Why I Can’t Let Go Of Good Denim

Last weekend, I sorted through my closet to make way for a new season. Because let’s be honest, here in Australia it’s a sensible time to start thinking about spring. As much as I love to cull, I really struggle with shifting denim. It’s the one category that I can justify spending money on. Why? I wear denim every single day. There’s two fits that I’m drawn to this season:

1.The Boyfriend Crop Jean

2. The Kick Flare

These 2 styles probably take up 70% of my jean collection. Today’s denim of choice are from Melbourne boutique, Order Of Style. The boyfriend crop is high waisted (a must for anyone with a small waist) and is a roomy in the leg. They are flattering - tight in all the right places and look fab with a heel. If you’re on the shorter side like me, the added height will really elongate you.

My second jean of choice would be the kick flare. It’s my first pair of fresh white jeans of the season, they are a must for spring in Australia! Love the added detail of the step hem. Dress them up with a pair of open toe stilettos or for a laid back weekend vibe add a pair of trusty Connies.

You can’t go wrong with jeans and a tee. Is anyone else finding themselves wearing this combo on a night out? The trick is to style with gold jewellery (my favourites at the moment are my Reliqua pair), add a heel and rock a red lip. I guarantee this won’t look as casual as you might think. Try it!

Shop the looks:

Look One:

Higher Ground Boyfriend Crop Jean: 3x1

Love Hurts Loose Fit Long Sleeve Tee: Zoe Karssen 

Katetown Trench Coat: American Vintage

Jones Sunglasses: Elizabeth And James

Faye Medium Leather and Suede Bag: Chloe via FWRD

Marni Shoes: Similar here

Look Two:

The Insider Crop Step Fray Jean: Mother Denim

Extended Cuff Tee: Frame Denim

Nalokie Jacket: Iro

Henly Sunglasses: Elizabeth And James

Faye Medium Leather and Suede Bag: Chloe via FWRD

Marni Shoes: Similar here

Photographed and directed my Yours Truly, in collaboration with Order Of Style

Day To Night Denim

The Christmas break is drawing closer, and my style is already feeling more relaxed. I honestly can’t wait to kick back and relax for the last week of the year. For some reason, I am feeling more chilled compared to this time last year, despite a busy and somewhat stressful last month. Unless I’m going to a party of some sort, I’ll quite happily dress casually for the rest of 2016. Sydney weather is making it hard to have consistency when it comes to fashion choices, hence denim shorts and jeans currently on high rotation, dependent on whether it chooses to be thirty degrees or eighteen!

Today I am styling the classic down button shirt 2 ways: for brunch and dinner. I’ve opted for a stripe for daytime and gingham for city drinks at dusk. In all honestly, I probably dine out in the daytime way more than the evening so for me my casual look will definitely get more wear. For brunch, I like to throw an outfit on and be comfortable. As todays brunch was beachside, it made sense to take the straw bag for a spin!

My second look was for city drinks with Chris, and we captured this sundown 70’s vibe perfectly. Flares are a great option for nights out, and the bell bottom give added height when a pair of killer heels are added. The look was dressed up with luxe accessories and an exaggerated eye. 

So overall, the button down shirt is a great option most days. I would just recommend to keep your shirt fitted for nights out and add gold jewellery and heels to make your look pop. For the daytime, opt for a shirt one size bigger to get that boyfriend feel. Roll your sleeves up and add less dressy accessories. Then eat as much avocado and salmon until your heart’s content!

Shop my looks from Grana:

Poplin Boyfriend Shirt (blue stripe): Grana

Poplin Boyfriend Shirt (gingham): Grana

Denim: Grana

Grana are offering 10% off and free worldwide shipping until the end of December with code ‘SSxGRANA’

Shop accessories:

Dionysus GG Supreme Shoulder Bag: Gucci

Leather Belt With Interlocking G Buckle: Gucci

Karissa Shoes: Senso

Kayu Beach Bag: Net-A-Porter

Round Metal Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Photo credit for my brunch look to Jo Hombsch

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

The Piped Shirt

If there are two items that are heavily rotated in my wardrobe it’s denim and shirts. In my opinion you can never have enough! They are staples which can be styled in so many different ways and layered if need be for winter, or deconstructed in summer. Today’s blouse could definitely be worn undone with a bikini underneath in a couple of months time. I’ll just switch up jeans for cut off shorts. I’ve been a big fan of the pyjama trend for a good few months, and I don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon. The majority of blouses that are being added to my staples is the piped shirt, and believe it or not colour is making an appearance. You can thank Gucci for that this season especially with the burnt orange and deep mahogany which are key colours into breaking the monochrome mould. 

I’ve kept the jewellery simple with a rose gold pendant that was a bridesmaid gift from best friend a few months back. Thought it paired well with the deep red piping on the blouse. My new Gucci bag is also making it’s first appearance on the blog! After long deliberation, it was time to break the black bag rule and opt for something more neutral for the summer. Plus, small bags are on trend this season. As long as you have your phone, cards cash and keys you’re good to go! This bag does come in a few sizes so if you’re looking for something more everyday I would definitely upgrade to the medium size.

Hope everyone is having a great week! Currently writing this post from Dallas airport connecting back to Sydney. You may (or may not) have noticed my Instagram account was compromised last Tuesday. Eighteen months worth of content disappeared, but thankfully reappeared two days later. Whether you are a creative using Instagram, or using the platform for personal photos it’a definitely an upsetting time to see memories disappear. It also opens your eyes that we rely so heavily on technology these days and we would be lost without it!

Shop the look:

X Revolve The Silk Blouse: L'Academie 

Far From Any Road Cropped Jean: Free People

Round Metal Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Dionysus GG Supreme Shoulder Bag: Gucci

Black Slingback Shoes: Paul Andrew via Shopbop or Aquazzura Pumps via Shopbop

First time shooting a post on a tripod. Photo credit to yours truly.

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