Re-Invent Yourself...Hair..

Style lovers! For part one in this 'Re-Invent Yourself' series, click here: Re-Invent Yourself...Style .

In the second part of my re-inventing and pushing myself out of my comfort zone aim, I thought about how moving out of the usual means taking a risk, changing something that is comfortable, something that may define you. Something that has become you.


I looked in the mirror and saw what I should change. My hair. I had really dark chocolate coloured hair, which, apart from the obligatory year eight fascination with hair rinses (chilli red, blueberry, chesnut brown) or dyeing it dark brown/black (semi-permanent washes) to add some sheen to my natural colour, had never been dyed, bleached or foiled. I had of course, had many different hairstyles- I have had layers, a side fringe, really long hair and a short, choppy, punkish concaved bob (which I loved!! See pic at the side...was concaved at the back).



I had been holding onto an idea for my hair, for a change- for a few years, I wanted to add some caramel colour and change my look. So I began searching for pictures and I found one of Jessica Biel that I remember seeing and thinking I'd love to be that brave. Here it is:

I had this picture in my phone for quite awhile, and about a month ago I started feeling like I was stuck in a rut. I knew that redoing my hair would revitalise my look and very possibly my outlook.

It would atleast be uplifting. I started to look for more photos that captured what I was looking for and found inspiration not only from Jessica Biel but also from Kate Beckinsile, Rachel Bilson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sophia Bush, Drew Barrymore and Lauren Conrad.

 

                                                                            

                                                             

I had seen this style on many celebrities and decided to look into it. Vogue Australia have an easy to understand explanation of Balayage. In summary of their explanation, balayage was first developed in France in the 1970s, the emphasis of the technique is on colouring the hair but so it looks naturally sunkissed with the hair moving gradually from a darker to lighter colour (''Sweeping" as per L.A. Fashion Magazine). The craze known as Ombre is a variation of the Balayage technique, perfect for a look that needs very little maintenance.

 

My hair was so dark, and untouched, that half of my hair was bleached, then using appropriate tonings and colours my hairdresser Amy (from Class One Hair Studio) washed, and then teased my hair before brushing the colour on my hair. I asked her about the teasing and she stated that the proper technique uses teasing on application to remove or reduce the 'transition line' and assists in the colour looking more gradual and natural.

Some obvious transitions:



For me, this hairstyle is perfect. It looks edgy and alittle bohemian which suits my style and is like one of my favourite style icons Drew Barrymore . I also have curly hair, which is perfect for this look as it highlights the colour transition (although I can say I do like to occasionally straighten my hair and it still looks good) and it is very low maintenance. I had my hair coloured just over a month ago and I am planning on going back until after my holiday (which will mean November). As the top of my hair was dyed a lighter, glossier brown as my hair grows out, the gradual colour will continue. This style is fantastic for me as I lead a very busy work life (and social life too-let's face it).

Amy told me, it may take one or two times more to get the exact colour, but I am really happy with it. She also put through a few foils here and there that are blond in order to lighten the colour and my hair is now three toned-brown top graduating through to a caramel with blond highlights and blond tips. I have the choice to just go back and get a few more foils put through to lighten the overall look.

Here is a pic of me, before and after:

I love it, it has given me a new lease on life and I feel more 'me' than I have in a long time. To finish, here are some other pictures, one with straight hair, and one of the blonded tips. What hair risks have you taken lately? Kooklah Xx



Style ME inspired...

Five shots that are inspiring my sense of style this week....


Metallic eye looks with long, lush eyelashes

Simple messy, woven hairdo and winged eyeliner

Bright accessories to add emphasis to an outfit

Slightly structured, messy hair

Zoro-B in Black from Betts


What is inspiring your style currently? All of mine are somewhat edgy with a hint of structure and brights! Kooklah Xx

Re-Invent Yourself...Style..

I find, like most people, I can often be unhappy about change. But this year I have been trying as much as possible to push myself out of my comfort zones in all areas of my life. This also includes my own style, I have tried new things- from accessories, to makeup to clothes, am currently pulling apart my wardrobe to get rid of items I no longer want or need and revamping my personal style.

