In every great wardrobe (I imagine), there exists a surfeit of basics to underpin, pare back* or carry an outfit.

* I've seen this phrase expressed as "pair back" on other blogs. Not saying they're wrong - it works too if you're "pairing it" with other things but in this case, I mean to shave slivers off (as in paring fruit) to dial down the intensity of an outfit. Glad we had this chat.

"Basic" in this sense, (not that sense) doesn't necessarily mean sloppy stuff or loungewear; this is more like essential building blocks for your cooler weather wardrobe. So today I am showcasing those classic coordinatey things that sit back quietly and allow that trending jazzy piece to shine. Like Barbara Hershey's character to Bette Midler (playing Bette Midler) in Beaches. And because seemingly I am obsessed with transeasonal fashion right now, witness:

Posh Picks: Bootylicious
Posh Picks: Shopping List
Posh Picks: Sweet Transeasonal

Bear with me though because I'm making 2016 my year of Getting It Right in the cooler months. The weather has officially turned - we won't see 30 degrees here in Adelaide for six months now and I am waking up in the dark. I super hate being cold so I have been known to sacrifice style for warmth. Sometimes quite alarmingly so. Not this year, do you hear me? I've already picked up some good casual stuff this month (more on that in this month's #AlmostPoshStyleCost round-up).

On with the basics:



1. Jayla Crew Neck Sweater | Forcast | $39 or 2 for $60^
2. Kelly Scoop Neck Top | Forcast | $35 or 2 for $50^
3. Kasey V-Neck Blouse | Forcast | $59.95^
4. Dorothy Perkins Long-Sleeved Wrap Top | The Iconic | $39.95^
5. Lauretta Zip Pants | Forcast | $69.95^
6. Atmos&Here Penelope Pencil Skirt | The Iconic | $39.95^
7. Betty Basics Alicia Midi Skirt | Freez | $20^
8. Atmos&Here Scarlett Cigarette Pants | The Iconic | $59.95^

The beauty of these pieces is their warmth factor can be instantly ramped up with the addition of scarves, tights, boots, cardis and jackets in seasonal colours and patterns while still remaining totally wearable after that print becomes so 2016.

How are you off for workwear basics or key pieces in general? Do you do the whole classic capsule with on-trend accents, are you full-time/full-trend or do you eschew everything altogether?

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^ denotes affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I earn a small amount of dosh to keep me warm and stylish this A/W. Please see my PR and Media policy for more details. 

It will come as no surprise to regular readers of Almost Posh that I don't mind the odd poke around a bricks-and-mortar store or online retailer from time to time.

Some people don't like shopping. I respect that. I don't like netball but if you want to play it, then you go ahead, girl. Time on the whistle.

Perhaps you hate shops themselves and prefer to shop online from the comfort of your internet-connected device, double-screening while watching Geordie Shore in your pyjamas. Perhaps you are wary of putting your personal details online or afraid to buy without trying. Here I’ve presented some of the pros and cons of dealing with each.

In-Store

1. Trying things on. Until home technology moves to the point of creating a 3D full-body scan that models the exact fit of clothes, we are stuck with that element of risk when shopping online. Sure those multi-way mirrors might tell you more than you want to know about what you look like from the back but at least you KNOW.
2. You can try on multiple sizes and items without penalty. Imagine having to pay a fee for each item you took into the fitting room?? Nope, as long as you abide by the "arbitrary number of items or less" rules for each store, you can try on the whole store if you want, five items at a time
3. No shipping costs and free returns. Until Australia gets with the free delivery times, we're often stuck paying for our goods to be delivered so not doing so is a plus and the only cost of return is the effort involved.
4. Instant gratification. You like it, you buy it, you have it then and there. No waiting. Particularly if you're cutting it fine for a special occasion.
5. You can feel the fibre of the fabric. A big one for me. As a thrift-shopper like old mate below, you can also check for holes, stains or other imperfections that may not be evident in eBay photos.

