We have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to workwear here, but I still regularly revisit our first two installments of this series (see here and here) when I want more real-world inspiration for what to wear to work — which is probably the most thorny and eternally tricky question to plague us as a species. Probably.

Enjoy!

Annie xx

Mufaro Mutowembwa

Mufaro is the co-founder of Rolodex Media, a Sydney-based writer, independent strategist and one of the brightest young women I know. Every time I speak to Mufaro, I marvel that anyone in their mid-20s could have their shit together quite so much. Mufaro is the type of person who is writing investment theses, wearing Harris Tapper and speaking on panels on matters of taste and brand. At her age, I was an aspiring writer waiting to catch a break, traipsing around Fitzroy in a pair of patent Funkis, and wondering how I was going to pay my rent that month.

I know Mufaro through work, having followed her Substack for a while and happily clinking our glasses at work events. Having recently left the corporate world to go all-in on her work as an independent strategist and writer, Mufaro’s work week is fairly unpredictable and, like mine, a mix of WFH-ing and event-ing, which always makes for a very real high-low mix.

Passing it over to Mufaro to explain more!

—

My working life has recently become fairly nonlinear, and I think my wardrobe has followed. I co-founded a media business, so any given week can include writing from home, coffee meetings, interviews, brand meetings and an event or two. I spent several years working in corporate environments before this, so I still love tailoring and probably always will, but these days I get to play with it much more. Some days I’m in slacks and loafers, some days I’m in old Zara jeans, and occasionally at 5pm I’m swapping all of that for a dress and heading to a Chanel party. I really love that there isn’t one version of what getting dressed for work looks like anymore.

Monday

This is probably the closest thing I have to a work uniform. I wear these P. Johnson trousers constantly because they make me feel put together without feeling too corporate, and I love an oversized blue shirt. The scarf is usually how I make something simple feel a little more interesting. I’ve also had these Gucci loafers for about five years and still wear them all the time, which is always my favourite kind of purchase.

• Shirt // P. Johnson Femme - Classic Shirt

• Trousers // P. Johnson Femme - Marella Pant

• Scarf // Alemais

• Shoes // Gucci - Princetown Mule

Tuesday

My work can be hilariously nonlinear. I spent most of this day doing fairly normal work things and then changed for a Chanel event that evening.

I wanted something simple and feminine, so I wore this white Rachel Gilbert Ludovica dress with a pink Chanel vanity bag which I bought earlier this year in Dubai.

The shoes were a very glamorous last-minute purchase from Spendless on the day because I realised I didn’t have the right pair at home.

• Dress // Rachel Gilbert - Ludovica Shift Mini Ivory — $1595.00

• Bag // Chanel - Vanity Case (similar here)

• Shoes // Spendless Shoes (similar here)

Wednesday

Jeans, a nice top and ballet flats is probably my most reliable combination when I don’t want to think too hard about getting dressed.

These Zara jeans are very old and have survived countless wardrobe clean-outs. I love them with this Maggie Marilyn blouse because it makes the whole thing feel a little softer and more interesting without becoming fussy. The Chanel flats are another pair I reach for constantly.

This is the kind of thing I’d wear for meetings, coffee, working from somewhere other than home, or just a day when I know I’ll be running around.

• Top // Maggie Marilyn (This top has since been discontinued, but I’ve linked something similar) — $595.00

• Jeans // Zara (similar here)

• Shoes // Chanel - Ballet Flats — $1640.00

• Bag // Mango - Gustave Bag — $69.00 (on sale, down from $139.95)

Thursday

Two events in one week - spoiled!

This Harris Tapper dress is one of those pieces that does most of the work for you. I love the wrap detail and the slightly architectural shape, so I kept everything else fairly simple with black heels and a tiny bag. This was for another evening event, so I wanted something that felt polished but still a little interesting. This Harris Tapper dress is one of those pieces that does most of the work for you.

• Dress // Harris Tapper - Chamberlain Dress — $499.00

• Shoes // Tony Bianco - Alyx Black Suede Heels — $199.95

• Bag // Chanel (similar here)

Friday

Working from home today, so this is about as relaxed as my workwear gets. I’m definitely someone who works better when I’ve properly gotten dressed, but on days with no meetings I’m not pretending I’m above a sweatshirt and shorts.

I love having a wardrobe that can swing from tailoring and events to something this simple depending on what the day actually requires.

• Sweatshirt // P Johnson - Grey Organic Cotton Polo Sweat — $295.00

• Shorts // Elka Collective - Kimberly White Cotton Shorts — $79.00 (on sale, down from $159.00)

Chiara Greensill

Chiara is the PR, Partnerships & Events Manager at Breville, for North America & APAC. With a background in fashion (she worked previously in marketing & PR for Alemais and David Jones), only Chiara could make a household name like Breville quite so chic. Case in point: the recent Maison Balzac x Breville pop-up cafe that opened in Paddington last month. Chiara’s doing.

Another case in point: Breville’s House of Toast event in Melbourne last year.

That’s Chiara for you: taking something simple like toast and making it feel like high art. A perfect analogy for her style, as you’ll see below.

—

Monday

Generally, the day I think about my outfit the most, as I like to feel prepared heading into a new week.

The power of a black turtleneck Is truly sublime.

• Turtleneck // Scanlan & Theodore — $180.00

• Skirt // Camilla and Marc (similar here)

• Necklace // Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Bean Pendant

• Bag – Oroton ( similar here)

Tuesday

I tend to be quite meeting heavy on a Tuesday and often on the go. In lieu of this, I always find myself reaching for items I feel good to move in. This look is a personal favourite of mine!

• Sunglasses // St Agni — $400.00

• Jacket // Friends with Frank — $399.00

• Cargo Pants // Uniqlo — $59.90

• Trainers // Onitsuka Tiger — $190.00

Wednesday

A WFH day and this combination has been on high rotation. These pants are a recent purchase, and I have been living in them.

• V Neck Jumper // Uniqlo ( My style is sold out, but this one is very similar) — $99.90

• Pants // P Johnston — $495.00

• Shoes // Nelson Made Lou Flats — $299.00

Thursday

A quick outfit change for an evening work event, wearing one of my favourite tops of all time (I am a sheer addict!)

