The Accessories To Pack

This week has been dedicated to packing my four years in Australia into two suitcases! It wasn’t an easy task one bit. I thought I would have been able to do it in a couple of days but it has literally taken me over three weeks to decide what to cull and what to keep. Because lets be honest, no one wants the extra costs of kilos at the airport! There were a few things I definitely kept hold of, either because they are seasonal staples or for the reason they are timeless accessories. I’ll be doing a more in depth packing post upon my return to the UK, but until then I am sharing the accessories I have kept a tight hold of. 

One piece I didn’t part ways with was my Daniel Wellington watch. I think having a small yet curated collection of accessories can really elevate your wardrobe. For me, that includes a few timepieces that all differ in some way - i.e, a contrasting watch face and neutral straps in different fabrics to match the majority of my looks. It’s always great to have the option of a mesh strap (great for evening or tailored looks) and a leather strap (my go to for casual or denim looks). I'm a minimal jewellery kind of girl, so my watch is usually the stand out piece. You’ve only got to spot a coffee shot on my Instagram to see what I mean! I have styled with the Daniel Wellington cuff which comes in silver or rose gold. 

Handbags in monochromatic colours are a great option for styling. When packing everything into two suitcases the less handbags the better to save space, so I have definitely culled a lot of ‘fashion’ bags this week. I think keeping a tote, a cross body, and a shoulder bag is enough. Any bag that’s a trend piece that I can buy at a reasonable price point I will wait to purchase back in the UK. 

I have also kept hold of a handful of earrings - a few statement and small everyday styles all in gold. 

Daniel Wellington are offering a free strap when purchasing a watch offer and an additional 15% off with code ‘STYLESTRUCTURE’ until May 31st. For my Australian followers, the gift sets are a great option for Mother’s Day next month. I actually purchased one for my mums birthday last year and she loves it!

Photo credit to Jessie Khoo

The Blouse You Can’t Ignore This Summer

Warm tones and peek a boo blouses - sounds like summer is on it’s way. I think it’s safe to say that the coldest of winter is over. Us lucky ones in Sydney have been teased with 26 degree days in August and our Instagram feeds are begging us to consider spending an Aussie winter in Europe. Yes, I was tempted to pack my bags for eight weeks to say the least. 

The tie front blouse is the new button up, but for the more daring. I think the only way to rock this is with denim or wide legged pants. It’s definitely the perfect style for the smaller of cup sized ladies amongst us (wishing I could join that club already) but until then, I will settle for a lace bralette and delicate gold jewellery. 

Once my six pack gets here, I’ll brave this style with low slung denim shorts. Wish me luck!

Shop my look:

Meia Deep V Blouse: By The Way via Revolve (sold out but similar here)

Karolina High Rise Skinny Jean: GRLFRND via Revolve

Kyra Mules: Senso via Farfetch

Square 90s Sunglasses: ASOS

Spiral Hoop Earrings: Reliqua via The Iconic

Fine Lace Bralette Black: The Iconic

Photo credit to Jo from Jo Hombsch blog

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

Weekly Lust Haves...

A new segment to Style Structure: Weekly lust haves. This weeks mood board is all about city chic monochrome with a side of coastal. A detailed tee pairs perfectly with a good cut jean and heels, but whilst living in Sydney (and heading into autumn) the memory of long summers near the ocean wants to live on. My fascination with straw bags continue and takes the look from smart to casual in seconds. Add a splash of Rosas Frescas and you are good to go!

Shop the edit:

1.Asymmetric Lace-Up Cotton-Jersey Top: Marques' Almeida

2. Suede Pumps: Jacquemus
3. Cropped Flares: Saint Laurent

4. Nanni Gold-Plated Earrings: Acne Studios

6. Rosas Frescas: Coqui Coqui

Slips and Statements

Season to season, the black slip dress has remained a versatile piece within my closet, and I’m sure yours too. Details change - whether it be the neckline, the straps or the length. Overall, it remains a strong option worn alone or styled layered. I actually love the update on todays Third Form dress. The tie details on the spaghetti straps add something a little more than just a simple LBD. Styling can be mixed up depending on the occasion, worn high on the neckline to look more polished or a little more loose for those easy braless beach days.

Now onto the slogan tee - I.JUST.CAN’T.GET.ENOUGH. My collection is rapidly growing and a little less serious than some of my wardrobe staples. I am finally introducing this seasons biggest colour red somewhere other than my make up bag. The pop of colour on the tee pairs back nicely with a strong lip. I've opted for a statement earrings because let's be honest... there's some amazing pairs around right now. My jewellery box is begging for more space. Something about this ensemble takes me back in time - and I’ve come to the decision it’s the sunnies, clogs and red lip that contribute to this!

