Fashion Friday - fresh summer threads

Does anyone else become obsessed with aztec prints and maxi skirts when summer rolls around or is it just me?

With so many options popping up in store this season I've been nurturing my inner hippie in both comfort and style, rocking beachy blonde waves, patterned maxi's and friendship bracelets. Want to join me - check out some of these beauties available now from Dissh and Mr Zimi.

Shorts from Dissh

Mr Zimi's summer collection

Skirt from Dissh

Shorts from Dissh

Autumn's A-foot

Well it certainly feels like the seasons are a-changin'. And what better way to welcome in the autumnal goodness and the coming winter chill than to reassess that all essential wardrobe favourite... shoes, shoes shoes!

Goodbye sandals. Goodbye thongs. Hello closed-toe pumps and ankle boots (ooh, my favourite!) or perhaps even some designer hi-tops?

On a quest to reinvigorate the lower part of my wardrobe i.e. the 'shoe collection', which is currently looking quite dire, I have come across the following finds, that I hope to stock up on.

Baia Vista Heathcoat Pink Suede, Zomp

Bloom Black, Diavolina shoes

Robin Hi Heel, Witchery

Belle, Christian Louboutin

Tokyo, Jimmy Choo

Antibes, Le Coq Sportif

Now all I have to do is narrow down the list and decide which ones I will spend my hard earned dosh on... or should I splash out and buy them all?!!

A-dressing a dilemma: What to take on a tropical holiday…

On Thursday I’m heading to Cairns for 5 days for a (hopefully) relaxing and fun-filled getaway. I’ve been warned there is in fact a cyclone approaching north Queensland but I think we’ll be pretty far away from that so I’m going to ignore it and focus my attention on prepping and packing for the trip.

Now I wouldn’t really say that packing for a tropical holiday is a “dilemma” but it is certainly no fun when trying to cram everything into a small carry-on bag so let’s try to keep things simple.

So what to pack?

First up, let’s talk cosmetics.

My holiday beauty essentials include a natural looking tan (I favour St Tropez), a pop of pink or coral lippie, and braids or beachy waves courtesy of my GHD. I am also big on anti-aging and sun protection so my Neutrogena and Cancer Council approved oil-free sunscreens are the first things to go in my bag alongside the boring stuff like deodorant and toothpaste. I generally try to keep my make-up pretty simple when the humidity is high to prevent ‘face-slip’ but you definitely won’t catch me completely bare-faced. BB creams and gel liner are a girl’s best friend. Bright nails are also a must – I’m loving the Gorman and Kit cosmetics nail sticker collaboration.

So your hair and make-up are sorted but what the hell do you pack when your day might consist of hiking through a rainforest, lazing in the sun and drinking cocktails in the nearest backpacker bar? You need options people!

1. Number 1, don’t forget to pack your togs (bathers/swimmers whatever you want to call them) and a kaftan or beach cover-up. These will save you getting your clothes wet when you decide to jump out of the water and pop to the shops for a drink…and they can look quite glam really.

     

2. Casual cool – a pair of shorts and a few cute singlets or shirts might be a bit boring but they really are the best thing to wear for most physical activities. Think about it. Do you really want to bungy jump wearing a maxidress?

     

3. Speaking of maxi-dresses and skirts – if you’ve got one – pack it too! Slip it on to go for dinner or a casual stroll to the night markets before you bring out your real show stopper…

4. The party outfit (or two). I’d be willing to bet that for a lot of people drinking, eating out and late nights are a bit more prevalent when on holidays. So why not have fun with your wardrobe and slip on that dress you’re just a bit too shy to bust out at home. It might be a little shorter or sexier than you normally feel comfortable with but with that tan and your carefree holiday attitude you really can’t go wrong.

5. Accessories. Normally when I travel I try to keep bags to a minimal relying on a satchel for day and a clutch for going out. When it comes to jewellery I like to stack my bracelets, stick a few extra rings on and wear some of my over-the-top earrings if I think I can get away with it. Don't forget to take a hat and your sunnies and remember Fashion is fun and it’s great to experiment and step out of your comfort zone while on holidays because hey, even if you do end up looking like a crazy lady, odds are that no one at home will ever know!

