Loving this week: Mimco, Palmers and Kikki K

For a long time I've been after a bag from Mimco, I've always liked their Viking Pouche Style, but in the latest range drop soemthing else has caught my eye, the Faraway Hip Bag. It has a top opening like a doctors bag, and come with both a long strap and carry handles. I'm always a fan of long straps as shopping is so much easier when you don't have an arm already occupied with carrying your handbag. It also comes in a nice neutral brown that will go with stacks of things.

 

Faraway Hip Bag by Mimco.

Next on my list this week is an oldie but a goodie. Over the years I have introduced many of my friends to this product, and I fell in love with it yet again this week while trying to make myself feel better in my sick state. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Moisturiser. If you haven't tried it, I highly suggest it. (They even have free samples to send out via their Aussie Facebook page) It smells divine, even the boys in my life are suckers for the smell, and the effect is magnificent, you feel totally pampered, and your skin glows. not bad for a supermarket buy. I also read that they don't test on animals, so it's good for any ethical readers out there!

 

Palmer's Orginal Cocoa Butter Formula.

I love stationery. When I move into my new house in a few months, I hope to have a room that I can say is purely a creative outlet for myself. I'll set up my sewing machines, mannequins, fabrics, stationery, computer, everything that I do to keep myself smiling and sane. Kikki K has just released a new inspiring catalogue for the new ranges coming out, you can see it here. I find it helps to see how other people fill ther spaces and create their niches without being pigeon-holed. I cannot wait.

Sweet Hearts Adhesive Notes by Kikki K

New Design!

I got sick of crediting someone else, and she may look kind of like a zombie, I haven't done any art in years. So shut up! lol.
No doubt I'll get over her and put something else up soon.

Tip of the day: Skincare and Make-up when you have a cold/the flu

There are two things that spring to most minds in Brisbane when EKKA is mentioned, one of course is the show, and the other is the Flu. Both are timed at near identical times of the year for many.
And some are like me, the trendsetters who already have the damn flu. I have been sick all week and its really playing on my looks. But there are ways to minimise this.
My first tip is to STAY HOME if at all possible and look after yourself! I do understand this isn't something that everyone can do, When you work in retail, when you're a mum, when you run your own business and no one can fill your shoes. Do everything you can at home, gets friends and partners to help you out with errands. Repay the favour when they are sick. It's good karma.
Secondly, do not stop your skincare routine, it can be hard to drag yourself over to the bathroom when you have to find your way through mountains of tissues, but don't drop the ball.
Aloe Vera Tissues are awesome, get them on hand ASAP. They will make you less of a red nose monster.
Use a thicker moisturiser then normal around your nostrils. Kind of an icky thought and description, but it'll help stop your skin freaking out.
Do not forget to use a scrub. But don't over-do it, your skin will become duller because you are skin, give it a hand to look it's best.
Kinda linked to the previous, but use brightening skincare too.  Your skin needs help to glow again. I like Loreal Skin Expertise Youth Code Day / Night Cream

Now this is just what you need to do if you're staying at home during this time, Make-up will need to be adjusted in a similar fashion.
This change in skincare can make you break out, stay on top of it with a target treatment. I love that Clearasil four hour difference cream, you know the one with the guy in the chicken suit on the ad?  Yeah ... that one.
There is hardly ever a time when less is more is more suited to a make-up situation, You do not want to overdo your make up when you are sick. The urge might be there to layer it on to try and hide that you are sick but this is not the way to go at all. it will flake off with your dry skin around your nose, and be hard to blend.
If you can get away with it, use just a tinted moisturiser all over. You can then use concealer/foundation on area that aren't your nose. Healthy glowy foundations are the order of the day, I tried Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation and found it perked up my appearance nicely, but needed reworking in the mid afternoon.

Use an illuminating concealer around your eyes. They're puffy because you're sick right? Pay special attention to them and pat on a Touche Eclat-esque product to throw some light onto your face.

Use a blush as well, it'll help liven up your complexion and add some warmth, otherwise a pale pink will lessen any dullness you may have too. I recommend Benefit blushes in Dandelion and Sugarbomb.

