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MBFF Steez: How To Make All Black Outfits Striking

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Ted Baker Jumpsuit Collared Jumpsuit, Skin Footwear Eagle Rose Gold Heels, Jacket Vintage, Swarovski Flash Pierced Earrings, Swarovski Ring (similar style here), Pandora Rose Alluring Brilliant Ring, Oroton Bag (similar style here), Michael Kors Blair Pave Rose Gold-tone Watch.

The streets of Brisbane are rampant with stylish, fashionistas as the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival (or MBFF) kicks off at the iconic Old Government House. Understandably, it can be difficult to stand out amongst such a stylish crew, so add a new spin on a timeless trend – the all black ensemble. Presenting a how to guide, to making all black outfits striking!

1. Start with a strong silhouette, featuring clean lines and crisp finishes, like this Ted Baker Collared Jumpsuit. It’s perfectly structured with it’s plunging collar, belted waist and tapered pants. My favourite feature? The rose gold hardware.

2. Don’t underestimate the power of a jacket! Whilst often layering can overshadow a fabulous piece, the right jacket can make the look. I found this spectacular, embellished jacket while trawling through a high end, vintage boutique and immediately fell in love. This garment adds the right amount of texture and sparkle to enhance an all black outfit.

3. Make your choice of accessories pop! A combination of rose gold accessories instantly lifts an all black colour palette, adding warmth to the outfit. I’ve maximised my use of metallics, opting for luxe, rose gold jewellery, a statement cross body bag and finishing with the same shade of metallic heels.

4. Keep the emphasis on your outfit, with sleek hair and makeup. Think a chic, slicked updo, like this nape of the neck knot and ensure all fly aways are maintained. As for makeup, I love the sophistication of an earthy, smokey eye, paired back with a matte, nude lip. Perfection!

How do you approach the timeless trend of all black outfits? I’de love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments below! Stay tuned to see some serious MBFF fashion in the next post!

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Photography by Erin Smith Photography

1 Dress 2 Ways: Casual vs Chic

Fashion Myth: printed pieces don’t have the same stylistic opportunities as block basics. Now that’s certainly not the case for this starry number by Marcs, as I see plenty of versatility to dress up or dress down this piece with just the right accessories. Presenting a quick how to style 1 dress 2 ways, from casual to chic.

Marcs Silk Star Cluster Shirtdress, French Connection Block Swoop Blazer, Oroton Forte Mini Clutch, Larsson & Jennings Lugano Watch, Mimco Perfect Pear Stud, Jo Mercer Candice Dress Heels, Seed Heritage Leather Jacket, Prada Round Sunglasses, French Connection Large Sequin Bucket Bag, Wittner Honesty Ankle Boot, Samantha Wills Heart Wonder Ring, MAC Cosmetics Velvet Teddy Lipstick.

Casual

1. Dress down the elaborate print of this piece with the ultimate “cool girl” accessory – a buttery, leather jacket. I tend to favour a cropped cut as it appears more feminine when layered over your favourite shift dress.

2. Team with a pair of ankle boots, like these Wittner booties. Never have I seen a more practical purchase with it’s sensible, stacked, block heel – perfect for endless roaming and shopping.

3. A bucket bag is the perfect choice for day to day wear, allowing for effortless storage possibilities and a cool, sling over your shoulder statement.

4. Accessories are best kept simple, understated with a touch of glam. There’s nothing I love more than a statement, stone ring like this Samantha Wills find, teamed with a pair of luxe Prada shades.

Chic

1. A tailored blazer is the perfect way to layer this frock, whilst evaluating to chic status. I’m loving styles that offer a little extra length like this French Connection find. Not to mention, the lapels offer an elegant touch.

2. Swap the booties for a cleaner style, like a sleek Mary Jane in suede.

3. Emphasise the metallic strands throughout this dress with a matching, metallic clutch. This mini Oroton clutch is the perfect little accessory for a fabulous night out with the girls, storing your essential makeup items for sneaky touch ups, phone, keys and keycard. As George Gershwin once sung, “who could ask for anything more!”

