Why black is still the king of colours (or absence thereof!) in my wardrobe!

    "Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Black is lazy and easy - but mysterious. But above       all black says this: "I don't bother you - don't bother me."
Yohji Yamamoto (designer)

With the explosion of colour blocking, digital prints and amazing patterns on the fashion scene in the last couple of years, everyone (except the french) seems to be hating on good ol' faithful black!

Now, I enjoy seeing colour around the place as much as any other person.. but that is the thing. I like it around me - on my walls, on my face in makeup form, and on others. I put it on myself and I generally feel... wrong. As someone whose wardrobe consists of 80 % black, 18% greys, white and neutrals and 2% colour - the thought of wearing green pants with a pink top and orange accessories freaks me out a little!

This scares me.

As black is our biggest selling colour at Impulse by a HUGE margin, I know many of you feel the same way about it as I do. Some people will try to make you feel guilty about your penchant for black - the colour crew fears the black, and will try to turn you to the side of the spectrum at every opportunity!! But, as Karl Lagerfeld said "Who can live without some black clothes?" Hear hear, Mr Lagerfeld, I'm sure Ms Chanel would agree!

Here are the reasons why Black is always 'the new black' and will remain my go-to colour forever (and ever).

Black is always sophisticated and sexy, you will never be accused of being too 'garish' or over the top in black.

Black goes with everything, it really does! 

Black is slimming.

Black is easy to keep clean.

Black is non-descript, but with the right styling it can make a much bigger statement than crazy prints or vivid colour. Worn in the right way, black screams confidence. Not 'look at me' confidence, but a deeper, quiet confidence that comes from knowing yourself and loving yourself for who you are. Black doesn't need other people to validate it, it speaks quietly. Its voice is a whisper, not a scream.

If you don't want to think about your outfit, black is your best friend. Black tee, black jeans and black shoes = instant chic. No mistakes, no second thoughts, no walking around all day thinking 'God, I wish I hadn't worn this.' Knowing you have the right outfit on makes such a huge difference to your confidence - I know I just want to shrink into non-existence when I feel like my clothes look terrible, my hair isn't working and my makeup is bland.

Speaking of makeup, black means you can have your hair and makeup any colour you like! Like pink hair? That'll work. Want to wear red lipstick today? Go for it, what a timeless look! Want to be neutral at work and then pump it up with some hot pink lips for dinner? Never fear, black is here!

Same goes for accessories, whatever you like - wear it! Accessories and make up are the ways that I bring colour into my outfits, otherwise I stick to my faithful black, white and neutrals... They love me and I love them... And here are my favourite Black Beauties available at Impulse right now!

Mela Purdie Angel Dip Top $209 - elegant and sexy, yet covers the right bits!

Mela Purdie Drop Front Ruffle Jacket $365 - silky, flowing and classy. Light enough for summer!

These two are the hottest new pieces at Impulse, from our favourite designer Mela Purdie. She knows how to do classic, chic pieces that will last for seasons and seasons, and she knows the Australian woman's body quibbles and our lifestyle. <3 Mela!

Posted by Bec xoxo

Luxe Deluxe Inspired by Chinoiserie....

Having just got back from a holiday in China I am a) despairing over the lack of authentic northern chinese food in this city (Lemon Chicken? NOOOO!!) and b) loving the new Chinoiserie print from my favourite label Luxe Deluxe!
Inspired by Chinese art and porcelain, this fresh and summery blue and white print has stolen our hearts, and many others apparently as it is walking out the door!

Shop the gorgeous new collection here:

Luxe Deluxe Second Summer at Impulse

Posted by Bec xo

Spring Trend- Printed Pants

Legs are having a moment. We are all aware of the colour explosion that has hit wardrobes this Spring/ Summer, and sitting nicely next to this rainbow is one of this seasons hottest trends- the printed pant. 

Geometric, floral, animal, aztec, tye-dye, it's the perfect way to wear prints without it overtaking you and your look. With the print on the bottom half one is able to match back their most flattering hues around the face to create a look that suits. Cue inspiration....

Givenchy resort 2013

(image via glamour.com)

Love the red mixed back with bold black and white. 

