Inspire Me Monday ...

I don't know about you but the last couple of weeks have been pretty difficult. I have been holding on to a few items that have me inspired or are just keeping me sane at present! I have used these to form this week's Inspire Me Monday post.

I find sometimes it is important to step back and find comfort, joy, strength or inspiration in something. This week my list includes beauty, fashion, love, words ... what does your's include?

 

Contour Your Way

Contouring is a wonderful way to highlight cheekbones and the shape of your face. I have been toying in this lately using foundation and illuminising/finishing/bronzing/blush powders. My inspiration? Khloe Kardashian - contouring (or kontouring?) QUEEN. I find Khloe so inspiring in so many ways. She is a great role model for the 'real' woman - curvy, strong, honest and independent.

 

Back to contouring - creates or highlights angles and is easy once you practice (will do a how-to post in the next day or so! until then a great how to post on Marieee Loves (scroll for contouring section)
 

All I Want IS... Travel!
Everyone always says that the first overseas trip is when the travel bug hits. I disagree - I have always had the travel bug. I can remember when I was young (as young as four) dreaming of far away places and different countries. As I got older this only increased. I have a list of places that I add to every now and then of destinations to visit and events to experience in them. I am now eleven sleeps away from my next overseas adventure and cannot wait to get on the plane with my best friend and start the adventure! This holiday has come at the right time, I need some space, fun and inspiration.

Words To Live By
There are limited second chances in life, I have made a real effort in the last couple of years to grab the moments that come my way and to make the most of them. Living life to the full at every chance ensures you get the most out of life. Life doesn't wait until you are ready, it rushes in at full force and it is up to you to make it yours. Don't be a wallflower in your own life....

Hairspiration
I recently packet dyed my hair with a brunette Mahogany based hue. I loved it! I had been looking at mahogany hair pictures for a long time deciding if I should take the plunge. I purchased the packet for a pick me up. It was called dark mocha but I love the reddish hue that came out of it... so much so that I will go for this in a permanent colour once I get back from overseas.

Something to Ponder
Recently I was yet again reminded that no one is invincible and that something will happen, to every single one of us at some point in time. My gorgeous Nanna passed away recently and she was a fantastic matriarch for our family. She has taught has many lessons and inspired all of our family greatly. With sixty something years between us, age was never an issue, I could talk to her about anything and everything. She taught us to have faith, hope, express love, have strength, be kind and polite, have respect, give to others and expect nothing everything in return and to live life with no regrets and no hesitations. She has left a remarkable legacy behind. I can feel her love and know it will always be with me... which is so special. Live so that your legacy will be remembered and felt by those you love - and it will comfort them. Your legacy will live forever - make it amazing!

So there you have it - five things that are inspiring the start to my week. What has inspired yours?
Don't forget to like our facebook page for updates and behind the scenes of this blog. Find me on instagram for daily style and life pics - see my latest style dare shots - my handle is @saregiak
Sarah/Kooklah Xo


**** 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

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

Another Month, Another Style Dare - April Week One

Have you ever looked in to your wardrobe and thought 'I have nothing to wear'? Or have had a heavy work schedule and seem to just reach for the same things in your wardrobe each time? I definitely have... but something has broken me out of this rut. This would be a style dare.
As regular readers of this blog would know, for the last couple of months I have been participating in style dares created by the stunning, funny and stylish Andrea from Fox in Flats. This month, there is another one. The idea is pretty basic, you get given a list of prompts - one prompt for each day of the month - and then style an outfit or look that has something to do with the prompt. Check out Andrea's post on April Style Challenge ... Below I have included the list of prompts.

SO much fun! One of my best friend's Emma is joining me this month - I have loved waiting to see what she has uploaded each day. We share on instagram - where most of the action is - using #forthestyleseekinggirl then mine are linked to facebook and twitter also (search for me @saregiak) Below I have included the first week of the style dare of both For the Style Seeking Girl and Emma - let us know if you have a favourite!

Week One: 01.04.13 - 07.04.13

Day One - Arm Party

 On a day that was stressful I welcomed the excuse (although I rarely need one) to wear a cluster of bracelets that sparkled and tinkled as I walked. I used a pearl necklace wrapped around my wrist as bracelets, a diamonte and crystal encrusted bracelet I picked up in Vegas, 2 silver bracelets with diamonte detail and two padlock chain bracelets. I also used my lovely BYS colour change nail polish (new post up on that soon!) to extend the fun... voila! Arm party!

