Trackies and stilettos, two things that probably should never have made it into the same sentence, but there you are. It’s practically the norm now. But what’s not to love about the concept? You’ve just been rolling around the house in your trackies, slip on some heels and you’re good to go. Incidentally, bedhead is also very much in vogue.

As for my preferred around-the-house-to-around-town-trackpants, I’m faithfully devoted to Bonds. They simply understand basics – quality and comfort come first. Their trackpants are epic. I’m top to bottom Bonds today, with their Slouchy Pocket Pullover and Wide Leg Trackie, all in gray. My favourite colour.

I’m very much enamored with the boxy silhouette as of late. Somehow I’m loath to admit I have a waistline (maybe I don’t, how would you ever know?).

Pullover c/o Bonds (shop Bonds pullovers)
Trackpants c/o Bonds (shop Bonds trackies)
Rayban Clubmaster Sunglasses c/o ASOS Australia
Bag – Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic
Classic Sheffield Lady Watch c/o Daniel Wellington
Stiletto Sandals – Zara (Similar stiletto sandal)

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It’s finally started warming up for real here in Canberra, which means I could finally wear this Seed Heritage what-dreams-are-made-of off the shoulder top.  It’s the poofiness that had me sold instantly. I’m a sucker for unusual silhouettes. And poofiness. And speaking of poofy, how perfect are these neoprene culottes? Funny how a utilitarian fabric like neoprene makes such a great material for tailored clothing. It’s the way that it stays so smooth, and keeps its subtle structure.

Off the Shoulder Top – Seed Heritage 
Neoprene Wide Leg Culottes - ASOS
Frankie Cross Strap Cleated Slider c/o Boohoo.com (also in white and silver)
Bag – Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic

The post Frills and Culottes appeared first on Closet Voyage.

Last time I was at Savers in Melbourne, I finally yielded to my perpetual desire for just one more camel jacket and picked up this clean and simple vintage number by Sportscraft. However, I seem to never want to wear my thrifted pieces as is, so there I was flipping up the collar and scrunching up the sleeves. It’s an easy way to update an old school classic. And so is wearing it with Nike Roshe Runs.

Camel Jacket – Thrifted
White Skirt c/o Dead Ivy
Double Pearl Bracelet c/o Hunt & Gather
Nike Rosher Runs

The post Thrift of the Week – Camel Jacket and Nike Rosheruns appeared first on Closet Voyage.

Being a woman and working men’s clothes is definitely a thing in my books. So just to be clear, the fact I own more men’s shirts than my boyfriend (come to that, his shirts are also my shirts) doesn’t mean I envy the male sex. Except, I suppose, the luxury of getting better looking as they grow older.

I’m again borrowing a couple of chapters out of men’s style with this thrifted shirt and tailored trouser combo. I usually refrain from ordering pants online before trying, but I majorly lucked out with these Missguided Cigarette Trousers, which are a beautiful fit. It is, of course, always a good idea to add back a touch of femininity, and this simple d’orsay pump from Zara always goes perfectly with a trouser look.

With a simple outfit like this, accessories are a must. For me, it’s all about keeping it simple with a few key pieces. Ear bling doesn’t often make it onto the agenda, but this double pearl earring from Lobe Designs has persuaded me otherwise.

Thrifted Men’s Shirt
Leanne Cigarette Trousers in Navy c/o Missguided UK
Zara D’orsay Pumps
Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic
Classic Sheffield Lady Watch c/o Daniel Wellington
Heart Ring c/o Jolie & Deen
Bracelet from the Alannah Hill gift bag at MBFF Sydney
‘Pearly Pair’ Double Peal Earrings c/o Lobe Designs

The post Tailored Trousers and Men’s Shirt appeared first on Closet Voyage.

