Fool Me Once...

Have you ever faced a situation where something sounds too good to be true? Did alarm bells clang and red lights flash in your brain? Or did you put aside your cynicism and take a risk?

I am a cautious person and certainly far from naive. If something sounds too good to be true I am usually the first to walk away, scoffing quietly at those who can't see the writing on the wall. So how is it I am now the very disappointed (and somewhat embarrassed) owner a pair of fake designer shoes I bought off eBay?

The eBay seller in question, responded to all my questions quickly and with informative and honest sounding answers. She was selling the shoes after her husband bought them for her in Rome only they were too narrow for her feet. She provided pictures of the product, the packaging, shopping bag, the whole lot. It all sounded legit and perfectly possible - who hasn't made an impromptu but entirely worthless purchase when travelling? She also had a good eBay rating, although as a buyer and not a seller.

It only took minutes after I opened my package that reality set in. While good enough for your average shoe store, these shoes were not Christian Louboutin. The make was inferior, the size was far smaller than the label indicated and the packaging looked slightly wrong. The dead giveaway though was the sole - a completely different material from the CL norm.

I've already sent a message back to the seller who has apologised saying she genuinely thought the product was legitimate and offered a full refund... once I post the product back to her. So what does everyone think? I can't help but think - fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me! Am I just asking to get burned a second time?

Happy Birthday Christian!

Now this is a first birthday party, I'd be more than happy to receive an invitation to. Instead of screaming toddlers smushing birthday cake all over their various orifices the guests at this party will be a gaggle of extremely beautiful red-soled high heels. 

I just hope to celebrate they are going to start offering shipping to Australia! In the meantime all I can do is window shop ... and dream. 

Definitely also have a squiz at this interview with the boutique's eCommerce manager. It's an eye opener. As much as I love these red soled beauties, can you believe one customer spent $10k (USD) on shoes in one order? 

Money Can't Buy Style

If you ever thought to yourself 'if I just had an unlimited budget I'd never make another fashion faux pas', then this picture should be enough change your mind forever.

The below lovely shirt/sweater combination are courtesy of international design house Versace and are new release products on my beloved Net-a-Porter. While I love this site dearly, I have to ask - what were they thinking!

The lovely red sweater could be yours for a price conscious £859.75 while this subtle and understated shirt would only set you back £558.33.

So what do you think? Do you love the leopard-print/blue floral combination? Or do you have your own overpriced fashion faux pas story to share?

How To: Three Looks for Sexy Eyes

I love a good DIY video as much as the next person so I had to share this great demo of how to apply eye make-up. It was created using the new Smashbox Softbox Eye Palette, but even if you have no intention of buying one of these sets for yourself, there's a couple of great techniques in there you can pinch as well as some insight into what the eye makeup trends will be come next summer.



If you are dying to get your hands on one of these you can get them in Perth from Kit Cosmetics for $69.95.

Sale: Oroton the Outlet

If you're a fan of Oroton don't miss out on 'The Outlet'! It's a super special sale, but it ends Wednesday. Click here to check it out!

It's a Beauty Sale!

If your beauty bag is looking sadly empty, here's a great opportunity to stock it up again for the new season. Napoleon Perdis (one of my personal favourite make-up brands) is having an end-of-financial-year clearance and even WA isn't missing out on the goodies.

Apparently the sale will include 20-70% of limited edition products, gift sets and other store wide discounts. Details of when and where are all listed below by state. Happy shopping!

WA
Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy

5/8 Alvan Street, Subiaco
Friday 24 June 10am-8pm

Saturday 25 June 10am-6pm

NSW

Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy
90 Euston Road Alexandria
Friday 17th June 10am-7pm
Saturday 18th June 10am-5pm

VIC
Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy
Como Centre Level 1/299 Toorak Road, South Yarra
Friday 17th June 10am-8pm
Saturday 18th June 10am-5pm

QLD
Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy

2/243 Edward Street, Brisbane
Thursday 23 June 10am-7pm

Friday 24 June 10am-8pm

Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy

Cnr Cavill and Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Friday 24 June 10am-8pm

Saturday 25 June 10am-5pm

You can keep your eye on sale news at NP's Facebook page. 

What Do You Like About Yourself?

