TREND ALERT: BLACK BAROQUE

SHOP THE TREND

T-SHIRT  ||  MUSCLE TANK  ||  SWEATER

Baroque is everywhere right now and I especially love the black on black baroque print. 

1. The Sportsgirl t-shirt on the left would look great in a larger size teamed back with a long sleeve fitted top worn underneath. This print also comes in a mini skirt with a small off-set front split. The top and skirt would look great styled together with black ankle boots

2. The muscle tank in the center is by Ksubi. Buy this one loose and layer it up with a sweater underneath and then save it for summer to wear back with a black lace triangle bra and denim cut-offs.

3. The sweater on the right, by Bardot, would look perfect with some low slung jeans and high top sneakers, or keep it chic with black waxed skinny jeans and simple heels.

STYLE CRUSH: VICTORIA TORNEGREN

So, I found out who the stylish platinum girl from last post was. Her name is Victoria Tornegren and after scrolling through her self-titled blog she has become my new style crush. I first spotted her on Stockholm Street Style and then last night another pic of her, with a link to her blog, came up in my Tumblr feed. How good is the entire outfit on the top left?! So chic. I own everything in that outfit except the bag, so guess who is going to be wearing that look sometime soon - thanks Victoria. Victoria is a Swedish freelance model and stylist, and has a clear personal style, favouring black, white and denim, classic shoes and wayfarers. She is a true master of high street style with some of her favourite  stores to shop being Zara, Gina Tricot and Topshop. Check out her blog HERE for more outfit inspiration.

Images via VictoriaTornegren

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Images via CompilationOfCool

GET THE LOOK: LEOPARD AND DENIM

I am loving this look - the perfect mix of sophisticated and street. Take away the leopard print jacket and the outfit in its essence is super simple. You can never go wrong with faded denim and a fresh white cotton tank. Paired back with a bold blazer, a chic black shopper and strappy heels, this outfit scores a 10. 

SHOP THE LOOK

JEANS | TANK | JACKET (or similar here) | SUNGLASSES | BAG | HEELS

Street style image via StockholmStreetStyle

ORIGAMI DRESS: SASS & BIDE vs ESTHER

I posted about this sass & bide dress recently, I own it, and it is the most amazing cut. I love the monochrome effect and the origami folds at the front. Esther has a similar dress available at a 10th of the price, so if you love the sass & bide one, but want the look for less, go for this gorgeous black one. At only $66, how could you say no! Buy "The Ultimate" HERE. Buy "The Steal" HERE.

STYLE SESSIONS: MARIACHI

Here's a little story about this jacket - I walked into Sportsgirl, spotted it straight away and headed to the change room. The sales assistant said, "Have you been waiting for this jacket?", to which I replied, "no, this is the first time I have seen it". "Oh, we have had so many girls asking for it. It was due in store this morning, but the delivery got lost. We have had girls in and out all day checking if it has arrived yet. We literally hung it up 5 minutes ago and three have sold already". Point of the story? Jump on this one, before they are all gone! Reminiscent of all the gorgeous beading seen in recent collections from Balmain, this jacket looks amazing zipped up or open. It's available online HERE. I had these thigh high leather boots custom made during my trip to Bali, they fit like a glove. I'm loving thigh highs worn back with basically anything, including this front-split long line leather pencil skirt - thanks Christine Centenera for the inspiration!

VACAY

Greetings from Bali!

Just thought I should let you all know I am taking a brief break and will be back posting in about 10 days. I'll just be here, relaxing and spending some down time with my family.

Speak to you all when I return.

Jess x

ENVELOPE CLUTCH: GIVENCHY vs VINTAGE PRINCESS

This Givenchy envelope clutch would be a cool compliment for any outfit. Fit it snuggly under your arm or let your fingers wrap firmly around its body. The textured leather and metal logo clasp give it that extra edge. Or try this beautiful Vintage Princess 100% leather clutch, with a similar envelope design, for a third of the price. Get "The Ultimate" HERE. Get "The Steal" HERE.

STYLE SESSION: MONOCHROME

Images via Style.com

The runways have been filled with shades of black and white for the past couple of seasons. The monochrome trend makes a bold statement and is easy to pull off by mixing simple black and white pieces from your wardrobe.

This amazing origami-fold dress from sass & bide nips you in at all the right paces, hides all the "trouble spots" and looks great paired back with a bright clutch and a fresh mani/pedi. You can buy the dress HERE.

