Style Mantra

Improvisation? Rehearsal? or Performance?
My background is theatre and I love a bit of Drama in my life. Having said that if one is to try to work out one's style, you could just step out and see how an outfit works or maybe you have to empty your wardrobe and try every combination until you come up with the perfect outfit?You are "on show'' in front of the world and there will be reviews either publicly voiced or just whispered. It can be confronting and you need to be confident in your choices. In improvising one has to ask the 4W's.
Who am I ? Where am I? When am I there? Why am I there? Connecting this to Style Mantra is an easy transition. Is this my Style Mantra or somebody else's? What is my image that I wish to project?Where will I be wearing this outfit - to work, out with colleagues, friends, family, casual or special event?When is the event -day/night, weekday/weekend? everyday/ VIP event?Why am I going to this event?Work commitment? Family Obligation? Fun? To be Seen or complimented?
All of this sounds like a lot of preparation, work and reflection and it is. There are endless lists to consider and it is all HIGH MAINTENANCE. A capsule wardrobe is essential, imagination and a good understanding of style, colour and composition as well as a sense of making your own stamp on your personal style. You need to decide to be true to yourself. I love reading fashion magazines and looking at all the latest collections but I have to remember that these are just ideas and springboards to help me to create MY PERSONAL LOOK which makes me feel good when I "Step Out".
Of course one has to eat, drink and sleep well. A good diet is imperative if you want to have good skin.
Exercise is also paramount as part of a healthy regime. 

                                                      STEP1

1. SKINCARE Use the best skincare for my skin. Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise morning and night and Mask twice a week. This is up to you to decide which range is in your price bracket and best for your skin type. I think that all girls want to have fresh radiant skin. This is the ARESTALINE range that I find suits my skin. I use the cream cleanser in the morning and the gel at night to remove makeup. Prep 8 is an exfoliator which you do not rinse off and it is great for reducing any enlarged pores. the eventones does at it says and keeps the natural colour balance. Follow with the cream and the serum. Reshape8 helps to tone the neck and the body. Hand Exfoliator and Cream is most important.

STEP 2
2. FRAGRANCES Decide on my wardrobe range of fragrances.

 Find out which fragrances suit you. I love oriental fragrances. Choose a body moisturiser which you like. I like to layer my fragrances, body wash (NO SOAP), body moisturising cream and finally Eau de Parfum. My original favourite was Dioressence and then they discontinued it. I also like Chanel No 5 and Guerlain Samsara and Shalimar. I have a tray of my favourites and my choice changes with my mood, whim or the occasion. Remember this defines "Who" you are. Decide if you like floral, oriental, woody or fresh notes. Wear a fragrance every day and carry a purse spray.

                         

STEP 3
3. MANICURE and PEDICURE                                                          This is a personal choice but I like to have a French Acrylic on my nails and a dark colour on my toes. I'm into the purples but I love to play with the OPI app. If I ask for a gel topcoat over my French acrylics, then I can have a colour for a special occasion and when I remove that colour, the French is still glossy underneath. The Leighton Denny Range has some great French colours.                                    


STEP 4

4. WATER 

Drink water everyday. 8 glasses if possible.

Carry a water bottle.

STEP 5
5. SLEEP

Enjoy a bubble bath and light a Glasshouse Candle. Light up my room with Enjoy Lighting Candles. Enjoy my favourite music on my Bose Dock. Read my favourite magazines. Read a novel rather than watch TV. This was a great article on Oprah about what to consider in order to sleep well. Try to get 6-8 hours sleep per night.                                                                                                                       

         

STEP 6

6. EAT Fish, Fruit and Vegetables
Buy fresh sashimi, fish and vegetables every week at the Sydney Fish Markets. Maybe chicken occasionally. I enjoy a fruit shake every morning to give me the energy I need. 
Exercise is important but it is often overlooked. 
I need to swim more in 2012.

