The only shoe you'll need this Summer

This Summer it's all about the gladiator. Whether it be in a dramatic up-to-the-knee variety as seen on stylist Amber Renae or more of a strappy almost-ankle boot style - these are the shoe to take you from morning coffee to cocktail hour. 

I prefer the look in a more subtle hue of tan, much easier to work into a Summer wardrobe and elongate those bronzed pins.  A pedicure and a neon toenail is a must, as all eyes will be on you! 

My pick? These strappy Fermina gladiators (pictured below) by Schutz - get them here:

https://www2.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/1058418/schutz-fermina-high-heel-sandal?color=SUFLAIR

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star ...

When Marilyn Monroe said 'We are all of us stars and deserve to twinkle' she must have had jewellery designer (and modern day blonde-bombshell) Sarina Suriano in mind. 

My latest obsession (after spotting more than one editor wearing similar at Paris Fashion Week) is the set of simply devine Sarina Suriano Swarovski crystal earcuffs - made exclusively for The Dark Horse Jewellery.

Rhodium plated and nickel free, these will work for even the most sensitive of ears. And the best part? There are multiple ways to wear them! Wear one alone, high or low on the lobe, wear two together on the one ear, wear one on each - the possibilities are endless. Dress them up or down, I wear mine with both luxe furs, or beaten up old vintage tees. 

Having worked in both Europe, London and now in her hometown of Sydney, Suriano is the only jewellery designer to be invited to show at Australian Fashion Week, showing her sparkling gems on the bare form to an impressed crowd. Suriano has also collaborated with big name Aussie labels such as Alex Perry, Ellery, Willow, Fleur Wood, Alannah Hill, Ginger & Smart, Leona Edmiston, Jayson Brunsdon and most recently, Collette Dinnigan for her Winter 2012 Paris show. 

From designing high end runway pieces or that infamous Swarovski ear cuff Lara Bingle was sporting at last years Spring Racing Carnival, Sarina's jewellery gets people noticed. 

And clearly the people at Swarovski have noticed her too, being chosen to participate in this years annual 'Runway Rocks', held in Shanghai, Nov 2013. Designers worldwide are invited to design an extravagant head-to-toe crystal couture piece to showcase, giving them huge international exposure. 

Check out Sarina's collection here 

http://www.thedarkhorse.com.au/designers/SARINA-SURIANO-X-THE-DARK-HORSE

Or learn more at www.sarinasuriano.com

When BB no longer means Big Brother. A Yummy Mummy Guide to staying Fab Before and After Baby. Part 1.

Does it feel like EVERYONE is pregnant at the moment? There's talk that with the popularity of the book '50 Shades of Grey', women worldwide indulged in a little raunch and all of a sudden there's a baby boom - with these bundles of joy being affectionately referred to as 'Grey-bies'

As many of you know, I recently gave birth to my own 'little miracle', and with the arrival of Scarlet Harper I've been inundated with requests for sharing my secrets to staying fabulous before and after pregnancy, when inside you really aren't feeling as such. But hey, a girl can fake it till she makes it, right? 

Before baby (or as I like to call it 'BB') there were a few things I organised to either lift my spirits, maintain a small piece of glamour (and therefore a small piece of my old self) or were just plain old common sense. 

* me at 35 weeks, feeling like a stuffed turkey, basted in Bio Oil 

Forget the girls with the endless instagram selfies of expensive maternity wear, strutting around in Louboutins and carrying Baby Dior. They just aren't a realistic insight to what's about to take place. Money is no longer exclusively yours to blow, but at the same time a girls gotta look her best right? Even if its just you, your partner and the baby who see it, it will mean the difference between catching yourself in the mirror, crying and mourning the old 'you', and not looking like a hot mess when visitors pop in unexpectedly. 

The following are my Top 3 tips to staying fab. This article is going to be a work in progress, so over the next few weeks I'm going to share any tips and tricks that worked for me. 

