Neutral Eyeshadow Additions

Apart from the beauty blogger favourite Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze, my makeup collection was lacking on the neutral eyeshadow front. Mascara usually suffices when applying my makeup, as the term ‘natural’ simply does not apply when it comes to my lashes. Eyeshadow is often overlooked on an everyday basis and reserved for special occasions only. When watching Karima from Shameless Fripperies one day, I was influenced to buy these two eyeshadows. One in stick form, the other a cream and both at a drugstore price. Score! Oh and of course I got them on sale. You didn’t think I would pay full price, did you?

Covergirl Flamed Out Shadow Pencil in Melted Caramel 350

I haven’t owned a Covergirl product since primary school when I used to coat my eyelashes in clear mascara. A tip I’m sure I read in Totalgirl magazine, it was supposedly helpful in covertly making the lashes appear longer. All was well until I dropped the tube on the floor and cracked it. I also would forget I was wearing it, rub my eyes and begin to feel the sting. Though my first encounter was slightly unsuccessful, my next purchase was a victory. 

A very basic, almost skin toned eyeshadow with subtle shimmer is how I would describe this crayon stick. As the shade is very close to my natural skin colour it adds a slight bit of definition to the eyes, where the light catches the micro glitter. The non creamy formula means that it can be drawn onto the eyes without the need to blend out, and will eventually prevent creasing which is a problem I always need to counteract. I tend to hold the stick on its side, sweep across the entire lid and use my finger to blend it out at the crease. A simple eye look complete in a minute. I also found that I haven’t yet needed to sharpen the pencil, which hopefully signifies its longevity. 

Max Factor Excess Shimmer Eyeshadow in Copper 20

I hadn’t ever purchased a Max Factor product previously. I had heard quite a hype on Youtube around Max Factor mascaras, but it was never a brand that appealed to me. Perhaps the stand or the packaging was putting me off from what might be fantastic products. 

This cream eyeshadow, however, looked like the perfect tone in an easy form. A mix of taupe, beige and copper tones, when blended onto the eyelid it creates a shade just darker than my natural lid colour. It’s undetectable in the photo, but the shimmer in the eyeshadow is amazingly reflective. No shimmer particles can be distinguished, its just a gleam that is almost the equivalent to a cheek highlight.

The texture of this eyeshadow is ridiculously soft. It’s the most creamy, whipped eyeshadow I have ever felt. I have swatched quite a few eyeshadows in my time and this is definitely the most enjoyable to feel. 

So there are the new additions to my eyeshadow stash. Now to nudge these into my daily routine...

Bellabox March 2015

Today’s post includes my final Bellabox order. It seems so absolute, but unfortunately I won’t be extending my subscription. Although I fell in love with the idea of receiving a box of randomly curated beauty products a month, the items in each box I was sent were somewhat lackluster and commercial. As a beauty addict I already own most of the hyped up products so I was interested in trying new and exciting ones.

Nonetheless, let me go through March’s box...

As advertised through Bellabox’s emails, the Colour Theory eye pencil was a feature in everyone’s box. I received the colour Slate which in reality is nowhere near the grey toned shade it should; it’s a cool toned purple with subtle shimmer through it. When swatched it is quite disappointing with little pigment and a dry, chalky texture. Reminiscent of affordable brand eyeliners, I probably won’t be using it any time soon.

On a more positive note, I was excited to see the Nivea facial sunscreen in SPF 30. I’m a believer in protecting your skin from the sun’s rays everyday, whether it be overwhelmingly sunny or barely light at all. A sunscreen designed especially for the face has the benefit of (hopefully) preventing any acne that can be caused from using a regular sunscreen. A product I’m enthusiastic to test!

Also included was a sample size of the Revlon Photoready Airbrush Effect foundation in Natural Beige. This is my first Revlon foundation and I have high expectations that it will provide a full coverage with a non-cake like finish. 

Included in every box was a Stabilo Neon highlighter. I was given the green shade, which would have satisfied my 10 year old self, where I much prefer pink nowadays. An interesting redesign that will come in use for uni work. 

Two Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula products where included in the Bellabox, one being the Cleanser & Makeup Remover and the other the Moisturizing Day Cream. A brand I associate with strongly scented body creams, it will be refreshing to try out their facial products. 

The final product included was the Kerastase Resistance Reconstructing shampoo which due to my extremely sensitive scalp I will be passing on to my mother or sister. A perfect sample size to take on a short trip.

And that concludes my Bellabox subscription! Now where else can I spend all my money...

The Right Shade of Grey

This is in no way a shade of f’ed up. Okay, reference to famous erotic franchise over. 

