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UNIQLO

Fashion

My fave brands on a budget

19th November, 2023

Whilst I’m all for investing in certain pieces in my wardrobe that I want to have longevity such as bags, shoes and coats, I tend to scrimp on trend items that I know may only last a season or two. It’s fun to update my look with a few key of-the-moment items but it doesn’t make sense to me to spend loads on them. Australia has a great selection of chain stores of local and overseas brands so I’ve learnt that you can easily snap up trendy pieces that won’t break the bank. Here are a few of my go-tos when I’m looking for an inexpensive fashion fix.

Zara

Who doesn’t love Zara? They’re great for runway inspired pieces so you can often find some really up-to-the-minute looks at a fraction of the price. I also like that their designs are often on trend, but interpreted in such a simple, unfussy way that they can easily be worked back with pieces you already own.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByGFmB0CIRU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

H&M

Whilst H&M is great for simple basics like tees and jeans, I also like the fact that they have some really contemporary designs that are fun. If I’m ever looking to dabble in a trend that I know won’t last beyond a season, I’ve found that snapping up something from H&M will often allow me to do so without breaking the bank.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzN9q7DC1i0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Seed Heritage

Seed often stock a lot of really beautiful pieces that are classic and polished, which is exactly what draws me to this brand. They often feature most of the popular trends in their range, but you can also find dressy pieces for work and after dark at an accessible price point.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzNGwAmHccl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Witchery 

Witchery‘s great for classic pieces that are ultra wearable. They often have quite understated designs which makes most of their range quite versatile. Also they stock things such as blazers, slacks and jumpers which look upmarket and expensive but are at a far cheaper price point than taking the designer route.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzNVd2MhFU6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Uniqlo

I’ve got several pieces from Uniqlo in my closet that are still going strong. And I think it’s because they do simple really well. From t-shirts to knits, pants and dresses, everything is really understated which extends the wearability of anything from their range. I also like that they incorporate natural fabrics such as wool, cotton and even cashmere into their range but price it quite reasonably.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx8648zA5GS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: The Inbetween

13th April, 2023

Currently trying to dress for the in between period of transeasonal weather always brings its own set of challenges. It’s often quite chilly in the morning so I need to keep warm, but then the weather gets warmer later in the day and I don’t want to be left sweltering in my outfit. So, layering lightweight pieces is currently my go-to. Working with layers means I can easily tailor my outfit to the temperature and one of the best pieces I have to do this is a trench. The trench coat is right on trend and is without a doubt one of the best coats to wear throughout the day. It’s lightweight enough that I won’t overheat as the day progresses but looks perfect thrown over a short sleeved top and does the job of keeping me warm when required. The perfect trench this season is a little oversized, mid length (or cropped just above the ankle) and can be worn with the sleeves pushed up. You don’t want anything too tight or short—it’s all about a relaxed, effortless fit. I love this sandy colour as it’s super easy to work back with multiple pieces and has a classic vibe to it.

I wore this look while shopping/shooting content for a collaboration so comfort was key. Opting for a white t-shirt and jeans combination is a tried and tested outfit formula of mine when I want to be comfy yet polished. These Viktoria and Woods jeans are the perfect baggy silhouette that we’ll be seeing everywhere this season (they’re on sale too) and look great when layered with a trench. Plus I find it’s a fresh way to wear jeans this season and reinvigorates my rotation of denim looks.

Accessorising a pared back canvas like this outfit is always fun as I like to throw in a splash of colour or something striking to offset the more understated feel of this outfit. So I opted for a bottle green Dior tote to add an injection of brightness, while a pair of Luv Lou sunnies added a fun touch. To tie everything together, the perfect transeasonal shoe by Camilla and Marc. These slides feature a shearling lining which is so cosy, and have the added bonus of allowing me to extend the wear of open shoes well into autumn!

