Outfit: Zara boyfriend jeans, Helmut Lang t-shirt, Chanel tweed boucle jacket (similar here), Halogen wedges, Chanel timeless clutch
You know, it got me thinking the other day after spending a bit of time lurking on forums. There are the same few questions that pop up nearly every single time. Okay, so I'm going to keep this real cos you know, being a Kiwi and all, I haven't mastered the art of being PC or beating around the bush all that well. Now bear this in mind that
1) I'm not a personal style blogger. I think someone categorized this blog as lifestyle, meaning it's like a bowl of coleslaw with every imaginable veggie/topics mixed together.
2) I'm not a professional blogger
Right, so now we've got that sussed, let's get to question number 1.
1) What do bloggers REALLY wear?
Umm... Isabel Marant, Chanel and Helmut Lang? And heels. Very VERY high heels. mwahahahaha....... if you want to know what I REALLY wear, check out the photo below.
Just so you know, I didn't upload the photo to show you my no-longer-perky butt/bottom but to glorify the beautiful construction of the Chanel jacket.
2) How come bloggers never seem to wear the same outfit? How do they fund their wardrobe?
You see that pair of ripped boyfriend jeans from Zara? I'm embarrassed to say that it has been featured in nearly every outfit photo in the past year. And the Halogen ankle strap wedges. And the Helmut t-shirt. Ditto for the outfit below.
As for my style? If I want to sound particularly educated, I'd call it non-experimental. In layman term, it's known as sticking-to-my-uniform (I'm channeling Emmanuelle Alt. You go girl!). My tiny closet fits into a small corner in the bedroom. I can personally count with 1 hand how many jackets or coats I own. My excuse is quality over quantity. So I'm afraid my clothes are in heavy rotation which may bore most people to death (including me). However, I often get rid of any accessories or clothes I no longer wear on eBay to fund new purchases.
Outfit: Zara boyfriend jeans, Helmut Lang t-shirt, Chanel tweed boucle jacket (similar here), Halogen wedges, Chanel timeless clutch, Hermes Cape Cod watch.
As you can see, I subscribe to the "no make up make up" look in the most literal manner. The "fan" effect was due to the horrendous wind. As for the double chin, I can only blame the chocolate bunnies. Um...I did say, I was keeping it real?
Outfit: The Kooples wedge trainers (similar here), The Kooples track pants, Isabel Marant sweatshirt, Chanel glasses, Hermes Cape Cod watch
AND....... this is what I REALLY wear everyday. Not Chanel, not Helmut Lang but track pants and sweatshirt.
Haha!! And OMG THAT JACKET IS STUNNING!!!! Health to wear my lovely - it suits you to a tee xx
ReplyDeleteMan alive I am hissing jealous about that jacket, it's one of the nicest things I have seen in a VERY VERY VERY long time.
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree.
DeleteBut you still look effortlessly chic in your every day outfit Mrs!x
ReplyDeleteOh. My. God. I LOVE that jacket. It's STUNNING! The detail at the back? Sigh! Fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI'll sell you a kidney for that Chanel jacket!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to take your shapely figure for the Chanel jacket.
DeleteI love both outfits, but I think it takes real style to look that cool in sweats.
ReplyDeleteor really thick skin :P Thanks so much, Kate!
DeleteLOL!
ReplyDeleteGosh, I love your honesty!
You're pretty darn stylish, imo! Classy & chic! You also look really pretty in both pics!
I, too, change into sweats as soon as I get home from work....my fav comfy outfits, bar none!
Thanks for always making me smile. :)
I'm the same. I change straight into my sweats even if I have friends visiting (they always look aghast when I do that)
DeleteYou are truly testament to the fact that it pays to 'investment' shop!! You always look fab, never mind that it's Zara boyfriends, a T and a Chanel jacket!! Truly inspired...my wardrobe could so do with that de-clutter!!
ReplyDeleteawww...thanks so much. I simply can't bear clutter and I live with 2 massive hoarders who refuse to throw anything out.