This L’oreal Colour Riche nail polish in 858 Ocean Porcelaine is an absolutely beautiful blue toned grey shade that I have even painted my nails with twice. Twice? Wow, let us slow down here. I own a ridiculous collection of who knows how many polishes and I chose this to paint on my nails again. I must admit that this is not even my nail polish (it’s actually my sister’s) but it’s just too stunning not to show on the blog. To be thinking about this polish when it doesn’t even stand along with my other nail varnishes is evidence of the love I must have for it. ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’?

It is almost difficult to distinguish what the true shade of this polish is. In some light it appears to be a diluted shade of grey. Sometimes a very light, baby blue. It can also be interpreted as a creamy white. Whatever the shade is, it gives a polished (pun intended), clean look to the hands. Much like the effect of a white nail polish, it’s minimalism in nail form. Perfect to pair with any outfit out of resistance to clash with colour, it’s almost like the LBD of the nail varnish world (the “little blue-grey-white polish” doesn’t really have the same ring to it). 

When I first noticed the L’oreal polishes in store I was quite ambivalent towards them. The tiny bottle would surely never hold enough polish to compensate for its price. Upon further pondering I realised that the amount of nail polish is actually perfect for the amount of times I would use it. As I mentioned I own a rainbow of varnishes and to get through at least one a year is a triumph. The brush is also semi-wide which makes application even in two coats. Not just a nice colour, a great formula too. 

Now that I look at my nails it would also make an appropriate work colour. A contemporary take on a French manicure. C’est chic, non?

Purple lip loves

A purple lip product is not usually found in everybody’s daily makeup bag, even entire makeup stash. It appears that many avoid a purple lip out of a fear of appearing attention seeking, too trend driven or just strange. 

I can honestly write that I adore purple toned lip products; they just seem to work extremely well against my skin tone. With reader’s doubts in mind, I aim to banish the fear of purple toned lip products. Don’t the words lavender, mauve, lilac, orchid and violet sound enticing and quite un-intimidating?

Today I bring you three wearable purple lip options that I truly love and find myself rummaging through my makeup bag to wear. Out of the three drugstore options I have one for those willing to dip a toe into the purple pool, a creamy and more pigmented lipstick and finally a bright, statement lip. What would a post of mine about lipstick be without a bold option? Dull and lackluster to say the least. 

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Darling 010

I feel like this was one of the first products I purchased when I made my debut Chemist Warehouse beauty sale haul. It’s quite an odd lip product to start up a rounded makeup collection, but I am sure I was influenced by one beauty blogger or another. This purple lip is in the form of a crayon; an easy, creamy pigment in a user-friendly form. It adds a swipe of lilac colour to the lips that can almost be called “pastel,” but is surprisingly flattering. Avoid swiping too much product on as it can look a little excessive, but a quick swipe with your finger can reverse this. A bonus is that it has the perfect mint scent.

Essence Longlasting Lipstick in Wear Berries! 09

Amelia from AmeliaLiana recommended this formula of lipstick, although it was in a different shade. A quick swatch in Priceline and I realised that I had about three lipsticks of the same tone, so I decided to go with the purple option, one that I had actually spotted months before. This is like the everyday lipsticks I own (pink and brown toned) but with a purple hue instead. I would call this a grape shade as it’s not obnoxiously bright. The formula of this lipstick is creamy and glides well onto the lips, but is not so buttery that is glides right off. It will need reapplying throughout the day (on work breaks for me), but the shade is all kinds of gorgeous. At $4.70 retail for this lipstick, reach at the bottom of your handbag for loose change and go purchase. 

Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivids in Hot Plum

This is the most bright, intense and beautiful purple lipstick I have ever seen. That’s a big statement as I often browse photos online of lipstick for hours. It’s also found at the drugstore/pharmacy, which makes it all the more irresistible. This formula is more creamy than the previous, which adds a luscious sheen to the lips. Think the dewiness you lust for in a foundation translated onto the lips. I do not have any more adjectives that can describe its beauty, so make sure to have a swatch next time you see it in store.

Have I convinced you to buy a purple toned lip product? I think I may have convinced myself to add MAC’s Flat Out Fabulous to my to-buy list...

New to Wardrobe: Midi skirts

It’s quite frightening that I have purchased enough items of clothing to upload another ‘New to Wardrobe’ post less than four weeks after my dress haul. It’s also a shock to note that I bought these three skirts in the same week. Blame university; I felt as if I needed to completely overhaul my entire wardrobe. These three skirts are, however, quite reasonably priced and will still be available in store if anyone is interested in purchasing. 

Considering I wear midi skirts at least three times a week it was only logical that I purchased more. This time around, instead of a full circle skirt, I opted for some form fitting options. It’s quite acceptable (I believe anyway!) to wear tighter pieces if the length is longer. Therefore, the two striped skirts can be worn during the day time. Conversely, they can also be worn at night time to create a more casual feel away from an all leg baring mini skirt. Justifying purchases? Perhaps, but if it quietens my guilty conscience then I shall type, type away...

