I have always had dry skin. Eczema plagued me as a child and though I have outgrown the rashes and itchiness, dry skin remains and I use the equivalent of an ocean of moisturiser every year. While my daily routine involves sorbolene (unperfumed) and expensive cleansers teamed with cheaper nightcreams, my skin has recently decided to revolt and I have been left with a forehead that resembles the Sahara desert. I’ve tried numerous lotions and potions – but to this point, nothing is working.

I turned to more extreme measures. Advice from friends introduced me to a number of new bits and pieces – a body shop cream that smelled divine but worked no better and Rosehip oil that did nourish but leaves me with a ‘just botoxed’ look. My wax therapist issued me samples of a Dr Spiller cream but with a price tag of over $100 for the full size tub, even those results were hard to prove.

Enter RY.com.au, or Recreate Yourself. This site is a beauty and haircare hub, selling such products as Dermalogica and GHD – brands we all know and trust. But the list doesn’t end there. A quick look around the site reveals Clairns, Redken, Ultraceuticals, OPI and L’Oreal – among others!

I spoke with Elle from RY.com.au as she attempted to diagnose my skin issues. She suggested I needed a nice rich moisturiser to help out with the dryness, BUT also that I needed to start a gentle exfoliating routine.
 
For a moisturiser, Elle recommended Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance, the richest standard moisturiser in the Dermalogica range. Alternatively, she suggested Dermalogica AgeSmart Super Rich Repair, one step up in the moisture stakes and designed for extremely dry skin.

I was worried about my make up not sitting on these products, given their high moisture content, however I was then educated on the importance of exfoliating. That slippery feeling I was worried about will happen with most things that I put on my skin because the products are not penetrating the surface of the skin. It seems likely I have a build up of dry, dead skin cells, and product will just sit on top of these until I embrace exfoliation. (eek!)
 
Elle recommends Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub (if I wanted that feeling of a gritty exfoliator) or the Dermalogica Gentle Cream exfoliate (if I didn’t!)

As much as I would like to see improvement overnight, this is not the way of the world and given skin cells turn over and renew at a rate of about 28 days, I am going to need to hang in there for a little bit before things start to get better. They do say patience is a virtue!!

The Dermalogica products are reasonably priced and contain no fragrances or additives that are not good for my skin. Fingers crossed that in about 24 days I will be able to give you good reports!!

RY.com.au offers free shipping to Australia if you spend over $50, has a salon in Queensland to cater to all your hair and beauty needs and the best bit? Most products are up to 25% off the RRP! There are lots of other gems – products for men, phone ordering and a fun blog – but I’ll let you have a look at the site yourself and see what best suits your skin or hair type.

As for me – I’m heading off to exfoliate and moisturise. Watch this space for the verdict in 24 days!

I don’t even know where to start with this post. The shopping trip on Saturday? The movie on Sunday? What about the circus from Saturday night? Or perhaps the magnificent restaurant we ate at before the circus? So many exciting things to tell you about!! Perhaps, as my business brain suggests, chronologically is best and so we will start with Saturday morning and a fabulous shopping trip.

After an awesome win by the mighty Hawks in the AFL on Friday night, Saturday morning was already full of cheer when I arrived at the Very Special Kids Winter Fashion Frenzy Sale around 8.30am. There were already about 20 people in the queue so I took off my jacket (yes, I was cold however I have learnt from previous trips to this sale that’s its very hard to shop when wearing layers. Also, take a satchel bag so you have two hands!) and headed to join the line. At 5 to 9 we were chomping at the bit (and the queue had stretched to over 100 people) and they let us in, about 50 people to start.

I headed directly to the accessories room, again having learnt that often this is the last place people look and this was my chance to be first in, best dressed (literally). As suspected I was first and I got first pick of the belts, hats, shoes, bags and jewellery. 5 belts, vintage earrings, and 2 necklaces later, I re-emerged to hit the rest of the rooms. I picked up a top, 3 dresses, a blazer, a jacket, 2 cardigans and a waistcoat – labels such as H & M, Jacqui E, Portmans, Top Shop and Wrangler. With rooms full of women with arms full of clothes, trying on was not an option and I quickly paid and got out of there. Bargain shopping might be my thing but crowds definitely are not.

