Autumn's A-foot

Well it certainly feels like the seasons are a-changin'. And what better way to welcome in the autumnal goodness and the coming winter chill than to reassess that all essential wardrobe favourite... shoes, shoes shoes!

Goodbye sandals. Goodbye thongs. Hello closed-toe pumps and ankle boots (ooh, my favourite!) or perhaps even some designer hi-tops?

On a quest to reinvigorate the lower part of my wardrobe i.e. the 'shoe collection', which is currently looking quite dire, I have come across the following finds, that I hope to stock up on.

Baia Vista Heathcoat Pink Suede, Zomp

Bloom Black, Diavolina shoes

Robin Hi Heel, Witchery

Belle, Christian Louboutin

Tokyo, Jimmy Choo

Antibes, Le Coq Sportif

Now all I have to do is narrow down the list and decide which ones I will spend my hard earned dosh on... or should I splash out and buy them all?!!

A-dressing a dilemma: What to take on a tropical holiday…

On Thursday I’m heading to Cairns for 5 days for a (hopefully) relaxing and fun-filled getaway. I’ve been warned there is in fact a cyclone approaching north Queensland but I think we’ll be pretty far away from that so I’m going to ignore it and focus my attention on prepping and packing for the trip.

Now I wouldn’t really say that packing for a tropical holiday is a “dilemma” but it is certainly no fun when trying to cram everything into a small carry-on bag so let’s try to keep things simple.

So what to pack?

First up, let’s talk cosmetics.

My holiday beauty essentials include a natural looking tan (I favour St Tropez), a pop of pink or coral lippie, and braids or beachy waves courtesy of my GHD. I am also big on anti-aging and sun protection so my Neutrogena and Cancer Council approved oil-free sunscreens are the first things to go in my bag alongside the boring stuff like deodorant and toothpaste. I generally try to keep my make-up pretty simple when the humidity is high to prevent ‘face-slip’ but you definitely won’t catch me completely bare-faced. BB creams and gel liner are a girl’s best friend. Bright nails are also a must – I’m loving the Gorman and Kit cosmetics nail sticker collaboration.

So your hair and make-up are sorted but what the hell do you pack when your day might consist of hiking through a rainforest, lazing in the sun and drinking cocktails in the nearest backpacker bar? You need options people!

1. Number 1, don’t forget to pack your togs (bathers/swimmers whatever you want to call them) and a kaftan or beach cover-up. These will save you getting your clothes wet when you decide to jump out of the water and pop to the shops for a drink…and they can look quite glam really.

     

2. Casual cool – a pair of shorts and a few cute singlets or shirts might be a bit boring but they really are the best thing to wear for most physical activities. Think about it. Do you really want to bungy jump wearing a maxidress?

     

3. Speaking of maxi-dresses and skirts – if you’ve got one – pack it too! Slip it on to go for dinner or a casual stroll to the night markets before you bring out your real show stopper…

4. The party outfit (or two). I’d be willing to bet that for a lot of people drinking, eating out and late nights are a bit more prevalent when on holidays. So why not have fun with your wardrobe and slip on that dress you’re just a bit too shy to bust out at home. It might be a little shorter or sexier than you normally feel comfortable with but with that tan and your carefree holiday attitude you really can’t go wrong.

5. Accessories. Normally when I travel I try to keep bags to a minimal relying on a satchel for day and a clutch for going out. When it comes to jewellery I like to stack my bracelets, stick a few extra rings on and wear some of my over-the-top earrings if I think I can get away with it. Don't forget to take a hat and your sunnies and remember Fashion is fun and it’s great to experiment and step out of your comfort zone while on holidays because hey, even if you do end up looking like a crazy lady, odds are that no one at home will ever know!

And on that note I’m off to pack…next time you see me I’ll be back much more relaxed, sporting a real-ish tan and a smile.

A-dressing a dilemma – How do I layer?

