Work wear made easy - 7 must have pieces!

It's official, with only two more public holidays between now and Christmas, we're back to work for good! Sometimes the hardest thing about going to work is deciding what to wear every morning - so we've taken the hard work out for you and collected some essential pieces that can be combined in endless ways for effortless comfort and style.

a basic black 3/4 sleeve top

VIGORELLA 3/4 Sleeve Top with Binding $46.00

This is one of those pieces you can't do without. In fact you'll probably want more than one! A surprisingly sophisticated layering piece, this works under basically anything, from dress shirts to tunics to dresses.

a perfect black pant

ANDIAMO Legging Ponti Pant $149.00

Looking at these pants it's quite obvious why we've dubbed them 'essentials'. Perfect cut, perfect rise, perfect fit, and with just enough stretch to be uber comfortable.

a neutral stripe

MELA PURDIE Boat neck top Maxi Stripe $165.00

Add a point of interest to your basic top with a bold stripe pattern in a neutral colour pallette. Pop on the Mela Purdie Vest with Front Folds in chilli for the hottest colour combination this season - beige and chilli.

a classic straight skirt 

MELA PURDIE Mid Double Skirt $195.00


The fantastic thing about this skirt is the marriage of smart tailoring with super comfortable jersey fabric. Featuring two layers of fabric it skims over your shape without clinging.

a variation on the white shirt MELA PURDIE Tunic Flared Charmeuse $325.00 Instead of the traditional button down white shirt, we've picked this stunning silk charmeuse tunic for a soft and feminine take. This tunic is light and loose, and a very flattering skimming shape, beautiful back with a skirt or pants, belted or loose. a pop of colour MELA PURDIE Vest with Front Folds $189.00 Although blacks and neutrals are great, some days you just need a lift! And this drape front vest is perfect for introducing a pop of colour into all of your basic outfits. a lightweight cardigan VIGORELLA Cardi Rib Band $149.00 In a climate controlled environment like the office or classroom, a lightweight cardigan is a must have. This rib cardigan is made from a wool/polyamide blend and is a versatile straight cut with a longer length and a one size fits all design. Perfect for layering and taking the edge off the outdoor chill. WAYS TO WEAR: Here are several styling ideas using just the items listed, but the options really become limitless when you start incorporating your existing statement pieces in with these staples. Mela Purdie, Vigorella and Andiamo are labels that will fit in with your wardrobe easily and become like an old friend you know you can count on time and time again. What are your old faithful work pieces that you'd love to update? Personally I definitely need some black Ponti pants - they look so cosy and comfortable but still polished enough for the office. As someone who lives in leggings on the weekend they're a great alternative for me when tights are too casual but I can't be bothered ironing black pants in the morning! ALSO... Check out our gorgeous new Key Looks collection, with a focus on elegant simplicity, a winter pallette and layering potential. All items (except fur collar) available to buy online at www.impulseboutique.com.au/key-looks Hopefully we've given you some ideas for your work wardrobe! The great thing about all these pieces is that they're so comfortable you won't mind swapping your pyjamas for them in the morning ;) Rebecca x

Australian made fashion - what are we paying for?

Recently I read a really interesting article in the April 2011 issue of Shop Til You Drop called "Why Clothes Cost What They Do" by Jade Warne (p. 105).
I often think about this, and when I've worked in fashion boutiques I have encountered this question time and time again with customers, in many different forms...

"Why is this top $350? I've seen the same sort of thing elsewhere for MUCH cheaper..."
"$100 for a T Shirt? Ridiculous!"
"Oh it's lovely, but the price is crazy. Drop it by $100 and I'd buy it in a second!"

And these questions/statements are fair calls. I wonder these things myself. Why does one top cost 3 times the price of what looks like a very similar design you could find in a chain store?