• Top// Beare Park — $460.00

• Pants // St Agni ( Mine are old, but they have a similar version here ) — $629.00

• Sunglasses – vintage Valentino

• Bag // Casilda Pouch — $290.00

• Shoes – Nelson Made Kitten Heels ( Mine are sold out, but similar version here) — $299.00
  

Friday

Another WFH day featuring one of the most worn items in my wardrobe. I am a sucker for a perfect white tee.

• T-Shirt // (Margot) Leset — $130.00

• Jeans – Vintage

• Shoes – Camille Ballet Flats Repetto — $600.00

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It’s a shame, because every now and then, an occasion to wear a fancy-ish top comes along: a work event, a dinner reservation at Roma, a 40th birthday lunch for which you want to look unapologetically smoking hot. You know, standard scenes for the standard millennial.

God forbid such an occasions lands in your diary when it’s 10 degrees outside.

We don’t need to tell you the perils of dressing up when it’s cold outside, but we do need to tell you all about the ‘nice’ tops we have located for this exact scenario.

So, that’s what this edit is all about: great, dressy-ish tops that make sense for winter.

Below the paywall below, you’ll find:

• Eight neutral / brown-ish warm-hued tops

• Eight romantic / sexy / chic as hell black tops

• Two winter white and three print/pastel tops

• Discount codes for Pinky & Kamal, Elk the Label, Tooralie and BEST

Of course, the great appeal of a ‘nice’ top is that it promises a simple way of getting dressed. A basic bottom, a nice top, and away you go. And this formula can work! But, we do love to push things a little further — especially in winter, when you naturally have more layers to work with.

We recommend one of two core approaches:

1. Mix your textures — given we’re generally working with more fabric when it’s cold, keep things interesting by mixing textures. Think: leather, faux fur, denim, silk, lace, woven knits etc. Anything goes. The contrast of soft, hard, heavy, light, flat and textured creates depth and interest. And stops you feeling like one homogenous lump of fabric. See below for inspiration:

Dressed Up in Winter

2. Balance your casual with your formal! A classic homeroom technique!! Mixing typically formal and typically casual fabrics or garments creates a more exciting tension in your outfit. Think: denim and lace, cotton and silk, leather and jersey. Jeans with heels and a nice top (baggier jeans preferred), diamonds with your t-shirt, slub sweaters with sequin skirts, fancy jackets worn as tops!

Our brown-grey heroes

1. BEC+BRIDGE / Court Long Sleeve Top — $240

2. ALEMAIS / Lori Ruched Top — $350

3. ELKA COLLECTIVE / Dean Shirt — $279

4. VIKTORIA & WOODS / iridescent Top — $220

5. CUE / Satin Long Sleeve Top — $99 (on sale)

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But because there is no shortage of long-sleeve basics on store racks and shelves right now, the process of browsing and actually sorting the good from the great can feel like a pretty arduous task. We’re all about making shopping easier, so, with that in mind — and at the request of several of our subscribers — we’ve dedicated an entire edit to the best long-sleeve basics on the market right now, exclusively focusing on Australian and Kiwi labels. To make life even easier, we’ve divided the edit into core categories, because each fit and silhouette plays slightly different roles in your wardrobe. And if you love a style below, know that most of them come in multiple colours.

Stay warm out there!

The Loose V-Neck Options

A high V-neck, slouchy, loose long-sleeve tee is arguably the basic du jour. Look for a heavier cotton jersey fabrication to keep the shape looking somewhat structured and intentional (and to stop you from feeling like a slob…as is our MO most of the time).

1. ASSEMBLY LABEL / Stella V Neck Long Sleeve Tee — $50

2. BEARE PARK / V-Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt — $160

3. A.EMERY / The Persey Top — $140

A Loose Crew Neck for Everyday

A staple so simple that it’s easy to overlook, but when you buy a quality version, you’ll never go back. See: aforementioned Beare Park long-sleeve tee (linked below). Love the embroidery on the Deering sleeve — imagine that poking out of your coat cuff.

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The upshot of all this cognitive dissonance is that half our brain is living in the (very chilly) present, and the other half is fantasising about the warm, sexier, summerier days and nights to come. And there could be no clearer proof of this than this month’s Shopping List. Soph has mentally checked into her postpartum glow-up and is planning accordingly, and I’ve never been more motivated to beautify my surroundings in anticipation of a more social spring.

Enjoy our top picks for the month below.

And a reminder that today’s newsletter is free, but this month our paid subscribers have access exclusive discount codes at Pinky & Kamal, Elk the Label, Toorallie and BEST. You can become a free or paid subscriber (for $8 a month) below.

Sophie

WITH JEAN / Sasha Top — $229

My shopping list between this month and last month may as well have been written by different people. I am swiftly stepping out of nesting mode and into operation feel sexy, once again. This is ridiculous because I am yet to give birth.. ANY DAY NOW, 39 WEEKS 3 DAYS, WHO’S COUNTING*. And TBH I don’t know if i’ve even felt sexy in the two years since giving birth the first time but a girl can dream. I’ve already told myself I have to try far harder this postpartum to get out and about (eventually), have more martinis, etc.

All of this said, I am thinking of the warm weather pieces that will assist with these sexy feelings and this With Jean top got me straight away. I purchased a white cotton version from them last season that leant a little more house on the prairie than sexy Parisian and I lived in it. But i’m very keen on this more buttery-beige iteration, its much more flattering on my colouring than white. I always feel a little flat and boring in white interestingly — as my True Summer ‘colours’ would suggest! Hoping it comes with the above boob and nipple placement too, may need to invest in the Skims nipple bra 🥲

* The counting has officially wrapped — Soph has given birth to a beautiful baby boy!

Annie

BY ALONA / The Vessel Chain — $325.00

I purchased this immediately after spotting it on Natalie Chassay, who wore it as a necklace to her 40th birthday party lunch with a crisp red button down shirt. It was looped twice around her neck — so rather than hanging as one long pendant, it had a layered effect. It looked beautiful on her, but my urge to buy it was admittedly heightened because I’d just become the very happy owner of a new E Nolan shirt, and was pondering how to style it for an upcoming event.

