Black Dresses For Party Season

I’m sure most of you are thinking “I can’t believe another year has flown by”. It’s the same story every year “so done with this year, bring on 2019, I’m going to be a better version of myself when the clock strikes midnight” and all that jazz. But how about ending the year getting your finest threads on, slapping on that lippy and making the most of the final weeks of 2018. A New Year shouldn’t be the reason to think more positively and achieve more of your goals, why not start now? I think this is why I truly struggle making New Years resolutions. 

Whether you’re off out on your office Christmas party, date night with your loved one (even that lucky Tinder guy), or tearing up the dance floor on New Years Eve, there are plenty of dresses for you. I must say, I am actually digging sparkle this year if paired with a knit or blazer. But a simple black dress with a bit of detailing is definitely more me, and in line with my motto of only purchasing items I will wear time and time again. 

I’ve put together this small edit to help you find that cute new dress. Now, is it just me who still doesn’t have their Christmas tree up??

Shop my look:

The Greta Mini Dress: L'Academie via Revolve

Knotted Satin Bag: Mango

Shoes: Zara, similar here and here

Lipstick: Wild Ginger, Tom Ford

Photographed at The Artist Residence, London

Farewell 2016

With only four working days left of the year, I am already thinking ahead towards spending quality time with my loved ones for Christmas and New Year. I won’t go into too much detail, but it will pretty much involve plenty of sleep ins and a lack of time keeping for approximately two weeks! For Christmas, Chris and I are heading over to Perth and to the south of Western Australia for a much needed break. I have already started to dress more relaxed, but know come New Years Eve I’ll be ready to put on my party shoes to see in 2017 up in Port Douglas! 

Today’s post is special to me for two reasons. Firstly, I get to creatively work with Chris on our first joint post here on Style Structure, and secondly we are both wearing British Brand Marks & Spencer that I have grown up with since a young age. They had a strong presence in my household growing up, with most of my family being long term customers for as long as I can remember. 

Tailoring is always mastered at M&S. I was always invested in their well fitted jackets and A line skirts whilst having a stint at teaching English in Spain upon graduation. I fondly remember buying new work wear before leaving, and feeling so grown up with all my tailored pieces! I have gone back to my roots for today’s post, but jazzed it up for a more polished NYE look. Style muse, Alexa Chung has actually designed a capsule collection for the brand, so couldn’t pass up this satin blouse in a gorgeous golden hue. I am mixing up textures pairing back with velvet but kept the metallics strong with my choice of heel. As New Years is a lot warmer than the UK, Chris has opted for breathable linen and chinos. Super versatile he will wear these rolled up casually for more relaxed affairs. The look is polished with a chocolate pair of brogues and a matching belt.

I’m not usually one to care for New Years Eve, or celebrate in a lavish fashion. But this year has been a busy and life changing one so Chris and I plan to celebrate in style. 2016 was the year I applied for my permanent residency to stay in Australia and it’s the year I have finally started to feel settled and stable with a job I love, partner I couldn’t be without and a feeling of content. 2016 was the year I travelled to 8 countries and experienced cultures I never imagined possible. I have probably spent the most hours in transit since March compared to the last few years of my life! But what's life without experiences to look back on! Here’s to another great year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Shop my style:

The Elland Shirt: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Velvet Embroidered Mini Skirt: Indigo Collection at Marks & Spencer or more options here

Military Button Jacket: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Stiletto Back Zip Court Shoes: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Chris Wears:

Linen Blend Shirt: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Tailored Fit Chinos: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Leather Pointed Brogue Shoes: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Leather Buckle Belt: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Photo credit to yours truly

*Collaboration supported by Marks & Spencer & Shopping Links

Party Season Texture Mix

It’s not very often I dress up to the nines for a night out. When I was a student, I would more often than not choose an embellished dress styled to the max with accessories. Oh how things have changed! Fast forward to this year, silk is high up on my list for party season. It’s also a fabric that can be styled in multiple ways dependent on the party you are going to. I have opted to style with knitwear, mainly because I am a huge fan of contrasting. This thigh splitting skirt is versatile to be carried through to the colder months with a pair of killer ankle boots. You don’t always have to splurge on an outfit to be worn once. I always have that in the back of my mind when shopping for occasions.

The one shoulder: Chic and sexy for most seasons. There are a variety of silk, cotton and knitted available depending on your climate. It’s heating up here in Aus. Thankfully evenings by the water can be a bit windy, so the added warmth is actually welcomed. Last week was my first time on a private charter boat in Australia, and a chunky knit was appreciated whilst the sun was setting. This look would have been perfect.

To jazz up my look, I have opted for a geometric neck tie in warm caramel colour, layered with gold accessories. As mentioned in previous posts, it’s good to keep all warm tones together. I actually can’t remember the last time I wore silver.

Today’s look is from FWRD, and if you’re a sucker for luxe pieces like me it’s music to your ears that they currently have up to 25% off until midnight 15^th December. Just add 'GIFTFWRD' at checkout. Choose from brands like Saint Laurent, Chloe, Loewe and so many more…….Toodles for now, you can find me online shopping!

Fill your basket here

 Shop my look:

72 Skirt: LPA

25 Bodysuit: LPA

Medium Faye Bag: Chloe, or similar here and here

(Similar) Pendant Horseshoe Necklace: Lanvin

(Similar) Scarf: Lanvin or similar here 

Photo credit to Jo Hombsch