According to Assia Benmedjdoub, editor of fashion retailer journal Ragtrader, "It's easy to assume that if you can buy a pair of jeans for $20, that must be the true cost of all jeans. The fact is, the number on the tag is linked to different choices fashion labels make throughout the production process." (1)
What does this mean? This means that the $20 pair of jeans is likely made in an offshore factory where materials are cheap and work conditions are questionable to say the least. Whereas say, a $400 pair of jeans made in Australia will likely use high quality fabric which will last for years, manufactured by people, not a machine driven assembly line and workers will be treated ethically. Higher priced garments are often a smaller production run and therefore more exclusive as well.

You also have to think about everything that goes into producing and marketing the products, and all the middlemen that have to be paid. If a designer charges $50 for a pair of jeans, but they have to pay the patternmakers, the machinists, buy the fabric, pay for freight and distribution, pay a photographer and graphic designer and printer to make the catalogue, pay their admin staff... the list goes on... how are they supposed to cover costs?

This article was a real eye-opener for me, and I really wanted to spread the word and try to create an understanding in people. In our consumer culture where you can get something for almost nothing and everything is available online from overseas, I think it's really important to support our local designers.

Two of our favourite Aussie labels are Mela Purdie and Vigorella - combining great design with comfort and quality, both labels have a devoted following. Being devotees ourselves we stock a large range of both labels at Impulse, along with many other Australian fashion labels which we're sure will be favourites soon enough!

(1) Warne, J., 2011, Why Clothes Cost What They Do, Shop Til You Drop, ACP Magazines, Sydney, p.105

Autumn Key Looks #3 fashion shoot/Easter Scarf Giveaway at Impulse online

First of all, we're dying to show you the latest Key Looks shoot. We ventured out into the streets for this one and it really paid off! It was great fun, except the point where I was in the middle of the road taking a photo, a car came and I tried to gracefully skip backwards out of the way and instead did a slow motion stumble backwards and landed flat on my behind on the curb!! At least I provided some entertainment!
The weather was perfect for the shots we were looking for and everything came together so smoothly.
Here are some of the images...

Buy the outfist/Check out the new Key Looks Collection here!

AND last but not least - Our Easter giveaway!!!

To help keep you warm over the Easter break while you're hunting for eggs with the kids at dawn or out and about for the weekend we're going to give away a FREE SCARF valued at approximately $50 with every order over $250 placed online between Monday April 11 and Wednesday April 20!! And of course you get your free express shipping too :) 

There is heaps of new stock online to choose from including the new Vigorella Viscose basics collection - made from a super soft viscose blend jersey fabric in classic Vigorella layering designs this collection is a new level of comfort and ease of wear. 

Posted by Rebecca x

Key Looks: Concept/Styling - Jenny and Rebecca

Photography - Rebecca

Model - Philippa

Channeling Gisele's pregnant style...

This time last year I was 30 weeks pregnant. It was around that time that my belly really started expanding and for the first time during my pregnancy I attempted to go clothes shopping. Not for baby. For me. What a fun little exercise that was! It seems at nearly 8 months in, your clothes dont fit you like they used to. Fancy that. 

Luckily it was also around this time a lovely friend sent me some pictures of a pregnant Gisele Bunchden. Why dont you channel her mumma style, she asked? Gisele's supermodel effortless style was hot. On her, all i could see was her cool boots, great jacket and amazing hair. Sigh...

rockin it, baby bump and all...

Uber cool

If you recall last winter we were all wearing a lot of slick panelled leggings, jackets with strong peaked shoulders and oversized rock tees. All of which work for the pregnancy wardrobe. Stretchy leggings can sit under my bump, a power jacket doesnt need to be buttoned to make a statement and oversized anything works for me. Thank you Gisele for showing me the way.

This winter I am belting my military coat at the waist and enjoying some sleeker silhouettes. But then again, I've found myself going back to my comfy favourites and reinvesting. In particular my Mela Purdie Zipper Leggings and my favourtie one-size-fits-all designer, Vigorella. A good basic can never be underestimated. And now that shopping expiditions can be quite an adventure with a 10 month old, I take the easy option and pick it all up from my favourite online boutiques. Now if you'll excuse me, my baby is asleep and I have a winter wardrobe to buy!

