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christmas

Fashion

Christmas gift guide for the fashionista in your life

11th December, 2017

Whether it’s your mum, sister or best friend if you have a fashionista in your life, Christmas shopping can either be a) be all kinds of fun because you can also stumble upon some goodies for your wish list or b) is a gruelling expedition trawling online and bricks and mortar stores alike for days on end trying to find the right thing. If it’s the latter, this year I’m making shopping just that little bit easier. I’ve rounded up my top gift picks that will put a smile on any fashion-obsessed loved one’s face. So if you’re looking to win major brownie points and spoil someone rotten or just want a budget-conscious gift that’s still guaranteed to impress these gift ideas will certainly get the ball rolling…

Saint Laurent Jerry bow-tie sunglasses

Black sunglasses are a classic addition to any woman’s wardrobe however the geometric style frames on this pair make it a knockout accessory.

Aquazzura Forever Marilyn pumps

Who wouldn’t want to find a beautiful pair of shoes under the tree? These are classic with a hint of playfulness with the tassel embellishment and cut-out detail.

Balenciaga bug silver tone ring

You can never go wrong with a piece of jewellery. This is for the fashionista who loves her accessories to be a talking point.

Studio.W marbled candle

The marble trend shows no signs of waning and this will add a luxe touch to any home.

Gucci new ace leather trainers

Gucci anything is a surefire way to guaranteed gift giving success, most especially a pair of trainers that are versatile and ultra chic.

Katerina Makriyianni earrings

Let me say it once again: you can never go wrong with jewellery. The vibrant stones in these earrings make them the ideal head-turning addition to any outfit.

Chloé Nile small leather shoulder bag

This on-trend style is an ultra stylish shoulder bag that’s the perfect finishing touch to any ensemble.

Aquazzura powder puff pom pom slides

With its adorable pom pom feature, this is the ideal shoe for the woman in your life who loves to have fun with what she wears.

Gucci leather wallet

A great wallet is always a welcome addition to any fashion lover’s wardrobe. Loving the floral detail on this style.

Vix bikini top + briefs

A black bikini is a beach staple and with its gold detail, this set by Vix will add a touch of glam to any trip to the seaside.

Ancient Greek slides

Slides are without a doubt one of the shoes to have this summer. Ancient Greek sandals are not only comfortable and well made, this particular shade will go with virtually any outfit.

Jo Malone London body crème collection

Cute packaging and gorgeous scents make this body crème collection a Christmas crowd pleaser.

Fashion, Shop

13 outfits to get you through party season

15th December, 2016

Are your days becoming a blur of parties and endless social gatherings? The festive season is one of my favourite times of year but I know it can also be a tricky time as far as outfits go. So many occasions, so little time to shop! I shared my top tips for party dressing last week to help make things a little easier and now I’ve hand picked some of my favourite party dresses to help making shopping that much easier. Have fun!

Lifestyle, Shop

Christmas decorating with Etsy

13th December, 2016

One of my favourite parts about Christmas is decorating and now having both Sophia and Grace, it’s nice to be able to make our home as festive as possible for them. At the same time I also like decorations to complement the interior of our home and this is where Etsy has come in handy. For anyone who has ever lost a few hours trawling all the beautiful crafts and homewares on the site you’ll know that it’s the perfect spot to find just the right decorations to suit any taste or budget. I’ve stocked up on a few things so I’m now all set to add some festive touches to our home and here are some of the top tips I’ve picked up along the way…

You don’t have to stick to Christmas colours

Red and green are synonymous with Christmas but they’re not exactly hues that will work with every home colour scheme. I am all about neutral tones and I’ve found that Etsy have some great Christmas decors in that colour palette that will look ideal with the rest of my house. Don’t be afraid to step away from the traditional Christmas hues for something a bit different.

Find things that you can use all year

If you use a white table cloth or decorations in gold such as gilded cutlery for your Christmas table it can be reused throughout the year so it’s not just limited to a single season. However adding elements such as kraft paper Christmas crackers will ensure you maintain the festive vibe.

Add personal touches

I love anything that’s personalised so am planning to extend it to my Christmas decorations. For example personalised name cards are a great addition to a festive table and is something that guests can take home as a souvenir. A Christmas plate with your kids’ names or glassware are also a nice way to add a personalised festive touch. Christmas gift stickers with your name are also a great for turning ordinary wrapping into something a bit more special. Also make sure to think outside the box when it comes to decorations – I found the personalised tags below in the Etsy wedding section!

You don’t have to go big to make an impact

I live in an apartment so I don’t want massive decorations that I have to store for the rest of the year. I like small things that still give the Christmas effect and give a visual impact without taking up too much room. This is where cute Christmas tree ornaments or a rustic wreath or garland can work around the home. The difficult part is just deciding which ones to buy!

