Subtle Sexiness

Every woman has their own version of sexy. It doesn’t mean you have to reveal too much. I prefer to be sexy subtly. There are many ways to achieve this and one of my favourite styling tips come winter is wearing an oversized jumper baring a bit of shoulder. Gone are the days where a cleavage or mini skirt are the ways to feel confident. I’ve always had a soft spot for backless, especially when it involves knitwear. Today’s dress is from LPA’s new collection which is available on FWRD and Revolve. It’s one of my go to brands for something a little dressy, but still stylish and classy. I adore the tie detailing around the neckline and back. I have kept my hair sleek, with a pair of classic black sunnies and a statement pair of gold earrings. Anyone else love to dress up their minimal looks with a clunky pair of nanna earrings? Definitely something I am loving experimenting with this season, and always on the hunt for my next pair!

Guess what ladies? FWRD are currently having 15% off until March 20th! If you’ve been eyeing up that investment handbag or blazer that will see you from office to dinner this sale is for you! Plus,  free express shipping to Australia which is always welcomed! Even my Chloe Faye is on sale…. just saying!

Shop my look:

Dress 158: LPA via Revolve

Medium Faye Bag: Chloe via FWRD

Shop all Chloe bags here via FWRD

Cross Over Point Flats: The Mode Collective via The Iconic

Baby Audrey Sunglasses: Celine via David Jones

Shop more designer sunglasses here via FWRD

Shop statement earrings here via FWRD

Photo credit to yours truly x

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

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.

The layered Black Dress

Layering has been my go to styling tool for the majority of winter ’16. It was featured heavily in the European winter fashion weeks and I love to pull inspiration from them even though they are rocking summer at the moment.

When living in the UK, I discovered the website Lyst which had a good selection of high end brands. I always find it easier heading to one website typing in what I am looking for and getting an array of styles and brands all in one place! Although I own way too many coats for the Sydney climate, it’s actually quite nice leaving them out for todays post. Whether you layer a camisole, slip dress or heavier fabrics there are a few things to keep in mind when wearing this trend comfortably for any occasion. 

1. Draw attention to back detailing. I have seen some great styling this month with black dresses paired back with an off shoulder shirt. I myself have dabbled in this last month, and feel it works really well with a scoop or low back dress. 

2. Pair a slip dress with a tee and sneakers. This combo is so easy to wear, especially when worn casually. 

3. It doesn’t always need to be a tee. Try styling with a shirt or turtleneck for a suitable workwear look.

4. Flared jeans look cool too. This one is for you ladies currently in winter. The slip dress can be a little chilly this time of year, so don’t forget that layering doesn’t have to only be on your top half.

5. Add hardware. Cute chains and chokers can make this look feel more 90’s. I personally love circle detail pendants.

6. No rules on dress length. Make it work for you and take your season into consideration. Try a mini style if currently in summer and a midi style if still feeling the chill!

Today's dress is from Vale Denim and it's actually quite different to any other dress I own. It's a heavy denim that's great to wear without a coat. The eyelet detailing is also super cool and gives the dress that added bit of oomph. Sneakers just felt right to keep it more street for a day out in the city. Wearing boots would give off a different vibe altogether. Saying that, I will probably wear a good pair of knee highs with this dress for dinner dates.

I have compiled some of my favourite black dresses from Lyst this season which you can layer the way that works for you.

Enjoy!