My 2011

Happy Friday Everyone!

With 2011 coming to it's end I am taking a look back over everything during my 2011.

1. The Floods - No doubt this event affected everybody. I will never erase the images from my head nor will I forget how strong Aussie Spirit is.
2. I applied for my Styling course at AICD & got accepted for 2012.
3. Worked 3, then 2 jobs and learnt how to save $$.
4. Lost my dog, Buster and 2 cats Thomas & Missy
5. Spent my 20th birthday in NZ skiing.
6. Had 2 family members battle cancer with one unfortunately losing the fight.
7. My sister became pregnant.

While I am desperately trying to think of more, surely there is (this was a whole year, right?) I am stuck.

Looking back on my list I notice I have 3 tragedies. They seem to overwhelm the rest of the list. It is from the bad that I have really learnt. Learnt about life and learnt about myself. Do up your own list. I bet this is the same for you.

What we need to ask ourselves is Why? Why is it that tragedies define our lives?

Perhaps at the top of my list, my biggest highlight should be that I survived this year. No, actually, I have survived a whole 20 years. Why do we take something as amazing and privileged as our lives for granted? 

Sorry if I am getting all "preachy" on you, but you know I am right. Every moment that we are breathing we should be grateful. Time should not be wasted on grudges or bad moods.

I keep hearing "2012 will be better". "I am going to make changes in 2012". Instead of saying "next year" or "tomorrow" say "today" or "right now". Why wait? There may be no time to wait.

Well that's enough for me, I am thinking too much.

I Hope you all have a safe and Happy New Year. I will be seeing you in 2012 =]

xoLD

Boyfie & Mine Races Outfits

Why the Hell Not?!

Hello There!

I hope you all had fantastic Christmases. I surely did :)

In my local town, for some, their favourite thing about Christmas time is the Boxing Day Races. Some take it as an excuse to have a massive bender while others take it as one to dress up. I fall under the latter.

I love going to the races purely to check out the fashions and the outfits. I love seeing people make an effort and go all out. There is always the small handful of people who disappoint - especially ones rocking up in their everyday shorts, jeans and tee-shirts.

I hate the fact that people think "it is only Warwick" and don't make the effort. The Boxing Day Races are one of the biggest Warwick events and if that is not a reason to dress up then I don't know what is.

I couldn't count the amount of times I have been shopping with friends and we've come across an amazing outfit and someone has said "you can't wear that in Warwick". I bet we are all guilty of doing it.

Next time you hear yourself about to say "I can't", instead try asking "Why the hell not?? "

The whole reason why people don't wear these outfits in places like Warwick is because people don't. I think everyone needs to grow a backbone. I am so sick of seeing the same old singlet and shorts combos for every single day and every single event.

If you find like something you like (and it genuinely looks good on you) then get it and wear it with pride as you walk down your street. You will be doing your town a favour by leading the way.

Yours Stylishly
xoLD

A Wake Up Call

Christmas is all about family and spending quality time together.

So last night Mumma, Sister, Miry (my niece) and I had a girls night out in Toowoomba. We went out for dinner and visited the park which has a Winter Wonderland light show on at the moment. If you live nearby and get a chance GO there. It is beautiful!

There are Christmas lights everywhere - cute little displays, hanging through the big trees, it really is a Wonderland. Watching them brings out a child like excitement and I was in awe of the pretty, bright pictures.

After a lovely night out I check my phone to find I have 6 missed calls from the Boyfie who was having a boys night drinking after a day at the golf course. I rang back and got an awful surprise when a friend answered notifying me she had just took Boyfie to the hospital. Naturally my mind sprang to the worst possible scenario. Turns out the boys had a few fireworks they tried to set off, and my guess, being boys that they are didn't read the instructions properly (if at all) causing it to explode and head straight for Boyfie's face.

