Inspire Me Monday...

 

The weather is pretty miserable here. After many hot days (summer here in Aus), you'd think it would be a relief! Mondayitis definitely tried to set in this morning, so here are some pictures of pretty things that have me inspired in for the start of this week!

Shorts Shorts Shorts

 

I haven't always been a huge high-waisted shorts fan. At 5"2 I often find the cut to be less than flattering. Enter ASOS, I am quite the seasoned online shopper but had used this site - many of my friends had so I decided to give try it. I found the site easy to navigate, service sensational (package arrived in 3 days) and the clothes a brilliant fit! I chose the ASOS shorts with ruched waistband. They add a dressy feeling even when paired with a singlet and sandals, my legs look great and are very comfortable! I have added them as a staple to my current summer wardrobe!

 

 

 

Inspire me to Wander...

 

A few months ago I recieved an email from up and coming Australian accessory company called KUSHLA. They wanted to know if I would write about their products if they sent out some information. This month I recieved a package - my first piece of physical mail for this blog- so exciting!! In it was a product and some information. As soon as I opened the box, I was both nostalgic and inspired, the accessory I was sent reminded me of my recent overseas trip and made me want to git the road again (to see more of their collection click here)... Review post will be up soon!

 

 

 

Shoespiration

 

Shoes should be amazing, pretty or tell a story! I am loving the site Shoes in Style - they currently have a great deal free shipping until 21st January, 25% off due to the New Year and if you sign up you recieve a $10 voucher. Amazing! My pick are these beautiful black, suede wedges Sarah Black Suede by Diavolina ... I think I will be buying these! They are perfect for a night out dancing, casual drinks, lazy sunday brunch and definite first-date material!

 

 

 

 

Hairspiration

 

I recently cut my mid arm length hair (when curled), I about five - six inches cut off. I love it. It is a nice change to have right now, I had to say goodbye to my much beloved topknot but have been experimenting with hairstyles. I still have lightened/ombre ends and it looks fresher and brand new! This picture below was what originally inspired the idea... (see my Pinterest account for more!)

 

 

 

 

Make up, make me Smile!

 

Current makeup fave? Blushed cheeks. I have swapped the bronzer for blush in the last few weeks, and am loving the rose tinged glow. Paired with a smile, made up brows and a small slick of mascara it provides effortless style so well. Fantastic for summer and a busy lifestyle! (see my Pinterest account for more fashion/beauty/styling/wedding/creating pics and tips!)

 

 

What is the inspiration behind your looks this week? What are you lusting after? Would love to hear from you (comment below or send me an email at kooklahstyle@gmail.com). Keep tuned for an exciting and amazing giveaway coming soon!

 

Kooklah Xx



Gradient Ombre Nails-Part One...

Hello style lovers. Yes, another mention of Ombre, are you sensing a trend too? I think it is pretty captivating looking at colours gradually turn from one to the other. The trend has taken a huge surge forward and can not only be used on your hair but also with clothing, shoes, makeup and nail art.

With nails I find this style a step inspired by the use of one colour for the base of nails and another colour for the tips. It isn't so harsh and should definitely have a blurred transition line!

For the last couple of months I have had a picture of a gradient nail design as the background for my phone... I have been calling it 'sunset nail', here it is...

For a very clear and easy to follow tutorial (with pictures step by step) from Nailasaurus please click here.

The Basics - why:

• You don't have to be an expert - but the more practice the better (and the steadier your hands will be)!
• This look will not cost you alot of money
• It is a very individual style - meaning you can use soft, complimentary colours but also use bold, contrasting combinations. Which makes it easily adaptable to your life, for example, use soft pinks/nudes for professions or workplaces that don't condone vibrant makeup or fashion
• You will get your nails noticed, receive compliments and get asked questions as to how you achieved the look.

For Gradient nails created with sponge applicator

The Basics - to use:

• Nail polish remover
• Two to three nail polishes in colours appropriate to the gradient style you are trying to achieve. Can compliment, contrast or completley clash.
• Top coat for good finish (consider using a layer as base coat - provides a smooth surface for application of polish)
• Sponge pieces - there are many different types, and all work to some degree. Most common types found when looking into this effect are - foam sponge (such as used when washing a car), ones used in the kitchen/bathroom for cleaning, eyeshadow applicators, foundation sponges
• Cotton tips/brushes for cleaning cuticles and/or nails

The basics - technique:

• Clean your nails with nail polish remover
• Apply base coat of clear polish                  *optional tip*
• Depending on the technique you are following either:
• paint your nail the 'base colour' - the main colour/the colour that forms the basis of the ombre effect
• paint your nail with a white polish (opaque or block), then dab/paint the colours you want onto the sponge and apply to nail
• apply sponge with paint directly onto nail (no base or white colour)
• Apply 2-3 coats of top coat - may need to be heavily applied to provide an even, smooth finish
• Allow to dry very well

 

Nail Gradient from 'A Polish Addict'
- Becky used the tutorial from Nailasaurus

 

The Nailasaurus gradient manicure



The basics- tips:

• Try out the sponge options if you are considering more then one.
• If you settle with a dense sponge, such as a foundation sponge, dip quickly in water, squeeze excess water out and allow to semi dry - this prevents the nail polish from been soaked into the sponge.
• When applying the sponge, it doesn't need to be perfectly aligned, you can dab and/or move the sponge back and forth - helps to blend the colours well (meaning NO transition line)
• The white nail polish creates a 'glow' type effect, making nails seem brighter.
• You can paint the polish in lines onto the sponge, as per Lainie Fingers or use Nailasaurus' swirl technique and then 'stamp' the sponge)
• Using a brush to dip in nail polish remover and then wipe/clean cuticles and sides of nails can assist in not accidently removing any of the nail polish
• Some techniques suggest applying chapstick, paw paw ointment, moisturiser or oil to the skin and cuticles surrounding the nail (but NOT the nail).
• this should mean, once you have finished and the polish has dried on your nails, that you can wash or wipe your hands and the nail polish resting on the skin will come off easily.
• For a deeper result apply layers - just make sure the last layer is dry first!
• Don't think you can't do it, give it a try! Some techniques I looked at use off centre, diagonal gradients - which makes it easier to make a mistake look intentional.
  
  
  
      Left & Above: Lainie Fingers

Left & Above: Nailasaurus swirl and sponge technique

For something extra, you can pair this look with additional nail art or stamps, such as this picture featured on Miss Jonie Tumblr...

I will be trying the sponge technique on my days off and will do a follow up post on how it went! Pretty excited to try this! Please let me know if you try it too, and if what you found here helped.. Also any issues please let me know and I will try to find a solution. Part Two will be the gradient effect without using a sponge.

Kooklah Xx

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