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Rachel Gilbert

Fashion

What I wore this week

26th October, 2023

Getting dressed some weeks, I can clearly see a trend emerging and this week it was all about a monochrome colour palette. Some weeks, it’s easiest to just lean into colours that I know are guaranteed to work and black and white are two hues that are foolproof. I mixed and matched throughout the week, and it was all really effortless – I highly recommend when it’s a busy time and you just need to get dressed on autopilot. Here’s what I wore this week.

Love this Rachel Gilbert tee and it’s cheeky design which is raising funds for the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation. Also, the Anna Quan tailored pants are still going strong! I’ve worn these the last few weeks and can’t get enough of them. Great cut and fit and they go with everything. These Camilla and Marc slides with the shearling trim is such a great transeasonal shoe—I can keep my feet warm without overheating when the temperature gets warmer later in the day.

Credits: T-shirt, Rachel Gilbert; Pants, Anna Quan; Slides (similar here), Camilla and Marc

I technically packed this while I was away but didn’t manage to grab a pic this week but it’s so good I wanted to share it. It’s a such a simple, streamlined design and works well with heels and sandals so it’s a goodie for travel. I’ve had these Gucci slides for several years now and they’re always in rotation because they go with everything. A good one to keep in mind in case you’re on the look out for a splurge shoe.

Credits: Dress, Scanlan Theodore; Slides, Gucci

Keeping a look tonal is a great way to do a casual look outfit but with an elevated finish. These Viktoria and Woods jeans are a good wide leg cut that works with flats or heels or sneakers. They’re easily dressed up or down making them ultra wearable. Also, I shared this Joslin jumper in another post as part of a set but it works equally as well on its own.

Credits: Jumper, Joslin; Jeans, Viktoria and Woods; Sneakers, D.O.F; Bag, Strathberry

Another tonal look (and outing for the Anna Quan pants!) with this all black ensemble. I needed something dressy so these wide leg pants and top plus heels made for an easy outfit. Also, I’m loving the size of this quilted Chanel bag, it’s a good one for carrying my essentials but not overly big so I can wear it in place of a clutch to an event.

Credits: Top, Bec and Bridge; Pants, Anna Quan; Heels, Aquazzura; Bag, Chanel

 

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What I wore this week

17th August, 2023

It has been quite the busy week and my wardrobe has been sliding up and down the style spectrum, dressed up in a suit one minute and comfy casual the next. It’s always great to be able to rock different looks throughout the week, as it gives me the opportunity to roadtest new pieces and rework old favourites. This week I’ve been trying to make the most of my fave winter coats, as I know spring is just around the corner so it was all about a classic trench and my new fave teddy coat by Aje. Here’s what I wore this week.

A trench really is one of those wardrobe investments you’ll never regret. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve worn this coat since I got it. It’s easy to dress it up or down and it instantly adds an element of polish to an outfit. I love the long length, it adds a contemporary touch to a tried and tested outfit combination like denim and a white jumper.

Credits: Trench, Camilla and Marc; Sweater, Assembly Label; Jeans (similar here), Viktoria and Woods; Sneakers, DOF

This coat is ridiculously warm (it’s also on sale now – 40% off!) and it’s the next best thing to walking around with a blanket. I love a teddy coat as it adds a textural element to an outfit. I wore this coat back with neutral pieces, including my go-to white jeans which have been on high rotation recently. Paired back with a structured bag like my Fendi Peekaboo, this is my fave way to do casual dressing — comfy, but with polished touches.

Credits: Coat, Aje; Sweater, Witchery; Jeans (similar here), Viktoria and Woods; Sneakers, DOF; Bag, Fendi

I’m all about a suit these days and this Saba combination is the ideal berry shade to transition beautifully into spring. I often like to wear a suit jacket as a top, particularly when it’s double breasted as I feel it looks a bit more sleek and put together. Paired with tapered pants, this is a great event look that I know I’ll keep coming back to.

