Weekend Habitat: The Artist Residence London

For this months Weekend Habitat, I had the pleasure of staying and photographing The Artist Residence in London. I’m a big fan of old meets new when it comes to interiors and the Grand Suite did not disappoint. Parquet flooring, marble vanity, and a cast iron bath are just some of the features that give that wow factor. A pied-à-terre with close proximity to the hustle and bustle. Located in Pimlico, it’s a short walk to Victoria train and bus station. 

The Artist Residence has several properties around the UK and this is the first I have experienced to date. It definitely won’t be the last and I am excited for the Bristol opening this June which is only 40 minutes from my home. The concept is unique. Each property focuses on art work in the rooms and communal areas, and the theme of wood and cast iron run throughout. It’s also nice that a touch of the outside neighbourhood personalises each property so after a day of exploring, you can venture back to your room and soak up the local culture that touch more. Each room is individually designed and all have something different to offer. 

See more from The Artist Residence HERE
Photography: Yours truly

Neutral Staples - My Farfetch Black Friday Wishlist

These next couple of weeks I am on a shopping ban until Black Friday! But I must say, Farfetch has some dreamy pieces I already have my eyes on. It seems silly to purchase before the ‘land of internet goes into fashion meltdown’ and to be honest I would rather fill my online basket which I will be checking out on the 23rd November. Also known as ‘not shopping on a whim’ and actually purchasing items you really want, or have been on your wish list for some time. If you’ve been reading my blog for some time, you would know how important it is for me to have a small, yet curated staple wardrobe which consists of key pieces I will rewear over and over throughout the season.

So lets start with the blazer…. 

Best ways to wear? Office to evening festive drinks, styled over a basic tee, oversized with a midi dress or my way of wearing this season would be with a silk midi. (See styling tips from my previous post here)

The White Accessories…..

The best thing about this seasons on trend white shoes and bags is they will look amazing with your tan come summer, so these pieces aren’t just for autumn! I recently invested in a BOYY bag, and it’s literally feeling the love from all you guys on Instagram. Looks great contrasting an all black look. If you’re feeling a little more brave, opt for chunky white trainers or slouchy knee high boots/western style boots.

Denim that will suck in all those mince pies….
I get it, it’s so hard finding the right jeans because there’s just so much choice. Keep it simple and flattering with a high waisted straight leg and don’t stray from washed blue or true black. This style looks great with a pair of chunky trainers and even better for a night out styled with scrappy black heels.

Neutral Knitwear….

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. A good collection of knitwear will not date. I have had some jumpers for three winters and take care of them washing them with special wool detergent. Opt for neutral colours which you can style with your straight leg jeans and over slip dresses.

Happy Shopping!

Paris Cafe Hopping

Bonjour from Parii! Apologies for the radio silence, I’ve been taking time out for some much needed R&R. It’s been just over a year since taking annual leave in Europe and couldn’t give one of my favourite cities a miss! Especially before the hustle bustle commences for Paris Fashion Week. As you may have seen from my Instagram, for the most part of my trip I have been in Ibiza. But took a short flight to Paris for 3 days to catch up with my bestie from back in the UK. Whenever I travel to the French capital, the itinerary somewhat ends up being the same - Cafe hopping! So what better way to participate in this 8 euro a cup activity than in comfortable, easy to wear head to toe linen. Comfort is key in this city, especially when you plan on walking around to take in the culture.

I am revisiting my roots in British brand Marks and Spencer who are known for their great selection of workwear and urban styles. It’s been a whole 2 weeks since wearing anything other than a bikini (hard life) so I was finally happy to wear a blazer and real footwear in Paris! I must admit, my shoes as pretty as they may be didn’t bond well with the cobbled streets so we just avoided those! I have been after a good pair of tapered pants for some time, and with summer rolling round in Sydney linen is all that’s on my mind. I will definitely style these up with flats and a basic white tee for day to day at the office. 

Shop the look:

Kitten Heel Sligback Court Shoes: Marks & Spencer

Petite Linen Rich Tapered Leg Trousers: Marks and Spencer

Linen Rich Gold Blend Jacket: Marks and Spencer

Cotton Rich Ribbed Half Sleeve Bardot Top: Marks and Spencer

Style post in collaboration with Marks and Spencer and Shopping Links

How to Style A Blazer

Stripes styled with tailoring is a classic combination. And I think it’s safe to say, the blazer is definitely the most coveted piece amongst fashion it girls right now. Today, I opted for a Viktoria Woods strapless dress and tweed jacket to add texture. 

