Bioderma, Uriage and Nuxe coming soon to Priceline!

This is great news you guys! Priceline Australia are about to start stocking some incredible brands from France and I couldn't be happier. (Not having to use eBay to find potentially fraudulent cult status items? Defs a win!)
What am I talking about? Bioderma, Nuxe and Uriage! Three world famous brands and rightly so, their products have both stood the test of time and are coveted by those in both the beauty industry and at homes across the world. This is just a quick introduction to their star products, make sure you go and check out the ranges in store soon.

Bioderma is a cult status beauty brand. With the ubiquitous product Crealine in their arsenal they are a brand to be reckoned with. Bioderma create products with the belief that skin in distress not only needs to be treated but also encouraged to use its own resources to aid in healing itself, this has led them to create incredible non irritating formulas that will make those with sensitive skin weep with joy. What makes Crealine so special is the Micellar technology that attracts oil based cells. When applied to a cotton pad and wiped across the face it binds makeup, oils and pollutants to the pad without interrupting the skin. Quite often you'll find it's the only make up remover an artist will use because it's effective without irritating a model's overworked skin.

Chances are you have an oil product in your Beauty Stash and Nuxe may just be the brand you have to thank for this! Aliza Jabès (a Pharmacist's Daughter) created the Dry Oil product Huile Prodigieuse over two decades ago, introducing what would become one of the best selling beauty products around, a bottle of this glorious oil is sold every 6 seconds worldwide! You can use it in your hair, as well as your face and body. It absorbs super quickly and has the most heavenly scent. A great use for it is actually before you shower, Comb it through your hair and leave for 20 minutes -under a clean towel is ideal to create warmth- and them shampoo and condition your hair as normal.  Easy, gorgeous soft hair!

Something for those with problematic and sensitive skin, where even tap water can freak them out is the star product of Uriage. The product is so effective that there is even an Uriage Thermal Centre, where people can be treated for severe skin irritations using the special naturally balanced water sourced from Uriage-Les-Bains, near Grenoble, Uriage Thermal Water spray is the take home version. For every day users like myself it's great for setting make up at the start of the day with a quick spray but it also wonderful for use during the day. It won't ruin your make up if you give yourself a very light spray during the day, but will in fact refresh it. I think it's going to help me survive summer!

These brands are going to start appearing on Priceline's shelves soon and are expected to be out by mid October, so do yourselves a favour and keep an eye out for them, Bioderma is already available at Terry White Chemists if you just can't wait though!

Have you ever used these products before? What did you think of them? Be sure to tell me in the comments!

Products have been provided for consideration.

Quick Style Buys for Spring 2013

We've been lucky enough in Brisbane to have had a gorgeously mild Winter, even looking outside the window today the sun is shining and is beckoning me to get out and enjoy it.
But of course there's the little matter of what to wear. This is a new season coming and the warm, snug options we've been bundled up in just aren't going to cut it! Fashion is heading towards a massive mash-up where the more it clashes, the more eclectic, the more individual, the better. For great inspiration, look at how fearless Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, and Rita Ora are with their styles. You know the girls I'm talking about!
Here are Birdette's hot picks to add to your wardrobe for the upcoming season.

The Loose Boyfriend Tank:

Cotton On Alive Printed Muscle Tee

The slouchy cool styles we've been stealing from the less then fairer sex are the most comfy things ever! make it your own with a print and cut you love -slogans are perfect- and pair with my next pick for an instant outfit.

The Wrap Skirt:

Asos Wrap Skirt in Linen

We're leaving behind the Hi-lo styles of recent times and going back to a rather sleek asymmetrical style, tuck in your top, add some cute shoes, and easily bring this new addition to your wardrobe.

The Maxi Skirt:

Boohoo Selina Jersey Split Skirt

This is an example of a trend that has transformed into a regular style staple (much like Skinny Jeans) the style to go for this season are body skimming jersey versions, buy with a split to keep you cool in Summer. Make sure you wear VPL free knickers too!


