Style Journal | Hidden Mickey (but not really hidden)

Hey peeps! This day was a very windy day, so I was glad I decided to weather my leather jacket. It is ideal for mild winter weather because it isn’t as bulky as a coat, but is much warmer than a cardigan or hoodie. My outfit was pretty simple today, with a Mickey Mouse pull over peeking under the jacket. Because I knew it would be a bit too chilly to wear just one layer, but not cold enough for a whole extra long sleeve, I wore a sleeveless top. I chose this one because the higher neckline showed above the pull over, adding a defined line. To compliment and complete the youthfulness of the pull over I wore light purple socks and my spotted sneakers.

Jacket: American Rag (Similar Style) | Pull Over: JayJays (Similar Style) | Sleeveless Top: Clothing Stall (Similar Style) | Sneakers: FootIn (Similar Style)

Have fun!

Nyssa

My Essentials | Winter Edition

Welcome to the Winter Edition of “My Essentials”. Here I’ve compiled a list of items I gravitate towards in winter. They are by no means fundamental wardrobe pieces but they definitely make it a whole lot easier to decide what to wear in the morning. Without further ado, here are my Winter Essentials.

PS. Didn't realise until I started putting this post together, but there seems to be a earthy colour scheme among these items!

1. Mock Neck

Okay, so I don’t own a legit turtleneck, but these two mock necks I recently purchased have been lifesavers. I can forget my scarf all I want and I’m still relatively warm! Not to mention that for me personally, turtlenecks can feel a bit suffocating indoors because you can't take it off. I like that although both these are thin material they keep me relatively warm, and don't require too many layers to fend off the cold.

Sleeveless: Valley Girl | Similar Style Here
Cropped:  Urban Outfitters

The Alternative: The turtleneck is obviously a warmer option to the mock neck. And if all you have are regular tops if you have a thin scarf in the same colour as your shirt it would loosely give off the same appearance from afar

2. Leather Jacket

I love, love, love my leather moto style jacket. I’ve been on the hunt for a good leather jacket, because the previous ones I owned were gifts, and ended up being too big. I’m glad I found a brown one. It has a softer look than black leather but the silhouette is still edgy

My Jacket: American Rag (Sold Out) | Similar Style Here

The Alternative: There isn’t really an alternative to the classic leather jacket but I really don’t think it’s a wardrobe necessity – I lived without one until this year! I guess a blazer can also create a polished look like the leather jacket does. If you want a leather jacket for its edgy look however you can always experiment with accessories, or attach pins to an oversized denim jacket.

3. Collared Shirt

I’ve said it before, but you can do so many things with a collared button up shirt. It’s the perfect layering piece and accessory. For the winter, if I want to wear it as is, I simply wear a shirt underneath and because I always choose shirts with a slightly looser fit, it’s just extra hidden warmth without the bulk of another visible layer. The other great thing is the collar. Layered underneath a jumper/sweater with the collar and sleeves peeking through spices up a solid coloured outer layer.

My Shirt: Forever 21 | Similar Style Here 

The Alternative: I’m 99% sure that everyone owns at least one collared shirt. Whether it’s a button down, or a blouse with a peter pan collar. If you don’t own one, this is definitely a basic and you should invest! In the mean time this is your chance to experiment with layering – try a puffy vest over a long sleeve, or layer a higher neckline under a jumper/sweater for a pop of colour!

4. Combat Boots

My live savers on a rainy day! All my other shoes end up soaked but when I wear my combat boots my socks stay dry all day. I purchased these boots a few years ago at London Rebel (Highpoint). In addition to that, they keep my ankles warm on those icy cold days.

My Boots: Naughty Monkey | Similar Style Here

The Alternative: If it’s the rain you want to prevent getting in your shoes, any kind of shoe with thicker material will suffice. There’s also this spray you can apply to any shoes that supposedly makes them waterproof. If it’s extra warmth you’re looking for, wear any shoes that go up to the ankle, like high top sneakers. There is also no shame in doubling up on socks. No one has to know. Sshhh

5. High Waisted Pants

I have a few pairs of high waisted pants but my favourite is my burgundy or maroon (not sure lol) high-rise pants. High waisted pants just give me that extra warmth around the stomach if I wear a top over it. With cropped tops, or tucked in shirts, it gives me extra height, which is especially appreciated when I wear boots, which can sometimes cut off my height.

My Pants: Cocolatté | Similar Style Here

The Alternative: High waisted silhouettes are on trend and have been for awhile, but there’s always the possibility of it going out of style, so if high waisted pants isn’t your thing don’t worry about it – although I love them I don’t think it makes all that much of a difference to the variety of a wardrobe. I just personally love them because I’m short and need to extend my height by any means!

I hope my tips have been helpful to you! Expect a Spring Edition of My Essentials!

Have fun,

Nyssa

Style Journal | Layers on Layers

It’s winter in Australia, and in Melbourne, where the weather is absolutely bi polar, my best bet is to layer almost always. Because it wasn’t a particularly cold day, but still rainy and sad, I opted for my hooded vest as the most outer layer. Next level down I wore my pull over with “Holy Chic!” written on it, which is currently one of my favourites. For that extra layer of warmth I wore my chambray button up underneath. I love layering this button up specifically because of the embroidered detail on the collar! The rest of my outfit is a cold weather standard: warm black pants and a pair of combat boots.

Vest: Dorothy Perkins | Pull Over: H&M | Chambray: Forever 21 | Combat Boots: Naughty Monkey

Bag: I always try to find something similar if I can't find it or it's sold out online but unfortunately I didn't have much luck this time. For those who are curious it's called the Cooperative Alexis Push-Lock Crossbody Bag and I bought it at Urban Outfitters.

Find similar styles for: Vest | Chambray | Boots

Have fun!

Nyssa

Revamped | 1

Let’s be real here, we don’t wear all the clothes in our wardrobe. Sometimes we get sick of the item after awhile, and at other times we regret buying straight away. This could be a case of the size/fit, a change in style or it might even be an over worn item you’re just sick of. This new series Revamped show cases some of my pieces that I have either tailored to fit, or tweaked to make it more my style. The items to be featured in Revamped are a combination of over-worn old items, and new ones.

The first installment of Revamped is this two-layer pinafore style dress (it can also be found on Romwe) which I got in Thailand.

Since it was purchased at a stall I was unable to try it on. I thought it would fit but I was mistaken and it ended up being wayyyy too big, and not in a cute way. I got the hemline brought up from the waist, the straps shortened, and the middle taken in. I like how it is now better, because the stitching down the middle draws attention to the bust area, making it more feminine and less school-girl (excuse the photo quality).

Unfortunately, the inside shirt that goes with the dress is large and the material will probably be ruined if I tailor it, let alone pretty uncomfortable, but since the dress is very versatile, I’ll be able to create any kind of look depending on the shirt I use. Here are some base pieces that could be worn with the dress:

1. A simple shirt is ideal for a casual look, and the collar on this one creates more dimension. The light colours contrast from the dress too, making it more spring and summer friendly.

2. This cropped turtleneck is perfect for winter days. Paired with the dress, some thick tights and a warm coat; you're good to go.

3. If you have a shirt with lace, mesh or any unique texture, it can create more interest throughout an outfit. Since this shirt from Romwe is the same colour as the dress, the opposing materials is what make it pop.

Have fun,

Nyssa