Dark Blue Stripes

Nueva

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:35:00 +0000

Feeling a bit playful last weekend I opted for this casual getup after reacquainting

myself with these trousers in the back of my wardrobe. Being a long time fan of a red, blue and white trio before I knew it my love for nueva york came into the mix, topped off with my trusty denim jacket.

Perhaps I have the trousers to thank for being in a navy blue state of mind of late beyond my signature stripes. Either way I do not mind one bit. Watch this space for some serious navy vibes...

Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Trousers: ASOS

Denim jacket: ASOS

Sandals: Jelly Beans

Bangle: Samantha Wills

Photos by Max Rowan

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Striped Sundays - Uniform

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:59:00 +0000

If only school uniforms were as effortlessly chic and comfortable as a great striped shirt and classic pair of jeans. This striped shirt has been on high rotation of late, paired with my trusty high waisted jeans and A-line skirt for weekday meetings and Sunday park hangs. If you invest in one striped piece this season (or year for that matter) I highly recommend adding a button up shirt to your wardrobe for go to chic vibes.

In other news, rouge hued shoes are the new red lipstick...

Shirt: Next

Jeans: ACNE (available in black)

Oxfords: Alexander Wang (available in silver)

Clutch: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Necklace: Samantha Wills

Photos by Max Rowan

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Double Denim

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Not being one to shy away from some double denim action I wore a few variations of the Canadian tuxedo to meetings this week. In this instance I paired my go to vintage blue wash denim shirt with some noir hued second skin skinny jeans. Given my preference for pairing loose pieces with those that are fitted denim equilibrium was easily achieved with a cheeky half tuck.

Shirt: All About Eve

Jeans: ACNE

Heels: MaxShop.com

Clutch: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Ring: Swarovski

Necklace: Samantha Wills

Photos by Lindsay

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Steve Madden / Nine West SS13

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:18:00 +0000

Regardless of whether Mondays are your friend or foe, add some cute shoes into the mix and you are sure to have a spring in your step. On that note here are a few of my favourite styles from the upcoming Steve Madden and Nine West Spring/Summer 2013 collections.

I was particularly drawn to the strong monochromatic heels across both collections that would look amazing paired with corporate vibes, rolled up jeans or a twirly dress. My inner magpie also very much appreciated the shiny touches through some serious metallic pumps and shimmering glitter loafers.

Until next spring rolls around I am all about ankle boots and these black patent pumps.

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Palm Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:23:00 +0000

I have come to the conclusion that transeasonal wardrobe dilemmas are easily remedied with the addition of palm trees, or any piece from summers past for that matter. After all it is all in the mindset. The summer nostalgia so to speak.

In this instance the fluctuating temperatures between morning meetings and an afternoon picnic in the park required some palm tree paradise vibes and trusty khaki layering. This khaki jacket has outlasted the majority of the pieces that have come into my wardrobe. Considering the $20 price tag that was attached to it (I love sales!), this piece gives leather jackets a serious run for their money. That being said I have been pondering biker jacket possibilities for quite some time...

Top: Ksubi

Skirt: ASOS

Jacket: Urban Outfitters

Boots: ASOS

Bangle: Samantha Wills

Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Photos by Lindsay

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Striped Sundays - Golden

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Sun, 05 May 2013 13:46:00 +0000

This weekend was spent savouring the remaining golden Summer-esque weather here in Sydney, that still allows for outfits like this cropped situation. After numerous proclamations of denim love I finally got this high waisted second skin in black. I am looking forward to pairing these jeans with various layer parties and serious ankle boot action during the cooler months.

Until then, let the cropped times roll.

Top: American Apparel

Jeans: ACNE

Necklace: Samantha Wills

Bangle: Samantha Wills
Sandals: Swedish Hasbeens

Sunglasses: Le Specs
Clutch: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Photos by Max Rowan

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Crisp 36

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:25:00 +0000

Whilst sorting through my ever growing magazine collection I came across this old issue of Self Service (Issue 36), which also happens to be my favourite edition thus far. That reminds me, I need to pick up the latest issue...

