Proud Poppy Blog
Proud Poppy x Deb McNaughton
A Colourful Collaboration That Was Meant To Be At Proud Poppy we have always believed that fashion should be joyful, expressive and full of personality. So when the opportunity came to collaborate with Australian artist Deb McNaughton, it felt like the most natural fit. In fact, this collaboration has been a long time in the making. Our founder Tara first fell in love with Deb’s artwork when it was hanging on the walls of our old Mentone store. The bold colours, playful patterns and feel good energy instantly caught her attention. From that moment Tara knew that one day a collaboration simply had to happen. Now that dream has become reality. We are so proud to bring Deb’s incredible artwork to life through a limited edition Proud Poppy collection. Meet The Artist: Deb McNaughton Deb McNaughton is an established Australian artist known for her love of colour and her passion for making the world a brighter place through art. Her bubbly personality shines through in every piece she creates, leaving collectors with all the happy fuzzy feels. Working with a variety of mediums, Deb’s style is spontaneous, diverse and full of fun. Her creativity comes straight from the heart and her colourful creations are recognised both across Australia and internationally. Deb draws inspiration from bright colour combinations, fashion trends and patterns found in nature. The result is artwork that instantly captures attention and radiates pure happy vibes. It is exactly the kind of energy that feels right at home at Proud Poppy. The First Print: Small Horse Club Our first collaboration print with Deb is Small Horse Club, a bold and playful design that perfectly captures her signature style. As Deb describes it: “Small Horse Club is a celebration of perfectly imperfect shapes and patterns colliding, where nothing quite matches, yet everything belongs. It’s bold elements sitting side by side, clashing and harmonising at the same time. The work, like most of my work, bursts with colour and energy, creating joyful explosions that are unapologetically attention grabbing. The hints of animal print are forever sneaking into my work after a life changing trip to Africa. Small Horse Club embraces play and reminds us that magic happens when we let go of perfection and allow colour, pattern and intuition to lead the way.” This print is vibrant, expressive and completely unapologetic in its love of colour. The Second Print: Road Trip The second print in the collaboration is Road Trip, a design inspired by friendship, adventure and those unforgettable moments spent with your favourite people. In Deb’s words: “Road Trip is a celebration of freedom, friendship and the magic that happens when you just get in the car and go. It’s about escaping the everyday with your gal pals, windows down, music up and laughter galore. It’s the kind of adventure that fills your cup. Road Trip is a reminder that sometimes the most important journey isn’t about where you’re headed, it’s about who’s beside you for the ride.” It perfectly captures that carefree energy we all crave. Wearable Art In Sizes 6 To 30 For this special collaboration we have transformed Deb’s vibrant prints into a collection of dresses, shirts and pants designed to bring colour and personality into your everyday wardrobe. Just like everything at Proud Poppy, the collection is available in inclusive sizing from 6 to 30 so more women can experience the joy of wearing these incredible prints. Each piece is limited edition and will not be repeated, making every item a true piece of wearable art. If you love bold colour, playful prints and clothing that sparks joy, this collection is for you. Explore the full Proud Poppy x Deb McNaughton collection and find your favourite piece of wearable art. But Wait… There’s More If you love what you see, keep your eyes peeled. Because this collaboration is not over yet. More is coming and we cannot wait to show you what is next. Shhhhh. 👀✨
How to Feel Confident Wearing Colour (When You Normally Stick to Black)
If you usually wear black because it feels safe, you’re not alone. Black is easy, familiar, and reliable. But if you’ve ever wanted to wear colour and felt unsure where to start, this guide is for you. I’m breaking down how to feel confident wearing colour, especially if black has always been your comfort zone, with simple, practical tips you can actually apply. Why Wearing Colour Feels Scary (And Why It Doesn’t Have to Be) For many women, colour feels risky. It draws attention. It feels bold. It feels like something you need confidence for. But confidence doesn’t come before the outfit, it comes from wearing it. Once you understand how to introduce colour in a way that feels natural, confidence follows. My Top Tips to Feel Confident Wearing Colour 1. Start Small With Colour (You Don’t Have to Go All In) If you normally stick to black outfits, ease into colour rather than forcing it. Try: A coloured top with black jeans or shorts. A print with a darker base, like our Midnight Jungle collection. Colour through accessories like bags or shoes. Tammin Shirt in Midnight Jungle You don’t need to abandon black. Just build around it. 2. Choose Colours That Suit Your Skin Tone Not every colour feels good on every person - and that’s normal. If bright colours feel intimidating, try: Soft blues or muted greens Warm neutrals like rust or terracotta Deep shades like burgundy or teal. Our Relaxed V-Neck Tees are the perfect addition. When a colour brightens your skin and makes you look refreshed, confidence becomes effortless. Relaxed V-Neck Tee in Teal 3. Stick to Shapes You Already Love Confidence comes from fit before colour. If you already know a dress style, top, or silhouette that makes you feel good: Choose that same shape in a colour Keep everything else simple Allegra Maxi Dress in Sunkissed Mosaic When the cut feels familiar, the colour won’t feel overwhelming. Make the leap to colour easy! 4. Don’t Wait to Feel Confident First This is important. You don’t wear colour because you’re confident. You become confident because you wore colour. Confidence builds through action, not overthinking. Put the outfit on. Leave the house. Don’t worry about what people think. Fun fact - they aren't thinking anything at all - it’s all in you and your overthinking babe! Pippa Cut Out Dress in Corazon 5. Colour Makes You Memorable (In the Best Way) Black blends in. Colour stands out. Wearing colour: Draws positive attention Looks intentional Signals self belief Charlize Dress in Beau-Kay by Kasey Rainbow Standing out isn’t a bad thing, it’s powerful. You deserve to take up space in this world! 6. Style Colour With Intention If you’re wearing colour, own it. That means: No fidgeting No explaining yourself No apologising for your outfit When you wear colour like it’s normal, everyone else believes it too. Tammin Shirt in Iris by Kasey Rainbow and Larsa Pants in Iris by Kasey Rainbow 7. The Goal Isn’t to Stop Wearing Black Black will always have a place. I still wear it. The goal is to give yourself more options - more expression, more fun, more confidence. Colour isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about letting yourself be seen. Peri Party Dress in Flower Field How to Start Wearing Colour Today If you want a simple starting point: Choose one colour you’re drawn to Wear it in a familiar silhouette Pair it with black or denim Keep accessories minimal Peak Top in Sherbie - Peach Leopard by Kasey Rainbow That’s it. Confidence unlocked. Final Thought If black has been your safety blanket, there’s nothing wrong with that. But you don’t need to hide to feel stylish. You’re allowed to wear colour. You’re allowed to stand out. And you’re allowed to feel confident doing it. Even if you start with just a pop. Tara Xx Valentine's Collection