Nikki
I’m excited to bring you the Stylish Thoughts of Sunshine Coast (Queensland, Australia) based Stylist and blogger of Styling You – Nikki Parkinson.
What is the secret to great style?
Great style comes from choosing clothes that not only fit and flatter but also show off your personality. It would be a pretty boring world if we all looked the same.
What is the one thing you would spend a lot of money on?
Salita Matthews
Accessories. Not all my pieces are expensive but I do invest in statement pieces each season. A girlfriend of mine is designer Salita Matthews (www.salitamatthews.com) – she does the most exquisite neck pieces and I treat myself with one each season.
What are your top tips for looking stylish when travelling?
Planning out your travel wardrobe is essential. I do a lot of short trips for work and usually they involve functions and meetings so I need to make sure I’m presenting the right look but not bringing my whole wardrobe with me. I’ll work out outfit combinations before packing and create a capsule wardrobe that will work for the time I’m away. I also aim to pack clothes that travel well and don’t require ironing on arrival!
What’s the secret to looking polished?
I think it’s making the time to create a well-edited wardrobe, filled with only pieces that make you look and feel fabulous. That way whatever you pull out to wear always works. I’m also a big believer in devoting time to the grooming side of things – regular cut and colours mean fewer bad hair days and a good skincare routine makes a makeup application glow like no illuminiser could ever do!
How do you balance new trends with a more timeless look?
Before the start of each season I do a “reccie” of the trends and quickly work out which ones will actually work for me – my shape and personality. I also re-edit my wardrobe and think ahead to what functions or events I have coming up. Then – and only then – do I plan my “top up” shopping wishlist so that each piece or accessory works back with what I’ve already got.
What is your current obsession?
Wearing and supporting designers who are offering something different to the fashion industry. Queensland is home to many of my faves.
Sacha Drake caftan
Sacha Drake is a Queensland designer who creates fabulous frocks – current obsession is this silk caftan – it’s the latest edition to my wardrobe.
Love the work that Leonie Macleod does with the label Verily (www.verily.com.au) – she offers fantastic lifestyle pieces that really suit my every day and always look great. Perfect for travelling too.
Who inspires you?
Women who are not afraid to be themselves and put their personality on show with how the dress.
What’s not worth the money?
Il-fitting garments. It doesn’t matter if it’s from the sales rack or straight off the catwalk, if the garment doesn’t fit and flatter, it will just look cheap.
What’s your secret to making yourself stand out?
Great grooming and key statement accessories.
The one piece of advice most women need but don’t get?
Invest time in yourself. Only you can make you a priority.
What’s the best piece of style wisdom you’ve ever received?
Less really is more. If you have less in your wardrobe but everything in there works, then you always have more to wear.
What is your favourite current trend?
Colour! Seriously, I LOVE black – always feel great in it – but this season I’ve already embraced colour and plan to do so through summer.
What’s your favourite short cut to style?
When I’m stepping out the door, I always make sure I’m adding at least one accessory to my outfit.
What’s the worst current trend?
Short, tight body-con dresses. They can look stylish BUT there’s a fine line between style and skank with this trend.
What are your favourite websites
Net-A-Porter
Grit and Glamour
Drop Dead Gorgeous Daily
Who What Wear
How would you describe your personal style?
Classic with a modern twist
Who are your style icons?
My girlfriends – each of them rocks a look that they own.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Kristy Hinze