GUEST EDIT: The Hottest Trends This Summer with Vanessa

Blue Maxi with White Jacket

"The colours of Santorini" is always what comes to mind when I see the classic summer combo of blue and white. Thankfully the Katies Summer range features these colours in ample measure, so I was spoilt for choice in putting this look together. I loved this maxi dress for it's flattering cut, its comfortability, and it's ability to be dressed up or down. Adding the tailored crisp white denim jacket really pulled the look together. I'm also a fan of the asymmetric hemline. Not only is this on-trend, it lightens the feel of the dress and allows you to show off a little more of your summer glow (I still need to master that part!)

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Denim Skirt with Spotted T-Shirt

When the pencil skirt came back into fashion this season, I could not have been happier. For somebody who lives in denim, it is always great to find options that allow you to wear your favourite go-to's in new (and need I say, sexy!) ways.  For a slightly retro look, I teamed this denim skirt with a micro polka dotted t-shirt, and red accessories. The bright red heels and belt dress up the look and give the whole thing a little "POP". Red lipstick was also a must. I would wear this look to meetings or casual work events, this is a very versatile outfit that I feel ladylike and comfortable in.

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Monochrome

These black linen pants are giving my relationship with denim a run for it's money. I have LIVED in these pants since I got them! The relaxed casual fit is so flattering and right on-trend. I love the tapered leg (not too wide), and the drawstring waist provides a "sports luxe" vibe that is modern yet super-comfortable. Whilst these pants look great with any number of tops from the Katies collection, I decided to stay "monochrome" with this outfit, simply teaming the bottoms with a basic white singlet (tucked in is a MUST) and minimalistic leather slides. Whilst this simple outfit is made for running around in, it also feels quite sophisticated. You can't beat black and white.

Shop the Ruched Soft Pants   |   Shop the White Singlet

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Guest Edit: Improve Your Form With 10 Of My Top Race Day Tips - Vanessa from Breakfast with Audrey

A day at the races is always filled with fun, laughs and excitement.  Often however, the lead up to the big event can be anything but a walk in the park! There’s the dress code to consider, the weather, current trends, what shoes, what to take (forget about who to bet on!) – it’s enough to put even the most seasoned race-goers into a fluster. If this is your first year attending the carnival, or you just want to improve your game, my top 10 tips may assist!

1. Think ladylike: Leave the mini skirts and sequins to those that don’t know better.  A typically traditional affair, the races make a great place to showcase your elegant and sophisticated side. Flatter your figure with a well-cut dress that reaches the knee. Leave the boob-tubes and skimpy tops to other occasions.

2. Invest in a beautiful hat: Fascinators have had their day, and you’ll look so much more “the part” sporting a beautiful hat instead. Whilst the big, crazy hats favoured by the A-list certainly catch everyone’s attention, choose a hat that you’re comfortable in and that is timeless enough to be worn season after season.

3. Lace veils are in:  If you’re after something new, one of the biggest headwear trends for 2014 is the lace veil across the eyes. Safest to stick to black, this vintage look spells sophisticated and sexy. Whilst not traditional race day attire the look is appropriate and right on trend.

4. Say NO to work clothes: A day at the races calls for more than weekday work wear, so choose a dress with a little added wow-factor. Think bold prints, a full skirt, a colour that pops, an interesting neckline, or other embellishment. Leave the all-black combos to the office - this can look overly somber (not to mention boring!) in bright spring daylight.

5. The shoes have it: Don’t let your shoes let you down. A day at the races is often long, with the majority of the day spent standing (on turf no less.) You’ll need a super comfortable and well-made shoe, with a thicker heel if possible to avoid sinking into the lawn.

6. Up the ante with accessories: Add a fun and quirky side to your ladylike silhouette with accessories. Set off a plain dress with a bright clutch or heels; add a statement necklace to basic necklines. Matching nail poilsh is another easy way to co-ordinate your look.

7. Hot for Hoisery: A plain dress can pop with the addition of interestingly-patterned black hosiery. You’ll also skip the need to fake tan which not only saves time, it won’t have you dripping orange if it happens to rain!

8. Consider the temperature: It goes without saying, but the weather will play a huge part in your race day look and overall comfort.  If you’re planning a long day, don’t fall prey to the oversized men’s jacket over-the-shoulders-look when the temperature drops. Not only does this look amateurish, it’ll ruin your style! Cover your bases by taking a small tailored jacket or shrug for the shoulders in early Spring.

9. Avoid excess baggage: First up, don’t take your everyday bag – it’ll likely be too big and won’t match your carefully considered race day get up.  A good-sized clutch or a medium sized handbag you can carry by hand is the way to go.

10. Handbag essentials: Do not leave the house without these essentials (you can thank me later) Top of the list are: SUNGLASSES, a makeup compact for touch ups, lipstick or gloss, bandaids, and of course….. your form guide!

