episode 31
“Fashion and family focused”
with Anthea O’Connor
Anthea O’Connor (Fashion Stylist)
@antheaoconnor
For a lot of women, fashion is fun. It’s an opportunity to showcase who you are through what you wear. For other women, it can fall to the bottom of the priority pile for financial reasons or simply because there can be an overwhelming pressure that the women that wears the garment, has to fit within the marketed idea that fashion is for the beautiful, and a lot of the time, for the youthful.
So we speak to Anthea O’Connor who has spent her career weaving fashion in many forms in with her family life. A committed 10 years at Vogue Australia, to TV Presenter for fashion shows such as “What Not to Wear” on 7 Network and ‘The Circle” on Network Ten, and now an established Fashion Stylist. We talk about the evolution of fashion within her life as she evolves as a woman, and how the juggle of committing to a full-time career in fashion changed with the juggle of raising a family. How does a woman keep connected to who they are in each era of their lives, by what they wear? And how does a woman who continues to evolve, stay confident with their fashion, in a world where youth and beauty remains the aspiration?
"When we get dressed and feel our best, we put the best version of ourselves out there, so clothes and what you wear really does play a central role in how we present ourselves to the world."
TOP TIPS:
Anthea’s Top Tips:
You have to get it on the body! If you can’t go instore and are purchasing online, try and order in two sizes to do a fitting at home. Make sure to check return/refund policy first, then return the size that doesn’t fit. Many things look different online than on your body!
Statistically, you wear only 20% of your wardrobe, 80% of the time. So try to put aside a window of time to review what you have, to downsize and see the gaps that you’re missing to make a cohesive wardrobe.
Buy less, but by better! Buying lots of cheaper items eventually adds up. It’s better to buy quality pieces that last a lifetime and that can do minimum 2 to 3 different outfits!
White T-Shirts! Find one you like and buy 3 of them.
What service does a Stylist like Anthea provide a client?
Wardrobe Audit: go through with a stylist your current wardrobe top to bottom and work out where you want to be and what idea do you have of what you would like to start wearing?
Gap Items: Once you have done a wardrobe edit together, a Stylist will help you find the gap items and create a detailed list of what they think you need. Gap items are items that can work in with what you have, but refresh them and make them into a new look to reinvigorate a look.
Retail Time: Go shopping together. Get it on the body. Try new brands in store and together narrow down what’s working for you, from the gap items list previously created.
Online Research/Resource list: Anthea provides a detailed list of online brands, websites and items she recommends that she has had good experience with their exchange and returns policies, so you can continue to purchase what you need knowing it works for you!
At Home Styling Session: Time at home trying on everything you have sourced together, so Anthea can show you how all the elements work together, how to mix and match options and understanding event outfits – Saturday sport casual, daily smart casual, formal, black tie!
Anthea’s Favourite White Tee’s:
1. Assembly Relaxed Tee - like the sleeve length and shape and price on this one!
2. This Charlotte tshirt at Dissh is a great shape, has a good neckline and I like that it is off white.
Anthea’s Top 5 Must Haves Wardrobe Staples:
A great pair of jeans - Lots of different price points out there, you don’t need the $500 jeans in the current silhouette. Denim is the one seasonal update that can transform your overall wardrobe, so it is worth investing in if it is your one spend.
A well cut blazer – Anthea loves an oversized man style silhouette. Great with denim and tailored pants.
A good white t-shirt
Great sneakers and a fab pair of statement flats. It is THE season of the statement flat - so much to choose from , from ballet flats, to Mary Janes, to loafers. Anthea loves local brand A Emery.
A pair of wide leg tailored pants - these are your high rotation item, great with a white tshirt, trench and trainers for day or a dialled up for dinner with a fab top, heels and blazer.
ANTHEA’S WEBSITE:
READ:
Anthea’s Interview with Total Balance
OTHER PODCASTS:
Adore Beauty – Bite Sized Beauty – Timeless: Fashion for over 40