Scandinavian Life

I have a soft spot for Scandinavian design. So I was absolutely delighted when I discovered lifeiscarbon. Originally I was going to write a long post about this website. However, I have decided to simply post a link and let you check it out for yourself. http://www.lifeiscarbon.com/weblog/about.html

All images taken from lifeiscarbon

I am over the heat!!!!!!!!!

So maybe I could look like this

This stunning British actress does not get enough credit for her gorgeous style. Let alone her simple yet oh so perfect hair and makeup.

It may sound conceited to say this, but one of the main reasons I respond to her look is because of my own appearance. By that, I mean that we share some similar physical attributes. Such as dark brown hair, hazel eyes, relatively fair skin and so on. I must admit that I like to have style inspiration that is slightly achievable every now and then. I still get inspired by all walks of life, however, it is nice to sometimes aspire to something achievable. I think subconsciously or consciously, we all want this. That is why I love seeing diversity in magazines,blogs (blogs? Yes, my fellow blogette's reside all over the globe) Because I think all woman deserve to feel beautiful because they are. They should be properly represented in the many forms in which they come, so that no girl ever doubts whether she is good enough.

Beautiful Pressies

I must admit that I was terribly spoilt this weekend and received these absolutely beautiful gifts. This is what I received:

• A sexy pair of Michael Kors Heels



• Yellow patent sky high heels by Guess



• A soft & buttery tan bag with cream trimming from 7 for all mankind . This reminded me of Australian brand Mimco - so I had a bit of a Aussie moment. Well not exactly but close enough ( You can take the girl out of Australia but you can't take Australia out of the girl - This is one big country to lug around)
  
  

I am still dancing around my living room with excitement over these new items (I think the neighbours are starting to wonder, so I have tried to keep this down a bit :). Honestly, I feel very lucky and fortunate to have received such lovely gifts. I don't think I really deserve such things, but it does make me feel very grateful.

I took a few pics of my new goodies. Although, I must admit, they are far more special in real life.

Also does anyone have any picture uploading tips? My pictures seem to choose were they want to go after they are publised.

Glitz me

I have never been a jewelry girl. The possibility of draping diamonds over my neck never appealed to me in the slightest. In fact, I often found my self rather uninspired by jewelry on others. The glimpse of individuals who's arms, wrist and ears were loaded with carefully chosen armour filled me with much disdain and only reinforced my lack of enthusiasm. This, however, does not mean I did not wear any. Rather, that I put very little effort or money towards such items. Instead I put on a pair of $10.00 earrings I picked up at retail store and was good to go.
This sentiment has subsided in recent times. I have now found myself intrigued by offbeat items were I actually give some thought and time to in pursuit. This change in mindset got me thinking. Why did I suddenly have an interest in something I had very little interest in before? I though maybe it was a sign that my tastes were evolving or something along those lines. However, I have come to realise that this is not the case. My jewelry sensibility lies more towards sentimentality rather than fashion. With technology, vintage stores and the like I have discovered items that appear to tell a story. That are beautifully crafted items that are sentimental and not just ornate. It may seem silly but I never felt this way about jewelry before - it had always been so sterile and meaningless to me. This art form that I was showed little regard for is truly an expression of both past and present - you need only to look for it.

I have put together a list of two interesting jewelry designers that I find inspiring

• Sea Glass Jewellery by Gina Cowen
  Gina creates jewellery made by using coloured broken glass washed up on the beach. Some of the glass used dates back to the 17th century.
  
• Urth Jewellery (Image from collection - see link http://www.urthjewellery.com/)This line not only creates beautiful simple pieces but they also invest a portion of all profits back in to the communities from which the gold was mined. I think this is a wonderful idea.

Style Profile-Catherine Deneuve

Catherine Deneuve

Recently I have developed a fascination with timeless french actress, Catherine Deneuve.

She is truly one of the most glamorous actresses I have ever seen. An attribute which has not diminished with age.

So if you ever feel like a little bit of style inspiration. Then why not pop on a Catherine classic and absorb some of her parisien charm.

Put out the torches! Hide the moon, hide the stars.

Photo - Albrecht Gerlach

Makeover shows

Has anyone else noticed how boring these shows have become?
With the overuse of such phrases as "that's cute" or "really cute" & "really hot" popping out of the hosts mouth a little too often for a half hour time slot.
Alright, so the contestants usually end up looking much better by the end of the show. I just wish we could flip through all the pointless dribble and cut to the before and after.
Perhaps, rather than complain I should simply use the remote. But you see, then I wont see what happens at the end. Argh!

Vintage Finds

I found a great online vintage store today, called Bowerbird http://www.bowerbirdvintage.com.au/.

The site is easy to navigate-Which is always a plus for me. Most importantly, the clothes are wearable. I was really amazed at how many wearable pieces there was on this site. The prices were reasonable too. Well not salvation army cheap. But cheaper than some of those other high end vintage shops. I think, however, that the quality of the pieces reflect the price. Especially when purchasing such individual pieces.

Here are some of my favourite items (some are a bit kooky, but I think when you go vintage you can get away with it). What do you think of them?

Style Profile - Alison Goldfrapp of Goldfrapp

I find individual style far more inspiring than mass produced attempts to look like everyone else.
I guess that explains my fascination with Alison Goldfrapp. Her music always brings a smile to my face and I think her style reflects her free spirit & unshakable glamour.
I think what I like most about her style is how much fun it looks. I think we all need a little humour in our lives; to relax a little and not take things so seriously.
Simply to enjoy being you. Cliche I know but sometimes I think we all need to be reminded of that.
So here is to one glamorous lady who knows exactly who she is and how to create some great outfits and songs.

Beautiful buys for winter style

One of my favourite chain store brands in Australia is Witchery. It is has great basics which transform any outfit in to something polished yet still in touch with current trends. I highly recommend you visit this store during any Australian shopping trips you may have.
Otherwise they have a great website - Witchery online ( http://www.witchery.com.au/) Although, I have never purchased anything from the website only the store. I am thinking, however, that I might be tempted to order some of these pieces, as I think they will be perfect for my Autumn/Winter wardrobe.

What do you think about these items?

The Blazer

The weather is very hot where I currently reside. It is definitely not blazer weather. However, I have become quite obsessed with this one item of clothing - A funny thing considering a few years back how much I hated my school blazer with the emblem on it, that was part of our uniform ( Australians wear uniforms to school).

Back to the blazer. I don't know why I cant get enough of the blazer. I find my self longing for cooler weather simply so I may wear this most desirable piece.

But like I said, with the weather being so hot I am only able to look at the beautiful pieces for now. This is one of my favourites by Kate Moss for Top Shop.

So are their any items of clothing you are missing during the warmer or cooler seasons?

Designer - Marnie Skillings

Marnie Skillings is a tallented Australian designer. Based in Sydney, Marnie combines beautiful feminine aesthetic with amazing prints and textures. Her designs are very beautiful. I think big things are ahead for this wonderful designer.