The Boyish Boots:

Boohoo Lisa Cut out Boots

We didn't get much of a chance to wear these last Summer as the trend was only just trickling into local stores.Cut out boot styles are also still very stylish but make sure it's not going to rain, no one likes squishy feet! Brogues are also still very cute and stylish.

The Hat:

(Left to Right)

Sportsgirl Lace Baseball Cap

Shopbop Basics Leather Baseball Cap

Baseball caps in sleep leather type fabrics have been popping up everywhere, thankfully this time with any chav connections, very sleek, very wearable, just don't wear them like a douche, the brim goes over your face dear!

The Bag:

Ooh La La Addie Top Handle Bag

Admittedly the backpack is still going to be huge this season, but if you want to stay ahead of the curve, buying a ladylike top handle will do the trick, something to juxtapose all the styles stolen from boys this season. Look for top handles you can wear daintily on your elbow, (but I also love a shoulder strap for convenience!)


The Accessory:

Diva Silver Love Ear Cuff

That gorgeous Ear Cuff trend I was banging on about some time ago, You don't need to think about any other accessories once you put them on. Instant outfit finishers! Ears are the jewelry focus point of the season, moving on from handmade wristwear, and watches.

So tell me, what are you excited to add to cart for this season? I'm personally stalking my mailman!

Incoming - Spliced and Contrasting Fashion

A lot of what fashion can say isn't purely what you see, textures can play a major role too. Mixing a black leather jacket with something light and feminine can completely alter the tough edge that your jacket can be screaming, while going for a material other then leather for said jacket can soften the effect too - so it's only whispering of how tough you are (lol!).
Spliced fashions are articles that have been created from two vastly different contrasting materials combined into one for maximum impact.Think a soft jersey t-shirt with capped leather sleeves or black leggings with a stripe of colour down the sides. Last season I spotted a few things like denim jackets with black leather sleeves but it looks like fashion may really walk this trend out for Autumn and Winter. Close to the colour blocking trend, the main difference is that splicing adds an entirely new fabric and not just a new colour to a piece of clothing.

Sportsgirl Future Top

Dotti PU Sleeve Jacket

Ally Contrast Sandals

The trend works perfectly with a sporty look, and blends in well with novelty but don't let that restrict you, almost any trend  you wear can feature this look without getting it wrong. Try some tailored trousers with this top from Sportsgirl with some chunky bangles or delicate necklaces. Or how about trading in your normal biker jacket for this hybrid anorak from Dotti? Think of them as items you can trade in for what you already wear and you'll be onto a winner!

Pantone's Colour of the Year 2013

So if you haven't heard by now that Pantone's colour of 2013 is Emerald you'd have to be hiding under a fashionable deprived rock. Green has come back for this year with a vengeance in a beautifully crisp jewel shade. Just look at that beauty! Lurking deep in the cooler spectrum of the colour wheel this colour works with a surprising amount of people due to its muted tone.

Source: Pantone

Pantone's colour predictions are an important tool in predicting what's going to be hot in the upcoming season, as they say themselves "The PANTONE VIEW Colour Planner is a biannual trend forecasting tool that offers seasonal colour direction and inspiration 24 months in advance for multiple usages, including menswear, women's wear, activewear, cosmetics and industrial design."

Lots of designers are incorporating the hue into the collections, the colour will also work in Autumn and I can't wait to wear the moody shade! Here's what I want to add to my wardrobe.

Free People Raglan Sleeve Striped Top from ASOS

Mimco Small Cocoon in Emerald

Nike Blazer Mid Mint High Top Trainers

Day of the Dead - Incoming Mexican Fashion

Using the momentum from both the Novelty and Tribal pattern trends, what I'm loving coming into stores now are the cute Day of the Dead style fashions. Prettied up sculls, intensely bright colours, intricate patterns, crochet and crisp whites are all hallmarks of this style, but this time around the colours are more subdued and easier to work into your everyday wardrobe. Think deeper, muted and more natural tones with a polite pop of neon or pastel. Try a cute crochet top with your favourite shorts, some candy coloured skull jewels, or an Aztec patterned scarf for a subtle take or go all out with a printed bodycon dress.

