If you could hear the voice in my heart it would tell you....

 We live in a day and age where I look around and I see a lot of loneliness and sorrow, despair and hopelessness, lost and confused men and women. I listen in disbelief to peoples stories of hardship and broken heartedness. The sun may be shining brightly in the sky but to some people there is no light in their life and there is a big hole in their heart where hope once sat. Negativity stains their lips and soul and the thought of these people makes my heart sink.

I stand from a place where I have a broader vision and have adopted an attitude of positivity for you and the crosses you believe you bear. The lack of confidence and belief in yourself is incredible and I am here to remind you that you can be, do and have anything you want. You are a incredible person who lives in an equally incredible world full of opportunity and information. Yes, you have heard what I am going to say so many times that it seems to have lost all meaning so I am going to reiterate it for you with extra meaning!... LOVE (a strong positive emotion of regard and affection) YOURSELF (your usual, normal, or true self ).

What is so wrong with you that you see hope for others and not yourself? What is so wrong with you that you see beauty in others but not yourself? What is so wrong with you that you see intelligence and worthiness in others but not yourself? What inspires you? What are your goals? What are your dreams? What do you want for you? What makes you happy? So many people do not know the answers to these questions and it astounds me! As children we could dream and imagine so easily. What happened to that? How did you lose hope? 

I would like to tell you, even if I have never even met you yet and you are reading this... you are amazing. You can live your dreams if you make the effort and believe you deserve the best, because you do. You are worthy, beautiful, intelligent and loved. The best friend you will ever have is yourself so I suggest you get to know you and your true thoughts and feelings. Your contribution to this world will echo throughout the ages. It is so important that you be joyful and grateful for the life that you live. Look for releases in nature, music, art and the beauty of life in general. You are in charge of your life and no one can change you but you. Stop being a product of your surroundings and decide who you want to be and what you want to become. You are stronger and braver than you could ever imagine. Life is an incredible journey and you should enter every experience with curiosity and pleasure in mind. Look at life in such a way that it is precious and beautiful and dive in! Take that image of the life you want and make it happen! Look up to the stars and know that you shine just as brightly. Be the best you can be in every moment of every day. Time does not slow so do not waste it. Sing, dance, smile and laugh! Tell someone you appreciate, respect and support them. And above all NEVER LOSE HOPE & BE HAPPY! 

Stay fabulous!

CLE

avandia recall

Model Profile: GRACE MAY

After going to so many fashion showcases you start to recognise models and even develop a kind of favouritism towards some. I, along with other people who did not know all that much about the fashion world, used to run with the stigma that models don't do much... all they do is walk along a runway in designer outfits. How hard can it be? Well I am here to tell you that not just anyone can be a model. You need to be able throw the appropriate emotion across the room as you strut with confidence in time to the music while making sure you are showing off the garments to their full capacity. This does take some smarts and skill. Some models walk down the runway and they don't tell a story like they should. They amble down without any confidence or posture and certainly have no emotion let alone remembering to show off the garment. I now really understand the difference between good models and the not so good. You need more than a pretty face. When models are used who are good at what they do.... a showcase tells a story and clothes come alive and sell themselves. It is such a pleasure to watch!

Grace May is a brilliant model and she is definitely one of my favourites! She has her stunningly unique look which makes her stand out from the crowd before you even see her walk. In all honesty Grace doesn't actually walk, she is ones of those models who is brilliant at what she does, so she either floats or struts depending on the story of the garment. She throws the appropriate emotion across the room, shows off the garment, tells the story and sells the clothes!

Not only is she brilliant on the runway she is amazing at photographic as well. The pictures Grace has sent me to use in this profile are stunning and captivating. I certainly enjoyed her interview so I know you will too!

GRACE MAY

   

Name: Grace May

Star Sign: Taurus

How did you first get into modelling?  

As the face of Gold Coast fashion week in 2009, oasis shopping centre, I was then contracted to division.

What has your favourite job been so far? 

It would be a close race between the most well known designer Ive worked with Alex Perry, and the little known gems, Begitta, Emma Milkins, Pavo Tails.. Those are the designers that make modelling exciting amongst the parades and luncheons and shows and shoots.

