Friday, September 30, 2011

5 Things

{Sign, Sealed, Delivered.}

This week has been utterly hectic. I can't even think where to begin as the I contiue to catch up with days. With the holidays etching closer with promises of relaxation and some well deserved pampering I find myself day dreaming of the spoils to come.


 1. Call it an old little wife's tale, but baths can not only help you unwind from the common stresses of our busy world, but can also assist in weight loss. By adding Epsom salts and playful bubbles, bath time can become an indulgent time for reflection and offers an abundance of health benefits. What could be better?
{1. Relaxing baths to utterly unwind}
 2. I can often be a complete scatter brain when faced with an overwhelming line up of tasks. So, in order to contain some level of clarity, I transform into an uber nerd with brand new stationary. Always a fan of the Kikki-k ranges, I collect stacks of adorable stationary to write to my hearts content. This retro approach may be now a foreign memory to most, but I find it is a simple solution to keep track of what needs to be done as well as carefully storing the little strokes of inspiration that hit throughout the day.
{2. Stay ahead with personalized
 stationary and notebooks}

 3. While down in Wellington earlier this month for the annual World of Wearable Arts with my lovely Grandma, we came across the new collection of vintage nail polishes which had just hit the shelves. After testing the various colours on my nails to leave a noticeable trail of destruction, I fell in love with a salmon shade. The smoky hue is a prime pick for spring with its subtle tone connecting to the darker months while edging all that bit closer to the bolds and brights of summer to come. A refreshing take on the signature bubble-gum pinks, salmon is my new favorite when paired with a navy nautical blouse or crisp white button-downs.

{3. Salmon pink polish. Fresh for a spring look}
4. Carrying connotations of envy and jealousy, emerald can often be a colour to steer clear of. Yet as the leaves return and the flowers continue to blossom in the return of spring, it seems only natural to follow suit with pops of olive and jade incorporated in your spring wardrobe. After picking up an emerald blouse the other day I am bubbling with excitement to experiment with this daring bright as it proves to be a blooming bold of this seasons colour line up.  

{4. Emerald pieces for a refreshing approach}

5. To all those who know me, baking is an irresistible passion of mine. My main motto is to "bake with the love" to fully reap the benefits of sugar, spice and all those little things that are nice. Although the tried and true recipes are always an instant go-to when pushed for time, I adore testing out new ideas in my petite kitchen. Check out this recipe for a sweet treat perfect for those intimate spring brunches or a mini temptation for dessert.

{4.Fresh and delicate Frangipane Tarts perfect for spring}

Hey, Watch it!


This convenient method of keeping track of time is not only a vital aspect of your routine but also an adorable addition to any outfit. Personally, I struggle to manage myself at the best of times. So in pursuit of the perfect solution I have been eyeing up a selection of the chunkiest statement watches available. Layered upon a delicate wrist with a mixture of beaded bangles and braided bracelets, a gold boyfriend watch is a bohemian look just urging us stay ahead of the times. I just adore this effortless look for those unruly summer days as the hours merge into a sun-kissed blur. 

{Layer watches for a busy touch}


{Gold watches are a must have for keeping track of those lazy summer days} 
       

Monday, September 26, 2011

Monday Muse

Gradient Nails:


Whenever Friday comes along I always rush along to my overfilled jar of nail polishes and set up to treat myself to a fresh manicure. A manicure always brightens your day with the quick and easy splash of colour suited to your mood. Yet I find the hardest thing is always which colour to pick. So why stop at one colour only? Cure: each week I'm going to select one trend which has caught me off guard with its irresistible charm and daring character, just forcing me to catch up and try it. My enchantment to create this new segment sparkled into fruition when I came across this gradient style during the recent Emmy Awards. Kaley Cuoco stood flaunting her mismatched nails in her 1950's inspired black gown. Suddenly I was in awe with this quirky twist on singular gradient nails fading from light to slightly tacky, with an early resemblance of that "noughties" nostalgia. For a modern take on gradient nails opt for a base colour and gradually go darker as you move across your fingers. I simply adore this look for spring and the unique spin of our usually mundane manicure leaves me itching to paint my nails pretty in a tonal change. 


{Gradually fade to a lighter
shade for a popping take}
{For a real mix try painting one nail with glitter for a  girly touch.
.Click here for an easy solution to shake up your manicure} 

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Baby Doll


Less is always more and in this case less is certainly making a powerful statement. Often makeup can weigh you down and smother your skin, yet the thought of Au Natural is quite daunting to some. So, lets all breathe a sigh of relief with these soft and flawless looks that radiate comfort. Pretty in pink has never been so true with this baby rose pastel makeup. Create a smudged, soft pink eye with creme shadows or paint your lips gorgeous with nude shades of lipstick from mac cosmetics. This look is ideal for spring as girly glow is sure to wow. 

 


Thursday, September 22, 2011

Gimme so of that 50's lovin

1950's Riviera is making a flash comeback with the lead up to summer tracking our way. I am beaming with excitement in the sheer anticipation of the golden months and suddenly the idea of lying in the sun for countless hours suddenly became a WHOLE lot more appealing(sunscreen included of course). Taking a walk back through the decades, I found the urge to release my inner beach pin up gal from the 50's themselves. Subtle pin stripes, high waisted bikinis, white swim wear and crates of cola for those late afternoon tanning sessions. Oh summer, please come quickly, you see, we just simply must become more acquainted with these sun kissed images. Sincerely, waiting in winter. Still. 
       
      
  


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Platform 9¾


Let me be honest. It can all become an excruciating mess when forced to strut around in those 6 inch heels for hours on end. But heres the delima: while we would never dare to ditch those killer heels, our teeny tootsies need some well deserved TLC. This is where the solution shimmies in to save us all. Platforms. You may be wondering how on earth a higher heel can provide any help whatsoever, but this chunky new trend eases the strain on your feet with the sky high platforms offering extra comfort. I am simply smitten with this trend and rushed out immediately while in Wellington recently to purchase my new prized possession: a pair of black velvet chunky platforms. Able to be worn with anything and add a powerful punch, platforms must be the only way forward! Or up, depending on how you look at it.


{Wooden heels for a rustic edge}
{Oxford Mary Janes with adorable scallop trim socks}

{Glitter and Platforms-
from Jeffery Campbell's new range}