Crochet Front Tank / Forever New

Aztec Patterned Skirt / Ally

Crochet Hem Shorts / Ally

Printed Bodycon Dress / Dotti

Mexican Space Shirt Holdall Handbag / Topshop

Nail Rock Strips / ASOS

Skull Mish Mash Bracelet Set  / Diva

Aztec Sequin Clutch  / ASOS

If you want some more inspiration, (or even a good movie to watch this weekend) I highly recommend you check out the Frida biographical movie from a few years ago staring Salma Hayek. It's a little unnerving to watch her sport more facial hair then my boyfriend but the movie blew me away.

Are you getting into this trend? How are you wearing it?

Incoming: Baroque Trend

I'm sad that I won't get the chance to wear this trend well for another four months as it's certainly better suited to cooler weather, but that doesn't mean our friends on the north-side can't get into it now! Baroque fashion is something that had it's heyday in the 80's in the time where nothing could possibly be too excessive. Opulent, Decadent, Elegant, Lush, all words that describe this look to a tee. It's a very European trend, A trend where more is more, and jewels are not just an option, they're obligatory.

Asos Brocade Baroque Skinny Jeans

The reason why this trend works so well in winter is because so many of the fabrics used are heavy. Brocades, jacquards, damasks, embroidery, sequins, beading, they're all fabrics that tend to be thick and warm. You can still wear it in the warmer months by wearing fabrics that have been printed with detailed and baroque style prints, but I think to truly pull it off you need the genuine article. The colour scheme first time around tended to be dark and moody, but for this remix gelato and pastel hues have been added to update for this season with flashes of metallic gold and silver. Dolce and Gabbana, and especially Versace have this look nailed.

Ally Pastel Skater Skirt

One way to quickly add this trend into your wardrobe vocabulary is the adopt something with a 'Scarf print' Scarf peint is a pattern that features ropes, tassels braids and occasionally equestrian themes. I kind of giggle when I think of this, as my Nanna has a great scarf print suit in her wardrobe that she brings out for special occasions... I may just have to steal it.

Oasis Scarf Print Dress

Another fast update would be to go into the jewellery, big, bold and colourful gemstones set in gold are the ideal, with door-knocker and drop style earrings being the perfect item.

Diva Black Opaque Stone Drop Earrings

You have to be careful with your makeup when you wear this look, it's the only part of the trend where 'more is more' need not apply. For a modern take keep your make up fresh and natural using nudes and pale pinks with a light fake tan, but if you want to carry on the bold theme of your outfit, play up your lips with a dark shade of lipstick. This trend is perfect for a deep red, or even purple contrasting against a pale base. If you're not feeling brave enough for bold lipstick then strong eyebrows work just as well. Russian doll style hair will complete the look, Think a straight middle part with hair either up or down in a smooth style.

Guest Post! Laura Clarke on behalf of ASOS talks Feminine Prints

Printing is everywhere this season so there is bound to be a style for you out there. Whether it is Aztec, animal, baroque or floral prints there is surely a style that will suit you perfectly.

A patterned dress, like this one from ASOS is a great way to liven up your winter wardrobe, and this Aztec print lovely will be perfect either on its own or for colder days a pair of tights will keep the chill off your pins. For a casual look leather ankle boots work well. To add personality into your outfit, be sure to accessorise with plenty of jewellery and a leather jacket will add a real rock chick edge.

For all out girly glam there is no better print than floral. It can literally be found in any form of clothing you want from dresses to pants to shoes. For winter a great pair of jeans is always an essential, but that doesn’t mean they have to be the tried and tested black variety. For a quirky look that exudes femininity a pair of floral print jeans will be a perfect choice.

