Influential Women

I feel like we might be slowly getting back in to an era where younger women might actually have role models who will be influential for the right reasons.... do you agree?


Hayden Panettiere



Hayden is a spokesperson for Ronald McDonald House, a member of the Whaleman Foundation, was awarded the "Compassion in Action Award" from the animal rights group PETA for her efforts to stop the dolphin hunt in Japan and is a teen ambassador for the Candie's Foundation, whose mission is to prevent teen pregnancy. Hayden is also a successful actress, singer and model.

Hilary Duff

 

 

Hilary donated $250,000 to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina in addition to donating over 2.5 million meals to Hurricane Katrina victims, she is a member of Kids with a Cause, has served on the Advisory Board of the Audrey Hepburn Child Benefit Fund and the Celebrity Council of Kids with a Cause, was named as a Youth Ambassador to the children of the Colombian capital Bogota and is a strong animal rights supporter. Hilary is also a successful television/movie actress, singer, clothing designer, perfume creator and a successful writer (and a NY Times best seller).

 

Leighton Meester

 

 

 

 

Leighton is not only a successful actress and a talented singer/songwriter but she has also teamed up with Safe Horizon to raise awareness about and prevent domestic violence and has taken part in Bulgari's humanitarian efforts for the Save the Children organization with Isabella Rossellini and Maribel Verdútaken.

 

 

Miranda Kerr

 

 

 

 

Miranda is a buddist and believes we have a responsibility to bring peace and harmony to our lives and the world. She participated in the "Australia Unites" fundraiser to raise money for the victims of the Australian bushfires, her charitable work includes Wildlife Warriors Worldwide and Children International.  Kerr released an inspirational self-esteem book, Treasure Yourself which is aimed at female teenagers. Miranda has also launched her own line of organic skin care products.

 

 

Demi Lovato

 

 

 

 

Demi is a successful television actress and singer. She has certainly had her fair share of struggles with body image and bullying but now Demi is a spokesperson for anti-bullying organization PACER and a spokesperson for the Join the Surge Campaign!, DoSomething.Org and the Clean & Clear Brand launched Joining the Surge, which is a national campaign that empowers teenagers to take action in their communities. Demi is also involved in Disney's Friends for Change, an organization which promotes "environmently-friendly behavior". Lovato has also supported charities such as DonateMyDress.org, Kids Wish Network, Love Our Children USA, ST. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and City of Hope. Demi also became a Contributing Editor to Seventeen magazine to discuss her personal issues as a part of a larger campaign called "Love is Louder than the Pressure to Be Perfect", directed towards teen girls. Demi has also been honored The Honorary Ambassador of Education award from the American Partnership For Eosinophilic Disorders.









Napoleon Perdis

I have been wanting to buy NP products for quite a while and was um-ing and ah-ing over whether or not to spend the money but I finally made up my mind and recently bought the NP 'It Take Two' foundation and concealer pot!

The 'It Takes Two' pot has a flap lid with a mirror underneath where the concealer is stored and then the whole top screws off so you can use he foundation. All up the post cost about $35 - which is good value considering you get both foundation and concealer.

The NP foundation goes on so easily and thanks to its clever saptula design you don't waste a bunch by having to tip the bottle up. I find that with a little powder over the top I can get it to last all day and the even coverage (even with only a small amount) is great for me as well, because of my freckles!

I also bought the miracle blender sponge (that funny little purple thing!). I'd recently seen a video review on them and how they are... dare I say it, revoluntionary! I actually LOVE it. Its alot more dense than a normal sponge so you don't get as much wastage and the shape and tapered top means that its easier to apply around your brow line and around your eyes.

All up, Im pretty darn happy with the NP product and I'd definitely recommend it! <3

Florals

To be honest I have very rarely worn florals, so me writing a blog on florals seemed like a bit of a stretch at first. But, I must admit that reading about the florals, which by the way is supposed to be a huge Spring hit, really opened my eyes up to the trend. I'm now actually looking forward to Spring and can't wait to experiment with some floral pieces!

 Check out my top 5 tips for florals...

Tip 1 – Make a statement by starting small

Trying any new trend for the first time and making it fit in with your existing wardrobe can be very tricky. My top tip here, for those who are trying a new trend and not quite sure how to do it, is to use accessories or shoes. Accessories and shoes are a great way to use new colours, fabrics, textures etc (in this case florals) without feeling like you might go overboard.

