Hint of Glamour- #1

Anyone who knows me knows that I love anything with a hint of glamour. Could be some embellishment, perfectly styled hair, amazing accessories or a take notice outfit.

I was looking through pictures of my favourite outfits for the year so far, and I came across this pic of Australian actress Kate Ritchie, wearing this gorgeous navy-sequined floor length gown from Steven Khalil. This dress showcases absolute glamour whilst highlighting curves and the power of some sparkle!

Would love to hear your thoughts, do you like the dress? I think it is stunning, a breathtaking piece. Perfectly paired with sparkly but understated accessories (see the dulled-embellished clutch and the silver accessories) and simple yet feminine makeup and hair. The dress is able to 'speak' for itself.

Kooklah Xx

The No Shopping Challenge...

At the start of this year I created and set about completing a list of items that I had always wanted to do. I called it "130 Things to do this Summer", I posted photos and updates to my friends on facebook, many of them helped complete a few items or have been influenced to do the same. Once my three week holidays had ended I had completed about 123 items. I am currently completing another list (and adding more items as I think of things I would like to do), titled  "She believed she could, so she did- What would you do if you knew you could not fail?" (click to check out the full list).

The shopping challenge is Item #7, the conditions? No make-up, clothing or accessory shopping for ONE month. I had chosen June as this month, so I am 7 days in... I am finding it not too bad, except when I get email alerts of sales or am walking past stores with items I love for sale or new stock in. Anyone who knows me well knows that this will be big, for one month to do no shopping.

During this time I am planning to knock more items off my list including the ones that revolve around redoing my room and sorting through my wardrobe (I want to cull my clothes down significantly).

There are of course people who have really committed to this and are doing it for longer, Jill Chiver is one of them. In 2009 she decided she would (in an effort to reduce spending) not shop for a year, instead she would 'shop in her wardrobe'. I love the idea of this- looking into your wardrobe for options, wearing those items you look at but do not wear, forcing yourself to be creative. Following her own experience, Jill has set up a program called "My Year Without Clothes Shopping", for more information click here .

I am starting small, but I want to prove to myself and others that I can do this... who knows I may extend the timeframe..

Kooklah Xx

Smooth, Smart Shaving..

I have four basic tips I use when it comes to shaving in order to provide-and preserve smooth, healthy skin.

These are:

Prep your skin: The best way to do this is to exfoliate, not only do you remove any dead skin build up but the exfoliation and stimulation of the skin reduces the amount of ingrowns present (and despite common belief ingrown hairs are just as common in shavers as in waxers). The condition of the skin will be greatly improved as well, giving a healthy, glowing look. If your skin is sensitive use a soft gel with some exfoliant beads in it, otherwise something rougher like a scrub is ideal (I usually alternate the two to give my skin a break every now and then).

Use shampoo or conditioner: About two years ago I stopped using shaving cream and began using shampoo or conditioner lathered with water on my legs (I just grab the closest one). My theory was that it would provide smoother skin whilst reducing the abrasive/coarse feel that shaved legs get as the hair grows back (as someone who had always waxed I was used to softer/finer hair growing back). As an alternative body gel/wash creates a similar effect.

Men's razors: They are designed differently. Men's razors tend to have a bigger surface area which is flat. Not the 10 for $2 kind, these ones are probably anywhere from $5-10, often have a refill razor attachment and have a rounded razor shape. This, as I found out when I realised the biggest surface area would also equate to less time spent shaving legs, is less harsh on the legs and also results in less amount of nicks/cuts on the legs (also ensuring smoother legs!). They also seem to last longer.

Moisturise: Dry your legs and within the next ten minutes apply some moisturiser, it doesn't have to be alot (especially if you are heading out) but will help to keep that smooth skin! If you apply moisturiser to your skin atleast 2-3 times per week aside from shaving (could be in the morning when you get up or after a shower where you haven't shaved) your skin will be smooth and supple with little to no dryness or ingrown hairs. In winter, apply more regularly as skin is dryer at this time of year.

Here's to smoother skin due to smarter shaving!
Kooklah Xx

Inspired by Charlize...

One thing I have always remembered is an article I read about Charlize Theron, she stated that while she enjoyed getting dressed up and recieving male attention it was actually females that she dressed up for. Who else would appreciate the effort she reasoned? I can see her point. Females will realise and understand the effort you went to get dolled up, how genius the outfit you put together is but also recognise a trend, style, brand. From the moment I read this article, I was inspired.

It changed my outlook, sure I like when a guy notices you or says you look pretty but I love it when I wear an item and get that squeal of recognition from a girl who knows where I got it, or maybe what inspired me to wear it or because for her, it reminds her of something important or fun. It's like you instantly belong to this secret club.

This for me, links hand in hand with something important. TELL her she looks good. Tell your sister, mum, cousin, best friend... but also tell the girl you have just met, or the woman walking past you in the street. Trust me, it is such a great feeling to have someone stop you and tell you that you look amazing or that they love an aspect of your outfit. It also feels great to pass on the compliment knowing you've put a smile on someone's face and given them a feeling of validation and admiration.

Here is a moment where just that happens! Happy Styling, Kooklah Xx


Sex and the City Movie-
Carrie walking down the street and been complimented by the girls who love her dress.

The Carrie Bradshaw Bun

This is one of my favourite hairstyles iconised by Carrie in Sex and the City.

It is easy to achieve and can be worn as either a casual bun (whole focus is not on structure, may look slighty messy/pieces of hair falling out) or as a perfect topknot (slicked back hair and perfect bun).

Here is the perfected topknot- great style for weddings or formal occasions:

And here is the less structured look-perfect for everyday use, work, lunch dates, shopping:

This bun is acheivable by anyone who can put their hair in a ponytail and then pin the hair. Seriously.

