Last Friday officially signalled the start of the spring-summer party season for me. The occasion was the Wishlist Spring Carnival Gala, for which I sit on the organising committee. The fact that the committee is dominated by women means that by July meetings often go off the agenda into to the “what to wear?” question.
Now when you’re on the organising committee for such a huge and glam event – and you’re a stylist – the pressure is well and truly on.
So, I do what I do best. I outfit plan. As you do.
(See what I have to say about this on today’s vlog … where I’m showing off my best school holidays glam. Not.)
Key styling tips
1. Start with the dress. Or the pants/top outfit. But preferably a dress. Last year I wore a gorgeous black EP by Easton Pearson dress. This year I just had to break out the colour. Once I laid eyes on the Xian Sacha Drake kaftan, I knew she’d be perfect. I bought a similar slip and kaftan style from Sacha Drake last year, which has been on high rotation ever since and even went to Bali with a friend recently. Xian will be coming out to party with me a lot this summer too. A good party frock purchase doesn’t like hiding away in your wardrobe. She likes to come out to play. Often.
2. Once I had the dress I thought about the accessories. I could have gone the whole colour block thing but decided I’d let the dress do the talking (I did colour block my hands with CND Shellac in Tropix on my nails and a turquoise Samantha Wills ring). I opted not to have a hat made this year, instead buying a gorgeous 15cm wide silk flower, for my hair. I already had the Sophie Kyron giant “pearl” earrings and a Mimco shoulder bag from last year. I worked these back with my new Zizi for Florsheim Giselle nude peep toe shoes and a silver cuff from Adorne, which I picked up for $15.
3. I made sure I packed some flats to change into. As much as the Giselles were the most comfortable heels I’ve ever worn, I felt the need to get a little more “grounded” as the afternoon went on and “evolved” into the after party.
4. I thought ahead on the beauty side of things too. A spray tan was booked for two days before. And my hairdresser was booked for the morning of the event. I did my own makeup using the new Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation, which I raved about on the blog last week. It certainly went the distance.
Shopping suggestions
1. Sacha Drake Xian kaftan $449 | 2. Samantha Wills Isle of Capri ring $75 | 3. Eve Boutique large ivory silk hair flower $125 | 4. Mimco Hybrid clutch $199 | 5. Zizi for Florsheim Giselle heel $199.95
Do you have a special occasion already on the calendar for spring? Have you started thinking ahead as to what you would like to wear? Do you have something – an accessory or pair of shoes – already in your wardrobe that would work?
Comments 21
I *lurve* that kaftan dress. Do you know any other brands who do a more ‘affordable’ option? I confess I *hate* clothes shopping so the idea of wandering the shops looking for alternatives causes me to break out into a cold sweat 🙂
Regards
Jen
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Try the label, Wish, Jen: http://www.wish.com.au/
Oh they have some beautiful dresses. Thank you!
I think the dress looks better on you than on the skinny model! Have already gone to Sacha Drake site to look up stockists. And now I’m off to investigate the MEL dreamed flats.
Note to self: Must read more of Nikki’s styling tips posts more frequently for fabulousness!!
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Ah, thanks on all counts, Jacki!
There’s that Sacha Drake again – she got great dresses! You look fab. Love the ring.
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Yes, I’m a little bit obsessed!
Simply stunning x
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Thanks for your sober comment, Bianca. See, that’s something to do while people drink wine 😉
shhhh don’t mention that word!!
I absolutley love that dress. I love how you buy s few dresses and plan ahead. Such a great idea.
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Thanks Danielle … and I absolutely give every woman the right to wear a dress again – if it makes you feel good, it’s criminal to only wear once.
Love the dress – and you know, it looks better on you than it does on the model, too! Great tips, I have a few (pathetically few!) ‘occasions’ to look forward to, can’t wait! Just wondering, as summer holidays are not TOO far away, if we could get some hints before then on travel packing (specifically, how to pack light, when towing hubby and a couple of kids!)?
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Ah, already on the list, Pagan. It’s a good one and one I need to take my own advice on!
Oohhh…good, I look forward to the travel packing tips. Will definitely be linking to that one from my blog.
As you know I’m a huge Metalicus fan and it works well for a travel wardrobe but I am always looking for inspiration and ideas, so much anticipated.
I don’t have any major events coming up for Spring, that I need to dress up for. It would be nice if something came up 🙂
(Your skin looks really great in the vlog, by the way.)
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The only makeup I have on in the video is Garnier BB Cream and a Napoleon lip gloss!
That dress is STUNNING x
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Thanks x It is recovering at the Drycleaners, possibly scared to come home 😉
Gosh Nikki. I wish I looked as ‘bad’ as you do on school holidays! LOL You look great! Great style tips, as usual. Love those sandals and ring. Just gorgeous.
Anne @ Domesblissity xx
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Haha, thanks Anne. I popped on some lippy before doing the video but that was about it!