Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Jan 27
Upcoming Trends for 2018
The New Year sees New Trends! According to the Best dressed A-Listers and runaway specialists, these following trends are what you should be watching out for in 2018.
1 Lavender
Pantone has declared “Ultra Violet” the official colour of the year for 2018. From romantic dresses to pant suits, this pale hue was seen all over the Spring runways.
Alicia Iris Long is right on trend this year regarding colour. This divine Iris silk floor length gown has been designed and made in Australia.
It features silk sleeves, V-Neckline and V-Neck bust.
This stunning gown is sure to be a standout at any formal function. This statement dress will have you feeling and looking fabulous!
2 Art Infused
Art and Fashion are set to make a marriage made in fashion this Spring. From bold patterned pieces to bright works of art emblazoned onto fabric, art is a must wearable in 2018.
Our Eclipse Dress is very Op Art. Op art is all about perception and visual contradictory juxtaposition. Op Art is created in two primary ways. The best known method is that created through black and white, making this dress a must have in your wardrobe this coming year. It comprises black and white mesh sequin knee length polyester with aubergine Thai silk contrast sleeves and bodice panels.
This is an exclusive one-off garment for each size. It travels well, and is ideal for a cocktail party or special occasion where the client wants to feel unique and individual.
3 Florals
Birds of Paradise is bold and beautiful. This beautiful Mozelle dress is a collaboration between Stokes Thompson and Melbourne designer Hanni.
This gorgeous silk georgette strapless dress features small pleating over the bust to create a flattering detailed look. Small gathering under the bust gives the dress amazing fall and movement.
4 Fringe Benefits
Octopus Dress is a stunning three-quarter length silk chiffon in brown, blue and black, with silver sequin detail at the wrist. Suitable for any special occasion this dress has been designed and made in Australia.
The most fun trend for 2018 is definitely the fringe. This ultra-glam trend has been spotted on the runways at Calvin Klein, Loewe, Dior and many other fashion forward designers.
Opal Dress is also right on cue in keeping with the theme of fringe benefits. This dress is very versatile. It is ideal for any special occasion or beach resort function. It is sleeveless and consists of cream and red patterned floral polyester. Its uneven hem fits hand in hand with this year’s fringe mode.
To view our entire range of dresses, visit our online boutique.
Jan 13
New Year, New You. New Year’s Style Resolutions
It’s a New Year and now is the perfect time to rethink your style and decide what your wardrobe will say about you in 2018. After all, you know what they say: “New Year, New Me!” When it comes to fashion, committing to resolutions can help reinvent your personal style.
When choosing your resolution, keep in mind that you want to announce something that is achievable. Some examples are: “In 2018, I want to step out of my comfort zone and wear bold new trends” Corals, apricot tones and blush pinks are the new trend colours of 2018.
Coral Dress is sleeveless, knee length right on trend! The vibrant colours and applique feature at the neckline will have you looking and feeling fabulous. Its soft, flowing silhouette is simply stunning and perfect for Summer.
If colours aren’t your attraction, then look at silhouettes. Clever drapery will dominate in 2018.
“I’ll wear clothes that I feel good in, and not what others think I look good in
After all style just isn’t about what you wear, but how you feel.
Mozelle Tiffany is sure to succeed in this style resolution. This beautiful Mozelle dress is a collaboration between Stokes Thompson and Melbourne designer Hanni consolidating Tiffany Blue Silk Georgette.
This gorgeous silk georgette strapless dress features small pleating over the bust to create a flattering detailed look. Small gathering under the bust gives the dress amazing fall and movement.
“Incorporate Lavender in your look” .. purple looks great on every skin tone, so this is definitely a trend to try!
Alicia Iris Long is perfect for those wishing to give lavender a go. It is comprised of Iris silk and details a feature neckline and V-neck bust. This stunning floor length gown has been designed and made in Australia.
If you feel you would like to incorporate lavender a little less, our Grace Antique Ivory is ideal, giving you just that little extra pop of purple.
Eclipse Dress will also give you a subtle purple introduction. This dress integrates Black and White mesh sequins. It is knee length and embodies purple Thai silk contrast sleeves and bodice panels. This is an exclusive one-off garment for each size. It travels well, and is ideal for a cocktail party or any other special occasion.
To view our entire range of dresses, visit our online boutique.
