I am in incredibly messy person. Just ask my husband. I think that may be the reason that I do tend to wear a lot of black. I can put on a clean outfit and I will have spilt something on it by the time I leave home. This is the reason that I am a little bit scared to road test one of the looks for Autumn. White on White.
I am hoping my body will look like this as well.
The mess factor is not the only thing that scares me about this trend. I have a bit of a phobia about white pants. I also have a balloon phobia and a heights phobia. So if you ever want to surprise me please don't book me a trip in a hot air balloon. When you get to my age some clothes that look cute and stylish on younger people can make you look old and frumpy. White pants are one such thing. I think they can transform you from a stylish babe, to someone who is about to go on an over 55's bus tour around Tasmania. ( I made that bit up- because even people over 55 wouldn't want to do a bus tour of Tasmania).
Not nice white pants So on a whim inspired by seeing my daughters boyfriends mum looking amazing in her white jeans, I bought myself a pair from Zara. They were on sale - $35 which makes them practically free. When something is that cheap you have either really bagged yourself a bargain or they are so crap no one wants them. I am hoping for the first option.
This is from David Jones Autumn 2014 catalogue The other thing that worries me about white pants is that they are very unforgiving. And I have a big butt. So I just may have to ensure I am back out of a room. I figured of there was ever a time to do a Liz Hurley (and wear white jeans- not go out with Shane Warne) I figured now is the time as I am in self imposed rehab. I am hoping the fact that I now have quite a high percentage of blood in my alcohol stream I may be a little less clumsy. I am trying to ignore the fact that I may also be a little more boring.
Liz, her white jeans and the suitcase she wheeled Shane's wrinkles around in.
So tomorrow I am going to a little function to celebrate Chinese New Year, which has nothing to do with Chinese New Year apart from the fact that it is Chinese New Year and I am going to do it- I am wearing white on white.
I will let you know how I go - and how much stuff I spill on myself. Maybe I should take my own cushion.
I have a new favourite product. Now this is not unusual for me, but I am seriously in love with my latest make up purchase.
This may just look like a powder to you, but it is actually a little compact full of magic. Soft, pretty magic.
I want you to do a little experiment. Find a candle, light it, turn off the lights, and have a look in the mirror. See how soft and pretty you look? See how flawless your skin appears? See how you are glowing? See how you look younger? Well as there is not much chance of you walking around with a candle, this little powder is what you need. It's official title is Ambient Lighting Powder. You put it on after your primer, foundation, and concealer. You brush it all over and Voila!! You are looking amazing. It is made by an Cosmetic company called Hourglass and in Australia it is available from Mecca Cosmetica. It comes in 6 different shades. I have ambient. It makes you ambient. And radiant. In fact I would bet my last dollar (and after my Sydney vacation I am very close to my last dollar) that Lara Bingle was wearing it tonight at the AACTA awards.
and she bagged Sam Worthington.
Amber Heard also wore it at the Golden Globes.
and she bagged Johnny Depp.
Run don't walk, or buy it online. You will not regret it. I promise- although I can't promise you the Hollywood hottie.
One of my most favourite people in the world is my cousin Sarah. She is funny. When she was younger she had a teddy bear called Grumpy Bear. Sarah is a grown up now, she has a proper job which make her a grown up. Sarah asked my a very good question- "what sort of makeup can you wear when it is super hot, and you are going somewhere good."
"But I looked so pretty when I left home." This is a very good question. Here in Australia it is damn hot, and I don't think there is any Aussie Girl (or guy- no judgement) who has not gone out, looked the goods and then had their foundation slide off their face, and found themselves in the Port-a-loo washing off what ever is left on their face. Obviously if the event is casual, just go for a tinted moisturiser or BB cream. Don't despair there are a few things you can do, but I am not going to lie there is no really great solution to this problem, unless you take to walking around with a fan- which is not such a dumb idea. 1. Prepare. Yes that old chestnut. A good primer will give you a good base. 2. If you MUST wear foundation, try a silicone based one. They tend to stay on better. Some cheapies are Revlon Colorstay Whipped, or L'Oreal True Match
Both are available from Priceline, Big W, Target... If you are flush with funds try YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating foundation.
I am actually a bit of a convert to YSL foundations. I have been sampling one this week and I think it is worth the cost. Just don't go too heavy on the foundation. David Jones or Myer stock it.
3. Try cream products on your eyes and cheeks rather than a powder. Some brands do some really good multipurpose products which have good staying power. Becca has some good products like their beach tint, and eye tint. They may seem a little pricey but when you can use for eyes, cheeks and lips thats pretty cool.
