Styling Out-Of-The Box!

I’ve always described my own style as eclectic and certainly, at times, eccentric, and in this post I’m going to talk about creating an avant-garde look – interestingly, mostly with second-hand pieces.

As a long-time admirer of Helena Bonham Carter and the Tim Burton films she so often stars in, it’s her style I’m channeling today.

Let’s look at what I’m wearing from the inside out to achieve this fun result.

I wore a pretty lacy red accented bra and knicker set with burgundy tights, a tulle skirt and a waist clincher over the top to hold everything in place, (well mostly everything – doing the best I can!)

The burgundy boots were sourced last week at my favourite local designer second-hand boutique and in fact had never been worn! They’re a tad large for me but that’s fine, if I don’t like them I can always pass them on to my daughter because they are very much her style.

Shape Up!

It’s important to be prepared to go with volume with this style, as it’s really a look from a bygone era, where it was okay to have some curves, so don’t be afraid to amp it up with a full skirt – just try to offset with a waist clincher or corset to give shape to your silhouette.

Back in the day it was always important to show myself as slim as possible in fitted sheaths and what have you, whereas now I’m much more relaxed about the whole thing and have made peace – more or less – with my body. Having had the breast cancer and associated mastectomy three years ago has certainly changed my attitude, I can tell you!

This is the only body I’m going to have so accept and love it unconditionally I certainly do by engaging in self-care like nice facials from time to time, reiki healing sessions and a sensible diet and exercise plan… mostly! Lol!

Additional Elements

This is where you can go crazy – pick up a colour from the print and run with it, as I have with the burgundy by adding burgundy tights, boots, vintage velvet bag and sunnies.

I also added a black leather and gold belt and black taffeta trench coat. Of course there was the situation with the hair so for a wild look I popped in my dready extensions to again increase the volume.

I like to post on Instagram once or twice a week but haven’t quite nailed the reel post but must work on it to keep up with things, I suppose.

The biggest additional element is confidence.

You are definitely going to get some attention in this getup so be prepared for some side-eye, some giggles and also plenty of positive comments because you are in no way going to be invisible dressing in such a style.

For me, it’s not something I’d wear every day but it sure was fun for an evening out!

It’s interesting that such a look incorporates the concept of texture and loads of it, as discussed last week with the knit fabric of the dress, the silky taffeta trenchcoat, the wispy tulle, the soft velvet bag, the textured tights and the shiny patent boots and belt.

I really hope you’ve been inspired to try to step out of your comfort zone with what I’ve shown you here, and I would love to hear your thoughts on wearing something fun and zany, such as this outfit.

Winter is almost upon us here in Australia but the weather has remained pretty mild except for a few chilly, rainy days and I got quite a shock the other day when I had a close encounter with a highly poisonous red-belly black snake ..

Early morning is my favourite time, where all the hopes for a great day ahead is possible and the light is truly gorgeous. As we are remote here there’s just lots of birds around with the occasional wallaby, kangaroo and wombat… good times!

I greatly appreciate your visit to my little corner of the web and value every one of you.

Donna 🧚🏻‍♀️❤️🐝

Participating in the High Latitude Style Linkup