I love the weight of the pendant and the chain, especially worn long and on bare skin — it is sort of sensual in a way that compliments a men’s style button down shirt, worn with one too many buttons undone. It also doubles as both a belt / waist chain accessory, and a fragrance holder. Come summer, I plan to fill it with this to accompany a late night supper of martinis and fries.

Sophie

SENSO / Harriet II — $249

My love for furry shoes lives on, as does my current obsession with green. I do believe I may have included a pair of furry shoes in 95% of my shopping lists since we started doing them. It would more so suit my upcoming lifestyle if these were flat but I kinda love the little kitten on them which is just as well as it’s about all the heel I can stomach right now. I also love the slightly higher rise on the ridge of the foot.

Annie

WITCHERY / Fringe Triangle Scarf — $129.00

It’s now scary cold in Melbourne, and the urge to wrap myself in layers upon layers of fuzzy, fluffy things has reached need-not-want status. This is lovely from Witchery — very Toteme / The Row energy — and the triangular cut means it can be draped around the shoulders like a shawl and tied at the chest (as per above), which is the more elegant way to wear a scarf. I love the tassels for a little nod to fringing.

Sophie

BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY WEDDING ATTIRE HOMEWORK

I’ve got a family wedding coming up in September and i’ve been thinking about dress alternatives that i’ll be able to feed / pump in - so I’m cheating and filing this running list under one banner.

ONTE / Paloma Silk Jacket — $340

Adore this piece and know i’ll wear it again and again. I’d also be able to wear a maternity bra underneath (though this just in, Mumma Milla now does a leakproof strapless bra!!!). I’m picturing with a sexy slinky maxi skirt. If I were cashed up i’d 100% be going to Courtney Zheng for the below. My heart ♥️

COURTNEY ZHENG / Eirene Silk Velvet Devore Skirt — $640

ALBUS LUMEN / Cape Top I — $510

I’ve been dreaming of Albus Lumen cape tops. I was in LOVE this one but it’s sold out and too expensive to justify with paid parental leave income, this is the actual one, but also…. let’s be real. The above is a top contender although it is v cropped. Too cropped perhaps?

VIKTORIA & WOODS / Romance Cape Top — $390

This gorg Viktoria and Woods number may be safer! Less risky and risqué. Though it does feel like it’s missing a little texture but i’m thinking I can make that up with accessories and a textured bottom half depending on what pants will fit me 6 weeks postpartum. I could pair with this? Very of the moment. But then i’m basically tallying the cost of a dress?

Stay tuned. I shall keep you all updated.

Annie

ASICS x Empty Behaviour / Hypersync sneakers — $200.00

It is so rare that I LOVE a sneaker but these? These, I do love. They’re part of a collaboration between Asics and Empty Behaviour — an experimental Shanghai-based footwear label that pushes the boundaries on what a sneaker can be (think: heels, boots, industrial references galore). I don’t think I’ve ever considered Asics as a sneaker brand I would buy or wear (I had them pegged as a running/performance brand, and I am sadly not a runner). So, from a strategic perspective, this partnership is a clever repositioning for Asics (and no doubt a great way for them to tap into the cultural and creative class in Shanghai, too). Now, to wait for this rainy, muddy spell to pass so I can wear them with a long black coat and a light grey cashmere sock.

Sophie

MANGO / Pendant Necklace — $45.95 (On Sale)

Channeling Laurel Pantin neck candy but on a Budget, with a capital B. Love this lapis Mango piece, but layered perhaps with some of the below?! Cute additions to a simple sweater look.

Annie

CARELLI / Dolly Leopard Jacket — $728.00

This is such a fantasy jacket for me: the cuffs, the mandarin collar, the high three button closure and, of course, the leopard print — which is perfect.

The other day, Soph told me I was at risk of turning into a leopard, such is my current proclivity for all things leopard print. I took it as a challenge.

Sophie

E NOLAN / Oversized Check Shirt — $400

The perfect wool shirt, for a woman who is about to get her titties out regularly in winter. Sizes 4 to 24. No one makes a better more divine shirt than Emily Nolan.

Layer with trackies, with opaque tights (on their own perhaps, Edie styles, if you dare). Or over your long sleeve merino with baggy blue denim and above pendants.

Annie

ELKA COLLECTIVE / Evan Pant — $289.00

Spotted these in the window of Elka Collective’s Armadale store last weekend and I literally did a double take and backtracked on my steps to take a closer look. I love the muted brown colour and the way the pocket detail offers a subtle, chic nod to the cargo pant trend. It’s about all the ‘cargo pant’ I can handle, personally.

Sophie

DEERING / Fluff It Up Fur Collar — $225

I had to add a sixth item to the wishlist so I could include this piece!!! I am all about simple outfit makers at a point when I have no time or energy to make a bunch of effort. This + sweater and done.

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See you next week!
Annie & Soph
xoxo

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What exactly is a winter-ready midi skirt? Any mid-length skirt that is fabricated in a heavier fabrication (often wool, cashme…

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Unsurprisingly, when we polled our group chat on what they’re most wanting advice on right now, the runaway winner was easily ‘nice winter outfits you can easily throw together.’ So, this week, Soph has put her styling hat on (it’s her biggest and best hat), and put together four formulas to make getting dressed in the morning a breeze.

In our books, winter dressing is all about finding a balance between put-togetherness and effortlessness. Our best outerwear naturally has an air of polish, so explore other places to get a little weird and whimsical — layers, contrast, colour, texture. An extravagant faux fur coat with trackies is the most glamorously unhinged combination for this winter and one we want to see more of (so much so that Soph is literally indoctrinating people into the cult as we speak). Play with accessories, too — cashmere socks and neckerchiefs, layered jewellery, playful bags all hint at something lighter and more interesting when your outer layers are doing so much heavy lifting.

See what we mean in our Pinterest board on the matter below:

Casual Winter Runaround

Our paid subscribers this week get access to a host of new discount codes from Friends with Frank, knitwear label Toorallie and Best. You can become a paid subscriber by signing up below.

