Hire her

Hire her by simplastic featuring opi nail polish

Mango sleeveless shirt / Witchery linen blazer, $200 / Just Cavalli bootcut jeans, $135 / Boutique 9 leather shoes / Bardot oversized handbag, $37 / Bardot collar jewelry, $24 / Dorothy Perkins / Ray-Ban wayfarer sunglasses / Tech accessory, $57 / OPI nail polish, $26 / Areaware - Universal Hand Dock, $105 / Instacanv.as Photo by simplasticity

Laundry disco day- Make the Mundane AMAZING

I give you a challenge:
Find a way to make the mundane amazing.
For the simplest of tasks, there is a chance to play, be it with fashion or to blend your loves into your day.

• Do laundry with music blasting, your own party to look forward to.
  
• Make cleaning your fishtank a chance for a photoshoot and get some instagram fame from your fishy friends.
  
• Sing at the top of your lungs as you vacuum, no one can hear you.
  
• Have a dusting hunt with a friend, whoever has the cleanest duster is stuck with the dishes (to the death!).
  
• Dance your way from one side of the house to the other as you clean, burn a few calories in the process.
  
• Gets kids to help with safe tasks (if you have them and they're willing). The cute factor of a tot with a feather duster is numbing and they learn through role play. Make it exciting! WHOA, cracking walnuts!
  
• Challenge yourself- try to break your best time, cook a new recipe, learn how to clean without chemicals, just keep it fresh and try to wander away from Pinterest into the real world every now and then.
  
• Share the load- most people love to feel important and help (within reason). It's more fun with a friend (unless you're a hermit with an audiobook).

What about you, what do you do to beat the housework humbugs?

3.1 Phillip Lim scoop neck top / Stella McCartney / Stella McCartney lingerie panty / theyskens' theory velvet shorts, $335 / Converse / Vera Bradley handbag / Betty Jackson. Black bangle bracelet, $12 / Amrita Singh turquoise jewelry / Nail lacquer, $12 / Music Notes on Graph, Custom Ceramic Mosaic / Disco Tiles Aqua sticker heart, $7.29

Navy- How do you wear it?

Sailor suits, boat shoes, stripes and sack bags, oh my!
Looks like it's 'anchors away' on this trend in 2013.

Dabble in a little navy or brave the white pant.
Button up and give it a little modern feel with coloured metallics, wedges and prints.

Just be wary of wandering around like a lost sailor moon cosplayer and be sure to pack it with an edgy or girlie punch (think baby pink or a metallic Burberry trench).

Cowl neck sweater, $225 / Wallis collar sweater / Vero Moda blue blazer, $36 / Raoul / Lauren Ralph Lauren ralph lauren pants, $170 / By Malene Birger black pleated skirt / Trasparenze black tight, $31 / Wolford pantyhose, $23 / Stripe socks, $13 / Sperry Top-Sider wide shoes / 80%20 wedge heels / Esquivel lace up heels, $345 / Long necklace / Antique jewelry / Club Manhattan long earrings, $26 / I Like Birds anchor jewelry, $29 / Kate Spade / Bow earrings, $13 / Meredith Wendell / SELECTED striped scarve, $39 / Tech accessory / Gold hair accessory / Sports eyewear / Neff Sailor Beanie / Converse Jack Purcell Boat Shoe Ox, $78 / MAC Cosmetics lip makeup, $22 / MAC Cosmetics / MAC Cosmetics lip pencil, $23 / Pluto Scented Candle Sailor, $5.61 / Sailor Girl Iconic Velour Daydreamer / NAPSAC 6 Gallon Sack

Style icons- Which one will you be?

What is a style icon?
It could be a stranger on the street, someone you know or even a celebrity.

What they all have in common is this:
They have the ability to wear (or not wear) clothes which is striking and memorable.
They may turn heads and start trends, breaking all the right rules.

Think Twiggy, Anna Wintour, Grace Kelly, Lady Gaga, James Dean, Madonna and Brigitte Bardot, Rachel Zoe.
They all took a chance to secure their own styles.

What we choose to wear and how we wear it defines our style.
Daring to try something new, against the norm is what makes an icon.

"Find what works for you and stick with it.
Be inspired, but creative.".