I am currently favouring the use of a basic, almost minimalistic style using simple pieces which together create an impact. For example, one of these looks I am currently favouring is the use of:

• A blazer
• Tapered jeans or resin denim (coated denim which looks like leather)
• Embellished or detailed shoes (flats or heels)
• A flowy blouse or top

Using this simple formula I add accessories like necklaces, earrings, rings, bangles and clutches as I feel. This look is really very simple to go from day to night, either by vamping up an element of makeup or changing my hairdo but also from going from flats to heels, simple accessories to statement accessories. To start, the basics (pictures primarily sourced from current and past collections of Portmans, Forever New, Dotti, Just Jeans, Betts and ZU Shoes):




 

The colour and type of accessories you use will be dependant on the colours, fabrics and cuts used for your basic items. I favour my blazer in black, and dark denim or resin coated denim (usually come in gray or black) with shirts in any colour, most often something bright- white, pink, orange, patterned. I then use shoes that will blend or contrast including the use of glitter, textures or embellishment.

Using the outfit above, here are some accessories which add some glamour (from Equip Acessories).

 These accessories use the tonings of the outfit and complement whilst also drawing attention. I would use only two to three of these in order to achieve a minimalist look.

For example the ring, filigree drop earrings and the Ruby & Kit envelope clutch.

Using this look allows for simple and or more complex makeup and hair styles to be used (some examples are included below) but this is the time to have fun, use messy/bed hair, bold eye makeup red lips, have an intricate up do paired with barely there makeup. An outift like this becomes a canvas (albeit a well put together one) for you to explore with and add individual touches to.

What looks are you favouring? What looks would you like me to write about?

Kooklah, Xx

Inspire Me Monday

Some days just need a bit more spark. Something to lift the spirits, keep the mind focused on the plans and dreams yet to come. Give you a secret smile that will have others captivated and wondering what you are thinking about. So here goes, my list of five things that are inspiring me at the start of this week, something to make Monday not-so-blue.

Smelling of daisies...

 I have long wanted to own a bottle of 'Daisy' by Marc Jacobs, one of my friends once bought it a few years ago and I have always loved the smell. It is so fresh, light, girly. Perfect. I finally own it :)

Fashion in Colour...

The last few days I have been drawn to this colour combination (see below) and I crafting an outfit in it. I love the clean, fresh, minimalist and summery feel that using white, gold and turquoise acheives, it is also effortlessly stylish. Makes me feel like I should be sunning on the Greek Islands or sipping Sangria in Italy looking at good-looking Italian men. One of my summer style picks for sure!

Travel Inspiration...

We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet, lovers igniting a war between families, by William Shakespeare. This balcony in Verona, Italy is the balcony used as inspiration for that very story. Due to this, I have always wanted to spend a few days in Verona, looking up to that balcony and imagining Juliet looking down, to see the wall of love letters and to write my own.

A Light Laugh, or Two...

My brother and I are watching Seinfeld, in order. We have seen nearly every episode previously but not in the order they were first screened or released. It has become one of my favourite past-times and we are halfway through (goal is to finish it this year). Kramer-the hilarious, scattered and intriguing neighbour of Jerry is a brilliant creation whose madness sometimes makes your mind marvel.

Shoe-spiration...

I was shopping the other day and found a fabulous pair of shoes at one of my favourite shops ZU. They are called 'Sunrise' -white lace with silver sparkle, 14.5cm heel and 5.5cm platform which elongates my legs. They are beautiful shoes, a work of art. I am considering wearing them in Vegas.

What has inspired the start to your week? Kooklah Xx

Revlon Nail Enamel Trial...

Last week, a friend who I work with and I decided we would try the new addition to Revlon 's nail polish line called Revlon ColourStay Longwear Nail Enamel. This nail polish is a gel based type of enamel designed to last longer with less chips and cracks then regular nail polish. The creators have adapted the concept of Shellac (a gel like nail polish) which lasts for 2-3 weeks and created a retail version that can be done at home. I first saw the enamel advertised in Australian Cleo.

When applying the enamel it was quite thick and gluggy and was actually more difficult to apply then what I had first anticipated. I felt almost like I did the first time I had applied nail polish as a little girl, clumsy and awkward... It was due to the consistency of the enamel and how you not only had to use strokes to apply it but also to smooth it before it began to dry. I found using a base coat created a smoother surface to apply to, I then applied 2-3 coats of enamel and finished with a top coat to protect and increase shine.

