DANIELLE WHITE
FLOWER FARMER, 53 Danielle and her husband Ashley run Crofters Fold at Pipers Creek, Victoria, where they grow flowers, produce sparkling wine, and offer farmhouse stays. How would you describe your style? Two elements come to mind: comfort and natural fibres — I love the feel of wool, linen and cotton next to my skin. My style is a hybrid of English country estate meets Laura Ashley and Country Road. I have a penchant for corduroy patches on tweed, Aran cardigans with leather buttons and wool capes with horn toggles. What are your wardrobe essentials? In early spring a pinafore, tights and boots; and jeans, a cosy pea coat and gumboots in winter. I wear out two pairs of Hunter Wellington boots each year. What are your favourite clothing labels? Elk, Country Road, Creswick, Polo Ralph Lauren, Woolovers, R.M. Williams, and Hunter. I also like slow fashion labels, such as Metta Melbourne. What about accessories? A few years ago I met an old bushman. Over many cups of tea and scones he shared stories of his life spent fossicking for gold, fox hunting and spud digging. Upon his sudden passing, I was gifted a gold nugget. When Ashley and I turned 50 we had a local jeweller melt the gold into matching rings set with our birthstones: peridot and blue topaz. What are your hair and beauty essentials? I spend hours out in the elements so I rely on a moisturiser with a high SPF. Then, at the end of the day, after a shower, I add a few drops of organic rosehip oil to a base body moisturiser. Where do you shop? I have a strong affinity with vintage wares that tell a story. We are lucky to have Red Cart Vintage in Kyneton, Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar in Castlemaine and Vintage 216 Furniture and Homewares in Ballarat. For great coffee with ethics I love Fox in the Chamber in Woodend. What are you reading? I’m inspired by stories of female pioneers, farmers and creatives. Women and the Bush: Forces of Desire in the Australian Cultural Tradition by Kay Schaffer, Modern Farmer magazine and Whole by Harriet Birrell. What’s the best thing about spring? After a long, dark, frosty winter sketching new flowerbeds by the fire, hard-pruning the roses and planting out new bare-root varieties, spring brings long-awaited warmth, perfumed zephyrs, cheery daffodils, an awakening of birdsong, gambolling lambs and, of course, peonies. It’s my favourite time of the year. What’s your best piece of style advice? Dress for your body shape, comfort, health and ethics, then add some flair and personality with accessories. See Danielle’s home on page 42. croftersfold.com.au