Who is your inspiration and why? 

I take my lessons and inspiration from the people around me, they are in my life for a reason they make it better!

Where do you see yourself in five years? 

I am currently juggling a journalism degree, events management and public relations jobs, presenting and modelling. If I had to choose just one it would probably be working as an editor of VOGUE NIPPON JAPAN. Otherwise I would ideally like to start my own PR/Events/Management company, and continue to freelance write and present. In lieu of that i wouldn't mind being the next female prime minister (I secretly love politics).

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go and why? 

I have had a long term mad love affair with travelling. Of all the places I have been that i would love to return to... Calcutta in India, Santorini in the Greek Isles, of the places I have yet to go..
LA(I've watched far too much Entourage), New York(You can probably blame Sex And The City for that one) and Tokyo. I am currently planning a Tokyo adventure for the end of the year, possibly for work but mostly for play. So many amazing creations seem to emerge from Japan, I cant wait to explore the fashions and the markets, and the people- they always seem super friendly although that could just be that to them I am this giant red headed model monster.

Favourite book?
Everything Jane Austin.
The secret by Rhonda Byrne.
Magazines- I have the BIGGEST magazine collection you have ever seen (also the heaviest) I claim its research for my degree but nothing beats opening a magazine and being inspired. Grazia.Frankie. Russh. Vogue Nippon.

Favourite movie? 

Pride and Prejudice, I am a huuuuuge Jane Austin fan, I find solace in 19th century movies and books, I seem to be able to more easily relate to the characters from that generation, I'm an old soul. The kind of love that's depicted in old films and books rarely exists these days. 

What is your favourite type of exercise?  

I'm a surf life saver here on the coast in summer, and an absolute self confessed beach rat! There is so much incidental exercise that occurs when you are an outside person -especially when your at the beach!!! Get outside and explore! Climb Mount Warning, spend the day at Currumbin Rock Pools with friends swimming and jumping and exploring, the best kind of exercise is the kind you don't even realise your doing!!!

Three things you cant live without?
Love
My mum. She is my moral compass, my rock, my inspiration, she is the driving force in my life to DO and BE better. My friends. who love and support me no matter how hectic my life gets and how rarely I may see them. My Life. I live by the adage "LIVE WHAT YOU LOVE" I love what I do and the people that I work with, it makes all the difference in the world.

Laughter-
I laugh and smile all day every day, and I hope this to always be the case. I surround myself with people who make my life better. I learnt a long time ago that sometimes recognising that people are bad for you although difficult is the best thing you can do.

Challenges-

 The positive kind. I surround myself with people who challenge me creatively and intellectually and as a person. People who wont let me settle for anything less than my best self. I embrace study, as tedious as it might be I am well aware that there is so much left for me to learn, i will never be finished challenging myself.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Lisa Nichols."When you follow your bliss then you live in a constant space of joy. You open yourself to the abundance of the universe. You're excited to share your life with those you love, and your excitement and your passion your bliss becomes contagious."

-lazy days at the beach.

-Fashion TV

- Village Markets in Burleigh

-Undiscovered Designers

-Floral everything.

-Scented candles.
-Tutus.(I adore tulle)
-Ball gowns that I will probably never wear, but that I love to look at.
-Entourage and Gossip Girl marathons on rainy days.
-Adventures

 Your favourite designer label?
To Swim-White Sands.
To Play-Vintage finds and new designers.
Jewellery-headpieces- Samantha Willis Emma Milkins
To Party- Rachel Gilbert, Sass and Bide.
To one day be Married in- Alex Perry

  Any advice for the women of the world?

Wake up and pay attention. Women have more influence and possibilities available to them then ever before. We have the power to affect change, to be whom ever we choose without boundaries or limitations. You can be a model who is a surf life saver, and a journalist who has a burgeoning desire to one day get into politics.  You can be WHATEVER you want, or several marvellous things all at the same time. Make the decision to be proactive, and positive, surround yourself with proactive positive people and you will be amazed at what you will achieve.

Anything you want to add?
Stop trying to fit in when you were born to stand out. Your life is what you create it, so let this be where the magic begins!

