Investment & Statement Pieces

February 04, 2018

Investment & Statement Pieces - My Personal Style Rules

My Personal Style Rules

Part 1: My Personal Style Rules

My personal style is one that constantly fluctuates, I love to try new trends like a plain white T with some cute overalls, some Gucci loafers and even occasionally flinging that hip and trendy Chanel style backpack over my shoulders. Of course, as always there are some trends that I’ve tried that certainly didn’t suit me, for example the bralette crop top and high waisted denim shorts showing off half of your peachy behind. This was certainly not my friend - I wouldn’t say it was because I didn’t think I looked good in it, it was more so that I didn’t feel confident, sexy, sophisticated and elegant (which are all of the qualities that I try to incorporate into my everyday style). I personally like to dress fairly conservatively, however, I always like to pick one feature to slightly show off more than others. This is the exact reason why this festival girl trend didn’t suit me, I felt overly exposed and uncomfortable; therefore my main piece of advice is to always attempt to predominately dress for your own individual style, whilst including at least one trendy statement piece.

Every day after work I go home and throw together my outfit for the next day, as well as lay out my gym clothes for the next morning, organise my lunch & anything else I need prepared for the next day. I’m a very organised person and I believe that if you are passionate about fashion (or anything else) then it’s good to project that in your everyday look – besides, you never know who you’ll meet and what career opportunities may arise that day. I know a friend who didn’t have a lot of qualifications but worked as a receptionist for a fashion house; the CEO of this company in Australia saw her outfits every single day when he would walk into the office and one day asked her whether she would consider a position as a fashion buyer for the brand – there you go, many would kill for this type of job in the fashion industry and also obtain degrees and qualifications to get it! Anyway, I went completely off topic, but overall I feel so strongly about dressing for the position that you want, and if that’s a position in fashion then go ahead and show off your creative flare through your outfit choices on the daily!

With my own personal style I like to stay within some basic rules that I outlined for myself. So every night when I organise my outfit for the next working day I consider the following:

1. Will I be comfortable in this outfit.

Spending 8 to 9 hours at a work place every day, you certainly want to feel comfortable as you might be constantly liaising with superiors. I try to only purchase clothes that are made from nice material, this means they won't stretch &/or fade, they wont sag (for example jeans) and they will fit your body to enhance your shape – not to make you look 1000x bigger than you actually are! This doesn’t mean spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on Versace Jeans or a Tommy Hilfiger dress, it just means being a smarter shopper. Instead of buying a new shirt from the mall, shop online - observe the fabric type and information details on the piece of clothing (also note, if it looks like shit on the model then it’ll probably not be an outfit that flatters any other living creature on earth).

Everyday Comfortable Work Look

2. Simplicity is key!

It speaks for itself really, simplicity is honestly my favourite thing about fashion – now I know I mentioned the story before about the girl who dressed amazingly everyday and picked up a fashion buyer position, but her outfits really are incredible and she honestly just has that ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ about her, something that not everyone is born with (think Audrey Hepburn ❤). My favourite simple outfit is one that I wear in the winter months, it consists of black stockings, black leather ankle boots, black high waisted tailored shorts & a baggy over-sized camel coloured jumper to finish off the look. No frills, lace, ribbons or fancy OTT accessories, just basic chic. However! If I was feeling extra sassy that night, I might opt for an over-sized black jumper, a bold red lip & a red neck scarf to add that on trend piece to a simple look… which brings me to my next point!

Black Stocking & Shorts... So Simple♥

3. Have I incorporated a statement piece?

With most of my basic outfits I love to add a statement piece &/or an on trend item. This rule however only applies if you have a very basic outfit on – for example, with some plain jeans or a humble black dress – add a mosaic style handbag/purse or an exciting hair scarf. Of course if you are already wearing an intricately designed dress or jumpsuit (something that is extremely animated and vibrant) then I would certainly opt for some plain accessories to pull the drama back down to earth 😉.

Statement Handbag

Statement Hair Scarf

4. Am I dressing to match the correct season/weather outside?

We’ve all encountered that typical summer season that brings on a rainy day with cyclonic winds or vice versa! You probably wouldn’t wear that planned mini skirt on such days – this is when you should be sensible and opt for some tights, jeans or a long body hugging ¾ dress that you can add a coat or jumper to. Layering is a great idea for both seasons as you can take items off on an unexpected warm day, or vice versa you can add items during a cooler change.