4. Nothing says ultimate sophistication like a pair of pear shaped, crystal studs and naturally, Mimco is delivering the goods! Team with a classic time piece, like this Larsson & Jennings mesh strap watch.

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Wine & Dine Me ft Ministry Of Style

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Ministry Of Style Twilight Dress, Tony Bianco Kala Heel, Oroton Forte Bag Clutch Bag, Wallace Bishop Earrings & Bracelet, Swarovski Ring.

Shake up date night by swapping your LBD for a seductive swatch, like this delicious wine hue seen in this Ministry Of Style number. As today marks the first day of Autumn, there has never been a more perfect moment to add to your earthy colour palette. Not only do I love it’s colour, but this frock features such gorgeous detailing, from the flared sleeve and scalloped hemline, to the delicate fagoting that gently traces the waistline.

In line with a date night dress code, I’m teaming this piece with metallic accessories, finding that rose gold looks particularly luxe against this warm hue. Just how gorgeous are these two-tone, drop earrings and matching bangle set from Wallace Bishop? I find they provide just enough sparkle without detracting from the detailed broderie anglaise seen in the dress. Of course no date night look is complete without a killer pair of heels and these laced Tony Bianco stilettos create instant pins #goals!

I’de love to hear what makes your date night ensemble special? Leave me a comment below! x

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Photography by Erin Smith Photography

Be Your Own #GIRLBOSS With These 4 Lifestyle Hacks

What better way to kick off the new financial year, than with a little reminder of how to be your own girlboss? Now I’m not talking about immediate six figure salaries, or snapping up a city view apartment, but I am throwing out four SIMPLE lifestyle hacks to help you channel your inner #girlboss.

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French Connection Straight Leg Trousers (similar styles here), Country Road Shirred Bib Shirt, Jo Mercer Rapid Heel (similar style here), Pandora Disney Cinderella’s Wish Openwork Charm (worn as a pendant), Pandora Luminous Leaves Ring, Pandora Sparkling Silver Bow Ring, Pandora Linked Love Ring, Pandora Alluring Large Brilliant Cut Ring, Le Specs Flashy Frames, Oroton Estate Tote.

Cull the time-wasters in your life

Perhaps the most important lesson I have learnt so far, is that you are the average of your five closest friends/people you spend your most time with. With this being said, you want to make sure you surround yourself with company that inspires you, challenges you and encourages your success.

I juggle a full plate (working full time, blogging, networking, exercising, mentoring) and one thing I’m really conscious of/value is my time. Last year I was stuck in a rut with my friendship circle, bending over backwards for “friends” that didn’t value my time or friendship – to the point where one particular friend confused me for a taxi service! This year, I only make time for people who bring the same effort, energy and loyalty to the table that I do – and I encourage you to do the same.

Connect with other Girl Bosses

I don’t need to spell out the advantages of networking, but I will say that girlbosses make fantastic professional connections, fabulous friends and quality company. Believe it or not, but there are so many established groups dedicated to bringing together successful women and boss chicks in fun environments.

Last year my bestie and I attended our very first girlboss conference, lead by the League of Extraordinary Women. We left the full day conference feeling excited, inspired, and with some beginning friendships that have only continued to blossom. I can recommend League of Extraordinary Women and Business Chicks as two notable girlboss groups that you should totally check out!

Make choices that liberate you

There’s no better feeling in the world, then feeling empowered. We often get wrapped up in mundane routines; the nine to five grind, domestic ruts, stale relationships, forgetting that there’s an exciting, technicolour world out there waiting for us. Sometimes it’s worth taking some time out, getting to know ourselves and what makes us generally excited about life.

This month I’ve signed up to a six week self defence course – something I’ve always wanted to do for strength and confidence. There’s something so liberating about being able to channel Charlie’s Angels in a sticky situation – although let’s hope it never has to come to that!

Reward yourself once in a while

You never have to justify little ways to reward yourself, because you work hard for it! Whether that’s spoiling yourself with a new pair of Valentino Rockstuds, or upgrading your old car to the flash Renault Clio (seriously ladies – this is the perfect girlboss car), a little splurge now and then isn’t a bad thing.

*Sponsored by Renault Australia

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Photography by Erin Smith Photography