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

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.