The Model and Me: Maiocchi spring-summer 2017

One of the many Queensland designers I’ve been championing since before this blog even existed is the fabulous label Maiocchi. 

Since moving to Brisbane more than three and a half years ago, I’ve gotten to know the designer behind the label – Deanne Mayocchi – which has only made me love the label more.

Dee is not only an incredible business woman, her creativity is awe-inspiring. She channels this every season into unique prints and vintage-inspired silhouettes. 

Because Dee’s designs are timeless, fans of the label come in all shapes, sizes and ages. I LOVE that.

This season, I’ve chosen to feature a dress from the Maiocchi spring-summer 2017 collection that is striking but incredibly easy to wear. I urge you to check out all the new arrivals, especially the ladybird prints!

The model

Maiocchi Forget Me Not Dress in stripe | RO X Maiocchi necklace

and me

Maiocchi dress  (I’m in 12) | Ruby Olive X Maiocchi brooch | FRANKiE4 ALYCE wedges

You know my love of stripes runs very deep, don’t you? Well, these stripes just heighten that love. Monochrome will always looked dressed up, so this dress brings with it a multitude of dress-up/dress-down opportunities.

I’ve chosen my new favourite espadrilles from FRANKiE4 Footwear for a relaxed, smart-casual look but this dress would look great back with sneakers for a casual, weekend brunch. Dress it up further with a block heel and blazer for an office outfit.

The fabric is a textured poly-cotton jersey, which is SO comfortable on the skin – and breathable. It’s slightly see-through. I’m not wearing a slip with it here (just nude underwear) and it’s not a problem for me. If it is for you, Maiocchi has a bamboo slip dress which is perfect as a breathable undergarment. 

I love the half-sleeves, scoop neck and contrasting-stripe frilled hem. I love the way that the diagonal stripes on the body of the dress create the illusion of shape.

There is a lot of volume in this piece, so I’ve gone down one size to help reduce that. I suggest you alway try this trick if a dress or top is voluminous. As long as it fits round the bust, shoulders and arms, it will always look and feel more flattering going down a size.

This dress is showing online as not having many sizes left – please do contact Maiocchi as they may have stock in one of their boutiques or at a stockist.

Ruby Olive X Maiocchi earrings and brooch

Can we talk about the super-cute jewellery I’m wearing with this dress? Ruby Olive is another talented, Brisbane-based label and its designer, Skye Anderton, has teamed up to collaborate with Maiocchi. The result is the Hearts Collection. 

You know how much I love a heart motif … add a colour-clashing pop of pink and red to the design and I’m smitten. 

Skye says the collaboration embodies both her and Dee’s mission to help women feel fabulous and each piece acts as a reminder to always live with heart. Amen to that.

So tell me, are you mad for monochrome and a pop of pink? A fan of Maiocchi? Ruby Olive?

* These garments were gifted to me for editorial consideration. Full disclosure policy here. This post contains some affiliate links. If you buy something via one of these links I may receive a small commission. Full disclosure policy here.

Join our Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe online style program

Looking for care and support to craft a wardrobe that works for you? Want to learn how to create outfits that make you feel fabulous – and fit your lifestyle? 

The concept of my Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe online style challenge is a simple one. I’ve chosen 30 spring-summer clothing and accessories pieces and I will show you 42 different ways to wear those 30 pieces. That’s right – six weeks’ worth of outfits sorted for you to make getting dressed each day a no-brainer.

The idea behind this concept is that I help you get organised so that you make the most of what’s already in your wardrobe. You may choose to buy new items but I know you have great substitutes sitting there ready and waiting in your wardrobe right now.

I also realise that spring takes a little longer to arrive in some parts of Australia. With this in mind, I offer style tips and suggestions on how to adapt your capsule and daily outfits to suit that. I also include shopping and styling suggestions for office wear. You’ll find links to shop for budget, plus-size and petite capsule items.

The six-week plan is your blueprint for the entire season. It becomes your reference point when the warmer months drag on and you’ve lost your outfit mojo. Capsulers, as we have nicknamed ourselves, revert back to that six-week plan for inspiration. And we also shop mindfully to add pieces throughout the season, knowing that they’ll work with that plan.

We hang out in a super supportive closed Facebook group – the magic really does happen there as we get sorted and find our style mojo for the season ahead. The group is where we share our outfits to inspire others – and where you can ask me any burning style questions you might have.

Our members range in age from their 30s through to 60s and beyond. We dress for our attitude, not our age because why should style come with a use-by-date?

The 2017 spring-summer Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe online style challenge launches on Thursday, September 7, 2017. The cost remains the same – pay $99 for up to eight weeks’ personal style support from me.

Will you join us on September 7?