Archive for May, 2011
Magic Hair by Schwarzkopf
A wise man once sang ‘got girls with weave, girls without it, she like “this all mine”, hhhmmm I doubt it’ but now, with Magic Hair clip-in hair extensions by Schwarzkopf, not even The-Dream will be able to tell the difference.
Not all of us can have Australia’s Most Beautiful Hair and I have always had an urge to get hair extensions but have always baulked at the price, horror stories and, quite frankly, really bad ones I’ve seen.
Despite the length of my hair, it’s really thin and sometimes you just want a thick pony, a chunky bun or lots of layers and volume, so if you’re like me and can’t get it naturally – you must try Magic Hair.
For $44.95 you get three pieces which are 35cm long each. One piece is shorter (in width) than the other two and is more suitable to the crown of the head.
All you have to do to insert them is to section the hair, place the piece and then close the clips.
I started with a few curls in the ends of my natural hair because the hair extensions have a little flick at the end.
Here is an example of how NOT to do it:
The problem with this is that I have crossed the part and when I drop the hair from the section above it will push the clip backwards. Make sure you section the hair neatly and apply the piece in a straight line to follow the part. It sounds more complicated than it actually is, don’t worry!
Once you’ve placed the pieces in the hair make sure you brush them through or they will be obvious. I quite like that the colour isn’t identical as it means I’m also getting some fresh highlights!
You can leave as is for sexy, wavy locks or if you prefer another style then section your hair a different way.
If you normally do a side part, part your hair as usual and flip the top sections over to put the pieces amongst the hair and create thickness on one side only.
From here you can do a side pony or bun:
This style actually looks awful on me but I wanted to show that you can actually manipulate the hair piece into a bun with ease and not ruin the extension.
Or, left out:
You really shouldn’t be able to see the clips when your hair is hanging normally. Here is a picture of the back of my head (very interesting, I know) but you really can’t see anything:
And if you somehow manage to make a mistake – just pop a hat on and enjoy the thick ends!
DO NOT apply heat to the extensions. They are artificial and even though they look natural, they will melt if you try to straighten or curl them.
DO brush them to make sure they don’t get tangled and ruined
They are gentle and comfortable, and while I wouldn’t sleep in them, I think they’re suitable for children (if needed) – I couldn’t resist putting some on Georgina:
Would I wear these again? Of course
Would I wear them everyday? Personally, no. I would prefer to sleep in for two more minutes every morning! But there’s no reason why you couldn’t use these as an everyday beauty essential.
Schwarzkopf Magic Hair Extensions come in six shades (black, dark brown, medium brown, red brown, natural blonde and light blonde [which are the ones I tried]) at Big W, Priceline and selected pharmacists. For full stockists ring 1800 022 219
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips
Foil nails and nail polish strips are absolutely everywhere. What started as a couple of brands developing solely “instant nail polish” has turned into already established brands putting out their own versions to do at home.
After seeing foil nails in so many shows during Fashion Week, I figured that they couldn’t take that long to do given the tight schedules and limited time between shows.
Romance Was Born featured Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips in Misbehaved and Skinny Jeans to complement the beautiful and quirky designs in their Spring Summer 2011 collection and I have dared to recreate the look with pattern 260 – Glitz Blitz.
Photo - Paul Lovelace for Sally Hansen
Photo - Paul Lovelace for Sally Hansen
Normally I’m a bit wary of DIY beauty. I’m not the most co-ordinated or neat person so I wouldn’t have thought I could pull off something that seems as fiddly as nail polish strips, but it was so much easier than I thought. Each packet contains 16 nail polish strips so as to ensure there will be varying sizes to fit each individual nail. I have quite small, rounded nails and I have been told that the flatter the nail, the better, so I felt I was already at a bit of a disadvantage.
- Make sure your nails are clean and dry before your begin. Push the cuticles back using the supplied orange (wooden) stick
- File your nails with the supplied file to your desired shape and smooth the flat (or in my case, round) section with the other side of the file
- Choose a nail which suits the shape and size of your own
- Peel of the plastic protective coating
- Snap the hard plastic tab off the top
- Apply the nail strip to your own nail
- Using the orange stick and the grey/white edge of the file, smooth down the strip until there are no creases or bubbles and the nail’s adhesive has activated
- Using the rough end of the file again, fold the long part of the strip over the top of your nail and file downwards until the material cuts itself off
- Neaten the shape and smooth the edges using the file
I applied a clear top coat over the top, just in case, but you probably don’t need to.
