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

Slow Paced Weekends

Weekends are for brunching. I honestly look forward to a sleep in and good plate of eggs on a Saturday morning, washed down with a good cup of tea. That’s how most of my weekends play out. It’s a time to relax, get creative and head to Surry Hills. It’s my one of my favourite areas for brunching, although McMahon’s point and Bondi come a close second! Although the weather is being freakishly hot this week, there was a short spell of Autumnal teasing a couple of weeks back. Sydney, just give me colder weather please? I have this conversation on a daily basis with my colleagues at work “I just want to wear a jumper”, "What do you think of this coat online?". They must be thinking deep down “Why did this Pomme move to Australia?” Yes, I moved with false hope believing I would step foot onto Ramsey Street, but now I am settled in Sydney I can actually see pockets of European feels to the city.

Today’s look I'd like to think as city chic. It’s the kind of outfit that’s nice enough for a work meeting, or for just catching up with friends on the weekend. I have opted for this Staple The Label off shoulder top which is quite different to other similar styles in my closet. I LOVE the extra fabric that drops loosely from the shoulders, with this piece feminising my masculine tailored look quite nicely.  My cigarette pants are the perfect mix of comfortable and smart. It’s also good to know that these  pants are a sustainable fashion item. With life being face paced and busy, it’s easy to drop into Zara or H&M to pick up that affordable fashion piece. As I learn more about slow fashion, it teaches me that buying from big chains isn’t always the most smart option. I’m not a complete convert into the slow movement just yet, but personally don’t own a huge wardrobe, so find it effortless to invest in higher quality pieces that will last. 

“Buy well, choose well, make it last” Vivienne Westwood

I’ll get a lot of wear out of these into the colder months with ankle boots and a nice chunky coat. For now, rolling them up does just the job paired with my Gucci loafers. 

Shop the look:

Staple The label Top: SHOP HERE or HERE

Nicole Bennett Pants: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Topshop Blazer: SHOP SIMILAR HERE or HERE

Gucci Loafers: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Ray-Ban Round Sunglasses: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Photo credit to Laurie Young from The Rue Collective blog