Fashion and personal stylist.
Fashion and personal stylist.
Louise Chambers has called the Gold Coast home for 20 years, and she’s loved watching it evolve from a sunny holiday spot into a seriously stylish city. A fashion stylist, presenter and all-round creative powerhouse, she’s passionate about helping people find their confidence (and their vibe) through clothes. Whether she’s channelling laid-back Jen Aniston chic or bold Zendaya drama, Louise proves style is more than what you wear, it’s how you feel wearing it.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
This year marks 20 years of calling the Gold Coast home. While growing up in Brisbane, I spent most of my weekends socialising and living the good life on the Gold Coast. My Mum never understood why I wanted to leave Brisbane back then, but to me it made perfect sense, and I haven’t looked back!
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
Aside from the things that everyone who lives on the Gold Coast loves – mild winters, remarkable beaches and outdoor lifestyle – I’ve loved watching the Gold Coast evolve from the fun-filled holiday playground I knew as a kid to a sophisticated, stylish, cosmopolitan city that offers so much for residents and visitors alike. It’s a dynamic and vibrant place to live and raise our daughter. As someone who works in fashion, it would be remiss of me not to add the exceptional shopping available to us also. I might be biased being the resident Personal Stylist at Harbour Town Premium Outlets but having travelled a bit and experienced outlet shopping across the world, Harbour Town shines among the best.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Fashion & personal stylist, MC, actor, presenter – and proud mum to 8-year-old Molly – I’ve been in the entertainment and media world since before I hit double digits! Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, I feel most alive when I’m working on creative projects.
As a stylist, I’m passionate about helping women and men discover their unique style, take control of their wardrobes, and navigate the wild world of fashion with confidence and ease (and some fun along the way!).
A true Libran with a soft spot for symmetry, Raffaello chocolates, and any excuse for high tea, I’m forever dreaming of winning a prize home and making wishes when I spot 11:11. Pet peeves? Crinkly chip packets in cinemas (why is it always during the quiet scenes?) and the phrase “Spring has Sprung”. Though it’s my favourite season, it’s time to put that one to bed.
What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion and styling?
About 20 years ago, while MCing fashion parades for a modelling agency, I found myself fascinated by the stylists behind the scenes. Soon after, I was co-presenting fashion workshops and learning on the fly from some of the best in the business. I loved helping women understand how to dress for their body shape and build wardrobes that actually worked for their lives. Watching their confidence grow as fashion started to make sense again? Magic. That’s when I knew: personal styling wasn’t just fun, it was meaningful. And I’ve been hooked ever since.
Who or what inspires you in your styling work? Are there particular designers, trends, or public figures you look to for inspiration?
I have a love affair with fashion. I find inspiration everywhere, though social media is a powerful conduit for shaping creativity. I’m particularly fond of Blair Eadie on Instagram, and I share her penchant for stylish playfulness.
I love experimenting in my own wardrobe, mixing old favourites with fresh finds, and creating new looks just by styling things differently. I keep an eye on trends of course, but I’m not a slave to them – I dress for my shape, my mood, and my vibe that day.
I like to be true to my own style, personality, and mood, knowing what works for my body shape. Some days, I’m all about that effortless Jennifer Aniston simplicity. Other days? I channel my inner Zendaya styled by Law Roach and go full fashion wildcard – bold, unexpected, and 100% me.
Do you have any tips or tricks for women looking to elevate their everyday wardrobe without completely starting over?
Find your sense of play. Set aside some time, or grab a girlfriend (or me!), and dive into your wardrobe. Try styling what you already own in new ways: dress it up, dress it down, or take it trans-seasonal.
In the rush of everyday life, especially when we’re busy looking after everyone else, it’s easy to overlook ourselves. That often means skipping the final (and most fun!) step…adding personality through accessories. Think jewellery, scarves, belts, a bold bag, or a hat.
Sometimes it’s the smallest details that make the biggest impact or spark the best compliments.
What are some of your go-to wardrobe essentials that every woman should have in her closet?
• A crisp, white t-shirt and/or collared, button-up white shirt.
• A smashing pair of jeans that work for your shape.
• A sharp blazer – always stylish when worn with the above.
• A selection of shoes that cover the full gamut of occasions.
• A decent selection of accessories – as previously mentioned – jewellery, scarves, belts, bags – and don’t forget to use them!
What trends do you predict will be huge this year, coming into Summer?
Love it or hate it, we’re seeing a resurgence of Y2K era influences – some of those I could quite happily leave in the annals of history to be honest, but the fun bits we could easily love again are statement belts and statement jewellery, like resin bangles and necklaces. Scarves, particularly silk, will be everywhere – on heads, around necks, worn as belts or tied to bags (grab the Campari, I am so here for this!). As for cuts and silhouettes, we’re still loving the relaxed, loose fits (e.g. wide leg or palazzo pants) with soft fabrications in bold prints and colours that celebrate summer. Bring on the party season!
