I’ve never been one of those girls who manages to accumulate drawers and drawers of beauty products, always opting for the most minimal approach possible. There’s something satisfying in knowing that your make-up routine takes less than five minutes to apply, and can easily be cut down to the basics of bronzer and mascara when time is too tight.
For Spring, I like to dial it down a notch, and this year I envision myself playing up the lips a little with just a slick of mascara on my lashes. I’ll be keeping my nails fairly subtle, with a few neutrals and the quintessential reds being my varnishes of choice, and my scent, as always, YSL Parisienne.
Reflecting on photos I’ve saved of women that I consider to be truly stylish (by my own definition), there’s a striking through line that all of them seem to follow. Nuanced details that go beyond the individual items that they’re wearing. It’s not “what” they’ve put on, but how they’ve decided to wear it. Which leans into a concept I’ve shared previously on Instagram; that you can wear the exact combination of items as someone else, but the cut, fabrication, colour all play a role in how it looks on. So too does the styling. In fact, it’s probably the most important part. And this one thing that all stylish women seem to do? Make the outfit their own.
Sometimes this can be as simple as throwing on a signature lip or jewellery combination. But more often, it’s the little off-beat touches that make it. So let’s chat through two very simple styling flourishes you can easily implement that’ll add some je nais sai quoi to your outfits.
#1 | the off-kilter belt
Was it intentional, or has their belt just slid around? Hard to say at first glance. To me, this is a cool way to add some asymmetry into your outfit, which also doubles as a talking point. If you’re wearing a blazer or jacket, the belt becomes a very subtle detail, unless slouching your hand in your pocket. But if you’re wearing a pared back outfit such as a simple knit with trousers or a skirt, it’s more of a focal point.
A couple of other options which will add that same feeling to your outfits? Style a look with two belts; skinnier styles, both worn through the belt loops. You can adjust where the buckles sit to get that off-kilter vibe. Or consider how you do this with other accessories. Mismatched asymmetrical earrings is a favourite of mine, but I also love the idea of mismatched footwear in contrasting colours (the same shoe style though, of course!).
#2 | the pinched blazer
Oversized blazers have been trending for a few years now, and the outcome quite often can feel the same. Turning the traditional method of styling it on its head, let’s think about how we can add a personal touch to mix things up. A brooch, slid through the button and secured at the side is a great way to do this. Not only can you play around with how this will make your blazer fall (as in, how asymmetric you want the hem of the jacket to be), but also how “pinched” it appears. This is a great way to bring in some focus to your waist, while also visually reducing the amount of fabric.
Another way to get a similar effect would be to belt your blazer at the waist. This works better with blazers that are made from a fabric with a soft drape, rather than a style with structure.
As we all seek out tricks to express our visual voice in new and interesting ways, I wanted to share a style tip which is easy to implement and can have maximum impact. Opting for the unexpected choice.
Using this outfit I’m wearing as an example, you can see it leans decidedly classic and feminine. We have the white cotton poplin dress with tiered pleats. An oversized trench coat in a neutral beige with a slightly androgynous feel adding in some contrast. The knit over the shoulders helping to add in texture. Taking one look at this outfit, and the obvious choice of shoe would be your classic ballet flat. Something with a little bow at the vamp, in a neutral colour.
And when I put this on, I contemplated going with that obvious choice. But it can be the unexpected choice that can be more fun. More visually interesting. And more unique. So instead here I’ve gone with a bright blue sneaker. The burst of colour is eye-catching and adds a sporty touch to the outfit, providing some additional visual friction. Because of the vibrant hue, your eye is immediately drawn to the shoe. It becomes a key detail of the outfit, and conveys a message of playfulness. It feels less serious.
Another option would be to add in something sparkly, or perhaps opt for interesting layers. A long sweater dress over the cotton poplin to highlight the folded pleats and create some textural dimension between starchy and softer, cosier fabrics. More subtle, but again, not the obvious choice here.
Style uniforms don’t get the airtime that they truly deserve. Given we often face decision fatigue, having a set formula for getting dressed can take the guesswork out of what to wear each morning. All the while maintaining your visual voice, and ensuring you still feel great in what you’re wearing.
Having this little “trick” up your sleeve can save you time and energy, but also allow you to look like you’ve put the effort in, even when you really haven’t.
The style formula that I’ve personally been leaning on of late? Revolves around looking polished with a casual slant, while feeling comfortable.
