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Westfield

Shop, What I Wore

What I Wore: Winter Wonderland

6th July, 2016

Photo 17-06-2016, 10 31 03 AM (1)

I love winter fashion as it’s all about layering, luxe fabrics and keeping cosy which is great as I am getting close to the end of my pregnancy and comfort is now definitely key. I have found anything loose now looks too bulky on my frame so more figure-hugging, body con dresses have been my saviour. I particularly loved this Fifth the Label ribbed dress from General Pants as I love wearing soft, neutral tones in winter because I think it’s easy to get carried away with wearing all black so it’s nice to break it up and wear some colour without wearing anything overly bright. This long-sleeved dress has some nice cut-out detail at the elbows and an asymmetrical hemline which gives it a definite point of difference. Plus it’s budget-friendly too!

Coats are obviously a necessity during the cooler months but as a bonus it’s great for throwing on over outfits when you’re pregnant. Wearing a coat gives you a really nice shape while keeping you warm, plus when wearing figure-hugging dresses I can sometimes feel uncomfortable wearing it on its own so coats are great for hiding everything away! Most winter coats tend to be black, navy, grey or camel so I think this Witchery coat stands out due to the beautiful soft beige colour.

Being eight months pregnant I’ve practically been living in flats so white sneakers like this pair from Witchery have become my trusty go-to. They’re very of-the-moment and are perfect for when I have a busy day of appointments or errands and need to have comfy footwear on. I am still loving backpacks as a great alternative to a handbag. It keeps my hands free (perfect for when I’m with Sophia) and it’s definitely easier to carry around than a heavy bag. The ash grey colour of this woven Country Road backpack definitely suits the season and provides a nice contrast to the rest of the neutral tones in my outfit.

P.S. As any mum-to-be knows when faced with an ever diminishing range of wardrobe options knows trawling the stores to update your wardrobe can be an exhausting prospect so I had a winning shopping moment when I realised I could shop all my favourite chain store brands at westfield.com.au without having to spend hours visiting various individual sites online. So believe it or not I actually managed to pull together the above outfit when I had a small window of time up my sleeve. I’m all about ways to save time and being super efficient these days so this was a pleasing discovery.

Photo 17-06-2016, 10 30 51 AM

Photo 17-06-2016, 10 30 50 AM

Photo 17-06-2016, 10 30 41 AM

Photo 17-06-2016, 10 27 43 AM Photo 17-06-2016, 10 27 08 AM Photo 17-06-2016, 10 26 18 AM

Credits: Coat, Witchery; Dress, General Pants; Sneakers, Witchery; Backpack; Country Road

Photography: Sophia Athas 

Beauty, Date with Kate, Fashion

Date with Kate: Lara Worthington

1st November, 2015
breakfast with Lara.

breakfast with Lara.

Lara Worthington, nee Bingle, is back in Sydney with husband Sam Worthington and their six-month-old boy, Rocket, as she steps back into the spotlight as a style ambassador for Westfield and as a guest of the Bazaar in Bloom charity event. Lara, 28, talks to me about being a new mum, her business The Base, “relentless” paparazzi and what she does for fun.

What is a day in the life of you?

No two days are the same … It’s almost like controlled chaos and every day I’m learning something new … I try to juggle things the best I can.

What are you doing back in Australia?

I’m back as the style ambassador for Westfield. The campaign really resonated with me and felt like a good fit … It’s all about being yourself and being comfortable with who you are, and not trying to be like anyone else. “Today I Am” … is a positive message and I felt like it was a good alignment with where I’m at with my life today.

What are you working on at the moment?

Being a mum! It’s a full-time job. I’m also working on expanding my self-tanning and beauty brand, The Base.

Tell me about The Base.

I wanted to create products that I use every day … I’m all about simplicity, so it made sense to create uncomplicated, minimalistic products to enhance natural beauty, rather than cover it up. I created the products as a woman knowing what I wanted to use… after being in the industry for over a decade and having hundreds of products applied to my face and body … I also wanted to get into the business and learn – everything from packaging, warehousing, product development, marketing and the back end of the website; I know every sale that goes through, and I run all of the social media so I can have the interaction with my customers.

With so many tanning products on the market, what makes The Base unique?

