Kate Middleton Style - Replikate the LK Bennett Cayla Dress

Kate turned away from previously-worn neutrals at her latest Wimbledon attendance to shine in a cardinal red LK Bennett dress, the Cayla style. I adore the colour and the simple and clean cut of the dress. This post is dedicated to some fantastic Replikates of this frock. Enjoy! 

Kate in the Cayla Dress 

Replikates 

Tahari woven fit and flare dress via Nordstrom

Reiss Toluca fit and flare dress

                                                     H&M Butterfly-sleeved dress

                                         Lulus 'Endless Possibilities' Coral skater dress

Organizing a Summer Garden Party

Every summer, the Queen of England hosts a number of garden parties at Buckingham Palace. It is a recognition from the Royal Household to the services of the public which includes over 30,000 guests from all walks of life.

Garden parties generally have an informal and relaxed feel, and I strongly encourage to host one to your own liking if you have a garden of your own. I usually plan a garden party in mid-August to celebrate my birthday where my friends and family meet and share stories about their holidays.

Please have a look at the check list below to make your garden party - and any other party, really - a succes:
- What is the occasion? An anniversary, birthday, or something else?
- For how many people are you hosting the party?
- How many portions of drinks and beverages are needed and when/how will you serve these?
- Division of tasks: who is helping you out? Who will be doing what at what time?
- Be sure to ditch that laidback vibe when it comes to inviting guests. Let them know at least four weeks in advance about the engagement.
- Is it necessary to hand out practical info for your guests? Think: information on parking spaces etc.

Once taken care of practicalities, it is about time to move on to the fun stuff. What is the garden for the party going to look like? Here are a few guidelines that might help you to come up with your very own vision:

1. Choose a colour scheme
Colours look brighter in summer, so make the most of it. You do not have to overdo it by throwing in many types of colours and shades. One colour that is brought out in neat little details makes all the difference.

2. A dress code is a guideline, not a rule 
It is summer, so unless the occassion requires a strict dress code, keep it simple.

3. Stick to natural materials Non -reusable plastic cups and plates make me want to squash and break them. It is bad for the environment and for my mood, so I generally stay away from them and arrange whatever I have nicely in a buffet-style manner on a large table.

                                              Style at Home - Garden Party Essentials


4. Do NOT experiment with new recipes 
Keep it simple and do not be tempted to try new and time-consuming recipes if it is not neccessary. You can make any occassion as big or as small as you like, but make life easy for yourself and stick to reliable recipes if you expect many guests.

Have fun with your garden party! I myself will be serving some good old mini Dutch syrup waffles, sandwiches, and spritzers at my birthday

For more information on garden parties at Buckingham Palace, visit the official website of the British monarchy

Wardrobe Staple Piece Alert - The Obi Wrap Top

ASOS Obi Wrap Top with Poppy Print

The kimono top is all about looking chic and classy this season, which makes it a great staple piece for your business wardrobe. The sleeves are straight and the accent is on the waist for a modern and sleek silouette. It is a wonderful piece to wear  to workon a warm day; the big sleeves are keeping it all cool. Pick a style that fits your personality best, and combine it with your favorite pair of trousers or a straight skirt.   

             

                 

MICHAEL Michael Korts Striped Wrap Top

Floral prints soften the straight cut of the kimono top and add a feminine touch. Stripes and solid colours on the other hand achieve a mature and classic look. Cottons and linnens are very elegant materials for this type of top, but may not be entirely appropriate for that one important business meeting. The more delicate the material, the more dressed up it looks. 

              

Zara Blouse with Belt and Kimono Sleeve

The kimono top is a versatile, classic, and feminine staple piece for the business wardrobe. A more basic wrap top is easily changed with a belt in a style that suits the occasion. Have fun with it!

                                                                          

Easter Treat - Buttery Cookie Crumb Cake

Stroopwafels, or syrup waffles are a sweet, crisp treat and are extremely popular in the Netherlands. The sugar in the middle of the two little waffles is even more delicious when heated. The crispy crumbles look (and taste) great as decoration on ice cream, and cakes. This recipe combines the basis of a layer cake mixed with stroopwafels crumbles; easy to make, done in no time and looks perfect on the Easter brunch table because of the buttery yellow with the caramel-crispy stroopwafel crumbles.

Ingredients:

::4 Eggs

:: 4 - 5 stroopwafels

:: 200 gr butter

:: Cake baking mix

It is a matter of mixing all the ingredients thoroughly to get a fluffy mix, then baking it in the oven for approximately an hour around 160 Celcius degrees.

I sure do not mind cleaning up whatever is left ;) 

A Professional Look in Five Steps

1. Colours grab the attention 

An outfit that is built on a striking colour catches attention for the right reasons at the office floor. Choose colours that fit your complexion and that make you feel comfortable. There is not a right or wrong colour as what looks best on you highly depends on your hair, skin, and eye colour. Great colours for a strong and elegant look are jewel colours in blues, reds, and greens. Combine them with neutrals for a killer look.

2. Your business bag is your best mate 

Whatever the season, weather, and distance you have to commute to work; it is unlikely that you can do without a spacious bag. Business bags are not the cheapest if the material is of high quality, but are lifesavers as they instantly upgrade any outfit. Also, you will not feel the urge to switch bags on a daily basis (and find out that your wallet has been left in your other bag!) if you have one great bag to rely upon. Read more here about choosing your perfect bag.

3. Choose luxurious(-looking) materials 

An item which is of high quality material adds to a personal look without a lot of effort. Avoid materials with stretch and synthetic materials that do not breathe. Wool, cottons found at the better retailers, linnen and chiffon are all wonderful.

4. Jewelry and accessories are a do 

It is fun to accessorize your outfit! Personalize your look to keep things interesting. In my opinion, pretty much anything goes when it comes to accessories if you keep this in mind:
1. Wear a maximum of three to four pieces of jewelry.
2. Go crazy with colours, but not with size when it comes to jewelry. Smaller and delicate is the look to go.
3. Consider what kind of message certain symbols, such as skulls, may send to your clients and/or co workers.

5. Solidify your look with statement pieces
The aim by dressing professionally is not that people remember you for how you dress, but for who you are. However, statement pieces are pieces that can be described as 'you' and are a recurring basic in your daily outfits. Statement pieces do not have to be big and flashy, but are pieces that catch the essence of you. It can be a material, accessory, or a certain clothing item which makes you feel great.

Business wear - LK Bennett Graphic Floral Shift Dress

It is a lot of fun to suddenly find an unusual combination of items that make a great outfit together.

For instance, the H&M belt I bought this weekend adds a warm touch to the cool graphic floral print of this gorgeous LK Bennett shift dress. Combine it with a trench, blazer, heels in a neutral colour, your favorite work bag and the monday morning rush hour is looking a lot brighter all of a sudden.
The LK Bennett shift is available also in a more romantic colour combination in blues and pinks.

H&M Beige Skinny Patterned Belt

 Zara Camel Cotton Trenchcoat                                    LK Bennett Hannah Printed Shift Dress

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Love, Lotte