Summer Loving by Style Loving 2

Recently, Karen from Style Loving 2 wrote a gorgeous post about a her first purchase from Blue Bungalow! She purchased three items from us, the Patchwork Kimono, Western Tan Belt and Embroidered Ink Dress - to see what she said and and see all of the outfits she styled you'll have to check out her post...but we'll show you a sneak peak here!

1. Patchwork Kimono $69: Shop Now

2. Western Tan Belt $35: Shop Now

3. Embroidered Ink Dress $89.95: Shop Now

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Summer Loving - Blue Bungalow by Karen Suzanne from Style Loving 2

" Living in the Brisbane and it’s gorgeous warm climate, summer clothes take up a large portion of my wardrobe.

So when buying clothes I look for items that are light enough for me wear over the long hot summer we experience.

With this is in mind I came across Blue Bungalow on Instagram.Now I have to say in the last year Instagram has become my shopping inspiration, with the discovery of many new retailers.What I really love about this is that I get to see real women in clothes not just models. Getting to see a true representation of how a certain item may suit me.If you need any outfit inspiration just check at Nikki from Styling You Instagram hashtag #everydaystyle. I have got into the habit of posting daily – check my instagram account here. A godsend when you hit that “I have nothing to wear” dilemma.

Anyway back to the subject at hand – the fabulous summer inspired clothes from Blue Bungalow.
As we are in the last few days of winter and the weather is heating up but still not what I would call hot. I wanted to get something I could wear now.I’m a very instant gratification type of gal, I’m not going to deny it.

I found a fabulous a dress called Embroidered Ink Dress $89.95.
This is made from 100% viscose so is light enough to wear in the summer months but with its long sleeves warm enough to wear now.

I’m wearing it in two different ways –
1. With a Western Tan belt $35.00 (did I mention they also sell some fantastic accessories) and Lilliannai wedges currently on sale 3 pairs for $100.00 – check out their instagram account.2. For those cooler days I’ve added a  Mix Apparel denim jacket – similar one can be found here $35.00and my favourite pair of RMK boots.

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If you want to check out how Karen styled our Patchwork Kimono read her post here!

We love how Karen has given life to all of the Blue Bungalow goodies she purchased and we're all the more excited about spring!

Finally, on another note - we could not agree more with Karen's statement about seeing 'real women' in clothes. It is all too often that we find we're comparing ourselves to models and just can't compete. Simply, this is exactly the thing that sparked the idea of #BBOnMe. #BBOnMe is a gallery that is dedicated to showing our customers in Blue Bungalow clothing! The aim is to encourage real women to inspire and admire each other - if you haven't yet had a snoop please do so here!

Where do you find your style inspiration? 

Who are your favourite bloggers?

2 Comfy & Stylish Sandals

This post is dedicated to all the ladies out there that either prefer, or are forced, to wear orthotics but don't want to sacrifice on style! The combination of comfort and style is generally incredibly difficult to achieve and so we thought it best to let you in on our Stegmann sandal secret! 

Two styles, in two metallic shades, arrived late on Thursday and it's safe to say every BB woman was excited! We've since all taken home a pair and sold a few more so I thought it best write this while we still have them in stock...

A spring/summer collection, these sandals are focused on delivering comfort without sacrificing on style. German design and made from 100% leather the two sandals offer soft leather uppers, padded insoles and super flexible wearing outsoles. The soles of the styles themselves mould and move with your foot. 

Ali from Ali Kay Style recently purchased a pair of our metallic pearl slides (see her picture below) and said "they are the perfect shade of metallic and are incredibly comfortable but so on trend. Think I am a little in love!!"

Image via Ali Kay Style on Instagram

1. Pearl Crossover Leather Slide $119.95: Shop Now

2. Silver Crossover Leather Slide $119.95: Shop Now

3. Gold Leather Strap Sandal $119.95: Shop Now

4. Rose Gold Leather Strap Sandal $119.95: Shop Now

It's scary to say but it's one sleep until Spring! Yes...that means it's sandal season - time to book in for those pedicures and get that tanning regime started! Armed with one of these styles you'll at least be motivated to start one of the two!

4 Ways to Stylishly Wear One Dress

This post takes one of our favourite new arrivals the "Black Tee Dress" for $69.95 and shows you how to style it four ways! 

Now don't get me wrong, this style can certainly be worn more than four ways BUT I have a golden rule when it comes to shopping. Before I buy something, online or in-store, I take a minute to think "can I wear it four different ways?", or if buying separates I ask, "does this go with four things in my wardrobe?".

