Zimmermann is up there as one of my all time favourite Australian designers with their ultra feminine designs. From florals to flirty flounces and intricate finishes, there’s definitely a signature look to the brand that really resonates with the vibe of Oaks Day. As the ladies day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, it’s the day that calls for feminine ensembles, and Zimmermann definitely fits the brief. You can imagine how taken I was by this dress which is just a work of art. It’s a gorgeous lightweight silk linen which drapes beautifully, and is elevated by the doily applique and the crinoline ruffles. With the floaty skirt and flouncy sleeves it has beautiful movement too.
With a high neckline, I opted for an up do for a clean finish. A simple bun with a white bow by Ezara/J provided a sleek contrast to the theatre this dress evokes. I needed to opt for footwear that would ground the look as the dress has such a floaty, whimsical feel to it so simple black Gucci heels were ideal. Plus I always love the colour combination of black and white. A Dior clutch was the final piece of the puzzle, adding a touch of contrast against the clean, pared back ivory hue of the dress.
I’ve posted a few of these looks on my Instagram, but I’m playing catch up with sharing the outfit details for the blog so I thought I’d do a round up of some of the dressier outfits I’ve been wearing of late. What I am really enjoying about dressing up for events lately is that there are so many options. I’ve gone down the path of wearing suiting a fair bit because I love that it always looks so sharp and polished. Plus it’s a little more of an unexpected option when you’re required to look more elevated. That said, I still love a good frock! I had the opportunity to wear a gorgeous, vibrant gown for a shoot recently and there really is something lovely about being able to wear a gorgeous dress. So, heres what I wore this week.
They’re usually my go-to when I’m after something ultra feminine, but this suit by Zimmermann is so good. I love the subtle pinstripe and the cream has such a fresh feel to it. The matching bustier also takes this suit in a different direction, giving it a slightly sexier vibe. Worn back with black pumps, this outfit cements my love of suiting even more.
This sleeveless suit has such a cool feel to it, and taps into the vest trend too. The double breasted silhouette but sans sleeves is an unexpected touch and gives this entire outfit a modern feel. Also the crisp white colour makes it perfect for spring and summer, and both pieces can be worn separately and fashioned into other looks which I love. I added a crossbody bag in brown, complemented by heels and sunnies in a similar colour palette to add a touch of colour but still maintain cohesion for the whole look.
As you can see I can’t resist a great suit, and Aussie designers are really excelling in this department. This suit is by Manning Cartell and has a lightness to it that makes it the perfect option for transeasonal weather. I added some metallic pumps for some edge.
Credits: Jacket, top and pants, Manning Cartell; Heels, Jimmy Choo; Bag, Chanel
It’s spring racing time and as part of a shoot I did for the Australian Turf Club, I had the opportunity to frock up in this stunning fuchsia gown by Velani. The oversized flower motif is channelling Carrie Bradshaw’s striped Sonia Rykiel top in Paris and adds such a fun, playful feel to the dress. The thigh high split adds a dramatic touch, and the vibrant hue is so great for spring. I actually had to ride the horse as part of the shoot, so I’d count this as one of my most glam horseriding outfits to date!
It was all about monochrome over the weekend as I took on reporting duties at The Championships and embraced this black and white look by Zimmermann. While I usually associate Zimmermann with beautiful feminine pieces such as dresses with intricate detailing or bold prints, or tops with a flourish of colour and embellishments, this time around it was all about a sleek black and white ensemble that had a distinctly masculine edge. While I can often be found in dresses whenever I’m trackside, I do love to mix it up with the occasional suit or pants look. In this instance I opted for these harem pants, which can look traditionally quite casual but this iteration took on a decidedly polished feel with its adjustable cuffs and buckles at the waist. I paired it with a white waistcoat, which with its deep neckline and cinched in waist, provided the perfect counterpoint to the more voluminous cut of the pants.
I wanted to pair this look with accessories that were sharp and had a bit of drama. These Jimmy Choo pumps with the chandelier accessory added a sexy touch and were definitely a talking point. Headwear is of course a must on any race day and I love the veiled feature of this beret by milliner Nerida Winter. It’s sophisticated and understated, and it worked seamlessly as I needed something that was quite strong, without being over the top or too decorative. Last of all was this gorgeous chain strap Chanel bag. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with anything featuring interlocking Cs and it was the perfect size to hold all my essentials while still looking chic.