I used to lament the fact that I didn’t live in a place where I could pop down to the mall for my favourite international brands. However, recently, I can’t imagine a better place to be right now but right here in the middle of – dare I say it – the Australian fashion renaissance. I’m discovering more and more drool-worthy Aussie brands all the time, which were totally made for my relaxed minimal aesthetic. I have to thank Canberra boutique Mussen Clothing for my fateful introduction to Aussie brand Staple the Label. This label can do no wrong in my eyes. This split maxi skirt is one my favourite pieces from Staple the Label’s new season collection. It’s sexy, not sexual. That’s what it’s all about.

My stripe obsession continues with this effortless striped top by Mink Pink, also from Mussen Clothing. Due to a sudden drop in temperatures here in Canberra, I’ve topped it all off with this spring-perfect faux suede cropped biker jacket from Missguided.

P.S For my Canberra readers, you can pop right into the Mussen Clothing boutique to check out these items and other new season beauties. They’re address is 17 Mort Street, in Civic.

Faux Suede Jacket c/o Missguided
Mink Pink ‘Sail Away’ Striped Top c/o Mussen Clothing Canberra
Staple the Label Split Maxi Skirt c/o Mussen Clothing Canberra
Nike Roshe Runs
Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic Satchel
Classic Sheffield Lady Watch c/o Daniel Wellington

The post The Split Maxi Skirt appeared first on Closet Voyage.

As I put fingers to key board to open with a cliché ‘everyone needs them a little black dress’, I gave myself a metaphorical slap on the wrist – you deserve more from me than a sartorial pickup line. So instead, a question for you: is the little black dress still so prolific these days that it justifies an acronym (even if you’re not a modern day Holly Golightly)? I blame fast fashion for its decline, but a classic will always live on. This Parisian-chic drop-waist silk dress was a beloved find from Decjuba’s new Canberra boutique last week. Styled with these goes-with-everything cut-out booties, also from Decjuba, this is a paired back feminine-not-feminine look that’s suits this tomboy perfectly.

When I was invited to check out Decjuba’s newly opened Canberra Centre location, I worked myself into a bit of a frenzy grabbing pieces off the racks. The whole new season collection embodies Parisian-chic for me – classic, well made, and fresh on trend, with a laid back je ne sais quoi.  I was immediately obsessed with their perfect draped tees and tanks in Breton stripe and grey marl, light wash skinny jeans and tailored trousers, structured blazers in contrast fabrics, and easy sports luxe weekend essentials. Everything is conceived around wardrobe basics, so you can virtually select any three pieces off the rack and you have yourself a polished outfit.

I am so excited about the addition of Decjuba to the Canberra retail scene. It’s has a multi-purpose range that resembles Zara, on trend yet timeless like Seed Heritage, whilst boasting high quality fabrications and basics that you would find in Marcs and Witchery, all at a lower price point – in fact, this 100% silk dress is a bargain at $150.

The only question that remains is: does the ‘J’ come before or after the ‘C’?

Decjuba is located on first floor Canberra Centre in Civic, right next to L’Occitane. Also shop Decjuba online and keep up with the latest on Instagram (@decjubaofficial).

‘Eden’ Silk Dress c/o Decjuba Canberra
‘Chloe’ Peep Toe Cut Out Booties in croc-embossed c/o Decjuba Canberra
Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic Satchel

The post The Little Black Dress with Decjuba Canberra appeared first on Closet Voyage.

Canberra doesn’t seem to be ready to give up the cold. Just as well, because I’m not ready to give up my chunky cable knits. A while ago, after I posted my giant knit outfit, a few of you questioned me about my choice of styling slouchy top to bottom. While I do love me a potato sack outfit, I happen to think that baggy on top and skinny on the bottom is proportionately ideal. So here’s me playing by the rules for once, in my ASOS cable knit and Toi Et Moi cult ‘Montrer’ coated skinny jeans. But I’ll bore you no more about proportion talk. We both that it’s all about the shoes, right? And what shoes. I haven’t got this excited about a pair of shoes this year, as I did about the Seed Heritage Espadrilles in ‘Ocelot’ print. Having missed out on the black and white version from the previous season, I pounced on the re-released style with a beige-y undertone. I really hope Seed Heritage re-releases it’s Bianca espadrille in the original ocelot print. I’ll have five pairs of those please!

