What's in the bag?

I was cleaning through my bag and I came across a few essentials that every girl should carry.

1. iPhone (you can now take pictures, picture message, surf the next, find you way to the closest shops through GPS, video, go on FB and much more!). Purse (duh!). Sunglasses (these are great to have on you all the time as you never know when you'll get home from a night out)

2. Hairbrush with Mirror (need I say more?). Marc Jacobs Daisy (or something similar). Evian Water (this is a must- as you will need to stay rehydrated all day long) . Nivea hand moisturizer (do you want to end up with old wrinkly hands at the age of 26?). 5 Gum (just encase you need to pash someone quickly)

3. Hand Sanitizer (I for one cannot stand public toilets! So I use a bottle a week) . Sportsgirl Lighten up lig gloss (is a great conversation starter as the lip gloss has an inbuilt light). Maybelline Lash Blast Mascara (lashes so long it looks like your wearing falsies). L'Oreal True Match foundation (I use this to touch up after I have had a massive meal) Dove deodorant (nothting worse than BO!) . Sportsgirl Bronzer (golden glow all day round)

Spring Denim

"I'm not selling sex. I'm selling underwear and jeans, and I'm not trying to do it with pornography."- Calvin Klein

The best advice I received about jeans is 'in every wardrobe there should be at least 3 jeans. Dark denim for night, mid denim for day, and light denim for spring/ summer.'

I can tick dark and mid denim off my list, but I have yet to try a light denim jean! I see them everywhere, especially now that Spring is getting closer. I especially like the skinny, ripped, light denim jean that I have seen Nicky Hilton, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss wearing. I have been doing my research of the top light wash denim out there, and this is what I have come up with:

Over $200

Bettina Liano O JEANS Collections Vintage Wash ($269), Sass & Bide Neon Nights Ripped ($220), Sass & Bide Neon Nights ($220)

Sass & Bide Starting Something ($220), Lee Licks Bleached Hipped Skinny Zip ($219.95), Nudie Superblue Tight John ($294.95)

Under $200

Sportsgirl Bleached Distressed ($119.95), Dotti Fashion Bleached Distressed Tube ($69.95), Bardot Luella Skinny ($149.95)

Wrangler Libertine Jean ($139.95), Lee L1 Vingtage Chip Supatube ($159.95), Wrangler Libertine Jean ($139.95)

*Note: all prices are subject to change are in $AU

Purfume

Smell That?!
I am in lust with the new Flora by Gucci. I found it at a great price on Strawberry Net. My birthday isn't far away, should I get it now or leave hints for my parents?

Bubbles is watching...

Hayden Penettiere

Not only does she fight against the killing of dolphins in Japan but she is so fashionable. Every time I open a magazine there she is! I love it.

How to get her look:

Hayden is young, fresh and feminine. She love showing off a bit of leg (and why shouldn't she), she also loves accessories and statement shoes. She's what every girly girl wants to aspire to. But how can you achieve her look and still have e nough mula to go out with? Well I have looked around and come across some key pieces.

Clothes

• It's all about dresses and skirts, especial ly in summer
• Pastel colors look great, and will take you day to night
  

Forever New Embellished Tie Front Kaftan ($149.95), Cooper Street Melvin Striped Frock ($159.95), Cooper Street Dream Weaver Frock ($169.95), Sportsgirl Mesh Cha Cha Dress ($119.95)

Shoes

• Its all about statement shoes- don't be a fraid to mix chunky black heels with a feminine frock
• Tip- practice walking in heels before you venture out, also the more beverages you have the more harder it is to balance on heels, so go what you are comfortable with
• Party feet are the answer to all your feet problems
  

Mimco Glow in the dark Booties ($349), Glamour Puss Ballet ($139.95), Siren Cult ($139.95)

Accessories

• Charm bracelets, chandelier earrings, f eminine head bands, broaches and chunky bangles make up the perfect outfit
• Tip #1: if you outfit has color in it always stick with that color
• Tip #2: my Mum would always say- either earrings & bangle or necklace & bangle or earrings & necklace never all 3! This is so you don't end up over cluttering the outfit
  
