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

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

Lines & Leather

Back to my roots for todays post….and I am not referring to the location! Easter was spent in Perth this year. Five days after returning from New York City it was back into travel mode for the long weekend. But on this occasion for a relaxing few days off work. Good Friday we had the pleasure of road tripping down south to a retreat you won’t want to miss - Interior post coming soon I promise! These kind of weekends away with Chris I really cherish, and although the weather wasn’t too great, it was a time to get over all the travel and spend some quality time together. I love heading over to Perth to see the family, and also works out well to collaborate with my girl Jiawa Liu from Beige Renegade blog. 

Now back to my opening line. Ever since I stepped foot into my first retail job at 16, tailoring has always been in my wardrobe. I find myself drawn to to the lines and structure of well made pieces, finding a way to incorporate such formal garments into my everyday life. Mixing textures is my way of making this work, whether it be a knit and tailored cigarette pants or leather and an asymmetric skirt - That’s more my language. You can still feel smartly dressed, but adding your ‘relaxed’ item converts the look to ‘everyday’. I can’t get over how soft this leather jacket is. And yes, Karen Millen has done it again. Perfectly made to fit like glove. I must say, I really love this brand coming into the colder months. Their jackets are on point, and have my eye on one of the trench coats from the AW16 collection.

The rule of wearing a midi with high heels has been thrown out of the window! I have opted for kitten heals which surprisingly work with the shape of this skirt. The splits are in just the right place to show a bit of leg, whilst still feeling like you could wear this piece to the office. I topped my look off with a white shirt that isn’t so classic. Throughout the summer, I was clearly obsessed with off-shoulder tops. Moving into autumn/winter it’s been lifted a few centimetres balancing nicely just above the shoulders. The outfit feels like an office to drinks kind of look, and will most definitely be wearing this leather jacket more in the coming weeks.

Shop the look:

Karen Millen Leather Jacket or Marc Jacobs Cropped Leather Jacket

August Street Shirt or J.O.A Frayed Shirt

PS The Label Skirt: COMING SOON or Prabal Gurang Pleated Skirt

Billini Shoes or L.K Bennett Elm Sandals

Proenza Schouler Bag

Ray-Ban Round Sunglasses from Shopbop or Ray-Ban Round Sunglasses

Photo credit to Jiawa Liu from Beige Renegade blog

Broderie Anglaise

Although I am a sucker for winter fashion, an all white look makes me think of summer and I’m liking it! I forgot how much I love the beach and the warm breeze that makes Sydney all the more liveable. When the warm whether ticks over, I usually struggle to know what to wear. I think it’s the British in me, where layering is ingrained from a young age. If you can’t master styling multiple waterproof layers, you are shunned from the fashion world….just kidding. But I’m honest when I say that summer isn’t as fun for styling when wearing a couple of clothing items due to sticky 30+ temperatures. Thankfully, Karen Millen are making my transition into summer that touch easier.

I remember when I would save a month on my part time retail wage to purchase a posh new dress from Karen Millen in my late teens. They were always so well tailored and fit like a glove. Then I was blessed with the company merging with the brand I worked for, hello 33% discount! In my student days, this was a massive deal and converted me into a Karen Millen shopaholic in no time.

I’ve recently been reintroduced to the brand, and have been pleasantly surprised by some of their less formal pieces. Broderie Anglaise is a style that I like to revert back to most summers, but this season I'm drawn more towards the midi length. My legs are no way tan enough yet to wear a version of this dress with a shorter hemline! But I actually really like this floaty style, especially when styled with killer gladiator sandals. I am still obsessing over anything Chloe this month, and if there are similar alternatives available, I'm in. The lightweight biker jacket is a perfect addition to the all white look as I’m always reaching for that extra layer early mornings.

It won’t be long before the temperatures crank up, but this year I am challenging myself to stay true to my style. I’ll be doing this but finding lightweight tailoring, and floaty pieces to channel a touch a boho on my more relaxed days. Bring on the sunshine!

Shop the look:

Karen Millen Dress: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Karen Millen Jacket: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Urge Footwear Gladiator Sandals: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Saint Laurent Bag: SHOP SIMILAR HERE

Pacifico Optical Sunglasses: SHOP SIMILAR HERE

Jolie and Dean Bangle: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Photo credit to Laurie Young from The Rue Collective Blog