STEP 7
7. BE ORGANISED
 Calendars on my computer and iPhone.
 Check my emails and messages regularly.
 Have all my wardrobe organised- Seasons, colours, occasions. It has to be a useable accessible wardrobe. Accessories all stored in a useful, functional way. I will try to wear all of my shoes and this should be easy if they are all stored in clear, labelled shoe boxes. Have all my makeup and brushes organised in Lock and Lock. Large 8 litre Cosmetic case often on special at $29.50 on TVSN.
Minamalise my take out makeup kit so that my handbag is not too heavy.                                                           

 Pinklily hangtastic hangers, clear slip covers, clear shoe boxes and drawer organisers. Organise my earrings in a Pinklily Jewellery Organisers.                        
                                                        

 STEP 8            
 8. CULL REGULARLY A month before every season, cull without any emotional attachment. If I haven't worn it and I really don't like it, give it away to charity.

 STEP 9.
 9. PLAN MY WARDROBE WEEK - I can't just wait until the day.
 Love this Kate Spade range of iPhone and iPad covers. 

 I chose this black and white spot with a hard case Pink surround.
 Make sure that I have all of my makeup supplies 
 Make sure that I do not run out of anything.
 Clean my makeup brushes regularly.

 Make sure that everything is laundered, pressed and available.

 Allocate time to put a story together. Enjoy this creative process.

 I do this in my head, but you could lay it out on the bed.

 I don't want to have a wardrobe dilemma in a morning.

 Do I need to go to the cobblers? 

 Shoes are IMPORTANT!! 

 "A lady should always be well heeled".

 Do I need to go to the Dry Cleaners or the tailors?

 Do I need to make an appointment at Toni & Guy Hairdressers? Book ahead.

 Cut? Colour? Treatment?                              

 Do I have the right accessories to complete a look?

 What do I need to change/extend an outfit? AM to PM                                

 Can I cater for a change of seasons? 

 4 Seasons a day in Sydney?

 Do I have any formal occasions to attend?

 Lunch? Dinner? Afternoon Tea at The Victoria TeaRoom?

 Maybe a tick list would be helpful for so many questions.

         

STEP 10                                                                         
10. LOOK MY BEST
Remember My Mantra. 
Always look my best.
Feel good about myself. 

Have regular health checks.
Be confident and HAPPY about my choices.  

SMILE. CELEBRATE.
Let my eyes sparkle.
COMMUNICATE. Stay in touch with friends.
ENJOY my day!


STEP 11 
11. SHARE MY LIFE
Remember to share my life with others 
Be thankful.


It was necessary to spend some honest soul searching time before I could begin to write. I procrastinated for several weeks. Facing the truth about who one is and who one would like to aspire to be is a huge ask. It is certainly a process of self analysis ad I hope that it will encourage you to think about the 4 W's. Improvise and rehearse until you feel that you are ready for a "performance". A good actor is one that is believable and credible and is welcomed by the audience. Similarly, a person will shine if they feel happy and confident about their choices in life.
Show people who you are and get out there and live. 
Look good, feel great, feel like each day is a new adventure and show the world the real you. I know that the only way to enjoy my life is to feel that I am organised enough so that I can enjoy life to the fullest. There are so many cliches which I could have used but the one I like the best is - Step out and put your best face forward.
What's your Style Mantra?
Enjoy GJB215
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Luxury Accessories ON SALE

Luxury on SALE
I have always aimed to experience the best things in life. This of course is defined differently by everybody, but I define it as having STANDARDS and that comes down to personal taste. It takes time to work out what you like to wear and what suits you as well as the look that makes you feel confident in yourself. I read about fashion and I enjoy looking at fashion but what someone is wearing today will already be out of fashion on the other side of the world. I think that it's more about knowing yourself and being honest about who you are. Do you want to be noticed by being outrageous? or would you prefer to be elegant and remembered as someone who makes the appropriate choices? There are a few simple choices you need to make before investing in a lifestyle. Will this piece be a classical piece? Will it keep it's shape and always look good?