Winter Layering

So there you have it, they are my key guidelines to dressing on a daily basis. I’ve mentioned it one hundred times before but my two favourite fashion styles are Italian & French. I love the superiority and glamour of a true Italian women (even the men dress with absolute charm and allure) I personally think it’s the attitude they bare to the world, they honestly think they’re all that – and they totally are 😉. I try to draw from this attitude when I put an outfit on that I’m unsure about or even worried what others might think of it. I guess what you wear is never going to agree with everyone but you aren’t dressing for everyone else… you’re dressing for yourself and if you put on an outfit that you know is going to draw attention from others, then you have to walk down that street with an attitude to match it – (and remember, there is a difference between being confident and being arrogant/being the nice girl is always in style!). I previously wrote a blog describing French girl fashion so if you’d like more of an insight as to why I dare say it’s my favourite, then scoot on over and peruse the Parisian attraction.

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Part 2: Investment & Statement Pieces

Investment pieces are items that you use every single winter &/or summer. For example that perfect Banana Republic water proof trench coat for winter or that picture-perfect Lack Of Colours wide brimmed straw hat that you bring out every summer. I have personally invested in some very special wardrobe assets that I use every changing season.

Some of my favourite & most used items are;

The perfect pair of GOOD QUALITY jeans! I bought some high waisted black skinny jeans from Zara in Italy... It's safe to say that I have worn these to death every winter.

A structured, formal Blazer. I purchased a navy military blazer from BooHoo.com.au that I wear to work throughout winter and autumn.

Witchery Military Blazer

Black over the knee boots and/or some leather ankle boots - I bought both of these from Top Shop in London & although they might not be the best of quality they've lasted quite well.

BooHoo.com.au

Bellini Australia

The perfect bikini! I found a triangle swim suit from Seafolly swimwear, as well as a basic black one piece from H&M (I love their swimwear range at the moment!)

H&M One Piece

Seafolly Bikini

1 basic white / & 1 basic black T-Shirt. I purchased these from Guess (good quality to ensure they don’t fade and stretch - this is essential!)

A good quality denim or leather biker jacket. I bought a blue denim jacket from H&M and a leather biker jacket from Miss Shop (Myer).

Denim Jacket ASOS

Faux Leather Jacket MissGuided

A good quality LBD (little black dress) that fits your body to perfection and flatters you in every way possible - I bought mine from an Australian brand called Witchery.

Witchery LBD - Slip dress

White lace up sneaker shoes &/or some slipper flats for those scorching days (note: I absolutely cannot stand thongs (flip flops) unless you’re at the beach!... and even then I’m iffy about them). BooHoo.com.au, StyleRunner, MissGuided.com & PrettyLittleThing.com all have an incredible collection of shoes – if you know your size then buy up big on their discounted days (they have a certain % off items pretty much every day).

ASOS flats

ASOS court shoes

One or two investment handbags – these should be of very good quality. Note: They might cost quite a bit but the idea is that they will last generations; they’re the type of piece that becomes vintage and one day hopefully your granddaughter will be strutting her stuff with your dated Chloe bag strapped over her shoulder! I obtained a beautiful cream coloured Ted Baker tote bag in London, as well as a black cross body Michael Kors clutch – both of these investments cost me around the $300 mark but are still perfectly intact and are versatile with every single outfit.

Michael Kors Bag

Ted Baker Tote

A designer lipstick!!! YSL or Chanel lipsticks are so beautiful (find the absolute perfect colour and let this become your signature lippy). I have an off pink matte YSL lipstick and as much as I love this one (as well as the blue based red Dior lipstick I purchased at the same time), Pink Plaid by MAC Cosmetics will forever be my favourite! It’s a pink/purple colour that I found in Scotland of all places; I’ve worn it religiously ever since as it’s the most perfect colour to bring out my hazel/green eyes, fair skin and dark brown hair.

Pink Plaid MAC

Dior Red

The perfect nude heels – I bought some simple ‘barely there’ nude stilettos from Nine West (another amazing Australian footwear & handbag brand). The best thing about Nude pumps is that they can add elegance to an outfit and still remain the most humble item that you have on.

JC Nude Stilettos

A quality pair of versatile sunglasses with UV protection – I have purchased an endless amount of $18 dollar sunnies from numerous shops over the years and although having a good colour and style range allows you to mix & match these with multiple outfits, it’s important to have a pair of sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the harsh sun (& to prevent the inevitably approaching crow’s feet). My ever loving boyfriend bought me a gorgeous pair of tortoise shell Dolce & Gabbbana sun glasses for my birthday – best present ever 😊.

D&G Sun Glasses

A signature perfume (not exactly a fashionable item but smelling amazing is just as important 😉) – A friend of mine purchased the yellow Chanel Chance perfume for me on my birthday & it’s now officially my favourite scent. Another two that I love is the original Issey Miyake & Giorgio Armani, Acqua Di Gioia (Burberry Body is also an oldie but a goodie!).

Chanel Chance

Lastly, below is a small look-book I have put together which displays everyday work/on the go outfits that incorporate basics & statement pieces. See below 🙂❤