Credits: Trench (similar here) and shoes, Camilla and Marc; T-shirt, Uniqlo; Jeans, Viktoria and Woods; Bag, Dior; Sunglasses, Luv Lou

Photography: Ashleigh Larden

 

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Fashion, What I Wore

What I wore this week

23rd February, 2023

It’s been busy getting back into the swing of things so it’s been awhile between outfit posts. However I’m back sharing a few of my fave looks of late. I’m still making the most of the warm weather, but we have been met with a chilly day or two in Sydney, so it’s been the perfect opportunity to elevate looks with the addition of a crisp blazer. I’ve also been taking the opportunity to play around with accessories, from sunglasses to statement jewellery and on trend footwear, it has been a fun week wardrobe-wise. Here’s what I wore.

Credits: Swimsuit, Bondi Born; Pants, Tory Burch; Slides, Hermes; Bag, Strathberry

I’ve had these printed Tory Burch pants for a few years and always love pulling them out in spring/summer as the print is so vibrant and fun. I tend to bring them whenever I’m on holiday because they’re a great go-to to brighten up an outfit. I decided to pair them with a black Bondi Born one piece to add a sleek touch, and yellow Hermes slides to add an extra hit of colour.

Credits: Blazer, Henne; T-shirt, Uniqlo; Jeans, Slvrlake; Shoes and bag, Chanel; Sunglasses, Bottega Veneta

There’s nothing like popping a blazer on over an otherwise casual look to add a hint of polish. This neutral blazer is a great one to have on hand as it feels light and airy for summer, but still feels very put together. Jeans and a white tee is always a classic combination and features heavily in my wardrobe rotation, while neutral Chanel Dad sandals add an on trend touch.

Credits: Blazer (similar here), Balmain; Vest and pants, Staud; Thongs, Billini; Bag, Chanel

Who says you can’t wear black during summer? I often wear this set when I want to do loungewear but with an elevated vibe. This look is supremely comfy, but popping a black blazer on over the top makes it ready for a meeting or other work appointment. Black thongs add a summery vibe, but also an on trend touch and a Chanel backpack adds a luxe touch.

Credits: Shirt and pants, Aje; Bag, Strathberry; Sunglasses, Ray Ban

I love embracing colour during summer and this set by Aje is a total winner. The bold sunflower print adds a vivid touch, but also looks playful and is perfect for sunny days. In keeping with the bright pops of colour with this co-ord set, I went with a yellow Strathberry crossbody bag to complement the hues in the print, and also keep the look cohesive by playing in the same colour family. Once again, a matching set is my go-to shortcut for making a look feel effortless yet polished.

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Fashion, What I Wore

What I wore this week

4th August, 2022

It’s still all about winter dressing but this week in Sydney we did experience what felt like a glorious spring day which was a nice reprieve from the cold weather. I’m still embracing so many winter warmers in my closet and am having fun rediscovering that part of my wardrobe again after my holiday break. I had a few appointments and meetings this week so I embraced a lot of dressy, elevated looks but luckily I was still able to incorporate some casual ensembles in the mix. Here’s what I wore this week.

Back into winter gear and loving tonal ensembles. I’ve always found layering varying shades but in a similar colour family achieves a really impactful look. I layered a few earthy pieces here and found it added some warmth to my outfit. Also, I’m not sure about you but I loved the break from constantly wearing pants or jeans throughout winter by doing a midi skirt/boots combination. I highly recommend it for keeping warm, but taking your outfit in a different direction.

Credits: Skirt, Camilla and Marc; Top, Venroy; Bag, Gucci, Boots, Seed; Coat, Karen Millen

Doing another take on the skirt/boots combination with this head to toe look from Seed. I wore this look to host an event for Seed earlier in the year and found it be a great go-to look for when I’ve got a meeting or event to attend. Once again I’m embracing tonal hues, but I also love doing crisp whites in winter. It’s a little more unexpected as far as winter hues go and it adds a level of freshness. Loving the resurgence of the knee high boot, it’s definitely a great way to dress up many an outfit.

