Slip into the heart of the new season with these spring looks

ROCK IT

For affordable quality, check out the hip Hem & Haw label for men and women. The menswear line’s sharp tailoring and funky detailing won’t scorch your wallet – shirts are pegged to the AU$90 mark and denims go for a very reasonable AU$120. Our three must-have items from the spring/summer collection are the tapered jeans, a wing-tip collar shirt and a preacher collar shirt. Grab yours fast! Shop 4, 237–239 Flinders Ln (Scott Alley), Melbourne, tel: +61 (3) 9663 4030.

GO WITH THE FLOW

Ever had an accessory that you just have to wear with everything? We’ve fallen in love with the new staple for spring – the flowy Sequin Organza Jellyfish Scarf from Tie Rack. It’s just the thing to add a dash of spring fizz to a pair of skinny pants and a designer tee, lift a twill-shorts-and-shirt ensemble to another level, or give a serious suit a soft touch. Lower Ground 1, Shop 82, Queen Victoria Building, 455 George St, Sydney, tel: +61 (2) 9267 4760.

HUMMINGBIRD STYLE

The made-in-Australia Body label by designer and ex-dancer Dainy Sawatzky features individual yet extremely wearable designs. Her spring collection’s quirky theme, “To Kill a Hummingbird”, shows up in subtle print motifs on dresses, short-sleeved jackets and even on the underlining of skirts. We love the muted shades of greys, browns and whites. For stockists, tel +61 (3) 9533 6444.

ITALIAN REBELLION

Subfusco, the menswear label by Brisbane-born ex-football player and designer Joshua Scacheri, is all about edgy, street-smart style. While his tailored lines for spring call for some confidence to pull off, the pieces’ affordability means you can pick up any (or all!) of the key looks: over-sized tunic tops, tailored vests, skinny-leg jeans and slim-fit detailed shorts. Flagship store: Shop 26B, TCB Building, Brunswick St Mall, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, tel: +61 (7) 3666 0645.

THE BIG SWING

Go graphic with everyone’s eternal favourite, Sussan, this spring. Prints are huge in their collection and you’ll find them livening up dresses and tops in the three shapes they’ve zoomed in on for the season – the smock, the empire and the trapeze. If this isn’t cool comfort, we don’t know what is! Tel: 1800 035 373 within Australia for your nearest Sussan store.

UNHERD YOURSELF

Parc Diamond is smart streetwear with a rebellious, anti-establishment edge to it. For spring, it’s all about juxtaposition: colour and comfort, sophisticated yet relaxed, and definitely confidence all round! Expect coloured shorts paired with crisp white shirts and a dash of pastel or a sprinkling of florals. Very Bond-in-the-Caribbean! Tel: +61 (3) 9663 6338 for stockists.

BLOOMING BAGGAGE

The spring/summer collection of celebrity cult accessory label Catherine Manuell Design, features more of those strong floral motifs that are so hot with stars such as Kate Hudson, Sandra Bullock and Dannii Minogue – even the perpetually beach-bound Matthew McConaughey is a fan! Pieces in the luggage set start from AU$145. With these eye-popping designs you’ll never miss your bag on the airport carousel. 277 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, tel: +61 (3) 9671 4545; 330 Crown St, Surry Hills, Sydney, tel: +61 (2) 9361 5010.

Miriam Heatherich is the proprietor-owner of Bella B Wear, a fashion label specialising in microfibre bodywear using seamless technology. The range is designed for versatility and comfort, in classic styles.

What made you start Bella B Wear?
Bella B Wear was created in 2003 after I found some beautiful seamless products. We identified a gap in the market for super-comfortable, affordable, stylish seamless basics, and decided to open a lingerie store providing comfortable and functional bodywear that can be worn 24/7.

What’s unique about the range?
I simply cannot think of any other brand that you can wear all year round, in all climates, for all occasions, while feeling fabulous in high-quality fabrics! Bella B Wear offers essentials which complement all items in a woman’s wardrobe. In a word, Bella B Wear is “basic”.

What can we look forward to in your spring collection?
Bella B Wear is introducing a very different spring/summer collection, combining the softest seamless fabrics with matching and contrasting lace trim – giving a romantic touch to your favourite, layered looks. We’re also releasing a cotton collection for the first time, which has all the attributes of our Bella B body range and adds texture with 60–90% cotton: great for humid climates.

Which are your favourite pieces?
The Bella lace-trim tube, layered with a lace-trim tie-up bolero is really chic, or the gathered sleeve scoop from our cotton collection – so simple, so comfortable.

What are some of the colours and key looks this spring?
Layering – it gives women an opportunity to create many different looks with just a few pieces. Our lace trims in swirls embrace the modern, while complementing denim and dresses. Also being forecast are bubbles and ruching with plunging necklines, balancing flirty with functionality. Our colour palette combines feminine buttermilk and ice pink with the strength of midnight and black.

What are the core items for the season?
A head scarf over long, loose locks and over-sized sunnies (again!).

Tell us the easiest way to pull together a spring look.
Find a bottom style which suits your shape (i.e. shorts, skirts), then choose several cute, colourful, layering pieces that you can dress up or down. Then team them with strappy heels or even flip-flops. And remember your over-sized sunnies and handbag!

What advice would you give someone revamping their wardrobe this season?
Choose items which suit your shape before you go for the latest fashionable piece. Spend a little extra on classic items – jeans, boots, work outfits – then come and let us fit you out in a few key, cool, comfy layering outfits, all for under $100!

For Bella B Wear stockists, call +61 (8) 9388 1577.