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 

Classic Levi 501's

In my opinion, there’s no such thing as spring in Australia. Summer in the UK reaches around 25 degree days which means at the blink of an eye everyone is in good spirits socialising in the local beer garden rolling up the tees eager to get that arm tan. This is the temperature we have jumped to in Sydney the past few weeks (minus the tan-o-rexic applause). The seasons change so quickly I can’t sort out my wardrobe fast enough. Denim shorts are now on my mind, but not quite ready to bare all at the sight of a few sun rays.

The rule of ‘balancing your look’ is definitely my go to when the temperatures rise. When wearing denim shorts, I’m happy to style with a long sleeve blouse or lightweight knit. This kind of transeasonal dressing I am comfortable with, but when the temperatures really soar you might find me wondering how to style such minimal items of clothing.  I warn you now! 

When it’s time to bare your legs, you can’t go wrong with a classic pair of 501’s denim. Today I have paired with a feminine polka dot blouse (yes, it’s one size bigger for that slouchy feel). Polka dots are timeless and reminiscing back to my teenage years I was fascinated with this print. Maybe that’s why I still love in my thirties! The detailing on my bag and pendant are quite prominent, hence opting out of a belt. The outfit would have looked ‘too’ polished. In saying that, building your belt collection is probably not a bad idea at the moment. If I could choose an ‘accessory of the season’ it would have to be the Gucci belt which comes in a variety of colours and sizes. When styling your denim shorts with a white tee, this could be the perfect time to add a belt to lift the look from being overly basic. 

Slipper style shoes have been my go to these last couple of months and can’t see that ending anytime soon. My boyfriend hates them (all pairs) but I love the casual vibes they give off and this kind of style works well with my denim and slouchy tailored options. 

Most of todays look is from revolve.com and they are currently offering 20% off site wide until the 27th October inclusive of free shipping with code “AUEXPRESS”

Shop the look:

501 Short: Levi's via Revolve

Abby Top: Rails via Revolve

Gift of Iah Pendant Necklace: House of Harlow via Revolve

Caravan Sunglasses: Ray-Ban via Revolve

Cluse Watch: Via The Iconic

Monogramme Leather Shoulder Bag (similar): Saint Laurent via Net-A-Porter

Photography by my love, Chris. Edit by myself

My Memorable Moment - Melbourne

Hotel stays are becoming more and more frequent in my line of work. Besides my passion for Style Structure, I also work full time in social media where I’m travelling every six weeks to new destinations. I’ve always had a thirst for new places and countries, but when it comes to travelling for work it can be exhausting to say the least. I love my job and the experiences I am able to encounter, but downtime is also important to regain balance. 

Last month, I was lucky to experience my first stay with McGallery by Sofitel in two of their Melbourne establishments; The Como Melbourne and Hotel Lindrum. This wasn’t an average stay at a city hotel. #MyMemorableMoment is Sofitel’s latest campaign which gives guests an experience of local culture, surroundings with a twist of heritage. 

The first of my stays was at the Como Melbourne, which is located just off the vibrant shoppers paradise, Chapel Street. Decor was on point, with monochrome tones throughout. It was an early flight that morning so a little relaxation time was needed before meeting Melbourne stylist, Elaine Marshall for a memorable moment personal shopping experience. It’s definitely a great experience for a group of girlfriends and it’s an opportunity to maybe try styles of clothing that you may not have experimented with before. Myself and fellow creatives met over canapés and melodies in another suite at the hotel before heading out for an afternoon at the shops! (If you love spiral staircases, plush pillows and free standing bath tubs this room is for you). The day finished off with dinner at Mr Miyagi’s. The espresso martini and doughnuts are highly recommended. When returning to my room, I was surprised to find the bath full with bubbles and a T2 tea waiting for me. Aromatherapy bath time was just what I needed.

Day two it was onto Hotel Lindrum in the CBD. The design was very different to Como Melboune, with a lot of it’s old character and features remaining, including an open fireplace and old school cocktail bar (which later on in the stay taught us how to make our own espresso Martinis). Since visiting a design hotel in New York this year, I really admire exposed brick mixed with contemporary styling. 'Felt' is their in house restaurant and we were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves! We were treated to an intimate degustation meal. The lamb dish was to die for!

It was then onto our next #MyMemorableMoment which was nothing like I have experienced before! We were lucky to partake in a private Billiards lesson with world champion, Robby Foldvari. This brought back a lot of memories of my childhood, as my father was an avid snooker player. It was fascinating getting the gist of the game and watching trick shot after tick shot. So much skill involved in this game.

I had seen the Lindrum sign on Instagram before checking in, and really wanted to see it for myself so the staff kindly took me to the roof of a nearby carpark to grab some quick style shots with the iron cast structure in the background. After a busy day it was definitely time to grab some dinner at nearby Cecconi’s on Flinders Lane which was conveniently only walking distance. I had only been back from Italy 8 weeks and was already salivating at the thought of Amatriciana, antipasto, and sweet Italian treats. Thankfully all my cravings had been answered and was such a lovely way to finish my two nights away in Melbourne.

An early night was definitely on the cards and unfortunately missed breakfast as had to leave for Mexico the following morning. A good nights sleep is so important before a long haul flight, and the staff at Hotel Lindrum made it one of the comfiest yet.

It was amazing to make such lovely memories with fellow creatives and to experience a bit of culture and local experiences in Melbourne. Having only moved to Australia just over 2 and a half years ago, I am still yearning to see more of what each state has to offer, and will always remember this Melbourne trip as a special one.

To book your stay: http://bit.ly/MGallerybySofitel

Photography and edit my myself

Why Good Quality Basics Are Key

Having spent two summers in Australia, I have learned that breathable and well made basics are the key (and staple) to a southern hemisphere wardrobe. It’s only been since moving here that I have started to appreciate natural fibres and here’s the reason why. 

Sydney is humid and stifling hot in the summer months, so less is more. When I say less, I actually mean minimal clothing options (for someone who loves layering this is actually tough) so it’s important to choose wisely. T-shirts and denim shorts replace knits and jeans but sometimes these very basic looks can feel somewhat boring and less styled. Don’t get me wrong I love an easy outfit selection day, but then there are the days I want to look a little more ‘dressed’ in basic pieces. Switching cotton for something a touch more silky and flowing. 

Two key items I have been purchasing when the fabric is right are camisoles and shirts. You’ve probably noticed me wearing these pieces on rotation now spring has sprung, and I can assure you these items will take me through to summer. Why? Because they are 100% silk and breathable. Style and fit are obviously important to me, but quality also rate highly. For me, it’s about building a long lasting wardrobe. Today I have styled pieces from the new Grana collection. Mom jeans are definitely my favourite style this season and wanted to show you how I’m transferring my basics from home to street. I have been selecting one size larger in most of my tops lately as I really like an oversized fit to look more relaxed. Paired back with high waisted denim, it also gives the illusion of looking slimmer.

As always, luxe accessories are my go to when wearing simple combinations. And my number one styling tip is to keep accessories the same tone. 

Shop my look:

Silk V-Neck Camisole: Grana

Silk Short Sleeve Shirt: Grana

Denim Slim Boyfriend Jeans: Grana

Denim Mom Jeans: Grana

Neck Tie: Third Form

Leather Belt With Interlocking G Buckle: Gucci

Faye Medium Leather and Suede Shoulder bag: Chloe

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

Photography and edit by myself.