Style Stalker: Jessica Stein

Assembling outfits that appear sophisticated yet youthful is always a tricky task, which explains why we have a serious style crush on Australian blogger Jessica Stein of Tuula Vintage. The subject of this month's Style Stalker melds the two looks with seeming ease for a unique style all her own, and her legions of fans would agree! Stein's blog is a spectacular fusion of both her insatiable wanderlust (recent destinations included Indonesia, Croatia, and Italy) and her love of clothes (her closet includes well-curated vintage and dazzling designer pieces). Though she's a relative newcomer to the blogosphere, if Stein's staggering number of Facebook fans is any indication, she's only just embarked on her rise to fashion blogger fame.

Stein's many ensembles range from preppy to feminine to glamorous, but no matter what she wears on any given day, she's consistent about maintaining a polished, streamlined aesthetic. That means no piled-on jewelry or excessive layers; rather, Stein exercises careful restraint in the accessories department, accenting her looks with only one or two statement pieces-a gleaming gold cuff here, a handheld vintage clutch there. Even though she embraces vibrant colors and lively prints, Stein's cool, minimalistic approach infuses each look with elegance beyond her years! For example, we particularly admire how she balances a flowing floral skirt featuring thigh-high splits with a solid white t-shirt and ladylike t-strap heels. The stunning result is an outfit that's fresh, not frivolous! Stein applies the same sartorial trick when she pairs a fun, fashion-forward dip-dye dress with gold jewelry and pointy-toe heels, again blending youthful and classic elements to achieve her trademark style. We also appreciate the blogger's sharp eye for clothes that will easily complement the rest of her wardrobe. As she adds to her growing collection, Stein snaps up pieces with interesting textures (allover sequins and delicate crochet) and a slew of floaty separates (her mint green Dion Lee tank and striped State of Georgia skirt). Most of all, we adore how Stein proudly reps several beloved Aussie-based labels like Zimmermann and Ellery, clearly proving that she hails from a land of likeminded stylish thinkers!

In between globetrotting and blogging, Stein found time to share details about several of her sleek, chic outfits, in addition to her favorite places to shop and most-visited fashion blogs. And if you're a new initiate into the Tuula Vintage fan club, as we are, check out the essentials that will help you score Stein's spot-on style.-Tiffany Tse

Outfit IDs

Give the nautical trend a fun twist in multicolored stripes.
H&M top; State of Georgia skirt; ASOS bag; Michael Kors watch.
Similar Essentials: Ann Taylor Cotton Georgette Yoke Shell ($50) in White; Jessica Simpson Striped Maxi Skirt ($49); Stella McCartney Deckchair-Striped Twill And Sateen Skirt ($1125); Cambridge Satchel Company 11" Orange Fluro Cracked leather Satchel ($179).

Pair bold jewelry with a sweet dress.
Ellery dress; Zara heels; ASOS cuff; YSL ring.
Similar Essentials: Proenza Schouler Voile Shirtdress ($895); Hive & Honey Solid Cuff Bracelet ($22); Citrine Large Cuff ($260); Delman Laci Pump ($250) in Black.

Sport head-to-toe color for a flattering look.
Dion Lee top; Zara jeans; 3.1 Phillip Lim handbag; Tony Bianco heels; Ellery sunglasses; Michael Kors watch.
Similar Essentials: Topshop Scallop Vest ($30); Sanctuary The Charmer Skinny Jeans ($139) in Mint; Milly Mina Leather Tote ($485) in Black; Giuseppe Zanotti Design pour Balmain High-heeled Sandals ($640); Topshop Plastic Square Sunglasses ($32); Nixon Monopoly Watch ($200).

Slip on a romantic cutout blouse that makes a statement.
Zimmermann blouse; Zara jeans and clutch; YSL ring.
Similar Essentials: Free People Free Love Tunic ($148); G-Star 3301 Skinny ($140); Alexis Hudson Miranda Sequin Clutch ($115) in Silver.

Balance vibrant color with monochrome pieces and accessories.
Magdelena Valevska top; Fleur Wood shorts; vintage clutch.
Similar Essentials: Ralph Lauren Black Label Vivian Silk-Habotai Top ($455); Trina Turk Cici Lace Short ($168); Madewell The Passenger Clutch ($78) in True Black.

Combine interesting textures, like a knit sweater and sequined skirt.
Sportsgirl sweater; Zara skirt; Zara heels; Sabo Skirt belt; Sportsgirl rings.
Similar Essentials: J.Crew Ribbed Cashmere Sweater ($250); Vince Sequin Skirt ($199); Michael Kors Belt ($125); Miu Miu Patent Leather T-Strap Slingback Platform Sandals ($695).

Tuck a t-shirt into a flowing maxi for a chic yet nonchalant vibe.
Zara top; Zimmermann skirt; ASOS clutch; Zara heels; YSL ring; Michael Kors watch.
Similar Essentials: Richard Nicoll Silk Crepe de Chine T-Shirt ($190); Lovers + Friends Love Stone Maxi Skirt ($128); American Apparel Leather Zip Clutch ($82) in Cream.

Q & A

Please describe your personal style in two sentences or less.
I think my style is about finding wearable and fun combinations of vintage, thrift, and labels. I love finding amazing one-of-a-kind pieces, and then paring them down with boutique or high street pieces to suit my 'less is more' approach.

How does the city you live in inspire your day-to-day style?
I live in a small coastal town north of Sydney, which isn't fashion-focused, but offers a laidback beach culture. I find most of my inspiration from traveling to cities like London, Berlin, or New York and adapting what I find there to everyday life.

List some of your favorite current trends and why you appreciate them/how you are wearing them.
Since I am quite tall at 5'11", I have been appreciating flat loafers for quite a while!

Who are some of your style icons and why?
I can't think of a style icon that has inspired me as much as my mum. Flicking through photos of her at my age, I see how she was always taking risks and having fun with it, but always dressing only for herself.

Name one go-to piece in your closet and why.
My 3.1 Phillip Lim handbag was an investment piece I purchased last year that I can't go a few days without. Apart from suiting nearly every outfit it is also sturdy enough to fit everything from a spare pair of heels to my laptop and camera.

List 5 of your favorite places to shop.
My favorite place to shop would either be Berlin's flea markets at Mauerpark or Paris' Kiliwatch vintage store. I also shop online at ASOS, or my favorite Australian labels Zimmermann & Sass and Bide.

List 5 of your fashion sites/blogs.
Personal favorite blogs by fellow Aussies are Oracle Fox, Studded Hearts, and Gary Pepper Vintage, which I read daily. I also love international blogs Man Repeller, Jak and Jil, and Style Bubble.