LOVE IT?

READ: “You’ve Bought The Dress But Have You Thought About The Underwear?” here

Details of my personal styling services (Including prices) here

Get to know me and my style on Facebook here

..& Instagram here