DeleteMmmmm loving that jacket Marlene, such a great colour! I admire people who find a 'uniform' and stick to it, they're always the people who look so effortlessly chic as they are comfortable in what they are wearing and it shows!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It takes someone who's inordinately creative to come up with fresh outfits all the time. My brain just doesn't compute fashion all that well so it's best to stick to a uniform. :P
DeleteNow that Chanel is a real beauty. And what a gorgeous colour. Really striking and very individual. It fits you beautifully - I'd sell a lot for that (if I had a lot). But don't tell me - you got it for a bargainous price right :o)
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I love the second outfit equally. Now I can really relate to that but guess what - you still look great. I can't see that much between the made up and non made up face - that says you have fab skin and look brilliant au naturel - I don't think there's a lot of bloggers out there who dare post a picture of themselves not made up.
Sue, ask me again in a year's time. I might regret showing my arse and near bare face. Um...no..not so much a bargain but at least the Chanel jacket is a lot cheaper than one right out from the store. Feeling rather broke now.
DeleteThe Chanel jacket is beutiful.
ReplyDeleteAnd as Sue above, I love both outfits.
Love this post and your honesty! Your chanel jacket is really gorgeous. I love the color! And I also change into sweats when I get home from work.. I can't properly lay on the couch otherwise. :)
ReplyDeletexo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
LOL! Same here. I can't bear the feeling of something digging into my tummy when I lie on the couch :P
DeleteI actually really like both of these outfits for different reasons and each of them is stylish in their own way! Looking good Marlene!
ReplyDeletexxTheresa
Honestly, I like both your outfits!!! Your everyday look is as stylish as your blogger outfit post.
ReplyDeleteSee you in my blog, maybe.
xxx
Nina
http://trendsurvivor.com/
As a "uniform" dresser, I find your observations and questions about a certain type of fashion blogger aligned with mine. I've started to thin my reader of bloggers who wear something new every time and/or have a lot of gifted items. It's hard to learn something from all that shopping or getting—and "shhhh" I feel the same when the clothing is thrifted and vintage, too. I'm more interested in the creation of a wardrobe, not in always-new-fashion-posts.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous jacket. Yummmmmm.
I agree. I think I've reached a point where I just can't relate to new clothes ALL the time. I don't recall having that much money when I was in my 20s either when I was desperately saving to buy a house!
DeleteI love when you serve up reality.
ReplyDeleteIva, I may regret this in my 50s when I need to cover up all the wrinkles and saggy bits.
DeleteSuch a great post! Love your honesty - very refreshing! x
ReplyDeleteI love the Chanel jacket! The IME sweater is so cute, I've overlooked it but seeing it on you makes me realize how nice it is.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine how some bloggers showcasing their luxury possessions and OTT outfits can have an impact on the younger minds. What started the attraction and success of bloggers was I feel the ability to connect.
Delivering a dose of reality and honesty about bloggers is much appreciated.
Aissa, I bought the IME sweater on a whim when it came up on the outnet at a good discount. It has been one of my best buys and most worn item. It's interesting during a discussion with friends who they confessed that seeing bloggers leading seemingly glamorous lives made them feel crap. Sometimes putting only the happy positive things on a blog may have a negative impact.
DeleteYou look fabulous in that Chanel jacket, perky butt and all.
ReplyDeletehahaha....my soon to be 40 yr old butt thanks you.
DeleteHaha! I was just writing a very similar post about my everyday wardrobe and really fashion blogging is an illusion sometimes. I think you look great in the second picture, and it just makes so much more sense when you have a kid and live in rainy England!
ReplyDeleteDear Marlene, i love that you wear your jeans again and again. And you look pretty in both outfits, and wow to the Chanel jacket, i am so envy !! absolutely gorgeous ! ! i wish to copy your second style , if you see any nice sweater pop up , do let us know :) Have a happy weekend, today is Friday in Malaysia!
