New York Golden Hour

When you have the opportunity to shoot something a little special in New York, it’s time to pull out all the stops and channel a more romantic vulnerable side. Today’s article is slightly different to what I would usually post, but wanted to get creative overlooking the Manhattan skyline and do something a little more dressy and editorial before heading out for cocktails in the city. Maybe I have been watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s a little too much! 

Velvet is new to my closet, and held out for this dress purely for the emerald green tones that ooze class. The wrap style is perfect to cinch in that waist, and the low neckline is a little sexy. With a dress this length, I think it’s important to show a bit of skin. I couldn’t resist adding a statement gold necklace to take this look back to the 60’s. As we are heading into winter here in Aus, the thickness of the dress is ideal for a cold night out. I was actually surprised how much fabric this dress has. 

So how can you add velvet into your wardrobe? I would definitely recommend only having a few pieces, so here are my picks:

The Statement Dress

Perfect for those winter nights out. Try wrap styles that are going to reveal some skin.

The Velvet Belt

Perfect to dress up your go to denim and white tee look whilst adding texture.

The Velvet Shoe

Easy to incorporate into your closet. Stick to muted tones so that they see you through to next season instead of being a one off fashion piece.

This editorial was photographed by myself at design hotel, The Boro in collaboration with Isabelle Quinn. Hair refresh by the lovely team at Aveda salon Inch Hairdresser.

Shop the edit:

Winona Wrap Long Dress: Isabelle Quinn

Xyrus I shoes: Senso

Chain Necklace: Zara or similar here and here

Basket Bag: Zara or similar here and here

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

Black & White Alternative

It’s been a while since wearing grey, so thought I would give it some love this week. It’s a nice alternative to monochrome, and fits well with the crazy weather that Sydney has been experiencing  this week. It's currently 10 degrees colder than this weekend which means I have reverted back to knits. Although the thicker threads are my favourite kind, I have actually started to enjoy styling spring looks. Todays combo is a good transeasonal style. This Boohoo.com two-piece is a great look for those “what’s the weather up to?” kind of days, and you can layer it if the storms roll in. The bell bottom flares are also on trend for this season, and make a good change to the denim and floaty styles that are filling store rails right now. I love a good two-piece for back and forth to work. It’s smart enough to pass as a relaxed tailored set, but comfortable enough to sit in all day. Plus, Boohoo is a Northern hemisphere brand so always feel as though it’s a bit more fashion forward. For added grey notes, this jacket effortlessly matches the outfit perfectly, and with the wind picking up it was a smart styling choice. 

White fringed mules and my Alila The Label bag were the accessories of choice. If you follow my Instagram, you would already be aware that I have a slight obsession for anything marble so instantly fell head over heels for this bag. It’s a great design with an option of 3 straps, which is always handy depending on whether you want to wear on your shoulder or cross body. I also used this bag for brunch on the weekend, and received a few compliments surrounding the print.

This week, I've been introduced to Cloud Nine Hair styling range. I've become a fan of their new micro wand which I achieved todays tousled waves with. It’s so easy to use, and added bonus it’s super lightweight which will be a blessing when travel time comes around for my new job! It will definitely be coming with me! It’s halfway through the week, and can’t figure out where the time has gone. As mentioned, I started a new job a few weeks back, so between settling in and focusing on my blog more, it’s a tiring cycle. But I’ve made a promise to myself that I won’t let either suffer. If you love what you do, you make it happen regardless. Hope you all have a great week!

Shop The Look:

boohoo.com two piece set: SHOP HERE (on sale) 

Charles & Keith Mules: SHOP HERE 

Out With Audrey Jacket: SHOP HERE

Out With Audrey Sunglasses: SHOP HERE

Alilia The Label Bag: SHOP HERE (currently on sale)

Breda Watch: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Happiness Boutique Earrings: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Cloud Nine Micro Wand: SHOP HERE

Photo credit to Laurie Young from The Rue Collective blog

The Skirt That Belongs In Vogue

Have you ever set eyes on an item of clothing that is so beautiful you can’t stop thinking about it? I can’t tell you how long I have wanted to get my hands on the skirt I am wearing in this post. After photographing this skirt backstage for the Pink Stitch The Label runway show, I was already styling it in my head even though it wasn’t for release just yet. Last week, I went to see Pink Stitch’s new autumn/winter collection (standby for camel and navy goodness) and was graced with a package wrapped up with my name on it. Can you guess what was inside? The skirt which only seemed designed to be featured in Vogue, was a thank you gift from the brand for the images I captured that day. I couldn’t have been happier, and was eager to style it and shoot it asap!

The fullness of the skirt meant the location had to fall in line with the ladylike, powerful style. The Rocks in Sydney has so many historical buildings that ooze class and structure, with the white architecture reminding me of the aristocratic streets of London early 1900’s. The skirt naturally was the centre piece, hence edging towards more casual on top. I have seen this type of skirt styled more laid back in a few print editorials, so was drawn towards wearing knitwear as a nice contrast against the sheen of the skirt. Last weekend I was lucky enough to purchase this Sass and Bide jumper for just $15 at Bondi Markets! The black was probably an odd decision to style with navy, but felt it worked well. My Saint Laurent bag was a good finishing touch to the look, with a pair of pointy lace up heels to give me the added height I needed. 

I recently indulged in hair TLC at the infamous Edwards & Co in Surry Hills, and adore the warm tones running throughout. I’ve had a good few inches cut off, so knew adding a large curl would bounce my hair up to give it volume and sassiness. This kind of shoot was a little different to what I would usually publish, but loved channeling more dramatic tailoring. I thought Laurie did a great job of capturing the skirt in it’s most beautiful form, and I love the scrunched styling to show that although the skirt is feminine, it can be worn less ‘pretty’. I honestly can’t wait to wear this skirt again, and was considering this might be a great option for the upcoming race season, or maybe to swan around the streets of Paris which won’t be anytime soon! It’s a piece that will never date, and will always turn a head or two. I just dread packing this beauty for any European trip in the future. It definitely needs more love, that’s for sure!

Shop The Look:

Pink Stitch The Label Skirt: SHOP HERE

Sass & Bide Jumper: SHOP SIMILAR HERE or HERE

Saint Laurent Bag: SHOP HERE

Oscar Wylee Sunglasses: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Zu Shoes: SHOP SIMILAR HERE or HERE

Fossil Watch: SHOP SIMILAR HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Photo credit to Laurie Young from The Rue Collective blog