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café: Barefoot Barista in Palm Beach or SkyPoint – Caffeine at 77 storeys always gives me a fresh perspective on things.
Restaurant: Misono at JW Marriott (a raucously good time), Mario’s Italian Broadbeach (for nostalgia and Italia), Glass Dining & Lounge Bar
Bar: Isla Dining or Edgewater for quiet Friday drinks and bites or Nineteen at The Star is hands-down the best date night destination.
Beach: Budds Beach or Tallebudgera Beach (fantastic childhood memories camping at Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park)
How do you choose to spend your days off?
I love a long amble to top up on Vitamin Sea & D by the beach, or around Emerald Lakes. After a particularly busy week on my feet, I’m putting them up for a solid, guilt-free Netflix binge. Otherwise, an occasion to dress up and show up at an event is a fine opportunity to let your hair down and people-watch on the GC.
If you ask us, the bigger the better!
When it comes to finding the perfect shirt – comfort, breathability and a relaxed style top the list for Gold Coasters.
But how does one avoid looking “sloppy” or like they haven’t made an effort if they reach for an oversized shirt? Worn correctly, the piece will add an air of effortless edge, lived in ease and create overall balance to one’s outfit.
Let’s not make ourselves smaller this Spring/Summer!
But first, let’s learn how to style an oversized shirt this season:
Stylist Tip
Pair with sneakers and a cap for a more street style vibe, or pair with thongs and sunglasses for hot girl summer vibes.
If you’re happy to reveal your mid-section, tuck some of the shirt under your bra.
Stylist Tip
To avoid looking like you’re wearing pyjamas, rolled long sleeves up to fore arms, loosely tuck one side of the shirt in; and make sure some top buttons are opened to expose skin on the chest.
Colour-matched accessories finish the look nicely.
Stylist Tip
Create some balance by clashing masculine and feminine pieces with this look.
Opt for a fun, bright graphic tee and beaded necklace for some personality, or create the effect of wearing a dress by selecting a monochrome choice and adding some heels.
Stylist Tip
The perfect holiday staple to wear day in, day out, no matter which way it’s styled. For a comfy yet intentional look, throw a tee over that pulls from the colour of your bikinis. A colourful, oversized shirt can be buttoned or unbuttoned and paired with a beach bag some slides and worn straight to the beach bar.
Words by Lauren Doogan
Homegrown brands making waves globally.
Ahh our humble, little ol’ Gold Coast… we’re famous for our food and fab beaches, but what about fashion? Well if we know a thing or two about Gold Coasters, it’s that beating our chest and making a big hoo-ha isn’t really our vibe so you might be surprised to know that some of Australia – and the world’s – most loved fashion brands started right here. Yep, turns out we’re really good at making more than just epic margs.
Here’s our pick of the 10 labels putting the GC on the global fashion map!
Kivari
What started as a humble stall at The Village Markets has since blossomed into a global brand bringing elevated resortwear to the everyday. So much so that even Saks Fifth Avenue can’t get enough of them – see, it’s not just us! If you aren’t familiar with Kivari’s signature look think ultra feminine meets boho prints and patterns, crafted for the dreamers and the wanderers – it’s giving major holiday energy and we’re here for it.
Olas Supply Co
Inspired by founders Joel & Nicole love of travel as well as the places and people they found along the way, so we guess you could say that Olas Supply Co isn’t just a brand; it’s a lifestyle. They’ve got goodies for the ladies, the lads and even your mini’s so the whole fam can get kitted out in your favourite swag from signature tees to matching sets that have summer written all over it. Designed for life by the ocean, they’re the ultimate for our sunkissed summers.
Rhythm
If you don’t already know Rhythm, then are you even really a Gold Coaster? It’s the quintessential surf brand that’s all about the good vibes and great design. From swimwear to clothing, Rhythm have become experts in capturing that laid-back, sun-soaked spirit of the Gold Coast. Consciously created, each and every piece is thoughtful designed with the coastal lifestyle in mind – think endlessly cool and comfortable.
Grace Loves Lace
If you’ve ever been a bride or are dreaming of one day being one, we bet you’ve pinned a Grace Loves Lace gown on your Pinterest board. Come on, don’t deny it – they are behind the most pinned wedding gown so you’re not alone. Known for their effortlessly beautiful bridal gowns, Grace Loves Lace has become an icon in the wedding space not just in their home town, but all over the world. They’ve got more than 20 showrooms globally so clearly they’re doing something very, very right. With a focus on comfort, style and individuality Grace gowns are made with movement in mind because ain’t nobody got time to be uncomfortable on their big day! But it’s not just lace they’re all about, there’s so much more – just take a look at their latest collection, an evolution from their signature silhouettes introducing more structured options made from crepes and more, while maintaining their commitment to gowns that move with you.