Cable Knit – ASOS
‘Montre’ coated skinny jeans c/o Toi Et Moi 
Bianca Ocelot Espadrilles – Seed Heritage
Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic Satchel

The post Cable Knits and Seed Heritage Espadrilles appeared first on Closet Voyage.

You know I’m completely knitwear obsessed, so you might think I’m a bit biased when I say a luxe knit can take you through 3 out of 4 seasons. Is that pushing it, you ask? A jumper and dress, for example, are so layerable for spring, and if it warms up in the afternoon, just drape that knit like you’re in an 80′s movie. This Gasparre Cashmere Cable Sweater is everything, deliciously chunky, luxuriously soft, and the fashion forward cable detail makes a statement piece out of an old classic. You know you’ve got the ultimate cable knit when you just want to spend all day lounging in it with nothing but knickers on, which I confess was what the rest of my day looked like after I ripped open my beautiful Gasparre Cashmere gift box.

Also debuting today is my Carrera 6008 sunglasses which are an absolute steal from Vision Direct (am I the only one that can’t remember how many ‘r’s are where?).

More about Gasparre Cashmere: Gasparre on Instagram (@gasparrecashmere) and Facebook page.

Cable Jumper c/o Gasparre Cashmere
Chambray Sleevless Shirt Dress – Seed Heritage
Carrera 6008 Sunglasses c/o Vision Direct
Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic Satchel

The post The Ultimate Cable Knit – Gasparre Cashmere appeared first on Closet Voyage.

I don’t do thongs – I mean, at all (for non-Aussies, this refers to footwear not undergarments), not on the beach and not on the street. And especially not on the street. I’ll stop there before this turns into a hateful tirade against what is probably Australia’s favourite summer sandal. Which brings me to, in total contrast, these gorgeously simple and chic Novo two strap sandals. The tactile texture and zipper detail sealed the deal on these sandals for me, and the elastic ankle strap makes these shoes just too easy to slip into first thing in the morning. The temperature here in Canberra has inexplicably skyrocketed (in relative terms, of course) this month, and these summer sandals are now part of my warm weather uniform, along with my irreplaceable OneTeaspoon Bandit ripped denim shorts and drape-tastic Decjuba breton striped tee (purchased from their new Canberra Centre boutique).

‘Swift’ Two Strap Flat Sandals c/o Novo Shoes
Breton Stripe ‘Scarlett Tee’ c/o Decjuba Canberra Centre
Brando Bandit Denim Shorts – OneTeaspoon
Rayban Clubmaster Sunglasses c/o ASOS AU
PS11 Mini Classic Satchel – Proenza Schouler

The post The Perfect Summer Sandal with Novo Shoes appeared first on Closet Voyage.

The epic Alexander Wang x H&M opening in Sydney is fresh on my mind, and I’m still suffering from the feeling of regret for not picking up more pieces, and for missing out completely on the men’s collection. I did, however, get my hands on two pieces which, as far as I’m concerned, are tied for best-item-in-collection – the Alexander Wang x H&M white top and black dress. Both pieces fully convey the performance-wear-for-life concept and at the same time are so utterly wearable for every occasion (my fellow ‘H&M raider’ Kurt from Fashion Dacci wore it as a shirt). So following my editorial last week with the Alexander Wang x H&M white top, I now take you to the dark side with the Alexander Wang x H&M black perforated dress. Not wanting to take anything away from a piece that fully speaks for itself, I styled it simply with my trusty Jeffrey Campbell Soiree heels and a small scale handbag – black, of course – and no jewelry to speak of.

What do you think of the Alexander Wang x H&M collection?

Alexander Wang x H&M Black Dress with Perforated Pattern
Jeffrey Campbell Soiree Sandals with Perspex Heel
Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic Satchel

The post The Dark Side – Alexander Wang x H&M Perforated Dress appeared first on Closet Voyage.