Here are some of my favourite blazer looks which give off the same vibe, but dependent on your mood and the day you have planned ahead:

The striped blouse and blazer

This is a great option for office to dinner drinks. Add a straight leg or kick flare jean and kitten heels to add a touch of cool to your evening. 

The slogan tee and blazer

If you follow my Instagram, you may have noticed my love for any kind of tee with writing on. As a lover of tailoring, it only seems right to style casual with smart to give off instant Euro girl status. This combination looks awesome with a striped or checked blazer.

90’s slip and blazer

Because lets be honest, you can’t avoid all the 90’s throwbacks right now, and those linen slip dresses are giving us girls in Australia major European summer FOMO. Unfortunately, it’s not quite warm enough to brave one without that added layer. That’s where the blazer comes in. Stick to sneakers or a small heel when styling.

When walking around NYC hours on end, sneakers seem the only sensible option. It’s been a while since styling a pair for my posts, but they are probably my most worn shoe of choice in winter. Purely down to the fact I am up so early to commute to work, and it’s currently 7-10 degrees before 7am so all I want to be is comfortable! Thankfully, when shooting this post in Soho, New York was much warmer. 

It’s been amazing sharing all my New York content with you and receiving such a great response to my self portrait posts. It was a little personal challenge I set myself before going, and a way for me to step outside my comfort zone and regain some of my lost confidence. Thank you for always reading, and I hope you feel inspired to go out and push your boundaries however that may be, or on another note - invest in a blazer! Whatever makes you happy!

Shop my look:

Williamsburg Blazer: Viktoria & Woods (sold out) but similar here and here

Belgrave Dress: Viktoria & Woods

Adidas Originals: Asos or similar here

Faye Medium Leather and Suede Bag: Chloe via FWRD

Photo credit to yours truly. In collaboration with Viktoria & Woods

Elegant Accessorising

Less is more right? If you’re like me, you’re a sucker for minimal jewellery. It’s safe to say 80% of my wardrobe is monochrome, so gold is my weakness to warm up any outfit. I can’t remember the last time I wore silver, and have been on the hunt for a dainty gold watch for some time which is perfect for everyday wear. I came across Henry London Timepieces and naturally fell in love with their vintage feel and elegance. Plus, it seems appropriate to revisit my roots and introduce a special British piece into my day to day life. Sometimes I forget how far away I am from the UK; the distance from close friends and family. Keeping my roots close makes me feel content.

I believe your accessories are an extension of you, and it’s the perfect way to individualise your style. Two people could very well wear the same outfit, but it’s how they style and the finishing touches that make it their own. 

Today’s post was in collaboration with Henry London, and can be purchased from David Jones Store.

Shop my look:

Westminster Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch: Henry London

(See the full collection here)

Connective Inner Tee Wrap Dress: CHRISTOPHER ESBER via David Jones 

Honey Snake Boots: Jennie-Ellen

Faye Medium Leather and Suede Bag: Chloe via FWRD

Photographed by Danielle Williams

Sustainable Winter Warbrobe

Pardon my over excitement when I say IT’S OFFICIALLY COAT WEATHER! I am definitely within the minority that looks forward to colder days given my location. In the office, I currently have my foot heater on and Smooth FM playing in the background (in case you didn’t know, it plays all the slow golden oldies) and the reason I have a soft spot for it is because the tunes remind me of a cold Christmas back in the UK. The one thing about Sydney winter which I have a changed mind set towards is owning less coats. 

A British winter is very different - outerwear is the only item in your closet that gets the most wear for a good eight months of the year. Which means you can’t be seen in the same style day in day out! Now that my wardrobe is built around staple pieces, the ‘less coats’ rule is more manageable and love they get a good amount of love for 4 months in the year. It’s more sustainable to own a few good quality ones that will get good wear, and will also see you into next winter. 

So if you are looking for the perfect coat, here are a few tips for outerwear shopping:

1. Choose a colour that will flow with the majority of your wardrobe. Black will never date. Neutrals will lift your look assuming you own dark denim and knits.

2. Opt for a timeless style. Simple cuts and symmetrical styles will see you through to next winter.

3. Pockets - Always welcomed to keep those hands warm! Perfect for the daily commute for your phone and travel cards.

4. Consider the fit when layered. Sydney doesn’t require too many layers, but when I’m trying on coats I will always take an oversized knit to see if the arms are too tight.

Shop my style:

Swing Coat: Karen Millen

Faux-Leather Legging: Karen Millen

Classic Embroidered T-Shirt: Parfemme or similar here and here

Sling back shoes: Zara (old) or similar here and here

Black bag: Mango (sold out) or similar here and here

Baby Audrey Sunglasses: Celine

Photo credit to yours truly