Styling with Hayley from Little Pinwheel: How to Wear Polka this Summer
Posted: September 8th, 2009Today’s post written by Angela
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It’s a universal truth that when someone makes something look effortlessly easy there’s a lot of skill and natural talent involved.
Hayley Blease is one such person. Her online children’s store, Little Pinwheel – www.littlepinwheel.com.au, is an examplar of both her professionally trained designer’s eye and her natural born style. The site looks fantastic (a result of the creative teamwork between Hayley’s graphic design and flair, and her husbands, who is a professional photographer) and is packed with brands that carry both credibility and a sense of fun: Polka, mill&mia, Sudo, Three Little Trees, Tiny Mammoth, Itch, Dan300, Lark, Nature Baby, Sevi Toys, monte&tex, Heavenly Creatures, Chalk n Cheese, and Rittenhouse Kids.
Hayley herself always (always!) looks fabulous, as do her children. Take some picks from a master of class today, as Hayley styles Polka, modeled with pizzaz by her daughter Keely and Kelly’s best friend Oliver. Read Hayley’s comments on each combo below.
PS If you’d like to get to know Hayley better, be sure to take a peek at her wonderful blog, where you’ll be treated to adventures in food, fashion, architecture and life with kids. You can also take 10% off store-wide at Little Pinwheel with with the KidStyleFile Shop 4 Kids code found in the front of the current issue of the Shop 4 Kids magazine. If you can’t make it to a newsagent, you’ll find the code within the KSF Weekly newsletter, out every Tuesday morning. Not a subscriber? Sign up now, it’s free!!
A. Polka Mee Tee Paisley $43.95 + Polka Tulle Skirt in black $49.95
Hayley says: “I love the impact of these pieces together. The black skirt grounds the vividness of the swirling purple and orange of the tee. It’s a strong and striking combination.”
B. Ivy League Sleevless Sweater $44.95 + Polka 5 Stripe Tee $49.95 + Hammer Pants Black $49.95
Hayley says: “How cool is this look for boys?! It’s both ‘Flashdance’ and ‘Kung Fu Fighter’ at the same time. Dynamic, and super comfortable!.”
C. Hammer Pants Magenta $49.95 + Racer Back Singlet Grey $34.95 + Doorag Diamond $16.95
Hayley says: “Who said U Can’t Touch This?! Polka’s ‘Hammer Pants’ are the hottest word on the street this summer for boys and girls everywhere.The racer back tee is a great cut, and the ‘doorag’ headband brings colour and is superbly designed – it stays on! – and has sweet big button detailing on the back”.
D. Bibs and Bobs Singlet Periwinkle $49.95 + Yoga Bum Diamond $49.95
Hayley says: “Every little girls ‘uniform’ for the hot summer days. The ultimate in comfort, these pieces are to easy to wear, and the Bibs and Bobs singlets can easily be dressed up”.
E. Frou Frou Party Dress Peacock $89.95
Hayley says: “This dress has the ‘wow factor’ from top to bottom. Made of light, breezy cotton it’s perfect for the summer heat, and will go from beach to ballroom without breaking a sweat”.
F. Polka Aye Aye Cap $19.95 + Polka 5 Stripe Tee $49.95 + Polka Well Waxed Waist Coat $49.95 + Polka Skinny Denim Short $64.95
Hayley says: “Polka really have broken the mould with boys fashion. The tee and shorts are lovely and subtly stylish on their own, but add the vest and the cap and you have a look that really breaks out. Very very cool”.
G. Polka Aztec Singlet Top $37.95 + Scandanavian Tree Boardies $59.95
Hayley says: “Don’t be afraid of mixing prints and patterns this season – it’s where it’s at! The styling of these pieces is very Scandinavian – sophisticated, but easy at the same time”.
H. Hammer Pants Black $49.95 + Doorag peacock $16.95
Hayley says: “”Dance, jump, roll MOVE – your kids can do this, and more, in Polka”.
I. Circular Play Dress Yellow and Black $64.95 each
Hayley says: “I love the sunny yellow, with contrast circular applique. It’s very 1980′s and very now. The black version is understated and very classy. Once again the contrast appliqueing breaks it out of ‘safe mode’ – black and white is always a great combination, and cuts a fresh line for summer wear. I love these dresses madly. The fabric has a slight stretch to it, and this makes the tailoring fitted and beautiful on”.
Little Pinwheel charge $7.50 flat-rate Australia wide. Orders over $150.00 are shipped free, Australia-wide. International orders are welcome. Please see the Little Pinwheel Delivery page for full information on postage and delivery.
