In Sydney, we’re big believers in pretending winter doesn’t exist until the Antarctic southerly sets in and we are sitting in front of the heater cocooned in layers of blankets. As much as I’m thrilled to pretend I am a fearless explorer trapped in an avalanche when I need to go to bed in my thermals, during the day I like to make an effort to appear as though I still run my life based on something other than my body temperature. Enter: four jackets and coats that are both functional and fashionable.
The coloured coat
Most people think they should go for a black or neutral-hued coat, and while I believe that neutral coats are a necessary part of an adult woman’s wardrobe, I can’t tell you how much I wear my coloured coats too. They brighten up gloomy days and look perfect over neutrals.
Above: Tanja wears a Max Mara coat, Dior sunglasses, Mulberry top, pants and bag, Dion Lee skirt, Balenciaga mules.
The weekend denim
Weekends are the perfect opportunity to get cosy and comfortable. It’s usually all about denim and sweatshirts for me. It may be too cold in winter for a denim jacket, but this one above is lined with shearling. Another winter dressing hack I love is that I started collecting coloured leather pants and leggings that I layer under skirts and dresses.
Above: Tanja wears a Levi’s shearling denim jacket, P.E nation top, Bassike pants, All Birds sneakers, YSL bag.
The classic trench
The trench is like the turtleneck of the coat world – throw it on with anything and it transforms you into a sophisticated woman.
Above: Tanja wears a Camilla and Marc trench coat, Rebecca Valance top, Anna Quan dress, vintage fishnets, YSL sandals.
The perfect puffer
A puffer will get you anywhere these days – wear it over denim, suiting or evening wear. Did I mention a skirt over pants is totally a thing now? Get those layers working to your advantage.
Above: Tanja wears Dion Lee layered tops, Vetements skirt from The Outnet, Romance Was Born pants, Christopher Kane sandals, Valet earring.
This story originally appeared on vogue.com.au
This month I had a chance to travel to Andalusia, the southern part of Spain where citrus trees line city streets and parks, Muslim and Christian heritage coexist in the most marvelous ways, tapas is the name of the game and flamenco passion ignites long Mediterranean nights. With a few days spare before my work obligations, I landed with no idea what to expect. I thought I’d see one or two places, shoot an autumn trends story, then laze by the pool and read some books but an upgrade to a sports car at the airport changed all that. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with wanderlust and ended up changing towns like knickers instead. Olé!
Florals in winter are all the rage. Don’t forget your headband, hair clip or scrunchie (Rebecca Valance dress, Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, Avenue the label hairclip and scrunchie, Karen Walker earrings)
This autumn , beige it out. Any shade of neutral is a go and head to toe looks get bonus points. Layering is a huge trend, so get creative.( Max Mara overcoat, Nique coat, Rama Voyage shirt, Hansen and Gretel pants,Gucci bag, Jennifer Chamandi shoes from Net-a-Porter)
MALAGA: Land here and wonder where all the fancy shops and restaurants are – they’re half an hour’s drive down in Marbella, the beach resort playground. Still give Malaga a chance for the night and hit the Picasso museum (he was born there) then see the palatial fortification of Alcazaba for sunset- the beautiful gardens are something else.
I’m a big believer in leopard print being a neutral necessity and I’m glad designers agree. All animal print is good this season, especially zebra. Layer for impact, it’s never enough (Carla Zampatti coat, Rebecca Valance dress, Maria Farro sandals)
NERJA: Even out of season this bustling beachside town is all tiny old streets,incredible sunrises and sunsets, cute beaches, fresh seafood and clean surf. Rent an apartment to live like a local and check out Maro’s beach and the next two coves around it for the most beautiful swims – the trek by organic farms is worth it
Who says white is only for summer? Parisian designers just showed a plethora of winter whites for autumn 2020 ( Zimmermann dress, Sir The Label pants, Gianvitto Rossi Shoes )
GRANADA: Stay at the old glory of Hotel Alhambra Palace for the best views of the town and the short walk to the UNESCO listed Alhambra palace and fortress. It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever been to. Follow it up with a tajine at one of the many Moroccan restaurants
One shouldered tops and dresses are back, so are lace inserts, pants under dresses, checks, plaid and tartan (Max Mara coat, Christopher Esber dress, Ginger and Smart pants,Antonio Parriego boots)
CORDOBA: Possibly my favourite place of all with it’s gorgeous town, walled mosque with a Christian cathedral inside, the biggest old hammam in Europe, a stunning palace and medina. Check out the flamenco at Arte y Sabores for an unforgettable experience.
It’s all about print- psychadelic,tie dye,floral or all at once? Take your pick. Oversize shoulders are a must and you’re not dressed without a hat (Romance was Born dress, Christian Louboutin boots, vintage hat)
SEVILLE: Oh how I loved this place. Stay at the grand old hotel Alfonzo XII and the majestic Alcazar palace and gardens are just two blocks away. The city hums with it’s own beat and horse drawn carriages lining the streets add a romantic feel
Self shot using a Nikon camera
This story appeared on Vogue.com.au here!
