Wardrobe Malfunction

I said to a girlfriend just the other day that I always seem to buy something quite outlandish wardrobe wise when I am on holidays, like a caftan or wooden clogs, when I get home I look at it and think “Why”. Well I think I have done it again. This time I bought a pair of white harem pants. Crutch down to my midcalfs and extremely full in the leg it is lucky they were cheap. They are very comfortable though, and at this stage of my pregnancy comfort is certainly winning over style.


I think once they baby is born and I have a few minutes spare I will chop and change them into a little white skirt. I have bought quite a few maternity clothes this pregnancy that I can renovate once baby is born, but most of them will be changed into skirts, which is a bit of a shame because I am not a skirt person, but maybe I will become one. Otherwise I have some friends that I am sure will appreciate my handy work.


What fashion disaster trends have you followed?

Jen & Row
www.shimi.com.au

C&C California Fashion

If you like comfort but still enjoy want to stylish clothing, C&C California is the brand for you.  Lounge wear has come a long way in the past 3-4 years, with fashion evolving from Lounge wear that was really just tracksuits and baggy t-shirts, to a whole new style.  Be it leggings, a beautifully cut over sized t-shirt,  or a simple long shirt, this is the style you want to lounge in.

I am not much of an ironer, and in fact the kids and I generally just through on our clothes in the morning and hope that with body heat the wrinkles have ironed themselves out (my husband is a little more conscience and does iron his work shirts - but only his work shirts).  Usually we look pretty presentable, but occasionally I have to take the iron to something.  This is why a love Lounge Wear, most of it doesn't need any attention, just wash, dry and wear.

What is your favourite look for lounging around the house?  We would love to hear from you, tell us how you remain stylish but comfortable.  You never know when someone you might want to impress will knock on the front door - be prepared anytime.

Drop into Shimi to check out the great Lounge Wear we have available now. 
Happy Shopping
Jen & Row
www.shimi.com.au

Eight Sixty Fashion - Great New Find

I recently came across the brand Eight Sixty which is popular is the US.  I am loving it, perfect for the Australian summer, with lots of cute dresses in bright colours.  The dresses are short but not fitting so whilst they would look great with a pair of heels for a night out on the town, they would look equally great over a pair of togs at the beach.

So, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to add Eight Sixty to Shimi.  These items are sent to you directly from the US so allow a little extra time when you order and don't forget to convert the price from US$ to AU$ (although with the current exchange rate, there is little difference).

I am currently going through summer very pregnant so short dresses are not even a slight option for me at the moment, but they are the new maxi dress this season, so get that spray on tan on your legs and show them off.  Most of the Eight Sixty products available through Shimi are at least half the recommended retail price - so they are a bargain.

Happy Shopping

Jen & Row
www.shimi.com.au

Sunshine Coast Holiday

We are currently enjoying our 2nd day of holidays at the Sunshine Coast is Queensland (Australia for our international followers). It has been magic, with cool afternoons and hot mornings. So by 10.30 this morning we had taken the children to the beach and enjoyed a nice long swim in the resort pool. This afternoon has been pretty much the same and I hope the remaining 4 days following in this vein.



The Sunshine Coast reminds me quite a lot of my home town – Cairns, which is probably why I instantly relax when we arrive. It has the same beachy, casual feel that Cairns does, like you could walk around in your bikinis and sarong for the day and no one would notice. In fact in Cairns, if you dress up above jeans, thongs and cute t-shirt to enjoy dinner out, you are overdressed! I would say the Sunshine Coast is probably a little less casual but don’t overdo it thanks.


The Sunshine Coast has an amazing community of artist's here as well so I am in heaven wandering through little boutiques finding interested handmade craft, great artwork and some really different and interesting fashion. (Although isn’t funny, some things you buy on holidays don’t get worn again till the next holiday – it’s like we lose our inhibition when we are not in our home town). They also have amazing markets here, which I am sure our wonderful designers would appreciate.


The last time I was here I went to a Sunday market and tried Sugar Cane Juice. You would think it would be intensely sweet, but it was absolutely delicious, and quite a subtle flavour. I haven’t been able to find it since – my search will hopefully end on this holiday.