Trends come and go, but knowing what suits you and your body best can define your style.
There are two easy ways to highlight your own:

Simplicity:

An item placed against a blank background stands out much more than one in a cluttered scene.
Make one stand out piece (cut, makeup or even accessory) in your outfit the star, with clean cut pieces and minimal (or similar) colours.
Sticking to simple shades, such as black, white and grey for your background can also make your outfit more adaptable throughout the day for different social occasions.
Your signature, be it flared pants, bright eyeshadow, a headband, puff sleeves, delicate chains or even your favourite colour can be incorporated subtly in to any outfit with a little imagination.

Eccentricity:

There's no mistaking that style, it's yours alone. You have an ancient traditional garment mixed with the latest metallic hybrid material, or you have more vests than teeth, from fringed to floral.
These are examples of style fusion, history and interpretation.
It's all about mixing your discoveries up, breaking moulds in a fluid fashion of trial and (hopefully few) errors.
These are the amazing people who thought beetroot + necklace + Vintage dress and made it work in their own way.

No matter what level you take it to, whether you sport neon specs or care to clash your prints, it's a fun form of expression and experimentation.

Make it recognisably you by with a memorable haircut or accessory.

Above all, whether you choose to be inspired by the girl next door or inspire with your own garb, have a blast, be comfortable and enjoy!

Abercrombie & Fitch vintage dress / Lace up peep toe booties / ASOS , $40 / Gold jewelry, $145 / Accessorize carved ring / Monki , $13 / Tech accessory, $54

New years Resolution #1

Happy 2013!
What resolutions are you looking to follow in the new year?
Looking at the throwaway fashions of today, it's easy to get caught up in trends and bargain finds.
But what is a bargain?

It may be cheap, but is it the perfect colour, size, style that your heart was set on?
If the answer is no to any of these, put it down!
Put that wallet away!

There are so many choices in fashion today, anyone can cultivate their own style.
The things to remember are what you love to wear and what suits you.
Do you feel comfortable in boot leg jeans? Is arm candy your thing? Do you love to adorn your hair?
It's your own special mix of recognising (in a long term view) your own likes and dislikes which can really make your personality shine through.

Wardrobe planning, no matter how simple can save you a lot of frustration and potentially money.
Look for colours which compliment your skin tone, basics you can mix and match and stand out accessories you're excited to tote about.

Be prepared to invest in well made pieces (within your price range) rather than speed through a few poor fitting or inferior alternatives simply because they're going cheap.
Here less is more, get rid of clothes you'll never fit into again, fix stained, holy or ripped items, or give them the flick.
A good system of maintenance is as you bring one item in, one must go to make room.
Consider this as you shop the sales.
Make sure it's comfortable, functional and above all, trade a cluttered wardrobe for one you can't wait to dive into.

Dorothy Perkins peach top, $27 / Mango pants / Lilly Pulitzer t strap wedge sandal / Cheap Monday / Chloé bangle bracelet, $290 / Knitted scarve / Stella McCartney logo sunglasses / Moooi Altdeutsche Wardrobe, $8,105

Oh, the places you'll go

Is 2013 your time to travel?

No matter if your journey takes you 20,000 miles away or simply 2, here are a few things to consider before you leave:

1. Cultural sensitivities: A quick check before you leave to see if you might be breaking any laws or taboos can be the entire difference between a good trip and bad. Sites like Australia's www.smarttraveller.com.au can help point you in the right direction.

2. Home away from home: Make sure your home will be looked after while you're gone. Arrange for someone to look after any pets if you cannot take them with you. A drip system for plants, a holiday feed food block for fish and a friend willing to pop by and check everything's okay are invaluable.
Take care of any food which may spoil before you return, make sure all rubbish bins are empty and your power points (excluding the fridge of course) are turned off.

3. Emergency plan: Not essential, but consider an emergency plan an air bag if any problems arise in your trip.
Having some funds, contacts, alternative accommodation and even details of other travel services at your fingertips may put your mind at ease if any difficulties arise.

4. What to wear: Visitors to sunny Australia are often surprised upon arriving in Melbourne, Victoria, the city of 4 seasons in one day. Know the weather and season you will be arriving into and pack accordingly.
If you plan to pack small and buy as you go, remember that in some countries and areas, sizes vary and larger or smaller sizes may not be available to suit all shapes (especially important in the case of undergarments and footwear).