Credits: Jumper, coat and boots, Seed

This outfit ties into my motto of ‘off duty wear but keep it polished’. Jeans and a white shirt have always been my go-to when it comes to casual wear, but I wanted to take it up a notch so paired it with this Camilla and Marc trench. It’s comfy yet chic and something I do quite often whenever I’m doing a jeans and tee pairing throughout the cooler months. I went for a simple pair of white sneakers and added a Louis Vuitton top handle bag to help me carry all my essentials around for the day.

Credits: Trench, Camilla and Marc; T-shirt, Uniqlo; Jeans, Slvrlake; Bag, Louis Vuitton; Sneakers, Burberry;

This was a shoot day and I felt in the mood to dress up a little so went with this puff sleeve top by Aje and an Anna Quan mini. I’ve worn both pieces so many times and have really managed to maximise the cost per wear on both of them. Being on my feet most of the day, I went for flat Chanel slingbacks to stay comfortable but polished at the same time.

Credits: Top, Aje; Skirt, Anna Quan; Slingbacks, Chanel

Lifestyle

On my radar: Veranda x Elizabeth Lake placemats, Uniqlo U tracksuit, Jac Cadeaux kids’ loungewear set

30th July, 2021

Being in lockdown right now has seen a lot of my shopping focus shift to all things homewares and the comfiest clothes I can get my hands on. There’s something about being in your own space for a whole lot of time that just demands cosiness and comfort. So, in my travels through Instagram and my fave shopping sites, I’ve stumbled across these great pieces that are surely going to come in handy over the next few weeks. As someone who loves loungewear and shopping for home accessories, these are the some of the things that have caught my eye this month.

Jac Cadeaux Grey Marle and Navy Crew Neck Tracksuit

I saw this set on one of my fave kids’ sites, The Monogram Mode and made note to snap up a set for the girls. I love the navy and grey marle combination but the cute little red hearts are just too adorable for words. Plus they’re able to be monogrammed so it’s a definite win-win for me.

 

Uniqlo U Crew Neck Long Sleeve Sweatshirt and Sweatpants

I love Uniqlo—they do great basics and the best thermal wear (I swear by them every winter). I’ve been wanting simple, affordable loungewear and spotted this set and knew it would be the perfect attire for a night of Netflix and takeaway! As with all things Uniqlo, this set comes in a range of different colours so if you want a tracksuit for every day of the week you could totally make that happen. I for one, will be snapping up this set, stat.

Veranda x Elizabeth Lake Trellis Placemat and Dinner Napkin

I’m all about the details when it comes to homewares and I just love the finishing touches on this collab between Veranda Magazine and Elizabeth Lake. The hand-stitched trellis embroidery on the placemat is just gorgeous and the floral applique on the napkin adds a refined, elegant touch. I’m bookmarking it for my next big dinner party at home.

What’s currently on your radar?
Fashion, What I Wore

What I wore this week

22nd April, 2021

I’m always trying to rework any new additions to my wardrobe in as many different ways as I can, and this week was no different. I ended up playing around with a new pair of Ksubi jeans, dressing them up and down, while I also had great time trying on new season looks from Valentino. As someone who loves fashion, it’s always enjoyable to be able to visit all spectrums of my wardrobe, from the super dressy to the ultra casual and have fun either way. Here’s what I wore this week.

Who says comfy can’t look stylish? This has got to be one of the most comfortable go-to outfits I have in my closet right now and I think it still works as a polished look. I invested in these dark Ksubi jeans for winter, and these sneakers have been in my closet for awhile, while the tee is from one of my fave stores for basics, Uniqlo. I also snapped up this wool blazer by Wardrobe.NYC to carry me through autumn/winter. I think just the addition of the blazer instantly gave this look a classic touch.