4. Mascara- there is only one option here. Waterproof.
5. Lips- Try a stain here as well. Prep your lips, line with a liner and than dab on some colour
Benefit do a legendary stain, which can also be used on your cheeks. If you want a cheaper option Revlon can help you out with there.
One word or warning though is that stains can be quite drying so always have a lip balm on hand.
6. Have some face blotters on hands. These comes in little packets and are just like sheets of paper with powder on one side. You just blot away moisture (or sweat).
7. Finally give your face a spray with a setting spray. A WHAT??? Well it is like a hair spray but for you face. I am not going to lie I have never tried these because the idea of them freaks me a little, but by all accounts they are ok. Surprisingly most of these sprays are by American companies that don't stock in Australia, but I did find two-
Australis has this one, and because Australia tends to be cheap, it would be a good place to start
Modelco also have one as well. It is a little bit more pricey but their products do tend to be good. It looks like this.
I hope this has provided some answers for your all but especially for my cousin Sarah.
I will leave you with my most favourite summer song ever.
Well self imposed rehab anyway. I have just returned from an amazing week vacation to visit my very dear friends who live in Sydney.
The week was an absolute blast, it was a week of great food, great fun, great shopping and great big amounts of alcohol. For this reason I have decided that I am going to go off the booze for a whole month. I have decided on a month for a variety of reasons.
1. Last time I gave up the booze I got sick. Really, really sick so a month is do-able. 2. Apparently a short term goal is workable. 3. I am going to Melbourne in a month so there is so there is no way I won't be drinking then.
I am also going to shopping rehab. Yes you heard that correctly. I will not purchase anything - and I mean anything until I hit Melbourne on the 27th Feb. I will be doing this by
1. Giving Justy my credit card. 2. Get someone to change my paypal password and not tell me what it is. 3. Not go to the shops unless it is to do groceries 4. Delete all the emails I get from all my online shopping places of choice I am also going into sugar rehab. For those of you who know me know that I eat so, so, so much sugar. I love sugar. I think this is going to be the hardest. I am also going to commit to my exercise..... sorry I just bored myself so much I dozed off for a while. Anyway I'm off the cook my steak and quinoa (I honestly thing someone has a good laugh every time we pronounce it kinwah- "See I told you they would believe anything") salad, and I will wash it down with a delightful sparkling water with a slice of lemon. Here's my theme song for the month.
On Tuesday morning I went to the Qantas terminal to begin my little adventure to Sydney. Well I think it was the Qantas terminal because that's where the plane left from, but it would seem I was actually in FIFO world, because I was one of the only people who was female and not wearing high vis wear. Not that I have an issue with Fluro. I have a fab pair of Fluro pink shorts. Had I known about the dress code I would have worn them.
Now normally I love the airport, I have a routine, I buy a magazine,I get a coffee ( from watermark at the back of the magazine shop- not the dodgy shop in the middle, they have real baristas. I know they are real because they are hipsters with facial hair and they say things like " coffee up") I then drink said coffee, have a wander, wonder why they need a Witchery at the airport and then sit down, play on my phone and make up stories about my fellow travellers and wonder why people queue at the gate before it boards - you have a seat people, you are not going to have to stand.
I found somewhere to sit. I settled down and then the men behind me began talking. Loudly. I learnt a lot. His favourite words was f@$k. That's ok, it is mine as well, but not in public when surrounded by people. He wins though because he used it every third word. I learnt where he lives, what car he drives about who he wanted to sleep with up at the mine, how he hopes his wife doesn't find out. Just a suggestion- maybe if you don't discuss it so loudly she won't.
At this stage I got up and went for a walk. It was like playing dodgeball because they would not move. I then sat somewhere else. I shouldn't have bothered because the conversations were the same. All the same. I put my headphones on.
My point FIFO of the world is this. You are not at work until you get to the mine and the terminal doesn't belong to you. That means that you put your going out manners on in the terminal. Pretend your nana is sitting next to you- so you can be a little bit cheeky, but not offensive. You respect that other people use the terminal and some of these people may not be locals. They don't understand that not all Perth people act that way. You mind your language. You are careful about your topic of conversation. I don't want to know about how you cheat on your wife. And your girlfriend. Or that you are glad to get away from the kids because the are " really f!&ken annoying" ( you wife probably feels the same) I would probably say that these manners apply to being on the plane as well. When you get to the mine feel free to act how you want to.
I know you are heading back to work and that is pretty crappy, but you are sharing a space and there is nothing wrong with having a bit of class.
Thanks
Emma
P.S. I am also aware that some FIFO's are kind, gentle,courteous souls so I am sorry to lump you in the category. I aware I am judging a sub culture by the behaviour demonstrated by a few. But that is the problem.
