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
Comments 42
love these on you … both look divine and so do-able!
Thanks – I actually wear them almost every week! So comfortable and easy.
SO not a fashion guru like you…. Oh, you crack me up – the whole point of the range is that you DON’T have to do ironing. The Merino in this range is beautiful. Belts and tunics don’t work for me as I have a short waist but they look brilliant on others.
Nikki I’m thinking about getting the scrunch tunic dress… and have made enquires with Leonie re: sizing. I’m usually a size 12 on the top, but according to her measurements my bust should be in a 14….. sigh. i wear a 12DD bra
anyway – are you a 14 usually, or for this label?
thanks in advance.
Author
Hi Vicky, my bust size is 16C and I’m wearing the size 14 in the photo. The bust panel is a good one – deeper than others in that style I’ve come across. Does that help?
the measurement around my bust is 105cm… which puts me in the size 14. Leonie emailed me and side to try the 12, and if doesn’t fit then she will happily exchange it for the next size. will just take the leap… really want it. are going to NZ in early August. be perfect… Want the red merino dress too!! squealll….
thanks Nikki. 🙂
Author
Let me know how you go’
Hi Nikki, just a tip on sizing. If you have a generous bust in proportion to your body, it is often better to compare the under-bust measurement on a size chart if it included. This may be give you your correct size, regards Leonie
Love the two outfits Nikki. I’m not that into leggings (yet) but am having fun layering tunics/long belted cardi’s over dark denim pencil skirt, tights and boots – plus statement necklace/scarf/earrings or generally all three!! Winter is my time of year. Had a trip away over the weekend and managed to survive with my Vigorella trench either on me or scrunched up in my handbag. Just love these easy-wear scrunchy items!
Author
I certainly agree. I bought a Metalicus trench this season for just that reason. Scrunches up for carrying in my bag and provides warmth without the bulk.
Definitely jeans and tshirt for me. Or a pretty and comfy dress in the summer heat:)
Author
The leggings look would be great for you, Annabel 😉
This is the first time I’ve seen your Model and Me and love it! I can now properly see how the garments work which cuts out heaps of time making a short list for winter. Thanks for taking the initiative Nikki 🙂
Author
Thanks Wendy – and lovely to see you here. If you do a search on my blog you’ll find some previous Model and Me posts. They’re not every week but more as I can match up clothes with a model shot!
You look fab. Grey is my fave colour to wear.
Author
I love all shades of gray too, Carly … well, it is closely related to black!
Loving it all, especially your hair.
And the Elk necklace
Author
The hair doesn’t look like that any more … have more blonde back in (yes, I’m a wuss!). I bought those two Elk necklaces last year. They have served me well.
I live in jeans and t-shirts! Sigh.
Loving the hair, Nikki!
Author
The hair looks slightly different again – lightened it up again!
Thank you! The media/bloggie world often makes me feel like legging and tunics are daggy.
But these looks are anything but.
I’m a huge fan of leggings and tunics, because I can race around in them without showing off too much skin; and I they take me between work, school, home, and at a pinch, even the gym.
Author
It’s the Leggings as Pants debate that has everyone confused. Leggings are great but they should be covered to at least below your bottom!
Like both outfits.
I’m not a leggings girl – I hate my legs – but happy to admire on others!
Author
I like my leggings because they hide the realities of my legs underneath. I only wear thick leggings too.
I love leggings too, especially with tunics and to hang out at home. I also take latin dance classes and they are great to wear dancing.
I’d love to know which brands you find most comfortable Nikki. I’m finding it difficult to find comfy leggings that aren’t hipsters and feeling like they are edging further and further down. I’m only 154cm and a size 12/14 (erring more on the size of 14 these days) and don’t seem to be able to find where my waist went AND I’m 54yrs old so don’t want to look like mutton dressed as lamb.
Author
Hi Gillian. My absolute faves are the wYse ones featured here – they’re on the expensive side for leggings (about $70-80) but I’ve had mine for two years and they look as good as new. They come up to the waist and are made of a beautiful modal. Worth it in my books. http://www.wysebodywear.com.au
ah…I remember that blog. I’ve registered with them and have asked for my nearest stockist. I’m happy to pay that much if they last and don’t fall down! LOL!
Author
Buy one size down in the wYse to prevent this!
Even though I’m not (yet) a mum, this is pretty my my weekend/uni/not at work uniform in the cooler months too! In fact today (even at work) wearing a black trapeze-style tunic, leggings, black ballet flats and a printed scarf. I’m jumping online straight away to check out the new ranges!! Great winter pieces – impecible taste as always Nikki!
C x
Author
It’s too easy for our lifestyle, isn’t it Caitlin?
Merino wool always reels in this Kiwi girl! Will definitely check out the Scrunch line too. I do find Metalicus exy. Vigorella is good too.
I do like the tunic dress thing but prefer empire line or a belt or a fitted waistcoat over the top. I need to fake a waist or I can look blocky or too booby! Or pregnant. Nice!
New hair looking good!
Author
The Merino in this range is beautiful. Belts and tunics don’t work for me as I have a short waist but they look brilliant on others.
Hi Nikki and Kim, I have a new little vest called the ‘tails vest’ designed with this in mind, I have just added it at http://www.verily.com.au. I love all the feedback.
I think they look great! However…I really wanna iron that scrunch tunic.
That’s wrong, isn’t it?
SO not a fashion guru like you…. 😉
Author
Oh, you crack me up – the whole point of the range is that you DON’T have to do ironing. Think my husband would want to do same …
I LOVE these pieces and as tweeted, think they’d serve preggers me well too. I don’t like investing in exxy maternity wear that can’t then be worn again. Thanks for the tip! I like jeans and a tee though I do like leggings and a lengthy tunic too – especially with a cardy. 🙂
Author
Cat, these are perfect for pregnancy wear as you can buy your normal size and wear again afterwards.
Hey Nikki,
Gorgeous and uber-stylish are not words I’m feeling today (PMT ugh) so thankyou for perking me up!
Love that hooded tunic – got a cool Grace Jones going on there…
xAndrea
Author
Not good, Andrea! But yes, that hood is a winner – worked wonderfully for hiding my new hair colour last week!
Love that scrunch tunic. very cool
Author
Very easy to wear, Bianca, and enough room for my bust. I find that often that style doesn’t accommodate anything apart from perky bosoms – not so this one!