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Sunday, August 25, 2013

Inspire Me Monday...

 I love to do these Monday inspiration posts, they often give me something to mull over for the week or at least something really pretty to look at! I am getting in early for this week, and I have chosen some pictures that have inspired me - culturally, spiritually, with fashion or beauty or make me laugh.

I hope you have a good start to the week! This week I am trying to put into place things I have worked on over the last few days and aim to be inspired by something everyday - little or big, significant or seemingly insignificant. I am also hoping I can blog more regularly! Life keeps getting in the way {"Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans..." John Lennon}

Style to Steal...
This picture is amazing - the class, edge and femininity that it brings through. I am a huge fan of so many aspects and already incorporate some of them in my wardrobe. The tailored blazer {although not white - MUST try!}, the curls, the statement necklace, the talking tee and the black statement bag. I am keen to try them as a combination... amazing for drinks at a bar or for a dressy date.

Giggles...Got...Good...
I love this! The perfect picture to show - or words to say - when you get the 'oh it's just periods, what's the big deal' comments from guy friends/brothers/boyfriends... Plus, when you think about it. It is kind of an amazing thing our bodies do!
 

A Festival to Wander to...
The Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, I have never seen snow... so I am amazed by anything to do with snow. I think this looks amazing and really want to find out more about it...

Words of Wisdom
I love this quote. Everyone is human, we all have emotions. What we feel is real, we shouldn't be afraid or embarrassed about our emotions and feelings. If things aren't going well, or if they fall apart, if you fall apart -  own it, use it, learn from it and grow from it. This happened to me recently - but it is ok. I made time for myself, and did things I wanted to do - like catching up with a friend over dinner and wine, went to the movies on my own, spent some moolah on shopping, slept in and took my gorgeous dog for a walk in the sun

Salt in the air, sand in my hair ... Sunglasses on my face
Summer is coming, slowly - the sun is shining, the sky seems to glow and the nights have been getting warmer. Summer is a wonderful season and what better to pair with a pretty summer dress than some rocking shades? Not only do they look good but sunglasses are a great way to Sun Safe. I recently came across Vision Direct Australia, an online store selling glasses and sunglasses from leading designers such as Tiffany and Co, Roberto Cavalli, Police, Burberry, Carrera and Miu Miu. For designer sunglasses I think their prices are pretty affordable, plus there is the added bonus of free shipping and a free lens kit {valued at $30}. As if you needed more incentive, Vision Direct have an amazing project called Buy One, Give One. Keep updated via Vision Direct Australia Facebook for sales or amazing opportunities.

Amazing 'Blonde Havana' glasses from Carrera {remind me of animal print, more colours available}
These Police sunglasses scream summer in the sun and surf to me. I love the aviator shape with sturdy frames. {also available in multiple colours}

What is inspiring you, making you smile or causing you to think at the start of this week? As always, you can contact on kooklahstyle@gmail.com and like on Facebook for more updates - For the Style Seeking Girl Facebook

Saturday, August 24, 2013

For the Love of Costume Jewellery

"A woman should mix fake and real. To ask a woman to wear real jewels only, is like asking her to cover herself with real flowers instead of flowery silk prints.” Coco Chanel
 

I have a very serious love affair with costume jewellery. I think it started around the time I was 4. My mother used to give me strings of beads and necklaces to dress up with. I was taken. I love it in all forms - classic imitations of pearls or iconic/designer pieces, garish gold and pieces that are oversized or make taking risks that much more fun, brighter or sparkly.

Costume jewellery is so easily accessible and can be found at markets, op shops and retail shops. My favourite pieces to collect are statement necklaces {big, textured, vibrant colours, intricate designs}, cocktail rings {usually oversized finger candy that packs a punch} and earrings {dangling ones are my favourites}. Statement necklaces are fantastic as they can be paired with pretty much everything and anything - pair with jeans and a t-shirt for understated but definitely noticed glamour or with a dress to put together the perfect event outfit.

