Wedding Invites, Favour boxes and Gift Cards.. Oh My!

The one thing I love more than getting letters in the mail are receiving invitations.... to weddings, baby showers or birthdays. There is something about opening the beautiful envelope and seeing the bright, fancy, decorated invitation - maybe you can remember when the couple got together, or are so happy for your friend or family member.

These occasions form some of the happiest moments of people's lives, and I think it is a really special thing to be asked to take part in that.

So when I had the chance to receive some stationary from UK stationary company Paper Themes I jumped at it. I wasn't disappointed. A week ago, I received a package full of mock invitations {in a variety of styles}, favour boxes and gift cards. It made me excited! I fell in love with some of them, and would definitely recommend the products to someone who is getting married or planning an event and has not yet chosen invites. {they also sell accessories, custom made posters, other invites}

What I loved about the invites most of all, is that I was sent a varied selection and could see that there would easily be a theme to suit every couple. I was sent over ten invites, and there are many more to see on the site {head to the personalised wedding invitations page for more}. Just a few themes include traditional, pocket-fold, vintage, unusual and laser cut.
Reading on I found that you can completely design the invites {colour, theme AND wording}, will be sent a PDF copy to make sure you are happy with your creation and then sent the invites in a special box... oh and you also receive complimentary envelopes {bargain!}...



 

Some of the beautiful, different selections available. Brightly coloured; from mock concert posters, records, deck of card theme, ones tied with ribbons in envelopes and telegrams.
 

 

These invitations are fantastic quality and there are types for all budgets, including single card invites and ones that include guest information and rsvp cards (which are a postcard to send back and not need to pay for an envelope to send back your response).

 

For the Style Seeking Girl's Favourites! I really love the record themed invites - I love music so much, and think this would be so cute for couples who formed a relationship around music or share a common love for it. Great keepsake too. The other invites I loved are the world atlas themed ones and a vintage, floral looking invite with a rsvp card attached all perfectly put together in a pocket envelope. What I love most about these invites is that they are not too over the top and not overly girly. They say wedding, fun and are something a little different.

 

Gift/Lottery Cards

These cards can be used to either give a gift to the lucky couple or can be used by the newly weds to give a small token of thanks/fun to their guest -

all depends on what theme you pick, words you choose and what you put in it.

 

 

I actually think (with text change) that these cards would make the cutest thankyou cards! Slip a small photo of the bride and groom and a personal not of thanks for the gift that was given inside.

Simple, effective and definitely cute!

 

Favour Boxes

Small boxes scattered on each table or placed in the middle of each place setting - place chocolate, crystals, small gifts to thank your friends and family who are sharing in your special day. Or have the bridal party hand out the boxes at the end with a small, perfect slice of cake inside....

Which Favour Box will you choose?

 

These boxes can be delivered flat and are so easy to put together {get your bridesmaids together the day before and construct them together, once you get started you will have them done in no time!}

 

I love that you get the vast majority of creative control when personalising your invites, favours and cards. I think this makes the products from Paper Themes even more special. They have samples that are available and really aim to make sure that you are happy with your design before you buy. Go visit the website, or check out their Facebook page.

 

Sarah/Kooklah Xo

Introducing: Exquisite Jewels for Hire ...

'genuine vintage, high fashion, genuine diamond and designer jewellery'

I love to find something new.. a product or trend, a new store or company, and when I do - I want to SHARE it with everyone! So this post has really been a long time in the making. I remember I first came across Exquisite Jewels for Hire on Facebook after I saw the page come up in my news feed. As internet browsing often does, I ended up spending over half an hour on the page. I was hooked. I read all about the collection Helena has, and why she started hiring out and selling pieces from the collection, read more on the About page.

By Helena's own admission, she has collected a varied and large personal collection of jewels which are vintage {or vintage-inspired} and costume jewellery from many designers, it is from these designers that YOU can hire and possibly buy. Some designers are Charles Winston, Musi, Chanel, Givenchy and Gucci....

