Stay Piping Hot, when it's freezing cold

Winter is fast approaching with the beginning of autumn gracing our temperature gauges in less than a week's time.

Every girl's nightmare is bound to crop up in what is most commonly referred to as, "in-between season" problems such as a warm day with an unexpectedly cool evening. 

Enter the loose knit sweater. Not overly bulky or delicate so can be thrown haphazardly into most mid-sized handbags/totes and a quick antidote for oncoming frostbite, the loose knit sweater is your in-between season must have. Prevent being caught out in the cold (quite literally) by always keeping one close by to throw on when necessary.

Recently I was fortunate enough to be gifted some items from surf brand Piping Hot to test out some of their in-between and winter weather goodies. It was also fortunate that in the mix, was this delightful lavender/marle grey knitted sweater! 

Easily styled for day weather with a lace blouse and high waisted denim cut-off shorts and loafers into night time with a swap into boyfriend jeans and sneakers.

Day styling: 

Piping Hot sweater, Dotti lace button up shirt, Mink Pink shorts, Sweet as Candy Vintage floral headband and Emerson (Big W) loafers. A simple outfit with a feminine flair, perfect for a picnic, shopping or any shorts-appropriate daytime adventures.

This pale purple floral headband by Sweet as Candy Vintage is a great offset to the ensemble as the light purple matches (but not exactly) to lavender hues in the sweater. When color matching accessories, try to go in the same spectrum (cool with cool, warm with warm) but not too close to the original hue to avoid a, "matchymatchy" appearance. 

Acid wash or pale blue denim is also a great match for lavender as it is in keeping with the cool color spectrum.

Night styling: 

Cotton On 3/4 tee, Cotton On boyfriend jeans, Piping Hot wool knitted scarf, Piping Hot wool knitted beanie, Rubi sneakers. As the evenings get chillier and mornings crisper toward the middle of the year, extended knitted apparel to accessories such as a scarf and beanie are paramount.

Keeping it simple in white, or other neutral tones, is always a good idea as is opting for accessories that won't clash with each other - either by choosing a similar knitted style or color.

The nautical stripe isn't going anywhere this autumn/winter and subsequently this style of print teams effortlessly with denim and the season's hero - the boyfriend jeans. For a casual affair, throw on some sneakers (I opted for a pattern clash with leopard print Vans style sneakers from Rubi) or for something more formal, switch up a fitted tee for a loose top with a scooped bottom and swap sneakers for a sandal heel. 

Ear cuffs:

Another fun item I received from Piping Hot were these adorable ear cuffs! Simple to style and a welcome diversion from earrings (and you don't need to have pierced ears to wear them!). See the blog above for how to wear). 

Until next time, lovers!

x E.

U n d e r t o n e s

Autumn/winter 2014 has just dropped, with the majority of retailers switching their windows over to welcome crisp mornings and snuggly nights - regardless of the fact we still have a month (arguably the worst month) of summer left. 

Looking into your wardrobe is a sparce array of items that trended last year - but what pieces will hold strong their ranking amongst the racks?

Here is part one of my autumn/winter trend forecast - heavy in understated, mostly considered "staple" pieces, that can be worn in a myriad of different combinations.

The most important thing to remember is that staple pieces don't have to be restricted to weekend wear (see last blog about the "weekender" look currently trending).

1. All white errythang

(i) The bralette crop - these babies aren't going anywhere fast and are an excellent addition to any wardrobe. Not only can you wear them practically as an undergarment, recent trending patterns have seen women ditch the over shirt and wear the bra/bralette crop as a top in it's own right. Team with high waisted shorts for daytime (if going for a sports luxe look opt for leather look/scoop cut) and switch to a mid-length skirt for night time.

(ii) The Maurie & Eve "stylin" skirt has seen enormous success in it's release as part of the Holy Roller AW14 having almost sold out both styles (it comes in a cropped jumper as well) Australia wide. The mesh panels are dynamic and flattering and the skirt can be teamed with heels and a crop for an evening look or a relaxed fit grey marle tee and ankle boots for any daytime affair.