 

avandia recall

Alpha-H Update.

I know I said I was going to V-log instead of B-log about this but I just cannot get the vlog right for the life of me! There is just so much about the products I want to share! I have definately noticed a difference. My red spots or 'hyper-pigmentation' are certainly reduced and I have fewer blackheads and break outs! wohoo! Here are my pictures I have taken on the day I started and the two week mark!

Left picture is the first day I started using the products and the right one is two weeks in! The pictures don't tell much of a story as my skin was quite clear but you can definately see the reduction in the redness on my face. So I am seeing great results after two weeks! Now I will give you my thoughts on all of the products I have received!

 First up is the tripple action cleanser that I use morning and night. I do love this cleanser. It works wonders taking my makeup off at night and it is gentle and safe so you can use it to remove your eye makeup! I have tried so many products in the past that say it can be used to remove eye makeup and it stings your eyes but this cleanser does not sting at all! I love it! One thing I am not so sure about is that I have to use alot of the product at night time as it is not the easiest product to spread when wearing makeup. Although it does its job perfectly, I need to use a fair amount of it at night so I am not sure if this product is going to last me the whole six weeks! TIP: When removing your makeup at night use a white face cloth in conjunction with your product so you can make sure you have removed all of your makeup. When no more colour is coming off onto the cloth you know you have done a great job! 

Next is the Micro Cleanse that I use twice a week. This exfoliating face wash is looovely. I love the smell (spearmint I think) and I love working it into the specific areas on my face that can get so oily and I know that dead skin cells are being banished from my face to leave me with a clearer complexion! This product actually stung my face a little, along with some of the other products, which kind of scared me at first because on the back of the product it warns "Stop using this product immediately if you experience adverse reactions including STINGING, itching and burning". My face did sting but it was a only a little uncomfotable and not painful so I did a bit of research into Glycolic Acid which is the ingrediant in the products that do sting me and here is what I found.... 

 Glycolic acid is used in many skin care products due to its excellent capability to penetrate skin. It is used often as a chemical peel performed by a dermatologist or in at-home kits. Glycolic Acid reacts with the upper layer of the epidermis, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together hence it improves the skin's appearance and texture.

So obviously you are going to get a bit of stinging. I also noticed that the stinging was varied with the same product. Sometimes it would sting quite a lot and others not so much. So I did a bit more research into it and found that Glycolic Acid is pH sensitive so I think that the stinging can vary due to the pH of your skin. Keep in mind I haven't spoken to Alpha-H about this yet. So I will let you know!    

TIP: I have to use this product twice a week, I use it on Tuesdays and Fridays, so to remind myself of the days I have to use it I took a permantent marker and wrote TUES & FRI on the bottle which helps me remember I have to use this product on these days. I can be a bit slow in the mornings so I find this really helps!

I use the eye cream morning and night. Its very light and cool when you put it on, it is not oily at all and drys quickly. It is a great eye cream! You need a different cream for your eyes compared to the rest of your face as the skin around your eyes is more sensitive and a lot thinner than the skin on cheeks.

I basically have a love/hate relationship with the Daily Essential Moisturiser. I love it (especially the smell, I love the smell of sunscreen!) but I find that if I use it I have to let it dry on my skin for at least half an hour to an hour before I put my makeup on. This is most likely due to the SPF 30+. So if I jump up in the morning, wash my face and have to apply my makeup then and there I don't use the moisturiser as my skin is already quite oily and I find the moisturiser + the makeup + my oily skin leaves me waaaay too oily and my makeup doesn't last half the day. But other than that I do spend a couple of makeup free days at home and I love putting it on and I also make an effort to wash my face and put it on early as I do have dry areas on my face (I have combination skin) and using this moisturiser has definitely helped. A few ladies at the Alpha-H workshop expressed that they used this moisturiser under their makeup without a problem so you can always speak to Alpha-H and they can give you a sample tube for you to test before you buy!

Balancing moisturiser with gentle exfoliant. I love it and I use it every night. There is nothing better than having a clean face at night, putting on your night cream and getting into your nice warm bed. It's so comforting to me and is a wonderful way end to a busy day! This is cream is very light and not oily at all. It is fast absorbing and just lovely!

