Showing posts with label Katies Collective. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Katies Collective. Show all posts

Katies New Year's Eve



New Year's Eve is billed as the biggest party of the year.  It's the time we farewell the current year and welcome the next one.  A time to look back and reflect.  A time to look forward and plan.  It's also the perfect opportunity to get your party on!

New Year's Eve isn't just about dancing til dawn and quaffing cocktails in nightclubs.  There are lots of ways to celebrate with family and friends.  I've put together some fun outfit options for some family friendly New Year's Eve celebrations. 

New Year's Eve at the beach

Head to the beach for family fun in the sun!  Throw your stuff in your Katies beach bag, pop on a shady hat and kick off your leather sandals.  Slip a pretty sunfrock over your swimmers to head to the cafe for lunch.



New Year's Eve watching the fireworks

Australia is famous for its New Year's Eve fireworks.  They are viewed around the world - but we can see them perched around harbours and rivers.  Aren't we the lucky ones?  

Comfort is paramount for viewing the fireworks, but you still want to look glamorous.  It's New Year's Eve after all!  I'm loving Katies soft pant range, and these vibrant beetroot red hammered satin pants are comfy yet glam.  Team them with a tank with a twist - like the stylish Cut Out Lace Strap Top.  Accessorise with a handy bag, a colourful scarf to ward against chills and some simple jewellery pieces.



New Year's Eve barbecue with friends

The good old Aussie barbecue with friends is a fabulous way to ring in the New Year.  Load up the esky (chilly bin if you're from New Zealand like me) with drinks and snacks, throw some snags on the barbie and toast the new year with your besties.  You won't be queuing for nightclub loos or at the bar for overpriced cocktails, but you can still get dressed up.  I'm loving the Katies summer dress range, with details like hi lo hemlines, intricate straps and cutout details.  Elegance AND comfort plus lots of fun too!  I'll be rocking the Neck Detail Hi Lo Dress this summer with heels and an embellished clutch for a night out, and with flat sandals and a cross body bag for day time.



However you spend your New Year's Eve this year, I hope you are happy and healthy and surrounded by the people you love.  Thanks for letting me hang out with you this year!  I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


Top Picks For The New Year


There’s nothing quite like the ending of one year and the beginning of another, is there?

A fresh start. A new beginning. Another chapter.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to take stock of your wardrobe and breathe new life into it by identifying the gaps and adding some gorgeous new pieces.
Case in point: the dress.

This season, there are 3 must own dresses every woman should have hanging in her wardrobe:


1 | The Little Black Dress (otherwise known as the LBD)
The LBD is perfect for any occasion that requires a bit of dressing up. Classic, timeless and elegant, all the LBD needs is some simple and beautiful accessories and you are good to go. Opt for accents of silver, beading and black for a sophisticated and sexy look.




2 | The Striped Number
The striped dress is a sassy little option, perfect for a BBQ or drinks at the pub. Add some pops of colour in the form of earrings and a satchel bag and tie in natural elements in the form of a wooden cuff. Cute and casual!


3 | The Showstopper
The showstopper needs no introduction. It’s the dress you turn to when you want to make a statement. Let the dress do all the talking and keep accessories simple with muted metallics and a complementary pop of colour. This is the dress to turn heads this summer.


Remember, a dress is an instant outfit that needs only a little bit of styling in the form of accessories.

Have a few perfect frocks hanging in your wardrobe and you’ll never be at a loss for what to wear.

Christmas Gift Guide


Santa has made his list and he's checked it twice. Have you got friends who are really nice? Then you need my Katies Christmas Gift Guide edit! Oh, and if you haven't made your own list here, don't worry. I've done all the hard work for you, just quietly.

Katies Christmas Gift Guide for your girlfriends



Everyday Essentials

The essentials that every girl needs for everyday style.
Beach Babe

Summer in Australia is all about the beach. Katies is on board!
  • Every beach babe needs a woven fedora, especially when styled up with a Pink Coral or Blue Indigo fabric band. Fedora Hat $19.95
  • Beach bags are essential to carry your sunblock, towels, lipbalm - you know, all the stuff! Love this natural woven bag. Sold out online; find it instore
  • Feel naked without an accessory or three? This gorgeous wooden piece is beach-tastic! Wooden carved cuff $19.95
Glam Girl

Christmas party season is upon us and it's time to get our glam on!
  • Rock this Blue Azure statement necklace to glam up a casual top, or add some extra sparkle to a evening outfit. Beaded Statement Necklace $29.95
  • Every girl needs a bag to carry her essentials. Loving this glam clutch available in Gunmetal and Black. Beaded Clutch Bag $49.95
  • A sparkly scarf is the perfect way to add a light layer and amp up the glam. Available in Soft Pink or Deep Grey. Sequin Scarf $24.95
Girl About Town

Running after the kids, commuting to the office, ticking off the errand list ... Girls about town need some fun accessories to get the job done in style!
 