Posted by Philippa xo

My Pick - The top 5 new accessories in store

This wouldn't be a fashion blog if we didn't talk about every girl's best friend - the trusty accessory. Be it belt, bag, jewellery or scarf, accessories are such an easy way to transform your wardrobe and stay on-trend. 

Here is my top 5 list of accessories new to Impulse Boutique online for Autumn/Winter:

1. STUDDED SHOULDER BAG

$158.00

Carry your whole life in this fantastic black shoulder bag! Featuring small leatherette discs applied with small silver studs on the front and a clean back with zipper pocket, this will add edge to any outfit. Practical and stylish you will fit everything you need in here.

purchase online HERE

2. CIRCLE WORKS BELT

$97.00

A classic wide belt with bright, shiny ring buckle, perfect for adding a touch of bling to your outfit and streamlining your shape. Textured leather in Black, Charcoal and Taupe.

purchase online HERE

3. CHAIN DRAPE NECKLACE

$39.00

Edgy yet elegant, this necklace is one of our favourites at Impulse. Featuring lengths of thin chain in different metal tones and larger chain across top with suede tassels. Make this the focus of your outfit by pairing with simple pieces and clean lines. Perfect with patent leather accessories for an evening out. You + this necklace + red lippy = irresistible!

purchase online HERE

4. ZIP BELT WITH STUDS

$42.00

Great for comfortably cinching in your favourite outfit, this one-size belt with wide elastic band offers a touch of edginess to your wardrobe.

purchase online HERE

5. MCBEAL SCARF

$159.00

A cosy shrug/scarf made from 60% Acrylic, 30% Mohair and 10% Wool this piece will be a handy throwover with any outfit when the chill gets to you! Features a drape front and cable knit pattern. Looks great worn underneath a jacket and peeking over the collar. Available in black and grey.

purchase online HERE

There you have it! Easy and affordable wardrobe pick-me-ups with a little bit of edge and elegance. Speaking of edge and elegance, check out our new Key Looks Collection starring the lovely Philippa. Featuring outfits for all occasions and a bounty of textures including knits, mesh, lace, leather, memory yarn, fine ponte and soft jersey... Let us take you from day to night with elegant and versatile pieces that will complement your unique style.

Happy Accessorising!

xo Impulse Boutique xo

Photographed and posted by Rebecca, Key Looks styled by Jenny and Rebecca, modelled by Philippa

Hello Autumn, you're back already?

Yes ladies it's true, Autumn is here. I don't think Summer's heart was really in it this season, she didn't stay for too long! But I really don't mind... I'm a cold weather person, not only because the heat makes me feel like a suffocating fish out of water, but also because I love winter fashion. I mean, really - what's not to like? The rich colours, sumptuous fabrics, cosy layers, hats, scarves, boots, tights... and (my achilles heel) statement coats.

We just finished photographing the first Key Looks collection for March at Impulse head office, and I have to say I wanted to take home everything! I instantly fell in love with the comfy, slouchy knits and military inspired colour palette.

Ok - this one I'm definitely taking home. I know that armed with this jumper I can face anything an Adelaide winter will throw at me. I love the burnt orange colour, and the cosy roll neck is so inviting. I'm also loving the curved hem feature which I've seen pop up all over the place in knitwear this season, and it's long enough to wear over leggings! Ultimate comfort...

INTARSIA MELBOURNE

Curved Hem Large Knit Dress

$254.00

PAKO LITTO

Long Sleeve Roll Neck Dress

$130.00

MELA PURDIE

Legging
$175.00


available for purchase here

Although it's been doing the rounds for a while now, military style has once again been refreshed for A/W 11. This season's military has a softer feel in comfortable jerseys, floating silks and loose knitwear in tones of khaki and mud. What I love about this outfit is the easy layering without bulk, and it's on-trend whilst being wearable for women of all ages.




