There are so many cool things I am very lucky to do because of my blog and social networks.

Just before Christmas, assisting on this fashion shoot for Style Melbourne was one of them. Look at the divine pics (the second last one, all in black, is my fave) and have a look at all the talented people involved in putting it together. Check out Style Melbourne to see who all the pieces – clothes, jewelery and shoes – are by and where you can find them.

Photographer – 35mm Fashion Photography
Model – Siobhan @ London Management Group
Stylist – Lyndel Yeo with Sarah Willcocks
Hair stylist, make-up artist & manicurist – Trish Sousa
Beauty assistant – Olivia Lowden
Shoot assistant – Sarah Kempson
Location – The ‘Chancellor’ residences by Sunland

My thanks to Sarah at Style Melbourne for having me along for the day!

Now that the Christmas decorations have finally been put away, the die hard shoppers have gone through the sales and the new year diets have started, its time to start thinking back (or should I say ahead?) to the ‘real’ world and all the fabulous events within it.

This Saturday is the Jeep Portsea Polo, an event right up there with the Spring Racing Carnival as a must see on the social calendar.

I can see the frocks and pressed shirts already, and it looks like the sun might just shine on us for another day (unike my last visit to the polo!)

An event like the polo also calls for fabulous accessories and a high end timepiece could be just the thing to keep you in with the polo crowd. Whilst cradling a champers and cheering on the horses, nothing says style more than a Daniel Wellington watch. Besides the words ‘classic’ and ‘sophisticated’ springing to mind, a Daniel Wellington piece is practical and stylish. 

The red, navy and white of the Classic Canterbury Lady oozes awesome and I look forward to pairing mine with a navy dress and chic flats on Saturday. 

If you didn’t get what you really wanted for Christmas, pick up a Daniel Wellington for 15% off by using the discount code ‘sarah’ at the checkout (valid til Jan 31st!).

See you at the Polo on Saturday!

For most, today is the first day back at work for 2013 and as a collective sigh goes up from the masses, we should really be looking at this as an opportunity – an opportunity to start afresh and look at ways in which we can be more positive and productive.

Most of us look at the big things in our lives we can change – our jobs, living situations, plan a holiday or finally get around to doing something we always promised we would. But what if for one second, we looked at the little things we can change that make a big difference? What if it was just as simple as taking off your make up before you went to bed?

A recent study by Blackmores, the Blackmores MORE survey, revealed that taking time out for the small things does impact positively on our mood. Imagine waking up in the morning and not having your first thought be, ‘urgh, should have taken my make up off last night!’ as you cringe at your reflection in the mirror.

The study showed less than half of the respondents had cleansed their skin in the past two weeks – a distaster of epic proportions over the festive season. Not only are your pores going to bed all clogged up, but the combination of that with excessive alcohol and food intake? I’m sure there are more than a few sporting tired and sad looking skin this January.

Once you are in a pattern on not removing your make up, it can be hard to break. A good start is to get a spa treatment (only 23% of respondents has been to the spa recently!) – a facial and a manicure, then use this as your starting point to spend ten minutes every night looking after your skin. The you of tomorrow will be grateful, and the you in fifty years time will be SUPER grateful!!

And finally, if you have taken the time to take off your face in the evening, take the time to put it on in the mornings!!! 1 in 5 survey respondents revealed that they applied make up in the car on the way to work. Seriously? Not only is this dangerous, but chances are you’ll end up with an uneven skin tone and lipstick across your cheek. Its 10 minutes guys – spend a little time on you!! 

There is utterly no reason why you can’t use today – Day 1- as your starting point and look after yourself better in 2013. Whether its something as small as taking off your make up, or something bigger (like finding a new job closer to home so you have the time to apply the make up in the mornings), 2013 is all about new beginnings. What are your resolutions to look after yourself better?

WIN: To help you start the year off right, I have a Blackmores pack to giveaway (as pictured). Just comment on the post! Drawn 5pm January 11. Good Luck!

Approximately ten months ago, I told my family I was running away to Canada. My 2012 wasn’t going quite the way I wanted it to – I was making myself sick with stress and anxiety, and I felt like the only way I could escape my situation was to run away.

Those of us commonly known as adults will realize however that running away doesn’t solve any of our problems. It simply puts them aside, allowing them to wait patiently for our return in order to reappear, worse than before.

My decision to run away was hindered by a small cost issue (do you know how much travel insurance is for two months in Canada!?) and I had to face up to the fact that my life was going nowhere in a hurry if I chose to stay on the path I was travelling.

I imagine that many of you had these moments in 2012, so I want to tell you there is a way to make 2013 better. And running away isn’t it.