A few weeks ago I was asked for advice on what to use to do curl your hair. I thought I could do a lot of research or I could ask the most amazing hairdresser ever, my hairdresser Ruth.
So today I put the question to Ruth- what piece of equipment should you use to curl you hair. She said " I don't know." Haha no she didn't- this is what she said.
You basically have three main options. A GHD, A curling iron, hot rollers or velcro rollers. There is also the good old fashioned big round brush- but that not so much a curler as a bodier. ( I have no clue if that is a word either, but I just made it up and I'm going with it).
Step 1 is that no matter what tool you use you must put some styling product in your hair. It will increase the staying power of your curl. Some moroccian oil, or a styling lotion or a mousse (yes really but if you have been following my blog you would be familiar with the resurgence of mousse.)
Lets start with a GHD (or straightener of any description)-
I may have mentioned this before, but the dog ate my GHD, so I was GHDless for the first time in 7 years. It was 6 months worth of top knots and curls, because GHD is the only thing that straightens and smooths my curly, frizzy hair. They are expensive, but not as expensive as they were, but last forever.
Anyway back to curls- the GHD curl is good for a smooth curl, that tends to have more a a long ringlet feel to it. The curl doesn't have as much as a a long life, but give it a good spray of hair spray when you are done and it should be fine.
This is Mollie King and her hair has been curled (very well) with a GHD.
To curl with a GHD
1. Straighten your hair (bizarre but true)
2. Section off you hair , but leave you front bits until last because you want to get them right.
3. Start with small bits and wrap your hair around the GHD. It is all in the wrist action- which is quite tricky to master, but practise. Just make sure your twirl away from your face.
4.When you have done all of your hair, do the front bits (away from your face remember) but I find it is best not to curl for too long.
5. Once you are happy with the curl you can either mess it up for a casual,sexy, beachy look, or smooth it out with a brush for a more polished look.
Click here to go to the GHD shop- otherwise you can buy them from a hairdresser. Try not to buy them off ebay. They tend not to be real. The cheapest you should get one for is about $200. They are worth every cent.
Reading back I think I have made this sound much easier than I actually think it is. I am not going to lie, I am not good at doing this. I am old school- I tend to use the good old fashioned curling wand (as we called it in the 80's) I think it is called an iron now.
There are two kinds of wands they are either the old fashioned ones with a clamp, or the pointing ones with no clamps. If you have a non clamper you wrap the hair around and hold it, or if you have a clamper, you wind the hair around and the clamp holds it in place.
A non clamper
A clamper. I have a clamper, I like it so I don't burn my fingers. I should also add that clamper is not it's real name, I made that up, but I think it works.
Curls with a wand have a bit more staying power than the GHD, because it is held in place for a bit longer, so theoretically you should get more curl for your buck. The instructions are similar-
1. Straighten hair ( I know= again bizarre)
2. Section off hair
3. Wind you hair around the want and hold it for no more than 10 secs - you don't want to burn it.
4. Gentle unwrap the wand, and try not to "straighten" the curl- the reason for this is because it is actually the cooling down of the hair that held the curl hold, so the longer it stays in the original shape the better. So DON"T TOUCH.
5. Once you are curled give your hair a shake, a tousle, or whatever you want to do and give it a good spray with a hairspray.
Here is a tutorial I got from Paula Joye on say beach waves with a wand . It's pretty good. Her web site is called Lifestyled. It is also pretty good. CLick here to have a look
Finally the good old fashioned hot rollers.
Awesome for body and bounce, but your curl will not be as smooth as if you did it with the other two tools. You routine for using hot rollers is a little bit more time consuming but worth a try.
Hot rollers have come a long way- and are much easier to clamp. There's that word again.
Yes, hot roller can make you look like this.
1. Do not, I repeat DO NOT straighten your hair!! By all means give it a lovely blow dry and try and get as much frizz as possible, but if you straighten you will not get curl.
2. Pop in your heated rollers, I'm sure there is a secret formula that your Nan could tell you to put them in your hair, but I am going with chuck them in all over just ensuring that you curl away from your face. Have a look on Youtube or Pintrest if you want specific instructions.
3. Put your make up on, fold the washing (as if), go on Facebook, spend a bit of time on Pintrest, do all of the above because you MUST let them cool COMPLETELY. Yes I am shouting at you because that is important. Nan knew what she was doing when she used to pop her rollers in first thing in the morning, pop her scarf on and go about her business for a big night out, because those babies need to cool completely because ( repeat after me) - THAT IS WHAT SETS THE CURL.
