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!
Writing this on the plane from Barcelona to London, this may seem off subject whilst enjoying a European summer. That being said, the pilot just announced London in 10 degrees celsius when we land eek! This winter post might be relevant after all! Before heading on my summer adventures, knitwear and maxi coats seemed to occupy wardrobe space that bit more. The washing basket at home is still full of jumpers which were necessary pieces of clothing before leaving.
Unfortunately, Sydney isn’t the place to experiment with heavy layer upon layer of clothing even in the winter. Instead, the chunky knits can be worn alone or with a staple coat, and skirts don’t have to be paired with 80 denier tights. This isn’t the first time I have experimented with knit on top and below this season. It can be worn a number of ways. Here are the keys ways to style this season:
1. The flared sleeve and culotte combo. This has to be one of my favourite looks from Fashion Week SS16. The best tones are the warm oatmeal kind and look killer with a pair of high heeled ankle boots and statement bag. Try adding a cuff sleeve shirt for added styling points.
2. Cable knit and knit midi. Exactly the look I am wearing today. A big fan of matching the knits so I have broken up the look with black accessories and added a pair of trusty Gazelles for a street chic feel.
3. Tweed jacket and A-Line skirt (think Chanel/Blair Waldorf Gossip Girl) This channels a more vintage style and looks on point with a pair of Mary Jane’s and white tee. So many of these retro chic looks are coming back, and think this combo is the perfect look for an Australian winter. Adding a caped maxi coat is also a winner and will make you look a part of the Parisian fashion culture in no time.
If double knitwear isn’t for you, there’s always the oversized knit and mom jeans combo which is comfortable and on trend right now. Every winter I am always on the hunt for cable knit jumpers and see them as a staple item - they never go out of fashion.
It’s the start of February tomorrow, and I still can’t figure out where the last month has gone. Since Christmas, my diary has been filled with personal travel and work trips. From Perth to Cambodia, back to Sydney and onto Los Angeles it’s been a busy month to say the least! I love my job, and travelling is always welcomed so it’s nice to combine the two doing what I love. Going from Southern hemisphere to Northern can be a bit of a struggle this time of year, but LA wasn’t as cold as I secretly hoped for. I was still wearing a blazer and denim shorts just like I have been in Sydney recently. But with the weather being all over the place right now, I have decided no more summer purchases. I’m not giving into this indecisive climate! The autumn wardrobe building has begun.
As mentioned in my last post, I have ditched the majority of my heels and replaced them with loafers, which in turn compliment skinny trousers over wide legged. I love the shape on todays cigarette pant, and they make a nice change to denim or pair of culottes. Autumn will be a good season to style a knit or lightweight trench with them. For now, a white shirt does just the job and the breathable fabric means it’s perfect for a humid day in Sydney. The open back also adds a less corporate feel to the look. Perfect for my social media role Monday-Friday. Yet again, Target has done it again, making my work life easier to dress for in the mornings whilst staying true to my relaxed tailored style.
Although I am a sucker for winter fashion, an all white look makes me think of summer and I’m liking it! I forgot how much I love the beach and the warm breeze that makes Sydney all the more liveable. When the warm whether ticks over, I usually struggle to know what to wear. I think it’s the British in me, where layering is ingrained from a young age. If you can’t master styling multiple waterproof layers, you are shunned from the fashion world….just kidding. But I’m honest when I say that summer isn’t as fun for styling when wearing a couple of clothing items due to sticky 30+ temperatures. Thankfully, Karen Millen are making my transition into summer that touch easier.
I remember when I would save a month on my part time retail wage to purchase a posh new dress from Karen Millen in my late teens. They were always so well tailored and fit like a glove. Then I was blessed with the company merging with the brand I worked for, hello 33% discount! In my student days, this was a massive deal and converted me into a Karen Millen shopaholic in no time.
I’ve recently been reintroduced to the brand, and have been pleasantly surprised by some of their less formal pieces. Broderie Anglaise is a style that I like to revert back to most summers, but this season I'm drawn more towards the midi length. My legs are no way tan enough yet to wear a version of this dress with a shorter hemline! But I actually really like this floaty style, especially when styled with killer gladiator sandals. I am still obsessing over anything Chloe this month, and if there are similar alternatives available, I'm in. The lightweight biker jacket is a perfect addition to the all white look as I’m always reaching for that extra layer early mornings.
It won’t be long before the temperatures crank up, but this year I am challenging myself to stay true to my style. I’ll be doing this but finding lightweight tailoring, and floaty pieces to channel a touch a boho on my more relaxed days. Bring on the sunshine!
Last weekend I was lucky enough to review one of the most luxe hotels in Sydney: Pier One. I fell in love with the place after an event for the toiletries brand Appelles Skin. The hotel stretches along Pier One, which conveniently is under the Harbour Bridge….hello best view in the city! As the hotels decor channels nautical chic, it only seemed appropriate to wear a brand that oozes contoured lines and sleek silhouettes to tie in with Pier One’s theme. The weather was beautiful and the balcony of the room was the first place to capture these shots. As you know, I am a sucker for light and shadows, so couldn’t pass on the perfectly timed position of the sun with light play through the balustrades.
This two piece set has the perfect balance of fitted and loose style. The tops classic style and turtle neck adds sophistication, yet the wide legged pants are contemporary and pushes the boundaries on tailoring. Bec & Bridge are masters at reinventing tailoring pieces for the fashion forward lady. Their fabrics are lightweight and effortless movement is what comes to mind when I think of this duo. Therefore the harbour breeze on the balcony was the perfect place to portray this.
A smart tailored coat, should be in everyones winter wardrobe. In my case, a base colour of either black, grey or navy. It’s easy to style and instantly makes an outfit smarter. To finish the look off, I added a trusty pair of Jo Mercer suede snake like ankle boots and John Hardy silver accoutrements. I was fascinated by this bamboo ring, and here’s a little fact for you: For every bamboo piece purchased, the brand plant 4 bamboo seedlings. Nearly one million has been planted to date!
Stay tuned for my review of Pier One Hotel in the coming days, I can’t wait to show you where I stayed. You won’t want to miss snaps of the breathtaking view!
