Cuff love

Remember the shoes I posted about a while ago? They’re the ones I’m wearing to the wedding with my black dress. I’m not much of a matchy-matchy girl so I didn’t even bother looking for jewellery to match aqua patent leather. What would I look for? Where would I look?! Since I’m wearing a silver studded belt with a one-shouldered dress, I was on the hunt for a silver cuff but wanted something a bit out of the ordinary. After scouring jewellery sites and markets for a few weeks, I inadvertently stumbled on my new baby by accident in Sportsgirl. Isn’t that always the way? Good old Sportsgirl, so reliable.

It’s quite a cool cuff – the base is ball chain, and it closes with press studs. There is a mesh bow and then a big f%#^-off silver rose, which is tarnished to give that vintage feel. It also has other weird chunks of glass and enamels blobs on it, but the focus is all on the rose. You can probably see that from the picture though. It is, as they say, worth a thousand words.

Gold star Sportsgirl. Thanks for coming through with the goods for me!

Price: $39.95
From: Sportsgirl
Why you need it: For a real statement piece

As an aside, if I’m wearing a one shoulder dress, studded belt and chunky cuff, do I need earrings? Like, just some small studs? Thoughts, my friends. All advice appreciated.

Sweet and girly pink pout

I feel like every second conversation I have at the moment is about weddings, but that’s probably because I have 2 coming up in the next 2 weekends. Thankfully it’s two completely different groups of people, so I can wear the same outfit (relief!), but there has still been much time devoted to stewing over makeup, hair and jewellery. I’m on the downhill slide now and finally have all the puzzle pieces in place, so I’ll fill you in over the next few days.

I’m wearing a black dress, so decided to go for a bold, colourful lip. Red is too sexy-vampy and orange is too outrageous, so it’s all about the pink. I am tossing up between 3 shades of pink from the new L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Anti-Age Serum range, so maybe you guys can help me decide.

What I love about these lipsticks is how stupidly moisturising they are. They are actually designed for women over 40 because of their anti-age serum. Does that seem nuts to anyone else?! Anti-aging lipstick. Anyway, the lippie contains hyaluronic acid for hydrating and re-plumping, pro-xylane for cell structure (the same pro-x of the L’Oreal Genesis range/loads of other anti-aging ranges) and collagen for firmness and fullness. Work it baby, this thing is going to give you a pout like no other.

I am road testing three shades of pink: Satin Pink, which is a very pastel baby pink, Freshly Candy, which is a sweet musky pink and Radiant Rose, which is the darkest of the three and a bit more luscious. I have been rotating between the three of them for the last few weeks and I really can’t pick a favourite. Like a mother, I love all my children equally. What I also love is that they aren’t shiny and they aren’t matte. Miney? Sh...oh wait. Inappropriate.
What do you think? Girly and wedding-suitable?

Price: $24.95
From: Priceline, Myer
Why you need it: For a sweet girly pink pout (just like the header says...)

Try out dermalogica on the cheap

Pick up Girlfriend magazine for the Dermalogica Clean Start samples. As I said, it landed on my desk (Blake Lively cover), and they don't always do the tip on in all locations (supermarkets vs newsagents), so keep your eyes out.

Price: $5.95
From: Wherever you buy magazines
Why you need it: To get some salicylic acid onto your oily pimples

Jasmine what I need*

*Apologising for the terrible headline - I have been sick, so please don't hold it against me

I read a really interesting article on beautydirectory yesterday about certain scents being mood altering and triggering memories, transporting you back to places and times. I would absolutely 100% agree with this – whenever I walk past a guy wearing Calvin Klein Crave, I shudder a little thanks to an ex-boyfriend. Ditto a certain Lynx body spray (I don’t know the name, but I can recognise it at a hundred paces). On the flip side, Clinique Happy makes me, um, happy because it reminds me of four weeks in America and Mexico with my family (the citrus top notes are what do it), and Estee Lauder White Linen calms me down because it makes me think of my dear Grandmother. Fascinating how something that tickles the nose can also tickle the emotions.

