Homewares trends for 2017

I've become a little homewares-obsessed lately. Maybe it's because we've been living in this home for three or so years, and have started personalising it and trying to add value with small renovations and upgrades. Maybe it's because my husband is working all the way through Christmas, and we're not taking a trip anywhere, so I'm pottering around the house trying to make it feel a little fresher.

Whatever the reason, I've been cruising and perusing home and interiors magazines for a while now and would like a large influx of cash into my bank account, please. Some of those renovations are not cheap! Failing bank robbery or an unknown great-aunt leaving me her ill-gotten fortune, I've resorted to smaller additions to our home decor, which surprisingly still pack a big punch.

Since I buy those home and interior magazines for research purposes of course, I thought I'd share some of the top homewares trends I'm seeing for the next year. They're all easy enough to adopt in either small or large doses, and you could even mix and match a few!

There's a one-stop-shop for all homewares in Australia, and that's Reed Gift Fairs. Celebrating the latest in the homewares and gift space,they bring together the people and the products behind everything that’s hot in the design and gift space. With the next one to be held in Sydney in February next year, this fair gives exhibitors the chance to showcase all their new and exciting products, and retailers head there to pick and choose upcoming stock. Sounds like an interiors dream, right? I just need to find a way to nab a ticket!

Top Homeware Trends for 2017

Trend forecasters have started planning for the new season, which will bring with it a change in mood – one that will see earthy tones, hints of mixed metals, and the return of natural materials. I've sussed out some of Reed Gift Fairs' exhibitors to see what they'll be bringing to the table (literally to the table, in the case of some tableware designers LOL) next year.

Terracotta

The earthy tone of terracotta will become a key element in many homes, and a leading trend in the New Year. No longer will you find terracotta restricted to pots in the garden! Unique Australian homewares and jewellery company Jones & Co provides plenty of inspiration on how to incorporate hints of earthy tones to the home. 

Selection of gorgeous pots and planters

Cato Marsala Necklace

Indoor Plants

Succulents have become so popular lately, with groups popping up on Facebook dedicated to growing and swapping succulents - and no hipster cafe is worth it's salt without succulents in unconventional containers on each table! I'm sure we'll see this trend grow even more, bringing the outdoors inside with indoor plants. Displayed in classic concrete pots, woven bags or a glass vase, Reed Gift Fairs will leave you feeling inspired, with exhibitors such as Florabelle, who will show off beautiful displays of indoor planting. I've actually got a few Florabelle artificial plants in my guest rooms, and they always get compliments from visitors!

Florabelle

Green Appeal

Despite seeing an abundance of pastel shades of pink and blue this year, dark shades of green will become a leading trend in 2017 - and I'm thrilled about it! Expect to see this colour incorporated into lots of soft furnishings. Kelly Lane have a great range of statement pieces from cushions to wall art, which will help add a hint of green to any room. 

I love the idea of pairing a rich dark green with lighter aquas, and adding plenty of plants for a really lush tropical look.

Kelly Lane bedroom decor

There are few things better than coming home to a beautifully decorated home. Keep an eye out at your local homewares stores in the New Year and snap up some quick additions to transform your space into the sanctuary you’ve always wanted!

Keen on any of these trends? One step ahead and already featuring indoor plants in your home?

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.

7 Valentine's gifts for the people you love (and for you!)

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, but it's not just for lovers. I know that lots of folks aren't keen on the whole commercial Hallmark side of the day, but I'm fine with anything that reminds people to appreciate the people they love, and treat them with gifts, large or small.

I'm also strongly of the opinion that you don't just need to let partners know that you love them... parents, siblings, best friends, teachers, kids and colleagues. There are so many people in our lives, and it's important that we make sure we tell them how much they mean to us.

Not coupled up? Who says you can’t celebrate February 14 just like all of the lovebirds out there? Practice a little bit of self love instead and treat yourself to a feel-good gift – it doesn't need to break the bank, it just need to make us feel special.

