d-lux…… d-licious
Monday, May 24, 2010
I love this time of they year, the humidity is no where to be found, there is a refreshing chill in the air that reminds me of my childhood years at Thredbo over Easter. You get to pull out those Paddington Bear winter coats, boots, gloves and best of all scarves! I must admit it took me many years to appreciate the real value of a scarf and that it wasn’t just to keep me warm (no matter how many times my mum told me!). So, I have been on the hunt for the most d-licious scarves and think we just might have found them. Now whilst any scarf will keep your neck warm, you really don’t want to waste your time buying a $9.95 scarf that has the potential to leave your skin irritated, itchy and red now, do you? Like anything in your wardrobe, the secret is about quality and adding value to your wardrobe – investment pieces.
d-lux has (so I discovered) recently launched its autumn/winter 2010 collection of beautiful handcrafted fashion scarves, wraps and jewellery. They are made from the most d-licious Woolmark and merino wool products with an emphasis on textures, weaves and hand work. Oeee quality. Whilst I must admit I am not an animal print lover, it’s just one of those things that just doesn’t do me any favours (even if I am in a minority) for those of you that are, you have found your winter companion! For those that prefer a more floral, vintage or plain colour look d-lux has not forgotten about you. They have done well with such an array of styles and colour.
A scarf can make such a difference to your outfit!
See how a scarf just bring a little bit of life to an outfit? A scarf is also one of the best tricks to take you from day to evening.
Whilst I love hearing from everyone that reads my blog I thought I might just provide you with the stockists number, so you can get your hands on one of these divine creations – 03 9885 5566. Stay warm and stylish this winter. x
My first purchase with my Chatswood Chase Vouchers
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Unfortunately mum couldn’t come shopping with me on Friday and although I bought her a new mascara, we or maybe I decided to spend the first voucher on myself. After all I do have another 11 months to spend a voucher on my beautiful parents. So, what to buy????
I have had my eyes on a new pair of sunglasses for quite a while now, so it was straight to Sunglasses Hut for my first purchase. They had the sunnies I was after in stock, so literally within 5 mins the transaction was done. There went my first $250! Check them out below, they are really groovy and fold up into a tiny square case!!
I will keep a little section on the side of my blog (somewhere – just need to work out where of all the purchases I make over the next 12 months!!).
My new Ray- Ban Wayfarer Folding glasses
We shopped till we dropped!
Friday, May 14, 2010
How I love a good bit of retail therapy and that’s exactly what we got at the opening night of Sydney Fashion Weekend last night at Moore Park. The Hordon Pavilion (which no longer resembled the space Ksubi closed RAFW at last week) was transformed into a shopping mecca. It was jam packed with Fashionista’s of all ages. As we walked in the door, first stall to our left was Samantha Wills which resembled a scene from Confessions of a Shopaholic where Isla Fisher was at a sale and had eyes only for the Prada Boots and nothing was going to stop her from getting those boots!
Samantha Wills stall - out of control!
My favourite purchases of the night were 2 necklaces from 7 pers (whom is designed by a gorgeous ex work colleague and friend Alison Gibson)
7 pers by Alison Gibson
I found Pip and Bec from It was me and managed to pick up a few essential colours of their resin range that were missing from my collection (and the missing earings – unlike RZoe, I’m a fan of things matching)
Ahh more from the It was me girls
And last but definitely not least another favourite designer of mine Erin Louise (whom I discovered at Bondi Markets nearly 3-4 years ago) whose range stays true to her core basic of singlet tops but whom is now experimenting with a few more quirkier pieces and it’s working. I love the top and necklace I picked up from her and met her gorgeous family too.
Necklace and singlet top from Erin Louise
So today, I am finally getting the chance to head to Chatswood Chase to collect my first $250 Gift Card. I can’t wait. Im going to have a special section on my blog dedicated to everything I purchase from CC over the next 12 months. Then I am off to Surry Hills to meet the girls from Capital L and last stop Bondi at 2.30pm where I am being interviewed by Serena Star and Johnny B on the Live Peep Show (a tad nervous I must admit). Happy Friday to all.
