Style Diary Day 24: My Mother Loves Kaftans

In honour of my wonderfully glamourous, loving mother, Caroline, on Mother's Day AND her Birthday: today's blog post is about Kaftans.  My Mother adores Kaftans, particularly Camilla Franks' designer kaftan brand, "Camilla".  Mum has about 17 Camilla pieces in her wardrobe (and counting!) and continues to wear them all year round, come rain, hail or shine.   

Thought kaftans were only Summery pieces? Meet my fabulous Mother and think again!   Throw on a long sleeve top, some leggings and boots and BOB's your uncle.  Or in Caz's case, her husband! (Hi Dad!)

Here is my amazing Mum looking fabulous and very "blog-worthy" indeed in one of her "Camilla"pieces from the new Autumn/Winter range.  She was off to a races event in Sydney yesterday. Love this look, Mum! -Style advice from moi, of course ;) 

I suggested Mum choose to feature earrings and a cuff or bangle rather than a necklace for this look.  The tassels on the Kaftan top are the main feature of the outfit; pairing simple ponti fabric, soft tailored trousers with a statement shoes and a colourful lip.  J'adore.  

Kaftans are traditionally worn in more Summery weather, however they can be styled to suit any temperature and can inject some bold colour into Autumn and Winter outfits.  Here are some looks I have put together using "Camilla" pieces as the main feature:

A colourful casual look.  It is really simple to pick out any colour from the Kaftan's print and wear a long sleeve top in that colour for an added warmer layer.  Short Kaftans look great over any jeans you already have in your wardrobe.    

Boots: Gorman

Scarf: Mimco

Bag: Topshop

Tassel Earrings: boticca.com

Incorporating different textures of leather, embroidery and wool works well to break up the print of the kaftan.  Throw an oversized cardigan over the top of Kaftans on cooler days and team with coloured leather and a chunky knitted scarf.  The tassel earrings are in keeping with the bohemian Kaftan style.

Cardigan: uniqlo.com

Leather skirt: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Leather sandals: Topshop

Bag: Asos

Tassel earrings: Etsy

Scarf: Mimco

Silk Kaftans can be modified for chillier evenings.  Strappy heels teamed with bold metallic earrings, a Winter sweater cape or oversized blazer and pick out a colour from the Kaftan for a statement clutch. Too easy, so elegant.  

Cape: vila.com

Shoes: Zara

Clutch: johnlewis.com

Earrings: Topshop

Another casual day look.  Kaftans can be dressed down and warmed up for an uber cool look for Uni or a Winters day out.  Wear with jeans, a canvas parka and neutral leather pieces.  A hint of bold colour with earrings, nails and a little peek from socks is enough to lift this look.

Backpack: Asos

Nail Polish: OPI

Socks: Banana Republic

Jeans: Cheap Monday

Boots: Topshop

Parka: Topshop

Earrings: Mimco

Take a leaf out of my beautiful Mother's book.  Be bold and dare to wear Kaftans all year round.

Exotic, Versatile, Luxurious.

"Camilla" Autumn/Winter pieces in all their glory - (the following images are from www.camilla.com.au)

Happy Birthday and Happy Mother's Day Mum.

I love you more than words.

I love that you wear Kaftans all year round.

LLV xxx