Here are my top picks for Valentine (or Just Because) gifts under $50, and an extra-fancy one... because you're worth it!

flowerbomb

I was lucky enough to receive a sneak preview of this week's gorgeous Flower Bomb bouquet - pink roses are perfect for Valentine's Day, and flowerbomb will deliver on Saturday Feb 13th, too!

Traditionally, flowers are the hot gift for Valentine's Day. Don't be lame and pick up a bunch from the service station on the way home from work though (chances are, they'll have one fake rose that turns out to be a tacky red lace gstring tucked in there - ugh), get a sweet mixed posy in a jar instead! There are so many fantastic local florists across Australia who offer something different for Valentine's Day, my favourite on the Sunshine Coast are flowerbomb. I'll share more about Flowerbomb on my Facebook page this week, but in the meantime, check out their Instagram feed, where you can see the beautiful and original arrangements in mason jars that Deb of Flowerbomb is delivering to lucky recipients all across the Coast, for less than $30!

*Hot lovers tip: use discount code 'katypotaty' at checkout, and treat yourself, your lover and your Mum this weekend! For more info, head to their page for link and details.

MiM Studio

Um, I'll take a pair in each colour, please and thank you

Simply stunning accessories that I loved the minute I saw them, the Balance Bar earrings by MiM Studio would get a run every single day if they were in my bling wardrobe. Perfect for dressing up and down, these babies available from Down That Little Lane are cheap enough that you don't need to decide on a colour - take all three!

Gold Class Cinema voucher

For the slightly exhausted Mum in your life, whether it's your own Mum or your bestie with a few kids, a Gold Class movie voucher and a thoughtful card offering your babysitting services is such a well-received gift. What's even better is if you team up with their regular babysitter, and pre-pay for a night of childminding, so you can go to the flicks too! My tip? Don't skimp on the Gold Class snacks - those potato wedges go great with a glass or three of wine!

Nocturna

It wouldn't be a round-up of gifts I love to give without a scented candle, and at this time of year, just before the seasons change and it gets a little cooler, my favourites are by Nocturna. The V. Salem is a gorgeous oriental scent in Nocturna's signature mysterious black jar, woody and decadent. Perfect for wooing that special someone, or perhaps save it for a romantic solo night in with a good book in the bathtub!

*Hot lovers tip: enjoy 15% off the entire Nocturna range leading up to Valentines Day, by using promo code THELOVERS at checkout.

Bill Bryson book

Bill Bryson's newest book is nestled right in the middle of the 'favourite books' shelf. It's a thing.

My all-time favourite way to spend a rainy afternoon is curled up with a good book, and with the rainy Summer seeming to last longer and longer, I've recently been engrossed in Bill Bryson's latest travelogue, The Road to Little Dribbling. Laugh-out-laud moments and lots of quirky facts that had me reading aloud to BB make Bill Bryson books a winning gift for pretty much everyone.

Kokopod

Step away from the chocolate brownie. This is not a gift you are going to want to give away. One of Queensland's best chocolatiers (seriously, just ask the wise folk at The Urban List), Brigid of Kokopod has delivered some amazingly sweet treats to stockists across the region this week - and you're going to need to be quick to get your sugar rush!

Head to The Fruit & Deli Co. in North Lakes, Top Spot Fruit in Aspley, Something About Audrey in Sandgate, Raw Sugar Cafe in Toowoomba, Myrtle's Pantry in Caloundra and Chocolates on Gallery Walk in Mt. Tamborine for the ultimate in Valentine's decadence.


Kapten & Son

Lastly, and definitely not least... I do love a splurge gift. It's not under $50, but it is the coolest dang watch I've seen in years.

Oh Kapten, my Kapten. I am freaking in love with Kapten & Son watches. New to Australia, these super-classy timepieces just scream style and sophistication. With so many customisable features including the size of the face, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll be seeing Kaptens cruising everywhere.

I'd love to know, are you single or coupled-up? And do you do Valentine's Day?

Wardrobe favourites: the chambray dress

I've mentioned a few (or a million) times how I feel about chambray and am demonstrating that love quite strongly, with the last two Sundays in a row being Chambray Sundays!

Muui off-shoulder ruffle chambray dress, $85 available from Archfashion

Also... pockets for the win.

(worn with Birk-style sandals from Harris Scarfe and new Louenhide zip purse, gifted at #everydaystyle luncheon)

When I spotted the off-the-shoulder Muui chambray dress, it was a no brainer! I knew it would be such a great dress for Summer, so easy to dress up and down, and hello pocketses.

Sass sleeveless chambray shirtdress, $89.95 available from The Iconic

(worn with Birk-style sandals and new Louenhide Sydney bag-in-a-bag)

This super-simple chambray shirtdress will get a heap of wear casually over Summer, but I can't wait to layer it a little for the cooler months, with leggings and skinny jeans underneath.

Here are a few more of my favourite chambray dress finds, there's one for every style and occasion this Summer.

1. Sussan sleeveless chambray shirtdress $129.95 / 2. Sass sleeveless chambray shirtdress (from The Iconic) $89.95 / 3. Oasis chambray dress (from ASOS) $81.00 / 4. Katies chambray dress $69.95 / 5. Boohoo Grace lace-front chambray dress $34.00

Over to you … where have you spotted chambray dresses recently? And are you a fan of Summer-weight denim like me?

Want to win a Glasshouse Candle? Sure you do, sign up to get Katy Potaty via email and go into my December subscriber draw to win a Glasshouse Christmas Cheer candle!

Celebrating two years of #everydaystyle with Styling You

Last weekend, Peta and I headed to Brisbane to attend a beautiful lunch hosted by Nikki of Styling You to celebrate two whole years of the #everydaystyle hashtag she created. Yep, hashtags have birthdays, and they know how to party!

The gorgeous #everydaystylers; image from @stylingyou instagram

Honestly, blogger events and meetups are usually pretty awkward for me. And even more so when it's stylish people like fashion Instagrammers. *insert hand-wringing and excuse-making here* Unless I know someone really well to latch on to, it's typically just me standing in the corner near the food.

When I received the invitation from Nikki, the very first thing I did was text Peta and hit her up. I was all 'Did you get invited? Are you going? Are we going? What are we wearing?' and she was very casual and 'Yeah, yeah, yeah, I dunno'. This is because my bestie is now what I like to call a big deal. She was Nikki's gorgeous model for the last two Styling You shop seasons, and hence had her face plastered all over the Australian style interwebs. I bask in her reflected glory.

Peta just babin' it up on the Styling You shop

Nikki had arranged for the event to be held on the Hilton Pool Deck right in the middle of Brisbane City, and oh my, it was perfect for a bunch of blinged-up ladies enjoying champagne and chit chat on a stinking hot late November day. There were fans and a cool breeze from across the pool, and we were handed a chilled champers the minute we entered. Nikki's sponsor Olympus generously put on the lovely spread of food and drinks, and there was a lot of ooh-ing and aah-ing over the new Olympus selfie camera. 

After a nice mingle getting to know the folk that we hadn't previously met and catching up with old friends, we were seated at an enormous table, with placecards featuring our own favourite #everydaystyle Instagram photos, and lovely gifts from Louenhide - my red journal and cream clutch are going to be well-used, I'm sure.

I'll always love sitting down to a meal and finding goodies at my place setting. Always.

Thanks Louenhide. My love for you runs deep.

After a light lunch, Nikki introduced Simone. A former international model (hanging on the catwalk with the likes of Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford no less!), Simone got us all up and giggling, sharing her top tips for posing in outfit photos. I learned a lot, and think I should probably focus a little on having 'softer' hands in photos, instead of my usual Cancerian claws!

I wore a Seed off-shoulder dress, Witchery wedges (old - similar here), Samantha Wills Bohemian Bardot ring, and Adorne necklace (old - similar here)

The fun didn't end there, Nikki and her assistant Alisha had pulled together an amazing table chock-full of lucky door prizes and I won a lovely hair and makeup transformation from a well-known Brisbane makeup artist who comes out to your home, Bruce Rehbein. I was looking forward to using this, but after a little thought, I decided to offer it up in a swap to the other recipients, as I'm just not getting to Brisbane as much as I'd like these days. Fellow Coastie, Bev of Iris May Style had won a sunshiny yellow Louenhide bag-in-a-bag that I was swooning over, and she quite fancied getting her hair and makeup done for her daughter's upcoming law degree graduation, so swapsies worked out perfectly!