Lastly, use a waterproof mascara if any, you do not want to smear it all over if you need to wipe away any mess during the day.
All you need is a slick of lip balm to sooth away any dry lips your flu may have given you, and you're as good as you can be. I still recommend staying home, but sometimes you just have to get out!

Bought! Reebok, Puma, Asana and Target

Had a sporty shop up this evening, I was in dire need of some new sneakers after the soles of my dunlops started to flake off.
Amart All Sports had a special, 50 different sneaker types for $50, bargain! So I got some advice from the assistants and was sent in the direction of some Puma Cell Ikonis 2 Q111's. I asked for gym shoes that could also be used for jogging in a pinch.
Of course, in pink.

Ladies Puma Cell Ikonis 2 Q111

After I picked those out I went and had a peek at the rest of the sports gear, I love a snappy sports singlet, but it has to be something that either speaks to me or makes me laugh, some of the Slogan singlets you see are just too OTT. " I earn my choccies one step at a time" anyone? Blech.
I snorted out loud when I spotted this singlet by Asana .. no one said it didn't run faster then me too!

 Asana Slogan Singlet

I've already been through two gym bags since I started training at the start of the year, the first one turned out to be too small, even though I loved the design and colours. and the second was a freebie attached to a magazine, certainly big enough but the straps were waaaaay too short. I wasn't even browsing for one today but I spotted this and loved it. It's very sleek, has both carry handles and an across body straps, large zip up pocket on the front, two internal sewn in pockets, and a removable small pouch with wrist strap.
I'm really quite appalled I can't find this bag anywhere online to show you guys!

Lastly, I'm in need of sports bras, and don't want to spend too much, it's kind of hard to find them to fit my 12dd size. (This size is a curse, not a blessing.) Most of the time I opt for 12d. Target is having a sale on underwear at the moment, but it's worth having a good dig, there were different colours in this bra, at different prices just because of unpopular colour combinations. I got a bright pink with dark purple detailing version for less then $10! Sweeet.

Target Moulded Medium Impact Underwire Sports Bra

Product review: Naughty Alice, Yum.

One of the first things I learnt about Vivienne Westwood is that she isn't your average designer. She is more punk rock then primadonna, and I love her for it. Her designs evoke a futuristic dystopia with its roots in the 80's and the sex pistols.
I once read that she wanted to design a perfume that smelt like 'a freshly washed fanny' Now I don't know about England but over here, a fanny is located on your front, not your behind.
Thankfully, this perfume doesn't resemble a butt or otherwise.
I'm a little behind the eightball for this perfume, but it was one of those things I had to save up for, and I love it all the more, it sits with pride on my dresser with its bracelet. (That I'm not allergic to, bonus.) The bracelet features her signature orb and heart logo on a gold chain.
The smell initially didn't appeal to me, but I squirted myself with it, and it develops into a gorgeous, seductive warmth.
It has notes of blackrose, ylang ylang, violet and musk, and is considered 'floriental' (lol). also it is a perfect fragrance for Winter, as I think it would be a little heavy for summer.

 

Go ahead and tell me the ad itself doesn't seduce you.

Purchase from Fragrance Direct here.

Free Sample from Sunsilk Australia

The new Frizz Defence range that's been advertised all over the TV at the moment, give it a try, all you have to do is like Sunsilk on Facebook and fill in the form.

Enjoy!

What Katie Did

Have you ever bought one of those cheap corsets off eBay? You know the sort that come with that strange little g-string and feels highly flammable? Yeah I have too, they're kind of lacking in that desired cinch-me-in-and-make-me-look-amazing quality that you'd hoped for, something just isn't quite right.
Let me tell you the secret, They're just not going to do it for you. To get the curves and va-va-voom you're after you're going to have to spend a little bit of money but my word is it going to be worth it.
Let me tell you about one of my favourite brands of underwear.
What Katie Did is a company in England that creates and sells beautiful vintage inspired undergarments. I found them a few years ago, on the back on my burlesque fascination and have collected a few items here and there over the years. Their attention to details is incredible and their designs are sublime to say the least. Beautiful and classic shapes to make you feel like a gorgeous pin up model. They design a range that encompasses a lot of the lingerie available around the fifty's including classic shapewear, bullet bras, and high waisted knickers, made with modern and more wearable fabrics.