The tone and smell… I worked really carefully with my formulators on getting the right golden/olive tone… Many self-tanners can be orange. We also have The LB Cream – it’s my must-have product to use every day, especially since having Rocket, there is literally no time, as I’m sure you will agree – [so] it’s a multipurpose cream … We’ve just launched two new LB creams, so there are now four shades. I have two limited-edition Lip2Cheek shades coming out and a really clever universal bronzer that will be launched towards the end of November … For me, it’s about consolidating the brand for the next few months, doing some more market research and continuing to connect with my customers.

Tell me about your involvement in The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation’s Bazaar in Bloom charity?

I shot the November cover for Harper’s Bazaar and during my interview with Kellie Hush, she mentioned Bazaar in Bloom – a charity event she was working on to raise money for The Royal Hospital for Women. Each year the money raised will go towards improving services and developing further research that will benefit women from all over Australia. This year the money raised will go towards a world-class fertility research centre. I think it’s important to be able to give back and help raise awareness.

Why are you passionate about this cause?

I guess as a new mother, I now appreciate what a gift it is to be able to conceive naturally. To be able to support other women trying to fulfil their dreams of becoming mothers really connects with me. I have friends that have had to use IVF to conceive and it can be an emotional and expensive process … The Fertility Research Centre will be Australia’s first holistic centre offering IVF and assisted-reproduction services to all patients, regardless of socio-economic status. The Royal Hospital for Women also saves lives every day of babies born with life-threatening illnesses. When you hear the stories they’re heartbreaking.

How is motherhood treating you?

It’s amazing, the best thing I have ever done. I’m a new mum so I’m just trying to get used to everything and the learning curve is huge. But no amount of words can explain how much I love Rocket

What’s the best thing about being a mum?

Rocket’s laugh and waking up to him in the morning.

How do you juggle being a working mum? It’s hard at times but we’ve been fortunate enough to manage our schedules so if I’m working, Sam will look after Rocket and vice versa. It just takes a little more planning and preparation.

What is Sam like as a father?

He’s born to be a dad.

Is keeping Rocket out of the public eye important to you and Sam? 

Rocket being a kid and enjoying life is the most important thing to us.

Do you hope to grow your family?

Yes! I’d love to have a big family, which is why supporting the Royal Hospital for Women is important to me. Sam and I both only have one sibling – I have a brother and he has a sister – so we both want a big family … lots of kids around the table and at Christmas. The thought of it makes me really happy.

You and Sam are constantly in the public eye. Is it frustrating having paparazzi follow your every move?

It’s challenging. We both understand that it’s a byproduct of our professions and we are OK with that. But it’s when photos of our son are taken without our consent or his, and our safety and the safety of others is compromised: it’s a minority, but there are some paparazzi who are relentless.

You’ve been a household name for over a decade. What is the biggest misconception about you?

There are so many. But I know who I am and my family and friends know the truth and that’s all that matters. I think motherhood really changes you in that way. Someone said to me the other day it softens you but also hardens you … and I think it’s true. I just don’t take the criticism on board any more … I just try and focus on the things that really matter.

What do you do for fun? 

I go to the beach and movies, I love The Blacklist TV show, cooking for my family and friends. I also love anything creative, like making little films and taking photographs, and having baths with Rocket!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully with more babies, happy, healthy and with a successful business.

 

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO Coogee pavilion, Coogee Beach.

WE ATE Seeded granola, banana-almond frozen yoghurt, sweetened almond milk

WE DRANK Superfood smoothies.

LARA WORE A Dion Lee dress.

I WORE a Scanlan & Theodore dress.

 

Fashion

Winter trends from my Westfield Styling Session

2nd July, 2015

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Kate @ Parramatta 3

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Kate @ Parramatta 4

I recently hosted a Westfield Parramatta Styling Session with celebrity stylist Kelly Smythe and during the event we spoke about the big winter trends this winter. If you’re planning your winter wardrobe here’s your cheat sheet to the trends to add to your shopping list…

Layering 

The key to good layering is all about layering different textures. So for example gorgeous knits with beautiful leathers. Using different materials provides a great contrast.

70s

The 70s is huge this winter. Think flares, suede, billowy blouses and fringing. When in doubt channel Jane Birkin.

Military

It’s all about khaki and army green. Wardrobe staples like a simple anorak, details like brass buttons and zippers and combat boots are a great way to channel this trend.

Normcore

For those who like dressing with minimum fuss the normcore trend is for you. Think low key and a little bit athletic with a neutral colour palette in white, grey and black. Staples of this trend include tees, relaxed jeans and sneakers.

Abstract prints

Prints show no sign of waning. Let abstract prints be the statement piece in an outfit and work back with a more muted colour palette.