Voila!
The process was a lot quicker and easier than I originally thought. I managed to do both hands while watching an episode of Scrubs – so it took about as long as a regular manicure and hey, no smudging!
One thing I liked about applying the nails myself was that I was in control of how hard I pushed on the nail. I have had foil nails put on professionally before and while I loved the result, the manicurist put a lot of pressure on my nails when she was pressing them down with the orange stick and it took weeks for them to recover. I now know you don’t have to be that thorough.
I found, as I got used to the application process, that I got used to working with the nails and they weren’t fiddly at all. I could stretch the material to make it bigger or, using the sharp end of the orange stick, could tuck it into my cuticles to make it flush.
What I didn’t like was that the material of the strips is quite thin, so if I did slip or push too hard I could create little tears in it. They’re not overly noticeable in the glitter pattern I chose, but I think on a zebra or matte black nail this would be pretty obvious.
I will definitely be trying these again, though. There’s nothing like being able to use your hands straight after having yo’ nails did. I’m a serial smudger and that freedom, plus the fab designs, is revolutionary for a fidgety person like me.
For more information, patterns, tips and stockists of Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips click here
Joico K-Pak Hair Repair System Giveaway!
For those of you who read my blog regularly, you will know that Joico is one of my top three essential brands for daily hair maintenance. For all the stress I put my hair under, it’s any wonder I actually have any left at all and I attribute the softness, lack of product build up and brightness in colour and shine to Joico’s shampoo, conditioner and treatments.
In Winter we often forget that it’s not only our skin that needs moisturising but our hair too, and with the elements causing damage to your hair every time you step out the door, it is vital that you have a decent hair care system in place. Joico’s K-Pak will clarify your hair, seal off the cuticle and replenish moisture levels to leave you with the most manageable hair you could hope for.
I have 5 fantastic Joico K-Pak packs to give away, each containing:
- KPAK Shampoo 300ml
- KPAK Conditioner 300ml
- KPAK Intense Hydrator 250ml
- KPAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor 50ml
- KPAK Colour Therapy Styling Oil 20ml
- JOICO Bag
Worth massive $135.00 EACH!
For your chance to win one of these fabulous prizes, comment below with your answer to the following question:
What do you wish your hair was as soft as?
Mine would be my bunny, Louis, who is Angora and so unbelievably soft. How about you?
For an extra entry Tweet the following:
I could win beautiful hair thanks to Joico and @MarloPerry at http://www.marloperry.com
Entries close midday (AEST), Monday 6 June 2011 – Good luck!
New offerings from The Aromatherapy Co.
The feet, body and home can all get a pampering with the new products from New Zealand beauty brand, The Aromatherapy Company.
First up we have the luxurious Madame Plume home fragrance and body care in three different scents and colours – Fig and Honey, Rose Blossom and Vanilla Bean.
The range is exceptionally beautiful with a whole lot of thought going to the packaging. Every detail from the print inside the diffuser box to the peek-a-boo hole of the bird-shaped soap packaging is covered, meaning that this range is the perfect gift for any woman in your life who loves pretty things. And let’s face it, every woman loves something pretty.
The other great thing about the Madame Plume range is the price. A 100mL diffuser set will only cost you $24.95. I have seen diffusers in some stores for $180.00 before – that’s completely outrageous.
I’ve been using an Aromatherapy Co. diffuser in my room for about three months and I already have a lot of it left, so these are definitely a good investment for subtle scents around the home.
(I keep the sticks tied together to reduce the chances of them catching on something and pulling the bottle of oil over)
Aside from the diffuser there are bird candles ($8.95) and soap ($11.95) or a gorgeous gift set ($19.95) which is packaged in a tiny little cage. This is so cute, I’m going to hang it up somewhere…
Those who are conscious of animal-safe products will be pleased to know that The Aromatherapy Co. do not test on animals.
Speaking of animals and claws and other such things, if you’re like me and, in Winter, don’t get a weekly pedicure you will be in desperate need of The Aromatherapy Co.’s new therapeutic range for the feet.