Glassons Stripe Tube Midi Skirt

This skirt is as the name suggests; a striped, tubular midi skirt. I had noticed the stripes and the length, but seemed to have skimmed over an important detail. I do recall telling my mother that the lack of a split at the back of the dress would mean that climbing stairs would be more difficult, but decided to ignore myself and wear it to orientation day at university anyway. Major sartorial fail? I wouldn’t go that far but stairs did need climbing and luckily the crowd was moving at a slow pace. This is the only major downfall of this skirt, in hindsight a slit at the back would have made it a lot more comfortable, but it’s nothing a little pulling up can’t fix. 

The fit of this skirt is brilliant as it hugs my hips and ever so slightly tapers at the calf. It also sits quite nicely on my waist as the hidden elasticated waistband (genius) allows for that well needed stretch. The material of the skirt itself is fairly thick which is a testament to the quality, providing the slightest stretch for ease of wear. Luckily the exposed zip at the back is an almost charcoal metal colour as I am not a fan of an obvious zip. Overall, a wardrobe staple that I know will make regular rotations amongst my outfit choices.

Valleygirl Fine Waffle Textured Midi Skirt

(Not featured online but is fairly new to store)

Unfortunately I am not able to blame the purchase of this skirt on uni, it was all about the price tag. At a retail price of $9.95 for a skirt? You could almost pay with coins.

This skirt, unlike the other two, is more of a night appropriate option. I absolutely love the midnight blue colour, I find it to work very well against my skin tone. I already own a jumper in the same colour and enjoy wearing it, so I thought it might be a fitting addition to my wardrobe. I seem to have been living in grey, black and white and perhaps needed to reignite my love for wearing colour. 

Much like the next skirt it doesn’t have a zip which allows for extra comfort and give in the fabric. This also guarantees a uniform, smooth appearance without the interference of a zip or extra seam. Seductivity in a demure way.

Ally Fashion Stripe Midi Skirt

This skirt can be dubbed the inverse of the Glassons one. Instead of having a black background with thin white stripes, this version is mostly white with textured lines of black. I definitely did not need both but it’s always nice to have options. The material of this skirt is a lot thinner, but the semi ribbed texture adds an element of interest. I would suggest wearing seam-free underwear, however, to remain discreet. Overt seams are not desirable.

My skirt dreams have been realised as this skirt has a slight split at the back. Hallelujah! It also is tapered at the waist and the hem which ensures it fits my pear shape (i.e mimics the convex shape of my hips and thighs). There is no zip on this skirt which translates to an ultra stretchy material, and no fussing around trying desperately to do the zip up. Much like my dislike for exposed zips I also loathe blind zips. I’m sure there’s a psychological explanation to my aversion to certain zips.

Let us all pray that I reign in my spending and don’t feature a ‘New to Wardrobe’ any time in the near future. I have recently bought the same H&M top in three different colours though...

Bellabox February 2015

The main reason I signed up to a Bellabox subscription was the promise of February beauty box curated by Australia’s leading fashion magazines. I was beyond excited to find the little box of beauty samples on my doorstep sometime mid-Feb. Unfortunately, this month’s edition did not live up to my expectations, which may explain my reluctance in writing this post. 

Bellabox gave subscribers the rare opportunity to choose out of the three boxes that would be sent out in February. The choice was between the magazines Elle, Cosmopolitan and Harper’s Bazaar. As I already have a short subscription to Elle magazine I didn’t want to double up on issues, so the obvious choice for me was Harper’s Bazaar. In retrospect either of the two other magazines would have provided me with a more desirable list of products, but the three were very similar. A downside to February's edition is that customers had to wait until the magazines’ issues were released preceding each box’s distribution. Consequently, I found that my Bellabox took a little longer than usual to arrive. 

The packaging of the Bellabox itself and the cardboard parcel inside was lovely, though wasn’t enough to create an awe inducing box (not pictured). Upon opening my Bellabox, the item I found the most thrill in was the Harper’s Bazaar March issue. Unfortunately, shipping had slightly creased and warped the corners of the magazine; a giant pet peeve of mine. Unluckily I already own two of the products that arrived in the box; Essie’s nail laquer in Saint Tropez and Burts’ Bees’ Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. I believe these to be quite hyped up and well known products in the beauty world, perhaps lending themselves a place in a Bellabox. My intention upon signing up, however, was to try new beauty products, perhaps even ones I was unaware of. These product choices may appeal to the everyday woman looking for trusted brands, but for a blogger and beauty addict they missed that element of uniqueness and well thought out selection.