Fashion has been morphing so much the last few years that no one decade has precedent anymore. This season, the 80s are entering centre stage, early 90s are all the rage, the 70s is still going strong, sports luxe has stretched its tendrils into evening wear, the rock and roll chick has gone into Samantha Fox territory and all things lurex have taken charge.
As Vetements predicted fashion is now all about diversity in taste, age, gender and style. It is no longer taboo to mix up pieces that don’t belong together — we just witnessed the trend of mixing puffer jackets with cocktail dresses, remember? Here, we investigate the highlights and must-have trends of the season and how to wear them now.
Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses from Sunglass Hut, Max Mara crop top, Gucci belt, Rolla’s jeans, Isabel Marant boots, Ellery jacket, stylist own vintage earrings
Choose high waisted, slightly cropped, carrot shaped jeans in stiff denim this season - this shape is surprisingly flattering across all body sizes. Boots are either cone shaped in the heel department and wide in the ankle or socked and pointy with a stiletto heel– choose your poison. An updated motorcycle jacket will get you through everything – oversize,studded, embroidered; fancy is the new norm.
Hermés pants and jacket, Calvin Klein swimsuit, Givenchy slides, stylist’s own vintage earrings
Embrace your new comfort zone in wide legged pants that can be worn for any occasion and are sure to become the antithesis to the legging. Slides continue their reign as the ultimate chilled shoe.
Sportsmax jumpsuit, Balmain slides from Farfetch, Dior bag, Max Mara jacket, Bvlgari Serpenti necklace
Sports luxe has grown up, so choose across a wide array of applicable items including stirruped 80s exercise pants worn with heels, puffer jackets worn with everything, tricked up slides and jumpsuits that belong in the disco.
Don’t be aftraid of OTT jewellery this season, it can go with everything any time. The bigger and flashier the better, whether it is across ear cuffs or drop earrings.
Rue Stiic jacket, Interval top, Prada skirt, Gianvitto Rossi booties, Ray Ban sunglasses, stylist’s own earrings
Don’t give up on your army greens – khaki is set to stick around for a while. Pick out an oversized jacket, then drape it over your nighttime or daytime look.
Styled by Tanja Gacic of My Empirical Life
Photographed by Alice Wesley-Smith
Hair and Make up by Claire Thomson
Model: Stephanie Joy Field from Chic
This post originally appeared on vogue.com.au!
Suits may have been invented for men but women have appropriated the codes since the beginning of the last century – Coco Chanel made her own version in 1914, Marlene Dietrich made the tuxedo famous, Pachucas women wore zoot suits as an expression of their strenght and feminism while Katherine Hepburn and Kim Novak pushed it to the forefront of the feminine psyche. Yves Saint Laurent made a formal tuxedo “Le Smoking” look more appealing than a dress, hit show “Dynasty” repeatedly conveyed women’s power with skirt suits and Grace Jones and Madonna made a tuxedo look not only sexy but rock n’roll iconic.
These days a well cut suit is an essential in a women’s wardrobe and represents an investment well spent: not only does it impart a sharp impact when worn together but presents multiple usages when worn as separates. This season, play with new codes and accessories for an updated take on the mainstay staple.
Above : Exaggerate proportions for maximum impact – oversized pants are all the rage this season, romantic ruffles add drama while silver detailing offsets grey tones ( Ellery suit, Swarovski necklace )
Choose an oversized jacket paired with ankle grazing pants for a look that’s both 90s elegance and punk rock cool, then add accessories that offset the look while enhancing it’s feminine and masculine qualities.A pair of beautiful loafers will not only match your suit but come in very handy for all those floral dresses in the upcoming season ( Toni Maticevski suit, Stella Mccartney lace bra from Net-a-Porter, Lack of Colours hat , Gucci loafers )
This season, eccentricities reign supreme but a floral strewn suit in the right designer’s hands becomes a well cut forever piece. Bonus points on breathable fabric that cools the body in the sun and ankle zips that make it wearable in 2 ways. ( Max Mara suit, Giuseppe Zanotti pumps )
Pair it back with a beautiful silk tank top and simple jewelry ( Lover top, Cartier Love bracelet, Thomas Saboo Love bridge bracelet )
Photographed by Alice Wesley- Smith
See the full story up on vogue.com.au here !
This season take on the subversive allure of silky lace and sharp tailoring for a femme fatale Parisian charm that is always en vogue.