Presents for your Mama, Bestie, Kris Kringle, yourself!



Best Foot Forward
  • Put your best foot forward with Katies limited edition range of leather sandals. They're only $39.95 and available in two different styles.
  • The Karly Knot Detail Sandal comes in Black and Champagne
  • The Vicky Leather T Strap Sandal comes in Leopard, Tan and Black
  • Shop shoes here
That's a Wrap
  • Everyone loves a scarf and the Katies summer range is just gorgeous. Lots of colours, patterns and details.
  • Priced from $19.95 to $24.95, there's one for everyone.
  • Dress up a plain outfit, wear as an evening wrap, double as a sunshade for you (or baby), scarves are so versatile
  • Scarves are a lovely Kris Kringle gift, stocking stuffer, or even double as wrapping paper that doesn't need to be thrown out!
  • Shop scarves here
Bag Lady
  • Do you love bags as much as I do? Katies has a fab range - everything from mobile phone wristlets to beach bags.
  • Bags make a fabulous gift option - who doesn't love a new beach bag for the summer season?
  • Shop bags here
Throw Some Shade
  • Everyone from teenagers to grannies need a fab summer hat. The floppy brimmed sunhat is a stylish classic.
  • Loving Katies summer hats available in two classic colours, Black and Sand. Plus only $19.95!
  • Shop Floppy Hats here
Boxing Clever
  • Adore a pretty present that comes wrapped ready for gifting, like the Katies limited edition boxed jewellery sets.
  • Priced from $19.95 to $24.95 and beautifully boxed in melon and sky blue chevron gift boxes
  • The range includes Double Earrings Set, Double Stud Earrings Set, Melon Resin Pendant, Multi Beaded Stacker Bracelets, Multi Stacker Bracelets
  • Shop the Love K jewellery range here
Katies make it easy for us to shop til we drop this festive season, bless them! My wishlist just keeps on growing. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!




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3 Outfits for Christmas Day


I can’t believe Christmas is almost here! Where the heck did the time go?

Hopefully by now, the wreath is on the front door and all the gifts have been bought, wrapped and placed underneath the Christmas tree.

So that just leaves one more thing to check off the list – an outfit for Christmas Day!
I’ve long had a tradition where I treat myself to something new to wear for Christmas. It makes me feel special and happy and is a lovely self-gift (something we don’t tend to do often enough as women).

There are some key considerations when choosing the perfect outfit for a day where it’s all about eating, drinking and being merry, and I’ve managed to put together 3 outfits from Katies that are comfortable, stylish and perfect for Christmas Day.

The Shift Dress
The shift dress is a simple and easy ensemble that is classic and gorgeous. If you are a little on the curvy side, like me, go up a size to ensure a comfortable fit across the hips. It’s meant to look relaxed and effortless (and allow for an extra serve of ham).




The Soft Pant & Relaxed Fit Top
Repeat after me: an elasticised waist is my friend! These satin pants are a great way to add a touch of luxe while maintaining a relaxed fit. Pair them with a lovely loose fitting top and you have a fabulous outfit that effortlessly mixes glam with comfort.




The Ruffle Front Dress
Another beautiful dress option features the ultimate camouflage detail – the ruffle front. Pretty, flowy and a great way to add a pop of colour to your outfit. This dress slips on and off easily and is versatile enough to be worn casually during the day or glammed up for night.



Wishing you a fabulous and fashionable Katies Christmas!


Fashion Forecast: Tribal



Are you ready to go native? The tribal trend took over the runways for Spring/Summer 2014.  Prada, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Valentino and Emilio Pucci all featured this theme with tribal-inspired, exotic collections.

You can create this look for a fraction of the price at Katies.  Look for bold, graphic, ikat or geometric prints, monochrome or bright neon paired with warm, earthy tones (black, browns, deep reds and oranges). Wear with African style accessories, think fringing, feathers, chandelier earrings and beaded jewellery or natural accents like a straw hat/bag or chunky wooden bangles.

Don’t be afraid to mix tribal prints and accessorise with a vibrant, solid colour that compliments the print.
 

Release your inner Masai with my Katies Tribal Edit.