Although I was disappointed to find out that the other two boxes contained Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel, a product I have wanted to try, I will be testing the skincare samples provided in my box. I am most intrigued to try the Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque and the Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser as I find products like these quite easy to add to an existing skincare routine without disturbing a solid regime. The Transformulas Lip Volume is also an interesting product that aims to ‘dramatically enhance lips by 40 percent,’ a product that may assist in creating that signature Kylie Jenner pout. 

Overall, a slightly underwhelming box I am saddened to report. Hopefully March’s Bellabox will deliver the satiating quality my cosmetic obsession craves. 

OOTN#2 ft. Lust worthy clutch

This is an outfit I recently wore out to dinner with a friend. No surprise that I’m wearing a midi skirt; it appears to be my sartorial safety blanket, disguising the night’s intake of lasagna and an espresso martini. Ten times and counting on the occasions I have worn this skirt; it seems to add the right amount of femininity and casualness to any top I might pair it with. Which brings me to the sheer, black, long sleeve, dotted top that I had been looking all over for. No, not on the floor of my bedroom, rather searching the stores for what seemed like months trying to find something remotely similar to the vision I had in my mind. H&M never fails me as I managed to pick this up for only $5. Sure, it’s a little big on me and I might have to roll the sleeves up, but at that price one can only gladly take it home. 

What elevated this usual and unoriginal outfit was the amazing clutch. I had seen this clutch in H&M at least a month or two before. Each time I had gone in I had contemplated purchasing it, but perhaps it was the $30 price tag that dissuaded me. Thirty dollars is by no means an excessive amount for a clutch but I rarely use them, so it wouldn’t have been personally cost effective. When I finally decided that I needed to own the clutch having it been constantly on my mind, it was no where to be seen. In my selfish woe of having missed out I aimed to forget about the beautiful clutch. Fast forward a month or two later and there was the clutch in the sale section of H&M, and at half price. I absolutely live for moments like these! 

What makes this clutch utterly beautiful is the purple suede that covers the entire outer section. It has an expensive appearance without the jaw dropping price tag. It was raining on the night of this outing, much to my luck, which was not ideal for a suede clutch. Consider spraying any suede items with a protector before using. The jewel shade contrasted with the gold tassel (I love a good tassel) is perfection. Yes, it may be an ode to my primary school colours but it just works, opposites on the colour wheel to be precise (a quick Google search confirmed).  Not only can it be worn as a clutch, when the strap is attached it can be worn over the shoulder. This allows a “hands free” approach so you can wrap your arms around your partner’s neck, or reach down and pick up the loose change you dropped on the floor. We can all guess which situation I’d be in; a McDonald’s cone anyone? 

Online Shopping: Is the experience more exciting than the actual purchases themselves?

I have to admit that I am not a long-term member of the online shopping sphere. In my younger days (i.e 2 years ago) I would lust over items, save the pictures to a folder on my desktop entitled “want.need.love” and continue to fix my eyes to the screen, occasionally stopping to wipe saliva off my keyboard. When the item sold out, I would be disappointed. It wasn’t as if I had any chance of buying it in the first place, though the last denial of hope was crushing. And so the cycle continued; I spent hours online coveting celebrities’ style, stalking their clothes, saving pictures and wishing that I could own those shoes, or that handbag. This occupied a majority of my time spent online, until I came across Asos. A website whose shipping did not cost more than the actual item itself? Was this a fact or just an internet phenomenon? Much to the relief of my fashion-crazy mind, the former manifested itself with the typing of a few characters and the tap of a button. I now took the final click into the wonderland-like* world of online shopping…

Living in Australia means that we do not have ready access to international brands, though I do love a good Aussie label. Usually shipping charges are ridiculously high, and I am forced to give up my love for many items. Asos ships to Australia free of charge (for standard shipping for orders over $40), meaning that no additional money is wasted on shipping and handling costs. I must add that for quite a few months I did fall back into my routine and continued to place items in the basket and proceed, not to checkout, but to close the window. Finally I made my first purchase from Asos, a beauty item strangely, and my adoration began from there. Much like my bargain hunting in real life, I waited for emails with discount codes so that I could scrounge every last saving I could. I would get so excited looking at items for hours, scrolling page by page though hundreds of clothes. And then I was introduced to the “Save list.” A place where I could save the item (or items) I was lusting over, full with a picture and everything. Now when I purchase items online, I cannot wait until they arrive. I am constantly checking my emails for updates on the arrival date, and check the letter box religiously. But much like my earlier days spend yearning for clothes online, are we only wrapped up in the thrill of it all? 

As I am writing this post I have the remnants of packaging sitting next to me. This is no exaggeration, the postman literally delivered a package for me this morning. Once the package was ripped opened I proceeded to try on the item, being so pleased that the fit resembled that of the model. I hung the top on a clothes hanger and placed it in my wardrobe. With all the fun over until I wear the item for the first time (oh what a moment that is), my mind drifts onto the next awaiting package. Maybe this is my way of constantly keeping my mind hopeful and positive, always having something to look forward to. Who knew that online shopping could be so philosophical?

