When I was growing up I was reliably informed by an elderly relative that the colour black was only for funerals.
Over the years I’ve struggled with black because of this deep seated aversion which brings up sepulchral visions for me, and yet black suits me well and I always feel great in it.
It’s slimming – tick
It’s smart – tick
It’s pretty much suitable for any occasion (except perhaps a wedding) – tick

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Inexpensive Fashion
This season, monochrome is back in, so I’m told, and when Millers kindly supplied me with a clothing voucher I was keen to see what I could come up with for $150 and decided to stick with black. white and grey which meant that I was able to essentially put two looks together for $158 – only $8 over budget for 6 items. Bloomin’ marvellous I thought!
The first item that caught my eye because it’s getting chilly in these here parts was a black and white Melton Coat (size 10). It’s lined and really comfy to wear. I found it marked down from $60 to $40 which I thought was quite a bargain.
I teemed it up with a pair of regular slim, Ponte Pants in black, $20 (size 10), which feel like a second skin and are super easy to wear, although I know I’ll always need a long top with them to hide my tum.
To go under the coat I found a pink/grey floral 3/4 sleeve T-shirt (size 12) for $25, and then as I was making my way to the change rooms I spotted a tile print scarf also in pinky greys that was marked down from $15 to $8 which I can throw on in colder weather.
Boots were next and a pair of Amy Mid Wedge Gold ankle boots caught my eye which were marked down from $50 to $25 and are so comfortable to wear – they’ll be a staple item of my wardrobe this winter.
Finally I brushed past something really soft. It felt luxurious to touch and I slipped it on over the T-shirt and Pants, and just had to buy it. A Zig-Zag Stitch Feather Poncho in black and white for $40.
Fashionable gear that won’t break the bank
Millers’ philosophy is that ‘women of a certain age’ should be able to look stylish while always feeling comfortable, and the clothes I bought the other day are testimony to that.
I was so honoured to be featured on the Miller’s Blog recently and they put together a lovely clothes story board to suit my style – I wonder if you’ll relate to their choices too? Why not take a look, here : Miller’s Blog
If you’d like to ‘get this look‘ have a squizz at the online store here …
or visit a store near you. I’m not sure how much longer these items will be in stock, but I’m sure you’ll find something else you like.
Want to Win a $50 clothing Voucher from Millers?
Entry Conditions
To Enter
- Show a bit of love and follow Lifestyle Fifty on Facebook.
- In the comments section tell me :ย What are your biggest fashion concerns or questions about style.
- You can write up to 3 different comments. The comment (picked by an outside adjudicator) as the best will be the winner.
- Consider signing up to Lifestyle Fiftyโs free Newsletter (link at top in sidebar) โ you know youโll love it
- Spam comments will be deleted. Unverifiable persons will not be considered.
- Closing Date for entries is 20th May 2015
Terms and Conditions
- The name of the promotion is Lifestyle Fifty Millers $50 Gift Voucher Giveaway 2015.
- Other conditions of entry are as stated in points 1-6 above.
- Entries close 5pm May 20th, 2015, Perth, Australia time.ย Comments submitted after this time will not be considered for the giveaway.
- This is a game of skill.
- The Winners will be notified viaย email.
- The results of the giveaway will be published on this site.
- Prize is not redeemable for cash.
- Sorry Giveaway is open for Australian residents only
Disclaimer : I’m a Millers’ affiliate and I received a gift voucher for the clothes featured in this post.
This competition is now closed: Winners, Sue and Ingrid have been notified by email.
My biggest fashion concern is I must remember I’m not in my 20’s any more and now a mother of 3 to not embarrass the kids by my outfits ๐
Haha Karen, I know, they can be supremely embarassable can’t they! But if we wear what truly suits us, I don’t think we should let it worry us – too much ๐
Only working part time, my biggest style question is what items could I buy which would enable me to dress up and look corporate on my work days but which I could also use in a more casual and fun way on the days I don’t work. I’d really love to have more clothes that are versatile enough for both work and non work days. I think the above poncho could be a winner in this regard!
I think the poncho could be a winner, Ingrid – it’s soft and comfy for non work days, non crease for easy wear work days and can be worn for warmth or as a little bit of jazz-up! I shall look into your quandary though and try and come up with some useful ideas.
Some necklines at the moment tend to be too low for me, I don’t like to show the world my bosom or cleavage and the same goes for dress hemlines, too short. Why not adopt the same pants principle for dress hemlines: short, regular and long.
I think that would be a great idea Kazzie. I don’t know why designers don’t do that.
Looking gorgeous Jo. I’ve been after a pair of ponte pants myself. I was hoping I might find some that had the ability to suck your tummy in at the same time but I like your idea of finding a longer top to hide this. $20 is a great price, I might need to head in and case these myself.
My tummy is beyond hope Raych! Thank goodness for long tops and Millers who understand;) Go! You might well like ๐
My biggest fashion concern is short dresses on plus size figures. If only stylists would add longer length skirts to plus size dresses, ladies would look so much more elegant.
That’s an observation I haven’t thought about Lorraine, and although I think everyone should have the choice to decide what suits them best lengthwise, I do think designers should at least make two, or several length options available. Great point! Thanks for commenting ๐
My biggest fashion concerns are looking fun (not frumpy!) without looking like “mutton dressed as lamb”!
Yes, great point. I think it’s a dilemma many of us face, Annabel.
Great taste – I bought that grey floral t-shirt too!!!!
Haha! Janet, great minds think alike ๐
I always thought Millers was a really old lady shop for women past a certain age who were tiny and an odd shape, but that’s only because many years ago a very dear woman I knew used to shop there and that is what she was like. But I recently fell upon a rack of dresses outside the shop at my local grocery mall and went on in to take a look. Well I could not believe the clothes and the prices. I bought a dress for a tenner and then had a real good look around. After your story I’m going back to have a look at the ponchos. Yippee!
That was much the same as my first experience Sue ๐ But like you now I’m a convert and often pop in as I’m on the way to do my grocery shopping ๐
My biggest fashion question is how to wear skirts, or more to the point how to choose skirts that suit my figure, and how to wear tops that go with them? I know it seems like a silly question, but I buy them and then never wear them! I have wide hips and a bit of a “beyonce bum” and feel like tucking my top in accentuates this more than I’d like, but wearing a long top over a skirt looks frumpy. Have you got any tips?
Great question Bonny and one that I’ve avoided on Lifestyle Fifty because to tell the you the truth I’m not sure ๐ I avoid skirt separates too … time to call in the Lifestyle troops … watch this space ๐
Love the styles look very classy .
Thank you Lynette ๐
I love this poncho on you Jo, and the jacket is great too. I was thinking about a poncho for this season actually, so I will drop into Millers to check them and those boots. The boots sound so comfy.
The boots are super comfy Jill and if you get there soon the poncho (which would so suit you) is only $20 ๐