My Secret Weapon

Let me start introducing my favourite things, by addressing the most pressing issue of all – Aging. You can’t avoid it, it’s happening to you as we speak – but we can sure as hell look our best while we’re at it.

Once we leave our 20’s, all those late nights, partying and stress finally catch up and create lines you never noticed before. Furrows in the brow that don’t snap back after you’ve stopped frowning, lips that lose their plump freshness and skin lacks lustre.

For me, doing a little bit can go a long way and this means embracing the idea of Botox and fillers such as Juvederm. Scared of the thought of needles? Botox doesn’t feel any worse than a mosquito bite and Juvederm has advanced so that it contains a small dose of lidocaine, a local anesthetic which makes it a relatively comfortable procedure.

After years of trial and error, I’m happy to say that I’ve found an absolute artist when it comes to the application of these types of products. A perfectionist who has trained for years in the industry. Katrina Bonham RN works from clinics in Melbourne’s CBD and Richmond and is available for appointments on 0414589998. If you have any queries, feel free to email her directly at katrinabonham@gmail.com – she’s absolutely lovely and will put your mind at ease.

So now my secret weapon can become yours too!

These are a few of my favourite things ...

I often get asked what about the cosmetics or skin care I use, which hair extensions I like, where to get the best spray tan or even the best clinic for botox, so over the next few weeks I'm going to share it all with you.

Everyone needs a BFFN (best friend for now) like me to make these kind of recommendations and after years of trial and error, I've narrowed it down to the very best.

Get excited ladies! xx

Blake Lively sizzles for Chanel Mademoiselle

Photographed by living fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld, Miss Gossip girl herself - Blake Lively looks absolutely breathtaking as the new muse for Chanel.

However after last weeks little stunt pre-fashion week (Blake refused to appear at the show, claiming she thought it was tacky that celebrities attended these events), critics are slamming the shoot, stating she isnt a 'Chanel girl' and her look is too commercial.

Check out the full campaign and accompanying film for the Mademoiselle bag line here, plus some behind-the-scenes takes. Form your own opinion, but I think as far as a US Chanel model goes, Blake has the IT factor.

Enjoy x

When Two Worlds Combine ....

Exclusive to Liberty Harlow are these latest shots from a collaberation between Melbourne label Ever Layne and eclectic jewellery brand, Damselfly. Featuring the very gorgeous Taylah from Scene Model Management, she's new to the industry but I think you'll agree, she's got a big future ahead of her!

photographer: Lyndel Yeo
assistant: Daniel Jackson
MUA/Hair: Fiona Hughes
stylist: Sarah Natasha

www.everlayne.com
www.damselfly.com.au

Forever New for LMFF Autumn/Winter 2011

Head down to Melbourne's Federation Square this Tuesday 15th March from 4.30pm for the Forever New Sidewalk Parade for LMFF - the first free public event during fashion week.

Melbourne’s rising ballet stars will open the parade by dancing to Tchaikovsky’s epic Swan Lake masterpiece, followed by models showcasing the Autumn/ Winter Collections ‘Enchanted Princess’ and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' which are heavily inspired by modern vintage and ballet themes.

What a fabulous way to wind down the working day, with a little glamour from Australian style favourites, Forever New.

See you there! x

Set the Scene - MYER Autumn/Winter Showcase 2011

The lovely people at Myer recently extended an invitation to yours truly to attend their Autumn/Winter showcase, being held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton.



With the sun setting, cocktails were served to the 'who's who' of Australian celebrity. Actors, designers, footballers & socialites mingled in the foyer, anxiously awaiting not only the new season that fashion powerhouse MYER had to offer, but also the return of golden girl Jennifer Hawkins to the catwalk, after a short disruption as the face of the company.

The likes of Lillian Frank, Leona Edmiston, Tottie Goldsmith, Wayne Cooper, footballer Matthew Richardson, Brynne Gordon (in a killer pair of Emporio Armani shoes), Geoffrey Edelsten, Rebecca & Chris Judd and Charlotte Dawson sat front row as actor Vince Colossimo introduced the collections. Standing before a dramatic scene, the runway was fashioned to look like a hidden inner city alleyway.

Jennifer opened the show for Arthur Galan AG, in a sizzling red strapless side frill belted gown and JLH for Siren tan suede pumps, while Jess Hart wore a long leather dress with sheer back, also with a Siren shoe.





Great to see flame haired model Tiah Erkhardt walking the runway in this show - I just love her and she brings a little something different, don't you think?

Jess Hart walked with a simmering sensuality for Wayne by Wayne Cooper, and I love this vid as you can see Wayne sitting in the front row, admiring his work. Jess is wearing a black beaded shoulder dress with Siren shearling ankle boots.