The gorgeous yellow/biscuit Sydney Louenhide that now has pride of place in my Louenhide collection.

Nikki's assistant Alisha was there to help out, and we had two other awesome attendees. Helen of Rhubarb snapping posed and candid photos, as well as the oh-so-talented Jakomina who is such a skillful fashion illustrator!

Jakomina's sweet watercolour fashion sketch of me is stunning, I'm definitely framing this baby!

Find her website here 

It was great to get the chance to speak to women who I've connected with previously online, and also to meet and follow new people.  Of course, we all took a million pictures with the silver STYLE balloons before heading downstairs to the Hilton Bar to continue our chats. Everyone was so well-dressed, pulling out some #notsoeverydaystyle glamour for the event! (And I'm pleased to see that kaftans as daywear are still a thing. Big fan.)

It was a really fun afternoon and I'm so pleased we both headed down to Brisbane for it! Peta and I made a bit of a weekend of it, staying in the city that evening, heading for dinner at Southbank and then enjoying the morning by the river the next day; so I'll share all those photos in the next blog post - here!

The gorgeous #everydaystylers*; image from @stylingyou instagram

Thank you very much to Nikki and the Styling You team, I'm so pleased to have been a little part of the celebrations of the #everydaystyle hashtag which has been such a hit online. Thanks also to Nikki's sponsors and brand supporters who contributed to the occasions. I've met such awesome-sauce women through #everydaystyle and felt honoured to be invited.

Have you met people in the 'real' world after meeting online through social media such as blogs, Instagram, Facebook, etc? How did it go down? Are you besties now?

*I don't want to single people out, but there were some key kids that I was stoked to see at the #everydaystyle party. @traineemama (duh),  @what_brooke_wore,  @mrs.lauren.roney,  @ilovethatskirt,  @sisterinstyle,  @retailgenie,  @kirstyashestyle in the most amazing Mister Zimi set,  @style_scouting_,  @istyl,  @styleloving2,  @loveface_beauty, and of course @stylingyou (obvs).

Want to win a Glasshouse Candle? And want more awesome-sauce blog posts like this? Sure you do, sign up to get Katy Potaty via email and go into my monthly subscriber draw to win a Glasshouse Christmas Cheer candle!

The winner of my November email subscriber giveaway was Kirsten D. I've emailed you, Kirsten so holla me back with a postal address! Congratulations!

Blue Sage Clothing - Inca tunic

This Wardrobe Wednesday edition is brought to you by a new online shopping find, Blue Sage Clothing. Summa of Blue Sage Clothing is just the loveliest and most relaxed online store owner I've been in contact with for ages, and she curates a fabulous little store, with great basics and key trends for Summer, all at very appealing price points!

This pretty tunic dress is all about comfort and easy care, the perfect frock for travelling, weekends away and dressing up or down - and I'll get wear from it in the cooler months too,  with skinny jeans or leggings worn underneath.

So, without a doubt, you have probably already seen this dress about 50 times.

It was all over Instagram. And now it’s all over me.

Blue Sage Clothing Inca tunic (only $45!), Country Road boots (two Winters ago), French Connection felt hat (four Winters ago)

Are you open to getting your pins out in tunics?

*Inca tunic gifted from Blue Sage Clothing - thank you to the lovely Summa for adding this super-versatile style to my wardrobe.

I'll be linking up with Kimba Likes Wardrobe Wednesday, so head over and see what infinitely more stylish folk than me have been wearing.

Don't forget, I'm giving away a lovely bunch of coconuts bouquet of fresh flowers on the blog too, so make sure you leave a comment on the FreshFlowers.com.au post!

Instagram Inspiration: Folk to follow

Hip hooray - the first work week of the year is done, and we've all earned our weekend, I'm sure!