 Two tone Morticia underbust Corset

Can I tell you now, do not be afraid to wear a bullet bra! They're quite fun actually and can look amazing under blouses and the like. I have the one below and it's so comfy too, you great incredible support without an underwire.

Harlow Bullet Bra

Another thing that is plaguing women's underwear lately are those unsightly excuses for shapewear. Have you ever felt sexy in one? There's the dilemma when you're going out for a date that tonight may just be 'the night' with your suitor to be, and you want to look amazing all night. But when passion takes over it can be a little odd to suddenly pause and 'go and slip into something more comfortable' Why not put on something that does all of it? The Glamour Corsolette is just one item in a range of gorgeous shapewear that you don't need to feel ashamed to reveal to anyone. In fact, my boyf's eyes were out on stalks when he spotted me dropping my dress to reveal this one night.

 

Glamour Corsolette

One more item I couldn't do this post without mentioning would be the amazing stocking range What Katie did produces. The authentic fully fashion stocking are created on machines used to create them back when your nana wore them and they are ultra special. But for a more budget friendly alternative you can buy the seamed stockings in nude, sheer black or deep chocolate to complete your vintage underwear look. They also sell seamed fishnets, Rawr.

 

Retro Seamed Stockings

One final tip? their high waisted underwear is just the thing for wearing under all those high waisted skirts that are in fashion at the moment, try them and see!

All items featured are available at What Katie Did, all photos used are copyright of Tony Nylons.

Sales!

To me, I don't really bother with sales in the first few weeks, I'll have a browse, and pickup anything I'm totally in love with,  (I must say this does not include boxing days sales, which are a tradition for me ...) But on the whole, it's just not worth it, because things will get even cheaper in the days to come. Take this wonderful time of year, posts financial year sales.
I find online is a lot easier to navigate for these sales, as you don't rummage through racks and piles of crap with your hands. There are still all the gorgeous pictures and explanations of all products, and it's a lot easier to spot and find something you like.
Best tips?
Look for things you will wear in the upcoming season, or trends that have only just begun. Summer is coming, anything transeasonal, cardigans, shorts, close toed heels, and the beginning trends, if you didn't see it last year, that's a pretty good indicator. Otherwise have a look at international sites like shopbop and ASOS, and see what they're yelling about, you can be pretty sure that what they're wearing at the moment, is what we'll be wearing in six months.
Even better! Look for classics, the perfect jeans, tank tops (or t-shirts if you prefer), suits, anything that can be worn year after year without looking out of season..

Want some places to check out now?
Surfstich -up to 60% off surf labels
Freez - Biggest winter sale ever
Style Society - 30-60% off everything

Happy shopping!

Cartoonish eyelashes

I love big eyelashes, it's a look that's easy to master, can be worn everyday and suits everyone. My trick to getting them done is to layer your mascaras and use an eyelash curler.
I'm allergic to most eyelash curlers, the metal that is used in the production of most of them gives me hives, on my eyelids ... euw. My boyf calls it princess syndrome because it means I can't wear cheap jewelry too! The one I do use is the heated eyelash curler made by Ardell.

After you have curled your lashes, then it's time to use your mascara, firstly use a lengthening formula. I use Covergirl Lashblast Length. The effect is subtle, and if you're after a low key look that won't interfere with the rest of your face you can stop here, but that's not why we're here. This step I find works well with those 'tubing' mascaras, and lengthening formulas.
After I've applied that I quickly whip out my purple Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies and coat them again. Make the most of the spoon brush and wrap it against your lashes. Sort of like pressing them back against your eyelid, but being careful not to goop up your lids. Mind you, any good volumising mascara will do well too.

The best way to apply mascara to minimise mess is to lean in toward the mirror and then tilt you head back, like you're looking down on the mirror.
Wiggle the brush all the way from root to tip, this will stop it from looking funny when your lash colour varies from the mascara colour.
It's also good to flick your lashes toward the outer of your eyes to help open them up.

Products used:

Eyelash curler by Ardell.

Covergirl Lash Blast Length

Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies.

All products featured in this post are available at your local Priceline.

