the divine ms. eva

Is there anything Chadstone the Fashion Capital can't do? 

I am the first to admit that I have limited talents.  However, one of my few saving graces is my ability to be completely honest about what someone should and should not wear.  So, last week I combined the power of Chadstone with my abilities and joined a friend in search of some key wardrobe items to complement her new slender physique. 

Now, I must first tell you that Ms Eva is an absolutely stunning woman - both inside and out.  Chestnut hair, beautiful eyes and one of the most kind and generous individuals I know.  She works, runs her own business and is a complete supermum.  Ms Eva was also in desperate need of jeans.  The ones she had been wearing were being kept up by a thick belt and doing that baggy arse thing that was clearly the result of her weight loss, but none too attractive.

Off to Just Jeans we went.  Ms Eva tried on a range of styles and brands (thank you awesome customer service assistants!) - Levi, Mavi, Lee, bootleg, skinny, straight leg.

riders by lee mid rise skinny black coated jean

riders by lee bumster skinny dark aqua jean

In the end Ms. Eva selected a gorgeous indigo Mavi pair.  Firm where they should be with just the right amount of give.  Seeing Ms Eva in these jeans reaffirmed my belief that the right pair of jeans is all a woman needs to feel amazing about herself and her body.

 

After that we were off to ZARA to find Ms Eva the perfect pair of work pants.  After scouring one of Chadstone's latest additions and discovering a heap of possibilities, we were off to the changing rooms.  Yes, 'we' - I couldn't help myself! 

 

Ms Eva's final choice? A classic colour (charcoal) and cut which can be worn for both the office and casually.

 

 

zara cotton trousers with turn up hem

Witchery was next, where we were lucky enough to scoop up some bargains.  A few cute tops for Ms Eva, a dress for me, and even a couple of skirts for the Little Fashionista.

A quick visit to Decjuba and Portmans for accessories rounded off our little expedition.

portmans metallic pop belts



decjuba hardware tassel necklace





Three hours.  Five stores.  One gorgeous woman.  Love your look Ms Eva!

socks off

From my experience there are two sure signs that Spring is fast approaching.  1. The Year 10 corridor starts smelling like freshly sprayed deodorant and 2. Primary Schools send out flyers announcing their upcoming Father's Day stalls.

This week I have encountered both. So, I think it's time to focus on what men are going to be wearing this season.

As a Melbournian I am well aware that black is a staple in our city, but this year I encourage men to consider greys and navys - still dark, still classic, but a tad softer.  As an added bonus, you can team it with a crisp white shirt and you won't look like a waiter or a sales assistant at MYER.

jack london baskerville suit

Over the last year hubby has become a huge Jack London fan.  They use a range of interesting fabrics to compliment fine tailoring.  Their cuts seem to suit the more... ahem, 'slender' man.  The baskerville suit is done in a herringbone tweed, perfect for those looking for a slightly thicker material and a jacket they can wear over jeans for a casual but still beautifully put together look.  All pieces are sold separately, so if you're not a fan of the whole three-piece suit thing you can ditch the vest.  But before you do consider how you could wear the items individually with other pieces in your wardrobe.  Would the vest look amazing with a pair of plain black pants and a shirt in a playful print?

Still corporate, but sans suit, I love this look:

jack london daventry mod shirt

Another Jack London, I love the colour of the shirt and the thin, plain tie.  Totally hot.

Hunting for something more casual?  The number of places one can purchase jeans these days is awe-inspiring, if not incredibly confusing.  I am a girl who likes shops that specialise and I favour the places I know I am going to be offered knowledgeable and consistent service and assistance.  And in the vast area of denim, there is no place like Just Jeans.  Great range (they now carry Mavi), and staff who know the cuts, the fabrics and are able to match your needs and wants to the most appropriate choice.

This season it's all about coloured denim.  And while I it takes a great deal of courage for a man to hit the streets in pastel pink pants, a slightly stronger shade is a good option.



just jeans coloured fashion super skinny jean in shiraz

 A final word of advice for those heading out to shop for dad, hubby or boyfriend and for those men going out to bulk up their wardrobe for Spring - lose the socks.  This season men are flashing a bit of ankle skin.  Just let the kids know before they hit those Father's Day stalls.