Building A Capsule Wardrobe: Pants and Shorts

Building A Capsule Wardrobe: Pants and Shorts

Let's get it straight, pants, are the greatest freedom. Pioneering for women to wear pants was one of the greatest things women like Gabrielle Chanel ever did. Now, I love dresses, skirts and feeling feminine, but I like to do this with a touch of manliness. The juxtaposition between male/ female is the perfect spot to reside in for me. Comfort, is a major factor for me when it comes to getting dressed, women who kill themselves to fit into something uncomfortable for days on end make me frustrated. A lot of primping and product application can be fun, but everyday it is just tiring. I am not a fan of lots of hairspray, product, etc. I do love to dress up and feel beautiful, but I do not like to sacrifice my sanity and comfort to achieve this. In the world of fashion, I often feel perplexed watching what I dub as 'overdressed' women. Posing in platform neon heels, a bikini and bangles for photos is confusing. Wearing heels on grass, is confusing. If you are going to an event like the races, or a picnic, please do not wear heels! I feel at odds with myself the second I step on to unsturdy ground in a heel- even if this is for a moment. I find flatform shoes confusing, they are just so unattractive! The list goes on, but at the end of the day, to each their own.

I wear jeans, a lot. For a while, when I had gone through a super girly phase, jeans really bothered me. I hated seeing them on everybody- all looking the same. The thing is though, it is comfortable, often warmer, and you CAN personalize your style even if you are simply 'in jeans'. These days they are also widely worn in dressier circumstances, with a good pump heel, or ankle boot they can elongate the legs and look amazing. Find a good brand and stick to it. For me I love Rag and Bone, J-Brand (they are worth the $$ because the fit it is incredible), Sass and Bide, Dr.Denim and One Teaspoon. 

I do prefer to wear trousers or jeans as an everyday thing- rather than when going out for dinner, to a show or the like. For occasional wear I will switch back to a skirt or dress. Don't underestimate how valuable a well tailored black trouser can be, they will come in handy, are great for the office or official business and work in summer or winter. I ensure I have a matching black blazer, just in case I want to suit up.

For years I thought shorts were for men in summer, for Mickey Mouse and for children. I didn't see that they had much of a place in a womens wardrobe. It took me a while to see how I could feel like they were appropriate and found a place in my own day-to-day. Now I wear them all summer, and consider them to be a staple- again, in my day-to day, I leave shorter shorts out of the office and prefer not to wear them out to an event or dinner. They certainly can be worn in dressier ways- when tailored correctly, I feel they can look rather nice. The trick is to get the proportions right. A short short with an exposing cami top feels to me like I am showing too much skin. A cami top and longer shorts, is a little better, but best suited to culottes. Shorter shorts I feel team up best with a shirt or tee which has full or 3/4 length sleeves. When it comes to buying denim shorts I tend to go up one or two sizes, so they are looser around the thigh area. It is more flattering that way, and gives you plenty of room to move. I don't mind the torn hems, as long as the overall short covers your butt (ensure you bend down when you try them on- just to check you actually can without exposing cheek!) and I tend to stay away from embellishment, at least when building the essential capsule wardrobe.

Here is the breakdown of my 'Must Have Pants and Shorts For Any Woman':
- 1x Dark Denim jeans (skinny, fitted or flared- to suit your own body shape best)
- 1x Blue, Khaki, Bone, White or Oxblood coloured jean (again to suit your own body shape)
- 1x Torn 'Boyfriend' jean (I love the One Teaspoon Awesome Baggies, buy in a size or two larger)
- 1x Black linen long shorts- around knee length, slightly wide in the leg
- 1x Black tailored dress trousers for occasional wear and office wear
- 1x Black jeans (again, in a cut to suit your body shape)
- 1x Light Grey suit-shorts, can be short or longer, wear with an elegant flat or kitten heel for a dressier look
- 1x light washed denim or black denim cut off shorts (long enough to house your butt and worn tastefully!)
- 1x White leather shorts (or black- you would wear both, but start with one)
- 1x Black Leather Shorts (I wear mine too much!)
- 1x Culottes (not pictured) midi length, wear with cropped tops or blouses

If you have missed any of the 'Building A Capsule Wardrobe' series, check out the previous posts here. 

I will be bringing you more of this sort of post in coming weeks, so stay tuned, and please share any comments or ask any questions below. 

Happy Capsule creating! 

xx Jenelle

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Lover Serpent Dress

Lover Serpent Dress

Lover Serpent Dress, Windsor Smith Gillie Heels

When asked which is my favourite dress in my closet, you can see why this one always wins. Originally bought for the opening night of the 2012 Cabaret Festival, I have since worn this dress a few times, but have never really had it photographed. When approached by Stylight to share my take on #BLACK fashion, I knew it was about time I shot this. Fitted French lace is one of those must wear at least once things. I guess a lot of women do this for their weddings. I haven't made it in that direction as yet, so why wait? 

As you can see, I have recently paid a visit to the hairdresser. I went to see James at the Me. Style lounge in Claremont Quarter, the cool diffusion salon of WA's Maurice Meade. As I hadn't cut or coloured my hair in years, it needed a little love and a refresh. James knew exactly what I was after and did a marvellous job. While I waited Laura kindly painted my nails a bright punch of (somewhat festive) red. I have to say I was really happy with the visit, the space is cool, elegant and a little bit edgy, the staff were friendly, had some interesting stories to share, and ultimately did a great job. The price for all of their work was very reasonable, and I left happy (with a notable bounce in my hair and step). What do you think? 