It goes a little something like this… wide leg trousers in a substantial but fluid fabric + a knit or a top, tucked in for added refinement + a ballet flat or loafer + a third piece (in today’s case, a trench coat).
This feels unrestrictive yet put together, has proportional balance, and doesn’t cut corners on comfort. My personal caveat? Everything needs to be machine washable because well… kids.
It’s also achievable. A flat shoe is practical because I’m typically running around, and have no time to be teetering about in high heels. Even if it’s not a sneaker. The key is finding a pair or two which don’t pinch or squeeze your feet. I’ll wear trousers that have a little room at the waist, so I don’t feel like I’ll burst out of them after a full meal. Plus the wider fit through the leg has visual movement and flow, and works if I’m chasing after my kids.
You personal “go-to” style uniform might look a little different. But pinpointing an easy combination to put together (which can have endless permutations), is a great way to take some of the guesswork out of getting ready in the morning. Not to mention, providing you with that sense of comfort and familiarity.
Of all the linen bedding I’ve tried, I think that this might be the best. A pretty big call, but after testing out different brands for the past decade, nothing has quite come close to MagicLinen. So for a change of pace, today I wanted to run through a review of MagicLinen bedding, and share what it is that I think makes it so great.
About MagicLinen Bedding
MagicLinen is a family-owned business based in Lithuania, designing and manufacturing high quality linen home textiles – linen bedding, bath, table, and kitchen linens, linen curtains – as well as linen clothing.
All of their products are made using European Linen that is OEKO-TEX certified; this means that it is free from harmful chemicals.
The brand was borne out of passion for linen, and it makes sense. Lithuanians have been producing quality linens since the 2nd century; it’s a trade that their artisans are highly skilled at. All products are handmade, and MagicLinen also offers custom sizing too.
MagicLinen Linen Sheet Set in “Striped in Natural”
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to create a styled moment in our guest room, so opted to go for the Linen Sheet Set in ‘Striped in Natural’. I was really drawn to the white and natural stripe combination, and thought this would pair beautifully with the Linen Duvet Cover Set in ‘Natural’, while adding some soft contrast and visual interest.
In terms of how the 100% European Linen feels? It’s thick, and has this robust, durable quality to it. Other bedding we’ve bought in the past has had more of a soft loamy touch. Whereas MagicLinen bedding feels smooth and like it has some weight to it. Rigid or stiff aren’t quite the words I’d use, but it’s meaty. And despite what you might think, it’s suitable for both the warmer and cooler months. Linen is naturally temperature regulating, meaning that it’ll keep you cool during the warmer months, but retain body heat when it’s cold.
The stripes on the set I received run horizontally across the mattress, however I note from the website that if you have a preference you can contact customer service to customise the direction.
I love the little touch of the tab which indicates which is the short side on the fitted and flat sheets. This is usually something I find myself battling with when making the bed, so it literally takes the guesswork out of it for you.
The elastic on the fitted sheet is stretchy but doesn’t feel like it has too much slack.
MagicLinen Linen Duvet Cover Set in “Natural”
And of course, to match, the Linen Duvet Cover Set in ‘Natural’. It’s hard to gauge, but I think that the gsm or weight of the linen used for the duvet cover is slightly more dense than the sheet set.
This has all the same beautiful properties and characteristics as the sheets. It is so smooth to the touch, but has this enduring sense, which I put down to the thickness of the fibres. You can get a sense of the weave from the close up imagery provided.
Little touches are what make purchases like this feel special, and on the Duvet Cover Set, it’s the aged wooden button closure at the base. I also like that on the inside of the coverlet, you’ll find ties in the corners so that your duvet doesn’t slip around and “thin” out on one side.
Oh, and one thing I forgot to mention? I haven’t noticed that it picks up fluff. This is something we’ve had happen in the past with a different brand, and rendered that set virtually unusable for us (if you have a long-haired cat, you’ll understand why!).
The ‘natural’ colour is a light-medium beige which leans a little cool in undertone. A good choice if you like soft neutrals, but find yourself defaulting to white for the most part, as it is muted in shade, but richly saturated in colour.
MagicLinen Bedding Final Thoughts
Rounding things out by chatting about the price. Both the MagicLinen Sheet & Duvet Sets will set you back upwards of $300 USD/$500 AUD depending on the size of your bed. That is a pretty big investment, but one thing I’ve learnt over the years is that it’s not worth scrimping when it comes to bedding. If you buy quality, it will last you decades.
