summer brights

This summer I have made a really conscious effort to wear colour. I have also found that choosing to wear bright colours or a statement piece significantly improves my mood and outlook either for the day or just in general. Now don't get me wrong, I love the little black dress, I am a huge fan of darker clothing. Its so versatile. But in accordance with my new year outlook -this year is my year, the year to instigate change, make choices that are what I actually want. My favourite colours that I've been wearing? Red, pink, purple, blue, green...with sequins and glitter thrown in. If something makes you happy, wear it. It will give you a brilliant confidence boost, which will make other people notice .... Happy summer styling! K, Xx

building inner confidence

I love the saying "Always make an effort as you never know who you will meet". I think it provides a sense of hope but also motivation ... I know on difficult days I always feel better after abit of time focusing on me. Whether it's my makeup routine, styling my hair or putting together an outfit often I'll have music on as I do so, I leave feeling happy, confident and positive about myself and the day or night out will involve. This confidence or the smile it brings is what makes other people notice. You're more likely to make friends, meet a boy or have a positive impact on someone with this feeling - including creating a positive outlook for yourself. While it isn't solely makeup or clothes that can give you this boost.. I think they definitely help! Below is a list of items that make me feel confident and amazing 99% of the time * a pair of heels or wedges- boost height, highlight legs and make calf muscles stand out * a little black dress (lbd) -I have one that has a frill out the front and back and falls to just above knee length whilst skimming over problem areas. * my black skinny jeans- they are worn in and so comfortable * feminine underwear - frills, lace, or the new sequin /beaded bra I just bought from Kiss My Button Vintage (kissmybuttonvintage.com or facebook.com/kissmybuttonvintage) providing a secret boost! * a fitted yet not skin tight dress - my current face is a hot pink, v neck dress that falls above the knee, fitted around the bust and waist. Love it. * patterned stockings -define your legs and add a cute, sexy, cheeky feel. * perfume - smell good and other people notice. I love Anna Sui's babydoll, and Sarah Jessica Parker's lovely, the SJP perfume has actually resulted in people telling me how good I smell, long after I can smell sit-in if that doesn't make you feel good, what will? * combing my long eyelashes so they really stand out putting a couple flicks of mascara, instant eyeboost, Flirty eyes! * bronzer or blush, contours face, highlights cheekbones ..blush creates a feminine feel for me where bronzer makes me feel sexy and reminds me of summer * eyeliner -defines eyes * white eyeshadow- blend and the result is eyes that stands out, makes your eyes look bigger * free flowing straight, waved or loosely curled hair One of these or a combination is guaranteed to ensure an inner confidence for me personally, what does that for you? K, Xx

FashionBlues

Today I am having one of those days where nothing seems to fit right, nothing feels comfortable and my self esteem is low. These days are frustrating and really wreck your perception or views of things. I know I'm not the only one, my friends often say the same thing and I think, although it has always been an issue that people have dealt with, these days I think it is increased through the use of the media and the internet. There is no escape from the celebrity world where 'thin is best', I don't agree, there are many people who are not stick thin hut still look good and are beautiful. I always try to remember that we should be embracing individuality ....if we were all the same that would be boring. To make myself feel better I'm spending my day off doing things I enjoy including movies with some of the girls tonight where I can guarantee that no one is the same size, shape or has the same style. K, Xx

I love the elegant classic look. The use of simple aspects to create a flawless, stylish look. It can be easily achieved .. a classic chignon, a black dress, statement jewelry, a blended base for makeup with one or two features enhanced but it's also in the attitude, the look, the walk, how you act or smile. Less is more.

It's a no, no, NO from me..

My last post was about items I love, this is about the items I do not like. It's my own personal taste and this may come and go (I mean at one stage I didn't like wedges ...).
* Jeggings - I mean really? Jeans are so specific to shape, height, weight and stretchy legging /jeans are not flattering, except for maybe completely toned or skinny girls. These pants show up any imperfection and I really don't think it is confidence boosting. Like tights my friend assures me that they are comfortable for long drives or plane rides or for around the house ...this may be so but when you reach or are about to reach your destination try to change into something more flattering (can still be comfortable) especially if you are meeting someone important.

