Starts with a shirt dress...

...and a beautiful island called Moorea in French Polynesia.

It's been a few months since my hubby and I went on our belated honeymoon to the French Polynesian islands. With the mid-winter season yet to come, there's no better time than now to reminisce about warm breezes and azure waters. Packing for a winter getaway? Don't forget your shirt dress.

A classic shirt dress is the perfect piece for a warm destination. It's an ideal cover-up for breakfast (bathing suits are a huge restaurant no-no for me, unless you're eating on the beach) and when styled with a few dressy accessories, it can take you from the beach to a casual dinner in no time. As you may also recall, I'm also a strong advocate for multi-use items for efficient packing, so this trip was no different.

Moorea is truly one of the most beautiful and lush locations I've ever visited. While we were there, we had the opportunity to take an ATV tour around the island and if you ever get a chance to do so, I highly recommend it. It really was the best way to tour the island and take in some pretty life-changing views from the various mountain tops. Who would have thought a valley full of pineapple plants would take my breath away? The real highlight however, was our snorkelling trip with sharks and stingrays in the ocean. There is nothing quite as enthralling as standing in water while watching wild stingrays and black-tip reef sharks swim calmly around you.

I'm slowly but surely going through the rest of our photos, I can't wait to share these with you!

Shirt dress: J.Crew

Shoes: TKEES

Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch (old)

Starts with a faux fur scarf...

Things are definitely getting chilly. In place of a statement necklace this weekend, I opted for a statement neck-warmer instead.

I paired this wonderfully cosy accessory with an otherwise neutral outfit for a brisk afternoon stroll.

Sometimes cold-weather dressing can be tricky. How can one elevate outerwear and make seemingly repetitive ensembles look different day to day? After all, one can only own so many coats. 

One way I do this is to keep a small collection of  outerwear with pieces that are distinctively different from each other but still highly functional. I have a warm parka for extra frigid days, and three wool coats: one short, one medium-length, and one long. Each wool coat is also a different colour from the other and with a unique detail (like a funnel collar or leather trim). The varying lengths also ensure something for every occasion. 

This olive wool jacket for example, has a great oversized collar for extra warmth and frames the fur scarf nicely.

In addition, I use scarves and other accessories to dress-up or dress-down the coats, allowing for even more versatility. And don't forget about bags and boots! As I rule, I tend to not spend too much money on expensive winter boots, as I know inevitably they will get damaged by the salt and slush.   

For those of you in chilly climates - how do you combat winter outfit blahs?

Scarf: Zara (this year's version here)

Jacket: United Colors of Benetton (also loving this version here)

Top: Joe Fresh

Bottom: Abercrombie & Fitch

Belt: Gap

Boots: Expression by The Bay (similar here and splurge-worthy version here)

Starts with coral ruffles...

Was totally loving the flowy silk for an afternoon at the Distillery District. I kept everything else neutral so that the coral could really pop! I'm really into coral this summer!

Top: Aritzia blouse (also loving this version here), Abercrombie & Fitch sweater, TNA tank

Bottom: Free People

Bag: Prada

Shoes: Kors by Michael Kors

Jewellery: Hermes bracelet, Michael Kors watch, Tiffany & Co necklace

Starts with a silk black tank...

Happy weekend! I originally purchased this silk pocket tank with work in mind - perfect for layering underneath cardigans. However, this flowy staple was also perfect today for a lazy city stroll and good eats!

Top: Ann Taylor (old, loving this version here)

Bottom: J.Brand

Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Shoes: Tory Burch

Jewellery: Michael Kors, Hermes, Gap

Sunglasses: D&G

Starts with dressy shorts...

Add a silky blouse and a statement necklace...

My current obsession is the Azalea necklace from J.Crew. The detailing and weight are phenomenal for a costume piece and  it provides the perfect amount of "pop" for an otherwise neutral outfit. 

Close-up of the amazing detail on the necklace:

Only one more day until the weekend! Happy Thursday!

Blouse: J.Crew

Tank: TNA (similar here at an awesome price)

Bottom: Zara (old)

Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch

Bag: Chanel

Jewellery: J.Crew (currently sold out, also loving this one here), Hermes, Michael Kors

Shoes: Kors by Michael Kors

Image credit (Azalea necklace): J.Crew