Black-on-black

Whenever I’m tired or in a rush, a black-on-black outfit is my go-to. It takes minimal effort to think about whether I’m going to clash, as well as looking chic and timeless.

Avoid looking dran by combining black garments in different textures and fabrics. This gives enough contrast to the pieces to ensure the outfit remains interesting – mix denim with delicate silk or chiffon, jersey with lace, or cotton with leather.

You can also get around looking like you’ve put minimal effort into your outfit by adding interesting accessories such a hat or statement bag, gorgeous shoes, or loading up on jewellery.

Also think about your silhouette; mix different shapes and scales to keep things looking fresh and fun.

Mad for metallics

Metallics in fashion have been a strong trend lately, and are a great way to incorporate a flash of shine and sparkle into your existing wardrobe. They look great when paired with neutral pieces, but can also work well alongside patterned garments – as long as they aren’t busy or colourful.

Shiny attire is regularly worn on more formal or celebratory occasions, however it’s also a great way to mix up your every day outfits; a silver pencil skirt, tailored gold pants or a bronze blazer work well with office pieces such as silk tops, shirts and blazers. If that’s not your style, there are great metallic jeans, fun skirts, and shimmery jumpers available to add some glitz to your weekend wear!

{Gold} 1 – Mink Pink gold beanie, 2 – Oasis faux-leather pleated mini-skirt, 3 – Goldie metallic blazer, 4 – Nu and Nan blinkers loafers, 5 – Stylestalker gold finger sequin tee, 6 – Vero Moda maxi skirt, 7 – Ganni leather biker jacket, 8 – One Teaspoon iggy gold jeans, 9 – La Fee Verte shorts

{Silver} 10 – Beloved lexi pleated midi skirt, 11 – Muubaa leather biker jacket, 12 – Boom skirt, 13 – Country Road tee, 14 – Country Road metallic pencil skirt, 15 – Sophi Odling petite ruben bag, 16 – Stylestalker light speed blazer, 17 – Asos skinny crop pants, 18 – Verali honey heels, 19 – Country Road silver jeans

{Bronze} 20 – Asos draped skirt, 21 – Vila bronze blazer, 22 – August Street amelia dress, 23 – J Brand metallic bronze skinny jeans, 24 – RDM by Rue du Mail copper top, 25 – Zatchels bronze saddlebag, 26 – Rhyme Los Angeles Olivia pullover, 27 – Skin taj mahal metallics heel, 28 – Mink Pink razzle dazzle dress

Spend Spectrum: leopard print flats

Leopard print flats are right up there with a pair of black ballet flats in terms of wardrobe shoe staples. They’re perfect for the transitional seasons, and go with pretty much anything. With so many different style and price options available, it really comes down to a matter of taste. My favourites here are the Charlotte Russe pair, which I initially thought would be super expensive… It was a pleasant surprise when I saw they were only $28.50!

Because you’re likely to get a lot of wear out of them, it might be worth spending a bit more and getting a quality pair. However, if you’re unsure about something a good idea is to buy a cheaper version first (and with options under $20 there are no excuses!) and then upgrade to the ‘investment level’ once you’ll know you truly love them.

A – Charlotte Olympia Kitty Embroidered Flats B – Dolce & Gabbana leopard-print canvas and patent bow ballet flats C – Diane von Furstenberg Bion leopard-print ballet flats D – J Crew Nora calf hair ballet flats E – Country Road Delia slipper F – Country Road Textured Claudia ballet G – C Wonder Leopard calf hair pointed toe flat H – Mollini Hypo Animal I – RMK Parkour J – Asos Oasis Leopard slipper K – Charlotte Russe metallic tip sueded leopard flat L – Cotton On Classic Point Flat M – Cotton On Toby Flat

Tassellation

When I was a little girl, I used to turn the tassel on the end of our curtain tie-backs upside down and pretend it was a doll (the dangly part was her hair…). Although I no longer use them for that, tassels still appear in a heap of places which are relevant to my adult life – albeit they are now more fashion/decor focused!

They are a great addition to pretty much any accessory; handbags, keys, jewellery, scarves etc. From luxurious to hippie they cover a gamut of styles, so why not incorporate an interesting and cute focal point into your wardrobe… Get tassellated!

1 – Marc by Marc Jacobs tasseled velvet slippers 2 – Rachel Zoe Onyx Tassel Earrings 3 – Akong London Tassel Tribal Necklace 4 – Sass & Bide Keep Your Reality suede tassel collar 5 – TON Pastel pink leather clutch via DDSLLGirlsStore on Etsy 6 – QUEEN Gold & Violet leather and tassel tribal necklace via DSLLGirlsStore on Etsy 7 – Sass & Bide The Disheveled keyring 8 – Sass & Bide Power Down clutch 9 – Red Tassel Earrings 10 – Molly Bag by Paul’s Boutique via Topshop 11 – XL cord and suede tassels bracelet via Etsy 12 – Vivienne Westwood Anglomania For Lee Rodeo Shorts 13 – OH Linen & Suede pouch via DSLLGirlsStore on Etsy 14 – Mimco Vaudevelle Scarf 15 – CLASS Gold/Red/Grey leather tassel tribal necklace via DDSLLGirlsStore on Etsy 16 – Kotur Margo satin and velvet brocade box clutch 17 – Diane von Furstenburg Light Grey Alex Leather Belt 18 – Nasty Gal Studded Ankle Boot – oxblood

Spend Spectrum: watches

I’ve been looking for the perfect wrist watch for a while now, not only because it’s annoying to rummage through my (larger than necessary) handbag in order to find my mobile phone, but also as they can be worn as a piece of jewellery which is both beautiful and practical.

Because I wear both silver and gold jewellery I am leaning towards a mixed-metal option, which I know I’ll get a lot more wear out of. I’ve rounded up some different options to consider – ranging from being worth more than my car to costing less than my lunch. For some of these prices I’m even considering buying one in each metal!

A – Tag Heuer Aquaracer B – Rolex Oyster perpetual date C – Omega Constellation D – Rolex Oyster perpetual date E – Seiko SXDE84P-9 F – Seiko SXDC58P G – Seiko SXDC40P H – Michael Kors Ritz Chronograph, Light Tricolor I – Michael Kors Layton Chronograph, Silver-Colour/Golden J – Michael Kors Yellow Golden Midsized Chronograph K – Mimco Sportivo L – Michael Kors Mid-Size Rose Golden Stainless Steel Slim Runway Three-hand M – Mimco Round Glimmer Watch N – Sportsgirl Skull Watch O – Geneva Platinum 9158 Chronograph Style Link Watch P – Geneva Rose Gold Classic Round CZ Boyfriend Watch Q – Geneva Chronograph Look Gold Tone

Do you think a timepiece should be an investment, or do you prefer a cheaper option to keep up with changing trends?