* Visible Panty Lines- (VPL) they look tacky and gives the impression that your clothes are ill-fitting. These days a variety of different types of underwear are available to prevent this. The most effective are seamless, streamlined undies available in all colours although the nude/skin coloured give the best no line effect under a multitude of outfits and fabrics including tight, sheer clothes and the dreaded white pants..

* Large amount of exposed cleavage - by all means flaunt what you have and use your assets to your advantage but less is more. Cleavage can be displayed tastefully, but as my Grandmother always told me, 'keep some mystery about yourself', if a guy can see everything on display constantly he will lose interest- no effort required, no chase. Some ways to intrigue while maintaining style and still look sexy are use some lace, , nicely draped clothing or details like ruching. These will accentuate curves in an elegant way. Also keep in mind the occasion, venue or company - no one wants to look like an escort at a family dinner, funeral, children's birthday party or work event.

*Ugg boots- no. Unless worn during camping, around the house, on school camps or retreats, drive-ins (For which I have my own). Or house parties... but it should end there, I don't care how many tassels, beads, wool, sequins, beads, zips are used to embellish them or how expensive they were, do not wear them out to a pub or club (I have seen it), an important party like a 21st or another event where dressing up is usually required, out to dinner or the shops or school.

*Tassels - they seemed to be on alot of things this winter- hats, shoes, shirts... not the best look outside of a rodeo or farm.

*Obvious bikini triangle tan lines- paired with strapless dresses it looks tacky and cheap (beach coverups are obviously different). I really dislike seeing someone. At a wedding or even dressed up, out in these beautiful dresses with large white triangles on their chest. Either alternate swimsuits or attempt to blend the tan (fake tan, gradual tanning moistuiser. Or moisturiser and bronzer.You could also wear a different dress!

* Super short shorts that have the pockets coming out the bottom of the pants. You look like you can't afford clothing, you may as well not be wearing clothes, it looks undignified and cheap.

* Dresses /skirts over jeans - not a great look, probably uncomfortable too. Makes you look bulky and hobo but not in a chic way.

* Wearing heels you can't walk in- this is a MASSIVE fashion NO. If you cannot walk in the shoes do not buy them, or practice walking in them until you can before you wear them. It doesn't look impressive, you look uncomfortable and silly, who would wear something that makes them lose a skill they gained before they were two? I wear heels quite regularly and if they are particularly high or difficult I still do a couple of laps of my house. If you can pull them off and walk or dance in them properly you will look confident and sexy (your legs will look amazing too)!

* Unblended makeup - makes you look like you couldn't be bothered to look nice, makes you look fake and everyone -guys included- will notice. Take the time to shop around for a base colour similar to your skin tone and blend as you apply. Powder and primer will also help create a flawless base that will look great on its own or enhance the rest of your makeup. Moisturiser will also ensure hydrated skin and reduce imperfections which are harder to cover or blend over.
K, Xx

current obsession

My current fashion obsessions are: * tapered jeans- classic favourite and one I have loved for years. Looks great with band shirts, blazers, cropped jackets, floaty tops, slouchy knit jumpers (e.g Meredith Grey or Carrie Bradshaw) and look amazing with ankle boots or stilettos * rouched sleeves- add flattering detail to otherwise boring tops. Works on t-shirts or longer shirts. I team mine with a tapered leg to balance my silhouette *stilettos - ankle boot style with zips and studs with open heel, lace peeptoe ankle boots, coloured stilettos (current colours I am liking include red, black, tan, green purple and blue. *maxi dresses/skirts - add class, femininity to a look. Available in all kinds of styles from basic beach cover ups, to floaty florals perfect for bbqs or outdoor concerts, to dressy formal Maxis. I am 5"2 and have 3maxi dresses and one maxi skirt currently in my wardrobe. Belts are a great addition as you can add one to help shorten the dress to avoid stepping all over it. But varying lengths can be found. * costume jewelry - huge cocktail rings that cover half your hand with embellished aspects, dangly chandelier earrings, long necklaces with beads, chains or material. In my jewelry I love silver or white gold but for costume jewelry I always gravitate to gold. I have no idea why. I also live big studs. * scarves- in the space of four months I went from owning one to eight. Long ones, fluffy ruffled grey, red wool (my current favourite as it's a long bit of attached wool that you place over your head like a necklace and twist) * clutch purses- I like a unique look, whether big, tiny, bright coloured, additions such as buckles, zips, chains... *coats- I love blazers, dressed up open jackets/cardigans, leather jackets and coats. Have the most amazing red winter coat which I bought in Melbourne in August. Happy shopping! Please comment, especially if you have a topic of interest or question for me K, Xx

Fashion Inspiration

My Inspiration...  

