Chyka Keebaugh’s Guide to Stylish Living

Welcome to the latest instalment in our special series of articles celebrating Blue Illusion’s collaboration with Channel 7’s Healthy, Wealthy and Wise.

This week, as we launch our latest collaboration with Australia’s most stylish homemaker, Chyka Keebaugh, she shares her wisdom on fashion, home decorating, entertaining and travel. Merci beaucoup, Chyka!

Chyka, you’ve built your career around the art of living beautifully. How do you
define stylish living?

For me, a house is a home when it reflects the people who live there. It should tell a story. The same goes for personal style—it should express who we are. It’s about having fun and playing around with fashion and home decorating trends to find what works for you.

When getting dressed, how do you use clothing to express yourself?

I love dressing up every day. It doesn't mean wearing a black-tie dress, but it does mean being put together—hair done and make-up on. I could just be wearing jeans and a white shirt, but adding a necklace will bring personality and elevate my look.

What’s your advice for women wanting to rediscover their personal style?

As we get older and things change—be it hair colour or body shape—it’s important to keep trying new silhouettes and colours. With age comes confidence, so it’s the perfect time to experiment. Go into a shop and look at outfits you never thought you’d wear—you might change your mind.

As we get older, we don’t want to disappear. We want to stand out.

Beyond fashion, how can women express themselves through their homes?

A home needs personality. Does it showcase your signature colour? Does the kitchen look lived in? I love creating special corners, layering in French homewares, family heirlooms or pieces found while travelling.

Twice a year, I change things up. I might bring hidden treasures back out, or update
cushions. It doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult—just evolving.

A home needs personality

You’re known for your elegant entertaining ideas. What are your go-to touches to bring warmth to a gathering?

I always make an effort to set a beautiful table so guests feel special—whether it’s a sit-down dinner or take-away with friends. Find those gorgeous napkins you haven’t used and pull them out. Think about how the table looks in the room…Does it need flowers? Does it tie back to your menu? Maybe change things up and move your table outside under a tree or sit at the coffee table with a bunch of cushions and turn that into a fantastic space.

"My idea of luxury is spoiling my friends with a beautiful home gathering and showing them just how much I care..."

Let’s indulge in some wanderlust… What are your top tips for stylish travelling (ideally, to France, of course)?

To prepare for a trip, I plan outfits on a rack. I’ll accessorise with shoes, bags and jewellery, decide what my looks are, then eliminate any double-ups. Travelling to France means dressing up. Those French women are incredible with how they put things together! They always look effortless and very stylish.

French women… always look effortless and very stylish

Tell us about your new Blue Illusion x Chyka Keebaugh collection.

I’m so excited to launch my resort range with Blue Illusion! We’ve designed swimwear with matching sarongs and kaftans—to help women feel confident and glamorous. It can be tricky to find good swimwear for women over 45, but these bathers flatter all figures. They have the perfect amount of gathering over your tummy and give you a really lovely shape. Summer is all about pattern and easy style—and this year’s colours are just beautiful. The women on Healthy, Wealthy and Wise loved the prints!

This season’s range also includes interchangeable separates—a dress, pants and shirt—that can be dressed up or down. Beautiful for Christmas Day, drinks with friends or going to the office. I just love how versatile they are!

What do you hope women will feel in the new collection?

Beautiful and glamorous. We’ve tried really hard to make the collection as cohesive as possible, so women don’t have to overthink—just mix and match and go!

"I honestly hope that women feel beautiful and glamorous in these outfits."

What is it like filming Channel 7’s Healthy, Wealthy and Wise?

I was so excited to be asked to co-host the style section on this iconic show, which I remember well from the 90s. We met eight incredible women—each with different back stories but all wanting help with their wardrobes. Many had lost confidence and I got to feel like a fairy godmother changing their outlook and showing how different styles suited them.

Don’t under-dress, always over-dress!

Finally, what’s your best piece of advice for women who want to live more stylishly?

Have fun and explore. Try new looks and don’t be afraid to give things a go! Fashion is not to be taken seriously; it should make us feel good. Having someone tell you they love your dress or lipstick is such a boost. So, when thinking about what to wear, don’t under-dress, always over-dress. Put that extra pair of earrings on!

Bien dit, Chyka! We couldn’t agree more!

Chyka’s top lifestyle tips:

1. Make your home your sanctuary: beautiful flowers, a fragrant candle, lots of lamplight and stacks of books.

2. Keep a Pinterest board of looks you love, then test them at home.

3. Jeans are a fashion staple. There are always new shapes and styles, so try on what’s available to find your perfect pair. (Of course, the Bengajean® is my go-to for variety and versatility.)

4. A great blazer and perfect white sneakers are timeless wardrobe essentials. Have fun accessorising!

5. Plan outfits for the week, including shoes and accessories, to make mornings hassle-free.

6. Setting a beautiful table is easy. A stack of lemons or a vase of rosemary from the garden can elevate any meal.

7. Above all, have fun with your style, be brave and experiment!