Oversized is always a good idea, and I love pieces that are designed to look like you’ve cut up your boyfriend’s business shirt. There’s something deliciously evil about the whole idea. While it might not serve me well to point it out, this oversized pinstripe shirt sure does a great job of hiding my not so flaunt-worthy derriere – but as transparent as the attempt may now appear, as always, I do such things with a conviction and deliberateness that straddles the line between success and poor judgement. There are certainly worse places to be in. I’ve been dying for a chance to wear my Novo “Lawrence” Mules. Was there ever a more perfect shoe (at such an agreeable price point)? The era of the mew mule is just beginning, and these minimal two strap mules were just the thing to balance out a slouchy top section. Proportions, proportions, proportions.

Oversized Pinstripe Shirt – The Blogger’s Boyfriend
Cropped ‘Montrer’ Coated Skinny Jeans c/o Toi et Moi (Shop at Le Super Shop)
“Lawrence” Two Strap Mules c/o Novo Shoes
Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic Satchel

The post Oversized Shirt and Mules appeared first on Closet Voyage.

I love the idea of tight-rope-walking the line of sartorial impropriety: testing the boundaries of trackpants for day wear, for instance, interceding high heel territory with un-pretty, flat shoes (and vice versa), or replacing all sensible fabrics with grey marl jersey. This time last year I might have been weary of expressing such anti-establishmentarian ideas, but the concept of Nike Rosheruns and Birkenstocks as high fashion is practically too obvious now. Though, as the recent Alexander Wang x H&M collection proved, sportluxe is still hitting new highs. The next logical step, then, in the dressing up by dressing down movement (in other words, normcore), must undoubtedly be the drop crotch trousers. And you know I’m all for that, as I’ve always thought of myself to be, well, too cool for belts.

Jordana Swing Tank c/o Decjuba Canberra Centre (on sale!)
Tara Textured Pant c/o Decjuba Canberra Centre (on sale!)
D’Orsay Pumps – Oxford
Rayban Clubmaster Sunglasses c/o ASOS
Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic Satchel
Classic Sheffield Lady in Rose Gold c/o Daniel Wellington

The post Drop Crotch Trousers appeared first on Closet Voyage.

The Alexander Wang x H&M collection has got me thinking very seriously about sportswear as daywear. I mean, not simply as a statement-making exercise, but as a legitimate lifestyle choice. Humans are sweaty and smelly creatures, so why are our everyday clothes so unsuitable for real-life activities?

Particularly with this being my last post written from the nation’s capital, where ‘summer’ is neatly summed up in two whole weeks of heat, my pending returning to the unrelenting (sometimes, wonderful) over 30’s temperatures in Perth has got me in wardrobe planning mode. I feel as though I rather outsmarted myself by stocking up on the Alexander Wang x H&M collection earlier this month. The breathable and sweat proof pieces will probably save my life this summer (sweat patch anxiety – the struggle is real). It took one genius to figure out that clothes can be sexy and perform in real-life conditions. This Alexander Wang x H&M plunging V-neck bustier could very well be the sexiest thing I’ve owned under $100. But to know that I could probably do interpretive dance in it and finish up feeling fresh, that’s priceless.

Bustier – Alexander Wang x H&M 
Tuxedo Blazer – French Connection
Trousers – Oxford
Superstar II – Adidas Originals
Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic Satchel
Rayban Clubmaster Sunglasses c/o ASOS

The post Cleavage and Wang – Alexander Wang x H&M Bustier appeared first on Closet Voyage.

I admit, I’m bit OCD in my propensity to juxtapose the feminine and masculine. For me, low cut dresses call for clunky slides, body-con tops are counterbalanced with boyfriend jeans, and pencil skirts and mens shirts are practically made for each other. It’s not because I am anti-sexy. I just like to do ‘sexy’ (if at all) on my own terms – comfort over style.

I don’t often do floral, or fitted skirts for that matter, but I’m obsessed with this large scale lace pencil skirt. I’m seeing so much trans-seasonal potential for a textured piece like this. While the light breathability of the lace overlay design is saving my life at the moment, I’m already picturing layering this under a huge chunky knit when autumn comes back around. Just for you guys, I’ve procured a few of this style for sale in my Blog Shop.