I recently heard a psychic making predictions for 2013, advising which star signs were destined for happiness and success, and which would struggle, but the most poignant thing she said (and quite possibly the most accurate) was that it didn’t matter what the stars said – we each make our own luck.

I believe I have had a very lucky year. Sure, it started badly but once I made a decision to eradicate the things from my life that were making me miserable, wonderful things began to happen. And while I’d like to believe they were all part of the plan of the way it’s meant to be, I also can’t help but think that I worked damn hard for those things, and actively decided I wanted them.

I left a job that was keeping me up nights for one that made me smile when I got up to go to work. And while that one wasn’t right for me either, it paved the way for me to go out and try things on my own.

After almost a decade of being single, I set myself the challenge of going on five dates in five weeks and while I was looking for strangers to have dinner with, the one I was meant to be with waited patiently until I could see what (or whom, rather) was in front of me the whole time.

With nearly three and a half years of blogging and writing under my belt, I continued to write the things that I like; pieces that I hope make you laugh, smile or even shed a tear. And if you happen to want to assist with keeping our country’s retail sector alive too, then all the more reason for me to write about the fashion scene in Melbourne.

I travelled to Daylesford, Mt Hotham, Echuca, Brisbane, Phillip Island and Sydney this year. I watched my football team lose a grand final. I moved house, bought a car and met some of the most amazing people I am lucky to call friends.

And none of this would have happened if I had run away to Canada. So on the eve of 2013, I ask you – what do you really want? Do you want to run away from the aspects of your life that might not be working out? Or do you want to work out why they make you less than amazing, and then do something to eradicate the negativity.

You are the only one who can change your life. Stop believing that one day ‘the way it’s meant to be’ will just happen and start doing.

I’ve always disliked the number 13, but I feel like 2013 has to be good for something. Let’s make magic happen.

Happy New Year readers!

With our weather the way it is, the nights of curling up and getting a good eight hours are now a few months behind us. But, if you have to be up in the middle of the night – be it sneaking a midnight snack, checking out infomercials or waiting up for Santa, you mayaswell look good.

My fave sleepwear brand, Sleep’n Round, are having a little pre Christmas sale and you can enjoy it even if you’ve finished your Christmas shopping (but I am open to additional pressies should you still feel the need to give).

This weekend, you can get 10% off storewide. Simply become a facebook friend of the Sleep’n Roundcrew, mention you saw this blog post or pick up a voucher handed out on Chapel Street by the gorgeous Sleep’n Round models. 

How often do we see a celeb wearing something, ooh and ahh over it in a magazine (or judge hideously) and then wish there was somewhere we could find (or afford) the same piece?

Knowing that everything Kate Middleton wears from TopShop sells out in two minutes is evidence enough that the celebrity endorsement juggernaut isn’t going anywhere in a hurry, and I’m sure this was enough to inspire a line of clothing inspired by the A listers themselves.

That Famous Look is all about making it affordable to dress like the celebs you love. From Audrey and Grace’s classic ensembles, to the more modern stylings of Kate Moss and Eva Longoria, That Famous Look takes their coolest street looks and turns them into your favourite wardrobe pieces.

As a massive fan of Gossip Girl, both Blair and Serena’s wardrobes are droolworthy, which is why I love their famous looks. Leighton Meester and Blake Lively do know how to rock a frock!

Whether sailor or skater, both of these dresses represent a look inspired but their famous characters – wear them and perhaps you’ll snare a Chuck Bass (or a Dan Humphrey!).

You can find That Famous Look exclusively online, with free shipping to Australia and a super special Christmas offer – 20% off everything! (Until Dec 23).

That Famous Look also bring you looks and news from the celebrity world on their social media channels – Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

WIN your very own Serena Van Der Woodsen inspired skater dress! The ‘inspired by Blake as Serena dress’ is a size 10 and can be yours, simply by commenting below – who inspires your look? Entries close Dec 20 and the winner will be drawn by random selection on Dec 21 at 9am, and notified via email. Australian entries only. Good Luck!

On my recent trip to Daylesford, I was blessed to have the time to sit and actually read a magazine, rather than just fleetingly looking at the pictures before something more important popped up, and it seems I have been a little out of the loop? Why has no one told me about boohoo.com???

Boohoo.com is one of the UKs leading online websites, delivering affordable, on trend fashion to the world and the all important free shipping to Australia makes it all the more worthwhile.

I lost my boohoo virginity this week, and wanted to share with you the awesomeness of the pieces I procured. The guys at boohoo are right up with the fact that its summer in Oz and were not shy in showing me all the cool things on offer (plus they have a section for schoolies!) – how about those neon nights?!

First up – these cute Lolly Floral Print Trousers. The comments section lets you see what other people who have purchased thought (a size up or down? What the fit is like?) and they are a STEAL at only $40! I’m teaming mine with a plain white boyfriend tee and heels. Now that you mention it, I do like those aqua stunners…..