Back in the car with Miss J, we went to the Bassike sale in South Yarra, a treasure trove of men’s and women’s basics and a haven for Miss J. She scored big at this one while I purchased some Capri pants. We were both quite satisfied with our morning’s achievements and went to celebrate with breakfast at Kazbar on Chapel Street. I don’t recommend you go there though, below average food and terrible service. Enough said.

But onto better Chapel Street food experiences – Basque Tapas and Wine up the Windsor end. We dined here Saturday night and enjoyed amazing paella, calamari, octopus, potatoes and scallops, accompanied by Sangria to die for. The atmosphere was warm and the music exotic and fun, a perfect prelude to a night at the circus – the National Institute of Circus Arts Student Showcase.

There are no elephants or tigers here, no weird smells or big tops, just amazing young performers learning their craft and showing off in all ways you could possibly imagine. It took my breath away – they dangled from the ceiling, jumped off high platforms, twirled and contorted and displayed amazing physical strength. The current show, on til June 26 and entitled We All Fall Down, gives each of the students a chance to show the audience their unique abilities while us mere mortals in the audience gaze in wonder – often at a loss of where to look as there is so much action on stage. And just when you think this bunch can’t possibly be any more talented, most of them also play an instrument or sing. I suddenly hate my boring desk job and am quite inspired to give one of their short courses a go, though not sure how keen I am on all the lycra!

Finally Sunday and I took my family to the movies to see Shrek 3D – Forever After. The Shrek series is my Dads favourite and it was a great opportunity for us all to go out and do something fun together. The film is as expected – a sequel and not as good as the original – but its message is pretty clear and will not be lost on adults and older children. I can’t say the whole 3D experience moved me enough to want to rush out and buy a new tele though; the whole thing seemed a bit of a waste for the extra $6 a ticket.

Back at home and we perused childhood photos and home videos from family trips gone by. The arrival of my first neic-phew is now less than 5 weeks away and we are all getting very excited! The nursery is done and the hospital bags packed – very soon Aunty Sarah will be able to go and buy junior his or her first shoes (and enough clothes to last til the little tyke is two!) While looking through old albums though, I did uncover these gems of me as a toddler. I was clearly going to be vain from such a young age – I can’t believe no one saw it coming.

Places to Visit
Basque Tapas and Wine
159 Chapel Street Windsor
9533 7044
www.basque.com.au

NICA
Green Street, Prahran
www.nica.com.au

Thanks to Very Special Kids and NICA (and my mum!) for images in this post 

A sale a day keeps the doctor away but visit this one and you will be set for the next six months.

 Twelve months ago (and 6 months before that), I attended the Very Special Kids Fashion Extravaganza – a sale that must be seen to be believed. With clothing, accessories and shoes donated by The Just Group and Pacific Brands, the sale takes place at Very Special Kids headquarters and is literally an entire house filled with bargains. Nothing is over $30 and you will find labels such as Portmans, Jacqui E, Dotti and more.

From past experience, the sizes do tend to run small but you can still find accessories and gifts at awesome prices. 100% of proceeds go to Very Special Kids so if you only make it to one sale this season, make it this one.

When: Saturday 19 June, 2010
Time: 9am – 3pm
Where: Very Special Kids, 321 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern
Parking: Onsite parking is available
Credit cards: American Express, Visa, Diners Club and MasterCard welcome

Visit www.vsk.org.au for more information

The good folk at Urban Outfitters are happy to share the fashionable love with us Aussies, offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $150, and a flat rate of $10 for all other orders. A good reason to buy up big I say!!

In the one year and 8 days since I started my blog, doors, windows, dog flaps and cupboards have been opened to me in the areas of fashion, lifestyle and writing. It’s not always champagne and canapés – sometimes its writing at 3 in the morning to ensure your story doesn’t get old or working 14 hour shifts as a volunteer in the hope that someone will remember your name.

