Posts Tagged ‘layers’

Summer Layering: Kimono Dusters

Whenever I wear my kimono, I get comments on the pattern and how it flows around a tee and shorts outfit. I love the versatility of layering over shorts or jeans. Kimono Dusters are an ideal summer layer for when the air conditioning is on the icy side, or the cusp of Autumn is near.

bec with kimono and earringsThe long line kimonos worn as dusters are a trans-seasonal piece. A duster is typically an open jacket or cardigan that drapes to the floor. It was a common term used in the 1920’s for long-line open jackets that were worn when travelling in an open car.

Now, the duster has evolved into cardigans, coats, jackets and now the open kimono.

Who knew I was wearing an evolving trend when I first purchased my kimono?

Since that post, I have found other kimonos that can be worn as dusters all year round. From budget to luxe, I’ve found kimono dusters for all price points.

Kimono Dusters worn all year round

  1. Arnhem Serafina Kimono in Crimson Skies $229
  2. Jump Tropical Kimono $149.95
  3. Spell Maxi Robe in Coral $269
  4.  Boom Shankar Dusk Long Kimono $129.95
  5.  Spell Buttercup Maxi Robe in Ocean $269
  6.  Chasing Case Patterned Green Kimono $69

Team your kimono duster with jeans and a white tee and you’re good to go. For a summer option, wear it over your swimmers or over a singlet and denim shorts. Some kimonos can also be worn as dresses. Maybe wear a slip underneath in case it gapes open.

Do you own a duster jacket? Are kimono dusters a piece of clothing you’d add to your wardrobe?

Disclosure: Items are available at time of publishing. This post has been updated from 2019. There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Autumn Fashion Trends to Try in 2019

By the end of February, I’m always itching for cooler weather to wear clothes I haven’t worn in a while to mix up my outfits. It’s also the time when autumn fashion trends make their way into stores ready for the change in season ahead.

A change is as good as a holiday, and adding a new piece to your wardrobe that embraces one of the Autumn trends I’m going to share with you is definitely going to keep things fresh and prevent you wanting to purchase a whole new wardrobe.

Autumn Fashion Trends 2019

These Autumn Fashion Trends have been collated from reports on what has been shown at fashion shows around the world. It’s also what I’ve noticed has become available in stores and what other fashionistas are embracing. I’ve already introduced some of the trends recently on the blog, so I will reference these so you can do your own research on what piece/s you may choose to embrace this season.

I’m loving all the trends autumn has to offer. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you already own in your wardrobe that has become popular once again.

autumn fashion trends to try for 2019

Dusters – Kimonos, Cardigans, Jackets

I had no idea what a duster was until it was discussed in a closed group. And then when I did my own research, I realized it wasn’t a new fashion term and I had been wearing dusters for years. I had also embraced wearing my kimono open as a duster, which since I’ve written my post, I have seen MANY women embrace this trend. It’s definitely one to embrace this Autumn as it’s the ideal layer between seasons. I love this gorgeous release from Birdsnest. But if you are after budget friendly alternatives, you can check out my post on Kimono Dusters.

Brown & Beige Polka Dots

This trend was introduced in summer, but it’s certainly one to embrace in autumn. I’m loving all the pieces I see in this pattern colour way. My favourite would have to be the Bohemian Traders Top, which I can visualize myself wearing with jeans and my favourite Jo Mercer boots. The dress from ASOS is definitely a summer number, but it can be worn in autumn as a pinafore over a white shirt… which brings me to the next trend. And the gorgeous dress from SWIISH can be layered with a denim jacket and boots.

For more inspiring pieces, or ways to wear this particular trend, check out this post from Brooke at Blonde Ambition.

Overalls and Pinafores

Overalls and pinafores aren’t going anywhere. I invested in my denim pinafore dress last year and it’s a piece I will wear layered in the autumn/winter months due to it’s length and need for leggings underneath. There are various dresses that can be turned into a pinny without having to buy a dress specifically to embrace this trend. Jenni from Styling Curvy shared some great tips and selections in her post. I share how you can wear a denim pinafore dress in summer and autumn.

Plaid

Plaid and checks are another revolving fashion trend which will be popular this autumn. The plaid colour way is trending towards reds, rusts and warm colours. You can always warm a cool colour plaid with a tan belt and boots.

Leopard & Animal Print

Another recycled trend that keeps coming back is leopard print and various animal prints. There seems to have been an explosion of leopard print lately. You can embrace this trend by investing in an accessory, or you can go hard with a dress or top as featured below. Vanessa from Style and Shenanigans had a great post on where to shop for animal print.