ReplyDeleteRegards,
shan ty
The reality comes, love your honesty but I'm always inspired how well fashion bloggers rocks their outfit that I know I can't do and just love to stare on their post. wHAT i like in your post is that I can relate to your casual outfit minus the brand you are wearing. lol! Love how you looks dear.
ReplyDelete<3,
Angie
audrinajulia.blogspot.com
Marlene, that jacket is gorgeous and fits you like a glove. Those cut outs at the back - genius. And honestly, uniform dressing is exactly the dressing I think is the most interesting and what I'm interested in seeing on the internet. So please keep wearing the exact same boyfriend jeans with all your favorite things on top!
ReplyDeleteThat jacket is TDF!!! What a perfect colour for Spring. I love how you manage your wardrobe and i am alike in this, except for a couple of sentimental items. Most of my clothes are on heavy rotation too and I have no space to hoard.
ReplyDeleteNot tired of seeing those zara jeans so please keep posting!
Wonderful post my dear. Your style demonstrates how important it is to invest in good quality pieces of clothing, as you always look so chic and yet still so relatable. That Chanel jacket is amazing I must say and I love it styled with the casual tee and boyfriend jeans and I also love how incredibly chic you look in sweatpants and a sweater :)
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Daniella xox
That jacket is so gorgeous! You look wonderful and I love your approach to shopping. xx
ReplyDeleteThat is such a gorgeous jacket, ahh Chanel! I love it. I also love your track pants, I saw a jacket in Selfridges by The Kooples and fell in love. Need it in my life :( And you describing your blog as coleslaw may be the best description I've ever heard. You're definitely keeping it real, love your blog. :)
ReplyDeletehi Marlene!!!
ReplyDeleteThis post is really beautiful.. but before that I wan to say this.
You see the very first time I stumbled into your blog I automatically followed you. I love the way you write and your post. Now I'm happy because I can see your face and your portrait.. but before I already love your each post. Not to mention your great taste with fashion and the thing that you don't post just to post something. you also write.. you write very well and that's why i love this blog!!!
I think you're a great writer and a personal blogger!!!! i love that you love wearing timeless Chanel jacket and purse with your jeans.. and your love for Hermès to Longchamp is incredible!!! this just makes me want to hang out with you and go to Paris hehehehe
but yes, I really like this post :)
did I say I love your pictures too hehehe
I wish I can find a jacket like that!!!
Take care. Have a lovely weekend!!!
xoxo,Meg
Sweet Gala's
Aww..Meg, that's so sweet of you. Thank you!
DeleteI love your honesty and the way you look at things. I agree that I would rather quality over quantity. You have great style and always look fab. Even in sweats, you look fab and stylish!!
ReplyDeleteBest, Mree
www.twinlivingblog.com
Hi my dear-nothing beats a Chanel jacket and jeans, such a classy style combo. You look great in the 2nd photo too xxx
ReplyDeleteUmm, how did I miss this beyond faboo jacket? It's amazing on you. The casual outfit is also so chic and pulled together!! This is one of my favorite posts from you. All hail the uniform!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your posts like this Marlene, you had me laughing through the whole thing! You really pull off the joggers/sweater look by the way! :)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you on the 'sticking to your uniform' & having items on heavy rotation, I've got to that point with fashion where I know what suits me & what I like, so I will happily stick to it. I also agree with quality over quantity, and I think when you spend a lot of money on an item, because you truly love it, you want to wear it often! No shame in that! :) I have to admit, I don't really enjoy the blogs where they have a whole new outfit everyday & never seem to re-wear pieces, they're just un-relatable to me.
PS: The Chanel jacket is beyond amazing, such a great piece to own!
Love that Chanel jacket!! :)
ReplyDeleteI wear this pair of Zara denim jeans like almost every Fridays and nearly every weekend too. LOL. I kinda just changed the top each time. I don't own 50 pairs of jeans like some people. I only have three grand pairs of blue denim jeans each with different fit and cut so that there is no overlapping. Need to stretch my dollar further, ya know? LOL.