My second purchase was this Roxy Brushed Knit Tie Dyed Midi Dress. When it arrived and I tried it on (love at first wear!) the pic I posted to instagram had the people calling me ‘Carrie’. It does seem like something our favourite fashion writer would wear after all! (And I don’t mind at all being compared).

I am lusting after everything in the neon collection and some of the party dresses would be amazing on a dance floor come New Years Eve.  Whether it’s a peplum or prom dress you are after – maxi or midi – boohoo has something that is sure to rock your world.

Bonus 25% off for students, free returns and their own mini magazine in the package too? Boo who? Boohoo.com (adding an .au will direct you to the Oz page!)

After such a spectacular high tea at Villa Parma, our party of five cruised onto our accommodation for the evening, the stunning Holly Lodge. This gorgeous home, part of the DayGet properties portfolio, is a four-bedroom estate (if you will) that comfortably housed five bloggers, but would also happily entertain a group of couples or a family.

Top: The entrance to Holly Lodge and Below: the ‘Paris’ room

Each of the bedrooms had a dedicated theme, which we promptly nicknamed, ‘The Paris Room’, ‘The Harpers Bazaar Room’, ‘The Cat Room’ and ‘The Retro Room’ based on their various décor. With a bathroom and reading nook attached to each, an ample kitchen, dining an living room, a library and quaint outdoor spaces, we could be forgiven for saying we were never going home.

Photographs were taken, much exploring done and a quick spot of supermarket shopping before we all settled around the dining table with a glass of bubbly and some girly chit chat. The fabulous Iolanthe from The Ruby Slipper cooked up a storm for dinner, and we dined al fresco, overlooking the luscious gardens in the twinkling candlelight.

Top: The indoor dining space at Holly Lodge and below: the outdoor dining space at Holly Lodge

Many champagnes and a cup of tea later, we each settled into our rooms, and enjoyed a brilliant nights sleep, before the gorgeous morning sunshine bought us together again for various morning activities.

Leeyong visited the market, Sarah took an early visit to the spa while Iolanthe went for a morning walk and Marianne and I went in search of coffee. We rendezvoused at the Peppers Mineral Spa Retreat shortly after, ready to be pampered and relax.

The Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat. Top: the Mineral Springs and Below: the topiary gardens the springs overlook

In bathers, robes and slippers, we padded through the tranquil facility to the Mineral Springs – three pools of water of varying temperatures. The Mineral Springs, at a comfortable 38 degrees and the plunge pool (at a chillier 20 degrees) are designed to be used together – into the warm, then the cool – to detox and rejuvenate the body and skin.

Various saunas and steam rooms add to the detox process, and I also took the time to lie on the day beds in the sun, overlooking the topiary garden. Finally, ten minutes on a very strange contraption that moves your ankles from side to side to encourage the realignment of the spine completed a blissful hour of relaxing.

We freshened up in the fully fitted out bathrooms (and I am surprised to say that considering our blogger backgrounds, we really did manage to travel relatively light!) and made our way to The Argus restaurant for lunch.

The Argus is a beautifully fitted out establishment, again on the grounds of Villa Parma, and you can expect a sophisticated menu with offerings from local producers. Chef David Willcocks does a splendid job of creating delicious meals and desserts!), not to mention the elderflower and lemon cordial offering put before us on arrival – divine!

Top: John Dory with harissa, chickpeas, yoghurt and mint. Below: Buttered popcorn, malt and caramel peanut

Feeling well and truly stuffed – as in full – and relaxed – as in relaxed – the five of us parted ways and we returned to the bright lights of the big city to remember with fondness our blogger getaway.

Our thanks to Chris and Wayne of Spa Country, the DayGet team, Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat and The Argus restaurant.

What is better than your Birthday, Christmas and Easter all rolled into one? Your very own wine launch party – and I was lucky enough to host one late last week.

As the winner of the Be. Wines Pinterest Launch Party Challenge, my party planning for the Be. Fresh themed launch took place on Thursday 29 November on the rooftop of Tonic House, on a balmy (39 degrees!) evening in Melbourne.

With Emma, drinking wine that match our dresses! (Image thanks to timothyburgess.net)

How did my day of preparation go? Pretty smoothly actually! I worked for the morning and stayed indoors, until my long time friend Emma came over to get ready with me around 3pm. In a haze of hairspray, curling tongs, heatproofing our make up and putting on our dresses, we were ready just after 4pm and settled into the couch with a glass of pre-party Be. to settle the nerves.

Of course our cab didn’t show up on time and I started panicking about being late to my own party. The horror! But as these things usually do, running behind is an artform in events and my timing was near perfect.