In the wake of yet another fantastic opportunity, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the past 12 months and just how much I have managed to achieve…

March 2009 Volunteer, L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival
April 2009 Contibutor, 15secs.com
June 2009 Started Sarah’s Style Emporium
August 2009 Contributor and Columnist, Onya Magazine
September 2009 Volunteer, Melbourne Spring Fashion Week
September 2009 Featured on Grazia Fashion Jury
October 2009 Guest Editor, Sassi Sam
October 2009 Internship, Kitte Accessories
November 2009 Featured on Grazia Fashion Jury
March 2010 Volunteer, L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival
March 2010 Contributor, Fashion Journal
May 2010 Volunteer, Rosemount Australian Fashion Week

And coming soon, I will be one of many writers to be contributing to a new online fashion destination, Australian Fashion Guide.

August 2010 Intern/Writer, Australian Fashion Guide

You can sign up now to be notified of the exciting happenings at AFG and be in the draw to win tickets to the VIP launch party.

Thank you to everyone who reads what I’m writing, who leaves a comment or tells their friends. Thank you to those who send me info on new and exciting products or websites I should check out, those who invite me to their events and a HUGE thank you to all the people who have remembered my name and given me the chance to shine with these opportunities.

I may not be the editor of Vogue just yet, but fingers crossed that my passion and determination will keep the momentum going and big things will happen soon!

Shoes and Smiles,
Sarah xxx

While shopping at Blondies on Saturday, I also discovered Type Key, fabulous jewellery made out of old typewriter keys. I love it!

I am hopelessy in love with the Shift Freedom square ring, $150 and the ? one does it for me as well!

There are bracelets, cufflinks, rings, pendants and earrings available in typewriter keys, and they also do Scrabble letter jewellery and various other bits and pieces are that unique and quirky!

Visit Type Key Vintage Typewrite Keys to Wear http://www.typekey.com.au/

One of the best things about hoarding gift vouchers is that when you get to that weekend before pay day and are desperate for some retail therapy, you can indulge without feeling guilty. That was the situation I found myself in on Saturday, hoarding a voucher from about two months ago when I attended a fashion event hosted by boutique store, Blondies, held to raise money for Breast Cancer. You may recall I was the lucky winner of the $750 first prize in the raffle, to be spent on label Found By, on an outfit of my choosing.

I finally found the time to get down to the Port Melbourne store this long weekend and spent just over 90 minutes with the fab Blondies staff trying on almost every outfit in the store. Dresses, tops, pants, jackets – they had it all. The Found By label is Blondies own brand and designed by an all female team. Catering to women of all ages, the label ranges from size 8 to 18 and as luck would have it, I had come to the store at sale time so was able to find a bargain or two.

Unfortunately sale time does also mean limited sizes so while I tried on lot’s of size 12’s, I did discover the clothes were quite large and ended up buying 8’s and 10’s (which did eliminate some of my favourite pieces as they were sold out!) The clothes tended to have a lot of drape and layering, most often occurring in the typical Melbourne blacks and greys with accents of purple and white. Lot’s of jerseys are used for comfort and style while catering for everyday wear basics to eveningwear.

After 90 minutes of trying on clothes (and a big thanks to the staff who were very patient and put everything away for me!) I had a cute black and grey cape jacket, reduced to $200 and a black dress with sequin and draping detail for $300. With $250 left on my voucher, I re-entered the store and tried on more garments, things I wouldn’t usually bother with, just to see how they fit. Just as I was about to accept defeat, I noticed the mannequin wearing one of the dresses I liked and was thrilled to find it was a size 10. Tried, tested, sold.

Of course this dress was $400 so I ended up paying the $150 difference which I guess is still a small price to pay for over $1000 worth of clothing. (My mother will be shaking her head right now) I wore said dress out to a 30th on Saturday night and did feel very glam – suffice to say I don’t usually spend $400 on dresses; $150 is close to my limit, so it did feel special!

I also wanted to make note of some of the other labels Blondies carries – Cowen, Transit, Sita Murt, Boo Radley and Sabatini, as well as Won Hundred and Antipodium at Gloss by Blondies. The Port Melbourne store has homewares too – a true all rounder!

