Without a doubt, one of my first pit stops for a wardrobe update is David Jones. It’s always so convenient to be able to shop all my favourite brands in the one spot and to be able to try on the pieces I’ve been eyeing. As someone who generally doesn’t have too much time to pound the pavement hitting boutiques one by one, it’s without a doubt a time saving way to shop.
There’s always a really great edit at David Jones, so I’m always able to come away with a few different pieces that I love. On my mind right now is my spring/summer wardrobe and topping it up with a few key pieces to refresh existing pieces in my closet. Luckily the new season drops leave plenty to fall in love with. I always love shopping at this time of year as the collections are always so colourful and fun. I’m currently on the hunt for matching sets, printed dresses and wide leg pants to get me through the next few months, but also on my list are some casual shorts and some fun blouses. I can’t wait till we officially hit summer and we can officially transition to easy breezy dressing.
From Aje to Steele and Viktoria and Woods, here are a few of my favourite pieces from David Jones’ current online offering. Happy shopping!
I loved this look from a few weeks ago and realised I never posted on here, so here we are! I flew down to Melbourne for a David Jones show and knew I needed something elegant and dressy, and this Camilla and Marc dress came to mind. One thing I always take into account when planning an evening look is texture, as some fabrics are definitely made for dressy events. This navy stretch velour drapes beautifully, and the crushed effect changes the look of the dress according to the light I’m in. Perfection for an occasion that requires something a little extra. There’s also something about long sleeves for events that I really love. It always looks so polished and ultra chic. But of course, there has to be a hint of sexiness with any occasion dress, and in this instance it was the deep V neck, side cut-outs and tie straps. It’s the detail that can often make or break a dress.
I was channelling an old Hollywood screen siren with the vibe of this outfit, so naturally it was about soft curls and a deep side part when it came to my hairstyle. Accessories are of course key! So, I went for a pair of rhinestone drop earrings which added a bit of wow factor. I considered a few bags but went for this silver Jimmy Choo pouch. I liked the fact it was such an interesting silhouette for evening wear—there’s something slightly unexpected about such a relaxed style at night. Plus the rhinestones and silver worked well against the deep navy of the dress.
I went to two shows today, Oroton and Maggie Marilyn and it called for a day of embracing soft neutrals. Specifically this Isabel Marant look which is a great example of the beauty of elevated staples. This jacket with its puff sleeves and cinched tie waist is reminiscent of a safari jacket, but with softer lines, and feminine vibes. And all those details combined make for a jacket that’s wearable but with a little extra personality. And what better staple to pair it with than a pair of crisp white jeans? The neutral on white felt very fresh and I loved the fact its such a departure from the usual hues you’d expect on the first day of winter.
I always like to wear something from the brands whose shows I’m seeing and this time around, I zeroed in on this tan Oroton bag. It’s got such a beautiful structured silhouette which adds a bit of polish to the more relaxed silhouette of this outfit, and I could wear it clutch-like or throw it on over my shoulder which is perfect for a day with back to back events. It was then all about these white slingbacks from Bottega Veneta, and wearing white bottoms with white shoes I feel gives a nice elongated effect. And to top it off, gold oval-framed sunglasses to add a hint of playfulness to this look.
Credits: Jacket and jeans, Isabel Marant via David Jones; Shoes, Bottega Veneta; Bag, Oroton; Sunglasses, Ray Ban
It’s funny how much you don’t realise you miss something until you’re right there doing it again, and that’s exactly how it felt to be back watching a fashion show after a year of being away from it. I flew down to Melbourne this week to attend the David Jones Autumn/Winter 21 show and it was so exciting to be there, catching up with friends and colleagues, having the opportunity to check out upcoming trends, and just generally soaking up the atmosphere of being in the midst of something I love again. Plus the clothes had me compiling quite a lengthy mental shopping list!