"Sit down and have a cuppa and a ciggie with me luv while my hair sets and the smell of smoke soaks into me curls"
4. When you rollers are cool - just before you unwind (or in my case untangle because my hair always tangles) give it a good spray with your favourite hair spray because that will get in to the roots, giving you body and bounce that only Beyonce can dream about (well if her hair was real and she didn't wear wigs, or weaves)
You will not look like this with your rollers in. Sorry.
If you feel the need to purchase some Click here to look at Priceline- apart from the fact they have EVERTHING, they have some cheap, good rollers.
Finally another fab tool when we are talking sexy curls with a bit of body, is dry shampoo. I know I have talked about this before but it is awesome for adding a bit of body and texture.
Remember curls can take a while to perfect, so practise, and if it all goes terribly wrong and you end up looking more Chutney than Elle .....
That is why God invented the top knot.
I don't own any of these images. The come from Pinterest or the wonderful world of Google.
I thought I would give you a little round up of the week in celebrity gossip, because after clothes and makeup and food, celebrity gossip is my favourite thing. 1. Well it was the split that none ever saw coming. Brynne and Geoffrey Edelstone called it quits. In an even more bizarre coincidence the split came the day after he filed for bankruptcy (in the U.S). This split shocked me because I thought this was a case of true love.
Such as well matched couple. It was always love. Brynne has since been seen in Sydney eating ice cream and shopping. Unfortunately she did not lose her bad dress sense in the split.
It may surprise you, but I am actually on Brynne's side, he cheated on HER a few months ago with a women her met on a website called sugardaddyforme.com. Seriously.
2. Justin Bieber hit the news this week when a party at his house got out of control and they started egging the next door neighbours house. Crazy kid. Well it did get crazy because the police came, arrested his friend who had drugs and seized the Biebs phone, which apparently has some very candid snaps of him and his buddies.
Honestly couldn't he have found God (again) and not the drugs.
It is a shame he wasn't arrested by the fashion police, but it does appear the did seize his tshirt.
3. Shane Warne proved once again that he should not be allowed near technology when he posted this little snap of him self of twitter.
My favourite bit is how he has greased himself up.
Come back Warnie, we miss you.
4. No word yet on if our favourite cashed up bogans Lara Bingle and Sam Worthington have tied the knot, but in two pieces of Bingle news- she has said she wants to leave Australia because she gets no privacy whilst posting photos of herself on her (public) Instagram on vacation in the Maldives.
You have to admit she takes a damn good selfie.
5. Speaking of quitting, Kim and Kayne are threatening to leave America and move to Paris. You see during the week someone made a racial slur to Kim as she was leaving her chiropractor. She called Kane- sorry Kayne- he came down, punched him and he has pressed charges.(the person hit, not Kayne). He jumped on a plane went to Paris, leaving Kim and North at home. It seems they also want privacy.This was announced as Kim was posting photos of her butt on her (public) Instagram account, and showing personal photos of Kayne and North on Ellen.
"Hey Dad, do you think North Western Airlines flies to Paris"
6. Lena "Angst" Dunham from Girls has made it to the cover of American Vogue. Don't worry though, they photoshopped the bejesus out of her. Well they had to because Anna Wintour doesn't think anyone is over a size 4. Phew for a minute there I thought a real size person was going to be on the cover. The world is as it should be. ( I am being sarcastic there- her image is her representation, to change it is just stupid)
She shouldn't take it personally- look what Vogue Australia did to Cate Blanchett
7. Kate Moss turned 40 and celebrated by having an amazing party and getting drunk and her husband had to help her out of the club, whilst still looking fab-u-lous!!
God she is fab.
8. His Royal Hotness Prince Harry shaved off his beard. Apparently the Queen told him to. I guess you would have to do as she says otherwise she could have had his whole head shaved off.
This is an old photo, but he just looks like a Prince in a Disney Movie.
His cousin Zara Phillips also had a baby girl. She left hospital 6 hours later. Apparently that makes her a super mum. I think that makes her rich with someone at home to help out, and she has not heard of the 3 day blues or the agony when your milk comes in.
9. Awesome Actress Laura Linney ( she was in Love Actually- the one with the annoying ringtone) had her first baby at..wait for it..49!!! What the actual hell? At 49 I am planning on doing anything but having babies. I had my last child when I was 34 and I felt 100. And the fact that the media didn't know she was pregnant at all makes her a super mum in my books. See Lara and Kim- this is how you do privacy.
10. The Golden Globes were on. Everyone looked super nice and wore lots of expensive dresses. The gave out awards as well apparently. I did a post in this a couple of days ago.
So there you have it- a week in celeb gossip. What I have learnt from this week is that I really need to get better at taking selfies, and you can't get more rock and roll that a leopard print coat and aviators at 4am.
