Wardrobe Diaries: Weekend Sweat Suits

If you've followed this blog for sometime then you probably know by now my fascination with all things loungewear- sweatpants, sweatshirts, t-shirt dresses and so on. The truth is, despite all better judgement, there's just something about loungewear that I unexplainably love. For the sake of this outfit post I've decided it's about time I pinned down the root of this bizarre infatuation and in doing so, hopefully help others realize and understand their own love affair with what is sometimes perceived as a crime against fashion.

After spending a questionable amount of time in the shower (that's where all brilliant ideas originate right?) what I've come to realise is aesthetics and comfort only play a minor role in my love affair. A great pair of jeans is just as comfortable and much better looking so that can't be it. What I've ultimately realised is, it's the message one sends when wearing sweats that makes me love them so much. That easy effortless, I-couldn't-care-less-what-you-think-because-I'm-comfortable-in-my-own-skin appeal. We always associate loungewear with a carefree and laid back attitude and I think in this crazy day and age it's nice to be able to wear something that doesn't take itself too seriously.

But enough of me trying to be philosophical. I chanced upon this sweatshirt and sweatpant combo one day when I wasn't even meant to be shopping. The strategic colourblocking, flirty peplum waist and contrasting drawstring was just too pretty to pass up. It seems like all these years of loungewear idolising has finally lead me to serendipitously find the perfect sweat-suit (yay).

So tell me dear readers, are there certain items you love despite all better judgement?

 

{ wearing : rachel roy peplum sweatshirt // rachel roy cropped sweatpants // j.crew cable knit jumper // zara bag // michael kors watch // sam edelman pumps // ray ban mirror aviators }

Wardrobe Diaries: Moto Into Spring

When I was a little girl I never quite understood the importance my mum placed on outerwear. At the time, wearing a jacket or coat over my little party dresses seemed to defeat the purpose of dressing up (and back then I was all about showing off my new dresses). One day I asked why she always insisted I wear them, especially when it was mid summer, and she knew I'd take it off immediately after our arrival?

Her answer was plain and simple- it just didn't look finished without one.

Even with her explanation I still didn't understand, but it obviously struck a chord (a very confused chord) within me because today, it's one of my most vivid memories from childhood. Yes folks, my mum had me doing the blogger jacket drape long before it was even a thing.

Since growing up, much has changed. My favourite piece of clothing nowadays IS in fact outerwear. I rarely leave home without some form of external layer, be it a jacket or coat or even just a scarf in summer. Throwing on that something extra immediately 'smarts' up an outfit and lends a certain sophistication don't you think?
So tell me readers, are you also an outwear addict? 

{ wearing : warehouse coat // marcs tee similar here and here // michael kors booties (old) // celine trio crossbody bag // omega watch (old) }

Wardrobe Diaries: Put a Bow On It

These days I find myself leaning more and more towards easy fuss-free wear. While I love pretty dresses and multiple layers as much as the next girl, in reality most days I'm lucky if I have time to brush my hair in the mornings. Is it just me or has the busy season hit most of the world? These boyfriend jeans have been in constant rotation lately and for good reason. They're comfortable, pairs well with almost everything in my closet and I love the way they contrast with a fabulous pair of shoes. Even my baby girl loves them, although for very different reasons. She loves to stick her arms into the holes and pat my knees, hence the extra large distressing. Being St. Patty's Day this past Sunday, I just wasn't in the mood for dressing up in a leprechaun green costumey outfit. So instead I resorted to a simple white shirt and jeans ensemble accented by a brilliant green Hermes scarf tied into a pretty little bow. Sometimes a small dose of colour is just what you need.

{ wearing : jbrand boyfriend jeans // gap shirt // hermes scarf (old) // furla belt (old) // tory burch tote similar here // prabal gurung for target sandals // michael kors watch }

Wardrobe Diaries: Classic Simplicity

Lately I've found myself more and more drawn towards wearing simple outfits that look effortlessly thrown together. Like this casual tee and denim combo offset by a sophisticated blazer, pair of polished pumps and bright red lips. Funnily enough, those very same effortless outfits are usually also the most time consuming. It's all about achieving that elusive middle ground, somewhere between looking like you spent an hour getting ready and looking like you just rolled out of bed.

The great thing about dressing effortlessly is that there are so many interpretations out there. From style messiah Kate Moss with her messy hair and vintage gowns, to the Olsens with what can only be best described as junkyard chic to Kate Bosworth and her cozy boho style. Each interpretation though different all exude that same I couldn't-care-less-about-my-outfit-yet-I-look-amazing appeal. And then we have the infamous Vogue Paris team and their less is more, simplicity is key approach. In case you were wondering, it's the later I most adhere to. These ladies just ooze effortless chic with a healthy dose of statement accessories on the side. What's not to love about that!

Perhaps it's just a mild case of fashion fatigue, or perhaps I'm finally growing up. Either way I'm putting aside my princess dresses for now and opting for classic A-lined silhouettes and borrowed from the boys aesthetics. What about you? Have you redefined your style lately?