Floral Pencil Skirt – Closet Voyage Blog Shop
Mens shirt – Vintage
Two strap sandals – Zara
Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic
Classic Sheffield Lady c/o Daniel Wellingtong

The post Pencil Skirt and Men’s Shirt appeared first on Closet Voyage.

I’m a huge believer in being sustainable in the way we produce and consume fashion. Therefore, I get very excited about brands which are taking real action to operate sustainably and ethically. Vege Threads’ story really inspired me. On top of their refreshingly earthy and raw aesthetics, Vege Threads have come up with a commercial production process which is sustainable from start to finish. Every piece is hand made with 100% organic cotton (which means it does not involve any chemicals to grow it) and hand dyed with natural plants. A percentage of the profits is also donated to charities in Indonesia.

This organic cotton singlet dress is a perfect example of the high quality wardrobe basics Vege Threads has to offer. I can’t help but notice the world of difference between a pieces like this and something synthetic and mass produced. The material seems more substantial and the colouring more natural.

Of course, for me, my first point of call for styling a basic dress is an edgy jacket and comfortable flat shoes – comfort is style.

Organic Cotton Singlet Dress – Vege Threads
Sneakers – Adidas
Bag – Proenza Schouler

The post This is Not a Guilt Trip – Sustainable, Ethical Vege Threads appeared first on Closet Voyage.

I get it. The culotte is a weird one. It’s one of those things that makes you think maybe there’s a reason people stopped wearing them in the first place. Is it a skirt, is it a pant? Is it a scant? Your mum or maybe a much resented math teacher might have worn them in gaudy bright colours, or even – I shudder to even mention it – as a matching two piece.

But you shouldn’t let a few bad memories ruin a style for you forever. Forget the floral printed hippy culottes of the 90s. The culotte of now is clean, classic and minimal. They are tailored but relaxed, best served as part of a tomboy’s weekend suit ensemble. Preferably in monochrome or neutral colours. They’re for a ‘just wok up like this’, polished look. Dressed up but dressed down all at the same time.

So have I converted you yet?

Blazer – French Connection
Camisole – Foxers Australia
Scuba Culottes – ASOS
Strappy Mules – NOVO
Bag – Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classics

The post Why You Hate Culottes appeared first on Closet Voyage.

When I was putting this outfit together there was a vague little voice in the back of my head saying ‘No! Lace and stripes will never work together!’. But alas, by then I was already dressed, and there was no take backsies.

You might remember this lace skirt’s previous appearance in its white incarnation a few months ago. Consider this the evil twin of that previous outfit. This time I dressed down an otherwise rather evening ready skirt with a striped t-shirt and simple jewellery.

So what’s the verdict? Is lace and stripes combination sartorial suicide, or is it so bad that it’s good?

Striped T shirt – Decjuba
Lace Skirt – Shop Beige Renegade
Jewellery – coming soon to Shop Beige Renegade
Bracelet – Givenchy Obsidia Leather Bracelet
Bag – Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic

The post Lace and stripes – all kinds of wrong? appeared first on Closet Voyage.

Now you know I have no qualms with wearing an actual bathrobe as a jacket, but you might find me a bit more socially acceptable to hang out with now, now that I’ve upgraded to an actual jacket that looks like a bathrobe. Introducing the Bathrobe Jacket, inspired by everything we love about the humble dressing gown (super long, minimal, draped and slouchy, and oh-so-comfortable), sans all the bad stuff (basically the ‘it’s actually a bathrobe’ part). I would go so far as to say that this is an essential style for the minimal wardrobe. Comfort is style. That’s what it’s all about.

Bathrobe Jacket – Shop Beige Renegade
Black Skinny Jeans – Rag & Bone Jean
Leopard print ballet flats – Zara
Shoulder bag – Proenza Schouler

The post Introducing the Bathrobe Jacket appeared first on Closet Voyage.