Handbags are an essential accessory in a girl's wardrobe, but there are a myriad of possible choices depending on how much you want to invest and what purpose it will serve. My first choice is LEATHER of course and colour, then size. QVB in Sydney has an abundance of choices to offer women of all ages. At Oroton from Christmas Eve about 4pm almost all items are 50% off. You can sign up to the Oroton Club online and get the latest news first.
I have chosen the Metropolis Black patent range as my first suggestion. A patent brief case at $295, a matching clutch at $170 and a wallet at $90 will give me great versatility and take me from home to office to drinks or dinner. Your wardrobe is an investment and choosing appropriate pieces that you rally love is important. you may have to make some New Year's Resolutions and cull some of your previous choices which you may regret.

Some of you will love this classical look and it will never be out of fashion. It is fairly easy to look after and comes with it's own cover bag. The same designs may suit some of you in plain black leather and you'll need to take more care over the fingermarks but you could mix and match a leather wallet and a patent handbag. If you want to step it up and be more "in fashion" then you could consider their Zebra or leopard clutch at $245 or a zebra or leopard wallet at $145 which is gorgeous, but will not be always in fashion. 

                   


If you want to add a POP of colour for an evening clutch to have at work, then maybe consider PINK with your black outfit and the anouk is on sale at $195 or the flore mini bag is cute. The mesh jacquard across body small evening bags are not yet on sale and they are currently $245. 

All of these choices are handbags that will keep their shape and continue to look stylish. The BIG hobo handbags are still in fashion but they do not look quite as sleek. Do we really need everything that we carry in our handbags? I've recently culled my makeup bag down to lipgloss and mascara and a small parfum spray. Want some colour in your capsule wardrobe? Well, it could be a handbag or you can POP your colour with your shoe choice. If you want that RED colour in your options, the venice soft tote is quite striking at $345 or if you prefer a tote for work and weekends, the Henrosa shopper tote is $245. I'd pick up a few accessories whilst they're on sale and this fashion harm hair elastic at $20 come come in handy when you need to rush out the door and it's available in 3 colourways.

If you went with the Black story and you still yearn for the animal print, then a less expensive option could be the scarf at $45. If you plan ahead to have girlfriends' birthdays organised, then there are some cute chroma charm keyfobs at $25 or even nail polish at $10 for dare I say, Kris Kringle 2012.
Truly, now is the time to buy those birthday presents and tick them off the list. Everything kicks back to full price for the same thing after the january sales ad then your well earned money will not stretch so far.



 I find that if I am serious about putting my next season wardrobe together at this time of year, I need to sit down with a coffee and think about the big picture and how much I want to achieve in one day. Coffee shops abound in QVB and there are options on all floors. 
Refreshed, I have to head for the shoe boutiques and I love MIMCO shoes. I've already picked them out online and I want to look at the patent black shoes to go with the Metropolis Oroton range.
Just to cover all occasions, I will need heels $135.20 kitten heels $95.20 and flats $111.20 and $79.20.
By adding the pancake colour, it will extend my capsule wardrobe and add a day to evening option.
I love the slip bags provided by Mimco. The boxes are gold and I can use them to store Christmas decorations but I will store the shoes in pinklily shoe boxes. I am pleased with this selection and they will be comfortable for all occasions. 

I can't carry anything more and I need a Silver service cab to take me home to watch the New Year's Eve Fireworks. Chin Chin! Happy New Year for 2012!
It is important to enjoy your purchases but also on a practical issue, I bought Luxury accessories on sale. 
Enjoy GJB

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Eleven Days to CHRISTMAS

Lists, Lists and MORE LISTS.
List 1 THE MENU What's on the menu?
In Sydney it is somewhat governed by the weather as well as family. It has been unusual weather in Sydney to put it mildly. No more time to ponder, it'll be great weather and I'm going for Seafood. It's all that more enjoyable if you plan well in advance. I've looked up the opening times of the Sydney Fish Market from December 17th to January 2nd  and there are many options. I found this article which is also worth reading about buying seafood at Christmas. Decide what you and your guests enjoy. Does anybody have any allergies? Worthwhile checking this before you start. How many courses will be enjoyable? Time for a coffee to write down some initial ideas for the menu, Cocktails? Oysters? Prawns? Smoked Salmon? Moreton Bay Bugs? Whole Fish? Lobster? Pudding? Christmas Cake? Gingerbread? Chocolates? Champagne? Wine? Liqueurs? Coffee?