I am curious to know whether you, too, find excitement in online shopping. Leave a comment down below telling me about your experiences. 

*Though the white rabbit is synonymous with wonderland, I like to save my rabbits for the real world, as seen here in my Easter post.

Disclaimer: I am not being sponsored to write this post, this is a recount of my genuine experience with online shopping. 

New to Wardrobe: Evening Dresses

If you are a very close friend of mine then you are probably aware of the excessive and somewhat overflowing collection of dresses I have in my wardrobe. They just might be my favourite item of clothing; easy, mostly comfortable, chic and feminine. Though I probably own a dress to suit every occasion twice over, I seem to keep buying them. Let’s call them my sartorial weakness. I like to know that I have a backup dress should an event arise, one that I love, that fits well, was on sale (of course) so that I am not rushing to the shop the day before, choosing a dress for the sheer need. Today I bring to you three evening appropriate dresses that have recently made it into my wardrobe (Correction: there is no more space in my wardrobe so they hang on my dresser). 

H&M Jersey Dress

About a month back I saw this dress on the H&M website, as I often like to have a browse of their incoming stock, and I took a screenshot so that I would not forget about it. Well, it seems like my memory lapsed as I picked it up in H&M not knowing it was the dress I had been lusting over just a month before. What attracted me about this dress was firstly the length; I just love a midi or longer length on a body-con. I find that a longer length, tight fitting dress that nips the waist and shows off the décolletage suits my body shape the best. The darker grey, thick, jersey material gave the dress a more casual feel and I could envision wearing the dress with a dark lip and gold accessories. I wore this out clubbing last weekend and I was happy with it, though I did have to adjust it every now and then around the bust. Overall, a fantastic dress at an even better price tag.

Bardot Pin Up Dress

This dress is all kinds of dreamy. I first spotted this dress in a frantic shop to find an outfit for a glow in the dark party. The colour is so vibrant and pink. I do love a bit of pink; classic girly girl. I couldn’t justify the $129 price tag at the time, so waited and prayed that it would eventually go on sale. Finally the dress was reduced to $70, but my mum didn’t want to fork out the cash. Yes, I could’ve bought it myself but I’ve had to restrain my spending in recent weeks. When I saw it go down to $40 my heart raced as it’s purchase was nearing. In store there was only a size 10, which I tried to squeeze on, but it was never going to happen. After a search of all the stores in Australia a size 12 had sold out everywhere, and I’m certain my cousin can confirm my disappointment. There was still hope as Myer stock Bardot. The very same day I was in Melbourne Central my mum was in Highpoint and had spotted the size 12, so the next day we went and bought it. It seems that great dresses are somewhat difficult to pin down (pin down, get it?). This dress was definitely well worth the wait, and with all the effort it took to purchase, this will become my birthday dress. Much like the dress for my 16th birthday I have purchased this about half a year before my birthdate. See, I like to be prepared. 

Asos Origami Bow Pencil Dress 

In about a month long intensive search of Asos almost everyday trying to find a dress for valedictory, this dress made it into one of the final edits. Fortunately I found a dress in Australia, in store that I could try on and purchase on the spot. Is anyone interested in seeing what I wore to valedictory? When this dress made it into the sale I was overjoyed, and at around $32? Absolute bargain. I will admit that this dress does look better on the model (though doesn’t everything) and it will require some adjustment around the bust, but I think that this dress is perfect for a formal evening occasion. The deep navy scuba material is very thick and therefore expensive looking. The subtle bow detail is a modern take on a classic mini dress which I adore. Concludingly, a dress that will come in very handy for any cocktail events (not that I have any planned, of course). 

OOTD#5 Feminine Power Dressing

Often, it’s the outfits that require the least effort that become the most striking, or give the wearer the most confidence. On this particular day, I had the idea that I wanted to wear my new wedges, and given that the weather was 25 degrees, I wanted to wear a skirt. Putting on my white wedges with my grey midi skirt I looked to my wardrobe for a top. Pulling out a black top, something that is almost rare amongst my rack of pink, printed and textured tops, I decided to try it on. Instantly, I knew it was going to be a good outfit day (therefore, worthy of being documented!). 

The power this outfit gave me was almost unidentifiable. I instantly felt like the editor of a magazine; understated, strong, powerful and minimalistic. A Jackie French, an Anna Wintour of sorts. Not that I have the deluded idea that my fashion sense is anywhere near the realms of fashion royalty, though one can play dress up even if they’ve passed the age of five. “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have” is the quote that encapsulates this outfit. 

