Style Structure: sustainable

Breathe and escape for this Weekend Habitat. Casa Modesta is a small family run hotel located in the Algarve, Portugal which I had the pleasure of visiting and photographing in October 2019. Combining rural tourism with a contemporary feel, this tranquil oasis is the perfect weekend escape for a slower way of life. Consisting of 9 rooms with patios, privacy is guaranteed. The property promotes and supports local businesses; it's a good feeling to know you will be supporting small. Skip the larger chain hotels in the coming months and keep these family traditions running. You won't be disappointed.

Photography: Helen-Jayne Driscoll

Casa Modesta Website: https://securept.e-gds.com/casamodesta/

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.