‘Not a good look’: The fashion trend this boutique owner can’t approve (2024)

This story is part of the June 9 edition of Sunday Life.

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, owner of Jumbled boutique Pip Brett.

How would you describe your style? I’m a dopamine dresser; the more colour and sparkles, the better.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? The oldest and most precious is a locket with family photos in it that my dad gave me when I was eight, the year he died.

And the most recent addition? A dress by Celia B, a Spanish designer we stock at Jumbled [Brett’s fashion and homewares store in Orange, NSW].

What would you wear … on a first date? When I met my husband at a school dance in year 7, I was wearing a miniskirt, checked top and boat shoes – tragic! Now, I would wear a beautiful Alemais top with jeans and sneakers … on a plane? I’ve realised that I’m never going to get upgraded, so I dress for comfort: trackies, tee, knit, sneakers … on the red carpet? Something wild by Romance Was Born.

What’s your favourite fashion era? When I was a kid in the ’80s my mum, Kezz Brett, had a fashion label. It was all shoulder pads, dropped waists, puffy sleeves, big clip-on earrings and embellishment on everything. I loved all that.

Who’s your favourite designer? Lesleigh Jermanus of Alemais. She’s not afraid of colour and I love her artist collaborations.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I wear a Héritage Berbère spicy mandarin scent I bought in Marrakesh from a little shop near the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. It’s in a beautiful hand-painted bottle and when I put it on I’m transported back there. I also wear Maison Matine “Nature Insolente”, a mix of my fave smelly things – citrus, rose, lily-of-the-valley and mint.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Mother Denim jeans, beige underwear – I’m always trying things on at work and black doesn’t work – and my Strype sneakers.

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Any go-to jewellery? Pearl hoop earrings by Peggy & Twig – a jewellery designer out of Trangie [in rural NSW]. Chubby gold hoops from Porter are another favourite.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? Yes, a sloppy joe my mum made when I was about five with “Big Sister” written on it. My brother wore a matching one with “Little Brother”.

What was your first fashion moment? When I studied fashion – a Bachelor of Design at UTS – I was accepted into the Lancôme Colour Design Awards. I wore a vintage orange skirt I turned into a dress with matching orange lipstick. I felt amazing. It was the joy of feeling really good and comfortable in something. It was wonderful.

And your worst fashion mistake? As a teenager, I’d wear four singlet tops in different colours at once with cargo pants. Not a good look. I know cargo pants are back, but I’m yet to see a pair I like.

What’s on your wish list? Orange gets very cold at this time of year, so I’m thinking about warm items. The zip on my puffer recently broke so I need some sensible jackets to get me though winter as well as some fun pieces, like a lime green Essentiel Antwerp sweater.

Is there anything you’d never wear? Bodycon.

What do you wear to bed? The Papinelle pyjamas my kids gave me for Mother’s Day.

Is there a current trend you like? I’m loving trench coats – Ena Pelly coats are great. I also love an artist collab and Kate Eliza x Kinga Csilla is glorious, like a walking art installation.

Who is your favourite fashion icon? Lucy Aylen of fashion label Never Fully Dressed styles outfits with such joy.

What do you wear on a typical working day? A colourful dress – I actually own no trousers other than jeans – and sneakers.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in P.E Nation sportswear taking my dog for a beautiful walk.

Pip Brett’s boutique, Jumbled, is exhibiting at the Affordable Art Fair.

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