THE LOOK

Back to basics

You’ve probably asked yourself this question at one point – ‘Why did I buy that?’ Turns out, we’re all victims to trends and impulse purchases. Here, former editor-in-chief of Vogue Australia, Kirstie Clements, gives us some of her top tips for curating a stylish, timeless wardrobe.

Text extracts from Why Did I Buy That? by Kirstie Clements, Murdoch Books, RRP $32.99.

It’s all in the edit

Fashion stylists and designers often talk about wardrobe foundations – the key pieces that every woman needs to cover every occasion. When I see a list in a magazine or on social media, I always have a quick skim to see if there’s a new addition I might have missed, like a quilted orange cape, or silver platform rainboots. But, no, the classics seem to have pretty much remained the classics, so it’s worth doing a rundown of the top 12 so we know we are on the right path.

A tailored blazer: In black, navy or a neutral, such as sand or khaki, a smart blazer will pull any outfi t together and can even be worn over workout gear. Current styles are a little bit oversized and boxy, for ease of movement. I am currently eyeing one in teal blue velvet for some added drama.

Jeans: High waisted seems to be a defi ning trend now, either straight legged or loose fi t. Warning: high waist and loose fi t is heading into mom jeans, so is probably better left to the young. High waisted and straight is a great look with a heel and a jacket at any age.

White shirt: You can’t have too many. Oversized man’s style is a good option. Looks great over jeans or black leggings.

Leggings: Ah, the legging. They are such a modern, comfortable, versatile option, at any age. Wear them with a big white shirt, or with a T-shirt and a longer line blazer.

The trench: A neat khaki trench coat is a nobrainer – a bit of French-inspired cool with a utilitarian edge. And pockets!

A soft knit: A roomy black, grey or camel sweater is always appropriate, night and day. The short sleeve sweater is also a great cross-seasonal piece. Very chic and great over a long-sleeved shirt. Suit: A well-cut suit is another timeless solution piece. Black is the obvious option and will double as a tuxedo for more formal events if you add jewels and heels. White is also a gorgeous choice if you can bear the dry cleaning. The jacket and pants can also be worn separately, of course, to make more outfi t options; a cream jacket with jeans is a smart look for lunch or a dinner date.

Dress: Choose any style that suits your fi gure. It might be a silky slip dress (wear a sweater, cardigan or trench with it), A-line, a sack dress with puffy sleeves, a sheath, a button-through shirt-waister, or a tunic. I bought a new one this week – mid length and with long voluminous sleeves, which are edged with a band of striking yellow fl uoro trim to add interest. And with, joy of joy, pockets.

T-shirt: A silky black T-shirt will work with everything. A key wardrobe essential.

Mid-length skirt: Current styles are wrapped and A-line, but again, go with the cut that suits your body shape. I am currently mad about biascut slip skirts with elastic waists – I have them in metallic silver, navy silk and pink sequinned. I love them worn casually with a cotton shirt and a sneaker.

Hoodie: This is a newish foundation piece, but casual loungewear and sportswear feel like they are here to stay. Make it cashmere for the ultimate in casual luxe.

The oversized comfy cardigan: Chunky, ribbed or textured, the grandpa cardigan is key to easy weekend style.

There are your basic perfect 12. Then again, I don’t wish to be too militant; there is room to be playful. This might be the moment to throw in some insanity. I need to discuss my new lime green patio pants.

Sam shirt $299 $299

Saba Saba

Ramona jacket $329 Sportscraft

Classic straight jeans $139.95 rollasjeans.com

Don’t waste your money on …

(from previous page)

Like every woman I know, I have been steered in the wrong direction by the general seasonal hysteria and have spent many hard-earned dollars on items that were not worth the investment. I’ve learnt by trial and error that not everything in a wardrobe needs to be costly. In fact, you can look a million dollars on a budget. Here’s what not to spend money on:

Cheap jewellery: A stylist friend mentioned she’d been working with lots of cheap, chain store jewellery on a shoot. ‘It was literally falling to pieces in my hands as I unpacked it and moved it from the table to the model’s neck,’ she lamented. This is a terrible waste of resources, for so many reasons. One missing diamante and your $60 necklace becomes little more than landfi ll in a second. One or two pieces of handmade or investment jewellery will go much further and become a very personal signature, even if it’s just a simple pair of silver hoop earrings, pearl studs or a gold locket. Expensive white or cream silk shirts: A white linen or cotton shirt is fi ne – they’re machine washable and bleach nicely – but silk, forget it. Inexplicable yellow stains will quickly appear under the arms and around the collar, even if the blouse is just sitting in the wardrobe. Save yourself the inevitable and expensive dry-cleaning bills and buy it in a more practical colour.