Needing a little extra fabulous in your Instagram feed? Here are four that I love to follow, I hope you love their pics as much as I do.

Clockwise from top left: hilaryhrhoda, jessicadimmock, memoryweaver, gdax

Following rising supermodel Hilary Rhoda (@hilaryhrhoda) on Instagram is truly a double edged sword. On one hand, she's one of the most gorgeous women on Earth and always doing pretty interesting things. On the other, it is a constant reminder that I'm not Hilary Rhoda. Ah well.

Very simply, I love @jessicadimmock. She will add the beauty to your feed. An awesome photographer with a gorgeous eye and many a beautiful place to introduce you to.

Nothing compares to a good Instagram still life, right? And @memoryweaver delivers just that. Marcus Rodriguez is a web developer with a passion for photography, although he only joined Instagram last year. By the way, what's so excellent about Marcus is that he includes a detailed post with each series that contains handy tips and suggestions for fellow photographers. In a competitive world, it's great to find someone who has not only mastered photography but is also willing to share his tricks with the public.

You won't believe me, but @gdax is one tech-savvy monk. Gedun Wangchuk, a Buddhist monk living in Tibet, has such a tranquil Instagram account. Simply looking at his photos will put you in a state of peaceful reflection.


Who are your fave Instagrammers? Anyone amazing I should be following?

Christmas wishlist - Sea Candy jewellery collection

I've got a lot of lovely friends on Instagram. Not just the random people I follow, but good ol' proper friends, who remember my birthday and are warm and kind and real.

One of them is Sadie. Firstly, she's the only person I've ever met named Sadie, and I adore her for it. She's Welsh, and moved from one cold country to another... New Zealand. She's is sassy and stylish, and I don't think a fabric print has ever been designed that she couldn't completely rock.

Sadie is a jewellery designer who actually handmakes her own pieces (instead of farming off to other skilled folk), and she does some incredible bespoke styles, so if you need something showstopping for a particular occasion, she's your gal.

Sea Candy necklace

The latest collection is called Sea Candy, which makes me giggle and think of mermaids illicitly eating the sailor's sweets. Love it. The signature piece of the collection is the Sea Candy necklace, each one is handbeaded, with over 14 hours of beading per necklace. (What the hey-ho? Who even has that kind of patience?) The Sea Candy collection also contains luxurious crystal quartz, candy coloured beads, shimmering seashells and high quality gemstones.

Shh by Sadie is stocked in selected boutiques in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, UK, Portugal and the USA. To see more of Sadie's unique designs, visit Shhbysadie.com. Prices range from $85 - $225.

*Not a sponsored post, nor are there any affliated links. I just adore Sadie's work and hope that some of it finds its way under your Christmas tree.

Yes, I have a seasonal candle wardrobe.

As the weather gets warmer, skirts get shorter, drinks become stronger, and I change my candles over. It's just how it is.

During Winter, I burn gourmand scents like Archipelago's Caramel (thanks to Anna for getting me addicted to that), and Glasshouse Fragrances' Tahaa (a delicious Vanilla Caramel that is to sweet to burn for more than an hour a day). They make me feel cosy and warm, and I like trying out new spicy fragrances too.

Now that we're starting to open the house up more, it's back to my trusty range of Summer scents. These are regulars in the Potaty house, and whilst BB has told me not to bring any more candles into the house until every last one is gone (what is up with that?), I actually don't often think about trying new ones during Spring or Summer.

Glasshouse Montego Bay - the original and the best Summer candle, in my humble opinion

Glasshouse's Montego Bay and Rio de Janeiro are all-time favourites, for evoking a tropical holiday even on cruddy Monday mornings before work, and I've recently tried a few Yankee Candles (props to Home Secret for stocking these are cheap-as-chips prices) in cocktail scents like Pina Colada and Margarita.

Archipelago Caramel - divine

Glasshouse Rio de Janeiro - think summer cocktail in a candle!