The range consists of a spray, soap, soak and balm and I have tested out the soap and balm over the past few weeks.
If you’re someone who loves that really coarse, grainy kind of scrub which feels like it is physically sloughing the skin away – you won’t like this. It’s very gentle, with the soap actually not letting off any granules at all. I prefer this as I tend to scrub my feet in the bathtub and I hate all the crap that other foot scrubs leave behind.
The foot balm is thick and creamy. I actually like to put a bit of this on a pumice stone while my feet are warm and wet and soften them before I go hard with the soap. After your bath or shower at night, you then slather your feet in the stuff, pop on some socks and let the balm work its magic over night under the heat of your doona.
Scents of peppermint, lavender and tea tree help to relax you and your feet (especially after a day in heels) and the kanuka extract works as a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal mechanism.
You can buy the products individually or as a pack:
- Foot balm 150mL – $12.95
- Foot spray 100mL – $11.95
- Foot soak 100mL – $11.95
- Foot soak (in a bag with a nail brush) – $16.95
- Foot gift set – $24.95
For more information on the foot or Madame Plume range, check out The Aromatherapy Company’s website at www.thearomatherapycompany.co.nz
B.right by Benefit – Giveaway!
This coming Saturday. 21 May, Benefit will launch their gorgeous new skin care range, B.right.
I have been lucky enough to test out a few of the products which YOU could be lucky enough to win!
The range contains eight products to hydrate, cleanse and moisturise to give you your best and brightest skin.
Those of you who read my blog often would have seen my plight with acne in the past few months and how I’ve been very cautious with skin products lately.
I am pleased to say that Benefit’s B.right are another sensitive one I can add to my ‘safe’ list, promoting dewiness without any worry of further breakouts.
The product I am the most in love with is the It’s Potent! eye cream. Being in my early twenties, I’m not really one to think about buying eye creams for anti-aging. I have tried a few in the past that I’ve liked, but not felt any difference with. It’s Potent has actually made a huge difference to puffy eyes.
I put this on before I go to bed so that I don’t wake up with sore eyes and over my makeup when my eyes are red and puffy during the day from looking at a computer screen for hours.
You will know instantly when you smell it that it will be cooling and refreshing. It smells like cucumber and water and is soothing from the moment you put it on your skin; simply apply it under the eyes:
As you can see, the eye cream acts as something of an illuminator, too. It makes the skin dewy, but not greasy and the skin will look as fresh as it smells.
The only negative is that the small tub is $58. As someone who doesn’t normally buy eye cream, this would be off-putting, but when I run out of this I will definitely be replenishing my supply. I like that it doesn’t really promise to do anything but hydrate and restore firmness – because it can actually stick to these promises. There’s nothing worse than buying something that offers the world and can’t deliver.
If eye cream really isn’t your thing, the collection also boasts other products such as:
- Foamingly Clean facial wash – $38
- Refined Finish facial polish – $40
- Remove It makeup remover - $38
- Triple Performance facial emulsion SPF 15+ – $45
- Total Moisture facial cream – $59
- Moisture Prep toning lotion - $49
- Ultra Radiance facial re-hydrating mist $47
If you are already a fan of Benefit, you will love the B.right skin care. If you’re looking for something subtle and the ultimate light and clean products for your skin you will really enjoy these.
To be in the running to win 1 of 10 deluxe sample packs containing Foamingly Clean Facial Wash, Total Moisture Facial Cream and It’s Potent! Eye Cream just comment below with what your biggest skin woe is and how Benefit can make it B.right again!
Competition closes Monday, 23 May 2011 at Midday AEST.
Outfit of the Day
Today I went to the Sydney Swans Ladies Lunch at Darling Harbour.
It was a lovely afternoon with an amazing performance by Justice Crew and great talks by Lynette Bolton (Jude’s beautiful wife) and Tadhg Kenelly, Dan Hannebery and Marty Mattner.
I didn’t really take pictures at the lunch, but I do have one photo of myself with Shane Mumford.
After the lunch I sobered up (marginally) to make my way to Fashion Weekend. Might I say that this year’s Fashion Weekend is better than last year’s which was fantastic, by the way!
The clothing designers seem to be far more high fashion. There are brands such as Little Joe Woman, Natasha, Miss Unkon, Nookie, Shakuhachi, Nicola Finetti and Carl Kapp and accessories from Melissa, Samantha Wills, Coco Liberace, Peeptoe and Estilo Emporio.