HOWEVER, of course this rule flies out the door if I "have to have it", "need it for an occasion" or can't imagine life without it...Feel free to use the rule at your own discretion - don't let it deter you from ALL of the impulse purchases because they're what make late night shopping in your sweatpants fun!

1. LOOK ONE - EVERYDAY

1. Light Wash Denim Jacket $69: Shop Now

2. Roc Miranda Sunglasses $89.95: Shop Now

Lightweight, easy to wear and crease-free this style is ideal for everyday (or weekend wear if your 9-5 calls for corporate glam)! Throw it on with a denim jacket to achieve that extra bit of casual cool. As this piece is fabricated from polyester/elastane it means you'll stay crease free all day!
This look can help you run errands, glide through school drop-off like a breeze or brunch and lunch with girlfriends.

2. LOOK TWO - GOING OUT

1. Animal Zip Clutch - Zebra $135: Shop Now

Heading out for dinner and drinks? It's time to accessorise! If you're feeling a bit feminine, add a belt to cinch the waist and then pair with monochrome accessories. This formula will help you achieve simple chic.
BUT, because this dress is basic and black you have free reign to go wild! Why not try adding some colour or a bit of bohemian bling? Try heels for dinner and drinks, wedges for parties on the grass and sandals or flat boots for a BBQ at home!

3. LOOK THREE - BEACH TO BAR

I can almost feel the Santorini breeze kissing my cheeks when I look at this ensemble. Too far? A girl can dream...
This look was styled with from "Beach to Bar" in mind. Black may not conventionally remind you of summer but this fabric will, it's certainly a quick dry style. Lightweight enough for the beach, but not see through - SO you can easily carry on to the bar!
Throw on a Panama Hat and you'll be screaming "Hello european summer", but don't worry ours is just around the corner! 

4. LOOK FOUR - TRANS-SEASONAL STYLE

1. Navy Linear Scarf $29: Shop Now

2. Felt Fedora $64.95: Shop Now

Finally, if you're not seeking summer you can still style this tee dress up for the trans-seasonal, or even, the end of winter period! Easily pair this shift style with a scarf and felt fedora to instantly shield you from the chillier temperatures. If you're inclined to get cold more often than I do (I write this whilst wearing a summer dress) then I also suggest a knit jacket and tights! 

Check out my favourites, both warm and both on sale, below:

1. Aztec Tiger Cardigan $50: Shop Now

2. Monochrome Knit Jacket $50: Shop Now

Well there we have it, one dress and four ways to wear:

Which way would you wear?

FINAL TIP: If you're sold and you go to buy this dress - when in doubt size down! This style is slightly oversized so keep that fact in mind.

Aloha from Hawaii

Well it's been a week...reality has set in and I've well and truly slumped into post-holiday depression (first world problems I know). But, they say the best thing to do is recount your experiences and well, plan your next holiday! At the moment I'm thinking it could be a fabulous plan to escape every Australian winter and head to a tropical destination instead. Could I call it market research?

But first I'll take a step back and give you some of my tips and suggestions, rookie errors and favourite moments from Hawaii. Aloha to the sunshine, salt and sand...

Tips & Suggestions:

• Use Hawaiian Airlines
  If you're stuck trying to find a hotel I suggest jumping onto the Hawaiian Airlines website. We booked our flights and hotel stay as a package and managed to get it cheaper than any where else. However, even though it is an Australian website the prices are still in USD. We got a little bit over excited and then realised a bit further down the track. There's plenty of other options when booking your stay but for a couple that haven't traveled much this was easy, fast and reliable.
• Do stay at The Modern Honolulu!
  
  This was our hotel for the whole duration of our stay and it was so beautiful! 5 star rating (reasonable pricing - we got every 4th night free), cocktails by the pool, comfortable yet beachy decor. It's not right in the middle of Waikiki so you beat the hustle and bustle but it's certainly not too far. One quirky fact is that the hotel smells amazing, they had their own 'hotel scent' fabricated and it is divine - the essence of Plumeria. It has now taken to the top of my list as favourite Island scent

The Rooms (Image from The Modern Honolulu)

Our View from the Room

Daybeds by the Pool

• Eat local!
  Sure we tried our fair share of American eats but when you're in your togs and on the beach there's only so many cheeseburgers you want to stomach for the fear of sinking...My personal favourite was a cafe not far from our hotel - GOOFY Cafe & Dine.
  Their tagline was "Local First, Organic Whenever Possible" and it truly made a difference. Great service and delicious fresh food! It's safe to say that we went there a couple of times.

