STYLENDIPITY

With cooler weather definitely on its way, Westfield Parramatta teamed up with one of fashion’s most celebrated tastemakers, Kate Waterhouse, to showcase the season’s top covetable trends.

Kate was joined by Alyce Cowell (blogger) and Kelly Smythe (celebrity stylist) to showcase the key fashion trends of Autumn/Winter 2015.

In a resplendent marquee, fifty VIP guests sipped champagne and enjoyed a lavish high tea experience with the First Lady of fashion while she curated fool-proof ways to update our warm-weather wardrobe at a modest price point.

And there’s no better authority on the matter – Kate recently was named one of Australia’s Most Stylish Women by The Australian Women’s Weekly.

Here’s a recap of Westfield’s Winter Trends:

1. PONCHO – Sign up to one of the biggest trends of 2015, the Seventies, with a fringed poncho. Give the poncho a modern makeover by keeping it sleeveless and minimal. Steer away from passé western motifs (sorry, Clint Eastwood).

Poncho by Decjuba. Jeans, bag and hat by Witchery. Boots by Wittner

2. MILITARY – With another nod to the Seventies, khaki Army uniforms are being referenced as the Military trend reports for duty!

Bustier, skirt and clutch by Sheike. Trench by Witchery. Shoes by Wittner

3. INVESTMENT PIECES – Spend a small fortune on layer-friendly essentials that will be the building-block of a stylish winter outfit. Ergo, the leather jacket or an overcoat. These pieces hold the key to an elegant look that never tries too hard.

Jacket by Decjuba. Jeans by Saba. Top by Jayson Brunsdon at Myer. Bag by Sheike

4. MIX UP YOUR ACCESSORIES: Kate and her stylish posse insist that you need not concern yourself about matching your bag to your shoes any longer. This is an outdated rule anyway thanks to street style trends in the last few years -enjoy mixing up your accessories with complementary hues and brighten up an otherwise dark winter wardrobe.

6. BOYS: Gender boundaries are being blurred and the men’s cardigan keeps making a strident return year after year. The cardigan is a masterclass in modern masculinity so BOYS …. (oh wait, who am I kidding? There are no boys reading this). Girls, inject a little preppy into his wardrobe and pick up an alpine-print cardi for him. If he’s not that valiant, Kate insists on donning a scarf on the outside of the coat for extra style points.

Left: Entire look by Industry Clothing. Right: Shirt & pants by M.J. Bale. Knit and boots by Oxford. Jacket & Scarf by SABA

There you go folks, you heard it straight from the horse-heiress’ mouth. It’s not just fashion week pushing trends for the next season. It’s also major fashion retailers such as Westfield and their consortium of stores. An event such as this solidifies their positioning as an authority on fashion and what trends to buy.

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Fashion Bloggers TV snippet interview: Kate Waterhouse TV

CREDITS:

Westfield Parramatta for having me cover the event and for hosting such a fabulous evening.

with Kate Waterhouse and the gorgeous @nataliekhattar

 Thanks to Witchery for dressing me in this utilitarian, soft military dress. Ankle boots by Wittner. Ear cuff by Kookai.

Models donned exquisite Jewels by Nader Jewellers (Trio of Bangles next on my shopping list … hint, hint – mother’s day next week).

T2 Tea for the premium tea we enjoyed at the event.

L’Occitane and Mecca Maxima and Lush Australia & NZ for the lovely gifts.

Venue styled by Decorative Events

Images courtesy of Westfield Parramatta