I use the liquid Gold and Clay Masks once a week, on my 'Me Night' which is a Sunday :), and I love them. I sit in my spa with a glass of red and my mask on my face! Sooo relaxing and sooo good for your skin! My skin feels beautiful and smooth after using the masks. I use the Liquid Gold mask first, leave it on for 10 minutes then wash that off and put the clay mask on for 10 minutes. I look forward to my 'Me Nights' on Sunday even more now!

Overall I am loving the products and I am looking forward to seeing further results! If you are interested in the products check out www.alpha-h.com

Stay fabulous!

CLE

avandia recall

Veve Glamour Swimwear Launch

When I first saw the facebook event for Veve's launch of their new collection 'Carnival' I thought I might try my luck and see if I could cover the night as I was already a big fan of the 09/10 collection! So I emailed the owner and designer of Veve Glamour Swimwear, Vanessa Bryce. I didn't really expect an email back as this was the first time I had emailed a designer directly and asked to cover a show. So I held my breath, crossed my fingers and clicked send! Within a few hours I had an email back from Vanessa who is clearly not just a talentled lady with a great eye for design and detail but she was loooovely. She was so polite and sweet and was more than happy for me to cover the night! I cannot tell you how excited I was!

Ellie Gonsalves, the face of Veve (Left) & Vanessa Bryce, the very talented owner and designer of Veve (Right).

The launch was on Thursday the 29th of July at the Gold Coast International in Surfers Paradise. FTV were covering the night so I knew that Vanessa was going to make it a night to remember as a designer will never mess up a chance of international exposure and I tell you what... she did not disappoint! The gorgeous models, including the face of Veve- stunning Miss Ellie Gonsalves, strutted the runway to funky and upbeat tunes holding clusters of balloons that matched the colours of their swimwear! 

The room was electric with excitement and awe as model after model paraded down the runway. The models walked in time to fresh, fun and funky pop songs, huge smiles adorned their faces and you could just tell that they loved that they were there and what they were wearing! It really was a pleasure to watch! The collection of swimwear for the Carnival range is HUGE. I have never seen such a big collection! Every time a model walked off the stage you sat there in avid anticipation to see what on earth one designer could possibly come up with next! Every piece was as good as the last and there really was a vast range. From cute and bubbly to sexy and dominating! Each piece told it's own story and I loved it! There is also the cutest kiddies range! The little ladies that strutted their stuff were ADORABLE! The range for girls is cute, pretty, fresh and stylish whilst keeping in mind that they are meant for children. Frills, flowers and bows... Love it!

According to veve.com.au (the site has just had an update and it is fabulous! It is so much more than a look book, I really enjoyed browsing the site!) their swimwear is "Made from the finest quality Lycra, and using diamantes, jewels, braids and metallic fabrics make Veve Swimwear distinctly unique and glamorous." Unique and glamorous indeed! The bikinis bottoms were a very sexy and eye catching Brazilian cut and the one pieces were gorgeous and always had a unique twist to them! If I had to come up with this collection I think it would have taken me years. Vanessa has done nothing short of an amazing job! The whole collection was a feast for the eyes and will certainly turn heads at the beach, pool or even at a music festival! Veve Glamour Swimwear is set for international stardom. A collection this magnificent certainly cannot achieve anything but success.

When the show was over everyone was so exhilarated and blown away from such an impressive show! We walked out of one room and into another for the after party! Our eyes were greeted by a Carnival Creature on stilts, our ears the sound of upbeat tunes from a DJ in the corner and our taste buds by champagne!

The whole night was one of exhilaration and fun, the collection was one of the most impressive I have ever seen and everyone was lovely and looked fabulous! This is certainly a launch that I will be looking forward to next year and I have to get my hands on one of the gorgeous bikinis!

Thank you Vanessa for giving me the opportunity to cover your amazing night!

For more photos check out my facebook!

Stay fabulous! 