Lifestyle

The 3 things I’m doing with my kids this Christmas

8th December, 2016

kids

Now that I have the girls and my brother has two kids, Christmas for us is all about the kids. I think it’s really nice having young children running around on Christmas Day as it really helps to bring the spirit of the season to life. Whilst Grace is still a baby and is a bit too young to understand what’s going on, Sophia is old enough to know what Christmas is about so she’s getting more and more excited about it. Christmas was always such a great time of year with my family when I was growing up so I’m trying to ensure that it’s the same for my own. Here’s how I’m tackling the festive season with my children…

Start traditions 

I believe this is one of the things that kids remember the most about Christmas, it’s the little things that they always do with their family. For us it’s getting our Santa photo taken. We always go with my brother and his kids and we visit Santa and get a pic taken every year. It’s a nice memento to look back on as we’ve watched our family slowly grow.

This year’s Santa photo as a family of four

Quality not quantity 

This is the first year that Sophia is understanding the concept of Santa and that he brings presents if you’re a good girl. It’s really exciting seeing her getting so excited about it. I don’t like to go too crazy around Christmas time as I don’t want to spoil my kids with a million gifts but this year, Sophia has told me many times that she wants Santa to bring her an Elsa doll so I’ll definitely be trying to get my hands on one. I think it’s all about looking for one gift that she’ll really love as opposed to several things that she may lose interest in.

Get them involved 

I’ve ordered a tree and we’ve already put the lights up at home and we have stockings with the girls’ names on it so we do like to create quite a festive atmosphere at home. As the years go on I think we’ll get the girls involved with this process. For now, we we’ll try to include Sophia in the Christmas preparations such as making gingerbread houses or wrapping some of the presents. I think getting involved in the lead up to the festivities is half the fun!

How are you getting your kids involved during the Christmas season?

Fashion, Shop

The gift hub that’s making Christmas shopping easier for fashion fans

7th December, 2016

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The countdown is on to Christmas and I’m well and truly in shopping mode. I am quite a frequent visitor to Matches Fashion throughout the year and have definitely made a purchase or two so I was excited to discover their Gift Studio. I’m all about anything that makes life easier during this busy time of year and this certainly makes gift buying a cinch! The edit on the Matches site is always top notch, and they always stock my favourite designers so I know I’m guaranteed to find something perfect, but to make it easier to locate the ideal present, the dedicated Christmas hub narrows down present ideas into different categories, price range and style so it serves up just the right list of suggestions. It really takes the stress out of shopping. Plus if you’re a little short on time to gift wrap you’ll be glad to hear that every package comes in their signature marbled packaging so you don’t have to worry about wrapping. The packaging is so beautiful so it’s guaranteed to impress and their delivery times are super quick so if you’ve left things to the last minute, don’t worry, it’s not too late!

Here are some standout gifts that I’m sure will put a smile on someone’s face (I know I’ve bookmarked them for myself)…

Statement shoes

Whether it’s Aquazurra’s iconic Wild Thing sandals or Valentino’s beautiful Rockstud leather mules Matches’ shoe selection will satisfy any shoe addict. Flats don’t need to be boring these day either so I ordered a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood backless loafers.  These shoes are just the right style to ensure whoever receives them will get plenty of use out of them whilst still making a head-turning statement.

Bold jewellery

One huge trend at the moment is statement jewellery. The bolder the better. Whether it’s a pair of Gucci pearl-effect earrings or a gorgeous gold cuff any woman would be pleased to see something so special under the tree on Christmas morning.

Embellished bag

Gucci have really nailed it this season, especially when it comes to bags. The Dionysus embellished bag is the stuff designer dreams are made of. It’s gorgeously artistic and completely striking and is the type of wardrobe addition that will certainly impress.

Sunglasses

I’ve mentioned my love of sunglasses previously and I think they make a great gift. Whatever the style, beautiful frames are the perfect way to update an outfit and are a summer staple.

Lingerie

Why not treat yourself to beautiful lingerie? It’s the ultimate indulgence but oh-so right when it’s as pretty as this.

Accessories 

Whether it’s a Dolce & Gabbana iPhone case or a hot pink Givenchy card holder a mini designer hit is the kind of gift that is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of anyone receiving it.

 

 

 

Beauty, Shop

The fail-safe Christmas gift I love to give and receive

28th November, 2016

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Christmas is just around the corner so I’ve already started to compile a list of gift ideas for my friends and family. I’ve found the one kind of gift that is always a definite people pleaser are beauty gifts. I tend to buy my mum beauty products as presents and I have to admit I love receiving them too. Plus they’re the kind of present that is suitable for everyone from your closest girlfriend to your mother-in-law, so it solves the problem of having to wrack your brain trying to find the ideal gift.

