Inspire Me Monday

Today was a both a good and difficult day... a little of the Monday Blues for sure. Today is as good a day as ever to post up what is inspiring and motivating the start to the week...

Hairspiration

I would love to be brave enough and colour my hair this tone one day! One item listed on my Bucket List is to lighten my hair to a kind of blonde, a light caramel/honey such as this would be fantastic!

 

 

Love Thy Body

I find Beyonce so inspiring! She is a strong, talented and inspirational woman. A fantastic role model for women and well as younger girls. Especially as she is curvy, a real size who looks fantastic and shines confidence! One of the most beautiful people... ever...

 

 

Shoespiration

A stunning pair of shoes makes me smile. I love looking at the design and thinking of the craftmanship that went into making them. These ankle boots with bows are just adorable! Love the blush colour, they are called Caroline and are available from Sole Society ...

 

 

Look At Me Eyes...

I absolutely love this beauty look - it has a very classic vibe with a fresh, modern twist. Great idea to contrast the black cat-eye liner with a splash of gold glitter. Make it your own -attempt a different colour! I am excited to try this! Perfect for girls' nights out, dates and events such as weddings

 

 

Thoughtspiration

Life is all about the journey. Every single step you take, person you meet, conversation you have, place you go and action you do plays a part in getting you to the person you will be. Creates your story, when we are young we all just want to grow up. But why? We should not rush to the end, enjoy the journey, create a memorable story. Make your life, your story, your very own legacy. The highs, the lows, the greatest and most exciting moments of your life, the challenges and struggles all play a significant part in how you will be remembered. So open the book, grab the pen and start LIVING.

 

 

Hope something on this list inspires you... maybe you have your own. What is inspiring your start to the week? Happy end to the Monday. Sarah/Kooklah Xo

 

March Style Madness Week Three

Ahhh another week of work, socialising, planning my holiday... busy, busy, busy! The good part is, that another week means another week completed of the fabulous Fox in Flats style dare for March ...

The guidelines of the style dare are pretty simple, you look at the list of prompts that Andrea provides which are allocated to particular days. Then, using that prompt, you style a look or outfit, and share on facebook, instagram, twitter, your blog - where is up to you! Use the hashtag #foxinflatsstyledare so people can find your shots. There are a huge amount of people who take part so the more unique or 'outside the box', the better!

I have had so much fun looking at other people's shots - some people are so creative! In my final wrap up I am thinking I might just put together a collage of some of my favourites - with credit to those who posted the shots. It is amazing to discover all the shots been shared on instagram, a great community to be a part of and share a love in beauty, fashion and style with people I would never have met. From the moment I wake up I am buzzing to check my feed and see what gets uploaded. Work sometimes gets in the way, so I usually take the shot when I get home and upload after I finish a run of shifts. For a look at Andrea's post and her explanation of the prompts have a look at Style Dare A Day {March} ...

Here is the list of prompts:

Here are the shots for week three (15.03.13-22.03.13) which I share to my instagram account (follow @saregiak) which is linked to facebook and twitter.

Day Fifteen - Chains

 

Six different types of metal chains form this statement necklace. I love this necklace, it adds a perfect amount of edge to an outfit. It can be worn twisted or untwisted. I prefer it twisted. I picked this up from Dotti, it has quickly become my favourite.

 

Day Sixteen - Cold Shoulder

 

This was a really uncomfortable humid 32 degree day. Took this at 8.30pm - was still 24 degrees. The perfect choice for a day like this? My no sleeve light blue midi maxi dress (long at the back and shorter at the knees), light and cool to wear.

 

Day Seventeen - Swishy Swish

 

A floaty pink top that moves as you walk with gorgeous fabric rosettes...

One of my favourite items in my wardrobe at the moment

 

Day Eighteen - Statement Shoes

 

Beautiful pink heels with butterflies from Babyboo Shoes ... I originally purchased these for my friend's bridal shower that I hosted with a vintage, floral theme. They definitely make a statement and get a lot of compliments when I wear them. Comfortable too despite their height.

