4 PIECES WORTH INVESTING IN

Let's talk items that are all worth the splurge. 

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Marcs leather jacket

Country Road shirt

Levis vintage shorts 

Jeffery Campbell boots 

& Other Stories sunglasses & earrings 
Kirsten Ash rose gold necklace

Daniel Wellington watch

THE BLACK LEATHER JACKET

I get it: A leather jacket is going to make a serious dent in your bank account. But let me tell you it is one of the best investments you can make in your wardrobe. Why? Not only does it go with everything but it's one of those pieces that just brings it all together and adds instant expense. It can be dressed up, down and inbetween and the more you wear it the better it looks.

Shop Asos, Topshop, Marcs, All Saints

THE WHITE CRISP SHIRT

This classic piece is one that you'll be glad you invested in. The fit, tailoring and quality can only be achieved by spending the extra few. You'll be amazed at the versatility of a white shirt - it can add structure, cleanliness and formality to an outfit for that easy, thrown together look.

Shop Asos, Seed, Finders Keepers, Saba

THE BLACK ANKLE BOOT

Black boots are not only an essential for the colder months but in my opinion all year round, making it one of the best investments for your wardrobe. Once you find the perfect pair you'll have them for many years to come. For a comfortable pair, it is worth digging deeper into your pocket because not only are they weatherproof but super easy to slip on and run out the door.

Shop Jeffrey Campbell, Wittner, Tony Bianco, Topshop

THE EVERYDAY WATCH

Now I know not everyone is a watch person, but I have to say my life changed when I invested in a watch that went with everything. Such an effortless way to accessorise every day - because yknow you need the to tell time and all. With so many on the market at the moment, not only will you find one that will fit your budget, but you'll love wearing for years.

Shop Daniel Wellington, Kapten & Son, Larsson & Jennings

Leanne xx


Photography: Jordan Lee 

PLAY TIME

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The Fifth Label jumpsuit // similar // similar

Woolworths (South Africa) heels // similar // similar

Daniel Wellington watch 

Trust me, I am just as surprised as you are to see me in all white, but who wouldn't fall for this jumpsuit? I am a number one fan of jumpsuits (exhibit A, exhibit B) because they are so damn easy. You've got an outfit all in one piece making it a no-brainer way to dress all the time (that's until you have to go to the bathroom). Take the opportunity to play up with accessories & shoes with a simple simple white piece perfect for spring & summer.


Leanne xx


Photography: Jordan Lee 

FAST TRACK

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Topshop dress | similar | similar

Lacoste sneakers | similar | similar

I admit I've never played much sport but if I did this is what I would envision my glorified outfit to be. White sneakers basically makes it dead easy to mix high-low pieces which I talked about in a recent post any outfit making it acceptable to wear almost everything in the daytime and nighttime. And by combining them with a structured mini dress with minimal detailing means one of the easiest outfits for those "nothing-to-wear" days.


Leanne xx

Photography: Jordan Lee 



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WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE

Faithfull The Brand dress 

Daniel Wellington watch 

Out of Print tote bag 

& Other Stories sunglasses 

Nars 'Red Lizard' lipstick 

A photo diary of my last day in New York and boy did it not disappoint! On a gorgeous summer's day, South Street Seaport offered spectacular views of the Brooklyn bridge - and with a dress I've been dying to wear, one would say it was a pretty good day.

Be sure to check out the other days in New  York here, here & here.


Leanne xx




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6 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR OUTFIT LOOK MORE EXPENSIVE

I don't know about you but it would be the dream to not always have to seriously consider the price of every piece that I fall in love with. So I'm here to provide you with my top 6 tested and tried tips to making your outfit look more expensive for a girl on a budget.  

1. Opt for a High-Low Mix

This is my number one tip and one that I probably put into practice the most. Firstly consider what is worth investing you in money in. I always recommend denim and jackets are pieces which will remain staples in your wardrobe. Fast fashion or trend pieces are where you can do the saving. It is also a great way to make your wardrobe more versatile, by not restricting certain items for certain occasions and also allows you to be more creative.  Pair your jeans with heels and your dresses with sneakers.

2. Textures

Texture can really be the key when shopping on a budget. Affordable pieces can look expensive simply because of its texture.  Leather, faux suede or faux fur are some ways in which you can incorporate textures into your look.

3. Hair & Make up

You can totally elevate your look just by considering your hair and make up. Similar concept to high-low mixing - so if you've got a super casual outfit curl your hair or a bright lip to balance the overall look. I have become increasingly more taken with beauty products and are a no-brainer way to instantly spruce up your look. 

4. Layers & Shapes

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and layer and shape with different proportions. So instead of tucking that shirt in, why not leave it out, or layer cropped jumper over a soft shirt. There are so many trends at the moment which really play up different shapes, so if you're a skinny jeans gal, try flares or culottes. 

5. Restrict your Colour Palette

Choosing a few colours for your overall look can really bring it all together and this way you can experiment with textures and proportions as well. Dressing in tonal colours is a sure fire way for that more luxurious look. 

6. Metallic Detailing
Metallic detailing in your accessories can add an instant expense to your look. Dainty chains, ring stacks or hardware detailing on your bag can make you look all the fancier. Invest in pieces you can wear all the time with all your outfits, like a watch, a fine necklace or some specs.

Seed top 

Sass & Bide boyfriend jeans 

Vintage bag 

Kirsten Ash necklace 

Glue Store sunglasses

Daniel Wellington watch 

Leanne xx

Photo credits: Jordan Lee 



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BEAUTY EDIT: THE 5 MINUTE CATEYE

Country Road jumper 

I admit I don't stray from the classic winged liner very often, but there are times which call for something a little different. And if you're looking for something simple & easy then you've come to the right place.

Opting for a shadow and/or a pencil can really take no extra time at all. 

1. Nars eyeshadow duo in Kuala Lumpur

or 

Mac eyeshadow in Violet Star

After eye primer just sweep the eyeshadow all across the lid and blend the edges with a clean brush, slowly building up the intensity to your liking. I have been loving the warm browns and purples at the moment which have been a nice alternative to your classic smokey shades.

2. Clarins Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black

Then use a waterproof pencil eyeliner, and draw a feline flick making sure to also draw in between the lashes. Take a small brush and blend it out and go back in with your eyeliner if you need to. Pencil is a lot more forgiving than liquid liner - a great option if you need a quick make up fix!

3. YSL Babydoll mascara
or
Benefit They're Real mascara

Whack on a few coats fo your favouriate mascara and you're good to go !

Leanne xx

Photography: Jordan Lee 

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WHITE NOISE

Candidate dress

Lacoste 'Carnaby EVO CLS' sneakers 

Out of Print tote bag 

Daniel Wellington watch 

& Other Stories sunglasses

Here's another day's photo diary of Boston full of sight-seeing, museum wandering and cake eating in the perfect summer wear!



Leanne xx



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THE HIGH LINE

Country Road top

Alice in the Eve lace shorts 

Windsor Smith sandals 

Glue Store sunglasses 

Out of Print tote bag 

Kirsten Ash necklace 

Daniel Wellington watch
Mac 'Twig' lipstick

I love going to a city for the second or third time because its  a great way to find atypical tourist things to do. One of these places I was recommended by a friend was the High Line - an old train line about 2 km long on the west side of Manhattan. Such a beautiful and scenic walk, with graffiti and food along the way.

And of course when in New York, one has to pay a visit to the shopping hot spot of SoHo. Popped in into one my favourite stores, & Other Stories where I picked up these sunnies for a bargain & some jewellery. Isn't that Reformation jumpsuit to die for?!


Leanne xx



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