The Model and Me: wYse holiday 2011-12

Nikki Parkinson Fashion, The Model and Me 78 Comments

As it heats up (and let me tell you the sticky undies barometer has been sky high here for days), I need clothes that breathe. Clothes that are easy to wear but somehow make me feel and look stylish when I’m actually just an unattractive, sweaty mess.

I don’t ask much, do I? At the moment I’m loving my Boom Shankar cotton dresses. SO easy to throw on and feel so cool in. Also my All for Kat printed smock from Sequins and Sands. They sit nicely in the no-brainer section of my wardrobe. I know I can rely on them to feel cool and comfortable.

Last week I added a new member to the no-brainer section.

And I can’t believe I’m saying this … it’s a … it’s a … PANTSUIT.

If you’re laughing and re-reading that sentence to see if it’s correct, it is. And yes, the new addition has illicited such predictable responses from my husband along the lines of, “are you singing in an Abba tribute band?” or “going to Studio 54 to cut some sweet dance moves?”

Funny, hahaha.

See, I put on this wYse pantsuit and immediately felt comfy. Comfy in a stylish way. I popped on my wedges and a necklace and I was good to go. The perfect outfit for a night out with the mums from my youngest’s prep class. The kind of night when you want something that’s not too over or under-done.

And besides, when I didn’t get the response I wanted from husband, I asked my daughter. She liked it. End of story.

The pantsuit is part of wYse’s spring-summer 11-12 collection.

Here’s what it looks like on the model:

wYse draped jumpsuit $220

wYse draped jumpsuit $220. www.wysebodywear.com

And here it is me:

wyse pantsuit

… Disco Inferno anyone?

Before you think I’ve completely gone bonkers, let me state my case for this pantsuit.

It’s made from the softest of modal fabrics. Feels like you’re wearing your PJs (and yes, my husband would argue that’s what it is!). It has a magic drapey top to hide bits and pieces. The wide legs balance out my umm, hip proportions, the neckline is flattering … and you can’t see it but the back comes down low but not so low that I can’t wear a normal bra.

And that problem of going for a wee when wearing an all-in-one? The stretchiness of fabric makes this a cinch. For me it’s the ideal travel outfit … cool, comfortable and crush-free.

If you still can’t go down the pantsuit line – despite my case above – then take a look at these picks from wYse’s new holiday collection. Lots to love here.

wYse Frill Dress maxi $220

wYse frill dress maxi $220

 

wYse swing dress $175

wYse swing dress $175

wYse blouson top $79; ankle skirt $175

wYse blouson top $79; ankle skirt $175

wYse tier dress $175

wYse tier dress $175

wYse slinky halter dress $250

wYse slinky halter dress $250

What do you think? Are you up for joining me in my Abba tribute band? I just insist on being Agnetha, ok? And do you have a fashion garment that your husband just doesn’t get? Do you wear it anyway?

wYse stockists:  ph 07 5531 4333

Note: wYse garments are created in modal fabrication derived from 100 per cent natural fibre pure beech wood which is combined with modern microforms to create sensationally soft material with feather-light, skin-against-skin qualities. Modal breathes better than cotton, is 50% more absorbent, does not fibrillate and is resistant to shrinkage and fading.

* The pantsuit above was gifted to me in accordance with my editorial disclosure policy.

 

Comments 78

  2. My hubby doesn’t get shoes, as in “not another pair of black shoes – don’t you have ten already?!”. Especially when I told him it was $25 (actual sale cost, not “Oh, this was on the sale rack at Vinnies” fudged cost!) I have a Gorman navy silky one too, from two years ago, with a zip up front, which is more slouchy. To me, a pantsuit is what Hillary Clinton wears.

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  4. Really gorgeous to wear. A strapless one which I love – so comfy. But I don’t even care that much about the clothes now, I’m distracted. Contact the Wyse Web site and they give you further details.

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  6. I love me a pantsuit. ONJ in the final scenes of Xanadu in her black sparkly pantsuit is my all time favourite outfit. I own a couple of pantsuits. A strapless one which I love – so comfy.