Waiting for it to dry it was quite thick, looking like gel or acrylic nails, but once it dried it was flat, the colour deep and perfectly painted-plus great shine! Here is how they looked day one:

Bold Sangria (#260)

So the first day was pretty chilled, I had a day off round home, the next two days I worked 12hour shifts at work as an emergency nurse, both were full on and hectic, I certainly wasn't gentle or protective of my hands and nails. The next day I was spring cleaning and moving furniture around, followed by 2-3 days of days off with little manual labour and lots of hanging out at my friend's.
Here is how they looked after all of that:

Result: Pretty happy, they lasted perfectly (no chips, cracks, scratches) through two full on 12hour nursing shifts, moving furniture the next day (one or two chips happened) and a further three days. The Revlon Colourstay Longwear Nail Enamel lasted three times longer than regular nail polish. Verdict: Keeper. Worth the money, especially if you don't have alot of wear and tear to your nails.


Two friends of mine have also trialled the nail enamel and here is what they had to say:
A used Saucy (a red/gold colour) and said-
"I just got the brand new 'Saucy', and it's lasted a week... even with me at work for four days, ripping open boxes and stuff and getting my hands jammed in a really really strong magnet, they lasted and barely chipped at all. I'm really impressed. :) "

J used Passionate Pink (bright/hot pink) and said-
"I found it interesting to apply, really gluggy. Nice finish. They have lasted pretty well for 5-6 days. They were all good until I used exit mould [day 5] followed by another 12hour shift. Not too bad"

Have you used this enamel? If so, what are your thoughts?

Kooklah Xx
(If there are any other topics, aspects, products of beauty/accessories/styling that you would like me to review, please leave a comment or email me: kooklahstyle@gmail.com )

Inspire Me Monday...

Hi lovely readers! I love sharing this post of all the things inspiring me at the start of a week.
Sometimes you need something to make Monday not so blue.
Here are five things that have grabbed my interest and are sparking the start of my week....

WANDERLUST- let's go on a journey...

People have always told me that once you go overseas, the travel bug gets you. I already have it... All I can think of are ways to get out of here and go explore another land. And so it is....

Only as old as you feel...

I love this picture below, the two elderly people going about their day, their spirits inside are young, dancing, joyful. Though we get older with time passing on, we can still have a free, fun seeking spirit.

Sparkle* up the Ordinary...

I love some sparkle, and especially if you can add it to a piece from everyday life.

Team Tartan

Ever since I was a little girl with my tartan dress I have loved the pattern. These days I have a much beloved vintage jacket that is tartan and would love to master these nails one day....

A Blast from the Past

Lately I have started to re-watch Veronica Mars, I used to love it when I was a teenager and it first aired. Her quick wit and super sleuthing powers, all mastered whilst in school. Plus the main character's own mystery which drives most waking hours had me hooked.

What is inspiring your week? Kooklah Xx

Hint of Glamour- #2

So many of you liked the first Hint of Glamour post I wrote that I decided to make it a regular post series.

The focus today is, one of my favourite celebrities, Lauren Conrad (yes-I have Lauren fever!).

There are so many possible outfits or looks from Lauren that I could use for this post, but I am going to focus on two aspects in particular- the long-sleeved shift dress and low ponytail. Both are simple but elegant looks, which when used in combination offer a chic and classic look. This look is perfect for brunch with the girls, shopping or family parties but can also be glam for birthdays or nights out. Below I have included a few different outfits from Lauren using atleast one of these aspects. Lauren's low ponytail is often wavy, which adds a fun vibe whereas a straight, sleek low ponytail is perfect for work or to help achieve a minimalistic look (Click here for a fantastic blog on minimalism).

Lauren Look One: The Hills Season 6 (and series) Finale Party

Mid-rise ponytail, streamlined slightly volumised

height at the front teamed with loose waves.
This hairdo is fun and party perfect.

The dress is fitted without been too tight (allowing easy

movement), the green matches Lauren's eyes and pops

against her hair and skin tone. Nude pumps perfectly complete

the outfit. This is an outfit which easily goes from day to night









Lauren Look Two: Lauren Clothing Line Launch at Kohl's

Love! This look takes a glam and edgy ensemble
and combines the sleek hairdo with a perfect smokey eye.
The result is effortlessly chic, brilliant for a night out!

This is a trend I am planning on really trying out this winter!

Let me know what you think, do you like this look? Do you have a favourite 'Lauren Look?'

Would love to hear from you,

Kooklah Xx