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A Utility Jacket Hero

A utility jacket will take you from impromptu wines at Bar Carnation to a slow country lunch at Bar Merenda, such is its adaptability. We like ours with a little more structure through the waist and shoulders — a stiffer fabrication gives it more polish, which means you can take more slouchy liberties elsewhere in your outfit (we’ll take free slouch points wherever we can get them). All that’s left to do is find a pair of soft pants, a colourful fine knit and let the accessories do the fun part. A little cashmere neck tie that doubles as a head scarf is our new secret weapon. We love Incu’s option.

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I always think these Shopping Lists are a kind of psychological ‘tell’ for where we’re both at in our inner lives, and what you’ll find below is no exception (hello face-covering sunglasses, hi dopamine-dosing tiger rug). But we’re not immune to the influence of the outside world, too. There is SO much opulence and embellishment in fashion and interiors right now — it’s all tassels, silk, fringing, velvet and ornate jewellery. It might just be a course correction from the hyper-minimalism of years gone by, but I think it reflects that we’re yearning for expressive aesthetics that feel human, joyful, artistic and just plain old beautiful. It’s tempting to over-pathologise trends, but when everyone we know is struggling to find time to have fun, the current shift towards maximalism and playfulness makes perfect sense.

Today’s newsletter is free, but this month our paid subscribers have access exclusive discount codes at Friends With Frank, Elka Collective and A.EMERY. You can become a free or paid subscriber (for $8 a month) below.

Sophie

RUGGABLE / Tigre Gold Rug by Scalamandre (150cm x 215cm) — $699

The nesting continues. I’ve been eyeing rugs for two years now, since having Viv and moving into our first home together (the same week, trauma!). To say I put a lot of thought into my purchases is an understatement, and it’s regardless of the price tag. It honestly pains me to spend any level of money on something that I don’t adore. It can be good practice but it can also be so fucking annoying. Like just buy a rug you idiot woman.

But in this case I think i’m happy I waited for the right rug to pop into my consciousness. I’ve been moodboarding how I’d like my bedroom to end up this postpartum period (something along the below) and I think this Ruggable washable tiger print rug could be a perfect addition. Firstly, it’s washable. So the current and incoming tipped bottles wont be an issue. It’s the perfect print clash to the tapestry print I just bought on Etsy. And the tone doesn’t compete with my beautiful Sheet Society bedding (now on sale — more on these below). And whats more classic than animal print really. I’m excited about this purchase, at a time when it’s hard to feel great in my clothes, mainly because ‘sweatpants are all that fit me right now!’, — homewares are really feeding me.

Side note: Sheet Society bedding is elite. The fitted sheet sides are wide set so it’s not painful to make the bed even solo at 35 weeks preg. The pillows don’t poke out of their covers for one second between washes AND there’s hidden zips on the quilt covers instead of buttons. Genius. If I listed off every annoying thing about bedding and making a bed, they’ve addressed and fixed it.

Annie

COURTNEY ZHENG / Elis Supima Cotton Boxy Tuck Tee — $290

I would go to a black tie affair in a t-shirt if it were socially acceptable, such is my devotion to them as a minimalist who loathes anything tight around my torso. This one, by my dream designer Courtney Zheng, pushes the genre just enough to feel elevated. The lovely knot at the side is one thing, but what really sells it for me is the dropped shoulder and sleeve length — it’s kind of…romantic? The khaki colour way is neutral enough to wear with everything and anything, from jeans to a floor scraping skirt as styled above. Also comes in black and white.

Sophie

JAC & JACK / Davies Long Sleeve Tee & Baby Tee in Pickle — $120 + $190

Will we tire of the double layered basic? Sure, but that time is not yet now. It makes a basic more interesting, especially when it’s just a flat colour or tone.

I desperately wanted this baby tee originally (I own it in so many shades) but baby fits are not my friend right now, they’re more like crop tops. But with the more classic long sleeve style underneath, consider my belly concealed. Green is very much the colour of the moment, specifically in shades like this pickle or chartreuse. I’m currently moodboarding this set with a navy trackpant because i’m a realist and in my trackpant season of life: for better or worse.

Annie

COMPLETED WORKS / Zirconia and Recycled Silver Earrings — $679

Apropos of those aforementioned events, sometimes the best thing to do is to wear a well-cut white t-shirt, a pair of loosely tailored black wool trousers, heels with a POV, and a pair of earrings like these. Very chic to let your jewellery do all the work.

I adore the way these earrings are kind of a hot mess. They say the human eye is drawn to symmetry, but IMO, the human eye is actually drawn to an asymmetric cascade of diamonds (ahem, zirconias).

Sophie

CHRISTOPHER ESBER / Paolo 96 Sunglasses — $350

I personally deem these style of sunglasses the monobrow look. I’ve been apprehensive to engage with them because they can feel quite harsh / hard on a face and can look a little trendy. But big and square is not my vibe and i’m looking for a frame that covers quite a bit of realestate as looming sleep deprivation approaches. They tick the lighter coloured lens box i’ve been seeking and will cover all impending baggage. Big time ‘cool mom’ vibes.

Annie

ZARA / Asymmetric Satin Lace Dress — $105

Ok, I know I am very late to the asymmetric, lace-trim silky layering piece party. And I am sure there plenty will roll their eyes at yet another version of this dress (truth by told, I thought I was done with this trend too). And yet, I think what I was looking for was just a thicker lace trim to dial up the intention. I also think this piece (and others like it) only works now when the lace is the same colour as the layer underneath so it feels a little more harmonious and — I don’t know how else to say this — refined.

I plan to wear layered with these satin jacquard trousers and an old season Elka Collective leather jacket.

Sophie

GEM TOTEM / Night & Light Necklace — $195

I’ve been getting a little bored of my predictable beaded necklaces though I still love the look and my next jewellery iteration hasn’t fully revealed itself yet (i’ll explore where i’m leaning below) but this gorgeous Gem Totem set feels interesting to me without pushing too far into ‘quirky’ territory. It’s neutral but not so will go with everything and is bound to lift the very basic outfits that i’ll be donning as I stomp the postpartum pavement.