So much Style – I love it!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
You know those nights where you have had a ridiculously busy day, you get to an event and have a glass of champagne, they keep topping up your glass and you quickly loose count of how many you’ve had because the champagne is going down better than water and before you know it, you’re at the after party and then you wake up and it’s the next day? Welcome to my morning.
I had the most fabulous of fabulous nights last night at the Instyle Women of Style Awards. To me, it was better than any fashion week just quietly. I met many many women whose lives over the years I have followed (not in a stalkerish way) that have inspired me to follow my dreams. The highlight of my night was definitely chatting with Melissa Hoyer – the Woman of Fashion. Not only does she actually get everything Fashion and style (unlike a certain woman with the initials PH that I facebooked last week), she is as beautiful in real life as she comes across in the media. Pint sized but just oozes style, grace, elegance – big tick from me.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Sally Obermeder from Ch 7 (even if it was in the ladies toilet and she offered to help me do up the top button of my silk jumpsuit – which after a few champas was getting slippery) – she too was just gorgeous.
So, the awards –
Fashion – Kirrily Johnson
Beauty – Sharon McGlinchey
Arts / Culture – Joint winners were Deborah Mailman and Del Kathryn Barton
Environment – Dr Tammy Matson
Charity / Community – Deborah Lee Furness
Design – Melinda Dodson
Business – Naomi Simpson
Lifestyle – Chui Lee Luk
News/ Entertainment – Nicole Kidman
Instyle Audi Scholarship (the Award I would love to win next year) - Danielle van Camp
The overall Woman of Style and Readers Choiec Award went to Nicole Kidman who unfortunately was not able to be there however was accepted on her behalf by a very humbled Janelle Kidman (her mun) whose words as a mother came straight from the heart and bought a tear to my eye. She was so proud of everything her daughter has achieved and it felt as if there were only 5 people in the room when she was speaking. Instyle then showed a video message that Nicole had previously filmed accepting the award – her natural beauty and elegance in her acceptance of the award had everyone in the room exchanging glances without needing to say a word all affirming her status as the Instyle Woman of Style. Most noteably I will never forget Nicole’s words – “ All that we have ultimately is what we can do for others in the world”. No truer words spoken.
Nicole Kidman - one Stylish Woman and her mum Janelle accepting the Award on her behalf
For all the details of the awards grab a copy of the June Instyle Mag and head straight to pg 115.
Oh and one more thing – fabulous goody bag – have been wanting to try SKII product for a while but have never got around to it – even after 3 hours sleep it made my skin feel divine, im hooked!
Am I dreaming?
Monday, May 10, 2010
Ever receive a phone call or email that you think is too good to be true? Well that is what happened to me on Saturday morning when I got an email and then a phonecall telling me I had won the Chatswood Chase, Sydney Women of Style Competition. I was like sorry have you got the right person, me??? Since then, I havent been able to wipe the smile off my face.
“A Stylish Woman is one that epitomises style through her unique approach to fashion and life. She is elegant and captivating, an inspiration to her family and friends. Michelle’s style has been described as a vibrant young professional who knows that success only comes after hard work and that you need to present well to be on top in business. Congratulations Michelle!”
I guess I made the right decision leaving my career as a Lawyer behind and following my passion to bring fashion and style to everyone. I cannot wait until the Instyle Women in Style Awards tomorrow night. I’ve decided not to do a wrap up of Fashion Week last week because there are hundreds out there already and for those wanting to know more jump onto the RAFW Facebook page, Matt Peroz from howgreenisyoureco did a fantastic job blogging every show – even had the privilege of sitting next to and behind him in a couple. I promise Wed morning to bring you everything about the Instyle Awards – I can’t believe I am going to be in a room with so many women that inspire me. Till then thanks Chatswood Chase, for such an amazing opportunity.
It was me
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
It was me.
I’m in love with these amazing resin bangles. Seriously I want the entire range! Whilst officially launched in April 2010, it was me evolved from pip and juju, 2 Sydney girls who started a smaller label that began in 2008.Now it’s Pip and Bec, two of the nicest girls you will ever meet.
