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!)

Shop the Strip Wrap Dress   |   Shop the White Denim Jacket

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.

Shop the Ruched Soft Pants   |   Shop the White Singlet

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GUEST EDIT: Workwear with Fiona

When we think of work fashion and outfits suitable for the office, we typically think of the faithful pencil skirt and fitted blazer. But sometimes we want to break free of that mould and wear something a little more comfortable. And other times we'd like to opt for a more office casual look.

Katies have a great selection of fashion pieces that work well for creating sophisticated and comfortable work looks. 

Choosing block colours like red, black and white help to create wardrobe staples that you can easily mix and match to create different outfits. These colours are also all strong and bold, to help you exude confidence and strength in the workplace.

For my first work look, I put together these Black Ruched Pants with a White, Macrame Panel Top to achieve a comfortable but sophisticated outfit. I added my own red blazer and accessorised with this gorgeous, Monochromed Bucket Bag. These pants are insanely comfy. They're like wearing PJ's to work.

My favourite piece: I love the detail on the macrame panel top. It's a simple top but the extra, lace detail changes it from basic, to pretty.

Keen to replicate a pyjama-level of comfort, I teamed these Wide Legged Pants with this simple, mixed media top for this second work look. I tucked-in the Top and added a Waterfall Linen Jacket. So easy to achieve and ticked all the work causal boxes! To add some extra dazzle to this outfit you could add a statement necklace. I like this Love K Multi Strand Necklace.

My favourite piece: I love the Waterfall Linen Jacket. It's great to tie an outfit together and is versatile. It can double as a work jacket and for regular daywear.

I'm a sucker for dresses, particularly for at work. They are so simple to wear. Anything that I can quickly throw on and confidently race out the door in is a winner in my books. The Black, Lace Yolk Dress that I wore for my third work look was no exception. It's detail is gorgeous! Plus, never certain of the weather at this time of year I had my Waterfall Linen Jacket at-the-ready. The beauty of black and white is that they ALWAYS compliment each other to create a classic, sophisticated look.

My favourite piece: I love this Black and White Bucket Bag. For a busy mum on-the-go it has plenty of room for my tablet, oversized wallet, make-up bag, dinosaurs and snacks AKA bribes. 

The brilliance of these three work looks is that they can all be mixed and matched together. But above all, these looks all combine super-comfy and flattering pieces. That's right, you can look good and feel good. Winning!

visit My Mummy Daze here

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.

visit thedailymark.com.au

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!

Visit Breakfast with Audrey Blog here

Shop the Dress here

Blue & green should definitely be seen!

Remember that old saying, “blue and green should never be seen without a colour in between”?

Well, I say phooey to that. It’s time to throw out the fashion rule book and embrace this dynamic colour duo!

Jewel tones are a huge trend for Spring/Summer and the hottest hues right now are definitely green and blue. A colour combination that’s perfect for warm Summer days spent by the ocean or swimming pool, enjoying BBQs, sipping on cocktails and dancing the night away with friends.

Enter Katies’ latest collection – Blue Lagoon.

The colour palette for this collection consists of the ever fashionable monochrome tones of black

and white with pops of blue and green for freshness, as well as Ikat and Paisley prints.

The key features of the Blue Lagoon collection are soft and feminine shapes with layering and proportion play, which make the pieces modern and fashionable. Tops are shorter, wide leg pants are cropped and dresses are layered to give a stylish edge to these easy to wear pieces.

My favourite items in this collection are definitely the tops and dresses. In my opinion, you can
never have too many of either! Tops are a simple and affordable way to update your wardrobe
and can be worn with your favourite jeans.

Dresses are an instant outfit and an easy solution for the age old question every woman
asks herself before heading out – “what am I going to wear?”

So here’s to wearing blue and green, because this Summer they should definitely be seen!

Shop the Edit

3 Ways To Wear

SHOP THE 3 WAYS TO WEAR HERE

3 Ways To Wear

SHOP ORANGE TUNIC    SHOP PAISLEY TUNIC    SHOP BLACK TUNIC    SHOP MONOTONE TUNIC

SHOP THE THREE WAYS TO WEAR HERE

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Style Wars - eCommerce Manager vs Online Content Coordinator

We usually play nice here at Katies, but sometimes the work place calls for a little excitement! We've pitted our lovely eCommerce Manager Sarah and our equally fabulous Online Content Coordinator Jodie against one another in a little thing we've dubbed Style Wars.