The slightly flared, wide arms and the straight cut neckline gave power to what might have been a plain black top. I decided to skip wearing a necklace as the neckline felt like it was a feature in itself, and wore a black and gold watch instead which added an androgynous vibe. The slightly oversized top paired with the midi skirt gave this outfit a mature look; one that is different to my usual form fitting pieces. One not need don a blazer and a tailored trouser to emulate the strength and authority of their male counterparts. Power dressing is usually defined by garments that radiate a masculine undertone, but here a skirt can create the same effect. 

So what have I learned from this outfit? Feminism is still alive and can be reflected through fashion, I do not need to wear a blazer to feel like I can conquer the world and fashion can truly create an identity for the wearer. That and perhaps I need to work on my “editorial” face, as I was trying to create more serious and professional looking photographs. Maybe I should just stick to smiling?

Outfit details:

Black top- Portmans

Grey Midi Skirt- Sunnygirl

Watch- Asos

Shoes- Kmart 

Bellabox January 2015

I had seen advertisements for Bellabox in the past, browsed the website and even proceeded to checkout but had never fully committed to the subscription. After an Instagram post from Harper’s Bazaar Australia appeared on my news feed publicising Bellabox’s February edition (which will be curated by three leading Australian fashion magazines), I finally applied. I decided it would make for an interesting post and fill the void of incoming mail that had somewhat diminished following my recent and quite excessive spending.

In summary, Bellabox is a monthly subscription service that sends out a box of 4-5 beauty samples at the price of $15 (per month). It seemed like an exciting way to try new beauty products at the retail price of a couple full sized products. Perhaps the “risk” and uncertainty of what will be sent each month enticed the very minute risk-taker in myself. I will probably never jump out of a plane but dive right into a box of unknown beauty products? Sign me up.

The cautious and ever rational dominating side to my personality took over when it came to the monthly fee. Signing up for $15 a month with cancellation at any time seemed to entail a lengthy process and large amount out of my monthly spending. Essentially, I gifted myself a three month subscription as a trial of the program, completely free of commitment.

Communication between Bellabox and the customer is established from the outset, where an email is automatically sent to your address as soon as you sign up. In alliance with Australia Post, an email was sent of the arrival date of the package. What shcoked me the most was that I was at my laptop one morning, and received an email to say that my package had been delivered. Going to the front porch, the package had just been placed on my front door step. It seemed so strange that an email told me what was at my front door before I even realised! 

Overall, I am completely satisfied with the whole Bellabox process. Here’s to next month’s box being even better!

Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition at NGV

I finally made it to the Jean Paul Gualtier exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria only after it having been open for around three months. I really have no excuse; I have been on holidays for two and a half months and been to the city countless times. Nevertheless, I am very glad I had the chance to go before it closed. So here is my reminder and gentle prod to check it out if you can, it is truly a fantastic exhibition even for those not all that interested in fashion. It closes on the 8th of February so make sure to get in quick!

Today I bring you a small photo diary of my trip to the gallery, and a selection of my favourite pieces. Firstly, I respect the gallery’s decision to allow photography in the exhibition itself which is most often restricted in such an environment. The press and publicity given to the exhibition was outstanding with even ATMs being encased in Gaultier’s signature blue and white Breton stripe. It truly brought a little piece of France to Melbourne! Also, with the voice recordings of Gaultier speaking both English and French (which were somewhat difficult to hear above the crowd), it gave the impression that the designer himself was hosting a “show and tell” of his work, not simply a gallery shipping various pieces over and placing them on display for mere profit. It was personalised, achingly beautiful, well planned and truly a fashion girl’s dream outing. Now, if only I could have them shipped straight to my wardrobe...

Here is a tourist style photo of myself standing in front of Jean Paul Gaultier’s neon sign. Going to a gallery, and most importantly a fashion exhibition, denoted that my attire must be “fashionable” at least to a certain degree. This navy, pleated, pussybow dress I thought would be perfect for a gallery; it has the right amount of modesty and playfulness. Paired with my white wedges and a red lip (which I absolutely loved and must wear more often during the daytime), I was the quintessential Francophile. Blue, white and red: the colours of the French flag, bien sûr. 

I fell in love with this dress the moment I walked into the exhibition. It’s a floor length, blackened gold dress with the gold, almost glittering texture woven into the actual thread. It was part of a mermaid inspired collection and this is reflected in the repeated scalloping across the entire body. Every minute detail expresses the overall vision in the collection; the form fitting shape fanning at the ankle, the larger scallops accentuating fuller hips, the flower shapes covering the breasts and the halter neck detail. Each feature characteristic of the mythical creature. Fashion and fanstasy; the perfect sartorial marriage.

