It’s about time you knew… I LOVE British Vogue. It’s always so creative and colourful and really, really BIG! In the latest issue they serve up the newest crop of up-and-coming models in the latest collections. They also never hold back with makeup, which is also really swell. My two favourite shots are great party looks, smudged glittler eyeliner and full on yellow blush!
Oh, I really need a busier social life so I can keep up with all of these makeup looks!
xx
Pictures from models.com
I’m absolutely blown away by photographer Craig McDean’s latest editorial in W. It’s a hypnotic story of two girls aimlessly meandering through the night. The smokey atmosphere and glazed expressions isolate the girls which funnily draws the viewer into their world. However, I’m pretty sure it’s not only The Virgin Suicide’s vibe that makes it so irresistible, I think the gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino and Louis Vuitton outfits have something to do with it.
I find that the simple, pared back hair and makeup is the perfect complement to the busy, somewhat ornate outfits. My favourite detail is the bright, bold, blue eye in the second shot. Easily accomplished by using Shu Uemura pressed eye shadow in m blue 665 and a touch of black mascara, nothing else is necessary or otherwise it could look a bit over-the-top. I can’t wait until my hair gets long enough so I can be a young girl lost.
xx
Pictures from models.com
The Sydney humidity has been killing me and my enthusiasm to anything decent with my hair these past few weeks, so I’m declaring it Lazy Bun Season! I’m endeavouring to find the latest, cutest buns about town to make my hairstyles a bit more fun (and super speedy)! If there are any you have come across, please post!
Luella
Chanel
Marc By Marc Jacobs
No matter what state your hair is in, to get one of the above buns all you need is a bold accessory. Ribbons and bows are perfect. Just tie your hair (it doesn’t matter how neat, messy, clean or dirty it is) into a bun and then have a play around with your accessory.
Lanvin
If you have long locks and want to get the above look, simply tie your hair into a ponytail right on top of your head. Carefully spiral the length around the elastic band and to finish, go bobby pin crazy. Unless you have extensions the hair will not be as high, but will definitely still be as cute!
3.1 Phillip Lim
My favourite bun that I’ve come across when you hair really needs a wash and has gone all flat, is by 3.1. Phillip Lim. Use the same method as the Lanvin style but create a deep side part and tie the pony to the other side. After some tight pinning, slick back the hair with some spray or gel (to create a wet, shiny look).
Easy!
xxx
My favourite campaign to come out of the Spring 2010 shows is from Valentino. Featuring the platinum blonde Dree Hemingway and shot by definitely two of the finest photographers around, Mert & Marcus, I’m absolutely taken by their digital manipulation of colour. I never knew purple could look so good! Unfortunately there is no way my dark hair could ever make it to lilac, so how else can I feel like a Valentino Mert & Marcus girl? Here it is in 4 steps:
1) A touch of MAC clear gloss over the eyelids for a subtle and alluring eye.
2) A light sweep of rose petal pink blush (such as Mata Hari by Nars) across the apples of the cheek.
3) MAC lipstick in Rebel, a vivd pinkish-purple with a satin finish.
4) And two coats of Black Onyx nail polish by O.P.I.
As opposed to being a complete replication of the image, I’ve toned down the look and chosen a lipstick that is much more wearable. Now, ways to get myself that giant clutch… hmm..
xx
Oh yes! It’s couture time! Over three days of last week Paris held the couture shows where 10 labels offered to us their finest work. I have the hugest passion for dresses and the haute couture shows always blow me away with their romanticism and intricate beauty.
There were two absolute standouts for makeup from last week, Christian Dior and Givenchy. Designer at Dior, John Galliano, was inspired by early 20th century equestriennes. There were three makeup looks, all very old hollywood glamour with winged eyes and matte lips in nude, scarlet and crimson, and the most perfect porcelain skin. The look was modernised by the use of vibrant shades over the eyelid, similar to that of the Spring 2010 Dior show.
