Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

12pm on a weekday, Midtown NYC I decided to shoot this girl boss suit on my tripod.

For those that might not know, the majority of my posts I shoot on my own. Each time I practice, the more I get a little more comfortable and forget who’s around me. Towards the end of last year, my confidence took a plummet due to a traumatic time in my personal life and have spent the last 6 months working towards getting my old self back; learning to self love in the process. None of us are perfect, and social media can easily sugar coat life. We are all guilty I promise you.

Today’s post is about pushing your boundaries, and doing something that’s out of your comfort zone to take you one step closer to your goals. When you have been through some kind of trauma you have to take each day as it comes. I have found setting small goals each week really help towards happiness and it’s another accomplishment to tick off your list. It’s actually great going into a new work week and feeling positive. Week by week, you start to feel more confident and feel that self worth that you may have lost along the way. I think it's important to share this with you all, so that if something is going on in your life that really gets you down know you aren't alone.

So back to todays shoot! 57th Street between 6th and 7th avenue is a really busy street. I actually used to live one block up on 58th Street, so the location brings back a lot of fond memories of when I moved to Manhattan on my own back in 2010. This was the first place I lived in NYC and the beginning of gaining independence, so what better place to push my boundaries shooting on a tripod at the lunch rush to really test me. Midtown is very corporate so the suit blends in! I’m not into wearing head to toe tailoring so thought adding a tee and neck tie changed things up a little yet still feeling chic. Both the jacket and pants are Chinese Silk and felt so lightweight. The best thing about this more casual 2 piece is that the jacket is super versatile, I’ll definitely wear it with jeans. As for the pants, they are a little sporty so will look awesome with a pair of sneakers and oversized light knit for weekend brunch. 

I would love to hear how you guys push yourself, and do you find you achieve more in the process? From a mental or accomplishment perspective? Let me know!

Shop the edit:

Silk Kimono Blazer: Grana

Silk Joggers: Grana

Tee: Vintage, shop similar here and here

Neck Scarf: Vintage Hermes, shop similar here and here

Faye Medium Leather and Suede Shoulder Bag: Chloe

Xyrus I Shoes: Senso via The Iconic

Baby Audrey: Celine

Photo Credit to yours truly. Shot in Midtown Manhattan in collaboration with Grana. Receive 10% off your order with code ‘SSxGRANA’.

New York Backless

A few weeks ago, it was back on a plane over to the States. It was pretty weird being back on my old stomping ground of Manhattan, so couldn’t give up the opportunity to shoot this classy yet contemporary look on the streets of Soho. I know these cobbled streets well, but the last time I walked them I didn’t even have a blog! It was nice to experience them differently and view the streets from a more creative perspective, admiring the view looking upwards and visiting a creative space that isn't to be missed! Will share more in a few weeks.

 

Today’s all black look is one of my favourites in a long time. I love the cut of this wool skirt from Third Form, and it’s just the right length for me with a little added height from my boots. I can definitely see myself wearing this with a chunky turtle neck in the coming months. When wearing a fitted skirt, I always like to contrast with an oversized top or floaty details. It gives the whole look more shape. Can we just talk about this top? I have been eager to own a piece from House of Sunny ever since they launched. Based in London, the brand focuses on flawless aesthetic and silhouettes cut precisely for everyday wear. I am drawn to their clean tailoring. The back of this top is so flattering I haven’t taken it off, wearing it to work with a bralet and frayed jeans. This piece is actually really fun to style.

My time in Soho was spent with Christina whom photographed me for this post. It was lovely to meet her and discuss common passions behind the camera. It’s amazing how many people I have met on Instagram these last 2 years, and hope to continue meeting fellow creatives this year!

Shop the look:

House of Sunny Top: SHOP HERE

Third Form Skirt: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Black boots: SIMILAR HERE and HERE

Saint Laurent Bag: SHOP HERE

Celine Sunglasses: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Photo credit to Christina Emilie based in New York City

Out With The Old, In With The New

There's always a time for a classic little black dress. Going against popular belief, the LBD is a great option for a warm summers day. I’m not one to usually wear short dresses especially for a night, out so much prefer to style for a day out with a good pair of flats. For work, brogues or loafers are usually my go to shoe, as have to commute on a daily basis. I usually have a tight connection between my two trains so the flats make me get a move on way too early in the day! I usually find this type of footwear isn’t always the most flattering for my height, but starting to accept it as I pin more and more casual tailored looks onto my Pinterest boards. Over the last few weeks, I have had a big wardrobe overhaul. I am actually pretty good at sorting through and organising the racks every couple of weeks, but now we are into a New Year it seemed the perfect time to reduce the styles I want to wear for a more minimal 2016.

