Style Seeking Silence

So I have been pretty M.I.A on this blog for the best part of a month. For that I really apologise. I have had some pretty stressing personal things happening and needed to make the time to be with family and help out. Due to this I did not have the time, focus or energy to spend on creating, formatting and publishing posts how I normally would have.

I had to make a decison to forgo little, half-hearted posts as I have really tried to make this blog about quality and not have a heavy emphasis on quantity. I will definitely be amping up my posting as much as I can in the next two weeks as I will be overseas on a holiday next month and will publish posts occasionally during this time but will be mainly living it (and shopping it) up - then reporting back of course!
While I have been absent from publishing here, I kept up regular posting on my instagram feed - if you love this blog and don't already follow or look out for me on instagram - you really should (look for @saregiak and click follow for daily style tidbits, quotes and a look into my life). I have kept up April Style Dare by Fox in Flats and am thoroughly enjoying May's Style Dare - you should really join this style dare, fashion and beauty loving, foxy/sexy/fun-loving community if you: a) love fashion b) want to push your boundaries c) want to add life (or rekindle the life) of your wardrobe. We all try not to buy anything new JUST to complete a dare! The daily prompts make me think outside the box...

So now that I have apologised for my silence - and I hope you are all still reading (I have noticed a good amount of readership filtering through which I really appreciate!) as there have been some exciting things coming our way lately! I have a few projects in the works... more on some of these as they develop in future posts!

As for now?

Here are some posts/things you can expect from For the Style Seeking Girl in the next two weeks:
{in no particular order}
* 5 quick/much needed Travel essentials - beauty and fashion
* Logies wrap up
* Product Reviews - Laura Mercier, Australias, Bite
* 5 of my favourite and go -to beauty products
* Introduction post to Exquisite Jewels for Hire
* How-To Style: Grunge
* How-To Beauty: Winged-Eyeliner
* Campaign for a Cause - Kiss Goodbye to MS!

As always - please email me kooklahstyle@gmail.com or comment below with any queries, questions or thoughts.. find me on twitter @sarahgiak @styleseekgirl or on instagram @saregiak
Click here for our Facebook page.

Look forward to writing for you... I've missed my 'Little blog that could...'
Kooklah/Sarah



*** Sarah loves styling and planning events. Is studying wedding planning and consultancy. She is available for beauty, fashion, styling or wedding product reviews, brand ambassadorship, collaboration, sponsored posts or guest posts. Email kooklahstyle@gmail.com for a media kit (can be made available as soon as possible). If you think For the Style Seeking Girl could be a good fit for your brand or company - we would love to hear from you! Xo

Be Kind & Love Yourself...

Often our days are busy with errands and jobs to tick off a list, doing things for other people and going to work/school/uni - nothing completely wrong with these but they do result in a decreased energy flow and drain from our body's resources.

This has a direct affect on your mood. You become tired, cranky and irritable. I have written on For the Style Seeking Girl's 'sister' blog Kooklah about the importance of taking care of yourself - physically, mentally and emotionally - read my post on Self Care here. One of the best ways for an instant perk are to change your hair colour/style, take a walk along the beach and smell some flowers.

Another great idea is to indulge in some pampering - for yourself. Yes that's right I want you to be kind to yourself, I even want you to love yourself. This can involve spending some moolah on yourself or it can be done at home with simple remedies or DIY tasks.

If you are choosing to keep your money tree full then try some of these ideas!
* Take a longer bath or shower but make it more luxurious, add some candles, your favourite music, a glass or wine (or beer for those shower-beer drinkers) and a nice smelling scrub.
* Treat yourself to a manicure - can be as simple as just painting your nails, but why not add some moisturiser to rub into your hands and cuticles or add a feature nail?
* Have an early nights sleep
* Do your hair or makeup in a different style, and allow more time so that you actually enjoy the act of taking pride in your looks instead of rushing through it like yet another chore
* Use at home remedies to make your own beauty products like scrubs and exfoliants (click here for a post on how to make these as well as tips on some different ingredients)

Today I made sure that I treated myself (after baking a caramel slice for the family) and had an hour afternoon pamper session at my favourite salon Little Miss Gorgeous ... I used a voucher I had recieved as a gift and I used it on threading (will be doing a post on that soon) and a manicure. I chose a bronzed glitter polish with a matte finish - an edgy look with a side of girly!