Stepping away from perfume for a moment, there are many other things that trigger happy moods in my brain. The scent of baking chocolate cake. The scent of nail polish (don’t judge me). The scent of jasmine and gardenias, my two favourite perfumed flowers. It was like I was suddenly high on drugs when I opened my latest PRIMPED VIP parcel and encountered the new Jurlique Jasmine Hand Cream. Talk about good feelings in a tube! Yeah, it keeps skin soft and hydrated, and it’s all natural, but it’s really about the fragrance. Added bonus: it’s not greasy – there is nothing worse than greasy hand cream. But this hand cream is all about the jasmine fragrance.

The only thing I didn’t like, and this isn’t a criticism of Jurlique but of all brands, is that metallic tubes are a total bitch when you squeeze them the wrong way. One false pinch and you can’t stop the flow of cream. Messy.

Price: $27 40mL/ $55 125mL
From: Jurlique
On Counters: March 29th (Monday)
Why you need it: To lift your mood and keep your hands hydrated (you know your hands are a dead giveaway of your age – keep them in good nick).

Extra stuff you need to know: Jurlique, godluvem, have launched a recycle and reward program. Simply return old Jurlique packaging such as bottles or tubes and you get a 10% discount off replacement purchases. Give & Gift is a permanent addition to the Jurlique family and aims to raise awareness of responsible recycling. Gold star to Jurlique; bonza effort from such a proud Aussie brand.

Picture credit: Jurlique

Victoria's Secret in Sydney!

Whoa baby!! My Mama works at Sydney Airport and said that signage went up today announcing a Victoria's Secret store was opening soon. Could it be? My beloved VS and VS Pink right here in Sydney! Think how much I'll save on shipping!

If you hear anything, shoot me an email or leave a comment.*

*edit: now confirmed by Sassi Sam (Friday morning)

The bad news is, it's AFTER immigration i.e you can only get to it if you're going overseas. The good news (for me) is that my Mum works at the airport and has SACL clearance, so she can shop for me!

A Doctors certificate and a note from Mum

Sorry! Not much to report today. I have been sick for a little while and it has finally caught up with me, so please excuse me while I take leave. I can produce a Doctors certificate if you need me to.

I have loads to write about, but just no capacity to get the words onto paper. So while I can't deliver my usual witty repartee on all thngs beauty and lifestyle, I can instead give you a picture of a kitten.


Does that fill the void? Yeah, I thought so.

I'll try and be back tomorrow. Promise.

Picture credit: icanhazcheezburger.com, the masters of the kitteh universe

Grrr baby, very grrr

When the weather started to turn a few weeks ago, I got really excited and went a little nuts. New shoes, new pants, new cardigan, new scarf. And that was just in one day! Of course, when you buy new stuff, you want to wear it straight away (I’m fairly certain that’s a Universal Rule Of Shopping). I managed to get two wears out of my new scarf and then the Indian summer hit and I’m back to maxi dresses and sandals for work. Not that I’m complaining, because I absolutely adore the warmer weather, but I’m getting anxious here. I just have to keep reassuring myself that the cold will be here soon and then I’ll want it gone again.

Meanwhile, how crazy is this weather?! Floods and hail and 30 degrees...I don’t know whether to wear gumboots or thongs. Peace out to my Perth peeps in your time of muddy need.

I bought this supercute scarf from French Connection and it’s pretty much going to be my every day staple. I love the leopard print – it means it has personality and will be my statement piece, which kind of feels like a cop out because I more or less live in grey and black for winter. How could I not make a statement in a Leezy Leopard Scarf?! Grr baby.

Price: $39.95
From: French Connection
Why you need it: You’ll want to keep warm when autumn eventually decides to show up.

An orly good fairytale

Once upon a time, in a kingdom not so far away, there was a fair young maiden who adored nail polish. She was on the eternal quest for the ultimate grey/taupe/red/orange/pink, and spent her days wistfully fantasising about formulas and shades.