On International Women’s Day, I can’t think of a better time to highlight some of the incredible female-led, homegrown brands that are taking fashion in Australia in such an innovative, inspiring direction.
My everyday wardrobe, those pieces that I wear non-stop are largely comprised of these following Aussie brands, whose vision, success and direction is entirely steered by women. And as someone who works in fashion, I am all about championing local talent, but I’m even more proud to do it when it helps women in the industry to truly shine. These are just some of the brands that feature heavily in my wardrobe rotation.
Most of the dresses that I wear throughout the year are by Steele. The label, founded by Melbournian Jessica Reid, is all about effortless pieces, while playing with silhouettes and textiles that make each piece something that makes a statement, and is a whole lot of fun to wear. I’ve lost count of how many Steele dresses I own, such is my love of them.
Zimmermann is without a doubt one of the biggest and most talked about brands in fashion today. I’ve been a longtime fan, but it has been great to see Nicky and Simone Zimmermann take their small local label and turn it into the global juggernaut it is now. The designs, colours, textures and fabrics are always sublime. Each piece is a true work of art.
Manning Cartell was founded by sisters Cheryl, Vanessa and Gabrielle Manning, and their label has grown to be many a woman’s go-to. I love how they managed to do polished pieces with a hefty does of personality. I’ve long loved their dresses, and keep coming back to this brand time and time again because they do such beautiful pieces that really speak to women.
I’ve been wearing Bec and Bridge pretty much since its inception. Founded by friends Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston who met while studying fashion at university, the brand continues to deliver season after season the kind of cuts, styles and prints that women not only want to wear, but love to wear. Without a doubt, I will always fall in love with several pieces in every collection, which is a testament to how the label knows its audience inside and out.
Viktoria and Woods is one of those brands that has slowly made a home in my wardrobe because I just can’t resist its simple, classic and sophisticated aesthetic. From jeans to coats and shirts, the label founded by Margie Woods in 2004, does tailored and polished separates that are designed to be worn over and over again. With my ongoing aim to have more versatility in my wardrobe, this is one brand that truly delivers on that front.
Acler was founded by Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto in 2015 and they haven’t looked back since. The brand’s name is an anagram of ‘clear’ which is entirely fitting as the brand’s vision is precisely that: it’s all about pieces that are elevated, with a high end feel. I’m loving the fact that the brand makes aspirational clothing, a little more accessible.
I’ve been a longtime fan of Anna Quan’s polished designs with a modern twist. Every piece works seamlessly into my wardrobe, but always has a unique point of view that makes it a talking point. However there’s also always an elegant simplicity to her pieces that means they can be worn in myriad ways.
I actually don’t know where I’d be without having a brand like Rebecca Vallance as a go-to. I’ve worn Rebecca’s designs for everything from a casual outing to Fashion Week to events and being a wedding guest. The brand does beautiful feminine designs that are always on point.
One of the best things about athletic wear going mainstream is that it allows for looks that are not only on trend and ultra comfortable at the same time, but I can get much more wear out of the casual pieces I own.
I wanted to wear a colourful Zimmermann skirt recently and thought that I could rework it into a more off duty look by pairing it with sporty pieces. I wanted the riot of colour on the skirt to take centre stage so I kept the rest of my look quite pared back. I opted to match it with a black singlet to offset the dressy nature of the skirt and really allow the vibrant colours to pop.
I kept my accessories in a similar vein. I went with a black Prada bag which while classic in style can also look a little sportier when paired with certain pieces. Also I couldn’t wait to take my new Chanel sneakers on an outing. The black and white colour palette make them so easy to work back with multiple looks and they’re as comfy as they are chic.
Where do I begin with this Zimmermann look? It’s really the stuff of sartorial daydreams, but then again I wouldn’t expect anything less from one of my favourite brands.
The gorgeous hue of both the shirt and shorts is the most delicate shade of pink and really gives this ensemble a feminine touch. However it never becomes overly saccharine, with the strong silhouette of the button down and shorts.
