If there is one thing I struggle with in summer it's shoes!!! I am not a massive sandal girl, and prefer to find other chic options that compliment my style. 

Below are x3 shoes styles I'm obsessed with this summer and have on high rotation.

Enjoy x

1. The Slide (or Flat Mule)

The Slide is my number one go-to all year around. It's easy, timeless and compliments an array of outfits - dressy & casual. When investing in a flat mule - always go for a good quality leather. If you're like me, you will be wearing them A LOT and it's best to find a pair that will last you the distance. Shop my faves here

2. The Pump

The pump is a style that is often over looked, but is an absolute winner!! Pair pumps with your favourite denim & tee for a more casual look, or dress them up with a silk shirt & fitted skirt for evening. Either way - this style will elongate your legs for days and is always a classic fave of mine for the festive summer season. Shop my faves here

3. The Mule

The mule has earned it's place this year as being a shoe that's oh so easy & cool - they are literally perfect & practical for every occasion with their clean shape & a heel height that is comfortable to walk in all day. My go-to is to pair them back with casual high-waisted white or vintage blue boyfriend jeans, a statement belt & a white shirt or tee. Done! Dress it up with a touch of red lippy or killer earrings & a statement bag. Shop my favourites here

Photography by Hannah Roche 

Post sponsored by Sempre Di - shop the new season range here

Spring is well & truly here and our winter coats are packed away for another season. With unpredictable weather playing havoc with our weeks & that awkward mix of fresh mornings & hot days, it’s always good to have a few fail-safe outfits you can rely on. 

Read the full post on Vogue Australia here

Photography by Hannah Roche 

The blazer can go from statement to uniform depending on the day - here are four ways to wear the humble blazer.

Every girl needs at least one blazer in her wardrobe. It’s a timeless, fail-proof staple that will continue to be your best friend season after season.

From suiting up with a white tee and cigarette pants to getting girly with a soft dress silhouette and delicate accessories - the blazer is an essential that can be styled for every occasion. 

Read about my favourite four ways to style a blazer over here on Vogue Australia

I couldn't be prouder of my amazing friend Sara Donaldson who is the blogger behind Harper & Harley and new online store TheUNDONE.

Known for her signature minimalistic style, Sara always stays true to her relaxed chic black, white, grey philosophy both in fashion and her workspace! She is also one of the most hard working & dedicated people I know through and through. 

I visited Sara's amazing workspace & chatted to her about her biggest pinch me moments, what inspires her and the top three ways she organises her fast paced life. 

Name: Sara Donaldson

Occupation: Director and Buyer at TheUNDONE.com and Blogger at Harper and Harley

How it all began…

I’ve run Harper and Harley for 7 and a half years, starting while I was completing my Marketing degree and realised fashion was the direction I wanted to take my career in. Moving to Sydney at 21 I worked in firstly a large corporate environment that taught me incredible structures and procedures, before then moving to a smaller boutique business where I was able to learn all areas of a small company. After 5 years of blogging and the industry booming into what it is today, I decided to leave my Marketing and Sales career to take Harper and Harley full time. 

Biggest pinch me moment…

I’m always working on the next 3 projects at once, but the biggest and my proudest is The UNDONE, an online store based off Harper and Harley’s success. 

Biggest lesson I’ve learnt along the way…

Learn how to say no.

I’m inspired by…

My friends and colleagues who some of the hardest working and creative people in the industry. To carry the blogger title and earn people’s respect can be really difficult, but i’m fortunate to surround myself with those that deliver the very best content, pushing me to continually step up my own. 

Biggest piece of advice…

Follow your gut. always. 

Organised to me means….

Knowing what are the priorities are of the day, and if i’m lucky the priorities of the next few in front of me. I also feel organised when I can leave my work in the office and not take it home with me. This is a rarity but something i’m working on. 

The top 3 ways I organise my life are…

• Daily lists in a notebook 
• Electronic calendar is separated into the different areas of my life - personal, H&H, The UNDONE 
• Google docs are my new favourite for document sharing and updating. 

I can’t leave the house without…

Phone, wallet, keys, glasses

At the moment you’ll find the below on my desk… 

Computer, maybe even two! The UNDONE notebook created by An Organised Life, calculator, perfume, nail polish, foliage - likely a succulent or leafage, a concrete pencil holder, a coffee cup and one very messy in tray!

My workspace style is…

Mentally I work better with a clean work space. My inbox and life is quite busy and chaotic, so a tidy place to work is essential, although it can get out of hand very quickly. 

First thing I do when I get to the office is…

I check through my emails and make a list, working out the priorities to make sure I know which are more time sensitive so I can action them first. I have to split my page up between The UNDONE and Harper and Harley as i’m balancing both businesses, but its important to keep them separate to know whats going on in each area. 