Designer jeans: Jeans should be chosen for fi t rather than fashionability. If they look good on you, who cares what the label is? My favourite low-cost denim is dark blue from Uniqlo (the Japanese are masters with denim: they put in just enough stretch without them becoming the dreaded ‘jegging’). Women should try on ‘men’s’ jeans too, and vice versa, for extra options. There is no reason to be gender specifi c or brand snobbish.

Top-to-toe trends that don’t suit you: A more cost-effective way to shop is to spend money on single pieces that you really love and will want to pull out time and time again. A patterned silk coat, an embroidered bomber jacket, a gold loafer, a frothy printed blouse – they all become personal statements that you can wear and enjoy for decades.

Pricey lipstick: Yes, there is something highly satisfying about the look and smell of an expensive lipstick and the click of a quality case closing, but, once lipstick is applied, who would know the brand? I chased a woman down in a restaurant once after admiring her gorgeous deep wine lipstick and she admitted it was a discontinued colour by Maybelline she had found on a sale table. I then raided Priceline and bought every one they had left in that shade, so I’m now sorted until 2027.

Something you’re only going to wear once:

At one time or another we all have to buy something specifi c, perhaps a formal dress or a suit for a wedding, black tie event or ceremony. But don’t then let it hang in the cupboard gathering dust – wear it out, literally. If it’s a long dress, wear it later with sneakers and a leather jacket; break up the corporate suit and wear the jacket with shorts, the pants with a silk blouse. Don’t save clothes for ‘best’; aim for best every day.

Top 5 beauty must-haves for spring!

OVER 35 YEARS OF HELPING CANBERRA FEEL BETTER Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture WE DO TELEPHONE, SKYPE AND VIDEO CONSULTATIONS Cushion $85 Eliminate illness. Address the underlying cause of your poor health, not just the symptoms. Mecca Cosmetica

Senior commercial editor at Are Media and former beauty director at Gritty Pretty Magazine, Erin Cook shares with CW journo Abbey Halter her spring must-haves!

“When spring hits, I sub out my winter moisturiser for a quick-absorbing lightweight gel formula. This Dr. Dennis Gross one is a little pricey but very good and not at all sticky.”

Hydra Cheek Tint and

Not Sure if We Can Help? Call our Practitioners to ask about your Condition Illuminating Balm Duo $45 Mecca Cosmetica “My skin can look a bit fl at after winter but Specialising in Healthy Immune Systems | Healthy Digestive Systems | Healthy Nervous Systems Treatments are unique to each patients needs cream blush and highlighter always helps.”

Luke Clews

“Alpha-H Liquid “These selfGold is the closest tanning drops thing I’ve found to are a great way a facial in a bottle. to give your Thanks to fi ve per complexion a cent glycolic acid, lift and colourit dissolves dead correct any skin cells while redness. I add a you sleep which few drops to my helps minimise moisturiser in the visible signs the evening and of sun damage, wake up with a ageing and subtle golden blemishes.” glow.”

• Psoriasis, Eczema,

Dermatitis and Acne • Anxiety/Depression • Insomnia • Hay Fever • Sinusitis • Asthma • Allergy Detection

Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops 50+ serum in medium $47 $40 ultraviolette.com.au Mecca Cosmetica

• Constipation • Diarrhea • IBS • Kid’s Health • Poor immunity • ADD, ADHD • Headaches/Migraines • Tired/Lethargy

• Chronic Fatigue • Glandular Fever • Auto Immune Disease • Menopause • Arthritis • Chronic Diseases • Therapeutic Massage • Bowen Technique safe | non-invasive | effective LET OUR TEAM HELP, CALL US ON 6295 6660 49 Jardine Street, Kingston ACT | kingstonnaturaltherapies.com.au

“Sunscreen is the best and most effective anti-ageing treatment, especially if you’re in your late 20s like me. Ultra Violette Guy Clews

Queen Screen sits under makeup really well.” CWM19577-V44

The colder months are an ideal time to have your varicose veins assessed and treated by the dedicated team of experts at The Vein Institute. “Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic issue,” says Dr Zil Yassine (pictured). Vein conditions can potentially lead to more severe complications if left untreated.