Makes me want to hyperventilate! I am looking forward to hiring some jewels - but first to work out an occasion. Although, when is not a good time to be wearing something so luxurious?

Exquisite Jewels for Hire was started with a focus on sharing a passion of a love of beautiful jewellery through the hiring out of high end accessories, from within the personal collection. Helena told me that from when she was young she was collecting and instead of letting the amazingly beautiful pieces sit in a box, she would make them available to others to enjoy.

In this fabulous collection there is over 20, 000 pieces. I cannot wait to visit the showroom and have a look through these pieces - and report back to you all... I asked if there was a favourite piece, but of course as you can imagine from what amount there would be many favourites. The collection will grow too! Helena is always looking for pieces to add to her showroom.

Not only are accessories available, but also Bejewelled Bouquets.

Not only can you hire out from the showroom {please look to the Facebook page for contact details} but Helena also offers her services for personal consultations where the aim is to provide the best accessory to provide the desired look for the outfit or event. Many a bride has sought from this collection. Not to mention Miss Universe finalists. Exquisite Jewels for Hire have contributed to some big events including Sydney Bridal Expo, Maitland Relay for Life Ball, The Ronald McDonald House Newcastle Ball and for Rhonda Hemmingway {Bridal Couture} attending Mike Munro's {60 Minutes} 60th Birthday.

When I asked Helena what was the proudest moment {or one of} for her with her business I was pleasantly surprised to hear it was when her clients were happy and loved the finished look. I love people who enjoy helping and making people happy.

As if you needed anymore encouragement, look at these glorious headpieces!

Enjoy looking through the pictures, and make sure to contact Helena if you would like a consultation or want to visit the showroom - I certainly will be + follow up with a post about my experience! Sarah/Kooklah xo

Songs to Increase Happiness

my own little mood elevator - songs that never fail to make me smile or tap my feet!

"Sometimes things find you when you need them to find you, I believe that... and for me it is usually song lyrics"           Peyton Sawyer {One Tree Hill}

She is the angst filled, memory ridden, and, by her own admission, 'just a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside a b*tch...' music was her thing and it has long been mine. When I heard this line in a voiceover I really connected with it. Music has always resonated with me. From my upbringing - where my parents forever had music on {'children's' songs or shows were put on in limited lots}, usually records and blared anything & everything from Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Pretenders, Blondie, ACDC, Bruce Springsteen, ABBA, The Doors, Creedance Clearwater, Elvis, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel & Jimmy Barnes and so on.. my own tastes have stemmed from here and I quickly gathered as much music as I could, I have often been friends with musicians and still have a deep love for alternative/indie rock.. My biggest memory from my childhood is actually that music was ALWAYS playing, and I still listen to music everyday.

Music can change how I feel in an instant or be a great comforter in hard times. I do believe that you should have a select few songs that you can turn to, that will instantly lift your mood, make you smile and make you want to dance. It is find {good even} if there are memories attached, but if you make a playlist of them they should be songs that you can listen to and not have to skip when memories become too much. They need to make you want to dance, celebrate and have a good time. They don't necessarily have to be really up tempo, but make you happy!

I have chosen my top six songs that always do this for me, written about some associated memories or why I love them, including my favourite lyrics. These are the six songs that I have been playing in recent months when I have felt down or lonely, and they've kicked the spark back into my day.

Neopolitan Dreams - Lisa Mitchell
I absolutely love this song, it has this funny, quirky beat and is so much fun to listen to. The beat reminds me of love and the funny way your heart skips along when you see that person. The lyrics are fun and I always find myself dancing {atleast feet tapping} when I hear it.
Favourite lyric: "I turn my head up to the sky, I focus one thought at a time. I do not let the little thieves under my tightly buttoned sleeve" For me this reinforces a positive attitude and not to let anyone steal your happiness.