Peony Swimwear
Peony’s journey from The Village Markets to becoming a world-renowned sustainable swimwear brand has been one of our favourite success stories. Ever since lawyer turned swimwear mogul, Becky Jack, quite her day job to launch the boutique swim brand out of her garage the brand has not missed a beat delivering collections each and every season that make us immediately add to cart. With swim that as luxe and chic as it is eco-friendly, it’s no wonder celebs like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid approve of this Gold Coast gem.
Isabelle Quinn
Since 2015 Isabella Quinn has been bringing some of our favourite designs to life, think feminine and contemporary silhouettes with a hint of romance. Known for her signature crochet dresses and unmistakably IQ prints with pops of seasonal colours and floral influences because there’s more to life than black, white and beige. This Gold Coast brand has paved their own way and carved a niche in not just the local fashion scene with refined silhouettes in each hand-made piece, but Australian’s all over wanting a piece of IQ because IYKYK.
Sabbi
They might be relatively newbies on the fashion scene but boy have they made a splash with their iconic “this senorita needs a margarita” fits – and truly we’ve never related to something more. Cool and quirky by nature, Sabbi was born from a fusion of love for both art and fashion, with all the designs hand-painted by Jase and Ash themselves made for every day life. And what’s more iconic than a fit that can take you from beach to bar? Spoiler: nothing.
Cleo Harper
Fitness meets fashion with Cleo Harper, the activewear brand that’s all about looking fab while breaking a sweat. Known for their flattering cuts and attention to detail, Cleo Harper’s pieces are made to move with you, whether you’re hitting the gym, taking a hot girl walk in Burleigh or just popping out for the farmers market and your caffeine fix – Cleo Harper have got you covered, literally. Designed on the Gold Coast, this label has built a loyal following of women who love workout gear that look as luxe as they feel when you’re wearing them.
Homebodii
We don’t think we’re out of turn when we say that Homebodii were the pioneers of lounge and sleepwear, and can you believe founder Ingrid Bonnor did it all from right her? Known for their aesthetic designs, the label has become a go-to for brides with their dreamy robes, pastel prints and lace lined pieces they’ve got everything from custom pj’s for the whole family as well as dreamy lingerie for all occasions. Because why not inject a little romance into your every day life? If you’re a home body looking for something beautiful to slip into, Homebodii’s got your name all over it.
LSKD
Okay so technically these guys aren’t quite Gold Coast grown, but they started their journey just down the road in Logan so we’ll claim them as our own – and their flagship store is right here at Pacific Fair. Never ones to be content with settling for the norm, you’ve probably seen the insane evolution LSKD has been on these past few years and it’s not just us who are big fans – they’ve built a cult following. Functional, design-led pieces are at the forefront of the brand so you’re guaranteed to love the buttery soft fabrics and trend-making silhouettes. They’re on a mission to inspire people to be 1% better every day and let’s just say that’s a whole lot easier when you’re kitted out in their epic fitness apparel.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
From pastels to polka dots, the six spring trends blooming right now.
The trend that was first spotted, (excuse the pun), on Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman’s unforgettable fashion moment, makes its return this spring. The polka dot renaissance offers a more experimental take on styles and fabrics, opting for bold and diverse ways to wear what was once a classic.
Approved by many celebrity IT girls, less is more when it comes to spring shorts. These short but sweet micro numbers create a flattering silhouette clinched in at the waist and zipped up at the back, and can be paired with an array of top options including blazers, silk camisoles, band tees and more.
Romance isn’t dead! Delicate and decretive trimmings will have you romanticising about days in the sun with a rose’ in hand. The super chic, feminine designs led by sheer and lace fabrics are the epitome of a spring show-stopper.
Once boring, now ultra elevated; the classic thong is unquestionably having a moment.
The simple and sturdy structure provides comfort and ease, and is a nod to early 2000’s fashion trend worn by the likes of Paris Hilton.
Evoking a more whimsical, romantic mood, powder pink takes centre stage this spring, as we say goodbye to ‘Barbie-core’ bright pink. Cobalt blue steps down for a cooler, icy blue, while mint green and peach join the Spring pastels.
Bringing with it decades of style heritage and a fresh, modern artistry, woven textures will be prominent in spring accessories. Whether you lean towards minimalist neutrals or love a pop of colour, woven inclusions add instant character and understated elegance to any outfit.
Words by Lauren Doogan