I had the opportunity to wear this tan ribbed dress at the event, and it was so nice to be able to wear one of my favourite designers, Bianca Spender and get all glammed up. This dress is a jersey fabric, which usually I’d associate with casual wear, but this iteration was anything but. It was elegant, it was sexy and it was effortless in the way it draped. I truly loved wearing it, and the bonus was it was ultra comfortable too. The finishing details were also gorgeous, with the knotted detail at the front, the thigh split and the open detail at the back—oh, and the colour was right on trend. It was perfection.
To finish off the look, I opted for simple accessories. I went for my black Bottega Veneta heels and a white and gold Oroton clutch. I don’t think this particular look really required going too over the top with accessories; it was important to let the dress do all the talking.
I love championing Aussie labels, but even more so when its incredible designs has earned itself the title of Australia’s Best New Designer. ESSE Designs was awarded the prestigious title at this year’s Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival and I don’t doubt why. ESSE’s silhouettes are a mixture of classic tailoring given an edgy spin with crisp finishes or softer looks with ultra feminine details. It’s just the kind of brand that is perfect for spring/summer.
This set is a new season drop and it’s already the kind of thing that I want to bookmark for an event. It has an effortless feel to it, but the attention to detail and the flattering silhouette elevate it into something extra special. I’ve also already worn this pairing separately which has earned it a big tick in my book as I love being able to work separates into different looks. It also manages to soften black into something that has a summery feel but also maintains its polished vibe. We’ve already had a sneak peek at the warm weather in Sydney, and when outfits like this are on the horizon, I say summer can’t come soon enough.
Credits: Top and skirt, ESSE Studios at David Jones
Photography: Sophia Athas
This post was produced in collaboration with David Jones
It’s without a doubt Australia’s most luxe department store and if there’s ever a shop that has an above average chance of parting me with my money it’s David Jones. They stock all my fave overseas designers, the Sydney store has one of the best shoe departments in the country and it’s a great go-to for all the Aussie labels that I love. Narrowing this list down to 10 was really hard, but here are some gorgeous buys I think are definitely worth considering.
Every time I see this Aje dress it makes me smile. There’s something about that pop of pink and the sweet tie detail on the back that makes me just want to live in this ballerina-esque beauty.
Minimalist shoes are the style to have of late and this pair with its neutral tones and sleek design can easily work back with so many pieces. Definitely bookmark it.
I’m betting you’ve already mentally worn this to several different occasions? The cute polka dot print, the flattering ruching and the blouson sleeves all work beautifully together in this sweet, go anywhere dress.
A double breasted blazer is the kind of wardrobe staple that every woman needs. This would work well worn with jeans or a tailored trouser or worked back with a dress.
You know a bag is worth getting when the design returns season after season. I’ve always loved the bangle handle of this bag as it makes it look less utilitarian and slightly more of an ornamental piece of jewellery.
Black pumps never go astray in any woman’s wardrobe and this pair by Christian Louboutin is the kind of thing that can easily work with so many different looks.
If the LBD is not your thing then definitely consider the little white dress as an alternative. A white dress is easily dressed up or down and can be transformed with the right accessories, shoes and hairstyle. This silhouette is elegant and I guarantee you’ll want to return to it time and time again.
Nothing signals the beginning of spring/summer than a healthy dose of light, breezy looks and plenty of vibrant hues. I recently attended David Jones’ The Bright Night event at their newly refurbished flagship store in Sydney and the dress code was all about wearing colour.
Eventually I decided on a baby pink one shoulder top and skirt set by Ginger and Smart. I loved the hint of decolletage that the cut of the top gave, which I’ve always found to be really flattering. The three quarter balloon sleeves also added a on trend touch whilst the matching midi skirt gave a really polished vibe.
As I was wearing a single colour I wanted to add some punchy accessories to lift the look. So I decided on a pair of old favourites from my shoe collection, a leopard print pair of Tabitha Simmons pointed heels with multiple straps. I then finished off the look with a black Dior bag worn as a clutch (seriously one of the best investment bags I’ve bought as it’s so versatile). Now bring on spring/summer…
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Kate Waterhouse attends the David Jones SS19 Bright Night event at David Jones Elizabeth Street Store on September 04, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images for David Jones)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Kate Waterhouse attends the David Jones SS19 Bright Night event at David Jones Elizabeth Street Store on September 04, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images for David Jones)
One of the great things about attending Fashion Week every year is the neverending fashion inspiration. From the shows to all the insanely stylish people everywhere you look, there’s always someone or something to inspire a look or two.