French Connection Casual Chic

I unfortunately don't get out much at night and due to that I find it hard to spend to much money on evening wear because I know it is such a long time between drinks so to speak.  However I am not opposed to spending money on my casual clothes.  I am a clothes horse, I love fashion, and I am not one to wear the same outfit for years on end.  Clothing that suits me makes me feel happy when I put it on.  It may sound shallow, but I will own that.  It is just like putting on a spray of perfume in the morning, it is just one little thing to lift the spirits, and if that is going to enhance your day - why not?  We have one life to live people, let's do all we can to make it fun!

However that is not to say I spend A LOT on my casual clothes.  I have a range with everything from the very discount department stores up to well known designer brands.  I love French Connection for their casual range.  Whilst a little more expensive then the average (but not by much) they last really well and have a very timeless feel.  But they are a little unique and that is what I want for my day to day clothes - still wearable, still comfortable, but I am not going to pass 15 people in the street wearing the same thing.

I love the Dandy Voile top by French Connection for just this reason.  This little top would go with jeans, shorts or a cute skirt, and the sleeves make it a bit of something special.  A great white shirt is hard to pass up, but the sleeve ruffle really give it a feminine edge.  Another favourite is the Candy Stripe Ruffle sleeve dress by French Connection.  Hmmm, when I'm not pregnant.........  Until then I have to be content with my limited maternity wardrobe.  Oh well - 13 weeks to go.

Our Favourite Blog This Week : The Vintage Sheet Blog

In my younger years (so pre children) I was a great op shopper and nine times out of ten I would end up buying a plus size item and would cut it down to a minuscule little dress (that is when I didn’t mind showing off my legs). It was a really cheap, fun and effective way to create a unique wardrobe, and I loved doing it.


Even when I go out now with this end in mind, I never find what I am looking for. Whether it is usually because I have a four year old with me and I am too distracted to find the “it” piece, or maybe given my lack of time these days, I don’t feel as creative, or maybe I just don’t have the confidence I did in my late teens.... Nevertheless I can’t seem to re-create for myself.


However I came across http://vintagesheets.blogspot.com/ . This is a great blog about reinventing vintage sheets. It is a lovely blog with postings from other creative minds about things to make with vintage sheets, pillowcases, etc. The tutorials are very thorough with photos through each step.


I haven’t made anything yet, but I have taken the first step and pulled out all my old pillowcases to make a skirt for my daughter http://vintagesheets.blogspot.com/2010/08/vintage-pillow-case-ruffle-skirt.html /. Although I will endeavour to create this beautiful wreath before Christmas : http://incolororder.blogspot.com/2010/11/vintage-sheet-wreath-tutorial.html. 

My to do list is filling up way to quickly.
Happy Shopping, Love Jen and Row
www.shimi.com.au

French Connection

French Connection - synonymous with a nice relaxed style which can be likened to Country Road. If you are looking for a stylish clothing line with clean lines, classic colour combinations and feminine well-fitting styles French Connection is the brand for you.

Many of the French Connection pieces will make up a good staple wardrobe for you, just leaving you to add a few dramatic key pieces each season. Although French Connection is considered pricey the quality is excellent with pieces being able to be worn year after year and still maintain their colour and shape. French Connection has been likened to Marc & Marc, just less expensive.

At Shimi we have the cutest French Connection dresses this season, some cool and comfortable, some with a little more of a tailored look for those that need a more work orientated wardrobe. Fabulous print summer frocks, shirt-waister dresses and shift dresses make up the collection at Shimi this year, with a couple of cute shorts thrown in.

Whilst many of the styles this year may be a little short for those of us that prefer not to show off their legs (hands up here) Shimi have a couple of gorgeous knee length dresses (Miami Palm Dress) that would suit most figures.

Our personal favourite is the Candy Stripe Dress available for $168US (you can purchase this dress directly from French Connection of $199AU). Look out for the likes of Taylor Swift, Emma Watson, Kourtney Kardasian and Cat Deely wearing French Connection!!

