Websites Inspiring Me..

The world is an amazing place with so many awesome people making beautiful things to inspire us, to make our lives easier and to create the sense of openess that no matter where we live the opportunities are created equal for all..

I have been researching cool things in New York and the US really and a few in the UK.. So here we go in checking them out..

This website, below, does man bags on a whole new level, I want one. They are cool and practical. The goal to shopping well is buying something of high quality that you know will last. Then you are adding to your collection of goodies instead of being in the throw away society.. http://www.ernestalexander.com/categories.php?category=Backpacks

This site does amazing jackets for guys..

http://www.aetherapparel.com/index.cfm?fn=collections&o=1&a=66

I know so far guys things but hey, nothing is a better than having your man looking hot by your side. Plus imagine your pooled potential when you are both looking smokin and feeling good about yourselves. No limits..

Also for just a look in on what is happening in New York Fashion week which is on right now. Check out

http://www.style.com

They are all over it..

The thoughtful Dresser

On the weekend I was hanging with Rachael, and she came across this article in a fashion mag, just a small corner that wrote about this woman's book. I thought what an amazing title so I googled her and the review in the London Age was amazing so I bought it and have been studying it all week.

Not only is this book about history, back to the 1800's but it is about how women and men coped with life during some of the hardest times in history..

Eg. A madame was captured in northern France for harbouring allies and was sent to Ravensbruick concentration camp, whilst inside she befriended a lady who worked for Schiaperelli design house. Thus when she was eventually set free her striped uniform had been contoured to fit her elegantly so even though she wore it, it didn't wear her..

Hairdressing salons still operated with minimal supplies to keep women's hair coiffed during and after the war. Just the act of having their hair washed and dried and set gave that woman the strength to go on to get life back to normal. After the mass rape of women in Berlin, women walked 12miles and came to a village, the hair dresser had 1 mirror and 1 hairdryer, he set about to wash their hair numerous times to get all the mud out of their hair. Though when he was finished those women had something of themselves back.

In times of travail it is known that the concept of fashion has helped society move on, rebuild and renew.. There are many examples of such stories in this book. It validates that the human spirit finds something of itself liberated through this individual form of self expression and distraction. There is more to fashion than what is portrayed in magazines etc, it is food for the soul, the desire to be a woman is always strong.

The first department store was the first step towards women becoming independent, without necessarily needed a chaperone. Women's public places were now beauty salons and department stores. Working women were put into proximity to nice things, perfumes, nice clothes etc which got them away from just domestic service. This was one of the many stepping stones to eventually allow women to vote..

So this book proves on paper that fashion has a very important place in life.. A tool for rebellion, liberation, expression and therapy.

There are many inspirational thoughts about fashion in this book I am sure I will drawing from it inspiration for many topics to come..

Men's style

Went to Cha Cha Grill last night for dinner. To support this restaurant that lost their other restaurant at Southbank, Jelly Fish due to the floods, and to have a nice night out together..

Now I can't help myself when I am out I am always looking at people who are dressing for an occasion to see what I would add, take away or just flat out redo.

To my surprise, I saw not one, not two but about 5 men at all different tables wearing a tee shirt to dinner. With a Jacket to accompany it, NO, with a vest to jazz it up a bit NO. Just a tee shirt and jeans. Jeans I understand can be worn and smartened up for a dinner night on a Sunday but not with a tee, no matter how designer it is..

So I thought maybe they just need a little advice on how to step in the right direction. I have been studying men's styling in my course this past two weeks and just like the ladies there are staples that men should have in their wardrobe. Here is the list.

Black dress shirt - seriously timeless and so smart on any man...

A white tee, go for quality here not quantity, it will show in the wear.. Great with jeans and under vests, sweaters.

A good scarf - a man can look so European and suave in the right one. Remember short neck small scarf, long neck and tall, this scarf. Same rules as women guys, elongate or play..

A good leather belt - again quality nothing too blingy otherwise it will only work in certain occasions.

White dress shirt - it can be printed lightly or embossed if you don't want to be too washed out with it but remember you guys can accessorise as well. Let it work with your personality.. Just a little bit of styling will make you look more successful and feel it. Fake it till you make it.