The hour trip home could not go fast enough. I was so scared and had pictures of him with a melted faced and when I finally got home I didn't know whether I could look at him. Well it wasn't that bad. He did, however have no eyelashes, had one eye patch on and his fringe was no longer existent. Being the positive type he is he was very happy he had nearly 2 whole eyebrows left.

It was a awakening call that is for sure and gave a sense of what Christmas is really about. Not just Christmas though, everyday. This scenario could have been a lot worse, but it wasn't.

We need to be grateful and take time to appreciate the loved ones and what we have in life. You may have lost a loved one this year and that is extremely hard to deal with. Remember though, at least you had them. I bet your life is a lot richer just for having that person in your life and that is something to be grateful for.

My eyes are open wider now. I will not take anything for granted - my loved ones, my life or my eyelashes.

Enjoy your Christmas everyone, but more importantly enjoy your family and friends.

xoLD

Blog Update

Hey there Fashion Peeps!

I have cut my blog posts back to go up only on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.

So I will see you tomorrow! Have a fabulous Thursday.

xoLD

Horoscope!!

Like the sound of my horoscope for 2012. Thought I would share.

LEO JUL 23-AUG 23The Oscar awaits. The headhunter is drooling. The scholarships are piling up. This year belongs to you (at least until May) and you will be in the right place, at the right time, to take full advantage of remarkable opportunities for success. After that, you just want to enjoy your old friends and luxuriate in the company of new online chums. One of these people will open the door to the kind of cosmic favours other signs dream of. Be careful with new commitments involving property, family life, live-in partners or flatmates after October 5th. Find out what is likely to be involved, long-term.

Leo style icon: Jackie Kennedy-Onassis.

You can head over to the Vogue website to check yours out =]

xoLD

Kindness makes the World go around!!

Had to post this vid my Sister sent me. It is gorgeous.

A little bit of kindness goes a very long way.

Be good to one another.

xoLD

My Anonymous Friend

Hello There!

So there is a man, I guess I would call him my "friend", that lives on a road near Boyfie's house which I drive past everyday. I must tell you I have never actually formally met this man before and he may or may not be a bit simple minded but that doesn't matter either way.

One day I saw this man while I was driving past and he was waving to cars. He waved to me, so naturally I waved back. Everytime I would drive past this friend would wave to me with a huge grin on his face and I would wave back. It became somewhat of a ritual and I found myself checking on my way past to see if he was out the front.

It perhaps got a little strange when one day I pulled up at a set of lights next to a blue car and saw a man waving frantically out his window at me. He obviously now knows my car. It got even a little weirder one rainy day on my way to work when that same little blue car flashed its lights at me and I see a very smiley man waving through his windscreen.

When my friend sees me he gets this big smile across his face. I like to think by me waving to him I make his day. Can I be really honest though? He kind of makes my day too. I often find myself grinning the rest of the trip home.

Simple things - kind gestures, just a friendly smile and a wave to another human being, someone you don't even know, do go a long way.  It always makes me feel happy when I am on the receiving and giving end.

So next time you are having a bad day just smile at a passing by stranger and I guarantee their smile back will lift your spirits.

xo LD

Resolution Time.

Hello Fab Friends!

This year I have been focused (more or less obsessed) on next year while working my butt off and missing out on a lot of things.

A large portion consists of me fantasising bout my new life in 2012.

With the new year coming up fast (but not fast enough) I have thought long and hard about some resolutions. So here they are so far.

1. Put more effort into my beauty regime. I dedicate a lot of my time on my wardrobe and carefully selecting outfits I very often scrimp on the hair and make up side of things. I will be living at the coast after all so need to pick up my game.
2. Always be positive. While I pride myself on being a positive happy person there is always room for improvement. There will be absolutely no room in my life for any negativeness.
3. Focus on school. The whole reason for my move is to attend my fashion college so without doubt it will be my main objective to try my hardest to get the best marks possible. I will not finish any assignments with "Oh well that will do".
4. Have quality time with my family and friends. As I will not be seeing them a terrible amount of time I will definitely need to make the most of when+ I do.
5. Create the ultimate wardrobe. Next year I endeavour to only purchase great pieces that I will wear again and again, none of the impulse rubbish clothes that seem to fill my wardrobe year in and year out.

