Two Winter Essentials

With winter just around the corner (I say “winter’ lightly) it’s important to keep a well organised wardrobe. Before the colder months roll in, it’s time to pack away the lightweight fabrics that won’t be worn for the next few months. There are two items that become the staples for the A/W wardrobe,

Good knitwear and a tailored coat.

Year to year, these two pieces always have priority in the wardrobe, and it’s actually quite surprising how many one can own! In all honesty, my wardrobe is actually quite small with only items that will get good wear. Quality over quantity, which means less wardrobe hauls. Rotating the staples is key to maintaining a downsized closet.

Today’s look is from Jaz & Alex boutique. They stock all the key items you will need for the coming season, offering a premium online shopping experience. When shopping knitwear, it’s good to have a clear understanding of how you want the piece to fit. There are so many options available at the moment, and my shelves consist of the following:

1. The oversized cable knit This is the all rounder and can be worn with almost anything. The boyfriend fit shows effortless styling.

2. The lightweight turtle neck. Probably the most on trend at the moment. The perfect option for layering under dresses or camisoles.

3.The detailed knit. Whether it has tassels or eyelets, this is the jumper that will catch peoples eye. 

Paired back with a classic coat, this combination is not only comfortable but also combines classic styling with a contemporary edge.

Shop the look:

Bambi Knit – Steele via Jaz & Alex

Mia Coat – Camilla & Marc via Jaz & Alex

Leather Look Skirt – Zara, similar here and here

Suede knee high boots – Zara, similar here and here

Givenchy Antigona Bag– Cosette or here

Baby Audrey Sunglasses – Celine

Photo credit to my love, Chris

Frayed Hemlines

Black denim with an oversized blazer. The statement pieces that should be in everyones closet. Whilst planning my Autumnal wardrobe I am challenging myself to “How many different ways can I style a blazer?” If you have read my previous posts, you’d know that in the last couple of months I have been building my blazer section to my wardrobe quite nicely. You can never have enough, and these are the reasons why:

1. They are the great contrast against denim. Business up top, party down low. You get the gist.

2. It’s not just for Autumn. Yes, I wore a blazer in 40 degree Perth heat this Christmas. It’s also a great piece to layer in Winter under a wool coat. I can’t wait for for this!

3. Instantly smartens up a look. If you are feeling like your outfit is a little casual for a certain occasion the blazer might be the answer.

Today’s post isn’t all about the blazer. It’s actually about my haul from LA last month and how I’m reassessing my need for denim in my wardrobe. Day to day, I like wearing jeans when I’m not in tailoring so why not share these looks with you! I have been on the hunt for frayed jeans for some time and being a Northern Hemisphere gal with a love for Zara, it only seemed right to raid the winter sale rail given these pieces will be coming to Australia full priced any day soon! That’s the best part of shopping overseas in sale time. Would you believe me if I told you I scored these jeans for just $12? You can’t even get brunch for that in Sydney so I was pretty chuffed! Styled with a good jean belt and a Calvin tee, this is the look I can rock for my Mon-Fri job. Still keeping smart with a good pair of loafers and the trusty jacket, it’s a good balance of casual and tailored. 

Shop the look:

Zara Blazer: SHOP SIMILAR HERE and HERE

Calvin Klein Tee: SHOP SIMILAR HERE

Jean Belt: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Zara Loafers: SHOP SIMILAR HERE and HERE

Celine Sunglasses: SHOP HERE

Photo credit to Jiawa Liu from Beige Renegade Blog

Bohemian Texture Mix

Fashion Week is done and dusted for another year…..In Australia that is! Had such a blast meeting new faces and creative like minded people. That’s what makes Fashion Week worth it. It was also a great opportunity to capture some street style shots of some of the bloggers and influencers that have amazing style and presence. This weekend I chilled out and took the time to relax and sift through some of the outfit shots I photographed before Fashion Week. As you know, weekends are my time to be at one with relaxed bohemian style. And this velvet kimono can definitely help me channel those vibes. I love the detailing and fringing. The gold notes add a bit of luxe and revival to a 70’s fabric. It only needed a white tank underneath. Easy breezy.

This leather skirt is one of the softest I own. High waisted: check, comfortable fit: check and metal detailing: check. Small, yet important things! I also decided to style this look with my Dior sunglasses to compliment the high end feel to the kimono. And of course, a trusty pair of Senso boots to add a bit of edge to any look. 

The weather has taken a change for the worst in Sydney today. High winds and rain non stop. So not sure when I can brave bare legs again! I guess this post will be the last tan legged one in a while. Cue the fake tan please lol!