These women below all inspire or influence my own style and I thought I would share them with you.

The famous Audrey up-do. I love the height!

I love the classic, elegant look and am always aiming for that

. 

The catlike eyes, the smile. This makeup look is so iconic.

I have always played up my eyes more so than my lips, I have really long eyelashes and expressive eyes so I try to make the most of what my best friend calls 'flirty eyes'. I think it also works with the classic look I aim for when I am going to an event such as a wedding. 

 Elizabeth Taylor.

Bold makeup and I am also inspired by her eyes, even with the red lipstick I am drawn to the way she has made her eyes stand out. She has strong eyebrows too, like Audrey which I think frames the face and makes someone take notice.

Drew Barrymore. This woman is a huge inspiration to me. She is so comfortable in her own skin and firmly stands by who she is. She has said "You are your own person with a right to make decisions that sometimes won't please other people".. I think this confidence comes through in her style. She also has such a great almost effortless girly quality.

She also has an edge which I love as I enjoy breaking out the bandshirt and jeans look

Marilyn Monroe.

She embodied a womanly look, embracing her curves. I read in an article that in today's society she would be 'too big for hollywood'. I think she is amazing. She wrote poems and manuscripts which have since been collected and put into books, what I have read shows how smart and insightful she was.

Blake Lively.
She has so much energy which comes across in all of her photos. 

                                She always manages to look trendy, amazing and confident.

Lauren Conrad.
I enjoy looking at Lauren's style because she also follows a classic look as a basis to forming her outfits. Out of all the episodes on her show she never wore the exact same outfit twice, she styled herself and managed to put a twist on or create new outfits. Looking fabulous every time.

****

I think it is important to have people who inspire your own style or fashion choices. It helps to highlight what kind of clothes or looks you like personally and makes it easier to then go and select clothes and accessories which fit that style. I'm off to look through one of my favourite little boutiques, it's my birthday dinner this week- so I want to look and feel amazing.

K, x

Wear How You Feel...

Fashion is absolutley a way to showcase your mood and personality. If you want someone to be able to look at you and get a certain vibe- flirty, girly, approachable, easygoing, risk taking, the important thing to consider is the simplest way to get the message across. You don't want someone to look at you and feel confused.

For me it all depends on what I am doing or where I am going combined with how I feel that day. I always like to put my own spin on things, I am a big follower of using colours to make an impact. I don't like to match my shoes to my outfit, I like to take a chance both in life and with my clothes. A few weekends ago I went to an outdoor rock concert, the weather was hot, I felt good and despite my usual 'uniform' to that type of show e.g. band shirt and pants with closed in shoes, wild hair I took a different turn. I wore mid-thigh denim shorts, black short-sleeved wrap shirt, gladiator sandals, massive sunglasses and straight free hair. I felt fantastic and had such a great time.

There is little worse than putting on an outfit, getting to your destination and realising you are uncomfortable or don't like how you look in what you have on. I find this will ruin my day/night very quickly, I start to feel self conscious, uptight and annoyed.. really not the kind of person anyone wants to spend time with!

Another thing that I think is a big fashion NO is when people- and I mean mainly girls- ask each other what they are wearing. I don't mean in the sense of working out an acceptable dress code (especially if you have never been to the venue before) or if the weather is creating clothing choice chaos, no I mean 'lets ask each other what we are wearing so we can look exactly the same'. It doesn't make sense to me. Why would you want to go out and look the same as everyone else that you are with? Let me tell you it will be confusing for the guy who thinks your cute, can you not dress yourself? Or do you just not have a personality? If you look the same he may also mistake you for your friend. I totally agree with 'ok, what sort of thing like casual top and jean style clothes or dresses/skirts' but then once you have determined that-if you need to- this is your chance to put your own spin on it!! If all the girls wear flats but you want more height (and coming from a vertically challenged person its a big benefit!) WEAR the heels, if you normally wear blacks/greys/blues but your feeling festive break out that hot pink or sunny yellow cocktail dress. Clothes are not meant to be boring, I love it when I wear something and I stand out just that bit that everyone wants to know where I have gotten it from.