Ask any woman what they hate most about their body and your likely to get a quick response. Stomach, thighs, bum that's too big or too small, chicken wing arms - we've all got a list of flaws we're perpetually conscious of. But ask a woman what she thinks is her best physical attribute and she's likely to stare at you blankly. Trust me I know.

Seated across the table from a fashion stylist about to take me on a two hour shopping session for an article I was writing, I was asked to write down some key details about myself and my style. But when asked what are my best attributes I'd like to play up, I was floored. The truth is, I had always chosen my clothes by what would hide my flaws not to play up any assets and had absolutely no idea what attributes I actually liked. In the end I think I stuttered something about being tall.

The stylist told me in a very matter of fact way they I had 'great legs' and proceeded to dress me in a succession of cigarette-leg pants, tights and stretchy figure-hugging jodhpurs. It was an interesting experience and I ended up buying some clothes I wouldn't have normally worn. It also made me ask the question, why are women always so tough on ourselves?

I think it's high time we all celebrated our strengths instead of our failings, so what I want to ask you is -  what attribute to you like most about yourself? Don't be shy ladies, the answer is there if you look for it!

 If you want to know more about the styling experience, keep your eye on the Style section in The West Australian later this month for the full run down as well as the 'after' pictures of me in outfits the stylist chose.

Trend: 5 Hot Hair Looks

Perth has gone from sweltering heat to winter in the blink of an eye and chances are your hair hasn't had time to catch up with the change. Choosing a new do is always a harrowing adventure (just see my earlier post about my own recent experience!) but we thought you might be inspired by the five signature looks developed by Perth's own House of Ernest.

The trends range from urban glam to vintage charm and includes shorter, solid and structured hair designs to longer, grunge inspired cuts with warmer tones. The burlesque feel of ‘50s fever’ draws comparisons to American model and actress Dita Von Teese, while the arctic white ‘80s bob’ is reminiscent of the bold hair styles sported by Lady Gaga. 

House of Ernest artistic director Nakia Stevens styled for L’Oreal at London Fashion Week and predicts the ‘country’ look will be the most popular of the season with edgy curls, a rich brown colour and a hint of light. “The colour is called ‘blondette’ – a subtle combination of blonde and brunette tones,” Nakia says.

Nakia says the reflective coppery gold tones of the ‘county’ look, combined with vanillas and warm honeys gives an illusion of a full head colour when it is actually intrinsically woven pieces of coloured hair. 

So what do you think of these five looks. Love them or hate them? Is there one you'd like to try?

If the Shoe Fits

You can't go past a classic black heel and I thought this new shoe from Oroton was worth a plug. Simple, sexy and not too high, these are the perfect choice if you're on the hunt for a stylish, versatile, go anywhere heel. I also have a weird fixation for shoes with out of the ordinary soles. Go figure. 

Praise for My New Lover

I have a new lover. No, you don't have to worry that my husband is going to visit this blog and heave himself off the nearest high precipice. My new lover is from Chanel and it's a shade of Rouge Allure lipstick.

For ages I have wanted to be one of those people who could wear red lipstick, but all the shades I had found had always looked too orange or just too cheap. As a fair-skinned woman red is quite a statement, so it is really important to get the right shade.

I've tried quite a few shades from some of my favourite cosmetic brands, but haven't been happy with the outcome. I've always known the 'Queen' of the red lipstick is Chanel so I popped past the counter at David Jones on the weekend to see what they had in store. 

After telling her I was looking for a blue-based red (ideal for fair skin and if you want to avoid that orange look) the lovely assistant presented me with a selection of shades to choose from. The ones she tried on me was the Rouge Allure in Lover and it was love at first sight. I've only had this since Saturday and I've already worn it three times. 

So are you a red lipstick aficionado or does the idea of bright red lips make you recoil in horror? We'd love you to share your experiences both good and bad. If you have a shade you love, make sure you share your tip with our readers in the comment field provided below. Don't worry you can be anonymous, so your husband will never know!

A Terrifying Experience

As I got out of the car my palms were sweaty and my knees quacked just a little bit. Who knew what was going to happen when I walked through that door? I was about to go through that horrible experience that women everywhere face at some point - going to a new hairdresser.

I received the horrible news a few weeks ago. I rang my regular salon to book in with my hairdresser only to be told she was no longer with the salon. No amount of pleading, wailing or cash incentives (maybe I made that last one up) could sway the stalwart receptionist into telling me where my old hairdresser had gone. So I hung up. Since then my hair has continued to get longer, messier and my regrowth has started to look like balayage.

