Okay - it's a pretty undisputed fact that many of the "well-known bloggers" are absolutely gorgeous and model-like in their stature, their wardrobes and their make-up. I for one am neither the typical representation of pretty, nor am I photogenic. I thought I'd just show you guys my typical make-up routine for going out.

WARNING: there will be a non-edited photo of my just-woken-up face below...try not to run away :P



Yep, that's me. No edits, no nothing. Just woke up, half asleep, messy hair. As you can see my skin is pretty blemished. I have pimples, red patches, dry lips, and my eyebrows look kinda crazy. So obviously I need to take a few steps to ensure that I don't scare people away with my face. Just kidding! (Sort of...)

First step: Wash my face with a cloth and then QV cream as a moisturiser, I use it on my lips too instead of lip balm.



Second step: Use my fingers to dab The Body Shop foundation on my blemishes & Maybelline finishing powder swept over my face with a brush.



Third step: Maybelline Line Stiletto liquid eyeliner over the top eyelid and a couple of coats of mascara on the top lashes.



Fourth step: (most of the time I don't do this, only for parties etc.) some eyeshadow, this one is Luview.



Once all that is done (about 10 minutes in my case) ...this is what I look like.



Wait, I better do a little comparison so you can see the difference.


Left: before shot. Right: After shot.

My skin is still not flawless, as I only put a light layer of foundation on, but overall my face looks more bright and energised and my eyes are opened up :)

Voila that is me! I'm nowhere near perfect but I make do with what I have.

What do you guys do for skin-care? Do you wear make-up day to day? Or are you photogenic/have nice enough skin not to have to wear any? If that's the case I'm very jealous!

Happy weekend lovers.

x x Stace

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So lately I've been a little bit "cbf" with clothes, shopping, outfits, my looks etc. I thought I'd just put together an easy breezy little outfit featuring just a plain old t-shirt. It's not always about going OTT with the bling or wearing designer dresses all the time - this look is simplicity at its best.

This grey tee is from Pop Basic's newest micro-collection titled "Sherwood". This "Grey Marl Tee" is the ultimate wardrobe staple. It has a v-neck and is perfect for tucking into high-waisted jeans. It is meant to be matched with a green pleated maxi and a pretty necklace. Check out Sherwood by Pop Basic here!!

The ring & sunnies add enough pizazz to the outfit without grabbing attention from the beautiful emerald green pants, and any other top would also detract from them. So my new motto: simple is best. Bonus points because the sandals and loose attire makes for comfortable sitting, running for the bus or even just going for a walk to the supermarket.

I always end up wearing plain tees with printed jeans or skirts to great effect too! Although I have a feeling I may be looking to invest in a pair of silky coloured pants in the near future...

Happy Wednesday e'rrrybody! Hope you're staying comfy and warm :)

x x Stace

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These are a few of my favourite things...leather shorts (hell leather anything), classy yet glam outfits to go with equally classy it girls, sultry stares, confidence and wise yet simple words of advice.

Enjoy the weekend inspiration!

Love,
Stace xx

img source: theyallhateus blog & tumblr & vogue.


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So who's seen the recent Kmart ads on TV? I did and I have to admit I was surprised. In a pleasant way. Aside from the annoyingly boppy dance track used in the ad, it's a big step up from the previous not-fit-for-wearing-out reputation that Kmart's clothing once had (well in my opinion anyway). Perhaps I'm a little biased because I work there and I know what type of people shop there. ANYWAY. Check it out.



What did you think? Not bad huh. Not to mention that Kmart does have astoundingly low prices. This is likely due to the fact that they exploit cheap labour in economically less developed countries...but I digress. Enjoy my uni outfit, & my crazy hyperactive jumping around, these clothes were appropriately bought from Kmart with my employee discount (if that doesn't tell you how much of a poor uni student I am I don't know what will!).









Kmart knit, pants & boots. Sportsgirl sunglasses. Yves Saint Laurent ring.
Seven Autumn Leaves handmade necklace.

Had a nice play around with a Canon 600D which I "rented" from Maribyrnong Council. I'm part of a short journalism workshop/course for young people at Phoenix Youth Centre. Check it out! I'm thinking of buying one of these cameras for myself - I found it pretty nifty :)

Does the ad above and my post make you want to shop at Kmart? To be honest I usually don't condone unethical standards within the fashion industry and would much rather support local labels and sustainable/organic production, for example the necklace I'm wearing. It was designed and made by my lovely friend Sevan Manjikian of the blog Seven Autumn Leaves. It's such a dilemma for many of us (I speak for myself) to pick between what is "affordable" and what is "right".

Have a read of this article from Kmart's latest news and Wall Street Journal's article on fast fashion to read some of the issue behind buying cheaply made/unethical clothes and also the recent tragedy for a factory in Bangladesh.

Also notable is this repoter from CBS News' undercover expose of a Bangladesh garment factory. Harrowing stuff and fuel for thought!!

What are your opinions??

Have a happy weekend all!

x x Stace




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It's positively freezing today - once again the bipolar weather is showing its true colours; it can never make up its mind whether to be warm to us or cold. This last week has been the latter. I wake up in the mornings dreading getting out of the covers because Winter is coming.

Despite my fear for the biting cold that penetrates me, there are a few things that save me from it. The main one being my bed - a haven from the chill and a warm wonderful place where I spend most of my time - and books. At the moment I'm stuck into a D.H. Lawrence volume I got as a gift. Reading while snuggled up in bed is just something I tend to do a lot of...it's like hibernating but better :)






Witchery knit, Kmart trackies.

Today I stayed in bed for a long time; well past sunrise. My new Witchery knit, thanks to Justin' mum, has been a staple for the last couple of weeks. Kmart trackies are surprisingly comfy as well. I think they're selling for about $12 at the moment so a complete bargain too. Wintry days spent at home require an outfit just like the one above: comfy enough to serve as pyjamas should you want to nap, but also decent enough so that you can open to the door if the postman visits. Which he did today. If you follow my instagram you would have seen the new rock I bought ;)

How has everyone been coping with the cold & what are your ways to combat it?

x x Stace

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Enjoy these beautiful monochrome pictures from Michael Lo Sordo's A/W 2013-14 campaign. Stunning.









Photography: Holly Blake
Model: Linnea Regnader - IMG Models
Hair & Make-up: Franco Chessa and Sara Casiraghi

I've always loved the air of mystery, and also the timeless beauty surrounding black & white images. Happy weekend to my lovely followers!!

x x Stace

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ph. from vogue.com.au