Immaculate No. 3 by Miles Aldridge for Numero, 2007

I must have gasped when I saw this image. There is something about it that immediately made me want to hang it on my wall. Perhaps it is the sharpness of the image, the saturated colour, the suggestive yet demure pose, the contemporary depiction or the model’s undeniably perfect bone structure. Interestingly, this photo is very reminiscent of Lady Gaga in her Judas music video. I bought the card pack (which features in the last image) with this photograph inside, so at least I can have a miniature in my bedroom. 

I needed to photograph this image because the colour of the velvet is dreamy. In person it was a frosted pink with a hint of a purple tone to it. The ruching on the dress is so meticulously done as to accentuate the very fine points of a woman’s body. I am not the biggest supporter of the conical bra but it is one of Jean Paul Gaultier’s defining creations, perhaps reserved for those powerful women game enough to pull it off. I can just envision this dress with disheveled, curled hair, smokey eyes, black pointed pumps and a martini in hand. Sex appeal done tastefully. 

The train of this dress was constructed entirely out of individual feathers. I was speechless at the sight of this. I had always wanted a dress with a feathered trim and the longer I look at this image, the more and more I would love it as the train of my wedding dress. A girl can dream...

Again, another gasp inducing dress. The powder blue material hinted at a shade very close to cornflower blue, one of my favourite colours. Tone aside, the draping on this dress is just perfection. One would have to have a perfect frame to wear this dress, which Cate Blanchett most certainly did when she wore this to the 2011 Golden Globe Awards. A dress that is certainly more prêt à porter compared to Gaultier’s haute designs, which makes it a lot more wearable (in my imagined, old Hollywood, cinema style cocktail party). 

This dress might very well be my favourite of the entire exhibition. It is hard to tell in the poor quality phone picture but the fabric of the dress is black velvet. There is an air of sensuality and charm about velvet, and black velvet in particular is quite exquisite. It was a much more elegant change to the quality of velvet fabric seen in stores nowadays. I adored the old Hollywood, glamorous aura this dress carried with the train, the tassels and the cape draped over the right shoulder. The corset style bust created a Gaultier exclusive dress, worn by Dita Von Teese, nothing short of provocative and voluptuous. 

Clockwise from top: Card pack (8 cards with envelopes), Ready-to-wear nail appliques in Blue and White Stripes, Postcard of Nicole Kidman by Peter Lindbergh, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier From the Catwalk to Australia by Thierry-Maxime Loriot

I couldn’t help but leave the gallery with some Gaultier inspired merchandise. Think of it as the band t-shirt you buy from the illegal seller on the street after the concert, which in this case is completely legal and will be kept on display. As the exhibition is shortly drawing to a close a large amount of the merchandise is on sale, which you can imagine excited the inner bargain hunter in me. An unexpected positive of visiting late! I mainly bought the card pack as it featured the image Immaculate No.3 which I raved about above, and in general card packs attract me. I had been hunting for the nail stickers for over a month as I stupidly thought they were carried in Mecca stores, but I finally had the chance to tick them off my ‘to buy’ list. The Nicole Kidman postcard was to add to my collection of photographs to place on my bedroom door and the book was an inevitable purchase. Overall, I left the exhibition with lovely memories of what I saw, photographs to aid my memories and some physical reminders of my visit. 

Picnic Appropriate

It was only time until I, yet again, featured a Kmart product on the blog. On a recent trip and a surprisingly quick browse of the shoe aisle (as my sister commented, which happened as I was already aware of every show Kmart carry due to many previous trips), I found a lovely pair of white wedges. As I’ve commented on the blog before, I find it quite difficult to find shoes that truly fit well, are flattering and don’t cost an entire week’s month’s pay. Therefore, whenever I see a pair of shoes that I remotely like I take the effort to try them on. Despite the slight incline on the arch (the wedge, so to speak), they seemed quite comfortable. What enticed me most about these shoes was the situation that immediately formed in my mind about, ideally, where I would wear them. What I love most about fashion, perhaps, is the feeling a piece of clothing or an accessory can give; an emotion, a memory, a daydream.

As soon as I spotted these shoes I had visions (not the supernatural kind) of wearing these shoes to a garden party. A picnic on the grass complete with cucumber sandwiches and a full skirted, pleated, cotton summer dress. Now that I think about it, wedges are a very good choice. All I need now is an invitation to a celebration on grass. For now I’ll have to settle for the printed flowers on my quilt cover. 


(Bonus points if you can spot the tip of my sister's rabbit slipper)

Getting scammed: A survivor’s story

I’m normally one in shopping centers to completely disregard any shop assistants trying to push samples in my face, often rushing past and avoiding eye contact. I tend to “look down in shame” at those few vulnerable victims who get pulled in by the shop assistant’s charm. For some reason, on a particular weekend, I succumbed to a dubious exchange between a beauty assistant. It appeared that the first mistake I made was to even consider looking at the card the assistant was holding. In a matter of moments he was covering my hand in a honey-like mixture. Perhaps it was the weather, the fact that I had too much time on my hands or that I wasn’t shopping with my mum, but I had become a “victim” like all those I had previously looked down on. 