Which pieces are you looking forward to wearing this autumn? Which autumn fashion trends do you already own in your wardrobe?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What to Pack for a Two Week USA Trip

Packing for an overseas trip can be a challenge. You have to think about the weather for where you’re going, the amount of outfits needed for your trip, the size of your suitcase (and weight restrictions by the airline) and what shoes and accessories you’re going to need. When I went to Colour a week or so ago, I caught up with Andrea who is going away for a two week USA trip with her husband and she asked me to do a post on what she should pack. So here it is.

two week travel wardrobe to the USA

What to pack for a Two Week USA Trip

Andrea is heading to Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, Cincinnati and Washington DC – all in a space of 2 weeks.

After looking at the weather, there will be a range of temperatures from warm weather in LA to rain and cooler temperatures in Washington. Andrea will need to pack for all seasons. And this can be a daunting task, but not so if you learn the art of packing and layering.

Nikki from Styling You created and AMAZING ebook on how to pack for travel. She includes the short weekend aways to a beach location to the overseas trips. For $12.99, this book is truly a wonderful manual to have if you find yourself completely overwhelmed when packing to go away.

My key tips before I show you the items I recommend packing are:

1. Check the weather for where you are headed. Look at the 14 day weather forecasts so you can pack accordingly.
2. Pack clothes that can be layered.
3. Choose a colour base. I’ve chosen black and white for Andrea. Accessories can be used to add colour.
4. Consider good walking shoes. Two to three pairs of shoes are maximum to fit into your luggage.
5. If you plan to go somewhere fancy at night, consider dressing up a plain dress with a scarf.
6. Leave some space in the luggage for shopping.
7. There may no washing facilities available or too little time to wait for hotel dry cleaning, so pack in a way for items to be worn twice.
8. Make sure your outerwear is waterproof for wet weather. Same goes for shoes.

Clothing Suggestions for Two Week USA Trip

T-shirts

tees for travel to the usa

  1. Jag Galaxy Tee in Navy $49.95
  2. Sussan Black V-neck Tee $29.95
  3. Bohemian Traders Scoop Neck Stripe Tee $59.95

Long Sleeve Tops

long sleeve tops

  1. Sussan long sleeve black tee $29.95
  2. Bohemian Traders Denim Shirt $149.00
  3. Bohemian Traders long sleeve striped tee $89.00

Pants

pants for a usa trip

  1. Crossroads Straight leg jeans $33.71 (on sale)
  2. Decjuba Luxe Stripe Drop Crotch pants $69.95
  3. Katies Ankle Grazer knee pants $49.95
  4. Sussan Viscose Leggings $29.95
  5. Bohemian Traders Black Slouch Pant $139

Dresses

dresses for a us trip

  1. Metalicus Black Rib Panel Tee Dress $139.94
  2. Cordelia Street Long Sleeve Dress $79.95

Outerwear

outerwear

  1. Little Lies Hooded Cardi $59.95
  2. Sass Charley Cosy Jumper $59.00
  3. The Iconic Fur Hooded Jacket $249.95

Accessories

accessories for travel

  1. Sussan Spot Splice Scarf $39.95
  2. Metalicus Scarf Aragon Scarf $59.95
  3. Ruby Olive Mod Squad Big Bang Necklace (reversible) $59.00

Shoes

shoes for travel

  1. Django and Juliette Fali Black Leather Embossed Boots $179.95
  2. Django and Juliette Pandy Tan Sandals $169.95
  3. Portmans Lace Up Sneaker $69.95

Outfit Ideas

This capsule wardrobe is designed to be mixed, matched and layered. These are just some of the possible outfit compilations to suit all seasons of the trip.

On the Plane

You will need two plane outfits – one for the trip over and another for the trip back. You could just wear the same outfit twice. But I like to change it up a little. If you are prone to spilling food on yourself on the plane, wear darker colours and consider a scarf to cover over any stains.

outfit for the plane

Warm Weather Outfits

Packing neutral basics like tees and pants mean you can mix and match to create a variety of outfits. I’ve added some sandals in case the weather turns really hot. If sandals are not your thing, a closed in sneaker will work if you’re planning to do a lot of walking.

Warm weather outfit options

Cool Weather Outfit Options

As explained above, these pieces can be layered to create a number of warm outfits. Layer t-shirts over long sleeve tees, cardigans over long sleeved tops and a coat over all if the weather turns quite cool. A scarf or necklace can add interest or tie the whole outfit together.

winter outfit 1 for the usa

winter outfit 2 for the usa

winter outfit 3 for the usa

winter outfit 4 for the usa

winter outfit 5 usa

winter outfit 6 for usa

winter outfit 8 usa

The items in this capsule wardrobe are designed to give you ideas of what you can pack and how you can create outfits accordingly. Only buy clothes you need to fill in the gaps. Don’t go and buy a whole new travel wardrobe. You need to keep some spending money for the trip!

what to pack for a two week usa trip

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.