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



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

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

Anticipation for Beauty..

As anyone who knows me or reads my blogs would know, one of my favourite celebrities is Lauren Conrad. She is one of my icons- for style, beauty and etiquette. Very classy.

I have a hardcopy of 'Style', Lauren's first book on tips, tricks, hits and misses, it is a great guide to sorting out what your own individual style is as well as providing fantastic ideas to try. I am eagerly awaiting the release of another guide called 'Beauty' (see below for the cover). Anyone who watched 'The Hills' will be greatly anticipating 'Beauty' as well- the winged tip eyeliner, perfect (and SENSATIONAL) waved hair, red lips, smooth skin, defined eyebrows and updos for nights out.

Lauren has also stated that she will be including her less then fine moments, which I think is really commendable, it means that she recognises that style and beauty are constantly changing, you learn and grow with your individual tastes and learn from mistakes. I know I definitely have made many, but they have enabled me to improve.. mostly it is just looking back that you notice it-looking at photos and cringing. Below are a few style or beauty misses I have been guilty of over the years:

*  Blue eyeshadow- not in a blended, coloured smokey eye way but in year 8 I LOVED wearing bright blue eyeshadow, with everything. I thought I rocked it... at the time.
*  Just below the knee ugg-boots.. Yep I grew up (in high school), with that trend. Me and my best friend had a matching latte coloured pair with fur/wool at the top of the boot and shoelaces that tied up the side of the boot. Oh dear.
*  Overaccessorising- when I was younger it was multiple bracelets, a necklace, earrings.. Coco Chanel was right, less is more. Or using a eye-catching statement piece that is bold and requires no other
* Tights as pants. Now (unless I am in the comfort of my own home), I use tights paired with dresses, oversized shirts/jumpers where the garment come to atleast mid thigh.

I do not regret any of these as they have all gotten me to the style I have now, I'm not saying it is perfect but I am definitely better at putting together an outfit and often get friends asking for advice or assistance.

I cannot wait to add this book to my collection of style, beauty and fashion guides, lookbooks and how-tos. I use them to learn more about these areas, dicover new tricks or perfect a skill. Coming up in a couple of posts time I am going to be talking about Nina Garcia, currently working at Marie Claire in America as 'Fashion Director', who has some fabulous style tips-which she has released four books about!

Do you have a fashion guide/book/guru who inspires your style and/or the way you achieve it? If so, who and why?

Kooklah Xx

Inspire me Monday

Inspire me Monday, because sometimes you need something to make Monday not so blue. Five things that have grabbed my interest and are sparking the start of my week....

(This is a 'co-post' with my personal blog- Kooklah Check it out!!)

Get Lost in the Music- Trial Kennedy, the Final Tour

(One of my favourite indie bands on the Australian Scene, saying goodbye at one last show)

Hairspiration- Braided Topknots

(Such a cute, fun and original take on one of my favourite hairstyle the topknot.

Check out my post on topknots: The Carrie Bradshaw Bun)

Wanderlust- New York City Calling

(Have a trip booked for September in New York City is one of the destinations!

So excited, cannot wait to explore the city I've been dreaming of all these years. Getting butterflies everytime it's mentioned! See this post on NYC as my money saving inspiration)

Look at ME Legs- Embellished Stockings

(A trend full of style, individuality and Sparkle... Click here for more)

Guilty Pleasure Read- Sugar and Spice

(Third novel in the L.A Candy Series by Lauren Conrad)

What is your favourite OR what is giving you inspiration at the start of the week? Check out my personal blog Kooklah, or look me up and follow me on Pinterest. Hope your week started well!


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?