Harrods A Celebration of Christmas

Some of Harrods Christmas items are available from David Jones stores, but there are some great patisserie stores which sell delicious Christmas fare. My favourites are Sweet Infinity in the Strand Arcade for Christmas puddings and mince tarts, Becasse also for puddings in the city and Jean Marc Patisserie at Pyrmont for Christmas cakes, mince pies and gingerbread men.

Enjoy Lighting Votive Candles

Enjoy Lighting Silver Candles

Waterford 2011 Bell

Wedgwood Dolphins

   

List 2 The Table

I love to decorate the table and it's a joy to create your own "masterpiece" that will be special on this important festive day. If it's seafood, then choose a dinner set that will allow the seafood to be "showcased" when you serve this to your guests. White always works and then the colours of the seafood are the feature. For those of you to love fine dining, Wedgwood has some great designs including the Vera Wang ranges. I have chosen to layer the table with a pale blue table cloth below a white linen and lace edged tablecloth and napkins to complement a white dinner set delicately decorated with pale blue shells and dolphins. This will look great with white linen napkins, silver cutlery, fine Stuart Glassware and silver and white Christmas Bon Bons. Ironing is not at the top of my favourite things to do but if nobody else is available to do it for you, linens need to be pressed at least the day before. The flowers will need to be simple and maybe some christmas decorations with a green sprig and silver baubles to decorate the Christmas pudding. If it is going to be hot, then maybe consider some faux flowers from Florabelle Before the guests arrive, I like to layer each setting on the table so that it is beautiful with and without the festive food. To complete the ambience, you'll need a selection of a variety of Christmas background music and of course Enjoy Lighting Candles in different sizes place around the entertaining space. If I can get this all done before I go to bed on Christmas Eve, then Christmas day will be much easier. Waterford have a gorgeous dinner bell to call everyone to the table when you are ready to sit down to your Christmas lunch.                                

Vera Wang Grosgrain Inspired by the subtle romantic touches that renowned New York designer Vera Wang uses to trim her world-famous bridal gowns, the Grosgrain Collection showcases beautiful fine bone china characterized by elegant and graceful design details. This 5-Piece Place Setting includes everything needed for one guest's full dinner service; three beautiful fine china plates and a cup with saucer; all decorated with lustrous platinum border trims reminiscent of delicate needle lace; bringing sophistication and sensual elegance to any dining occasion.

List 3 Decorating the Tree

I made a list of  everything that I would need before I started this and a colour scheme was the first decision that I had to make. I love RED and this will always be part of any Christmas decor, but you can only achieve this as a feature colour if  you have a separate dining room or if you clearly define the areas within an open space. I like to create a colour story for the tree and for me it's RED with Gold. You might want to choose silver and white or go for multi coloured bright colours? Once you've assembled the tree and it's placed in the best vantage place in the room, start with placing the small fairy lights towards the back of the branches so as to allow for the decorations to be hung on the end of the branches. Some people like clear or white lights but I've gone all out with red lights. Drape the Gold beading before starting your arrangement of the baubles. A box of gold baubles in all shapes and sizes is a good basic decoration to start with ad then spot the red decorations around the baubles. I have chosen a set of Red Santas in different sizes, a collection of red stars and a variety of Harrods Christmas Bears. Every year I buy a special ornament for the tree to add to the collection. My favourite purchases include a gorgeous tree skirt which adds that finishing touch to the tree and individual stockings from Harrods. The Topper is a gold star. Last night I watched a programme on Foxtel with Sarah Richardson on her decorating secrets for Christmas and it was inspirational. You don't have to copy her ideas, but it certainly sparked my creativity.
The menu is decided. The tree is decorated and I can envisage the table. Three things crossed off the list. The Harrods Christmas Organiser is on my wish list. It will look great on the entrance table.

Harrods Christmas Organiser

Enjoy! GJB Tweet