Credits: Blazer, Wardrobe.NYC; Top, Uniqlo; Jeans, Ksubi; Sneakers, DoF; Bag, Chanel

New Ksubi jeans make an appearance again! It’s a testament to how versatile they are. I dressed this up with Bottega Veneta heels and a simple tee. The shape is trending right now so it gave the look an on trend feel.

Credits: Top, Ducie; Jeans, Ksubi; Shoes, Bottega Veneta

Enjoying my time playing dress ups at Valentino. I could have stayed there all day trying things on but this look was by far my favourite. Who could resist wearing this gold matelassé skirt and feathered kaftan? So chic, and so glam, and so Valentino. I also love the new shoe and accessories range featuring the larger studs; this bag and shoes have certainly stayed on my mind…

Credits: Top, skirt, bag and shoes (different colour here), Valentino

I might be a little biased being friends with the designer and all, but this set from my friend Nadia’s capsule collection with The Upside has got to be one of the great new additions to my loungewear collection. I love the sporty stripes contrasted with crisp white. So wearable and so comfortable too.

Credits: Top and shorts, Nadia Fairfax x The Upside

Fashion, What I Wore

What I wore working from home

6th August, 2020

It’s been a week all about comfort dressing. I wanted to power through a few things on the work front so I was all about fun pieces that are still ideal for putting in some quality time with my laptop. So jeans and jumpers were the order of the day, but with a few punchy accessories in the mix to liven things up. Here’s what I wore working from home this week.

I love this jumper because the print and colour is simply all kinds of fun. It’s a great mood lifter and works brilliantly with denim so really, I can’t ask for more. These ripped jeans by Ksubi are ideal for a desk day and add a touch of edge to any look.

Credits: Jumper, Gucci; Jeans (similar here), Ksubi

A little black and white on an unseasonably warm day in Sydney. I’ve been wearing a lot of Uniqlo basics as they’re so great for mixing and matching with different looks. I paired them with Chanel sneakers to add a touch of luxe (but still very practical) and a Dion Lee skirt just to dress it up a bit.

Credits: Skivvy (similar here), Uniqlo; Skirt (similar here), Dion Lee; Sneakers, Chanel

These straight leg jeans by Aje are so comfortable and really great for providing the starting point for an outfit. I went for a classic black and red combination today with this vibrant jumper from one of my fave brands, Skin and Threads.

Credits: Jumper, Skin and Threads; Jeans, Aje

Whoever made tracksuits a bonafide style staple deserves a medal. I love this Camilla and Marc set because it’s high on comfort levels but and ticking a trend box all at the same time. I paired them with a neutral pair of sneakers by D.O.F to finish off the look.

Credits: Jumper and tracksuit pants, Camilla and Marc; Sneakers, D.O.F

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: In Check

30th June, 2020

A chilly family day out at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo on the weekend required having to rug up, so it was the perfect opportunity to snuggle up in this Rebecca Vallance checked coat. Whenever I’m opting for quite a simple outfit, I like to incorporate a statement piece to elevate it and give it a little extra personality. The print on this coat is quite striking so it was the perfect thing to pair back with the classic combination of jeans and a white top.

When I’m after an outfit that’s guaranteed to work I always opt for tried and tested formulas, in this case denim worked back with a white skivvy. This has become a go-to combination of mine during winter and when classic Levis are in the mix, it’s a time honoured fashion combination that forms the foundation for many a look in my wardrobe.

A big day of walking around is all about comfy shoes and these sneakers by D.O.F definitely ticked that box without scrimping on style. I particularly love the athletic vibe of these shoes and the fact it still has a sleek and stylish sensibility. As the final piece of this outfit puzzle, I went with white sunglasses to add a modern finishing touch, and help tie the entire look together.