5. You don't have to plan it all: Having a little time to explore without direction can lead you to the most amazing places.
Remember to make sure you're not wandering into danger, but when possible, live like a local, sample the cuisine, wear the garb, join in the celebrations and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Studded collar blouse / FAIR+true bright tank, $47 / Stretch jeans, $130 / Scholl shoes / Cross body handbag, $72 / Beaded bracelet, $65 / Victorian necklace / Stella McCartney / Vintage Globe with Wooden Stand / Arthouse Meath Hand Printed Sketchbook, $9.61

Dinner party princess

So here in 2013, what is a great dinner party spread?
Well, tired of pasta I tried a spread of sushi, rice paper rolls and cold hoikken noodle salad.

Tofu-stuffed and all, my meat-eating friends devoured the vegan goodness and were happy to finish with a favourite, fresh strawberries smashed through vanilla icecream with salted caramel sauce.

Perhaps eating in is the new eating out?
I know which I prefer (except for the resulting dishes), how about you?

Calypso St. Barth oversized shirt / Dorothy Perkins linen pants / Vic Matie high heel booties / Irregular Choice cross body shoulder bag / Earrings / Chloé bangle jewelry, $290 / Stella McCartney sunglasses / scottibe's Instacanv.as Gallery / Ana Spike Hairband

Who I want to be

This year I want to be fearless.
I want to LOVE what I wear.
I want to take pride in my appearance.
I want to be fitter.
I want to feel girly.
I want to be happy.
I want to be comfortable in my own skin.

What do you want for the new year?
p.s. Happy new year!

Sleeveless top / Lilly Pulitzer t strap wedge sandal / Ettika bracelet / Metal jewelry / Case-Mate , $56 / POPbeauty eyeshadow / Beauty Is Life blush / Canmake / Freeform Glass 12 in. x 12 in. Javaher Glass Mesh-Mounted Mosaic... / Vegetable Set

Dear Father Christmas..

This Christmas I made a wish list:
Our family pooled our gift money so I could afford my dream phone (and it was worth every penny) so I can enjoy being more productive and in touch (and hopefully punctual).
Hubby-to-be gave me Richard Dawkins'- The magic of Reality.

We were so thankful to be able to also gift to charity this year.

Our little boy had gift after gift from so many family and friends, but on christmas day, he asked if there was another gift, one for our family to share.
This just touched my heart.
I'm glad we were able to pass on our values of what christmas means to us.
Celebration of life, joy, generosity, family and love.

Happy holidays.

Tech accessory / Red hair accessory / IKEA Ektorp / 18-Inch Santa Tree Topper with Vintage White and Gold Fabric Robe / The 3Ds of love twofer throw pillow, $75 / Waterford Holiday Heirlooms Lismore 60th Brilliance Star Ornament / Waterford Annual Dated Lismore 60th Ball Ornament, 2012 / Waterford Lismore 60th Brilliance Star Ornament / Glitter Bird Clip Decoration, $3.23 / Victorian Globe Minnie and Mickey Mouse Ornament / Kim Seybert Ivory Bead Burst Ornament / Waterford Beaded Lace Ruby Ball By Jim O'leary / Dear Santa: Wish List 12 x 12 Double-Sided Paper / Set of 3 Yellow Adirondack Chair Footrest and Side Table / The Anthropic Cosmological Principle (Oxford Paperbacks) / Pier One Gold Glass String Lights

You fool, you think I'm beautiful

Me, this one little soul on a big bad crowded planet, I think that our differences make us beautiful.
When hubby-to-be and I produce photographs, make coffee or even describe the same event, it's so amazingly different, but compatible by a mutual understanding of the love of photography, coffee and having fun.

So you, random stranger whom did somehow stumble upon this rambling blog, what makes you beautiful?
What are your strengths, and your little weaknesses?
What inspires your heart?
That's pure beauty, let it shine and love may find you.

Corset top / Lumiani / Vera Bradley handbag / Paula Mendoza 24 karat gold jewelry / Isharya pearl earrings, $515 / Ray-Ban eyewear, $245 / By Terry lip makeup / Lyons Classroom Guitar / Dtla photograph, photo of Los Angeles, LA skyline at sunset, downtown... / Photography Set

My dream room

Funnily enough, this looks very similar to my lounge room at the moment.
It's nice to have an idea to build on.
I love a minty feel to a room, along with the crispness of white and natural finishes.

shu uemura mint green eyeshadow / 20 Dark Gray Color Bodhi Leave Special With Pollen Flower Fairy Lights... / Momeni Lil Mo Whimsy LMJ-6 Ivory Area Rug / Blissliving Home 'gemini Citron' Pillow / 1B. Solid Wood Carved Storage Armoire Wardrobe Closet Shelf / Wake Up Frankie Organza Window Panels (Pair) click for more colors! / Manchester Chaise

Watch your wallet, my heart's set on Paris.