• Tip #3: less is more

Mimco Floral Muse Necklace ($329), Mimco Crystal Pearl Studs ($99.95), Mimco Treasures Charm Bracelet ($249)

Diva Gold Corsage Layer ($32.99), Sportsgirl Vintage Boquet Brooch ($14.95), Sportsgirl Butterfly Headband ($14.95)

So go out there and let your inner Hayden shine!

xxx

*Note: all prices are subject to change are in $AU

Cupcakes

I love cupcakes!!! They are ultra cute and a classy dessert to have anytime. Alex Perry has added his fashionable touch to the wonderful world of cupcakes. His store The Cupcake Bakery is located in Sydney and is ultra cute. However, I am lusting after the cupcakes at Cupcakes on Pitt they look like works of art and are made fresh in store. I took my 3 little nieces to Cupcakes on Pitt as a treat and they absolutely loved it and they can't stop talking about it.

Cupcakes are the perfect dessert, as they are smaller than a slice of cake, low in cost, cute to look at, delicious and a great pick me up. That's it, I'm out to get myself a cupcake. Anyone want one?



xxx



PS Whilst I was dreaming about eating a cupcake I came across this cute blog that has inspirational cupcake recipes and ideas.... maybe I'll try my hand at baking...

Shopping with your Boyfriend (Hints & Tips)

As many of know shopping with your boy can either be a mutually fun experience, or something that ends in tears and tantrums. I remember the first time I went shopping with my boy, I was sweating by the end of it. I mean he was lovely, always wanting to buy me things and wanting me to try on the tightest jeans ever. But I'm not that sort of girl. I prefer to pay for my own clothes and I know what clothes suit my body shape. But, I also like to have him come along to help out.

So I have come up with a few tips to help you and your boy through shopping together.

Remember that they are a boy- meaning that they don't like bitching, gossiping, waiting around for long periods of time and they also get hungry and tired very quickly.

Prior:

• Eat before you go- this will ensure that he is well energized
• Plan what you need to get and let him know in advance- this will help him, help you choose what you really want and need
• Know where you want to go and what you need to get
• Set a time limit, I suggest 3 hours maximum at one time- say to him 'Honey, we will be finished shopping at 2pm, if we're still going you have permission to stop me.'
• Have something to look forward too- e.g. going to the pub for dinner or coffee and a cake

At the shops:

• Go straight to the stores you need to go to- but walk slowly
  
• If you need to try items on make sure there is somewhere for him to sit. Guys don't really like standing around waiting
  
• Be quick when trying items on and occasionally come out to show him- he will like to feel needed
  
• Always be positive- even if he is whinging
  
• Don't be indecisive- if you're tossing up between items decide to leave it and come back without the boy

If he:

• suggests for you to try on something that you don't agree with, be polite and either take it to the change rooms or tell him you will try it later
• offers to pay make sure it's something he can afford, and that you won't feel guilty for him buying it (okay, maybe I'm the only girl that feels slightly guilty when my boy buys me gifts)
• disagrees or makes you feel embarrassed whilst trying on outfits then this is probably a sign not to take him shopping

Overall, keep shopping trips short, fun and always finish on a high note- like going to the pub or getting a slice of cake with a coffee. If it doesn't work out you can always take your gay BFF.

Watch this funny video before you hit the shops with you boy.

Have fun!

xxx

Top 3....

Top 3 Places I would love to live
Outside of Australia

NYC

The hustle and bustle of city life. Ahh... shoppers paradise. When I went in April last year, I loved the fact that the shops open very late and that there is constantly a buzz in the air. I would love to live like Carrie from Sex in the City. Have a cute studio apartment, with a lot of closet space, go for lunch with the girls, check out the latest fashion in Soho and watch a Broadway show every Friday night! Bliss...

