

With the change in season comes a shift in how we dress layered looks, rich textures, and pieces that carry us through crisp mornings and golden afternoons. This issue, we explore weekend escapes to Australia’s vineyard regions for a chic country retreat, plus share relaxed yet elegant style ideas for a lovely tea party. As we ease into the cooler months, it's all about embracing trans-seasonal style. Think dresses that pair beautifully with boots, detailed tops for layering, and everyday essentials that bring a sense of relaxed luxury to your wardrobe. Whether you ' re refreshing your wardrobe for the months ahead or simply searching for something new, we hope this issue inspires you to dress with comfort, confidence, and a touch of something special.
So, grab a cosy spot, pour yourself a warm drink, and enjoy!
With
love,
Melissa Anderson
As the air turns crisp and the leaves take on golden hues, there’s no better time to escape the city for a cosy weekend in the vineyards or a tranquil country retreat. Whether it’s sipping world-class reds by an open fire or strolling through rolling hills in the afternoon sun, autumn is the season for slow travel, indulgence, and effortless style.
Symphony Hill Wines: Their glass pavilion tasting room is practically begging to be the backdrop for your outfit-of-the-day.
Ballandean Estate: Stop by Queensland's oldest family-owned winery to sample their award-winning reds and alternative varieties, and stay to dine in The Barrelroom it’s the ideal setting for showing off your favourite printed maxi dress.
Ridgemill Estate: Channel your inner winemaker (while looking utterly fabulous) at their "Winemaker for a Day" experience. That silky soft top will finally have its moment while you ' re swirling blends.
Just two hours from Sydney, but worlds away from CBD hustle this is where country charm meets vineyard chic.
Margan Wines: Their "One Acre" single-vineyard tastings are sophisticated enough to justify bringing out that special occasion blazer. The minimalist interiors make your outfit pop in photos. Tyrrell's Wines: The historic cellar's moody lighting is perfect for showcasing your autumn colour palette. Those leather boots you invested in? This is their moment. Brokenwood Wines: Their architect-designed cellar door was practically built for your social media aesthetic. The "Journey" experience pairs perfectly with your most photogenic ensemble.
PHOTO: TYRELL’S WINES, POKOLBIN COURTESY OF DESTINATION NSW
Wellness retreat meets style haven—where your relaxed and comfortable collection and casual luxe pieces get equal play time.
Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa: Pack your most elevated loungewear for post-treatment languishing. That soft and silky pant and top set wasn't just for staying home, after all.
Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm: The lavender fields create the dreamiest backdrop for your floaty dresses and wide-brimmed hats. L Lake House: Their "Field to Forest" menu changes daily your accessories should be equally versatile. Long lunch by the lake? That resort-wear collection finally gets its moment.
Whether you ’ re escaping to the tranquillity of rolling hills or enjoying a wine-filled afternoon, you'll want to look as good as you feel. Our latest collection is all about refined relaxation, offering the perfect balance of comfort and elegance for your weekend retreat.
An intimate gathering with friends—steaming cups in hand, laughter in the air, and a style that feels effortlessly refined.
Our new collection is made for these moments, blending comfort with quiet luxury. Flowing dresses in rich autumn hues move with ease, while soft tops and relaxed pants bring warmth as the afternoon cools. Designed for unstudied elegance, each piece effortlessly carries you from day to evening—simple, stylish, and just right for a garden tea party.
Lsomething sweet. These delicate lavender lemon biscuits are the perfect pairing for a pot of tea— light, fragrant, and just the right touch of indulgence. Slip into something effortlessly elegant, gather your favourite people, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a beautiful afternoon.
125g unsalted butter, softened
75g caster sugar
1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
175g plain flour
½ tsp salt
METHOD:
Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
1. In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Gently crush the lavender with your fingers, then mix it in along with the lemon zest and vanilla.
3. Stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into a log, wrap in cling film, and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Slice into rounds and place on the prepared tray. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
7. Tip: Serve with a pot of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for the perfect pairing!
When it comes to fashion, there’s nothing more powerful than knowing how to dress for your body and feeling good in what you wear. Enter Susie McWatt Forbes a Gold Coast-based stylist with more than 20 years of experience in personal and corporate styling. With a career that began on the runway, first as a model and later as a mature-aged model, Susie knows a thing or two about wearing fashion with confidence. Now, as she approaches her 70th birthday, she’s proving that style has no age limit.
“Age is just a number, and growing old is a privilege,” she says a sentiment that underpins her styling philosophy.
In our latest styling video, Susie joins Leigh on the Kabana Couch to share expert tips on embracing your unique body shape, whether you ’ re petite, tall, curvy, or somewhere in between. Susie believes that fashion should be fun, expressive, and, above all, flattering, and here at Kabana, we couldn’t agree more!
One of Susie’s golden rules? It’s all about ‘smoke and mirrors’. She teaches women how to highlight the parts of their body they love while cleverly drawing attention away from areas they feel less confident about. For those with “dangerous curves ” —a term she affectionately uses for women with a fuller figure her advice is all about amplifying the waistline. A well-placed belt, the right jacket length, and smart tailoring can make all the difference. “No jackets that cut off at your widest part,” she warns. Instead, choose styles that enhance your silhouette and celebrate your curves.
Susie’s approach isn’t about rules it’s about empowerment. She wants women to feel excited about dressing up rather than overwhelmed by trends. Her secret? Find what makes you feel good and run with it. Whether it’s a bold print, a flowing dress, or an accessory that sparks joy, the key is to embrace fashion as a form of self-expression. If you ’ ve ever stood in front of your wardrobe feeling uninspired, this is the styling chat you need to watch. Join Leigh and Susie on the Kabana Couch as they talk about dressing with confidence, loving your body, and bringing fun back into fashion at every age.
Don’t miss this one! Watch now and let Susie inspire you to embrace fashion, have fun with your wardrobe, and celebrate your style—at every age and every shape. Hit play and join the conversation!
PRESS PLAY TO WATCH THE VIDEO!
We've just opened our brand-new Kabana shop in Kingscliff—and we can’t wait to welcome you!
Discover beautiful, easy-to-wear fashion in a coastal setting, perfect for those who love colour and relaxed elegance. Come visit us and explore your new favourite destination for effortless style.
KABANA KINGSCLIFF
SHOP 11
108 MARINE PARADE
KINGSCLIFF NSW 2487