This set is further elevated by the little accents and finishing touches. The broderie anglaise detailing, the statement belt and the oversized cuffs with buttons bring it to life, giving it more depth.
When it came to adding the ideal final touch, I couldn’t go past a structured basket bag by Sparrows Weave. It’s got the ideal relaxed yet polished vibe to perfectly complement such a pretty set, and also adds some great texture to my entire look.
Prints are always a fun way to make a statement and this orange paisley print dress by Zimmermann is fresh and vibrant, making it the ideal option for a strong summer look—or simply if you’re in the mood to really have some fun with colour.
I love the pretty details on this dress, from the blouson sleeves with elasticated cuffs to the row of knot-ties on the front and the subtle cut-outs, it elevates a simple A-line silhouette into something more.
I didn’t want the rest of my look competing with the dress, making it look too busy so I opted for classic white accessories. A pair of Gucci thongs and a structured mini bag by Strathberry added elegant touches while my Poppy Lissiman sunglasses added a bold element that helped offset the ultra feminine feel of the rest of my ensemble.
I’m a firm believer that Aussie brands do summer clothing like no other. Our relaxed lifestyle really lends itself to inspiring plenty of designs that are just made for days spent enjoying the sun. One of the standout brands who do this so well is without a doubt, Zimmermann. I always find myself falling in love with so many things in every collection they do, and love how they always incorporate beautiful prints, intricate detailing and soft textural features into their clothes.
When I saw these shorts I could already see them becoming an integral part of my summer wardrobe. The 60s style print and the warm colour palette make them a definite cornerstone of any look. Also they work beautifully with neutrals as it really allows the shorts to pop. I wanted to add another statement piece to this look, but didn’t want to overwhelm my entire outfit, so this blouse was the perfect fit. The gorgeous silhouette with its mutton sleeves and the broderie anglaise are striking, but the crisp white allow it to still work back nicely with a colourful piece.
Accessorising this look was all about maintaining a simple and relaxed aesthetic. The white hat makes an elegant and practical addition to my look, while the straw bag and white slides maintain a resort vibe. Topped with white sunglasses that are in keeping with the 6os vibe of the shorts, this is one summer ensemble that’s going to have plenty of outings this season.
If there’s one brand that you can consistently rely on to produce some truly beautiful pieces it’s Zimmermann. The Aussie brand has become a go-to for everyone from celebs to style bloggers and influencers and their covetable designs are well worth adding to any shopping list. I’ve worn the brand both in my casual, work and event wardrobe and have always felt their pieces always have an extra special something about them. And here are 10 pieces that I think are particularly worth adding to your wish list…
The beautiful watercolour print on this dress makes it wearable piece of art. The elegant design makes it the kind of go-to piece that can easily be dressed up or down.
Sun protection is a must when temperatures start to soar and this design with its butterfly motif and delicate structure make it a striking piece to add to any look.
A midi dress is always an elegant option for any occasion. The beautiful feminine feel of this dress and classic silhouette will ensure that you take your outfit next level.
The unbelievably intricate detail on this skirt take it into next level territory. Pair it with a beautiful blouse and heels or dress it down with a tee and sandals and you’ve got yourself a winning look.
If you want to invest in a piece that will never date it would have to be anything incorporating polka dots. Combined with the simple silhouette of this dress, you’ve got yourself a failsafe look with longevity.
A belt is always a great way to dress up a look and incorporate an interesting element into the mix. This one has a striking buckle that will certainly makes it a great finishing accoutrement.
We spent some time at our family farm during the past week which is always one of my favourite ways to spend a weekend and kick start the coming week. It was a special occasion as we threw a party to celebrate Grace’s third birthday and had the most wonderful time with family and friends. I still can’t believe she’s now three!
Also we’ve enjoyed a few warm days in Sydney this week which is a reminder that trans-seasonal weather is almost upon us. Because of this I’ve been on the hunt for pieces that can be worn for both warm and cool weather. One piece I’ve found is the below long sleeved Zimmermann dress. A great option for when temperatures are still unpredictable and the detail is amazing. The florals and ruching are a killer combination and I love the floral print. Plus you can’t ever really go wrong when it comes to Zimmermann.