A Journey To Remember - DO NOT EDIT by amy.vanloo ..read more

Size Guide Blog by amy.vanloo ..read more

Christmas in the Caribbean islands holds a unique charm and vibrancy, distinct to the islands. The region's multicultural heritage infuses the festive season with a blend of customs, music, and flavors that create a distinctive Caribbean Christmas experience.  What could be better than a warm tropical Christmas, with a view to die for!     While Christmas in the north of our planet is associated with snow and cold weather, the Caribbean enjoys a warm, tropical climate during this time. Instead of snowmen and roaring fires, palm trees adorned with lights and ..read more

Why Cotton? 12 years ago when I started West Indies Wear, we were sailing around the Caribbean islands, living the dream..... albeit on a very tight budget.  Adjusting to the tropical heat became our way of life, as we had sailed from the cooler temperatures of Southern Africa.     Every day we got up early and got our jobs done, so that by midday we were back on the boat, hiding from the afternoon sun..... we hibernated away, coming out again only for late afternoon cocktails.  Here I am hiding from the sun under the awning, wearing my polyester Billabong boardshorts and h ..read more

Despite my sailing adventures as a child, I really knew very little about sailing, but I after I was finished school and college I knew I wanted an adventure.     After I graduated Fashion College in 1992, I just wanted to go traveling.  So I started working double jobs to save as much money as I possibly could to go traveling. One of the most amazing jobs I had after graduation in Australia, was working for a local manufacturing company that made all of the uniforms for Australia Post. The company was called YAKKA, a name that all Australians would be familiar with. I ..read more

In today's fast-paced world, where efficiency and convenience are highly valued, the presence of pockets in dresses has become increasingly essential. These small, seemingly insignificant compartments, often taken for granted, offer a bunch of practical benefits that significantly enhance the functionality and utility of dresses in modern life.  Pockets in dresses provide a convenient and easily accessible storage solution for carrying essential items such as phones, keys, or small wallets. This simple addition to any dress streamlines the wearers daily routines, enabling them to swiftl ..read more

Right before covid hit, we took our family on 2 holidays.... one to northern Australia where we chartered a little sail boat for a week and went sailing for the first time in 10 years and then another trip in January 2020 to New Zealand to visit family.  Boarding the flight home from NZ on 1st Feb 2020, I remember being very worried about the people coughing around me, but otherwise oblivious to the pandemic that was about to bring the world to a standstill.     Two trips in 6 months felt a little extravagant at the time, but once covid kicked in and had us locked up at home, I ..read more

When it comes to packing for a vacation, choosing the right clothing can make a significant difference in your overall experience. If you're looking for a versatile and stylish option, consider adding a skort to your travel wardrobe. A skort, which combines the best of both shorts and skirts, is the perfect choice for various destinations and activities. Here are the top five reasons why wearing a skort on vacation is a great idea: Comfort and Freedom of Movement: One of the primary reasons to opt for a skort on vacation is the exceptional comfort and freedom of movement it offers. Unlike t ..read more

I started out my 2023 trip to USA with a super early morning start. Left home in the dark, and was at the airport for sunrise.  Gorgeous sunrise, you can really tell the seasons are changing here in Australia as we slip from Winter into Spring.   I always take this super early flight to Sydney from our tiny town of Coffs Harbour, because if there is a possibility of a cancelled flight, I don't want that to mean I miss my big flight to USA from Sydney.  So even though that meant many hours sitting in Sydney airport, I would rather that than the stress of missing the connection ..read more

Ah, breezy dresses! They are perfect for those hot, sunny days when you want to feel light and free or those cooler days with a layered look. Whether you're strolling along the beach or heading out with friends, a breezy cotton dress makes putting an outfit together EASY, and ensures you look effortlessly stylish. The Allure of Breezy Dresses There's something enchanting about the way a breezy dress dances in the wind. It encapsulates the essence of freedom and femininity, offering a sense of liberation that is unmatched by other garments. Our dresses come in various styles and fabrics, makin ..read more