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!}

 

Diamanté Peacock Ring {LOVISA}

 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

 

As always you can find For the Style Seeking Girl on Facebook and Instagram

 





Introducing: Exquisite Jewels for Hire ...

'genuine vintage, high fashion, genuine diamond and designer jewellery'

I love to find something new.. a product or trend, a new store or company, and when I do - I want to SHARE it with everyone! So this post has really been a long time in the making. I remember I first came across Exquisite Jewels for Hire on Facebook after I saw the page come up in my news feed. As internet browsing often does, I ended up spending over half an hour on the page. I was hooked. I read all about the collection Helena has, and why she started hiring out and selling pieces from the collection, read more on the About page.

By Helena's own admission, she has collected a varied and large personal collection of jewels which are vintage {or vintage-inspired} and costume jewellery from many designers, it is from these designers that YOU can hire and possibly buy. Some designers are Charles Winston, Musi, Chanel, Givenchy and Gucci....

Makes me want to hyperventilate! I am looking forward to hiring some jewels - but first to work out an occasion. Although, when is not a good time to be wearing something so luxurious?

Exquisite Jewels for Hire was started with a focus on sharing a passion of a love of beautiful jewellery through the hiring out of high end accessories, from within the personal collection. Helena told me that from when she was young she was collecting and instead of letting the amazingly beautiful pieces sit in a box, she would make them available to others to enjoy.

In this fabulous collection there is over 20, 000 pieces. I cannot wait to visit the showroom and have a look through these pieces - and report back to you all... I asked if there was a favourite piece, but of course as you can imagine from what amount there would be many favourites. The collection will grow too! Helena is always looking for pieces to add to her showroom.

Not only are accessories available, but also Bejewelled Bouquets.

Not only can you hire out from the showroom {please look to the Facebook page for contact details} but Helena also offers her services for personal consultations where the aim is to provide the best accessory to provide the desired look for the outfit or event. Many a bride has sought from this collection. Not to mention Miss Universe finalists. Exquisite Jewels for Hire have contributed to some big events including Sydney Bridal Expo, Maitland Relay for Life Ball, The Ronald McDonald House Newcastle Ball and for Rhonda Hemmingway {Bridal Couture} attending Mike Munro's {60 Minutes} 60th Birthday.

When I asked Helena what was the proudest moment {or one of} for her with her business I was pleasantly surprised to hear it was when her clients were happy and loved the finished look. I love people who enjoy helping and making people happy.

As if you needed anymore encouragement, look at these glorious headpieces!

Enjoy looking through the pictures, and make sure to contact Helena if you would like a consultation or want to visit the showroom - I certainly will be + follow up with a post about my experience! Sarah/Kooklah xo

Wednesday Wishlist...

I am often looking in stores, online or at things other people are wearing thinking something like - 'I want that' or 'I'd love that' ... on my various Pinterest boards I collect shots of pictures of many items and have a wishlist board too. This spurred on the idea of regular posts of a wishlist nature. So here is is, the first For the Style Seeking Girl Wednesday Wishlist post! Enjoy....

A Dream Closet...

 The gorgeous Jennifer Hudson showed Ellen late last year her dream closet. One of my best friends recently showed me the video and I fell in love! I had been talking to my friend about how I have always wanted my wardrobe to be a ROOM. Jennifer created hers to look like a boutique so she would feel like she was shopping everyday. It is pure luxury, with lounges, a chandelier, huge mirrors and purple/white theme with carpet floors. Absolutley amazing, for the interview clip - click here

 

 

 

A Maxi Dress from BooHoo

 Boo Hoo is one of my favourite online stores. Their clothes are so stylish and beautiful. I own quite a few things purchased from this site. In particular I have had my eye on their maxi dresses, I love a good maxi dress and the one called Felicity is fabulous... I would love to have this for my trip to Europe. I think it would be such a lovely item to have and could be so easily dressed up with wedges, accessories and a jacket aswell as easily worn with gladiator sandals. The Felicity Maxi only has limited sizes are available but there are many more beautiful options!

 

 

An Infinity Bracelet

I have been looking for an infinity bracelet that is stylish and not tacky. Through the power of instagram I have found an online boutique called Open Closet ... They have some amazing accessories (plus clothing and shoes). The infinity bracelet is sleek and beautiful! I want, I want!

 

Amazing Eyeliner

I love using liquid eyeliner to create winged eyes (anyone who reads this blog can attest to that!)