I am toying with longer styles, in sets of beads, rope / leather, or a heavier long gold chain to hang a few pendants off, but I have not yet done the research — Laurel Pantin is my current inspiration though I think i’d simplify slightly. I did also like piece from Oroton.

Annie

ASSIEDS TOII / Mushroom Stool (Standard) — From $1290

File under preposterously expensive and utterly delightful things I will never buy but will covet obsessively. Here’s me meticulously considering every last pattern and colour like they are different flavours of yoghurt in my Uber Eats app.

These magic little mushroom stools are the brainchild of Haya Hizami and Isabella Townsley. In an interview with Tatler about a year ago, they spoke about wanting to create a homewares piece that felt as desirable as a luxury handbag. It’s easy to see how they’ve deployed prestige pricing, visual marketing cues and product seeding work to influence desirability. I’ve recently been consulting to an Australian furniture brand, so this is all very top of mind for me. You’d think I’d therefore be somewhat immune to the charms of Hizami and Townsley’s work, but it’s hard to deny how delightful it all is. The extra mini ones would make such a sweet present.

Sophie

ESSEN x WHITE STORY / Shearling Flat — $485

The search for the perfect, interesting-winter-flat-that-isn’t-a -loafer-or-typical-ballet-flat style, continues. Or does it? I have loved these furry numbers from Essēn since I first laid eyes on the black iteration a couple of years back, but the black felt too heavy for my usual looks and the light neutral I know I would ruin in three seconds flat. So the brown from this White Story collab feels so very right - I will be going to try on in store. Stay tuned.

Annie

MOTHER / The Footballer tee — $325

On days I am exclusively mum-ing, I find myself wincing at my many black things, feeling like they are all a bit too self-important for the job at hand. I own a t-shirt from Cortana that is embroidered with a little lamb, which my son loves. Let’s just say “Where’s the sheep on mummy?” has been successfully uttered as a pram-buckling distraction more than once. Never thought an expensive t-shirt could make my life easier, but there you have it: proof that my sometimes silly little whims are actually paying dividends.

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That’s all for this week, but if you missed our latest newsletters, take a look below! A bonanza for your feet.

homeroom

EDIT: How to wear knee high boots

You don’t enter a relationship with a knee high boot on a whim…

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4 months ago · 8 likes · homeroom

homeroom

A boot for every ankle

The first (and only) rule of wearing ankle boots is that you should never be able to see even a hint of skin between the top of the boot and the hem of your pants or skirt. Not a slice, not a sliver. We’re not usually one for rules in fashion, but this one holds fast no matter what day of the month you ask us. Anything else will look disjointed, halting the eye at that weird, ‘no man’s land’ part of the leg that not even Kaia Gerber could make work (probably…maybe…

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4 months ago · 6 likes · homeroom

homeroom

The flats to wear this winter

For us Australians, it really does feel like it should be a birthright to be able to wear sandals year-round…

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4 months ago · 15 likes · homeroom

See you next week!
Annie & Soph
xoxo

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Whether you’re wearing a full-length or cropped trouser, your hemline should — at the very least — slightly overlap with your boot. The one tweak we’ll accept to this is if you make a styling feature out of tucking your hemline loosely into the top of the boot, almost like a ‘French tuck’ for your pants. And leave the skinny leg + ankle boot combination back in 2012 where it belongs. In our opinion, the humble ankle boot is still paying the price for this crime in the court of public opinion!!

With these rare homeroom rules established, it’s worth noting that a great pair of ankle boots will be your most steadfast wardrobe companion (provided you buy well and care for them). Because, amongst all the trends that take up residence south of our shins, the ankle boot is relatively untouchable as a style, save for a few small tweaks to heel and toe silhouette. A classic low-heeled black ankle boot will always serve well as a foundation for risk-taking elsewhere in your outfit!

In this week’s newsletter, we round up the best ankle boots for this season and references for our favourite ways to wear them.

Below the paywall, you’ll find:

• Our three favourite flat ankle boots

• Five excellent pairs of low-to-mid heeled black ankle boots

• Four good pairs of low-to-mid heeled brown ankle boots

• Our three favourite pairs of higher heeled black ankle boots

• Our three favourite pairs of higher-heeled brown ankle boots

• Exclusive discount codes for our readers at ESSĒN, Nelson Made, Friends With Frank, Anna Rossi, Elka Collective, A.Emery and Reliquia

Flat Ankle Boot

Toteme did a lot for the old ankle boot when they released their sock-like flat boots, creating an instant classic that has been copied by just about every footwear brand down the line. This slip of a style, with a basically non-existent sole, is the more contemporary version of the flat ankle boot right now. The more classic and robust riding-style ankle boot still works, too — the key is to opt for hyper-minimal, clean and polished options.

1. SCANLAN THEODORE / Ballerina Boot — $900

2. COS / Leather Sock Boots — $350

3. AEMERY / The Grace Boot — $750

Styled with pants and jeans; a looser hemline and a slim-fitting boot

How we’d wear with skirts — note the length of the hemline, always covering the top of the boot.

Now for a little heel

The hardest working pair of shoes in your wardrobe — and ones you should have for years and years. Look for quality leather (or vegan leather if that is your preference) and a heel you can tolerate stomping around in for hours. Whether it’s a chunky, more western-leaning silhouette or a slimmer, kitten-like peg, look for a slightly curved heel that extends the back of the line from the heel to the floor.

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First of all, there’s the price — a new, quality pair of leather boots is usually a significant outlay. There’s also the space required to house them in your wardrobe.

And then there’s the psychological factor of what a knee high boot does to you. Because, let’s face it, you’re not the same person when you put on a knee high boot. Something magical happens to the neural pathways in our brain that renders us more confident, more adventurous…more of whatever gives Nancy Sinatra that special sauce.

So, before you commit, it’s worth interrogating how and where you’ll wear them to be sure you’re picking the right kind of knee high. Thankfully, there’s never been a better time to dip your toe (!) in, given fashion’s current love for unexpected proportions and silhouettes (see our mood board below).

Winter Boots 26

In this week’s newsletter, we share our favourite knee high boots (almost all from Australian labels and quite a few for under $500, sometimes even under $400) and our tips on how to style them this season — including pro advice from Soph on how to master them with hemlines/pant legs.

