not very inspired in the aussie summer - YouLookFab Forum

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not very inspired in the aussie summer

anne

Veteran

I am not feeling very inspired this Australian summer. I have barely shopped at all, and the closest I have got to following the fashion is reading the Ezibuy catalouge, which has not inspired me much either. I have just looked through the ezibuy clearance section and nothing stood out though I would probably manage to happily incorporate most items in if I happened to be given then!

I think part of the problem is that I have only allowed myself $150 dollars for the whole summer, and that leaves very little margin for error.

The thread I had recently about sewing machines is inspiring me, but I don't feel that the items I would get out of it, though hopefully useful and attractive, wouldn't be particularly fashionable.

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16 replies

Latest reply was from Kari

An

Hi Anne
I'm with you in not being terribly inspired by the Aussie summer. I've been looking for dresses but really haven't found anything that I've fallen in love with. I was very inspired by a dress that Bella posted back in the NH summer but can't find anything remotely similar so I'm also considering getting out the sewing machine!
I think dressing for our hot summers can be more challenging because layers are out of the question often. That's why I have been really looking for dresses.
A summer outfit that you posted last year that I loved and has stuck in my mind Anne, was white clams with maybe a navy/purple (?) loose tank and a cropped red cardie and red shoes!! Are you wearing that this summer Anne. I really loved that on you!
I'm not overly concerned with high trend items, but really looking for items that are flattering and suit my style. I'm keen to see what you whip up with your sewing machine

puffenstuff

(website)

Veteran

Anne I can sympathise, I think it also boils down to the heat and sometimes you cant be bothered getting all dressed up when you feel hot and sweaty. I've re-stocked my wardrobe with alot of seperates this year, partially because I needed them but I tried dresses in the past and found it wasnt really me. Also I figure that I may get more wear out of them in the cooler weather as well rather than just having summer wear. My favourite stores have been Witchery, Sportsgirl, Sussan and Cotton On, I've found some great basics and some more on trend items at these places more than anywhere else. I find Ezibuy stuff has gone down hill and quality seems bad for the price you pay, Target seems to be taking the same road.

Are you looking for any particular pieces?

MNsara

Veteran

It's very cold here, but I remember feeling that way when the hot weather strikes! I also recall other YLFers talking about how they can't even put on a bracelet or necklace when its hot! Simplicity is necessary.

So, just relax, enjoy the casual vibe of summer!!

Look forward to fall fashions instead?

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm not usually very inspired in the middle of summer, either. I wear the same uniform of a woven dress, bold necklace, and strappy flat sandals almost every day. I just dream of cooler days when I will be able to layer again!

anne

Veteran

An - thanks for remembering that outfit - I still wear it frequently - sometimes without the red cardi.

Have been working on my first sewing machine project tonight - will reveal results later (ie when I have finished!)

Thanks Karen for the shop references. I will check them out when I hit the city this month.

MNSara - definitely looking forward to the cooler months! Thanks

Becky

Veteran

Anne, summer is my most difficult season to dress for. Yes, it's too hot to layer, plus with an active lifestyle (e.g., walking kids to/from the pool and library in 90+F weather), anything but machine washable tops/bottoms and comfortable, waterproof sandals is not an option.

stringy

Veteran

I hear you! The weather makes it hard for me to want to add details, and what's in the shops isn't really floating my boat either. I can't seem to find any day dresses that aren't business casual or beachwear, and the 80s revival just won't die.

glam on the inside

I have no helpful advice but just want to chime in with a big fat "me too!" I'm new to YLF and love the flop proof outfits. I can't wait to try out some of the autumn ones, but yes, for now we are in a layer-less hell Chewyspaghetti, your summer uniform sounds great btw.

anne

Veteran

Thanks for all that chimed in (Khis I didn't see yours before I wrote before).

Actually it is not THAT hot yet. I can still wear clams and shortsleeved tops, for example, as opposed to those days where only the lightest dress will do (that hot weather will come any time though - Feb is usually the hottest month). My comment was based on the summer range in general.

I am enjoying (and this relates to Khris's point) wearing my new long red flower necklace. It has enlived some outfits of pretty old clothes! http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-necklaces (it is the first one on this post)

Ljubica

I didn't chime in before, but many people seem to share the same issues with summer dressing. My biggest problem is that I don't really have to dress up, since I have long summer holidays and I spend my summer in town, so wearing too relaxed clothes is not an option either. And besides that, it's hard to put up with not so perfect skin exposed too much in short summer dresses.
This summer I'll try to have a few dresses made, with the right style and the right lenght.

glam on the inside

I am also non-plussed about what's on offer in the shops. I decided to look for a maxi dress but gave up as everything was either too low cut or too shapeless. I recently read Angie's post about denim vests and am thinking it could be a good way to change up my summer outifts without getting too warm.

Anonymous

It's cold here with 7 inches of snow on the way tonight, but i wanted to chime in to say that vests worked miracles for my hot weather outfits in the heat last summer. I got the cropped Hinge denim vest and a black vest that's more of a sleeveless jacket. They got worn all the time like jackets over a tank. You might also try sleeveless cotton buttondown shirts worn open like a jacket over a tank or cami.

Megan

I'm not thrilled with what's on offer here either...and I've been on 'vacation' (working from home) for a month so haven't had reason to wear my work clothes which I like a lot more than my casual capsule.

I've contented myself with ordering things on sale from the US for our autumn/winter to come.

stringy

Veteran

Anne, I love that red necklace of yours. I think necklaces will be my go-to item for adding interest this summer. Light and colourful, no extra fabric! I haven't got many yet, but am working on it.

I was eyeing off a little knit vest that seemed to be t-shirt material - I was hoping it'd add some interest to my work outfits and could be stuffed in my handbag at the end of the day! But it wasn't available in my size so I'm going to have to stalk it for a while longer.

glam on the inside

I don't know if this helps anyone but I have been thinking a lot about the problem of hot weather dressing and I had a revelation today. After reading several posts about wearing clothes backwards, I realised that some of my tops that I usually layer over camis (because they are too low cut to wear alone) can work backwards.
Today I wore a black sleeveless knit top this way and it worked well in the heat since I didn't need a layer underneath. I also really liked the way it looked, because the deep V neckline has a lacy trim which made for a pretty back view.

Kari

Veteran

Not to sound insensitive, but can we trade places? It's only January and I'm already weary of the gloom and darkness that we'll have to endure for the next 6 months. *pout* I would even welcome snow because it brightens up the sky a lot more. (The blue sky you can see in Angie's wallpaper this month is a rarity for Seattle winters.)

Anne, maybe your lack of inspiration is a signal for you to save your shopping dollars for when you find something that really catches your eye, and playing with your existing clothes some more. You have some super cute casual skirts from what I remember. Last summer was mostly too cold in Seattle to go sleeveless, but the summer before I also loved wearing waistcoats over sleeveless tank tops or shells.