Anyway getting back on track one reason why I love this issue is the serious crisp vibes in this smoking editorial. Come to think of it my recent white on white action may have subconsciously stemmed from these glossy pages.

Here are a few pieces that I felt resembled the mood of this editorial. My trusty Phillip Lim clutch continues to be my monochrome sidekick and has made the best of friends with these fine silver beauties and cocktail ring that packs a sartorial punch.

Happy Friday!

Necklace: Samantha Wills
Bangle: Samantha Wills
Ring: Samantha Wills
Heels: Tony Bianco (available in black here)
Clutch: 3.1 Phillip Lim

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Reflected White

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:01:00 +0000

Opting for clean lines and crisp simplicity nearing the end of fashion week I paired my go to classic white tee with some high waisted box pleat action. The texture, cut and feel of the skirt is surprisingly akin to its leather counterparts considering the two digit price tag attached to it.

On this occasion I teamed up this white on white crispness with neutral accessories through some 31 minute versatility, ring candy, suede boots and much loved reflectors. However after falling in love with the white hued ankle boots at the Kate Sylvester show a head to toe look may be in order.

Tee: American Apparel

Skirt: ASOS

Boots: ASOS

Sunglasses: Dragon Alliance

Ring: Samantha Wills

Clutch: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Photos by Romi Nam

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Alice McCall SS13/14

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:45:00 +0000

In contrast to last years cute as a button Babushka collection, Alice McCall drew from the magnificence of l'ocean for SS13/14. With a largely neutral colour palette complemented by metallics (drooling over that two piece!) and deep sea hues the gorgeous pleated jumpsuits, ruffled blouses and embellished separates had my heart a flutter.

One of the reasons why I love Alice's designs and continue to incorporate them into my wardrobe is her knack for balancing interesting embellishments and prints with clean lines and simplistic shapes. For instance the amazing oceanic floral print number is beautifully balanced by its clean t-shirt shift dress cut.

On another note Meg Gray killed it yet again with styling and I am obsessed with the blue hued lashes.

Photos and editing by Christie Moore

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Striped Sundays - Nueva York

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 11:04:00 +0000

Having always shied away from pink hues I love those special pieces that exude girly vibes like a great vintage dress or a swirly skirt like this striped number. Pairing the bold vertical stripes on this full midi skirt with with a piece of Nueva York felt like a great balance between old world glamour and modern edge. The red love heart on the tank is the cherry on top of this otherwise monochromatic look.

Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Skirt: ASOS

Clutch: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Heels: MaxShop.com

Sunglasses: Le Specs

Bangle: Samantha Wills

Photos by Kristal Anderson

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Blue Is The New Black

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:16:00 +0000

When my wardrobe options become a bit hazy I find that more often than not I opt for blue hues rather than classic black. This vintage dress has been a sartorial saviour on numerous occasions, whether styled up or down and has received more compliments than all of my investment pieces combined.

For the last day of fashion week I opted to style this dress with my recently acquired denim jacket turned shirt and/or belt. Multitasking pieces really are the best kind of pieces.

This piece of wrist candy has been on high rotation of late. I love how the gunmetal stack is brought together by the gorgeous turquoise pendant. During my late teens I was seriously obsessed with all things turquoise. My love for turquoise has remained into my twenties however this piece seems to have brought it back into the forefront.

Dress: Vintage

Jacket: ASOS

Heels: MaxShop.com

Bangle: Samantha Wills

Clutch: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Photos by Max Rowan

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Kate Sylvester SS13/14

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 02:12:00 +0000

The complex and opposing aspects of Marilyn Monroe's bittersweet life was transported into the 21st century through Kate Sylvester's latest collection, The Last Sitting. Darting between light and dark, the feminine silhouettes that floated down the runway were brilliantly balanced by masculine tailoring and modern sports edge ensembles.