I could feel my sister beside me cringing and praying that I would just walk away, but unfortunately she was made to stand there and watch while my hands were slathered in beauty ointments. I’m aware I am making this sound a little like I have been taken advantage of perhaps in a more offensive manner, but the general story is quite similar. Replace sexual predator with pushy shop assistant.

Although I studied Psychology for only two years at a secondary level, I sometimes like to think that I’m an expert, often picking up on cues in everyday life. Firstly, he asked my name, also giving his. Using my name repeatedly ensured we established a connection, on a ‘first name basis’ so to speak, and not just two complete strangers. He also commented on how my name ‘Anastasia’ is like the Russian princess; I noted his attempt at flattery. I must admit that he was fairly cute with his foreign, almost unidentifiable accent, but I could see his motives. He told me he was studying Psychology at university (far too coincidental), and then his intentions were confirmed. 

I did, however, gain some new information about skincare. It would be rude to undergo such an experience and not relay it to you all!

• A good moisturiser should take only seconds to sink into the skin. A great test is to run your fingernail across your skin’s surface; there should be no moisturiser settling into your nail beds
• Green tea is a natural SPF for everyday use, though not recommended as enough protection for repeated sun exposure
• It is necessary to exfoliate the skin so that the moisturiser sinks in beneath the surface, not resting on the outer layer of dead skin

After a tutorial of the products, we started discussing prices. You can usually perceive a scam when the price lowers from around $150 retail, where you can buy it for only $70 today. Moreover, the shop assistants will aim for you to buy the product on the spot, but if you are not interested just say that you will have a shop around and think about it. 

This is not so much an attempt to condemn these type of shop assistants or any products in particular, it’s simply a recount of my experience with a warning about such shopping. Maybe you’ll think of this post next time you pass by a beauty stand in a shopping center!

Chocolate anyone?

 

A new purchase and a philosophical new year’s post thrown into one. It would’ve also been a pick of the sales had the item still be in stock, but sadly it has been sold out. However, do have a look at New Look’s other clutches as there are some other whimsical ones, such as this champagne shaped purse.

I don’t believe I’ve done this before (written and uploaded a post on the same day, and late), but how very fitting that it’s a new year to have first times. Today my Asos order arrived much to my excitement. I had shown some self control and only bought two items from the sales. One was this chocolate bar clutch, which has exactly the playful and almost childlike disposition I love about fashion. Ironically, I have seem to lost my appetite recently. Perhaps it’s my body’s reaction to the excessive amount of food I consumed, almost without thought, during the Christmas and New Year period. I’m content enough with my chocolate clutch; there will be no more Lindt Milk Chocolate balls for me. 

And so I move on from fashion onto a more psychological rant. On New Year’s Day I underwent a reevaluation of the self which, interestingly, reminds me of the context topic we had for English last year. It was not so much a “mid-life crisis” of sorts but a new way of looking at myself; the values I stood for, my identity in the mind of others, my own perception of my identity. In doing so also thought about the new year and my intentions to enjoy and really live in 2015. 

A few of my yearnings involve a desire to learn, to feed the soul, to add warmth through knowledge and new information. To be full, not physically but spiritually. To experience new things. To step a little outside my comfort zone, but not so far that I do not recognise the face I see reflected in the mirror. All the things that seem so cliche, but have been clear in the thoughts I have had in the first five days of the year. Not so much promises or “resolutions” to do such and such, but of wanting “being” to be enough (inspired by the wise words of John Fowles). A life where there is something to take away from each day, of gratitude for life’s greatest moments and smallest frivolities. A life where I catch myself in a moment of laughter, in the fading light at sunset, or the slow return to reality after reading a book. Perhaps it’s the freedom of having finished school that allows such a “rebirth” (though I cringe as I type this word), of finally having the decision of how to live one’s life. Not being confined to a routined day, a syllabus that dictates what will be learnt, a set of rules, an honour to uphold for the institution. It’s almost like being alone and free in the world, though surrounded by the love of friends and family, where you guide your own happiness. 

I often find myself waiting so desperately for a particular event in the future that the days in between simply disappear into mass of nothingness. Living is not spared merely for the holidays or the weekend; living is everyday. It’s sitting on the couch watching television, it’s dancing from night into the next morning. Maybe living in the moment and not longing for tomorrow should be my “resolution”?

My sartorial and physical cravings seem to have been fulfilled, but it seems that it may take the year to satisfy my philosophical needs. May 2015 bring us all happiness, peace, fulfillment, thrill and just a little bit of crazy to keep us sane.