Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane Bridal

This past week I have had the opportunity to intern at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane. While working the event last night I was offered a front row seat to the Monili Jewellers group show, which of course I could not pass up. The bridal group show featured Brides Desire by Wendy Sullivan, Bertossi Brides, Darb Bridal Couture, Rayner Lee, the funky George Wu and my favourite, Jack Sullivan Bridal. Who could not love the princess-y dresses by Darb Couture, the intricate detail by Jack Sullivan and the edgy designs by George Wu. In no particular order, here are some of my favourites of the night.

Intern Attire - Monochrome

The inspiration behind my intern outfit for the first day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane - loving my MAC Crosswires lipstick. Excited for the second night tonight!

Beauty Body Products For Shower Time

When I go shopping, I almost always leave with some sort of body wash. I think I tell myself it doesn't count as 'shopping' because soap is an essential. Today I am going to show you guys the body-related contents of my shower.

I am cheating a bit because the very first product isn't actually used inside the shower - it's a body brush. In short - dry body brushing is a form of exfoliating, read more here. I like to do this when I remember on a regular basis before my nightly shower. The second 'tool' I couldn't go without is this exfoliating mitt - there is a rough side for your body and a softer side I use to wash my face. Both these items can be found at Priceline.

On the topic of exfoliating, I will start with body scrubs. Chances are by now you will know all about Frank body scrub and its benefits, however I do have a post reviewing it here. I am nearly out and decided I will be repurchasing Frank. Another product that I am nearly out of, Radox Revive shower gel. This gel has micro exfoliating beads, and smells so zingy and fresh - perfect for an early morning 'wake me up' shower. The Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub is a must have item which I have already repurchased- it is the perfect pre-tan scrub as it doesn't leave any residue on the skin. The newest addition to the shower is the Palmolive Coconut Scrub, which I bought purely based on the scent (I am a bit coco for coconuts right now). So far I really enjoy it as it is exfoliating, yet still moisturising.

As you can see with my shower gel, there is a very recurring scent (and colour) - pink berries! The I Love… body wash is my favourite, and sadly discontinued at Target (so if anyone knows where else to find this brand?). It smells good enough to eat! Plus the smell lingers on your skin, my boyfriend always comments after I've used this in the shower. A close second to the I Love… gel is the Original Source Vanilla & Raspberry shower gel. This smells like a milkshake, but sadly doesn't linger on the skin. At under $3 it is a winner though! The last one, although pink too, has a bit of a different scent. The Radox Uplifting shower gel is great for when you need… well to be uplifted. With grapefruit and basil, it is such a fresh, zingy scent.

This last product I have, I've only used once but I wanted to mention it anyway. I think it is quite a great idea for for summer. This Nivea In-Shower Conditioner is like a moisturiser you use in the shower. It leaves your skin soft and moisturised, without that lotion residue. As I said, perfect for the humid summer heat!

And thats the body related contents of my shower, maybe I'll do some haircare soon!

Intern Outfit Inspiration

This is the look I am going for today, my first day at a new fashion marketing event & PR internship  - wish me luck! x

Massive Collective Beauty Haul

I have been doing a lot of shopping.. more than I should be, as I will be earning less now that University is back in full swing. Sharing my purchases on the blog always makes me feel a little less guilty, so here are my recent beauty and make up purchases. Brought to you from my South African trip and also Priceline's recent 40% off skincare sale.

Above are three cleansing products I have recently purchased. Both the Bioderma and St.Ives scrub are repurchases, and products that I would not be able to get by without. I use Bioderma daily to remove my make up (which I follow with Cetaphil cleanser).  I also picked up The Body Shop Camomile cleansing butter after I received a sample. I don't use this on an everyday basis, but it is a great product for when you need to remove a full face of make up.

Serums are my favourite, and most expensive, part of my skincare regime. This is my third tube of Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron serum, it is all kinds of amazing for dry skin like mine. I use it every morning under my moisturiser and I can honestly say it makes a huge difference in my skins' all over appearance. Also from Indeed Laboratories is the Fade To Bright brightening treatment. I have been using this product for about a week but I can't say I have seen any amazing changes to my skin (I will report back after more use).

I recently wrote a post about the Antipodes Mini's (view it here) in which I mentioned I was looking to purchase a full size Joyous serum, and I finally did after much hesitation. The serum retails for AU$85.99, which for me is A LOT of money, however I did pick this up when Priceline had their 40% off skincare sale. The serum does come in a 30ml size, which is a lot of product considering you only need to use a few drops. I use the Antipodes Joyous Protein Rich Serum as a night oil under my moisturiser, which leaves me with plump, fresh, glowing skin in the AM.

I have very dry skin, however I do sometimes get oily on my forehead, which causes blackheads along my hairline and T-zone. I decided to try out the Biore Self-Heating Charcoal Mask next time I get these bad breakouts. From Asian beauty company Luxola, I got the Vita Bight Skin Renewal Mask. There are a variety of these masks available but I thought it is best to try one before I buy from the rest of the range and this one seemed least likely to cause skin irritation. I am thinking of doing a post all about facial masks soon.