Or you can achieve the monochrome look for less with this great boohoo dress below. Its stretch fabric kisses your curves and its racer front and midi hemline mean you can dress it up or down. Pair it back with a simple strappy heel for a classic look, or team it with a chunkier shoe, a leather cap and a sleek ponytail to achieve a sports luxe vibe. Best part is, this dress is only $50. You can find loads of other affordable monochrome pieces from boohoo HERE.

TREND ALERT: SLIP-ON SKATER SHOES

When luxury and comfort collide it's music to our feet, right? Luxury brands such as Givenchy, Celine and Kenzo are onto a good thing with these slip-on skate shoes. I can definitely see myself wearing a pair in both summer and winter - I am all for the white rubber soles and bold print fabrics. My favourites are the Givenchy's top left - the dark paisley print, clashing with the geometric black and white, and leather trim would make them an easy statement piece in winter worn back with black or denim.  If you are looking for a cheaper alternative you can check out the VANS online store HERE, they have some cool mixed prints and classic options.

Images via MatchesFashion | Celine | NeimanMarcus | Kenzo | Selectism

STYLE THIEF: JOURDAN DUNN

"It Brit" model Jourdan Dunn knows how to keep it cool with an urban edge. I love that she can rock a frock like a supermodel one minute, then bring out her inner tomboy the next.

SHOP THE LOOK 

CAP | TSHIRT | SNEAKERS | SKORT

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SUBOO MARMONT ORGANZA JUMPER - I am all about sweaters for winter and this is a great trans-seasonal option. I'm loving the sheer organza sleeves and I am a sucker for grey marle at the best of times. You can pre-order one HERE.

DYLAN KAIN "THE RODRIGUEZ" HANDBAG - I am in desperate need of a new handbag. My Alexander Wang Rocco has truly done its time and is completely battered and bruised. I'm looking for a smaller alternative that will fit the simple essentials - phone, diary, lipstick, gum etc... Being a "gold girl" I am patiently waiting for Dylan Kain to re-stock this bag. See other beautiful bags, and an amazing belt that is also on my wishlist, from Dylan Kain HERE.

ALEXANDER WANG ERIN BOOTS - Stingray embossed ankle boots with a perfect chunky heel and buckle detail. These would also look great with the buckles undone for a more relaxed look. Find them HERE.

DOMINIC JONES BANSHEE EARRINGS - How fierce are these? Imagine them styled with a slicked back ponytail, a winged eye and a bright red pout - yes indeed! Get them HERE.

CUT OUTS: ALEXANDER WANG vs JESSICA BUURMAN

Alexander Wang's shoes are always high on every girl's hit list and these are two of my faves from his spring collection. If you love them and don't want to pay the high price then check out Jessica Buurman's versions - Black HERE and White HERE.

STYLE SESSIONS: TRANS SEASONAL TANK

RYWS TANK | ZARA WRAP MINI SKORT | BOUTIQUE 9 BASKET WEAVE HEELS (out of season) | ELLERY  x GRAZ CAT EYE FRAMES | GIVENCHY DAHLIA NOIR FRAGRANCE

Sometimes, buying clothing mid-season can be a little tricky. I live in Auckland, which often sees four seasons in one day. You may have read one of my previous posts about the Ksubi Holy Bones muscle tank, which can be worn both in summer and winter just by using some clever layering. Staying along that styling theme, I want to tell you about my new fave muscle tank that can also be worn through summer into winter (or vice versa if you live in the northern part of the world). I am loving the Givenchy inspired print on the front and the jersey style numbering on the back - I even like wearing it in reverse. Worn alone as a sleeveless tank it's cool and comfy, and layered up with a long sleeve tee or sweater underneath means you can rock this baby into the cooler months. Want to know the best part? It's retails online for only $34.99 and also comes in a t-shirt style. Definitely a worthy purchase. You can pick one up HERE and then thank me later :)

RYWS TANK | ZOE KARSSEN CREME DE LA CREME SWEATER | RIHANNA FOR RIVER ISLAND DOUBLE DENIM JEANS | ASOS HIGH TOPS (similar HERE) |  ID NECK CHAIN (similar HERE) | OPI FOR SEPHORA RED POLISH

(shameless selfie)

BIG BUCKLE HEELS: GUCCI vs WINDSOR SMITH

Hey Gucci you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind! So beautiful in their simplicity, these Gucci heels are the ultimate black heel right now. If you don't have the funds for the Gucci's you can try the Windsor Smith style instead. Shop "The Ultimate" HERE. Shop "The Steal" HERE.