If you want to know more, you can also read an article from 2007 in The Age by fashion writer Janice Breen Burns about Found By and Blondies.

How many of you have a pair of jeans lurking at the back of the closet, hidden behind oversized knits and flowing maxi dresses, that you bought on a whim and wore for 2 minutes before that extra piece of chocolate or second serve of lasagne stapled itself to your thighs and they didn’t fit anymore? Perhaps, like me, they were bought for a special occasion many years ago (at a horribly inflated price because it was a ‘special’ occasion) and have sat languishing at the bottom of the ironing basket since, waiting for the day when your body returns to its pre – Wispa Gold size?

Sass & Bide The Lover Jeans $220.00$154.00 by Sass & Bide at shopbop.com

The story of my skinny jeans began mid 2007. As far as jeans go, I was never a big fan. Much more a tailored pants kinda girl, it took me a long time to decide that yes, I did like jeans. I then proceeded to buy the worst, ill fitting, el cheapo jeans I could find, under the premise I was ‘finding me feet’, demin wise. I wore Cotton On and Target in the hopes I would find my place in the demin hierarchy, but if one aspires to find the perfect fit with a good balance of support, cut and colour, these are not the places to start. You don’t go to Diva to find a Tiffany ring after all.

Then came the ‘special’ occasion, officially known as ‘meeting the friends’. (You know what I mean). Aside from being nervous as all get out – will they like me? Will they approve? – I felt the most important thing I could do was look fabulous, thereby feeling fabulous and more confident, assuring they would of course, love me.

I wanted casual chic, not too dressy, but still sophisticated and nothing can say all these things like a good dose of demin. Everyone has favourites for denim – Sass & Bide and Bettina Liano are among the most popular denim brands in Australia, but given my legs are not twigs, I moved on to tried and tested performers, Just Jeans.

7 for all mankind Roxanne mid-rise skinny jeans $155.00 by 7 For All Mankind at Net-A-Porter

I tried on plenty but came away with Lee Riders, the most amazing, fabulous, comfy jeans ever. Bootcut, dark demin, zip fly (do they even do button flys anymore?). Size 9. Yep, that’s right, size 9. N.I.N.E. After moving out of home 6 months prior, I had lost a bit of weight (read: stopped eating properly) and lo and behold, size 9. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. I certainly don’t advocate the cereal for dinner lifestyle but what can I say?, it works!

Needless to say, I looked fab, the friends loved me and all was right with the world – until 6 months later, when I was settled in my new home, living with a roommate who cooked (and enjoyed the odd glass of red and block of chocolate) and the jeans no longer fit. Try as I might, the next two years were a rollercoaster of kilo’s, seasonal fluctuations and boyfriend jeans – until today.

As well as spending endless hours in bed earlier this week, I also managed to get some washing done, which is how I found myself in a predicament this morning. Two pairs of jeans. Both over the clotheshorse. Both still damp. (I don’t have a dryer. I know I live in an apartment. They are bad for the environment!) It’s casual Friday at work and try as I might with skirts and harem pants (trust me, they are ALL over my bedroom floor right now), the only thing that was going to cut it today, was jeans.

With the two pairs of damp jeans and a bout of gastro behind me, I took a deep breath and tried the size 9 jeans. At that exact moment, the stars and planets aligned and with a snap of my wrist, the button did up. I truly could not believe it. I still don’t (but I can now feel aforementioned button starting to make its mark on my flesh). Yes, they are tight, but not uncomfortably so (yet, I haven’t had lunch though). But I don’t care. I’m wearing my skinny jeans and feel on top of the world.

While I imagine that when I wash these jeans they will shrink back to their former selves and I will again struggle to fit my backside into them, I have discovered that just one day of fitting back into your skinny jeans is enough to inspire you not to have that extra handful of chips or row of chocolate. To get up and go for a walk in the morning, or do 50 sit ups before bed. Drag out your skinny jeans and give them a go, or go out and buy a really good pair of jeans. Feel fabulous and confident!

Image Three: Remember the episode of Sex and the City when Miranda pulled on her skinny jeans? Fabulous!