60s

It’s time to find your inner hippie as the 60s have come back again. It’s all about 60s mod with A-line mini dresses a la Twiggy making their way down the runway at Fendi. Team it with retro sunglasses to really capture the look.

Leather

Leather shows no signs of waning. If you’re looking to add some leather to your wardrobe, a motorcycle leather jacket is a great place to start as it can work with virtually everything in your wardrobe. A great leather skirt and pants would also be welcome additions to any wardrobe.

Loungewear

This trend is as close you’re going to get to being able to walk out of the house in your pyjamas! Think silky pyjama-style bottoms, roomy jumpsuits, long robes and track pants.

Metallics

I love metallics. Like I said in this post, they can be dressed down as easily as they can be worn on a night out. You could team a metallic skirt with a white shirt during the day and wear it with a dressy blouse at night.

 

 *check out all the behind the scenes from this styling session tonight on Fashion Bloggers at 9:30pm on E!

 

Fashion, What I Wore

What I wore: Westfield Kotara Style Masterclass

30th March, 2015

I am really loving capes at the moment (you’ll see them everywhere this winter). I recently hosted a Style Masterclass at Westfield Kotara and opted for this cape and skirt combination from sheike. If you want a slightly different take on the blazer, a cape is a great alternative.

Cape: sheike(similar)
Top: Camilla and Marc
Skirt: sheike(similar)
Heels: Azzedine Alaïa

Fashion

My fave places to shop in Sydney

19th January, 2015

intersection-resized

The shopping scene in Sydney has changed so much over the last few years. Along with all the many new overseas chain stores such as Sephora, H&M and Uniqlo that have set up shop, we’re also spoilt for choice as far as great boutiques and local Aussie designers go. Here are my fave spots to head to when I’m in the mood for a retail fix.

The Intersection, Paddington

I think The Intersection is is a great spot. It has all my favourite designer stores from Josh Goot to Ellery to Scanlan and Zimmermann and Willow but you can also stop off and have a coffee or lunch at Jackie’s and it’s great for strolling around with friends.

Westfield Sydney

If I am wanting to do a big shop with big international brands I can’t go past Westfield Sydney. It’s got Prada and Miu Miu along with Gucci and right around the corner is Hermès. Shopping heaven!

Westfield Bondi Junction

If I’m rushed for time, I go to Westfield Bondi Junction. It has everything I want under the one roof, which makes it really convenient. Plus they’ve got new stores opening up all the time, so the selection is fantastic.

Tell me – where are your favourite shopping spots?

Photography: The Intersection

Date with Kate

Date with Kate: Giuliana Rancic

27th April, 2014
High tea with Giuliana Rancic.

High tea with Giuliana Rancic.

As the host of E! News and co-host of Fashion Police, Giuliana Rancic is among the world’s most recognisable celebrity and fashion commentators. She was in Sydney this month fulfilling her duties as Westfield’s autumn/winter 2014 ”style ambassador”. I caught up with the 39-year-old to chat about working with comedian Joan Rivers, juggling motherhood and her plans after E! News.

Continue Reading…

Date with Kate

Date with Kate: Sally Obermeder

29th September, 2013

art-SO-620x349TV presenter Sally Obermeder is the co-host of Channel Seven’s afternoon show The Daily Edition, as well as author of best-selling book Never Stop Believing, in which she shares her courageous battle with cancer. Obermeder was announced as the new style ambassador for Westfield and is set to compete in this season’s series of Dancing with the Stars. I caught up with the 40-year-old to chat about how she juggles it all, how overcoming her cancer battle has changed her perspective on life, and how sharing her story has inspired others to never give up.

What are you up to?

I’m juggling so much at the moment: The Daily Edition, I have Dancing with the Stars training, my blog Swiish, I am the new style ambassador for Westfield, where my job is to guide women on trends and fashion tips and tricks, and of course [my daughter] Annabelle. Some days I feel like a rock star and feel I can do anything, but it’s short-lived when I realise that I’ve forgotten to get dinner (laughs).

You have a crazy schedule.

Yes, at the moment it’s busy. It was busy before but Dancing has taken it to another level because I have no rhythm – I’m out of my depth.

What attracted you to Dancing with the Stars?

I just wanted to push myself. I think after being sick I just wanted to challenge myself and see if I could do something physical again. It had been so long, my body has been through so much, and I wanted to see if my body could.

What made you start your lifestyle blog swiish.com.au?