Cashmere sweater - I know it sounds a bit over the top but seriously men look hot in a light weight sweater. This will keep you warm but not add bulk. You need one only so pick a colour that suits your eyes and skin colour, everything else will just fall into place.

Jeans - I mean a good pair, not one that has all detailed stitching that will date easily enough. One that suits your body type, remember short leg where straight legged or a slight flared if you have a bit going on in the trunk. Tall well you can wear anything you like, even a slight flare would be fun for you too. Remember a good weight denim will soften after washes. It should be slightly tight when you buy it but not so much so you have to breathe in.. If you are carrying some extra weight see if you can also find jeans that have a bit of a wide waistband. It will pull you in a bit and avoid the over hang, not a good look.

Black socks - cotton, just do it. They will last longer and be cooler. Buy 3 sets of the same at one time so the washing doesn't undo all your good preparation..

Shoes - a good ankle boot in a nice soft leather is a must.. Black dress shoes, pointy ones are for the tall people, it draws too much attention to your feet as your legs won't balance out that look. I think a good leather sandal as well, our weather is warm and you can never go wrong with them. Just make sure you wear them with a nice pair of loose fit Linen pants. That is such an awesome look, cool, casual, smart and able to walk into any establishment and fit right in..

Cargo pants - I am only mentioning them cause I know people are going to have them. So if you are this is the rule of thumb. If you are short don't have one's with too many pockets. They will make you look wide and short. Pockets on the back and front are fine. But if you must have pockets on the legs, make sure they are tight to the pant and don't USE them. Not at all. Keep all your things in your front and back pockets... Again, a tailored pant would be much more appealing and unless you are going to work in them, they would suit any occasion.

Ironing tip; Iron your smallest part of your garment first then work up to the bigger panels. A. you don't forget the smaller pieces and B. you don't crease the bigger panels trying to get to the smaller ones..

There are more staples you need like coats and suits but I will cover that another day as that is not a light topic either..

Step it up guys. Impress your lady and invest in yourself. You are totally worth it..

villa-villa kula: QUEENSLAND FLOODS.

villa-villa kula: QUEENSLAND FLOODS.

Autumn Colour Wheel

If you are a lady in this colour wheel there are 3 different shades to this colour wheel but I am just going to stay on the middle road and explain how you can elaborate here and there when you wish..

So, in regards to hair colour they tend to be a copper red to a neutral beige.. The skin colour tends to be warm, so olive with a bit of sunshine add to it, otherwise can be white without. So with the varying hair and skin tone just remember, paler skin vie away from stronger bright options of your colour wheel think more Winter options, dark but with colour. Whereas those with more olive in the complexion go for the muted Autumn colours which are listed below.

So for your colour options to wear they are easy to remember, just think of the colours of Autumn leaves (Canadian style), all those earthy tones but in a variety of colours. Go for muted and warmth when you are looking at the colours of Burgandy, Green, Camel, Orange, Beige, Tan, some teal blue, greys are great for you, the lighter version though. Always think golden undertone when you are thinking of these colours.. These colours are easily available as most of your stock staple colours can be found in the basics from most designers.

To give you more of a visual, an example of your Autumns are Elle McPherson, Terri Hatcher, Keira Knightly, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce.. I know you may think there is a varied comparison in there but look at them online and you will see that they have a golden undertone to their complexion.. They will glow with a bit of orange added for blush as they need that bit of colour to enhance what is just below the surface.

Your eyes are generally light brown to green with a tinge of grey in there in some cases.. On rare occassions there will be blue Autumns but there will be a bit of grey in there.. The hair may have started off light as a child but has darkened with age.. Just remember there is that tinge of Orange in your colouring, at the base of your hair colouring tending towards orange/red - to light blond. I am hoping you are getting my colour wheel explanations, read it over a few times and you will get it.. Just look at the people I have recommended and it will make more sense to you especially if some of the traits relate to you.

Points to remember - look for colours with a warm undertone, that will match the tone of your complexion. Avoid clear and bright colours instead go for earthy and warm.. Black and white won't suit you, so go for makeup that will add some colour and match the black instead with cream or taupes or beige.. Navy, olives, golden brown and warm greys work very well for complete outfits.

