Oz Outfits

I'm back from a successful work trip to Australia and am so excited to be reacquainted with my wardrobe! I was supposed to be in Australia for 12 days but it turned into 20 so I clearly hadn't packed enough. Add to this the fact that the weather was much colder and wetter than I anticipated (the locals kept apologising for the horrible weather!) and my wardrobe became severely limited.

So not enough stuff for 20 days in Sydney

I packed a range of separates in a neutral colour palette of white, black, grey and blue so items were interchangeable. As I would be on my feet for long days at work I only packed comfortable flats including my Birkenstocks (oh how I love thee) and 2 pairs of trainers. My trusty monogramed Louis Vuitton Speedy was my bag of choice along with an animal print across body bag from Marks & Spencer for the days when I was prepping and needed to be hands free. 

Here are a selection of the outfits I wore in Sydney.

Coat H&M, T-shirt Gap, Trousers Topshop, Trainers Adidas

Sweater Zoe Karssen, Skirt Topshop, Trainers Miu Miu

Coat H&M, T-shirt J. Crew, Trousers Zara, Sandals Birkenstock

Blazer Zara, Shirt Gap, Jeans Topshop, Trainers Adidas, Bag Louis Vuitton

 

Jacket Gap, Dress Zara, Bag Marks & Spencer, Trainers Miu Miu 

Jumpsuit Topshop, Sandals Birkenstock, Bag Louis Vuitton

Jumper Uniqlo, Trouser ASOS, Trainers Adidas

Coat H&M, Sweater Peter Pilotto for Target, Jeans Topshop, Trainers Adidas

Jumper Zoe Karssen, Jeans Topshop, Trainers Miu Miu, Bag Marks & Spencer

Coat H&M, Shirt and trousers Zara, Sweater Whistles, Trainers Adidas

I plan on not wearing any other these clothes for a while now that I'm back and I can't wait to go shopping for new things!

Life Lately

I'm still in Sydney working for Target on a TV show with Gok Wan. It has been incredibly busy and great fun with lots of prepping, fittings and filming the TV show.

Shopping in Target

Loading up for the TV show

We filmed at heritage listed Cockatoo Island in the middle of Sydney Harbour, so my journey to work involved a pretty cool water taxi each morning.

Looking back at Sydney

Travelling under the bridge

Blue skies on Cockatoo Island

Filming for the show took place in an old prison. Beautiful exposed brick and industrial elements, but oh so cold!

Rack and racks of clothes

The styling team post show with the brilliant Gok Wan

Backstage pass

The show airs in September and I can't wait to see the result of all our hard work.

On Sunday I had a day off to explore the city but sadly the weather was so bad my plans were thwarted. I did manage to catch up with my dear friend Katie of Olive's World for brunch, do a little shopping and finally join the queues of people at the infamous Gelato Messina for 3 scoops of deliciousness. I'm pleased to say it didn't disappoint.

Trying on some Alexander Wang at David Jones...should I,  shouldn't I?

Heaven in a cone = Gelato Messina

Two more days of work in Sydney and then I'm flying home! 

Have a great week!

Sx

Werk

Back in June I styled a shoot for the August issue of The Canary Wharf Magazine.

The theme of the shoot was white and as we were shooting with some private jets we decided to base the story around luxury travel.

Here are a few behind the scenes photos from the day.

All packed for the shoot and ready to go. I don't travel lightly!

Choos and Louboutins for as far as the eye can see!

A stunning Hermes Constance bag for the shoot...oh how I wish you were mine!

A gorgeous gold bracelet from Annoushka

Stacking up the Globe-Trotter luggage

Make up artist Charlie Duffy climbing aboard the private jet to tweak the model

The photographer Dom making sure he gets the shot

The beautiful model (note the comfy slippers!)

On the runway!

And here's the finished story!

Images: Dominic Nicholls, Canary Wharf Magazine

Life Lately

I am very fortunate to currently be working in Sydney on a fantastic project with Target and Gok Wan.

