The Model and Me: Verily Winter 2011

Ever looked at a model wearing an item of clothing that appeals to you and dismissed the purchase out of hand?  Yep, me too.  Well, I’m here to tell you that you SHOULD get into that change room and give the object of your desire a try.  You may not look like the model (I don’t, I’m a size 14), but you never know, it just may look right for you.

I talk a lot about dressing for comfort – and for your lifestyle.  With good reason.  I want to feel AND look the best I can every day.  The nature of what I do, whether that’s sitting at my computer, helping a client sort through their wardrobe or picking up the kids from school, I need a “uniform” if you like that works for me.

My blogging friend, the gorgeous and uber-stylish Andrea, over at Fox in Flats, raised the question last week, What’s your “mummy uniform”? Of the 150 women who completed her survey, “most claimed to wear jeans and a t-shirt with their hair in a pony tail as their daily go-to outfit”.

The post got me thinking about my “mummy uniform”.

At this time of year I find that I embrace layering like a mad-woman.  Seriously, a well-placed scarf can elongate the body and hide more than a few sins.  So for me, my uniform at this time of year is leggings or jeggings with tunic tops and dresses, adding a vest or jacket, a scarf and ballet flats or boots.

Queensland-based label, Verily, is a big part of that “uniform” for me.

For designer, Leonie MacLeod, the Winter 2011 collection “represents a return to simplicity.  Pared-back design, pure fabric, timeless styling, understated elegance”.  The colourways are primarily red, black and charcoal (umm, my favourite).  I love the Merino wool that has been used.  As someone who can spot a scratchy wool from a mile away, this one couldn’t be more comforting.  It’s breathable and is perfect for a winter’s day that can offer everything from freezing to mild temperatures.  Buy online or at selected boutiques.

Here is the model wearing the Howl Tunic ($140) …

Model and makeup artist Pru Edwards in the Verily Howl Tunic $140

And here is me …

Me wearing the Verily Howl Tunic, Metalicus slip dress, wYse leggings, Country Road ballet flats and Trenery scarf. Love how the collar can be worn more than one way.

Leonie has also created a new range called Scrunch – think Metalicus type pieces but at a fraction of the price and available in something other than one-size-fits-most.  The fabric is a poly/viscose/spandex knit combination. It’s not a boutique range but can be bought online at Madeit or at the Mamma’s Market (Buderim) and the Young Designers Market (Southbank, Brisbane).

Here is the model wearing the Scooped Tunic Dress ($75) …

Model and author Jodie Hedley-Ward in the Verily Scrunch Scooped Tunic Dress $75

And here is me …

Me wearing Verily Scrunch scooped tunic dress, Verily sleeveless draped vest, Elk Accessories necklaces, wYse leggings, Country Road ballet flats

I seriously could live and move around with ease in these outfits everyday. Are you a fan of the leggings and tunic dress for winter or are you more a jeans and top kind of girl?

*These garments were provided for me for review purposes in accordance with my disclosure policy