On to the other random skincare bits: sunscreen, moisturiser and a body scrub. I'm hoping because of the lightweight texture of the La Roche-Posay sunscreen I will be more motivated to wear sunscreen on my face on an everyday basis. Being in my twenties I am becoming more active in preventing ageing, and I think protection from the sun is the most important factor. The second sunscreen is a face spray that I got as a sample from my Luxola order. It contains SPF45 and would be perfect as a beach touch up sunscreen when you can't use your hands to rub sunscreen in.

Since I am so big on serums, I have found that a simple facial moisturiser works best and I love this one from Palmer's. It works well with my dry, sensitive skin but is still lightweight. The last two products here speak for themselves, Vaseline spray body moisturiser (which I love for hot, sticky summer days) and the Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub (perfect for pre- fake tan).

104 Buffer Brush $20.59 / 106 Powder Brush $18.00 / 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush $18.87 / 232 Classic Shader $12.00 / Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezer $18.87

 I haven't bought make up brushes in a long time! I made a Sigma order about three years ago and still use most of those brushes. So when I heard beauty guru's rave about these Zoeva brushes, and saw their crazy affordable prices, I had to get some. I only got these four brushes to start with, but I think I will be buying more.

The only two make up purchases, how surprising! I got the MAC lippie in South Africa, and I really wish I got more because it worked out at less than AU$20! The lipstick is called Crosswires, it is a Cremesheen, muted red (less bright than it is showing up in the photo). I love it because it is low-maintanace and easy to wear. I also caved and bought the Chi Chi Bases palette that I have been wanting for a long time now. The colours are very pink-based and reminds me of the Naked3 palette.

I have also been doing way too much clothes shopping, so there will hopefully be a follow up post soon!

Target Australia and Missoni Collaboration

Just last week I was talking to a friend about how the American Target seems so much better than our Australian stores. A wider range of products and brands, quirkier stock and not the mention the incredible designer collaborations. Therefore it made me laugh this morning when I opened my Twitter feed, to see that Target Australia has a collaboration underway with Italian designer Missoni.

The US collaboration of Target and Missoni was a huge success and left me envious. Naturally I am very excited about the collab, and to see what amazing pieces will be available. According to the Herald Sun, the range will include womenswear (including swim- and footwear), menswear and children's clothing, as well as a range of home wares.

The collection is set to release early October. As I work part time at Target, I will be sussing out the details closer to the release date and can hopefully get a preview of the range. Stay tuned for more information!

Fashion PR Blogs & Books

After three weeks spent visiting family in South Africa and a week spent crook in bed, I am back in action. Yesterday was my first day back at work and today is my first day back at University. This week I am focussing on getting back on track career-wise and searching for an internship, which seemed like the perfect time to share my favourite fashion PR industry reads.

BLOGS:

NYC PR Girls

http://nycprgirls.com

Preparing for an interview? Want to ensure you are including the right things on your resume? Have a dilemma at work? Usually you can find an answer to what you are looking for on this website. The blog is written by two PR professionals working and living in New York City. Aside from career advice the girls also write about fashion, beauty and general life in NYC. The posts are creative and fun to read, check them out!

PR Couture

http://www.prcouture.com/blog/

PR Couture is a website covering all things fashion PR. Run by Crosby Noricks, PR & marketing professional and author, the blog features interviews with industry professionals, tips and tools for working in the fashion PR industry and also offers templates for anyone to purchase. I often browse the blog for intern stories and industry tips.

Intern Queen

http://www.internqueen.com/blog

Similar to the above websites, Intern Queen, features industry tips and 'A Day In The Life' posts of interns and professionals. 

BOOKS:

I have an ikea bookshelf overflowing with books, many of them fashion and PR industry related. 

If You Have To Cry, Go Outside

Kelly Cutrone 

Unfortunately I lost (i.e. accidentally returned with other library books) my copy of this book while I was mid-read, so I never finished the book. Anyone who watched The Hills knows Kelly Cutrone is ruthless but great at her job. Cutrone writes very spiritually about 'finding your tribe', which I did not expect at all. The book also provides an insight into Cutrone's life and how she became so successful. A raw, hilarious and no-bullshit read.

Ready To Launch: The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR

Crosby Noricks

I've had this book since my first year of University and I love the advice in it. The book allowed me my first insight into the world of fashion PR. The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR covers all the basics, which is why is it perfect for fashion or PR students. From outlining what makes PR different to marketing and advertising, covering what PR professionals actually do and providing advice for resumes and interviews, this books is a must have for Fashion PR students.

Strictly Confidential

Roxy Jacenko

Roxy Jacenko - we all wanna be her know who she is. The PR power figure wrote a series of fictional books, with the third instalment coming soon. Although the books are fictional, they allows an insight into the fast-paced, relentless PR world of Sydney. A fun holiday read.

Let me know if you have read any of these books or blogs, and what you think of them. 

Antipodes Mini's

I love anything mini-sized, and it is no secret that I love skincare. 

Recently in Priceline, I was drawn to the Antipodes Mini duos. I previously purchased the day-time duo (Moisture Boost), and after another trip picked up the night-time set (Anti-Ageing) as well.

