Browsing Tag

winter fashion

Fashion

How to make neutral pieces more interesting

23rd June, 2018

Layering neutral hues for a fun winter look

Neutral pieces are the backbone of my wardrobe. I couldn’t get dressed without them. They’re the bridge that allows me to wear the bolder items in my closet without feeling too over the top. And while I appreciate their value, sometimes neutrals can admittedly feel a little flat. My style is quite pared back so I love a beautiful garment in neutral tones because of its versatility and understated appeal. However I admit it doesn’t always have that wow factor of something in a striking colour. I’ve found that the key to making neutrals pop is by employing the following style tactics…

Layer, layer, layer

If you want to add some depth to a neutral look try layering a few subdued tones. I’ve found that beige worked back with crisp white (such as the above look) has an element of warmth but also doesn’t feel so stark and flat. I love an all white ensemble but sometimes you need to add a few other tones in a similar palette to add another dimension to it and tie the look together.

Add a bold statement piece

If you want to stick to a neutral palette you can always amp it up with the right accessories. A vibrant bag, a statement shoe or colourful jewellery can often add a much needed lift to neutrals.

An all white look employing different textures

Embrace texture

You can always make neutrals interesting by playing with textures. I’ve found even if you’re wearing multiple shades of white or beige if you include textural elements it all of a sudden becomes infinitely more striking. Whether it be a pair of white jeans worked back with a cosy mohair sweater or a woollen coat with a pair of silky wide leg pants, if you incorporate a few different fabrications in the mix you can add another layer of interest to your entire ensemble.

What’s one neutral pieces you can’t live without?

Fashion

The fun way to liven up an outfit this winter

18th June, 2018

Winter can sometimes feel like a never ending stream of jeans and knits and big coats. And whilst layering is great and can ultimately result in some great looks, it’s understandable to want your outfit to have a bit of oomph. And this season it’s about embracing gorgeous textures.

I’m really starting to appreciate mixing and matching textured pieces to give a look a little more depth. Case in point: I wore the above denim jacket to Fashion Week and whilst the colour and cut were great what really turned it from a garden variety jacket is the feathered trim. It was so much fun! It was definitely something that made a statement and took my ensemble into a different direction. I wore it paired back with a PVC skirt and enjoyed pushing my fashion boundaries and dialling up the glamour.

A quick scroll through Instagram shows that I’m definitely not the only one incorporating texture into their everyday looks. From furry Teddy Bear-style jackets to faux fur coats Insta’s style set show there’s something quite glam about adding a statement-making textured piece to a pared back outfit. A pair of jeans and a white tee can suddenly look next-level with the addition of a bold garment with lots of texture. So if you want to elevate your look this winter it’s time to quite literally think about its look and feel.

See below for ideas on how to rock the look in your own wardrobe…

Fashion, Shop

Statement knits are a fun way to elevate a winter outfit

15th June, 2018

When you think of the words winter jumper you’d be forgiven for thinking of something cosy but also quite practical and perhaps not overly fashion forward. I’m all for owning sweaters in classic colours that are easy to mix and match but I’ve recently got into wearing statement knits.

Given we spend most of our time during the cooler months wearing jumpers I find it doesn’t hurt to dial it up in the style stakes by going for more bold looks. I wore the above Burberry knit to Fashion Week a few months ago and found that it really livened up my outfit whilst keeping me nice and toasty – a win-win. I loved the details that made it a little more extra—the blouson sleeve, the colourful pattern, the panelling and the bustier feature turned it into more than just your average, garden variety, knitted number.

When it comes to winter warmers I think you can afford to have a little more fun with them this season. There are plenty of options available from logo knits to striking prints and edgy tailoring that are all guaranteed to take your outfit next-level. The hard part is now deciding which one will make the final cut…

 

 

Fashion

The one thing I’m doing to freshen up my wardrobe this winter

19th April, 2018

I’m the first to admit that when it comes to winter I tend to get stuck in a cycle of wearing dark colours. Rich hues just seem perfectly suited to the colder, at times drearier weather that comes when temperatures drop. However this winter I’m trying to change all that. I’m making a pledge to myself to embrace lighter, brighter shades and not just relegate them to my spring/summer wardrobe.

