OOTD: Victor Alexandre, City Chic

So, the weather is all over the place at the moment, so there's lots of layering going on. I try not to take a heavy coat unless it's really cold in the morning, otherwise I end up lugging it around all day.

This is a pretty standard work outfit for the most part - black pinstripe shirt, black pants, sensible flats..

The shirt is from an opshop, and it had the brand label cut out but the care instructions are in dutch. I like to think it travelled halfway around the world to find it's way to me. Pants are standard black business pants from city chic.

But the vest? The vest is something else.

 The vest is magic, and it's from Victor Alexandre, a local melbourne designer. It's long at the front and short at the back, and it's snuggly and comfortable - it's like going to work in a comfy hoodie but it looks much dressier than that. I love the heck out of this thing. It's a piece that was a bit of an investment, even on clearance, but at a cost per wear basis, really very cheap - I am going to be wearing and loving this thing for years to come.

Victor Alexandre do these amazing sculpural pieces that are a wonder of drapery - their stuff is always interesting and funky, and also really comfortable to wear, which is an awesome combination. I wish I could afford more of their pieces, but in the meantime I will enjoy the few that I have, very much.

OOTD: Party dress, dressed down for everyday wear.

For a lunch with friends last week, i decided i'd like to wear the beautiful City Chic dress that i picked up at the Chub Republic fashion swap. The only problem was, the dress is perhaps a little bit fancy just for a lunch in the CBD.

To soften the look and make it a little more casual, i added a brown wool wrapover cardigan, stockings from Target (in the patterned section, which come in an "extra large" size!!!yay!!!!) and pumps from Rivers. I braided my hair asymmetrically on my head and added a fabric flower for good measure.

My handbag is a simple JAG design that i picked up at DFO Moorabbin at outlet price. I absolutely adore it, and it gets plenty of use.

Makeup was simple, pearlescent pinks on my lids, plenty of black liquid liner and mascara, and my trademark MAC dazzleglass in Salmon on my lips.

You really can wear your favourite party dress out to more casual occasions, if you just apply a little know-how to the accessories and keep it very simple. Hooray for many more occasions to wear beautiful clothes to!