My daughter has these eyes, the blue with a tinge of grey around the edge almost purple and fits this colour wheel perfectly. Greys just pop on her and she wears lots of oranges and reds, greens and blues.. She wears her blacks on her bottom and sometimes we get the warmer toned pinks in there.. She is an earthy girl in her colour options.. I love watching how the colours she wears that are so different to mine but just give her that glow that is just beautiful to admire..

Even if you change just one colour in your wardrobe that is a safe way to change your comfort zones with the colours you can play with. Colours help bring out that latent beauty so even if you start with your eye shadows take baby steps will get you there..

Enjoy

Irene

Summer person colour options

Ok this one can be a little confusing for you to grasp as we think of Summer wearing all these bright colours.. Whereas this person needs to wear softer hues of colour. Their skin colour is quite pale even though it can sometimes border on a soft Olive skin colour.. Delicate, soft and light colours are the best options to make this one look amazing, pastels are better for this person..

Hair colour on Summers are usually blonde or blonde as a child and have turned to a light brown as they mature.. Though they may be a mousy blonde their hair, when in the sun regularly, it goes light again.. Their skin is quite pale, to the point there is pink rings showing under the skin in the whitest part of their body.. The skin colour can range from white to pink beige, shades of pink. If you are deciding between Summer and Autumn to define this skin colour remember that Summers usually tan and Autumns usually burn..

Summer eyes are usually blue, green, gray or soft hazel.. It can be hazy near the iris, rather than a clear colour. They can have a very clear blue eye colour but that is an exception, their whites of their eyes are usually creamy in contrast to the iris, as opposed to Winter, whose eyes are sharp in contrast.

Famous Summer people are Gwyneth Paltrow, Uma Thurman, Charlise Theron..

Points;
The best colour for this person is pinks, light blues and light grey.. Solid colours are better for this person, whereas if you wish to wear prints make sure they are pastels or watercolour prints but not near the face.

Go for soft texture fabrics, cotton knits, if your body shape permits if it doesn't then go for wovens as that is more flattering.

You rock neutrals so aim for those, but remember don't get obsessed with them as you can wear them easily enough with your colour palette.. There are loads of options in your colours, pinks, blues, greens and light lavender and yellows.. Just remember no really sharp colours and soft prints and you can have quite a variety of pieces to go for. You will find designers who work mainly with those prints in recurring seasons but keep your eye out for when trends pick up on it and branch out to other designers..

For the staples go for soft greys and navy. Avoid dark borwns, grey beiges, yellow-beiges.

Gwyneth is big on light greys which she usually layers the colours, cargo green on the bottom and lots of soft yellows. She has a great sense of style and can do with a few more prints in her day but she is usually on the money.

Good luck and go print shopping..

Spring Colour Wheel

I haven't delved into this complex topic before as it is a hard thing to comprehend without being shown different examples in each one.. Which is why seeing a colour consultant or stylist is going to give you more a better view on it. But see what you can gather from the following information..

A Spring person is someone who is vibrant, colourful and exaggerated. Their skin tone is of light or ivory complexion, they usually tend to be natural golden blondes, auburn or strawberry blonde redheads with freckles or rosy cheeks.. Their eye colour tends to be light blue or green. Thus they have a high colour of red in their skin and tend to blush easily.

Spring colours are strong splashes of colour nothing shy pastel here. Shades of cream, champagne and camel take on a different shade when worn by this person..

To give you an idea of a Spring person think, Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman they are classics in this part of the colour wheel..

The best white for this person is an off white almost creamy also they can wear a good clear beige to camel colour. Spring browns are a tan and to chocolate in the shade of more milk chocolate rather than dark chocolate.. When looking for a grey go for the yellow side of this shade, so stick to the lighter scale, especially when you are wearing it near your face.. Even with Navy use the same principle, lighter rather than darker.

Peach, apricot, salmon, coral and peachy pinks look outstanding on this person, also look at turquoise, aqua light blues. Light to medium violet, keeping it to the blue side of violet is better. Then onto your oranges, keep them bright, coral is good, though remember all palates can wear coral it is one of those fabrics that isn't biased and easy to share pieces with girlfriends so make sure you have some of these in your wardrobe..