  Shop | Knit Maxi              Shop | Hanky Dress          Shop | Trapeze Dress         Shop | Chevron Maxi



         Shop | Longline Shirt                            Shop | Salsa Top                           Shop | Ikat Tank Top


     Shop | Necklace                  Shop | Necklace                 Shop | Necklace             Shop | Necklace




Summer Shoe Edit with Sonia

 Shoes are the full stop to an outfit’s sentence.

The right pair of shoes can elevate an outfit from good to great (and that has absolutely nothing to do with the heel height, either!).

There are 3 shoe trends we should all be running towards this Summer – 
the slide, the wedge and the block heel – and they suit just about everyone.
Here’s how to rock them with confidence and with Katies…




The Slide
Slides are the hot weather must have sandal this season.
They’re cute and comfortable and look great styled casually with a shorter length dress (think knee length or above) or with tailored shorts and flowy top.
To amp up the glam factor, go for a metallic finish in silver or gold.

White Dress available in selected stores




The Wedge
This season, the wedge heel is back in a big way.
And what’s not to love? You get the extra height with extra support!
Rock the boho look with a maxi dress and wedges or go for effortless cool by pairing them with printed pants/soft pants and a tank.

Ruffle Dress available in selected stores





The Block Heel
Pop those skinny stiletto heels away for another day; the bulkier block heel is here to stay!
A cool, edgy and modern take on the high heel, the sturdier block heel offers an inch or two of height without sacrificing comfort, blending practicality and polish.
The block heel looks great with just about anything – denim shorts, dresses, skirts, pants – the works!


What shoe trends will you be dipping your toe into this Summer?



Soft Pant available in selected stores


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!)


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.

Shop the Denim Skirt 


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.

GUEST EDIT: Cool, Calm & Collected For Kindy Drop Off with Leah

I don't know about you, but on kindy drop off days I run around like a chook with it's head cut off to get out the door. I admit to a slight case of OCD, I couldn't possibly leave the house without having made beds and a clean kitchen that said, I built in extra time to make this happen.

It can be a challenge to get out the door and look pulled together, but I have been doing some work with Katies, as they launch into encouraging customers to 'rediscover' their brand and I would say they totally have you covered. Easy - tick, casual - tick, on trend, tick, budget friendly - tick.

There were a few ways I could have gone with styling an outfit for this post, but with a love of denim, stripes and crisp colours, this ensemble was the obvious choice.



Shop the Waterfall Linen Jacket | Shop the Stripe Tee | Shop the Chambray Pant
Shop the Rope Necklace


GUEST EDIT: Dogs Are A Girls Best Friend with Sonia


They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but I beg to differ.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a diamond as much as the next girl, however there’s something else that shines much brighter in my life.

Our dog, Amalfi.

A little ball of fluff with a big personality, he has brought so much joy and love to our lives, we just couldn’t imagine our world without him.

It’s especially lovely to come home from work and see that little face, so excited to see you. And no matter how crappy a day I’ve had, I always feel instantly better the minute I cuddle Amalfi.

He’s also great for getting us out of the house for a walk to the park, where he can catch up with his other 4-legged friends and burn off some of that seemingly never-ending energy.

Amalfi is a hit with other dogs and people, and is quite well known in our neighbourhood.

I’ve always joked that we should get him into dog modeling (if such an industry exists) and so it’s kind of cool that he gets to make his modeling debut here on the Katies blog!

He makes a pretty cute accessory, don’t you think?


Yep, I’ve got my diamonds – and I love them – but Amalfi really is my best friend.



Shop Sonia's Look | Strappy Lace Trim Dress 


Shop Sonia's Look | Pleated Dress


GUEST EDIT: Style Challenge With Kim-Marie

Oh, I do love a Style Challenge!  Katies asked me to put together an outfit under $150 from the latest in store summer range.  I decided to challenge myself further and style the outfit for weekend casual style and a night out.





































I selected a classic summer outfit, with mix and match pieces to work back with my existing wardrobe.  Three key pieces for the summer season are the white jacket, the drape back top and the printed soft pant.


My go to pieces were the Katies Waterfall Linen Jacket, the Two Layer Tank and Pebble Print Soft Pant.  I just sneaked in under my $150 budget.

Katies Summer Outfit under $150 | styled for casual


I teamed my printed pants, tank and linen jacket with a simple pair of white leather flats, and played up the citrus tones with some brightly coloured chunky resin jewellery.



For a more relaxed look, I wore the waist band low on my hips and pulled the cuffs higher to allow the soft fabric to drape around my ankles.



I felt smartly dressed, yet really comfortable.  This outfit would be perfect to take on a holiday - each of the pieces works beautifully together, as well as with wardrobe staples like a denim skirt, jeans, shorts, a simple tunic dress ... and the like!