And on that note I’m off to pack…next time you see me I’ll be back much more relaxed, sporting a real-ish tan and a smile.

A-dressing a dilemma – How do I layer?

In the midst of the increasingly unpredictable weather, Australia has finally welcomed autumn - better late than never as in all honestly I’m tired of having to decide if I should slather on some St Tropez and don a dress or if it really is time to invest in some new tights and a knitted jumper.

Traditionally, the season where many of us don a uniform of opaque tights, ankle boots and a slash of wine coloured lippy, Autumn generally calls for layering.

But what do you do if you simply don’t know how to layer? Or if your wardrobe full of bright, floral summer dresses just doesn’t work with the darker, moodier looks we are told we should be wearing?

This is the dilemma I have almost every single year. Despite spending hours pinning potential outfit inspiration on Pinterest I still have little idea how to put together an autumn/winter look without being mistaken for a Hobo or a *ahem* slightly larger version of myself.  

          

But after a bit of research (ok so I read this old post on Man Repeller and this post by Nikki at Styling You) I’m ready to give it a go and it couldn’t be more accurately timed as I’m heading to Melbourne for a long weekend!

So where to begin?

Step 1: Pull on your favourite pair of jeans or a long maxi skirt if that’s your thing and pair it with a body-hugging singlet or soft tee. Alternatively you could go with a dress and a cute pair of tights.

Step 2: Add you second layer – perhaps a long sleeved shirt or a button blouse. You can even add two if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.

Step 3: A wool cardigan or jumper will keep you ultra cosy and there are loads of cute ones around this season…I love this one from Topshop.

Step 4: Grab a jacket, a blazer, or if it’s really cold – dust off that winter coats and pop it on.

Step 5: Accessorise! Pop on some boots (I just bought this pair of ankle boots online and cannot wait to take them for a spin) and complete your look with a scarf, a beanie or hat if you desire – heck even gloves and a pair of earmuffs if you need. Don’t’ forget your jewellery either as you’ll no doubt have to peel off some of those layers later on.

A great use of colour!

It sounds very easy when you list it out but pulling off layers really is a bit trickier than it seems. A few tips I’ve picked up include sticking to garments that are similarly coloured so you avoid looking like a unicorn threw up on you and of course avoiding bulky or heavy fabrics. Also, if you’re wearing a dress make sure to belt it the hell up and show off that waist of yours!

Hopefully these tips will give you something to think about as it gets a little cooler down under…and if you have any other tips please feel free to let me know.

Xx Kirst

Disclaimer: I first developed the "A-dressing a Dilemma’ series for my previous blog and really enjoyed writing it. This is its debut on Adventures in Colour so I hope you enjoy it! All image sources can be found via my Pinterest account. 

            

Friday’s Fashion bite: H&M Conscious Exclusive

After what seems like an eternity since Michelle Williams and Helen Hunt donned H&M frocks during the red carpet season, fashion (and earth) lovers everywhere can now get their mitts on the latest Conscious Exclusive collection from H&M.

The range boasts a number of glamorous and romantic party pieces all made from sustainable materials including organic cotton, tencel and recycled polyester.

Sustainable and on trend? H&M you had me at hello.

The Conscious Exclusive collection is simple, elegant, whimsical and looks to be surprisingly wearable thanks to the tailoring and overall design. Overall, it has left me once again wondering– why do I live in Australia where there is no H&M?!!

If you are lucky enough to live in the UK, I’d high tale it to your closest H&M because I’ve no doubt that this collection will sell out pretty quickly.

My favourite pieces are the asymmetrical black dress, the red dress with roses and the embroided dress. I also adore the ultra-feminine three piece suit!

What’s your pick?? Do you think you’ll pick up anything in store?

I’d love to hear from you!  

Have a great weekend everyone Xx Kirst