I told myself that I’d only buy things that were suitable for work and play, but I somehow walked away with two pairs of Melissa shoes which probably won’t cut it in a law firm.
Oh wellz. I love them. They probably don’t appeal to a lot of people, but I love the green for how different they are and the blue are just so insane in real life. The metallic rubber actually looks like metal and both pairs are so comfy. Bonus – I paid $135 for BOTH pairs. How could I say no?
Here are some better pictures of my outfit. I changed into boots for the night time. I absolutely adore this dress. I get so many compliments on it – the first time I wore it out even WOMEN were buying me drinks. There’s just something about bright pink that makes people happy I think!
- Georgina was not impressed
Outfit of the Day
Today I had an exam but when all that was done I headed back down to RAFW to check out New Generation 2 and Bowie, the show which closed the whole week.
Sadly, I wasn’t wearing any Aussie designers, but I got photographed by a tonne of street bloggers so I don’t think anyone minded. [Updated: Here is one of them]
Designer Profile – Del Playa Drive
Del Playa Drive was conceived by Australian born Teena Zerefos when she was studying film at the University of California. Del Playa Drive is a one-mile strip with over hanging cliffs, notorious for wild parties.
Today will see Del Playa Drive debut at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and I caught up with Teena to talk about her label before the big day.
Your clothing exudes an elegant yet edgy look which is a combination you don’t see done well often enough these days – what and/or who inspires you?
My designs are based on my experiences and memories. A beautiful place I’ve been to an amazing artwork or architecture. The people and places around me inspire what I do.
How has the lead up to Fashion Week been? Can you describe a typical day in the build up to RAFW?
It’s been busy but super exciting! A typical day involves getting RSVP’s organised, who is coming, where they are sitting, what are they wearing?! I am constantly thinking about styling – how I can be clever and creative; adding to my looks. I’ve been going over the model running order in my head constantly and getting their looks sorted. My mind never stops!
You’re currently stocked in some great boutiques in Australia and the rest of the world. What country or location can you see Del Playa Drive fitting in really well with?
I am looking forward to taking Del Playa Drive back to where it all began – California! The label was created in the Cali sunshine, so I’m excited to take it home and build the brand in the US again. Also the European resort market has a lot of potential for Del Playa, and any excuse for a “business trip” to the Greek Islands this summer, I’ll be all over it! [Personally, I think a lot of the pieces would be really well received in Dubai, too. That kind of "relaxed corporate" look of printed dresses, great-fitting blazers. -Editor]
Del Mar dress - $119.95 and Jenner jacket - $139.95
You have a great eye for patterns. We see a lot of floral and animal prints in stores right now, which patterns can you see yourself using for Del Playa Drive in the future?
I LOVE designing my own prints, and really enjoy expressing my own creativity with patterns and colours. I have experimented with a lot of geometric designs and ‘ethnic-tribal’ prints in my upcoming range, think zig-zag meets Moroccan tiles! My prints are crazy, you can’t help but be noticed when you’re wearing a Del Playa dress – vibrant, colourful and leaving a lasting impression.
Del Mar dress - $119.95
Drawing on your film school experience, what kind of movie would you love to see Del Playa Drive pieces in? A body con dress on Megan Fox in an action movie? Or maybe a maxi on Anne Hathaway in a RomCom?
Oh, I’m thinking like, Jessica Alba in a romantic comedy set on the Hawaiian Islands rolling around a beach or maybe lounging at the pool bar in killer heels and a Del Playa Drive Koko Kaftan, looking über bronzed and effortless. One of those slow-motion scenes where the hot chick emerges, hair waving in the breeze and her outfit flowing in sequence with the soundtrack.
Monteray dress - $99.95
To shop the brand, check out www.delplayadrive.com.au
All pictures courtesy of Del Playa Drive.
Outfit of the Day
Having a job which has absolutely nothing to do with fashion means I had to turn down most of my invites to Fashion Week this year. Fortunately there are night shows, and the after parties.
Last night I went to the Miss Unkon and Nookie after parties held at Kit n Kaboodle and The Beresford respectively.