Oscar de la Renta resort 2013

(image via glamour.com)

The ultimate flower bomb.

Pucci resort 2013

(image via glamour.com)

Nautical meets military in stunning Cobalt graphics.

With so many stunning takes on this trend it's easy to get overwhelmed. I'd suggest sticking to a proven style that flatters ones shape, be it structured or flowing, tapered or straight. I've found sticking to a black and white base makes it easy to mix it back with your favourite colour...

M.E.L 3/4 Abstract Pant in garden print (left) and grid print (right). Renowned for their uber flattering pants, this style features a side zip for a smooth finish and straight 3/4 leg.

My favourite style in prints- the silky tapered pant. Animal print continues to pop up on catwalks and fashionistas everywhere. Try it in neutral tones for understated cool. From left to right, Luxe Deluxe Paw Print Pant, Mela Purdie Moroccan Paisley Pant, Me I Am by Mela Purdie Ombre Relaxed Pant, all in 100% Silk.

To get the look on a budget try the 7/8 Legging by Vassalli. In a stretchy cotton spandex with a comfy pull on waist, I'll be grabbing the Snow print (right) and teaming it with some tribal studs and feathers for a gypsy rocker look. Or perhaps I'll get the Splash Print (right) and wear it with a faded denim shirt... Then again at $109.95 maybe I'll just get both!

view all the above styles here:

www.ImpulseBoutique.com.au/pants

Miranda Kerr NYC Street Style...

This girl can do no wrong. While it's so freezing cold down here, I am loving her New York Summer Street Style. Printed T, cute denim shorts and printed sandals. Plus those sunglasses are amazing. Perfection...

Images via thestylenet.net

Posted by Philippa... x

P.s If anyone knows the details of this outfit please let me know!

Friday Staff Pick: Vigorella layers and zebra pants

Today I grilled the lovely Cindy who is working in our North Adelaide store on her picks in store at the moment.... and got a cute pic of her in her favourite new Vigorella piece!

Cindy wears the Vigorella Entwined Coat with Gathered Cuffs $219

Cindy said she loves this coat because of the amazing colour, but also loves how warm the wool fibres make it and how comfortable the one size fit is! Her other most wanted pieces are:

Vassalli Zebra Jean Legging $99.95

Vigorella Lurex Stripe Top in White $55

Thanks Cindy! We love the green on you ;)

Posted by Bec xo

Vigorella Winter continues... and the new Soy fabric arrives!

Mmmmm I love Winter! It means yummy food, red wine, cuddles and my favourite and the most comfortable way of dressing - layering!

Our most beloved label for layering at Impulse is Vigorella, and last Friday we had our final winter drop, a bittersweet event! It included gorgeous new textures in our favourite winter hues like Jam, Smoke, Oatmeal and classic chic Black in Wool, and an exciting new fabric made from Soybean fibres. I couldn't believe my fingers when I was dressing our faithful mannequin Betty for the webstore photoshoot... the Soy fabric is SO soft and silky, and super light yet drapes beautifully (so... just like all Vigorella but even more amazing!).

The best thing about Vigorella is that all her styles are designed to work together, so getting dressed is a no-brainer! You can put whatever you like together and it will look thought out and chic!
However, I understand that some of us need rules because after all, if there aren't any rules - how can you break them? ;) So I found a little guide (via mamamia.com.au) to layering.....

• Don’t over think it, it is actually quite simple.
• Layer up for cool weather and layer down for warm weather.
• Dressing should be fun not stressful, keep it simple and stylish. If you are new to layering, start by layering tonally. Later on you can introduce mixing and matching colours.
• Don’t be scared to mix and match patterns, colours and textures together. It can work really well.
• Always go a little out of your comfort zone, you will be surprised at the compliments you will receive by looking a little bit different to usual. Try something unexpected. Always accentuate your assets.
• A splash of colour can not only lift your outfit but it can also lift your mood.
• Express your look and lifestyle through layers, use a tailored jacket over a dress for the office. After work, you can take your jacket off. Even something as simple as ruching up your jackets sleeves can change your entire look from office wear to weekend wear.
• Start with a fitted slip dress or tank dress, it gives you a nice streamlined foundation for layering. This will work over pants or under dresses.
• Try loose layers over fitted ones and remember that ruching can distract and hide whatever you want to hide!