Credits: Jacket and pants, Saba; Headband, Avenue

Here’s a great example of how suiting can be done in different ways. Whereas the Saba suit was more form fitting, this one by Rachel Gilbert is all about an oversized, relaxed fit. I still employed the same styling principles, wearing the jacket as a top, but I think it just has a slightly cooler, more fashion forward vibe to it simply because of all the volume. Also, if you’re petite like me, definitely don’t shy away from embracing voluminous pieces as it can definitely look great, without overwhelming your frame. It’s just about having cinched in waist to add shape.

Credits: Jacket and pants, Rachel Gilbert; Necklace, Witchery; Bag, Chanel

 

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New season pieces I tried and loved from Rachel Gilbert

28th July, 2023

Checking out new season drops is always a fun exercise and it’s something I tend to do with my fave brands. I popped into Rachel Gilbert recently and was so impressed by the new collection. So many great dresses and some gorgeous tailored pieces that I’ve already earmarked for some occasions on the horizon. The selection was so good that I could’ve easily tried on the entire store, but these were the pieces that caught my eye…

Nino jacket and pant

It’s all about an oversized silhouette lately and this suit is right on trend. I love the double breasted jacket which could easily be worn separately with a pair of jeans. The pants would also look cute with a tank or tee.

 

Nova top and skirt

I can’t get enough of sets and this is a great option as it’s such a flattering silhouette. The long length strapless top and skirt is elegant and on point, and a great option for event wear.

 

Briggs jacket mini

This is a great work dress. I’d wear this to a meeting or an event. Love the asymmetrical hem and the long sleeves. Also I like the nod to suiting in the design.

 

Rue dress

I’m always on the look out for LBDs as they’re so versatile so this black dress definitely caught my eye. The simple 90s style slip silhouette feels very now and a big tick for the V cut out on the neckline and the thigh high split. I rate this as it’s the kind of dress that can be worn to different occasions and it doesn’t look immediately identifiable and is a bit of a style chameleon.

 

Ziara dress

The texture on this dress is just stunning! The plisse fabric adds some drama while the vibrant green just adds some vibrancy and fun. Also love the bell sleeves for making a statement.

 

Kalina dress

I wrote about this dress in a What I Wore as I loved it so much. The silhouette is simple but elevated by all the gorgeous texture achieved by the folds. The off the shoulder straps can also be worn higher up like I have, making it ultra versatile.

 

Rue mini

Since Barbie fever is upon us I felt this dress was very fitting for the occasion. I like the fun flared A-line skirt and the V neckline and spaghetti straps. A playful, flirty option for party season later in the year.

 

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What I Wore: The Bright Side

26th July, 2023

If I’m ever in need of an event look, there’s a handful of brands I consistently turn to and one of them is Rachel Gilbert. The Aussie brand has become a go-to over the years, consistently serving up look after look. I recently went in store to check out some new season pieces and immediately gravitated towards this dress. The chartreuse colour is so vibrant and buoyant and makes such a statement. Colour is always one of my favourite ways to elevate an outfit and a bold hue is always guaranteed to deliver.

I love the unfussy silhouette of this dress which makes it easy to wear to different occasions as you can dial the glam up or down according to where you’re going. To offset the simplicity of the shape are some great textural accents. The ruched taffeta gives the dress a sculptural effect with the various folds adding depth, while the gathered sleeves with an ever so dainty puff can be worn off the shoulder or on. All of this gives the dress personality without it looking over the top. I’m definitely bookmarking this look for event season!

Credits: Dress, Rachel Gilbert

Photography: Ashleigh Larden

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What I Wore: Kentucky Oaks

12th May, 2023

As one of the most iconic racing events in the world, I was so excited to be at Churchill Downs as a guest of the Kentucky Derby. I was thrilled to be attending Kentucky Oaks and also judging the Longines Fashion Contest. Kentucky Oaks was founded in 1875 and is the premier racing event for fillies in the US and takes place the day before the Kentucky Derby every year. Being able to attend such a historical event was such a fun experience, particularly as I was invited to judge the best looks of the day. Everyone really put forward their sartorial best with such a great array of outfits and headwear. I was also happy to see a few Aussie brands like Zimmermann and Aje amongst the sea of well-dressed ladies.