They were asked to style our one-of-a-kind leopard print knit and white work shirt THEIR way and we want you to vote on our Facebook page! Who do you think got it right?

Sarah our eCommerce Manager OR Jodie our Online Content Coordinator?

We also asked them a little bit about themselves and what a work day involves for them, you can read their interviews below!

Hi Sarah,

You’re the E-commerce Manager for Katies, what exactly does that entail?

It means I get to work in the fabulous world of digital! The eCommerce team are responsible for everything you see online on the site www.katies.com.au and on our social channels, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Blog. I like online because it gives us a few more channels to be a little creative, which makes each day a bit more fun for the team.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

The challenge - eCommerce is fast paced and growing, which I thrive on. I also love having instant conversations with our customer and being able to share what we love at Katies with her, through our blog, Instagram and Pinterest.

What excites you the most about online?

Everything – it’s fast paced, full of information and there is something new to discover every day. It’s a great time filler for browsing my fave brands and reading up on what’s happening around the world in all areas, from fashion, food to general news.

Apart from Katies (obviously) where else do you shop online?

ASOS is a fave of mine and I love local retailers like Saba and Witchery. I also like to read various international and local blogs, who often link directly to product that I like, making it easy to shop.

I always love what you wear, can you tell us about your style?

I’m a mixed bag – I dress to my mood! I veer toward casual dressing more on a daily basis (tee, jeans, sneaker wedge and a nice accessory to glam it up) as I choose comfort, but when I do dress up for a function/party, I go all out.

What are you looking forward to most about dressing for the colder months and what won’t you be able to live without?

The Coatigan – I’m loving the European trend and Katies has their own version reaching stores in the next couple of months. The perfect coat hybrid for an Australian winter!

Hi Jodie

You’re the Online Content Coordinator for Katies, what does your day usually involve?

I organise web photoshoots, scheduling vendors (Hair & makeup, model & photographer), sourcing samples and creative direction with which I generate product & campaign copy. I also closely monitoring competitor activity instore & online to ensure our strategy is ahead of the curve.

How did you get into the industry?

I got into the industry by interning part time while I was at university. I think it is very important for students to obtain exposure to the industry they wish to pursue a career in while they are studying, not only to get first hand insight but also make sure it is the right fit. It’s also a great way to get your foot in the door!

Which Blogs do you go to for inspiration?

My all-time favourite traditional blog is Aussie duo – Tash & Elle for TheyAllHateUs – a mix of fashion, lifestyle & beauty. Blogs aside, I love using instagram – it’s a social media platform revolutionising blogs and online shopping! Reader be warned – it's addictive

You always look great, what clothing item could you not live without?

Everyone in the office is fully aware of my obsession for sequins so I would have to say one of my Aje sequin skirts.

What is a styling faux-pas you’ve made and regretted?

I have made a few style blunders but I would have to say the huge hooped earrings I used to sport take the cake!

The Anorak

This season's wardrobe must have is without doubt The Soft Anorak .

With Autumn being (more often than not) highly unpredictable, this fashion classic is an absolute must! Lightweight, with a slim contemporary fit and relaxed silhouette The Anorak can be easily styled from day through to after dark. 

Available in four go-with-everything colours this beautiful piece of outerwear has the ability to pull any look together.

Work the military trend with The Khaki Anorak. Team with our Ultimate Straight Denim, a pair of black heels and a cross body bag for a casual chic look.

The Black Anorak is the new black! Keep your A\W look stylish with a muted colour palette - we've lightened the mood with a printed soft pant and unstructured bag. Open toe boots keep your look fresh and well put together - making this the perfect outfit for dinner with friends.

The Blush Anorak is perfectly in line with the relaxed tailoring that's trending this season. Think breezy silhouettes and fluid fabrics - perfect outfitting for a trip to the shops or breakfast with the girls.

From pop cobalt to nautical navy, this season's most sought after items are in the coolest hue - blue. Our favourite is Blue Indigo - a refreshing upgrade from the staple black shade. Team with a graphic tee, statement bag and strappy heels for the perfect off duty look.

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Post by Katies Fashion.