18

Green Amos bracelet, Pink Amos bracelet
Monaco earrings, Cruz earrings

As I continue my efforts to have a more minimal and streamlined wardrobe, my eye has been gravitating toward statement or more interesting pieces of jewellery. The aesthetics of the label Dannijo with its punchy coloured gemstones, thick chains and bold tribal beading seem like the ideal pieces to stand out from an otherwise simple look.

I've developed a regained fondness for friendship bracelets, piled up the arms alongside thin delicate chains. A thick braided bracelet with chains either side has been at the top of my to-do list for a while now, and with a long weekend coming up, a DIY may be on the cards.

7

Karen Walker blouse; T by Alexander Wang cardigan; Topshop jeans; Proenza Schouler bag

Whilst getting ready in the morning, I think it is fair to say that more often that not, we lean towards old favourites, a kind of uniform if you were so inclined to put a label on it. This combination of clothing is something that requires so little thought that it becomes almost an automatic response when standing in front of your wardrobe.

For me, this is usually one of three combinations:
1. Blouse worn with skinny jeans and a cardigan or a blazer
2. A blouse worn with a skirt and a cardigan or a jumper thrown over top
3. A dress and a cardigan, with numerous necklaces layered around my neck.

I guess these all follow a similar vein and are not typically exciting in that there is no interesting layering going on, but it's simple, and works for me. I've had very little luck in the past when trying to incorporate new style to my wardrobe, which only reinforces my feelings towards how I typically dress. I find trend-based pieces seldom mesh with my more basic and muted wardrobe, and have given up trying to follow them altogether (more or less to a larger extent at least).

It's ironic that something as simple as getting dressed could become so complicated, although it probably only becomes that way because, or if, we let it.

4

Karen Walker dress, blazer, belt and rings; Pointer loafers; Triwa watch

Karen Walker had it so right, when she stated that for her, navy was the fundamental neutral. As the years have progressed, I've noticed myself shying away from a wardrobe that once consisted of too much black (although working in an industry where it was necessary was a likely catalyst for that trend), to one where navy is the dominant dark tone. It's incredible the things that you learn about your style and preferences when overhauling your wardrobe. I managed to identify that navy, blush, and light greys make up the base of my wardrobe, with complementing colours scattered in-between.

If you didn't manage to catch it on twitter the other week, the little black and brown tabby striped kitten pictured above is Max, who was the most loveliest of birthday surprises.

2

Topshop heels, T by Alexander Wang cardigans, Karen Walker blouses

I recognise that purchasing in excess of what you need is not the best mentality to have when shopping, but one thing I find I can't help but do, is purchase certain items in more than one colour. I've been pretty lucky to nab things on sale, in particular both the burgundy and black pairs of heels above from Topshop, and also in the fact that I haven't neglected one or the other.

I've found that this usually works best when it's a staple item in your closet, one that is worn every day. For me, this is things like those T by Alexander Wang cardigans above, multiples of skinny jeans (I have converted!), or silky blouses. It probably goes without saying that this method has worked against me in the past, and prompted moments of regret, but what can I say, these things happen. Has anyone else had much success buying in multiples?