The Model and Me: Ilandco spring-summer 2017

Layering in summer is one tricky business. On some days, just the thought of adding one extra piece to an outfit can have you breaking out in rivers of sweat.

But there is one garment that can be added without fear of unasked-for stickiness. 

The kimono.

I’ve long been a fan. It’s a garment that helps out with that layering situation but also appeals to my inner boho queen.

One woman, who loves the appeal of the kimono so much that she created a fashion label with them at the cornerstone of her range, is Jodie Minto, the founder and designer behind Australian label Iland Co. 

I absolutely love her designs but I really love that she offers her kimonos in three different lengths. This is one of my faves from the Iland Co spring-summer 2017 collection.

The model

Iland Co Beachy Boho kimono (available in three lengths – short, mid and maxi – one size fits most)

and me

Iland Co kimono | Sussan tank | Bohemian Traders shorts | Lovisa earrings | FRANKiE4 Footwear LiLLi slides

I’m a sucker for a paisley print at the best of time. This one has the perfect mix of colours to work back with just about any wardrobe combination. 

For me, I love the effect a kimono has when added to wardrobe basics – a white tee or tank with denim. I love wearing denim shorts in summer but kimonos work just as well with jeans or a skirt. 

When you add just one piece to your outfit – like this one – it takes your outfit up several notches. You’ve added interest and you’ll look and feel more put together – even in summer.

Which length of kimono you choose is really a personal choice – a combination of what feels right to you, the ideal proportions for your height and what you’re wearing as the base layers underneath.

Personally, I like the contrast of proportions when you add the maxi length to a shorts’ outfit.

Whatever the length you prefer, each of these kimonos button up via invisible press studs, giving you the option to wear open or loosely closed. The fabric is a breathable polyester crepe.

So, tell me, do you love a kimono? Love a light layer for summer?

* These pieces were gifted to me for editorial consideration. Full disclosure policy here. 

Join Share The Dignity’s It’s In The Bag campaign

In a nutshell, the It’s In The Bag campaign is about filling a handbag with pads, tampons and personal hygiene products so that this bag can be passed on to a woman or girl experiencing poverty and/or having fled violent situations this Christmas.

Look in your wardrobe. There may be a bag there that is in great condition but one you don’t use any more. If you don’t have a spare bag, consider buying a Handbag with Heart bag from Share The Dignity.

Then when you do your weekly grocery shop, add one or two items each week to fill your bag. 

This year you can also buy a Handbag With Heart bag protector to store all the products in. This not only keeps all the products from spilling out of the bag but also gives the recipient an extra bag as a gift.

Bags can be left at collection points from November 18-December 2. This year’s collection points are listed HERE – add your postcode for one near you. Bunnings Australia-wide has got on board as a collection point. How great is that?