Author Archive for megan
Sports Car Fashion
Another post from our beauty writer Kristy who is cruising through the USA at the moment! Enjoy!
Today I’m heading out to Hoover Dam. I know your thinking It’s not the most stylish tour destination but that’s until I tell you that I am being driving to and from the damn in a rotation of 4 top of the line super cars from World Class Driving (worldclassdriving.com). My family bought it for my boyfriend for his birthday, I’m using it as a chance to channel style icon Grace Kelly.
It would be impossible to pull off a Grace Kelly inspired look without a Hermes Kelly bag and silk scarf. Unfortunately it hasn’t rained Hermes products lately so I’m opting for a more affordable but equally striking leather Micheal Kors hand bag and silk paisley scarf. You can find a similar one from Theodora & Callum. To keep my accessories as the main focus I am pairing it with a black silk dress from Zimmerman and navy flats from Bally. Now i just have to throw on a string of pearls, a pair of Tom Ford sunnies and I’m ready to roll.
The engines have started, so I’m off!
Fashion week has begun!
Today is the beginning of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, which means its the beginning of the craziest week of the year for the fash pack. The pain of choosing an outfit, the difficulty of running to shows in sky scraper heels but this is all counteracted by the excitement and buzz of the unveiling of a new Spring/Summer season to come.
The fash pack comes far and wide to see the sites of the Australian Fashion industry, which has early itself a reputation for being daring and unpredictable in the best sense of the word.
This year buyers from my favourite online store Shopbop are spending the week in Sydney scouting the best collections to add to the site. We caught up with Justin Warner (Designer Buyer) and Jenny Fuchs (Contemporary Apparel Buyer) to chat Australian Fashion.
What Australian designers are you looking forward to seeing most?
All of them, we are always looking to discover new collections and seeing the shows of the ones we carry is always very exciting!
What do you look for when attending runway shows?
Shows are the greatest source of inspiration, we are always looking for fashion that will be the most stimulating for the customer.
I always think of our customer and how she will feel inspired by the collections we offer her.
What are the essential fashion items you are packing for fashion week?
I always have pieces that can easily mixed and matched for any occasion, classic blazers, T-shirts and blouses, skinny jeans and wedges.
What do you love about Australian fashion and Australian designers?
I love the positive energy and mutual support there is in Australian fashion. There is also a refreshing nonchalant approach to dressing, all the while remaining stylish and on trend, which truly resonates to the Shopbop customer.
What are the essential fashion items you are packing for fashion week?
BOY by Band of Outsiders white exploding dress – This dress is perfect for any occasion, during the day belted with a pair of flats and for the evening with a pair of wedges and some jewellery.
Rag & Bone Classic Newbury bootie – These are wardrobe staples, they work back to everything, dresses, skirts, skinny jeans…
Zimmermann – Floral playsuit – Right on trend for the season, this piece will be perfect for running around from one show to the next, I will wear it with simple flats and accessorize with fun jewellery
Perfect Gifts for Mum
I hate shopping. Yup a fashion/beauty blogger just admitted a hate for shopping! I hate the crowds. I hate finding a park. I hate that everything has been knocked off the shelves. But unfortunately it is an inevitable fate. Plus I live far away from my Mum & don’t get to see her so often these days so I love to give her extra special gifts when Mother’s Day rolls around. I’ll generally sit around and think about what I’m going to buy for weeks and then end up running around like a chicken without a head trying to find the perfect gift. In comes my love of gift guides. Blogs & magazines collating beautiful options of what I could give my mum – what a mum would actually love.
These are my personal top picks for Mother’s Day gifts for Mum this year.
1. Buy Mum a new handbag
If there is something a woman always appreciates it’s a new handbag. I’m not sure whether it’s about the fashion or the status symbol but every mother I know has always valued a beautiful well crafted handbag. As we move into the cooler months transeasonal colours are best so they can be worn now and through to summer. We love 3.1 Phillip Lim for the effortless style of the Lark bag (pictured left). We also love Arlington Milne who has managed to craft the perfect bag. If your mum carries around everything (including the kitchen sink) then Stella bag is perfect.
