How to Print Clash

Print clashing is something I love, like to think I do well, and do often. In winter I amp up the clashing to keep my wardrobe alive (although some days I turn to the ever faithful black ensemble). In store we have a lot of women say that they love how we put different prints together but would never know how to do it themselves. So we decided to write a few simple tips to get your print clashing happening! You'd be surprised how many pieces you already own that work well together, or how you can give new life to your old scarves!

1. Pair a neutral print with a bold print

Stripes are considered neutral in the print clashing world. Same can be said for leopard print. By clashing a simple stripe with soft florals you can easily achieve print clashing power. 

Tip: To start off with try clashing a stripe jumper with a bold print scarf - that way you're making baby steps and don't walk out the door to end up running to find a sand pit to hide your head in.

1. Black Felt Fedora $64.95: Shop Now

2. Cream and Grey Knit $59: Shop Now

3. Pink and Grey Print Scarf $29: Shop Now

4. Vintage Wash Black Jean $59: Shop Now

5. Grey Pony Hair Crossover Satchel $109: Shop Now

2. Pick prints of the same hues/tones
Dip your toes into the print clashing world by choosing prints in the same hues and/or tones. Think a blue stripe sweater and blue floral scarf, or a spot of black and white stripe with a scarf of black, white and green. If you stick with a base colour it can be easy to tie all your prints together.

1. Memoir Blue Pullover $139.95: Shop Now

2. Stripe Cold Shoulder Top $49: Shop Now

3. Green Patchwork Scarf $39: Shop Now

3. Team small prints with big prints
Generally two large prints don't look great together - however some people happily break the rules and look good doing it! Two small prints almost always work. This applies with outfits and do we think interiors? We searched Pinterest for some inspiration on this part...

Images via Pinterest

Now it's your turn:

How do you print clash?
What tips do you have?

How To Wear a Fedora

I've been on Pinterest a lot lately - and when I say that I mean hours (we've now got boards for projects, DIY, holidays and well just about everything). Through out my travels I came across too many fantastic outfits and I kept noticing one thing, fashion icons and celebs wear a lot of hats - and they look damn good doing it!
I've always been afraid of wearing a hat and looking like an idiot, and of all the hat varieties - the Fedora is the scariest. So...that set the challenge and tone for this post - how does one wear a fedora as effortlessly as Jen and Reese and look SO good when doing it?

Images via Pinterest

Provided that it's winter and we're a little bit chillier than in the outfits above we're going to be working with felt fedoras and winter warmers. Keep in mind that the fedora is a more masculine style as it is slightly structured, but the floppiness of the felt ensures you still feel feminine. 

1. Black Felt Fedora $64.95: Shop Now

2. Stripe Soho Knit $59: Shop Now

3. Light Wash Denim Jacket $69: Shop Now

4. Vintage Wash Black Jean $59: Shop Now

This outfit is casual and you look like you're meant to be outdoors. In the case of this outfit, the fedora is the finisher - it makes the combo look polished! I thought this combination was a good start for a "non hat wearer" as the colour and shape of the hat is classic, and the accompanying pieces aren't too bold either. I can't help but want to take this ensemble to the park and enjoy the sun.

1. Grey Western Felt Hat $79: Shop Now

2. White Woven Back Swing Top $59.95: Shop Now

3. Wooden Necklace $39: Shop Now

4. Black Ponte Midi Skirt $39.95: Shop Now

5. Black Martin Place Boots $149: Shop Now

Now this outfit might not being everyone's cup of tea - nor does it suit everyone's lifestyle (little hands would just love to pull on this cape)! But, it's a stark contrast to the previous combination. I certainly see this outfit gracing the beaches of Byron or paired back with ponte pants for a picnic in the park. In this case the fedora is the statement - for the more advanced (ok, I'm just not ready) hat wearer!

...

Previous to my research I had enough trouble practising sun safety let alone wearing a hat as a fashion accessory. Now I'm no expert but a couple of tips I picked up made me feel more confident in not only wearing, but also choosing a hat:

Consider brim width - the wider the brim the more feminine you'll feel. It's a matter of proportion but you don't want to overdo it! There's always a limit to your love. Like everything else in fashion ensure that your hat flatters your face.

