I love having full weeks where I’m able to enjoy doing work related events and also spending time with my family. This week was just like that and whilst it was hectic, I had a great time.
I was invited to host the launch of Witchery’s Summer ’19 collection aboard Seadeck which was a fabulous way to enjoy the Sydney sunshine. It’s always great to be able to catch up with people at events and it was lovely to see model Laura Dundovic and stylish Donny Galella at this particular event.
I support various charities, and this week I attended The Ladies Luncheon 2019 to raise fund for the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation. The event helped raise an incredible $340,000 which will go towards helping the hospital care for premature babies.
But without a doubt the highlight of my week was spending quality time with the girls. It was excitement all round as we visited Santa at Sydney’s QVB. The girls were particularly excited to tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Then we headed off to the spend the night at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo where needless to say, Sophia and Grace had an incredible time — so did Luke and I for that matter!
Monochrome looks are always a no-brainer. It’s always a sleek, sophisticated colour palette that’s a shortcut to a polished look. If I want a failsafe look that’s guaranteed to look on point it would have to feature black or white. I love playing with both shades, mixing and matching or wearing one hue from head to toe. It’s impactful and chic all at the same time.
I recently worked with Witchery on a few must-have spring looks from their new October Limited Edition collection and found some gorgeous pieces that will certainly fit the bill…
Photography by Sophia Athas
Look 1:
I love jumpsuits. They’re a great shortcut to a chic look and worked back with simple black accessories, it’s perfect for any dressy event at this time of year. A wide brimmed black straw hat and a structured top handle bag complement the look whilst still holding their own. Also it’s a great idea to go for comfortable shoes at any event where you know you’ll be milling around on your feet the entire time and I love the fact the black shoes feature a block heel.
A pair of wide leg pants looks chic and this pair with its silver polka dots is both playful and stylish. I always love a print that pops. Teamed with a black tank, it allows the pants to take centre stage. Paired with a sweet straw hat with bow detail and a structured top handle bag, these separates work beautifully together but can be worn apart allowing you to get multiple uses from just two garments.
Suiting is a huge trend right now and this particular set with its patterned shorts and blazer is a fun option. In this instance I wanted to work a few black pieces into the mix to provide some contrast and the black headband is right on trend. Paired with a classic bag and heels, it’s a look that’s sophisticated and a little bit different. For a light and airy spring look that’s also polished, this is a great go-to to keep in mind.
Being a busy mum and juggling work at the same time has meant that my wardrobe has had to adapt too. I recently spoke to Witchery about this very thing and how I make 9 to 9 dressing work. Essentially it’s about how I go from morning to dinner with the one look, with the help of a few simple, strategic outfit changes and some key pieces.
One of the ways I make 9 to 9 dressing work is the fact that my wardrobe has to consistently be versatile so I like to have strong pieces such as a statement blazer to liven up everything from jeans and a shirt to one of my favourite dresses, to a beautiful coat that can work back with myriad looks. This makes it easy to look polished but without too much fuss.
I also like to enlist the help of great accessories to help lift and adapt almost any outfit, according to the day I have. I can easily be wearing an outfit but with a change in bags from a crossbody bag to a clutch or the addition of some statement jewellery or even just a simple belt it can easily go from work meeting to fashion luncheon and then school pick-up without missing a beat. I’m all about versatility now and I like my outfits to be adaptable no matter what my schedule entails from day to day. And with the right pieces I’ve found it’s not only do-able it’s totally effortless too.
Australia’s home to some great chain store brands and one that’s always got some great pieces is Witchery. If you’re after polished pieces that are also on trend then it’s the kind of brand that you’ll most definitely find something that you’ll want to add to cart. And with everything from shoes to accessories and classic cuts and colours, it’s one label that will allow you to update your wardrobe without completely blowing your budget.
Stock up on a selection of knits in neutral colours now so you’re all set for when the cool weather hits. I like the sleeve and roll neck detail of this particular piece.
Why not explore a few other wintery shades apart from the usuals blacks, greys and blues? This bottle green skirt makes for a great piece for layering, especially when navigating your way through trans-seasonal weather.
I’m the first to vouch for adding a pair of leather pants to your autumn/winter wardrobe but why not be a bit different and opt for colour. These pink pants are feminine and fun and will certainly make for a stylish winter warmer.
The portrait I shot for the Witchery White Shirt Campaign
One woman dies every 10 hours from ovarian cancer and on average four women are diagnosed with the disease every day. When faced with these shocking statistics it’s crucial to raise awareness about ovarian cancer to not only make women more vigilant about monitoring their bodies for symptoms but also to help raise much needed funds for research to find an early detection test. This is why I felt privileged to be asked to take part in this year’s Witchery White Shirt Campaign. I have had friends and family who have been affected by ovarian cancer and it is a terrible disease that causes pain and suffering not only for the person who is affected but also for their family and loved ones. It’s my hope that by taking part I will be able to help bring this issue into the spotlight.
I recently shot the campaign at Sydney’s La Porte Space wearing a beautiful piece from the collection which was quite feminine and sophisticated. It was great to be able spend the day with the other women taking part and see the campaign coming to life.
Want to get involved? Along with wearing a white shirt on White Shirt Day on May 8 you can also take part by sharing an image of yourself on social media in a white shirt and finishing the sentence “I wear a white shirt because…” with a message that encourages support. Help get the conversation started! I wear a white shirt because I’m empowered to raise awareness about ovarian cancer… For me it is a powerful symbol of my commitment to getting closer to finding a cure for this terrible disease. This is one instance where fashion can truly make a difference.
The White Shirt Campaign will run from April 6 – May 8. You can purchase your Witchery white shirt here. For every white shirt sold during the campaign Witchery will donate everything except GST to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Head to whiteshirtcampaign.com.au for more info.
Photography: Michael Naumoff Styling: Hayley Bonham Makeup: Joel Phillips Hair: Keiren Street
It’s the season for lightweight, breezy summer dressing and this Scanlan Theodore maxi dress is perfect for warm, balmy days. Blue and white has always been synonymous with this time of year for me as it looks so fresh. I love the strapless neckline and the oversized bow at the back which gives a touch of sweetness without being too saccharine. I paired it with my metallic Witchery sandals to give the look a little bit of edge and kept it quite paired back with minimalist accessories in a neutral colour palette such as my Loewe bag to really allow the dress to take centre stage. I can see myself definitely wearing this in the months ahead as I take advantage of the sunshine.
Witchery has just launched their first beauty line and it’s every bit as wearable and on trend as their fashion line. It’s got every facet of your beauty wardrobe covered from bright gel polishes (how amazing is the colour above?) to lip glosses in all manner of berry shades and a liquid eyeliner that’s sure to come in handy with many a cat eye look to come. And the best bit? It’s not outrageously priced so you can stock up! Here are just some of my favourites from the range.
I’m loving the new Witchery High Winter campaign featuring international model Erin Heatherton. The gorgeous Victoria’s Secret Angel showcases Witchery’s high winter range, which consists of a lusciously warm wardrobe. Clean lines, oversized cocooning and sleek long lengths are key silhouettes. Although this campaign was shot in black and white, expect to see shades of mulberry, winter whites, sensuous black and aqua pared back with metallic accents, luxe leathers and natural textures.
