Why I Can’t Let Go Of Good Denim

Last weekend, I sorted through my closet to make way for a new season. Because let’s be honest, here in Australia it’s a sensible time to start thinking about spring. As much as I love to cull, I really struggle with shifting denim. It’s the one category that I can justify spending money on. Why? I wear denim every single day. There’s two fits that I’m drawn to this season:

1.The Boyfriend Crop Jean

2. The Kick Flare

These 2 styles probably take up 70% of my jean collection. Today’s denim of choice are from Melbourne boutique, Order Of Style. The boyfriend crop is high waisted (a must for anyone with a small waist) and is a roomy in the leg. They are flattering - tight in all the right places and look fab with a heel. If you’re on the shorter side like me, the added height will really elongate you.

My second jean of choice would be the kick flare. It’s my first pair of fresh white jeans of the season, they are a must for spring in Australia! Love the added detail of the step hem. Dress them up with a pair of open toe stilettos or for a laid back weekend vibe add a pair of trusty Connies.

You can’t go wrong with jeans and a tee. Is anyone else finding themselves wearing this combo on a night out? The trick is to style with gold jewellery (my favourites at the moment are my Reliqua pair), add a heel and rock a red lip. I guarantee this won’t look as casual as you might think. Try it!

Shop the looks:

Look One:

Higher Ground Boyfriend Crop Jean: 3x1

Love Hurts Loose Fit Long Sleeve Tee: Zoe Karssen 

Katetown Trench Coat: American Vintage

Jones Sunglasses: Elizabeth And James

Faye Medium Leather and Suede Bag: Chloe via FWRD

Marni Shoes: Similar here

Look Two:

The Insider Crop Step Fray Jean: Mother Denim

Extended Cuff Tee: Frame Denim

Nalokie Jacket: Iro

Henly Sunglasses: Elizabeth And James

Faye Medium Leather and Suede Bag: Chloe via FWRD

Marni Shoes: Similar here

Photographed and directed my Yours Truly, in collaboration with Order Of Style

Day To Night Denim

The Christmas break is drawing closer, and my style is already feeling more relaxed. I honestly can’t wait to kick back and relax for the last week of the year. For some reason, I am feeling more chilled compared to this time last year, despite a busy and somewhat stressful last month. Unless I’m going to a party of some sort, I’ll quite happily dress casually for the rest of 2016. Sydney weather is making it hard to have consistency when it comes to fashion choices, hence denim shorts and jeans currently on high rotation, dependent on whether it chooses to be thirty degrees or eighteen!

Today I am styling the classic down button shirt 2 ways: for brunch and dinner. I’ve opted for a stripe for daytime and gingham for city drinks at dusk. In all honestly, I probably dine out in the daytime way more than the evening so for me my casual look will definitely get more wear. For brunch, I like to throw an outfit on and be comfortable. As todays brunch was beachside, it made sense to take the straw bag for a spin!

My second look was for city drinks with Chris, and we captured this sundown 70’s vibe perfectly. Flares are a great option for nights out, and the bell bottom give added height when a pair of killer heels are added. The look was dressed up with luxe accessories and an exaggerated eye. 

So overall, the button down shirt is a great option most days. I would just recommend to keep your shirt fitted for nights out and add gold jewellery and heels to make your look pop. For the daytime, opt for a shirt one size bigger to get that boyfriend feel. Roll your sleeves up and add less dressy accessories. Then eat as much avocado and salmon until your heart’s content!

Shop my looks from Grana:

Poplin Boyfriend Shirt (blue stripe): Grana

Poplin Boyfriend Shirt (gingham): Grana

Denim: Grana

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

Shop accessories:

Dionysus GG Supreme Shoulder Bag: Gucci

Leather Belt With Interlocking G Buckle: Gucci

Karissa Shoes: Senso

Kayu Beach Bag: Net-A-Porter

Round Metal Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Photo credit for my brunch look to Jo Hombsch

The Piped Shirt

If there are two items that are heavily rotated in my wardrobe it’s denim and shirts. In my opinion you can never have enough! They are staples which can be styled in so many different ways and layered if need be for winter, or deconstructed in summer. Today’s blouse could definitely be worn undone with a bikini underneath in a couple of months time. I’ll just switch up jeans for cut off shorts. I’ve been a big fan of the pyjama trend for a good few months, and I don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon. The majority of blouses that are being added to my staples is the piped shirt, and believe it or not colour is making an appearance. You can thank Gucci for that this season especially with the burnt orange and deep mahogany which are key colours into breaking the monochrome mould. 

