Classic white and navy

I built on classic white and navy separates with red and gold accessories. The high-heeled slingbacks made this outfit more dinner-appropriate, and the white shirt covered my sunburnt shoulders.

Teriyaki beef and vegetable skewers with basmati and wild rice

I marinated the beef overnight in soy sauce, honey, garlic and sherry, then cubed and threaded it onto skewers with onions, zucchini and peppers. Since the condo BBQ isn't out yet, I broiled the skewers in the oven.

Fuschia

The first of several posts from our trip to Mexico. I've been waiting for a warm-weather opportunity to wear this fuschia top with cutout detailing, yet another Winners find. The colour popped against B's teal shirt.

Mashup

I have a newfound love for light grey. It's a versatile colour that makes a great canvas for colourful accents, no matter what the season. Here I wore it with greens, pinks and purples. In the fall you could match it with aubergine, mustard or cranberry, or during the holidays with holly red or deep jewel tones.  

I added a menswear-inspired linen blazer with cuff detailing and brogues to a casual T-shirt and jeans for dress-down Friday at the office.

I've had a lukewarm relationship with this tweed skirt, which I bought when I was about 18. The unusual flare at the knee is more forgiving than a tighter style. I recently realized it's better paired with a light-coloured top, like this short-sleeved blouse with pin-tucking at the shoulders (an instant shape-enhancer). Normally oatmeal washes me out but this one has blush pink undertones that work with my fair skin. If you're not sure which colours suit you (and you can't be bothered to make the rounds at the mall), pick up a set of paint swatches and hold them against your skin in natural light.

I've gotten a lot of wear out of this sheath by swapping out the bolero jacket for a cardigan or blazer. I've also worn the bolero with dark skinny jeans, the boots seen here, and a white tank, but I'd like to find some more options for it. I picked a good day to dress up a little. I asked a gentleman who was chatting me up in the elevator to introduce himself...only to learn was our newly-arrived Big Boss. Hope that was not the career-limiting move it felt like immediately after. Seriously, why don't they circulate pictures of these people beforehand??

 

A white button-down, grey wool pants and black pumps are a neutral backdrop for colourful accessories like this multicoloured necklace, pink belt and leather flower brooches. Each flower is an individual brooch, so I can mix and match depending what I'm wearing (I also have mustard- and orange-coloured ones).



We're off to Mexico this weekend, but look out for upcoming photos from the sunny Mayan Riviera! Have a wonderful Easter xx

Signs of spring

The purse below was a birthday gift from B. It's from Leo Monk, which was a bit of an institution in the neighbourhood where I lived in Sydney. All their handbags are hand-crafted from Italian leather and distinctive for their multi-panelling and mix of colours and textures - which is very me. I'd been eyeing this earth-tone one for weeks but most of the bags are a mix of vivid colours. Minimal advertising keeps prices quite reasonable for what you're getting (under $200).

I recently spent a weekend in Toronto visiting my lovely friends. This shot was taken at the Art Gallery of Ontario, which I recommend checking out if you haven't already. The purse makes a reappearance.

This dress transitions well between seasons, depending what it's paired with. I've worn it with a wide black belt, velvet blazer, and high black heels, as well as with a grey cashmere cardigan, brown leather jacket and brown textured tights. I'll pair it with gladiator sandals and lots of bangles for a casual summer day.

I got a great deal on this boyfriend blazer about five years ago when everything was coming up cropped. It didn't get much use for the first few years of its life but I was happy to dig it out of the closet recently. The riding pants with knee detailing were a Winners find. They're as comfortable as sweatpants and dressier than leggings. I make sure to wear them with a longer top for work.

I was in a rush so I threw this on for casual Friday at the office.

I lost the white fabric belt that came with this blazer, but I like how it looks with this alternate, which I usually wear around Christmastime.

I was over the moon when I found this art-print silk Chanel top at a vintage boutique Sydney for $50. I've also worn it untucked over dark skinny jeans, and with a high-waisted black miniskirt and wide black belt for a night out.

When winter rolled around this year, I realized I didn't have any long-sleeved shirts to wear with leggings, so this Boxing Day find from Jacob was a welcome addition. I've found the quality at Jacob has gone down over the years and the prices have gone up. But at $20 with a hint of cashmere, slight bell sleeves and a drawstring creating a drop waist effect (behind belt), I realized there's still some life left in this troubled Canadian retailer.

Pairing this billowy silk sundress with dark separates allows me to wear it, even in early spring. I love the unusual colour and rutched tops are one of the few strapless styles I can pull off.