I've never previously tried Antipodes as it is a bit over my usual price range, however at around $20 these Mini's a good way to try a new product. Antipodes is an organic beauty brand, which appeals to my sensitive skin type. I've heard many well known beauty vloggers mention the brand previously, and the packaging is very luxurious so I was excited to try the products. The duo's come in two ranges; moisture boost & anti-ageing. I use them as night- and day-time products.

Moisture Boost Mini's (Day-time):

This mini duo helps improve moisture in dehydrated skin, it includes a serum and cream.

1. Divine Face Oil

The avocado and rosehip face oil can be applied morning or night as a serum before applying the Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream. The oil is meant to help relieve tired, stressed and sun damaged skin. Overall the oil is good but basically this does the same as any rosehip oil I've tried.

2. Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream 

This light, yet hydrating day cream keeps skin healthy and energised. According to Antipodes this cream is suitable for most skin conditions, so it is perfect for an everyday moisturiser.

Anti-Ageing Mini's (Night-time):

This duo contains an anti-ageing protein-rich serum and night cream suited to dry skin.

1. Joyous Protein-Rich Night Serum

This night serum targets dry and damaged skin by boosting the skin overall with elements of goji berry, wild blackcurrant and hibiscus flower. The morning after using this serum, I definitely noticed a difference in my skin texture and plumpness of my skin. Antipodes is out of my Uni-budget price range but I am hoping to get this full size when Priceline has their next 40% off skincare sale.

2. Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream

This nourishing night cream is applied after the Joyous Protein-Rich Night Serum. Containing elements of avocado oil, manuka honey and vinanza Grape. The cream is most suitable for very dry skin, however it is not too thick neither does it leave an oily residue. The only downside for me is the heavy fragrance, which I am weary of with my sensitive skin.

Overall I am impressed with the products, I like the idea of these mini duo's as it gives you a chance to properly try out a usually pricey product. I have noticed most Antipodes products, although natural, are very heavily scented, which is a downfall for me. However I haven't yet had any reactions since testing these products. Let me know if you've tried these duo's or have any other Antipodes product recommendations.

Pop Basic Paloma Collection Box

Look-ie look-ie what has arrived - the Pop Basic box I was telling you about! I was very surprised when the postman knocked on my door with this parcel, which arrived within a little over a week all the way from the USA.

The Pop Basic box is similar to monthly fashion subscription boxes, without the commitment. You get to view the items featured in each box prior to purchase and choose whether you would like to commit to the box. The price of the box varies with each collection, which includes FREE shipping to Australia.

This month I purchased my first Pop Basic box after seeing the items of the collection on Essie Button's Twitter feed, called the Paloma box. The items came in a beautiful BIG box which featured three fashion items plus a little beauty freebie.

Paloma Leather Clutch

My favourite item in the box is this leather clutch. The size, colour and rose gold detail is spot on! I like to style the clutch by folding it over length ways with a tee and boyfriend jeans. The light grey clutch is made from 100% real leather, features a rose gold zip and is roughly to 20x30 cm (which can fit an iPad and notebook). To top it all off the clutch has striped lining!

Grey Striped Infinity Scarf

If it is striped I'll usually love it no matter what, so of course I was impressed with the infinity scarf in the box. The scarf is lightweight and easy to style - a good basic.

Basic White Tee

This is probably the item which I am least impressed with to be honest. The tee fits fine but just doesn't sit very nicely on the body; the sleeves are a little too short and the material too thin.

The verdict

Overall I did love the Paloma collection box! I won't be able to afford this box each month so the no commitment part is really great, I'll keep an eye on the website and purchase the collections that appeal to my style. Hurry, there are still some of the Paloma collection boxes available, and you can get $15 off by clicking HERE.

Buy the Paloma collection box here and get $15 off

Brisbane Eat Street Markets

Brisbane is often know as one of the lesser trendy cities, well compared to Sydney and Melbourne. As a Brisbaner I must disagree. Brisbane is becoming quick to adapt to change and accept new trends, one such trend is Eat Street Market. 

Eat Street offers a wide variety of International cuisine, an enchanting mood with fairy lights and quirky decorations and live performances. The whole atmosphere is really fun, lets be honest though - I go for the food. I've been twice to the market with my boyfriend, also a food lover, it's an ideal date night. What makes Eat Street so appealing, is that it is suitable for anyone, I've noticed families with young children, loved-up couples, groups of friends, hipsters and even older people enjoying the market. The market runs on Friday nights, Saturday evenings and Sundays.

Food wise - I'd say there is something for everyone, from basic italian food to exotic asian dishes. And don't get me started on the desserts… If there's one thing you must try it's a cronut! This heavenly dessert is a doughnut made with croissant dough, filled with cream and topped with heavenly ingredients (drool). My boyfriend and I usually share whatever we buy, that way we can try more things, and stuff our faces until we cannot fit anything more. So far we've tried Bahn Mi, Langos as main food, both were delicious, along with starters and desserts of course.

Brisbaners make sure you try out Eat Street Markets at Hamilton. I'll be back there soon. Some of my most recent trips Instagram's: