My Summer Picks - That Shop in Doreen

I love small businesses, I really do. I have worked in retail for both small and multi-national fashion brands, and there's something super-special about a little design and buying team, who choose styles based on what they know their customers will like, because they have a relationship with those customers.

One of the small businesses I've discovered this year is Victorian brand That Shop in Doreen - cute name, huh! The brainchild of Samantha Tupper, That Shop in Doreen began life as a bricks-and-mortar store in (you guessed it, Doreen) and now encompasses an online store with seasonal pieces as well as really fun and lovely social media accounts. Check out their Facebook here, and Instagram here.

Now, I'm sure you all know that Summer is my favourite season. I mean, I can never really be too hot, as long as I'm dressed appropriately in light and floaty pieces. Samantha stocks some gorgeous styles, so I thought I would share some of my favourite That Shop in Doreen picks with you!

My Summer Picks - That Shop in Doreen

I love the short sleeves on this and the sweet little twist tie at the front. And the stripes (who am I kidding, I love the stripes the most). It’s only $35 and also comes in grey and white, and black and white.

 Sami Striped Tee

Remember how Justin Timberlake couldn't stop this feeling anymore? That’s how I feel about all the off the shoulder tops around this Summer. I'm well aware that they require (gasp!) a strapless bra, but they really are worth it. This one also has an adorable fringe around the hem and sleeves!

Bailey Chambray OTS top

If you’re looking for just a great basic top with a little bit of extra flair, this is the top for you. I love the jersey fabric, it drapes beautifully and doesn’t wrinkle. I’m a big fan of the grey marle but it also comes in white for those of you who can keep white tops clean!

Emmy Basic Tee

Let's be honest here, sometimes the whole cold shoulder style can look a little mumsy, especially with a gaudy print - but I’ve got my eye on this simple black dress because I do like the open shoulder with the ability to wear a normal bra, or throw it on over bathers for a quick dressy option.

Jo Cold Shoulder Dress - only $45!

I don't know what I wore before I discovered stripe t-shirt dresses? Was I wandering around naked half the time? Who knows! Seriously, this is a fab little number that I have in the navy and white stripe, and wear on repeat every week. Actually, we might as well just call it my Tuesday dress.

Mel Striped Dress*

A photo posted by katy_potaty (@katy_potaty) on Oct 6, 2016 at 4:09pm PDT

I’m not usually one for pink... in fact I don't have a single non-activewear pink item in my wardrobe, and my mates Trainee Mama and Blonde Ambition have challenged me to change that this Summer.  This floaty top is so versatile – it could easily be dressed down with shorts for day, or dressed up with a cute skirt or pair of jeans and heels at night.

Tilly Dusty Pink Oversized Top

Probably my favourite TDIS style at the moment, this Blossom Midi Dress is even prettier in person. I wore it for a long day of partying at the Caloundra Music Festival a couple of weeks ago, and received so many compliments. They say it's a midi length, but I'm not the tallest giraffe in the zoo, so it looks like a maxi on me.

Blossom Midi Dress*

A photo posted by katy_potaty (@katy_potaty) on Oct 3, 2016 at 4:36am PDT

I continue to put this denim jacket in my cart and then leave it there because it’s going to be too hot for sleeves for the next six months, but stretch in a denim jacket is something that I'm always searching for, and I love the mid-blue wash of this one. If I lived in a cooler climate, this would be high on my wish-list.

Ally Stretch Denim Jacket

Someone recently asked me about the right shoes to wear with Summer shorts and pants for a casual look. I’m a big fan of an espadrille because I think they can be worn with everything from jeans to dresses, and they’re way more casual than a regular flat.

Cherry Navy and White Espadrilles

Need more style inspiration? Head to That Shop in Doreen and I'm sure you'll find a few pieces to add to cart too!

*That Shop in Doreen kindly sent me a couple of styles to try, thank you so much Samantha! I was thrilled with the service and my parcel arrived beautifully wrapped, so I'm more than happy to share the love here.

What I Wore - Birdsnest for a Winter wedding

Toasty heaters, big steaming platters of roast meat and gravy, and snuggling into pashminas – who wouldn’t be excited for a Winter wedding?

When one of my favourite colleagues of ALL TIME popped an invite on my desk for her wedding, I did what most girls would do. Squeal a little bit, check the location out online, then start searching online for the perfect outfit.