A massive amount of recommendable mascaras are also available online at Strawberrynet.com I love it because it's such a bargain hunter's dream! go check it out if you haven't been there before.

Extend the life of trend items in your wardrobe: 2

Another thing I can add onto this post is something I didn't even clock onto until I was out shopping and thought about the longevity of the maxi skirt I just picked up.
You can extend the life of trend pieces, if you buy pieces that can be altered.
For example, the maxi skirt and dress.
Although it may look like this trend isn't going anywhere, trust me, one day it will, and you may not love it as much as you do now too. So what to do? Either take it to your seamstress, or your sewing machine (buy one, it's seriously a great investment for a fashionista.) and shorten it.

 Hurray for quick photoshopping!

On a maxi skirt, this will work better on a more flared shape skirt then a column based one, If you don't know what skirt lengths suit your legs best, I would recommend either going in to a seamstress for their opinion, or consult the girls who know their stuff, Trinny and Susannah
Once you're ready to go, Just find the suitable length, measure all the way around your skirt, add hem allowance and hem it. It'll take just a couple of hours (if that) on your own,
Next time I do an alteration I'll post it and show you how.

Bought! Remington Lumasmooth

IPL (intense pulse light) is a hair removal method that work by directing a flash of high powered light at your skin in order to kill the hair follicles. Now they do come back unfortunately for most people, but the more sessions you have, the less likely they are to come back, and even then they do come back lighter and less noticeably. I like it to do it, because the hair doesn't come back for about two months for me, which is great when I can require waxing on a weekly basis in summer.
Another plus is that you can shave whenever you need, which is something you can't do with waxing.
IPL does not come cheap. I was paying $80 a session, just to get my 'bikini area' done, and even then it was a patchy as 5 minute job (with some strange lady squirting lube on your bits). Then I found some of those Cudo-esque vouchers to get it done cheaper, but then the place became so popular that I couldn't book in less them 7 weeks advance! When sessions are supposed to occur every three weeks, that's pretty shit and annoying. So what's a girl to do? Buy her own damn machine and DIY!

 Remington Lumasmooth

So I've had this on layby for a little while as they don't come cheap, but I can't wait to try it out. (It says test to see if you have any adverse reactions.) So tested I have, and so far so good, I may have pale skin, but it's tough as.
So I shaved part of my arm and zapped myself. Even at the highest setting it didn't hurt as much as the salon machine, could be that my arm isn't as sensitive as my sensitives though. So now we wait. I had a fear that the machine wasn't strong enough but then had a giggle at the fact that a few stray hairs I didn't shave and zapped burnt and shriveled up. Of course I don't recommend doing that yourself, it kinda smells lol.
I'm going to give it a go all over my legs and underarms (it's so perfect for underarms) and give a review in about two weeks or so when my hair will hopefully fall out.
Until then if you want to read up on them, Remington Lumasmooth's website is here. I bought mine from Shaver Shop, who do frequent great deals on them.

So hopefully this is good-bye messy at home waxpot, and strange ladies staring at my bits!

Loving this week: Ladakh, Sportsgirl and Topshop

Ladakh are one of the eponymous Aussie labels to be, it's wearable at a broad range of ages and has a good blend of boho, beachy and just plain wearable. The fact that you can get a killer dress with change from $100 also piques my curiosity.
They have been working on their Internet marketing lately so I have been receiving emails from them that I never used to, Which drew my attention to the Nikita Dress. My trainer has helped me sculpt my arms up pretty nicely over winter, this'll show them off nicely. Also note the dark detailing over the front? Good design feature that will also slim you down.

Nikita dress by Ladakh. Available from Surfstitch.

Sportsgirl is one of my favourite shops, You'll often find me down the back of the store scouring the sale racks and trying to find a bargain. but more recently I've been checking out the front end of the store to see the monthly drop of new stock. I saw this blouse and loved the cut out/boho style. Also available in blush (burnt reddy pink)

Sportsgirl Paige Peasant Blouse

I've been a fan of whimsy for a long time, and kooky prints are high on my favourite things to wear, so when I saw this bunny print shirt dress by Topshop I had to have it. Add to cart please.

 

White Bunny Print Belted Shirt dress by Topshop

All of these items are also available online.