This outfit by Uniqlo is a great example of how a great winter look can incorporate fresher shades. A pair of crisp white jeans and an off white cashmere crew neck work perfectly together, as the varying shades mean the outfit doesn’t look too stark. Incorporating neutral colours in an all white look helps lift it without being too overwhelming. This beige coat is a perfect example of this at play. The slightly lighter lining helps to avoid the coat looking too heavy, whilst still being a great complementary piece.

The good thing about lighter hues is that they make the perfect backdrop for darker accessories. My black Dior bag against white jeans and an off white sweater adds a bold touch and is an effective accent piece to my ensemble. Metallic round frame sunglasses add an element of fun and are perfectly in keeping with the breezier vibe of my outfit.

While I’m most definitely going to be wearing plenty of black, navy and grey this winter, I think I’ll definitely be incorporating a fresher colour palette into my wardrobe. Even if the weather may be chilly, I can still wear an outfit with a sunnier outlook.

Credits: Sweater, Uniqlo; Pants, Uniqlo; Coat, Uniqlo; Sunglasses, Chloe; Bag, Dior

Photography: Sophia Athas

This post was created in collaboration with Uniqlo

 

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: Cool Blue

10th April, 2018

Always elegant and sleek, navy is one of those versatile, reliable hues that will always equate to a chic look whenever you wear it. It’s probably one of the reasons why it features quite prominently in my wardrobe. It’s even better when the look is anchored in quality pieces at a reasonable price. Case in point: this lightweight Uniqlo sweater is cashmere and it retails for significantly less than what you’d expect to pay for such a piece. One hundred per cent cashmere! And the great thing about Uniqlo is that they stock an extensive range of colours so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find the ideal hue. I opted for navy simple because it would seamlessly work back with most pieces I own.

I recently spoke about my love of wide leg pants so you can imagine why I couldn’t pass up this high waisted style, also from Uniqlo. I really love the tie-up ribbon feature and the knife pleats at the front which give them a sophisticated touch. I’ll easily be able to add this to my work wardrobe repertoire and can easily switch up how I wear them simply be swapping to different style tops.

To keep the look tonal I decided to pair it with my navy Bulgari top handle bag and my Le Specs sunglasses with coloured blue lenses. The cool tones complemented my ensemble and helped tie the whole outfit together.

Credits: Sweater, Uniqlo; Pants, Uniqlo; Heels, Alaïa; Sunglasses, Le Specs; Bag, Bulgari

Photography: Sophia Athas

This post was created in collaboration with Uniqlo

Fashion

5 winter wardrobe essentials on my shopping list

14th June, 2017

It’s official: winter is finally here. For me a brand new season often requires a few key winter wardrobe essentials to take me through the next few months. I usually start by identifying the key trends of the season, then look at what I already own to pinpoint what I’ll need. I always aim for quality pieces but I’m also all about versatility in my wardrobe so I make sure that anything I buy will work with multiple items so I can ensure I get maximum cost per wear value. Here’s what’s currently on my winter hit list.

A statement coat

Owning a good quality coat is a given during winter but for me it’s all about a statement coat. I don’t think you always have to go black. I have a grey one that I live in and a camel coloured one that gets a pretty big workout during the cooler months. It’s worth splurging on key winter wardrobe essentials such as a great coat as you can wear it day and night and dressed up or down.

Over the knee boots

I’m really into over the knee boots. I got some great ones at a Camilla and Marc sale and I live in them. If you can find some over the knee boots they’re great as you can wear them over skinny leg jeans and leather leggings (both winter staples for me). Also I often don’t wear short skirts in winter because it’s too cold and I don’t like wearing opaque tights so I find thigh high boots are a great alternative and are a good way to extend the wear of summery pieces.

Sock boots

I also recently purchased some Balenciaga ankle boots that I wore to Fashion Week and I’ve really found them to be worth the splurge as they go with virtually everything in my winter wardrobe. You don’t have to buy really expensive ones but I highly recommend investing in great ankle boots or calf boots as you can wear them with dresses, pants and skirts. I’ve been living in mine.

An oversized scarf

A great scarf is a winter wardrobe essential for keeping cosy but I find if you can find an oversized one in a neutral shade or print it can work during the rest of the year. I have a Louis Vuitton scarf that I’ve had for years and I wear it as a shawl over a dress if I’m going somewhere dressy or with jeans and a tee.