What a brilliant way to kickstart my week off!
What have you done for yourself today? One last thing, don't forget what Audrey Hepburn said:

Kooklah Xx (Facebook page)
find me on instagram @saregiak & Twitter - @styleseekgirl or @SarahGiak

Inspire Me Woman - Sarah Giakoumatos

I am woman, hear me roar...

My name is Sarah, I am the creator/writer of this blog - something that started as me writing for myself on topics I was interested in. Below are some questions I will answer, these are the questions I put to some other women, women I find inspiring and in who I can see amazing potential. I wanted to give the readers of this blog, some insight, into me.. 'Kooklah'. So here goes....

Can you briefly describe your job/career?
My official position is an emergency nurse - it is a very challenging environment, there are definite highs and lows with the job. It can be a very stressful job, where skills of multitasking and communication skills are absolute assests. I am in my second year as a registered nurse.

The 'job' I have in my spare time is as a blogger. I have a personal blog called 'Kooklah' which I write occasionally when I feel like I have an issue I want to speak out on, or something to put out into the universe. My other blog started as fun, it is this one you are reading right now! 'For the Style Seeking Girl' . For me this blog was a chance to write about my passion (or obsession) for fashion, beauty and styling. A lot of it is my own personal style beliefs, or atleast that is how it started. I try to balance between style critiquing, reviewing new products or styles and just having fun writing about trends and amazing finds.
I have always loved fashion and beauty, I think this comes from being little and trying on my Mum's clothes and experimenting with her makeup - as well as playing dressups! As I grew older I began noticing my interests also moved to styling, either with friends/family or using magazine cut outs to create inspiration/mood boards in notebooks. These days I have some people who always ask my opinion and a friend who takes me shopping with her to style outfits for events. I love it! I would love to style people for a living.

I also love to plan weddings and associated events. I have been to many weddings and really love them. My best friend and I planned her wedding last year and I loved thinking of all the aspects that would be involved to make the day amazing. The result was a fairytale. I am undertaking an online wedding planning course and am looking for work in this area, for a small fee for time spent. I am happy to be involved in multiple aspects or to assist to advise/coordinate/style any aspect of the big day and festivities leading up to the day. Send me an email if you are interested (kooklahstyle@gmail.com)

How did you decide to get into the field you work in?
I went straight from high school to study Nursing at University. I had been interested in this field for many years, I originally wanted to be a paediatric nurse, but due to lack of placements in this area and developing interests in others I have ended up in emergency. I worked three casual jobs throughout my time at Uni, two of which were in the nursing field. The experience I gained in these areas assisted my nursing style greatly. It is challenging- physically and mentally. Most days I enjoy it but I definitely have days where I am not so happy. One patient can change all that though, you can have a really stressful day and then the last patient you see has an amazing outlook or story- it blows you away.
I am interested in applying with the Red Cross to work in the case of disasters, I think this could be really fulfiling. I am really interested in charity work and helping others in times of crisis.

What do you like the most about it?
NURSING - I love when your instinct proves right and the cause you have been advocating for the patient is validated, when you hold the hand or sit by a dying patient so that they do not die alone or when you know you have handled a situation well. I love the variety where I work.

Blogging/Styling/Wedding Planning - I love the fun I have with it, looking through pictures of trends and writing reviews or how to guides, I love to go shopping with someone and completely style an oufit or look and I find weddings fun - from the simple to the complicated each aspect should sparkle on its own to make the experience stand out. Like, for instance at my best friend's wedding when we walked into the reception room we both gasped, the vision we worked towards had come together and the result looked like something out of a fairytale.

What do you like the least?
When the day goes into a chaotic state and there is so much to do, when you get mistreated by a patient or someone gets really sick quickly.

What is your favourite colour?
Turquoise, I find it to be really calming. I also love white, for example my dream house has lots of white and light with one colour woven through in accessories or furniture.