Shots by Mario Recchia

xx Jenelle

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Josh Goot for Ricarda

Josh Goot for Ricarda

I probably write about this designer more than any other... Josh Goot visited Perth this week to share  his latest collection with Ricarda in Subiaco.

Ricarda are known for incredible international fashion from some of the most progressive designers, as well as beauty products and contemporary homewares. 

Stocking labels such as Proenza Schouler, Peter Pilotto, Mary Katrantzou, Maison Martin Margiela, Comme Des Garcons, Junya Watanabe, Isabel Marant, Golden Goose Deluxe Brand, Tom Binns, Daniela Gregis, Bernhard Wilhelm, Damir Doma, Sacai, Josh Goot, Carven, Alexander Wang, T By Alexander Wang, IRO, Sacai Luck, Etoile Isabel Marant, Rag & Bone, Comme Comme, Silent by Damir Doma, James Perse, Zambesi, Nom*D, Maison Scotch, Jac + Jack, Bassike, Guidi, Rochas Shoes, and beauty houses Aesop and Comme des Garcons. 

When I first visited the Subiaco store, I could not believe how huge it was at 450 square meters it feels like the first floor of an edgy department store.

Homeware and furniture pieces from Missoni Home, Kartell and Tom Dixon reflect European fashion and design, perfect for the Perth modern home. A plain white or black walled home with pops of bright colour? Perfect. Italian powerhouse Missoni master colour, comfort and 'homeliness', using their signature prints and luxe fabrications. The Missoni hand towel given to us in our gift bags is probably one of my favourite show tokens to date... this means I need a set though now, right?

Ricarda converted it's Subiaco store into a lengthy runway, and demonstrated such a polished, professional show, that could really lend some pointers to other fashion festivals. Models donned Josh Goot's collection before showing new pieces from international collections for Spring Summer 2014. With close to 100 different looks coming down the runway, it was easy to see pieces to reflect a multitude of clients, and lifestyles. 

Personally Josh's collection was my favourite, an IRO dress stole my heart, while Isabel Marant and Alexander Wang create collections I always covet. All images shown here are from Josh Goot's collection, please check out more of the show here.

I posted the lookbook images from this Josh Goot Spring Summer 14 collection back in June, click here to see. Seeing the collection down the runway, I love the grey marle, sporty cuts, and pops of red. 

For the record, Josh Goot told me he recognised my face- I had to insist I was not some crazy stalker. 

I just really love your work! :)

Thank you to Brenda of Ricarda for sharing these collections with us.

Images kindly borrowed from Heidy, as I wasn't able to shoot great ones from my seat. Thank you!

I wore: Josh Goot neoprene skirt, Flannel dress (as a top), Alice McCall Biker jacket and Windor Smith heels. 

Follow on instagram for more images... including me 'stealing' Chanel and our shots with Josh. 

xx Jenelle

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Beaufort Street Festival 2013 #2

Beaufort Street Festival 2013 #2

The last two fashion shows from the Beaufort Street Festival…

Featuring clothes from Miin, Method, House of Skye, Picnic, Jack Clothing and more. 

xx Jenelle

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Hatch Week: #4

Hatch Week: #4

For my fourth and final look for Hatch, I decided to go a little formal. I may admire evening gowns and couture, but I have never been a part of the charity ball set- that really isn't my style. 

This beautiful silk gown by Steph Audino with it's relaxed cut and twisted back detail is just right for me. The draping and twist back give the dress a grecian goddess feel, which you cannot help but feel good in. It shows of womenly curves in a subtle way. 

The bold cobalt colour can be eye catching day or night. As I normally wear a lot of neutrals, when I do wear colour, it is because it makes me happy- and I prefer a bolder hue than say a pastel. 

Bolder colours are that little bit more rock and roll. 

An evening gown would not be complete without a clutch- I absolutely love this leather clutch from the Bootlegger and the Baptist collection recently launched by Katherine Dunmill. 

I already own a black clutch- so I will have to get my hands on the stunning white version. Paired here with more from the Katherine Dunmill collection- with this leather hair clip (look I 'styled' my messy waves!) and this incredible cuff, these pieces add that rock and roll edge to the outfit. 

I caught Tindale for the first time on the 2012 Perth Fashion Festival runway- their intricate chain-mail necklace, which can be stretched and worn in different ways, is another edgy piece to create a modern goddess look. 

I hope you enjoyed my collaboration with Hatch and perhaps have been introduced to some new WA designers. The talent here blows me away, and I love to share it, hopefully in my own way aiding the sustainability of the WA fashion industry. All of the items you have seen in todays post and the prior posts are available at Hatch (located in enex100, Hay Street Mall, Perth). Over the coming weeks I will share with you the other bloggers involved in our Bloggers For Hatch collaboration as they choose and style their own looks. I am really looking forward to seeing what they come up with. 

All photos shot by Heidy Saeran. 

A special thank you to Linda, Narcissa and Katherine at Hatch for your support and help. 

It was a delight to work with you all. 

xx Jenelle

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