SUMMER ESSENTIALS - WOMEN

While summer is officially over in Australia, it is still hot. Most days we are experiencing temperatures above 30-degrees-C, and it's incredibly humid too. Or at least in the areas near where we are based. So I thought it wouldn't be out place to share some of my summer essentials.

My days consist of working from home, travelling to other people's houses for photo shoots and, of course, living and working on a country property. Clothing tends to be casual but with an eye for detail and design. Comfort, yes, but never at the expense of everything else. There's nothing that can quite set you in the right frame of mind as a beautiful piece of clothing. Something that makes you feel, and look, good.

Note: I tend to buy items on a needs basis rather than because new wares have hit the stores. Some pieces have lasted years, and I expect to be around for many more. So I've listed similar items where necessary. Also, I've included items I would like to purchase when my current pieces need replacing.

 image mamapapa

image smallable

Dresses
I am and always have been a dress person. I enjoy the simplicity of them - that you don't need to "match" or consider an ancillary piece that will complement it. Also, I've always found them to be more flattering on my body than a top and skirt or trousers or jeans, which can be more of a struggle to find flattering cuts. Generally, I tend towards feminine slightly bohemian styles, often with lace details.

In summer I choose light fabrics - soft gauze cottons or linen to keep cool. I enjoy wearing natural materials and pieces that wash easily.

Over the years, I've found a few labels that I gravitate towards regularly because of the style, cut or fabric. These include Ace & Jig, Lemlem, Malene Birger, Mamapapa and, more recently, Numero 74. 

I've always found beautiful clothing at Christensen Copenhagen, Jim and Jane, Joanie Loves Chachi and Mr and Mrs Smith Manly. 

Labels I'm eyeing off include Christy Dawn, Meg by Design, Paddo to Palmy and Ulla Johnson. I'm also looking forward to seeing the recently released organic range from Yoli and Otis. 

Hats
I've always loved hats. They are such a fun accessory and as I get a little older I'm enjoying their sun-shading benefits too. For summer, I've worn a Panama hat for years. However, more recently I've started to wear this one from Brixton. And I'm eyeing off the beautiful range from Sarah J Curtis. Fallen Broken Street is another great Australian brand too.

Footwear
I basically live in about three different types of shoes over summer - Splice slides for the beach, Bensimons for around the property (love that I can slip them on and off so easily) and a pair of Sol Sana roman style sandals that I wear to dress up a little more - I bought the ones above from Jim and Jane.

Bags
I have a few bags that I alternate, depending on the occasion. For life with children (and work when I'm carrying my laptop) as well as travel, I regularly use my Tampico linen bag. It's brilliant. It has plenty of room, goes with pretty much everything and holds a ton of things. 

When it's just me and I'm carrying my wallet and a few smaller items such as sunglasses, I use one of two bags - a camel-coloured leather one from Estellon (which I always receive comments on - above) and a teal blue leather over-the-shoulder bag Mini Gueliz from Lalla, which comes with a Liberty floral print lining.

For the beach, I use my French market bag.

Swimsuit
I've had a Zimmermann swimsuit for years that's still going strong. I love the cut. It's low around the legs - reminiscent of 1950s style swimsuits - and rouched around the front so forgiving for post-baby bodies. It also has a tie at the front that can go around the neck (for extra support while swimming) or can tie in a bow at the front (to prevent strap tan lines). I've seen similar at Malia Mills, above.

images (unless stated otherwise) the indigo crew