Update your wardrobe

Now that we are getting into a new season it is about pulling together all different looks. I love revamping my wardrobe with the simple things, a new bracelet, new scarves hello mountain of already existing one's or a pop of the new season colour. Or even more mundane is replacing a staple piece in a new colour to spice up the combo's.
The one thing, or one of the things that the GFC has been good for is to slow down this over the top spending. Pausing before you buy is a good thing, even having too many clothes can cause stress on some level. So window shop to your hearts desire and then when you see that piece that just makes you loose all common sense you will know that that will have many seasons with you.
I am loving the chunky bracelets at the moment, a good place to go in the Valley is Stone and Metal, she has amazing jewelry at great prices. It's like the Collective Store of metal artists of silver and gold and semi precious stones. They are having a Marie Clare Up Late in the Valley on the 29th and so is our own little Collective Store at Wynnum. So dust off you bunny tails and get in some Easter retail therapy before the school holiday boom hits.

http://www.stoneandmetal.com.au/default.asp?contentID=974

Zen Pencils

I subscribe to some really awesome blogs and newsletters and I always try to keep them positive.. For if we do not master the mind the rest of our day just goes to shit... I did 4 years of study of Acupuncture with an awesome group of teachers and it wasn't just all about Acupuncture.. I was about how our organs and our thoughts reflect our health and habits..
So these things keep me on track to keep striving even when the wave seems to have me rolling on the sand and getting slammed..
It's no walk in the path but each little interruption I give to a negative thought takes it's power away.. So here is today's little inspiration and I hope you love it as I think this guy has a big future in the way he reflects his art through positive quotes by famous people..

http://zenpencils.com/

Dressing the slim, athletic body type..

No matter which Style book you look at they will all say the same thing about this figure type.. Adding curves and shape is the most important factor to keep an eye on.. So ruffles, detail, bows, anything you can think of really that will give you detail.. You want to keep away from short crop tops etc that will accentuate the fact that you are straight up and down.. Also you want to go against the verticle line rule as that will not do you justice..
So what to look for, is designs that will give you shape, bias cuts are good for you as the magic of this cut makes the fabric move a bit more while you are wearing it.. Pencil cut skirts done the right way will also add some shape for you..
Slim cut pants - look for one's with pockets on the back as well if you can, trapeze style dresses, florals and graphic prints..
Any body type will have an asset they love and something they don't so make sure when you are looking out for new wardrobe pieces that you take that into account too.. It is never just black and white..
The perfect neck line for you is the wrap top, vneck and boatline, add a little padded bra here and there but don't be locked into them.. Allow ruffles and details to help you there.. My vneck vintage ruffle frock is good for ladies with curves and without.. Pick the right size and it is the magic frock..
Also look out for full circle skirts, accentuate your top with a vneck top with that one and you can go all out at the drop waist styles as well as this will throw off any perceptions about being small on top.. They will be blown away by your style..
With your swimmers keep to the detail rule, opt for the padded bikini or if there aren't any that light your fire then go with one that has tassles or ruffles..
If you are a bit on the tall side either go for floor length or below the knee length, what you can really rock is to wear that mid calf length..
There is no such thing as the perfect figure really, as it varies for everyone what your ideal is, though if you have the perfect wardrobe you can look hot in anything you wear..

How to rock the Pear Body.

This photo tells it all for the Pear shape, voluptuous hips and small waist and upper body.. So with any body type focus on your assets always, so for you it is your small waist, arms and your legs.
There is a great trick in styling, to shrink the widest part of the body if you make sure the garment you are wearing cuts right in the middle of it, it will appear smaller.. So take that into account when you are trying on Jackets or shorts depending on where your widest part is for you.
Your staples should be either Aline or full circle skirts, your best cut frock is sleeveless or spaghetti strap styles that flare into an Aline or full skirt...
The optimum pant is the wide leg pant to cover the thigh and to have a relatively flat front, try a slight flare on the bottom to give a balance to your shape.. This will make your legs look longer and leaner, also keep an eye on back pockets as one's that are too small do you no favour neither do too big ones..
Go all out on your tops, that's where your assets are, if you are happy with your arms show them off either by wearing sleeveless designs or by wearing fitted sleeves.
You can pull off the turtle neck, again this flatters you shape at the top, Blazers, remember to keep an eye on the length.. Wide collared shirts are great, or draping tops with rouched or puffed sleeves which will give the perception of the hourglass shape..
Avoid; cargo pants or one's with a lot of detail.. I think everyone should as there are so many other casual pants out there that do so much for you but everyone has a personality that is individual and if you love it, you can wear it.. Keep away from too detailed patterned pants, that just add bulk also don't go cream or light coloured, there are so many other colours that will do you more favours.. Try Turquoise it is actually just as slimming as Black but not as well known..
Try them out, play a little, experiment and not just once, there are so many different fabrics out there. Take the time to explore..
Ideal swimmers for you, high cut on the thighs elongates the legs, go darker, a cool navy looks so stylish and if you can get one with a little slash in the neckline you may be able to pull it off as a top under pants. If it is a one piece go for one with padding, every little bit helps.. Other than that go for embellishments like ruffles, ruching and bold prints and colours on bikini's on top and keep it a solid colour on bottom..
Depending on how your Pear shape manifests there are also rules you can bend.. So go try out these shapes and more.. Think in basic shapes to start and then get more adventurous as you go, i.e. pencil skirts in the right cut..
Designs in my range you can rock are Corset frock, Aline skirts, pleat tops, silk slip, grace pants, or shorts, Bermuda's, Marchella skirt, Nina Pants when they are restocked. Cowl tees are coming and there are lots of frocks coming through like the new Kira Frock, etc.. Happy styling..

