I’ve had a bit of an obsession with Portmans ever since I was a teenager. I remember that Dad was pretty generous with giving my sister and I pocket money each week, and as soon as we got it, we’d make a beeline for the store.
Back then, Alison Brahe was the face of Portmans and I absolutely LOVED her. She was beautiful, free spirited and stylish – everything that the label embodies. Over the years, Portmans have continued the trend with Miranda Kerr, Elyse Taylor and Abbey Lee Kershaw. These days, the gorgeous Jess Hart fronts the label, bringing her pretty meets polished meets edgy style, and I still can’t get enough!
And let’s face it; Portmans has been at the forefront of high street fashion in Australia for years. They’ve been around since the 1940s, making them an authority on style, what’s hot and what should be on the fashion hit list of every Aussie woman.
To me, the Portmans woman is one who embraces and blends fashion trends effortlessly – think floral chiffon shirts with military style skinnies and stilettos. Add a studded clutch and ladylike coat over the top and voila! You’re good to go! And the reason that you can dress up, look chic and have fun this way? It’s because Portmans is totally affordable; a fashion addicted bargainista’s dream.
Season after season, there are sooooo many looks to love, it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few items. But, if I must, here’s a little selection of what I’m lusting after:
 | Porchia Leather Racer Dress, $129.95Love the leather bodice on this dress, dress it down with a black blazer and patent pumps for day, then add a chunky statement necklace, neon clutch and black suede heels and you’re ready to take it out to dinner. |
 | Floral Burst 7/8 Pant, $79.95I love me a splash of colour! This floral print is perfect for zhuzhing up your winter wardrobe. Let the pants be the statement by styling it simply – think black button up blouse and heels. |
| Lace Back Shirt, $69.95We can’t get enough of lace at swiish! Feminine and chic, this blouse will work wonders tucked into leather pencil skirts, or worn oversized with a pair of skinny statement pants. Gorgeous! |
 | Boucle A-Line Skirt, $69.95Shiny, pretty things! This cute A-line skirt is office appropriate with a white shirt and blazer, or street styling with a leather jacket and ankle boots. I’m a big fan of looks that work double-time as you get even more bang for your buck and that’s always a winner. |
 | Foil Coated Rib Panel Knit, $59.95We recently brought you a trend report on swiish about how to work luxe metallic knits into your fashion repertoire. This foil coated rib panel knit is an excellent way to do it, keeping fresh with the stone hue as we transition into colder months. I’ll be wearing this over a white tank with boyfriend jeans and pointy pumps. |
 | Baroque Stud Hardcase, $39.95You may recall we posted recently on the huuuuge trend that is Baroque – you’ll spot it everywhere this season on the runways and on the street. This cute clutch is a fun way to embrace the trend and add a little more luxe to your look. |
 | Roxi Military Button Boot, $79.95Shooooooes! These button boots work the military trend to perfection and the berry shade is a major colour for A/W 13. And besides – you can never have enough pairs of shoes, right?! |
For more information and to shop online, head to portmans.com.au
