Minimalist fashion shopping and my go-to pieces

I am not the most fashionable person in the world - I often prioritise comfort (if I could live in activewear I would)... but there are a few key go-to pieces I've been reaching for when I have been out of my activewear.

Before I tell you about these though, want to know some of the minimalist tips I use when deciding what to buy or keep in my wardrobe?

ONE | Only buy what you truly love (and will wear)  #mariekondo #konmari

TWO | Will it go with at least 2 other items in my wardrobe? (this is why my wardrobe is mostly black, white and neutrals!)

THREE | Can I wear this more than once? (I LOVE items that I can wear over and over again)

And now, for my current go-to pieces!

Denim jacket

This denim jacket has been my go-to jacket for a while now! It’s the only denim jacket I own (and have ever owned). It’s from Decjuba. 

One of my best friends has this jacket and I borrowed it once and fell in love! I can even wear it with my activewear (winning!) And it says ‘fearless’ on the back – such an awesome reminder right?!

  

White cropped tee

This white cropped tee has been great to pair with high waisted pants and skirts. This tee is from Zara. I’ve worn it with different pants - the benefit of neutral colours is that they are way more versatile!

High waisted pants/trousers

This pair of high waisted pants is from Petal + Pup. It's a nice light pair that I've been loving! High waisted pants can also be dressed up or down, and are also super comfy! 

Other items I'm currently loving

I’ve been reaching for black jumpsuits a lot! This one is from Zara. So versatile as you can dress them up or down depending on the occasion.

Which item is your favourite? What is your go-to piece of clothing?

On-trend: Pants suit 3 ways

I have been admiring one of this season's biggest trends - the pantsuit. I love the monochromatic look and the feel of wearing a two-piece pantsuit - it's like the modern day power suit. Sophisticated, contemporary yet classic and of course a little masculine.

I wonder though, once the trend fades would I feel outdated wearing it and would it end up at the back of my closet? In black, of course, it would never date but what I particularly love about this trend is the monochromatic look so I decided to put my styling mind to work and put together 3 different looks with this stunning pantsuit from Forcast | Canberra Outlet, in my favourite Autumn colour - berry. 

Look 1 - On-trend

On its own, the pantsuit does not need a lot of styling to achieve the 'on-trend' look. As an ensemble, all it needs is a great pair of heels, polished hair and accessories and a chained crossbody bag - less is more.

This look provides a perfect alternative to a dress when you want to dress up or when you want to make a statement sans the dress.

Look 2 - Corporate

Depending on where you work, you probably wouldn't wear this pantsuit as an ensemble, unless you paired it with a corporate white shirt and maybe some loafers. However, I would be more inclined to break up the suit and team up the gorgeous collar-less blazer with a printed pencil skirt and knit. Perfect for autumn and the perfect outfit to add to your 9-5 range of wardrobe staples.

When choosing the perfect pencil skirt to match your blazer, go for a print or textured fabric (such as wool or crepe) as a contrast.

Look 3 - A night out

These pants have a great cut and are so slimming around the tummy area so why not flaunt them for your next night out with the girls (or date night!). They are the perfect alternative to your go-to pair of skinny jeans yet still easy enough to wear them with your fave 'going-out top'.

To take this look further and into winter - team it up with your fave faux fur - I mean who doesn't feel fabulous in fur? An instant confidence boost and the perfect match with your new pair of bottoms from your pantsuit.

|| Outfit breakdown ||  

Pantsuit, knit and pencil skirt:

Forcast | Canberra Outlet Centre

How would you make the most of your new pantsuit? What looks would you try to take this look from on-trend to staple?

Muse, words and styling by @sofiapolakstyle

Photography DJ @wearefoundau

This post was sponsored by Canberra Outlet Centre. If you would like to collaborate and have us to feature your brand please email us at stylists@thefashionvault.com.au

Happy 1st birthday to Canberra's ultimate beauty destination – The Beautique

Earlier this month, we celebrated the 1^st birthday of the Beautique by Jessica Peris – a stunning beauty destination in Franklin (Gungahlin). The luxe beauty and nail salon is the brainchild of local Canberran Jessica Peris.

If you haven’t heard of The Beautique before, it is not your typical beauty salon! It offers a range of services, specialising in nails, makeup, waxing, spray tans and skin treatments. 

The Beautique also supports local business, and you’ll find some of the most beautiful products there, ranging from vegan chocolates, marshmallows, decadent candles, prints, crystals and perfume oils.

But, it is ultimately a space that promotes creativity, empowerment and all round good vibes. Believe me, you will feel so uplifted as soon as you step inside. The relaxing and beautiful aesthetic, super friendly and attentive staff, and service which is second to none (with some of the most beautiful and intricate nail designs you’ll ever see!)

Jess first started The Beautique in her parent's garage back in 2011 and then opened her own home salon in 2013. And just over a year ago, opened up the Beautique in its current form!

The 1^st birthday celebration was divine! The day was jam packed with activities – face glittering, psychic/tarot readings, mini facials, wine yoga, balance dancing, goddess yoga, a piñata smash, giveaways and plenty of food and wine!

We spoke to Jess to find out a little bit about her and her beauty insights!

  

Evie: How did you get started in the beauty industry?

Jess: I’ve always loved and enjoyed art, and initially got into makeup when assisting a friend who was studying it. At the time I was completing a degree in communication and decided to learn how to do nails on the side - sort of by accident, but fell in love with the nail art component and all the endless possibilities of what you could create. I love making people feel good, so getting into all things beauty and wanting to learn how to provide more services just came naturally.

Evie: What is a tip you would give someone wanted to get started in the industry?

Jess: Study and work hard! If you want to be good at something, you can be - it’s as simple as that. It’s about skills, not talent, and it takes practice to develop.

Evie: What is your must have beauty item?

Jess: It’s so hard to pick one! I’d have to say moisturiser as my face and body will basically die without it! I’m currently using Dr Spiller’s Azulen cream for my face and love it.

Evie: Who is your beauty or style icon?

Jess: I can’t say I have one to be honest! I admire anyone who makes their mark in the industry and those where you can easily identify their work/style. I’ve always been a big fan of Lana Del Rey - I feel like her fashion and beauty style is so coherent with her music and persona.

Evie: What is your beauty mantra?

Jess: Always do you. If you are authentic and comfortable in your skin, you will be radiant.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | 96/235 Flemington Road, Franklin ACT 2913

Contact | 6101 8001 or hello@the-beautique.com.au

Website | www.thebeautique.com.au

Have you visited The Beautique? What's your favourite part of The Beautique experience?