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My Fall/Winter Uniform

Wednesday 11 September 2013
outfit copy

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I thought I'd take a break from all the holiday posts lest I put all of you and myself into a snore inducing coma. Last Friday, I was still bathed in the sunshine bliss of the French Riviera until I stepped out of the house in my denim cutoffs nary sparing a thought of the plummeting temperature. I narrowly avoided the disaster of turning into a human popsicle. Well, I guess it's goodbye summer. I really shouldn't complain as it's been a brilliant summer. Besides, I'm far more suited to the seasonal weather changes than the tropics where I can only survive if there's such an invention like a portable A/C in a backpack.

So now, we're officially in the early stages of autumn. I'm hoping I've learned my lesson from the previous winter and be more prepared for the deep freeze. You know....think ahead and all that jazz which I'm remarkably hopeless at unless it's to do with food (my emotions and the level of my organizational skills are based on the state of my stomach). I've taken stock of what I wore the most previously which hopefully, will give me a good indication of what to buy and what to avoid this time around. I don't have a big budget so I have to be more conscientious when I'm shopping. Invest in a few designer pieces and purchase the rest from the likes of Uniqlo, Asos and Mango to name a few.

Despite the fact that I broke out in cold sweat and suffered pretty major heart palpitations when I purchased the Isabel Marant Kady and Rick Owens leather jackets, both of which have been worn all year round, thanks to the hormonal English weather. The first sustained and survived the previous long winter with aplomb and the latter garnered enough compliments that I'll continue wearing it - just to get more compliments, of course. And it made me look like I have skinny arms instead of bat wings. This won major points in my vanity book.

I've come to the realization that a black leather jacket isn't just an essential fashion item, it's a necessity in every woman's wardrobe in order to battle wind (windproof), rain (water resistant) and freezing temperature. Buy the best you can afford that flatters your figure and wear it over the next decade so that it'll look properly "vintage".  By then, the cost per wear will be in pennies so you don't feel all that guilty anymore over your expensive purchase. Brilliant (but slightly deluded) deduction, isn't it?

**I've had a few emails from some of you inquiring about the Helmut Lang jersey asymmetrical jacket. They were sold out previously but it looks like they're back in stock again. I've found them to be incredibly warm and perfect for layering when it gets even colder.








24 comments:

  1. Like Pret a Porter P, I've been tempted by that HK jacket in black too. However, I am still contemplating if I 'need' it here (A/C in backpack please). May be when there's a good discount... - I Ying

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    1. I Ying, the jacket is VERY warm. It's probably good for places where the AC is blasting at Arctic temperature.

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    2. I look really hard in leather can't wear it, at even 21 I had to walk towards suede - not the best choice in this country.

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    3. That's cos your style is more feminine and sophisticated which I REALLY love and wish to emulate but I'll just end up looking like a boy in a dress.

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  2. I'm lovin' that HL jacket. Such a great piece! And I completely agree with you about black leather jackets. A total staple in my wardrobe year round.

    xTheresa

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    1. Theresa, I'd love to dive into your closet. You have some of the most fabulous and droolworthy pieces.

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  3. I'm sorry I didn't comment on your holiday posts, but your photography is just out of this world and really what else is there to say besides admiring the beauty of Nice. You seriously make me want to go on holiday.

    Really loving the look of your F/W wishlist - I agree, a leather jacket is a must, although surprised yours has gotten wear year round! xx

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    1. Aww...thank you, Jamie-Lee. To be perfectly honest, it's hard to take a bad photo of Cote d'Azur. It's simply that stunning. It's a long way from NZ but totally worth the 30 something hour flight. It gets chilly at night even in summer so the RO jacket gets a lot of wear too.

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  4. Lucky you for being so slender. I looked like I was bursting at seams when I first bought the jacket in XS. Thankfully, the S was a lot more comfortable. I don't think I can wear jeans, much less leather jackets in the tropics. The last time I was in Asia, I barely survived in shorts and dresses.

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  5. You are soo right with the leather jacket being an absolute wardrobe essential! I love these Fall/Winter picks, can't go wrong with a decent pair of black ankle boots and I always love a good knitted v-neck! :)

    Take care,
    Daniella xox

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    1. It's our lovely UK weather. Water resistant and something that keeps the cold at bay is a must.

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  6. Love all of these pieces. I missed out on that HL jacket last year in the cream color. Thanks for the tip that it's back in stock I won't make the same mistake this year! Just realized I was somehow not following you on Instagram so I've remedied that ;)

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    1. Followed you right back! I was really surprised when the HL jacket was sold out everywhere. Good thing they re-introduced it again.

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  7. Oh I love autumn and the next 4 mnths, but Jan through March is just major depression for me.
    Grey and black are my colours too, I want a grey cashmere dress but cannot find one anywhere.

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    1. We definitely have the same coloring. I'm good with black and grey. I naturally gravitate towards these 2 colors but I'm told that deep pink/purple etc can be flattering against my skintone but they're too bright. They hurt my eyes :P

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  8. Oh I have for the last 3 years been searching for my perfect leather jacket and all that I have purchased have been returned.....why? Because as you put it you have to buy the best you can afford and unfortunately I have tried a Rick Owens one on and nothing Zara or Mango have done live up to those 5 mins I had that Rick Owens jacket on for. I will just have to wait for my 50th..... I do love the Isabel Marant jacket I dear not try that one on. Gorgeous choices. x

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    1. I'm with you there. I've bought, sold, bought, sold leather jackets and finally took the plunge. RO jackets just fit like a dream. No wonder his jackets are snapped up instantly whenever there's some ridiculously low discount like 20%.

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  9. I love your chic and tailored restraint - no heading off in dreadful pink directions like i am apt to do. This looks like a great uniform. I keep telling myself I have one, then find myself so scruffy I can't head out in it. As I don't suit black am thinking that fawn-y coloured jacket will be just the ticket. Also I need a great replacement for my UGG boots. We had an Indian summer here last week, now sadly gone.

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    1. Scruffy?! Are you kiddin' me? I dig your style. Don't ever change it.

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  10. Jody is right - the restraint is commendable. I just go off at different tangents and then find myself wearing the same things - I could save myself a lot of time and trouble by actually taking a step back like you and working out which are the really good components but you know what ... I like making mistakes. It's fun.

    BTW. The one thing I love and there is no mention. The scarf!!! Where is the scarf from???

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    1. Sue, at least you experiment. Me? I'm so lazy that I stick to the same thing and then go online and drool over everyone else's outfits.

      You'll hate me when I say this.......the scarf's from Hermes. It's the closest thing to my Hermes grey cashmere shawl on Polyvore.

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    2. Shouldn't have asked :P Would it help if I tell you that you could possibly nab one at a better price and have an incredible time in Paris at their twice yearly sale?

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  11. I like all the items you chose and put together. It's very sleek and just my cup of tea! Functional and stylish.
    I'm barely starting to "see" what I want to wear during fall. It's hard to not be blinded by trends...

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