I have made a point of not having a "eat healthy and exercise everyday" resolution. Of course these are areas that need improvement, however putting them as a resolution is just setting myself up for a fail.

Well that is my list so far. Good luck to everyone with your resolutions. Why not get a jump ahead of the gun and start putting them into action now. There is never a better time than now!

Yours Stylishly
xoLD

SORTED: Catch Up with Friends

Happy Monday my Stylish Friends!

As everyone returns home during their work and uni holidays to be with their family for the Christmas period there is never a better time to catch up with old friends.

As a backyard barbie and pool party will undoubtedly be on your list of social activities it is time to plan the perfect outfit.

In my opinion you cannot go past a playsuit. It is an easy alternative that ticks all the boxes.

I would go for something like below. A simple, comfortable cut which falls perfectly. It can easily transfer into a night look. Team it with a long pendant necklace and some cute ballet flats. Don't forget a little fedora hat and the sunscreen though.

The only question with this Red Herring playsuit is the awkward tan line one might encounter.

Opt for strapless if you plan on being under the sun for the majority of the day.

Yours Stylishly

xoLD

SORTED: Casual Family Reunions

Good Afternoon Fashionistas!

Tis the season for Family reunions including picnics, parks and casual fun days generally ending in an afternoon match of soccer and ice creams all round.

As the G'ma, Pop and Aunts will all be attending you want to make an effort and pull off "pretty ladylike" to ward off any unnecessary comments.

A playful shift in a neutral colour flatters any body type. Keep the length modest and a simple comfortable shape that you can move in for the aftermath that is bloatage.

Neutral light colours keep it pretty but if you just can't do white for the fact that there may be dip go for a pattern but nothing too distracting.

Boat shoes or brogues are a cute touch and enable you to join in the fun with the young cousins. Keep jewellery very minimal and make up natural.

Yours Stylishly
xoLD

SORTED: Work Christmas Functions

Work Christmas parties are a touchy one no matter what industry you work in

Alot of the time there is a theme or an outfit is appropriated by an activity you will be doing. You are certainly going to dress differently if it is a bowling afternoon than if it were an evening cocktail do. Or God if you aren't definitely keep reading!

What you should be working towards is sophisticated glamour. Wearing a blazer over a dress creates this look immediately. You want to use a nice tailored jacket, not the one you wear to work every day. A plain black dress with a metallic boyfriend blazer takes things to another level.

Avoid showing too much skin at all times, anything too tight or anything you feel uncomfortable in and have to keep pulling down at the hem or up at the top. While you are there to have fun, and by all means let your hair down a little, you still want your boss and colleagues to look at you like a professional.

Wearing your hair up with some bling earrings or necklace (not so much if you opt for a metallic blazer) makes a high impact statement. While a bold lippy has authority.

(definitely go for a longer hemline than this, but you get the drift)

If you're work is having a more casual day time function tailored shorts with a blazer does the trick nicely. To make it more playful wear bright colours.

Flats or wedges are the most appropriate to wear with this outfit. Team with a funky necklace, but don't go too overboard with flashy jewellery.

This is a comfortable looking outfit that is fun, functionable and very stylish.

Remember the drinks may be flowing freely but you want to leave with the same dignity you arrived with and looking just as fashionable!

Yours Stylishly

xoLD

Stylespiration

Hello Fab Friends!

Within the next weeks leading up to Christmas I will be posting up inspirational style ideas for all the social soirees you may be attending. I have already covered Christmas Day.

So enjoy and I hope it helps if you are needing just a little push in the right direction.

Yours Stylishly
xoLD

Surviving Week One of Lockdown

Hello my Fab Friends! I hope you haven't missed me too much.

