Heading Into Autumn

Finally, my favourite season is here! Pumpkin spiced lattes, candles burning and layering has begun. Does anyone else look forward to October? I recently took a trip to Florence and was so nice visiting a European city without all the summer crowds. Italy was on my travel list this summer, but the months just slipped away and couldn’t face a busy Capri, as much as it was on my to do list. There’s always next year! Mornings in Florence were crisp with the sun shining, exactly how autumn should be. 

It’s so nice to be wearing proper tailoring now we’ve said goodbye to humidity until next summer. And I know I will be wearing this red Monsoon blazer and trousers with a coat layered in the winter. It’s such a versatile outfit. I always opt for kitten heels with my suits, but being in a city exploring on foot/bike trainers were the best option. It was also refreshing to not have the trousers taken up as they were the perfect length on me and I’m 5 ft 3. Bonus! This outfit was shot at Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as ‘The Duomo’. 

Day two involved a bike ride along the river and coffee shop hopping our way through the city. Turtle necks are going to be my staple for winter, so it was nice to mix things up a little incorporating this style into a dress. Mornings in Florence are currently around 10-13 degrees celsius and it reaches about 23 in the afternoon so adding a morning layer was key. This coat actually comes with a detachable faux fur collar, which I think will change up the look for the winter months. The riding style boots were perfect for the bike ride, and avoided a lot of nicks! 

Now I am home.....craving the little Nutella croissants. This happened the last time I went to Italy! 

Shop The Post: 

LOOK ONE

Watson Wide Leg Trousers: Monsoon 

Lucy Tailored Jacket: Monsoon 

Dad Trainers: similar here, here and here 

Karl 24 Leather Tote: Boyy Boutique 

LOOK TWO

Cally Cowl Neck Jumper Dress: Monsoon 

Harry Wool Blend Crombie Coat: Monsoon 

Lily Long Brogue Boot: Monsoon 

Belt Bag: similar here 
(Monsoon currently have 20% off autumn coats and boots which ends soon!)

Photo credit to Hannah Crosskey from A Fashion Fix 

Collaboration in partnership with Monsoon 

Sustainable Winter Warbrobe

Pardon my over excitement when I say IT’S OFFICIALLY COAT WEATHER! I am definitely within the minority that looks forward to colder days given my location. In the office, I currently have my foot heater on and Smooth FM playing in the background (in case you didn’t know, it plays all the slow golden oldies) and the reason I have a soft spot for it is because the tunes remind me of a cold Christmas back in the UK. The one thing about Sydney winter which I have a changed mind set towards is owning less coats. 

A British winter is very different - outerwear is the only item in your closet that gets the most wear for a good eight months of the year. Which means you can’t be seen in the same style day in day out! Now that my wardrobe is built around staple pieces, the ‘less coats’ rule is more manageable and love they get a good amount of love for 4 months in the year. It’s more sustainable to own a few good quality ones that will get good wear, and will also see you into next winter. 

So if you are looking for the perfect coat, here are a few tips for outerwear shopping:

1. Choose a colour that will flow with the majority of your wardrobe. Black will never date. Neutrals will lift your look assuming you own dark denim and knits.

2. Opt for a timeless style. Simple cuts and symmetrical styles will see you through to next winter.

3. Pockets - Always welcomed to keep those hands warm! Perfect for the daily commute for your phone and travel cards.

4. Consider the fit when layered. Sydney doesn’t require too many layers, but when I’m trying on coats I will always take an oversized knit to see if the arms are too tight.

Shop my style:

Swing Coat: Karen Millen

Faux-Leather Legging: Karen Millen

Classic Embroidered T-Shirt: Parfemme or similar here and here

Sling back shoes: Zara (old) or similar here and here

Black bag: Mango (sold out) or similar here and here

Baby Audrey Sunglasses: Celine

Photo credit to yours truly

Weekly Lust Haves...