What's island living without an Acai Bowl?

Eggs Benedict with Taro Potato and Kale

Omlette, brown rice and kale - delicious!

• Visit Pearl Harbour -
  I found the experience moving and educational. I would suggest reserving your tickets online the day before as the USS Arizona Memorial only has 2000 tickets a day. Not booking online means getting up earlier, not being guaranteed a ticket and having to wait for your time slot which could be a couple of hours. We opted not to do a tour because we prefer to do things in our own time and it turned out to be a lot cheaper. We also did the USS Missouri experience which proved to be worth the entry cost! If you don't mind a selfie get involved on the #BattleshipSelfie.

USS Arizona Memorial 

#BattleshipSelfie

• Catch Public Transport!
  Depending on your disposable income or holiday budget, catching the bus can be one easy way to save money! Consider Pearl Harbour - public transport was only $2.50 each, each way, as opposed to $40 each for tour packages. The travel time was relatively the same and we were relaxed as we didn't have time constraints!
• Be a Tourist!
  I was not ashamed to take too many photos, buy inflatable sun lounges from the cheap store (and float for hours I might add), get too sunburnt (unintentionally), google "how to tip", eat at chain restaurants, see below, and buy silly souvenirs - it added to the whole experience. I could say that I had an instagram worthy holiday the whole time but that would be a lie, and the experience was so much better than the photos (one would hope). 

One of many cocktails!

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co

Rookie Errors:

• Pack a Straw Hat:
  You wouldn't think I worked for a lifestyle brand because I packed a felt hat - and yes, it did look good...but in 30 plus heat my head felt like it was on fire. Invest in a good hat before you leave - the tourist prices were inflated big time for headwear!
  
  
  Shop Hats
• Pack Plenty of Kaftans:
  I honestly over packed, I think the thought of 32 kilos of baggage excited me too much. I hardly wore any of my day outfits and absolutely LIVED in kaftans. Should have packed more - I only had a couple on rotation.
  
  
  Shop Kaftans
• Pack Your Own Sunscreen:
  You can clearly tell we hadn't travelled much because my partner and I didn't know that you could take liquids in your suitcase. We thought that you had to put everything in 100ml bottles - yes we squirted the shampoo into these, talk about a rookie error.
  I realised the thing I missed most was my sunscreen and the retail for it in Hawaii was expensive!
  
  
  Shop Eco Tan

I could go on forever but I simply think I could be borderline gloating and wasting your time. If you have any questions please post them below! Finally, check out some of my favourite moments -

What's your favourite tropical holiday destination? 

Where should we travel next?

Style File: Felt Hats

 

I don’t know about you but I love the way a hat looks on people but I’ve never know when or where to wear it or how to style. So I took it upon myself to try and work out where and how I can wear my hat without looking out of place or looking to Boho. So here's a little style guide to felt hats! 

To the Beach

Straw hats seem to be the go to 'beach hat' but why can't the felt hat? Look effortlessly stylish when you pair your felt hats with a casual summer outfit.

Outfit Ideas for the beach:

• Shorts
• Plain Tee
• Flip Flops/Sandals
• Summer Dress 
• Kaftan
• Long Necklace 
• Beach bag 
• Togs

Outdoors:

Wear it when you're going for a walk in the park, picnic or even to watch kids play sport. The felt hat is your best friend. It's bound to keep you warm especially in the winter months or it can keep you protected from the sun in the hotter months. 

Outfit Ideas for the Outdoors:

• Jeans 
• Tee 
• Cardigan
• Leather bag 
• Sunglasses
• Flats/Runners
• Scarf 

In the City:
Strolling through the city, is definitely a place for the felt hats. You want to look stylish and its seem that the felt hat is the key piece to add an extra edge to the outfit.

Outfit Ideas for the city:

• Scarf
• Leather bag/tote
• Day dress
• Jeans 
• Boots
• Coat
• Flats
• Skirt

The felt hat is such a versatile piece as it can be taken from the warmer months all the way through to the cooler months. It always seems to make you look that much more stylish. 

Shop our hats: here 

Byron Bay & What to Wear to a Beach Wedding

Today's post is a quick recap on a fantastic and delicious, weekend coastal getaway. My family lives down Casuarina (NSW) way and so honestly I try to take the trip as often as possible. In no way is this a "What you should do whilst visiting" post but a visual ode to what I wore to a beach wedding and of course pictures of (some) of the things I ate! If you want a comprehensive guide of what to do, sing out, because I could go on forever...there's too many things to do!