Of particular note was the incredible attention to detail. Floral embroidery served as the feminine counterpart to the Arthur Miller-esque button down shirts. A nod to Joe Dimaggio through baseball stitching on the linen dresses and pants, buttery leather separates and foundation garments tied in the sharp sports element to the collection.

On a personal level the collection really spoke to my feminine, preppy and sporty sides that result in me wearing heels one day and boots the next. Alike moving between light and dark a person's day-to-day mood can influence their sartorial choices.

Photos and editing by Christie Moore

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Striped Sundays - Markus

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:41:00 +0000

Being a fan of Markus Lupfer's penchant for statement pieces I was thrilled to come across his take on the the classic breton striped dress. As I tend to opt for a balanced fitted to relaxed ratio, the dresses structure and round neckline paired with the wide sleeves is exactly my cup of tea. The adorable crystal-encrusted heart-shaped brooch adds an extra dimension to the dress and will be the perfect finishing touch to a wide variety of pieces in my wardrobe.

This delicate silver bangle with its gorgeous anchor engraving was the perfect nautical companion to the dress. My newly acquired clutch conveniently changed from black to white during fashion week with a simple flip over. Who needs two bags when you can meet all of your monochromatic needs with one.

Dress: Markus Lupfer

Heels: MaxShop.com

Clutch: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Bangle: Samantha Wills

Photos by Kristal Anderson

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Ginger & Smart SS13

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 07:53:00 +0000

Kicking off my fashion week runway coverage with the Ginger & Smart show. Ginger & Smart does not shy away from a good print and the latest spring/summer 2013 collection did not disappoint.

Focusing upon pattern transformation and visual illusion, the shapeshifter collection features some serious caged peonies, graphic criss crossed squares and jacquard paired with sharp shapes and flattering proportions. In particular that jacquard dress and jacket combination has me swooning over the blue and green colour palette that form some vertical meets horizontal striped action.

Also loving the idea of storing my life in those amazing boxed clutches and shoulder bags, that pack a punch as strong as the prints.

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Cedric

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:41:00 +0000

After a much needed break spent road tripping from Sydney to Adelaide return via Melbourne I am back home and full swing into fashion week mode. Those of you following my fashion-week-o-grams would have seen the striped number I wore for day one of fashion week. I'll save that post for some Striped Sundays love so in the meantime here is what I wore for day two.

Being a fan of denim and graphic prints this A-line skirt was the ideal centrepiece for some double denim action. My fondness for double denim is not secret, however I quite like how the retro florals on the skirt provide a contrast to the vintage wash jacket.

Speaking of denim jackets I cannot believe that it has taken me this long to acquire one. This boyfriend fit number is incredibly comfortable and has the added bonus of well hidden inner pockets.

On a fashion show note my favourites of day two would have to be Ginger & Smart and Kate Sylvester. More on that later...

Cami: Alice McCall

Skirt: Romance Was Born

Jacket: ASOS

Heels: Forever New

Sunglasses: Dragon Alliance

Ring: Samantha Wills

Photos by Jacquii Lie

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Sweater Sunset

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:38:00 +0000

Photos by Max Rowan

Transeasonal dressing can often be confusing. It seems that knowing what to wear in the morning that will translate into the evening is somewhat of a sartorial science.

During the day in Sydney it still very much feels like summer, however once the early evening breeze comes in with the gorgeous setting sun comfy sweaters become feasible. In this instance I opted for some daytime monochrome vibes with a classic white tee, staple black skirt and this baseball sweater tied around the waist. As you can see as the sun set this sweater subsequently gravitated over my upper body. This cosy piece has been on high rotation of late and is the perfect addition to my autumn wardrobe, due to its lightweight yet warm characteristics.

