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 }

Ray Ban Aviators

Despite my ever growing sunglasses collection, there's one style that I always turn to and that is the classic aviator. It's a style that has this inherent coolness factor that's unmatched by anything else on the market. When it comes to aviators no brand is more iconic and synonymous with the name than Ray Bans.

Since it's first debut back in 1936 (thank you Wikipedia) not much has changed over the years. The classic tear drop shape is still unaltered, the lens has the same slight convex shape to eliminate glare from all angles and the famous thin wire frames are still bendy enough for you to salvage them if (or when in my instance) your toddler decides to sit on your glasses.

There's so much to love right? But the true bee's knees is that these sunnies were once designed with only pragmatism in mind and have since turned into absolute style icons. Now 80 years later and we're all still wearing them like it's nobody's business. 

Pictured above: Ray Ban aqua mirror lens and Ray Ban black frame polarised version.

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: Tweed and Chains

I have been on the hunt for a pair of tweed shorts for the longest time. To me, they represent the perfect merging of classic and modern. Imagine my excitement when I popped into Mango this past weekend and came upon THE perfect pair and in my size too! These shorts are exactly what I have been searching for; short but not too short, high but not too high and in a classic black and white. So in honour of their inaugural appearance on {camo meets couture} I thought, what better way to style them than with a black turtleneck and layered chains à la classic Chanel.

Now that we've officially entered holiday season, I'm looking forward to putting together some holiday themed posts for you. Christmas has that magical ability to bring out the kid in all of us, which makes December the BEST month of the year. Don't you agree?

{wearing: kookai turtleneck similar here . mango tweed shorts . burberry chunky chain . mulberry travel bag . nine west pumps }

Wardrobe Diaries: The Schoolboy Blazer

Confession time, I adore everything about schoolboy blazers, from their fit and fabric to their little gold buttons and accentuated shoulders. Unlike other blazers what's so great about the schoolboy type is how easily they transition from casual wear to business wear. I threw on some fun coloured pumps to break up an otherwise tonal look. Please tell me I'm not the only one who matches my lips to my shoes.

Perfect fit aside, these blazers also take me back to my school years where I was stuck wearing a navy wool Ralph Laurenesque schoolboy blazer (more Harry Potter than Gossip Girl) everyday for the entire 6 years of my secondary education. At the time I couldn't wait to break free of my stuffy uniform. Who knew years later I'd still be wearing the same thing. This leads me to wonder.. will I still be wearing skinny jeans when I'm 80? I'm sure I'll be gaunt and sickly enough to pull them off a la Alexa Chung.

{ zara blazer similar version by j.crew . target tee . bettina liano jeans similar version here . zizi for florsheim pumps now on sale . clutch thanks to boticca . zara brooch . lipcolour violet crush by estee lauder }

Wardrobe Diaries: Classic Weekender

If you've been following my blog for a while then you'll probably know by now that I'm not the most fashionable person in the world. Most of my wardrobe is filled with classic pieces in beautiful fabrics or unique one off garments I find at boutique stores. Every now and then I do add the occasional on-trend item but never for the reason of being trendy. While I appreciate other bloggers abilities to pull off trendy items, you'll never catch me wearing mullet skirts or neons or dye my hair ombre (and if I do, please kindly remind me with a big fat WTF).
Ever since as far as I can remember I have always been attracted to the Classics. My favourite film from youth was Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times and favourite book was The Secret Garden. Not much has changed today. I prefer classic literature, b&w cinema, modernist architecture and classic tailoring.

When I saw this shirt dress I immediately fell in love with it. The luxurious pinstripe poplin contrasted by the plain white banding make it an instant classic. The best thing is, when I wear it, I feel like I'm wearing a men's shirt without the frumpishness. To keep things looking casual, I paired it with some gold accessories and aviators. The yellow pumps and clutch (which I'm sure you're sick of seeing) have become my go-to shoe and bag of choice whenever I don a blue outfit. Unfortunately my husband doesn't share the same view as me. His comment was that it looked like I was wearing a nurses uniform ha! What do you think, is this a keeper or do I need to bury it in my box of shame?

{ thml shirtdress also loving this one and this one . dooney & burke bag unavailable in yellow . nine west pumps unavailable in yellow . tom ford aviators . bracelets by j.crew, dillards, nordstrom unavailable in gold . nail colour off the shoulder by essie }