Below the paywall this week, you’ll find:

• Seven excellent pairs of flat knee high boots — riding style — in shades of brown and black

• Six of our favourite heeled knee high boots, in varying heel heights, patterns and finishes

• Visual references of how to style your knee high boots (with skirts, shorts, trousers, tights etc)

• Expert tips from Soph on how to manage hemlines and styling tricks
  

A reminder that our paid subscribers also get exclusive access to a host of discount codes — we have a few happening until end of May and a few into June/July at ESSĒN, Nelson Made, Friends With Frank, Anna Rossi, Elka Collective, A.Emery and Reliquia. To become a paid subscriber, sign up below.

Flat Knee High Boots (riding boot-esque styles)

A classic that can be utterly confounding to the uninitiated, but which carries the potential for many interesting style combinations for your lower half. The military and equestrian connotations imbue a flat knee high boot with a preppy, upright, hard-nosed energy that feels in direct contrast with our Australian way of life…and that’s the tension to play in, with floaty skirts or sheer stockings, relaxed tailoring, slouchy jeans and knitwear for the cooler months. With any knee high boot, our preference is for a more relaxed fit through the ankle and calf, which gives a more undone feel to what can otherwise be a very unforgiving shoe (plus, it’s more comfortable).

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We both spent the summer wearing different pairs of ‘dressy’ thongs — Soph in her Mai Mai suede eyelet pair, and Annie (hi) in these rebellious little guys from Maria Farro. Both fall under the ‘relaxed-but-considered’ category of sandals that diffuse everything else we’re wearing with a sense of ease, casualness and ‘oh this?’ energy we are all seemingly addicted to in this country.

Sexy, barely-there sandals make everything look and feel more effortless (although we may have taken things to a tad far with these?!), so much so that when the cooler weather rolls around, it can be genuinely confusing how to maintain that feeling of ease without losing a toe to frostbite.

It’s really very understandable to make shoes an afterthought, but they easily the most important part of your outfit. Comfort, proportion, vibe, dress code? The shoe is the key that will unlock all those doors. And the ‘right’ pair is the difference between feeling good and feeling off in your clothes. A long trouser with a toe-baring sandal? You don’t even need to think about it, you already know it’s going to feel and look great. But a long trouser with a closed-toe flat? Often a little more challenging to find your groove.

If you’re someone who all this matters to (and we assume you are, because you’re here!), we’re here to tell you it can be done.

Our group chat these last few weeks affirms this on both ends: yes, figuring out how to wear winter flats can be a bit of a nightmare. And, yes, it can also be done in a way that doesn’t compromise your true sense of personal style. Just ask Soph, who will wear socks with just about anything and make it work (we’ll do a bonus newsletter on how to style socks soon, they’re such an under-utilised accessory!).

Below the paywall this week, we break down our three favourite styles of flat shoes for winter and get stuck into the three key styling considerations to ponder when slipping them on, namely:

• Balancing your hemline with your shoe

• Using shape where a heel might otherwise do the work (e.g. a sharp, pointed toe = instant slick)

• Contrasting the ‘vibe’ of the shoe for playful tension (e.g. ballet flats are classically femme, so can you explore what feels like an appropriate contrast to this elsewhere in your outfit?)

Soph has curated her top picks for each style from Australian footwear labels, so if you’re in the market for a new pair, you’ll find all the links you need below.

And for all our free subscribers, check out our Pinterest board below for loads of ready-made, visual ideas on how to style your winter flats.

Winter Flats

Just a note, our paid subscribers get exclusive access to homeroom discount codes with some of our favourite labels. This month, we have a new code from two of our favourite footwear labels ESSĒN and Nelson Made, as well as access to discount codes from Friends With Frank, Anna Rossi and Reliquia. You can become a paid subscriber below.

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P.S. If you’re a brand and want to give our paid subscriber community a discount, please email us at hello@homeroom.com.au xx

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The whole point of our monthly Shopping Lists is to stress-test these ‘wants’ — actually considering why, how, where they slot into our lives so we aren’t just buying things based on pure animal instincts. Although this month, you might argue there’s a bit of that happening, and that’s…honestly fine, too. You’ve got to follow your nose for beauty, desire and fun sometimes too!

Enjoy the browse x

P.S. This month, our paid subscribers get some exclusive discount codes to use on their shopping whims: 15% off at Friends with Frank, 20% off at Anna Rossi Jewellery and 20% off at Reliquia — sign up for access ♥️

If you’re a brand and want to offer our delightful paid subscribers an exclusive discount code, email us at hello@homeroom.com.au and together we’ll make a lot of people happy.

Sophie

HEAVEN MAYHEM / Edith Earrings — $205.00

I’ve collaged / linked / recommended these earrings multiple times now. Initially I thought I wanted them to be the same size as the beads on the necklace, a heftier piece —but I actually think they’re far more versatile as they are. I love a statement earring such as this worn casually which is pretty much how i’m dressing 100% of the time for now, so a little dangly bit goes a long way.

Annie

COURTNEY ZHENG / Verdure Tapestry Print Jeans — $540

I am sick over these pants. Courtney Zheng is fast becoming one of the first designers I look to for interesting/beautiful garments (there have been so many Courtney Zheng product links flying around our private chat over the last 8 weeks, so she is definitely a thing!) and these just prove why. And, as you’ll see from one of Soph’s picks below, the verdure tapestry aesthetic is kind of a theme of this month’s newsletter. It’s beautiful, no?!

There’s a concept in advertising and marketing: romancing the product. It’s essentially the art of telling a story around a functional product in order to create an emotional connection with your audience. Well, consider my legs two willing products, CZ! Romance away!!

Sophie

CAMILLA & MARC / Rowan Knee Boot — $1200.00

The perfect pair of all-day-boots is not super high on the necessity list right now (especially not at this price point) but BOY am I lusting over these boots. There are few items that hit quite like the perfect boot in completing an outfit. I can picture myself in multiple looks just dreaming about them right now: grasping at a midi skirt hem, peeking out under a slinky maxi, jeans and trousers tucked in. They feel equal parts classic and inoffensive, with interesting and statement. I want em’, but I shall not have them in this here season of life. But you definitely should.