 

Day Nineteen - Less Than $5

 

An embellished headband that I picked up with a different one in a 2 for $5 deal!

 

Day Twenty - Got The Blues

 

 

This was my Mum's birthday. Took her and my brother out to lunch. Wore a bright blue shift top with a sneaky sheer section down the front which I had picked up in SoHo in New York City, paired with a black skirt and a woven top knot, tinted moisturiser and a big smile!

 

Day Twenty One - Fresh Face

 

Fresh face, only wore some tinted moisturiser from Laura Mercier and a slick of Australis Cosmetics mascara. Perfect for a sunny day and paired with my current favourite floral item!

 

Day Twenty Two - Braid

 

A simple bun with the bottom section of hair turned into a tight braid on the right side and looser to the left. Had never done this style before but I really liked it....

 

A few days into the last week, I cannot wait to complete it... but also find myself wondering what will I do without the daily prompt? I enjoy it as a challenge to dress outside the box and take chances with styling.. plus it totally feeds to my obsession of beauty, fashion and styling!

 

Follow me on instagram- @saregiak  and twitter- @saregiak or @styleseekgirl for more. Also, head over to the facebook page - For the Style Seeking Girl

 

Sarah/Kooklah Xo

 

Trend Review - Red Dress and Belts

Not too long ago I wrote a post called Hint of Glamour #4, about a post I had seen that showed two actresses at the Oscars wearing red dresses with metallic belts. I then created three different outifts using one red dress and a variety of accessories, belts and shoes. Click on the link to read more. Below are the pictures of Jennifer Lawrence and Marion Cotillard.

Jennifer and Marion both wore Dior Haute Couture

I came across these pictures recently, some other celebrities basking in the red dress and belts style... I particuarly love Mila Kunis' and Diane Kruger's look.

A thick black belt helps to define the body and break up the red. Love Hayden's look here (left).

Diane's look is so classy and fun! Great mini-dress, streamlined with a belt. Love the black, lace shoulder patches - Tbar black shoes and a navy clutch with a tangle of arm bracelets cement this look. Diane has amazing style and always looks fabulous!

MIla Kunis is one of my most favourite celebrities - she is funny, stylish, a quirky actor and has a beautiful face. I love this glamourous bohemian look she shows off here. The dress fits and flows perfectly. The belt is pastel and slightly metallic. Want to recreate this definitely!

Duchess, I have followed Kate's style since I was younger, she has class and elegance. I love this beautiful crimson dress - perfect for events, the black belt adds definition and is complemented perfectly by her black pumps and clutch. A fresh, minimal made up face completes this look.

Always remember this....

Sarah Xo

(Kooklah)



March Style Madness Week Two

I could not believe how quickly the second week of the March style dare from Fox in Flats had come and gone. This was an exciting week for me, I had one of my photos picked by Andrea from Fox as part of the wrap ups/highlights of each day during FABruary, but in week two of the March dare THREE of my shots were picked by Andrea herself.. Absolutley put a huge smile on my face!

If you need a refresher - Andrea provides a list of prompts allocated to each day of the month. Using that prompt, you then style a look or outfit, there are a huge amount of people who take part so the more unique or 'outside the box', the better! Here are the prompts:

 

Here are my shots uploaded to my instagram account (follow me - @saregiak) and then linked to my facebook and twitter accounts. Week Two: 08.03.13-14.03.13

 

Day Eight - Red Lipstick

 

Loving red lips lately, so was thrilled for this day. Minimal makeup, red lips and mascara. Pout!

 

Day Nine- Gold

 

A big statement necklace, multilayered gold chain and coin design

 

Day Ten - The Talking T

 

I love this t-shirt, and have had this for a few years. A light-hearted way to make a political statement. This was the first shot to be chosen by Andrea and included in Day Ten's highlights..