A new segment to Style Structure: Weekly lust haves. This weeks mood board is all about city chic monochrome with a side of coastal. A detailed tee pairs perfectly with a good cut jean and heels, but whilst living in Sydney (and heading into autumn) the memory of long summers near the ocean wants to live on. My fascination with straw bags continue and takes the look from smart to casual in seconds. Add a splash of Rosas Frescas and you are good to go!

Shop the edit:

1.Asymmetric Lace-Up Cotton-Jersey Top: Marques' Almeida

2. Suede Pumps: Jacquemus
3. Cropped Flares: Saint Laurent

4. Nanni Gold-Plated Earrings: Acne Studios

6. Rosas Frescas: Coqui Coqui

French Cuff Layering

We all have our fashion weaknesses - items which you can’t live without and seem to buy a lot of. For me this is the tailored shirt, and apart from denim is probably the highest volume item I own. Because lets be honest, having a crisp white shirt that lasts is actually pretty hard to find. That’s until I owned my first Anna Quan button up. I try to wear this shirt the most out of my collection, Mainly because it has a point if difference to the others I own (The personalised monogramming is easy on the eye), and secondly the cost is a little more than I would usually spend. The cuffs are not so wearable for me - especially when sat at a desk for the majority of the day. Some of her more recent designs actually have removable cuffs, which are perfect for that lunchtime soup option! But hey, if the shirt washes like a dream and still looks crisp a year on then it’s worth it.

Usually I would wear with a good pair of mom jeans, but wanted to experiment with my new House of Harlow dress. At the get go I thought this wasn’t going to work with a tight style (as the shirt is not that fitted). Thankfully after styling a few ways, I felt comfortable wearing it the way photographed. Accessories have been kept to a minimum to accentuate the stripes and the cuffs. I know when the weather gets cooler it will be layer perfect with a chunky knit.

Shop the look:

Anne shirt: Anna Quan via The UNDONE
X Revolve Phoebe Dress: House of Harlow 1960 via Revolve or similar here or here

Baby Audrey Sunglasses: Celine via David Jones

Medium Faye Bag: Chloe via Net-A-Porter (shop other options here)

Black mules: shop here, here and here

Photo credit to yours truly x

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Farewell 2016

With only four working days left of the year, I am already thinking ahead towards spending quality time with my loved ones for Christmas and New Year. I won’t go into too much detail, but it will pretty much involve plenty of sleep ins and a lack of time keeping for approximately two weeks! For Christmas, Chris and I are heading over to Perth and to the south of Western Australia for a much needed break. I have already started to dress more relaxed, but know come New Years Eve I’ll be ready to put on my party shoes to see in 2017 up in Port Douglas! 

Today’s post is special to me for two reasons. Firstly, I get to creatively work with Chris on our first joint post here on Style Structure, and secondly we are both wearing British Brand Marks & Spencer that I have grown up with since a young age. They had a strong presence in my household growing up, with most of my family being long term customers for as long as I can remember. 

Tailoring is always mastered at M&S. I was always invested in their well fitted jackets and A line skirts whilst having a stint at teaching English in Spain upon graduation. I fondly remember buying new work wear before leaving, and feeling so grown up with all my tailored pieces! I have gone back to my roots for today’s post, but jazzed it up for a more polished NYE look. Style muse, Alexa Chung has actually designed a capsule collection for the brand, so couldn’t pass up this satin blouse in a gorgeous golden hue. I am mixing up textures pairing back with velvet but kept the metallics strong with my choice of heel. As New Years is a lot warmer than the UK, Chris has opted for breathable linen and chinos. Super versatile he will wear these rolled up casually for more relaxed affairs. The look is polished with a chocolate pair of brogues and a matching belt.