via GIPHY

1. People. You're going to have to deal with them; on the roads, in the car park, getting through the shops, sales assistants that either ignore you or are relentlessly right up in your business, other shoppers . . . unless that's just me?
2. Getting dressed. It's generally frowned upon for grown folks to be at the shops in their pyjamas / underwear although lord knows I've pretty much seen it all.
3. Store opening hours. Sunday trading only became a reality in Adelaide about 10 years ago and we're still not quite at the level I'd like. If you are hankering for a browse at 11.30pm on a Tuesday, you're out of luck.
4. Location. You're bound by what's on offer that you can easily get to in a day, really. If you live regionally as I did as a teenager in the 90s, you have to wait until the fortnightly grocery trip when Mum takes you over to Port Pirie where you will have the choice of either Kmart before it was cool or the really expensive surf shop, which was cool but - as the name suggests - really expensive. A trip to Adelaide meant you might be lucky enough to come home with a Sportsgirl logo tee or a pair of irregular jeans from the Levis factory.
5. Incidental purchasing. Unless you're extremely disciplined, popping to the shops for one thing opens you up to a world of impulse buying, distractions and of course, snacks.

Online

Pros

1. Choice and selection. The world of online shopping is enormous and as long as you can receive deliveries where you are, you can access it all. Brands without shopfronts in Australia or even your city can still get their goods to you thanks to the Internet.
2. Coupon codes. I will always do a quick search for a promo code or voucher. Going up to a shop counter and saying "Hi, just these thanks, oh and LB7jhgbW!" is only going to get you a side-eye at best or a trip to centre management at worst.
3. Online only sales. These can be quite lucrative and an easy way to stock up on familiar favourites. Get on those email lists! Save shipping by doing combined orders with friends!
4. Get consumables cheaper. For boring stuff you need to buy repeatedly, it's easy to find cheaper deals online for things like printer ink, batteries or even contact lenses.
5. Deliveries! In this day and age where the only things that arrive in the mailbox are bills and catalogues, getting actual parcels is most exciting.

via GIPHY Cons

1. Dodgy sites. We've all seen those posts about what was ordered vs what arrived. It pays to do a WHOLE lot of research before shopping from a new site. If it sounds ridic cheap, it’s probs too good to be true. Google and read the review sites!
2. Financial Risks. Related largely to the above, although card details can be compromised from a variety of legit sources, including physical stores. Use PayPal to mitigate the risks and make yourself aware of their purchase protection policies.
3. Sizing. You're taking a gamble on fit every time. Even if you're familiar with the brand, you just never know how the cut and fabric will sit on your own actual body. 
4. Shipping and returns. Here in Australia, delivery almost always costs unless you hit a certain price point and that is galling, while free exchanges or returns are rare. International shipping from some sites can render any cost savings on the actual item pointless.
5. It's almost too easy. Having access to so many stores that can offer you purchases with just a couple of clicks and you end up like . . .

via GIPHY
You may also like to check out my top tips for shopping with kids and other hints on how to shop with success. I'm here for you, for realz. If you need enabling on a purchase, just send me the link and I'd be happy to tell you why you need it.

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This post is brought to you by Coupon Codes Australia. For more information on collaborative posts, please see my PR and Media policy. All content authentic and produced by Almost Posh.

As you may know, I attended the Adelaide Bloggers United event in February and had a lovely time meeting brands, bloggers and the like down at Glenelg.

I also hauled away several kilos of products generously provided in goodie bags. Today I'm talking about one of those amazing brands, Vani-T.

I knew of Vani-T from their gorgeous displays in Essential Beauty but had never had the time to actually check any of the products out in between paying for my half-leg and underarm waxing so I was excited to finally pop open some of that pretty packaging and have a look.

I did not realise they were a South Australian company that counted many a legit celeb as clients/fans. They've even provided gifts for swag bags at the Oscars so obviously I'm practically a celebrity myself now by association.


Founder Tania explained the origins of the brand and her desire to make something that was high-end, ethically produced and eco-friendly yet gorgeously packaged; styling the concept of "eco-glamour".

I hadn't had much experience with mineral make-up and Tania showed me how to easily apply the mineral powder by tapping small amounts of product out using the lid of the container and swirling with brush. She also demonstrated her level of skillz when she colour-matched me on the first try to a powder that completely blended into my face without detection.