1. L’oreal Paris Preference Glam Lights comes in a variety of shades because the look of bronde is je ne sais pas nonchalance. Bronde means easy sun kissed lightening and unintentionally perfect highlights across brunette, blonde and caramel base tones. Beautifully multidimensional customisable colour at your fingertips is the new trend du jour. (selection of shades now available from the L’oreal Preference Glam Lights range)
2. Evoking floral undertones with heady spices is the easy way to an alluring Spring ( Tom Ford’s Santal Blush)
3. Match your mannish, tailored suit with delicate silk underwear for the perfect mix of business woman and seductress ( Agent Provocateur lingerie)
4. Sharp tailoring requires timeless accessories ( Hermes Collier de Chiens cuff )
5. Shoes can speak volumes about an outfit. Spike your suit with pointy heels and red python ( mules from Christian Louboutin)
6. A camel coat is forever. This season play on texture as a focal point but stay mindful of forever piece potential of perfect tailoring ( Max Mara alpaca coat )
Pink is a more contentuous colour than any other; some love it, some hate it but most are shrug–the–shoulders ambiguous about it. Most don’t really mind it but when there is a perfectly good non-pink palette of colours out there to choose from most will give it a wide berth. To me it evokes childhood memories of spun sugar coloured starched frilly dresses, sherbet hued bunny rabbits and sparkly fuchsia tiaras - all things I vehemently disliked as uncool.
Since I was a tomboy, pink only crept into my life around 18, when I developed an obsession with the 80s. Living in the East Village of New York City listening to punk rock and early electronic music while vintage shopping Patti Smith and Blondie sartorial references, pink came in as a sash here and Nars Schiap lipstick there - gateways that led to a patent kitten heel and then full blown crystal encrusted bodycon worn with a military jacket . Slowly my perception of the colour changed until it became a hue that akin to red gets one noticed.
This season, pink plays on the 70s with dusks and dirty pinks, paired against browns, floral prints, or traffic-stopping brights.
Above: Long sleeves and a covered up decolletage balance this dress out perfectly with its mini length in an outrageously decadent pink. Alex Perry dress, Gianvito Rossi sandals and Alexander McQueen clutch from Miss Louise.
Balance out a pretty dress with studs and flat, mannish sandals. Balenciaga dress and Valentino bag from Cosette and Coach sandals.
Choose dusky pinks when pairing with suede and browns then add a brighter coloured accessory for a touch of unexpected pop. Lover bra and shirt, Frame Denim culottes from Edward Imports, Max Mara bag, Mania Mania crystal necklace and vintage Prada sandals.
Pale pink doesn’t need to be sweet – it is a modern shade that plays well with neutrals and monochrome. Nicholas skirt, Gary Bigeni top and Chloe wedges
Photographed by Alice Wesley-Smith
Choosing eveningwear can be tricky – I never know if I should buy something basic that I will wear again and again or something that takes my breath away. In the end, it is always the heart stoppers that win my inner debate. Why? Because these pieces hold the power to make me feel something when I wear them; excited, beautiful, sexy, fun – something my basics will never do. In my mind evoking that feeling and attaching it to the outfit makes that garment something of a superhero suit – each time I put that particular dress on in the future (be it in five months or five years) I start feeling the same giddy excitement that gets me in the mood to shimmy.
Ochre is one of the standout colours of the season – this pleated silk dress is perfect with heels or flats, cinched in or loose. Tome dress and Aquazurra sandals.
A dress that has off the shoulder allure, sexy cut outs and shimmer going for it is certainly dance floor ready. Maticevski dress.
Let the enduring allure of camel dress up your dinner. This piece gets easy sensuality with its sweetheart neckline and demure pencil skirt length. Max Mara dress, Camilla and Marc jacket, Lack of Colours hat, Cartier bracelet and Tiffany & Co bracelet worn throughout.
View more looks and the rest of the story up on vogue.com.au here!
Photographed by Kasia Werstak
Sydney has been bathing in sunshine lately and even though the nights are close to freezing ,the days have been gorgeously mild. Which suits me perfectly because there is a lot of desperate tan preservation going on at the moment. I'd like to say that I can go pale and interesting, but in reality, my Croatian olive skin just kind of goes yellow in the winter, which is neither english rose pretty nor in any way vampire interesting, in fact it's more jaundice than anything. Ofcourse, being sun kissed also makes you look a bit healthier, which is always a bonus when you are sampling natural wine at Icebergs the night before a shoot. Not that that's what happened here (ahem)!
Anyway, I am bringing back the Look of the day section because I feel like there is so many outfits I wear that my readers only really get a one dimensional look at through Instagram - this way I can show you all the details in more pictures. This particular look is perfectly suited to leisurely weekend lunches while staying 70s inspired...
I love the timelessness of my Sportsmax shirtdress and it's gorgeous reddish orange hue. The coat, by Viktoria + Woods is light, yet warm and enveloping in a cocoon sort of way. It double ups as a blanket, cape or my cat Tiger's favorite place to sleep (whether or not I am in it). My sunglasses are reflective Miu Mius, my bracelets are Petite Grand and my shoes and bag are from Coach
Shot by Alice Wesley Smith
