Flying Trapeze

Trapeze style dresses, particularly those in a vibrant chiffon fabric, are amazing in the warmer months - floaty & cool in the sweltering heat & humidity - but more than that, they have an insouciant air about them that simultaneously allows the wearer to look eminently "put together" while truly capturing that carefree Australian summer spirit.

Here are 3 of my favourites...

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LOOK #1

Dress: Mr K chiffon

Sandals: Rivers patent

Bag: Novo patent

Necklace: TS silver & crystal

Hinged Bangle: Wallace Bishop silver & elastic

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CREATIVE CAMOUFLAGE

A sophisticated take on "camo" print, this chiffon number from Mr K is perfect for a myriad of summertime outings. Although originally marketed as an evening-wear option, I believe it works equally well during the day with smart-casual accessories - a pair of patent, colour-blocked sandals with oversized buckles & a large black patent handbag. 

Such a busy print requires simple accessories: in this case, a long, thick silver chain necklace with teardrop crystal pendant - versatile as it allows you to clip it together anywhere along the chain, meaning it works with a multitude of necklines - & a chunky silver hinged bangle.

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LOOK #2

Dress: Mr K chiffon (from Figure 8 Fashion)

Sandals: Betts for Her patent

Bag: Novo patent

Scarf with Charm: Cute2Boot silk/cotton

Cuff: Wallace Bishop silver

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SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES

The marbled, "smoky" effect of this chiffon print is visually arresting & lends itself to a litany of black, grey & silver jewellery & accessories, beginning with the usual black patent gladiator-style sandals & matching handbag, pictured in detail below:

Jewellery choices were obvious in this instance: my favourite chunky silver cuff with inscription (All You Need Is Love) & a gorgeous summer silk/cotton scarf with teardrop-shaped silver & grey-speckled charm, replete with tiny diamantes for that touch of sparkle. The perfect summer weight, the scarf functions almost as a necklace-made-of-fabric & adds another dimension to the dress' high, draped neckline. 

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LOOK #3

Dress: Flirt by Mr K chiffon (from Figure 8 Fashion)

Sandals: Betts for Her patent

Bag: Novo patent

Necklace: Adorne beaded

Bangle: Adorne beaded

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LARGER-THAN-LIFE LEPIDOPTERA*

Seeing as butterflies are my favourite insects, it made sense that this printed chiffon option from Flirt by Mr K - featuring an extreme close-up of butterfly wings - would soon be winging its way into MY closet... 

In fact, it appears that in the picture below I myself am attempting to take flight...

But I digress.

Once again the black patent gladiator-style sandals & bag "anchor" the trapeze shape - this time in a slightly longer cut, as Flirt by Mr K dresses tend to be - while the fresh, predominantly green hue, interspersed with touches of purple, lemon & blue provides the perfect base to begin layering densely beaded jewellery pieces. In this case, I have chosen purple as the colour du jour & finished the look with a long, bulky beaded necklace & a matching 7 row beaded bracelet on my right wrist - the shape of the beads mirroring the dress print & giving off an overall organic, "botanical" feel...

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Larger Than Life Lepidoptera: 

Butterflies are part of the class of insects in the order Lepidoptera, a term coined by Linneaus in 1735 from the Ancient Greek words for "scale" & "wing." Characterised by the flattened "hairs" or "scales" covering the bodies & wings, responsible for the extensive & extraordinary variety of colours & patterns they are known for, the order comprises of an estimated 174 250 species, including butterflies & moths.