Attendees were not only presented with a gorgeous goodie bag containing self-tanning lotion, a tanning mit, Bronzing Custard, a blinged-out lipstick, lipglaze and mineral eyeshadow on the day but contacted afterwards and offered another product to try.


Obvs, I couldn't go past the Mineral Powder Foundation*, having seen the results!



Have a look at the Mineral Colour Crystals eyeshadow in "Swiss Chocolate". It's so pretty and sparkly, and blends out beautifully.





Now, when it comes to tanning, I have only ever got mine from the sun (not in a deliberate, baking kind of way) but it does result in a fairly uneven spread - my arms are brown while my legs are paler, and/or I have chronic sleeve lines. I decided to try the Bronzing Custard to see if I could bring my legs up to speed. I knew prep was important so I got to use some other products from the goodie bag haul, including the Andrea Roll-On Hair Remover and the Bitchinskin Matcha Scrub. More on those items in a later post.

Fun fact: I have never shaved my legs. I wouldn't even know how.


Anything custard-related is going to appeal to me (except trifle - too rich and I don't like cream) so I slathered it on my pins for a week to see what happened. It's a rich, thick, luxe formula with a lovely coconutty smell that took me back to Mum's tanning oil of the 80s, only a million percent sun-smarter. The custard also has moisturising properties that negates the need for a regular moisturiser and you can even use it on your face if you want a bit of a bronze boost.




It's a little hard to see in these pics but my legs have taken on a definite natural-looking colour while still maintaining my overall complexion realness.

* S P E C I A L   O F F E R *

Vani-T are offering a special deal to Almost Posh readers which is most exciting!

Receive $20 off and free delivery on orders of $75 or more with the code BRBLOG16. Expires 18/04/16. Click to shop.

* G I V E A W A Y *

And if that's not enough, I'm giving away the Brazilian Bronze Self-Tanning Mousse and Tanning Mit valued at nearly 50 bones so you can tan your own hide just in time for autumn. Tan fan Caitlin at Twist of Cait has reviewed these products and has also given them the bronzed thumbs up.

Okay, I know the season officially started a couple of weeks ago but here in Adelaide, we've been enjoying a typically late summer with a record number of days above average temps going into March.

As pleasant as this has been, it has meant a bit of a wait for those of us hanging to get into some new transeasonal items while the temps hover in the mid-30s.

However, in the immortal words of Michelle Dobyne:


A chilly and windy 20 degrees forcast saw me throw on a newly purchased boho floral dress (WITH POCKETS!) that I picked up from Millers yesterday for the low, low price of $10, some new Kmart leggings AND my new Target ankle boots that I mentioned as being an item of interest. Taking some learnings from Posh Picks on Wednesday, I even belted for some shape.

I had literally four minutes in between dropping my daughter off at daycare and heading out to catch the bus so my face is stupid in most of these pics but you get the idea:






The light under my back porch was all glary and jacked, so here's a better pic of the pattern, taken inside.


Of course as soon as I got just far enough away from my house to negate the idea of running back in for a cardi, the wind whipped up and the chill increased but I soldiered on.



Have you busted out your autumnal style yet?

I had a very enjoyable discussion about belt trends on Hangouts recently that sparked this week's Posh Picks inspo; including corset belts, Carla Zampatti obis and Heavyweight Champion styles with massive buckles. Or, you know, Lip Sync Battle style:
I think of myself as so off-trend when it comes to belts because I don't really think about them that much - there is always something else to spend coin on. Basically, unless they come attached to a dress, I never seek them out. I have a hanger full of various ones in my wardrobe. Do you think I look at them ever?

Last week, I should probably have worn one with my denim skirt but because they aren't front of mind, I didn't and it was all a bit loose and unfinished. Belts can be that one thing that takes your outfit from passable to polished, so it's really time I got myself educated.

I googled "belt trends aw16" to see what I should be looking out for this season, Apparently everything is in, so that's handy. Big-buckled, rope twists and ties, clever cinchy things, metallic, woven, bows and baubles. Here's a few I've rounded up that have me really thinking about the possibilities that exist beyond your stocko leather strip with metallic square buckle although they are still very much in play . . .

