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! 

Winter 2012

It's that time of year fashionista's... time to see what will be in store for Autumn/Winter 2012!

The fashion that we are seeing on the runway for the Autumn/Winter season includes angular cutouts, fabric contrasts, cut off styles, jackets of all lengths and a mix of military and androgynous styles.
Autumn/Winter fashion is not without it's feminimity, this season we will see the return of 50's style dresses with cinched waists, flowy fabrics, lace and soft prints. We will also see a return to the 70's with flared pants and wedged shoes and boots.

Italian Autumn/Winter Fashion



London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter Fashion

Milan Fashion Week Autumn/Winter Fashion

New York Fashion Week Autumn/Winter Fashion

What some of our home grown designers are doing for the upcoming season...



David Jones Autumn/Winter Collection 2012

Sass & Bide Autumn/Winter Collection 2012

Alex Perry Autumn/Winter Collection 2012

Department store, Myer, is yet to release it's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. The collection will be officially released at their Autumn Winter Fashion Parades in Melbourne on March 2. 



Women In The Industry

Women In The Industry is a business that I started in December 2011 after I realised how difficult it was for women to break into the fashion industry. One of the things I noticed was that most fashion related roles, whether you be a model, photographer, stylist etc, required previous experience which of course is hard to attain if most roles have require you to have experience in the first place. So came the concept of Women In The Industry, a TFP organisation that would bring together photographers, models, stylists, designers, make up and hair artists together to work on projects with one common goal, to gain the much needed experience required to break in to the industry.

I started the Women In The Indsutry facebook page and didn't really have any expectations of what it would become. I decided that I would use inspiration images so the women on the page could register for roles they were interested in and that matched their skills list. I began taking applications for roles in late December.

In January, as Women In The Industry started getting bigger and gaining more popularity, I decided to bring extra help on board in the form of adminstrators. Davina Moynahan joined WITI in late January as the Marketing, Advertising and Charities Administrator and then in February, Mel came on board as our tech guru and Amanda Clarke and Taleah Clare Baird came on board as casting administrators.

Women In The Industry has grown to over 550 clients in just three short months, has cast the majority of the community in shoots and charity projects and is taking on exciting new clients and campaigns.

Women In The Industry is a one of a kind concept, an original concept that had never been considered before, and is to date the only concept dedicated to bringing women who are interested in working in the fashion industry the professional experience they need to break in to the industry.

Our goals for the future are to expand the business to be able to cater to even more clients through photo shoots, charity work, campaigns and events.

To be involved please visit:
www.facebook.com/womenintheindustry

Examples of WITI work:

Model: Caitlin Redgrave

MUA: Michelle Dube

Photographer: Willow Belle Portraits

Model: Melissa Hanes

MUA: Ayla Weeks

Stylist & Photographer: Keziah Sugarat

Model: Rea Jane

MUA: Karen Chapman

Hair: Genevieve Baba

Stylist: Mel Issa

Photographer: Bababoom Photography

Model: Harmony

MUA: Jewleyah Sophia Márquez

Photographer: Seray Niyazi

All that glitters ISNT gold!

I should have been born a bird, because nothing attracts me more than something shiny!

I'm not one for following current trends or only wearing certain styles for certain seasons. Style is individual and should reflect who you are and what you're feeling, and you're bound to feel amazing in any of these because this post is dedicated to glittery, gleaming and gorgeous clothing, shoes and accessories.

Shoes so shiny they'd make Cinderella jealous!

Clashing Prints

The thought of wearing more than one print can be understandably daunting and whilst this can be a tricky trend to master, the results of getting it right can be amazing.

Here are my tips for clashing prints:

• Start with basic prints. Don't choose somthing too bold, polka dots work well for people who want to use prints without going over the top.

Ruffled Polka Dot Blouse Michael Kors



• Choose lighter coloured prints such as pastels, whites/greys.

Lily Print Dres Mui Mui



• Use printed accessories such as shoes, purses, scarves.



• Don't be afraid to mix up more than one type of print, eg. floral and stripes.

•   Take your tips from celebrities. Celebrities enlist top notch stylists to help them get trends right, if you follow their general style rules you won't go wrong!



 

 



Begitta

Every now and then I am lucky enough to be browsing Facebook pages and come across something amazing. One particular day I came across a label called Begitta. A label from a woman so talented that her amazing designs have the ability to completely take you away to another place.

la bella vita. was lucky enough to be able to talk to Begitta about her passion for design and how she got started in fashion.

1. When did you first start Begitta?

I graduated from college in 2008. The same year I was a student finalist at the National Retail Awards. Officially the label began in 2009 when Begitta was featured at Gold Coast Fashion Week in the HIGHLIGHTS show. From then on it snowballed! Since, I have worked with so many wonderful clients creating beautiful Custom Couture Wedding and Formal gowns. Now, having completed my final studies in Paris last year and have since released an exciting new Ready-To-Wear Collection “Le Chateau”.

