Friday 29 November 2013

Win a Date with a Personal Stylist

 
This week on the blog we were fortunate to have gorgeous Personal Stylist, Agnes from Paper Doll Personal Styling, here as a guest blogger. If you missed out on her posts on maternity dressing, you can catch up on them here and here.
 
I am absolutely thrilled to annpounce that Paper Doll Personal Styling are offering one very, very lucky reader the chance to win a date with the fabulous Agnes herself!
 
One lucky winner will have the choice between a 2 hour Wardrobe Analysis or a 2 hour Personal Shopping Trip (both valued at $200). And because I didn't want my lovely readers not living in Melbourne to miss out, if you are interstate you will have the choice of an Online Styling Consultaion (valued at $135) instead.
 
If one of your goals for the New Year is to tackle your tricky wardrobe or to learn how to finally dress for your body shape, then this prize is a dream come true!
 
Entry is below and good luck...
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
- The giveaway will be hosted by Rafflecopter and is open to Australian residents only
- The announcement of the lucky winner will be made right here on the Utterly Organised blog
- The lucky winner will have 5 days to contact Utterly Organised and claim their prize
- Voucher expires on 30/06/14
- Failure to claim prize within designated period will result in another winner being drawn
- Entrants must like the Utterly Organised and Paper Doll Personal Styling Facebook Page
- Any questions on the competition can be directed to utterlyorganised@gmail.com
 
If you are interested in the Services of Paper Doll Personal Styling, you can find Agnes online or on Facebook.

Wednesday 27 November 2013

Best Places to Shop for Maternity Clothes

In case you missed it earlier on this week, amazing personal stylist Agnes from Paper Doll Personal Styling shared with us her top 10 tips on maternity dressing. You can catch up on that post here.

Now that we know exactly what styles, shapes and colours to wear during pregnancy, we now need to know where to get them! Today Agnes shares the best places to shop for the perfect maternity pieces or outfits.
 
Brands and stores to try:
 
1. ASOS Maternity at www.asos.com has a wide range of maternity basics and jeans to mix and match. This UK based store offers free shipping to Australia and returns are only $7.85 per parcel.
 
2. Queen Bee at www.queenbee.com.au - probably the biggest Australian online maternity stores with a vast range of maternity and nursing wear from basics to special occasion pieces. They have a large collection of jeans and lingerie and shape wear too. 
 
3. Mavi’s Maternity Jeans are legendary; if you are a fan of skinny jeans, you don’t want to miss them: http://www.mavi.net.au/maternity-jeans/ 
 
4. On Birdnest.com.au you can browse and shop outfits put together for pregnant bodies: http://www.birdsnest.com.au/womens/shop-by/bodyshape/pregnant/outfits 
 
5. Lola Australia is not a maternity label, but their lightweight, silk and cotton dresses and kaftans in beautiful coloursare perfect for the summer even with a growing belly: http://www.lolaaustralia.com.au 
 
 
 6. Hatch Collection: for that special outfit you want to splurge on. Their gorgeous collection is designed in a way that you can wear the pieces before, during and after the pregnancy: http://hatchcollection.com 
 
7. Isabella Oliver: This UK brand is “dressing women
in quality designs with effortless styles
for pregnancy and beyond”. You can get lots of inspirations from their Style Diary on their website. They have essential pieces for your work, after hours and off duty wardrobe too: http://www.isabellaoliver.com
 
 
 8. The Bag Department: is a Melbourne based company, whose handbags are stylish, practical, easy to use, timeless and yet modern at the same time. They are made of gorgeous soft leather in beautiful colours and they are simple, understated chic styles that go with absolutely everything. They are roomy to use them everyday without compromising on the aesthetics.They actually give you the choice to create your own on the TBD website (by choosing the leather, the handle and the hardware), which I find so much fun. It makes the bags become absolutely yours. And the best of all is that you can actually use them as a non-traditional nappy bag after the baby arrives:
 
 
Thanks again Agnes for all of the amazing advice on pregnancy dressing - trust me I need it at the minute. I have been trawling ASOS and this is my pick for some great maternity pieces at some really affordable prices.
 
Pregnant or not, Agnes has one very amazing giveaway coming right up on the blog this week.  If you have always wanted your own personal stylist to take you on a shopping trip or analyse your wardrobe, then you are in for a treat!! For those not in Melbourne, don't despair as you have the option of a fabulous online consultation instead. Stay tuned.... 

Monday 25 November 2013

The Stylish Mum To Be – 10 TOP TIPS on maternity dressing with a growing belly

With only 8 short weeks until bub arrives, I am definitely now well in to maternity clothing. I have been pretty lucky up to date, as I lost a lot of weight early on in this pregnancy with being so sick, so the belly was slow off the mark to develop. But in the last few weeks, I am finding myself struggling in my 'normal' clothes and searching for maternity or stretchy styles, especially as we approach the festive season with so many little events and soirees on the cards where my stretchy gym pants just won't do!

I am so pleased to have the lovely Agnes from Paper Doll Styling here on the blog this week as a very special guest writer. Agnes is a Melbourne based personal stylist and shopper who offers not only personal shopping and styling for women and children of Melbourne, but she offers a fabulous online service for those anywhere in the country. You can find out more about her services here.
 
I have asked Agnes to share her shopping and styling wisdom this week when it comes to dressing with a baby bump. Thank you for your tips Agnes....
 
Expecting a baby is such an exciting time in a woman’s life but it also has its challenges, and dressing your baby bump can be one of the first.
 
However nothing should stop you being stylish and confident in your skin and clothes so I am here to help with 10 top tips  I learnt when I was expecting my daughter –on how to dress when your belly and emotions grow.
 