Do you do your hair or makeup first when getting ready?
I always do my hair first, if you are running out of time and you have your hair done, you can quickly apply some staple makeup and still look presentable.

Growing up what were your favourite styles/fashion trends?
When I was little I loved dressing up, I remember my Mum had made me two 'princess' dresses, one was mulitcoloured (pinks, purples and blues with a layered skirt and glitter), the other was a version of the gold ballgown that Belle wears in Beauty & the Beast. Belle was absolutley my style icon when I was younger - I watched the movie constantly.

As I became a teenager I began experimenting a lot with makeup, hair and clothes. I definitely remember a fascination with blue eyeshadow when I was 14. I must have seen it somewhere and I would wear it everywhere, with pretty much everything. It was around this time that I would use packet dyes, you know the 10washes until it washes out? Loved them. Blueberry, light brown, caramel and hot chilli... My hair was black when I was 17 - and I loved it! By this age I had been using eyeliner for awhile and my best friend and I had been obsessed with a slick of eyeliner along the top of the eye with some mascara, add some pink blush and you had my look. It has evolved since then but the accentuation of my eyes and cheekbones are essential to my look.

What are your current fashion favourites?
For makeup I am currently loving defined eyebrows and illuminising tinted moisturiser for makeup. Tinted moisturiser is so fantastic for your skin, keeping it hydrated whilst giving a fine but natural looking cover. On my trip to America during a Sephora splurge I discovered Laura Mercier - her makeup is amazing, very light on the skin and looks amazing! I use the illuminising tinted moisturiser in natural radiance with spf 20, the compliments I get (gives the skin a lovely glow) when wearing this are an absolute boost! I have really come to appreciate the minimalistic look with my makeup of late - saves time, have improved skin condition and looks fantastic!

For fashion this summer in sunny Australia, I am currently loving maxi dresses, gladiator sandals, bright colours - especially sky blue, hot pink and yellow, that been said I keep been drawn to navy, especially in accessories or nail colour. Loose, flowing or peplum tops are also comfortable for summer and look great paired with summer shorts for a lazy dinner and drinks.

If you could only use three makeup products what would they be?
This is hard! I love makeup... but if I had to choose three I would pick the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser, mascara and lipgloss.

What makes your signature look?
Hair curled or in a topknot, defined cheekbones (blush or bronzer), defined eyebrows and made up eyes with a nude lip. "Flirty eyes" as a friend of mine says!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself as having travelled more, having figured out a way to balance work and things I enjoy to be happier and hopefully have my own house!

What has been something you have struggled with or been challenged by lately?
I had a difficult 2012... felt unsettled or discontent, with some areas of my life which was hard to deal with. I have also been struggling with depression. But as they say... "It is only in darkness that you can see the stars..." 2013 is my year!

What has been the most exciting or satisfying moment for you professionally?
Nursing- Securing two highly sought after temporary positions in my first and second. I was really happy to be accepted into the emergency field this year and then be offered a permanent position in the department. Job security,  Fantastic!

Blogging/styling- A very satisfying moment for me was when I started to get regular traffic feed from the USA and UK, I really value every single person who reads or comments on my blog (whether you read one post, three or regularly tune into this site) but to realise that there was interest growing in these countries that have such strong and successful fashion/beauty industries was very thrilling. Everyday I check to see how many people have read my posts and what countries they are from, for the last three months or so, the majority of views a day have come from USA which is exciting! I also love when I get a view or two from places like Finland, Slovakia, Switzerland, as it shows that in its own small way FTSSG is making an impact. I think this definitely helped For the Style Seeking Girl to be noticed by American stylist Anya Sarre who wrote Fashion Speaks for You. Having a guestpost from Anya was really flattering and I am hopeful of further collaboration with other prominent people or businesses in this field in the future.

Recieving comments is always exciting especially when they are positive or constructive feedback, I also discover blogs to follow myself via this avenue. It is through a comment that I have been working with 'Heylet's' to provide content for a smartphone app which will hopefully go live early 2013.
Last week I recieved my first piece of tactile mail in relation to my blog, I was sent a package by an online Australian accessories brand called Kushla They have recently launched their website and sent me a product to use and blog about - you can read my review here.