 

I'm currently pretty excitedly checking my mailbox, I recently won a new limited-edition Glasshouse Le Cabaret candle, and from what I've read, it could be the perfect transeasonal scent for me. It's rich and passionate, and has notes of violet; I shall let you know how I like it.

Once they're all finished, they are sweet storage jars.

(And hubby is mad on jars, so he actually doesn't mind my fancy candles so much!)

Do you have a favourite candle scent or brand? And are you as nuts fussy as me and like to change them up with the seasons?

Work and play - Navy stripes

I've been wearing navy day-in, day-out lately, it's a really easy way for me to transition from Winter heavier pieces to Spring styles!

Navy stripes are one of my timeless classics, I've got tanks, tees, dresses and skirts in this print, and I find that I can wear them season after season - which really makes them the cheapest pieces in my wardrobe, no? I think my love for them may be due to my family's sailing history, and the fact that I do love a good preppy style. They have a slight tomboy-ish feel, and make anything they are paired with look crisp and fresh – is there any reason not to love them?

A few days ago on a much-needed day off work, I wore this super simple navy tank dress and denim jacket with some wedge espadrilles, it was the first day of Spring and I was ready to dress the part! Whenever I wear navy (which should be obvious - it's a lot), I try to use a splash of colour, so that it doesn't look too much like a uniform. My all-time most-used favourite handbag in bright orange is really all that I ever pair with navy stripes, I just love navy and orange together.

Target tank dress (similar here), FCUK Denim jacket (similar here), Witchery espadrilles (similar here), Louenhide Baby Switch handbag (this is the best size ever)

Yesterday I got to top up my navy stripe wardrobe when an incentive gift voucher turned up for me at work with my name on it, and I knew that this long sleeve tee was just waiting to come home with me. I often wear navy and pink at work, it fels fresh and peppy, and evokes a casual college style that I love.

Lorna Jane everything (tights, tank, tee, MNB bracelet), Converse sneaks

Lorna Jane Indiana tee (sold out online, available instore) 

 

Target Free Fusion dress

Do you love navy and wear it often? Do stripes make your heart sing?

One versatile shirt tunic

One of the easiest things to wear in my wardrobe are my collection of tunics. (And let's be honest. Easy is really all I'm looking for in a garment.)

Tunics have been around forever and have never really gone out of fashion. Teaming tunics with leggings is so perfect for the mild Winter days we get in Queensland - although I did wear this look a lot when I lived in New Zealand one Summer! Tunics offer a great way of elongating my short-ish torso while hiding unflattering areas. By that, I mean that it hides muffin top. Winning.

The good folk at Katies offered me a tunic to style a few ways, and I can see it becoming quite the transeasonal favourite!

I love the casual style of this tunic with the sleeves rolled up and a fedora thrown on - it's definitely an outfit I'd throw on for a relaxed weekend look.

Katies print tunic*; Katies seamed ponte pant; Target wedge sandals; French Connection fedora; Seed bracelets

I'm starting to plan my attack on Tasmania's chilly Winter - we're headed to Hobart in two weeks for a long weekend - and I've only got carry-on luggage allowance! I think this tunic, layered with a thermal t-shirt and leggings and this super-cute vest, will see me onto the plane, visiting the relatives, and out to dinner nicely. All I'll need to do is carry my coat, gloves and beanie and that's one outfit sorted. (That is some serious optimism speaking there - you guys know how much I don't like the cold. But the excitement of visiting a newborn baby niece should hopefully warm me up!)

Katies print tunic*; Katies seamed ponte pant; Piper faux fur gilet (similar here); Williams flat boots

(also.... why do I lean so much in photos?)

Katies are sharing the tunic love this week, with a fabulous competition aimed at sharing real styling ideas from real women. Head over to the Katies blog or Instagram to find out more, and upload your own tunic tricks for a chance to win your own tunic!

Do you layer up with tunics in Winter? How could I wear this cute piece in Summer? Suggestions please?

(And don't forget to check out tomorrow's blog post, I'll be giving away something wine-related and awesome!)

* gifted item - everything else my own (or as the fancy folk say 'stylist's own'. Ha!)