Stimuli

My girlfriend Vivian called me one Friday morning telling me she was coming out to see me.  It was a gorgeous sunny day!  We started off with a latte at Good Day Sunshine Cafe.  What Vivian wore was totally inspiring.  Her bright pink blouse under her leather jacket worn with her jeans looked fabulous!  Her look was my exact idea for my next article of wearing brights with neutrals. While I was ordering my latte I ran in to Joanne from Just Jewellery across the street.  A quick conversation with her led to a spark of imagination. Taking advantage of the good weather, with camera in hand, I was off and running!  It spiralled quickly in to an impromptu photo shoot for my next Stimuli article.
 
Earlier in the week Benita at Mela Boutique showed me some of the new stock that arrived at her store. This dress by Jack ($80) is understated on the hanger.  This simple caramel colour sleeveless shirt dress has an amazing belt!  The bright blue and orange striped belt gives the dress a little kick! This is a great way to wear something bright without too much fuss.

Don’t let this bright tangerine orange dress by Kain ($180) scare you!  This super soft maxi dress will take you from cool spring weather to hot summer. The dark grey scarf and leather studded belt (both belong to Vivian) make it wearable now.  

These next two looks we styled with Joanne from Just Jewellery!  She just moved her store to their new High Street location.  First is Vivian wearing a sunny yellow top by Eight Sixty ($110) with her jeans.  Joanne dressed the neckline with this gorgeous vintage multi strand hand cut jet necklace ($495). On Vivian’s right arm are three stacked bracelets of various semi-precious stones by Just Jewellery ($55-195).  On her right arm is a leather studded cuff by Wild Card.This top would also look great underneath a black blazer paired with skinny black pants.

I love this bright verdant green top by Jack ($79).  The peek a boo sheer panel edged with lace is a little daring and demure at the same time!  By Just Jewellery are two turquoise and silver beaded necklaces ($225-295) and sterling silver and turquoise ring ($255). The large bronze and turquoise pendant ($175) and cuff ($425) of the same materials are by Victoria Stewart.  On her right hand a mixed metal ring by Giulietta Designs ($264). Again we paired the top with jeans but another great option for warmer weather is a long maxi skirt.  

If you are looking to brighten up your wardrobe I hope the above looks will give you some inspiration.  Thank you Joanne from Just Jewellery for adding the finishing touches. Thank you to Chris and Jessie for letting me shoot at Good Day Sunshine Cafe.  Last but not least thank you Benita for letting me raid Mela Boutique’s latest finds!  If you’re in the neighborhood be sure to stop in and check them all out at High Street.

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at Stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor