The $10 000 (or more) question...

It is a topic that has been pondered over many, many lazy Sundays watching SATC...
How much do those shoes cost? How does Carrie afford it on a writer's wage?
Well now I know the answer to the first question - and my credit card is evidence that I am still struggling with the second....
Came across this article on US Weekly this morning. Very, very interesting reading...
http://www.usmagazine.com/stylebeauty/photos/sex-and-the-city-wardrobe-200999

Style File - Oh Lisa Ho

Okay here it comes – prepare for a big sweeping generalisation. The Australian fashion community loves Lisa Ho. I absolutely love Lisa Ho. So who better to feature in our very first Style File.

What piece do you feel is missing from your wardrobe at the moment?
A cutaway tuxedo jacket. Dress it up with a cocktail dress or dress it down with a T-shirt and jeans. It's perfect, having sharp shoulders and a slim silhouette.

What is your most extravagant fashion purchase?
A Fendi beaded tote at Fendi in New York City. There were only 12 of these bags produced. I've used it constantly and now I have archived it. I guess one day I'll pass it on to my daughter.

Which current trend do you love the most? Which do you despise?
Love a military coat with skinny pants and a luxurious cashmere wrap.
Despise muffin tops spilling over jeans that are too small. Be honest with yourself when you're in front of the mirror.

I do most of my shopping…Cosmopolitan Shoes for their killer heels. My Boudoir in Surry Hills, Sydney, has a great selection of vintage fashion and accessories. The other one would be Selfridges London - simply for the large range on offer that is constantly refreshed.

A big thank you to Lara Zamiatin at www.brisbanetimes.com.au for sharing Lisa Ho's style secrets.

Suggestions for a Style File you would like to open? Send ‘em through…

How to wear boyfriend jeans...

I’ve loved the look of boyfriend jeans for a while now and a couple of weeks ago I found the perfect pair online. I am really keen to buy them but I worry that I am only 165 cm – am I too short to wear this style?

Boyfriend jeans can be a really flattering (and comfy!) style - you just have to know how to wear them. Boyfriend jeans are meant to be worn loose and low on the hip and should be cuffed / rolled just above the ankle.

To give shorter legs a bit of length wear your jeans with platform wedges or booties and a fitted top. Also try a boat neck, stripe 3 / 4 sleeve bodysuit or a plain white singlet to balance out the wider cut of the jeans. If wedges or heels are impractical for you (or you just loathe them), you can definitely wear flats but consider teaming your jeans with a slim, long line cardigan to give your silhouette a little length.

If you are vertically blessed, you can get away with a lot more. An oversized crisp white button down cinched in at the waist, worn with a cute pair of ballet flats is a great option for autumn.

How can guys do layers (and not look too preppy)?

What a timely question – what with the beginning of autumn and all…

The Brisbane autumn is perfect for layering – and if you choose a couple of great pieces now they will carry you the whole way through the Brisbane winter (I use the term ‘winter’ loosely).

V-neck / Henley Long Sleeved Tee
Remember thinner layers come first – that is, the closer to your skin, the thinner the material. Buy very good quality basic tees – the best you can afford. This ensures they wash and wear well, and go the distance.

V-Neck Knit
I’m not talking about your grandfather's cardigan and definitely not your father’s jumper. It's a different kind of knit that has a slimmer, more modern cut that you can wear at the office or casually. It's thin enough to wear over a dress shirt and underneath a jacket. It can also be worn over a basic tee with a pair of jeans.

Blazer
A statement blazer is definitely a must-have item. For a dressier option, choose a wool or wool and cashmere combination with two or three buttons. Don't go wild with colour; go for neutral tones that can easily be worn with jeans and dressier trousers.

To ensure you don’t look too ‘preppy’ follow a couple of rules –

DO NOT layer by swinging a jumper around your shoulders
DO NOT work a navy, red and beige combo (same goes for navy, white and beige and green, red and beige)
Actually, avoid beige all together

To step it up a little try

A knit scarf – only with a blazer / jacket though. Do not let me see you wearing a scarf with a tee or button down.
A blazer with metal hardwear or a leather jacket
Bright socks with an otherwise monochromatic outfit