FOLLOW theundone:

Instagram Here / Website Here 

FOLLOW HARPER & HARLEY:

Instagram Here / Website Here

PHOTOGRAPHY BY:

Hannah Roche

SHOP THE POST

ABOUT AN ORGANISED LIFE WITH...

Featuring a curated edit of inspiring people with amazing careers, we chat to them about how they organise their lives, what they are inspired by and what their essentials are at their work-spaces. And... of course, we go behind the scenes around their homes & offices to snap their creative & inspirational spaces. 

Recently I ventured back to my beloved New Zealand for a whirlwind 24-hour trip to Auckland. Although I lived in Auckland for five years during my time at university, I still feel an urge of excitement whenever I head back to the city of sails. The city has a really cool vibe at the moment with an array of new restaurants, shops and new developments taking flight. Click here to read my guide to the best of Auckland in 24-hours on Vogue Australia. 

Finding your inner beauty & confidence is something I personally believe is extremely important & valuable in life. Nowadays, with social media & the internet in general - it's easy to look at other people's lives and start to feel a bit down & out. Having strong values to reflect back on will help to put things into perspective, allowing you to achieve your goals, & feel great. Below are 5 ways I have found inner beauty & confidence personally...

1. LOOK FOR THE BEST IN A SITUATION

It may sound simple, but it's true. From a very young age, my mum always said to me to look for the positives in life or a situation. Sometimes it's easier said than done when you're in the moment, but it's much easier to learn, grow & move forward when you look at the positives rather than the negatives.  

2. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

One thing I have always been is realistic. Some may say that I am very hard on myself & my own worst critic, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Being honest has allowed me to push myself further & further. It is also my voice of reason when I am making business decisions. If I don't think I am prepared for something, I make sure I research & learn everything I possibly can until I feel confident with the situation at hand. Go with your gut & be honest at all times. It's confronting but you won't regret it in the long run. 

3. BE GRATEFUL  

No one's perfect! One way I have definitely found inner beauty & confidence is by being grateful for what I have. Focus on your strengths, know your weaknesses, & use these to your advantage. Be accepting of everyone - diversity is what makes life so interesting. 

4. CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESSES

Being the organised & nerdy person I am (haha!), I have always set goals - long term, short term, personal, career focused, financial & everything in between. Setting myself these goals has allowed me to grow as a person & as a brand, & has definitely allowed me to become more patient & confident. Good things take time, however when I finally reach one of my goals, no matter how big or small, it's the most amazing feeling & definitely lets my inner confidence glow & strengthen knowing all my hard work has paid off. Celebrate your successes - treat yourself to a dinner with the girls, or a beautiful new pearl ring or simply give yourself a night off to relax. You deserve it. 

5. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE

My final piece of advice I can give you is to surround yourself with positive, genuine & likeminded people who have strong values & vibrant personalities. For me it's my amazing family & close knit friend group. These are the people who are going to push you further, help you see the positives in a situation, & support you whenever you need it. These people are also the ones that will bring the best out in you, letting your inner beauty & confidence grow & shine. 

SHOP THE POST:

Kailis Pure Hoop Earrings / Surry Hills Bangle / Hope Diamond Ring

Photography by Nicole Cooper & Beck Wadworth

When it comes to organising myself in the mornings - I have my go to 5 minute beauty routine down to a fine art. Keeping my look super natural with a focus on brown tones & highlighting, below are my go to essentials I use (& why) in my morning beauty regime. 

1. The Base: Approx 1 min

I'm all about the 'Renewal Hope In A Jar' Face Moisturiser followed by MAC Face & Body Foundation. This foundation is literally so so light weight it gives you a natural glow which I love. 

Skin wise, my face is quite sensitive and unfortunately I am still prone to breakouts, especially when my stress levels get high. The Renewal Hope In A Jar is one of those moisturiser that has complimented my skin type - hydrating in a light weight form that doesn't clog up my pores. 

TIP: Make sure you moisturise your neck and decolletage as well. 

2. The Eyes: Approx 1 min 15 sec

If their is one thing I can't live without it's the Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil from MECCA! It the best combination of a brow powder, pencil & wax mixed into one. Touching up my brows is alway that one thing that makes my look feel complete & takes me approximately 45 sec! I always finish my brows by brushing them upwards with a clear gel to set them for the day. 

When it comes to my eyes I always go for brown toned MAC eyeshadows. This palette keeps my look natural but also opens up my eyes enough to give them a fresh day time look.  I have terribly short lashes but I do my best to pretend I have some! My go to mascara is the NARS Audacious Black Mascara

3. Highlight: Approx 1 min 15 sec

 NARS Bronzing Powder is a great way to give your day time look a bit of glow. I naturally have very pink / red skin and avoid blush at all costs but a bronzer is my best friend, especially for giving my round face & full cheeks a bit of definition!  