SHOP THE RUNWAY: GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

So simple and clean, this look from Giambattista Valli's spring collection is an easy one to achieve on a budget. Layer some separate mesh pieces with a long line jacket and slip on some pointed patent leather heels. The best part is, all these items can be easily interchanged and styled back with pieces you already have in your wardrobe.

SHOP THE RUNWAY

JACKET | SKIRT | BODYSUIT | HEELS

WINTER WISHES: BEJEWELED BEANIE

Putting some beauty into a usually masculine design, House of Holland's bejeweled raffia beanie is high on my wish list of winter accessories. It could also potentially be a simple DIY project. You can purchase it HERE in the natural colourway, or if you prefer something with a darker edge, you can get the black HERE.

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Currently coveting...

KSUBI RUN ME DOWN BOMBER - This is my pick for the ultimate winter pull over. The faded denim and hood make it the perfect casual complement to complete any look. I would wear this back with a fresh white tee, leather leggings, black hi top sneakers and a bright red pout. You can pre-order it HERE.

CLAIRE ARISTIDES FINE GOLD BRACELET - I'm moving away from the chunky arm party in favour of finer pieces, such as this gorgeous gold horse shoe bracelet from Claire Aristides. Loving its simplicity - want to add this one to my collection, along with the initial B for my family name. Check out some of the other gorgeous designs   HERE

BASSIKE LEATHER TANK IN RUBY RED - There are so many amazing leather pieces available for winter, including this ruby red tank from Bassike. Its loose fit allows for you to layer a sweater or long sleeve tee underneath and the colour is perfect. Just adding to the long list of red things I am currently coveting. Buy it HERE.

WITTNER SYLVANI FLATS - These black flats are only $129.95 and are everything you could wish for in a winter flat - black, croc embossed leather, pointed toe and bare cut-away sides. So easy to slip on and dash out of the house for a quick coffee catch up with your girlfriends. Order them online HERE.

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Images via CompilationOfCool

LO SLUNG JEANS: BASSIKE vs TOPSHOP

I love my Bassike lo slung jeans and I can totally justify them through the "cost:wear ratio, just ask me. But if you don't want to throw that many dollars at a pair of jeans then try this pair from Topshop. Let's just ignore that Topshop calls them "The Mum Jean" (as soon as I hear those two words I think of poor Jessica Simpson in that pic everyone slaughtered her over). These are high waisted and don't have a drop crotch, so I suggest you go up a size or two so you can drop them lower, so they sit on your hips and the crotch rides low. Shop "The Ultimate" lo slungs HERE. And shop "The Steal" HERE

STYLE SESSIONS: FARM FRESH

SHOP THE LOOK
BASQUIAT TEE | LEATHER BASEBALL CAP | LEATHER OVERALLS (currently out of stock but find similar HERE and HERE)  | BLACK HEELS (similar HERE) | GOLD ID CHAIN (similar one HERE) | COACHELLA CRUSH LIPSTICK

Gettin' all farmer-ish rocking overalls the right way in leather (well, actually, pleather). These vegan leather overalls from Nasty Gal have a low back with adjustable straps and side zips at the ankle. Similar to the coveted leather Phillip Lim overalls, they look great with strappy heels and will work back perfectly with a chunky rolled neck sweater in winter. Paired back here with one of my favourite tees from Les (Art)ists, reppin' Basquiat (the troubled and exquisitely talented artist - you can watch a documentary on his life and art HERE). 

RED x RED x RED

Looking to put some fire on my feet with a pair of all red monochromatic kicks. I've had some on my radar for a while and right now the Nike Air Force 1's and Air Max are my picks. Wear them back with all red everything like Kanye or simplify your style with all black, or denim, and let your feet do the talking.

IMAGES VIA: TheShoeGame | HighSnobiety | SneakerNews | Palladium | StrussBob

LOOK FOR LESS: KSUBI

Love the Ksubi Alter Fleece Sweater? Me too! But you can save your pennies and buy the Ksubi Holy Bones Muscle Tank instead. Layer it up with a black sweater or long sleeve tee underneath and get two separate looks for a third of the price of one sweater. The sweater retails for $279.95 and the tank sells for $89.95. I picked mine up from General Pants Co online, they have currently sold out on their online store, but if you are in Oz, or know someone that is, go check it out in store. 