You're not, "not a hat person" - I have been avoiding hats because I thought I wasn't a hat person. Apparently there's no such thing. Like a lot of things in life you just need to exude confidence. That means no fidgeting, taking it off or just plain hiding under the brim.

Think classic - The common denominator for a lot of these Pinterest posts is one thing, classic shapes and/or colours. If the colour is wild the shape is structured and vice versa. Just like shoes you want to ensure your hat goes with more outfits than one. I personally think of four outfits I could wear something with before I buy it (this rule doesn't just apply to hats).

If you apply these tips hats can be great for a number of things - finishing your outfit, protecting your skin and my favourite, covering up a bad hair day! It's safe to say I haven't tried wearing a hat inside though so I ask:

Do you wear hats? What style do you love and where do you wear it?

Plus Size Style Ideas

At Blue Bungalow we're interested in women looking and feeling their best, regardless of their size. For this reason we thought we could offer a few style tips (and by that I don't mean a comprehensive style guide) that could help embrace your full-figure body.

These suggestions might not be for everyone but feel free to take them on board!

1. Wide necklines and v-necklines are flattering

Wide necklines lengthen the neck and create a balance between shoulders & hips. V-necklines are also perfect if you want your body to look longer. If you have narrow shoulders but are wider through the hips then wear a rounded neckline and balance with a long necklace! If you opt for a v-neck and you have a full bust ensure that the v-neck stops right above your cleavage. 

Our Lulu Knit Dress (below) is a great layering piece for this winter, sports the perfect v-neckline and comfortably covers the lumps and bumps! This style runs large and a size 12 comfortably fits a small! 

Grey & Black Stripe Lulu Knit Dress $59: Shop Now

Black Lulu Knit Dress $59: Shop Now

2. Don't be afraid of stripes

You can wear horizontal stripes! However, stripes need to be medium to large scaled (like on the Lulu Knit Dress in stripe above) for them to be flattering. Horizontal stripes look best on body parts that need some widening for example, if you're smaller on the top half wear a horizontal stripe top and vice versa.

3. Scale it

This tip is simple, scale everything to your size - wear wider belts and larger prints. The same goes for accessories, small and dainty accessories will make you look big in comparison. We love our handmade necklaces by Coast Etc as they balance a larger bust and frame. I personally love the tassel style (Shop here) as I'm larger busted and the weight of the necklace means it doesn't awkwardly fall between my cleavage!

1. Two Strand Handmade Necklace (Blue) $49: Shop Now

2. Cube Necklace (Green) $10: Shop Now

3. Two Strand Handmade Necklace (Coral) $49: Shop Now

4. Flatter your waist

Flattering your waist helps define your shape and can make you look and feel slimmer. If your waist is on the wider or fuller side wear clothes that nip at the thinnest part of your waist. These printed tops are fantastic as they nip you in at the waist but are fuller through out the stomach to cover any weight you might carry in this area (I know it goes straight to my stomach and thighs!). The elastic in the waist makes it comfortable and doesn't feel like you can't breathe when being cinched. This style of top also agrees with our round neckline rule and features 3/4 sleeves to cover any unwanted areas of the arms!

1. Navy Mutli Paisley Top $49: Shop Now

2. Blue Multi Paisley Top $49: Shop Now

5. Blue Bungalow Favourites

A Blue Bungalow favourite is our Draped Top $49 Shop Now (above) and is a one size fits all style. It looks great paired back with fitted skirts & bottoms. If you're narrow through the shoulders this shape is fantastic. Another plus is the fabrication, it's lightweight and I find it dries over night after washing!

Please note - our Draped Top is also available in Navy and Red!

Another crowd favourite is a kaftan (see below)! This particular style has a v-neckline and vertical detailing. This strong detail makes people's eye go up and down and has a slimming effect. Our silk kaftans are one size fits all but they comfortably fit sizes 8-18. If you're interested in covering your knees then we have maxi styles as well! Kaftans are great for occasions - put on your party shoes, simple accessories and you're good to go!

