I hadn't ever given much thought to Katies until recently; I had a striped maxi dress I got while pregnant over 3 years ago but that was about it. It's not like I'd written it off as being too old (I do have the odd piece from Millers, after all!), I had just never got around to making it a regular on my shopping rounds.

So when they launched their new campaign featuring two of the bloggers I follow, Adelaide's Sonia Styling and Nikki at Styling You, I got some more exposure to the brand and found I really liked the look of some of the new pieces for AW16.

THEN when a post on Facebook alerted me to a shopping event featuring Sonia AND it was out at Munno Para instead of Marion where everything always is, I was keen and THEN when my blogger friend Lauren from Teacher Types asked if I wanted to go along, well, it was a world of yes!

Lauren and I both appreciated the opportunity to shop kid-free in the evening (without it being late night shopping which is sometimes just as chaotic) and had a hit list of items to acquire.

As you can see, I have a firm grasp on the denim dress Sonia is wearing (not the literal same one, that would be creepy) because as soon as I saw it on her blog, I felt like I needed it in my life. The dark, heavier denim is perfect for the cooler seasons and I love a tie waist - it gives shape while still fully adjustable, pending how much food I've eaten. I've added tights and my Novo leopard print wedges for a bit of fun. Note to self, need more opacity in my tights. Also need long boots in both black and tan, as per my Shopping List.



It was good being able to try on different things at leisure. I felt a lot of love for this amazing fur-trim cardigan and added it to my wishlist. So luxuriant.



My main focus, however, was a short jacket. As I mentioned on Instagram, this has been the "bain marie" of my transeasonal wardrobe for the last twenty years or so. Being small-framed with a big bust and short arms, everything either swamped, constricted or hung loose. I needed something cute to throw over a dress or wear with pants before it gets into heavy coat weather. Something that had more structure than a cardigan, with a bit of warmth and a bit of sass. 

Over the years, I tried every denim and leather jacket known to [wo]man,they never sat right, were too pockety, stiff and uncomfortable and trenches made me look like I was wearing a dressing gown. Then Sonia showed me the PU ponte jacket and advised to try a size 8 (I'm usually a 12 - well, as usual as you can get when sizes are so ridiculously different, amirite?)

*cue angelic choir*




See how the sleeves don't dangle over my wrists? See how it gives a bit of shape? See how the pleather sleeves give it some sass while the ponte makes for a comfortable fit?? What a find!

Also pictured is the FREE TOP! gift with purchase valued at $19.95. Yep, for realz.



It was a fun evening and the team at Katies were super friendly and helpful. Here's Lauren making her purchases.



As well as the free top, I received a special 30% discount, $25 in vouchers AND a goodie bag as pictured below (including a jazzy necklace) so it was well worth the attendance!!






Have you sussed out Katies' new AW16 campaign? If not, have a look. You might be pleasantly surprised. If you have, is there anything on your wishlist?

Not sponsored, I went along of my own free will and spent my own hard-earned cash.