From tomorrow I will be road tripping to Adelaide for some much needed rest and relaxation before the upcoming Sydney fashion week. Make sure to join me on Instagram to keep up with the daily happenings.

Sweater: All About Eve

Skirt: American Apparel

Heels: MaxShop.com

Rings: Karen Walker

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Plaid

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:31:00 +0000

Photos by Max Rowan

When it comes to plaid shirts I find that there can often be a fine line between looking preppy and farm ready. Regardless of what you wish to achieve the sartorial point of difference is very much dependent on the details.

In the case of this flannel number the gold stud accents on the pockets bring just the right balance between each end of the spectrum. I must admit that I am not a studded loafer kind of girl, however I quite like the feminine edge vibes achieved in this instance. Whilst the addition of some high waisted leather pants (note to self: find and acquire said pants) would cement a more urban aesthetic, I feel that this statement piece of ring candy and my staple shades balance out the denim shorts.

So it seems you really can have the best of both worlds with the right accessories. On another note my penchant for the half tuck does not seem to be going anywhere soon.

Shirt: All About Eve

Shorts: American Apparel

Ring: Samantha Wills

Boots: ASOS

Sunglasses: Karen Walker

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Striped Sundays - Jet Set

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:25:00 +0000

I had been on the hunt for a striped clutch for a while, however until recently I did not manage to find one that ticked all the right boxes. That all changed after coming across this jet set leather beauty.

Both the streamlined construction and width of the dark blue stripes stripes were exactly what I had been looking for. The dainty wrist strap was the much welcomed icing on the cake. I love when design and functionality work harmoniously together.

Clutch: Michael Kors (also available in citrus/white)

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Toile De Jean

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:16:00 +0000

My denim collection is not extensive by any means. In fact upon doing a bit of wardrobe styling (aka cleaning) I realised that when I find a piece that ticks all the right boxes I tend to stick with it. Here are a few of the toile de jean (having a French moment) pieces that have made the cut so far.

I must admit I have a bit of a love hate relationship with jeans. From experience when they are wrong they are VERY wrong, but when they are right you can't imagine how you ever coped without them. This pair of ACNE jeans are my biggest success yet. Since coming across this pair of high waisted goodness on sale they have very much become a second skin. So much so that I am seriously considering another pair in black.

For a while I had a ban on denim shorts due to the unfortunate 'cheeky' cuts out, however that all changed after finding this high waisted pair. They have just the right length-to-fitted ratio.

Lastly this newly acquired long sleeved denim shirt is sure to be on high rotation this Autumn/Winter. Watch this space!

So in summary despite my current curiosity with boyfriend jeans, high waisted pieces will always have my heart.

Shorts: American Apparel

Shirt: All About Eve

Jeans: ACNE (available in black here)

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Esprit x International Women's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:01:00 +0000

Photos by Max Rowan

To mark International Women's Day I have donned purple of the striped variety to show my support for Esprit's collaboration with UN Women.

Esprit teamed up with UN Women to create a range of purple merchandise, which is currently being sold throughout Esprit stores in Australia. 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the UN Women's 'Critical Services Initiative', which promotes empowerment and ending violence against women.

The purple collection consists of wardrobe staples including basic t-shirts, knitwear and silk blouses. In addition to a 24 piece womenswear collection purple ribbons will be sold in-store and customers will be encouraged to make a donation online.

I opted to wear this striped staple with some serious leather pleats however it could have also made great friends with some go to denim.

Head to Espirt stores throughout Australia for the whole month of March to view the purple collection and support this great cause.

Top: Esprit (50% of the proceeds go to the UN Women's 'Critical Services Initiative')

Skirt: Lover

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Striped Sundays - #globalstyler

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 10:05:00 +0000

Photos by Max Rowan

Greetings from Sydney, Australia!

Those of you wondering why I am getting geographical on this fine Sunday evening let me explain. Boohoo is currently running an exciting new #GlobalStyler campaign. This social media initiative invites people from all around to globe to share how they like to wear Boohoo.

