Mumma Ain’t Mumsy | How to Get Back Your ‘Style Mojo’ this Autumn

Author // Shannon Edwards, Place Bulimba

You’ll find her rocking the season's latest trends, taking her sweet kicks for a stroll around her local suburb, Hawthorne.

Founder of fashion blog, Mumma Aint Mumsy’s Sarah Merrett is a personal stylist who, as a mother to a gorgeous toddler, is anything but ‘mumsy’.

“Helping women to find their vibe amongst the chaos” - Sarah is our girl when it comes to wardrobe inspiration.

We sat down with the style-sensation for some tips and insight into her go-to shopping locals.

How did you get into personal styling?

I’ve always been a fashion lover.

I used to dress my family and friends for particular events, but it was only after having my beautiful daughter, Matilda, that my path lead into the styling world.

After having Matilda I kind of lost my ‘style mojo" and saw so many of my friends feeling the same way.

So, I started my Instagram page called "Mumma Ain’t Mumsy" to share some daily style inspo with my friends.

My page gained traction quite quickly and I saw a real need to work with women who had lost their style confidence.

I completed my Styling Diploma whilst on maternity leave and then my business began.

I now have a broad range of clients from ages 18 to 80, work with local brands and businesses, speak at events and host style workshops.

Brisbane offers such a supportive environment within this field - it's a creative and genuine community.

How would you describe the Brisbane style scene?

Brisbane is pretty cruisy when it comes to style.

Our city’s style is fun, relaxed and doesn't takes itself too seriously.

Women here are fresh and casual, yet still like to look ‘put together’.

We wear colours, denim and white with ease and aren't afraid of print.

It's less trends based and more about personality.

Can you give us some tips on how to avoid the daily ‘I have nothing to wear’ meltdown?

If you have a great range of classics and basics, you'll always be able to mix and match your wardrobe to avoid that 'nothing to wear' meltdown.

When shopping, shop smart.

Buy key pieces that can be worn multiple ways, as opposed to one-hit-wonders.

Be smart when organising your wardrobe.

Design your wardrobe so you can easily see and access your most worn items – avoid that dreaded feeling of not being able to find your trusty favs.

What are some key pieces we should invest in this autumn?

Some Autumn must-haves:

Well-fitting jeans

A go-to denim, bomber or lightweight leather jacket to throw on over your summer dresses and playsuits

A few long sleeve tees and utility shirts to see a much smoother season transition

Swap your sandals for ankle boots and layer midi-skirts with lightweight knits.

We don’t need to go crazy up here in Brissy with coats and winter gear, so it’s nice to have a few pieces that you can layer if needed.

You’re a Hawthorne Local! What are your favourite local boutiques to browse?

I love Little Red Dress on Riding road.

They have quality brands and great pieces for a last minute outfit – they have so many options for a little boutique.

Thousand Island Dressing on Oxford street is another favourite.

They have so many jewellery pieces and accessory options at great prices.

Fuel on Oxford street is also another goodie - it's a one-stop-shop for the whole family when it comes to casual, everyday wear.

What are your favourite wardrobe pieces at the moment?

I’m having a bit of a 90’s return.

I can’t get enough of my; Mom Jeans, Tony Bianco ‘Diddy’ booties and vintage tees.

My all-time favourite is my trusty old faithful, Levi’s Denim Jacket.

I love being able to whip it out and chuck it on over anything.