Do you have a quote or piece of advice that you use to motivate you?
"Everything will be ok in the end, if it is not ok it is not the end..." whenever I am going through something rough I use this quote to remind me that brighter days are ahead. Without challenges how would you recognise the feeling of success?

What is the piece of advice you offer to others?
Find something you love, and cherish it. It will become your way to achieve a piece of happiness or serenity. Something to turn to when you are feeling down or stressed. I love to lie on my bed and listen to music, or curl up with a cup of tea and a good book.

Also, do not be afraid to make mistakes or 'fail', as John Lennon famously said 'Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans...', you never know what life will throw at you or where it will take you - this can be confronting but I also think has the possibility to be unbelievably exciting!

If someone wanted to break into your line of work what would you tell them?
They need to be dedicated, motivated and really interested in helping other people. Nursing is an incredibly stressful job - mentally, emotionally and physically, it is extremely challenging but can be really rewarding too.

Who are your role models, why?
My parents - they are amazing. They have an incredible relationship which is strong with great communication and support. I really admire that, and it has influenced how I view my own. They are both successful, driven, encouraging, supportive and loving. Growing up, if we had done our best - that was good enough. They raised my sister, brother and I to be as self-sufficient as possible.

Who is/are your style icon (s)?
My style icons include Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Drew Barrymore and Lauren Conrad. They all have class, elegance and fantastic unique style. I am inspired annd my own style is influenced by them definitely, but not defined. Drew is possibly my favourite - she can go from girly to grunge so effortlessly, and I love to swap or mix those two styles.

Do you have a styling and/or beauty tip for my readers?
My mother taught me this one- moisturise everyday - especially your face. Be sun aware - I use makeup with SPF, I do not want a face full of horrible sun damage! I also cleanse everyday and use toner twice a week. Styling - less is more, the use of impact or statement pieces will always look incredible, pair them with simple items for a more classic, stand out look. If in doubt, dress up - over dressed is better then under dressed! Beauty - don't be afraid to experiment, find your perfect eyebrow shape they will open up your face and pull attention to those beautiful eyes. Match base/tinted moisturiser/foundation to your skin tone and a little bit of glitter can add that sparkle or POP you need to make an impact!

What was your dream job growing up?
I always wanted to be a fashion designer who styled makeup too. I was always drawing people or faces with sketches of outfits, hairstyles and makeup... A lot of days I wish I had of held onto that dream! But who knows, there's still time yet!

What is a guilty pleasure of yours?
Watching shows like The Hills or Geordie Shore with a glass of red wine and dark chocolate... Heaven!

What is something you want to cross off your bucket list?
Explore Italy, buy a pair of Manolo Blahniks, buy a house, go in a hot air balloon, skydive... I have written my actual bucket list! So excited to complete it. Four friends and I wrote them together (they all contain different items) and if we complete them by 2022 we are heading to Vegas!

Do you have a single moment/time that has changed your life
My best friend dying when I was 16. That completley changed my life and the way I am forever. It was so unexpected. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her, the hard days are definitely ones I live for her. Brooke was the most bubbly, viviacious person, I loved her dearly.

What would you tell your 16 year old self?
To enjoy the summer and the next six months as what happens next will be so devastating and significant that it will change your life forever, you will never be the same. To really start appreciating the small things, these are what really make up moments and memories - they eventually become the big things.

What is a styling/beauty “rule” that you – follow – break?
Follow- Advice from Coco Chanel, take one item off before you leave the house...saves over accessorising, another version of this is when I have high volume hair and big makeup I go light on the accessories.

Break- that your shoes must match your handbag/clutch. I cannot stand this idea, I don't think things need to clash but they certainly don't need to be matchy matchy.. Go for something that complements or something striking that adds that POP of colour!

