The Model and Me: Mela Purdie autumn-winter 2019

You know I fall squarely into the quality over quantity and easy-care/easy-wear wardrobe camp. One of the original labels to tick those boxes in my wardrobe was Mela Purdie. 

It was through connecting with the designer and working with Sunshine Coast-based fashion boutique, Zambezee, that I came to understand that style did not have to be sacrificed for comfort. Mela believes in looking great but feeling comfortable whether you’re travelling around the world or around the corner.

Zambezee Boutiques has stocked one of the most extensive ranges of Mela Purdie since 1997 and now offers one of the biggest collections available online. 

Now, Mela Purdie is not for everyone. I’m always upfront about that. It’s not for you if you’re a budget, fast-fashion lover. It’s for women who buy less each season with their budget but buy knowing the pieces will last them years. My original Mela piece is more than 14 years old and still looks as new. So, with housekeeping out of the way, let’s take a look at two pieces from the autumn-winter 2019 collection.

The model

Mela Purdie Avenue Shirt in Samurai Stripe | Samurai pant

and me

Mela Purdie shirt and Mela Purdie pants (available at Zambezee Boutiques) | FRANKiE4 Footwear GABBiE brogues

These monochrome separates are in new-ish fabrics for Mela Purdie. They still tick the easy-care/easy-wear box but offer something a little different from the signature technical and jersey fabrics.

The Avenue shirt is a stretch mix of cotton, polyamide and elastane. The elastane obviously brings the stretch and the polyamide brings the shape. It’s breathable but in a weight suited to autumn and ready for layering in winter. This shirt could be dressed up for a work day or worn with jeans for a weekend look.

When worn with the Samurai pants and sneakers or brogues, you have effortless styling that works for me on a work-from-home day or for catching up with friends at the weekend. These pants are made from what Mela calls a Reflex fabric, a mix of polyester and polyurethane – think soft, thick jersey and comfort-plus.

I’ve done my regular half-tuck to show a little shape, adding a belt for interest. The waist is elasticated and there is a slight drop crotch and tapering of the lower leg. This hem works a treat with my new favourite brogues, the platformed FRANKiE4 GABBiE. I love that the platform gives a little height, creating more of a flattering line between my lower leg and ankle.

So, tell me, are you all about comfort in your wardrobe?

Special offer: Enter stylingyou at checkout to save 10% at Zambezee Boutiques.

These garments were gifted to me for editorial consideration.

Save the date: our online style program is back

Our Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe online style program will help you get your seasonal wardrobe sorted. You’ll create a capsule wardrobe that suits your personal taste and lifestyle. Once you have this in place, all the stress around the daily what-to-wear question will disappear.

You’ll be given suggested items to create your capsule wardrobe – including five shopping links for those suggested items. BUT. Here’s the clincher: you may not have to buy one extra thing. Our members pride themselves on creating capsule wardrobes from pieces already in their wardrobe. You’ll love re-discovering old and forgotten favourites. Should you decide to add to cart and buy some new pieces, you’ll be doing so mindfully and meaningfully. If you’re about fast fashion and buying new every week, this program is probably not for you.

Registrations open on May 10. More details HERE.