I was so lucky to be invited to attend the shows of a few of my favourite designers so I was really spoilt for outfit ideas this year. From Dion Lee to Bec & Bridge and Carla Zampatti, I walked away from every show having sparked an idea for an ensemble or a beauty look. The great thing about seeing all the brands I love show their collections is that they’ve all got such different aesthetics so I find there’s always something to suit a particular event or occasion. From relaxed beachwear to glamorous event dresses and sharp tailoring for the office, I found that for every aspect of my wardrobe I had something new that I wanted to try. For someone who is time poor, I was also thrilled that I could find all the looks I wanted at David Jones, so I can jump aboard these trends with a single shopping trip.
Post-Fashion Week I’ve got a plethora of new outfits I want to do based on everything I saw, but these five in particular stuck out for me. Steal them for yourself, I guarantee your wardrobe will thank you for it.
Neutral colour blocking
I saw this look come down the runway at Aje and immediately bookmarked how elegant and strong an outfit was. Working beige and cream in the one ensemble could be boring but in this instance I think the colours work beautifully together. Offset by elevated details, I think this is a new way to work neutrals in a really striking way.
Aje’s neutral on neutral look
High waisted with a cropped top
Alice McCall’s show was full of fun looks but I particularly loved the one below. I was really into the high waisted pants worked back with a cropped statement top, which is such a good look for a party or event. You could easily take this outfit combination and wear it numerous ways by incorporating other cropped and high waisted pieces from your wardrobe.
Alice McCall’s show sparked plenty of ideas
Bold pants
Bec and Bridge’s 70s inspired collection (complete with shag pile runway!) was so much fun and I immediately gravitated towards these floral bell bottoms. I think paired with a great blouse, it looks sleek and contemporary but most of all has a playful touch that I really love. Also, I love the print on print—a definite way to add a bit of energy to a look.
These pants? So much fun!
Cropped jackets
Hansen and Gretel’s show was filled lots of relaxed, feminine pieces and the one thing it really inspired me to do is to embrace the cropped jacket. Whether worn on its own or as a layering piece, I think it’s an easy way to add a fresh update to an existing look.
Glam tailoring
Blazers are a go-to of mine and I wear them to events all the time. However this made me desperately want to own a sequinned jacket. It’s such a showstopper piece and will instantly elevate any after dark look.
This Carla Zampatti jacket is made for party season
Matching pairs
I’m not normally one for matching my entire outfit from head to toe but I spotted this look at the Thurley show and loved how it was a subtle take on a matchy look. The print on the dress was the same as the ankle ties and visually and sartorially it made a great pairing. I’m going to bookmark this ensemble as I think it’s a great way to play with accessories and have a cohesive theme flowing throughout. If you can’t find the exact same match head to toe you can always just incorporate the colours into your shoes to complete this look.
The Thurley show featured this gorgeous pairing between the outfit and accessories
Playful prints
I am all about a print but after seeing this oversized polka dot look at the Lee Mathews show I am making a point of incorporating it into more of my outfits. I also love the sheer blouse. Both paired together makes for a sophisticated look with a fun vibe.
Lee Mathews’ show incorporated plenty of fun, vibrant prints
Photography by: Sophia Athas, Hatrik
This post was produced in collaboration with David Jones
Such an exciting week this week! I was so thrilled to be able to announce that I am the ATC 2019 Autumn Racing ambassador. As Sydney racing has such a special place in my heart I’m particularly excited to be taking on this role. Plus as a bonus I was able to have Sophia and Grace join in on all the activity which is always great when you’re a working mum and are able to combine work and family.
While it was a busy week, it was great to be able to enjoy some down time with the girls, enjoying a walk on the beach and also a leisurely Sunday buying beautiful blooms.