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Summer Trend Report

As the Spring/Summer 2015 international fashion calendar draws to a close, the time is nigh to cast our eye over the looks of the season, and to see what trends we can apply in the real-world! Whilst there is always an element of the wierd and wonderful on the runways, there were plenty of wearable themes to go around when you know where to look. And the best part? With summer on our doorstep, there’s no waiting until 2015 to hop on board – we can jump on these trends today.

1. Bright whites & paint box colours

Colour for Summer and beyond is exciting, with bright blue, green, orange and yellow making a splash on the runways. Bright whites were worn with slices of colour (such as beautiful bright blue) or teamed with other whites for a quintessential summery “white-on-white” look. The graphic combo of black and white is still a huge theme for the season, and it’s one of my favourites. This modern combination can be worn in so many ways - from weekends to workday (and it’s basically impossible to get it wrong!)

2. Wide Trousers and Cropped Pants

Not all of us want to bear their legs when the temperature rises, so thankfully, relaxed fit, wide-legged trousers and cropped pants were all over the runways.  This style was seen in plain and printed fabrics, and was generally cut wide from the hip (note to self: not bell-bottoms!) Teamed with minimalistic slides or sandals, or a heel for evening, wide trousers and cropped pants are an easy trend to hop onto this Summer.  These pieces make great trans-seasonal staples for when things cool off (an added bonus!)

3. Printed Fabrics

A perennial fashion favourite, stripes were rolled out across many runways at the recent shows. From traditional blue and white, through to multi-coloured, black and white or zig-zagged, anything goes with stripes and they are best teamed with denim or whites this season. Bold florals and geometric/abstract prints were another huge hit, and are easy to incorporate via skirts and maxi dresses.

4. Denim Jackets

If you don’t yet own a denim jacket now is the time to get one! With the 90’s look coming back into fashion, denim jackets are a great way to incorporate the era and maintain practicality. This season denim jackets are cropped or to the hip, (nothing oversized!) and can be worn over dresses, prints and basics. Roll up your sleeves for a look that is stylish, casual and comfortable.

5. Midi Skirts
A midi skirt is a full (or semi-full) skirt that falls between the knee and the ankle! Midi skirts were well-represented at the international collections, showing up in prints and block colours, with several featuring asymmetrical hemlines as well. A feminine and lady-like look that works for casual wear (add sandals or slides and tuck in a basic t-shirt) or for dress-ups (add heels or pumps and a clutch.)

6. Asymmetrical Hemlines

A major theme for Summer, asymmetric cuts were seen at every turn on the SS15 runways. Uneven hemlines, one-shouldered garments, unexpected layers and spliced fabrics, define this look. The easiest way to wear asymmetrical garments is via maxi dresses, flowing tops paired with slim-leg pants, and maxi skirts paired with basic tops. The key is to balance the hemline with something plain, double asymmetry is a hard one to pull off, and best left to the runways!

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Say hello to....Vanessa!

Let’s start by hearing a little bit about yourself…Who is Vanessa?

I am a Sydney-based blogger and business owner with a long standing devotion to fashion, design, interiors, being an entrepreneur, and everything online! I’m also a self-confessed pin-aholic!

As a child, I was buried deep into the pages of every international fashion magazine, memorising every photo and dreaming of the day where I could be involved in that world. My bedroom walls were carefully decorated with my favourite shoots from Bazaar and Vogue. (I may have even stalked a visiting supermodel or ten!)

Despite wanting a career in fashion, I completed an Economics degree at Sydney University and began a career in stockbroking at a very early age. Soon enough, my entrepreneurial desires took over, and I abandoned the markets in favour of fashion. I founded my first business (a fashion jewellery brand called ‘Glamadonna’) in 2004, which I still run today. 

Recently, I was given the opportunity to take over the reigns at the well-known fashion and style blog ‘Breakfast with Audrey’. The editorship has “completed my puzzle” so to speak, in that it combines everything I love into one format and allows me to be constantly challenged.

I am fur-parent to my mischievous kitten Aspen, and I am currently renovating my first property. I have become quite acquainted with power tools which I am also loving - (honestly!)

How did you become to be the Editor of Breakfast with Audrey?

I am always on the lookout for new challenges and had been following Breakfast with Audrey for a couple of years. When I heard that the previous editor was moving on to a new direction in the fashion industry I jumped at the opportunity to pile all of my passions together and take the website over.

What is the style mantra behind your brand?

Make it beautiful.

What do you most love about your job?

It’s cheesy, but I love everything! I really feel lucky to have the blog and I enjoy all facets of running it; from creating interesting and inspiring content, to treating our readers with giveaways, to sampling new products, meeting soooo many great people, working with brands, growing and building. There is very little about it that I don’t genuinely love.

Do you have any tips for aspiring bloggers?

Yes. Be yourself! Do not try to fit into a certain mold of “blogger” by emulating what is already out there. You’ll have more longevity and create a genuine audience if you are unique. Secondly, learn how to negotiate.

Finish this sentence: To be happy, fabulous & successful a woman should…

Be herself and follow her passions.

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