Shop the look:

Mini Tie Dress: Third Form Via The Iconic or similar here, here and here

(Similar) Feminist T-Shirt: Tee and Cake or similar here, here and here
Kyra Shoes: Senso, or similar here and here
Formalities Coat: Third Form or similar here and here
Statement Earrings: similar here and here
Faye Suede Bag: Chloe via Farfetch
Audrey Sunglasses: Celine and similar here

Photo credit to Jo from Jo Hombsch blog

Sweat Pants And Heels

Silky sweats….An item I have recently discovered and wish I found them sooner. When it comes to pants, my first option would usually be a good pair of jeans. Day to day I’m a fan of comfort, adding  luxe accessories to polish off the look. But after seeing sweatpants rocked with heels at the Feb Fashion Weeks I decided it was time to give the jeans a rest and try something new. Incase you didn’t know - I have a 30” inside leg, which means flat shoes are not always the best option when wearing full length pants. That’s where the heels come in - they do wonders for a look like this, and the vertical stripe along the outside of the leg elongates my leg length. Genius! 

Today’s cashmere boyfriend tee is perfect for the unpredictable Sydney weather. It’s not quite cold enough to be wearing full sleeve knits right now (secretly wishing for that day!) so the cap sleeve option is a must have for transeasonal styling. It also looks cute tucked into high waisted mom jeans. As mentioned at the start of year, staple, long lasting pieces have to be at the forefront of my mind when adding new items to my wardrobe. Having this sustainable mindset means these pieces will be worn over and over which is the only way I want to shop. Add a pop of lip colour to brighten up the monochrome tones and you’re good to go! 

The best thing about this look - It can be layered, so will be perfect for peak winter. I would probably switch the cap sleeves for a chunky cable knit or sweatshirt adding a double breasted coat for the colder months. Even swapping out the stilettos for kitten heeled boots.

Shop the look:

Silk Ankle Pants: Grana

Silk Cashmere Boyfriend Tee: Grana

Anicka Shoes: The Mode Collective

Reformation Trench Coat: Shop similar here, here and here

New Era NYC Baseball Cap: Tuchuzy

Gucci Dyonysus GG Supreme Mini Bag: Gucci

Grana are offering 10% off and free worldwide shipping until the end of April with code ‘SSxGRANA’

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Photo credit to Jo from Jo Hombsch blog.
 

Casual Luxe

The past few weeks, prints have been worked into my day to day wardrobe and I have actually surprised myself at the some of the pieces that have caught my eye. When opting for a design, it’s important to try and picture what you will style it with in your wardrobe. Monochrome will always work well with my love for neutrals and means you can even add a statement shoe without looking over styled. The trick I always try and use is to style prints with easy to wear items that have a relaxed feel to them. Eg, a print skirt and tee or print blouse and jeans.

It’s hard to avoid bold statements thanks to the likes of Gucci, and it’s actually a good contrast when paired back with basics. When getting ready for work in the mornings, a plain white tee or button up shirt are usually my go to, so today’s skirt is perfect for those mornings you are in a rush but still want to look put together. This season, I am experimenting more with the A-Line skirt whether it be denim or something a little dressier which will be perfect for the upcoming party season. The fit on this Karen Millen one is very flattering whilst being on trend. Great for petite or taller girls.

Is anyone in a bit of a rut at the moment admiring the trends Northern Hemisphere? This is the time of year I really miss being back in the UK. It’s finally ‘sweater season’, and I’ve mentioned it before that summer is not the strongest of seasons for me as layering is my favourite styling tool. I am still secretly buying pieces that can get a few wears before 30 degree days are the norm. The funny thing is, it’s not wasteful even though most will disagree. Reason being the style (just like todays) is oversized, not to mention a cable knit. It’s a classic shape that will see me onto winter in Sydney next year, and I’ll most definitely get more wear when heading home for a week at the end of this year. So the next time someone tells you it’s too late in the season to buy something you love, ask yourself if you’ll 100% see yourself wearing in six months time.

Shop my look:

Skirt: Karen Millen (sold out) Shop selection here or here

Beige Knit Jumper: Shop similar here or here

Eyelet Point Flat: The Mode collective

Faye Medium Leather and Suede Shoulder Bag: Chloe via Net-A-Porter

Watch: Cluse

Photo credit to yours truly