Had a bit of a drama with the internet. It went "missing" turns out missing means it had been broken. But never fear all is well in the world. I have a new modem and blog I shall.

Well I had my first week of "lock down" in the hopes of saving some Christmas dough. I thought I did quite well actually.

As I was still feeling ill and the weather was horrible it was pretty easy to stay home and not do or spend anything.

My past week was spent doing the following:

* Sleeping in.
* I did a small tidy up of the bedroom
* Finishing baby shower invites and sending them out.
* Going to the library and borrowing books.
* I spent a lot of time online and reading.
* Working of course.

I thought I had a productive week. Looking at that list has now somewhat altered my opinion.

The weekend did prove to be a difficult task and I did indulge. Just a little.

Saturday - Had a lunch date with Mother Dearest and Sister. Also made a few small purchases of some vintage second hand tea cups - I do need them for the baby shower I am throwing for my sister. Spent the rest of the rainy afternoon watching a movie with the Boyfie before heading off to work.

Sunday - Boyfie and I had a bit of a movie and lunch date. He had conveniently misplaced his bank card  so it ended up being my shout. Afterwards went out to my family home to do the Christmas tree. I should spend more time at my home, it is almost impossible to spend money out there.

I  got nearly half the presents purchased. 4 down and 5 to go. Of course they are the 5 hardest ones left.

Oh and it was extremely hard going into the newsagency and seeing the fresh issues of Vogue on the stand all glossy and just begging me to take them home. But I was strong and Darling Boyfie did bring me home a surprise fashion mag during the week. He is so adorable and supportive =]

To everyone else who is saving - hold in there! Just remember at the end of this dark tunnel there is a light, a huge shiny light saying End of Year Sales!!

Yours Stylishly
xoLD

To Melbourne it is!!

I have been tossing up whether I can really afford a holiday before I move in February. Basically I can't.

Boyfie and I were planning on going to Melbourne to go swimming with wild dolphins and seals (as my 20th birthday present from him). Plus one must experience Australia's fashion capital right?

Well... Topshop has now arrived in Melbourne and had its grand opening yesterday. Therefore that has sealed the deal for me. Melbounrne bound we are!!

Speaking of which, Australia is getting very exciting on the fashion front. With the recent additions of the Louis Vuitton Maison and Gucci flagship stores now in Sydney. New York who??

Yours Stylishly,
xoLD

Got to Love Shoes

Hello Fab Friends

I'm not sure how many have heard of Kobi Levi an Israeli footwear designer? Doubt you have come across many of his shoes in the street. These are not just shoes people, these are pieces of art.

You can check out his amazing works at kobilevidesign.blogspot.com. But here are my faves.

Amazing right? Defs not for the faint hearted.

xoLD

The Pefect Xmas Outfit

Christmas is a time that sends even a fashionista into overdrive. With numerous parties and social soirees to be attended it is difficult to conjure up an outfit and more importantly getting it right. My advice is get organised early!

After all your hard work dressing up and styling yourself for the many lead up celebrations to Christmas it is easier to just scrimp on the big day, stay in jarmies for as long as possible then just pull on the old comfies - shirt, shorts thongs and not bothering with the hair. I understand you're exhausted from all the late night festivities and couldn't be bothered, but I urge you not to fall into this allurement.

There is no way I will be seen like this on Christmas day which is why I have started planning my outfit already.

Of course there are things to keep in mind while planning your perfect ensemble.

• You will no doubt be eating all day - therefore avoid anything tight and body hugging.
• You want to be able to move in your outfit so that you may partake in a game of back yard cricket if the  invitation arises.
• A printed pattern is a good thought as it hides any gravy accidents. White = BIG mistake.
• Go for a neutral colour and nothing too OTT - you don't want to look like part of the decorations.
• It can easily transition from day to night.
• Nothing complicated or ill fitting - we don't want to be giving the relatives a peep show.
• As you may be travelling from parents to in-laws half the day the material shouldn't crinkle and crease causing an untidy look.
• Of course you will need a stylish sunhat, sunglasses and comfy sandals. It is a good idea to have a wrap or cardi in case those celebrations go long into a chilly evening.
• Don't forget accessories - this is where you can go all out and be a bit festive.

