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.

Relaxed Silks

Silky delicates are favourite of mine moving into spring. I get slightly addicted to certain styles if I know it works for my shape and it’s easy to style into my weekday and weekend wardrobe. If it gives off a relaxed feel, it’s definitely a selling point. I’m already building a nice collection of camisoles to pair with lightweight skirts and denim and you should do the same! A neutral girl at heart means I’ll be sticking to nudes and warmer tones, but if you are lover of colour there are some great popping bubble pinks and baby blues filtering through for the season ahead.

Silky basics are so easy to take through into next season.  Today’s dress is a little oversized and has a beautiful plunging backline. It will be such a winner come summer with a bronzed glow, but until then a relaxed fit tee is my go to.

Never overlook small style changes in such basic pieces. Tip: Buy one size bigger in tees so that you can pull off one shoulder. It can make such a difference to the look.

The cropped raw hem flare (as you know I love) are perfect to wear under a slip dress on chilly days. They’re fun to layer and I’ve been such a fan of this throughout winter. Moving into spring, there’s definitely a bit of excitement to wear silk and linen fabrics on their own, with the only styling coming from statement shoes and bags.

As the seasons change, I’d love to know what trends you are looking forward to wearing. If there’s a particular trend you’d like to see more of over on Boho Tailor please let me know!

Shop my look:

Double Strap MiniDress: BLQ BASIQ via Revolve

Cosy Modal FrenchTerry Top: Splendid via Revolve

Crop Flare Jean: Rag & Bone

Horsebit Loafers: Gucci via Gucci or Net-A-Porter

Ivory Klinga watch: Triwavia The Iconic

Black Clutch Bag: Similar via Rebecca Minkoff via Shopbop or Oliveve via Shopbop

Photo credit to my love, Chris

The Multi Season Blouse

One item that is heavily rotated in my wardrobe is the button up shirt. It’s a versatile little number that can be worn to work or worn casually on the weekends with good old denim. Is anyone else a little obsessed with the blouse this season? Whether you are Northern or Southern hemisphere, season doesn’t matter! It’s currently winter in Sydney, so trying to find different ways to style this piece. It’s not bitterly cold, so a great way to style is with a concealed layer underneath and a nice tailored coat. Try adding a pair of mom jeans and a good pair of kicks. It will give you an effortless weekend feel. Another variation is layered with a sweater over the top. Always love rolling the cuffs  over the jumper with a statement watch underneath. 

Today’s look was shot over in Barcelona, where we experienced some rather warm weather. Although my Third Form blouse is a super soft (yet heavy) linen, it was still breathable in the Spanish heat. I decided to unbutton and pull over my shoulders and add a statement choker. There’s something so good about baring tanned shoulders on holidays. Jeans were out of the question (too hot sorry) so a pair of frayed hem shorts and a leg show were inevitable. It was such a shame about the lack of good sandals before leaving on my trip. I should have thought about this more beforehand! Saying that, my new Senso boots paired back well with my bag so it was all good! 

Shop the look:

Chikara Shirt: Third Form or Open Shoulder Blouse from Helmut Lang or Sundry

Raw Hem Shorts: Frame Denim or Rag & Bone

Gold Minimalsit Choker: Holly Ryan or Madewell Circle Statement Necklace or Alexis Bittar

Vessie II Boots: Senso or similar here

Chloe Faye: Net-A-Porter

Baby Audrey Sunglasses: Celine or Demi Sunglasses from Tory Burch

Photo credit to my love, Chris

Broderie Anglaise

Although I am a sucker for winter fashion, an all white look makes me think of summer and I’m liking it! I forgot how much I love the beach and the warm breeze that makes Sydney all the more liveable. When the warm whether ticks over, I usually struggle to know what to wear. I think it’s the British in me, where layering is ingrained from a young age. If you can’t master styling multiple waterproof layers, you are shunned from the fashion world….just kidding. But I’m honest when I say that summer isn’t as fun for styling when wearing a couple of clothing items due to sticky 30+ temperatures. Thankfully, Karen Millen are making my transition into summer that touch easier.

I remember when I would save a month on my part time retail wage to purchase a posh new dress from Karen Millen in my late teens. They were always so well tailored and fit like a glove. Then I was blessed with the company merging with the brand I worked for, hello 33% discount! In my student days, this was a massive deal and converted me into a Karen Millen shopaholic in no time.

I’ve recently been reintroduced to the brand, and have been pleasantly surprised by some of their less formal pieces. Broderie Anglaise is a style that I like to revert back to most summers, but this season I'm drawn more towards the midi length. My legs are no way tan enough yet to wear a version of this dress with a shorter hemline! But I actually really like this floaty style, especially when styled with killer gladiator sandals. I am still obsessing over anything Chloe this month, and if there are similar alternatives available, I'm in. The lightweight biker jacket is a perfect addition to the all white look as I’m always reaching for that extra layer early mornings.

It won’t be long before the temperatures crank up, but this year I am challenging myself to stay true to my style. I’ll be doing this but finding lightweight tailoring, and floaty pieces to channel a touch a boho on my more relaxed days. Bring on the sunshine!

Shop the look:

Karen Millen Dress: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Karen Millen Jacket: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Urge Footwear Gladiator Sandals: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Saint Laurent Bag: SHOP SIMILAR HERE

Pacifico Optical Sunglasses: SHOP SIMILAR HERE

Jolie and Dean Bangle: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Photo credit to Laurie Young from The Rue Collective Blog