Baroque prints have been seen on all the biggest stars and will be a classy choice for a casually chic look for a day of shopping or a lunch date with your girlfriends.

If printed clothing isn’t really your thing then perhaps accessories will be more to your taste. Animal printing rarely ever goes out of fashion so accessories in this print will last a lot longer than one season, which is always a plus. Ankle boots are always a great investment as they will last all year round from wrapping up warm with jumpers and jeans in the winter to looking hot with your favourite summer dress when the weather heats up.

So for a winter wardrobe that is far from dull, why not try out some print perfection this season? 

This has been a sponsored post

New Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow Sets

From the pages of "Why didn't they think of this earlier?" comes the latest eye shadow offering from Revlon, every shade comes in its own size depending on how often most people would tend to use each colour for a gorgeous contoured eye.
I can't be the only person who goes through the lightest shade and has to buy another individual pot of eye-shadow to work with the palette again! Another bonus is the fact that these are 16 hour Colorstay eye shadows, they'll last!
The range of combinations also go from gorgeous neutrals to eye popping colours so hopefully they'll suit all tastes too, my favourites for the coming winter months is Goddess, Soft greys with a light pink to liven it up.

That's just a handful of the colours available! I counted 16 different combinations that I found on the internet!

Do you have any other "Why didn't I think of that?" beauty wonders? 

Source: Revlon

Cotton On's new Carindale store

So last week I did go to the new Carindale extension grand opening and it was packed! As only can be expected really, it seemed like everyone was there to check out the area.
What stood out in my mind after I had fought my way through the crowds however was the massive new Cotton On shop. Just near the new Glasshouse is the biggest Cotton on I have ever had the pleasure of being in, and it rocked my socks. They have rolled all of the apparel brands into the one shop with clothings, accessories, shoes and even a shop inside a shop with Body down the back in a stand alone alcove. It is huge! The new store truly is an experience in itself that helps bring bricks and mortar into the new shopping age.
Here are a few of my fave things I spotted on the night!

I'm always a sucker for a fun slogan, this one is just daggy enough.

Striped tube skirt for the win.

Because if you can't wear leopard print to bed, when can you?

Have any of you been to the renovations? What did you think?

Source: Cotton On

Westfield Carindale Remodeling stage one opening this Thursday!

Finally, a follow up to my post some months ago about the Carindale Westfield Redevelopment. More shops can only mean more choice, more competition and better prices right?
Carindale is revealing the first stage of its new redevelopment this Thursday the 29th of March with more then 70 new stores in total, with some great opening days deals in both new shops and old. The new town square has been aptly named The Glasshouse and has an entirely new host of eateries. Also if you're having a hard time getting your boy to take you in on opening day, explain to him that there are free burritos from Guzman y Gomez available all day. That's all it took to convince mine.
I'm excited to see Collette, Kikki K, The Reject Shop (hey, you have to love a bargain!) and Wheel & Barrow the most, but I'm really hoping that the Myer redevelopment will be finish soon too, I have barely been in there since they started, It's just not comfortable. A number of the stores that closed during the remodelling will also be opening back up.
Many stores are also moving about the centre so it's also worth checking out the directories to see what's around, they're new and high-tech, and not working yet as far as I saw last Thursday, I'm guessing they already have all the new data on them and they'll come to life this Thursday
You can also check out a full list of new store opening here.

 I'll see you there! What are you looking forward to the most readers?


Edit: Hey, I just came back from a trip to Carindale and it looks like the Myer first floor remodelling is done, and some of the directories are up and running too. Definitely going to hit up that new Revlon Nail Bar soon!

Source: Westfield

Incoming: Ladylike Glam Pieces

This is one of those trends that hides in the background for a few seasons before coming back with a bang. Prada did some beautiful frocks a few years ago that evoked a very classy fifties feeling, and the accessories -particularly handbags- have been slowly taking on the look.