Annie

MUNA ROSA / Birthstone Pendant and Chain — $280

Muna Rosa is a beautiful Melbourne jewellery label by Rebekah Chugg. She very generously gifted me this pendant in silver with sapphire (as well as this gorgeous ring) and I have not taken it off since I received it. I’ve been on a bit of ~journey~ with my everyday jewellery, which — aside from being the most indulgent sentence I’ve ever uttered — has meant I’ve basically decided I’m prioritising the type of jewellery I will wear for years, not months. I’m pretty sentimental with jewellery, and while I love costume jewellery and fun, on-trend pieces, in this season of life, I am gravitating towards simplicity for the daily grind.

Sophie

ETSY / Verdure Wall Hanging — $115 AUD (approx.)

The nesting continues. I am always on the hunt for ultra affordable art for our walls and next to plastering them from top to tail with my boy Viv’s artwork, a printed tapestry is the best option. I love me a French verdure but I won’t be affording the real deal in this lifetime —so why not support a small family run business on Etsy. I’ve had a HK Living piece from House of Orange for years and i’m still obsessed with it, so inexpensive for a huge amount of wall real estate. I’ll be placing this one next to my bed just like so (below).

Annie

DISSH / Demi Black 7/8 Capri Pant — $129.99

I really thought I’d completely bypass the capri pant renaissance, and I’m extremely late to the party, BUT I am here nonetheless and it’s for a very specific reason: to wear with a very structured, sculptural black blazer that I purchased from Zara without quite thinking through what the hell I’d wear it with.

I love our Classmates group chat (this is where our paid subscribers congregate to share hot takes, tips and recommendations — it’s truly the best part of opening my IG app!) because without it, I probably wouldn’t have thought to pair said blazer with a pair of capris.

I’ve got my eyes on this pair from Dissh; feels like a very low stakes way to dip my toe (ankle?) into the silhouette. Wish me luck, I will share how it all comes together on our IG.

Sophie

THE DAIRY / Classic Leopard Phone Cover — From $69.95

I’m craving a little classic leopard this season so the timing of this gift from The Dairy is perfect. I like my classic leopard in tiny doses so this phone cover is the ideal accompaniment to my cool weather selfies. Double chin not included.

Annie

NELSON MADE / Mira Flat Black Pony — $299

I think the mark of a good pair of shoes is how repulsed the opposite sex is by them. When I slipped these on, my husband said they looked like they were going to crawl up his leg. Mission accomplished. I love them. They are supremely comfortable, and I actually think they’re kind of sexy in a kind of hideous and scary way. Is that a thing? Let’s make it one.

Sophie

ST. AGNI / Stripe Relaxed Pleat Pants — $499

I love an informal pant masquerading as a formal one, my aspirations to be chic and comfy at the same time will stop at nothing — a tailored pant stands no chance against I! I like the midnight / navy tone too. My foray into navy (and khaki for that matter) has only just begun, it’s always felt too…. mature? Or something. My mum wore a lot of navy in the 90’s. Perhaps that’s why? Who knows. But i’ve been feeling it’s about time I explore some softer neutral alternatives to black and navy is a natural progression. I shall report back on this most serious of endeavours.

I see them with literally everything: oversize tees, slouchy sweaters, triple layered fine knits. These would also serve as a perfect preggo pant for the first and second trimester that you could wear afterwards.

Annie

FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The Chloe Cardigan — $359

I’ve had some bad luck with cardigans lately, almost like a cardigan…curse? All the bad luck has been my doing, of course, by inadvertently throwing them in the washing machine, shrinking them down to comically Cher Horowitz proportions and rendering them absolutely ruined. Depresso! I vow not to let this lovely little wool cardi from Friends with Frank meet the same fate. I like this one for the colour and fit: not too cropped and just the right amount of relaxed through the body and the sleeves.

And, crucially, the buttons don’t make me want to scream.

Don’t forget, our paid subscribers get 15% off at Friends with Frank. You can become paid below.

Subscribe now

That’s all for this week, but if you missed our last newsletter, take a look below. We answer one of the most challenging dress codes of all: what to wear when you want to be just a little bit dressed up.

homeroom

OUTFITS: A little bit dressed up

There comes a point somewhere between your last random after-work drinks and your first household budget/child/airfryer purchase (insert your preferred signifier of adulthood here) that you stop getting dressed dressed…

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5 months ago · 15 likes · homeroom

See you next week!
Annie & Soph
xoxo

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When in the Before Times you might have spent a deliciously indulgent amount of time planning your cute work/weekend outfits, in the Now Times, the busyness of life has well and truly toppled that ritual.

At least, that’s true for both of us.

In this season of raising little tiny people, working from home, and being extremely conscious of those aforementioned household budgets, it’s a rare occasion when we feel called to get a little bit dressed up.

But when those occasions do come along, it can feel like trying to answer a trick question: be casual, but be polished. Be a little bit sexy but not try-hard. Be the ‘you’ you used to be before kids. But also be the fun mum, the cool mum. The mum who wasn’t just wiping sauce off the dog’s head. Just be the very best, most unbothered, most effortlessly glamorous version of you, ok? OK???

It’s a head fuck.

The ‘a little bit dressed up’ scenario recently cropped up in our group chat as being one of the most universally challenging to dress for. And it doesn’t event require an invitation to go anywhere, either. Wanting to be a little bit dressed up could mean that you want to elevate what you’re wearing on the reg juuuust a smidge. Just enough that you feel slightly more put together, with your best foot forward. Fair!

So, ‘a little bit dressed up’ is a highly subjective dress code with no right or wrong answer. But, with a few helpful frameworks to think about, it can feel less like a cryptic crossword clue and more like a style philosophy.

The key to unlocking this whole Pandora’s Box of a dress code is in the 80/20 rule: 80% of your outfit should be grounded in simple, unfussy fabrications like denim, cotton, jersey, etc. 20% should be the more formal or playful elements like faux fur, patent leather, silk, beads and sparkle.

It’s that tension between the ultra-casual base and ridiculously formal flourishes that makes for an interesting outfit.