Now, go forth and shop the new Vigorella and layer to your heart's content! (And don't forget the food, wine and cuddles...)

Posted by Bec xoxo

www.ImpulseBoutique.com.au

Street Style at MBFWA 2012

For the past week my online feeds have been clogged with reports, reviews, and breakdowns of all the goings on at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia. It is super fun to get a glimpse into the new season shows and trends emerging from some of our hottest designers. But what I love the most are all the street style galleries popping up, featuring show-goers and fashionistas on the streets of Sydney putting their own personal style out there.
Currently fashion seems to be having a 'wear what you like' moment and it rocks. Put this with that, clash that with this, and team it up with some crazy hot accessories. It's inspiring to see how others have interpreted different trends and what they have matched with what. I love seeing pics of a style I may personally never wear, but that I can appreciate their particular outfit is complete and totally works. A few of my favs...

Heidi Middleton at Romance Was Born. 

For starters, frickin love her shoes! As well as her embellished jacket and colourful scarf. 

Sophia Banks Coloma at We Are Handsome.

I am in the throws of embracing print on clashing print and given that this turquoise blue is my all time favourite colour, it's a winner for me.

Pip Edwards (guru) and her gorgeous son Justice Single at Ksubi. Pip Edwards looked amazing on more than one occasion across the week but I couldn't go past this cute family pic. 

Tanya G at Ksubi. I love the rock chic mix of printed pants and a cool graphic tee. And that leather jacket is just ridiculous.

Kate Waterhouse at Ellery in classic black.

My best dressed across the whole Fashion Week would have to be Kate Waterhouse. Always looking perfect without a hair out of place, she had a few looks going on I could only dream of attempting, but she rocks it with composure and style.

At Maticevski. Collegiate Cool.

At We Are Handsome. Love the combination of colours and prints in this bold dress.

So bring on the new season while I take this new found inspiration home and start putting outfits together. 

Posted by Philippa xo

Images via thevine.com.au

P.S My husband just gave me for a belated 30th bday/ anniversary present- The Proenza Schouler PS1 Pouch in Citron. I will be wearing this bag till the day I die.

What the bleep do I wear to Graduation?!

Tomorrow night I am graduating from my Visual Art Degree which took me four long years to complete, yay! This is exciting, however being a bit of a "reclusive genius" (haha) I'm not exactly excited about getting up on stage and having an auditorium full of onlookers watch my every step (and probably a trip as I am prone to that sort of embarrassing behaviour).
Hence my panic at choosing what to wear to this event...

Luckily, I work at this heavenly place called Impulse Boutique! Rather than hunt high and low for appropriately dressy, yet classy, yet comfortable garb I can just take a quick stroll downstairs into the stock room and have all bases covered!!

Now to narrow down the options... a dress? Tailored pants and a blouse? A skirt and dressy top? Sleeve or no sleeve? Agh!

I think my pick of the dresses at Impulse for this kind of event is the stunning Ruffle Front Charmeuse Sleeveless Dress in Cobalt blue. The charmeuse fabric is super luxurious to wear, the shape is flattering but relaxed and the ruffle on the front just adds a hint of feminine elegance. And on a short statured woman like me the length will be a very appropriate knee length ;)

Mela Purdie Ruffle Front Charmeuse Sleeveless Dress $395

For pants I have my eye on the new Mela Purdie Ponte Slim Leg pant. It's structured yet comfortable, and the fabric is the blackest black and micro fine pill-proof ponte, which always looks elegant and polished. The leg width is appropriate, being not so skinny as to look casual but not wide enough to start looking sloppy.

Mela Purdie Slim Leg Ponte Pant $215

Now for the piece which I'm kind of more excited about than graduating... the Mela Purdie Bow Blouse in Emerald Charmeuse! This little baby has been on everyone's most wanted list ever since it dropped at Impulse HQ. It just ticks all the boxes; luxury fabric, stunning colour, understated feminine detailing, the perfect slightly dropped hemline and a comfortable sleeve. This amazing emerald colour is perfect for my pale skin and dark hair, and will look quite striking peeking out from my black robes.

