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!