So much greenery! (Image thanks to Jennifer Estrada)

The rooftop looked amazing – from the butterflys on the way on the way through the foyer, to the topiary lady outside the elevator, to the gorgeous fresh décor that awaited us when the door to the lift opened – everything was just as I’d imagined it.

Fave bits? The black and white check floor, the daybeds and the (although somewhat wilted) herbs in pots dotted about the entrance. The greenery was everywhere and on such a warm night, certainly helped with the ambiance and illusion of coolness.

A little photo mash up – my speech, a few butterflies on the walls, lime macarons (Image thanks to Lou Pardi)

And then the fun began. My friends began arriving and from the moment I said hello to the first one, it was non stop. The excitement of seeing so many people I love in one place was almost overwhelming, and the energy was electric. A brilliant combination.

I had the opportunity to thank Treasury Wines, Mango DDB and Gusto and Elan when making my short but sweet speech, and managed (I think) to get around to everyone I had invited to say hello and catch up for a few minutes.

Be. Wine – my summer drink of choice! (Image thanks to Jennifer Estrada)

Before I knew it, the sun had set and the DJ was calling for last drinks – could four hours have passed that quickly? While some partied on, I headed home to rest my weary feet and bask in the glow that only an event where you are truly the belle of the ball can bring.

I drank: Be. Breezy Rose
I ate: Lime macarons with an avocado mousse, King prawns crusted with flaked rice, double cooked fat chips and Be. Wine bespoke sorbet (Thanks to Bright Young Things for catering)
I wore: Sangria dress by Sol Hermana at Gusto and Elan (A massive thanks to the girls for allowing me to wear this fabulous frock!)

My thanks to Jennifer Estrada for the gallery images.

Be. Launch Party

Cecylia and I at the Be. Launch Party. Photo from Cecylia.com

Be. Launch Party

Be Wines Launch Party Invitation

Be. Launch Party

Lime Macaron! 

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DJ Lauren Mac http://www.facebook.com/djlaurenmac

Be. Launch Party

Kit, Emma, Alex and Felicity

Be. Launch Party

Cecylia

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Me with Kyra

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Cecylia

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Libby

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Bella Box

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DJ Lauren Mac

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Libby

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DJ Lauren Mac

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Cecylia

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Planet Luxe in the bathrooms

Be. Launch Party

Sarah and Marissa

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Candy buffet

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Renee (Style Carousel) and I

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Alex, Angela and Dan

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The Be. Wines model!

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Breece and I

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Dan and Hannah

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Libby, Ash, Charles, Tom and Emma

Last week on Facebook, I stated that I was the luckiest girl in the world to be invited to spend a weekend at Dayesford with a group of fabulous bloggers, enjoying the delights of the district and great company.

It wasn’t until I arrived that I realized I was perhaps the luckiest girl in the Universe. I don’t think I have ever been so spoilt. Champagne and cake to start (don’t mind if I do), a stroll through some gorgeous gardens and a little history on the side? What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

But perhaps I am getting a little ahead of myself. Let’s start with the drive to Daylesford, what I thought would be a blissful 90 minutes in the car with the air conditioner on and the stereo up loud.

WIth Marianne from Esme and the Laneway (pic taken by Iolanthe!)

I’ve never pretended to be good with maps, but Apple maps in particular make this task even more difficult for those of us who are geographically challenged (or, generally, women). For whatever reason (no, I don’t know how), I confused the Western Freeway with the Western Ring Road and ended up three quarters of the way to Greensbrough – not the general direction I was headed. My plans for a pit stop in Woodend were sidelined in favour of arriving on time. Lesson learnt – check the Melways before leaving home.

Once I arrived at Villa Parma, a stunning estate that houses the Peppers Mineral Springs and Retreat, the Argus Restaurant and accommodation, I joined fellow bloggers Sarah of Style Melbourne, Leeyong of Style Wilderness, Iolanthe of Ruby Slipper and Marianne of Esme and the Laneway for a decadent high tea in the gardens.

We started with champagne and ended with earl grey tea whilst enjoying finger sandwiches, scones and assorted cakes. And the best bit? Chef David Willcocks went all out and created gluten free specialties just for me! The scones were to DIE for.

As guests of Spa Country for the weekend, we were joined at High Tea by Chris Malden and Wayne Cross, the owners, who took us on a journey though how they came to be in Daylesford, their dreams and passions and, amusingly, how they knew friends of mine!

With Wayne and Chris in the gardens of Villa Parma

We walked through the gorgeous gardens, spotted a lovely place to get married and snuck a peek in the Cellar, a beautiful function space for a birthday, wedding or just cause you want to have a party (it would be worth it!).

Feeling rather full after eating everything that was put in front of me, we looked forward to returning on the Sunday to try the Mineral Springs and Argus Restaurant.