Then last week I was asked to write a story for The West Australian that was going to involve me being photographed, so I had no choice but to finally had to bite the bullet and confront my fear. Calling the salon again, I ate humble pie and politely asked for them to book me in with a new hairdresser.

I won't bore you with all the details of what went on during that fateful three hours (sitting in a hairdressers chair for three hours is boring enough without reading about it as well) but despite some initial misgivings - the hairdresser had her fingernail tips painted glittery gold - I didn't leave the salon with a lopsided do or horrifying orange streaks. The cut is not too short and not too long and hasn't left me with the triangle shape do every curly-haired woman fears. The hairdresser's careful application of fine foils in three different colours resulted in a soft and natural look. Today I am breathing a giant sigh of relief.

Not only did I survive the experience unscathed (this time) but my husband commented the cut made me look like Jennifer Aniston. I may have found a new hairdresser.

Now it's your turn to share your horrifying hair stories. Have you been forced into a new salon by a cruel twist of fate only to have the best haircut of your life or have you had a truly unimaginable hair disaster?

New Product: iPhone Now in White

I am kind of glad I haven't got around to ordering my new iPhone 4 as Apple have just released the phone in white. Ever since I saw a white iPhone in an episode of Cashmere Mafia I had wished I had bought a white iPhone instead of a black one. Now it looks like I'll get my chance.

New Trend: Nailing It

While neon bright nails were the hot thing during summer, now the weather has finally cooled down in Perth it's time to pop those yellows and pinks back in the cupboard. During autumn/winter the key look for your nails will be darker and much more dramatic.

Striking shades of jewel-toned copper, wine and berry red take centrestage, while the deepest, darkest shades of green, gray and chocolate also have their turn in the limelight. Red lovers can also rejoice, for endless shades of red, with gold and other metallic undertones and duo-chrome finishes, will abound this season. 

My personal favourite nail polish brand ZOYA (I love that they release new on trend colours each season) have already released two new ranges for autumns called Wicked and Wonderful that capture all these trends. The Wicked collection is all about shimmer and metallics while Wonderful is a range of more luxurious cream tones. The colours range from Carrie Ann (metallic scarlet red) to Kelly (creamy grey with purple undertones). Personally, I really like the look of the Wonderful range (below).

They retail for $17 a bottle or $90 for the full six from either the Wicked or Wonderful range. www.zoya.com.au

What's your favourite polish at the moment and do you wear it on your hands, toes or both?

Going wild for wood

At the moment designers are going wild for wood and not just for homewares, we're also seeing it in furniture, wallpaper and laminates and fashion won't be far behind. In the coming months we're going to be seeing a lot of wood and natural based products (think products like cork) in homewares stores and featured in interesting ways at our fashion boutiques from shoe heels to jewellery.

According to the talented style moguls I interviewed recently for an article in The West Australian about designEX, light woods in particular are going to be hot, hot, hot.

Pictured: Baskets from Laura Ashley, Dakota wedges from Betts, Concept chair from Globe West, Necklace from Lovisa and new wood laminate from Laminex. 

A New Range from Oroton

Introducing you to the new Lido woven patent collection from Oroton. It's a new release collection and it's available now.

On an impulse

We all do things on an impulse from time to time and for many women that translates to impulse shopping. On Saturday I went shopping for a few essentials (Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows on Bluray) and a new pair of ballet flats and instead bought this $250 Bless'ed are the Meek jacket from Live.

As much as I loved it, by the time I got home I was already suffering from buyers remorse. It was definitely stunning, but was it for me? Was I got to look like mutton dressed as lamb whenever I wore it or even worse, never actually wear it?

Of course, then I had to wear it immediately. So I spent Saturday night at a bar feeling very hot (and I don't mean in the sexy 'I am so hot' way but the 'I think my eyeballs are going to melt' kind of way). To my relief, I received no less than three compliments on the jacket.

So now I want to know, what impulse items have you bought lately? Did you regret the buy and decide to take it back or did it become the best purchase you'd ever made?

Style Watch: Six Hot Trends

Now the cooler weather is finally here it is finally time to hit the shops. If you've been so busy wearing sundresses and shorts you've got no idea what's coming for the new season, don't worry! To make your shopping a little easier, we are sharing stylist Katrina Cinanni's top trend inspirations for autumn/winter. 