1. Braided Bow Elastic Belt | Forcast | $29.95^
2. Peter Lang Fonda | The Iconic | Was $114.95 now $57.48^
3. Faye Rope Elastic Belt | Forcast | $29.95^
4. Loop Leather Co Indigo Wrap Belt | The Iconic | $99.95^*
5. Geraldine Belt | Forcast | $14.95^*
6. Loop Leather Co. Is It Friday Yet | The Iconic | $40^*
7. PU Wrap Belt | Forcast | $19.95^
8. Gina Slim Belt | Forcast | Was $19.95 now $10^*

I'm really loving the Braided Bow and Rope Elastic belts in particular and the ones marked with * are very similar styles to what I already have chilling on that belt hanger, so go me! Bang on trend without even knowing it!

Are you belty or not very? What's your favourite kind of belt? Least favourite?

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^ denotes affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I earn a small amount of money to kick start a new belt obsession. Please see my PR and Media policy for more information.

Since blogging is like work (work I really enjoy but work nonetheless), I am closing for public holidays this year so I can chill and enjoy them with the old fam.

Particularly on this, Adelaide Cup Day, where I will not be partaking in any kind of horse racey activity but instead my daughter's third birthday.

I KNOW. THREE!!



South Australians, enjoy your long weekend. Rest of you, happy Monday.

Okay, look, I'm not meaning to carry on or anything but I thought you guys might like to see what I bought with my $500 voucher from Farfetch.

Admittedly, when I was first contacted to take part in a blogger competition, I immediately googled "Farfetch blogger competition scam". I found a couple of blog posts on past competitions and I was still a little unsure but I figured I was planning an Australia Day post anyway and the site looked legit enough so what harm could it do to add my competition entry to the mix.

I sent my link to them and asked if they'd let me know who won so I could see what they chose (and also scope out if it was, in fact, legit).

Well, they did indeed let me know who won and it turned out it was me. So if you ever hear from Farfetch inviting you to take part in a blogger competition, you can rest assured it is not a scam and real people actually win because I am nothing if not totally real and 18 months of regular blogging is quite an involved cover story for a scam.

Again admittedly, I then thought "Oh, maybe the code won't work or there will be some sort of catch where I have to pay something." Nope. I simply loaded up my wishlist (after HOURS of browsing because there is a lot of amazing stuff to look at and $500 is a lot of free money to spend), waited for a free shipping offer and POUNCED!

Everything arrived super quick from Europe, in like, less than a week which was so gratifying and it was all packaged securely with lots of puffy air sac thingos.

I've touched on boots as being a Need for the coming season and I feel quite smugly justified in this as my two pairs last season had to be thrown out due to actual water-letting-in holes so it's not like I'm being frivolous or anything.

This week, I thought I'd do three collections; the usual Almost Posh budget-friendly approach; a higher-end spend and some statement boots guaranteed to turn heads.

Side note: I was in a vintage shop the other day with my friends Bridie and Stacie and squeezed into these deadset amazing brown leather high boots with a crazy heel and gorgeous gold spur and toe. They were ridiculously uncomfortable and I could hardly walk but my god, they looked sickening and I am sorely regretting not getting a photo.

Anyhizzle, here's what I've rounded up for you this week.

First, let's keep it tight at under 100 bones:



1. I Love Billy | Caprice Tan Punch | Styletread | $99.95^
2. Therapy | Amorosi Black | Styletread | $79.95^
3. Therapy | Hendrix Brown | Styletread | Were $69.95 now $34.98^
4. I Love Billy | Blatant Dark Latte | Styletread | Were $99.95 now $49.98^
5. Therapy | Fidel | The Iconic | $49.95^
6. Boston Babe | Shanny Khaki | Styletread | Were $159.95 now $63.98^
7. Boston Babe | Polgi Black | Styletread | Were $169.95 now $67.98^
8. Verali | Gia Taupe Tumble | Styletread | $89.95^

And now let's get loose:



1. Top End | Yoosay Khaki Leather Boot | Styletread | $349.95^
2. Django & Juliette | Remote Taupe Leather Pin Punch | Styletread | $219.95^
3. Django & Juliette | Ambush Tan | Styletread | $219.95^
4. Nina Armando | Madeline | The Iconic | Were $399 now $149^
5. Django & Juliette | Grab Black Leather | Styletread | $199.95^
6. Hunter | Regent Savoy | The Iconic | $229^
7. Django & Juliette | Tamila Navy | Styletread | $299.95^
8. Billini | Isabella Black Suede | Styletread | $109.95^

You could argue that a good boot is a solid investment and you'd get no argument from me. So if you are willing and able to spend this coin, then go right ahead #enabler.