When I was sick I really wanted to have my own blog about things that I love. I am the person who will be wearing a belt from Target, and as much as I love to have a Chanel bag, that’s an anomaly in my wardrobe. Everything else is Zara, Witchery and Portmans. That’s really what I am about: affordable, and having it still look great. So that’s why I started Swiish. It’s been almost nine months now and we are at almost 1 million impressions a month. My sister works on it full-time and then we have eight staff. It’s an amazing team.

How do you juggle it all?

I try to not beat myself up about things and go: ”Yes, you didn’t manage to make dinner; you had takeaway. Yes, you didn’t do your exercise. Yes, you were late to your appointments, but it’s OK. Has anyone died today? No, it’s all good!”

It’s fantastic to see you doing so well.

Yes, I feel really blessed and really grateful but mostly I’m grateful for good health. Every day I just go, ”Thank you.” It puts life into perspective. Suddenly, everything is very simple. It’s good that everything is going well, but you realise that these are just the bonuses in life; the cream on top. Everything could change in a second if you or your family were sick.

What sort of positive message would you give to someone who was about to embark on the same journey you had [to go on] with your illness?

I would say that there is no guidebook, there are no instructions. Just be kind to yourself and do whatever it is you need to do to get through each stage. It’s OK to lean on people, it’s OK to ask for help, it’s OK to break down. But the most important thing is to not give up. It’s never over until it’s over.

Have you found the response to your book to be overwhelming?

It blew me away. Especially because it’s not just a book for someone who had cancer. It’s a book for anyone who has ever struggled and about getting what you want in your life. Sometimes I walk down the street and people stop me and pull the book out of their bag, and it amazes me because you always think no one will read it – except your mum.

Does a particular story stand out about your book inspiring others to keep going?

We get hundred of letters every single day. I think my personal favourite is from people who plan to give up, people who say: ”I can’t do any more treatment; it’s too hard,” and then they read the book and they go, ”OK, don’t give up.” It was painful to write the book, but that makes it worth it.

What made you never give up?

Annabelle, I think. It’s hard to imagine having a brand-new baby and leaving her with no one, and that was the biggest motivator of all. And, of course, my family.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope we have another child. I hope Swiish will still be going and hopefully I’m still on TV. But as long as I am healthy, it’s all good.

 

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO The Tea Salon, Westfield Sydney, the city.

WE ATE Classic high tea.

WE DRANK English breakfast tea and herbal tea.

SALLY WORE A Zara jacket, Willow top, Forever New pants and Tony Bianco heels.

Photo: Ben Rushton

smh.com.au

Social

10 FASHION ICONS LAUNCH

25th March, 2013

The launch of the Westfield Bondi Junction 10 Sydney Fashion Icons campaign look place at Sydney’s hot spot, Pelicano. Photographer and fashion blogger Candice Lake shot the campaign, which I was lucky enough to be apart of. Other fashion icons included Annabella Barber, Brett Chan, Isabelle Cornish, Daimon Downey, Pip Edwards, Elle Halliwell, Kate Peck, Byron Spencer and Camilla Freeman-Topper. Westfield also celebrated the premiere of Fashion Lust, a short-film-fashion-fantasy directed by Gracie Otto, starring Candice Lake and David “Wolfman” Williams. Check it out…

Camilla + Candice

Westfield/Candice Lake

Pip + Adam

Kate Waterhouse &  Claire Fabb

Ginger + Smart

Fashion

BEHIND THE SCENES

25th March, 2013

Last week photographer and fashion blogger Candice Lake launched her first photo shoot for Westfield Bondi Junction. The campaign featured 10 Sydney Fashion Icons and I was lucky enough to be named one of them! The shoot took place on a rooftop in Sydney’s Bondi Beach. It was every hair and makeup artist’s nightmare as the wind was blowing a gale and it was not long until my perfect blow-dry looked like I had just got out of bed. But Candice was the total pro and managed to get the shot, just seconds before it started to pour with rain. Here are some behind-the-scenes shots from the day.

Westfield Bondi Junction Street Style campaign by Candice Lake

Westfield Bondi Junction Street Style campaign by Candice Lake

Westfield Bondi Junction Street Style campaign by Candice Lake

Westfield Bondi Junction Street Style campaign by Candice Lake

Westfield Bondi Junction Street Style campaign by Candice Lake

Westfield Bondi Junction Street Style campaign by Candice Lake

Westfield Bondi Junction Street Style campaign by Candice Lake