Hidden in a working cattle property outside the Sunshine Coast town of Yandina is a contender for the most beautiful country wedding venue in the country. At Yandina Station, they've been playing host to beautiful events for years now, and BB and I even checked them out when we were searching for our perfect wedding venue. We ended up deciding to head north to Port Douglas to get hitched instead of staying local, but I can still say that it's one of my favourite wedding venues.

Living just up the road from the venue, I knew that Yandina Station on a July evening would be more than a little chilly, so started my search for a dress with sleeves on Birdnest. There were SO many to choose from, but I played it safe and chose the Off the Shoulder Dress because, well... this is me we're talking about, and I never pass up the chance to wear off the shoulder, duh!

For non-stylists like me, there are plenty (thousands) of styled outfits available to check out on the Birdsnest website, it's so easy to envisage how your whole outfit will look when worn together - genius!

Laying out everything early in the morning makes for a much quicker prep time, especially for a weekday wedding!

Clockwise: Birdsnest Off the Shoulder Dress*, Samantha Wills turquoise ring and earrings (similar here), Raybans because I cry at weddings, YSL lippie, vintage hat borrowed from Trainee Mama, Marc Daniels Blue Cypress Blonde Leave-In Toner (this is my new fave hair product, gives such sparkly highlights and shine - currently available at Woolies), Trix block heels from Spendless, borrowed pashmina from Mum, Sussan sequin clutch (similar here).

The happy couple... wait, no! Another happy couple!

This dress was possibly the most comfortable style I've ever worn to an occasion... and you don't need to just believe me! The Birdsnest webswite is super-easy to both navigate and to leave reviews, so when I saw it had a 100% Excellent rating, and comments like these, there's no way I could not share the love of this fine frock!

Lyndall, size 14: The dress is slimline without being clingy. It gives a beautiful shape to my hourglass figure. Sleeve length is classy and the gorgeous neckline is really pretty. Really happy with this purchase. It will be a great dress for travelling too, as the material isn't likely to crush.

Yes, I would recommend this item.

Michelle, size 16: Purchased size 16 and fits beautifully - very flattering dress. Was for a date so felt very sexy and confident. Thank you!!

Yes, I would recommend this item.

Rebecca, size 10: If you want to feel sexy and elegant at the same time, or need something for a special occasion then you definitely need this dress in your life. It is a perfect weight, has no horrible zippers that snag or buttons to wrestle with. It holds off the shoulder without slipping. It is a flattering length to the knee.It will travel well without too much fuss or ironing needed. Believe me this dress will turn heads. I just love it. Thanks Birdsnest girls!!!

Yes, I would recommend this item.

Hot potato croquettes on a brisk evening? Don't go ANYWHERE with that tray, my young waiter friend.

We did have a few romantic moments together, imaging what it might have been like to get married at this gorgeous venue.

I love love LOVE me a good wedding, and this one was superb. The groom cried a little when saying his vows, and we all know how adorable that is. 

To Stacey and Jason, our biggest congratulations to a beautiful couple who make each other so happy. BB and I wish you a wonderful journey as you build your new life together. Hugs forevs.

Do you have a favourite season for attending weddings? I love them all!

*Birdsnest dress super-awesomely gifted. You should really know by now that I won't wear anything I don't love, so consider this piece fantastic, and I'll be wearing it years from now!

Hello Autumn, hello adventure

Well, that Summer season just really whizzed by, didn't it? I had probably one of my most relaxing Summers ever, with no real craziness, which was amazing. I think that had a lot to do with the fact that I am LOVING both my jobs, and really feel settled and content in them. Now that I'm a casual at Lorna Jane instead of management (I stepped down from management responsibility over a year ago, and hello excellent sleep quality), I worked a little less than I'm used to over Christmas and New Year, and it was grand.

A few of my favourite Summer outfits - so many dresses!

This next season should be a little busier; BB and I have some travel planned (more on that once we're confirmed), and a few Australian holidays booked (Port Douglas and Melbourne, and even chilly Hobart) before Winter arrives to make me grumpy.

And yet again, there needs to be a wardrobe clear-out. I have struggled the past few weeks, finding my boring black shorts and pants to wear to work, and the clothes I never wear (because they don't fit or I just don't like them any more) seem to be multipying, taking up all possible wardrobe space. Cheeky sods. Time to turf 'em and shop smarter, I think.

