Making my Room my Own

When moving to a new city, country, or even house, it can feel a bit lonely and strange for the first while. One of the things that I've focussed on doing since I've moved into a (wonderful) new house is picking up a few bits and pieces to make my room feel more cosy and more like my own. Some items were purchased from a market and some from different shops in Sydney. The best part is that none of them were above $25, and even a few simple additions such as some candles or a unique notebook can make you feel very much at home or make your room feel more like you. Take a look at some of the things I've put in my room recently and let me know if you'd like to find out where to get them (or something similar).

 

 

Rachel x

Clash of the Titans...

I've gone a little crazy for print clashing recently - I'm not brave enough to go for a whole outfit though, so at the moment it's just little touches like belts & accessories. I've attached some pictures of the most recent clashes, it's surprising what ends up going together when you try it all on! This summer it seems anything goes, long/short, bright/neutral, flats/sky scrapers... so there's plenty of opportunities to try something a bit different!

Hope everyone is enjoying the sporadic sunshine we've been having & that you're taking the opportunity to wear something fabulous in the beer garden when the sun comes out :)

Rachel xxx

My Latest Obsession...House of Harlow 1960

Accessories are a girls best friend (and one of my favourite things to shop for), and in particular, I have a new found fondness for jewellery. I plan on recycling a lot of last years Xmas dresses as I'm on a budget at the minutes, plus I've only worn a few of the outfits once! Lanvin, YSL, & Chanel all have beautiful accessories that would be amazing with any Xmas party season outfit, but since I haven't won the lotto recently, I've had my eye on some House of Harlow 1960 pieces (designed by Nicole Richie). They're a little expensive but so worth it, really gorgeous bracelets, earrings & chains.

Available online at http://www.shopthetrendboutique.com/ and http://www.asos.com/ (ASOS have a selection of pieces on sale), also in the Design Centre in the Powerscourt Centre, Dublin 2.

Rachel xxx

Winter Warmers

So the clocks have gone back which means it's darker in the evenings & also a lot colder! I quite like winter though, and it's easier to be working in the lab when it's miserable outside, sunny weather when stuck indoors is just too depressing. I've put together a list of a few of my favourite winter accessories that are vital for keeping warm yet looking cool. All are from the high street and should suit every budget. In particular I love the red fluffy snood from Topshop, it looks so warm & comfy, plus red is a fabulous colour for Winter. Good accessories are the best value-for money buys as they can be worn so often, plus they can brighten up an outfit. We should all be saving for Xmas, but it's ok to spend on warm woolies that we really need, and it's also fine to get several colours and styles, coz we'll get lots of wear out of them, right?! Ah the compulsive shopper always finds a way to rationalise every single spend ;)

Rachel xxx

Hair Accessories & Best Hair Products

For me, a good hair day is a good day overall! Even if my skin or make up isn't quite right, or I don't feel my outfit is doing that much for me, once my hair looks good then I feel ok. However, constant washing & styling is not only time consuming, but is quite bad for hair (especially when you have a head full of bleach like me!). I use lots of hair accessories and products to avoid having to always straighten or curl my hair-one of my favourite things has to be putting my hair in plaits when it's wet-once it's dry you have great crimpy hair that's full of volume, with no fuzz in sight! A pretty embellished hairband can also glam up an outfit for a night out, with the winter weather sometimes it's easier to put your hair up & top it off with a nice accessory-it beats stressing over rain & wind ruining our style. Here's a list of my go to accessories and products for banishing bad hair days...

Hair Accessories

Anything goes these days, hairbands, big clips & hats are all in fashion, try Accessorize, Penney's, Topshop & H&M for some of the best bits.

Hair Products

Dry Shampoo-Has to be Batiste, I love the Blush version.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume & Sheer Blonde ranges; especially the Tone Refreshing products and Blonde Hair Repair leave in conditioning treatment.

Elnett Hairspray-I challenge you to find a girl who does not swear by this.

Tigi Catwalk Fast Fixx Lightweight Leave-In Conditioner Spray-great for detangling and maintaining healthy, soft hair.

If I'm missing anything or there's a product you'd recommended, please feel free to leave a comment.

Rachel xxx