Dressing for your Apple Body Type..

Ok so this number is not really correct but I do love the voluptuous Barbie.
Okay so the basic way to determine whether you are an Apple body type it comes down to one simple question.. Do you carry your weight in your middle..? Ok there maybe some on your arms, thighs etc but do you have a waistline? You do not have to be a big woman to be an apple, I am an apple purely because my beautiful babies seemed to train my body that now when I carry weight it goes to my tummy..
So let's get to the basics now on how to get the best out of our beautiful figures that we have right now..
Staples: you should have cute Aline shifts, short skirts, blouses with a gently shaped waistline.. wrap shirts, wrap frocks and wide leg or bootleg pants... I am working on more aline shifts this coming round of designs and a funky blazer that will suit all body types but it is definitely good for Apples.. also long fitted tops and jumpers that fall to the hips.. It elongates the waists.
Go for patterns on your bottoms, bohemian tunics are super cool.. also go for fine knits like Cashmere, it gives you the warmth but not the bulk..
Your best cut dress would be an empire cut waist, something that fits under the bust, please don't for shirring frocks as they don't last quality wise.. It is to have an aline or flared skirt.. The corset frock is perfect for every body type as it shows off the sexy neckline and pulls you in under that bust and billows out softly depending on the fabric..
Avoid; bold patterns on the top, focus away from your middle, hence the detail in the pants, shiny fabrics, they are synthetic anyway and will pill after a few washes.. short jackets or waists that skim the waistline, unless you wear it up all the time and with something fitted on the bottom then yes you can get away with it.. Chunky knits, well you know why.. Tapered pants are evil, you can wear skinny jeans if you have great legs and can add a wedge to the outfit, but remember keep your attention down low..
Necklines; now necklines you should work towards are a cowl neck, hello sexy, a scoop again that neckline is always flattering no matter what you size.. then also the fave the Vneck, it elongates your torso..
Ok so play in the dressing rooms for a while, try on things you would normally say no to and don't buy too big a size.. Showing off your shape is always the right way to go.. Enjoy.

Getting it right first time...

So when we go shopping do we really know what we are looking for or are we hoping that something will leap out and catch our eye.. Yes it is fun that way, sometimes you come home with a booty of goodies but some days are just not as productive.. But if you know what you are looking for you can feel assured that you didn't waste money..
So to be able to do that you need a little info to help you to be sure..
Almost 80% of women do not know their cup size, that's insane..
So when you know what your body type is and your asset then you get a first step insight into how to shop smart.. It's not all you need but its a great start..
Ok so to work out your bust size you need to work out your band measurement put the tape around your back, under your arms and take the measurement above your bust.. Along the flat part of your chest above your bust.. Then go across you nipples and the difference between the above and across will give you your cup size..
1" = A, 2" B, 3" C, 4"D, 5"DD etc..
Mine is a 36B. It takes all the guess work out of shopping and makes you feel like you know what you are doing.. There are difference types of bra's and I think for B cups upwards a Balconette Bra is divine, it allows your cleavage to gently fall into place and also make you look like you have truly alot more than it seems.. Bigger busts go for the higher cut bra as it will give you support plus make your bust look smaller.. Small busts go for a high cut bra as well with a little padding, not too much, just a little.. your tops should fit your bust based on your size and the cut you choose to flatter your neck line..
Keep this info in a diary or in notes on your iphone.. You need it where you can access it so go iPhone..
Start with the under garments and everything else you throw over will work a dream..

2012 the next Adventure begins..