1. Silk Kaftan Dress - Black with White Embroidery $290: Shop Now

And there you have it a couple of tips and tricks from us to you...so now it's your turn:

What tips do you have for plus size dressing? Or what makes you feel flattered and fabulous?

Packing for a Summer Holiday

I cannot contain my excitement at the thought that I have finally knuckled down and booked a holiday - and what better place than to HAWAII in the middle of our Winter!? The sunshine is calling and thankfully Blue Bungalow is stocked with just about everything I need...

Now I know it's cold and it may sound rude that this post revolves around summer but I thought it might be useful to consider exactly what you need on a summer vacation or simply a trip to the beach! That way when summer rolls round, or you book a vacation of your own you can be completely prepared!

1. Rainbow Aztec Kaftan Dress $69.96: Shop Now

This kaftan is light weight, colourful and quick to dry - everything you need from a piece to wear over your togs. Because this little number isn't sheer it covers the lumps and bumps AND could easily take you from beach to bar.

2. Walnut Niki Sandals $49.95: Shop Now
The ideal slip on for the summer season. This style is leather so it can easily take you from beach to bar - it sounds like I'm more concerned about the bar than the beach...Mojitos anyone?

3. Monroe Roc Sunglasses $89.95: Shop Now

Eyewear is so, so important! However, I'm sure most of you already know that. This style is stylish AND it has 100% UV protection. They're not just fashion sunglasses! Our Monroe sunglasses have a category 3 UV rating and are warranted for one year.

4. Rolled Brim Cowgirl Hat with Shell Trim $37.95: Shop Now

Slip, slop, slap! Same goes for your head, protect it. There's nothing worse than a burnt scalp when you're on a holiday.

5. Natural Sunscreen $29.95: Shop Now

If it smells like coconut I've already bought it. There's something about that smell that reminds me of the beach! In the case of this sunscreen it is SPF30, all natural and 3 hours water resistant. Need I say more?

6. Knotty Turkish Towel $39.95: Shop Now
If you haven't seen these towels before then listen up! They're super soft, absorbent, lightweight and SO easy to pack. Just roll it up and you'll barely notice the space it takes up.

7. Woven Striped Bag $29.95: Shop Now

A beach bag is rather self explanatory - it fits all the items I've mentioned above and keeps the essentials safe. In the case of this bag it features an inside zip pocket and mobile phone/sunglasses pocket. It will try to keep out the sand but no matter how hard we try it ends up everywhere anyway!

Pssttt, if you're interested we booked to stay at The Modern Honolulu and I am far too excited. Just check out the sneak peaks I've found on the website. Prepare for too many holiday snaps come July. 

If you have the time feel free to leave tips for shopping, eating and exploring in Hawaii?

How To Tie a Scarf

For this post we thought we would let the videos do the talking! How to tie a scarf is a mystery for some, if not all of us, so we thought we'd take a minute out and show you three simple ways to wear them.

Now is the perfect time to buy, or get out your old scarves, with the weather cooling down and the back of our necks definitely feeling the breeze!
All of us here at BB have way too many scarves to count but there's always room for more when you figure out a couple of new ways to wear them?

The videos below show the "Preztel", "Loop" and the "Wrap. Which way would you wear?

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is just around the corner...and by just around the corner we mean 3 days away!? Enter panic mode...If you're unprepared for a gift, or just want to buy something for yourself then have a snoop of our Mother's Day edit. 8 items you need or just can't live without?

1. Cleopatra Earrings $39: Shop Now
A light weight, affordable accessory that adds a bit of glitz to any outfit. Pair with earthy, urban colours or black for a striking balance.

2. Blue Striped Sweater $59.95: Shop Now
This Striped Sweater is the perfect pair for mum's favourite denim. Features a raglan sleeve and soft to touch fabric. This sweater = style and comfort.

3. Tan Madrid Cross Over Bag $149: Shop Now
This deliciously soft leather bag looks great with just about every outfit. Big enough to fit the essentials, whether it may be kids gear, a laptop or everyday items, this bag can handle it all! The shoulder strap is adjustable so if you're a shortie there's no need to worry! Forget Mum, feel free to buy this number for any of us!