Mela Purdie Charmeuse Bow Blouse $355

Or do I go for a skirt and top? I must say I've been coveting this gorgeous skirt by Marilyn Seyb, and happily it would be perfect for this occasion! Great length and it has an unusual print, which appeals to my artistic sensibilities. 

Marilyn Seyb Yoke and Pockets skirt $182

I would pair this stunning skirt with a simple black top and maybe a little dressy shrug or bolero. The Mela Purdie Ballerina Tank is a great basic black tank with elegant straps which don't show bras underneath, and is a convenient longer length. I would throw a Thompson Mank Jacket over the top for a little texture and to dress it up some more.

Mela Purdie Ballerina Tank $139

Thompson Mank Jacket $77

Well, I think I'll go for pants and a blouse, just so I have an excuse to finally get my hands on that Bow Blouse! But I'll keep the others in mind for any other such events or even a dinner date or work function... Of course all of these pieces are available now online from Impulse Boutique, with worldwide shipping!

www.ImpulseBoutique.com.au

Posted by Bec XO

Winter Trend- The Printed Shirt

The shirt. A classic item seen throughout fashion for centuries. A wardrobe item that can have many faces from corporate to evening, practical to dressy. With the right cut and the right fabric a shirt can be a girls (and mans) best friend.
This season we all know its about prints. Brash clashing, colourful prints. And the humble shirt has not missed out. Designers have gone crazy coming up with the most delectable combinations of floral, psychedelic, tropical, hawaiian, geometric and more all with a full blown colour palette. A selection of my favourites getting around...

Dries Van Noten ($595 from David Jones)- I love the contrast black collar against the blocks of pastel images. A personal fav and very high on my winter wishlist...

Altuzarra ($800 from Net-a-porter)- This tropical parrot print equals fun and fruity. I want this to wear with silk pants for the ultimate in pyjama chic.

Balenciaga ($930 from farfetch.com)- The black base in this print means it will match back easily with your favourite black pants, skirt or jeans.

Stella Mccartney ($800 from farfetch.com)- The simple style of this shirt with its stand up collar and button stand is the perfect contrast to the bold all over hawaiian print. Hot!

Marilyn Seyb ($228 from ImpulseBoutique.com.au)- The dip sides on this silk shirt make for a flattering and unique hemline. Looks amazing buttoned up. Wear with a clashing print for an on-trend statement. That of course, goes for all of the above!

Happy Shopping!

Posted by Philippa xo

Easter Long Weekend...

I need this because...

We shot it in our latest Key Looks and I have been lusting after it ever since. It's a cute little, thrash-able knit from Australian label Motto. The scooped back hem and metallic thread gives it a little point of difference to make a casual outfit pop to life a little bit more... 

I'll be wearing mine with my Mela Purdie Tapered Mousseline Pant and my Sass & Bide Flying Machine Necklace. Perhaps with some yellow suede moccasins I just spied in the shop window next door...

A sneak peek from our Key Looks shoot featuring the Motto Scoop Shimmer Top $69.95

Mela Purdie Tapered Moussline Pants $335

 Cute yellow moccasins $59.95

Sass & Bide The Flying Machine Necklace in Bronze $420

Get your Scoop Shimmer Top from Impulse Boutique here.

Posted by Philippa xo

Alexander Wang Zip Pullover for Less...

As winter creeps closer I am starting to get a little obsessed with finding the perfect statement knit as every year I find myself living in oversized, chunky, ribbed, cosy jumpers and cardigans. I discovered this Zip Back Sweater by Alexander Wang RRP $557 and am in love with the curved hem and bold zip detail. Unfortunately it was from the Fall 2011 range and seems to be unavailable everywhere! Never fear, check out the gorgeous number below...

Alexander Wang Zip Sweater

Would've loved to get my hands on this butter colour.... *sigh

Hooray for Intarsia Melbourne's beautiful 100% Merino Wool version of the Curved Hem Zip Sweater RRP$249.95!! Available in Charcoal and Oatmeal...
 I love it pictured here with a chunky hand knit scarf and slick black pants. Statement knit with cool details... Check!

Buy it now online at Impulse Boutique!

www.ImpulseBoutique.com.au/ZipSweater