Step into spring with the legs of your dreams

Are you ready to say goodbye to varicose veins? At The Vein Insitute, Dr Zil Yassine and his expert and dedicated team treat varicose veins without surgery – which means no invasive procedures and no hospital stay! The colder months are the ideal time to explore treatment options for varicose veins so you can step into spring with the legs of your dreams.

Dr Yassine says varicose veins affect around 30% of the Australian population.

While some view varicose veins as ‘just a cosmetic concern’, Dr Yassine says this is not the case for everyone.

“Varicose veins can potentially lead to more severe complications if left untreated,” he says.

Varicose veins can occur when your vein valves are not functioning properly. Faulty or weak one-way valves will allow blood to fl ow backwards and collect in your vein, which will eventually lead to the swollen, twisted looking veins.

Dr Yassine says veins are an integral part of the circulation system, taking de-oxygenated blood back to the heart, which is why vein conditions should always be taken seriously.

“Issues with your veins are likely linked to poor blood circulation and could therefore lead to health concerns related to your heart and lungs.”

He says the signs and symptoms of varicose veins can include: pain, itching or heaviness in the legs; burning, throbbing or muscle cramping; pain that intensifi es after long periods sitting or standing; and chronic swelling in the lower legs or ankles.

“It’s important to treat varicose veins in a timely manner to minimise the risk of developing other health issues,” Dr Yassine says.

“Each individual is different; however, there are some cases where, over time, circulation may become worse and cause changes in the colour and texture of the legs.

“For some patients, if varicose veins are left untreated for too long, they can cause swelling in the legs and pigmentation of the skin. In rare cases, they can even cause ulcers.”

What are the treatment options?

Now, for the good news! While the most commonly known treatment for varicose veins involves the surgical ‘stripping’ of the affected veins, which often requires a hospital stay and a lengthy recovery period, The Vein Institute can do it all with a minimally invasive procedure – no hospital required, and you’ll be in and out in under 45 minutes!

The Vein Institute uses the latest technological treatments for varicose veins and their personalised treatment plans have a 98% success rate.

The Vein Institute’s doctors use the latest technology from the USA and Europe to treat the veins using techniques such as sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation and medical superglue. • Sclerotherapy works to close damaged veins by injecting them with sclerosing agent, guided into place using ultrasound imagery. Once the damaged veins are closed, the body re-routes blood fl ow to other functioning veins and the treated veins disappear within a few weeks. • Medical superglue is another minimally invasive procedure that treats varicose veins by gluing them shut using medical adhesives.

Similar to sclerotherapy, it seals the vein shut and the blood is re-routed to other healthy veins. • The Vein Institute also uses state-of-theart laser technology to treat varicose veins through what’s known as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The affected vein is located using ultrasound technology, a catheter is inserted through a tiny incision and laser energy is used to heat the vein and seal it shut. Again, the closed vein will eventually disappear, and the blood will make its way back to the heart through other healthy veins. Dr Yassine says the sensation of the laser treatments can be likened to that of a blood test or an injection, with many patients opting to read a book or magazine during the procedure – you can even request to hear your favourite songs! To decide which treatment is right for you, your doctor at The Vein Insitute will see you for an initial consultation where they will perform an ultrasound and create a personalised treatment plan.

Most treatment plans will include a combination of treatments carried out over a few appointments. All patients are provided with a post-care pack, which includes compression stockings that only need to be worn for a few days, compared with weeks or months post-surgery.

Once you’ve completed your sessions, your doctor will perform a fi nal ultrasound to ensure the treatments have been effective.

All treatments at The Vein Insitute are performed in a private medical clinic, with COVID-19 protocols in place to ensure patient comfort and safety. Medicare rebates apply and Medipay payment plans are available.

Contact the team today to book your initial consultation with one of the The Vein Institute’s vein specialists and get ready to say goodbye to varicose veins!

Barton Specialist Clinic Level 2, 9/3 Sydney Avenue, Barton @theveininstitute T 1300 535 017 E info@theveininstitute.com.au W theveininstitute.com.au