In the midst of the increasingly unpredictable weather, Australia has finally welcomed autumn - better late than never as in all honestly I’m tired of having to decide if I should slather on some St Tropez and don a dress or if it really is time to invest in some new tights and a knitted jumper.

Traditionally, the season where many of us don a uniform of opaque tights, ankle boots and a slash of wine coloured lippy, Autumn generally calls for layering.

But what do you do if you simply don’t know how to layer? Or if your wardrobe full of bright, floral summer dresses just doesn’t work with the darker, moodier looks we are told we should be wearing?

This is the dilemma I have almost every single year. Despite spending hours pinning potential outfit inspiration on Pinterest I still have little idea how to put together an autumn/winter look without being mistaken for a Hobo or a *ahem* slightly larger version of myself.  

          

But after a bit of research (ok so I read this old post on Man Repeller and this post by Nikki at Styling You) I’m ready to give it a go and it couldn’t be more accurately timed as I’m heading to Melbourne for a long weekend!

So where to begin?

Step 1: Pull on your favourite pair of jeans or a long maxi skirt if that’s your thing and pair it with a body-hugging singlet or soft tee. Alternatively you could go with a dress and a cute pair of tights.

Step 2: Add you second layer – perhaps a long sleeved shirt or a button blouse. You can even add two if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.

Step 3: A wool cardigan or jumper will keep you ultra cosy and there are loads of cute ones around this season…I love this one from Topshop.

Step 4: Grab a jacket, a blazer, or if it’s really cold – dust off that winter coats and pop it on.

Step 5: Accessorise! Pop on some boots (I just bought this pair of ankle boots online and cannot wait to take them for a spin) and complete your look with a scarf, a beanie or hat if you desire – heck even gloves and a pair of earmuffs if you need. Don’t’ forget your jewellery either as you’ll no doubt have to peel off some of those layers later on.

A great use of colour!

It sounds very easy when you list it out but pulling off layers really is a bit trickier than it seems. A few tips I’ve picked up include sticking to garments that are similarly coloured so you avoid looking like a unicorn threw up on you and of course avoiding bulky or heavy fabrics. Also, if you’re wearing a dress make sure to belt it the hell up and show off that waist of yours!

Hopefully these tips will give you something to think about as it gets a little cooler down under…and if you have any other tips please feel free to let me know.

Xx Kirst

Disclaimer: I first developed the "A-dressing a Dilemma’ series for my previous blog and really enjoyed writing it. This is its debut on Adventures in Colour so I hope you enjoy it! All image sources can be found via my Pinterest account. 

            

Make-up Monday - What I'm loving right now

I am the first to admit I am a beauty junkie. It all started as a child, I’d watch my mum put her make up on, then sneak off with her lipstick to turn myself into a 5-year-old beauty pageant lookalike. Naturally, I also enjoyed ‘beautifying’ cupboard, mirrors and walls but those are stories for another time.

The transformative power of make-up is no secret but I personally believe it extends way beyond physical appearance. Make-up can leave you feeling more confident and beautiful, it can perk you up if you’re down or not feeling the best and it can allow you to show different sides of your personality from cute and girly to vampish and seductive. Afterall what girl doesn’t feel powerful when she wears a red lip? 

A have lots of love for many products but if I had to choose my favourite products of the moment – the list would look something like this:

1. Moisturiser. A girl can not live without moisturiser and although I like to try different products – always oil-free – I always seem to come back to Neutrogena Oil-free for Sensitive Skin and Aveno Oil-free Moisturiser. Both are really lovely on your skin and deliver great value for money. I’m not a huge fan of heavily fragrant creams either so these are perfect for me. 

2.  Clarisonic Mia. I bought my Clarisonic Mia last year after reading rave reviews online and my skin has never been better (which says a lot because I have always, always had problem skin). The Clarisonic gives you a really deep but gentle clean and has recently been reduced in price! If you have difficult skin that is prone to breakouts or clogged pores or if your skin is a little dull this little beauty can be a real life saver.

