I had determined that the objective of the shop was to find some 'bottom halves' which I could feel excited about. Mid brown, which is my best dark neutral, seems to be somewhat hard to source in Auckland this year, being superceeded by the newly fashionable 'gray' (great for those of you with cool undertones, not good news for us warms).
I spent Friday browsing through the central city stores. There were many shops for the teenage/early twenties age brackets, but I really had to search to find stylistic clothing for anyone over 30! I hit Flinders Street with a credit card, and I know how to use it! Foremost, I went to the major department stores of Myers and David Jones where they hosting a sale with up to 50% off. Unfortunately, I found the variety of styles and sizes unexciting. However, in David Jones I found two items which I put on hold to deliberate whether I would purchase them or not. I like to operate this way, so that I can avoid making an impulse purchase, and then see something that I think is much better later in the trip.
On Saturday, I went to DFO in Spencer Street, which are mall-style Factory Shops. The majority of stock in the majority of stores was summer stock, which was disappointing. It was hard work to weed out some quality winter garments which would serve me well, but I found the following:
Chocolate Brown & Patterned Wrap DressThis one I was humming and harring over....I could have lived without this item, and to be honest, I am not sure how great I feel in this. I bought it because I just looooove the style of this dress, and I don't often wear dresses due to the fact that I find it very difficult to find a flattering style on my straight body. However, the pattern on the dress is slightly overwhelming on me, and the deep chocolate brown is too intense for my pale skin, but however, better than black.It was only $77.00 which I thought was a reasonable price.
Brown, (nearly) knee-high boots
I figure that these were my best buy, for $149.00. They are genuine leather, have a slight heel (I need to be able to stand comfortably in these day in and day out). I don't believe that I could find these in NZ for under $300.00. True, I would like these slightly higher and a tad more fiiting around the calf, but I just cannot seem to find these qualities in any boot under $500.00.
Beige Tapered TrousersI have searched for some trousers in a light neutral, it seems, since the evolution of man! Once again, I am wanting to venture from the safety of brown! These were purchased from Sportscraft which have classical clothes. These were $129.00.
V-neck Fitted Tops
Boring, agreed. But these are great wardrobe staples and also good when I am having a 'I want to blend into the background' day. These were $39.95 each from Sportscraft. One is a golden brown and the other is an advocado green.
Morrisey Patterned Wrap Dress
I returned to David Jones on Saturday to purchase this which I put on hold on Friday. It was $249.00 which is a substantial investment in one item of clothing, but I decided to purchase it because the style is perfect for my body type as well as the colours, and it is a little adventurous for me, and rebels against my usual safety zones of cardigans and trousers.
Armani Cream-Beige Wrap CardiganYes, I know, another cardigan, but I love it so. This is my first ever piece of label clothing. Usually I would balk at spending $250.00 on a cardigan, but I bought it because it is very 'now' which is a characteristic that I am looking to introduce in order to liven up my overly classical wardrobe.
So there we have it. Misson accomplished, coming away with four new items which can be worn on the bottom half of the body.
Note - All prices are Australian dollars
Lee's Purchases
Under my careful supervision, Lee selected the following items to add to her wardrobe. Lee was looking to add colour and passion into her wardrobe.
Mauve Pink 3/4 length leather jacket
For $200.00, this was a fabulous buy. As well as adding interest to any outfit, it serves the purpose of being warm as well!
Raspberry Pink Waist Length Leather Jacket
This is hot, hot, hot! Think Pink Ladies from Greece, but an older and more accomplished version. This colour screams 'look at moi' (me, for those who don't watch Kath & Kim).
Black Polo Neck Tunic Top in Stretch
This item is quitely sensuous as well as versatile. This is the right 'soft black' for Lee, and sex appeal this does not lack. Grrrrrr.
Lilic Skirt
Lee feels really feminine in this, and instantly fell madly in love with it. The colour adds spice to her wardrobe.
Silver Scarf
OK, I talked her into this one, but I honestly believe that Lee will own this item for the longterm. The silver grey will be far more versatile than any other colour that she could have chosen. It instantly adds sophistication to any outfit, and does wonders for Lee's blue eyes.
Blue Jumper
Practical and looks great, combining winning colours and style to compliment Lee.
Denim Jeans
From Witchery, we sure found a flattering cut for $........We all know how time consuming it can be to find the perfect pair of jeans, but considering how much time we live in them, it is not worth compromising on 'the best'. The bootleg cut and dark blue colour for winter are 10 out of 10!