Here are just a few things I have done to free up space:

1. Currently swapping the heels out for more loafers and brogues. High shoes are not worn enough to be the main style within my closet. They are great for nights and styled with tailored pieces that need a touch more height (eg. wide legged pants and flares) but not for my everyday.

2. Overhaul of jackets. Ones to keep - Blazers, trench coats and double breasted jackets. For the likes of Kimonos and denim, they unfortunately just don’t fit with my tailored style anymore and just aren’t that flattering.

3. Filtering the playsuits and jumpsuits. I have so many that just aren’t comfortable or simple enough. I love a good jumpsuit, but sometimes I buy one for the hanger appeal and not the feel or comfort. I had so many beautiful styles but unfortunately they just weren’t wearable for everyday. 

4. Time to bin the boho jewellery. It’s all about dainty jewellery that's eye catching, and a good timepiece. Less is more right? Just before moving to Sydney, I loved statement necklaces and beads, but over the last year have been replaced by slinkier arm wear and bolder designs.

I have also been investing in more high end pieces that will last me for years to come. In December, my Baby Audrey Celine’s were high on my wish list, so decided to treat myself! I’d like to be able to do this every couple of months as my wardrobe becomes more wearable for everyday.

Would love to know how you’ve all cleaned out your wardrobes for a fresh New Year and what’s high on your wish list this year. I have a feeling I will be spending more of my hard earned cash as the months tick by! 

Shop the look:

Third Form Dress: SHOP HERE (currently on sale)

Bucket Bag: SIMILAR HERE

Celine Sunglasses: SHOP HERE

Beaucoops Brogues: SHOP HERE (currently on sale)

 THPSHOP Silver Cuffs: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE 

Photo credit to Jiawa Liu from Beige Renegade blog

Harbourside in Black

This week, I’ve been exploring more of my new neighbourhood after moving suburbs last month. Being over the Harbour bridge and surrounded my pockets of water, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the cool new blog locations I have scouted for future posts! I am slowly making a list of streets in my phone with dream house galore! As today’s look is relaxed linen, it only felt right to find a spot that was near the water to depict the relaxed vibes. It’s been a while since I have worn flat shoes in a post (one where I’m not sitting down to hide my lack of height!) but when the dress fits perfectly with a kick flattering flare, these fringe beauties were the shoe of choice.

It’s spring racing season; and although the fashion for this event isn’t really my cup of tea, this dress could definitely be an option with a pair of heels styled with a glass of champers. I’ve finally got my hands on a 66 The Label boater, which has been on my wish list for the last few months. The bronze colour makes a nice change, and I took the plunge with the oversized style. Jewellery was kept to a minimum with gold, and there was no need for a handbag being only a 5 minute walk from my place. If I was to wear this to the races, I would more than likely style with an oversized  clutch to avoid a cross body bag taking the attention away from the slick horizontal neckline. 

I’ve also had a hair refresh with a cut and colour from Edwards & Co. Decided on a dramatic blunt finish keeping a caramel tone running throughout the ends. And for once, my hair is straight! Hope you all had a great week, and can’t wait to share some more style posts from my new neighbourhood in the coming weeks!

Shop the look:

Oskar The Label Dress: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE or HERE

66 The Label Hat: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Charles & Keith Shoes: SHOP HERE (on sale) or SIMILAR HERE

Jolie & Dean Bangle: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Oscar Wylee Sunglasses: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Photo credit to Laurie Young from The Rue Collective Blog

Bondi Bohemian

Christmas and New Years are over for another year, and I’m finally getting back into the swing of things back in Aus. The weather has been beautiful (minus today!) and I’ve been enjoying the sunshine whilst getting my teeth stuck into a big project a work. Being back in Sydney means I get to shoot with my good friend Andrea again. Her street is tree lined and accommodates some gorgeous homes, so seemed a great spot to snap some street style for todays post!

My blog name change is going to play a big part in my style this year. Bohemian vibes on weekends, tailoring for work and the colder months. It seemed fitting to get back to my casual boho style now I’ve settled back in and gotten over some pretty bad jet lag! Off the shoulder is style a big hitter for me this season and especially when going for brunch or coffee. This dress is perfect for those kind of days. Loose fitting and basic. So basic that I chose to style with a felt fedora and super cute heart sunnies that I borrowed off Andrea (Secretly hoping she sells them to me at our market stall soon!). Late afternoon shooting seems to be the only option with the sun being so strong this time of year, which is good because it leaves the morning free to grab a coffee or hit up a new breakfast place that I’ve yet to dine at.

To everyone in colder climates…..I promise this summery post is not to make you jealous of the Sydney summer. It’s purely to cure your January blues and make you excited to book your summer holidays! Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Shop the look:

Dress: Faithfull The Brand

Hat: H&M (similar here)

Slides: Zara UK (similar here)

Photo credit to Andrea Hetherington from Leather and Lattes Blog