It’s all about the heat, the beach, cricket, sunscreen, barbecues, ice-cream, balmy nights and weekend escapades. I enjoy a good weekend away as a quick break from the usual monotony and, of course, my refusal to come to terms with the fact that 2012 has started and work is picking up apace.
Going away for weekends away makes me feel that I am cheating on my work commitments, which makes it all the more exciting. The biggest hurdle is what to pack. You want to look nonchalantly stylish with an air of casual coolness and not as if you have agonised for hours to pull your shorts and tank-top look. You want to let people know that you are stylish and not a slave to fashion.
The rule of engagement is comfort and ease. So you want pieces that can easily double up. You’ll also want your baggage to be light, not the usual six bags you are used to for an overnight stay.
For men, start with good tailored cotton or linen pants, a well-cut shirt and an unlined jacket. Shorts are right up there, but you do not want one that is full of pockets and tags. Simple tailored shorts could see you through a walk or even dinner teamed with a nice shirt.
Trunks or swim shorts, the choice is yours. A rule of thumb: if you have the goods and the body, why not flaunt them? Driving or boat shoes are excellent, and a decent pair of “Roman” leather sandals can take you just about anywhere if teamed right.
For women, the choice is endless but versatility is the key. Kaftans and flowy dresses are a definite must. A wrap dress is ubiquitous and jumpsuits are playful, and if you have the height and the body, why not? I personally like women in a one-piece swimsuit but, hey, if bikinis are your thing, rock it with confidence.
Keep footwear to sandals and wedges; nothing too high, as you are there to relax. The most important thing I advise my girlfriends is get accessories. The bolder the piece, the more fun you can have with it and it is easier to repeat your outfits.
I can’t help humming Janet Jackson’s Escapade: “Come on baby, let’s get away, let’s save our troubles for another day, Come on with me we’ve got it made, let me take you on an escapade” when packing … so, people, pack.
Our Cover
Blake wears \ Calibre white tailored pant, Clemente Talarico Tropo shirt, Persol Steve McQueen sunglasses
Sarah wears \ Camilla Siren tiered dress, Leisa Flannery white coral Goddess necklace and Emporio Armani sunglasses
Above
Blake wears \ Venroy Turkish Tile board shorts and Casio watch
Sarah wears \ Moontide Prism halter swimsuit, Christopher Graff Grippe d’Osieau silk scarf from Christine and Leisa Flannery red coral and silk tie Lush necklace, rose quartz and red coral Rock bracelets
Blake wears \ Fred Perry Puppy Tooth check shirt, Calibre red cuffed shorts, Clemente Talarico Anderson belt, WeWood watch, Persol sunglasses.
Sarah wears \ Halston Heritage jersey wrap dress from my-wardrobe.com, St Erasmus cuffs and Etro printed leather clutch from Christine and Emporio Armani sunglasses.
Blake wears \ Clemente Talarico swim trunk, Casio watch.
Sarah wears \ Tigerlily Saldo bikini, Camilla silk chiffon blouse, Philip Treacy sun hat from Christine and Leisa Flannery white coral Aphrodite bracelet.
Blake wears \ Jack London jacket, shirt and pants, asos.com belt and sandals.
Sarah wears \ House of Iluka one-shoulder maxi playsuit,
Leisa Flannery necklaces, rings, cuff and bracelets, Carmen Steffens metallic clutch and Christopher Graff Signature silk scarf from Christine.
Credits
Creative Direction \ Dhav Naidu
Photography \ Toshihiro Takaoka
Imaging \ Makiko Ryujin
Models \ Blake and Sarah Burns from Scene Model Management
Hair \ Hilda Santalucia from Biba South Yarra 9867 8299
Make-up \ Deeenaye using M.A.C. Cosmetics
Nails \ Sally Hansen
Styling assistant \ Hokuto Takase
Shot on location \ At the majestic Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park.
www.mansionhotel.com.au / 9731 4000
Special thanks \ To Adrian Dent, Fiona Wagnegg and the wonderful Susan Wright, Q Strategies
Stockists » Asos www.asos.com \ Calibre www.calibreclothing.com.au \ Camilla www.camilla.com.au Carmen Steffens www.carmensteffensaustralia.com \ Casio (02) 9415 5000 \ Christine 9654 0566 Clemente Talarico www.clementetalarico.com \ Emporio Armani 02 9540 0500 \ Fred Perry 9525 5677 House of Iluka www.houseofiluka.com.au \ Leisa Flannery www.leisaflannery.com \ Jack London www.jacklondon.com.au Persol www.opsm.com.au \ Moontide www.moontide.com \ My-wardrobe www.my-wardrobe.com Tigerlily www.tigerlilyswimwear.com.au \ Venroy www.venroy.com.au \ WeWood www.we-wood.com.au