There is lots of talk of goals but I have found last year that I kind of lost my way by mid way through the year because I had achieved my goals or the goal posts had changed.. Thus I no longer want that anymore as some of my goals looked so foreign to me by the middle of the year I was wondering what was a I thinking in Jan.. The mind is fickle and to put it under so much pressure in January when your brain is fried from the previous year's crescendo just seems like another chore..
So how bout we instil new principles to live by for the year.. That seems like a doable low pressure thing, then as bright opportunities come up during the year then we can take them and run with them without having guilt of not sticking to the plan we set after a hazy holiday..

So I read a few blogs regularly, will do more this year as I really want to improve my blogging and social media aspect of my business.. And I came across this great little piece of wisdom.. It's the 10 rules to success, I feel it has enough within it to inspire you and to also give you a good structure to work from..

I posted it on my FB page as I am so not tech savvy enough to work out how to link it but will have it on my facebook page soon.. Otherwise I will put an inspiration page on my website..

For me some of the important things I am aiming for is being more present in my relationships with my family and friends.. Heading up north or making more phone calls home and being relaxed when my kids come home from school and being ready with some fun projects for us to do.. Putting more effort into making life within the home a lot more fun and enjoying the simple life..

Also with my business, spending more time designing and getting into the fun of it all. Rather than it being a business to me it is a creative process and I have lost a bit of that in 2011.. So getting back to designing and getting into handmade circles that is where I am going..

I'm very excited about this year as I feel I have a much more balanced outlook.. Starting the year with a stroll..

See you soon,

Irene

Giving gifts that are hand made..

My sister in law, Lesley, sent me this email that said how much we save the environment by buying local but also buying handmade.. Etsy has always been a special place to go when I feel like getting funky as you can get something handmade, well priced..
http://www.etsy.com/buy?ref=si_buy
Then again go to your local markets, Southbank, mmmm not as much handmade as I would like but still one of the better markets, although the West End market is pretty cool also..
Or BrisStyle events http://www.bris-style.com/ these ladies work hard and are so creative it just makes you want to go and study something or try and whip something up at home as well.
There are bargains to be had at big chain stores and I get that, you need knickers and bra's and socks and the likes. But something that gives you that sense of cool without paying $1000 for one piece. Then there is nothing like supporting handmade and believe me this trend is getting bigger and bigger and hopefully the mass produced will be a minority and this cycle will swing back to a balance where we have less but are a whole lot happier for it..
Also check the amazing Leonie at the Collective Store 78 Bay Tce, Wynnum, she is getting a cult following. People are coming from the Gold Coast and Sunshine coast to check out the shop..
http://www.thecollectivestore.com.au/
Also new to the scene is Handmade Highstreet, shop 1/466 Ipswich Road, Annerly..
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Handmade-Highstreet/134167206684569
merry xmas

Feel good exercise

Being a modern woman balancing being a wife and a mum, my two most important roles, I also need to be a business woman as that allows me to share and be me in the world..
There are a lot of lonely times within that especially with modern business being through the web, don't get me wrong I love it and I have free time to help at my kids schools without too much hassle.. But in those times between 9-2.50 Monday to Friday when I am not doing that I have to stay disciplined to keep my mind positive.. We all work on that at different degrees..
So one thing I really love doing when I am out and about is that if I see a woman who has put some effort into her outfit and she is totally cool with it all. I like to take the time to say something positive but simple like "I love your frock, it looks so good on you!". Sometimes it hits the floor but that is only once out of 100. It makes me feel good seeing some shine for a moment at the fact a perfect stranger has noticed her and I love seeing women making that effort to look amazing and chic..
It's not about hunting down a woman but if you notice someone just make the extra effort to say something so that she knows you noticed.. You never know what change you could make in that persons day, but you will always recognise that that little effort for such a smile in return is so totally worth it..
We don't have to stop poverty or feed every child in the world or rescue every animal every day to feel good, we could, in the meantime, make a woman feel amazing..
You are totally and always worth it..

Brisbane Festival on right now..

Ok so not to mention the amazing venues like Powerhouse Museum and Southbank and the Metro Arts all having amazing gigs and performances on.. The Powerhouse has built this temporary stage which is so New York I am going to see anything that is performing there...

http://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/

Here is their website to get the lowdown and plan your month as it is happening all September, well almost. There is insane light shows at Southbank every night, Santos City of Lights.. There is a light exhibition there as well that you walk through - Liquid Interactive Light Scope.. There is an amazing funk circus performance on at the Powerhouse tonight at that magical stage, Petit Mal.. I want to split myself in two and go all over..

It is art and creative performance of local and international talent at a high calibre. So give them some of your valuable time and have an awesome day or night out..