STYLE NOTES - Summer Stripes

As another Summer rolls around, a sense of fun and festivities fills the warmer air. Weekends call for more socialising, more entertaining and more reason to dress for the party season. So what do you wear to a weekend soiree where enjoyment is key, and style is more casual? A striped tee is a must in any wardrobe and is a great way to look up to date without having to try too hard.

STYLE NOTES - Introducing the Red Carmella Tote

STYLE NOTES - A spring in your step

STYLE NOTES - Winter Warmers

There’s nothing better than feeling warm and cosy in winter but it’s hard to do this without a good coat. And the best news is, you only need one. 

From the Stylist - Minimalist Monochrome

Monochrome: ‘a style developed or executed in black and white or in varying tones of only one colour’

Monochromatic black and white is more than just a season-in, season-out trend. There is no better example of how enduring a trend it is, than iconic fashion designers Coco Chanel and Carolina Herrera.  Always chic in her black Boucle Chanel suit and white blouse was Chanel and the gracious Herrera in her signature white shirt and black trousers (or vice versa) is the absolute height of elegance and sophistication.

Monochrome in black and white is one of the simplest, most stylish of looks to try whatever the year, and whatever your age, and never fails to gain attention when done well. Bright whites tempered with inky blacks can be used to create a truly bold statement.

How to wear it-

The fact that you probably already have a few black and white items hanging in your wardrobe makes a monochromatic look possibly one of the easiest of Autumn/Winter trends to execute. Another plus about monochromatic style is that is helps to slim and lengthen, visually making everything look longer and leaner.  And long after all the colored garments from the past seasons have faded into fashion’s oblivion, you will still be able to wear monochrome classics that stand the test of time.

Queen of Black and White - Carolina Herrera

SARAH CONNERS Carmella Shopper

Nicholas Kirkwood Elaphe heels

Bassike checkerboard leather top and pants

Our "From the stylist" tips come from Melbourne stylist and personal shopper Sally MacKinnon 

From the Stylist - Trans- Seasonal Dressing

The fashion seasons may well be moving full steam ahead into AW13, but whilst winter clothing fills the shelves of our favourite retailers, temperatures are still mild and unsettled for most of us. It’s the time of year that if you know how to take your favourite summer pieces and rework them to suit the changing climate, you’ll get more bang for your buck from your wardrobe.

The key to taking your summer pieces into the new season, without having to buy an entire new wardrobe, is having key staple pieces. These include blazers, dresses (silk tunics, wraps and shifts) silk shirt, jeans, ankle boots and scarves.

How to wear it-

A stylish and easy way to create a trans-seasonal outfit is to start with your favourite silk dress. 

Silk is a versatile fabric that can move you from summer to winter. 

Add a tailored blazer and roll the sleeves to the elbow to create a relaxed, contemporary style. 

Swap the pumps for a modern ankle boot, but keep the legs bare. 

Add a lightweight scarf if you require more warmth or alternatively some low denier black tights. 

And remember that your outfit doesn’t have to be too matchy-matchy; have fun with mixing patterns and textures.

Accessorise your transeasonal style with the SARAH CONNERS Tender Ines Satchel , Acne blue blazer, Rag & Bone grey boots and Palmers Coco Butter Self-Tanning Lotion.

Our "From the stylist" tips come from Melbourne stylist and personal shopper Sally MacKinnon 

From the Stylist: Cool Summer

Our very favourite stylist Sally Mackinnon is back with us in 2013 to share more of her practical style tips for every season. With a month left of the Australian Summer we are kicking off with tips to keep you looking great in the heat.

Summer calls for a more relaxed approach to dressing, but that doesn't have to mean thongs and sarongs. Whether you’re sunning poolside, watching the tennis courtside, or just enjoying any opportunity to be outdoors, high summer style can be both stylish and comfortable. Keeping our harsh sun in mind, it’s important to cover up to avoid looking like a lobster the following day.

How to wear it-

Choose natural fibres like cotton and linen that will breathe even if the temperature’s hot and you’re covered in a long sleeve or skirt. It’s a common myth that wearing black in hot weather will only attract the sunlight and make you feel hotter. The type of fabric you choose rather than the colour is more important. 

Accessorise your look with a sun hat. Fedoras are funky and minimalist, but if you’re looking for more coverage, opt for a floaty, wide brimmed sunhat.  And don’t forget the most important accessory, sunscreen.

Accessorise your cool summer style with the Sarah Conners canvas tote and Ray-Ban wayfarers.

Summer Cool

Boy. Band of Outsiders Cotton Shirt 

SARAH CONNERS Canvas Tote 

Cancer Council Sunscreen 

Classic Ray-ban Wayfarers

Eugenia Kim Fedora 

Habbot Silver Hamper Brogues

Our "From the stylist" tips come from Melbourne stylist and personal shopper Sally MacKinnon