Tip #1: Shop your own wardrobe
 
Learn what’s in your wardrobe (and even in your partners) and find out what you can use from it throughout your pregnancy. Your stretchy tops and dresses will still be good for the first trimester. Button up shirts (even your husband’s or boyfriend’s) with leggings or worn over a tank or a T-shirt tied in front will be your best friends.
Wear your smart jacket with anything and roll up your sleeves for an effortlessly chic look.
 
Nothing should stop you being comfortable and chic during pregnancy
Tip #2: Be comfortable
Being stylish and comfortable at the same time? Yes, it is possible. From your underwear to your shoes, you want to feel comfortable throughout all the months with your growing belly and the hormones changing your mood and body temperature. Choose natural fabrics (cotton, silk, cashmere, wool, etc.) and well-fitting bras and underwear. Your shoe size easily can go up to 1 to 2 sizes during pregnancy (and for some it stays like that after birth too), so make sure you are wearing the most comfortable footwear possible. Ballerina flats go with everything, lace up brogues will accentuate a relaxed, understated look, while jeweled flat sandals dress up and add charm to any summer outfit. Wedges are great alternatives to high heels. 
 
An oversized button up shirt worn with skinny jeans or leggings will be your best friend
Tip#3: Mix and match 
The basics in your maternity wardrobe are just as important as in your pre and post pregnancy one. Buy good quality basics that will not disappoint you and that you can mix and match for endless number of looks. Dress them up or down with accessories that you already have in your wardrobe. 
 
Tip #4: Up-size
You don't have to limit yourself to wear only maternity clothes to look stylish. Opt for standard pieces in one or a couple of sizes larger than your normal size. Drawstring pants and shorts, cotton tops, button up shirts, maxi dresses are all comfortable and stylish choices.  
 
Tip #5: Wear colours 
Your best colours are still your best colours during pregnancy, so don't be afraid of wearing them, especially close to your face to bring out that special glow even more! Dressing in monochrome is not only super trendy at the moment but also creates the illusion of an elongated body. You can add a splash of colour to a one-colour outfit by adding a scarf, a handbag or a statement necklace. 
 
Wear your best colours to flatter your face
Tip #6: Accessorize
A cosy scarf, a pair of big sunglasses, a stunning necklace will all look stylish and can give polish to your look. Their other advantage is that you can wear them throughout the whole pregnancy and you already have them in your wardrobe. Use them to sharpen your look and bring a sense of individual style. The trick is: to choose a one statement piece and keep the rest understated. 
 
Tip #7: Layer
Cardigans, wraps, shawls keep you warm, comfortable and you will not outgrow them.
Use the ones you already have in your wardrobe, or buy some new ones in flattering colours. They will come handy when your body-temperature changes in a second and after the birth too while breastfeeding. 
 
Jeans, stripes and a trench coat - always a stylish choice
Tip #8: Show off your belly 
Form-fitting pieces that are not too tight are much more flattering than really loose, baggy clothes. Make sure they are stretchy and comfortable to wear. 
 
Tip #9: Show off your best features 
Do you have great legs? Wear skirts to show them off. Are you proud of your cleavage? Show some skin (but not too much) with a low-cut top to flatter your face.
The rule is always the same: show off your best features and hide those that you are not happy with. It’s all about balance.
 
 
Tip#10: Splurge
Even if you don’t spend too much on your maternity wardrobe I recommend investing in at least one stunning outfit, that you feel gorgeous and confident in. You will get great use out of it; put it on every time when you want to feel glamorous and change the look with accessories.  
Have fun and look amazing before, during and after baby! 
Agnes xx
 
Thank you so much for the amazing advice Agnes. Stay tuned because Agnes will be back later on this week with her advice on exactly where to shop to pick up some great maternity buys and there is a giveaway in the mix too!

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Nursery Inspiration for Baby #2

Well yet again hubby and I cannot agree on finding out the gender of this bub to be (he doesn't want to know and I am not allowed to find out!). This little predicament is a teeny bit hard for an organised person like myself - okay I will admit, it is sheer hell!! I want to order everything and have this room done and dusted by the time this baby arrives in a few short months, but am instead attempting to be very patient. If you missed out on my gender neutral nursery planning (and frustrations) posts from Mr B, you can catch up on them here.
 
So what am I going to do? Well once again I am going to try and go with a neutral coloured room and inject touches of colour once the bub arrives. Last time I was in hospital literally hours after the birth ordering bits and pieces from Etsy - that is no joke!
 
Here are some rooms that I am loving - from Pinterest of course.

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So it would seem that I am drawn to;

- A white room with touches of pale grey - adding in elements of colour later - maybe aqua or mint and red for a boy and coral or ice pink for a girl. This is what I elected to do when I was pregnant last time and it was a colour scheme that I still adore - win!
 
- White furniture which is pretty handy considering I have this part already sorted. I am contemplating painting my Ikea Poang chair (which has a birch wood frame) that I used in Mr B's nursery - anyone done this?
 
- Polka Dots!!! I have decided to do a single Polka Dot feature wall and have ordered some pale grey dots from Etsy so I can get started on this as soon as they arrive in my hot little hands

- I love the idea of accessorising with clouds or with stars (cushions, mobiles, buntings etc). But I have decided to wait and order these in colours

I must admit with a nursery, big boy room and a playroom/family room conversion all to plan and design by January - I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. But hubby was on holidays last week so we have now shifted everything out of the room, touched up the white walls and are hoping to move the nursery furniture in, order Mr B's new bed and accouterments and get ready to 'polka dot' the wall next week.
 
Gee it would be so much easier if we knew the gender....
 
Did you find out the sex of your baby to be? Or did you opt for a surprise?

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