Givenchy’s designer on the other hand, Riccardo Tisci, dreamt up contemporary pieces for his ideal Parisienne with fine tailoring mixed with frivolity, and on occasion a touch of disco. A black shadowed eye with a hint of midnight-blue glitter gave us a retro effect however the fresh matte skin and statement lips kept it contemporary.
The most wonderful hair was seen at Chanel. Heart shaped hair with large silk bows and streaks of baby blue, how fantastic!
Oh couture!
xx
All images from style.com
As you may be able to tell, this year has started off with a bang! Ive been to gigs and the movies a handful of times, been to farewell dinners, bbqs, birthdays, brunches and the like. I’ve tried my best to eat healthily and have a decent exercise routine, but in all honesty, it hasn’t happened. Tell me who can turn down coffee and cakes, champagne and dinners at gorgeous restaurants? Exactly! Impossible.
So, as you can imagine, due to my active eating schedule, my skin hasn’t been the best lately. And that’s fine, I know what I need to do but have found some awesome cheats along the way…
I’m not usually a toner kind of gal, but to suck away all of the excess oil my insides have been creating due to my indulgent diet, morning and night after i wash my face I’ve been applying Aesop’s Bitter Orange Astringent Toner. It smells great, contains bitter orange, witch hazel, rosemary leaf and green tea, and most importantly, it works. It’s quite a strong product and one that I wouldn’t use all the time, but it’s a quick fix.
Now to spot relief. For not-huge-but-still-annoying-spots, at night I’ve been applying Aesop’s Camomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque. It dries up the spots without sucking the life out of the surrounding area.
For those I-have-to-stay-inside-the-world-isn’t-ready-for-this-kind-of-catastrophe spots, I have found just the thing, Eve Lom’s Dynaspot. It’s a godsend. It has the perfect quantities of antiseptic tea tree oil, yarrow extract and mistletoe, amongst other things, to really work it’s magic on the sucker immediately and then to heal asap! It won’t solve agressive acne, but for those soul depleting spots that always pop up at the wrong time, it’s the best!
I also hear drinking lots of water, doing vigorous exercise and taking evening primrose oil are definitely going to help, funny that.
xx
Besides seeing lots of gigs this summer, I also found myself in the cinema quite a few times. Fantastic Mr. Fox (10/10), Bright Star (another 10/10), Once Upon A Time In The West (Who knows!? I fell asleep…) and more. One of my most anticipated films ever (besides the whole filmography of Wes Anderson), is the soon to be released A Single Man. It’s the directorial debut of one of my favourite people in fashion, Tom Ford.
TOM FORD PEOPLE, TOM FORD!!
I’m so excited! Although not all of his designs are to my liking, his skills and achievements are astounding. And the fact that he was an art history nerd like myself is also pretty cool i reckon. Even if the film is lacking, you know that it’s bound to be stylistically spectacular. Check out the promo picture, Colin Firth looking debonair and Julianne Moore is simply stunning.
Time to whip out the mascara and falsies.
xx
ps. Picture from (and an endearing interview) here.
I love painting my nails. Every two to three days I have a new colour on. I love choosing a colour based on how I’m feeling, or how I want to feel. It’s the simple pleasures.
I also love ice-cream.
This summertime I’ve combined both of my infatuations and have only been wearing creamy pastel lacquers. It’s been great! Even if I’ve been stuck inside or have been doing unexciting activities (chores, losing at Texas Hold ‘Em poker, sit-ups), a glimpse at my nails and I’m instantly away on Viola, my lavender coloured bicycle. I understand pastels aren’t everyone’s thing, but you only get Summer to play with them, and I assure you, they are delicious.
These are my top pastel picks:
Organdy by Chanel.
Apple by Sportsgirl.
Done Out In Deco by O.P.I. (it’s much lighter on the nail)
Kate by Bloom.
and Kit Cosmetic’s Chalky Pastel range.
