Farewell 2016

With only four working days left of the year, I am already thinking ahead towards spending quality time with my loved ones for Christmas and New Year. I won’t go into too much detail, but it will pretty much involve plenty of sleep ins and a lack of time keeping for approximately two weeks! For Christmas, Chris and I are heading over to Perth and to the south of Western Australia for a much needed break. I have already started to dress more relaxed, but know come New Years Eve I’ll be ready to put on my party shoes to see in 2017 up in Port Douglas! 

Today’s post is special to me for two reasons. Firstly, I get to creatively work with Chris on our first joint post here on Style Structure, and secondly we are both wearing British Brand Marks & Spencer that I have grown up with since a young age. They had a strong presence in my household growing up, with most of my family being long term customers for as long as I can remember. 

Tailoring is always mastered at M&S. I was always invested in their well fitted jackets and A line skirts whilst having a stint at teaching English in Spain upon graduation. I fondly remember buying new work wear before leaving, and feeling so grown up with all my tailored pieces! I have gone back to my roots for today’s post, but jazzed it up for a more polished NYE look. Style muse, Alexa Chung has actually designed a capsule collection for the brand, so couldn’t pass up this satin blouse in a gorgeous golden hue. I am mixing up textures pairing back with velvet but kept the metallics strong with my choice of heel. As New Years is a lot warmer than the UK, Chris has opted for breathable linen and chinos. Super versatile he will wear these rolled up casually for more relaxed affairs. The look is polished with a chocolate pair of brogues and a matching belt.

I’m not usually one to care for New Years Eve, or celebrate in a lavish fashion. But this year has been a busy and life changing one so Chris and I plan to celebrate in style. 2016 was the year I applied for my permanent residency to stay in Australia and it’s the year I have finally started to feel settled and stable with a job I love, partner I couldn’t be without and a feeling of content. 2016 was the year I travelled to 8 countries and experienced cultures I never imagined possible. I have probably spent the most hours in transit since March compared to the last few years of my life! But what's life without experiences to look back on! Here’s to another great year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Shop my style:

The Elland Shirt: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Velvet Embroidered Mini Skirt: Indigo Collection at Marks & Spencer or more options here

Military Button Jacket: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Stiletto Back Zip Court Shoes: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Chris Wears:

Linen Blend Shirt: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Tailored Fit Chinos: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Leather Pointed Brogue Shoes: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Leather Buckle Belt: Marks & Spencer or more options here

Photo credit to yours truly

*Collaboration supported by Marks & Spencer & Shopping Links

Day To Night Denim

The Christmas break is drawing closer, and my style is already feeling more relaxed. I honestly can’t wait to kick back and relax for the last week of the year. For some reason, I am feeling more chilled compared to this time last year, despite a busy and somewhat stressful last month. Unless I’m going to a party of some sort, I’ll quite happily dress casually for the rest of 2016. Sydney weather is making it hard to have consistency when it comes to fashion choices, hence denim shorts and jeans currently on high rotation, dependent on whether it chooses to be thirty degrees or eighteen!

Today I am styling the classic down button shirt 2 ways: for brunch and dinner. I’ve opted for a stripe for daytime and gingham for city drinks at dusk. In all honestly, I probably dine out in the daytime way more than the evening so for me my casual look will definitely get more wear. For brunch, I like to throw an outfit on and be comfortable. As todays brunch was beachside, it made sense to take the straw bag for a spin!

My second look was for city drinks with Chris, and we captured this sundown 70’s vibe perfectly. Flares are a great option for nights out, and the bell bottom give added height when a pair of killer heels are added. The look was dressed up with luxe accessories and an exaggerated eye. 

So overall, the button down shirt is a great option most days. I would just recommend to keep your shirt fitted for nights out and add gold jewellery and heels to make your look pop. For the daytime, opt for a shirt one size bigger to get that boyfriend feel. Roll your sleeves up and add less dressy accessories. Then eat as much avocado and salmon until your heart’s content!

Shop my looks from Grana:

Poplin Boyfriend Shirt (blue stripe): Grana

Poplin Boyfriend Shirt (gingham): Grana

Denim: Grana

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

Shop accessories:

Dionysus GG Supreme Shoulder Bag: Gucci

Leather Belt With Interlocking G Buckle: Gucci

Karissa Shoes: Senso

Kayu Beach Bag: Net-A-Porter

Round Metal Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Photo credit for my brunch look to Jo Hombsch

Party Season Texture Mix

It’s not very often I dress up to the nines for a night out. When I was a student, I would more often than not choose an embellished dress styled to the max with accessories. Oh how things have changed! Fast forward to this year, silk is high up on my list for party season. It’s also a fabric that can be styled in multiple ways dependent on the party you are going to. I have opted to style with knitwear, mainly because I am a huge fan of contrasting. This thigh splitting skirt is versatile to be carried through to the colder months with a pair of killer ankle boots. You don’t always have to splurge on an outfit to be worn once. I always have that in the back of my mind when shopping for occasions.

The one shoulder: Chic and sexy for most seasons. There are a variety of silk, cotton and knitted available depending on your climate. It’s heating up here in Aus. Thankfully evenings by the water can be a bit windy, so the added warmth is actually welcomed. Last week was my first time on a private charter boat in Australia, and a chunky knit was appreciated whilst the sun was setting. This look would have been perfect.

To jazz up my look, I have opted for a geometric neck tie in warm caramel colour, layered with gold accessories. As mentioned in previous posts, it’s good to keep all warm tones together. I actually can’t remember the last time I wore silver.

Today’s look is from FWRD, and if you’re a sucker for luxe pieces like me it’s music to your ears that they currently have up to 25% off until midnight 15^th December. Just add 'GIFTFWRD' at checkout. Choose from brands like Saint Laurent, Chloe, Loewe and so many more…….Toodles for now, you can find me online shopping!

Fill your basket here

 Shop my look:

72 Skirt: LPA

25 Bodysuit: LPA

Medium Faye Bag: Chloe, or similar here and here

(Similar) Pendant Horseshoe Necklace: Lanvin

(Similar) Scarf: Lanvin or similar here 

Photo credit to Jo Hombsch

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