What would you like to pass on to future generations?
A world without so much discrimination and hate. I cannot stand it - against race, religion, sexuality, gender. Ridiculous to think that at this time, two people who love each other cannot have a wedding or often be recognised as each other's significant other due to their shared gender. So that's what I want to pass on, and it is something I am very vocal and passionate about, I support the cause, sign petitions and email/write letters to publications and politicians. The change is coming.

What is a fashion/beauty trend you dislike?
I am really disliking the tiny shorts with pockets hanging out the bottom. I am not against short shorts or distressed looking shorts but the ones that just look like tiny scraps of fabric with the pockets hanging out drive me crazy!

What three things would you take with you on a desert island?
Practical- Sunscreen, a tent or hammock, water
Unpractical- my best friend, a book and music

What is your favourite song?
I have a lot.. but some of my most favourites are 'Song2' by Blur, 'Miss You Love' by Silverchair, 'The Scientist' by Coldplay, 'Passenger'/'Pick You Up' by Powderfinger

What is your favourite movie?
I have two favourites 'Alot Like Love'... showing sometimes it takes years to fall in love at first sight. Definitety watch!! 'Remember the Titans' based on a true story about leading with love, tolerance and acceptance against discrimination.

So there is some insight into who I am, next week the Inspire Me Woman post will feature Peta Serras ...

Kooklah Xx

Seven Day Challenge (Hair Dare)

Due to the fantastic six degrees of separation Instagram provides I came across Fox in Flats who provides inspiration and hints for good style in motherhood. I certainly am not a mother, but I have fallen in love with this site and with the updates I get since clicking the 'follow' button (check out @foxinflats). They also have a facebook page click here. It is fun, stylish and there are dares!

The current one (which I only discovered yesterday) is a hair dare. Encouraging those involved to step out of hair comfort zones and try something different. I know my hair comfort (since I cut it short) is a looped ponytail (you know the half pulled through ponytail) - especially at work. So I decided I would accept the challenge, for the next seven days my hair would have to be different from the last.

Yesterday (Jan 17) was my day one - I had to go to work and it reminded me of those 1950s posters with the girls with headscarves tied in a bow around their head. I did a variation of this in that I formed a messy bun and used a headscarf only around the bun to form a bow. Add winged eyeliner and I was ready!

Keen to see if I can do this! I know it would have been so easy with my long hair so I was even more driven to accept this dare. I will update daily on here and then at the end (if I can complete it) I will post all the pics together..

Let me know if you are doing it too! Follow @saregiak on instagram or @sarahgiak on twitter to see the pics as they are taken. As always would love to read your comments or click me an email to kooklahstyle@gmail.com

Go on, style it up... I dare you! ;)

Kooklah Xx

 

Inspire Me Woman...

          "I am woman, hear me roar, in numbers too big to ignore... I've been down there on the floor and no one's ever gonna keep me down again. If I have to I can do anything... I am strong, I am invincible... I am woman..."

Over the next few months or so, I am going to publish posts on local women who I know, who I find inspiring and am glad that they have been or currently are in my life. These women are all different, they have different personalities, different outlooks and different careers... but one of the things they do have in common is that they all shine brightly.

They are passionate, creative, greatly opinionated, kind, compassionate, supportive, motivating... these women work hard, have goals and dreams which I love to see them strive for and complete.

The next post will be about me, answering the very questions I have put to these women. I was undecided whether I would write a post answering the questions, but then I thought it would be a good way to reach out to my readers and to share something about me. So I hope you enjoy this series of posts, they will be staggered out over the next couple of months. If you have any questions for the women once you have read the posts, feel free to write it in a comment and I will get it answered for you. It is important for me to allow other women or girls to see that strength is important, that a lust for life is important... that you are capable of anything you put your mind and heart's desire to.

Kooklah Xx

The Go-To for Needs-to-be-washed Hair

Do you ever have days where washing your hair feels like the biggest burden? Like the last thing that you actually want to do?



I do. Fairly often. Especially when I am working. I work a job that has long shifts (12hours) with busy days and the absolute last thing I feel like doing when I get home is washing and then drying my hair. Having asked some girls at work about this, the discussions started, not only did I find that I wasn't alone in not wanting to have to wash my hair on a run of shifts.