My favourite make up brand Australis Cosmetics have come up with a fantastic eyeliner to enhance your ability to apply eyeliner without making mistakes. It fits comfortably in your hand, is long lasting with intense cover. I really cannot wait to get some and try it out! Check out - The Curve

 

 

 

Do you have wishlist items? What do you think of these? I'd love to hear from anyone who owns or has tried out these products .... I am very very keen to try them! Venture over to Facebook and check out our page - For the Style Seeking Girl or follow me on instagram @saregiak

 

Sarah/Kooklah Xo

 

March Style Madness Week Four- Wrap UP!

As you should all by now know -  I am thoroughly obsessed and fascinated by the Fox In Flats and the beautiful foxy woman behind it all, Andrea. The guidelines of the style dare are pretty simple, you look at the list of prompts that Andrea provides which are allocated to particular days. Then, using that prompt, you style a look or outfit, and share on facebook, instagram, twitter, your blog - where is up to you! Use the hashtag #foxinflatsstyledare so people can find your shots. There are a huge amount of people who take part so the more unique or 'outside the box', the better!

March's prompts:

 

Week Four consisted of lots of eyeliner, black, accessories and total styling fun! Here are the shots from this week (23.03.13 - 31.03.13) which I share on instagram (@saregiak) then linked to facebook and twitter (@sarahgiak). These dares have opened me up to a whole new world of real women who love and enjoy beauty, fashion and styling ...great to connect with these women, we have begun following each other - I look forward to certain women's uploads. Truth be told, we are a foxy lot!

 

Day Twenty Three - Rock Chic

 

Rock Chic-k ...loooooved this day! Nothing better then dressing with edge and making an impact! I took inspiration from one of my favourite rock chicks Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders ... rough quiff, dark eyes, red lips, pleated peplum top, black jeans and black ankle boots with zips. I chose a song to pair with this (also from The Pretenders), 'Brass in Pocket' "Got something, I'm winking at you ... Gonna make you, may you, make you notice..."

 

Day Twenty Four - Zipped Up

 

One of my favourite clutches, tiered metallic material with zips. A great size and adds something a little different to an outfit. Can wear with a casual outfit as well as for more formal occasions

 

Day Twenty Five - Silver

 

This was a complete random pick for an outfit - was chosen as one of the highlight pics of the day by Andrea and I have decided I will be packing it for my Europe trip. I paired it with black jeans and basic ballet flats. A matte silver slouchy t-shirt and embellished silver flower necklace. LOVE!

 

Day Twenty Six - Bed Head

Bed hair- this day was a much needed excuse for a stylised bed head look.. quiff, weave, twist and a sneaky plait or two... no styling tools or brushes used.

 

Day Twenty Seven - Pearls

 

This is one of my favourite necklaces, a four strand pearl tiered necklace. Mid-length joining the strands is a bar of diamontes, adds a bit of spark. I have used this necklace to dress up as Holly Golightly for a Valentine's Day viewing of Breakfast at Tiffanys one year. This day I paired with a simple black shift dress and wayfarers ... an easy way to dress similar to Audrey's Holly...

 

Day Twenty Eight - Black Beauty

 

I had a long 12hour shift this day so I decided to focus on my makeup for this style dare. I used black liquid eyeliner with a slight cat-eye and some grey eyeshadow. Added a touch of gold eyeliner to add some pop and provide contrast with the black. Some slicks of black mascara and the look is complete.

 

Day Twenty Nine - Memory Clothes

 

A lightweight button up shirt (plaid flanno inspired) worn open over a blank tank top and black skinny jeans. This outfit reminds me instantly of year 12 and the group I hung out with - music lovers and musicians with a love for house parties ... one of the greatest and fun times of my life. Andrea chose this as one of the highlight shots for this day. I used my London travel book as a contrast between the past, present and future. Will be taking this shirt with me on my travels...

 

Day Thirty - My Mini Me

 

My Mini-Me is absolutely my cousin Isabella. I adore this little girl and we've had a special bond her whole life. She's picked up things like 'always carry lip gloss and tissues, wear a cardi and own a clutch' from me ... on this day she was away and I slept all day as I was between nightshifts. So I decided to pay homage to the many occasions where we've dressed alike. My favourite is my 21st - three photos in this collage where she's in a pink dress and I am in a nude tulle dress - she told me that day that she 'had to buy a new dress because you did' and danced the night away with me and my friends. She is gorgeous and makes my world better.

 

Day Thirty One - Shiny

 

A silver beaded necklace that I had for a long time and barely worn. Great for some sparkle to distract from night shift tired eyes and no makeup. Loved it with a soft pink top, will be packing this to take away as I feel this will be a very easy accessory to add impact, especially after late nights!