Credits: Coat, Rebecca Vallance; Skivvy, Uniqlo; Jeans, Levis; Sneakers, D.O.F; Sunglasses, Valentino

Photography: Sophia Athas

Fashion, Shop, What I Wore

What I Wore: Casual Luxe

30th July, 2019

I’m all for a high-low mix when it comes to how I dress and often work elegant accessories with more casual pieces. This ensures comfort without compromising on style. And what’s more comfortable or stylish than a classic white tee and jeans? I often wear this combination and always add interesting outerwear along with fun accoutrements to help give it a point of difference. For this particular look I decided to add the ultimate in luxury pieces—a fur coat (faux all the way, of course). I wore this coat to Fashion Week with a dress but it goes to show that it can also be dressed down without compromising its wow factor. I’ve found that throwing on knockout outerwear always elevates a less dressy look.

As always accessories are crucial for finishing off an ensemble and in this instance it was all about a striking bag and shoes. The classic Louis Vuitton Speedy bag looks fresh and modern due to the oversized monogram, and I love that I can use it as both a crossbody and top handle bag. My ankle boots are also by Louis Vuitton, but with a smaller, subtle LV pattern. And as a final finishing touch, delicate cat eye sunglasses by Vogue Eyewear and earrings by The Slow Mode.

Photography: Ashleigh Larden

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Top: U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt, Uniqlo

Pants: 501 Skinny Jeans, Levi

Coat: The Long Mac Coat, Unreal Fur

Shoes: Silhouette Ankle Boot, Louis Vuitton

Bag: Speedy Bandouliere 30, Louis Vuitton


Sunglasses: VO4138S, Vogue Eyewear

Earrings: Cleopatra’s Bling -Astrology Earrings by The Slow Mode

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Fashion

10 things worth checking out from…Uniqlo

30th May, 2019

I’ve worked with Uniqlo in the past because I love how they do practical, wearable basics. I’ve often said that good basics are the building blocks of a functional wardrobe and that’s something that Uniqlo do really well. Their designs are simple which means that they’re easily worked back with numerous looks. And one thing I particularly love is that they stock everything in several different colours, so if you find a particular piece that you like then you can easily get it in different shades. If your style repertoire could do with an update, here are a few pieces to considering adding to cart this month.

Ultra Light Down Vest

Puffer vests are great at this time of year as they keep you warm but aren’t overly bulky like a jacket can be. I’ll often throw on a puffer vest over my activewear and I can happily run around in that for a day where I have multiple errands to run.

Cable Long Sweater

I love the texture that a cable knit sweater adds to an outfit. It’s a classic pairing with jeans or a skirt, and it’s also super cosy to boot.

Vintage Wide Belt

Belts are one of those handy accessories to have. Add them to an outfit and you can easily change up its look or feel by cinching in a silhouette or accentuating a particular aspect of an outfit. This one has a nice vintage look to it.

Rayon Long Sleeve Blouse

These blouses are ideal for work or play. A button down makes for a sophisticated addition to an office ensemble, but pair it with jeans and you have yourself a polished casual look.

Cashmere Scarf

I often carry a cashmere scarf when I’m travelling as it’s unbelievably cosy. It’s a luxe way to keep warm and it’s so soft you’ll wonder how you ever did without one.

Mercerized Cotton A Line Mini Dress

This is one of those building block pieces that’s great to have in your wardrobe. Throw on a cardi or a denim jacket and you have yourself a polished off duty look.

High Waisted Tuck Wide Pants

High waisted pants are a great work look that’s easily changed up by adding a different blouse or throwing on a jacket. It’s also an all year round type of piece so you’ll get plenty of wear out of it.

Denim Jersey Skirt

A white skirt looks effortlessly chic and this is an affordable way to add one to your wardrobe. It’s also easily paired with numerous colours making it a versatile piece to have.

Linen Cotton Wide Cropped Pants

Linen pants are so unbelievably comfortable and this style is really on trend right now. Pop on a tee and throw on some sneakers and you’re ready for whatever the weekend throws your way.

Blocktech Soutien Collar Coat

Love the neutral hue of this particular coat as it makes it so versatile. Also the hood is a cute feature.