One day, she ventured down from her tower and out into marketplace. Lo and behold, she discovered a new brand called Orly had been brought into the kingdom. What delight! The range was extensive and the shine was more appealing than any of the suitors who had been asking for her hand. This called for a celebration. She exchanged gold coins for polishes from the Once Upon A Time collection and got to work on her talons. The creamy grey of Mirror Mirror on her fingers brought forth squeals of delight. “Such a great neutral!” she exclaimed, “The blue grey reminds me of the elegant doves eggs, up in their treetop nests”.

But what of the Happily Ever After? Every story needs a good ending. “A triumph in autumnal shade” the fair maiden declared, “I am channelling the turning leaves with warm burgundy tootsies!”

With that, the maiden skipped off into the forest, wearing the charm bracelet that came with her new purchases, and singing a happy tune. And she lived happily ever after, because her new polish had excellent staying power and hadn’t chipped in 5 days.

Price: $18.95
From: Chemists and salons – check their website
Why you need it: To live out your fantasies and get the happily ever after you deserve.

Thanks for the inspiration, LMFF!

Gutted LMFF is over for another year – I have been really enjoying seeing the pictures coming through and being inspired by the different makeup looks that genius Rae Morris has been creating for L’Oreal. I was quite taken by the simplicity of the Runway 5 for Cosmopolitan – it was a very clean and luminous look, with one focus (lips) and everything else muted. Of course, gold is going to be big again this winter, and the gold eyes were a nod to that. Honestly, I think gold is one of the only universally flattering colours for eyes, so this is good news for everyone (particularly if you like makeup, not so much if you have no eyes.)

The look was fresh and punchy: clean skin, luminous powder, golden cinnamon blush for a bit of a highlight, gold eyes and no mascara to keep it youthful. The highlight was Radiant Orange lips from the new Colour Riche Anti-Age Serum range. I have three pink lippies from this range which I have on high rotation at the moment – very soft and buttery with a lot of staying power. Will review soon, I promise.

I was so inspired by this look that I dug through my bag to see what I could find to recreate it. I used the gold eyeshadow from my Estee Lauder Signature Quad; the pigment wasn’t as dark, but it did the job. I also had a bright orange lippie lying around (as you do) – it’s from SLA and the colour number is 20146, but it doesn’t have a name on the tube. I’m fairly sure it’s hot orange though.

Hair is textured and tousled, then pulled into a deep side pony across the face. Probably not overly practical for work (I wear glasses, so this style might get in the way), but you could easily adapt it for functionality. I used kms California AddVolume Body Build Detangler to add body (smells like eucalyptus and cinnamon – v. yum) and then Hairplay Sea Salt Spray for extra tousellage.

Is this a look you would try? Is tousellage a word? How do you feel about orange lips? I was always afraid of them, but they actually aren’t that scary (unless they are attached to Aunty Doris and leave a big smudge on your cheek.)

SLA lipstick
Price: $39.50
From: Encore Beauty, or the SLA store in Balmain

Estee Lauder eyeshadow (part of a quad)
Price: $70
From: Estee Lauder counters (if that colour has gone, they have other golds in their range)

kms California hair bits
Price: Hairplay Sea Salt Spray $36.95; AddVolume Body Build Detangler $28.50
From: This is a salon brand, although I have seen a limited range popping up in Coles

Picture credit: L'Oreal

Some Friday pomegranate pampering

Happy Friday! How do you feel about a bit of pampering for the weekend? Excellent, I thought you would say that. I completely agree. And yes, I would love a glass of wine, thanks.

I have found a divine body balm that not only smells good and feels good, but the packaging looks good. I find that’s a really important factor when buying a body balm or body butter, because it adds a little touch of glam when it’s sitting on the bedside table (or is it just me that reads too many homes magazines and likes to fantasize about bedside tables full of candles, body balms and fresh flowers.)