Lash extensions: 

While these can be pricey, I highly recommend looking for a local deal on sites such as Groupon. I purchased an application of lashes and 2 refills for just $69 and had them applied about a month before my due date, keeping them on until 2 months after the birth. Because who can be bothered with makeup when your little one is squeaking every 3 hours?

Pedicure and shellac: 

For when you can no longer touch your toes, let alone paint them! And if they're particularly nice at your salon, you'll get a little foot massage also. I strongly suggest investing in shellac at this time due to the longevity of the paint. After all, who knows when you'll have time to do your nails again? 

Shapewear:

Tummies won't become flat again straight away and even though you'll be given a band to bring your muscles back together, my physio recommended shape wear (think Spanx) with the stomach support built in. Whether its underwear or a camisole, I'm amazed how after one week my stomach started to shrink. I wear mine 24/7 (in particular, the camisole - could you imagine trying to sleep in those undies!) - places like Target and Kmart stock these kinda of things without breaking the budget - and even once you've regained pre pregnancy shape, you'll still find yourself reaching for them when it comes time to smooth out a few bumps. 

So there you have it. It's not rocket science, just plain old common sense and a few 'feel good' ideas. If you have any suggestions of your own, products you love or secrets you'd like to share, feel free to drop me a line! 

X

The shutting down of Rachel Zoe?

 

Sitting down to the finale of the Rachel Zoe Project last night, I felt a tinge of sadness.  No longer was I hanging off every word, every scene, every outfit.  In between checking my Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, I occasionally glanced up at the screen, yawning on occasion with boredom.


Word on the street is this is her last and final season, after Bravo TV cancelled the show due to poor ratings.  Has Boho Zoe lost her crown as Queen of Celebrity Styling?  Did she peak too soon?  Doing too much at once, has she got her merlot painted talons in too many pies?  Or does all that narcissism become boring without substance?


RZ hit our screens in 2008 with a splash.  She was the girl with the job we all wanted, the wardrobe we envied, the celebrity circle of friends we desired.  Like a breath of fresh air, we finally got to see who put together the looks behind all those paparazzi perfect celebrities of the moment - Lindsay, Mischa and of course Nicole.

In fact, it was RZ's styling that changed our view of Ms Richie, from bubble-gum-smacking, Juicy Couture wearing, smart mouthed side kick of Paris Hilton, into the serious fashionista she is today.  Would House of Harlow have been so successful, if the head of the brand was still toting cheap hair extensions and a lycra mini?


Over the course of 5 years, we were taken on a journey.  As viewers, we were excited to be exposed to celebrity in this manner.  Between finding the perfect Oscars outfit for her few select celebrity clients, RZ was also at the centre of the power struggle between her two protégés - Taylor Jacobson and Brad Goreski.  We could relate to newcomer Brad in his struggle to fit in and find his way, in turn frustrated at the very threatened Taylor for her mean-girl tendencies.  Still, it was enough of a hook to get us watching next season.

 

 

Season 2 saw Rachel with a more impressive celebrity clientele, and an obvious preference in her attention towards an easily impressionable Goreski.  Tensions started to form when long standing support Taylor began being pushed aside, given mere assistant roles back in LA, while RZ and her bespectacled new BFF Brad enjoyed glamorous trips across country to New York and, the 'piece de resistance' of a stylists career, an invitation to the elusive Paris Fashion Week.


This is the season where we got to see Brad spread his wings a little, and being given the sole responsibility of styling Anne Hathaway for the Oscars, I wondered if this was the beginning of her 'creating of the monster'?  As we all know, Brad later flew the coop, taking clients with him and signed a deal for his own show. In the same breath, a frustrated Taylor realises the battle has been fought and lost, walking away from RZ Inc, much to the surprise of her employers, who are soon to shift the blame back on to her at the beginning of Season 3 (did anyone else feel uncomfortable with RZ's accusation of Taylors supposed 'theft'? Talk about not taking responsibility!)