I found that the vast majority disliked the 'activity' of washing their hair altogether. Don't get me wrong, we don't like to have dirty hair but it was the effort involved. We also don't believe that you have to wash your hair every second day to have good hair. I wondered, has hair washing joined the club of bikini or jeans shopping? To be avoided until absolutley necessary?

I started watching each girl I had talked to, and what hairstyles they used. I noticed a pattern that was very close to what I do myself.

As the week went on the hairstyles went from chic well put together styles that attract attention - straight or curled styled hair (ponytails, structured 'dos)

to the use of big buns, woven styles and headbands (preferably embellished). Ala Carrie Bradshaw/Sarah jessica Parker, Lauren Conrad, Blair Waldorf...

 

I noticed that as we approached the end of the week of shifts a bun with height or texture was highly favoured. I have worn a half looped ponytail for the last two nightshifts (have taken it down and combed in between), which is bobbypinned in place. I find the bobbypins helped create the structure I wanted but also helped to stop the hair falling out or becoming too noticeable that it was messy/not washed. 

  

Do you have a go-to style to get extra mileage out of your hair? Wide, coloured or embellished headbands are always a bonus - one of my colleagues notices that I change my headbands each time, never wearing the same one twice in a row, but he has never noticed the needs-to-be-washed hair.

For other ideas on this topic head to a past post called 'For those Bad Hair Days'.


Kooklah Xx

*Disclaimer: I do not recommend avoiding washing if you use alot of product, this will only cause build up and make you look like you have dandruff!

A chat with my readers..

Hello to anyone reading this post - regulars, readers who occasionally skim this blog and anyone who has just stumbled across it. I love writing and creating my blog posts.

The reason for this post? An apology, I have been out of action lately. I went on a wonderful and intense holiday throughout four major cities in North America (Los Angeles, San Fransisco, Las Vegas and New York City) with Contiki on the Best of Usa tour.
Following this due to some personal events that took place I needed some time out. To regather my thoughts and take some time out for myself. I am still working on that but tonight was the first night I have thought, 'hey, let's write a post'. So here we are. Basically sorry for the abrupt hiatus, but THANKYOU to everyone who kept reading, was very pleased to see the stats when I logged back in.

You guys are amazing! So here is what is coming, what you can expect in the weeks to come from For The Style Seeking Girl :

* Hairstyle review posts
* More Inspire Me Monday and Hint of Glamour posts
* A guest post from me (Kooklah) for another blogger
* A series of posts on women whom I know, and find strong, motivated, creative and stylish in their own way - especially in their respective careers or job positions.
* Some posts inspired and about my trip to the beautiful USA

So please be patient, so many good things on the way!

To finish, I will leave you with a style quote. To 'like' this blog on facebook click here

Your style is influenced by the person you are, what you believe, think or feel. Embrace that and enjoy it. Let your sparkle out... Kooklah Xx

What to pack & what not to pack??

So the big USA trip is 11 days and a few hours away and I have begun to cement my list to pack.
My main focus, of course, is clothes (and, well, let's face it- shoes, accessories), with many trips, you just have to pack for one type of weather with an item or two packed away in case the weather improves or worsens.

My trip... is going to be in varying weather. Here is an overview:

Los Angeles: 18-28 degrees (but heading to fall so probably not high 20s)
San Francisco: 13-23 degrees
Las Vegas: 20-34 degrees
New York City: 9-24 degrees

So in reality I am packing for weather typical of all seasons.. Instead of taking a few jumpers, summer dresses.. I am taking clothes that I can mix and match, layer and turn into winter or summer appropriate outfits in hardly any time at all. For example, going out dresses that can be worn in warm conditions but also paired with a cardigan/jacket and stockings for cooler nights, jeans with flowy tops and light layers instead of bulky items. This includes a fully lined but lightweight trenchcoat that will easily provide cover from cool breezes or warmth over 'winter' type layered outfits..

What is your must have outfit or clothing item for travel?

Kooklah Xx

Stay tuned for a list of what I pack (and then when I return I will post if I used it or not!)

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 )