This Stylish Thoughts post comes from Sydney (Australia) based blogger Jen Bishop of Interiors Addict.
What is the secret to great style?
Knowing what suits you, wearing it confidently and not being a slave to trends
What is the one thing you would spend a lot of money on?
Either the perfect pair of well-fitting, flattering jeans (I love 7 For All Mankind) or a well made classic handbag (Mulberry is my favourite ‘investment bag’ brand) as I’ll get a lot of wear out of either.
What is the one thing you wouldn’t spend a lot of money on?
Dresses, as I rarely wear them more than once (top tip: check out my friend’s online dress hire business Runway Dream:
What are your top tips for looking stylish when travelling?
Pack a mix and match wardrobe where lots of things work together, giving you maximum outfit options with less pieces. For me, that’s navy, white, denim and pops of red. I’m currently overseas for six months an this is working for me!
What’s the secret to looking polished?
Clean hair, lipstick, manicured nails and a classic navy blazer always smartens up a casual outfit.
What is your current obsession?
Navy, navy and more navy!
Do you have a signature piece or style?
I’m known for always wearing a bold lip, even on my wedding day.
What’s your secret to making yourself stand out?
A great piece of costume jewellery is always a talking point and can take an outfit from drab to fab!
What’s the best piece of style wisdom you’ve ever received?
Wear what suits you, not what’s ‘in’
What is your favourite current trend?
Layered fine jewellery
What’s your favourite short cut to style?
Lipstick will always make me look and feel better and it’s easy and quick!
What’s the worst current trend?
I’m really over peplum tops!
What are your favourite websites?
Garance Dore’s blog, Shopbop, The Outnet, Hair Romance, The Sartorialist, Asos, Decor8, Bright Bazaar, SF Girl by Bay.
How would you describe your personal style?
Smart casual classic.
Who are your style icons?
Ines de la Fressange, Olivia Palermo, Michelle Williams and Miranda Kerr.
Wow! The skin kept pale and the vibrant mouth really work well on Jen. Her look is ultra-feminine, with a touch of the aristocratic. In America where I am, I see a lot of naturally fair women who tan until they’re pumpkin-colored. (Bzzt, wrong!) They should take a page from Jen instead. I’m mesmerized by her porcelain skin and the exquisite delicacy of the total look.
I think the deep-toned lips draw attention not so much to themselves, as to her eye color. Not sure why that happens – maybe because the deep pinky red is one of the complimentary shades to blue? Anyway, it’s certainly effective.
Frilly necklines and lots of lace would have been one way to go with Jen’s kind of delicate beauty. She doesn’t do that, though, and the result is bracing. The fact that she chooses navy and not pink keeps the look striking rather than sugary.
I also love the way she lets one pair of funky earrings carry the whole look in the top photo. And she mixes and matches delicate fine jewelry with statement pieces – I’d never thought of that.
Fewer accessories is such a smart choice. It’s still a young, fun look, but there’s a hint of old-money — a nice option to have at your disposal even if you’re not going for that look every day.
And being as gorgeous as she is doesn’t hurt either. Loving this look and finding it inspirational. Thanks!