The MAC Mineralise Skinfinish is another favourite of mine I use daily to highlight the top of my cheekbones along with a small touch under the open edges of my brows. This definitely elevates my day-time look that little bit further to tackle the day ahead with confidence. 

Brush wise, I recently discovered the NARS Kabuki Brush and it's literally the perfect staple to carry with you in your handbag. It has so many uses and is a great tool for blush, bronzer or highlighter. 

4. Lips: Approx 30sec

I love an 'oh natural' lip and always opt for either Lucas Paw Paw lip balm (especially in Winter when my lips are really dry) otherwise I go with a natural shade lipstick from MAC. Personally my favourites are Syrup & Shanghai Spice.

5. Body: Approx 1 min

Finally for the finishing touch on my speedy morning routine, I always moisturise my arms and legs with the Grown Alchemist Mandarin and Rosemary Leaf Body Cream to keep my skin hydrated. Followed by a spritz or 2 of my favourite scent - my current obsessions are CK2 or Mui Mui!

And then... I'm good to go! 

NOTE:

From your face shape & your skin tone, to the way you like to do your makeup and the products you like to use, everyone is different! And thats what I love so much about beauty. 

Take the time to look at your face and trial focusing on different areas in order to create a signature look that makes you feel great & gives you that #girlboss confidence to attack the day ahead! Some of my friends opt for a winged eyeliner as their signature 'daytime' look, while other focus on an understated eye & a bolder brow or lip etc everyone is different!

Once you recognise your go-to look, make sure you have all the products you need and when you start to get low, re-stock before you physically run out! There is nothing worse than getting up in the morning to find out your brow pencil is completely gone! It leaves you feeling un-finished and flustered and is just generally a huge pain for your morning routine! Trust me - Ive been there and I had to desperately use one of my brown eye-shadows for 2 days until I had time to run to MECCA! Painful! 

xx

Make your escape.

It’s hard to believe that we are already well and truly into March of 2016! It feels like it was only yesterday that I was writing my New Year’s resolutions, and now we are a quarter of the way through the year and feeling as exhausted as ever! The good news… the long weekend is in sight and it’s the perfect excuse to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Read my full post on vogue.com.au here for a few tips on how to pack for your long weekend escape

Credits: Photography by Beck Wadworth & Nicole Cooper

#BossLady.

Just over two years ago I launched my own brand and blog An Organised Life. My brand was born out of the desire to create luxurious yet functional products and content, bringing organisation and structure into busy lives. I have learnt a lot along the way and still have a lot more to learn. It’s been the best and most challenging thing I have ever done. Visit Vogue Australia here to read my six simple steps to starting your own brand.

Photography by Nicole Cooper

Recently my life changed a lot, allowing me to have a little bit more extra time to run around from A to B, when I received my new Holden Astra GTC - in white of course!!! Wahoo!

In the past I have only ever owned x2 cars and both were Holden. It's a brand I have grown up with and always trusted, and I've loved watching their vehicles evolve over the years.  

Not only does the Holden Astra GTC fit my monochrome & minimalist style perfectly but it holds all the functional elements that every girl could ever need...

Below is a little snippet of what 'a day in the life of An Organised Life' looks like during the week, & why my new car is possibly my new best friend (carrying boxes of orders everyday was not fun!!) - hopefully this answers some of the questions that you have emailed through to me too xx

7.00AM: Wake up & check my diary and emails for the day - planning ahead is always essential for me. 

7.50AM: Grab a coffee & quinoa porridge from my local cafe BRU in North Bondi!

8.00AM: Fill the boot of my Holden Astra with my An Organised Life orders from the day before, as well as any outfit changes for events that night after work. 

NB: My other essentials I always have in my car include a phone charger, notebook & pen, baby wipes, lip balm & sunglasses!

8.00AM - 8.45AM: Drive from North Bondi to Alexandria (listening to Smooth FM the whole way!). 

9.00AM: My day at Bec & Bridge begins

12.30AM: Jump in my Holden Astra GTC and head down to my local post office to drop off all my An Organised Life Orders. I always check my emails & social media in my lunch break and reply to anything urgent. Every now and then I also dash off to attend meetings or coffee catch up for collaborations / projects I'm working on for An Organised Life. 

NB: I'm not going to lie the Nav & Beepers in my new car are life savers! I don't know what I did with out them previously! 

6.00pm: Finish up at Bec & Bridge and either head home or have a quick outfit change and venture to an event for An Organised Life. 

8.00pm: Arrive home in Bondi. Pack my An Organised Life online & stockist orders for the day, check & reply to my emails and work on new projects, designs, blog posts or prep & planning for upcoming shoots & collabs. 

11.30pm: Get ready for bed and set any alarms I need to for the following day. I always check the weather before I go to bed and get my outfit out ready for the next day too. It give me more time to relax in the morning and enjoy my coffee & drive.