Katies Summer Outfit under $150 | styled for a night out


For the next stage of my challenge, I styled the outfit for an evening out.  I switched the brightly coloured resin beads and bangles for pretty pastel jewel and pearl studded bangles and a statement semiprecious stone necklace.

I kicked off my flat sandals and exchanged them for a bold statement peeptoe heel, with a coordinating clutch.



For a more streamlined evening look, I've pulled the waistband higher, so it sits on my natural waistline.  The elasticated waistband makes this easy peasy lemon squeezy.  The detailed cuffs are then perfectly placed to show off my statement heels.



The oh so pretty back of the Two Layer Tank drapes beautifully.  The white layer looks elegant peeking out below the cropped jacket.

I'm rather a fan of the print clash, but it isn't for everyone.  It works in this outfit as the colour palette is similar, with tones of white and peach.  By matching my clutch and heels, it takes the focus away from the print clash in the evening outfit.

If you'd like to try a print clash, start off with a simple combination, like a Breton stripe teamed with florals.  You could also try a Breton stripe teamed with polkadots, leopard or paisley prints.  Once you've mastered that, the print clash will be your go to get fabulous look.  Fashion is fun, so why  not give it a go!

Katies Summer Outfit under $150 | mix and match




I've put together a really simple guide to showing you how these three key pieces can work back with the rest of your wardrobe.


- Team the jacket and tank with skirts - like a maxi skirt, full skirt, cargo skirt, denim skirt

- Team the jacket and tank with pants - like skinny jeans, shorts, classic trousers, palazzo pants

- Team the jacket and pants with tops - like block coloured tops, patterned tops, tunics, fitted tanks

- Team the jacket with dresses - like shift dresses, maxi dresses, fit and flare dresses, tank dresses,         tunic dresses.  Fab with jumpsuits and short playsuits too.

Do you love a print clash?  What's your favourite key piece of the season?

GUEST EDIT: Refresh Your Favourite Drink This Summer With Madeleine


Fresh Fruit

Try adding some fresh fruit to your drink to bring it to life. Swap the cucumber or limes from your G&T with pomegranate, watermelon or cranberry for a fun, fruity take on this classic cocktail.

Only have the frozen fruit? These are perfect for drinks like scotch and vodka to add a splash of flavour and keep them cool through the warmer weather.

Add some juice or nectar to that glass of sparkling to not only dilutes those bubbles but also switches up the flavour.

Frozen Flavour Cubes

Add some frozen flavour cubes to your traditional vodka and soda. Super easy to make, simply pop some flowers, herbs or chopped pieces of fruit into your ice cube tray, top up with water (or juice if you prefer!) and pop into the freezer.

Perfect for parties these colourful pops of flavour are perfect for any drinks you’re serving and look gorgeous out!



Sangria Station

If you’re looking to make things relatively simple for a summer BBQ or party and want to offer one drink but still make it fun, why not try a sangria station?

Chill both your red and white wine and pop them beside a fruit juice or two and some cut fruit. Think limes, oranges, apples and berries and a big bunch of mint.

Cater for your non-drinking guests with lemonade or pre-sweetened iced tea available for mixing also.

Guests can then create their own flavour combination of red or white sangria, an easy and entertaining focal point for any party.



Summer Spiders

Perfect for kids (and adults!) a good spider always works well. If you’re entertaining adults and children, why not set up a sangria and a spider bar to keep every taste bud happy?

Keep the ice cream nestled in a big bowl of ice (or scoop them into a glass straight from the freezer and direct them over if easier!) and let them experiment with different cordials and candy. Everyone needs a treat now and again right?




GUEST EDIT: Linen | The Summer Staple with Madeleine Burke

I love linen for a lot of reasons. It’s comfortable, it’s light, it’s ok not to iron it within an inch of it’s life.

A few linen pieces are the perfect staples for your Summer wardrobe. Mix them with other statement pieces to create different looks that can take you from a lunch out with the family, to the poolside for a drink with the girls or even a party in the evening.

Not sure how? Wilma and I have taken a few fun Summer selfies to show just how easy it is with two of the pieces from the amazing linen range in this season’s Katies collection.


Black Linen Pants

Who would wear black pants in summer? If they’re linen, I would. As a perpetual dropper of everything, I much prefer sticking with safe black over the traditional white linen pant even in the heat. 

The perfect lunch outfit, match them with a statement tee like the striped, shoulder zip tee and brighten it with a bold watermelon lip. Tuck along a light cardigan and you’re prepared for any weather we’re thrown. 

The perfect poolside cover-up the linen pants are quick to dry and can be rolled at the cuff to even dip your feet in. Bring these into an evening outfit by teeing them with a simple black top and statement necklace. 




