Franny Gets Frocked: E-K-K-A

Monday 10 August 2015

E-K-K-A

Dress: Anthea Crawford scuba & lace

Anorak: Aztec Rose calico

Cape: Tree of Life woven rag

Brogues: Ziera patent

Tights: Razzamatazz 40 denier

Bag: Novo patent

Bangle: Tree of Life bronze

Ring: Tree of Life bronze & semi-precious stone

For 10 days in August - each & every year - Brisbane becomes a little bit crazier, a little bit louder & a LOT more vibrant... That's right, it's Royal Queensland Show time (otherwise known at the EKKA) & I absolutely adore it, despite the exorbitant pricing, long queues, standing room only on public transport & having to lug around multiple jackets that were required in the chill of the morning air but superfluous half an hour after arriving at the gate...

But I digress.

For this glorious Saturday spent with my younger brother Louis, soaking up the unique melding of entertainment, agriculture & education, a comfortable, smart-casual ensemble was required. Cue this funky, printed scuba & stretch lace dress from Anthea Crawford with its slight v-neckline, bias-cut waist detail & below-the-knee hem, anchored by a pair of wedge-heeled, black patent brogues from Ziera, matte 40 denier Razzamatazz tights & boxy, patent handbag from Novo.

Chilly morning temperatures meant that further layers were required, beginning with a hooded, mustard calico anorak from Aussie surf-brand Aztec Rose for a pop of colour & topped off with a fringed, woven "rag" cape from Tree of Life for that "boho" touch. Check both out in all their glory below:

Jewellery was kept to a minimum & also had a hippie, gypset vibe - a bronze bangle covered in Yin/Yang symbols & matching chunky bronze cocktail ring with onyx stone; both from a recent sale at my local Tree of Life store.

Avid readers of this blog probably already know that I can shop anywhere at any time & spend much of my time hours sourcing amazing clothing & jewellery pieces for myself & my styling clients but truth be told, I am also a "creature of habit," as the saying goes & keep returning, time after time, to companies & brands whose offering & aesthetic matches my own. Tree of Life is one of those companies. I bought my first piece of jewellery from the Indooroopilly store 13 years ago - a delicate, sterling silver butterfly ring - & have never looked back. Many people think of boho, hippie or vintage styling as a Summertime thing but for me, it's a year-round lifestyle & I love mixing it with my more sophisticated, classic pieces from Anthea Crawford most of all.