2. Have you always been interested in designing?

I’ve always been very creative. I would spend hours as a child drawing and making things and I’ve always loved dressing up. The teachers at my Kindergarten would wait at the gate “To see what Begitta is wearing today”. I guess I have always been drawn to theatrics and pretty things; it was a natural succession to end up doing it for a living!

3. What inspired Begitta?

I guess it has all just been a fluid transition from growing up, loving to create things and being quite artistic. I really couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I love, live, breath to create and what better way to use that passion than to make pretty dresses for beautiful girls!

4. Tell us a little about the label, your designs etc.

Begitta is a label that was born from the dream of love, passion, romance and fairytales. Begitta creates a fantasy of fabric adorned with beauty and elegance that can only come from the sweet surroundings of all that can inspire you. 

As a designer I strive to offer garments of excellent quality, fabulous fits and high style, which are well finished and beautifully embellished. Using the five staple words of the label, Feminine, Fun, Flirty, Elegant, Fabulous, each garment is designed with special attention to detail and finishing, using quality fabrics and decadent trims.

5. Which is your favourite collection?

Choosing my favourite would be like picking a favourite child. I think I could choose a favourite piece or two, which would have to be the “Lost in Wonderland” gown; a frothy pink layered tulle concoction with hand draped bodice that has been a favourite among all. The other would have to be the “Lady Divine” gown I created in Paris. It was created using techniques learned from the couturier hand of a designer named Madame Gres. Gres created such wondrous work and dressed the likes of Jackie Onassis and Princess Grace Kelly. Needless to say, it was very inspiring working on the gown using these amazing techniques.



Lost In Wonderland Gown

Lady Divine Gown

6. What are your favourite parts of designing?

My favourite? There are just so many things that I love about designing. The absolute best thing would be the reaction of the wearer. When you work so hard on a dress, whether it be beading, hand draping or a technical pattern, you put your heart into the piece. When it’s finally finished and your client puts on the dress and says “I feel like an absolute princess” it really makes you feel as though you are floating on a cloud. To have someone show such appreciation for your work is such a wonderful feeling!  

7. What does it mean to you to be an inspirational women?

I never thought of myself in that way. To do the work that you have so much passion for and to have the opportunity to pursue your dream is such an exciting thing in itself. Life should be about following your dreams, following your heart and having the strength and passion to really go for it, no matter what you come up against.

8. What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

I have been given so many wonderful opportunities. I cannot begin to thank all the amazing people who have supported me on my journey. To pick just one though, I would have to say working with Peugeot Car Company, creating a custom dress design for the launch of the new RCZ at the Australian International Motor show. To work with such a large and well-known brand has been such an amazing adventure and an absolute dream come true!



Begitta Customed Made Hostess Dress for Peugeot

9. What is next for Begitta?

The future has endless possibilities and so many exciting things to come, most of these I can’t reveal just yet. But I can say that we are excited to be moving into a new studio very soon, which will make room for fabulous new collections as well as some beautiful custom-made bridal & formal gowns!

Some of Begitta's amazing designs...

Tea Party Collection



Doll House Collection

Carnivale Collection

Bridal Couture

To see more of Begitta's fabulous work, visit...

www.begitta.com

Best Foot Forward...

It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I am a bit of a shoe freak. I'd fill my closet full of shoes if I had the money... and a bigger closet space. So, I thought it only fitting that I share with you some of my most favourite shoe styles and online stores.

I like Winter a whole lot more than summer. I would much rather be snuggled up than sweating so, I prefer winter outfits. I love blazers, coats, layering, winter greys and I especially love a good boot! And, at the moment I am absolutely crushing on military style, lace up boots.

Dayton Boots $129.95

www.wittner.com.au

A second shoe wardrobe must have is a good pair of heels. I have a bunch of heels in my wardrobe but more often than not the first pair I reach for are my black peep toes. They are without a doubt the most versatile shoe you could possibly own and I guarantee that they will get more wear than any other shoe in your wardrobe.

Tony Bianco Cannes Black $159.95

www.styletread.com.au

While I do love Winter, it is still going to be warm for a few more months yet and warmer months call for suitable shoes. My favourite shoe for warmer seasons is the wedge. They are so versatile, you can wear them with cute dresses, shorts, jeans on rainy days and dress them up as well as down.

Monaco $49.95

www.shoebox.com.au

The next pair of shoes every girl should own is a pair of heels that makes her feel like a princess. My honest pick would be a pair of Louboutin Swarovski encrusted Daffodile's but at $6,395 I don't think I will ever get a pair. Luckily for us though there are a bunch of shoes out there that will make you feel just as special for a whole lot less!

Zinga Gold $80.00

www.shoeshow.com.au

Some of you may frown at my next shoe suggestion but I do have my reasons. I recommend that every single own of you should own a pair of thongs/sandals etc. Feet need a rest and squishing them into boots or heels, as fabulous as it may look, can be tiring for your feet. Plus, there's days where all you want to do is dress down.

Venetian $59.99

www.betts.com.au

Shoes can be an expensive addiction which is why my biggest shoe buying tip is hit EBAY. Not all of the shoes are second hand, in fact a lot of stores now use Ebay to sell their goods as well and you will usually always find a bargain.

Happy shopping! x