Winter Scarf Styling

I’d definitely say the winter scarf is underrated as a styling accessory. This year I’ve been stocking up on my favourite styles to layer up my outfits. My best purchase has been the black Toteme scarf which I’ve honestly worn most days. It’s 100% virgin wool and so soft. I also opted for black over the cream alternative as I like to wrap my scarf up high on my face, and it made me nervous I’d get make-up on a cream style! I’ve also realised I am allergic to Angora, so checking materials is important to my choices now. 

There are other scarf styles which look really chic other than a long standard style scarf. Don’t shy away from capes and shawls, They are perfect for layering over blazers/coats and also means you can wear a chunky knit underneath and still feel warm. Growing up, my mother would never just wrap a scarf around her neck. She always opened it up, threw it over her shoulder and pinned with a brooch always looking so smart. I also remember all her scarves smelling of her perfume when I’d play dress up in them! 

Maybe a scarf is sentimental in someway, but it’s definitely my most used accessory this winter. Out of all my scarves, I’d say one is higher end, with the others ranging from £20 - £80. Now is a great time to purchase as some stores have up to 70% off which is a really great saving when you are paying for such a high percentage of wool. I feel it’s going to be cold until end of March like the past couple of years, plus a good scarf will last year on year. Just make sure you check washing instructions and add softener to your wash to keep it soft and fluffy. Natural fibres will keep you a lot warmer than synthetic. So I’ve complied some of my favourite styles below, and hope you’ve seen different ways on my Instagram to style this season…

Photography: Your Truly 

Healthy Meals Inspired From Sydney

Back from a month in Australia, and what an amazing trip it was! Waking up so close to the ocean, eating healthy and getting creative in my second home felt really good. Especially because January is such a grey month in the UK. I knew I didn’t want to fall into the slumped January blues upon return, so made a promise to myself I would bring the positive energy and healthy lifestyle home with me. When you spend time in Sydney, you realise just how much people take care of themselves, and its good motivation to practice a good routine of exercise and healthy eating even when the weather isn’t as warm here. 

I’m not one to make New Years Resolutions, but I am making a conscious effort in 2019 to take care of my skin and body from the inside out. Making just a few lifestyle changes can have such a huge difference on your skin and overall wellbeing. So the first thing I did when touching down was stock up my Samsung fridge for the week ahead. Lots of greens, fresh fruit, fish and coffee (the last one needs no explaining!). I have been using The Beauty Chef Glow Powder, which is a beauty blend containing probiotic super foods. I add one scoop with water which aids a healthy gut to start the day. As I work from home the days I am not on location photographing, I try to stick to a routine of having breakfast, lunch and dinner at home. Meal prepping helps, and to give variety I usually swap out my breakfast choices each morning or the protein in each meal. Below I’ve listed some of the meals I have been preparing inspired by dishes I had in Sydney.

Breakfast: 

The Beauty Chef Glow Powder mixed with water 

and 

Avocado and 2 x chilli boiled eggs on wholemeal toast 

(The best I had in Sydney was Infiniti Bakery, Paddington) 

or 

Blended blueberry, dates, avocado, banana and almond milk smoothie 

Lunch: 

King prawn Broccoli Salad 

(Inspired by the amazing salad menu at Harrys, North Bondi) 

Ingredients: 

handful of long stem broccoli 

one pear chopped 

handful of green beans 

half a red onion 

half a cup of pomegranate seeds 

olive oil and balsamic dressing 

Snack: 

Handful of dates and half a handful of nuts 

or 

Watermelon, mango and blueberry fruit salad 

Dinner: 

Salmon Green Stirfry 

(Inspired by Chin Chin, Surry Hills) 

Ingredients: 

salmon fillet 

handful of kale 

handful of spinach 

handful of chopped cabbage 

half a red onion 

one cup of chopped carrot 

rice noodles 

sauce of choice: I like sweet and sour sauce, Katsu curry or sweet chilli. 

I hope you’ve all had a great start to 2019! 

Photography and Creative Direction by yours truly 

Collaboration in partnership with Samsung Home Appliances

Two Winter Essentials

With winter just around the corner (I say “winter’ lightly) it’s important to keep a well organised wardrobe. Before the colder months roll in, it’s time to pack away the lightweight fabrics that won’t be worn for the next few months. There are two items that become the staples for the A/W wardrobe,

Good knitwear and a tailored coat.

Year to year, these two pieces always have priority in the wardrobe, and it’s actually quite surprising how many one can own! In all honesty, my wardrobe is actually quite small with only items that will get good wear. Quality over quantity, which means less wardrobe hauls. Rotating the staples is key to maintaining a downsized closet.

Today’s look is from Jaz & Alex boutique. They stock all the key items you will need for the coming season, offering a premium online shopping experience. When shopping knitwear, it’s good to have a clear understanding of how you want the piece to fit. There are so many options available at the moment, and my shelves consist of the following:

1. The oversized cable knit This is the all rounder and can be worn with almost anything. The boyfriend fit shows effortless styling.

2. The lightweight turtle neck. Probably the most on trend at the moment. The perfect option for layering under dresses or camisoles.

3.The detailed knit. Whether it has tassels or eyelets, this is the jumper that will catch peoples eye. 

Paired back with a classic coat, this combination is not only comfortable but also combines classic styling with a contemporary edge.

Shop the look:

Bambi Knit – Steele via Jaz & Alex

Mia Coat – Camilla & Marc via Jaz & Alex

Leather Look Skirt – Zara, similar here and here

Suede knee high boots – Zara, similar here and here

Givenchy Antigona Bag– Cosette or here

Baby Audrey Sunglasses – Celine

Photo credit to my love, Chris