Hope you are all staying dry, or if you are coming into spring right now I am very jealous of any cherry blossom that’s currently falling around your feet. Have a good week!

Shop the look:

Kimono: Zara (similar here)

Tank Top: Zara (similar here)

Skirt: Zara (similar here)

Boots: Senso (similar here)

Bag: Zara (similar here)

Rings: Equip Accessories

Sunglasses: Christian Dior (similar here)

Photo Credit to Andrea Hetherington from Leather and lattes blog

Co-ordinating The Streets Of Surry

Surry Hills is a place that I should definitely hang out in more often. It has some of the best coffee joints, serious street style and cute terraced houses. I have to be honest about one thing…..I think I’m becoming an Eastern Suburbs snob lol. The reason being the queue for the buses to leave Bondi is getting ridiculous nearing summer so I’m staying in my little bubble! Last week was an exception. I have been eager to shoot in Surry Hills again for a while, it’s been such a long time and I always like to make a day of it. Last week I met up with my partner in crime Andrea to talk about new jobs over coffee. We have both started new jobs and finally have more time on our hands to focus on our blogs thanks to our new schedules. Definitely more lunches and mid week plans on the cards! Andrea introduced me to Cook & Archies and it seriously has the best tables in Sydney! Black and white marble, soooooo good for pictures! From what seems like 20 pictures to get this blog post up and running, it’s actually quite the opposite! We literally trek around finding the right light and backdrops for sometimes hours. Which is why we always wear flat shoes and change to heels! 

Today’s look is my first collaboration with Australian brand Lucid Label. This set caught my eye with it’s abstract print and royal blue hues. Perfect for the early summer that is currently gracing Sydney. The cut on the shorts is unique, and haven’t worn a style like this before. It’s always important to balance fitted with loose. The shorts are quite hugging on me, so the floaty shape to the top complimented the look well. Open toe shoes seem like the only option going into the warmer months, so definitely need to invest in a few more pairs.

Hope you have all had a great weekend! Have a fab week!

Shop the look:

Top: Lucid Label

Shorts: Lucid Label

Shoes: Zara (similar here)

Bag: Alexander Wang

Jewellery: Equip Accessories

Photo credit to Andrea Hetherington from Leather and Lattes blog.

Helen-Jayne x

Bohemian Bondi Sunset

Every weekend, I make an effort to head down to the beach and experience the wonderful coastline thats on my doorstep. I am so grateful to have found the perfect Bondi house within days of landing in Sydney six months ago. I work in the industrial part of the city, so it’s really important to remind myself the reason I moved here. Beautiful beaches and inspired creativity. As you all know, Andrea from Leather and Lattes blog is one of my closest friends here, and we collaborate almost every weekend. I am so happy she is back from her round the world trip and we’ve already been planning fun locations and shoots for the coming months. I’m also hoping to be posting on my blog twice a week from next month which will test my time management holding down a full time job and passion to write. I’m feeling positive that I can do both with determination and the beautiful sunshine that pushes me! This is also my first post with a change in hair colour! Last weekend I braved a Balyage at Inch Hair Salon in Bondi. I’m hoping to go lighter again in the next month. Believe it or not, my natural hair colour is blonde, so looking forward to getting back to my natural colour again. I’m sure I’ll fit into the Australian way of life very soon!

I can’t believe that in six months I’ve never done an outfit post down at the beach! It’s the most perfect time as the crowds diminish and all that’s left is the pastel skies and seagulls squawking. Culottes and off the shoulder tops are staples this spring, and Boohoo never fail to surprise me with their on trend pieces. I’m still finding it hard to pull away from black, but this bohemian top stole my heart! Boohoo is a British website, so now is the time to order your summer pieces if you are in Australia. Almost all of my favourite pieces are on sale at the moment, so make the most of the contrast in seasons. Wide legged pants, cute bohemian dresses and cropped tops are some of my favourite items, so get your bargains while you can!

I’m currently writing this post sick in bed, but my weekend catch up with good friends and sunshine make it somewhat seem not so bad. Hopefully I’ll feel better in the next few days as have some exciting events on the calendar. Keep up to date on all the happenings on Instagram and say hello! Have a great week ladies!

Shop the look:

Top: Boohoo

Culottes: Boohoo

Slides: Zara UK (similar here)

Bracelet: Opa Designs

Photo credit to Andrea Hetherington from Leather and Lattes blog.

Helen-Jayne x