 

Day Eleven - Pointy

 

I absolutely love this studded clutch. It has rounded edges and is a great size as it fits comfortably in my hand. I love it, I feel it adds a touch of edge and luxury to an outfit instantly. My matte bronze mani from Day One suits it perfectly. This photo was chosen by Andrea in Day Eleven's highlights.

 

Day Twelve - Matte

 

Matte makeup courtesy of Australis Cosmetics - used fresh and flawless foundation, paparazzi perfect blush (in screen siren) and a slick of mascara.

 

Day Thirteen - Yellow

 

Wearing my mustard hued light-weight knit picked up in SoHo in New York City. Perfect for a slightly cooler day with a touch of rain! How I miss New York....

 

Day Fourteen - Madonna

 

This has been my favourite day of the challenge so far! I loved creating this look inspired by a picture I had of Madonna (see below). Dark eyes, red lips, blushed cheeks, faux beauty spot, cluster of chunky necklaces, a massive quiff with a black hair tie. Also used a sequin bra originally purchased from Kiss My Button Vintage ..would love to style more looks inspired by pictures of style icons. This shot was included in Andrea's Day Fourteen highlights too.

 

The picture of Madonna I used as inspiration. I like to call this The Material Girl Vs The Style Seeking Girl! So much fun! Thankyou Andrea for also choosing my shot for Day Fourteen in one of your highlight uploads. A small part of me hopes Madonna sees all of them! Imitation the most sincerest form of flattery?

 

Are you taking part in the challenge? If so leave me a comment with where to find your pictures and I will have a look! Would love to see them. You can follow mine on instagram - @saregiak or just wait for my weekly updates here. Do you have a favourite shot from Week Two?

Don't forget to check out my March Style Madness Week One wrap up.

Kooklah Xx



 

March Style Madness Week One

Loving this month's style challenge from Fox in Flats ... so much fun looking up the prompt each morning and styling an outfit or look. Here is the list for March - so many awesome prompts!

Love and looked forward to the following prompts in particular: Grr!, French, The Talking T, Madonna, Rock Chic, Bed Head, Black Beauty and My Mini Me...

Fox in Flats is the go-to place for style tips and tricks, created to help mothers stay and feel stylish despite time restrictions and sleep deprivation. I love this site and the fresh, fun and chic way Andrea conveys ideas and inspires others - what a role model! I am not a mother (and will be borrowing my adorable 9 year old cousin Isabella for prompt 30 - I call her my mini-me anyway) but find this site amazing - especially due to the long hours and shift work that are involved in my job.

Here are my pics which I uploaded to instagram (which are also shared in my twitter and facebook accounts) for Week One: 1st March - 7th March...

Day One - Grr!

Grr... pale pink leopard print top with a claw to show off the new matte bronze glitter manicure I had just got that afternoon! Always love some leopard print but aimed to wear something a little different.

Day Two - Black & White

 

A black and white polka dot no sleeve blouse worn open over a black shirt...

 

Day Three - Combat

 

Such a fun prompt! I wore my khaki jeans, a black singlet top with a white cheescloth type shirt worn open over the top. Paired with a brown military style jacket and my much-loved leopard print military style ballet flats. Attention to make up and hair takes this outfit from dress up to brunch appropriate!

 

Day Four - French

 

French, French, Frenchie! I aimed for the classic French style of minimalism. French women are so classic because they use simple fashion letting their natural beauty speak for itself.

To create this look, I used a striped shirt (light pink to stray away from the usual white and black), hair simply pinned back, pearl earrings and winged eyes (inspired by Bridgette Bardot). Then decided to add some red lips for a bit of a kick. Cannot wait to travel to Paris in May!