The dress code entailed incorporating pink into your outfit in an effort to drive awareness to the fight against breast cancer and ovarian cancer. I wanted to honour this while also embracing an Australian designer so I immediately gravitated towards this midi dress by Rachel Gilbert as the ideal option. It’s a quintessentially classic look and it also features a touch of pink in the floral motif. The beaded floral detail not only adds a feminine touch to the dress, it adds a beautiful flourish of colour which allows the crispness of the white to really pop.

Being on the petite side, I’m all for a pair of sky high heels so this pair by stylist Lana Wilkinson was a no-brainer. I liked the fact it continued the white colour palette, while the slimline profile and tie-up straps made for an elegant pairing with the dress. I considered a few different options in terms of the bag I was going to carry, but I eventually settled on the Jimmy Choo Micro Cloud clutch which features a delicate, oversized bow which I thought added a playful touch to this outfit. Headwear is of course a must for any racing event, and this fuchsia pillbox hat added a fun pop of colour while also honouring the dress code. Sometimes a little simplicity and elegance (and a touch of pink!) is all you really need for an outfit to make an impact.

Credits: Dress, Rachel Gilbert; Hat, Nerida Winter; Shoes, Lana Wilkinson; Bag, Jimmy Choo

This post was produced in collaboration with the Kentucky Derby

 

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What I Wore: Wanderluxe Mini Me Launch

2nd May, 2023

Despite being on the cusp of winter starting, Sydney has put on some truly beautiful days of late. The sunshine was in full swing at the launch of my new collaboration with Wanderluxe Sleepwear so I wanted to go for a look that was feminine with some lightness to it. This dress is a new season piece from Aussie brand Rachel Gilbert and it fit the brief perfectly. The maxi silhouette has a quiet elegance to it which was perfect being the host of the event. The floral print and the mixed colour palette of varying shades of blue gave the dress a lovely whimsical feel, but the clean lines of the collar and the billowy sleeves gave it some balance and avoided everything becoming too saccharine. I’m petite, so whenever there’s volume involved I always need an element that’s cinched in to avoid it overwhelming my frame so the matching waist tie with scallop detail was perfect.

I wanted a heel that was going to complement the dress so I knew it had to be something in white to pick up on the crispness of the dress. I decided on these Aje heels as the strappy design, not to mention the fact they were the ideal height, designated them to be the perfect shoe to finish off this look. The dress already had a lot of design touches that made it stand out, a shoe that was bold, yet not over the top was needed to avoid both elements competing against each other. Also, I love the fact I was able to support two of my fave Aussie brands, while also debuting a collection with a great Aussie small business.

Credits: Dress, Rachel Gilbert; Heels, Aje

 

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What I Wore: Feather Fun

6th April, 2023

When it comes to wedding attire I love to embrace playful, fun designs. It’s such a joyous occasion that it’s the perfect opportunity to wholly embrace vibrant hues, embellishments, and dramatic textures. So, when I knew a friend’s wedding was on the horizon I immediately bookmarked this Rachel Gilbert dress for the occasion. This dress features an elegant column design but is taken to the next level with the full length ruching. The texture gives it some depth and the gathered finish makes for a flattering silhouette. Also, sign me up for anything that involves bold finishes—particularly when it comes to feathers. The off the shoulder design is given an element of theatre with the fuchsia feather trim and achieves a beautifully constrasting textured effect against the ruching.

Outfits are all about balance and in this instance the boldness of the dress needed to be offset by simple accessories. Black is a no brainer as far as being a perfect complementary colour to pink, so I went for a black Miu Miu clutch that I’ve had for years. It’s proven itself to be a smart buy, because without fail, it will get an outing to several different occasions each year. I love the classic matelassè pattern on this Miu Miu bag plus it’s the ideal size to carry all my essentials, not to mention it also adds a glam touch with the ring embellishment. These two strap Giuseppe Zanotti heels are also a longtime fave and the streamlined design is the ideal counterpoint to such a statement-making outfit.