High-end, opshop, online retail, chain stores, DIY projects...there is this massive industry that shows trends whilst also supporting individuality and mixing and matching. Get out there. Embrace it, Feel it, Wear it.

K, x.

Tulle?

So I have ordered a tulle tutu skirt from an online shop called Kiss my Button Vintage {http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1427664334#!/kissmybuttonvintage}. It looks lovely.
White. Short. And ballet dancer cum beauty queen. I love it. And I also love that it reminds me alittle of the Carrie Bradshaw skirt in the opening credits of Sex and the City.
I plan on wearing it classic with towering heels and a singlet top but also mixing it up with one of my tour shirts and bangles.
I am so excited! It got sent today, so should get it in a day or two!
It has made me wonder tho, as this is my second tulle purchase in a few months. The dress I am planning on wearing to my 21st has a big tulle skirt with many layers. IS tulle BACK??

I have noticed quite a few people wearing it, talking about it, looking for it. Is the favourite material of fairy princess costumes from years long gone returning? I have always said my favourite age is 4! So maybe I'm subconciously buying items that have that magic feeling those dresses did.

All I know is I plan on wearing it everywhere-shops, dinners, clubs. A girl should find enjoyment from clothes and I plan on loving this item!
X

A little culture goes a long way...

This weekend, on Saturday I went out for a much anticipated breakfast on Darby St with my model friend. It was one of those sunny, really hot days that make you want to lie in the sun all day and listen to music and laugh with friends. A beautiful spring day that makes you even more excited for summer.

Darby St is a collection of little boutiques-designer to vintage and cafes with a few bars and pubs. Think Brunswick St in Melbourne. It is culture central; musos, artists, models, designers eat, play and work here.
It was at this breakfast, on this sunny day where this exhibition of culture was most obvious.

All different styles were on show...eclectic, vintage, on-trend, past seasons, indie and designer brands. No one girl looked the same but they all had something in common-they looked confident, stylish and beautiful. Most of all they had belief in what they were wearing and were comfortable. All of them had different body shapes and were different heights, which affirmed my thinking that no-one should look the same.

When your at school everyone seems to want to fit in, to look the same, talk the same and do the same things. Now I fell into this trap too, until I met a friend who had so much confidence in what she wore and how she wore it that I wanted to be that confident with my clothes as well. From then on, I followed what I liked from new trends and kept my trusty basics. I was in my prime in highschool when I met a group of friends, many musos and artists who had such varied style. It was really inspiring.

Sitting on Darby with my friend-the both of us wearing completley different styles, I was blown away by the culture I was seeing and the mixes of the types of culture. And I remembered the Coco Chanel quote "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." {Quote obtained from- http://thinkexist.com/quotations/fashion/}.
I believe this, your culture is something that can provide a definition about you, it is where you are from, who you know, what you do...it is only natural for your culture, your beliefs and your values to influence and infiltrate into your fashion choices.

It's exciting really, to put an indvidual mark on clothing. To twist the way it is meant to be worn and make it your own. Take the runway for example- those bigger than life pieces seem so unrealistic and usually end up different on the hanger. This is because the designer is allowing you to experience the concepts and styles in their rawest and most pure forms. Breathtaking, exciting and edgy.

I love to look at what people are wearing-what accessories or layers they have chosen, does it match, clash or complement. I have often walked up to complete strangers to tell them they look amazing. You deserve to know, I love it when someone does it to me. I believe everyone can look amazing, you have to believe it, choose clothes and accessories which work for you and most of all sell it.

Think of your everyday life as your own personal runway, people are out there noticing what you are wearing and how you are wearing it. Make your mark, make them notice how you are wearing the clothes, the clothes are not wearing you. and remember, just like on Darby St, a little culture goes a long way...