Dec 30
Gatherings and Get-togethers .. Dresses to see you into the New Year
The countdown is on! But as the year draws to the end, it most certainly isn’t the end of the party, so don’t just join the party, be the party! Now is the time to sparkle in those sequins and plunge into deep V necklines. Ring-in the New Year dressed to the nines. Celebrate in style and party the night away blinged out in your best.
Alicia Iris Long is a beautiful floor length gown, designed and made in Australia. It’s feature neckline and celebratory V-neck bust is perfect for any New Years celebration. For that shorter style, our Alicia Platinum and Alicia White Lace, also feature fabulous plunged V-necklines.
Alicia Platinum comprises silk sleeves. This dress with sheer accents gives you perfect coverage with a hint of sexiness for a classy, fun look. Alicia White Lace features stunning lace sleeves. Lace is both edgy and sexy, making this a perfect pick for any party.
In addition, A-Line silhouettes lend themselves to frequent twirling, making our Alicia Platinum and Alicia White Lace perfectly paired for partying the night away.
One of the most favoured colours at this time of year is bright red, perhaps due to the belief that by wearing red, one will be lucky in love? Whatever the reason, one can’t go wrong wearing red.
Adhering to New Years staples of sparkles, Holly Red is a gorgeous silk georgette dress featuring panels of pleating and hand beading over the bust as well as small pleating around the waist, which gives this dress amazing fall and movement.
Shining bright with stones and sequins lavishly displayed on your dress looks simply stunning. Sequined dresses continue to be very stylish at this time of year and Lara Cobalt is sure to not disappoint.
Lara dress is a collaboration between Stokes Thompson and Melbourne designer Hanni. This one-shoulder dress features and intricate waistline and hand-beaded diamantes. These exquisite embellishments are spectacular and will be sure to see your sparkly celebrations shine!
To view our entire range of dresses, visit our online boutique.
Dec 16
‘Tis the Season to Wear Festive
Whatever your Christmas plans, ’tis the season to be jolly! Glitz and glamour are a must to be incorporated into the Festive Season. Remember to consider the weather, and take into account your outerwear so as not to get caught out in the cold.
Twist fronts are great to wear this time of year, after all, you’re the best present, so why not wrap yourself up like one?
Sophia Black and Sophia Cobalt are simply stunning. They feature a V-Neck wrap, sleeves and pockets, making them perfect for any cocktail or evening occasion. Sophia dresses are made from 100% silk, comprising a knee-length hem.
Green is an excellent colour to wear throughout the Christmas season. Green like a Fir tree, starred because you’re fabulous!
Our Rose Garden is constructed with Marrakesh Green graduated pure silk, bears a side split above the knee and embellishes an emerald silk Dupion contrast detail at the neckline. Alicia Sea Foam is available for those wishing to wear a shorter style. It is also constructed from Marrakesh Green graduated pure silk and displays an aquamarine sequin contrast at the bodice. It incorporates pockets at the waistline. They both holler Party! Fashioning a fitting complement for any Christmas celebration.
Keep in mind that the Festive Season is all about partying. So classic Red’s and Black’s are always welcomed.
Mozelle Red is a Gorgeous Georgette strapless dress, which features small pleating over the bust to create a flattering detailed look. The gathering under the bust also gives this dress amazing fall and movement. Ideal wear for when your three courses in. For a shorter option, you can’t go past Rose Garden Red. It’s feature neckline and red lace knee-length design is sure to keep you feeling fabulous throughout your Christmas festivities.
For that little black number, Rose Garden Black is ideal. It’s all about the fit. It has been designed and made in Australia and is a timeless silhouette to wear during the holiday season.
For that After-5 Festive Function, Rose Garden Black Lace is sure to be a winner. This floor length lace dress is super versatile and provides that luxury feeling from top to bottom.
To view our entire range of dresses, visit our online boutique.
Nov 29
Handbags to suit every occasion. How to choose the right one?
With over 25 different types of handbags it’s no wonder you may need some tips on how to pick the right one for the right occasion. Handbags play a crucial part in creating your perfect statement style. There are two main categories of bags. Those for day and those for night, and there are four purse styles every woman should own!
1. Crossbody Bags. These are extremely popular and come in various styles and sizes. A medium size will allow you to carry all your essential items without weighing you down like larger bags tend to do. If you are just going to stick with one of this style, then 8″ x 10″ or slightly smaller is a perfect choice. Choose a neutral colour like brown, black or white. These bags suit both day and night attire matched to a medium level of dressiness.