Credits: Dress, Rachel Gilbert; Bag (similar here), Miu Miu; Heels (similar here), Giuseppe Zanotti

 

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What I Wore: David Jones at Melbourne Fashion Festival

20th March, 2023

Throwback to this green dream at the David Jones runway show earlier in the month. I always make a point of wearing a designer available at David Jones whenever I attend one of their shows, and this time around it was all about Rachel Gilbert. I’ve worn her designs to several different occasions (a wedding, my mum’s birthday, the races… just to name a few) and love that each gown always has plenty of wow factor. In this instance it was all about this vibrant green hue. How gorgeous is it? Wearing colour is always one of my favourite ways to make a statement with my look. This hue is vivid and punchy, which made for a great option for an after dark event. The elegant long length silhouette is quite understated, but I love how the origami like folds add a touch of drama and also a textural element. Also who else is really loving one shoulder necklines? I’m a huge fan so it was another feature that drew me to this dress. It’s also perfect for summer dressing, particularly when it comes to balmy nights. Additionally I can’t resist a thigh high split for some added oomph!

When it comes to green, I always find either gold or black to be a great match when it comes to shoes and accessories. So in this instance I opted for my black Bottega Veneta heels and a jewelled black Miu Miu clutch to punctuate the look. When it comes to dress like this, I think a less is more approach to accessorising is key.

Credit: Dress, Rachel Gilbert; Heels, Bottega Veneta

Photography: Liz Sunshine

 

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What I Wore: Mum’s Surprise Birthday

13th September, 2022

We recently threw my mum a surprise birthday celebration and it was such an amazing night with my family. Mum had no idea and we picked up her up under the guise of going for a drive and grabbing coffee, but really we had booked a night at Crown Sydney and invited family and her closest friends for a dinner at Italian restaurant, Amare. Needless to say she was thoroughly surprised and I couldn’t think of a person more deserving of such a birthday celebration.

I wanted a great party dress for dinner and couldn’t look past the latest collection by Rachel Gilbert. I saw this mini dress and knew it would be perfect for the occasion. I love dresses that have a bit of a moment at the back and this design definitely delivered with the knotted back feature. The draping at the front is also elegant and I loved how it flared out into a halter neck with the wide straps. There’s also a subtle raised hem at the front which added an element of interest. The silhouette is also really flattering, and features internal boning which helps to streamline the shape. All in all, I highly recommend it if you’re looking for your next event look.

I wanted to keep things fairly simple with this look so opted for minimalist black Giuseppe Zanotti heels. The two-strap design blended seamlessly with the dress, while the crystal heel tied into the knotted feature at the back. I went for an up-do in this instance because when you have a bit of a showstopper detail at the back it has to be able to shine.

Credits: Dress, Rachel Gilbert; Heels (similar style here), Giuseppe Zanotti

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What I Wore: Party Pink

2nd August, 2022

This outfit from my time in London now seems like a lifetime ago, but it was such a fun party look I had to dedicate an outfit post to it. There’s something about the opportunity to get all dolled up while on holiday that’s extra special, even better when I get to fly the flag for an Aussie designer. I wore this to an event I was attending with my brother and sister-in-law and loved how feminine and party-ready it was. The gown is by Rachel Gilbert and is featured in their spring collection. The pastel pink hue is fun but what I loved most was the oversized ruffle detail. It was such a bold feature but had a lovely softness to it with its almost floral effect – it reminded me of the beautiful petals of a peony.

Of course with such a dress it’s all about considered accessories—pieces that will complement rather than overpower the dress. So I went with some sky high Jimmy Choo platform heels. With the metallic finish and the extra height, they were perfect for pairing with this gown. I also love the contrast between pink and red, so this garnet red Bulgari bag was the ideal piece to accompany me for the evening. The chain handle made it convenient to carry around but I could also wear it tucked under my arm like a clutch—a versatile detail that’s great for any event look.

Credits: Dress, Rachel Gilbert; Shoes, Jimmy Choo; Bag, Bulgari

Photography: Ashleigh Larden