Props to the team at Sally Burleigh PR and Kit n Kaboodle for having beautiful lychee cocktails and heaps of decent food, not just canapes, going all night. Not to mention those delicious Sparkle cupcakes to top of the party!
Here is part of my outfit; I was too tired when I got home that I just slumped on the stairs and took some partial shots.
I also tried to get a photo with Louis but unlike Georgina, who poses everytime she sees a camera, he was not as willing to sit still.
The Week in Fashion
I’ve been beside myself this week with all the great fashion I’ve been seeing. Of course the Royal Wedding was a feast for the eyes, and those that read my blog know that I love hats, headbands and headpieces so you can imagine my excitement over the sea of hats filtering in to Westminster Abbey.
Although I couldn’t see all of them I had a few faves.
Victoria Beckham was an obvious choice. Her hat looked absolutely edible. It was so sleek and her hair beneath it was perfect. I think, given her simple dress choice, it would have been easy to go over the top in the hat department, but she drew the line in exactly the right spot.
I think I might step on a few toes with my next choice, but I LOVED Princess Beatrice’s hat.
Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Sure, it looks a lot like the cross-section of a uterus, but imagine it on someone who can actually interpret fashion well; like Lady Gaga, or me, for example. The colour is so pretty and essentially it is a bow – so naturally I was drawn to it and I won’t let anyone tell me it’s ugly.
One hat that I haven’t seen on any best of worst lists was that of Guy Ritchie’s missus, Jacqui Ainsley. A black satellite dish front and elaborate floral arrangement at the back it was classy, elegant and just a little bit edgy. I have a thing for black flowers. I think they’re so sexy and timeless and like Victoria Beckham, for a pregnant lady, Jacqui did extremely well.
Ok, enough of the wedding. There are more important things to talk about. WILLOW SMITH for one. My God, is this girl adorbz or what? I have never been so envious of anyone’s fashion before, much less a child.
I appreciate anyone in the public eye having fun with fashion. Katy Perry, Rihanna, Gaga – you get it – they’re all experimenting and why shouldn’t they be? You only have so many years to wear latex, shave your head or be transported in an egg and to not take those opportunities is a damn shame.
Some people think Willow is getting too much, too young, and I tend to agree; but it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy watching from the sidelines.
This week Willow busted out a Chanel suit and tshirt at the Easter celebration at the Whitehouse. Yup. Chanel. I’m lucky enough to own some beautiful Chanel pieces, but I’m like, double Willow’s age and I doubt I’d ever be able to justify a Chanel tshirt. I think she looks amazing and really works the colour (especially with the green boots) but I really hope she realises that her situation is not a normal one.
It’s not the first time Willow has sported Chanel. A chain and interlocking C headpiece adorned her famous locks a couple of months ago – surely not appropriate attire for whipping ones hair back and forth?
Speaking of Chanel, yesterday I went to see Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin’s new movie, Something Borrowed. I was expecting very little; but I was pleasantly surprised. There were a few great fashion moments, too.
Hudson’s character, Darcy, had a few desirable Chanel bags (one which she leaves in a bar 
) and this one was particularly gorgeous. The photo makes it look a bit cheap, but the movement in the movie made it appear so soft and just the right amount of casual. So Upper East Side. 
I also loved the styling of this outfit. I wasn’t crazy on the colour scheme, but I am a sucker for flowers and stripes mixed together. I love clashing patterns in clothing and I think it’s a great fashion risk to take if you’re on the conservative side.
Someone who isn’t conservative with fashion is Rachel Gilbert. Her heavily beaded gowns have graced the red carpets of huge events all over the world, but this Aussie designer received a huge boost this week when Princess Beatrice received two thumbs up wearing the Zaza dress to the pre-wedding dinner.
Tonight’s Logies have been swamped with stunning designs by Gilbert already seeing Zoe Ventoura, The Biggest Loser’s Tiffany Hall, Sydney Swans player Jude Bolton’s beautiful wife, Lynette and Natalie Barr wearing red carpet skimmers to the awards.
Photo: twitter.com/lynettec_bolton
It will be an exciting time for Rachel with further exposure in Rosemount Australian Fashion Week beginning tomorrow. Her dresses will float down the runway on Tuesday morning.
Please check back during the week for more RAFW updates. I have had to decline a lot of invites due to work, but luckily there are lots of night-time shows I can get to.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing this Fashion Week?
