You know my love of a kaftan, don’t you?
Can’t get enough of them.
My love of them is probably equal to the places I like to visit where kaftans are appropriate attire.
If you could see my suitcase for Bali this week, you’d find day and evening kaftan options.
It’s just how I roll when the weather is hot and sticky but you’re wanting to feel a tiny bit more glam than the sweat on the inside of your legs is otherwise making you feel.
Our first day in Bali coincided with the birthday of the youngest in our group. She turned 28.
We were quite ok with her birthday venue of choice – The W Retreat & Spa. Quite ok.
So ok were we, that we arrived for a 1pm lunch booking at Starfish Bloo and didn’t leave until 9.30pm that evening.
A kaftan like this one from iAllure Kaftans will keep you looking fresh the whole afternoon long.
Here’s a look at it on the model.
The model
iAllure maxi length kaftan $199
and on me (at lunch)
 iAllure kaftan* | Miu Miu sunglasses | Red Phoenix Emporium earrings | Stuart Weitzman shoes | Samantha Wills ring and arm party
… and at sunset
I’m wearing a Metalicus white slip underneath – more for modesty in wind gusts than because of any sheer factor – but I just love the feel of wearing this silk-satin fabric.
The vibrant print was just right for such a “vibrant” afternoon. I’ve knotted up one side of the kaftan (mine is the longer length but a shorter version is also available).Â
You can create shape with this style thanks to a tie (my tie is tied at the back because the front never suits my short waist) that has two slots for different positioning options.
As you can see it does crease a little but I was sitting for most of the afternoon. It travelled well (rolled in my suitcase) and I just hung it up on arrival.
Postcards from Bali
The food at lunch at Starfish Bloo was incredibly fresh, beautiful and light. Chef Kevin Chung even came over and gave us his personal recommendations, which is a good marketing tool really as I couldn’t then order anything else.
The hot rock dishes were a fave. The thinly sliced meat or fish is served on a platter and then you cook each piece on your individual hot rock. Do order the coconut salad as a side dish. I’m going to attempt to recreate that one at home.
The maki rolls (Peking Duck, pictured and prawn and proscuitto) was hands down the best sushi I’ve ever eaten. The flavours may not have been traditional Japanese but they worked. Oh yes they did.
The appeal of a sunset over water never diminishes. Maybe that’s an east coast Australian thing.
… and then the lanterns came on at the Woo Bar. Time for an espresso martini … or three.
Love this kaftan? Love a water sunset?
PS. Thanks SO much everyone for all the beautiful support for yesterday’s swimsuit post. Waking up to your comments was incredibly humbling.
PPS. We stayed at Bali Villa H2O in Seminyak – it’s simply stunning and perfect for a large group of people. You can find more details about it here.
* This garment was sent to me for editorial consideration
Comments 25
I love your work nikki…
You look wonderful, beautifuldesign kaftan
exotic location love it
Love your work Nikki! Advice please …have long lusted after a kaftan but I am a midget. 158 cms and size 8-10. Every time I try something gorgeous and flowy, it looks more sack of potatoes than Bali chic. Given I’m 49, I’m pretty sure I’m done growing, in height anyway. Any hope of a happy ending?
i Allure does two lengths on its kaftan range … go for the shorter length and choose fabrics that are sheer (so you see slip underneath) and also a design with a tie.
Thank you!
You look wonderful Nikki.
Thanks Lucy!
This kaftan is gorgeous!!! I am going to a wedding in a couple of weeks and it is a garden wedding. I am looking for a beautiful colourful knee length kaftan. Do you have any ideas of one dressy enough for a wedding? Thanks in advance, Josie
Hi Josie, the range at iAllure is definitely dressy enough – it’s the shoes you’d wear with it that would turn it into a wedding outfit. I’d go a nude strappy heel.
I also like this one at Sacha Drake (I have two in similar styles from previous years): http://www.sachadrake.com/SHOP_ONLINE/DRESSES_&_SKIRTS/SDSP13EL01FW/ELENA-KAFTAN-DRESS.html
Glad you are having a ball, you deserve it. The photos look fab and it looks like Bali is now on our list for our family holiday next year!
Do it Vanessa! There are some great places for the whole family – fun for the kids and cocktails for the parents 😉
Uber fabulous! You look so incredibly chic, Nikki. All of your holiday snaps have made me smile – there really is nothing like a girls trip, especially somewhere as beautiful as Bali. I’m so glad you are having an awesome time!
A girls trip is good for the soul Sonia
I love a Kaftan Dress too and this one is simply stunning. I’m really digging those earrings too! It looks like you are having an amazing time! Keep Enjoying yourself. I’m enjoying these posts and your pics. xo
A kaftan is so versatile isn’t it? Especially in a tropical setting
Love the colour and shape of your gorgeous kaftan – you look tropically fabulous!
Thanks Bev … love me a kaftan!
It looks like the most fantastic spot. Not jealous at all.
It is an amazing way to spend a girls’ week … or any week actually.
Your Pictures are beautiful Nikki and I do love a kaftan as well this iallure one is no exception ,it looks really pretty on and easily dressed up,love it on you and I like the knot action you have happening I do that on Maxi dresses when they are too long.
Well it looks like you are having an amazing time and I am so glad, you deserve the break from all your hard work and you are welcome in regards to the comment from your swimsuit post,you looked stunning and I think you have helped many woman get “over” their body issues 🙂
I’m having a lovely time – need to get shopping today. Have been too busy so far!
I’m having a lovely time – need to get shopping today. Have been too busy so far!
Wish I was there, it looks so tropical and beautiful. The bright colours you are wearing suit the stunning location.
I could blend in here very nicely every day!
Oh my, stunning… all of the above:)
Thanks Donna .. the weather has produced some beautiful evenings this week.