Taking all my above points into consideration I have settled on finding myself a long flowy dress for my Christmas day. I think girls should dress pretty on Christmas day.

I'm in love with this Rebecca Vallance dress. It screams perfect.

 Good luck in planning and finding your perfect outfit!

Yours Stylishly,

xoLD

I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas

They call it the silly season but there are still certain areas that need some sensibility to stay in tact. Yes I am going hippie on you and talking about being eco friendly this Christmas. Here are a few helpful hints to keep in mind.

1. Use recycled products. You can buy gorgeous Christmas cards, wrapping paper and gift tags all made out of recycled ingredients. A creative idea is to wrap presents in fabrics (and of course reuse the fabrics after)
2. Don't forget to take your enviro bags when attending to the hoards of present and grocery shopping.
3. If you are buying electronic goods for someone special you can check online how they rate energy efficient wise (Greenpeace rates Nokia and Sony as the best brands).
4. Whether you have a real or faux tree you can be green with both. Faux - store it and reuse it year after year. Real - purchase from a local tree farm and then after Christmas is over use the tree as mulch or compost.
5. You can look up which Christmas lights are the most energy efficient. While at the time it may seem lighter on your pocket to go for the cheaper lights, you will generally end up paying more in power bills and of course, the environment pays too.
6. If purchasing children's books - I have just read an article that, Disney Publishing Worldwide and HarperCollins both support Idonesian Deforestation (http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/indonesian-deforestation). It also suggest which books are the best to purchase.
7. You can even go one better and buy presents from green gift stores. You can find some great online ones which stock unique presents ideal for that "person who has everything" perhaps.

So these are my tips for really giving something back to the environment this season.

xoLD

Avoid the Walk of Shame this Silly Season

I'm sure many have had one of these moments.

Came across this Harvey Nichols Ad this morning and just had to share. Tis the Season!

xoLD

My Christmas Pickle

Christmas is supposed to be a time of happiness and generally such a carefree season. However due to my own unorganisation I am finding it a bit hard to deal with this year. I am yet to buy any Christmas presents. I mean I do have ideas, it is putting those ideas into motion that is lacking.

I guess I have got myself so wrapped up in saving for my school and a holiday that I forgot to set up my usual Chrissy savings.

I could always get help from my yellow plastic friend, but it has the tendency of backstabbing me and causing alot of uneccesary stress. So I have made it a mission to forgo the credit card trap and budget like crazy.

After trying to budget for the upcoming weeks I have found that I am unfortunately down in the minus figures. There is nothing else for me to do, I am bringing out the big guns. I am locking myself down.

I WILL NOT spend any money on anything other than Christmas presents. For some of you out there this may not sound like a big deal. For me however, this is a task and a half.

So today I have enjoyed my last frothy coffee with my sister and it is instant from here on in. My dietry nutrition will consist of mainly noodles and spaghetti. And definitely the hardest of them all - I have forbade myself fashion magazines. You should now have a feel of how serious this whole thing is. Fashion magazines! NO FASHION MAGAZINES and the new issues are about to hit the stores.

Lock down will consist of me hiding my credit card, locking myself inside, throwing myself back into gym (possibly the only positive thing to come out of this),  and blogging like crazy.

Stay tuned my fashionable friends to see if and how I make it through

Yours Stylishly
xoLD

Trend Slaves

Happy Monday Fab Friends! Hope your day is going better than mine. I've got a stupid cold, thanks to the boyfie.

As I am feeling absolutely crappy I think it is only fitting to write a post on one of my pet hates.

Working in a bar in this small rural town I see some questionable looks - most of them horrible, some extremely horrid. Don't worry there is a small handful who have amazing dress sense. Those girls make my night.

