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

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

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

Mela Purdie's stunning new AW12 catalogue

This season Mela Purdie has introduced her range in three mini collections, Autumn, Cruise and Winter. Each one with it's own theme and styling, all done to perfection. If a picture tells a thousands words, those words are saying to me- 'buy me, buy me now!'

Get your wish lists ready....

Aumtumn 2012...

Cruise 2012...

Winter 2012...

View each complete catalogue and shop to your hearts content at ImpulseBoutique.com.au/MelaPurdie

(all images supplied by Mela Purdie)

Posted by Philippa x

Winter Trend- the Bow Blouse

For a few seasons now I have been happily living in my favourite skinny jeans, biker boots and oversized tees under a structure blazer. I love the look and feel super comfortable and confident in it. This coming from the girl who can't stop buying little dresses for her daughter! And I adore her in them! So why can't I get the same enjoyment from wearing a dress on a daily basis?

This winter I've  decided to embrace my feminine side and fill my wardrobe with all things girly- skirts, velvet, silky dresses and flowing blouses. 

After doing a bit of browsing I've decided on my favourite look- the ultra chic and feminine Pussy Bow Blouse. A little bit demure when worn with a firm bow at the neck or uber sexy when left open and draped for an easy evening look...

I love the contrast in texture here as Nicole teams her blouse with a fitted leather jacket.

Hair long and loose- the perfect way to counteract the high neck bow as seen on Sharon Stone and Madonna.

My favourite outfit! Olivia Palermo nails it with sexy leather shorts and leopard print pumps. Her choice of breezy white looks classy and effortless.

So where can I get my hands on the perfect Bow Blouse? Mela Purdie has delivered once again! Their range of blouses in stunningly soft Technical Polyester behaves and looks exactly like a silk Charmeuse whilst remaining easy care. And their winter colour range is just divine, I'm thinking the Emerald and the Grape are both essentials...

And the best thing about these gorgeous shirts? I can still wear them with my skinny jeans and biker boots under my favourite blazer! 

You can view the range of Mela Purdie blouses online at www.ImpulseBoutique.com.au/MelaPurdie

Happy Shopping!

Posted by Philippa x

Mela Purdie Exclusive Autumn Winter 2012 Preview

It won't be long and we'll begin to see the new Autumn Winter season clothing arriving in store. It's about this time of year we start getting excited about the delivery of the new Mela Purdie catalogues. They are always beautifully styled and shot and generate a great deal of excitement with both staff and customers alike. Get your wish lists ready ladies, we think this season Mela has hit the nail on the head by delivering an exquisite blend of texture and colour mixed with new on trend pieces and your favourite classics. All in all, a stunning range! Check out some behind the scenes sneak peek below...

*All images care of Mela Purdie

Stay tuned for the arrival of the new catalogue instore and online in the coming weeks. Or download it as a pdf from Impulse Boutique and get your orders in fast!

Happy Shopping!

Posted by Flip xo

Colour Trend- Cobalt Blue

We've been seeing a lot of beautiful bold colours this season, bright hues from acid yellows to lolly pink, and my personal favourite- cobalt blue. Google "Celeb Fashion in Cobalt Blue" and pages of images come up of stars looking stunning in electric blue evening gowns and effortlessly cool in indigo tees matched back with perfect jeans. 

Kate Middleton has been rocking a few knock out blue looks. Perhaps it's because it compliments Di's gorgeous engagement ring so well! The great thing about cobalt is it matches back with black so well as seen on Kate here...

 Claudia Schiffer has got the casual blue jean baby look down pact here. The blue looks great against her blonde hair and when teamed with gold accessories and a tan bag creates a simple but cool outfit...

 So with all these blue hues on my mind I was delighted to see the new Amalfi Stripe come out from Mela Purdie. It's the ulitmate stripe colour combination matched with black and taupe. I'll be rocking the maxi skirt this summer with a crisp white tee, a plaited belt and tan wedges... Or just throwing on a striped top with blue jeans...

 Mela Purdie has also introduced a cobalt blue in their technical polyester Charmeuse fabric. It feels and acts exactly like a silk whilst being low care and crinkle free. This batwing top is perfect for summer parties for day or night. I'm thinking over a black leather mini with a pair of killer heels and a stack of bangles. 

Check it out at  ImpulseBoutique.com.au

Posted by Flip........ xo

Mela Purdie in Shop Till You Drop October 2011

I really enjoy seeing the face behind a label and getting a glimpse of the person who's clothes I wear and covet on a day to day basis. That's why I was delighted to see the article featuring Mela Purdie at home and looking stunning in the October issue of Shop Till You Drop. I think the way she has decorated her home is a reflection of the classic yet modern feel that underlies each and every season of her range. Plus absolutely love each pair of shoes Mela is rocking! Check it out...

 To view Mela's latest collection go to: ImpulseBoutique.com.au/MelaPurdie

Posted by Flip... xo

Finding inspiration for styling a Fashion Shoot

Every three weeks Bec and I set out to create a theme, select outfits, style and shoot a new range of Key Looks for our website ImpulseBoutique.com.au.

 Bec's background is fashion photography (after viewing her portfolio at her interview we were sold instantly!) and together with Jenny (another one of our brilliant stylists) we pull together a new shoot to give our online customers fresh ideas for seasonal inspiration, what's hot right now, ways to wear new pieces and to create beautiful imagery and design.

Our last shoot was on location by the beautiful River Torrens in the Adelaide CBD and featured the stunning Karolina. Our inspiration? Spring racing fashion, feminine and floral and shots of bright colours on bold black and white. For Karolina's make-up we wanted to create a Bridgette Bardot/ 50's classic type feel with a dewy face, rosy cheeks and winged eye-liner. Check out our mood board shots for inspiration...

And a sneak peek of the final shoot....

To view to full shoot and completed 'Key Looks' featuring stunning pieces from Mela Purdie, Andiamo and M.E.L Australia go to:

ImpulseBoutique.com.au

Posted by Flip......... xo

Celeb Style- Travelling in Comfort & Style

Summer holidays are just around the corner so its time to start thinking about your travel wardrobe. At Impulse we have it easy, we have Mela Purdie, the ultimate label for traveling. In fact their motto is "Clothes That Travel with You". Their easy care fabrics that resist creasing and provide maximum comfort are perfect for long haul travel. Which means you arrive in style every time. But who better to look to for travel style than the celebs?

 Miranda Kerr has got it right (really, when doesnt she get it right?) teaming an over-sized scarf with a soft blazer, perfect tee and classic fit jeans. For a low care, smooth and stylish jacket try the Mela Purdie Collared Shell Jacket. It combines tailored lines in a stretch fabric which smartens up your outfit whilst remaining comfortable and warm.

+

 Angelina Jolie oozes effortless style in a over-sized jersey tee over slick black leggings. Try the Mela Purdie Tab Tee and the Mela Purdie Legging. You wont just save this outfit for the plane, it will become a go to look throughout your holiday!

Gwyneth Paltrow looks perfect with her soft wrap matched with a classic jacket and leggings, plus the celeb wardrobe staple- dark sunglasses! There is nothing better on a long flight than to cocoon yourself in your own soft wrap. Who wants to snuggle up in a scratchy airline blanket when you can have cashmere or bamboo cotton against your skin? 

All of these travel essentials are what makes up a small part of the Mela Purdie range. To view the entire collection and pick up more styling ideas check out  Impulse Boutique.

Happy holidays!! xo