Im a quite new follower, and have to say I love your blog! I like bloggers who re-wear clothes and wear real life clothes. It is what one do everyday and what I seek inspiration for :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to say I can not believe how chic you look in jogging bottoms and sweater combo....It shows how well chosen/well fitting garments look good no matter what.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Reading all these comments make me realize that there are a lot of us out there who prefer a more realistic representation of personal style blogging.
DeleteMarlene how are you my dear! You got me laughing so hard after reading this post but it is very true. I have to say I used to be one of those that buy and buy, mostly from h&m and end up with things falling a part. Now I am more conscious about my spending and have been recycling a lot of my clothes. Hope all is well with you!
ReplyDeleteI love your candour and sense of humour! :) I've always wondered if personal style bloggers do dress up daily like how they appear in their posts or they just photograph outfits picked specifically for blogging purposes... it's interesting and thought provoking. I also liked that you showed us both sides to your dressing, and although I adore your Chanel jacket with the rolled up jeans, I too dress up more like your second outfit... I wish I could prance about in blazers and heels with clutches and perfectly coiffed hair but the truth is that as I'm getting older I find that it's too much of an effort!
ReplyDeleteOh Marlene I so enjoy your posts, on every level. I wish you still lived in New Zealand so that I could have continuous access to your humour! Keeping it REAL! haha.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that there are some bloggers, whose transformation has gone from standard streetstyle to just the unwearable, and I often think, where the heck do they wear that?!
You have such a great sense of humor Marlene! Although you might not be wearing Chanel, Helmut Lang, etc on a daily basis, I still love your 'uniform', comfort over fashion any time! :)
ReplyDeleteI would gladly give most of my wardrobe up for such a gorgeous Chanel jacket!!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Stacey
Five Minute Style
beautiful jacket, though it would't really suit me i think it looks amazing on you!
ReplyDeletesteph / absolutely-fuzzy.com
Please tell me if you ever want to sell that amazing jacket!
ReplyDeletehaha....won't be a while though. I can't bear to part with it.
DeleteWhat a gorgeous jacket Marlene! It looks lovely on you. I would not have thought that you would go for the colors, but it's such a great piece. The fit is really good too. Lately, I've seen a lot of ill fitting Chanel jackets on the web- so disappointing!
ReplyDeleteI have a similar approach to shopping and so far it's really worked quite well:)
I know what you mean, Lindsay. I still need to take the other jacket to the tailor for further alteration but I just haven't gotten around to it. I can't bear ill fitting jackets, Chanel or not.
Deletei like that you're realistic about everything. you said that you wear those zara jeans too much but honestly i would too if that they look that good on me! seriously wear them because you like em not for novelty alone!
ReplyDeleteOne of my boyfriend's friends told me that she loved my blog but wondered when I wore all the outfits because every time she came over to our place I was in sweats. And let me break it down for you Marlene, XL sweats, a Mexican mumu, and my boyfriend's 70s looking hoodie with almond butter stains on it. So my home life is very different than my blog life, but my blog life is closer to my outside life if that makes sense. I've started scaling back on what I buy and trying to show rotation of clothing on my blog now because I, too, started getting down about seeing all these bloggers who wear new things every post and jet off to some island for a brand collaboration (which, don't get me wrong, I'd be the first plane if that came my way). I couldn't feel any grounding in those blogs, and I get more excitement from seeing people wear their clothes often and in different ways.
ReplyDelete- Aliya :)
LOL! I couldn't help laughing at the vivid picture you've painted in my mind in regards to your everyday outfit. Yeah, I think that's the trouble with the over-glamorization of blogs (if there's a word for that). It's a bit like watching a movie albeit in static images where it's all make believe.
DeleteYou inspired me to do a post about this!!! xx
ReplyDeleteHey nice blog about Trendy Clothes!! Keep posting!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeoussss jacket!!! I love the way you’ve styled it–I never would have thought to style like that!
ReplyDelete