 

 

I LOVE these challenges and am into April's Style Dare from Fox In Flats ... considering I am about to travel in two months I am finding so many outfit options or ways to lift an existing outfit combination to make it even better. It is not too late to join in for April! Either start tomorrow from Day Two or just catch up (quickly snap a pic for the Day One prompt and then move on). Let me know if you join the challenge so I can look out for you! I tag my shots with #foxinflatsstyledare and #forthestyleseekinggirl , feel free to do the same and I will definitely see them. Join the fun!

 

Here are April's prompts:

 

 

Look forward to seeing the shots for this month!  I definitely think the bar has raised! Take the plunge- I DARE YOU! Join us on Facebook - For the Style Seeking Girl

 

Sarah/Kooklah Xo

 

 

 

FABruary Week One!

I love a photo challenge... they feed my instagram addiction! (find me @saregiak)... I have been an eager participant in Photo a Day by Fat Mum Slim where you are given a word or three and have to take a photo - capturing or inspired by the prompt and share it on your chosen social medium(s). I will publish a post over the next couple of days with January's photos and start doing updates on what I have posted for February....

But this post is about a completley different challenge. A style challenge created by Andrea the wonderful woman behind Fox in Flats encouraging and assisting mothers to keep up their style and be inspired by fashion! I Love this site. I am not a mother, but as a full time worker I find the tips and tricks on this site to be incredibly useful, and totally inspiring as a relatively newbie trying to breakthrough into the world of styling and blogging.

So February, is now Fabruary (click the link to check out Andrea's post)... one item or prompt listend for each day, all you have to do is use the item or prompt and style it within or as your outfit.. So much fun! A challenge too when I have a structured work uniform (scrubs) and I try to think outside the box or atleast aim to showcase my individual style so it stands out from all the thousands of uploaded photos. It also means that you can push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new styles or items you have kept 'just in case'.
I love that the hashtag (#fabruary and #foxinflats) has opened me up to another aspect of the styling world I love, I get to obsess over styling and fashion every single day. Below are the prompts followed by the first seven days I have so far completed...

Fabruary Week One! From Fox in Flats .. 01.02.13-07.02.13

 

Day One: Sunglasses

Vintage Styled Leopard Print Sunglasses (perfect stylish look to cover day after nightshift eyes!)

 

 

Day Two: Glitter

Anyone who knows me is well aware that glitter or shimmer in my makeup is nothing new.. But rarely (except for new years eve and a night in Las Vegas in 2012) have I created an entire 'eye' out of glitter. I was in a smokey eye mood this day, so created it all out of glitter using products from Australis, Kat Von D and UrbanColour Makeup... with made up brows of course!

 

Day Three: Checks/Plaid

Had so many options but settled on a vintage cropped jacket I purchased two and a half years ago from an opshop (steal at $10).. Has a tweed look with some mauve through it - perfect with my new mani (which I got on day one). Loved the look, hadn't worn this item in 2 years!

 



Day Four: Ponytail.

The aim was to break away from your standard or go-to pony. I went for a 90s flashback -think almost baby spice or the like. Was a very fresh feeling look and I loved the compliments I recieved! Will add it to my own looks now. Had a side part which turned into two twists, scrunched pony for some body and hair wrapped around/concealing elastic.

 

 

Day Five: Leather

Vintage Jacket I had originally purchased from Kiss My Button Vintage paired with a long, slouchy t-shirt and blue accessories with naturally curled hair.. No makeup as off to get a facial!

 

 

Day Six: Green

Had to go to work for a long-ish shift... had to be a bit subtle with the green so put on my black eyeliner - with winged tips of course and then 'shadow lined' that eyeliner with mint green eyeliner.. Loved it SO much that I have added flecks of green since then!

 

 

Day Seven: Statement Earrings

I had a 12hour shift at work and cannot wear long earrings. So at first I was stumped. BUT...today I wore statement studs.. well to be honest, I don't even think they can be called studs! Each one is as big as my thumb, they are Leopards - black and gold- with holes for a mouth cut out. I got so many comments on them today, so they definitely created some impact!

 

 

 

Have you joined FABruary?? If so, please comment where you are uploading and I will keep an eye out for your pictures! I will do a weekly roundup for the next three weeks but you can check in daily via instagram (@saregiak) or twitter (@sarahgiak). Which day do you like best so far?

 

Kooklah Xx

 

Hint of Glamour #4

How many of you have tried something on, had someone gasp and say 'that's your colour!!'? Pretty much all of you I'm guessing. It can be really useful to know what colours make your features POP and create some wow factor before you have even managed to untangle your glorious bed hair or swipe on some makeup. This colour (or colours) will become fail safe options - when you look into that wardrobe and no inspiration comes your way or you are having a bad day and hate your body/face/hair. By the time you are through accessorising you will be so into the outfit that you'll wonder why you struggled in the first place.