Some people believe that if they are sporting the hot trend of the moment they are automatically stylish - that is a big fat FALSE.  Stylish people do not follow trends - they are the people who know what goes with their bodies and work it.

A good example of this is the ever popular mullett dress. FYI that trend has long come and gone. Another annoying "Warwick thing" - it grabs hold of trends and does not let it go until long after it's expiry date. It does depend on the cut of the dress, the ones however that start at about mid length at the front, now unless you have amazing long slender legs this is not the best look for you. If you have short and perhaps stumpy legs these dresses are the devil in disguise. They make the legs seem a lot shorter and way bigger (just a helpful hint).

Please do not think that you will automatically morph into the model in the ad because you are wearing the pants that are "oh so right now". Be honest with yourself, look in the mirrror and no matter how hot the piece of clothing it is YOU who must look hot. Remember the girl should make the dress, not the other way around.

It is a hard thing to do when you absolutely adore a piece of clothing but it just isn't you, we have all done it even celebrities do.  But for the sake of fashion, take a second look in the mirror and kiss that dress good bye or else you may be saying hello to bad taste.

Yours Stylishly
xoLD

Megan Hess Print has arrived. Merry Christmas to me!!

My Not so Secret Addiction

It happens, everytime I open a fashion mag or get my daily dose of style.com. It feels like torture. The luxurious items I yearn for right in front of me but so far out of reach. I want it all - that Chanel dress, Alexander McQueen bag and I need that gold rolex! It sends me into a small state of depression, but there is something else there.

I get butterflies as I scour the glossy pages filled with colours and must have season buys. It's a rush. A rush of excitement as I think to myself 'You know Laura, one day you will have all of this.' Yes, to some this may seem highly ambitious, to me though I just know deep down that one day I will be able to drop $3,000.00 on that adorable clutch without thinking twice.

I do realise how superficial this sounds of me, I can't help it. Sure, they are just materialistic things that come and go, but they make me feel so happy! Therefore I think of my fashion mags not as a form of torture, more as motivation, a drive to keep me working towards the things I want (and need of course!), while others (perhaps my mother and sister) think of it more as my substance abuse problem. Could be worse right?

Yours Stylishly

XO LD

Most Expensive Thing I have bought Myself

So I was reading the December 2011 issue of Harpers Bazaar Australia just last week at my favourite coffee shop as I do. While I was drifting away on a luxurious cashmere-soft cloud scented like Chanel No. 5 I was quickly bought back to earth when I turned to page 120 of the issue. Oh My Gawd! I had to remind myself I was in public and was not allowed to let out the squeal of excitement that was trying so hard to escape me.

The article was an interview with fashion illustrator Megan Hess. There was a preview of her new Black Feather Collection which is showing now at Lamington Drive Gallery in Melbourne. They are beautiful works, stunning, inspired by the likes of the wonderful Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, all dark and glamourous and just what I had been searching for.

A rush came over me. I'm sure you know the one. When you have had something pictured in your head, something you have been dying to find but alas nothing comes close to. And then one day suddenly out of nowhere you find it. It is perfect, maybe even better than what you had ever imagined. Well that is what I was feeling at this very time. I HAD to have one. NOTHING was going to stop me.

So the next morning I went straight online to find the piece I had dreamt all night of. Sure enough the gallery has it's own website and you can purchase works online. How convenient. I found the perfect one 'Feather of the Opera'. It was very Audrey inspired.

$295.00 later I did not know how I felt about my newest purchase. I was excited that I had something beautiful I always wanted to hang on my wall, but I also felt guilty. Christmas is coming and I had not bought anyone's presents. I still have to save for my course in March 2012. Uh-Oh I was faced with a different rush then. One of perhaps regret.

I have come to the conclusion that this is the most expensive thing I have purchased for myself just because I wanted it, which is sad now I think about it. i deserve it. So screw it I am happy and very excited to receive it in the mail, which should be any day. Thank you Harpers!

Yours Stylishly XO LD