So, according to fashionista-types, what's on-trend this season? Well, let's not look at the catwalk, because IMPRACTICAL. What are real people going to be wearing in Autumn 2016?

Here in (mostly) sunny Queensland it’s all about layering, because our autumn temperatures range from 13 to 25 degrees Celsius from March to May. We still get the odd stinking hot day, however, when the coastal breezes are a godsend!

1. Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans will always be a favourite for me, as their streamlined silhouette allows you to layer multiple items on top for warmth - although unless you're headed south, you really only need a tank or tee. Wear them with ballet flats and a light blazer in the day or wedge heels and a beautifully-draping silk top for a night out on the town. These go-to pants can do no wrong, and I'm literally MAD about the ASOS Curve ones.

Ridley Skinny Ankle Grazer Jeans in Mhari Wash from ASOS Curve

2. Merino sweater

Nothing says off-duty chic like a crewneck merino sweater. I only have two, but I've owned them for years, and they still look fantastic.

100% Merino Crewneck Top from Glassons

3. Fedora hat

A wool or felt fedora is a great way to keep your noggin toasty warm, and hide the fact that it was a little too cold to get out of bed early, so you skipped washing your hair!

Grey Marl Fedora from Sussan

4. Statement Coat

In winter your outerwear is the most important aspect of your wardrobe so why not make a statement? A bright coat will add a pop of colour to any neutral or all-black outfit - and this red stunner is going to be a Winter classic. (In related news, I've never had a decent wool coat, nor a coloured one before, so I'm excited!)

Aryietta Double-Breasted Wool Coat from Review

5.Knee-high Boots

Super-sexy and warm as toast - ain't no chilly ankles here. Living on the Sunshine Coast means that I rarely have call for knee-high boots, but heading south to Victoria and Tasmania is always a great excuse to pull them out of the cupboard and dust them off. I particularly love flat riding-style knee-highs, they can be dressed down with jeans and a sweater for a casual day, or glammed up with a dress and tights in the evening.

Madeline boot by Nina Armando from The Iconic

6. Knitted Jumper Dress

The easiest way to show a little leg and stay cosy at the same time is by wearing a knitted jumper dress. For added warmth, I pop leggings or tights underneath, and a coat on top. Bonus points for finding a stripe version, folks!

Mifa Stripe Knit Dress by Selected from ASOS

7. Blanket Wrap Scarf

While I first scoffed, I've grown to quite like a giant scarf wrapped all around me - like a doona on couch situation, really. There are countless ways to style this, either thrown carelessly over your shoulder or wrapped around multiple times. This Surafina version is pretty perfect for any Winter outfit, and will make a mighty fine in-flight blanky too!

Milano scarf bu Surafina

8. Turtleneck Top

Once the realm of nerds like Steve Jobs and Velma from Scooby Doo, turtlenecks are actually a fashion classic. My only suggestion is to be careful if you're big-busted, because chunky versions can make you look like a linebacker! Turtlenecks do look great with pretty much anything though, whether worn under a sleeveless dress, or simply worn alone with jeans.

Alison Turtleneck Knit from Forcast

9. Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is essential for every cool-girl winter wardrobe, so the jury is out if I actually need one. They add instant edge and just scream badass, so at the very least, it might be useful for late night grocery trips when I want to make it through the checkout without chit-chat. Toss a black one in classic moto-style over your jeans and tee on the weekend or grunge up a frock with a beat-up tan version.

Benodet Leather Jacket from Decjuba

10. Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are a perennial wardrobe staple that I jumped on slightly later than everybody else, but am playing catch-up because comfort AND style, people. I love to wear mine with dresses and skirts during the day, skinny jeans or leggings at night. Remember #leggingsarepants and #ignorethehaters.

Awesome Ankle Boot (yup, they're really called that!) by Jo Mercer

Who else is looking at building on some pretty awesome Autumn/Winter basics this year? Anything you've seen that I just HAVE to have?

Also, for more super-cute AW2016 style, check out Blonde Ambition. Brooke just posted her entire shopping list for the season, and I feel like I need everything.

Don't forget to sign up to get Katy Potaty via email to go into my March subscriber draw to win a luxury Nocturna candle!

The winner of my February email subscriber giveaway was Malia H. I've emailed you, Malia - so holla me back with a postal address! Congratulations!

Comfort and Style: New Year's Eve outfit 2016 - Boohoo Embellished Dress

We're less than a week away from 2016. Let that sink in for a minute or two.