I arrived last week and had Monday to myself to adjust to the new time zone (why oh why won't you go away jet-lag?) so I took the opportunity to play tourist for the day.

Sydney's CBD

The Botanical Gardens

The Iconic Opera House & Harbour Bridge

Sydney is the city of the shopping mall so I obviously had to check out Chanel!

Yee Haa! It's Chanel!

In a bid to ease my jet lag, and to maintain my triathlon training, I've been working up a sweat late at night in the hotel gym.

Post Work-Out Stretching

And then indulging in lots of the yummy eats Sydney has to offer.

Chai Latte & Peanut Butter Tart = Heaven

I've visited nearly all the Target stores in Sydney prepping clothes for the incredible project we are working on.

Racks & Rack Of Clothes

I'm super excited for what this week at work has instore for me!

Sx

Oh Yeah Adidas

How completely and utterly cool does Phoebe Philo look?

Phoebe Philo single handedly reignited my love for Adidas with this image. When I was about 17 I had the best pair of navy and cream shell-toed, canvas and suede Adidas trainers from Slam City Skates. Sadly they are in land fill somewhere, so what better excuse to go and buy some more!

I began with grey suede Gazelles. They are super easy to wear and have replaced my loafers and slip on trainers, working easily with jeans, tailored trousers, midi skirts and dresses.

Dress by COS, Shirt by Gap, Gazelles by Adidas

Then a few weeks ago I purchased some Stan Smith's figuring they'd be as versatile as my Gazelle's. I eschewed the green style, instead going for navy seeing as half of my wardrobe is navy.

Jacket and Trousers by Topshop, T-shirt by J. Crew, Stan Smith's by Adidas

Recently Sarah Clarke, one of my favourite stylists and blogger of Little Spree, did the most incredible shoot for Red Magazine on how to wear the navy Stan's, making me even happier with my purchase. 

Sarah Clarke's perfectly styled shoot for Red Magazine

Fortunately/unfortunately the weather has been so good that I've been wearing sandals every day but I'm currently working in Sydney where it's winter, so the trainers will be making regular appearances.

And the purchasing may not stop at 2 pairs, how goddamn gorgeous are these by Raf Simons for Adidas?

And what about these paint splattered beauties?

Images: Pinterest, Uptherestore.com, SarahClarkeStylist.com

Beach Bags

I normally use an old Anya Hindmarch dust bag as my beach bag, but after my recent holiday I thought I should up my game. My perfect beach bag would be roomy enough for all my beach essentials (book, towels, sunglasses, lotions and potions), include a couple of pockets and come in a simple design such as stripes or chevrons.

Images Pinterest

Even though the shops are beginning to fill up with Autumn fashions there are still some great styles available, with some of my favourite picks on sale!

Boden £19.60

This pink stripe bargain from Boden has long leather straps and comes in 3 different colour-ways.

Etsy £81.77

This linen tote would work well long after the sun has disappeared as a gym or weekend bag.

H&M £14.99

I spied the plain version of this in H&M home. It's not a bag, but a storage basket, however it would make a cheap and cheerful accessory to carry all your beach items.

Heidi Klein £250

Heidi Klein, the queen of everything beach related, has created this chic beach tote. I particularly like the sporty white stripe and rope handle. This is a classic style to invest in and use year after year.

Labour & Wait £20

This beach bag from one of my favourite stores, Labour & Wait, was the one I purchased for my next holiday. I love the traditional design, leather handles and roominess of this basket. And what a fantastic price point!

Mango £19.99

Another bag that's in the sale so make sure you snap it up before it sells out.

Topshop £25

I love the yellow pom pom detail on this bag and while I wish the handles were real leather, it's a cute style at an affordable price.

Images: Topshop, Mango, Labour & Wait, Heidi Klein, H&M, Etsy, Boden, Pinterest