March into the Ocean - British India
This song is best played really loud! This Aussie band are sensational live and have an energy that comes across in the recordings also. I love playing this in my car on my way to and from work, keeps me focused and puts me in a great mood. Indie rock at its best!
Favourite lyric: "I've seen it all before, and I know it's all the same, I see you walk towards me then I watch you walk away. Let them march into the ocean, let them peel off one by one, am I alone in this explosion? Is it just the same for everyone?"

Semi-Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind
Such a brilliant 90s song, love a bit of pop when it is like this! It is also on the soundtrack for one of my favourite movies 'A lot Like Love' and is so uplifting and fun. It reminds me of when I was younger and I would dance to this in my room.
Favourite lyric: "I believe in the sand beneath my toes the beach gives a feeling, an earthy feeling. I believe in the faith that grows and the four right chords could make me cry, when I'm with you I feel like I could die and that would be all right"

Virtiol or Broken Leg - Bluejuice
Bluejuice are amazing live - you just dance the entire time. I love how amazing the beat in these songs are and how quickly they can uplift your mood. They remind me of festivals, summers away and late nights talking to good friends over drinks, games, cards and dancing.
Favourite lyric: Virtiol "and if you can't shape up, nobody wants you, f**k the whole world and what everybody's sayin' hey. Good luck and don't dare give up" {inspires me to keep moving and keep trying despite the bad times}

Wannabe - Spice Girls
I love, love, loved the Spice Girls as a girl and still am slightly obsessed with Victoria Beckham. This is the song that will get me up on a dance floor each and every time. One year when everyone turned 21, a bunch of us girls played it at every 21st - by the end we had an almost choreographed dance to it. Makes me feel young and carefree again.
Favourite lyric: "If you want my future, forget my past, if you want to get with me - better make it fast. Now don't go wasting my precious time, get your act together we could be just fine"

Song 2 - Blur
This is a 'nothing song' - not particularly about anything but is the fastest heart thumping song I know. I instantly start dancing or moving around... lasts two mins max but is fantastic! Wooohooo..
Favourite lyric: Don't have one just love the beat and getting to belt out "Wooohooo!"

I had to cap the list somewhere, so these are my six uplifiting songs. I would love to know what yours are, send me a comment or find me on instagram @saregiak ...

Sarah/Kooklah Xo

 

I LOVE Australis...

I own a plethora of makeup - it's true - you should see my makeup drawer it is STUFFED full of makeup! I love makeup and beauty treatments because they help you feel amazing, beautiful and they are so much fun to experiment and play with. I have tried many different brands, and will often try new products that come on the market.

There are a few brands that I use often but one brand that I LOVE, it is my absolute favourite - Australis Cosmetics. There are many reasons that I love this brand, particularly they are such an honest brand, they are completely Australian and make high end, high finish, beautiful products. The product description is always exact to what the product actually does and the look it achieves. They are also ethically conscious and do not test on animals.

Australis are affordable and a great deal. It is rare that a product is over $20. They also offer a discount program for students {a MASSIVE discount at 25% off}, if you are a student make sure you head to Australis' UNIDAYS for more. There are often also amazing sales at Priceline keep an eye out for those too!

They are across all social mediums including Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube. Unlike some brands they actually respond to comments posted by followers, which makes them so much more accessible and a brand consumers can bond and relate to.

Some of my favourite products include - the Curve Ink Eyeliner which provides amazing lines and is so easy to handle with its ergonomically shaped handle {For the Style Seeking Girl wrote a review on this product in 5 Favourite Beauty Products}

The Voluptulash Mascara for intensely curled and high volume lashes

My favourite blusher also comes from Australis - it is called Paparazzi Perfect High Definition Blush which is a blended blush compact with different tones (not sectioned), the ones I use is called 'Screen Siren'.

In a post that will go live this weekend, I will review some products sent to me by the Australis Cosmetics team to trial.
Do you love this brand? If so, what do you love about it or it's products?

