12 Apr Splurge vs Save
Welcome to our April Style Culture edition, in this edition we challenge the Splurge vs Budget theory and show you how to save your $$ while investing on keepers that go the distance.
We share how-to tips on navigating the pre-loved shopping experience, and say hello to a new column titled ‘KK’s Hit List’ featuring a short and ever so sweet curated trio of what to buy now and bid farewell to an Australian icon by honouring all that is Carla Zampatti…
Our April Style Culture magazine brings a fresh new approach to the classics and how to make them work for you this season.
Enjoy this month’s edition as much as I have in researching all these treasures for you.
With much love, style and good spirit as always
KerryK xox
How to shop pre-loved clothes
Shopping pre-loved clothes will bring you to the peak of your fashion game as this is where you’ll find all the unique, retro pieces you won’t normally find in store.
The best part about shopping pre-loved clothing is that it’s guilt free as it’s a more sustainable way to shop. So, whether you’re new to the pre-loved clothing market or a frequent thrifter here are my 4 key tips on how to shop pre-loved clothes to get the best bang for your buck. Happy thrifting!
1. Know what you are looking for
Thrift shopping without a clear goal is like grocery shopping on an empty stomach, essentially a bad idea. Instead, establish a list of pieces that you want to shop for. Take a look at what you currently own and identify any gaps in your wardrobe, this will allow you to keep focused and steer you away from any impulse purchases. This could be as simple as writing a cream knitted jumper.
2. Set your budget
How much are you willing to spend? It’s important to set a limit for yourself so you don’t get carried away. This will encourage you to only purchase items you need that also marry well with items in your current wardrobe. Stylist Note – Stay focussed, be mindful of your budget, items heavily reduced is NOT a green light sign for excessive spending, spending more to save never ever works!
3. Buy from A reputable seller
Don’t be fooled by everything labelled ‘vintage’ especially when it comes to online sites and social. Where there is a contact number, if the seller’s ‘vintage’ item looks suspiciously new place a call to verify the seller’s details, you can generally tell when someone is bluffing their way into a sale. Do your research both online and by visit in store (where possible). Look at reviews, are they credible? Most online trusted sellers will show detailed images of each item, including date codes, stitching, certificates of authentication and any other details needed to verify what you are purchasing didn’t fall off the back of a truck.
4. Be Patient & Willing To Do the Work
Shopping pre-loved clothing and especially luxe accessories in handbags is essentially a treasure hunt. Finding those unique hidden gems requires patience and time browsing through the endless amounts of clothing and accessories to land your forever piece. It really is a case of research and right place, right time sort of thing.
Budget vs Splurge
Here’s a hot topic frequently discussed during our styling sessions and on every gals mind season to season. Where to spend your hard earned $$ vs where to save. What comes natural to me as a stylist in the fashion game for over 25 years isn’t always the case for my clients. During our Personal Styling consultations we work through the list of essentials needed to form the foundations of every successful working wardrobe.
As a general rule;
- DO splurge on a quality Blazers, Pants and shoes – think about your feet, they carry you from A-to-B pretty much around the clock unless your sleeping. A well-made quality leather boot, sandal, sneaker and pump will act as your accessory, complete and outfit and be kind to your feet all day long. DON’T – purchase on a whim, think about your work/weekend lifestyle and how much use your purchase will get, this in return helps with cost per wear.
- Budget and save $$ by planning ahead – Add your favourites to your shopping list or cart for later purchase. At the rate fashion changes in 2021, chances are your favourite label and designs will be discounted or on sale two to three times throughout each season.
Look for similar styles to suit your budget – There’s great satisfaction in discovering an almost identical outfit to that special little high street designer piece you adore that won’t make a dent in your savings.
Here are my 3 favourite autumn staples, showcasing how you too can pull off a splurge or budget option this season.
The Zipped Knit is the ultimate layering piece this season as they give off a sporty luxe vibe that’s all the latest craze at the moment.
Shop the look here
The Zipped Knit is the ultimate layering piece this season as they give off a sporty luxe vibe that’s all the latest craze at the moment.
Shop the look here!
Seen on every runway from Chloe to local Australian designers, no cool girl outfit is complete without a white shirt. My ultimate all season wardrobe staple too, best known for its timeless, easy dress-up or down style to suit all shapes and sizes. Add pearls and charms to suit the occasion.
Shop the look here!
Seen on every runway from Chloe to local Australian designers, no cool girl outfit is complete without a white shirt. My ultimate all-season wardrobe staple too, best known for its timeless, easy dress-up or down style to suit all shapes and sizes. Add pearls and charms to suit the occasion.
Shop this look here!
Starting each day with your best foot forward…an ankle boot will almost certainly help you get there. Avoid high season trends that will date, look for a style that is versatile, comfortable and chic bound to go the distance with cost per wear.
Shop the look here!
Starting each day with your best foot forward…an ankle boot will almost certainly help you get there. Avoid high season trends that will date, look for a style that is versatile, comfortable and chic bound to go the distance with cost per wear.
Shop the look here!
KK’s ‘Autumn’ Hit List
1. This A-line midi leather skirt gets a refresh in this season colour wave (I especially love the size 6-18 size options).
2. I am rather loving these petal shaped pearl earrings – smart enough to make a statement and not too fussy to enjoy every day (while stocks last)
3. For that ageless kind of glow stay hydrated harnessing the benefits of an Anti-aging facial serum, restoring tired skin while improving your complexion.
Honouring All That is Carla Zampatti
“It’s such a short time we are on this earth and if you don’t maximise it, what are you doing?” Carla Zampatti
03.04.2021 🙏🏼 I am beyond sad to hear Legendary Australian Designer – Carla Zampatti has passed away 😢
Carla’s 55 years as a leader in Australian fashion paved the way for so many of us seeking a career in the fashion design industry. I had met Carla many times in the 90’s as a younger me fresh out of fashion design school worked the David Jones designer floor for Carla’s then competitor “Covers Design”.
Always a strong female, many around her felt threatened by, “we aspiring designers” wanted to be Carla, dress like Carla, live like Carla!
We witnessed first-hand the power of clothes and how a woman is perceived when dressed right. The Zampatti woman was intelligent, had confidence, felt strong and sexy in how she looked and what she wore!
CZ clothes worked their magic every single time and for that I too aspired to make women feel good in what they wore earlier on in life.
As a label the CZ brand was never a “cheap” or affordable purchase, yet every design made a statement. The ultimate in “investment pieces” before the term became a trend, CZ designs became known for their power punching suits every boss babe of the 80’s & 90’s looking to make her mark in a male dominated corporate world would own.
Not many are successful, a handful manage to reinvent themselves while staying true to themselves and knowing their customer! Carla’s love for her work and dressing women appealed to first and second generation family member’s 💝
Farewell dear Carla 🙏🏼 thank you for giving strength and chic feminine style to all working women past and present. You will be sorely missed 💓🙏🏼
I came across this beautiful article Carla and her daughters were featured in a few months ago that I thought is a must-read! Read here
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