Classic Levi 501's

In my opinion, there’s no such thing as spring in Australia. Summer in the UK reaches around 25 degree days which means at the blink of an eye everyone is in good spirits socialising in the local beer garden rolling up the tees eager to get that arm tan. This is the temperature we have jumped to in Sydney the past few weeks (minus the tan-o-rexic applause). The seasons change so quickly I can’t sort out my wardrobe fast enough. Denim shorts are now on my mind, but not quite ready to bare all at the sight of a few sun rays.

The rule of ‘balancing your look’ is definitely my go to when the temperatures rise. When wearing denim shorts, I’m happy to style with a long sleeve blouse or lightweight knit. This kind of transeasonal dressing I am comfortable with, but when the temperatures really soar you might find me wondering how to style such minimal items of clothing.  I warn you now! 

When it’s time to bare your legs, you can’t go wrong with a classic pair of 501’s denim. Today I have paired with a feminine polka dot blouse (yes, it’s one size bigger for that slouchy feel). Polka dots are timeless and reminiscing back to my teenage years I was fascinated with this print. Maybe that’s why I still love in my thirties! The detailing on my bag and pendant are quite prominent, hence opting out of a belt. The outfit would have looked ‘too’ polished. In saying that, building your belt collection is probably not a bad idea at the moment. If I could choose an ‘accessory of the season’ it would have to be the Gucci belt which comes in a variety of colours and sizes. When styling your denim shorts with a white tee, this could be the perfect time to add a belt to lift the look from being overly basic. 

Slipper style shoes have been my go to these last couple of months and can’t see that ending anytime soon. My boyfriend hates them (all pairs) but I love the casual vibes they give off and this kind of style works well with my denim and slouchy tailored options. 

Most of todays look is from revolve.com and they are currently offering 20% off site wide until the 27th October inclusive of free shipping with code “AUEXPRESS”

Shop the look:

501 Short: Levi's via Revolve

Abby Top: Rails via Revolve

Gift of Iah Pendant Necklace: House of Harlow via Revolve

Caravan Sunglasses: Ray-Ban via Revolve

Cluse Watch: Via The Iconic

Monogramme Leather Shoulder Bag (similar): Saint Laurent via Net-A-Porter

Photography by my love, Chris. Edit by myself

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

Hooray For Knit Season

Well…..I might be speaking too soon when I say it’s knitwear season! Sydney is supposed to be in autumn right now with the leaves turning orange and hot chocolate consumption on the rise. But instead, we are graced made to suffer with 30 degree days with the decision ‘most thirst quenching drink wins’. Seriously, I am a little disappointed. I am so eager to start layering properly again and I have already added some chunky knits to my wish list for the coming season. Until then, I will settle for the sleeveless knit, which is only really wearable on cooler evenings, hence shooting this post at sundown which makes a change for my usual brighter posts. 

Side detailing is a winner. This is what sold the jumper for me. It makes a nice change to the lace up trend that was common around the neck region last season. The high low style will look nice untucked with a good pair of jeans this season which I am on the hunt for! Another trend I am a fan of is the ring pull zipper. It’s such a good feature to any look, and especially liked the zip is the feature of this skirt. Pairs back well with the eyelets on the jumper. I have kept accessories to a minimum with a classic pair of Celine’s and a minimal black watch. The focus is all on the gold details and the gorgeous sunset.

Shop the look:

Seed Jumper: SHOP SIMILAR HERE and HERE

Witchery Skirt: SHOP HERE and SIMILAR HERE

RMK Shoes: SHOP HERE

Saint Laurent Bag: SHOP HERE

Reuben Ray Watch: SHOP HERE (10% off with code BOHO10)

Photo credit to my love, Chris

The Finer Details

Ever since stepping on the plane to Australia, dainty jewellery was my accessory of choice. When you are counting your luggage kg at check-in, the statement jewellery has to go! Believe it or not, I used to love chunky bangles and necklaces and could never see an outfit finished unless it had the one or both. In my uni days, a new outfit every weekend was a must! I always remember spending way more on the accessories, and accumulating boxes and boxes of brightly coloured costume pieces to match every detail of an outfit. Oh how things change! 10 years on, I am on a serious mission to downsize my wardrobe with only dainty jewellery catching my eye. You can add the finishing touches to most looks without looking like you have tried too hard.

Today’s pieces are from Emma & Roe. I opted for black as my base, knowing I will get so much wear out of this colour way to compliment my monochrome wardrobe. I also like that you can build each with minimal charms, so if I am feeling like a change it’s nice to have the option to take one off or add her and there. Day to day, my wardrobe is quite simple. A tee with a blazer are my usual go to pieces. The style at my office is quite relaxed, but it’s nice to add these new bits of jewellery to my workwear wardrobe without the “ooooo where are you off to tonight” kinda talk. Because as soon as that conversation strikes up, you know you are a little overdressed!

Shop the look:

Emma & Roe Charm Bracelet: SHOP HERE

Emma & Roe Leather Bracelet: SHOP HERE

Emma & Roe Ring: SHOP HERE

Emma & Roe Charms: SHOP HERE and HERE

Photo credit to my love, Chris 

Grey's Okay

Black and white - my go to colours. I have always loved a contrasting palette and it generally means less of a headache choosing outfits in the mornings. I’m sure Coco Chanel delved into other muted tones to mix things up on the days she felt that black wasn’t going to cut it. The one thing I find hard in Sydney is wearing all black on a really hot day. I commend minimal folk who can master this art form. Unfortunately that kind of behaviour I can’t commit to, so you’ll find me hiding in the nearest air conditioned spot, with breathable fabrics and lighter tones. 

I need to invest in more grey staples. It’s very transeasonal, and although my instincts distinguish it as a winter tone, it surprisingly looks just as good in the warmer months. White or black accessories work well, with gold or silver jewellery making styling decisions hard. Culottes are a great alternative to full length pants this time of year and hands down, I’m a sucker for a wide leg. I rarely wear this style with flats, but Greek sandals were my go to. Especially with the heat cranking up for another scorcher of a week in Sydney. Where are you Autumn? Desperate for colder days, I’m just not used to summers longer than three weeks! 

Stripes - one of the very few patterns in my closet, but definitely not to be overlooked. I’m not really into belief that horizontal stripes are unflattering, and think if you taper a striped top in at the waist, it can actually be quite the contrary. I’ve also decided to style the shirt off the shoulder due to the heat, because lets face it; who actually enjoys wearing a button up collar in the middle of summer. It adds a touch of sexiness into a look that could be perceived quite corporate. Relaxed options are always welcomed. 

Shop the look:

POL Shirt: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

POL Culottes: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Zaliah Sandals: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Saint Laurent Bag: SHOP SIMILAR HERE

Photo credit to Laurie Young from The Rue Collective blog