 

Here is Emma's arm party! I love the use of a watch with the bracelets. Shiny, fun and practical!

I really love that Emma has used a colour theme, and it is perfect for use at work as well as play!

 

Day Two - Sparkles

 Had so much sparkle to choose from! Ended up choosing sparkly earrings, a tiered necklace that has a line of diamontes and sparkly silver chain bracelets. "Every girl should sparkle ..."

Emma wrote on instagram as a caption "Love some sparkles and glitter to brighten the day" ...and she definitely shone! A great collection of sparkle without been overbearing. Swarovski crystal studs, a sequinned grey tshirt from Portmans and purple glitter OPI 'Temptation' nail polish! LOVE this.

 

Day Three - Scarf

 Wanted to wear a scarf a bit differently and decided to use one of my favourite styles - a head scarf. I wore a beautifully patterned scarf then added some eyeliner paying homage to icons Brigitte Bardot and Jackie Onassis who have worn this style as well as Nicole Ritchie... using the scarf like this is a great way to highlight a curly hairstyle ... read - 'Embrace the Head Scarf' for more.

A beautiful blood orange scarf from Dotti. Emma said it is great for Autumn, it would also be a great scarf to travel with -would lift any outfit (and spirits after long days/nights) and could be used as a traditional head scarf for cultural purposes (temples, mosques) such as the trip to Dubai we're taking.

 

Day Four - Slick

Used Audrey Hepburn as my inspiration for a sleek and slick wet look chignon. Rarely wear my hair this slick and had so many compliments on it so I will try it again some day!

I love this look - so perfect and sleek. Front part with front section pinned at the side. Very classy.

 

Day Five - Bright Pink Lipstick

 Don't often wear such bright lip colours but I really enjoyed this day! I created this lip colour by using a nude lip liner as a base, then some white, shimmer gloss and on top of that I put Smashbox Be Legendary lipstick in Infrared. paired with a slick of eyeliner and mascara and my bright blue blazer.

Love this shade of lipstick too! Would look great on a night out! How pretty is my best friend!

 

Day Six - Boots

 Studded pleather open-toed, heeled boots with zip detail worn with cable knit leggings from Boohoo - one definite look for when I go away! LONDON here we come

I love this look, the suede camel boots paired with maroon jeans. Emma often pairs this with a top and a pearl coloured blazer - sensational!

 

Day Seven - Dress

 Wore one of my favouite summer shift dresses for a sunny, Sunday afternoon of good company and wine with my cousins. Add some wayfarers, a bun and some tinted moisturiser.. summer in April!

 The look I would use to take this dress from day to night - embellished belt, heels and accessories

One of the dresses Emma is planning to take away on our holiday.

This pretty dress is from Forever New. Love the pattern and design!

 

 

Have you been taking part in the dare? If so let me know and I will look out for your shots! You can follow me @saregiak or look out for my weekly wrap up posts on this blog, For the Style Seeking Girl or check us out on Facebook.

Kooklah/Sarah/For the Style Seeking Girl



Oscar's Fashion- For the Style Seeking Girl's Picks!

So I realise that this post is late. Well in terms of hype. The Oscars have come and gone. Everyone was raving about poor Jennifer Lawerence's tumble - really? She was right, people applauded to be polite... For me I choose to look at it like 'everyone falls down but what matters is that you get back up again'.. Or what about Anne Hathaway's bodice that attracted more attention than most 'and the winner is...' announcements, or the fact that Helena Bonham Carter yet again looked like a character from one of her movies?

I was fascinated with colours chosen, the fabrics used, the hairstyles - so many pinned curl updos and old Hollywood style curls! Here are my favourites, least favourites, honourable mentions and who I picked as the best dressed couple for the 2013 Oscars.

Oscar Fashion I loved:

Jessica Chastin wears a silk Armani Prive gown. This is my best dressed pick!
Love the old Hollywood Glamour look with the curls, minimal accessories, flawless base and red lips

Kerry Washington wearing Miu Miu - she also wore one of their gowns to the Golden Globes.
I love the hue of this gown with embellishment on the bodice. Simple hair and accessories complete Kerry's
understated glamour. She is now officially on my radar as a person of style interest!

Shaun Robinson looks sensational in a David Meister gown. I really love the two-tone look.
It enhances her fabulous figure, with the small train increasing the class and elegance of the gown.
The towered bun and statement accessories add some flair - so does the smile!