Tuscany

Quaint Italian country life... I loved the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. This would be where I could see myself retiring or spending a year living on a lovely winery. I hear a glass of good red wine a day is good for you... I like this idea of eating home grown Italian produce everyday and getting a lovely tan whilst I am out in the fresh air all day.

Paris

The city of Love.... I can imagine myself in cute terrace apartment like in the movie Amelie. Having coffee in a cafe with a croissant every morning, being able to wear a beret without looking like a try hard and speaking french! Ahhh... béatitude....

Shopping in Sydney (Hints & Tips)

Many can tell you that I am always up for a bargain. Having lived by myself in Sydney I have come to be a avid bargain hunter, not only for fashion but for food, entertainment and sightseeing activities. I thought I would share my knowledge with you.

Fashion

The one main tip I have learnt is that when it is winter in Australia it is summer everywhere else. Meaning that the winter fashion will go on sale in winter, making way for the summer fashion to come in at the start of winter! Crazy?! I guess this is because Australia is keeping up with the overseas fashion season. But this is fantastic news for us. This means that we can nab a great bargain on that gorgeous coat we first saw come into the store in summer.

The massive sale seasons are usually; Boxing Day, New Year (January/ February), EOFY (June), and occassionally November (Pre Xmas sales). However, you will normally notice that stores will always have a sale section.

But definately do your research before you hit the sales as some 'bargains' will hardly save you anything at all.

Places to shop

China Town Paddy's Market- great place for unique fashion and also where you can bargain with the shop keepers (note: this is not accepted at all stalls in Paddy's Market). Also a great place to get cheap fresh fruit and vegetables. Remember to bring trolley like your nan uses as you might get a bit carried away....

Oxford Street- Bustling Oxford Street is lined with fashion and shoe boutiques, as well as homeware stores, cafés and restaurants. Just up the road is the trendy Queen Street, famous for its array of antique shops, art galleries and jewellery shops. Great place to find all your high end fashion names. Hint: plan your shopping before you go as there are lots of little boutiques down the side streets. Also remember to stop in at Max Brenner for a quick sugar fix.

Fox Studios Entertainment Quarter- not only can you watch a movie and have dinner here, but the shops stay open quite late. One of my fav shops is Funky Femme where you will find some cute pieces for under $100! Psst.. they also hold secret Sass & Bide sales as well as Fashion Auctions. So grab your BFF and get out for a night of dinner, a movie and some seriously fun shopping!

CBD- there is the obvious choice of Pitt Street Mall, however I prefer to shop indoors (there is less smokers and people hounding you). The CBD offers QVB and Strand Arcade for the shopper that likes a bit of history and culture. The main bargains you'll find are during sale season. But I would recommend it for the atmosphere.

Markets- in particular Paddingtion, Bondi, Glebe, Surry Hills, Rozelle, Balmain, the Rocks and Manly. A great way to find 'vintage' and handmade pieces. Also a great way to spend the whole day out doors in the fresh air.

Westfield- my absolute favorite Westfields in Sydney is Bondi Junction. There are 2 sections- the old section and the new section. The new section has a trendy food court that overlooks Sydney city, it also boasts the high end fashion labels. The older section is home to Target and different homewares stores. Great place to spot celebrities!

Hints & Tips:

• research before you go shopping- know what shops you want to visit and where they are
  
• have a budget in mind and leave your credit cards at home (remember don't spend money you don't have)
• clean through your wardrobe to see what you need
• write a shopping list
• eat before you go- this will stop you from eating out
• rehydrate- take a bottle of water and some snacks (e.g. nuts and fruit)
• wear comfortable and easy to change clothes

I will keep you updated with more bargain hints and tips to help you through. Think of this as a ressionista proof plan.

Happy Shopping!

xxx

Ugly Duckling...