Alicia Platinum is a beautiful knee-length dress comprising a feature neckline and V-neck bust. It has silk sleeves and would most definitely suit a crossbody bag. It has been designed and made in Australia.
Alicia Sea Foam is a below the knee-length dress which is very versatile to many occasions. It consists of an aquamarine sequin contrast bodice and pockets at the waistline. It is made of Marrakesh Green Graduated pure silk. Also ideal for any crossover purse.
2. An oversized bag. Oversized bags are your go-to bag. They fit everything in them and are great for traveling, mums with kids or working women. These bags are an essential staple no matter what your life stage. These bags are to accompany casual wear. They are not an evening accessory. Oversized is casual. Small is dressy.
Rose Garden is versatile enough to be worn with an oversized bag. This dress was designed as part of the Stokes Thompson’s Spring Summer Collection 2013. It is comfortable to wear, sleeveless and easy to maintain.
3. A Clutch. You will never need more than one or two of these in your cupboard, but they are a necessary item to own. For dressy occasions, these are the only appropriate bag. Never wear formal wear with a bag slouched over your shoulder. Clutches come in many various sizes and shapes. Some will be as little to only carry your lip-gloss and keys, whilst others will be large enough to act as a regular purse. Size does not matter when it comes to a clutch.
Alicia Iris Long, Aurora Navy Long, and Juliette Black are but a few of our stunning formal gowns in our collection ideally suited to clutch purses. They are perfect for bridesmaid, formal or ball dress.
4. A Tote Bag. This bag also fits into the casual range. They are perfect for carrying groceries, library books or a picnic lunch. They come with many various patterns and cute sayings. They are great to add a touch of uniqueness to your otherwise casual day.
To view our entire range of dresses, visit our online boutique.
Nov 15
Fashions on the Field
November is the month of Racing Carnival Madness. It is best renowned for the Melbourne Cup, the “race that stops the nation”. It offers an opportunity for the fashion industry to showcase its wears and for women and men to indulge in their passion for fashion. From Derby Day to Melbourne Cup to Crown Oakes and Emirates Stakes, here are a few tips to plan your perfect outfit.
Derby Day is generally the day where classic elegance takes place. It features a black and white dress code, and the day is as classy as they come. Monochrome, all-over blacks and all-over whites will ensure you look your best for this day.
Our Jockey Dress Black, and Black Opal, are perfect Derby Day dresses. The have been designed and made in Australia.
Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious events in horse racing history. It is the biggest day of the Spring Carnival, and whilst there is a no colour rule on Derby Day, Melbourne Cup encourages you to wear bold colours; keeping in mind your chosen attire is entirely classy. Wearing knee-length or longer is a must. Your dress should make an instant statement. Keep in mind to look festive and fashionable and avoid strapless styles or anything with glitter or sequins. Be sure to accompany your dress with a unique fascinator that’s more like a piece of artwork rather than a hairpiece.
Jockey Dress Sky, and Coral Dress are both knee-length and comprise vibrant colours. You are sure to look sensational wearing either of these dresses to any Melbourne Cup event.
Crown Oaks Day is traditionally known as “ladies day”. This is the prefect day to wear that signature style dress. This day is all about femininity and women expressing themselves in a ladylike manner. Delicate fabrics such as satin, chiffon, lace and silk with floral prints are your staple rules to remember for Crown Oaks Day. While Melbourne Cup is ideal for bright, bold colours, Oaks Day is all about soft pastels and muted hues. Keep in mind, if choosing to wear florals, keep your look modern and simple and finish your look with a crown instead of a fascinator.
Rose Garden Watermelon, and Hibiscus Champaign, suit this day to a tee. They have been designed in Australia and would look simply stunning accompanied with your chosen crown for Crown Oaks Day.
Emirates Stakes Day is the last day, traditionally known as “family day”. Stakes Day is the least formal day of the Spring Carnival. Forget the rules and follow your instincts. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Whether it is a dress or jumpsuit don’t forget to choose a softer silhouette that flows outwards from your body and glides over your curves, rather than highlighting them. A simple headband or decorative slide will do the trick for Stakes.
Rose Garden and Alicia Platinum are both stylish and comfortable. A matched made in heaven for the Emirates Stakes. They are both knee-length and have been designed and made in Australia.
To view our entire range of dresses, visit our online boutique.
Oct 27
Reasons to Wear Floral
Spring has sprung and it’s fair to say that Spring and Flowers go hand in hand. What better way to celebrate than to done your favourite floral print? Therefore, florals are an absolute staple to hang in your Spring wardrobe.