Here are some looks I created using Australis products

Find For the Style Seeking Girl on Facebook || Pinterest || Instagram

Sarah/Kooklah Xo

 

Hint of Glamour #5

Just think, you get last minute plans together on a Friday or Saturday night, you begin getting ready. Shower. Makeup Regime... and time is running out.. You still have to do your hair and finalise that outfit. Enter a great time saver - the high ponytail. Worn various ways, sleek, curled, tousled, the high pony can be as minimal or fancy as you like {or can be bothered to do} making it a great addition to casual, dressy or formal looks.

While there are many hairstyles that can be done easily and quickly I feel a good high ponytail can add class, elegance and sophistication. I myself am a fan of this style, particularly with curled hair and a high front section for some edge. For this Hint of Glamour post I have picked some different examples with tips and tricks on how to pull this hairstyle off without appearing like you are heading to the school playground.

Simple & Sleek...

 I love the sleek look of this pony, great look with the fringe - easy to take from work to drinks.

 Simple and fantastically sleek with a wonderful wave (easily achieved with a quick twirl of a curling wand if you do not have natural waves). Wrap some hair around the hair-tie for instant glamour.

This look means business! Streamlined front, hair tied on top of Beyoncé's head with amazing volume (if your hair isn't thick a volume increasing spray and a tease brush can achieve the same result - can smooth down a little with a straightener). What I love about this ponytail is that a big section of hair has been used to wrap around the start of the ponytail making it look a bit fancier!

Curly & Sassy

 This is a perfect hairstyle for some flirty fun! Screams to me like dinner and drinks with the girls, followed by dancing of course! Simple tie your hair high, run your fingers through the front for some texture and let the curls take over. Looks great with a dress or with a ponte pant and blazer outfit.

 This is a little low set but I love the gradual curl in Lauren's hair - perfect for a look that is elegant and fresh. Good when paired with a fancy dress for events or use to glam up a casual look!

I love this style of ponytail because it has great volume and height. Definitely use a tease brush to achieve this height and create a ponytail through the use of pinning different sections. Perfect for formals, balls or weddings.

Calm and Casual

These are perfect for relaxed looks, either day or night. Add salt spray to your hair for beach waves and texture like Kate's hair. I love Jen's look, partly structured with a free moving front section.


Heighten the High Pony
We know there was some height in some of the styles above, but these ones have serious height!

 This is a perfectly structured and large ponytail - lots of volume and curls at the back with a perfect quiff at the front. A great style to add both edge and glamour to your look.

 A fabulous sleek ponytail with wrapped hair and a fantastic curled and pinned front section. Perfect for a rock chick look, rough up the ponytail to enhance this further!

Kim Kardashian may well be the Queen of wearing a ponytail to an event. I love this fancy look. Perfect for long hair as it shows the length off well but adds height and fun in the front. Add a fancy dress and simple accessories like Kim and you are set for a great night!

 

Play with Texture

 

 This hairstyle combines many different aspects and textures. The free flowing fringe with a heightened front section, wrapped hair and a curled low pony. Once you have curled your hair, run your fingers through to break up the curls and form some unstructured bounce.

Have total hair envy here! This floaty and free-spirited pony has been wrapped with hair that is plaited and twisted. Something very different that adds instant girly glam!

 Play with the form of a ponytail - add a loose plait or braid {in love with Blake's fishtail!}, a smooth front will highlight this type of pony - don't worry about any loose bits coming out of the braid. The second style is completed by placing hair ties in sections throughout the length of the ponytail - once you have done this, use your fingers to lightly tease the hair in between the ties for volume.

Portia's front section has been crimped but I would prefer to do small sections within the ponytail... add some 90s fun to the look!

Hope you have enjoyed this post! Do look at our other Hint of Glamour posts, which so far include Kate Ritchie wearing an amazing navy sequinned ball gown, Lauren Conrad showcasing the combination of long sleeved shift dresses with low ponytails, the amazing fun trend of arm candy and an inspired outfit post of dresses {red} with belts.