Put your hair in a high ponytail and wrap around into a bun, pin in place. I have found two videos by bjonesstyle which show slight variations on how to create the Carrie bun, these are easy to follow and she does her hair as she explains it. Have a look and try it!

For a messier look, don't have the front of your hair perfectly brushed back and work it with your fingers (run your fingers through your hair), wrap the ponytail around and pin to secure, slightly pull on loose sections to pull of the casual look. Great for bad hair days, when you should have washed your hair or for informal occasions. Click for the Casual Carrie Bun tutorial by bjonesstyle.

For the structured/perfect bun teasing and then smoothing the hair can help to create volume which not only ensures a bigger bun but that it will stay formed. Using a brush to ensure a smooth front of hair is also a must.

I am planning on wearing this structured bun to a wedding I am a guest at. I think it will be fun and formal at the same time, cannot wait! Below are some other celebrities who have tried this look:

Try it and let me know if you love it like I do...

Happy Styling,

Kooklah Xx





Three Essential Make-up Items Kept Close

Like most girls, I always have a few items left in my handbag "just in case". Often they are anything from moisturiser, facial wipes, eyeshadow, clear or glitter nail polish, nail file, eyeliner and foundation.

Whilst looking at a post on Lauren Conrad's website about the three items she makes sure are always in her handbag, I was inspired to think about what mine would be. The three items I would pick as three essential items to keep close (particularly for quick fix-ups, mini makeovers or in situations where you get a last minute invite and need a major touch-up) are concealor, lipgloss and mascara. Below I have included a reason why these are my picks and how they can be used as substitutes for other make-up items.

*Concealor- For blemishes, dark circles if I am in a rush in the morning or need a touch up. But as the concealor I keep in my bag is a stick, if spread thin it can also be used as a back up to foundation.

*Lipgloss- I prefer light or hot pink. Keeps lips smooth and shiny- you never know who is falling in love with your smile! Also if pressed it can be used as a gel blush to add colour over cheeks, put over concealor on eyelids or lips for a matte effect creating an eyeshadow gel (looks especially good if the gloss is shiny or has flecks of glitter).

*Mascara- Essential for 'awake' eyes and to make sure my long eyelashes are nice and curled. Also, if I don't have my trusty eyebrow brush (which is one of my favourite beauty items) a mascara wand makes a good back up.

Happy Styling,
Kooklah Xx

(Please click to view Lauren's article, beauty-essentials)

Sparkle, Sparkle, SPARKLE...

I love to have abit of sparkle.

 In makeup, hair, clothing, shoes or accessories. It reminds me of the saying, "every girl deserves to be a princess". It can brighten dull days, make people notice you and give a burst of confidence.

Glorious sequins and sparkles

A small bit of sparkle can be added to an outfit for just a hint of glamour without been too obvious (especially for those who are not sure if sparkles, sequins, glitter, jewels are something they want to add to their style or wardrobe) or for a more solem/serious occasion.

Once you get used to the colour, sparkle, attention, you can add more-like a whole outfit! Or maybe, like I did, jump straight in? Below are some beautiful sparkly clothes...

Shoes or accessories to pair with a sparkly outfit for extra punch, or to add to another outfit that requires some bling such as dark clothing, to work, brunch with the girls...



 Makeup looks that add sparkle! From subtle glimmer to eye catching sparkle glamour....

I love using sparkle to add a special something to an outfit, I feel pretty, sexy and special. I'll take the crown to go! haha. Thought I'd finish up with some sparkly celebrity looks! Whose style do you like the most?

For those bad hair days

How often do you think, 'I'll wash my hair tomorrow' and then that day comes and you don't have time or cannot be bothered to wash your hair. Below are some of my go-to hairstyles that are my saviour when I am hit with a bad hair day or have not washed my hair and wake up looking like something out of a horror film.

Alot of what makes these hairstyles great is the detail, I think it distracts from the unruly or unwashed hair ...

 *A bun-embrace the unpredictable with a messy bun on top of your head or gathered at the base of your neck. Or do the towered bun (a la la Sarah Jessica Parker/Lauren Conrad) , brush or roughly comb your hair, put in a high pony on top of your head, then wrap the hair around forming the iconic big bun. Use bobby pins to secure-don't stress if it isn't perfect, a few strands coming loose will only add to the look.

*Braid or plait your hair-messy or tight and perfect will work. Small sections of hair plaited or braided make for an interesting and bohemian look. Braids are fantastic andcan be used to create casual, carefree, dressy or stylish looks.

*A curled or twisted bun to nape of neck. This look is all about texture and build. I usually twist the front sections of my hair-they are around your face and will often become the dirtiest first, then pile your hair into curls where the twists end.

 

My pin and twist style:

 

To add some sparkle, texture or distraction from your hair make good use of accessories -

*Wear a headband, thick ones with embellishment are a fantastic help to hide any greasy roots as well as adding a splash of detail or hint of colour. The character of Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl is the queen of headbands, and one of my style gurus.

*Use a scarf to weave in hair, use as a headband or headscarf. Not only will the bright patterns or different fabrics distract from your hair... you will also look chic and fabulous!

*Wear a hat or beanie - can cover roots or large parts of hair

It is important to remember that hairspray does not always help, talcum powder (for fair hair) or dry shampoo can be helpful for a day or two as it is combed or worked through hair with your fingers and can add some much needed texture to limp (from grease/product build up) hair. Often it isn't a case of not wanting to wash your hair but more you need to get an extra day over with before you can wash it - particuarly if you are leading up to an event (I always wash my hair the day before an event).
Happy bad hair day! Kooklah Xx