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.
Most days of the week, I’m dressed for comfort. Now, while I would kill for a week spent in my pjys, that’s just not possible. Or apparently acceptable if you call yourself a stylist.
So, most days I reach for the next best thing. Lifestyle clothes. Clothes from labels that make it easy for women on the move to look and feel their best every day. Clothes that are generally always ready to wear as they require minimal laundering and no ironing. Tick, tick and tick.
I’ve talked about Queensland lifestyle label, wYse, before. And I’ll talk about them again. The reason: every season they deliver all of the above in a selection of new shapes; re-invented shapes and gorgeous bursts of colour. Which I try to tell myself I embrace. To break up my love affair with black. The fabric wYse uses is a super smooth modal, a natural timber fibre. And I can’t do a post on wYse without talking up their leggings. THE best. So comfortable and wash up like new. Every time.
What wYse says: Autumn-Winter 2011 wYse Lifestyle takes on a new direction introducing an edgy fashion dialogue fueled with smouldering sophistication. Wear wYse like a second skin or layer to suit the mood, event or destination. wYse classics embrace a brilliant new twist; modern angles and fabric draping get the nod; minimalism takes front seat with clean lines that are both chic and sexy for the confident contemporary woman. Gorgeous Gunmetal is the new black. The intensity of teal and the sublime appeal of pale moss green pack a potent punch bringing out the best in black, coal and tunmetal. Ruby also makes its mark adding further gusto to an already commanding line-up.
What I say? I don’t need to be told twice to embrace a “new black”. And I’m totally head over heels for fabric draping. Hides the bits we want hidden and floats over the others.
So, here is the model wearing the wYse Flared dress:
And here is me …
Dress: wYse Flared dress
3/4 sleeve top: Metalicus
Scarf: American Apparel
Boots: Jaime Mascaro
Necklace: Uberkate
The dress is a little short side for me to wear without tights – above my knees is not pretty. With opaques, though, bring it on. It’s a perfect dress for layering. I could also add a trench coat over the top of this or wear without the long-sleeve tee underneath. It’s this versatility that makes it a winner in my wardrobe.
Here’s a look at some of the other design’s from this season’s wYse collection. See anything you’d like to try?
Stockists: Phone 61 7 5531 4333 or email [email protected]
Online stockists: Lifestyle Boutique; Jungle Road; Rebecca’s Lingerie; and Goddess Online
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This post is part of the FlogYoBlog Friday Saturday link-up for May 13, 2011. Head on over to Glowless for links to more fab posts.










Comments 34
Hi Nikki, Absolutely love Wyse clothing. Changing my whole wardrobe over and throwing out all the things I don’t wear (which is most of my wardrobe). Just wondering if you could recommend an online store for purchasing necklaces (colourful) that would compliment this range of clothing?
Elk Accessories – http://www.elkaccessories.com.au/
I think you look even better in that dress than the model – and love the way you pull the whole look together. As for “lifestyle” fashion – love love love it!!!! Real clothes for real women in the real world!
Author
Thanks so much, Janet. Such a lovely thing to say and yes, I’m a huge fan of lifestyle fashion!
I need that Roman dress. It’s soooo gorgeous… on the model. But jersey A-line is pretty good on most of us, right? I can see some probs with under-arm over-hang out the side of the ‘no sleeve’ sleeve, but, hey, I can live with that. I can just turn to the ‘sleeve’ sleeve for my close-ups!!! x
Author
Would you believe that’s what I do in photos with a one-sleeved Sacha Drake dress!? A trick a model friend of mine does is well in winter is that she layers a black long-sleeve Metalicus top under the one-sleeve dress. Both arms covered and warm and it looks great too.
Lookin’ hawt as always, Nikki. I love how skirts that are just a little bit too short are completely fine when worn with opaques – especially if combined with knee boots 😛
Author
Which is why I freak out in September when those legs come out again – and they’re very white and hairy!
Love, love, love layering pieces. Versatility means $ savings too. Winter into summer, summer into winter. You only need a few and this dress is one of them. Nice colour touch with the raspberry red scarf…lifts it all beautifully. Go girl! Well done wYse 🙂
Author
I have a lot of dresses in my wardrobe that do just that, Anita! Makes getting dressed each day so easy.
I think Im in love with the whole Alternate outfit. Comfort and style, plus it looks deliciously warm – perfect for Winter!
Author
Perfect – and can dress up or down to suit where you’re headed.
Love this dress. This site is becoming bad for my credit card balance!!
Author
Sorry. Will cease blogging immediately.
Ha! Going out on a high?!
Don’t you dare 🙂
Dude, at first I was all, what the hell is a lifestyle brand, and I still don’t know but I adore the items you’ve shown here. Gorgeous!
Author
Lifestyle label: translation – doesn’t need ironing, can just throw in wash, hang up, dry and wear. Feel comfy all day but still look good!
LOVE! Any idea if it’s sold in Sydney? I want that tunic!!!
Author
Yes. Sylvia Rhodes Lingerie, Double Bay. Larx Boutique, Newport. Collage Boutique, Cherrybrook. I’ll pop the online retailers up in the blog post.
I do love that flare dress! But I mega love the necklace from Uberkate! Must go check out now …!
Author
Love, love, love Uberkate!
What a beautiful dress, and gosh, how beautiful do YOU look in it?! Definitely as good as any model!
Author
oh, thanks Corrine – you’re too kind!
I love it on you, you look awesome. I wouldn’t buy it if I saw it on a model.
Author
Oh, you gorgeous girl – that’s such a beautiful thing to say!
Love that dress and it looks AMAZING on you!
Author
Thanks Raelene … it’s a very easy wear!
Love that flare dress. Would hide all sorts of nasty tummies I have lying around. Love. Love.
Author
ha, ha … yes. Exactly why it works for me!
love this! love this series. am off to find sydney stockist now. i love that ankle skirt too…
Author
thanks Amanda … the skirt is divine.
Really? I can’t stay in my PJ’s all day? 🙂 Loving the colours in this range! and looks like its a little more affordable than Metallicus (which I DO love, but just cant really afford).
Author
I wish! My youngest even loves declaring it’s a pyjama day. Yes, it’s more affordable than Metallicus – fabric is different too. Luxe.