Do you have a favourite Hint of Glamour post? Which one?
Have you checked out For the Style Seeking Girl on Facebook yet?
You can find me on instagram { @saregiak } for daily style and life pics... happy styling

Sarah/Kooklah Xo
 

Five Favourites on a Friday {19th July}

I don't know about you but I am completely and utterly obsessed with the phenomenon that is Pinterest, where you can collect and share 'pins' {pictures} by sharing them to your boards {of which you have different categories}... I started off with maybe five boards and now have 47. These range from quotes, fashion {I have many different categories including MY style}, beauty, blogging, inspiration, sparkle and wishlist boards. Check out my boards on my Pinterest profile - Kooklah.

I find it a great medium to group together ideas and inspiration for projects and something that makes me happy too - there are so many pretty things!

I have decided that each Friday I will share with you my five favourite things... this week I am sharing with you my five favourite 'pins' from the week.

Friday Favourite #1
A great way to add some sparkle to something that is ordinary and used everyday! Dip the end of the key in some glue - or use an old brush to paint it on and then dip into some glitter, seal once dry with clear nail polish and then have fun using your keys!

Friday Favourite #2
This look is so lovely. I fell for the tailored wave of the jacket and the casual top underneath with a cinched in waist, paired perfectly with the shiny shell effect bag for some impact. This outfit is the perfect casual-dressed up outfit - great for a date, party or dinner and drinks.

 

 Friday Favourite #3
This made me giggle but I can totally identify - more so with when the books ended. When Harry Potter was released, I was Harry's age and I felt like I was right beside them throughout all their adventures, like I grew up with them. And I did really. The movies extended this, but the books I re-read pretty often, I fell in love with J. K. Rowling's words and the wonderful world she created...

Friday Favourite #4
I always love a good reminder that things DO get better. No sunshine or rainbows without rain. I think this is such a good way of motivating and encouraging someone to be positive. Sometimes you have to go backwards to proceed forwards. Have some faith that something great is about to happen... because do you know what? It just might!

Friday Favourite #5
I originally found Linda Hallberg on Pinterest and fell in love with her beauty looks. She is a sensational makeup/hair stylist and blogger from Sweden. You can also follow her on instagram {Linda's handle is @lindahallbergs} for daily beauty looks... Her eye makeup is sensational! SO inspiring.

 

Have a happy Friday! Hope you enjoy these pics.

Sarah - Kooklah - For the Style Seeking Girl Xo

 

5 Favourite Beauty Products ...

Hello my stylish readers - old and new - I have decided every couple of months or so I will write a post with my 5 favourite and much used beauty products....read below for this month's. I am always on the look out for new products to try, trial, review and of course add to my burgeoning collection! {If you have any suggestions or offers please let me know in the comments or email kooklahstyle@gmail.com}

This month I was overseas and I always find trips like this help to sort out what products are becoming essentials and which ones you can do without if need be.

Below you can find the product, a link and a mini-review {would love to hear your thoughts if you have also tried these products as what works for one may not for another}...

"They're Real" Beyond Mascara from Benefit Cosmetics
I first used this mascara when a friend I met on my USA Contiki trip gave me one of her samples she had gained from Sephora. I still have the sample bottle. I loved the effect the mascara had and made sure to purchase a full-sized wand the next time I was somewhere that sold the brand.

This mascara perfectly separates and lifts the lashes whilst extending and finely coating them. The result is amazing, they look long, full, curled and lush! With this mascara you can get away with some tinted moisturiser or illuminator and lipgloss for a fresh look - your eyes will pop without eyeliner or eyeshadow. The mascara is not thick or overpowering which means you do not have 'gluggy' looking eyelashes and your eye is not irritated. I have long eyelashes anyway but this mascara makes this more noticeable, I also have a fear of eyelash curlers but you would think I had curled my eyelashes as well as applied this fantastic product when I wear it! {pssst! using eyelash curlers is a fear I hope to conquer but as one friend states 'they look like medieval torture devices'} This product smells good - which is something I notice when applying, sure this may not add to the overall appearance but it adds some points for me! The product also goes the distance - I work 12 hour days and find this product lasts perfectly for 12-16 hours. For customer reviews plus tips/tricks click here. Locally you can purchase at Myer but Benefit products are available from the site (just click the links) and they ship internationally!

