STYLE JOURNAL | My layering secret

So. This is LOOONNGGGG overdue, but here is a little look of the day taken from before uni started getting hectic! It may be getting really hot right now in Australia but it’s certainly getting colder on the opposite side of the world, and for you Northern Hemisphere people, here is an outfit fitting for slightly-cold-but-not-yet-freezing weather.

Leather Jacket: American Rag | Hoodie: Walmart | Collared Tee: Thailand

Jeans: H&M | Shoes: Converse

From bottom to top, I have my white converses, which I will forever wear with anything and everything because they are never a mismatch. For bottoms I have an acid wash-like light coloured pair of jeans from H&M, and up top I’ve got triple layers!

My strategy for good layering is to show off the most interesting parts of each piece. I mean I don’t know about you, but I like to have each layer visible, just because it’s a whole lot more interesting aesthetically. Inside, I have an old polo tee from Thailand, and for outerwear I have layered two jackets. I put on the hoodie inside because I wanted some sort of hood in case it rained, and because the material is softer than the faux leather jacket. When layering outerwear, particularly when adding a hoodie underneath a more structured jacket (denim, leather, etc) make sure that the inside layer is either thin, or that the outer layer is loose. As warm as tight fitting is, it can get uncomfortable and restricting, at least for me, and if you want to remove layers it might be a struggle if the two pieces of outerwear are practically stuck together!

Anyways, as you can see, the collar, the bright green and the collar/lapel of the leather jacket are all showing, making it a bit more interesting especially since I went for quite muted colours overall.

HAVE FUN

Nyssa.

Wardrobe Inspiration | The Buttoned Shirt

Recently buttoned shirts/flannels/collared tops or whatever you call them, have been my favourite thing to wear when I’m being indecisive. Whether the whole shirt is seen or just the collar, it can make any outfit just that bit more interesting. In winter, I often resort to buttoned shirts because when everything is covered by a massive coat, it’s nice to have the collar or cuffs peeking through

The Hidden Layer

So here is the simplest of the 3 looks. Just a casual look with black leggings, boots and a comfy flannel. Sometimes I’m not up for the busy aesthetic of many layers so to stay super warm in winter, I just wear a long sleeved shirt underneath my flannel, and because I always get a looser fit of buttoned tops it looks just as one layer. This look is perfect for rainy weather, with water protection from the boots, and the parka!

Flannel: Ten and Co | Parka: J.CREW | Leggings: COSTCO | Boots: Naughty Monkey

Copy Me: Flannel | Parka | Leggings | Boots

The Intellectual

I feel that this is the most professional looking look of the 3. I wore a white sleeveless blouse underneath my navy pull over from H&M, and completed the look with blue jeans and my essential black winter coat. Of course if the weather is colder, wearing a long sleeved white shirt works just as well as sleeveless, since it’s only the collar showing. This look is perfect for anywhere you need to look a little bit sophisticated.

Blouse: Target | Pullover: H&M | Coat: Target | Jeans: Forever21 | Shoes: Converse

Copy Me: Blouse | Pullover | Coat | Jeans | Shoes

Feminine Colour Blocking

Okay so I’ll be honest I hate wearing skirts and dresses in winter, because: 1-THE WIND THOUGH and 2-I am extremely prone to cold weather so my legs can’t deal. But in the case of a special occasion where I need to look slightly dressier, I’ll pull out my one pair of wool stockings to go under my skirt, which I especially love because of the lace panelling. This look could be a perfect transitional outfit because it has bright popping colours, but the black trench coat still keeps you warm!

Shirt: Forever21 | Trench Coat: JayJays | Skirt: Ohayo! | Shoes: RubiShoes

Copy Me: Shirt | Coat | Skirt | Shoes

Have fun, and happy beginning of Spring (even though it's still pretty cold)

Nyssa

Throwback Trends | Overalls

I am aware that some people dislike the fact that overalls are back in fashion, whether it is because they look childish or because they give off too much of a farmer vibe. Personally I love them, and they’re probably one of my favourite clothing items at the moment because they can be styled many different ways. In today’s look I opted for a more ‘city chic’ look because well… I was in the city, and I thought pairing the overalls with a t-shirt and hoodie wasn’t very suitable for going to the theatre (I watched West Side Story!).

My overalls are from a little clothing stall in Thailand, and I paired them with my grey cropped mock neck top, black chunky heeled boots and a warm black coat. I love this coat because it cinches in a bit at the waist to maintain shape, and the red lining on the inside gives my outfit a hidden pop of colour. I decided on quite a dull colour palette because neutrals just tend to look more mature, demolishing the childish image of overalls, and also to draw the attention to the denim.

Overalls: Market Stall (Similar Style) | Mock Neck: Urban Outfitters | Boots: H&M | Coat: Target (Similar Style) 

Have fun, and stay tuned for a Lookbook featuring overalls in the near future!

Nyssa

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