Where is a good clutch when you need one

I have never been a "bag lady". I find it hard to pass a great pair of shoes and have to restrain myself when it comes to great clothing (in fact I usually live in hope that whatever I am trying on WON'T fit so I don't have the dilemma of "how can I justify this purchase"), but bags have never been my thing. I have two nice handbags, but I generally stick to the same one for months on end and then change to the other when I get a bit bored.

But last week I really needed something, small, compact and understated and I had NOTHING.... So I had to lug my huge tote, which normally is perfect for me with two children constantly pushing a toy or colouring in books and pencils at me to carry, but that day not so good. My whole outfit was ruined by this bag, and I was constantly knocking people with it.

As this event was very unexpected I didn't have time to order myself a clutch from one of Shimi's (http://www.shimi.com.au/) great designers, but I can assure you, I will be getting one very soon! We have just added these beautiful clutches from JK Creations - http://shimi.com.au/store/index.php?manufacturers_id=33 .

Myoriginalsin Clutch

Well I hope all the tirelessly working mums out there had a fantastic day. Unfortunately mine was quite a sad one this year, as I lost my Mother-In-Law just two days prior. However as always with children, you can't help but smile even through the sad times. I received some gorgeous handmade presents - my favourite.

However I did take advantage of have a wonderful new designer with Shimi and purchased my mum a cute new clutch from Myoriginalsin, along with an aromatherapy candle from Jewel. I went for the Black and White clutch for my mum, but Myoriginalsin have great designs that would suit any age group, and any event.

Holidays

I had the good fortune to have a weekend away sans kids and husband, with two very special friends at a beautiful 5 star resort on the weekend.

We made the most of it and went early Saturday morning, spent the morning shopping, lunch out, more shopping, resort, swim, bar, dinner, etc. All without having to take a little person to the toilet, which was my last experience with dining out. Not once did my friend and I have to interrupt our lunch to take one of the kids to the bathroom, but six times between the two of us. Not that we expected to go out and have our kids abnormally sit beside us and not utter a work, but six bathroom breaks was pushing it slightly. When you have got to got, you've got to go I guess.

That made us all appreciate our mini break even more I think. Shopping was even a little different to us, but I think that is a holiday thing. I make very different purchasing when on holidays to what I would normally buy. Normal shopping seems to be very practical and sensible when you have kids, but the minute I am on holidays I start looking at the gorgeous flowing Maxi's and the super high heel shoes. And I am pleased to say I invested in both (and for a nearly 60% of each - shopping is great, but when you get a bargain, is there anything better).

It did get me thinking, why don't I live like this normally. Obviously I wouldn't break my neck wearing heels to the playground, but why not through on a great maxi dress - they are certainly the cooler option in summer. Love a maxi!! Here are a couple of favourites:

http://shimi.com.au/store/product_info.php?products_id=374

This is a great little number for those of us who like to cover up the tops of our arms, from Mimosa

http://www.stylehunter.com.au/site/index.cfm?module=STORETIGERV2&bit=products&product_id=194487

These numbers are so easy to wear and cover a multitude of sins. When autumn comes, pop on a cardigan, and you've got it for another season.

Happy shopping.

http://shimi.com.au/store/

PJ's

I love my PJ's but I am not one to pop them on after my shower at 6pm at night. We don't often get visitors, but you never know when someone might knock on our door to tell us we have won a house!! (doesn't hurt to dream). So I have my staples that I pop on after my shower that I am comfortable in, but don't feel to daggy in. My pilates pants or yoga pants are always on rotation, along with singlets, t-shirts and a few well worn cardigans. They don't need ironing, they still look respectable and most of all they are comfortable to lounge about in.

I am a subscriber to the notion that clothes can enhance a woman's mood, so I tend to pick my "lounge" items carefully, following my rules of - no ironing, comfortable and flattering. Sticking to black, grey and white also helps (you can always through on a bright singlet or cardie if you need some colour in your life). Sometimes I have spent only $10 on an item, but most of the time I tend to spend a reasonable amount on these items, because I want the quality and I want it to last. These are items that I would wear 3-4 times a week on a regular rotation. It is funny how we women can spend hundreds of dollars on a dress that we might wear on a special occasion maybe once or twice, but we will head down to the cheapest chain store we can find when we want our staples that we will wear hundreds of times in a year? Go figure.

