Sinful maxi

Don't mix prints.

Horizontal stripes double your size.

Red and green should never be seen (unless on a holiday reindeer sweater). 

Denim on denim is not a statement (Justin and Britney couldn't even win that battle).

Velour tracksuits never did anyone any good (not even Regina's mom).

And jeggings... well, not much more needs to be said.

Regardless of their relevance to current fashion trends, these are just a handful of rules that have seen so many conform to the what's hot and what's not. But with the fashion world recently flipping a 180 on us, its now actually acceptable to sport a pair of kicks with a leather mesh skort, pair polka dots with stripes and in fact get away with denim on denim.

So whilst society has always instilled fashion dos and don’ts, I have always lived by a few of my own. I’ve never minded a horizontal striped sailor tee and can somewhat wrap my head around the odd animal print outfit (on somebody else), however when it comes to maxi dresses on the vertically challenged; alarm bells have always sent me running in the opposite direction. I’ve always carried around the baggage that I’m short, and therefore if my legs are covered, it'll appear as though I don’t have any. Rational thinking I know but hey - until surgery will break both my kneecaps and extend out my joints by a couple of inches, I guess heels and these dos and don’ts will have to suffice.

Although told many a times that my theory was bizarre, and that that full length white maxi dress in the front window of David Jones - a couple of seasons ago - would have looked great on my petite figure, I just couldn’t shake the idea that I was setting myself up for failure.

That was until now.

I tied the knot (at shin length) with a black maxi dress I met whilst holidaying in Santorini. I was sold when the sales assistant suggested taking baby steps in the length that would gradually lead me to fronting the long fabric in all its glory. Knowing myself far too well in all my inelegance, I figured I’d probably mimic the village idiot tripping up the white steps of Santorini and into a pile of Donkey shit, had I not taken into consideration the assistant’s advice. So between knotting and holding the bottom of the dress in the palm of my sweaty hand – I managed to pull off a seamlessly stack free tragedy.

There’s just something about taking fashion risks in new environments that impulses us to dress the way we want to be seen. Hidden from the ones that know us best, not only do we experience the realms of new surroundings but also our own style.

I now stand here slapping my wrist at the thought of the vertically challenged not being able to pull off a staple item in women’s wardrobes. 
Meet my significant other below, born and bred from a Santorini boutique, Spicy. It features a low dip back and two pieces of pleated fabric to move away from a typical little black dress. The boutique stocks local Greek brands and designers, and more importantly ships overseas. If you're wanting to sport the most recent European styles for our summer, I’d definitely recommend paying the site a visit for some inspiration.

Wearing a Nidodileda black maxi dress, Givenchy Embossed Rubber Grommet Sandal, Ray Ban sunglasses & Tiffany & Co. necklace.

Streetstyle

Wearing: Alice In The Eve Leather Look Track Pants, Agent Ninetynine Narrow Stripe Tee, Nike Roshe Runs, Michael Kors watch, Gutter Gods Get Lifted beanie and Givenchy mini Pandora.

With sports luxe making its way into many of our wardrobes and a very laid back streetstyle following not so far behind, it's to no surprise that my most recent purchase was a pair of lush Nike Roshe Runs. At the discounted price of just $70 (thanks to HypeDC) I've finally found a pair of Nike kicks that can be worn suitably on a day to day basis. Unlike many other ballsy women I've seen, I've often felt very uncomfortable with the idea of trying to effortlessly rep Nike Free's with a pair of non-sporting leggings. However these spongey soled street kicks will make all the sneaker freakers jump for joy. A less bulky and more streamlined version of its distant relative, Nike Air High Tops, means the small platform (most beneficial for the vertically challenged) makes it much easier to pair with casual clothing.

A well over-due addition to my wardrobe is the leather look track pant with elasticised cuffs. Usually I'm all for a good online buy, however when it comes to pants I'm just not able to take the plunge. Many online boutiques are churning out this style like they're going out of fashion but thankfully for me, trusty General Pants Co. saved the day. Alice In The Eve's version are extremely comfortable and their non-highwaisted nature is a nice change from all my other pants. The cuffed bottom means they can be paired with platform jelly sandals, runners (as picture above) and even strappy stiletto heels for a dressier look.

Teamed nicely with these uber-comfortable Roshe's, is must have winter fashion accessory - Gutter Gods Get Lifted Beanie. Saving me from cold ears one too many times in Melbourne, this top quality knitwear certainly serves its purpose. With an array of 4 different colours, you're sure to find one to match every outfit. I opted to receive the oh so simple black/grey/white combo, as these staple colours define my wardrobe and are guaranteed to stay in fashion. This locally owned Perth brand has seen itself off to a flying start with an online presence since 2012 and an interest on a national scale. For more tee, jumper and snapback styles be sure to check them out at guttergods.bigcartel.com and facebook.com/guttergods!

GIVENCHY or GIV-EN TO ME?

Admittedly, these were the words I heard flapping from the straps of Givenchy’s latest sensational gladiator sandal...

But before all devoted Givenchy readers shun me for entitling this blog without its authentic French accent (pronunciation “jhee-von-shee”), let me just point out that we would have ended up with a ‘Chiffon to me’ as a title… and there’s nothing worse than a pun or play on words that doesn’t make sense.

The Givenchy Embossed Rubber Grommet Sandal’s leather inspired texture alludes to a more bank-breaking price than its actual bargain (on Givenchy’s terms) of $290, by settling for a more discrete rubber texture.

The wraparound adjustable ankle strap with fitted buckle eases the mind if purchasing online, as you shouldn’t have to worry about whether a brand considers your ankle to be fat or fine. They fit true to size, so as long as you can get Euro sizing right, you should be A-OK!

Like most jelly and rubber made sandals (or any new shoes for that matter) initial rubbing on the feet may cause some discomfort. However be assured that with a couple of Band-Aids and a week of wearing them in, any irritation will cease.

Having only had mine for the past month and trying to maximize wearing these babies as much as possible, I have been waiting for the perfect moment to commence blogging. I believe the time had come when several people asked, just this week, where they too can get a pair. As shocked as I was by the phenomenal price; responses ranged from jaw drops, eye pops - to even profanities.

(Left to right: Givenchy Embossed Rubber Grommet Sandal in Black, Red, Blue. Photos copyrighted to Polyvore)

Too much black in your wardrobe? An exotic fire engine red and stylish lagoon blue is also available.

It’s safe to say that this design will feature as the turn-to-shoe for my midyear Euro trip!!