What To Wear To A Wedding

What To Wear To A Wedding

Ellery Dress, Witchery Maddie Boots, ASOS Clutch

Over the Easter weekend, Mario and I attended a friends wedding in Cottesloe. A beautiful warm sunny day was just perfect for what turned out to be a beautiful wedding. As the Father of the Groom later spoke of in his speech, when a wedding invitation arrives, for a woman, it is coded with meaning. It gives instructions such as, buy a new dress, shoes and earrings, get nails done and ensure a new stick of (sometimes waterproof) mascara is on hand. Mario as the MC for the evening later followed this up by pointing out that he too, received the 'coded' wedding invite, as he suited up in a new tailored get up. He did a pretty good job, no? I think this is actually the first time I have featured Mario up on the blog- despite him repeatedly and kindly taking photos for me and helping me with rebranding and design jobs (the new site is still coming!). So, this is Mario- funny, ever kind, supportive and the best friend I never knew I needed.

When I received 'the coded' invitation, I thought, 'Yay! An excuse to buy another dress!' (Although could have admittedly used it as a chance to wear a perfectly suitable one that I already own!) So began scouring online for one, short listing a few before deciding to snap up this one by one of my absolute favourite Australian labels Ellery.

Below I have added a lookbook of dresses that could easily have suited attending a wedding. I think the key is to keep in mind: tasteful shape, avoid black or neon and potentially avoid white (unless you check it is okay). It is a good opportunity to wear colour and print, just to mix things up. Above all, dress for your shape, make sure you are comfortable and enjoy!  

Blogger Garage Sale

Blogger Garage Sale

As you may know, I tend to ruthlessly attack and purge my wardrobe of pieces on a regular basis. Despite that I only weeks ago sold another 20 something items on eBay and gave a bag full of pieces away, I have still managed to find a few more things to sell, so at the last minute I have decided to jump on board with this weekends Perth Blogger Garage Sale. As bloggers tend to snap up new season pieces, are tuned into sales, offered exclusive discounts or are given items to wear, the stack of clothes and accessories pile up quickly. 

This weekend is your opportunity to make the most of this by shopping our wardrobes, at a discounted rate. With over 15 bloggers including Bonnie Friday, Ethereal Reality, Where The Styled Things Are, Modern Girls in Vintage Pearls, Little Miss Mon Bon, Harlequins Party, The Style Trust, What’s the Goh, The Boyfriend Shirt, Vintage Chic, Lady Maple Vintage, The Illusive Femme, Adorn You, Sass and Spice, and myself all opening up stalls. 

For myself I have pieces from Acne Studios, Lack of Color, Sass & Bide, Elizabeth & James, Alice McCall, ASOS, Flannel, Ray-Ban, Josh Goot, First Base, Sonia Rykell, Lucette, and more with nothing over $100.00. Pictured are just a few of these. 

The details are:

Sunday 27th April (ANZAC long weekend)
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
226 Ninth Avenue, Inglewood 

There are regular buses stopping along Beaufort St, take bus 950 and get off just after Bunnings in Inglewood. Cash only, with free beverages and snacks on offer. 

xx Jenelle

Red

Red

House of Skye dress, Alice Mccall Jacket (similar here),

As mentioned back here, I was kindly lent dresses to wear to the Urban Couture events last month, but as the weather turned nasty, cancelling the night show, was unable to shoot this dress. For the events I adopted the excuse to wear colours, which I am not often keen to do- and can see that they clearly generate a popular response. This House of Skye dress feels feisty, powerful and fun, with its low back, easy swing shape and long hemline. It is no secret that wearing red can boost your energy and mood, so is naturally a good choice if you ever need to be awake and alert but have your thoughts on sleeping in. Anytime I have made a presentation and felt sleepy, red lipstick helped distract the attention away from tired eyes. As for my prop of choice? Roses kindly gifted to Mario for being MC at a friends wedding this weekend, which of course meant I got to keep them. Happy days!
I think you could wear this dress to a wedding.

xx Jenelle

Shots by Mario Recchia

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ARCHIVES

ARCHIVES

Glasson knitted crop / MYER dress / Aaelle sandals c/o Shelly's London / Diamond ring and Wrapped wire ring both c/o nonComplex / Sussan bag / Diva necklace

Some unused photos from the March archives because, while I'm enjoying my growing collection of fluffy sweaters and coats, I'm still missing bare leg weather. I thought Autumn was supposed to be the best of both worlds? Hope you're all having a relaxing Easter break! :-)

Normcore

Normcore

Staple the Label Top (similar by Finders Keepers here), Asos Pleated Skirt, Chloe Boots,

Laura messaged me the morning of the Style and the City launch asking what I planned to wear. Colour was the obvious choice- Sex and the City is full of colour, print and eclectic touches. So I obviously wanted to wear black, or grey. Anything but colour. Go against the grain wherever possible!