3. Hair - Ok first up let's talk Dry shampoo. What the heck did we do before this invention? I have been using Dry Shampoo for about 6 or 7 years now and I don’t believe I will ever stop. It gets rid of oily roots, adds volume and texture to your hair and is perfect for in-between washes. I have tried pretty much every brand on the market but I think Batiste is really the best value for money and it comes in the cutest cans. I recently discovered that the HUGE bottle of Batiste is now available at David Jones and certain Priceline stores in Australia which means fewer trips to the shop to repurchase and perfect looking hair more often! Jump to it if you haven't tried it yet. Morroccon Oil is also a must to keep hair (especially bleached hair) nourished and if you can get your hands on a Tangle Teezer I will say do it! My hair has a lot less breakage since I started using mine.
                             

4. Lucas Paw Paw Ointment. Got chapped lips? A cut? Perhaps some dry spots on your hands from a harsh winter? Pop some paw-paw on it overnight and voila! The next morning it is all healed up and lovely again. There is a reason Aussie expats ask their friends, sisters and mums to send them Lucas Paw-Paw ointment while abroad. It is magical, magical stuff.

5. Nars Blush – in Orgasm. It’s the world’s most popular blush for a reason! A gorgeous and shimmery pinky coral that works well on all skin types. The Nars brushes are incredible because they are so pigmented which means you don't need a lot and they last for ages on the skin. Well worth the investment if you ask me. I buy my Nars products online from HQHair as it's a bit cheaper than Australian prices - the shipping does take a while though so just be aware of that. You can also buy them at Mecca Cosmetica. 

6. Foundation – This is a tough one as there are so many beautiful ones out there. I will say that it is hard to find great oil-free Foundations but after a great deal of exploration a few of my favourites are Nars Sheer Glow Foundation which offers highly pigmented but light coverage – great if you’ve got a bit of redness or skin discolouration. MAC Studio Fix Foundation is super long-lasting and looks amazing in photos but you have to be careful with application - too much can make it look like you're wearing a mask.  I recently purchased Laura Mercier Silk Crème Foundation and it is gorgeous - it feels super light on the skin, but offers great coverage and is easy to apply with your fingers (must use a primer with it though). If you’re searching for a more inexpensive Foundation I can not go past Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation. It makes your skin look young and fresh and gives a beautiful dewy glow which is perfect if you''re feeling a little 'blurgh' or if your skin is looking a but lacklustre.

7. Lipsticks - How can a girl choose a favourite?? For everday wear I would go with the gorgeous shimmery goldy peach that is MAC Lipstick in Bombshell. Girly pinks I love include MAC Chatter-box and one from Loreal Colour Riche Lipstick which I unfortunately can't remember the name of. If you live in Australia, I'd highly recommend you try the Face of Australia and Australis brand Lipsticks. They are brilliantly priced, come in a great range of colours and both brands deliver long-lasting and nourishing lip colour. My faves are Face of Australia Lip-quenching SPF30+ lipstick in 'Malibu Barbie' and Australis Colour Inject lipstick in 'Flamenco' and 'Salsa'. As you can probably tell - I like a bright lip!

        

8. Eyeliner - Maybelline Black Gel Eye-liner. I have no idea how I got by before I found this product. I had previously used Chanel liquid liner and eyeliners from Clinique and Rimmel and although they are great and I still use the Rimmel ones I don't think anything has the lasting power and colour intensity of gel liner. If you want your liner to stay put, buy this. Perhaps not perfect for everday wear but by god it goes the distance. You may wish to purchase a slightly better brush than the one supplied but it's not 100% necessary.

                 

9. Mascara - Rimmel Scandal Eyes Mascara or Rimmel Glam Eye Day 2 Night Mascara are probably my favourite mascaras. I like big bold lashes and these two always do the trick. Day 2 Night does a particularly great job of lengthening your lashes so I couldn't recommend it more! 