Urban Rituelle Pomegranate Body Balm is a deliciously heady mix of sweet and tangy. The cream is silky and glossy, so it glides on like a dream, and it smells so divine that you’ll want to lick your arm. And I don’t care if that sounds creepy. It has all the hallmarks of a quality body balm: jojoba oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, antioxidants and aloe vera. High five, Urban Rituelle. I know I’ll be having a bath with my Pomegranate soap and then loading on the moisturiser with a glass of wine tonight. Cheers!

Price: $29.95
From: Urban Rituelle. They have their own retail store in Caringbah, otherwise they are stocked in loads of gift and homewares stores – check their website
Why you need it: Smooth, tasty skin

Picture credit: Urban Rituelle

Citrus special!

I have been looking at the pictures as they come through from LMFF in Melbourne (that’s L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, for the uninitiated) and the makeup looks created by Rae Morris, creative director extraordinaire, are simply sublime.

As I was flicking through the Runway 2 snaps, my train of thought was something like ‘very cool quiff thing, I wonder how I would look with that...not practical for going to the gym, is it?...Angelina eyeliner, I’m trying that this weekend by using sticky tape for the neat line...do I even have any sticky tape?...great nude lip, I wish I could find a nude lippie that made my lips look like that...holy heck! Check that neon eye!!! Want! Need!'

After my initial glee, I remembered I had some neon orange eyeshadow and eyeliner stashed in my room. Not sure why, but then why do I buy anything? Perhaps I was just really ahead of trend without knowing it. Yeah, that’s probably it.

If you want to try this look out on the cheap, head to Kmart and hit up BYS. For the price of your morning coffee, you can give the fluoro orange eye a whirl. If you’re referencing the L’Oreal look, simply go for a horizontal stripe across the eye (note: I added water for a wet shadow and brighter colour). I did mine with a hard liner brush to get the sharp, rectangular edges.
Am I wearing it at work? No. Will I wear it on the weekend? Potentially. Can I show you a photo? Well, no. My camera is being moody. Just pretend I look like the model, but without blonde hair and way hotter, obviously.

Price: BYS Individual eyeshadow $2.95
From: Kmart
Why you need it: A cheapie way of trying out a novelty trend

Picture credit: bys.com.au

Feathering my birds nest

Yay! I love a good online shopping website. I stumbled across Birdsnest purely by accident, but what a happy accident it was.

Let me take you to Myer, one lunch break last week. It was the moment I fell in love. I spotted the most gorgeous Bluejuice khaki green slouch jacket, with pushed up sleeves, a loose collar and a relaxed feel. Exactly what I never knew I always needed, and I had to have it. Sadly for me, Myer only had size 8 or 14. I fit the 8, except when I tried to move my arms forward. Moment of truth...take the 8 and commit to not moving my arms too much, or track down a 10. I jumped online whilst still standing in Myer (thank you, mobile internet) and found THE jacket in THE size on Birdsnest.

Ten minutes later I was back at my desk, credit card in hand and details in the address field. Ace! If you order by 1pm, they promise to have your order to you the next day; I didn’t get my order in until 2pm so I had to wait 48 hours. Oh the torture! Honestly, 24-48 hour shipping is really damn cool, so respect to the Birdsnest girls.

As well as getting my jacket really quickly, they also included a rewards program card and a really sweet handwritten note complimenting my choice of clothing. This little gesture absolutely made my day because it was so thoughtful, and it’s reassuring to know there are still good people in the world. High five.

Price: Bluejuice jacket: $89.95 + $10.95 postage
From: Birdsnest.com.au
Why you need it: The jacket is the perfect trans-seasonal piece (thumbs up for layering) and the website stocks dozens of big brands. I also love that you can shop by body shape (it even gives you fully styled outfit options!)

Picture credit: Both pictures brazenly stolen from birdsnest.com.au - that's not me wearing the jacket, but I look just as good in it.