4. Red Felt Fedora $64.95: Shop Now
This winter's statement felt fedora is a stylish way to stay out of the sun. This style comes in a variety of colours but we're currently loving the red. There seems to be a theme going on here?

5. Watercolour Scarf $39.00: Shop Now
Our watercolour scarf is ideal if you have a budget for under $50. It has a variety of colours, meaning, it can be an accent to a combination of outfits. We love with earthy tones or for a point of difference mix with blue. There's a bit of navy hidden in there so you can't go wrong... If you're feeling wild, spoil mum and purchase with the blue striped sweater for the whole look!

6. Sage Tea Roc Sunglasses $79.95: Shop Now
Sunglasses can be a tricky gift, meaning that most women want to try them on! However, Roc shapes are so popular that we decided to throw a pair in. The tea frame means that it will suit a variety of complexions so you won't have to worry about disappointing Mum.

7. Beaded & Embroidered Pony Hair Clutch $149.00: Shop Now
We LOVE these clutches. 100% pony hair leather with beaded embroidery to top it off! They can be used as a shoulder bag or as a clutch. The perfect gift if you want something that's different and will make a statement!

8. Tan Chance Ankle Boots $179.00: Shop Now
Our most popular boot to date...they're leather, comfortable and the perfect shade of time. Mum, or you, will love these. They're a companion for jeans and dresses alike! 

If you're super strapped for time you could always opt for a gift voucher and address it to Mum! That way she can pick exactly what she wants!
Gift Card: Shop Now

What would you buy for mum? What would you buy for yourself?

Lisa's Top Picks

Today we gave Lisa a challenge. We said, "Imagine you have $300 to spend...what would you buy with it? What pieces could you take home that could be stylish, flattering and versatile". It sounds near impossible but she managed to pick 6 ITEMS all for under $300!

Here is a breakdown of Lisa's favourites! What she loves about them and why:

1. Ombre Scarf $39: Shop Now

This scarf instantly lifts any basic piece and adds colour, texture and depth to your outfit. It can be worn as a fashion accessory or simply to keep you warm! Lisa mentioned that she normally prefers not to wear scarves as she is larger in the chest but said that this scarf was great as it isn't bulky. As a result you don't look top heavy and can get away with it!
Unfortunately this particular colour way sold out instantly! However, we still have the Red & Grey Ombre Scarf in stock. 

2. Soft Black Draped Tee $49.95: Shop Now
The soft black draped tee is great as it comes in a size run (unlike some of our other 'one size fits all' oversized styles). This means, that you can size down if you're busty and don't want to look a tent. Let's be honest some times too much fabric is TOO much fabric. This piece pairs well with both the stripe mini skirt and is long enough to wear with ponte pants. Enough said?

3. Stripe Ponte Mini Skirt $49: Shop Now
This skirt is unlike other stripe numbers on the market at the moment, simply because it's thick! This fabric sucks you in and as Lisa likes to say, "makes you look a size smaller". If you still believe the horizontal stripes myth, don't, because it doesn't apply to this skirt!
If you're not interested in showing a bit of thigh, or knee, opt for the midi version instead -
Stripe Ponte Midi Skirt $59: Shop Now

4. White Woven Back Swing Top $59.95: Shop Now
Without sounding like a pushy salesperson, if you own a pair of jeans you need this top! Lisa loves this piece as it has a lower neckline and is flattering on a larger bust. It has a high-low scoop shape and fitted arms. As it has a different fabric at the back we all agree that it is dressy enough to take you from day to night.

5. Black Pull on Ponte Pant $49.95: Shop Now
If you've read our post, "What is Ponte?", then you will surely know we love the fabric and all the forms it comes in. Lisa isn't alone in loving this piece...we all love a pant that is slimming, versatile and really sucks you in! This style has a high enough rise that you're not pulling it up all day, perfection!

6. Black Knit Cape $59: Out of Stock
A knit cape is a necessity in the cooler months. Lisa loves as this particular style is the perfect weight for Queenslanders. We're honest when we say it's hot again right now so it's currently all we need. Bring on the winter chill please!
Unfortunately this style has since sold out. For something similar check out our -
Charcoal Batwing Cape $59: Shop Now

What Blue Bungalow pieces would you buy with $300?