I’ve kept the jewellery simple with a rose gold pendant that was a bridesmaid gift from best friend a few months back. Thought it paired well with the deep red piping on the blouse. My new Gucci bag is also making it’s first appearance on the blog! After long deliberation, it was time to break the black bag rule and opt for something more neutral for the summer. Plus, small bags are on trend this season. As long as you have your phone, cards cash and keys you’re good to go! This bag does come in a few sizes so if you’re looking for something more everyday I would definitely upgrade to the medium size.

Hope everyone is having a great week! Currently writing this post from Dallas airport connecting back to Sydney. You may (or may not) have noticed my Instagram account was compromised last Tuesday. Eighteen months worth of content disappeared, but thankfully reappeared two days later. Whether you are a creative using Instagram, or using the platform for personal photos it’a definitely an upsetting time to see memories disappear. It also opens your eyes that we rely so heavily on technology these days and we would be lost without it!

Shop the look:

X Revolve The Silk Blouse: L'Academie 

Far From Any Road Cropped Jean: Free People

Round Metal Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Dionysus GG Supreme Shoulder Bag: Gucci

Black Slingback Shoes: Paul Andrew via Shopbop or Aquazzura Pumps via Shopbop

First time shooting a post on a tripod. Photo credit to yours truly.

How To Wear Tailoring & Denim

Weekends are a time to kick back, relax and enjoy a good brunch! Despite my Sunday's consisting of lazy mornings and copious amounts of tea, my Mon-Fri wardrobe tends to follow me through to the weekend with one subtle change - denim. 

These last few weeks, I've been investing in "real" denim for the colder months. No more stretchy skinny jeans sorry, this post is dedicated to the denim we all knew back in the 90's. Mom jeans can be quite tricky to master, but they actually suit most shapes and sizes and can work for most women. So how can you style these with your favourite tailored pieces?

1. Keep the tones simple

You want your outfit to match, and mixing the tones can make the look too busy. When I'm styling my denim on weekends, the first thing I think about is the wash of the denim vs the tones in the tailored garment. Warm tones tend to work well with black jeans, and cold tones work better with blue. Today's coat is a buttery beige colour, which I class as a warm tone.

2. Consider your height and heels

I'm only 5ft 3 with a small waist and larger thighs, so finding the right cut of jeans can be quite a challenge. There are ways to elongate yourself and i'm not talking about angles of the camera! Mom jeans look great with this seasons square heel, just like the Senso's I have on in this post. I just make sure I'm adding a pointed toe to draw everything in from the baggy nature on the leg. For taller ladies, a pair of sneakers can work well.

3. Smarten up

There is no right or wrong here, just pick your favourite tailored pieces. Today I have opted for a linen blouse and tailored woolen coat. These are the items you can wear to the office Mon-Fri, but become more relaxed for weekend wear as soon as they are styled with denim. You can always change up the coat for a blazer or add a neck scarf as a chic alternative.

Shop the look:

Rails Charli Button Down Shirt via Shopbop

Ganni Coat via Shopbop
Topshop Mom Jeans

Ray-Ban Wayfares Sunglasses via Net-A-Porter

Senso Georgie I Shoes

Alexander Wang Bag via David Jones

Photo credit to my love, Chris

Double Dricoper Denim

Searching for the perfect pair of jeans is like finding a needle in a haystack. I’ve always struggled to get denim to fit perfectly. Jeans are either too long, extra baggy on the knee, or too snug on the booty region! It’s enlightening to finally discover a local denim company that fits like a glove with the quality still being top notch. It’s no surprise the company has spent twenty years researching the denim industry to produce outstanding results. Hands down, Dricoper will be my go to denim brand from here on in. I’m eager to see their jean short collection in the summer months.

Today’s post was set in Pyrmont, which I was so happy to return to. This time, it was a pleasure working with Camille from Frilly Skirts blog and Jo our collaborator. The thing I love about this area are the different backdrops available. For this shoot we used the car park on the roof.   Unfortunately we didn’t have the best of weather, but we made do with what we had. It’s still hard getting my head around that Sydney actually has a winter, so I’m never fully prepared! I love how Camille shot the details of this Opa Designs cuff. The edginess of the leather and delicacy of the rose gold compliment each other exceptionally well and adds elegance to this look.

 

I’ve always been a fan of mixing feminine pieces with more durable staples. Contrast is the key to styling, and still falling head over heels over peek-a-boo cut out pieces. As soon as a bit of warm weather comes I will be all over this trend. It will look so good with a kimono or cover up. I already have my eye on some Ruby Sees All pieces. Bring on summer’s in Bondi!

Shop the look:

Jeans: Dricoper

Denim Jacket: Dricoper

Top: Honey & Beau

Shoes: Senso

Jewellery: Opa Designs
Bag: Zara (Similar here)

Photo credit to Camille Sioco from Frilly Skirts blog

Dricoper are offering all my readers 15% off their order with the promotional code “bohonlt” until the 5th October.

Helen-Jayne x