By using these colours not only as guidance for outfits to showcase your stunning self but also as pick me ups and back up ideas for outfits, you are reducing the risk of running out of time getting ready and feel amazing as you head out to face the day!

 

My colours are red, emerald green and royal blue (helps also that I have dark hair and eyes too, I think!)... and I am regretfully guilty of the mad dash of getting ready. Usually because I can look into my overflowing cupboard and say 'I have nothing to wear'.


So what could be the solution? To have atleast one outfit as my fail safe - not just the colour but accessories and makeup ideas too. Preferably an outfit that can go from day to night with a change of shoes.

To get some inspiration I searched through some websites and came across a blog called POPPED, it is a great blog that has a wide variety of posts all within the pop culture genre, including celebrity news, reviews of movies, outfits worn, hairstyles, trends and funny posts. As I was reading and laughing at some of the observations in this blog I found a post that sparked some inspiration for what my standby outfit could entail. The post featured two actresses in the gowns they wore at the Golden Globes with belts. I was inspired by the colour (red) and the use of belts. For the post from POPPED, 'Hot Trend Alert' click here.

I know, I know belts with dresses was huge over a year ago - but it has come back and I am loving it more then ever. They help to add definition to your waist, break up the colour and I feel they add some class. Below is a picture of a shift dress I recently scored for $20. This will be my fail safe item, with accessories to make an outfit.

Below are three options: casual, dressy and formal - add my standard winged tipped eyeliner, some blush and scrunched/volume hair and I will be able to get ready and walk out the door in less then 30 minutes.

What I loved about the Golden Globes outfits is the use of metallic belts -  I am seeking one now! I want to see how compatible it will be with my wardrobe...

To see how this look was styled for a formal occasion make sure you click the links and have a look at the post: Hot Trend Alert from POPPED ....

This look can be adapted with any colour, but don't be afraid to try some red and boldly stand out! Red suits a variety of skin tones and hair colours, it all depends on the shade. So before you dismiss it as not your colour, try it!

Kooklah Xx

 

KUSHLA - Product Review

KUSHLA is an Australian online accessories store. They have selected certain pieces of jewellery and accessories that are special and different to any you will have seen before. What I found fantastic about their collection is that there is a very limited number for each item sold. The idea behind this is to create a sense of individuality or uniqueness, don't you love it? There won't be a thousand people with the same item as you!

In 2012 the lovely people of KUSHLA contacted me asking would I take part in their launch, I was excited as this was something new for me, I hadn't had many emails for the blog at that stage and it definitely spurred me on to making a great effort with my blog. At the start of this year, I recieved my first piece of physical mail for the blog, I could touch it, I was so thrilled. It was addressed to my blog - so huge for a girl who started this blog to satisfy herself. I had recieved a package, I opened it to find a letter offering an accessory from their current collection.



The accessory I was given, is called 'All Tied Up Rope Bracelet' ($21.99). As soon as I opened the package I felt something. This piece reminded me of travelling, collecting memories and moments that form the glorious stories you recount when you return home.

What I love about this piece is the collection of charms and various other items that are attached to the rope. There are faux pearls/jewels, a piece of shell, as well as the charms which include a key, horseshoe, heart, bow and enamel tokens. It looks like the small trinkets you could collect at markets and stalls whilst walking the streets of far away destinations.

This piece comes in a variety of colours, as depicted on the site you can wear them woven around your wrist or ankle (layer a couple for a bohemian feel, or take inspiration from my post Hint of Glamour #3 and combine with other bangles and bracelets). Nothing says traveller like rope bracelets that are intriguing and spark memories or questions. Other ways to style this accessory include using it as a key ring, attaching to the strap of your handbag or across body bag (essential when travelling!), tying it in a bow on your suitcase handle - you will easily identify it at baggage claim, attaching it to your travel journal or hanging it by your holiday pictures. This would be a fantastic gift to give someone who is about to depart overseas, they could even add their own charms and trinkets to it!


 

I hope you enjoy looking through the Kushla website and current collection as much as I have... I am so excited to see the future collections and hope to work with them again some day! Please comment or email me with any comments you have! Especially if you have or do try a piece of the collection. Communicate with them on twitter/instagram via #KUSHLA and @kushlasocial or via the Kushla facebook page.


Kushla also featured in my latest Inspire Me Monday post, to read it click here

Happy Online Shopping and Styling!
Kooklah Xx