Extending the life of trend items in your wardrobe

Trends are always going to come and go, it's an integral part of what makes fashion what it is. The new, the different, the exciting, the "I must have it!" would cease to exist. But it's a pain in the ass trying to stay ahead of the game. Time consuming and expensive are two words that come to mind. So what can we do about it?

One thing I like to do is when I find a trend I want to buy into, is that I'll buy the most classic version I can find.

Take last summer's clogs -which incidentally fashion magazines told us to wear with socks during winter, brrr!- I found a pair with simple black straps (below, but in black), the only thing that made them fashionable was the fact they were clogs. I wore them with everything and happily clomped all over town in them, but now what? They're on their way out.

They're something different to the norm, and aren't a trend that come around often, so I'm going to pop them into my storage and bring them out in a year or two. Being in a more classic style then in your face trendwhore, they'll come back into my wardrobe more seamlessly. After all, wearing what no one else is makes you more fashionable.

Tip of the day: Make buttons stay on longer.

Do this to every piece of clothing where buttons aren't sewn on by hand. I learnt the hard way by losing an Alannah Hill button at the dry cleaners, and damn she chooses some impossible to replace buttons. *cries*
Don't know if your buttons are sewn on by hand or not? Chances are they weren't so do it!
Short of taking the buttons off your garment and sewing them back on yourself, the quickest way of helping them stay on is with a bottle of clear nail varnish. Open your garment up flat, with the backs of the buttons showing in a neat little line, then take your nail varnish and dab a tiny amount onto the stitches holding your button in place. Leave to dry, For the love of lambs do not put it on while it's drying.

If you trust yourself enough, it's not a bad idea to put a tiny amount between the button and the front of the garment, pinch the fabric so the button is sitting atop, and dab a tiny amount on the threads  in between. leave to dry, Definitely do not put your garment on while drying, or you'll risk the button hole sticking to the varnish, Big mess.

It's not like Brisbane has twice the population or anything ...

I don't think Zara has done their homework planning their next store for Australia in Adelaide. One of the ... Trying to think of a dysphemistic euphemism here, easy going and carefree capitals of Aus. With lots of dreadlocks and piercings to be spotted.

Le sigh, looks like we'll  have to wait a little longer Brisbane. Or we might just have to stock up on our interstate trips? Cheat on my City? Only when required.

Tip of the day: Make drawers run smoothly

When we moved house last week, I managed to inherit a huge set of drawers. four huge drawers, two smaller, and even a little armoire on the side to hang up more clothes. I love it, but the drawers are a bitch. All jammy and hard to open and close smoothly.
Now you could get someone to sand down the edges so your drawers have a little extra room, but then you'd have a lot of work to deal with, and need to find someone you're OK with seeing your scanties. This method is much quicker, and less messy.
Keep a bar of soap in your knicker drawer. Firstly it will keep your knickers smelling nice, and secondly it's great for rubbing on the corners of your drawers to make them run smooth. Give it a go and see.

For nice drawer soaps, just your normal imperial leather just won't do, My favourite pretty soap brand is Mor, they have a huge range so you're bound to find something you like, and the packaging is so pretty you might not want to unwrap it (buy a few bars for your bathroom too). My favourite is the Black Cherry Plum.

A range of the scents available 

Mor Black Cherry Plum Soap

Mor is also available at selected Myer stores and Cosmetics Fragrance Direct for the bargain hunters out there.

Bought: Eyeko Cherry Fat Balm.

Discovered these in a chemist down the coast and had to pick one up. Cherry is my ultimate go-to flavour when it's available in balm and gloss, there's just something irresistible about artificial fruit to me ... Banana, Lime, Lemon, Love it.

Eyeko Cherry Fat Balm

What I love about this is the fact that it does it all, it has an SPF, adds a really nice colour and smells divine, it's the sort of balm you can't get enough of, and I love to whip it out in front of my friends because it's such an eye catcher. Also works as a makeshift blush.
It's a true red so it suits cooler tones of skin. (Look at the veins in your wrist, in they're blue, you're cool toned, if they're green, you're warm)

Check out the rest of the range here. Well priced items, and incredibly cute packaging.