Take your pick, which flavour today?
xx
*The title of the post is my favourite ice-cream flavour. Nom!
It’s been Festival time here in Sydney and I have sure been making he most of it. Gigs, films, exhibitions…you’re going to hear all about it!
I’ve seen so many inspiring artists, one of them being my favourite musician, Joanna Newsom. The Sydney Opera House, Row D (!!) and with my best friends all dressed beautifully, it was the perfect night. I was completely blown away by her music, sweet presence, eloquently performative nature, and… her gorgeous hair! Her locks were so long and soft, with beautiful, natural curls at the end.
I’m growing my hair to hopefully a little bit shorter than in the pic, and am determined to have as beautiful hair as the divine Miss Newsom. I’ve gone out, bought myself Redkin Smooth Down Butter Treat and am addicted. It’s a rich, nourishing, deep conditioning cream that I put on for fifteen minutes post-shampoo and pre-conditioner. I’ve used it twice a week for the past two weeks and am already convinced! If you want your hair a little bit smoother (seriously, who doesn’t?), I’d definitely give this one a go.
Now, the next step for luscious Newsom-hair… drink more water and eat more avocados. I think I can handle that!
I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself. But after looking at the rest of the beauty images from the Paris RTW 2010 shows it looks like matte skin is going to be huge.
At Chanel:
And Chloe:
At Giambattista Valli:
And Hussein Chalayan:
And finally, other It-label, Stella McCartney:
Getting gorgeous matte skin is easy! You don’t need a matte moisturiser or foundation, but instead a good powder. My favourite is the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder. It’s oil-free and doesn’t seem to cake. Just what we need! Use a Large Powder Brush (MAC #150) or Small Contour Brush (MAC #109) and unless you want dewy cheeks, lightly apply all over your face. See, it really is that easy!
xxxx
(all images from http://www.style.com/fashionshows/)
A couple of weeks ago I did another test with Leah Band. We shot Tara Hurster from Chadwicks at Redleaf (one of my favourite places in Sydney) and had a ball! Our day was filled with pirouettes, laughter, banana bread, orange juice, ‘The Great Gatsby’ and loads of sunshine. Here’s a brief snippet of our shoot:
Two more layouts are in the making, I can’t wait to see the final results!
xxxx
Every week I’m obsessed with a new product. Well, it may not necessarily be new, but perhaps something I’ve discovered again. This week it’s Bumble and Bumble’s super amazing Surf Spray. I can’t stop using it!
I’m getting tired of the top-buns I’ve been sporting lately and although I can do heaps of cute hairstyles, I never really bother on myself. I’m really loving Surf Spray because all you have to do to get beach waves (sans swim and frizz) is spray a teeny bit on, scrunch sections with your hands, shake your head and either give it a quick (cool) blowdry or go for a walk in the wind. My hair is thick, long, and quite straight so if products work on my hair they generally work on everybody else’s! And to save one of the most exciting (dorkiest) things to last…. the bottle is made of Scuba suit material!!
xxxx
I’m so excited! The second issue of Happenstance magazine is now out. It’s a great Sydney-based mag that celebrates all of the awesome things that are going on in town.
A few months back we shot the fashion spread Home Spun on a rooftop in Darlinghurst. I remember waking up way too early, maybe about 4, and getting to our set long before the sun was going to rise.
A winter-time Sydney at about 5.30am. That random light in the sky is Centrepoint tower.
Here we are just about about to start. It was FREEZING! And then of course, as midday hit, it was boiling! Here’s our model Madeline wrapped in blankets and Daniel Dittmar, Happenstance’s Creative Director, all rugged up.
Charles Dennington on the bottom left there shooting.
And gorgeous styling by Melissa Levy.
Now, go and grab your copy!
xxxx
The last week has been utterly manic and absolutely fantastic! I’ve been super pleased with all of the work I’ve been doing, I’ve even rewarded myself with TWO makeup shopping sprees!