Black can be worn but make sure you lift it with your spring colours, especially near your face.. A bright scarf or earrings should do the trick.. For the fairer of the Spring person you should avoid Black near your face altogether it will just make you appear paler.. Also never wear pure white, off whites are doable but not a white white..

Your wardrobe should be a nice array of colours, with your usual staple basics in Black and greys.. But colour is the way to go for you.. Nicole and Julianne look amazing in the emerald green and you should too..

Next post to be Summer..

The simple life, fashion included.

Keeping life simple is a good rule to live by.. It helps you save money, keeps the important things a priority and helps you maintain focus.. This is also something that you can maintain in your wardrobe.. Most of the time when you look in the wardrobe and can't find anything amazing to wear it is because of many points.. Buying things on an impulse, either because you have an event to go to and haven't bought anything for it yet and you need something.. Buying something because you are going to loose weight and have bought it with that optimism in mind.. Or bought a piece just because it is a designer that you want to have a piece of and it is on sale and you just got to have one of theirs in your wardrobe, from personal experience..

It is a good time of year to spend getting familiar with your wardrobe and seeing what is in there and can stay and what is in there and needs to go.. Don't do it with a girlfriend, unless she has an awesome sense of style, do it with a camera and get dressed in each outfit and take a shot of yourself in it.. Also be ruthless, if you are keeping something because it is an awesome cut but doesn't have the glimmer anymore then either get a pattern cut off it or if it can be dyed to give it new life do that or get rid or it or replace it in kind..

Another way of going through your wardrobe is looking at what fits, what doesn't and what you haven't worn yet.. Keep the piles separate on your bed and work through it, the keeps, try them on and see what matches with it.. Also your shoes as well see what your bottoms or frocks are, what shoes go with it and what gaps you may have in your wardrobe and what you have excessive of.. This is a great way to plan out your next shop so that when you hit the stores you will have a good focus on what you need to make your wardrobe complete.. It takes little bits of effort like this to make you feel complete when you are getting ready for an event or for work, or for picking up the kids.. When you feel good you have more focus to spend on the amazing opportunities that are always around you and then you can do more with your days..

I have been reading about this guy who has this amazing way to use the mind in a positive way rather than burying our problems plan them out, map them and think our way to a positive lifestyle.. Keeping yourself looking fabulous is just one of the ways to make this an easier step..

http://www.readingforyoursuccess.com/the-beginners-guide-to-being-congruent

If you have time he is worth a read..

Healthy inside, glamorous outside

It's all well and good to have a wardrobe full of clothes that fit our shape or skin colour or hair colour... If you don't feel good on the inside great clothes will only carry you so far..With my styling I would never suggest wearing spanx or any other under wear that pulls you in so that you have to be in pain to get away with the outfit.. So a little bit of loving to yourself every day in the way of good food and daily skin cleansing routine, give a day or two of missing it, will take you a long way over time..

So make sure that with your daily meals you have little or no processed food, wholesome bread is ok but in small amounts.. Pasta I know you can't make yourself so that is ok, but keep the crackers and chips to a minimum, use celery, carrot or cucumber instead for dips.. Everything in moderation of the not so good food and plenty of the good food and your skin and waistline will love you..

Then there is water, 8 glasses is a good start but if you can do more then do so.. I don't think anyone ever suffered any bad side effects of too much water.. It's great for your kidneys which flush out your toxins and also for your brain so when you are tired sometimes a couple of glasses of water will give you a good boost.. Also starting the day with warm water with a bit of Lemon in it, is a great way to start your digestion, especially in Winter.. Even if you come back to this from time to time it is better than not doing it at all.

Exercise, can't speak highly enough of it.. I used to do 45 mins of walking and yoga a day and now I do 3 x 30 minute personal training sessions a week and do yoga when I feel too tight and in small 15min sessions as that is all I can fit into my life.. So if you can 3 big sessions of something a week and then fillers during the week when you can.. Whatever you can fit into your life and thus build upon your energy levels you will be amazed at how clear you think and how much more stamina you have.. You might feel smashed the first month but keep at it, the only person who wins from it is you and you are worth backing.. Plus you will feel amazing when that part of your body that you shrink from is something that you are willing to shake in front of the world.. ah so liberating..

