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: 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 It's smart, sophisticated and never outdated.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: Playing Favourites

If there's one item in my closet that I simply cannot live without, it's my humble turtleneck. In terms of versatility and comfort I'd say it's right up there with the white tee. In fact I'm even going to propose right now that we make this the official cold weather uniform. However unlike the ever popular white tee, the turtleneck gets a bad rap. It's pragmatic approach to dressing means it's rarely ever associated with being on-trend or fashionable. After all how many of the fashion world's most coveted items are also ever pragmatic (minus IM wedge sneakers)?

Whenever I wake up to a chilly morning, I automatically reach for my turtlenecks. It's one of those little wonders where after I've slipped into, I immediately feel 10x warmer and 10x more alive and ready to start the day. Kind of like that feeling when you sip piping hot soup on a cold winters day or jumping into a hot shower after a day in the rain. On a different note, how adorable is this leather skirt? The chiffon layer peeping out was too precious to pass up. Not to mention, the fact that being white leather means I literally could wear it all year long.

{ wearing : kookai turtleneck similar here . mossman leather skirt . zara tote . lucchesi cap toe pumps . peeptoe ring . panama hat similar here }

Wardrobe Diaries: Spring Meets Fall

I am still coming to terms with the fact that I miss out on Fall this year. If you've been following my blog then you may remember me mentioning summer fashion fatigue from as earlier as June. They don't call Fall, fashion's favourite season for nothing. All those layers and outerwear, knits, furs and leathers are enough to make any girl swoon. 

Sadly for me, I left the Northern Hemisphere a few days before the end of summer and arrived here in the Southern Hemisphere just as spring picked up. Instead of abandoning all my newly acquired cold weather wear, I decided to bring them along with me to style into my spring wardrobe. The classic spring colour combo of mint and blush contrast perfectly with edgier leather pieces from Fall. Add to that some red lipstick and a velvet bow and there you have my perfect spring meets fall outfit. 

A big thank you to Boticca for sending me this beautiful leather clutch. When it comes to fashion and design, there's nothing I love more than discovering new talented up and coming designers. Through their online shop, Boticca gives me the chance to scour the world for beautiful unique pieces with the knowledge that each purchases will help aid an independant designer to be one step closer to their dream. Now for the fun part, make sure you pop by on friday for a chance to win a beautiful bracelet by french designer Mademoiselle Felee courtesy of Boticca. 

{ zara cardigan sold out, other great mint pieces here and here . gap shirt . zara skirt sold out, other great option here or splurge here . clutch thanks to boticca . nine west shoes . michael kors cuff bracelet . kookai spike and wrap bracelet . asos bow-tie }

Wardrobe Diaries: Silver Accents

As much as I love gold jewelry, sometimes it's nice to take a break and wear head to toe neutrals. I'm really loving silver accents for fall this year. The sweethearts at Karen London sent over this gorgeous hammered silver collar and I may or may not have been wearing it religiously ever since I got it.

Actually neutrals and I go way back. There was a time when all I'd wear were shades of grey and black and white. Architects are known for dressing head to toe in black. Being the young eager Architecture student that I was, I didn't want to upset the stereotype. These days I'm much more open to different styles and shades. Though neutrals will always have a special place in my heart, there's also a little room for brights.

{ paul & joe sister dress worn as top also loving this and this . zara leather skirt . zara sandals old . collar necklace thanks to karen london . r+j clutch . chain bracelet thanks to karen london . ariel gordon thin bangle . jgood cable bangle . michael kors cuff . longines watch . diamond necklace and bracelet gift }

Wardrobe Diaries: Fields of Gold

I live near these beautiful fields where every spring is filled with luscious crops as far as the eyes can see. The first year we lived here there were stalks of corn reaching high into the sky. This year, it's wheat. With development happening at a rapid rate a few of these crop fields have since turned into housing estates. It's such a shame but I'm sure sooner or later this one will be gone too. Sometimes the eye needs a break from the endless sea of brick and asphalt and these fields provide a welcome relief.

So glad that circular sunglasses are making a comeback. I love that they compliment everyone I've seen them on and matches everything in my wardrobe. This pair I recently picked up at Target. I've also seen some great options over at Asos and Nasty Gal. 

{ bb dakota skirt . kookai leather jacket similar here and here . topshop sequin and chiffon top similar here . guess wedges . dooney & burke bag unavailable in yellow . target sunglasses similar here }

Wardrobe Diaries: Lilac Leather and Lace

I came across this beautiful train track on the way to brunch the other day. It made for the perfect backdrop to my outfit. Tennessee is so beautiful in the summertime with its abundant trees and greenery. My sister likens this place to a scene out of Twilight (funny). These tracks are used by the Army for transporting equipment and such, which is probably why I've never seen a single train in the three years we have lived here. I recently bought myself this leather jacket from Muubaa as a mother's day present. The leather on this jacket is buttery soft and so comfortable to wear. The thing I love most is the sculpting wire that's been inserted in the seams. This clever little trick allows you to manipulate the jacket however way you want, something rather difficult when it comes to leather.  

{ muubaa leather jacket . gap jeans . tj maxx lace top . oroton crossbody bag . franco sarto heels . longines watch }

On my mind... textures and prints

 Absolutely love this Mulberry satchel.

Nostalgia by camomeetscouture featuring retro sunglasses

Oasis cut out dress, $115
AllSaints leather bomber jacket, $495
Chloé leather ballet flat, $450
Mulberry satchel handbag, $1,500
Sydney Evan 14k ring, £695
Dara Ettinger metal ring, $112
Vintage jewelry, $48
Retro sunglasses, £4
Meadow 8 x 8 Print, £20