Jennifer appeared in Charlie Brown wearing an animal print bodysuit, faux fur vest, Princess Charlotte jewellery and one of the most interesting accessories of the evening, a lace eye mask. Watch Jen rock this look for Charlie Brown.



In my opinion, one of the standout collections of the evening was Simona. Showing metallics in bronze, gold and silver, the upcoming season is simply inspirational, with on-trend floor-length full skirts swinging as models walked. Cant wait to get my hands on this range!



And of course, all good things must come to an end, with a sizzling finale paired back to the sounds of Portishead - absolutely magical.



Big love goes out to Kate Keane Publicity & Events for the invitation. Thankyou for making it all possible!

Note - all vids taken are no more than approx 20 secs maximum, short but sweet!

for Lovers of Lavazza

For lovers of fine coffee, and now fine art, Lavazza commissioned renowned international photographer Mark Seliger to shoot their highly anticipated 2011 calendar - an exploration of coffee, romance and passion.

To release these works, the date was set for Valentines Day at the Deutscher & Hackett Gallery, only metres from Melbourne's iconic Chapel Street. A good looking crowd enjoyed espresso martini's, champagne, coffee caviar served up on tasting spoons and various other caffeine-infused cuisine.

While basking in the presence of romantic fairytale styled artworks, like a Lavazza daydream, tales of lustful lovers embracing in a sea of milky coffee, the atmosphere was sophisticated and sensual.




And for all the two-somes in the house, whether friends or partners - a wall adorning their loved up photos from the evening, a creative yet personal touch that was appreciated by the crowd.



A big thankyou goes out to the very gorgeous ladies of Harvey Publicity for a well organised and seamless event, and a fabulous goodie bag to boot!

In the spirit of the Sartorialist...

I had one of those moments on the way home from the gym this morning. You know, the kind where you see someone wearing something fabulous, and you wish you could ask them where they got it from?

Well in the spirit of the Sartorialist, I not only stopped her, but took a quick happy snap, and thankfully she didnt run away screaming, thinking I was some kind of weirdo.

This is Alex of Prahran, looking super adorable in her Sass & Bide bodysuit, MinkPink leather shorts, black ponyskin bag and combat boots.

Combined with her Balayaged hair and carefree attitude, she's the essence of all things Chapel Street. A mix of high end and high street, she looks great, dont you think?

excuse the quality of the pic, my Iphone 4 did its best!

BAG HABITS - my latest story for Australian Fashion Guide

I've been on a self imposed hiatus the past few weeks. With Christmas, New Year and then the flooding up in my ex-hometown of Brisbane, I felt a little uninspired. However the tree is down, the hangover has settled and Brisvegas is on the mend, so here's my latest story for Australian Fashion Guide to cheer everyone up a little. I love reading all your comments, so dont be shy!

Enjoy!

http://www.australianfashionguide.com.au/fashion/women/fashion/bag-habits

Having the right bag can make or break an outfit. Forget spending hours matching your wardrobe for that perfect look, carrying an out-of-place rucksack (or heaven forbid, a nasty knock-off) will have the critics giggling into their Gucci Clutch.

When it’s time for a lunchtime caffeine fix with the girls, you’ll need a carry-all to hold the days necessities, as well as working back with whatever you threw on that morning. The Gucci ‘New Jackie’ is just that bag, in the perfect muted shade of chalk, with detachable and adjustable straps, this hand stitched gem shows tassles and bamboo detail that you’ve come to expect from Gucci. At a cool $24,900, you may want to just order the coffee & skip the cake.

The perfect dinner date entails good food, good wine, good company, and great style. Fashion favourites Hermes never fail to impress with a tough twist on an old classic, the Medor Clutch, In chocolate calfskin with gold hardware, this is a simple evening clutch that you’ll both admire as it adorns the table, and what a great conversation starter! $4500 available at Hermes. Summer is here and it’s time to take advantage of those sun-soaked afternoons by hitting the beach. Piece together the perfect warm-weather outfit by adding this Halston Heritage Tote in Metallic Gold. In sprayed cotton, this sand friendly bag will set you back $450 from Net-a-Porter and is a fabulous & long lasting holiday investment piece.

For a night out on the town, you need to step up the style stakes to stand out from the crowd – which is why the Carlos Falchi Matte Python Clutch is the only bag you’ll be reaching for. In look-at-me citrus orange, this exotic piece is made of bleached & waxed python skin & is perfect to carry all your big night essentials – money, keys, phone & makeup, plus a small knit should the weather turn. This is the bag of the season & surprisingly will work with most colours.


The invite arrives for the black tie event of the social season & you know this means precision styling. For the finishing touch that will take your look straight to the social pages, be seen holding this dreamy kaleidoscope inspired minaudiere by Matthew Williamson for Bvlgari. $2790 for a piece you’ll pull out time and time again.