This look didn't feel too dressed up for a Friday morning either (although if I'd worn a pair of pumps…) but I tell you what, wearing t-shirt fabric head-to-toe is super comfy! Win. I love this boxy top, I got it ages ago and wear it a lot, I spotted a pretty similar one on sale at Fashn Bunkr, if I didn't have this one already I would be adding it to cart directly. I do head to toe black or white all the time, grey is somehow a little different, but I like it, I like the 'nothingness' it exudes. This morning I heard people talking about 'normcore' in reference to the opening of Uniqlo today in Melbourne. Damn well I love that, I am SOOOO NOT into faux tan, faux hair extensions, faux nails, boobs exposed, tightly clung super short anything dressing. Term dressing in an undone way with a little more flair than 'I just rolled out of bed in this' and I am okay with that. Just call me 'grey-marle-normcore-lady'.

I probably should start wearing different boots. Actually, I have to start wearing different boots before I kill these entirely. When I go back to Adelaide I am bringing back more ankle boots from my boxes of stuff! Same goes with a different bag. Meh. 

Photos by Laura Liy
xx Jenelle

BLVD Markets with Hatch

BLVD Markets with Hatch

Sussan's Denim Shirt (gifted- similar here), ASOS Denim Skirt, Ellery Sandals (similar here), 4th and Bleecker for Billabong clutch

On Saturday afternoon I got myself down to The Boulevard Hotel to hit up the BLVD Markets and at the kind invitation of DGPR attend a blogger lunch. I can not really think of a greater afternoon than to spend it with a kind and supportive group of vibrant women all snapping photos, chatting and swapping stories. The food was spot on (and I am a fussy eater) with an excellent tasting plate, and if you follow me on instagram- you will have seen my Salmon steak lunch. The Boulevard is a newly renovated hotel, the food is European-inspired with an extensive and impressive wine list, outdoor area (which let's face it, will be used a lot considering our Perth climate of sunshine and warmth) and spacious interior bar. Their signature cocktail of infused earl grey vodka and citrus was perfect to sip in the sun. Finally we were treated to cakes by Laura Isabella (I probably should have taken mine home to eat later!) with wine, cider, beer and gin producers sampling their wares. 

The BLVD Markets in collaboration with Hatch (remember our Hatch feature back here) are almost rounding up for the season, but you have one more chance (May 10th 11am- 4pm) to stop by before they do. Featuring the best of what Hatch and local WA designers have to offer, the markets are a great place to chat with local designers and shop their unique wares. With Autumn/Winter 2014 garments and accessories from local favourites like Chalice, Conchita, Zed Alliance, Jonte A, Bare Fingers, Rosie and Broken, Generics, Empire Rose, ALBD by Ange Lang and more. Pictured is THAT Katherine Dunmill black leather bag I know now for sure I need in my life from her latest collection, as well as a tree of Alister Yiap necklaces, embossed geometric Gyptian bags (I mean, wow!) and more. 

Thank you to Nicole and David for inviting me along, the markets are seriously well executed in a beautiful location. This spot was a little gem that I can anticipate becoming a local hotspot. I was very grateful for the opportunity to spend time swapping stories with fellow bloggers, something which I always find to be rewarding- I am not kidding when I say that this blog has afforded me the chance to meet some truly beautiful people. 

Finally, I better tell you about this ASOS denim skirt bargain! I actually love it, despite the fact that it screams the 90's in a way that I normally would wish to avoid. Even better, it is on sale for $36.95 and if you use the code YES20 at the checkout you will get a further 20% off. (Oh and go up one size cause it is small and not super stretchy. I am looking out for you!) It is a great easy to wear piece that despite the hesitations from my male friends who saw it as I opened my last ASOS order, looks great on. I love that it can be dressed up or down, worn with ankle boots, sneakers, sandals or heels. You decide. Double denim is also optional, but on a surprise 32 degree day in the middle of Autumn, it kept me comfortable. 
xx Jenelle
Photos by Laura Liy and myself

BIRTHDAY

BIRTHDAY

Glassons blouse (similar) / H&M tartan skirt (similar) / Aaelle sandals c/o Shelly's London / ASOS bag

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of Like A Harte, and my most proud year. A year ago I went out on a limb and volunteered at MBFWA (taking Mum with me), came back and felt it was finally time to take blogging seriously. Not only am I surprised by the lovely little following I have going on, but also by the amount of recognition, and opportunities that I've been able take throughout these 12 months... Minor features on Teen Vogue, the New York Times, Cosmopolitan and Dolly, meeting with designers and lovely representatives from my favourite brands, getting invited to Fashion Week and to designer's studios... and of course, the H&M Australia launch.

