In the lead up to Brisbane’s Fashion Festival (25 – 30 August) She Society were treated to an intimate Styling Session with Brisbane City Fashion Ambassador, Annabel Falco. Annabel is a fashion journalist, stylist and content creator who gave us all some great tips to create our own personal style this season. In these sessions she shared her top picks for Spring / Summer fashion trends.
Four sessions were held during the week including a Wintergarden Styling Session, Menswear Styling Workshop, Event Wear Styling and All Together – showcasing designs from the Wintergarden, Queens Plaza and Edward Street Brisbane. As the weather had warmed up considerably it was a perfect time to explore some new season fashion.
It’s no secret that I love dressing up, so I headed into the city for the Thursday lunchtime – Event Styling Session. A small group of interested fashionistas of all ages found inspiration and new ideas from one of our best stylists. We were treated to looks from David Jones and Oroton. Oroton has just popped up in its beautiful new Queens Plaza store.
Annabel greeted us wearing a gorgeous neutral coloured pant suit from Oroton and as we sipped on Strangelove Soda, we were able to prep for the upcoming party and event season. Designs from new David Jones label, Lovann, were in structured black and white with a silhouette for every age and stage. Perennial favourite Alemais, designed by Brisbane’s own QUT Alumnus, Lesleigh Germanus, had some new shapes and hues, as well as the shirt dresses we all know and love to wear to ladies’ lunches.
Structured looks from Bianca Spender had us all in raptures as did the pieces from Acler. Aje had a showstopper in deep fuchsia with raffia fringing. Oroton designs were covetable and under the steady hand of influential designer, Sophie Holt, these pieces were designed for a modern Australian summer.
Trending colours were all shades of brown, blue and brown together, greens, neutrals, black and white and as always, pink. Annabel said we should all own a little white dress for summer that can be dressed up or down. Just add tan accessories to make it more casual.
Bows on everything will be big, as will a drop waist shape for those who suit it. Chandelier tassels and embellishment will elevate and modernise your looks and a lovely silk shirt won’t go astray for that pair of jeans and a nice top moment.
Annabel advised us to look into tailoring our clothes for just the right fit. I always tailor my suits and co-ords to create the fit I want. She also added that less is more…so if you have one statement piece let that do the talking. Belts are always a good investment, wider for a casual look and thinner for more corporate and formal wear.
For oversized shirting, which will be big again this spring and summer, shop the men’s department or peek into your partner’s wardrobe. I was amazed that two of the ladies in the group were wearing crisp white shirts belonging to their partners on the day. I’m not sure what my husband would think of that idea though!
As we left, we were all brimming with excitement and ideas, and we headed straight to David Jones and Oroton to touch and perhaps try on and buy some of the pieces.
Brisbane is spoilt for fashion right now and with a new season upon us it’s time to embrace our beautiful weather and lifestyle so that you feel great every time you step out the door.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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