Now if you're really looking to make a statement, check these bad boys out:



1. Gamins | Persian Ocelot Print / Black Suede | Styletread | $219.95^
2. Django & Juliette | Dandle Rose Multi | Styletread | $219.95^
3. Django & Juliette | Raffa Pink Floral | Styletread | $199.95^
4. I Love Billy | Ranch Navy Print Velvet | Styletread | $99.95^
5. Jodi Lee Online | Dreams | The Iconic | $330^
6. Kurt Geiger | Scamp | The Iconic | $255^
7. Sempre Di | Dolly Boots | The Iconic | Were $369 now $199^

** SALE ALERT! **

The Iconic are having a huge 40% off their Exclusive labels between March 10 - 14.

Labels include Zalora, Zalora Basics, Atmos&Here, Spurr, Spurr Basics, Staple Superior, Double Oak Mills and H-wood.

Use code MAR40

What boots are you feeling for the season ahead? Do you need new ones? I will totally be shopping the sale tomorrow!!

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^ denotes affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I earn a small amount of coin to put towards keeping my feet warm and dry this winter. Please see my PR and Media policy for more information.

I know it's getting a bit tiresome, but I kind of won a couple more prizes lately.

This one was a prize pack celebrating the relaunch of Champagne Cartel and it had some lovely makeup things in it that I wanted to talk about for Monday Makeup Madness.

Please excuse my amateur flat-lay skills. I learnt a few tips at the Bloggers United Adelaide day but these were taken beforehand.


I hadn't heard of Youngblood before but was quickly drawn in by the matte black packaging and lovely looking products:





The pigmentation on the Pink Ice eye shadow is AMAZING. One swipe and you have luxe shimmer from here to breakfast. I haven't quite got the hang of the creme blush but the Champagne Life colour (I see what you did there) is everything. And who doesn't love a shadow pencil?  The Eye-Illuminating Duo is gorgeously coloured and can be used for highlighting, shading or base-ing.

Speaking of pencils:


I was already well in love with the Maybelline Color Drama lip pencils (god, it hurts to write "colour" without a "u" but there you are) so I was happy to add more to my collection. Well, I kept the berry one and gave the other two to Stacie because I already had Fuchsia Desire and the red wasn't suited to my head. She will of course rock them and this:


MAC! I know, it's very pretty. But I already had two really similar colours so I felt sharing the love would be appropriate. More MAC ahead:


A classic black liner pencil will never see you wrong. I'm also interested to try the Rimmel liquid liner, as you know I am always on the hunt. The Silk Oil of Morocco mascara has quickly become my new daily drive. It has a slightly unusual smell but once you get past that, you have lucious ink-black lashes that aren't all stiff and scratchy.


I had been looking for a new concealer and I have to say that this LimeLily one is quite impressive. I just have to learn how to extract enough product from the squeezy tube without blurting it everywhere.

There you have it, a lovely haul thanks to the ladies at Champagne Cartel.


In other make-up news, I finally got my hands on this and I'm loving it sick . . . (please note post workshop flatlay attempt)


The Real Techniques Face Expert brush usually retails for $22.99 but a combination of a 20% off sale (still on!! GET THERE!) and my Priceline rewards voucher saw it become mine for about $14. Can't complain about that. I'm really enjoying using it, I feel like it gets my Maybelline Dream Wonder foundation up to a really enjoyable finish.

In other news, I also won this lovely sarong from Styling Curvy's Capriosca Swimwear giveaway! I know!


Blogging comps are where it's at, so get amongst it if you don't already.