Must have piece one: The structured handbag.
I did post about this a little while ago, anyone remember this bag I stalked for weeks? To help bring this look to life, a structured handbag is going to be the quickest and most worthy investment, look for details like a top handle, a twist or kiss lock of some description and a solid shape.
If you want to go completely on trend with the new season, I love this bag by Mimco. The texture and colour-blocking are brilliant.

After something more cheap chic? Dotti has this cute little magenta number, while Ooh la la from Myer has some gorgeous styles.

Click through for piece two!

Recap: January 2012

Wear it first:

Twin bag Trend

Wish granted: 

De-Slick in a Tube

Cheeks to die for: 

Benefit Hervana

Make it flattering: 

Quick fix a bad neckline

What stories did you enjoy this month?

The new Block Colour trend: Mod

Translating last seasons clothes into this season can be tricky but always fun, when the new seasons looks start to trickle out it can pay to keep an eye out for what looks similar to what you're wearing! I'm glad to say that last seasons bright colours trend has a friend in the new Mod stylings coming out now.
So let's have a look at what we can do.
The shift dress is often the first thing anyone thinks of when they think of Mod, and for good reason. It was a style staple to have your hems tiny and dress like a baby-doll. There are some incredibly cute variations that actually will suit a stack of shapes an sizes. To really amp up it up, buy some bright tights in a coordinating colour to really oomph it up, Something I'm loving at the moment is mustard gold and deep burgundy. Of course if you're not quite feeling it, a pair of black opaques will go with almost anything, and black shoes with black tights will make your legs look longer.

Otherwise a tunic and skinny jeans is a modern take on this trend. Sportsgirl have taken this trend and run with it, with cute collars, boxy tops and the perfect pants to wear with them, their Stevie style is ideal.

If you already have some cute high necked tops and want to add something to them, a lot of collars are in the shops waiting to be added. I bought one a while ago too.

Loving Sportsgirl's range out this month, all the items in this post can be found instore now.

Dita sets a date!

So as previously mentioned here Dita Von Teese is releasing a range of underwear through Target Australia. and a date has been set!
The range will be available on the 8th of February so jot it in your calendar and be first in line (with me!)

Incoming: Bag on Bag trend

This was a trend I noticed emerging a little while ago but now that I've seen some more sites putting their weight behind it, I have more confidence in it. Twinset bags are not entirely crazy so much as it's actually quite useful. A lot of women I see about the city tote two bags around, albeit one of them is often either the large shopping bag of somewhere prestigious and not in Brisbane, (Harrods and Topshop anyone?) and the other is their handbag. Why can't the two of them match for a more chic look?
I'm not so much a fan of the two bags in the same style just in different sizes. I think if you get the smaller one that is certainly a handbag and put it with a larger tote style bag you're onto a winner. Look for the same fabric across two different styles for an easy way to do it. Check out my finds!

Matt & Nat do it with Fuchsia

More ideas after the jump!

Incoming: Hervana by Benefit

Benefit by far make some of the best face powders and cheek colours out there, so imagine my glee when I spotted this coming out soon. A gorgeous ethereal pink toned cheek colour that's 'Enough to make an angel blush'. Lol.
Hervana is quite a good medium between some of Benefit's heavier pigmented powders, like Bella Bamba that can be a little too loaded for some girls and Sugarbomb which is rather subtle. The idea is to stick the brush in and swirl to then apply to your face, but I've found the provided brush to be of little use. Admittedly it's still better then brushes provided in their earlier powders but even then I'd recommend to use a fluffy blush brush instead. It's also not worth trying to use each colour individually! The four shades work together marvellously and have a subtle sculpting shimmer to the final colour, just enough to sculpt with no chance of looking like you dove into a pot of glitter.
I'd use it as a soft colour pick me up, much like Dandelion as it takes quite a lot of product to produce a depth that's noticeable on your skin, so def recommended for the girls who want just a hint so their cheeks aren't bare.