 

Fast forward to an overworked Rachel throughout her pregnancy, and the eventual arrival of cute-as-a-button Skyler.  While we finally got to see the 'human' side of Ms Zoe, she also appeared to have lost her appeal somewhat.  In between her faux embarrassment of her appearance on a billboard and high pitched 'Oh My God's' (has anyone noticed she's gone up an octave or ten?) RZ looks to be more focussed on her fashion label, and with that, became less interesting to watch. (I mean, how many meetings about fabric samples can one sit through?) 

 

 

Yes, we're happy that RZ is securing her financial future with a successful label (that interestingly enough, has now signed on to department store Myer - due to hit our shores later this year) but without her desperation of hunting down of the perfect dress and the stress of the other personalities clashing behind the scenes, the program seems to have lost its way.

So as we bid Adieu to the Rachel Zoe Project, I feel like I'm breaking up with that holiday romance.  A little sad and it was fun while it lasted, but its time to move on.



photo credits :
justjared.com
azcentral.com
eonline.com
bravotv.com
thezoereport.com

Australia's Misunderstood Sweetheart?

Australian's have a love/hate relationship with Lara Bingle.  Correction.  Fashionistas love Lara, many others don't get it. 

Unafraid to take a style risk, when this Fashion-Week-darling gets it right, she gets it 'oh so right' and the rest of us follow.   We've watched her evolve from that sunny Bondi Beach babe into a fearless trendsetter within a matter of years.

Whether it's a singular Sarina Suriano diamante ear cuff, a Dior hairnet or a Balenciaga Halo, she's ahead of her time in the Aussie fashion stakes, often drawing inspiration from what's happening in Paris RIGHT NOW.  If Lara debuts the look, chances are, the masses will follow, and several imitations will pop up in chain stores within a matter of weeks.

In 2012, Channel 10's fly-on-the-wall reality show 'Being Lara Bingle' was trashed by the critics but adored by Aussie girls, stalking her looks week after week, with many emulating her outfits within days of screening.  Yet we saw a side to Lara that showed more than being just a coat-hanger for designer looks.  We grew to know a refreshingly imperfect girl, thrust into the spotlight, suffering regret about her ex, struggling with her weight, throwing hissy fits, marvelling at her fame on occasion and resenting it all in the same day.  A candid take on a tabloid favourite, it was a delight to watch.

As a misunderstood front-row regular, she's worked hard to gain the respect of the average Australian and throughout much scandal, has held her head high, often using the opportunity as a chance to showcase her latest favourite look-of-the-moment.  A Fashion PR dream or happy accident?  One can only speculate.

Photo credits - http://www.larabingleonline.net/  
http://being-lara-bingle.tumblr.com/
Lara Bingle instagram

Welcome home?

So after a 2 year hiatus, I've decided to make my grand return to the blogging world!

In my defence of the disappearing act, life got busy. I was working crazy hours for Green With Envy and in my precious free time I'd be exhausted (hey, if you were working with all those designer labels, you'd give 120% too!) ... But then a little 'happy accident' occurred and here I am almost 9 months later, on the eve of my first child's arrival into the world (I use the term 'eve' loosely - I'm due tomorrow but I swear she's staying in there forever, enjoying the in-room dining and dark ambient lighting - all she needs is WIFI and day spa access and she'll never leave).

For everyone following me on Instagram and Twitter, you know I've still been posting (just in 140 characters or less!) but I found myself missing what I love - writing (not just in status updates) - about fashion/beauty/celebs. Now I guess I'll be adding to that list of topics with the odd 'yummy mummy' post, but don't expect some condescending picture-perfect-Mum point of view - in all honesty I've struggled with pregnancy. Maintaining glamour and ones self esteem is tough when you're feeling nauseous, bitchy, have acquired an extra chin and no longer fit into your designer duds.

Having said that, I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement with bringing Liberty Harlow back - your kind words have meant the world to me. If you have any suggestions or questions, please don't hesitate to drop me a line!

 Love x

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.