The clothes that survive my bi-annual wardrobe edit are the ones that continue to make me feel fabulous when I wear them.
AND they’re the clothes that still look as good as the day they first set up residence in my walk-in.
I’ve long talked up Australian label Mela Purdie.
I’ve got a Mela Purdie piece that I still wear that is eight years old. I’ve got many more pieces that are one, two, three, four and more years old too.
Yes, the initial outlay is more but the cost-per-wear has far out-lasted many other pieces from the same eras.
Zambezee Boutique on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s biggest Mela Purdie stockists, with customers from around Australia seeking out the boutique’s extensive edit of each collection.
I realise that Mela is not everyone’s budget – that’s why we feature a whole range of labels in different budgets here on Styling You – but I also know from the many comments and emails I get that there are lots of Mela Purdie fans out there.
I love that this label offers timeless pieces, so you really can get longevity out of each purchase. And I love that 90-95% of each collection is made in Australia.
Today’s outfit is a casual combination that I often embrace across the spring-summer months – a soft pant, tank or tee and kimono.
The model
Mela Purdie bells sleeve duster $395, slip tank $189 and soft cargo pant $309 at Zambezee Boutique
and me
Mela Purdie bells sleeve duster (I’m wearing size 14), slip tank (I’m wearing size 16) and soft cargo pant (I’m wearing size 16) | Frankie4 Footwear BELiNDA wedges | Uberkate necklace
I’m going to start with the cargo pant because if you’ve been following along for a while here, you’ll know that I also have this style of pant in black, navy and stone.
They are the most comfortable, flattering, travel-friendly pants in my wardrobe. They can be dressed up with heels or worn with slides or sneakers. It’s no surprise that they make it into my suitcase every time I travel.
The fabric – like that of the slip tank – is a technical polyester. Do not be afraid of the word polyester here. This is a breathable fabric that suits the hottest of climates. It doesn’t lose its colour, washes in the machine (I pop mine in a lingerie bag), dries in a flash and doesn’t need ironing.
The bell sleeve duster or kimono is magical to wear. It’s monochrome mouselline fabric for the win – this fabric is produced in Japan with an extremely fine denier (yarn weight) so feels incredible and drapes beautifully.
Kimonos in summer offer me sun protection and a way to finish off my outfits with an extra layer – when layering seems impossible thanks to gazillion percent humidity.
I’ve teamed the outfit here with new-season Frankie4 Footwear wedges (more on these on the blog tomorrow) – these are my go-to shoes of the season.
Special offer
Until the end of October (this Sunday), Zambezee Boutique is offering 15% off Mela Purdie and Camilla pieces to all Styling You readers. Both labels are rarely reduced or offered on sale. Enter nikki15oct at checkout to save.
Would I find Mela Purdie in your wardrobe? Love a kimono for effortless summer styling?
* These items were gifted to me for editorial consideration. Full disclosure policy here.
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Comments 34
I don’t have Mela in my wardrobe, adore the idea of the ranges however cannot quite make them work for me. This Kimono might be the exception – I do love pieces that travel well and absolutely agree with purchasing ‘investment’ style if you know the quality and styling will last the distance..xx
The kimono is so beautiful to wear!
Gorgeous outfit, but out of my price range at the moment. But I do agree that spending on quality can outlast those cheaper, classic pieces. xx
It’s proven that way for me Bec x
That’s a great testimonial to how these pieces work in a hot climate Carol – and great that you use trips home to stock up!
The outfit is 300% better on you. Your hair looks amazing. I love the sound of those pants, bit out of my price range but I am inspired to find something like that. Love the kimono too.
Thanks Jess … I am loving my hair done like this as an alternative! And always love a kimono.
Love the kimono, and you look fantastic, very classy 🙂
Thanks Kathryn! Glad you had a lovely day x
You look stunning. Love the crisp combination of black and white. Seems the kimono is a must have if it’s fantastic for travelling…I’m travelling in December (my excuse!)
Kimonos are great for adding a light layer when it would be too warm for any other type of layer Lyn!
I love Mela Purdie. I have a couple of dresses that I’ve had for years and bring out every summer. Their pieces are classic and timeless and, as you say, fantastic for travelling. Very tempted by the cargo pants!
How good that you can keep trotting them out Sarah! And yes, for travel they are unbelievable!
Gorgeous outfit! You look stunning! I would like to try this look. Unfortunately these are way out of my budget. 🙁
We mix it up here with different budgets (if you check back through the Model and Me archive https://www.stylingyou.com.au/category/fashion-tips/model-and-me-fashion-tips/) – you can always take style inspiration from these and find similar pieces elsewhere or even in your current wardrobe.
Yes that’s what I usually do. Thanks Nikki!
Loving the all white base with accents of black. So fresh and summery and super stylish. x
Can’t beat it lovely lady x
That’s a beautiful outfit that really suits you Nikki. LOVE!
Thanks Vanessa … my kind of work from home casual.
You look fabulous in that outfit and it really is a flattering kimono. Sorry to say but you outdo the model by a mile.
Thanks Julie – I don’t aim to out-do – just offer a different look!
You look stunning Nikki I love a kimono or 3 and of course I will vote for you,consider it done Xx
Oh thanks Lisa … hope you’re doing ok and on the mend x
Still in a lot of pain Nikki and get tired so easily,thank you Xx
Did my gift get redelivered to you? x
Love everything about this outfit from top to toe! Happy Monday to you 🙂
Thanks Robyn! Happy Monday to you! x
Loving the fall on that kimono on you, Nikki.
As you know I’m also a big MP fan and I’m actually wearing an MP jacket today. I only have two pairs of those pants but I have a couple of other styles including a new pair of semi-fitted ones with zips on the ankle.
Everything in that technical fabric is wonderful for travel. I packed a couple of tops and a inky wrap duster (that I wear as a dress) on our 5 weeks in Europe. The fabric washes brilliantly in a hand basin and dries overnight on a towel rail; doesn’t need ironing and rolls up to nothing in a suitcase; skims rather than clings; and layers beautifully.
Oh yes, I’ve got a pair of those ankle-zip ones too Johanne – awesome. And yes, I can imagine you got great wear out of those pieces while travelling!
loving this on you nikki! … cool & crisp!
could look good with a black mix too!;))
I have some mela … and I love their fabrics! … so drape worthy!
i’m sorting my wardrobe hun! … lol m:)X
So drape worthy M … and thought you’d like a little black here on Model and Me!
My wardrobe is pretty much Mela mix and match pieces. Like you I have three pairs of those pants!
How good are those pants Margaret?!!