{ wearing : who what wear t-shirt available here // paper denim & co skirt super old but also loving this and this // mango longline blazer // michael kors pumps available here . chanel bag . j.crew chain link bracelet and pave bracelet thanks to INPINK }

Wardrobe Diaries: Neons and Neutral

When the neon trend first debuted in 2011, I was skeptical. I just could not see the appeal in wearing safety vests if you will. There are so many great aspects of the 80's just waiting for a resurrection, but did we really have to bring back the fluro? Well that was what I thought until I saw Christian Siriano's SS12 collection of casual tees paired with floaty neon maxis. All of a sudden I didn't hate it, in fact I rather loved it! Neons were transformed 80's sporty chic to a dreamy nonchalant vision and I was enthralled.

Since then I've found myself always opting for neon accessories when the option exists. A little neon accent goes a long way. I'm especially fond of teaming it with monochrome looks or in this case, basic neutrals. The neon blue druzy necklace and acid neon sandals sit on either end of the torso balancing each other out. Instead of the eye being drawn to a particular statement piece, the dress and jacket take center stage as a result from being framed by the pops of neon.

What about you? Are you a head to toe neon kind of gal or do you shy away from this bright bold trend?

{ wearing: muuba leather jacket similar here also loving the lace version . madison marcus wrap dress also loving this maxi wrap gown . clair vivier foldover clutch . prabal gurung for target sandals . druzy necklace thanks to INPINK use code CAMO30 for 30% off all jewelry }

Wardrobe Diaries: Sweatshirt, Skirt and Stilettos

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One of the best trends to emerge in recent years has to be the glamorization of loungewear. Who knew looking stylish could be oh, so comfortable! With the plethora of boyfriend jeans, sweatpants, wedge sneakers, baseball caps, duffle bags gracing the fashion scene, it's hard to ignore the fact that comfort wear is here to stay.

Most street style looks combine loungewear with some other form of urban wear. Think leather, camo, drapey neutrals and lots of black. While I adore the edgy minimal approach to making sweats look chic, I also love the idea of glamming things every now and then with flirty feminine pieces in the brightest of colours. With Spring on the horizon, here's a few things I'll be wearing to get me through these last weeks of winter- a comfy sweatshirt, long line pencil skirt, pointy toed pumps, leather wrap bracelet and my beloved Trio.

So tell me readers, when was the last time you wore sweats out of the house? Have you also caught the comfort bug? 

{ wearing: gap sweatshirt . asos pencil skirt . vince camuto pumps similar here or splurge here . ted baker collar . celine trio crossbody bag . michael kors 'slim runway' watch . bracelet thanks to house of gemmes }

Wardrobe Diaries: Birthday Ballerina

They say you're only ever as old as you feel. This weekend I turned another year older, and while I don't particularly feel my age, the rest of me begs to differ. Tiny fine lines are starting to show, little aches and pains where there once was none and I'm pretty sure I've even began shrinking.

So to celebrate, I did what any fun-loving girl faced with the realisation that her youth will soon be over, would do. I threw on the girliest pink dress I could find and twirled and twirled till my feet ached and heart raced. It was just what I needed to remind myself that age is but a number. Besides it's never too late to live out your prima ballerina dreams.

Here's to growing old gracefully!

{ wearing: asos tutu dress . luchessi cap toe heels . mossman pastel necklace .  beaded topshop clutch } 

Wardrobe Diaries: Black and White

As much as I love playing dressing up, there's nothing quite as alluring as a simple black and white outfit. Especially one that involves a white button down and black trousers (or some variation of it). It's smart, sophisticated and never outdated.

In this case, my white button down involves a luxurious silky designer shirt with a playful cape detail and some skin tight leather leggings. A classic black and white uniform provides the perfect backdrop to showcase my latest shoe obsession, these metallic silver sandals. I love the slight hint of skin they lend to an otherwise covered up outfit. Finishing off with a dash of colour on the lips, a structured tote to offset the flowy shirt, and a bright white mani/pedi.

Simple as it may be, I think I've just found my new favourite outfit. That just goes to show, they don't call them classics for nothing.

{ wearing: tibi shirt now on major sale . kookai leggings similar here . asos sandals . zara tote available online in mini version . nail colour blanc by essie . lip colour violet crush by estee lauder }

Wardrobe Diaries: Winter's Uniform

Ever since I arrived back from Australia earlier last month, it dawned on me how little of my closet actually gets used. The five months away forced me to become creative, mixing and matching the handful of clothing I had, while shopping trips became scavenger hunts for versatile pieces that could work in any outfit. The whole experience was surprisingly soothing, turns out we really don't need that  much at all.

This leads me to the outfit in this post. For the past month, this red duffle coat and leopard slippers have become my unoffical winter's uniform. I grab it when I'm running errands in a hurry just as much as when I'm dressed up for a lunch date. Leopard and red is not only a classic combination, but also neutral enough to work with just about anything. As part of my spring cleaning for this year, I'm planning to apply the same 'less is more' approach to the rest of my wardrobe. It's about time a makeover happened.

I'm interested to know if any of you have an unofficial winter's uniform? Do you sometimes find yourself wearing the same thing again and again? 

{ wearing: madewell duffle coat . zara leather skirt similar here . kookai turtleneck similar here . florsheim leopard slippers also loving this . tory burch tote . brooks brothers gloves . necklace thanks to karen london }