10. Perfume - Finally, my two favourite scents at the Moment are Chloe Eau de Parfum and Stella McArtney Stella perfume. I've been wearing Stella since it was first launched and I still adore it's beautiful rose fragrance. Chloe has also been a favourite for about 2 years now - I love how fresh and sumemry it smells and it always makes me happy when I wear it.

 

So that's the end of the wrap up - did you make it all the way through? Congratulations and thank you  if you did!  Now tell me - what are your beauty essentials at the moment? 

xx Kirst

Friday’s Fashion bite: H&M Conscious Exclusive

After what seems like an eternity since Michelle Williams and Helen Hunt donned H&M frocks during the red carpet season, fashion (and earth) lovers everywhere can now get their mitts on the latest Conscious Exclusive collection from H&M.

The range boasts a number of glamorous and romantic party pieces all made from sustainable materials including organic cotton, tencel and recycled polyester.

Sustainable and on trend? H&M you had me at hello.

The Conscious Exclusive collection is simple, elegant, whimsical and looks to be surprisingly wearable thanks to the tailoring and overall design. Overall, it has left me once again wondering– why do I live in Australia where there is no H&M?!!

If you are lucky enough to live in the UK, I’d high tale it to your closest H&M because I’ve no doubt that this collection will sell out pretty quickly.

My favourite pieces are the asymmetrical black dress, the red dress with roses and the embroided dress. I also adore the ultra-feminine three piece suit!

What’s your pick?? Do you think you’ll pick up anything in store?

I’d love to hear from you!  

Have a great weekend everyone Xx Kirst

Fit Fashion...for Friday

I am OBSESSED with these tights that I just bought (after months of lusting after them) from Lorna Jane

Source: Uploaded by user via Kirst on Pinterest

It’s hard to believe it but the weather in Brisbane is getting cooler and the sun is starting to take that little bit longer to rise in the mornings …is autumn really on its way? 

Thanks to the change of seasons, I’m already starting to find it difficult to extract myself from the warmth of my happy place (it’s so comfy under the doona), and to get up and get moving.

Pinterest and Instagram constantly remind me that a ‘summer body is earned in winter’ and all that jazz about the importance of squats but when my alarm goes off at 5am and it’s cold and raining I sometimes just do not feel ready to jump our of bed and work out.

So what can I do to get me through this? To give me that little extra push to keep working towards my goals?

The answer my friends is fashion.

Now, I'll warn you, I am a pretty loyal devotee to Lorna Jane’s ‘Move, Nourish, Believe’ philosophy, I am that girl in the gym who has a different inspiration singlet each day and such an unhealthy attachment to her 'Amy tights' that I felt guilty when my boyfriend bought me a pair of these super cute and comfy leggings with neon pink details from Lululemon for my birthday (it still feels like cheating when I wear them). To me, workout clothes - or rather, looking good and feeling comfy when I work out - are a key element of keeping me motivated and on track and if that isn't enough, thinking of how much better my regular clothes will look and feel is a great reminder to roll out of bed and lace up those Nikes.

Speaking of Nikes have you got a pair of Free runs yet? They are so comfortable and super cute...just look at this pair:

Source: mysportworld.de via Kirst on Pinterest

Perfect to wear with this LJ top:

Source: lornajane.com.au via Kirst on Pinterest

And for those brave enough you could try these tights as well...although I'm not too sure Lime green would be the most flattering on me :-/

Source: lululemon.com.au via Kirst on Pinterest

Are you looking for more fitspiration to get active?

What about this?

Source: Uploaded by user via Kirst on Pinterest

Source: thelondoner.me via Kirst on Pinterest

Source: noellebyogini.com via Kirst on Pinterest

Source: bestfriendsforfrosting.com via Kirst on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Kirst on Pinterest

Source: prettyfitbody.tumblr.com via Kirst on Pinterest

Source: fitspoholic-barbie.tumblr.com via Kirst on Pinterest

And if you're in Brisbane and looking for something to kickstart your weekend - why not try the FREE LORNA JANE YOGA CLASS this weekend at the Judith Wright Centre...no excuses girls!

Until next time xoxo