Do you have a favourite Benefit powder? Tell me about it in the Comments!

Von Follies by Dita Von Teese

I've been meaning to write about this for weeks. I'm so excited! Target went a little quiet with its designer ranges for a while there, and I'm glad to see its range coming out. Hell, if Dita was releasing a high priced range in Australia I'd still be all over it like glitter on glue.
The range will be release nationally in early February, so it's a little over a month away now. But the good thing is that the range will be added to in March and April.
Sizes are also coming in a big range with Bras going to an E cup size and briefs coming up to size 20.
Also to make sure that everyone in Australia has access to the range it will also be available to buy online! It's good to see Target stepping into the online shopping arena.
Can't wait! It'll be worth staying up late to be first in on the net.

Incoming: Mix and Match Swimwear

Totally loving this trend coming in for summer and somewhat annoyed I have already bought a new bikini for the season (oh well, buy another!) This goes along perfectly with the colour blocking trend that is amazingly hot right now, and it also a great way to emphasise your good bits and help distract from parts you feel less then confident about. The celebrities are also fans.

Rihanna gives it a go in animal print.

Fearne Cotton does it with a print and block.

My thriftiest tip is to go through your current swimwear wardrobe and see what you already own that could be a mismatched bikini, following a few rules it's not too hard to come up some good combinations.

A print and a neutral block colour. Especially good if the block colour is featured in the print.

Two bold colours that go well together. Brights work great for this, try zingy colours like fuchsia and canary yellow, or aqua and jewel purple.

Stripes and a block colour. Perfect if you have the other piece in one of the stripe colours. I love this one.

The trick to making this flattering is to use the most attention grabbing piece to highlight. Got great boobs but nervous about your butt? Wear the print up top with with block coloured bottoms. The great thing is you can do with with any style of bikini that flatters you and go nuts! Cotton on body has cheap options and the collection is perfect for this trend, but check out your local surf store too. Many brands sell their swimwear as separates and it's worth having a look and experimenting with what will work together.

Want this Oscar and Elvis Bikini so badly ..... <3 <3 <3

Incoming: Ear Gear

Well, it looks like the Top-knot trend I so dearly loathe is here for the summer, but it's not all bad news. Earrings are popping up on my radar a heap lately, but on top of that are cute little guards and cuffs too. and what type of hairstyle shows off earrings best? Yup, Buns and ponytails.
ASOS is one of your best bets for jumping onto this trend which I am thinking will be great for summer when we all will want to wear our hair up, but While looking around Lovisa today I found some cute pairs of cuffs with dangling crosses in Gold and black silver.
There are a few different types that are coming into fashion now, the first are the type that loop around the back of your ear, as shown just below. These are great for girls who do not have their ears pierced as you not need it to wear them!

The second kind are more of a shield style, you need your ears pierced to wear them and they cover your ears as well, as shown below.

The third kind are the style that I can remember my sister wearing about a decade ago, little cuffs that you put up the op of your ear, again, like the first style you do not need your ears pierced to wear them, unless they're attached to a stud like this example is.

Products featured in post available at ASOS

Pantene Split End Fuser Leave On Treatments

Admittedly after over two years of growing my hair out from a cute pixie crop, I am glad it has reached a point where it can be called long. But unfortunately over the last six months I lost patience with frequent trims every two or so months and neglected my hair for a while. When I finally had a good look at my hair a few months ago, the damage was done. My hair had split, and the damage had travelled up at least an inch.

I’ve had two trims since then, but the damage is still evident, only when I apply a hair mask does my hair resemble healthy again. And I haven’t got the time for that every time I wash my hair. I’m also just not ready to give my hair quite as big a chop as I need to.

So can you believe how completely stoked I am that I have found this product?

Highly recommended for other girls in my boat, and while cutting all the dead ends off is the best thing you can do, I’d definitely say that this comes in second.