2. Buy Mum new shoes
It’s sad to say how often us women live up to our stereotypes. Handbags and shoes. Introduce Mum to a new style of heel to make her fall in love all over again. Even if your Mum has a shoe collection to rival Kim Kardashian’s closet I’m sure she is missing a few new designers. Buy your Mum a pair of Camilla Skovgaard Open Toe Booties or introduce her to the latest craze of wedged sneakers, we love these lace ups by See by Chloe. If you buy your mum the Chloe’s I’m going to have serious shoe envy.
3. Buy Mum radiant skin
Mum isn’t getting any younger. As I’m sure you know as the days roll on it’s harder to keep a youthful glow about your skin. What used to be easy and carefree now requires hard work and alot of amazing products. My favourite product for radiating skin at the moment is M.A.C Cosmetics Strobe Cream. This product honestly saved my skin in a stressful season of my life. It’s a potent mix of botanicals which gives your skin a boost. Tell Mum to wear it under foundation to revitalise her complexion. While you are at the M.A.C counter pick up Fix+ spray it’s a great way to seal makeup and keep skin hydrated.
4. Buy Mum the gift of LOVE
Love isn’t about money, it’s about the thought. Make her a card, write her a song, buy her the Chloe’s , just show her that you care and appreciate her on this special day.
Whitney Port at MBAFW
You met her on The Hills, you fell in love with her on The City and now your ultimate reality TV gal pal turned fashion designer is coming to Australia.
Whitney Port has confirmed to be showing her label ‘Whitey Eve‘ at this years Mercedes-Benz Australian Fashion Week.
Don’t be mistaken by her celebrity name, Whitney Port has used her connections coupled with artistic skill and business wits to become a sort after designer. Influenced by her LA upbringing and time spent in New York her line is a combination of the two ying & yang vibes and a combination of two style capitals of America.
Whitney Eve (the label) was first launched in 2008 at New York Fashion Week. Whitney Eve is set to unveil her Spring/Summer collection to Australian media on the 30 April 2012. The collection will be in store August 2012. We’ll be covering the show live so watch this space!
Mercedes Benz Australian Fashion Week is the biggest industry exclusive fashion week in the country. It attracts international designers, media and celebrities to view the Spring/Summer 12/13 collections from Australia’s finest designers.
An Australian Wintour has covered the shows in full for the last 3 years. This year we’ll be taking a back seat and leisurely watching the action unfold. We’ll cover highlight shows but for full show coverage our good friend Sassybella will be up to her eyeballs with frocks all week so check her out.
Fashion Palette 2012
Fashion lovers unite! If you are studying fashion or dreaming of being a part of the lucrative fashion world Fashion Palette is the event for you. Mercedes-Benz Australia Fashion Week is just around the corner but is reserved for trade and members of the press. To get an insider look at how these types of events work and the ins and outs of the industry you need to buy a ticket to Fashion Palette.
I attended the first Fashion Palette a couple of years a go when I had just finished studying. The things I learnt, the people I met and the broad understanding of the industry was so valuable. It helped launch my career in Sydney.
You’ll be able to check out runway shows from renowned Australia designers: Bettina Liano, Jayson Brunson, Arthur Galan AG, Nicola Finetti and many more.
Warehouse Sale
Check it out this weekend! Warehouse sale in Surry Hills including Minkpink, Staple and many more. We went last year and picked up some amazing bargains!
Long haul carry on essentials
Everyone looks it’s that girl Kristy! (I’m on the right, Megan is squashing my face) That’s right readers, it sure is. I’m Megan’s best friend, I live on the gold coast, I’m a seasoned traveller and I’ve been working in the medical industry for the past 6 years. Let’s see if I’m useful on the Internet.
Today, in preparation for my next adventure I’m packing my carry on luggage. I’ve narrowed down my travel beauty essentials to items that will make sure you look as pretty when you land as when you boarded. I’ve been travelling for 23 years so I feel I’ve got this on lock!
Aeroplanes have an air humidity level of about 10-20% compared to a comfortable 30-65% that most people are used to. Here are a few tips to keep your skin in tip top shape on a long haul flight.