Leather leggings

I’m totally into leather leggings. I have them in so many different colours. Camilla and Marc have some really great ones in black, khaki green and navy. I’ve found there are also great cheap options from ASOS. If you’re buying leather pants or leggings it’s something you definitely need to try on in-store unless you get ones that have panels of material which are a little more forgiving in terms of fit.

What are your winter wardrobe essentials? 

Fashion, Shop

What’s on my shopping list this month

7th June, 2017

A brand new season calls for a new shopping list and this month I’m coveting a number of gorgeous accessories and key winter style staples. I find there’s no better time than a change in seasons to splurge on some new wardrobe additions to rejuvenate my style. Here’s what I have my eye on…

Isabel Marant hanging beaded cluster earrings

A dainty, understated pair of earrings that will easily add an elegant touch to an outfit without being too over the top.

Faith Connexion star gloves

Sometimes you just have to have fun with your accessories and these gloves certainly fit the bill!

Kenzo Kalifornia wallet crossbody bag

A pop of pink adds a fun touch to any outfit and this crossbody bag is the perfect companion on a night out.

Givenchy mini bow crossbody bag

A monochrome bag with a striking star print is a versatile piece that will work with myriad looks.

Acne Studios leather biker jacket

This biker jacket is made from buttery soft leather with on trend metal finishes that will ensure it’s on high rotation this season and beyond.

Erdem Elin cut-out shoulder silk blouse

I’m in love with the gorgeous cornflower blue shade of this blouse and the bow and cut-out details just make it a standout piece.

Gucci New Ace faux-pearl embellished leather trainers

Who better than Gucci to give trainers the luxe treatment. The faux pearls on these sneakers elevate it from simple everyday footwear to seriously of the moment.

Bianca Spender charcoal fine wool aviator coat

A great coat is a must during winter and this cosy number by Bianca Spender will keep me nice and toasty when the weather gets chilly.

Aquazzura Sweet Lover sandal

A pair of neutral stilettos never goes astray and with crystal embellishments it’s the perfect party shoe.

By Johnny Borderline mini shift dress

The combination of colour blocking and feature sleeve make this mini dress a 60s style dream.

Zimmermann Divinity ruffled midi dress

This dress will easily transition from winter to spring with a simple change of footwear. During the cooler months this will look elegant when paired with boots.

Aquazzura Powder Puff velvet backless flats

Pink velvet + pom poms = the cutest flats I ever did see. These will add the perfect feminine touch to any look.

By Johnny Lace Outline Circle Sleeve Top

The flared sleeves and see through lace make this a daring focal point of any ensemble.

Matthew Williamson aviator style mirrored sunglasses

I can’t resist great sunglasses and I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a classic aviator style. The mirrored lenses give it an edgy touch.

Balenciaga tube high rise straight leg jeans

I like to update my denim wardrobe per season and a pair of straight leg, high waisted jeans is the season’s biggest silhouette.

Marni jacquard knit cotton blend sweater

The print of this sweater caught my eye. Whilst I love neutrals it’s sometimes nice to be able to mix it up and go for a completely striking pattern.

What’s on your shopping list this month?

 

 

 

 

Fashion, Shop

The one shoe style I’ll definitely be buying this season

6th March, 2017

When it comes to my autumn/winter wardrobe there’s one shoe style I’ll definitely be purchasing – the ankle boot. A pair of quality black ankle boots always take me through the cooler months and is  a guaranteed way to update any outfit. You can opt for a pair of sky high stiletto style boots if you’re looking for some sexy footwear to take you from drinks to dinner or a pair of flat boots as a comfy option when you’ve got a busy day ahead of you. If you’re intending to wear them to death, be sure to have them resoled beforehand to ensure that they can withstand the wear and tear of constant outings.

I’ve rounded up some of my fave ankle boot styles to inspire your next shopping trip…

 

Fashion, Shop

5 ways to update your winter wardrobe

18th July, 2016

Cold dreary winter days can often mean feeling like you’re in a winter wardrobe rut. It’s hard to feel enthused about styling an outfit when it feels like you’re just putting the same layers on every single day. So, it’s time to mix it up! Here are some easy ways to update your wardrobe so you can get excited about getting dressed in the morning again.