I’m not usually one to care for New Years Eve, or celebrate in a lavish fashion. But this year has been a busy and life changing one so Chris and I plan to celebrate in style. 2016 was the year I applied for my permanent residency to stay in Australia and it’s the year I have finally started to feel settled and stable with a job I love, partner I couldn’t be without and a feeling of content. 2016 was the year I travelled to 8 countries and experienced cultures I never imagined possible. I have probably spent the most hours in transit since March compared to the last few years of my life! But what's life without experiences to look back on! Here’s to another great year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Shop my style:

The Elland Shirt: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Velvet Embroidered Mini Skirt: Indigo Collection at Marks & Spencer or more options here

Military Button Jacket: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Stiletto Back Zip Court Shoes: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Chris Wears:

Linen Blend Shirt: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Tailored Fit Chinos: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Leather Pointed Brogue Shoes: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Leather Buckle Belt: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Photo credit to yours truly

*Collaboration supported by Marks & Spencer & Shopping Links

Casual Luxe

The past few weeks, prints have been worked into my day to day wardrobe and I have actually surprised myself at the some of the pieces that have caught my eye. When opting for a design, it’s important to try and picture what you will style it with in your wardrobe. Monochrome will always work well with my love for neutrals and means you can even add a statement shoe without looking over styled. The trick I always try and use is to style prints with easy to wear items that have a relaxed feel to them. Eg, a print skirt and tee or print blouse and jeans.

It’s hard to avoid bold statements thanks to the likes of Gucci, and it’s actually a good contrast when paired back with basics. When getting ready for work in the mornings, a plain white tee or button up shirt are usually my go to, so today’s skirt is perfect for those mornings you are in a rush but still want to look put together. This season, I am experimenting more with the A-Line skirt whether it be denim or something a little dressier which will be perfect for the upcoming party season. The fit on this Karen Millen one is very flattering whilst being on trend. Great for petite or taller girls.

Is anyone in a bit of a rut at the moment admiring the trends Northern Hemisphere? This is the time of year I really miss being back in the UK. It’s finally ‘sweater season’, and I’ve mentioned it before that summer is not the strongest of seasons for me as layering is my favourite styling tool. I am still secretly buying pieces that can get a few wears before 30 degree days are the norm. The funny thing is, it’s not wasteful even though most will disagree. Reason being the style (just like todays) is oversized, not to mention a cable knit. It’s a classic shape that will see me onto winter in Sydney next year, and I’ll most definitely get more wear when heading home for a week at the end of this year. So the next time someone tells you it’s too late in the season to buy something you love, ask yourself if you’ll 100% see yourself wearing in six months time.

Shop my look:

Skirt: Karen Millen (sold out) Shop selection here or here

Beige Knit Jumper: Shop similar here or here

Eyelet Point Flat: The Mode collective

Faye Medium Leather and Suede Shoulder Bag: Chloe via Net-A-Porter

Watch: Cluse

Photo credit to yours truly 

Styling Pleats & Knitwear

Pleated skirts - A new addition to my wardrobe moving into winter ’16. It’s one of those trends that has come back around in no time, and there are a few different lengths around. Today’s black pleather number is just above the knee, and I’ve styled it casually with a trusty pair of Nikes and pulled back hair. There are so many ways to style pleats, so I’ve listed a few ways how you can introduce this style into your wardrobe.

• Add knitwear. There are so many styles that work well. Oversized long knits are great with a midi length skirt with the turtle neck working better with shorter hemlines.
• Sneakers for a street feel or high heeled ankle boots for a chic look. I’ve opted for a clean pair of white kicks, as wanted to look more casual whilst pairing back with a blazer. This way, the outfit looks well balanced and not too casual or too dressy.
• Toughen up with a leather jacket. I really like this take on styling and feel it works well with floaty pleats as opposed to the metallic stiffer versions. Contrasting is key.
• Finish off with a statement bag. It takes this look to the next level, especially if keeping the colour to a minimum. Today, I have opted for a Celine Trio which is perfect for everyday. 

So have fun and play around with this seasons skirt, the perfect style for any occasion.

Shop the look:

Plaited Cable Cowl Necked Jumper: Karen Millen

Pleated Skirt: Karen Millen (sold out) but shop similar here and here

Marina Blazer: PS The Label or similar here

Nike Classic Cortez Leather Sneakers: Via The Iconic or similar here

Celine Trio Bag

Round Metal Sunglasses: Ray-Ban via The Iconic

Photo credit to Jiawa Liu from Beige Renegade