White Linen Jacket

The perfect protection from the sun a white linen jacket keeps you cool and protected. 

Worn with patterned pants it becomes a simple, sleek outfit that will see you through many a summer lunch. 

For a casual day at the beach team this light jacket with a pair of denim shorts or skirt. 

For evening wear it with black wet-look jeans and a statement top to keep it light but still tailored.






GUEST EDIT: Affordable Family Activities with My Mummy Daze


I love enjoying weekend activities with my kids. Every Sunday we reserve the day exclusively for family fun. It's a day free of housework, commitments and most certainly irritating statements like 

"I'm BORED!"

We call it “Sunday Fun-day” and we look forward to it all week.

Typically we explore the amazing beaches, bike tracks and bushwalks that surround our region. The goal is always to have fun together and simply enjoy the great outdoors.

We're all about making memories with our kids and enjoying them while they still actually like us!

[Here’s some photos of a late afternoon scooting adventure we enjoyed on our bike track. Watching the sun set behind the escarpment and seeing the ocean change into a silky black was beautiful.]

Family activities together don't need to break the bank.

Here’s six family activities you can introduce to your kids that don’t cost the earth, and will get you all enjoying some laughs and making memories together.




Walk, scoot or ride along your local bike track. 
Exercising together is fun, healthy and let's you breathe-in some fresh air. Better yet; it’s completely free. If your kids aren’t keen to get moving, the promise of a playground at the end of the ride is always a worthwhile reward. Enjoying the sunshine as you ride is wonderful, and it’s great to see your kids’ faces glow as you share a fun activity together.





Explore the beach foreshore
Australia is surrounded by amazing beaches and our coastline has impressive landmarks and features to explore. A simple wander along the tideline at low tide can become a treasure hunt as your kids find shells, seaweed, and other lost treasures washed-up from the sea. A lot of our beaches also have stunning rock platforms with rock-pools hiding sea creatures just waiting to be admired by young eyes. Searching for sea urchins, anemones, starfish and periwinkles brings squeals of delight. Just watch out for octopus and stingers!

Picnic lunch in a local national park
Pack some drink bottles, sandwiches, snacks and a picnic blanket and visit the National Parks & Wildlife Service website to find your nearest national park. There’s loads to choose from and can be easily accessed by car. A quiet afternoon picnicking under a gum tree or next to a bubbling creek is a wonderful experience that kids love. They might even spot a wombat or a wallaby.

Adventure along a local bush track 
The Aussie bush is a beautiful, serene place to breathe-in the Eucalypts and enjoy peace and quiet. Have a look online at the recommended, family-friendly bushwalks in your area. Some beautiful bush tracks are not too far from the city and can take you to breath-taking lookouts, waterfalls, pristine creeks and waterholes. There’s some amazing national parks just waiting to be explored.

Fishing 
Taking a simple hand reel or amateur fishing rod to a nearby lake or beach can be lots of fun. The reward of your children catching their first fish is worth the wait. The memories they will treasure will last a lifetime too. Just think of the BBQs you can enjoy with your fresh, hand-caught fish.

Drive to an ice cream shop. 
Let’s face it. Sometimes you just don’t feel like being active. But you can still enjoy family time together with a good, old-fashioned Sunday drive. Cruising down a tourist route with the promise of an ice cream for everyone is sure to get everyone smiling. \ Turn the radio off and say no to any screentime to just enjoy connecting with each other as you travel. Playing old-school car games like Eye Spy and Word Association can be silly, but fun. Or play “High-Low” and take turns sharing your week’s high and low moments.




GUEST EDIT: Update Your Look with Sonia Styling


“I’ve got nothing to wear!”


Probably the most common phrase uttered by women everywhere before heading out to dinner,
a party, coffee with friends, work…

But what we really mean by this universal statement is that we have nothing NEW to wear.
Which, if money were no object, we could rectify by shopping for clothes and shoes on a weekly basis like we do our groceries. However, this isn’t realistic for most of us. Food (and bills) have to come first.



So how can we update our outfits without breaking the bank?
Accessories!

A necklace, set of bracelets or pair of earrings can go a long way in changing up the look of a dress, jeans and t-shirt or corporate attire.

They are inexpensive, add a pop of colour and can transform an outfit from casual to dressy.
The latest jewellery collection from Katies features a range of gorgeous elements including shells, wood, resin and beads. Neutral palettes appear alongside jewel tones – both colour schemes bang on trend for Spring/Summer. And the best part? Prices start from as little as $14.95.




An easy (and affordable) way to update your favourite looks this season.