Drink Water
Firstly it may seem obvious but you need to remember to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Moisturise
If you moisturise regularly it’ll help keep your skin hydrated, so you’ll look more fresh and feel rejuvenated after massaging the cream in. A great moisturiser I am loving is Vaselines Cocoa Butter Deep Condition Lotion. I’m going to use this in conjunction with the Restore Anti Aging Eye Cream from Nutrimetics to avoid dark eye circles. Nutrimetics has created this ultra rich antioxidant eye cream using Sauvignon Blanc concentrate. Now that sounds like my kind of product!
Pressure Stockings
Also in my bag of tricks I have a pair of pressure stockings, available from any pharmacy. They may not be the most glamorous fashion accessory but they stay well hidden under tights, and after a very painful 45 minutes of trying to rip a pair of ankle boots off my swollen feet in New York City a few years ago I wouldn’t set foot off the ground without them.
Hair Serum
Because there is nothing worse then dozing off and waking up looking like a Medusa double! To combat static hair I’m also packing a bottle of Nourishing Coconut Milk from Organix. It adds enough weight to your hair to keep it under wraps without looking stiff, keeping it moist and under control.
* Don’t forget! Store all your goodies in a zip lock bag and keep the bottles under 100mls. Safe travels!
Caring for skin in the cool
I don’t understand how it is already autumn. One minute I was sunning myself on Bondi Beach, the next I am pulling out scarves and fur vests to get ready for winter.
I do love the fashion of the colder months (hello leather boots!) , but the cool shift puts a strain on my (already) temperamental skin. This is because during the heat of summer more sweat and oil are produced and, even though the air is warmer, my skin remains more hydrated. As autumn and winter roll on, humidity in the air decreases, and drier air can have an effect on certain kinds of sensitive skin, making it red and flaky.
Here are a few tips to keep skin soft and smooth all the way through to Spring.
Choose the right cleanser
Did you know some people are affected by seasonal acne? These girls should fight the bumps by using gentle cleansers designed for sensitive skin. I’ve recently been trialling the Dove Beauty Moisture Facial Cleansers. As much as I love my high end products it’s not realistic to pay $150 for a cleanser all the time. So I was pleasantly surprised that Dove cleansers retail for $7.36 and still do a pretty amazing job. The cleanser helps lock in moisture. Most importantly for girls with seasonal acne it is hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic.
Keep an eye on your skin
It’s so easy to forget to keep the eye area hydrated but it is definitely the most important part of your moistening regime. It is considerably more sensitive and more prone to wrinkles and other signs of skin aging. This is the reason why there are more powerful active ingredients in eye creams compared to facial moisturisers. Prevention for under eye wrinkles should start in your early 20′s and continue for the rest of your life so start trialling creams now to find the perfect one for you. Estee Lauder has launched Re-Nutriv Re-Creation, Eye Balm and Night Serum for Eyes to seriously combat the signs of aging. Use the Eye Balm every morning. Even a small amount of this silky, sensuous creme creates a lasting, protective barrier to resist environmental damage. Use the Night Serum every evening. It contains 9 precious lipids from exotic plants and other natural ingredients-and is so powerful, 1-2 golden drops are all you need. It’s an expensive product ($495) but from what we have seen so far a well worthy investment.
Buy a humidifier
Something interesting I just learned is that turning a humidifier on can help your skin. Central heating systems (as well as space heaters) blast hot dry air throughout our homes and offices. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Place several small humidifiers throughout your home; they help disperse the moisture more evenly.
5 need to know Autumn trends
Boy Meets Girl
When even the Chanel catwalk is filled with androgynous shapes and (we never thought we’d say it) flat, workmen’s boots, the fashion crowd is bound to take notice. So stock up on mannish pieces, raid your boyfriend’s wardrobe and embrace a relaxed, masculine silhouette. Try Thakoon for a straight off the runway look.
Decades
Designers put a modern spin on three inspirational eras; Go flirty for 40′s in a Miu Miu tea dress or ladylike with Donna Karan’s luxe pencil skirts, gloves and fur stoles. Burberry’s neat Crayola-bright coats and furry flat-caps make fashion swinging again for the 60′s look.