Reese Witherspoon shone in this gorgeous gown from Louis Vuitton.
A very classic look, especially with the old glamour curls.

Catherine Zeta Jones yet again showcasing her sensational and timeless style in this amazing Zuhair Murad gown.
The embellished overlay is eye catching and makes her stand out. Keeping her hair classy and using limited accessories helps to focus the attention her gown and not overbear the senses...

Amanda Seyfried looks amazing in this Alexander McQueen gown. The floral design is sensational.
I love that she is wearing an up do, minimal accessories and a soft pink lip to complement her smokey eyes and gown.
One of the best looks on this years Oscar red carpet.

 

Jennifer Garner - she rocked a mulberry coloured gown at the Globes, and this stunning custom made purple gown by Gucci looks even better in my opinion. So sensational with a simple sweetheart neckline and major detail in the back! I don't know how she sat down but I totally give her major props for it! The amazing sparkle around her neck is from Neil Lane. Jennifer smartly paired all this flair with a simple hairstyle and make up.

 

Not so favourite:

 

 Sunrise Coigney (Mark Ruffalo's wife) wearing a 'Zero + Maria Cornejo' gown. I understand she must have wanted to be different BUT it was the Oscars, so I think a more dressy look was called for. Very unflattering.

 Renee Zellweger wearing a Carolina Herrera creation. I think the colour is great, but I do not like the bows. How many times have we seen Renee in something with emphasis on her behind? I think this dress sparkles but does little else.

 Nancy O'Dell in Mark Zunino. I love the overall colour palette and sweetheart neckline. But that's it. Too much leg, not age appropriate and I think it makes her look like she's trying to hard. A shame because she has a beautiful figure.

 Jane Fonda in Versace. Props for the bright hue but it washes her out. The first thing I thought of when I saw this was 'looks like an Oscar trophy' and I am not sure that was the idea. The cut is great but this outfit is one of the worst.

 Anne Hathaway in Prada. This is my least favourite. I don't think the overly obvious nipples looks classy, she has played it safe with a simple cut dress and so simple colour. Not impressed, I think this is a boring look.

 Jackie Weaver in Rani Zakhem. The cut, bulky train and that area surrounding the bust...

 Kristin Chenoweth in Tony Ward Couture. There is so much going on with this look! Not the most flattering gown

Kelly Osbourne also in Tony Ward. I love the neck of this dress - all thse different straps but I don't think this dress is flattering for Kelly and the hair doesn't go - with the dress or the Oscars

 

 

Honourable Mentions:

 Alicia Vikander in Elie Saab Couture. I love the light blue colour and the bright belt. She looks beautiful, youthful and I love the happy smile! Absolutley beautiful look, simple but classic.

 Amy Adams looks like a princess in this light silver Oscar de la Renta gown! Amy helped to design this and I read that when she first tried it on she couldn't stop walking around in it. I love the detail that is attention grabbing but not over the top

 

 Fatima Ptacek looks so lovely and I think this look is very age appropriate. She looks like a princess, I love the towered bun with braided detail and all that tulle. She has some makeup on but it is flawless and basic. You can't see it in this picture but she has pink nails with one feature nail which has an embellished bow on it.

 Jennifer Hudson looks sensational in this Roberto Cavalli gown. So pretty and looks amazing with her skin colour. I am not sure about the hairstyle, but I love the leg split, tasteful but sexy!

 Jennifer Lawerence in Dior Haute Couture. I think she looks amazing! She totally pulls of this gown and keeps accessories, makeup and hair to a minimalist style to let the gown shine

 Melissa McCarthy wearing David Meister, I love this gown and the colour. The volume of the hair is awesome too.

 Naomi Watts in Giorgio Armani. This dress is so unique and interesting.
I absolutley love the colour which goes well with her light skin. I really adore the cut out on the left side.

Sandra Bullock wears another fabulous collection from Elie Saab. This gown is amazing, the lace, colour, embellishment. Minimal accessories are paired well and I love the slight sheer nature of the dress. The only thing - do something with your hair! A lovely curled up do or a topknot would have been fantastic.

Best Dressed Couple:

For this title I have chosen the father/daughter couple. Jamie Foxx with his daughter Corinne Bishop. How Cute! Corinne wears a gown from Dane Designers - love that Jamie isn't wearing a tux but still looks stylish!

 

What are your favourites? I love the glitz and glamour of the Oscars ...
If you enjoyed this, check out my Golden Globes Review

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