Why Good Quality Basics Are Key

Having spent two summers in Australia, I have learned that breathable and well made basics are the key (and staple) to a southern hemisphere wardrobe. It’s only been since moving here that I have started to appreciate natural fibres and here’s the reason why. 

Sydney is humid and stifling hot in the summer months, so less is more. When I say less, I actually mean minimal clothing options (for someone who loves layering this is actually tough) so it’s important to choose wisely. T-shirts and denim shorts replace knits and jeans but sometimes these very basic looks can feel somewhat boring and less styled. Don’t get me wrong I love an easy outfit selection day, but then there are the days I want to look a little more ‘dressed’ in basic pieces. Switching cotton for something a touch more silky and flowing. 

Two key items I have been purchasing when the fabric is right are camisoles and shirts. You’ve probably noticed me wearing these pieces on rotation now spring has sprung, and I can assure you these items will take me through to summer. Why? Because they are 100% silk and breathable. Style and fit are obviously important to me, but quality also rate highly. For me, it’s about building a long lasting wardrobe. Today I have styled pieces from the new Grana collection. Mom jeans are definitely my favourite style this season and wanted to show you how I’m transferring my basics from home to street. I have been selecting one size larger in most of my tops lately as I really like an oversized fit to look more relaxed. Paired back with high waisted denim, it also gives the illusion of looking slimmer.

As always, luxe accessories are my go to when wearing simple combinations. And my number one styling tip is to keep accessories the same tone. 

Shop my look:

Silk V-Neck Camisole: Grana

Silk Short Sleeve Shirt: Grana

Denim Slim Boyfriend Jeans: Grana

Denim Mom Jeans: Grana

Neck Tie: Third Form

Leather Belt With Interlocking G Buckle: Gucci

Faye Medium Leather and Suede Shoulder bag: Chloe

Grana are offering 10% off and free worldwide shipping until the end of November with code ‘SSxGRANA’

Photography and edit by myself.

The layered Black Dress

Layering has been my go to styling tool for the majority of winter ’16. It was featured heavily in the European winter fashion weeks and I love to pull inspiration from them even though they are rocking summer at the moment.

When living in the UK, I discovered the website Lyst which had a good selection of high end brands. I always find it easier heading to one website typing in what I am looking for and getting an array of styles and brands all in one place! Although I own way too many coats for the Sydney climate, it’s actually quite nice leaving them out for todays post. Whether you layer a camisole, slip dress or heavier fabrics there are a few things to keep in mind when wearing this trend comfortably for any occasion. 

1. Draw attention to back detailing. I have seen some great styling this month with black dresses paired back with an off shoulder shirt. I myself have dabbled in this last month, and feel it works really well with a scoop or low back dress. 

2. Pair a slip dress with a tee and sneakers. This combo is so easy to wear, especially when worn casually. 

3. It doesn’t always need to be a tee. Try styling with a shirt or turtleneck for a suitable workwear look.

4. Flared jeans look cool too. This one is for you ladies currently in winter. The slip dress can be a little chilly this time of year, so don’t forget that layering doesn’t have to only be on your top half.

5. Add hardware. Cute chains and chokers can make this look feel more 90’s. I personally love circle detail pendants.

6. No rules on dress length. Make it work for you and take your season into consideration. Try a mini style if currently in summer and a midi style if still feeling the chill!

Today's dress is from Vale Denim and it's actually quite different to any other dress I own. It's a heavy denim that's great to wear without a coat. The eyelet detailing is also super cool and gives the dress that added bit of oomph. Sneakers just felt right to keep it more street for a day out in the city. Wearing boots would give off a different vibe altogether. Saying that, I will probably wear a good pair of knee highs with this dress for dinner dates.

I have compiled some of my favourite black dresses from Lyst this season which you can layer the way that works for you.

Enjoy!

The Multi Season Blouse

One item that is heavily rotated in my wardrobe is the button up shirt. It’s a versatile little number that can be worn to work or worn casually on the weekends with good old denim. Is anyone else a little obsessed with the blouse this season? Whether you are Northern or Southern hemisphere, season doesn’t matter! It’s currently winter in Sydney, so trying to find different ways to style this piece. It’s not bitterly cold, so a great way to style is with a concealed layer underneath and a nice tailored coat. Try adding a pair of mom jeans and a good pair of kicks. It will give you an effortless weekend feel. Another variation is layered with a sweater over the top. Always love rolling the cuffs  over the jumper with a statement watch underneath. 