Cleaning products for your skin.. Well my family and I live organically and I keep to this with my skin care range as well and there are very cost effective ways of living this way.. Grown is an amazing range and developed by two Australian brothers for their Aunt who had cancer and developed allergies. Their face cream is amazing for after cleaning, Chamomile, they also have an awesome hand cream that make you feel amazing when you have to walk into a meeting you have to put your best effort on for..Aesop is also a good range, less is more with this range as it is concentrated. It is organic and a little decadent but even one thing from this range will make you feel amazing.. A new skin range I am experimenting with Evohe, evohe.com.au, their ingredients are insanely good, including colloidal silver.. Their website has their whole range listed and ingredients of each and it is very impressive..

Organic or natural make up is a good way to go too, as your skin is an organ that absorbs all that you put on your body. So check out Lavera, they are a great German organic make up brand.. Awesome quality and it lasts forever.. There is suncoat, karpatt, or Butter for nail polish or Couleur Caramel for eyeshadows..

Last but not least, good nights rest... My bed is my haven, I love my bedroom and I love my futon.. If I am rested, I think well, I am patient and look for solutions and find them faster..

Thanks and I hope you find something in here that makes your life that little bit more awesome..

Wardrobe Staples

Ok we are going to go through the basics of what should be in every wardrobe..
1. Coat - depending on your climate and your body type.. We have no real need for a trench here in Brisbane but in case you are susceptible to the cold one of these is awesome.. Remember to take into account your body type as this will determine the length that you require.. I like a good short Jacket for our climate and when I did live in cold climates I made sure I had a good short but super warm jacket.. It suits me, the apple..
2. Good knitwear.. you have to have one good knit jumper, its great on the not so cold days and can add more vertical lines if you go for the vneck line and wear with a scarf.. I have a pj jumper and an outdoor jumper.. Love them to bits.. Otherwise go for the turtleneck and that too will elongate the neck..
3. A good cocktail dress, for special dinners, events or just cause you want to be glamorous. There is no such thing as being overdressed and it being a bad thing.. A good black wrap dress suits most body types.. If not black then a solid colour of your choosing.. Also if you aren't a frock girl then go for matching tops and bottoms that look like a continuous silhouette.. This will give the same effect as a frock for those dressy opp's.
4. A collared shirt, I am working on a fun one for the range, white would be awesome as you can always add some colour to it with a semi precious stone necklace or some glam silk scarf..
5. The perfect pants - wide leg if it takes your fancy and you love wearing wedges or chunky boots of some persuasion.. Slim fit, it is always flattering to show your shape off somewhere.. If your thighs are the problem area then make sure your top finishes on the line that cuts in the middle of your thigh and it immediately slims that bump.. Make sure you take an honest pair of eyes with you so that they can give you the shove you need to jump out of your comfort zone.. No colluding..
6. Aline skirt, looks great on everyone and is an easy to match with a tee or tailored top..
7. Bootleg pants - It creates lower body balance and I can not praise this cut enough.. I love my denim rolldown pants and my nina and I wear them both weekly, with clogs or ballet flats..
8. Boots - don't go too high unless you feel confident to pull the look off.. Just below the knee is a good look and works with above the knee frocks in winter or shorts.. Chocolate or tan depending on what will go well with your colour palette for your wardrobe..
9. Handbag - A good quality leather handbag in your favourite neutral colour, bone, chocolate, black, it will go with every outfit and look amazing even you are wearing a casual outfit.. Simple style with one decadent piece.. I love my learther bag that I bought from Francesca Rockette at the Young Designer Markets. I use it every other day.. I have vintage bags for my going out events and they mainly cost me between $10 - $20 and I feel amazing cause I have a variety to choose from..
10. Your own signature piece - something that reflects your personal style. Mine is scarves, I love my scarves, I also love statement shoes.. They are what defines me.. they are what I invest in when I want to treat myself.. Keep your eye out for sales if you are willing to chance the piece you are dreaming of..
Enjoy your day..
http://windandwater.myshopify.com/