 

Day Five - Cuff 'em

 

I absolutley love a good cuff! This is one of my favourites, a silver linked cuff

 

Day Six - Twist & Pin

 

I pinned the front of my hair back into a quiff, then sectioned the remaining hair and twisted into knots fastening with bobby pins. It was a super hot day (37 degrees) and this style was a perfect way to beat flat or frizzy hair. It also reminded me of how my Mum used to do my hair when I was young. I was also super pleased when the lovely Christina from Hair Romance added my shot to her wrap up of this day on instagram (@hairromance -go follow for amazing hair styles!) 

 

Day Seven - Ruffle

 

Handkerchief ruffle bottomed dress from BooHoo UK check out the dress here.

Has a beautiful embellished neck, comfortable fit.

 

 

 

 

Are you taking part in the challenge? If so leave me a comment with where to find your pictures and I will have a look! Would love to see them. You can follow mine on instagram - @saregiak or just wait for my weekly updates here. Do you have a favourite shot from Week One?

Kooklah Xx

 

 

 



Wedding Sparkle - Encrusted Glitter Manicure

I created the encrusted glitter manicure late last year, it stemmed from my love of glitter, sparkles, pretty nails and feminine looks. I always like things to have a twist, to take the traditional and change an aspect of it somehow - to make it my own.

I had originally set out to recreate a nail look that I had found on Pinterest originally from instagram user Frijolita and shown to my best friend Adina as a possibility for her wedding. Adina likes the unique as well, so I set out to find a polish that wasn't just gold. The one I found had a bronze quality to it with some light purple glitter in it.

Here is the shot I used for inspiration:

 

 

Here is the look I created:

 





I used three polishes to complete this look, these are:
* Revlon Colourstay clear topcoat to provide a smooth base and as a top coat to seal the manicure
* Revlon Colourstay Longwear Nail Enamel in Pale Cashmere for the base colour (use 2-3 coats for a good block of colour. I used 2 coats for the look above so that the glitter tips stood out)
* Sally Hansen Gem Crush nail polish called Big Money to create the amazing sparkled tips!

Create the Glitter Encrusted Manicure with these quick and easy steps:
1. Make sure any old nail polish is wiped off using a remover, then moisturise, buff and file nails. I love a square tipped nail with rounded sides
2. Apply a base coat - I used the revlon topcoat because it provides a good, even surface to paint over
3. Apply two coats of your chosen base colour and allow to dry. If the colour is too opaque add another coat, allowing to dry and set.
4. Apply topcoat to create a shine for your base colour
5. Apply the Gem Crush polish to your tips, you can use tape but I did these tips (plus another bridesmaid's and the bride's) freehand, I followed the natural curve of my nails and made the tips a good thick size. This made the glitter stand out.
6. I applied a couple of coats to create an embellished and full look, if you want subtle you can apply one or two coats. It is really nail dependant as to how many coats - this is because the glitter will apply differently for each nail.
7. Once you have achieved the tips you are looking for, apply two coats of top coat, paying extra attention to the tips.

Optional but reccommended tips:
* Apply some basecoat over and under the tip of your nail to ensure longer life out of the manicure - helps to prevent chipping.
* This look can last for 1-2 weeks depending on how you spend your time. Lengthen this by applying more topcoat after about four days, this style also makes it easy to just add more glitter to your tips!

These nails worked perfectly with our beautiful dresses and the style of Adina's wedding day

 

This look is fantastic for a wedding, you can tailor the colour and polishes chosen to suit your own style or colour palette. Nails like this add a touch of glamour drawing attention to your hands which is perfect for showing off accessories including a lovely wedding band and bouquets of flowers...


Would love to read your thoughts on this look, also let me know if you try it and upload a picture!
I have previously written a post, much-loved by readers of For the Style Seeking Girl, about Revlon Colourstay Longwear Nail Enamel, called Revlon Nail Enamel Trial which has some more information and a review on this product...

 

FABruary Weeks 3 & 4...