Invest in a statement coat or jacket

It’s great to have the standby options of black, grey and navy in your coat arsenal but sometimes it can get a bit boring when you see a sea of coats in the same colours when you’re out and about. So why not opt for something a little different? A coat or jacket in a bold colour or a striking print can often cheer you up on the dreariest of days and give your look a point of difference.

Find staples with an interesting finishing touch

There are certain staples that we all generally need to get us through winter such as a great pair of ankle boots or a pair of jeans. So if you’re going to be spending a lot of time wearing them, then make them interesting. Try a pair of ankle boots with statement hardware or textures or update your usual skinny denim silhouette for something different such as a pair of flares or boyfriend jeans.

Add some leather

Leather has become quite the wardrobe staple and it’s the ideal way to modernise your look. A pair of leather leggings will get repeated use throughout the cooler months while a sleek leather pencil skirt or dress can look office appropriate when worn with classic pieces such as a white silk blouse or dressed up statement accessories. You also don’t always have to go with black. I have leather jackets in different colours (such as the above in pink) and I love that they can easily brighten up an outfit.

Re-circulate summer pieces

Whilst cool temperatures may mean bare legs and arms out of the question you can still put your summer wardrobe to use during winter. Summer dresses can easily be worn when worked back with a pair of trusty stockings and topped with a blazer or mixing knits with a skirt.

Find new silhouettes

Yes, it’s a given we all have to live in our jackets but why not try some new winter silhouettes? A bomber jacket is a great winter topper and is very on trend. Or why not opt for a cape as a great alternative to a standard winter coat. Adopting new silhouettes is one of the simplest ways to inject some new energy into your wardrobe.

Shop, What I Wore

What I Wore: Winter Wonderland

6th July, 2016

Photo 17-06-2016, 10 31 03 AM (1)

I love winter fashion as it’s all about layering, luxe fabrics and keeping cosy which is great as I am getting close to the end of my pregnancy and comfort is now definitely key. I have found anything loose now looks too bulky on my frame so more figure-hugging, body con dresses have been my saviour. I particularly loved this Fifth the Label ribbed dress from General Pants as I love wearing soft, neutral tones in winter because I think it’s easy to get carried away with wearing all black so it’s nice to break it up and wear some colour without wearing anything overly bright. This long-sleeved dress has some nice cut-out detail at the elbows and an asymmetrical hemline which gives it a definite point of difference. Plus it’s budget-friendly too!

Coats are obviously a necessity during the cooler months but as a bonus it’s great for throwing on over outfits when you’re pregnant. Wearing a coat gives you a really nice shape while keeping you warm, plus when wearing figure-hugging dresses I can sometimes feel uncomfortable wearing it on its own so coats are great for hiding everything away! Most winter coats tend to be black, navy, grey or camel so I think this Witchery coat stands out due to the beautiful soft beige colour.

Being eight months pregnant I’ve practically been living in flats so white sneakers like this pair from Witchery have become my trusty go-to. They’re very of-the-moment and are perfect for when I have a busy day of appointments or errands and need to have comfy footwear on. I am still loving backpacks as a great alternative to a handbag. It keeps my hands free (perfect for when I’m with Sophia) and it’s definitely easier to carry around than a heavy bag. The ash grey colour of this woven Country Road backpack definitely suits the season and provides a nice contrast to the rest of the neutral tones in my outfit.

P.S. As any mum-to-be knows when faced with an ever diminishing range of wardrobe options knows trawling the stores to update your wardrobe can be an exhausting prospect so I had a winning shopping moment when I realised I could shop all my favourite chain store brands at westfield.com.au without having to spend hours visiting various individual sites online. So believe it or not I actually managed to pull together the above outfit when I had a small window of time up my sleeve. I’m all about ways to save time and being super efficient these days so this was a pleasing discovery.

Photo 17-06-2016, 10 30 51 AM

Photo 17-06-2016, 10 30 50 AM

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Photo 17-06-2016, 10 27 43 AM Photo 17-06-2016, 10 27 08 AM Photo 17-06-2016, 10 26 18 AM

Credits: Coat, Witchery; Dress, General Pants; Sneakers, Witchery; Backpack; Country Road

Photography: Sophia Athas