Darsha Black Floral Wedges ($79.95) available from Style Tread http://www.styletread.com.au/darsha-black-floral.html

 

Tip 2 – Use florals to compliment your outfit

One of the most amazing trends I have spotted this year is tattoo-ed nails. I'm not absolutely sure whether it's been done before or who even started the trend but I am absolutely in love with it. I can just imagine a beautiful Spring picnic on a great lawn, everyone dressed beautifully in floral and sporting matching nails.

The best thing about this trend is that it isn't hard to do! All you need is a nail polish colour of your choice, nail transfers and a clear top coat. Simply paint your nails with a base coat wait for it to dry and then apply the transfer to the nail, wait for it to dry and then apply the clear top coat.

An example of tattoo-ed nails.You can find nail transfers and more at The Nail Shop http://www.thenailshop.com.au/

 

Tip 3 – Using florals to flatter your shape

The great thing about prints (including florals!) is that they can be used to flatter your body shape. The most flattering floral prints for curvier body shapes is something that has a big, bold print. A small floral print on curvier woman can look too dainty and make you appear bigger than you actually are. Smaller prints are the best for women who are tall and slender as bold prints have the ability to overwhelm your shape.

Vivian Blue Belle Dress ($194.95) available from Birds Nest http://www.birdsnest.com.au/brands/retrospecd/16686-vivian-blue-belle-dress#BlueBelle

 

Tip 4 – Don't be afraid to stand out from the crowd

I did a little experiment and asked people exactly what came to mind when they first though of floral prints. The results were much the same – vibrant colours, beautiful fabrics/patterns and girly spring dresses. But, lets be honest not everyone's style is the same and we shouldn't all have to wear our florals in the same way.

My top tip here is to not be afraid to stand out from the crowd. There's no rule book to fashion, so in my book it is absolutely okay to turn florals a little grunge. Wear them with leather jackets and bold accessories. You'll be surprised with the results!

An example of how to grunge up florals.

 

Tip 5 – Don't be afraid to mix and match

There are so many rules of fashion and one my absolute least favourite is: NEVER wear more than one print.

I will admit that this is an extremely tricky trend and if it's not executed correctly then it can go horribly wrong. But it CAN be done!

My top tip here is to scour fashion magazines and copy celebrity style. Celebrities hire stylists to help them look good on a day to day basis and you can rest assured that if a celebrity is taking the risk of matching prints then they've consulted with a stylist. You can't go wrong!

The normal person could probably never, ever afford what Leighton is wearing here on the set of Gossip Girl but this is a great example of how to pull off using different prints in one outfit.

 

 



 

Cocktail Jars

I am obsessed with cocktail jars lately... They are a super cute and quirky alternative to your usual cocktail glasses and probably a lot more affordable as well! The best part is that you pretty much have free range of what to put in them!

I've chosen to feature (which I am yet to try!) the blueberry infused vodka cocktail.

Basically, all you need to do is half fill the jar with vodka and then add a handful of blueberries (fresh or frozen, its up to you!). Leave the jar to sit overnight and the vodka will start to turn a beautiful pink-purple colour. Then, all you need to do is add some lemonade and granish with a lemon slice!

So cute and so, so summery!

Here are some more examples of cocktail jars...

 

 

 

 

Pastels

Pastels were a big trend of Autumn 2012 seen both on the catwalk by designers such as Ralph Lauren and on celebrities like Jessica Alba and Mila Kunis. But, just because Autumn has come and gone doesn't mean pastels should as well.

Pastels are a fun way to add colour to your wardrobe without feeling like you're going too overboard. They are versatile and can be worn either as a block of colour (for the bold!) or as a compliment to a simpler outfit. Read below my top 5 ways to inject pastels into your wardrobe...

Number 1 – Accessories

Accessories are a great way to incorporate pastels in to your outfit without jumping right in to the trend. For example, pastel coloured clutches, heels or accessories will look fabulous with a little black dress.

Pastel Pop Collar available from http://diva.net.au/shop/necklaces/pastel-pop-collar.html $29.99

Number 2 – Prints

Wearing all over colour can be daunting especially if you've never tried it before. One way to combat this is to use pastels with prints. You still get the effect of the colour without feeling as though you are too OTT.