On Friday I did the Bebe Winter 2010 Lookbook. Winter, already!?! There were two looks, one very Sienna Miller/Mary-Kate Olsen ‘It-girl’-esque smokey eye combined with Erin Wasson messy hair, and the other a natural, young pretty thing (above). I was pleased with the makeup, but totally thrilled with the hair. A little Luella Spring 2010 and a touch of Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 et voila!
And speaking of Louis Vuitton Fall 2009, yesterday at the Grace & Hart Winter Lookbook shoot we couldn’t help but be inspired by those bunny ears..
We made our own ears with feather-pompoms! I don’t know if the label will be keen on this look, but I think it’s gorgeous! And definitely wearable. (Sorry about the dodgy quality of the picture, I forgot and had to take a photo of the computer screen… Whoops!) There were also two makeup looks for this shoot, a soft winter look (above) and striking Italian femme (below) to go with the glamourous party dresses.
A slight tan, strong brows and Nars lipstick in “Scarlett Empress”, and here she is, ready for a Roman Holiday! I can’t wait to see the final pictures, much much better than those taken by my iPhone!
xxxx
Now, after the crazy creativeness that was the last post, here are the best looks of the first few days that are definitely ready-to-wear.
Starting with the ever popular rock chic look, dark smokey eyes were sported at Nina Ricci and Lanvin.
Nina Ricci’s girl was quite angelic but with a darker side. Beautifully glowing skin (mix in a little Giorgio Armani ‘Fluid Sheer #2′ with your foundation) and a lined top lid (MAC ‘Fluidline’ in Blacktrack – see this post for hints) achieve that angelic aspect, now, just add a touch of golden brown shadow or cream to the inners of the eyes for a dramatic effect (but one that isn’t too harsh). If you want you can use a brush but it’s up to you! On my eyes I like messily rubbing in shadows for a grungier look.
Speaking of dark and grungy, Lanvin (above) rocked it! Once again, a clean, glossy palette (foundation and ‘Fluid Sheer’ on the skin) was the base for a tough, dirty eye. Apply the black shadow in whatever shape you like and to make it really rock, dab a tiny amount of Paw Paw ointment (or any clear eyegloss) in the centres of your lids, smudge it a tad with a cotton tip, and voila! Using Paw Paw ointment (or clear eyegloss) will make your lids super shiny but can become super messy around your eyes (especially if you’ve got a long fringe). So if you want to rock this look make sure you’re willing to do touchups every few hours. Just take some cotton tips in your makeup purse and wipe the build up from the inners of your eyes and any fall down. And don’t forget, make sure you put on lots of black mascara!
Another fun, Spring-friendly makeup look was seen at Gaspard Yurkievich. Models’ right eyes and cheekbones were sprinkled with gold glitter. Maybe so not good for days spent doing chores, but for a girly night out or special occasion this could be quite fun! Use any colour and pick a nice complimenting lipstick and you’re ready to go! I recommend the Ben Nye glitters, they’re affordable and designed to be used on the face so are superfine so it’s okay if it goes into your eye. There’s no need to use glue, just press the glitter onto your face with your fingertips. Who knew it was so easy to sparkle! Isn’t that what every girl wants?
You know that the Mod inside of you can’t wait to wear this half-moon look as seen at Junya Wantanabe. Sometimes I see makeup looks on the catwalk and wish I had come up with them. This is one of them. It’s simple but so cool!
And I couldn’t talk about pretty makeup looks without mentioning the beautiful faces at Christian Dior. Inspired by Lauren Bacall, the look was updated with vibrant hues on the lids. The purple-blue (above) and light-orange (below) are colours most girls generally wouldn’t consider, but pared with a red lip (my favourite is Bobbi Brown ‘Lip Color Red 10′), it’s insatiable!
Now go and have fun!
Anni xx
(all pics from http://www.style.com/fashionshows/)