The bangles are to die for and they will be taking pride of place among my accessories range very very shortly.
They are eclectic, individual, so so stylish, raw, organic, LARGE and seriously the hottest thing to have right now!! www.itwasmecreations.com . Go forth and conquer the world girls, we’re glad it was you.
Logies wrap-up
Monday, May 3, 2010
Well like any other night as much as the Logies is about celebrating the talent on our Australian Screens, it really is about the red carpet fashions isn’t it? So without any further ado let’s get straight to the hits, misses, the what the’s and the down right WOW’s!
The hits – Ada Nikadoumo – the most perfect of styles and colours to show off her petite but perfect figure. Lisa Wilkinson is the modern day Audrey Hepburn. Simple but so elegant – her perfect look, Rebecca Breeds – so stylish. Shelly Craft, Anna Hutchinson, Emily Simmons (that crazy Marilyn from Home and Away) loved her classic look.
This misses/ what the’s – Gabrielle Cilmi. I’m sorry but I just don’t get her, her music or everything she wears especially the blue number from last night?? She continues to amaze me at the gigs she gets, clearly there is a memo I missed about her. Rebecca Gibney, as much as I love her and I thought she looked incredibly pretty, I do think her dress let her down. The colour and style didn’t work with her. Jessica McNamee (also packed to the Rafters) stood out in the burnt orange, which was different, but not what I would have chosen for her. Alex Perry a firm favourtie designer of mine, the KK light blue number was not a hit in my books.
The undecided – Jen Hawkins ?? She looked gorgeous, funky and eclectic and I am a big fan of Toni M, but don’t think her outfit was really Logies style. But then again isn’t style all about expressing your individuality. Isn’t it and I wouldn’t be complaining if I looked like her. Claudia Carvan, loved her stylish old fashioned look, but again, just not Logies for me. Logies to me is all about elegance, old fashioned, long flowing dresses, draping, glamour and style. Maybe Claudia should have kept that number for RFAW this week.
THE WWWWWWOW’s Hand down – Melissa Doyle. She looked as beautiful as her smile (I was really hoping she would take out best TV presenter just quietly). She graced the Red Carpet like no other. Esther Anderson (my pick for best dressed), Jessica Morais (the other pick for best dressed), the gorgeous Natalie Gruzlewski and Margo Robbie – yep they get this years WOW’s!
Esther Anderson
All in all, I think this year it was the more neutral softer feminine and elegant colours that stole the show this year.
Now for the blokes, sure they don’t have the opportunity to do as much with their outfits, but for me it was all about how they did their hair that topped off whether they made it in my books or not and maybe their smile, ok I am a sucker for a cute smile – Todd Lasance, Luke Jacobs, Hugh Sheridan (Yep your cous is hot Jess (wrongly or rightly)) and his on screen dad Eric Thompson all so sexy, sophisticated and handsome but it was probably Luke Mitchells charcoal suit that made him stand out a smidgen about the rest.
Well that’s a wrap from me on the fashions for another year of Logies…….I must say as I struggled to stay awake, however it was well worth it when Alf Stewart (aka Ray Meagher) took out the Gold Logie, very much overdue and well deserved ‘Bout Flamin time’.
Inside Australian Fashion Week
Sunday, May 2, 2010
I don’t really understand astrology. I mean I like reading the different versions of what people predict is going to happen in my love life, work life and family life and somehow twisting it to fit whatever my current circumstances are. I don’t really understand how when planets align in certain ways, stars can mean so much. However, whatever is going on right now in my zone, astrological chart, whatever it is, I want to bottle it up and keep it here, right here, please. You know those times in your life when you don’t think life can get any better, yet it does, I’m having one of those times and just quietly loving every minute of it! Not only is it only one more sleep till the week of RAFW commences, last night we Stepped out in Style at the ‘FROCK STARS’ exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum. It truly was a spectacular night.