Hassle N Tease Dress available from http://www.lucyinthesky.com/shop/hassle-n-tease-dress ($44.00)

Number 3 – Beauty Products

Beauty product ranges are a lot more diverse now than they used to be and we are able to experiment with more styles, colours and learn new techniques. One of my favourite beauty trends is ombre, and luckily for me (and you!) ombre and pastels work fabulously together.

Revlon have a huge range of nail polish including beautiful pastels. See the whole range here: http://products.revlon.com.au/nails/nail-enamels-amp-remover

Number 4 – Hair

Another huge 2012 trend is dip dyed hair. I absolutely adore this look and if I was lucky enough to have light hair it is definitely something I would be trying. Its not something I would suggest trying at home as colours can vary depending on your natural hair colour so my tip here if you are wanting to try this trend is to visit your hair stylist.

Pastel coloured dip dyed hair.

Number 5 – Colour Blocking

One of my favourite trends of 2012 was colour blocking and pastels work fabulously for this trend because they aren't overpowering colours.

Colour blocking can be a tricky trend to master so my biggest tip here is to choose colours to flow continuously through your outfit and choose colours that will compliment your skin tone.

Colour blocking – examples.

 

Run Away With Me...

So, I have decided to embark on a new winter project. I can't say that it is something I would usually be doing... the majority of my projects are always somehow based around my horses or fashion BUT I've decided that it's finally time. To start running. Yep, I am starting an 8 week running program. The goal is to be able to run 3.2km (or 2 miles) in half an hour.

So, in honour of my new goal I have decided to put together some of my favourite inspirational quotes. Because no doubt, I'll need them...

I'm Obsessed...

Those who know me well could tell you about the numerous hair cuts, hair styles and hair colours I have had over the past few years. I'm naturally brunette but I've gone red, black, plum, hundreds of variations of brown and even blonde once or twice (most of the time unsuccessfully). I've had long hair, short hair, straight hair, wavy hair and even curly hair. O've also had my fair share of good and bad hair cuts.

I personally believe that changing your hair can change your whole 'person', if you're doubting my theory then just think back to a time when you left a salon with the worst hair cut ever. You felt pretty awful right? Well, a good hair cut can do the opposite. It can make you feel absolutely amazing!

So, today I want to share with you my top 5 hair do's!

Number 1 - Beautiful Waves



Waves really do look amazing on anyone, provided you have the length to be able to pull it off. They are SO simple to do and hardly take any time at all. The best part is that they can be casual or you can dress them up for a fancier occasion.

Here's how to do it: To make naturally straight hair wavy, twist damp hair into small sections, twist the sections around your finger and use a bobby pin to hold each section in place at the scalp. Leave the tiny twists in for about thirty minutes or until you finish drying your hair. Let it fall down (do not brush!) and use your fingers to create lift at the roots and a little extra tousle throughout (scrunch, scrunch, scrunch). Curl the ends with a curling iron for a more polished look.


Number 2 - Balayage



Tricky to say but not so tricky to pull off. Balayage is something that was done in the 70's but it has just come back in to fashion.

Balayage is a freehand technique where colour is applied by hand, rather than with foils or caps, to create highlights. The good news is that balayage is also a good investment for girls who are strapped for cash as it's a lot easier to maintain. You'll only need to make trips to the salon every couple of months!

My biggest tip here is to visit your hair stylist to achieve this do. Using the balayage effect can really dry our your hair, plus your hair stylist will achieve lighter locks much easier at a salon than you would be able to at home.


Number 3 - Middle Parts



I love middle parts. I honestly believe that any face shape can pull of the middle part and have it flatter them as well.

People tend to think that middle parts are a little bit boring but there is so much you can do with this particular style including both up and down styles, straight, curly, wavy. Plus it's a great option if you a short on time.

Number 4 - Braids



I have always been a huge fan of braiding. Although, I am the first to admit that it is a tricky skill to master.

The reason why I love braids is because they are so diverse. You can have them tight and sleek for more formal occasions or leave them loose and messy if you are going for a more casual or boho feel.

One of the simplest ways to use this trend is to do plaits (like above) and pull them back into a messy bun.

Number 5 - Colour



I've never been brave enough to pull off a bold colour but I see people all the time with bright, bold hair and think how amazing it looks.

This is definitely not a trend for the shy and acheiving these colours at home can be a little tricky, so my top tip here is to pay a visit to your hair stylist if you are wanting to go bright!