PAKO LITTO
Cape Vest with Stud Pockets
$194.00

INTARSIA
Curved Hem Sweater
$230.00


MELA PURDIE
Long Cargo Pant
$265.00

available for purchase here

So now that I've gone on about how keen I am for the change of season, let me tell you about the other thing I'm really excited about - the Warehouse 9 Popup Sale.. and it's happening next week!! For all you lovely Adelaide people, your favourite fashion retailers are banding together to hold the greatest sale of the summer! IMPULSE will be there, along with Whistles, Karibu, Shop Five, TuYu and others, and prices will be irresistible.

  

Location: "The Banana Room" Building

                  125 Melbourne Street

                  North Adelaide, SA

Time:        10 March at 16:00 - 12 March at 18:00

for full event details and to RSVP on facebook click here

So, will we see you there? I hope so!

XX

Posted by Rebecca, Key Looks: styled by Jenny and Rebecca, photographed by Rebecca, modelled by Philippa

Layering Classic Styles with Seasonal Directional Pieces

Creative layering is a great way how to keep your look updated and fresh all year long. With Vigorella, you can experiment as little or as much as you like to create the perfect look for you. No wonder that Vigorella is one of Impulse Boutique's top selling designers, both online and instore.

 Think about the colour scheme and look you would you like to achieve

 This season, choose the chilli, cashew or black to mantain a classic look, or embrace the brooding storm, luxurious latte or playful platinum for a bit of change.

Handpicked item:

Geometric Cowl Neck Tank Dress

Vigorella

$129.00

Ask Her Where She Got It?

Online Vigorella Stockist: http://www.impulseboutique.com.au/products/designer/vigorella

Shop: 127 Melbourne Street / North Adelaide / 08 8239 0973

posted by Jana

Which one is your favourite? Click on each outfit to find out more

 

Styling: Simone and Rebecca, photography: Jenny, model: Philippa

Posted by Jana

Colour Your World...

After an unseasonably cool start to summer it looks like the sun is finally here to stay, and with the warmer weather comes a desire to ditch the black in our wardrobes for something a little more fun. Luckily designers have had a collective love affair with exciting colours and patterns this summer so there is something for everyone - whether you are a Shrinking Violet after a subtle hue or soft pattern, or a Bird of Paradise comfortable in the brightest, most outrageous prints!

The on-trend colours this season are fantastically bright pinks, orange, lime, yellow, aquamarine, sky blue... basically if you need sunglasses to look at it, it's in!

Christian Dior SS11

Fendi SS11

Lanvin SS11

 Designers also went crazy for prints this summer and threw away the rulebook on wearing pattern. Anything goes - leopard with zebra with spots, stripes, painterly prints, seventies geometrics, wallpaper inspired patterns, even fruit made it onto the runways!

Stella McCartney SS11

Gareth Pugh SS11

Missoni SS11

Of course this is all very fun on the runway... but how do we mere mortals introduce colour without looking like a Warhol crossed with a Picasso? My advice is keep your tried and true neutrals as a base and add a pop of colour with a bright top or accessory, or choose a softly patterned garment in a more wearable colour palette. 

These pieces from Impulse Boutique are a great way to add colour and pattern without backtracking into psychadelia... 

MELA PURDIE

DROP FRONT CARDI

$229.00

Simple and elegant, this colour looks great with soft beige or charcoal, or team it with some cool white pants and nude accessories.

DAVID

GHOST SLIP IN BLACK/GREY SPOT

$189.00

See spots with this sheer sleeveless tunic by David. Brighten it up with bold accessories and throw a nude trench or cardi over the top to take you through the cooler months. You can also add a subtle hint of colour by layering brights underneath.

LOUNGE APPAREL

STRAIGHT CRUSH TUNIC

$179.00

If you want colour AND pattern then look no further - this gorgeous silk tunic by Lounge Apparel offers a subtle answer to the big and bold florals seen on the catwalk, and is a perfect trans-seasonal layering piece.

For more mood-lifting pieces check out the Impulse Boutique online store, open 24/7!

Posted by Rebecca

Head to Impulse Boutique's Fan Page for your chance to win a great Riley Burnett Necklace!

Click here