building the basic wardrobe | tops + outerwear

/ 1st Row: T By Alexander Wang Slub Classic Tee / Acne Limit Tee /  Proeza Schouler Short Sleeve Tee / (similar) Forever 21 Breton Tee / 2nd Row: H&M Jumper  / Stine Goya Mystique Knit Sweater / New Look Knitted Jumper / Rag & Bone Lund Pullover / 3rd Row: T By Alexander Wang Silk Chiffon Button Down Shirt / Splendid Button Down Blouse / J.Crew Keeper Chambray Shirt / Warehouse Diamonte Tip Collar Blouse / River Island Black Blazer / Rachel Zoe Wool Glen Plaid Charlie Blazer / Weekday Puritan Coat / Chicnova Gray Woollen Coat /

We hear it time and time again: "Make sure you have the basics in your wardrobe". Yet, there are still many of us (includig myself) that still haven't mastered the quintessential basic wardrobe. It is a collection of the most versatile pieces for every occasion. It is definitely worth the investment for high quality basics that fit well. In the coming weeks, I'll be doing a series of posts which could help you (and most definitely myself) to build a wardrobe of basics that not only consist of quality pieces but also increase the longevity of your wardrobe. Personally, I lean towards a rather neutral palette of white, greys, black, various shades of neutrals and navy. These colours tends to be seasonless and can be easily be paired with anything. This time around, we are focusing on tops and basic outerwear. More after the jump.

obsessed | printed shorts

top row: both paper heart shorts; bottom row: forever 21 shorts

This spring/summer, I have definitely been the one to wear printed shorts. They are definitely a great way to wear prints and immediately adds interest to an outfit. If you're not bold enough to pull off floral printed trousers, printed shorts are a great starting point. Printed shorts can be dressed up or down. For example, the Forever 21 shorts can easily be dressed down for a more casual affair with a white button up blouse and ankle boots (as seen here) or dressed up with a longline blazer in the same print. By doing so, you are definitely creating a bold style statement. Summer is about to end for me but these shorts have been a welcome addition to my wardrobe this season. For those living in the northern hemisphere, definitely look into wearing printed bottoms. It is a great way of reinventing the ordinary pair of shorts or trousers. How would you wear printed bottoms?

gfc / bloglovin / tumblr 

outfit | washed denim + digital florals

Forever 21 Chambray Top, Motel Dress (worn underneath), Diva Curb Chain Neckalce & Combat Boots

I am back with an outfit post and can you believe that it has been raining in the middle of the Australian summer? I for one was excited at the prospect of pulling some fall items out of my closet even though it is for one or two days. My outfit was very much inspired by a chambray button down which I came across while mindlessly browsing online. It was a light wash denim with digital floral sleeves. The reason it stood out was the juxtaposition of the ordinary (the denim) and the trendy (i.e. digital florals). So I took it upon myself by putting together an outfit which was practical yet still incorporated some of the elements of the dress. I took this particular chambray top and wore it over the printed dress by Motel. I also tried the front of the blouse to give it a more casual vibe. The black combat boots were also a great addition to the outfit, just to give it a little edge. On a side note, this outfit also hid my horrendous tan lines which I acquired from watching the tennis recently - always a plus in my book!

details: chambray + digital florals

details: combat boots

the view from above

I would not have thought that a combination of classic denim and modern digital florals could work until I saw that blouse. It just takes some inspiration to create the most unexpected things.

style breakdown | miranda kerr

Although Miranda Kerr is mostly known for gracing the covers of magazines and walking the runway, she is rising up the ranks as a style icon. Her effortlessly chic street style can be broken down to a mix of polished pieces and laid back wardrobe essentials - this makes Miranda's style more accessible, but how? Miranda's style focuses very much on minimalist, basic pieces but accessories them well. These accessories are the key in order to achieve Miranda's style. Whether it is a pair of wayfarer sunglasses, a large bag or even her son, her accessories make the outfit. Miranda's wardrobe is a mix nice separates such as leather pants and blazers while mixing them with sheer tops, tailored trousers and denim - definitely a nice mix for the off-duty uniform. In conclusion, just remember this: -

polished pieces + laid back essentials + acessories = Miranda's effortlessly chic style

inspiration | the workspace

images (clockwise) from here, here, here and here

In this coming year, I have decided to revamp my workspace. Since I am due to start  university this year, I thought there was no better way to start the academic year afresh with a workspace which would allow me to work hours on end without being bored and uninspired. Currently, my workspace is a mess. It is placed into a corner devoid of any natural light. My desk and chair has certainly seen better days and there definitely needs to be a change of scenery.

I am definitely picky with decor, everything has to be just right. I want it to be especially inviting so it can provide me that extra motivation just work to for that extra hour. I don't also want it to be too overly feminine but still add some feminine details to add a personal touch. Also, the workspace has to be practical. What is the point of having such a workspace where you have decorated it to the point where it is a place I cannot work in? I have picked several details which have stood out to me and I hope to incorporate these over the coming months.

details: clear x chrome

Lately, I have been drawn to clear and chrome details. The smallest details such as a perspex chair, a glass tabletop or chrome finish legs can completely change a classic piece of furniture. I have been looking into a classic Phillipe Starck Victoria Ghost Chair. However, to be able to acquire a genuine Phillipe Starck piece in Australia can be quite expensive and rather impossible. It would be more than likely that I will opt for a replica instead, for a fraction of the price.

simple desk + interesting chair = chic workspace

What I have found after browsing through thousands of pictures of workspaces is that they tend to have rather clean and simple desks paired with rather interesting chairs. these statement chairs can be rather be seen as a piece of art. It adds intrigue to an otherwise ordinary combination of the desk and chair.

details: a bouquet of fresh flowers

There is nothing like a fresh bouquet of fresh flowers. They can instantly add a touch of femininity to any workspace. Although they are a luxury and an expensive habit to maintain, it is nice once in a while to be greeted with some white tulips or some peonies. It brightens the workspace and helps to create a rather inviting and inspiring atmosphere, perfect for hours of work.

Although this workspace of mine will be built piece by piece, I hope to a space which is practical yet inspiring. What would you change about your workspace?