This time around, I have no idea what I'm doing to ring in the New Year - I've had a few pretty good invitations, but I'm working until 5.30pm that day so don't want to travel to Brisbane or the Gold Coast. I will definitely enjoy a few drinks, but where and who with... yet to be decided. If you are having a rip-roaring party in the vicinity of my house (ideally walking distance), maybe I could come to yours, hehe? I'll bring the rosé.

New Year's Eve is nothing if not the night of sparkly, sequined dresses. NYE is the night I dress unashamedly like a fashion magpie. If it’s sparkly, shiny and/or covered in glitz, I’m wearing it. Because if you can’t sparkle like a Dancing with the Stars contestant on the first and last night of the year, when can you?

I've even taken my love of the NYE bling on camping trips - really. One year, we were on Fraser Island for NYE, and while everyone else was in swimmers, tank tops and shorts all day and night, I stepped it up with a black ruffly cotton frock and a giant Swarovski necklace so sparkly that I could signal ships with it. And of course, a glass or three of champagne.

Boohoo Plus Jemma Embellished Dress

This blinged-up embellished chiffon number from Boohoo is going to be the perfect frock for whatever I get up to this year - easily dressed up with nude heels and a muted gold leather clutch, or I could dial it down a little with flat sandals and a crossbody bag to enjoy a more casual night out at a friend's place.

Boohoo Plus Jemma Embellished Dress, Wittner Roco nude heel, Louenhide Mischa gold clutch, Shabby Sisters Gold Pearl Moon earrings, Essie Peach Side Babe polish

Boohoo Plus Jemma Embellished Dress, Wittner Calissa flats, Louenhide Macy coral crossbody bag, Dominique Portet Brut Rosé NV, Essie Cute as a Button polish

What are you doing to welcome 2016? Do you take the opportunity to wear sparkles on special nights like NYE?

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I'm joining in with the Fresh Fashion Forum. Head over and see what all the fashionable folks are wearing these holidays!

Comfort and Style: Christmas Day outfit - Bella Lido kaftan

Who says you can't be cute and comfy on Christmas Day? Particularly in Australia, where most of us spend some time by a pool or beach, and it's often one of the hottest and muggiest days of the year!

My gorgeous Bella Lido kaftan will be a great Christmas Day outfit for me, the lightweight and super-breathable rayon voile will keep me cool and the coral and red palm print is pretty much my idea of tropical perfection.

I thought I'd style it a couple of ways, to share how easy it is to wear such a simple style that most women only imagine can be worn to and from the beach.

For a casual Christmas Day around the pool at home (or at my folks' place, so there's no cooking/cleanup required), this is great to throw over togs when we're in and out of the water all day long. Add a few chunky bracelets and a gigantic sunhat perfect for napping under, and I'm set. Don't forget flat sandals to show off your Summer pedi!

Bella Lido Ku Pu kaftan*, Finch tankini (awesome for a bugger bust!), Blue Bungalow wide brim hat, Bella Lido bracelets (old - similar here), Holster jelly sandals (old - similar here)

On the other hand, if we were headed out to a restaurant or more formal lunch affair at a relative's place, I'd add a low nude heel and matching clutch, and up the glamour with a little bling - a big ol' dangly Samantha Wills earring would do the trick nicely.

If we were going to a really nice place (I'd class this as somewhere they pull your chair out for you, and where you have a multitude of forks to choose from - I'm classy like that), I'd say wear a slip underneath the kaftan instead of swimwear and add some bright lipstick for a splash more colour. I mean, it's Christmas. Can you ever be too bright at Christmas? I don't think so, Joe.

Bella Lido Ku Pu kaftan*, Billini Perth sandals from The Iconic, Witchery hard-case clutch, Samantha Wills earrings (similar here) and bracelet (similar here)

Now I've already told you this, but if you're a local, you really need to pay attention - Claire of Bella Lido has opened her pop-up shop in Mooloolaba this season and the result is a Summer-lover's dream! Bella Lido is also stocked in lovely boutiques in QLD, NSW and WA, and the online store is full of beautiful styles.

What sort of Christmas day are you having this year - casual or fancy? Do you plan your outfit in advance?

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*gifted items

And of course, I'm joining in today with Kimba of Kimba Likes for Wardrobe Wednesday. Head over and see what all the fashionable folks are wearing for Christmas!