You may only be 1.5 hours from Brisbane city but being able to see and hear the ocean is relaxing, and simply put, just perfect.

As I said, on this particular weekend we attended a wedding on gorgeous Cabarita Beach Headland, the day was magnificent! Australian winters are wildly fabulous - warm, sunny and pleasant! Just look at that view!?

I managed to grab a sneaky picture of Dad and I - I happened to be wearing Blue Bungalow (when am I not?) and so I thought for once I thought I'd come out from behind the camera...I wore the Camilla Tie Sleeve Kaftan Dress which is ideal for a beach wedding - colourful, doesn't cling and breathable, tick! Considering this style is $55, I was impressed that the key component of my outfit was under $100! A customer in-store actually convinced me to try it on. It's funny how when things are under your nose for so long you forget about them, I owe her one!

1. Camilla Tie Sleeve Kaftan Dress $55: Shop Now

2. Gold Clutch with Pom Pom Keyring $79.95: Shop Now

3. Flower Earrings (Orange) $29: Shop Now

When considering a beach wedding shoes play an important role! We don't stock the pair above (they're Siren Nude Heels) but this height may not be for everyone. I might suggest a wedge for most - I wear heels everyday so I'm quite comfortable in this height and style. But I will be honest...trudging up a grass headland is never graceful unless you're blessed with model genes. 

I opted to belt this style as I'm larger busted and feel more comfortable this way. However, most people wear this style loose and relaxed (so perfect for fitting in a banquet later).

On that note...just look at dessert! Sticky black rice, ice-cream and lychees!

The reception was at Spice Den - modern asian cuisine in Casuarina. Everyone complimented the food (it was outstanding) and especially the service. The waiters were wonderful - they were never intrusive but somehow always knew when my wine was ready to be refilled...I'm just going to say I must have looked thirsty from "gracefully" trudging up the headland in heels! If you're concerned about Gluten Free options have no fear...most of the menu was Gluten Free bar a couple of meals. The lighting was quite dark (romantic) so I didn't match to get too many photos, that or the banquet was eaten too quickly for me to capture it. Now that's a good sign!

Sunday was well spent with a day trip to Byron, shopping the local Sunday markets and having a coffee at the ever faithful "Nat's Coffee"! If you get to Nat's, it's in the main part of town, the brownies are a must! Gluten Free and oh so delicious!
All in all, I'm pleased to say the weekend was a success and I feel well rested...despite a few vino headaches of course!

Where do you love to visit?

What's your favourite coffee/restaurant/shop in northern NSW?

How to Wear a Poncho

The first of July marks the middle month of winter and that means more cold days and nights to ensue! You may not be interested in donning this trend because you don't fancy yourself a caped superhero, but pulling off this outerwear essential is surprisingly easy!

We love this trend because it flatters all shapes and sizes (plus-size included), is functional (actually keeps you warm) and is fantastic for those days when you honestly couldn't face thinking about what to wear!

Images via Pinterest

Above is just two examples, of the many, from the sea of Pinterest - there are so many style ideas. However, we have one particular poncho in mind and it is of course one of ours! Meet the Speckled Poncho $69: Shop Now

1. Speckled Poncho $69: Shop Now

2. Graffiti Print Scarf $29: Shop Now

3. Black Leggings $19.95: Shop Now

4. Tan Ava Zip Leather Tote $199: Shop Now

5. Martin Place Boot $149: Shop Now

When you're planning on wearing a poncho, remember to keep it simple - let your outerwear do the talking! That said, keep your accompanying pieces fitted to avoid looking like you've rolled out in your pyjamas and thrown on the couch throw! The key is to keep the items underneath simple and structured. We love with black leggings or jeans, boots and a scarf for a bit of textured highlighting!

A cape is ideal for the weekend, embrace the outdoorsy aspect and wear to the sporting sidelines or cosy up in the grass for a picnic - afternoon delights! The look reads relaxed, but yes you did try this morning!

If you're still not convinced, or you're a little bit on the shorter side - I think a textured and/or longer knit would suffice. There's no need to wear too much fabric if there isn't much of you to begin with!

1. Grey Patterned Knit $59: Shop Now

2. Cobalt Wide Brim Hat $69.95: Shop Now

So the next time you go to throw on a chunky sweater, put on a cozy knit poncho instead! The poncho piece serves as the ideal layer over your favourite wardrobe basics.

The Poncho - Would you & why? Do you & how?