In fact, being ultra casual when you go out is a look unto itself. Throw on a pair of heels and a bold earring and it’s a whole thing — just ask SJP / Patricia Field / Molly Rogers or Danny Santiago.

This week behind the paywall, we unpack six frameworks that make ‘a little bit dressed up’ achievable:

• Knitwear + dangly bits

• Faux fur + denim

• ‘Nice’ bottom + casual top (aka the inverse of our Y2K go-to formula)

• Texture. That’s All.

• Blazer (aka the modern-day cure-all)

• Trackies + heels

We’ve also had a couple of our favourite brands jump on board with discount codes this week which we’re always so appreciative for ♥️ Scroll for:

• Friends With Frank 15% discount

• Anna Rossi Jewellery 20% discount

For more inspo for getting ‘a little bit dressed up’, hit the link below.

A little bit dressed up

Knitwear and Dangly Bits

It really feels like Matthieu Blazy is scratching an itch we didn’t even realise we had over at Chanel. His combination of effortlessly relaxed and almost painfully chic seems to have hit the nail on the $50,000 head. But it’s resonating not just because the pieces are liveable (if only in reality for a very privileged few), but also put together in such a way that can be recreated relatively easily with what we already own. Case in point: the quarter zip knit + glamorous statement jewellery combo.

It’s obvious to say that jewellery goes a long way in the ‘a little bit dressed up’ stakes, but it’s also maybe not that obvious in the moment of actually dressing yourself. A bold necklace or pair of earrings can make even the most casual of outfits interesting.

Tip: slip on a stocking sock with your shoes for added interest during the colder months.

HEAVEN MAYHEM / Edith Earrings — $205

ELKA COLLECTIVE / Winston Jacket — $399

UNIQLO / Uniqlo U Double Face Knit Half-Zip Sweater — $79.90

CAMILLA AND MARC / Noa Denim Jean — $350

A.EMERY / The Wylie Belt — $140

BASSIKE / Slouch Studded Shoulder Bag — $650

STUDIO AMELIA / Sierra 90 Heel — $665

Faux Fur and Denim

Ok, 25 year old us is deeply comforted by this combination. It obviously has those Indie Sleaze/Erin Wasson rock and roll connotations, which is fun and glamorous in its own right, but you can dial into more modern references with your accessories: sunglasses, long pendant necklaces, sculptural earrings. Fresh, minimal makeup also keeps you in 2026 territory.

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But we’re living in a time of wardrobe fluidity: your work slacks can form the basis of your weekend look. Your trusty work blazer can take your slouchy jeans on a date night. That is, if you look for the right workwear staples — ones that will offer true versatility through cut, colour, fabrication and detail.

So, this week, we bring you our definitive workwear edit for 2026.

We’ll preface this edit by saying that it caters specifically to women who work in “office” settings or those who have client or customer-facing moments built into their working lives. If you’re someone whose work is hermetically sealed from the outside world, you can probably get away with wearing just about anything (or nothing at all?!). Likewise, if your work requires a uniform or utility-based clothes - we offer out sincerest and maddest respect, but this will not be the edit for you.

Below the paywall this week, you’ll find:

• 7 light jackets — including one that has been going off in the homeroom group chat this week

• 12 knits — including 5 polo knits that feel absolutely essential right now

• 6 chic tops — the kind you can wear forever, and easily layer under your light jacket

• 7 shirts — not boring ones, cool ones you’ll want to wear on the weekend too

• 11 pairs of trousers — ranging from relaxed, slouchy, tailored options

• 6 midi skirts — including the best fringed and lace-hemmed options we’ve seen lately

• 4 pairs of shorts — the long-line short lives another season, friends

• 4 dresses — beautiful, simple, timeless options that don’t feel stuffy

For inspiration on how to wear workwear in 2026, check out Sophie’s moodboard below.

The Workwear Heroes

Other older Pinterest workwear boards here and summer edit here.

Ok, onto the edit!

Light jackets for quick thinking

Blazers are safe, but expected. A clean, crisp light outer layer in a technical fabrication is where it’s at in 2026. Cool, calm, collected…and when worn closed, they can double as a top all of their own. We’re looking for options with forward point collars or funnel neck options for a point of interest near the face. This Friends With Frank number has had the group chat in a spin since one of our members purchased it.

1. HENNE / Emile Jacket – $389

2. BASSIKE / Cropped Twill Jacket – $595

3. SCANLAN THEODORE / Tech Trench Bomber – $650

4. FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The Penelope Cropped Trench – $449

5. FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The Lou Coat – $599

6. VENROY / Tailored Wool Zip Suit Jacket – $280

7. ASSEMBLY LABEL / Waverly Jacket – $180

Knitwear for every need

Stick to fine knits (leave the chunky knits for weekend slouch). The Miu Miu / Tory Burch-ified collared polo effect continues to dominate here — think: pointed collars and delicate buttons in sorbet and primary colours, worn with slouchy trousers for a combo of prep and cool. Give oversized knits office legitimacy by pairing them with tailoring and lace-trimmed layers.

1. BASSIKE / Cashmere Linen Polo – $450

2. FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The Imogen Knit – $389

3. OROTON / Short Sleeve Knit Polo – $169

4. BASSIKE / Knitted Cotton Baby Polo – $240 (on sale)

5. HENNE / Daphne Top – $229

1. HENNE / Ines V Neck Jumper – $189

2. KLOKE / Overflow Knit – $369

3. SCANLAN THEODORE / Babywool Polo – $160

4. \KLOKE / Descend Merino Knit – $359

1. ELKA COLLECTIVE / Victoria Cardigan – $179

2. WYNN HAMLYN / Double Up Rib Cardigan – $450

3. HENNE / Ettore Vest – $169

Tops that give your shirts a break

If we had a dollar for every time we were tasked with finding a non-boring work top, we’d have enough money to buy…well, one of the non-boring work tops below. This is such an overlooked category of your work wardrobe, but owning just a couple of options will give you excellent mileage for everything from client meetings to after-work drinks. With sleeveless styles (ideal for layering under light jackets), look for high necks and draping to add interest. That Harris Tapper number haunts our dreams.

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We know so many of you love these monthly round-ups (and we really lo…

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