Today’s look was shot over in Barcelona, where we experienced some rather warm weather. Although my Third Form blouse is a super soft (yet heavy) linen, it was still breathable in the Spanish heat. I decided to unbutton and pull over my shoulders and add a statement choker. There’s something so good about baring tanned shoulders on holidays. Jeans were out of the question (too hot sorry) so a pair of frayed hem shorts and a leg show were inevitable. It was such a shame about the lack of good sandals before leaving on my trip. I should have thought about this more beforehand! Saying that, my new Senso boots paired back well with my bag so it was all good! 

Shop the look:

Chikara Shirt: Third Form or Open Shoulder Blouse from Helmut Lang or Sundry

Raw Hem Shorts: Frame Denim or Rag & Bone

Gold Minimalsit Choker: Holly Ryan or Madewell Circle Statement Necklace or Alexis Bittar

Vessie II Boots: Senso or similar here

Chloe Faye: Net-A-Porter

Baby Audrey Sunglasses: Celine or Demi Sunglasses from Tory Burch

Photo credit to my love, Chris

Lady In Red

Ever since seeing the red trend on the Saint Laurent, Fendi and Opening Ceremony runways, it has made me crave this scarlet burst. Its tough introducing colour pop back into my wardrobe after such a long time. But there is something sexy and classic about this hue. I’ve always loved a bold red lip, and crop tops are standard now the weather has turned into the tropical heat I imagined Sydney would be. Is anyone else loving this weather right now? Definitely moved to the right country!

boohoo.com is my go to store for on trend fashion. It’s a British brand, so it’s my way of staying on trend with Northern hemisphere. The great thing now is all the summer stock is in the sale so I picked these trousers up for $20! I saw this cut on one of my favourite bloggers, Kristina Bazan at New York Fashion Week. She was wearing the BCBG Max azria version. They looked so good on her, so was pleasantly surprised to find them on Boohoo. I love how they have that extra piece of fabric which gives the style movement. I was I teamed the look with a white kimono, which was perfect as it was a windy day in North Bondi. 

So ladies, introduce a touch of red into your spring wardrobe and be ahead. It’s currently a go to colour in the UK for their Autumn season, so invest now. And don’t forget a bold red lip. The colour I’m wearing is a mix between coral and red. And it’s long lasting. YSL never disappoints. If you’re reading this in Australia, I hope you had a great long weekend. It makes me crave beach days a lot more!

Shop the look:

Trousers: Boohoo

Crop Top: Boohoo

Kimono: Boohoo

Shoes: Nine West Australia

Photo credit to Andrea Hetherington from Leather and Lattes Blog

Helen-Jayne x

Bohemian Bondi Sunset

Every weekend, I make an effort to head down to the beach and experience the wonderful coastline thats on my doorstep. I am so grateful to have found the perfect Bondi house within days of landing in Sydney six months ago. I work in the industrial part of the city, so it’s really important to remind myself the reason I moved here. Beautiful beaches and inspired creativity. As you all know, Andrea from Leather and Lattes blog is one of my closest friends here, and we collaborate almost every weekend. I am so happy she is back from her round the world trip and we’ve already been planning fun locations and shoots for the coming months. I’m also hoping to be posting on my blog twice a week from next month which will test my time management holding down a full time job and passion to write. I’m feeling positive that I can do both with determination and the beautiful sunshine that pushes me! This is also my first post with a change in hair colour! Last weekend I braved a Balyage at Inch Hair Salon in Bondi. I’m hoping to go lighter again in the next month. Believe it or not, my natural hair colour is blonde, so looking forward to getting back to my natural colour again. I’m sure I’ll fit into the Australian way of life very soon!

I can’t believe that in six months I’ve never done an outfit post down at the beach! It’s the most perfect time as the crowds diminish and all that’s left is the pastel skies and seagulls squawking. Culottes and off the shoulder tops are staples this spring, and Boohoo never fail to surprise me with their on trend pieces. I’m still finding it hard to pull away from black, but this bohemian top stole my heart! Boohoo is a British website, so now is the time to order your summer pieces if you are in Australia. Almost all of my favourite pieces are on sale at the moment, so make the most of the contrast in seasons. Wide legged pants, cute bohemian dresses and cropped tops are some of my favourite items, so get your bargains while you can!

I’m currently writing this post sick in bed, but my weekend catch up with good friends and sunshine make it somewhat seem not so bad. Hopefully I’ll feel better in the next few days as have some exciting events on the calendar. Keep up to date on all the happenings on Instagram and say hello! Have a great week ladies!

Shop the look:

Top: Boohoo

Culottes: Boohoo

Slides: Zara UK (similar here)

Bracelet: Opa Designs

Photo credit to Andrea Hetherington from Leather and Lattes blog.

Helen-Jayne x