Its amazing what a good stylist can do these days. One minute you can look like the frumpy girl next door complete with last seasons dress and absolutely no idea how to walk in heels, then suddenly a stylist equipped with a magic wand sunders in on her Gucci platforms and transforms the uncoordinated duckling into a stylish princess. A great example of this is Kristen Stewart from the Twilight saga. Boy oh, boy did she need a little guidance in the fashion department. Here she is promoting Twilight in 2008.

Cringe worthy moments. I mean, the hair, the fit of the clothes and not to mention the poses are all a little off target for a starlet. The magazine reports after these pics came out were certainly not kind. But then along came a stylist and clicked her Prada heels together to create a whole new look for the lovely Kristen. Here are some pics of her recently promoting New Moon in LA, Japan and Europe.

I particularly like the fact that the above dress has an origami touch to the hem, she wore this whilst promoting in Japan. The only criticism I would have for Kristen is to practice smiling, scowling was so last year. You know what they say, 'You're never fully dressed without a smile..'

xxx

Oh Baby!

One of my very good friends has had a baby.. well he's almost 5 months now. He is the most cutest, adorable, sweetest, cheekiest baby I have seen yet. At her baby shower she was swimming in so many different types of baby clothes she could of put him in a different outfit everyday and still have outfits left over, but out of all of them mine really stood out (I know, I am being biased... But it's true!) I bought him a Peter Alexander baby set. One was for the first few months and said 'BOY', the next was when he was older and said 'EAT, BURP, SLEEP' and the final one is for when he can crawl and says 'LITTLE MAN'. How cute is that!? Then my Boy bought him a Micheal Jordan suit equipped with beanie and booties. AHHHH!!! I couldn't control myself when I saw the little one all dressed up, I just had to kiss those chubby cheeks!!

This got me thinking about Baby fashion. I mean, babies have no say on what they wear, so this is ultimately the best time to test out your styling skills! I then had a look back on my baby photos and let me just say the 80's weren't the best fashion era to be born into. Mum, why did you like dressing me up looking like I had a fountain on my head?

But, I then got thinking about celebrity babies. They have the most fashion conscious mothers out there, so there is never a shortage of cute clothes for them to wear. So, I decided to pick my top five fashion conscious celebrity kids (and mothers).

1. Suri

2. Kingston

3. Maddox

4. Harlow

5. Romeo

Belt It Out!

I heart belts. I love wearing them with high waisted skirts, dresses, jeans, t-shirts, shorts.... absolutely anything! Some would even say that I wear them with my pjs...

Here are a couple that I am drooling over at the moment.

Fendi - B Patent Leather Belt

Mui Mui - Crystal Buckle BeltOscar de la Renta - Laser-cut belt
Stella McCartney- Canvas Waist Belt

Going GaGa

I am going GaGa over Lady GaGa. There she is on the front cover of Rolling Stones Magazine covered in nothing but bubbles. How does she do it?! She has been known to say that she idolizes Andy Warhol and her style emulates art. I must say, that I admire her for being so dramatic and alternative. What does she think of when she is lying in bed in the mornings deciding what to wear...? I know that when I lie in bed in the mornings I toss up between either jeans and a nice top or a dress with stockings... Not really GaGa potential.

I bet her wardrobe is a mix between Sex and the City (when Carrie moves in with Mr. Big), Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue's costume wardrobe and defiantly Clueless! It would be one long room with all her outfits displayed like an art exhibition, she would then choose her outfits from an online program and they would be delivered to her on a conveyor belt. Ok, that's going a bit far, but it is possible.

It is also rumored that Lady GaGa will be launching her own fashion line aim towards teenagers. ‘She’ll walk around in London in her underwear and you watch, everyone will catch on."- Rapper Akon.

Hmmm... not too sure I would like to wear my undies on the outside, unless of course I am going to a superhero fancy dress party or possibly the beach. But I do like her choice of colors and unusual choice of outfits for certain occasions. I might have to rethink my outfit choice just a little bit more before I leave the house in the morning. Maybe I could wear at least one GaGa inspired piece with my normally subtle taste in fashion.