Did you have a nice weekend? It's gross and humid here for the week. Any tips on dressing for warm wet weather *revolted shudder* would be welcome.

Over the Christmas / New Year break, I did a big BIG clear out.



Huge. Several kilos of items were taken down to Savers and, not going to lie, it felt GOOD.

I am determined not to get back up to insane levels of useless clothing ownership, where I couldn't see the goods for the tees (see what I did there?? Come on, that's gold) and I'm going with the "love it or lose it" approach from now on. And if that means I have to re-wear my "good" things a bit more instead of pandering to my need to avoid repeating an outfit within a fortnight, then get used to seeing me in my new favourite striped top from Atmos&Here^.




I also have a problem with "saving" items "for good" and discussing this with Mica at Away From The Blue, she is the same! You know, where you have an awesome special item but you don't want to waste the look on an insignificant event and eventually you never get full wear and enjoyment out of it? That. We need to stop that. And that thing where you want to wear something you haven't worn in ages but the same people will be at the event in question that saw you wear it last time (and they haven't seen you since) so you need to wear something different. That too. The struggle is real.


Exemptions have been granted to:

• Formal and cocktail dresses that are still wearable
• Calvin Klein work dresses that are a bit formal for what I wear to work now but are classic cuts and would be suitable for interviews or if have to corp it up for a work function
• A few tea dresses and such that are just too pretty to part with but aren't worn regularly enough to warrant space in the wardrobe so they have been archived into The Vault (suitcase under the spare bed).

I often wish my Mum or mother-in-law had kept some of their original fashiony things so I hope Miss L appreciates the curated selection I am storing on her behalf which will be legit vintage and probs back in style by the time she's old enough to wear them.

If you're after a comprehensive guide to wardrobe auditing, check out this recent post from The Fashionable Mum.

On that subject, the coathanger-turning trick works well for hanging items, but what about things in drawers? Any suggestions? 

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^ denotes affiliate link. By clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I get a small amount of dosh to work on my minimalist wardrobe approach. Please see my PR and Media policy for more information.

As you might know, I'm tracking my expenditure this year on clothes, shoes and accessories in my #AlmostPoshStyleCost project. Here's January's wrap-up and here is February's.

Already, I'm up to around $185 for the year so I'd like to set myself a bit more of a challenge for the next couple of months to buy only what is on my current list of Needs, as follows:

• Lightweight coat/jacket; the bane of my life and the subject of a whole future blog post on its own
• Black ankle boots (eyeing off these ones in Target)
• Dannii Minogue Petites ripped jeans
• Tan ankle boots
• Flat black long boots
• Leggings
• Tights
• 3/4 sleeve tops / knits
• Casual jumpers
• Yoga / warm pants / trackies
• Real Techniques Expert Face brush
• Australis Mix It foundation

Okay, so it's pretty broad and not to say I can't add to the list as I go but it might curtail the random browsing. I find A/W tops hard to come by sometimes. They need to be big enough in the bust, small enough across the shoulders and back and 3/4 sleeves because long sleeves generally hang over my wrist. The tummy region has to be forgiving and any kind of bat wing or loose fit usually makes me look like a box.

Here are some possibilities that I may be adding to cart in the future.


1. Spurr Blair Ankle Boots | The Iconic | $69.95^
2. Maya Textured Top | Forcast | $59.95^
3. Mia Contrast Panel Top | Forcast | Was $59.95 now $39^
4. Dorothy Perkins Marle Wrap Back Top | The Iconic | $59.95^
6. Volcom Lived In Striped Hoodie | The Iconic | $50^
6. Nike Legend Poly Skinny Pants | The Iconic | Were $79.95 now $55.97^
7. Dorothy Perkins Striped Relaxed Pants | The Iconic | Were $49.95 now $35.96^
8. Spurr Basics Russia Boots | The Iconic | Were $59.95 now $20.98^

Have you got a current shopping list on the go? Is there an item out there that you have been looking for forever?

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^ denotes affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing, you don't pay any extra but I earn a small amount of coin to assist on the lifelong quest for a transeasonal jacket. Please, don't even mention the word "trench" to me because I can't even. For more information, please see my PR and Media policy.