2. The tote

Following on from my last blog, the tote definitely deserves a second mention. Coming into the cooler months you will need extra space to carry your jacket when not in use in amongst all other winter essentials such as pawpaw ointment, water and the latest issue of whatever magazine you're reading.

My pick for this season is a leather/suede oversized tote from Seed Heritage.

Leather/suede ankle boots, a floppy felt hat and stackable rings are all that are needed to turn any autumn/winter outfit from drab into fab.

3. Croc leather 

One of the trends spearheading this year's autumn/winter campaign is croc. Shoes, shirts, shorts, bags, you name it, it exists in croc. 

My pick for this season is the Never Smile croc shorts by Mink Pink. Relaxed fit and comfortably suited to match the sports luxe trend which will also be staying the distance. 

4. Accouturement 

Cuffs, crystals and chains. 

Keep it simple. Amethyst drop necklace from Universal and Sass & Bide leather/silver cuff. 

5. Fringing/tassels 

Whether on a clutch (from Dotti as pictured) or on a kimono jacket (keep an eye out for the next post on how to wear a silk kimono jacket as this in-between weather staple will see you through to leather weather). 

Something borrowed...

Styling I've come to really appreciate over the past few years is the relaxed 'weekender' look. Think floppy felt hats, distressed loose-fitting jeans, marle shirts and an oversized tote. Not only is this style incredibly comfortable but it's effortlessly chic with the simple addition of heeled sandals, stackable rings and a refined chain/pendant of your choice to transport the look from day into night.

Once I apply for holiday leave my mind is seldom left for more than five minutes before whirring into a creative overdrive. What will I pack? How will I accessorize the pieces I want to wear!? Will it all work together? 

If you're heading off for a weekend away you can't go past these effortless essentials:

1: Nude lipstick.

Call me crazy, but the "weekender" does not wear a lot of makeup. The week is over and it's time to give those pores a much needed rest. Team your relaxed look with a nude lip with a hint of shimmer to set off neutral tones without feeling lipless.

2: Stackable rings.

The possibilities are endless! Stackable rings are available in most boutiques and come in a range of sizes and thicknesses so you can mix and match on each hand to suit your look. 

3: Fine chain drop necklace/s.

The weekender is so carefree that a chunky, heavy necklace is not on the menu. Keep the mood light with a fine chain with natural stones and metals. You can layer different length necklaces to create levels. 

4: Boyfriend jeans.

Long gone are the days that borrowing your beau's baggies were restricted to walking to the mail box and hanging out your smalls. Boyfriend jeans have redefined comfort and are an essential for the weekend. Comfortable, loosely fitting and often distressed (you can use a razor to tease more frayed panels if you desire) these jeans are best paired with a loose tee (or scooped singlet) in white or grey. Boyfriend jeans tend to be lighter in color so try and avoid matching with bright colours. 

5. Sandal heel.

I'm a little late jumping on this bandwagon but the sandalled heel is a timeless investment and can be worn with virtually anything. Skirt, pants, shorts or dress, the fit is flattering (even for large footed ladies such as myself) and the heel is never abominably high (and therefore hard to walk in). On the weekend you will want to wander in comfort as well as in style. These sandals are your ticket to freedom. 

6. Floppy felt hat.

Sun-safe and complimentary to the weekender look, this hat will keep you shaded and savvy. Most will have a band - some even have fun attachments like tassels (pictured). Keeping to a natural palette, a marle grey, black or brown felt hat will finish the look without weighing it down.

7. Oversized tote/carry-all.

This Céline inspired oversized tote is the perfect accompaniment to the outfit as you can easily fit all your weekend essentials/water bottle/magazine and stay stylish. Hardware detailing in a metal/texture matching to your jewellery will set the look off perfectly.