And to me, that’s what you’re getting here. MagicLinen bedding is stonewashed. What this means is that they are literally washed with stones, which beats at the fabric. This accelerates the ageing process, and helps to make linen feel soft and smooth to the touch. The process can be repeated multiple times to achieve the desired effect.
If you’ve ever pulled linen bedding out of the bag and it’s felt silky smooth, then the chances are that it’s been treated with chemicals. While it might feel more supple to the touch – initially – you’ll find that they will actually wear out faster. So the robust quality that I referred to earlier? It’s a good thing. A very good thing.
It’s details like this, that really makes MagicLinen stand out above the rest. And the fact is, their pricing is competitive, when you look at like-for-like brands offering similar product. And, for those who want a choice other than white, beige or charcoal, MagicLinen bedding is available in a generous array of colours (approximately 20 colour choices as of this posting).
One thing I was reflecting on recently, is how our beauty routine ebbs and flows. From an elaborate multi-step regime, to one that is pared back. Minimal even. And right now, I’m finding myself in the latter camp. Less desire to try or use new products, instead focusing on a handful of core staples. Seeking out something new to try only when an empty pops up rather than on a whim like before. It reminds me a lot of my routine in my late teens and early twenties. Prior to discovering the world of skincare. Despite not having a robust stash of skincare (I think I may have had two cleansers, and that was it), my complexion was blemish-free and smooth. And I find whenever I’m having an angry skin moment, taking it back to basics (cleanser + moisturiser) is the trick to calming things down. Curious to know whether you do the same…
Anyway, let’s chat though my top three for June.
Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Face Cleanser
A bit of a cheat as the Illuminating Oil Face Cleanser from Emma Lewisham literally just arrived in the mail. And maybe I’m jumping the gun here, but this is good. Two pum ps was enough oil to cleanse my face, starting dry and working it in primarily around the eyes which always seems to be a tricky spot for makeup removal. The main thing I noticed was just how clean my skin looked; free from makeup, bright, but luminous. Which is part of the appeal of an oil cleanser. It doesn’t feel like it’s stripping the skin. Instead, quite the opposite. Nourishing by nature.
I can’t speak to its antioxidant properties, but some of the key ingredients include Organic Chia, Rosehip, Macadamia and Neroli Absolute, along with Camelia oil. Gentle, but deeply penetrative ingredients which don’t disrupt the skin’s natural lipid barrier and act as a hydrator to keep skin looking healthy and plump.
Also worth nothing that all Emma Lewisham products are designed to be circular; the brand will take back used packaging, or alternatively you can purchase refills if you stumble across a product you love. Safe to say this has been a “brand to watch” for me for some time, and first impressions seem to be speaking volumes here.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Blush
This next favourite is an “oldie” but a goodie; the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Blush. A product I’m so happy to have rediscovered, because it’s good. And I mean really good. The tell was when I was doing a quick mirror check yesterday afternoon, and realised that my blush was giving me the same flushed appearance as when it was applied, 10 hours earlier. Often, it would be at this point that I’d be seeking out a little top up, especially if I have evening plans. So it was a little surprising as I’d forgotten how well the formula of this Laura Mercier blush adheres to the cheek.
I’ve been alternating between two shades: Corsica (a heavily saturated peach) and Mediterannee (a washed out peach hue). Which even in the thick of winter, these peachy shades tend to bring out the best in my complexion.
One thing I will say, is that a little goes a long way. I’ll squeeze a couple of small dots onto each cheek, and blend and buff out with a blush brush. You need to work reasonably quickly as once the liquid dries down, it’s not going anywhere. Also love that you can immediately tell what colour you’re seeking out just from the tube. A total win and one that I’ve been using on heavy rotation (along with my Merit Beauty Flush Balm, and Glossier Cloud Paint).
it Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream
This product has a bit of a caveat. I’ve been a long-time lover of the original CC cream from it Cosmetics. The satin finish version, which is high coverage and will high away all matter of redness, while looking skin-like on application. But the shade I have is far, far too dark for my complexion. And while I’d been making it work with a couple of mix-ins, I’d almost run out so figured, time for a top up. The shade I needed wasn’t available in-store, and the closest option was the “oil-free matte”, so I took a bit of a gamble.
