Dress Up - The Best Of 2015

"Pearls & boas, dressed to the nines,

Lipstick on pursed lips, trying to stay in the lines.

Big wobbly high heels, on tiny, precious feet,

Little girls playing dress-up, aren't they sweet!"

~ Laura Taylor Mark

Photos: Kate Carpenter Photography ©
Anna Saverimuttu Photography ©
Mike Lawrence © 
Additional Photos: Phill Griffith & David Ufton   

Fields of Purple Mist

“Vast fields of purple mist as far as the eye can see,

Swaying gently in the breeze.

The perfect plumes of purple flowers

Bowing beneath Bumblebee kisses...”

~ Fiona Ufton ©

Australian brand Spell & The Gypsy Collective are my go-to brand for free spirited, boho-chic style. Founded by sisters Elizabeth and Isabella it was named after Isabella’s childhood nickname. Spell, is such a magickal name and the sisters collections even more so.

The 'Coyote' playsuit is one of their signature designs and it is simply gorgeous. It has beautiful hand drawn Wild West inspired symbols in deep sky blue all over and features 3/4 length sleeves and a drawstring waist with tiny bells on the strings that jingle with every move. There are hidden buttons on the inside of the legs so that you can wear the shorts long or hitched up to show off a cheeky bit of thigh.

To compliment the laid-back, carefree vibe of my lush playsuit, I styled it with Western inspired ankle boots, wind-swept hair and the most picturesque backdrop of "vast fields of purple mist as far as the eye can see..."

Get The Look:

Playsuit: Spell Designs 'Coyote' Playsuit in sky

Shoes: Ash 'Jalouse' Ankle Boots in taupe

The Wild One

"There is a wildness to her vision,

And you can tell that she

Has never been possessed

Or held, by just one lover,

And she will not succumb

To just anyone.

She is She, Herself, The One,

The Wild One"

~ Christine A Kysely

This dramatic, flowing bohemian dress was a fantastic birthday present from my lovely Husband a couple of months ago. He knows how much I love Australian brand Spell & The Gypsy and he knows how much I love a romantic, boho look. It was the perfect gift for me.

The stunning 'Wild Ones' dress in a dusty leopard print colourway, features a full, floaty skirt that billows dramatically behind as you move. It has 3/4 length sleeves, buttons to the front, a ruched waist that flatters all shapes and sizes and a revealing split to the front that shows a sexy flash of leg with every step. The drawstring tie has tassels and tiny bells that jingle and sing with even the tiniest of moves.

Beautifully capturing the spirit of the 70s, this is free spirited, laid back, boho cool at its dreamiest best.

Get The Look:

Dress: Spell Designs 'Wild Ones' Dress in dust (skirt version here)

Shoes: Ash 'Jalouse' Ankle Boots in taupe
Photos: Kate Carpenter Photography ©

Route 66

"Well if you ever plan to motor west

Just take my way that's the highway that's the best

Get your kicks on Route 66

Well it winds from Chicago to L.A.

More than 2000 miles all the way

Get your kicks on Route 66"

~ The Rolling Stones

This is quite literally my dream Summer outfit; a little bit 70s, a little bit hippy, a little bit cowgirl. The shirt and shorts, by cool Aussie brand Spell & The Gypsy, were a gift last Winter and I've had to wait months to wear them; up to now I've only been able to try them on, gaze longingly at them, and dream of summer days when I would finally be able to wear them out!

The gorgeous tailored shirt, made from the softest, lightweight denim, features beautiful vintage inspired floral embroidery on the front, pockets and shoulders. The matching shorts, with a gently frayed hem are the sexiest shorts I've ever seen.

Styled with a great pair of ankle boots, this is the perfect Western meets boho look. The shirt also looks great worn with a short, flirty summer skirt and it is screaming out to be styled with a pair of cool suede shorts; I'm on the lookout for a pair so watch this space! 

Get The Look:

Shirt: Spell & The Gypsy 'Route 66' Chambray shirt

Shorts: Spell & The Gypsy 'Route 66' Chambray shorts (similar)

Boots: Ash 'Jalouse' Ankle Boots in taupe 
Photos: Kate Carpenter Photography ©