Fabruary style dare the brain child of Andrea at Fox in Flats was halfway through and I had a thought... what will happen next month? Was I tired of looking at a prompt to dress? The answer was a resounding NO!! I use the prompt as inspiration, to think outside the box and to revel in the glorious world that is style, beauty and fashion.

I have loved Fabruary... Below are the final two weeks of my efforts. I have loved using instagram and twitter to connect with other style lovers scoping out each others efforts.

Prompt List:

Week Three: 15.02.13 - 21.02.13

Day Fifteen: Furry

Not owning any fur (faux or real) I used an inspiration pic.. Carrie in Paris at the end of the Sex and the City series. I have always wanted to style a shot recreating this moment. I love the fur muff. I have since found, in the back of my wardrobe, faux feather necklaces that I could have used, but I stick by this!

 

 

Day Sixteen: Leggy

Stockings with hearts up the back of the legs from Kiss My Button Vintage, love them and will be a fantastic addition to my Parisian wardrobe for May!

 

 

Day Seventeen: Laces

Ribbon laces... for something different (and also because I didn't have any fancy ones!)

 

 

Day Eighteen: Bun

New hair colour -  a good way to show it off? A roughly plaited bun wrapped in a topknot

 

 

Day Ninteen: Polka Dot

Hanging in bed with a bit of luxury wearing my red and white polka dot dressing gown from Peter Aexander. So comfortable and stylish, could almost be a dress!

 

 

Day Twenty: Fragrance

Applying my signature fragrance in the morning, 'Lovely' by Sarah Jessica Parker - if you look closely you can see the gleam of the perfume on my skin...

 

 

Day Twenty One: Red

Red lips and cherry nails to pair with my black shirt with gold sequin collar from Soho in NYC. Wore red tartan shoes when I went out!

 

 

 

Week Four: 22.02.13 - 28.02.13

 

Day Twenty Two: Button Up

A coat from Sunny Girl I picked up when I was in Melbourne two years ago. Perfect for freezing weather. Love the ruffled sides and big buttons. Worn with a polka dot button up shirt.

 

 

Day Twenty Three: Layers

Two outfits, one torrential rainy day. Outfit One: Brunch - black jeans, loose black tshirt, mustard light knit from New York with a vintage leather jacket. Outfit Two: Dinner & Europe planning with my friend - black jeans, black singlet, longsleeved plaid shirt and the vintage jacket. Both worn with jeans tucked into boots.

 

 

Day Twenty Four: Gloss

Home from work, showered and in PJs to watch The Block. No makeup except some lipgloss.

 

 

Day Twenty Five: Kicks

Ballet slippers in the design of sneakers - so cute!

 

 

Day Twenty Six: Vest

Fabric draping vest I scored from Morpeth Emporium, light pink. LOVE IT!

 

 

Day Twenty Seven: Retro

A retro outfit purchased in San Fransisco at an alternative area called the Haight-Ashbury District. From the Betty Page Store (full of retro and pin up clothing). I wear it tied up over a high waisted black skirt from the same store. Andrea asked us to think of a song to pair with our outfits and I knew the perfect 1940s dance number by Benny Goodman called "Sing Sing Sing".

(Find Zarita shortsleeved blouse here, and Catwalk Black Pencil skirt here)

 

 

Day Twenty Eight: Pink

Bad lighting but good for me following four hours sleep after a twelve hour night. Had pink blushed cheeks using Australis Cosmetics products and a pink and purple floral necklace.

 

 

 

 

 

So there it is.. Fabruary completed... What did you think? Send me a link or username so I can look at yours.. This month I am completing the Style Dare a Day - March from Fox in Flats ... it is not too late to join! Use hashtag #foxinflatsstyledare ... if you want me to see it either add @saregiak or #forthestyleseekinggirl to the photo and I will follow you! Read my thoughts on this month's style dare in - March Style Madness

Kooklah Xx

Other FABruary posts:

Fabruary Week One!

Fabruary Week Two!