SHOP THE LOOKS:

LOOK 1: Faithfull The Brand Top, Neuw Denim Skinny Jeans, Ray Ban Sunnies, Black Slides, Mon Purse Bowler Bag, An Organised Life Watch & Diary, The Essential Supply Belt

LOOK 2: MLM Stripe Top & Skirt, Sempre Di Heels, Celine Trio

Photography by Nicole Cooper

*Advertorial in collaborate with Holden Australia

 

Over the weekend, I hosted a girls' night in at Bondi Beach to celebrate the New Year and for my girl friends to experience the new Veuve Clicquot Rich Champagne!

Last August, I was lucky enough to travel to Paris & Reims with the Veuve Clicquot team to experience Rich for the very first time. A champagne that has been created to be mixed with ice and 6 ingredients - Cucumber, Capsicum, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Celery and Tea. I know it sounds crazy, but trust me all these flavours are delicious!

Below is a little guide to how to throw a girls' night in...

1. Pinterest Worthy Platters

So, one thing you probably don't know about me, is that I love to make platters! I am addicted to every platter favourite you can imagine; Cheese, Crackers, Olives, Berries - you name it! Whenever I host a girls night I always create an epic platter that looks & tastes amazing! One tip is don't be stingy - the bigger the better visually is always key and make sure you have a combination of gluten free & dairy free options too, so you can cater to all dietary requirements. My go to platter ingredients are below:

• Olives
• Blue Cheese & Brie 
• Water Crackers & a Gluten Free option
• Blueberries, Strawberries, Grapes & Sliced Pear (perfect with blue cheese) 
• Hummus 
• Dutch Salami & Prosciutto 

TIP: Pick seasonal fruits for your platters to keep the cost down & create variety

2. Set The Mood

Before the girls arrive make sure you set the scene so you don't have to stress later. Put ice in the wine buckets, chill your champagne, set your glasses up on the table, create a music playlist long enough to last the night, and create an area for everyone to fit comfortably. If you're wanting to host an outdoor event (like I did) make sure you have an inside plan B. I unfortunately had a HUGE storm hit 30mins into my girls night this weekend, luckily I was all set up inside just incase and we quickly moved everything with ease. 

3. Champagne Goodness

A girls night is never complete without a glass of champagne. One thing I love about Rich is that everyone, last night, could pick their own ingredient to mix with Rich & ice that suited their taste buds and personality. Some of the girls loved the sweeter flavours like the pineapple, another friend loved the taste of the tea, and I always go for the refreshing cucumber to start with. With such simple & accessible ingredients it really easy & fun to mix Rich at a girls night in. Definitely try it and let me know your favourite flavour! 

Enjoy x

Photography by Ana Suntay- Tanedo

Wearing: Acler & Holly Ryan Earrings

Location: Bondi Breaker Apartment via Contemporary Hotels 

To learn more about Veuve Clicquot Rich visit the website here

Last month our gal Talisa Sutton from Badlands Blog ventured to the big apple to attend New York Fashion Week. Known for her super chic style, Talisa accessorised her looks with the new An Organised Life personalised leather notebook that helped to keep her trip on point during the hustle & bustle that is NYFW. 

We chatted to Talisa about her New York highlights, essentials, must see spots & more...

1. What was your absolute highlight moment of NYFW?

Getting to shoot new season TOME straight off the runway! 

2. Favourite outfit you wore during the week?

A sheer lacy top layered underneath a black jumpsuit by Zimmermann - I loved this collection so it was amazing to be able to wear this look to their new season show.

I also sorted out my looks for the week once I landed in NY, making sure I had enough time to iron things and pick up and last minute pieces I needed to complete an outfit. I had very limited hanging space so at the end of each day, I would pack away the outfit I had worn and make room for the next look. I still wish I was as organised as you though!

3. What were your NYFW essentials?

Flat shoes! Bandaids, iced latte, Iphone + charger, camera and my notebook.

4. I know you love organisation as much as I do, how did you stay organised over NYFW?

I'm a big list maker, so I have my daily itinerary written in both my diary and my calendar which is synced to my phone. I wanted to make the most of my time in NY, so I had a notebook where I would jot down names and addresses of cafes or shops I wanted to visit, every time I got a break between shows I would check to see what was close by! 

5. Top 5 'must see' NY destinations you discovered on your trip?

The new Whitney (and The HighLine), Two Hands Cafe (great coffee and amazing avo toast + acai bowls), Vietnamese at An Choi, & Other Stories on Broadway (best t-shirts!) and Breakfast at Bluestone Collective Cafe.

Other old favourites are Moma, The Neue Gallery, Dudley's LES, Cafe Gitane and Barneys on Madison Ave.

Visit Talisa's Blog Badlands Here

Imagery by Talisa Sutton