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

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 

Harbourside in Black

This week, I’ve been exploring more of my new neighbourhood after moving suburbs last month. Being over the Harbour bridge and surrounded my pockets of water, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the cool new blog locations I have scouted for future posts! I am slowly making a list of streets in my phone with dream house galore! As today’s look is relaxed linen, it only felt right to find a spot that was near the water to depict the relaxed vibes. It’s been a while since I have worn flat shoes in a post (one where I’m not sitting down to hide my lack of height!) but when the dress fits perfectly with a kick flattering flare, these fringe beauties were the shoe of choice.

It’s spring racing season; and although the fashion for this event isn’t really my cup of tea, this dress could definitely be an option with a pair of heels styled with a glass of champers. I’ve finally got my hands on a 66 The Label boater, which has been on my wish list for the last few months. The bronze colour makes a nice change, and I took the plunge with the oversized style. Jewellery was kept to a minimum with gold, and there was no need for a handbag being only a 5 minute walk from my place. If I was to wear this to the races, I would more than likely style with an oversized  clutch to avoid a cross body bag taking the attention away from the slick horizontal neckline. 

I’ve also had a hair refresh with a cut and colour from Edwards & Co. Decided on a dramatic blunt finish keeping a caramel tone running throughout the ends. And for once, my hair is straight! Hope you all had a great week, and can’t wait to share some more style posts from my new neighbourhood in the coming weeks!

Shop the look:

Oskar The Label Dress: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE or HERE

66 The Label Hat: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Charles & Keith Shoes: SHOP HERE (on sale) or SIMILAR HERE

Jolie & Dean Bangle: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Oscar Wylee Sunglasses: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Photo credit to Laurie Young from The Rue Collective Blog

Monochrome Tailoring

Two of my favourite things! Have you seen my Instagram account? Yes, I have a fear of colour, but this isn’t a bad thing when styling a tailored Monday-Friday look. When it comes down to signature structures, some of the strongest designers opt for this colour palette such as Acne Studios, Celine and Jenni Kayne. Today I bring you the wide legged pant. It’s been a feature in my wardrobe for the last 2 winter’s, the only difference being the massiveness.  I swear trousers are just getting bigger! It must be a mix between the wide legged trend and the flare combined! Being only 5 ft 3, this look could have gone one of two ways:

1. Swamped under a big ball of tailoring
2. Fitted in all the right places with a structure and weightlessness.

I’d like to think the latter was the case! Usually this style is way too long, and the problem with internet shopping is you don’t quite know what’s going to arrive on your doorstep. Thankfully Rare London are smart thinkers and thoughtful towards us more petite ladies and made this style high waisted with an impressive leg that isn’t designed for supermodels. I don’t think you can get much wider with this, hence the lightweight cotton turtle neck tucked in and tight fitting. 

One rule: keep the top figure hugging with a baggy pant. 

For layering, I styled with this vest that has a gorgeous texture contracting fabrics. Business at front and party at the back with the sheer design. I’m a huge fan of a vest, whether it be long or mid length like this beauty. Plus, it adds that extra tailored touch without suiting up with a blazer. It’s a little less formal, but on trend at the same time. I shot this look with good friend Alisha, and we couldn’t believe how gorgeous the light and shadows were! Plus how nice is the backdrop to compliment the look? Not as amazing at the cinnamon roll I divulged in prior to this! Yum (totally off subject I know!)

It’s Friday, which means it’s nearly the weekend! I’ll be selling at Bondi markets this Sunday so if you are in the area come and say hi! Also, I’ve just added “Shop My Style” to my page so make sure you check out some of the items I’ve been investing in this season. Click here to see more . There are some amazing bargains! Have a great weekend!

Shop The Look:

Rare London Cream Vest: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Rare London Black Wide Legged Pants: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Zara Turtle Neck: SHOP SIMILAR HERE

Jo Mercer Black Shoes: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Camilla & Marc Clutch Bag: SHOP SIMILAR HERE

Karen Walker Tortoiseshell Sunglasses: SHOP SIMILAR HERE

Hair: Paul Anthony Studio based in Potts Point

Photo credit to Alisha Thornley from Alishayi blog