In my opinion costume jewellery aides in not only creating a look but telling a story. It is affordable, exciting and will spark compliments or conversations. There is something for everyone - from dainty trinkets to large, oversized statement accessories. One great tip: limit the tacky... you can wear it without looking like you got dressed in the dark on the way to a fancy dress party. Some of my favourite items in my collection are tacky, but I either style it in a way that plays it up and has fun with it or tones down the glare.

My two favourite places to buy some pieces are Lovisa and Equip .. I find so many great buys and amazing accessories from these shops. I am always keeping my eyes open for statement pieces and have found them in stores like Dotti, Big W, Kmart, opshops or vintage stores and small boutiques too.

 
Here are six new finds I currently love {and where to buy them!} + all items are less than $30

The Mosaic Triangle Cobalt Bib {LOVISA}

Lovisa is one of my go to places for statement necklaces, I think this item is just gorgeous, a good size and I love that it not only looks classy but has some edge to it. Triangles are right on trend and once I saw this necklace I automatically thought of five outfits I would create. Added to my wishlist!
{In the research of this article I admit... I snuck out and purchased it! Retails at $29.99}

 Add some glistening glamour with the Graduated Tassle Drop Earring {Equip}
I think these are perfect for a night out or to wear to a formal, wedding or maybe just because! They are a steal at $12.99 {currently included in the buy 2 get 1 free deal from Equip}. I love these because they look sophisticated, and are in tone with the 1920s Glamour trend as shown in the Great Gatsby {read this article for more Gatsby style tips and tricks} - a classic pair of dangly earrings.
 
 
Lately, I have been obsessing over cuffs. Lovisa have the best range I can find - and most without the awful string/stretch style - below is the Gold Curved Edge Clamp Cuff I have had my eye on
Every time I look at it I think how amazing it would look paired with a little black dress or even skinny jeans and my red stilettos with gold spikes running down the heel. This is a perfect signature piece which makes a statement on its own or adds impact to a show stopping outfit. It is also available in silver, retails at $19.99 {only recently purchased the Rose Gold Tone Asymmetrical Cuff but feel this cuff may make an appearance in my collection soon!}
 
 If I am going to wear a costume ring, it has to have impact, make a statement and stand out... which is the definition of a cocktail ring. Originally worn on the hands of women sipping cocktails and enjoying festivities, and now available to everyone.. You can go as simple or extravagant as you want - I always think a ring has been a success when it catches someone's eye and/or you get a comment or compliment about the ring. I loved this multi-coloured, embellished ring and snapped it up for $16.99
 
Embrace the tribal trend with the Ombre Ribbon Necklace
 
No animal print on this one but I adore the weaved look using a combination of gold metal and ribbon. It reminds me of women in African tribes or easily similar to fashions I saw in Dubai. I think exotic as soon as I see it and will be keeping an eye out for any future colours to come out before I decide which one to get - the turquoise ombre is a great piece for summer - pair with white, gold and bronzed skin. You can pick this up for $19.99
 
Lastly, I will extend this post to including the hair - hair covers {metal rings for over ponytails}, headbands, crowns, combs, clips, hairties ... often are just as embellished as the jewellery
 

The Cobalt Blue Beaded Sequin Headband retails at $19.99 from Lovisa and is a great statement piece to go with an outfit for a night out, special event or even for everyday wear, the elastic band means it can easily be incorporated into many different hairstyles. The black head band from Equip{called Textured Floral Alice Headband} can be paired with a classic up-do as a replacement for a fascinator and may be a perfect headpiece to pair with an evening dress - a headband like this is also great to distract from unwashed/styled hair, grab this for $14.99
 
Do you have a type of costume jewellery you commonly go for? Mine is definitely statement necklaces that are either embellished, involve strands of metal or chains, have some edge to them and are definitely eye-catching! I like my accessories to stand out from the crowd. For tips on how to protect and maintain any embellished pieces you may have or buy, read this post we wrote last year: Protect the Sparkle
 
Sarah - Kooklah - Living Doll Xo
 
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