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  8. Oh man, when I heard pantsuit I was like ‘Nikki. Babes. I know you’re a Queenslander but…’

    Jesus girl, you look hot. It’s the weirdest and most awesomely flattering thing ever.

    x

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  9. Fantastic colour Nikki. I do actually prefer the pant suit on you rather than the model (she is very beautiful also but a bit too skeletal looking to pull off the pantsuit), plus you have awesome accessories! Will definitely have to check out this website – had never actually heard of them before but their prices look quite reasonable and really love their style.

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      1. Even the pics make the fabric look amazing. I love the coral outfit – I bet @Katy_Potaty would too! Wish I could wear that colour – my pasty white skin makes it a little hard for that much warmth in colour. I think I could possibly try the cooler shades on the tier dress. Must dash to go online shopping!

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  10. You look stunning..great colour. I wouldn’t classify it as a ‘pantsuit’ because you can’t see the join. Flattering, must feel comfy! Don’t you just love that word.
    I feel like that when I have my linen pants on..stylin’! 🙂

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  12. Oh my, when I saw that headline I was taken back. To 1972.
    Hey, I am old enough to be most bloggers’ mums, but stick with me..I know Nikki will.
    I was a trendy and young mum…who also went back teaching after bub …and Pants Suits had just arrived as a ‘fashion item’ …I was part of the IN crowd once too.
    However, my boss (not hub!) at the 2 teacher school WOULD NOT allow me to wear a Pants Suit to school as “he liked looking at womens’ legs”
    That is such a true story.
    I cannot tell you how that made me feel.
    The next year, Hub & I had moved to new area, and I went to teach in a bigger country town school where “as long as the pants and top looked like they belonged together it was ok”
    So, I love the pants suit look…and I love how you look Nikki.
    PS. I wore a pants suit by ignorance to a family formal wedding in 1973, and that was F A I L…and I have never forgotten nor forgiven my FiL who apparently didn’t let on that the wedding was at The Menzies in the City.

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  13. You rock the jumpsuit! Love the statwment necklace, too. I just bring myself to wearing something where I would have to strip naked in a public toilet, though. Now, if it had that top on the maxi skirt… Hasn’t this weather been else?

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  14. I am tall and a size 12, but because I am long in the body (and legs) all in one outfits are often too short in the body for me….full piece togs have to be a 14 or 16 and are then too big in the bottom! However, the way that suit drapes looks like it could just work for me. All the other outfits are devine…time for some shopping! thanks so much!

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  16. That’s a good look on you, Nikki. Very nicely styled too – as one would expect!

    You did confuse me with pantsuit though. To me, a pantsuit is what Hillary Clinton wears. Matchy matchy suit trousers with a long line jacket. I think I would call that a jumpsuit or an all-in-one. Either way, me likey. I personally wouldn’t wear that one, though, as I need to define my waist and I look terrible in flared pants.

    Following Katy Potaty’s suggestion on your Secret Shop post, I bought Katies online. I got to work yesterday to find my parcel had arrived. Need something on a Monday morning! 🙂 Out of four things, I’m sending one back, so that’s not a bad strike rate. Included in my parcel was a black jumpsuit. Sleeveless buttoned shirt style with a tie waist and slightly tapered legs, which I rolled up a bit more. Surprisingly flattering and quite chic too. The Welshman loved it! Especially when I told him it was $25 (actual sale cost, not “Oh, this was on the sale rack at Vinnies” fudged cost!) I have a Gorman navy silky one too, from two years ago, with a zip up front, which is more slouchy. I thought he would hate them, but he finds them kinda sexy. Gods love him! 🙂

    I think if you can tuck a top back in and do up a belt, then there’s no reason you can go to the loo in a jumpsuit!

    The Welshman is pretty good, really. I suppose after all the years with me, and the three pairs of wedding shoes I bought, for example, he’s become immune? He does think I have too much stuff (and I do), especially shoes and bags (amen) but he’s very good.