As part of the campaign Boohoo is giving you and a friend a chance to win a trip to the fashion destination of your choice! Entering is super easy. All you have to do is style up an outfit featuring a piece from Boohoo, print off the speech bubble and write where you are in the world, get snap happy and either tweet or instagram your shot with the hashtag #GlobalStyler.

You can find further details about the competition and print off the speech bubble here.

Now onto my monochromatic sartorial choice. I opted to style this floaty striped number with my favourite black trousers and locomotion friendly heels. On this occasion I went for the half tuck, however the versatility of this piece also allows for some cropped action, through tying of the waist. Or perhaps some shift dress fun with the addition of a slip.

Feeling the monochromatic love? Show your support by liking my photo here.

Top: Boohoo

Trousers: Scanlan & Theodore (similar here)

Heels: Topshop

Bracelet: Marc by Marc Jacobs

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What makes you tick?

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:44:00 +0000

Photo by Max Rowan

Alike the change in season (we had some good times summer*) this blog is also going through a process of change, which I look forward to sharing with you all soon.

What better way to mark this change then to get to know you, my dear readers better. In other words, I want to know what makes you tick.

Your feedback really means the world to me so I would love for you all to be a part of this change by sparing a moment to complete this super quick survey.

I am looking forward to getting to know you all better during this time of change and into the future.

Complete the anonymous survey HERE.

*Ksubi palm trees and sunshine example of said good summer times.

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Monochrome

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 11:01:00 +0000

Photos/Styling by Christie Moore

The unfortunate weather in Sydney this weekend has prompted me to get flat lay happy of the monochrome variety. Alike staple stripes, monochromatic pieces have always been a constant in my wardrobe for their durability in the style stakes.

Similarly to my take on stripes on stripes I tend to opt for mixing textures and cuts when it comes to monochromatic dressing. For instance this boyfriend fit t-shirt often finds itself tamed when tucked into some sleek structured pleats. Not surprising really considering that the allure of leather is hard to resist after all.

1) Top: American Apparel, Heels: Topshop, Belt: ASOS, Makeup bag: L'avion, Sunglasses: MINK PINK

2) Top: ASOS, Sunglasses: Le Specs, Skirt: Lover, Cap: ASOS, Bracelet: Marc by Marc Jacobs

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Marvel

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:12:00 +0000

Photos by Max Rowan

In contrast to this silver surfer numbers debut I wanted to share one way I like to casually style this monochromatic comic print for a bit of everyday superhero action.

On this occasion I opted to denim down this nod to Marvel comics with some second skin jeans that are so comfortable that they have you convinced that you need them in black. Clearly the power of denim has been underestimated and must be explored further...

Subsequent to some serious polka dot subliminal styling these circular sunshields got thrown into the mix. Of course I couldn't help but add a touch of metallic with these shiny sandals that make pounding the pavement all the more powerful.

Top: Romance Was Born

Jeans: ACNE (available in black here)

Bracelet: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Sunglasses: MINKPINK

Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff

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Striped Sundays - Red

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Blue Stripes) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:59:00 +0000

Photos by Max Rowan

Despite my recent appreciation for the preppy-grunge brilliance that is the latest J.W Anderson x Topshop collaboration I am still very much smitten with this tortoise printed number. This pieces simple A-line shape and denim fabric has worked seamlessly with the majority of my wardrobe, ensuring that it will not be taking a backseat anytime soon.

Given my recent penchant for the colour of love I could not resist pairing this reptilian number with some staple stripes and go to oxfords of the same hue. I love how the stripes on the top gradually increase in width without overshadowing the tortoise print. The fact that the top and skirt share the exact same colour combination didn't hurt either.

Top: A|Wear via ASOS
Skirt: J.W Anderson x Topshop
Oxfords: Alexander Wang
Bracelet: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Bag: See by Chloe

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