The highlights are generally the same. Coverage is high with little product required, and it’s comfortable to wear. But I find the matte quality of it a little jarring. Especially coming off a good 18 months + of solely wearing base products with a satin or dewy finish. So I’ve been relying on mix-ins to give me a bit of healthy glow. Namely, my beloved ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint. This helps to also thin out the formula a little to give my complexion a little more space to shine through. And it has the added benefit of evening out the shade to something a little closer to my natural complexion. Having olive skin means it can be a challenging feat to find a complexion product that matches the undertone and neutrality I’m seeking.
While it might be branded as a “CC” Cream, to me this is more of a full coverage foundation. One worth trying if you’re still yet to add it to your rotation.
I’ve always been that girl who was completely clueless about make up. Following the lead of my friends in high school, I slicked some mascara on my top lashes, and smudged a little black kohl in the bottom corners of my eyes. I couldn’t say whether I ever bothered to moisturize, the only real “regime” I had was washing my face with a light organic scrub. Over the years, this evolved little by little. I discovered bronzing powder, which has become a daily necessity so that I don’t look overly pale, kohl pencil was replaced with liquid eyeliner on the eyelid, and a bit of luminous gold under the eye.
One thing I always shied away from though, were lipsticks. Finding the right shade seemed to always elude my many efforts, and for a time, I all but gave up. It wasn’t until I went to America two years ago that I finally committed to buying myself at least one lipstick during our many visits to MAC stores around the country. My first purchase was ‘viva glam’, a lipstick with a subtle shimmer, enough to have a slight sheen on my lips but not so shocking as a vibrant red would have been. A couple more lipstick purchases from MAC followed, but nothing of any significance, and those I purchased seemed to be reserved for those few days on which I actually remembered that I owned lipstick of some variety.
Over the last two months, that’s all changed. My lipstick collection is now bulging at the seams, thanks to some top ups from Fashion Week, PeadPR and a spree on StrawberryNET. In favor of sporadically using a lippie from MAC, my current (almost) daily go-to seems to alternate between L’Oreal and Clinique, a combination of punchy summertime brights and deep luscious reds. Since I appreciate a good beauty tip – as virtually any beauty knowledge is new knowledge to me – I thought I’d share with you what I’m currently loving.
Clinique Chubby sticks – Most Antipodean bloggers I know swear by these, stocking up big time on their frequent visits to Sephora while in the USA. I love that these are incredibly moisturising, and give your lip a subtle bit of colour, and their double duty as a lip liner. I’m currently using these in ‘chunky cherry’ and ‘super strawberry’
Clinique Long Last lipsticks – These lippies are virtually what convinced me that I needed to have more in my beauty box. My first, a collaboration between Clinique and Karen Walker which had a zingy tangerine hue to it, slicked on rather effortlessly and stayed on for hours and hours. No lip liner necessary, these were like Lipstick 101 for me. My two current favourites are ‘party red’ and ‘runway coral’, depending on the occasion.
L’Oreal ColorSensational – Definitely not for the wallflower, or for the girl whose afraid to put a bit of colour on her lips. What I love about these lipsticks is that they are incredibly moisturising, and the colour just seems to pop; such a quick and easy way to add a bit of brightness into what is often a dull winter day. I’ve been swapping between ‘vivid rose’ and ‘shocking coral’, as I can’t decide which one I like most. One has a pink toned base, the other, orange.
L’Oreal Infallible in ‘ravishing red’ & L’Oreal Color Riche in ‘intense plum’ – Pretty much my ideal winter lipsticks. Both glide on smoothly, with no need for lip liner and seldom require top ups through the day. Having spent a long time looking for the perfect red lipstick, ‘ravishing red’ has pretty much become my go-to, which considering I tend to find a lot of red lipsticks overpowering, says a lot. For days when I’m wearing a lot of black, which honestly is most days at the moment, I’m enjoying wearing the Color Riche ‘intense plum’ lipstick (for Brunettes), slightly gothic with its deep and rich berry tone. Like it would suggest, it seems to complement my dark hair perfectly, just as much as the pale tones of my face.
MAC – These have rather unfortunately slipped to the wayside, as I’ve found the lippies to be far more high maintenance than the others I own, which is a shame as my favourite berry hue is MAC’s ‘positively dashing’. In my experience, aside from the Lustre lippie in ‘viva glam’, these tended to dry out my lips rather quickly, and weren’t ideal if I was planning on a night out with the girls. Also, lip liner is totally required, and considering how low maintenance my beauty regime is, I haven’t really gotten that far..