INSTA UPDATE

Don't forget to following me on Instagram for loads of little extras - fashion inspiration, styling tips,  fashion and beauty finds, and a small glimpse into my home life. I am about to start work on a new project, something in a field foreign to me, but I am a firm believer that ANYONE can do ANYTHING. I'm looking forward to sharing that with you when everything comes to fruition. Be sure to keep updated via Instagram, username: mammatuppy

LOOK FOR LESS: 3.1 PHILLIP LIM

RUNWAY IMAGES VIA: STYLE.COM

Love Phillip Lim's Spring 2013 collection? The perfect casual/cool mix of denim and prints. The good news is, you can get the look on a budget with all the pieces below...

SHOP THE LOOK

BEAUTIFUL TANK | DISTRESSED JEANS | SHEER CHECK SHIRT | BLUE LEOPARD JEANS | PATCHWORK DENIM SHIRT | I HEART NY TEE | LEOPARD SLEEVE SWEATER | GLADIATOR SANDALS

STYLE SESSION: SNAKE & SCARF

SHOP THE LOOK
ZARA SNAKE PRINT SWEATER  |  LUXIRARE LEATHER NECK SCARF  |  BASSIKE LO SLUNG JEANS  |  ZARA BLACK STRAP HEELS

If any of you have been considering purchasing the Bassike lo slung jeans, I can definitely say they are a worthy investment. I dress mine up with heels and keep them casual with sneakers. I will wear them loads in winter with chunky knits, wool jackets and sweaters. The ZARA faux leather and cotton sweater looks great with black skinny jeans too and would also look super hot with those Winston Wolfe white leather pants I have my eye on. I bought the leather neck scarf last winter and I love wearing it with all black everything and a sleek ponytail. My black strappy shoes needed replacing (they have fallen apart I have worn them so much). These ones seemed like the perfect pair, they are inspired by a Saint Laurent Paris design I featured on the blog last week. 

SHOP THE TREND: BALMAIN vs PIXIE MARKET

So, just to give you an idea of how much it would cost you to own a piece of Balmain, the beaded top (pictured bottom left) retails for over $50,000 - yes, you read that right. But you can still achieve the runway trends, on a budget, with these pieces from Pixie Market, check them out HERE.

RUNWAY IMAGES VIA STYLE.COM

STREET STYLE: BEANIE BRIGADE

On the streets, the head cover of choice during the most recent fashion week season was definitely the good old beanie. All colours, textures and fits, pom pom detail, bold text or even kitty cat ears - be sure to pick up a few when winter rolls around or if you are handy with the knitting needles, DIY your own. Cheap, practical and on-trend, gotta love that!

Photography Tommy Ton for Style.com and Jak&Jil

BLACK STRAP HEELS: SAINT LAURENT PARIS vs ZARA

I know, I know, I am going on a little too much about ZARA lately. I promise I am not working covertly for them. I love these Saint Laurent Paris heels - so simple, a beautifully crafted fine heel and straps with sculpted heel support. ZARA wins again for taking inspiration from a designer piece, putting a spin on it and making it affordable for the masses. These heels aren't available on the US ZARA online store yet, but remember the eBay store I was telling you about that I ordered my leopard heels from? Well, she has them, so if you love them, you can snap up a pair HERE, no matter where you live in the world.

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Currently I'm coveting...

MONOCHROME BMX LEATHER SHIRT - From the makers of the ultimate leather sweatpants, En Noir give you this luxe spliced leather BMX  shirt. If you have a spare grand in your back pocket you should "add to cart" immediately and work the monochrome trend to the max. Get it HERE.

BOYFRIENDS FOR GIRLFRIENDS LEATHER PANTS - White on white always looks so fresh. These Winston Wolfe white crocodile print leather pants, in a relaxed boyfriend style, are amazing. Wear them back with a simple tank, a football jersey style tee, a sweater, a chunky knit or a tailored jacket - these will pretty much work with anything. They come in black too. Pre-order them HERE.

SNEAKER CROWNS from 424 ON FAIRFAX - Just like earrings for your sneakers. A cool way to customize your kicks and amp up your sneaker game. Attach them to your lace holes and give your sneakers new life. Get them HERE.

ZARA EMBROIDERED SWEATER - Very Balmain right? And how great would this look back with the Winston Wolfe white Boyfriends for Girlfriends? Or back with slashed denim? Or with an asymmetrical skirt? You get the pic, it's a no brainer. Get it HERE.