She's taken a practical budget-conscious shopper and picked her top trends from Centro Galleria's new winter fashion catalogue, so everything is available here in WA. There definitely something to suit every style from the bombshell to the career girl. Happy shopping!

The Bombshell 

The Mad Men inspired Bombshell collection shows off your feminine side. Old school glamour returns in the form of 50s inspired under garments, demure dresses, pencil skirts and femme fatale red lipstick. She’s the head turning, refined lady who epitomises old world, movie star glamour. 

Celebrity style: Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Scarlett Johansen, Christina Hendrix and January Jones in Mad Man. 

Fragrance: Floral overtones with base notes of sandalwood and vanilla, Chanel #5. 

The Revolutionary 

Tough chic for tough chicks. Military inspired jackets are this season’s must have item. Khaki and army prints are big in pants, belts and shoes. Skinny cargos are giving leggings a run for their money. This girl is a force to be reckoned with and embraces life. Her clothes reflect her – they have purpose and an edge. 

Celebrity style: Angelina Jolie

Fragrance: Intense with base notes of musk and over tones of Jasmine, Hugo Boss Deep Red. 

The Career Girl 

Basic powerhouse dressing with tailored lines. The look is strong and bold, perfect for climbing the corporate ladder - this girl knows exactly where she’s heading. She’s professional, classy and stylish. 

Celebrity style: Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada or local girl Jessica Marais as Rachael Rafter in “Packed to the Rafters”. 

Fragrance: Oceanic, clean and modern smelling. Ralph Lauren Cool.

The Party Girl 

The Party Girl knows fashion should be fun. The look is leggy and long, with sky-high heels, opaque stockings and cheeky minis. This look is full of charisma, playfulness and of course sexy. 

Celebrity style: Blake Lively.

Fragrance: Britney Spears, Fantasy.

 The Action Woman 

The latest trends in sportswear. From the gym attire to trekking, camping to roller-skating looks! 

Celebrity style: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston. 

Fragrance: Fruits with Citrus undertones, Happy by Clinique.

The Bohemian 

Relaxed layers with accents of leather and lace, vests and accessories. Creative and artistic layered outfits, her clothes reflect the layers of her life and mixing looks from all eras. 

Celebrity style: Sienna Miller, Nicole Ritchie. 

Fragrance: Exotic with musk and cedar undertones, Shalimar by Guerlain.



Model: Pippa Hood, Stylist: Katrina Cinanni, Hair & Make up: Bobby Bujisic

New Range: Just Jeans Maternity

Being pregnant is hard enough without struggling to find stylish clothes that fit. I think it's great that this season Just Jeans has released a range of maternity jeans. The jeans come in three different styles and five different colours and are low ride so they sit comfortably under your belly.

Luxe to Less: Laptop Cases

A great way to add a bit of style to your business day is with an edgy laptop case that says something about your personality. Here are a few great cases do you get your imagination going. The images above are from Net-a-Porter and are as follows from right to left: Alexander McQueen skull print (£213), Vivienne Westwood derby tartan (£123), Burberry embossed patent leather (£226) and Marc by Marc Jacobs jumble-embossed neoprene (£38).

The laptop cases pictured below are - believe it or not - from Jay Jays and are quirky affordable options although more suitable for less corporate professions.

Reopening of DJs Claremont

On Saturday David Jones Claremont Quarter will have their grand reopening complete with a special appearance by the stunning Megan Gale. The renovations have taken 24 months but the new store is now 85% bigger and includes two new floors of fashion and beauty and a new home store.

In case you are planning to check it out, here are all the details of what will be happening and when.

Saturday 19 February
8:45am – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with special guest Megan Gale
All day – M.A.C Eye or Lip Makeovers
10am – Megan Gale instore appearance
1pm & 3pm – Fashion Parade with Nicole Trunfio and Samantha Harris

Sunday 20 February
All day – M.A.C Eye or Lip Makeovers
1pm & 3pm – Fashion Parade

The store will be open on Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday from 10am to 5pm, so plenty of time to check it out. 

Are you planning to head down for a look or can you think of nothing worse than beating off hundreds of fashion-crazed women with a big designer stick? If you do go along, make sure you pop back here and let us know your thoughts. Were the renovation worth the wait or are there some things that could have been done better?