Winter Wears

I am soooo sick of the hot weather.  I am from the tropics originally, so when I moved down South, it was a whole new wardrobe I had to find for the beautiful crisp air (hard job, but someones got to do it).   I remember waiting at the train station with my knees hurting I was so cold.  And the beautiful feeling of coming home after a hard days work, having a HOT shower, and putting on the flanny pj's, slippers, bed socks, dressing gown, and then curling up under a blanket.  Ah bliss!!

Now, it seems winter is in hiding.  Maybe I am more acclimatizes, or maybe it is global warming, but autumn (what autumn, it seems Summer has moved in on Autumns turf) and winter last for about a month, and then the hot weather starts again.  Well I have a cupboard full of jumper, cardigans, coats, scarves and boots that I want to wear.  Being a full time mum now, they seem to get an outing about once a year.  I must admit it is a bit easier to look lets say...... less polished in winter, but I haven't yet gone the all day tracksuit look.  Even though at times it would be blissful, I will not go down that road yet.  Jeans and a nice cardie for me, and maybe when I am in my retirement village knitting my great grand kids booties (who I am kidding, I will be buying them), I might relent and go the tracksuit.  Maybe.

Anyway, for those of you who do get to celebrate winter, the Trench is the biggest item this year.  Very versatile jacket it is to.  Pop a bold belt with it for a great look.  It also looks great with jeans, fine for work with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt, or team it with the winters other big look - ski-pants.  Yes they are back.  I believe they are a lot like the skinny jeans, you really need to embrace the lollipop look (all head, no body - a look I will never understand) to get away with it, but if you are comfortable, do it!

Fashion Problems

I am the first to admit I am a bit of a slave to fashion.  It really makes me feel good to put something nice on, and I think every women has the right to feel lovely in what they wear.  However, sometimes that comes at a cost.  

I had not long ago bought myself a beautiful but very long floral skirt.  And me being a shorty (5.2"), I really had to take the skirt up.  But as is normal for me, I couldn't wait to wear it and decided that I could deal with a dragging hemline for a night. - nice pair of heels and no one will be the wiser.  So we had a dinner party and our lovely guests arrived.  Night was going well - most of the kids had passed out in front of the tv  watching "Ice Age" and the finally the adults had had a chance to talk at a normal level and enjoy their dinner and wine without endless requests for milk.

The night was drawing to an end and I had decided to carry my little 2 year old up stairs to bed, so the other kids didn't wake him when they left.  So both arms were cradling my little one as I proceeded upstairs (shoeless), but with every step I took I stepped on my skirt, making it creep down my hips a little more each time.  I could do nothing but keep going, and hope no one was looking, but unfortunately by the top step all that was covering my bum was my pink knickers.  And my guest were now all looking at me from the bottom of the stairs - all to stunned to turn the other way.

You live and learn!!  Tell us your embarrassing fashion statement.

Beautiful Things

We are in our first week of blogging! It is a whole new world out there for us in the bloggging community. We are mums of two (each) small children, which we find incredibly rewarding, although we do each have a strong addiction to chocolate and coffee! However being a mum, you do tend to lose your identity somewhat, which is why we decided to inject a bit of creativity into our lives and start our online store www.shimi.com.au. It has proven to be a great labour of love - and our sanity.

Our theme at the moment is "things of beauty". I have a funny story to share which I am sure we can all relate to doing at one time or another. My family and I spent last sunday with friends who have been impacted by the Victorian Bushfires. We spent the morning pulling wire from burnt fences on their property to prepare it for re-wiring. While we were working away, we had a conversation about how it's sad that we need to lock our houses up like fort-knox these days - even when just going down the paddock..
After a good day's work and being away from my home (in town) from 9am - 4pm, we pulled up at our front door. To my horror, as I walked up to it, I found my screen and front door wide open! No, I hadn't been broken into - I had left it open! Just walked out the door that morning and completely forgotten to close it. Ha! What a relief to see that all of our goods were just as we had left them. But even better, the realisation that our quiet little street in the suburbs is fairly safe as well! It was quite liberating to think of what could have been, but didn't happen! Phew!
Have you ever done that? Share your similar stories..