Floral prints can be seen as quirky and the number one rule to them is to make sure they are not printed on cheap fabric. This will make them resemble a synthetic bouquet rather than the chic noble look you desire.
Spring is when the flowers bloom and the temperatures rise. It is a time when you put your boots away and bring your welcomed pumps out. When choosing your floral print, be sure to keep in mind the below tips:
1. Break the pattern with raw, minimal fabrics.
Our Opal Dress is a perfect example to demonstrate this rule. It was designed as part of Stokes Thompson’s Spring Summer Collection 2013. This dress is very versatile and is ideal for any special occasion, beach resort function, or for just dining out on a hot Summer’s evening. It is sleeveless, three quarter length and is extremely comfortable to wear. The boldness of this print against the soft neutral is a simply stunning pairing, which well supports the frame of its handkerchief cut.
2. Big prints can in no way deny you are wearing flowers.
Birds of Paradise is a beautiful Mozelle dress designed in collaboration between Stokes Thompson and Melbourne designer Hanni. It features small pleating over the bust to create a flattering detailed look. This gathering also provides amazing fall and movement.
Birds of Paradise‘s big, beautiful print is matter-of-factly magnificent. The pattern is positioned on certain areas instead of repeating itself. This fabulous design looks positively amazing on this luxurious fabric.
3. Mix and Match with other prints.
Remember, floral prints also look great alongside animal prints, such as leopard or zebra. Perhaps you would prefer to add a just a splash of floral to your design, such as on a pair of shoes or accessorized with a handbag?
Zebra Long is a silver/black patterned zebra sequin floor length dress. It is constructed from high quality polyester nylon and features a high neckline. It would favour any floral clutch or floral footwear.
Floral accessories will always showcase your flawless femininity.
To view our entire range of dresses, visit our online boutique.
Oct 13
Jacket Styles that Compliment your Dress
At various times throughout the year evening temperatures can drop without much warning. Jackets are an obvious choice to wear over your clothes in regards to keeping you warm when traveling between your desired destinations.
There are certain style jackets that better suit certain style dresses. Below are some tips that will help you understand which jackets pair best with your chosen silhouette.
Ruffled minis are the perfect accompaniment for a Fit-and-Flare coat. Wearing a jacket that nips in at your waist and flares out at your hips won’t restrict this type of dress. In turn it also won’t cause any unwanted creases.
Alicia White Lace is the perfect dress to wear under a Fit-and-Flare jacket. It comprises a V-neck bust and feature neckline. It’s has been designed in Australia and it’s lace sleeves make this dress ideal for any formal function or cocktail occasion.
Full Skirts require an A-Line Coat. A structured coat that sits just under the waistline works well to frame a fuller skirt. Our Octopus Dress is a stunning three-quarter length silk chiffon kaftan style dress. It yields contrasting brown silk godets at the hemline and highlights wide, silver trim sleeve cuffs.
Fitted dresses are best matched to Tailored coats. Tailored jackets keep your polished look feeling chic and stylish. You simply can’t go past a dressed up tuxedo jacket to wear over your next cocktail design. Evening Sky Champagne, Rose Garden Black or Red would all look amazing under this type of jacket.
Evening Sky Champagne is sleeveless, cool and comfortable to wear. It features a ruffle champagne bust and travels well. Rose Garden Black is an elegant lace, knee-length dress ideal for any cocktail party. Rose Garden Red is a stunning red, knee-length dress with a feature neckline. It has been designed and made in Australia.
Your Floor-Length number needs some Layers.
Estelle is collaboration between Stokes Thompson and Melbourne designer Hanni. It envisages a cutout bust, cutout back and featured stitching. Layers work best with this type of extravagant dress. A furry vest over a jacket will allow you to remove the jacket and leave the vest on for extra warmth when required.
Minimal dresses are a must for Maximum coats. Knee-length dresses look stylish under any menswear-inspired coat that hits the ankle. This look would also escort a pair of gloves.
Cream and Ivory Vintage is the perfect dress to wear under a large coat! This dress was designed as part of Stokes Thompson’s Spring Summer Collection 2013. This knee-length cream and viscose vintage style dress is very versatile. Ideal for parties and beach resort events.
To view our entire range of dresses, visit our online boutique.
Sep 23
Planning a Spring Wedding?