    Last night, I was trying on outfits for his work Xmas party this weekend, and he said to me “I really like your outfit. It’s stylish and eclectic but not just a pretty frock”. That is O for Awesome styling advice from my husband! 🙂

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        2. Actually it is stocked in WA.
          Try the Following Stores:
          Bather Bar Swim & Leisure Wear – Mandurah
          Shekki- Perth
          Shekki- Broome
          Sous Bodywear- Claremont
          Sagika Boutqiue – Maragaret River
          Contact the Wyse Web site and they give you further details.

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  18. You look terrific Nikki, your ABBA comments reminded me of chatting to my teenage daughter after watching Mamma Mia reminiscing about a corduroy fitted pantsuit I wore back in the days when I worked in the UK music industry – she just looked at me and said “You wore it in public???”

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  19. You look fab Nikki. I love the look of this and the sound of a lounge suit. I went to an Intimo party a few months ago and they had some beautiful lounge wear pieces made from modal fabric. They drap nicely, dont crease and some wrap tops can be worn in a large array of styles. So versatile 🙂

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  20. Oooo. I love all of the collection.

    But I feel I have to mention how tiny the model is and that I think it was a mistake on the companies behalf. I’m not even sure if that is allowed in PC type circles.

    She is beautiful. Look at her face, gorgeous. But she looks like every girl I’ve ever known before they were hospitalised for eating related disorders. So I’m worried. Maybe it’s me, having ‘flash backs’ of sorts. But I don’t even care that much about the clothes now, I’m distracted. And it’s too bad, that pants suit looks amazing on you.

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      Hi Melissa
      I don’t really like to comment on the health or not of models or people. We don’t know their story. Much the same as all the kerfuffle over the Myer plus-size parade and the girls being deemed unhealthy. Not keen to go there, sorry.
      Nikki

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  21. My hubby doesn’t get shoes, as in “not another pair of black shoes – don’t you have ten already?!”. Yes, but I didn’t have a wedge / flat / sandal / whatever …

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  22. I just love pantsuits. I have three – in fact I am wearing one to my husband’s corporate function tonight!!! And don’t get me started on playsuits/jumpsuits. I have about 10 and counting…and I am wearing one right now!!!

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  25. Gosh Nikki you look great….not sure if I could pull off the pantsuit (be giggling at myself too much for actually wearing a pantsuit) but I lloooovvvve the other dresses but how do you choose just one (budget couldn’t handle more than one).
    Oh and saw that you got an honorary mention in Qld 50 Most Stylish….think it was unfair that you couldn’t actually be included cause you’re a stylist – poo to you Sunday Mail!!
    Kerri

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  26. Recently, while wearing my favourite Sportsgirl top, a male family member asked me when shoulder pads came back into fashion. I of course said they never left my wardrobe and explained I make my own fashions. I love that top! Sometimes they just don’t get it!
    The pantsuit looks great. Modal fabric is fabulous to wear. I don’t think the scrooge in me could allow me to spend $220 on one piece of clothing though. Must work on breaking that behaviour 😉

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  29. I would love to try one on because it looks so comfy and I’d just be interested to see how it sits on me, but I reckon I’d chicken out because the shop assistant would probably be thinking ‘she’s kidding herself. Lovely hubby would probably think it was hawt if I actually pulled it off.

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  31. LOVE a pantsuit! I’ve had the Sacha Drake Ultimate Jumpsuit for years and it is one of the most flattering things I own! The pantsuit looks amazing on you Nikki!

    My man is pretty fashion-savy but sometimes he doesn’t get some of the shoes I love, the more fashion-forward ones that are perhaps less feminine than most of my wardrobe, but he does ok for a boy 😉

    LOVING the Wyse collection, can’t wait until their eboutique is up and running, in the mean time will be searching out my local stockists! xx

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      1. Hi Nikki – do you have any idea when the e-boutique is going to be up and running on Wyse website. It has been atleast a year that I’m been checking for it.

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  33. I couldn’t do a pantsuit but those dresses are gorgeous!

    My husband doesn’t understand my obsession with bright scarves. They spruce up almost any outfit.

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