Get the look: Birds of Paradise

Posted on 4 July, 2015

Lose yourself in resort-style prints, sweeping hemlines and exotic accessories. Wings optional. In this tropical paradise, anything flies.

Following on from our Birds of Paradise photo shoot in Issue 1 of Magazine earlier this year, Fashion Editor and Stylist, Hayley O’Neill, shows how to achieve the tropical trend in a season known for its frosty mornings and short chilly days.

Even the most staunch city dwellers can appreciate a lush fauna print and now that winter is well upon us that doesn’t mean the warmth needs to be left behind. Draw inspiration from long summer days by incorporating the tropical look into your winter wardrobe and prepare to transcend into a paradise of coats and high heels that showcase palm fronds through to orchids.

1 – TROPICAL SUNGLASSES

See an oasis with these statement shades. Designed by Anna-Karin Karlson, these tropical sunglasses are embellished with Swarovski crystals and resin roses, and will instantly take you back to warmer days.

The Bottom Line: $625.25 from from Net-a-Porter.

2 – GOLD ARROWHEAD NECKLACE

This gold arrowhead necklace, or rather a feather or leaf in disguise, is a versatile piece that is easy to add to any winter outfit. Each arrowhead is made from a hand-carved piece of stone and electroplated with 18 carat gold.

The Bottom Line: $59.00 from WINK Jewellery.

3 – TOPAZ EARRINGS

Add a splash of colour and sophistication with these orchid purple topaz earrings. Handmade using 18th century techniques, they are set with 19.5 carats of faceted topaz and backed with purple foil that gives them a beautiful burst of colour. These earrings add luxurious feel to a daytime look.

The Bottom Line: $1,718.65 from Net-a-Porter.

4 – SADORE BOOTS

These boots were made for walking and that’s just what they’ll do, especially when trailing through the deepest of rainforests of course! Be ready for any type of terrain with these tough but very chic Sardore Boots.

The Bottom Line: $199.95 from Birdsnest.

5 – JACQUARD TAPERED PANTS

Let the tropical pattern take centre stage by wearing yours with a simple sweater this winter. The Jacquard tapered pants are Italian-made with a blended silk for a lustrous sheen.

The Bottom Line: $555.60 from Net-a-Porter.

6 – PALM TREE NECKLACE

Crafted from gold-plated brass, this necklace is finished with a palm tree-shape filled with Swarovski crystals. This is a statement piece that is sure to take you to Rio.

The Bottom Line: $428.45 from Net-a-Porter

7 – BLUE FLORAL COAT

From orchids to palm fonds, this fabulous printed coat is your ideal winter essential. Not only is it a tropical paradise but its bright and bold aesthetic makes it a statement coat for all lovers of fashion.

The Bottom Line: $311.00 from Frockaholics.

8 – AVERY SNEAKERS

These Avery Sneakers are perfect for the minimalist to add something tropical into their winter wardrobe without going overboard. A subtle burst of colour will saturate an outfit by making a statement in a rather neutral palette.

The Bottom Line: $239.00 from Senso.

9 – J TOTE

A punchy pop of colour is a great way to refresh the dark palette of a winter wardrobe. Even if you’re wearing head to toe black, rocking an orange tote will brighten up the darkest (and dreariest) of days.

The Bottom Line: $1,348.00 from Matches Fashion.

10 – TORN TROPICAL SKIRT

When you’re working 9 to 5, five days a week you need to rock something that is a business silhouette with a party print. The tropical printed pencil skirt is your hero item for this occasion (You can thank me later).

The Bottom Line: $79.95 from Portmans.

11 – BUTTERFLY SANDALS

Tropical climates get bombarded with insects, but this is the type of insect you want to be crawling around you. Flutter about the evening in these butterfly sandals – they’ll be the prettiest piece in your winter wardrobe. They’re made from iridescent, light-catching blue leather with a beautiful orange and black butterfly that extends dramatically from the heel. Slip them on with a dress in a hot, tropical hue.

The Bottom Line: $685.00 from Matches Fashion.

12 – OCEAN TOTE

No tropical paradise is complete without an ocean blue tote. Perfect to hold all your beach towels – oops – I mean chunky knits in wild winter conditions.

The Bottom Line: $330.00 from Gertrude in Manuka.

Need more inspiration for how to get the tropical look? Check out our Birds of Paradise fashion editorial published in our first issue of Magazine below…

Wings, POA, by Bronwen Stead; top, $85, by Ziyah; skirt, $120, by All Eyes On Us; shoes, $199.95, by Wittner; cuff (Right), $150 by Samantha Wills at Soho Dezigns; cuff (Left), $9.95, ring (Left), $14.95, and ring (Right), $9.95, all by Colette by Colette Hayman.

Dress, $659, and necklace (used as belt), $219, both by Megan Park at Pink Inc; sunglasses, $399, by Karen Walker at Pink Inc; bangle, $159, by Sylvie Markovia at Pink Inc; necklace, at Pink Inc.

Dress, $75.00, at Designer Op Shop; shoes, $199.95, by Wittner; earrings, $5.95, cuff, $9.95, large ring, $9.95, and stacked rings (Set), $9.95, all by Colette by Colette Hayman.

Dress, $199.99, by Pasduchas at Soho Dezigns; earrings, $175.00, by Samantha Hill at Soho Dezigns.

Top, $89.95, and skirt, $109.95, both by Ruby Sees All at Soho Dezigns; Cuff, $150, and large ring (Right), $79, both by Samantha Wills at Soho Dezigns; earrings, $7.95, bracelets (Set), $12.95, large ring (Left), $9.95, and stacked rings (Set), $9.95, all by Colette by Colette Hayman.

Wings, POA, by Bronwen Stead; dress, $55, at Designer Op Shop; shoes, $142.46, by Wittner; cuff, $150 by Samantha Wills at Soho Dezigns; earrings, $5.95, bracelets, $12.95, larger rings (set), $9.95, and stacked rings (Set), $9.95, all by Colette by Colette Hayman.

Image credits

Concept: Amanda Whitley

Stylist: Hayley O’Neill

Photographer: Tina Nikolovski

Model: Ashleigh Rumble

Make-Up: Jolina O’Hair

Hair: Angela Pavlovic at Kosa Studio

Wings: Bronwen Stead

Art Direction: Javier Steel

Co-ordination: Amanda Whitley, Hayley O’Neill, Belinda Neame & Jessica Schumann

Assistants: Ross Busse, Alice Fairweather, Keeley Bloomfield