PLAY SUIT|ANIMAL PRINT CLOGS - I AM READY FOR SUMMER

Although the Antipodean summer has not officially arrived in Australia and the rest of Southern Hemisphere, it is better to be armed when it finally comes.

And this drawstring play suit in a soft drapery fabrication from Witchery is ideal for the Sydney life style.  Even though it is quite short in length, it is very versatile.  You will feel right at home wearing it to the beach and when you are ready to go out, it only takes to leave your Havaianas behind and swap them for some chunky heels (I opted for a pair of funky animal printed studded clogs by Kate Spade) and add the glitz of a few bangles and the city is yours for the night. 

I appreciate the soft pastel pattern which makes it suitable for almost all skin types.  It's light breezy fabric allows you to stay cool on the hottest day and look absolutely fabulous.

Play suit:  Witchery

Clogs:  Kate Spade

WHAT I WORE - A PRINTED SHEATH DRESS BY MARY KANTRANTZOU

The first time I set my eyes on MarY Katrantzou dresses, I was lost for words and that does not happen very often, let me tell you.  But this time I was absolutely mesmerised by the richness of the prints, by the juxtaposition of colours and textures, by the level of creativity and imagination.  Her collection of dresses was the most exciting among anything else hanging on the racks around me.

Sadly, I found that some of them were a tad too elaborate for my taste and even though they were absolutely beautiful, I knew that I could hardly wear them.  So I settled for a less grand but still totally adorable and hugely adaptable day dress. 

Since the digital print is the focal point of any of MarY Katrantzou creations, this symbol-laden "Julie" cotton printed sheath dress is no different - a simple non-dominant cut that allows the print to make an effortless statement.

Because my dress has such a strong pattern, it is very important to choose the right fashion accessories to create a look that is put-together without being visually overwhelming.  With that in mind, I chose a simple set of sterling silver earrings and a matching ring.

The same consideration should be given to the shoes and the handbag.  If in doubt, my suggestion is go for a nude or neutral colour shoes. 

If you are not sure what shoes to wear with the printed dress, use the colours in the print of your dress as a guide.  If you, like me, have a taste for strong bold colour combinations, choose the shoes in a complimentary colour to the dominant colour of your dress.  (Complimentary colours are any two colours which are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel.  They provide high contrast and reinforce each other brightness). 

Hence, my choice fell on a pair of playful low heel bright red shoes (green and red are complimentary colours) by Chloe, a matching purse and a smear of bright red lipstick to complete the look.

Linking with Fashion Should be Fun

HOW TO WEAR A KIMONO

I bought this kimono on a whim in one of the many shops in Tokyo’s Ginza district during our visit to Japan.  Well, of course, it is not a proper kimono per se but rather a simplified version of it designed especially for tourists.

 At first, I didn’t know what to do with it, it seemed to be quite in disaccord with my existing wardrobe and I was having difficulties to find a match for it.  So I just hang it in my cupboard and forgot all about it…..

Then, one day I was packing away my winter clothes I stumbled over the forgotten purchase; I put it on and absolutely loved it.  It was the right time for it, as soon I began to notice a presence of similar garments in many shop windows across Sydney.  That’s what probably evoked my memories about the kimono hanging in my cupboard.

Anyway, it is great peace of clothing, hugely adaptable, widely trans-seasonal, quite edgy and exhibits a lot of personal style and panache.

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK

I have always loved the colour orange.  It makes me feel happy, reminds me of the sunny days of summer and most importantly, it flatters my skin tone, as it does for other types, bringing a natural glow and radiance to the skin. 

I am often asked how to find what a particular colour matches with.  My advice is to look at the colour wheel.   As a rule, the colour in question is best to be paired with the colours that sit on the right and left of the colour in question.  These are called harmonious colours.  If you are after a strong contrast of colours and wish to create a dramatic statement, go for the colours that sit exactly on the opposite side on the colour wheel.  These are called complimentary colours.

Top: Simona

Skirt:  Zara (I wore it here)

Shoes:  Louis Vuitton (I wore it here)

Another way to enhance the beauty of this strong hue is to wear it together with similarly strong pattern such as with animal prints or with with a black and white motif and keep the accessories to a minimum.

And despite the fact that it was trendy a few years ago, I still love to wear my orange shirt or skirt and put on my shockingly bright orange Dolce & Gabanna sling backs.

Skirt:  Karen Millen
Top:  D&G
Shoes:  Dolce & Gabbana