Mark Scarrott and myself at FROCK STARS last night
The ‘FROCK STARS’ exhibition gives anyone and everyone who is a fashionista at heart an inside view into Australian Fashion Week. It showcases and celebrates the 15 years RAFW has been in existence and what goes on behind the scenes – at head office, on the cutting table, the production rooms, backstage on a runway in the dressing room and hair and makeup studio’s. Last night the Redken team (one of the best) teased and manicured models hair as they prepared to showcase several young and upcoming designers work from local Colleges.
My favourite designer of the night was definitely Bradley Macleans range called Oscar Brennan (Oscar being the name of his dog, and Brennan being a combination of his first and second name – clever). His edgy yet ready to wear collection closed last nights show.
A teaser of the collection from Oscar Brennan
And a small, but exciting side of last night, I was honoured to have a little yellow dot stuck on me which meant I was put under the eye of 2 celebrity judges -Anthony Capon from Project Runway and Nancy Piltcher (ex Australian Vogue Editor) to be judged in the line up of Stylish Men and Women of the night and to my surprise I tied equal 2nd/3rd and received the best box of Redken goodies but more so it was the honour of having my style admired by two people whom I admire.
‘FROCK STARS’ Exhibition runs till the 29th August, is open daily from 10am – 5pm at the Powerhouse Museum. I highly recommend for all fashion lovers to check it out. It’s only $10 entry, best value you will get for $10!
Here’s to a fabulous week at RAFW. x
AICD Diploma of Styling class
Saturday, May 1, 2010
There are many wonderful things in life. clothes, fashion, style, shopping, shopping and oh more shopping. I feel incredibly lucky I am able to earn a living from doing something I love – helping educate men and women on what to wear. There is nothing quite like the satisfying feeling of having a client walk away from a Personal Shopping session with a new found confidence.
In addition to my gorgeous clients, this year, I undertook the challenge to teach the Diploma of Styling at the Australian Institute of Creative Design on the GC. It’s always a little daunting.. first class, what will the students be like? Are they going to relate to me? To say the least, the group of girls I have the pleasure of guiding and mentoring on their way to becoming world class stylist…. are incredibly talented (or maybe it’s just they have a dam good teacher…haha). I am though, seriously a very lucky woman. I have 11 students in my class, whom each week continue to blow me away. Their dedication, creativity have truly exceed the expectations I had of them so early in the course! Over the past couple of weeks, the girls have undertaken a flat lay shoot, client makeover and this week an inspired shoot, whereby they were to create a shoot without any guidance of a scene that inspired them. Below I share with your a few of their inspiration shoots from today. You can see more images in my gallery.
Cassie Bray preparing Bree Anketell for her shoot
Stunning Bree styled by Cassie Bray
Hazel Suarez styled by Nikki Dunlop
Nothing like a trip down Memory Lane
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Cedal - reminds me of my childhood days using nan's hairspray
Remember those smells from your childhood? Freshly cut lawn, flowers from the garden, your mum’s perfume, your nan’s hairspray…there is nothing quite like taking a trip down memory lane and that’s exactly what I did the other day when I came across Cedal hairspray. I had no idea it was even still around, perhaps because I’d become lazy with my hair and tend to just throw it up. But I was so excited, like a kid at Christmas. I couldn’t believe Cedal has been around for 80 years? And to add a touch of something special Cedal joined the NDCF (National Breast Cancer Foundation) team of Corporate Partners in Jan 2009.This year Cedal went from a Bronze to Silver Partner which means they donate $25,000 from the sale of $120,000 pink Cedal hairspray cans. In addition they are the official sponsor of The Mothers Day Classic Run. I love great companies who actually stand up and partner with causes, it makes buying their product even more enjoyable. PLUS…a sneaky bit of inside info…in a couple of weeks Cedal are releasing their DRY shampoo, yep the one you spray into your hair, wait and brush out to have that ultra clean effect. I tried it this morning and I’m in love, gone are the days of lugging shampoo and conditioner around. It’s going to be a permanent fixture in my toiletree bag! It’s so good that it’s even made it to our products we love section!