The Accessories To Pack

This week has been dedicated to packing my four years in Australia into two suitcases! It wasn’t an easy task one bit. I thought I would have been able to do it in a couple of days but it has literally taken me over three weeks to decide what to cull and what to keep. Because lets be honest, no one wants the extra costs of kilos at the airport! There were a few things I definitely kept hold of, either because they are seasonal staples or for the reason they are timeless accessories. I’ll be doing a more in depth packing post upon my return to the UK, but until then I am sharing the accessories I have kept a tight hold of. 

One piece I didn’t part ways with was my Daniel Wellington watch. I think having a small yet curated collection of accessories can really elevate your wardrobe. For me, that includes a few timepieces that all differ in some way - i.e, a contrasting watch face and neutral straps in different fabrics to match the majority of my looks. It’s always great to have the option of a mesh strap (great for evening or tailored looks) and a leather strap (my go to for casual or denim looks). I'm a minimal jewellery kind of girl, so my watch is usually the stand out piece. You’ve only got to spot a coffee shot on my Instagram to see what I mean! I have styled with the Daniel Wellington cuff which comes in silver or rose gold. 

Handbags in monochromatic colours are a great option for styling. When packing everything into two suitcases the less handbags the better to save space, so I have definitely culled a lot of ‘fashion’ bags this week. I think keeping a tote, a cross body, and a shoulder bag is enough. Any bag that’s a trend piece that I can buy at a reasonable price point I will wait to purchase back in the UK. 

I have also kept hold of a handful of earrings - a few statement and small everyday styles all in gold. 

Daniel Wellington are offering a free strap when purchasing a watch offer and an additional 15% off with code ‘STYLESTRUCTURE’ until May 31st. For my Australian followers, the gift sets are a great option for Mother’s Day next month. I actually purchased one for my mums birthday last year and she loves it!

Photo credit to Jessie Khoo

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

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.

3 Cities, 3 looks, 3 Seasons

Finally back from a few weeks of travel and fun with my other half over in Europe. It had been 18 months since returning back to the UK, and has made me realise I really miss being close to friends and family on that side of the world. I really wish I could just ‘pop’ home that bit more. Are any of you guys an expat and feel me? Life is too short, so a Christmas trip is already on the cards back in Cardiff. Possibly a cheeky week in Berlin too but will keep you posted on that!

Over the space of 2 weeks, we visited Rome, Barcelona, London, and my besties wedding in Spoleto. Having grown up in the UK, I knew packing for high summer would be a fail, but on the other hand it meant over packing for mixed seasons. Extra luggage fees and hauling bags unnecessarily is such a pain and will have to figure logistics better next time. Thankfully, the overweight luggage was needed as temperatures were all over the place city to city.

The metallic crisp look in Rome felt feminine romantic, and it’s fair to say the mornings felt more spring like than I had anticipated. Light layers and classic Gucci loafers for walking around the maze of perfectly formed cobbled streets. FYI, the flowers in Rome are so cheap, so couldn’t help treat myself to a bunch or two! For any of you heading to Italy this year, make the most of the Piazza’s, whether it’s for just a coffee break or to appreciate the architecture surrounding you.

Over in Barca, the temperature heated up. Urban vibes and beach lifestyle actually tempted us to pack our bags and move there permanently. The shopping and dining are on point, which meant a city chic look which could be styled more casually for the beach included bare shoulders and stripes. The look was finished off with my favourite Chloe bag and round sunnies.

In London, the rain and humidity were expected, which meant breathable fabrics were a must. Although it felt very sticky, it looked more like an autumn's day with the grey clouds and constant rainfall. This crochet detailed top was perfect for a British summer. Accessory for this look – umbrella. Standard!

I would love to hear your thoughts on my 3 city looks. More importantly, if anyone has tips or have read some great packing posts recently I would love to hear more in the comments section below. Packing for multiple seasons is so tough, I need guidance for future trips!

Shop the look:

J.O.A Button Down Mini Dress: Shopbop

Gucci Horesbit-Detailed Leather Loafers: Net-A-Porter

J.O.A Shirting Dress: Shopbop

Vessie II boots: Senso

Chloe Faye Bag: Net-A-Porter

Scotch & Soda Pleated Colette Pants: Shopbop

Endless Rose Lace Blouse: Shopbop

Round Metal Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Via Shopbop

Photo credit to my love, Chris.

Double Knitwear

Writing this on the plane from Barcelona to London, this may seem off subject whilst enjoying a European summer. That being said, the pilot just announced London in 10 degrees celsius when we land eek! This winter post might be relevant after all! Before heading on my summer adventures, knitwear and maxi coats seemed to occupy wardrobe space that bit more. The washing basket at home is still full of jumpers which were necessary pieces of clothing before leaving. 

Unfortunately, Sydney isn’t the place to experiment with heavy layer upon layer of clothing even in the winter. Instead, the chunky knits can be worn alone or with a staple coat, and skirts don’t have to be paired with 80 denier tights. This isn’t the first time I have experimented with knit on top and below this season. It can be worn a number of ways. Here are the keys ways to style this season:

1. The flared sleeve and culotte combo. This has to be one of my favourite looks from Fashion Week SS16. The best tones are the warm oatmeal kind and look killer with a pair of high heeled ankle boots and statement bag. Try adding a cuff sleeve shirt for added styling points.

2. Cable knit and knit midi. Exactly the look I am wearing today. A big fan of matching the knits so I have broken up the look with black accessories and added a pair of trusty Gazelles for a street chic feel.

3. Tweed jacket and A-Line skirt (think Chanel/Blair Waldorf Gossip Girl) This channels a more vintage style and looks on point with a pair of Mary Jane’s and white tee. So many of these retro chic looks are coming back, and think this combo is the perfect look for an Australian winter. Adding a caped maxi coat is also a winner and will make you look a part of the Parisian fashion culture in no time.

If double knitwear isn’t for you, there’s always the oversized knit and mom jeans combo which is comfortable and on trend right now. Every winter I am always on the hunt for cable knit jumpers and see them as a staple item - they never go out of fashion. 

Shop this look:

Parla Cable Knit: POL Clothing or similar via Shopbop here or here

Knit Skirt: POL Clothing or similar here

Tango Coat: POL Clothing

Adidas Original Gazelle Sneakers: Asos

Chloe Faye: Net-A-Porter

Round Metal Sunglasses by Ray-Ban: Shopbop or here via The Iconic

Hair refresh from the talented team at Edward's & Co Alexandria, Sydney

Photo credit to my love, Chris Bray