So a very warm thank you from the bottom of my heart goes to anyone who has ever stumbled upon this little page for a second, stayed a little longer, followed, shared or commented... you guys make this fun and this next year will be even bigger! ♡

House of Skye

House of Skye

House of Skye Dress, Bruug Leather Vest, Chloe Boots

In just a short amount of time, House of Skye has established itself among some of WA's strongest boutiques as both a wearable and exciting label. Employing a belief that good quality should not cost the earth, House of Skye designer Natasha distributes monthly collections drawing on icons of the late 1960's to 1970's (think Stevie Nicks). Producing her own prints and hand dyed fabrics, Natasha is dedicated to creating unique, easy to wear garments that can transcend seasonal changes. Available in boutiques Varga Girl in Leederville, This Fine Day Boutique in Maylands, Eros Fremantle, Method Clothing in Mt Lawley just to name a few. 

I was kindly invited by Natasha to visit her studio and choose a couple of pieces to wear to the recent Urban Couture festival events. I couldn't help but be drawn to this simple, asymmetrical and eye catching blue dress, knowing I could wear it for the day events with heels or boots depending on my mood. As it turned out the day was on the colder side, and directly after the runway show (which I will be sharing on the blog shortly) it poured with rain for hours, washing out the evening show which sadly had to be cancelled. 

As I was to be shooting for the afternoon I threw this leather Bruug gilet over the dress to keep my arms free. (I have just noticed that it is now half price up on the Bruug site here.) 

A special thank you to Natasha for lending me this dress to wear and share with you. I have one more to share… despite that the weekends events were a wash out. It'll be up soon. 

xx Jenelle

Photos by Laura Liy

New Season Blue and Grey

New Season Blue and Grey

Sportscraft Shirt, ASOS Midi Skirt, Alexander Wang Heels, Katherine Dunmill Clutch, ManiaMania ring, Michael Kors Watch

A pale blue shirt may have been on my Capsule Wardrobe list (back here) but had not yet made itself into my actual wardrobe until last week. Hunting one down that was not chambray was surprisingly difficult considering it is such a simple, useful basic. I found two- one of which was NOT cut properly at all (which I was really surprised by as it was Witchery and I know they know better!) the second was this one from Sportscraft which hit the nail on the head. I have since worn it a lot, for work, with jeans, black leather shorts… It is a typical capsule wardrobe item perfect to mix and match with your other pieces. I am not 100% sure it worked out right with this skirt, as the fabric should ideally be softer and the buttons open lower to get the look just right. However, I was all too thrilled to throw on this skirt and share it with you. I love light grey skirts, the flares on this are that feminine touch that I can either embrace, or cover with a long knit or leather motorcycle jacket to toughen up. I will definitely post this skirt worn with other options. It also comes in blue (see here) which I think worn with a cream chunky knit jumper would be amazing. I don't need another one, that would be greedy, so someone else better get the blue version so I can appreciate it. Deal?! :)

I can not stress enough how glad I am that I added white leather shoes and a clutch to my staples, I have worn them repeatedly. They make for a nice change to black and often pair better with lighter hues without taking away too much attention. As long as you find good quality pieces, white leather will do you many favours. Upon looking up the link to this Katherine Dunmill clutch to add above, I noticed her new 'Call To Arms' military inspired collection is online. The Fabian Strategy Bucket Bag is incredible… looks like a new item has been added to my wish list. 

xx Jenelle

New Season Midi

New Season Midi

ASOS High Neck Sleeveless Top, Karl Lagerfeld Midi Skirt (Vintage via Claire Inc) similar here, Ellery Duchamp Long Tux Jacket, Michael Kors Watch, Vintage Windsor Smith Oxfords similar here  

I fell for this skirt last year just before summer when I bought it from a friend who had scored an amazing collection of pieces from Claire Inc (the best online store for vintage in Australia- and Adelaide homegrown). I have been waiting for the weather change to wear it. There are a number of beautiful midi length skirts popping up for Autumn/ Winter, I will add some below. It is conservative, yes, but elegant too.
This midi length is probably best paired with a pair of heels, but when it comes down to comfort and simplicity, I rather like these oxfords. At my height, I may rethink this choice when surrounded by tall friends, but just for myself, I really do not mind.

High neck collars are not an item I have worn for a few years, despite my thinking about it last year, having appreciated the styling of Christine Centenera at the relaunch of the new Harris Scarfe store in Adelaide (that post back here). Back in the early 2000's I recall having a burnt orange roll neck top, which is clearly not my colour, so I had since avoided reminding myself of this situation. However, as a refresh, and because I seem to be drawn to them, I added this sleeveless (perfect for layering) top to my cart during the ASOS sale. The funny thing is I can now pair it with a good 50% of my wardrobe, and wear from work to everyday.
My point? Go get yourself a high collar jumper, top or coat. Then thank me later. 

Midi Length Skirts
Luxe: Bassike Tubular Pocket Skirt , Veronika Maine Pencil Skirt,
Less:  ASOS Full Midi Skirt, ASOS Pleated Midi Skirt, River Island Zip Midi Skirt

Shooting in the mid afternoon sun, these photos got a little dramatic and over exposed, but as there is some truth in the desire to absorb the sun throughout winter, I decided to roll with it.
xx Jenelle