Knee Boots
Although considered a winter staple rather then Autumn, we believe it’s never too early to pull out your knee high boots. Why not try and get the most use of them. This season the boots steer away from the 70′s suede and are geared more towards a weekend in the country. Leather boots with a steady heel and quality leather trimming make the cut. As seen on the runway at Rodarte. For a more subtle everyday look try footwear label Frye.
Orange
Indulge in delicious shades of the colour, from apricot to tangerine. There is a shade of orange to match every skin tone. It may seem like a bit of a cliche for the season (autumn leaves etc) but it’s a welcome change from the drab browns and greys we are about to encounter for winter. Embrace the hue.
Statement Jewellery
From feminine touches to bold and in-your-face bedazzlers, statement jewellery is a must. Combining the perfect necklace or a pair beautiful encrusted earrings with any simple garment will add that extra touch of glamour for any day or night look. Make like Olivia Palermo with something similar from Tuleste Market.
Dramatic hairstyles – the pixie crop
If there is one of the many hairstyles that is taking the celeb world by storm it has to be the pixie crop.
Celebs such as Dannii Minogue, Evan Rachel Wood, Emma Watson and Vanessa Hudgens are just a few of the celebs who have been seen out and about wearing the style.
The crop was also spotted on the Phillip Lim autumn/winter catwalk and it is perfect for the 60s style that was all over this season’s catwalk. You only have to look at 1960s fashion icons Edie Sedgwick, Twiggy and Mia Farrow who all sported pixie crops for inspiration.
The look is quite a dramatic one and be the perfect way to update your look. What’s more, from Helen Mirren to Emma Watson, women of any age can pull off the look. It is a dramatic cut that is perfect for showing off striking facial features and can also look really feminine and cute. However, it does take a lot of guts to cut off all your tresses but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a good look to pull off.
What’s more just because it is short doesn’t mean it is not a versatile hairstyle – in fact you can style your crop in a number of ways from smooth and sleek to messed up rock chick style.
When it comes to styling your crop it is also really easy – you really can wash and go. But for extra style all you need is a ghd IV mini styler as they have thinner plates which are perfect for using on shorter hair as the plates will glide easily through the hair. The rounded barrel of the styler also means that you can create curls and waves with your ghds so you can really mix the style up with just one hairstyling tool. If you visit http://www.ghdhair.com/au/ you will be able to see the ghd IV mini styler, along with all the other professional stylers and hair products that ghd do.
Emma Louise Birdsall
My friends are so talented. I am humbled by the creativity of those in my life. My good friend Emma Louise Birdsall is my dear friend who leaves me in awe every time she sings. This is an amazing cover of ‘I can’t make you love me’ that I just have to share with you. I am not trying to ‘promote’ my friend, rather I just want to share a gift with you. Listen to this and reflect on the love, the life, the heartbreak in your life. Be passionate everyday.
Emma Louise Birsdall on Facebook
Get Emma’s look with a skater skirt (we love this one from Theory) a statement necklace (Giles and Brother do it well!) and a cashmere sweater (Stars on cashmere by Chinti and Parker – oh so cute!)
Recreate the Oscars looks
Have you been drooling all over the Oscars frocks all day like I have? Unfortunately we don’t have occasions where we can wear fall length gowns everyday. (gosh I wish we could though!) So here are my favourite looks from the 84th Academy Awards red carpet on a budget! (Not a ‘budget’ but with much smaller prices then these designer gowns!)
Michelle Williams Oscars Dress
This would of had to have been my favourite look of the day, starting with the best! Michelle Williams looked perfectly poised in this layered Louis Vuitton gown. Re-create the look for day wear with this flirty frock from Rachel Pally.
Cameron Diaz Oscars Dress
I can’t help you get Cameron Diaz’ killer bod (How amazing does she look! I can only wish!!) but you can intimate her red carpet look with this dress from Ethereal by Leila Hafzi - I hope you have a special event to go to soon!
Viola Davis Oscars Dress
To be honest I haven’t ever seen (noticed) Viola Davis on the red carpet until tonight. She stands out this gorgeous green Vera Wang dress. Although my ‘match’ is a complete different style I just wanted to find this colour – Rebecca Taylor does it so well. The style is called ‘catch the bouquet’ bless!
