Blog | Uniqueischic

Spring Stripes!

2 min read

Stripes are de rigueur for Spring!

From shirts, tops, vests, dresses to trousers, stripes are everywhere!

I've zoomed in on a striped shirt as it's such a versatile piece and much easier to style than you might think. Plus, there may well be a striped shirt lurking in the back of your wardrobe crying out to be worn :-)

There are many ways to wear a striped shirt other than with black trousers or jeans. Lets take a look..

Here are some ways to style a striped shirt:

Under a Dress:

Layer your striped shirt underneath a loose-fitting dress.

Choose a colourful or printed dress to spice up your outfit.

Wear With Like Colors:

The colour of the striped shirt should match with bottoms of the same hue as seen in the Style File above - the trousers have a small blue design on them which connects to the blue stripe on the shirt.

This creates an instantly cohesive and effortless look.

Mix With Prints and Colors:

Don’t be afraid to mix and match prints.

Pair stripes with a plaid design that has similar tones. Pastel colours work well for this combination.

Layer It Up:

Combine stripes with other patterns, like camo. Love the cargo skirt above.

Layer a Sweater Vest on top for these cold temps.

Stripes on stripes create depth and visual interest.

Mix different prints for a bold ensemble.

Make It All Stripes:

Proclaim your love for stripes by wearing two different striped pieces. Stick to the same coloured stripe for lets say a blue striped shirt and blue striped trousers where the size of the stripes are different on top and bottom. Classic!

I hope these tips have inspired you in some way, now go earn your stripes!

Thanks for taking the time to read.

Orla xx

Cosy Cardigans!

2 min read

Ever wonder where the word cardigan originated? Well, I can tell you.. It has an interesting origin!

The word “cardigan” was first used in 1868. It is named after James Thomas Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan!

It is modelled after the knitted wool waistcoat that British officers supposedly wore during the war.

Cardigans are cool again as can be seen on all the cool gang during fashion week. The humble cardigan is a street style staple.

It's a trans-seasonal piece due to it's versatility in layering. I wear one over a polo, T-shirt and or a shirt. As the weather is so unpredictable these days you need to be ready to go from the depths of winter to blazing sunshine in a matter of minutes!

In the Style File above i've selected my favourite cardigans from Thriftify (www.thriftify.ie)

There is amazing secondhand and vintage bargains to be found and not just on cardigans. It's an Aladdin's cave full of designer clothes just waiting for their next fashionable owner.

Style your cardigan by day with high-waisted, wide-leg pants and a platform sneaker. Come evening, just open the top button and add a chunky gold chain and a pair of kitten heels.

A little vest top underneath and some sandals for when the weather decides to improve. I always pack a cardigan for holidays as being a cold creature i like to have something light with me in case the wind changes!

I've mixed secondhand cardigans with new bits here as inspiration. I wear a mix of secondhand/vintage/new. Ever since i was a teenager i've worn second-hand clothes - I fondly remember all those trips to Crown Alley with my hard earned wages rummaging around for a bargain and a standout from the crowd piece :-)

Never came home empty handed!

Caring for your knitwear can be an adventure, to say the least. It is akin to tending to a finicky feline. You must use the softly softly approach. Basically, be nice to your knitwear and it will be nice back!

A few simple steps to follow:

Fold don't hang on a hanger - the lumpy shoulders will be there forever (speaking from experience)
Hand wash - painful, i know, but it's better than ending up with doll clothes (again, speaking from experience)
Air dry flat - have to admit this is painful as it's soaking wet (like, wth) so i dry in the bath or if you're lucky to have underfloor heating then dry on the floor (you're welcome, genius i am)
Moth holes - eww sorry but has to be included as they still exist. Get some cedar balls and stick in with your knits.
Remove the pesky bobbles - buy a tool as fingernails do not work and who has the patience for that!?

This is a good one:

https://www.lenehans.ie/gleener-fabric-shaver-bobble-remover.html

I'll leave you with some Cardigan lyrics for the theme that's in it.

And when I felt like I was an old cardigan 
Under someone's bed
You put me on and said I was your favorite

Let's hope Tay Tay used Cedar balls!!

Thanks for reading and have a cosy day!

Orla xx

Corpcore - A New Hybrid!

3 min read

Corpcore - what is it and why is every fashion trend these days ending with the word CORE?

A few examples of "the cores" are: cowboycore, barbiecore, gorpcore, corpcore, craftcore. Like, what the hell!

Will any of these strengthen your core though, asking for a Gen X friend?

Essentially, at it's core (ahem) the Corpcore trend involves mixing traditional corporate workwear with more casual pieces.

It's about finding the perfect balance between professionalism and comfort.

Hobbling around the office in high heels and uncomfortable clothes is no fun so I'm all for this trend.

Having recently gone back to the office myself I've noticed there is an uptick in this trend whether it's intentional or not. It's a mashup of hybrid working and hybrid fashion. I think we need a new CORE - hybridcore ;-)

Also, with the cost of living crisis people don't want to fork out for separate wardrobes for office /WFH/life.

Here are some of my tips on how to incorporate Corpcore into your wardrobe:

Power Blazer:

A blazer is quintessential to your workwear wardrobe. It’s timeless, versatile, and pulls together any outfit.

Opt for oversized or a cropped cut in a neutral colour and also a bright pop of colour or bold print.

A t-shirt underneath and some funky accessories and you're done.

Blazers are always aplenty in charity shops both storefront and online if you are looking for a bargain. Try thriftify.ie or ebay.ie

In the Corpcore Style Files in this post I've selected pieces that are interchangeable and long lasting while also lowering your cost per wear. Plus, you can wear them outside work too. Bonus!

Tailored Trousers:

In the world of Corpcore we say "see ya" to the traditional trouser suit and pencil skirt and welcome newer more on trend styles. I'm talking about wide leg trousers, preferably high waisted. Comfortable and sophisticated styles.

The pencil skirt is still knocking about but with a twist. Instead of grey/black/beige and straight down, we're looking at more modern cuts like pleated skirts, skirts with buckles and wrap skirts. A belt as a skirt in the office is a major faux pas though!

It's all about the comfort. I adore the green set below and paired with a navy t-shirt and a pair of clean white trainers, it's Corpcore at it's finest.

Dapper Dresses:

The dress has to be multifunctional, casual and comfortable. Keep it to a midi/long length so it's still corporate friendly. You don't want HR to email the Dress Code Policy directly to you!

Add a thin belt to define your waist.

A pair of clean trainers, loafers or a kitten heel compliment the Corpcore trend perfectly. No stilettos over here unless that's how you roll, of course.

Add some gorgeous elegant accessories and a sleek tote that fits your must have snacks.

Chic Shirts and Trendy Tops:

The classic white shirt is here to stay but with a more elevated twist. Look for shirts with ruffles, bell sleeves or a nice tuxedo style. There is a nod to androgynous and asymmetrical styles.

Scalloped lace blouses and silk shirts are also trés Corpcore.

Add a rugby shirt and some chunky gold earrings.