While my experiences using lipstick isn’t as extensive as that of others, I find it doesn’t take long to find a product you like so much that it is almost like a second skin or an extension of yourself, akin to one of those morning rituals you can never seem to break.
A quick OOTD from earlier in the week, as I try to make the most of those few remaining “bare legs” days before winter hits. The minimalist aesthetic, aka “quiet luxury” seems to be making the rounds yet again, and given my own penchant for a pared back, simple outfit, I’m here for it.
This particular outfit is a reflection of the style references I’ve been saving recently. All black, with a contrasting skirt or trouser (and not necessarily in white – that’s just what I chose to wear this day). It’s a great way to highlight a piece, while adding some lightness to soften up an all black look. Which ultimately, can make you look a little washed out or be a bit too intense when the lingering remains of your summer tan have faded. You can also easily flip this concept on its head, wearing a singular colour for your top, outerwear piece and shoes, and reach for a black skirt or trouser. Matching your top to your shoes is technically bookending or sandwiching your outfit, which some days, we might not be “feeling” when we’re getting dressed. An alternate approach would be to consider how you’re blocking colour in your outfit. You might like to opt to reflect the same colour of your pants/skirt in your choice of shoe for more of an elongating effect.
Another point to note? Black tends to minimise whereas white tends to highlight. I have wider hips so you can see that instead of wearing a cropped jacket, the leather shirt falls below my bum helping to create a visual illusion which works in my favour. If you have narrow hips but want to highlight them to give you some shape, you might like to try this outfit with a shorter jacket that lands at or above your hip bone.
Checking in to share a quick example of layering when it’s still warm out. We tend to have a drawn out summer here in Sydney, so despite my desire to start layering on knitwear, trenches, scarves and the like, I’m usually still reaching for my denim shorts in mid-April. An easy way to do this though is to add on layers which still reveal some skin.
This sleeveless, munched up blazer is a good example of this. The bold shoulders create shape and have a bit of drama to them. Adding something to the overall silhouette. It also has a belt, which I’ve chosen not to wear here but an option if I want to think about building my outfit in thirds. Not to mention that it’s a deep midnight navy, so a subtle shift in hue from the faded black tone of the dress. As a “third” piece, it’s also reasonable flimsy; a quality I wouldn’t normally consider attractive, but hear me out. It’s breathable and has a soft structure to it (strong through the shoulders and tapered back through the body), so doesn’t add too much bulk or trap in additional heat.
Another easy option would be to look for a thin piece of knitwear. Perhaps something with a sheer quality, that can be tied over the shoulders, worn cross the body like a sash, or tied around the waist. Part of this helps to break up the outfit, and add in a point of difference. Something else for the eye to settle on.
Over the years, I’ve spoken at length about why I love the transitional seasons. Cross-pollinating your summer and winter wardrobes for the perfect blend. I tend to find it’s a good opportunity to get a true sense of which style favourites are more than just a seasonal crush. As in, which ones can be worn year round with a little layering or styling.
Not a new concept – and perhaps one I’ve mentioned in the past – but I was reflecting on how I tend to gravitate towards or favour colour during the summer. But eschew them in the winter. And I don’t think it could be better reflected in these two photo montages. My summer mood seems to punctuate crisp, fresh hues with bursts of colour. Blue, yellow, pink and green. The occasional pop of red brought in through my accessories.
Perhaps it’s a case of mood, and how warm weather makes you feel. Happy, bright, and light. Whereas in the winter, it’s moody, cold, and still. There’s a longing to be wrapped up in a cosy blanket, a feeling I often try to replicate in my outfit choices of the day (coatigans FTW). Colours tend to have a low saturation point, or devoid of any pigment at all. This monochrome grey look is case in point. Texture instead reigns supreme, and is at the heart of all my outfit-making decisions.
It has had me thinking about my seasonal wishlist. Or more specifically, the inspiration that will be a jumping off point for the months to come. There’s some pretty strong imagery that I’d like to reference, pairing bold colours like bright pink with a grounded khaki, or a punchy orange with a deep navy blue. I’m not sure how “loud” my interpretation of this will be, but am planning to start by shopping my wardrobe as a starting point. Mood board incoming….