I know it can be tricky sometimes trying to pinpoint the right beauty product to give to a particular person which is why I particularly love the special Christmas gift sets that are released at this time of year. I always tend to gravitate towards them as they’re always beautifully packaged, contain a perfectly curated edit of products and they last long after Christmas is over, so the person receiving it will be able to enjoy it for quite awhile. This year, I’ve got my eye on SK-II’s Festive Sets, especially the Ageless Beauty Set which includes their famed Facial Treatment Essence. I’ve used the products myself so I know that whoever finds the set under the tree on Christmas Day will be quite pleased! The set also comes with SK-II RNA Moisturiser, SK-II RNA Eye Cream and SK-II Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask so it’s like an entire skincare regimen in one box.

If your Christmas shopping has already got underway I’d look to the beauty counter – you’re definitely guaranteed to find something that will impress!

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SK-II Ageless Beauty Festive Set, $399, is available at Myer, David Jones, Adore Beauty and Sephora

Photography: Sophia Athas

Fashion

Shop the look: Spoil him

21st December, 2015

Whether it’s your partner, brother, dad or a friend, here are some of my favourite gift options for the special guy in your life.

BACKPACK: The Hershel 

I think every guy needs a backpack. It’s a really good to use as carry-on luggage for a trip overseas or as way to take essentials to the gym. It’s a really handy item.

WATCH: Christian Paul

This is one of my faves from the Christian Paul collection. They’re unisex so if you give your partner this watch you can always have a borrow of it as well. It’s from the marble collection and it’s one of my faves.

SUNGLASSES: Tom Ford

You can never have too many sunnies for different occasions. This pair is great because they can be dressed up or down.

CUFFLINKS: Paul Smith

I think cufflinks are always a great gift option for men. My husband, my brother and my dad are always wearing cufflinks and they like to mix it up at times. It’s handy to have a classic pair but some fun ones are always good.

SHAVING KIT: Molton Brown

It’s always nice to give gifts to people that they wouldn’t buy themselves and I think there’s something luxurious about a shaving kit. I know my husband would be happy if he received something like this.

Beauty, Fashion, Fashion & Beauty

Shop the look: Gifts under $500

16th December, 2015

If you’re stuck for ideas on what to buy your nearest and dearest this Christmas I’ve rounded up some great gift ideas that are sure to impress.

Candle: Fornasetti

A gorgeous candle is always a fail safe gift option – especially when it comes in such beautiful packaging. This is a great piece that could sit proudly on someone’s dressing table or coffee table.

Perfume: Balenciaga

I know some might worry about buying perfume for other people as it can be quite personal but I always feel gifting a new scent to someone is a great luxurious gift. Plus if they really don’t like it they can always regift it! This particular fragrance is one of my favourites, so much so that I wore it on my wedding day.

Sunglasses: Celine

I love getting gifted a new pair of sunnies. I think people are quite scared to buy sunglasses because they are quite personal but I think these days they’re such a fashion item that I think it’s okay to have multiple pairs and having another pair (especially Celine!) to add to the collection would be welcomed by most women.

Makeup Brushes: Charlotte Tilbury 

For the friend who is always on the go these travel-sized brushes are handbag-friendly and come in a fun pouch. I think quality makeup brushes are a really great gift as they’re a beauty essential.

Ring: Siren

Jewellery is always a really beautiful, sentimental gift to give to someone so if you’re looking for something a little bit more special, a ring like this is great.

Headphones: Frends Layla Headphones

Usually my rule with gift giving is to buy someone a present they wouldn’t necessarily buy themselves. I love these because earphones aren’t really the kind of thing at the top of people’s shopping list so they would be a welcome surprise to find under the Christmas tree. I know I’d be really excited to get a pair like these!

Fashion

My Christmas wish list

16th December, 2014

 

Here’s what I wouldn’t mind finding underneath the Christmas tree on December 25th!

Balenciaga Le Dix pochette leather clutch

I think a black clutch is a wardrobe essential. I love this particular clutch as it can be worn day and night and is perfect for all occasions.

Loren Stewart White-diamond & yellow-gold Baby Band ring

I really love the simplicity and elegance of this ring.

Dion Lee skirt

I’m all about pieces that can be mixed and matched with different styles and and this Dion Lee skirt can be worked back with so many items in my wardrobe and can be worn in the day and in the evening.

Zimmermann bikini

I always want a new bikini for Christmas with it being summer in Australia. Zimmermann is one of my favourite brands and for me I love simple swimwear. I don’t like too many bright colours, and I don’t like prints, I’m all about classic colours. I think navy is really beautiful in swimwear and it’s a classic cut which you can’t go wrong with.

Smythson notebook

I love Smythson stationery and I think a nice notebook always comes in handy in the new year.  I think a notebook is a great gift idea if you don’t want to spend a fortune.

Fendi sunglasses

I really want a new pair of sunnies for Christmas and I think these are definitely a stand out sunglass this season.

Gianvito Rossi heels

I’m all about a statement shoes and these would be a very welcome addition to my wardrobe!

What’s on your Christmas wish list?