'Complete' Nightcream from Olay

Until this year I used to use a simple moisturiser (or even my day moisturiser) at night. I quickly began to notice that my skin needed something more, and like anyone I wanted to protect my skin and keep it looking young and fresh for as long as possible. I decided on this nightcream because I already use Olay's Complete Defence Daily Moisturiser every morning before applying any beauty products and have done so for years. My skin remained soft and supple all year which makes me love {and trust!} the brand. So when I decided I needed a dedicated night cream it seemed to be the obvious choice to trial a nightcream from Olay. The Complete Night Cream is one of their newer products. It is a rich cream but light on the skin and I find that a large amount is not required. I have been using this cream for three months and can already notice the difference in my skin; it's general condition has improved, it is well hydrated throughout 24 hours, feels supple and I have noticed that any blemishes clear faster.

Curve Ink Eyeliner from Australis Cosmetics

My favourite brand created this eyeliner which has a specially designed, ergonomically shaped handle that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand with grip for your fingers...

I wasn't sure about this at first, I didn't find it as easy to use as a wand, but I stuck with it and once I got used to the feel of it I found it pretty easy to use{something other bloggers I have spoken to have also agreed on}. This product creates a beautiful line with easy fit-in-your-hand shape of the handle aiding to create the perfect curve - a good, solid cat-eye. I find it especially helpful if I am in a hurry {one flick and the look is done} especially as it dries quickly. I find this eyeliner keeps it's depth of colour well for roughly 8-10 hours. It does gradually lighten {of course depends on what you are doing, the weather etc} but is easy to tuck in your bag or clutch for touchups. It is affordable - find it at priceline and kmart or buy from the Australis website.

Silk Creme Foundation by Laura Mercier
I am quickly developing a love affair with this foundation! It spreads on to my skin easily {with either fingers or brush} whilst providing good coverage. The bonus is {well there are many, but lets start with this one} you don't need to use a large amount, which means the product lasts longer so don't be deterred by the 35ml for around $40 - I have honestly NEVER got so much out of a tube of ANY product.

On the Laura website for this brilliant foundation (check it) in the product details they have stated that this product is ideal for use on skin that has colour or pigmentation issues and I can see why - if I use this product I don't need to apply concealor to any blemishes or dark circles, it provides good coverage of these - they are invisible! It is great used on its own or with some powder/illuminator. I find it lasts really well over 12+ hours {of course dependant on the amount of times you touch your face}. I have been told my face looks fresh, flawless, vibrant when wearing this. Will give you a confidence boost! Great matte finish, providing the perfect base to extend your beauty look and is available in  shades.

'Heavy Metal' Glitter Eyeliner from Urban Decay 
Those who really know me or follow this blog (or my instagram feed) know that I absolutely adore some sparkle and glimmer. I found these eyeliners on my USA trip and purchased two. On my most recent trip I purchased a few more! They are fun, bright, easy to apply and blend into a look. They provide a perfect amount of shimmer - either by using a small amount for some subtle glitz or more liberally for addition to a glitter eye look. I wear them often and they last for longer than 12 hours. I love to combine them with black eyeliner to get a great contrasting look. They are inexpensive and there are multiple colours to collect! They stay put and you don't end up with glitter attacking your whole face. Easy to remove. Check out the amazing colours {and their awesome names} here. My favourites are Midnight Cowboy and Groupie - I really want Spandex but they were sold out in Dubai... I think I will be putting in an order on the website.

Hope you have enjoyed this post! Let me know if you have any products you want me to try and review, and also if you have used any of these products plus what you thought of them!
Kooklah Xx