Spring is most often associated with bright, sunny days, blooming flowers and the chimes of wedding bells! When planning your wedding colours, think outside the box. Give those pastels a refreshing look by following the latest wedding essentials for colour trends. These include pairing pastels with contrasts. For example, sky blue marries well with brown, lavender with lime green and coral with latte.
Our Opal Dress is a perfect example of how well contrasting colours look together. Whether you are the Mother of the Bride, a close Relation or a respected guest, this dress is sure to make an impression at any Spring wedding.
Bold, bright and vibrant colours are also very much in season. Remember to only select one or two of these colours to carry throughout your wedding to create an elegant impression.
Coral is fast becoming a most popular colour choice for many Spring Wedding themes. The colour coral represents the sunset and the colour scheme Solstice, comprises of Coral, Custom Peach, Grecian, and Ice. The depth of colour in this colour scheme is simply stunning. Coral hues and starry-night blues sing relaxed evenings by the lake. Pairing bold tones with corresponding lighter shades creates an irresistible earthy palette that is perfect for outdoor, rustic weddings.
Coral Dress has been designed and made in Australia and especially suits the Solstice palette to a T. This sleeveless, knee-length pure silk dress features vibrant colours with an applique feature at the neckline. This soft, flowing, coral coloured dress incorporates an invisible zipper closing at the back which will have you looking sensational and thoroughly loving wearing this dress at your next Spring wedding.
Spring is, in no doubt, one of the most favorite times of the year. The flowers are blooming, the weather is warming and love is in the air. A perfect time to day “I do”. Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2016 was Rose Quartz and Serenity, and with most brides now incorporating such colours into their dresses, our Grace Antique Ivory would make any Spring bride look and feel beautiful. It embellishes a stunning feature waistband, which subtly incorporates hints of the quartz colour.
To view our entire range of dresses, visit our online boutique.
Copyright © 2017 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119.
This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety: Do you have a special occasion coming up and need a special outfit? Stokes Thompson Design has a range to suit many occasions. Click here to view our Our Collections.Sep 12
Choose dresses to match your skin tone, eye and hair colour
Women possess unique attributes when it comes to individual looks and styles. By choosing clothes that match your skin tone, eyes and hair colour, you are able to enhance those personal features. Let’s take a look at what it takes to find the right clothes to make you look your best.
Most of us often wear certain clothes more than others. When you take a closer look at your wardrobe, you may notice a similar colour palette appearing. Although women’s skin colours come in many different shades, there are only two undertones: Warm and Cool.
These undertones are what you should look at in determining the right colours that suit you. Turn your hand palm up, and look at the veins on your wrist. If they are blue or purple, then you are a cool tone. If they appear green or have a yellow cast, then you are a warm tone.
Knowing your colour tone, and choosing the right colours for your tone, can dramatically change your entire appearance. The right colours can leave you looking youthful and healthy, whist the wrong colours may leave you looking aged and lusterless.
The colour red is generally used as the basis to identifying your colour. Wearing different reds will help you find the right colour for you.
Warm based reds include scarlet and orange red that have traces of yellow. Warm colour tones look great wearing warm based reds. You can never go wrong buying clothes in the colours of orange, watermelon, coral, yellow, dark leafy green and peacock blues. Mix up your wardrobe with taupe, yellow and rose gold, but steer away from cool blues in your purchases.
Rose Garden Red, Kiara Red and Mozelle Red are all warm based dresses.
Cool based reds are those consistent with fuchsia, cherry and raspberry. Cool based reds incorporate blue tints, like those found in peppermint, evergreen, and powder blue. Cool toned woman look their best wearing royal or navy blue, gray and black. When out shopping, buy colours that remind you of the water and sky. Avoid all yellow hues.
Birds of Paradise, Alicia Iris Long, and Coral Dress all exhibit cool based reds.
As rule of thumb blue eyes will compliment earth tones, taupe, slate, grays, rose, purple/violets, silver and turquoise.
Brown eyes suit greens, gold, blue, pink tones, copper, bronze and champagne.
Green/Hazel eyes should elevate to orange undertones, golds, khaki, mocha/warm browns and plums
Complementary Hair colours for warm skin tones are: Caramel, Red, Strawberry blonde, dark brown and mahogany.
Cool skin tones look best with platinum, ash-blonde, jet black and burgundy Hair colouring.
To view our entire range of dresses, visit our online boutique.
Copyright © 2017 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119.
This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety: Do you have a special occasion coming up and need a special outfit? Stokes Thompson Design has a range to suit many occasions. Click here to view our Our Collections.