If I were a gold digger..

Lipsy embroidery shirt, $65 / Boucle jacket / BCBG Max Azria mini skirt, $160 / Leather high heels / Miu Miu handbag / Yves Saint Laurent chain link necklace / Gem jewelry, $8.95 / Wing jewelry / Delft Blue 6 Vase, $945 / Pip Studio Pink Rose Print Soup Plate, $17 / Oilo - Cohen Glider

Clucky me

I'm lucky enough to be a mum of a beautiful, amazing 3.5 year old.
He turned to me the other day and asked me when I was having another baby.
I told him I hadn't planned to. "So yours tummy is empty?". "Yes.".
He then leant in and kissed my tummy and hugged me.

....Just in case we change our minds.. here's my dream nursery, complete with Lucas' pawpaw ointment (a life saver for nursing mothers and also a handy lip balm or nappy cream).

Lounge Chair And A Half / Christiano Silver Picture Frame / Ethan Allen Emmett Night Table/Chest / cornfields rug 1128590, $525 / Cole & Son Wallpaper Woods Wallpaper, $110 / Trend Lighting Bfa8400 Brella Arc Floor Lamp, Silver / Designers Guild Rosecomb Blanket - Cobalt - 130x180cm, $77 / Aurora Rectangular Tray / Pier One Confetti Shag Rug - Bronze / OKA Jin Vase, $15 / Wedgwood & Bentley Riverton Low Tea Cup / Petunia Pickle Bottom 'glazed Weekender' Diaper Bag / White Giraffe Nightlight / Star Mobile - Gold - Modern Baby Crib Mobile - Nursery Decor / Elephant Pillow in Aqua and Cream / Lucas PawPaw Lucas Papaw, $12

Dirty Secrets

Okay, hello there everyone tuning in by cables and wireless signals across the globe.
We all have a dirty little secret, niggling our insides, nibbling at our integrity and peeking it's foul stinking head out when most inconvenient.
They're not the innocent little secrets, the dancing around singing into a hair brush to terrible tunes sort of secret, it's darker, the part of ourselves we don't want to admit to.

We all have it, the inner turmoil, violence, jealousy, hatred, bitterness.
The memories we want to disappear.
You're not alone.

Perhaps our shortcomings, our secrets, our forever untold stories have some morbid beauty in that they might hint to the juxtaposing forces of (if you will) the soul within.

Perhaps we are perfectly imperfect and there is some aesthetic in such dark beauty we may stumble upon to search to succeed, to love all of ourselves, not just the presentable selection.

That's enough talk (and wine) for tonight.
Let's put those skeletons back in a fabulous closet and endeavour to think fondly upon them as a learning step, a resource, or kindling for passion.

Sheer pleated skirt / High heel sandals / Glass jewelry / Streets Ahead cuff bracelet / PASIONAE emerald ring / Paula Mendoza 24 karat gold jewelry / Tech accessory, $55 / FORNASETTI illustrated wall lamp, $1,025 / Hexagon Malachite Box / Aeropostale Multi-Charm Cord Bracelet / Aqua aura quartz crystal 03 - The Crystal Healer

Angel

My favourite perfume is Theirry Mugler's Angel.
I love how it's fresh and warm, zesty and not too sweet.
What's your favourite perfume?

Cancerians

Inspired by those born June 22- July 22, under the sign of the crab.
Your power colour is Silver, your stone, a pearl and your ruling planet, the Moon.
Cancerians are excellent organizers with a good sense of value and economy which they may combine with a flair for inventiveness and originality. 

Body conscious dress / Coco's Fortune chiffon jacket, $48 / Giuseppe Zanotti ankle tie sandals / Links of London sterling silver charm / Post earrings / Georg Jensen stackable bracelet / Witchery wide brim hat, $52 / Turquoise, aqua, burnt orange art print "Sand Sea Sky III" square 8x8...