CLE

avandia recall

DEAR LUCY

Dear Lucy,

I am writing this to you as a friend and someone who cares so please read it, although it may be hard to hear... please keep reading.... You are rude and uncaring. You are caught up in the never ending drama that you project onto your life and you think you're drowning in shit but no one is putting shit on you but yourself. Your fowl language, ignorance, bad spelling, ridiculous facebook updates and negative tone are really starting to get to me.

You are never ending with disgusting gossip and lies and never once do you stop to think of the consequences of your actions nor do you even bother to acknowledge the consequences when they appear. It is none of your business what other people do. The way people live their lives is their choice and yes I know the way you live yours is your choice but it seems to me such a waste.

You have no class and even though I know you are an intelligent girl for some reason you chose to sit behind the wall of stupidity you put up when we look at you. Your make-up, shoes, clothes, electronics and social networking sites are all that matter to you and you have no idea where to draw the line and I'm not even sure if you know that there is a line that should be drawn (which there is). You cannot be alone and when you are you are txting someone to see if they want to 'catch up' or on some chat bitching to a girl or flirting with a boy. You are empty and lack any real meaning. When you get into a relationship your insecurity and lack of self awareness causes you to turn into an over needy, clingy, jealous, judgemental, non understanding or forgiving crazy person and then you wonder why the relationship turns sour.

You think bugs are 'yucky', rain messes up your hair, the sun is only there to give you cancer and the only walk you take during the week is from your front door to your car. You are full of fear and doubt. You might flick through a magazine and read a bit on Brangelina if it is really 'juicy' but that's the closest you get to reading. You are constantly bored and seeking attention. You get so drunk every weekend that you don't remember the night which makes me question why you would even do that in the first place because you always say you just want to 'have a good time' but half the time it ends in disaster anyway. You are lazy and don't give a damn about others let alone yourself. You flit from day to day filling your mind with meaningless bullshit and all the while in the back of your mind you are wondering if it will ever end? I am here to tell you that it wont end.... unless you put a stop to it.

When is the last time you said 'thank you' or 'sorry'? When is the last time you were grateful for something or someone in your life? When was the last time you told your family how much they mean to you? When was the last time you withheld judgement because you realised it is none of your business and you are not one to judge? When is the last time you sat down on your own and wondered what kind of person you wanted to be and where you wanted to go in life? Have you ever written down your dreams and aspirations? Do you even have any?

You seem to have forgotten that life is a gift. A walk in the park or listening to your favourite piece of music is a better way to unwind than getting plastered on vodka blacks. The world is not against you. You can be, do and have anything you wish but you have to put the effort in. Your attitude determines every second, minute, hour, day, week, month and year of your life. Would it hurt for you to be more positive? No. Is it possible for you to change your mind, circumstances and bad habits? Yes.

Take small steps in the direction of your goals and consciously do it every day. Make an effort to stop being 'that girl' and the behaviour that she displays because I love you but I don't like her. I hope you now take control and put some effort and thought into your life to become the empowered woman you really want to be. It doesn't matter that you don't have much money, where you live, what your circumstances are or your level of tertiary education... you can start right now to help put more meaning, love and happiness into your life. We live in a country with so much opportunity people don't even know where to start. We have information and education at our fingertips. Take the gift of life and be grateful that you have it at all.

Love Case

Lucy is in all of us. We just need to recognise which parts we have in common with her and make effort to be who we want to be instead of being her. Whether you see a little of yourself in Lucy or a lot... just start where you are and do a little every day and certainly don't despair. You are human and any human experience is amazing. But yours should be the best. Why cant we be the ones who are successful and people look up to and say “wow! She really is amazing!” or “He inspires me in my life to do better because he leads by example”. We can be. We can be the example. We can be the successful ones. We can be the people others look up to. YOU can be. And you will be. Just make the choice.

Stay fabulous!

CLE

avandia recall

Gail Sorronda

The pictures are of Gail Sorronda's SS10 Collection 'Invasive Exotics'

This blog is just a quickie as I could not find any information on Gail except for this tiny little bit from littleflirt.com.au 

"Gail Reid 28, inspired by her studies in built environment has developed a penchant for structure and perspective whilst eschewing colour and pattern. Gail launched Gail Sorronda in 2005 after winning the Mercedes-Benz Start-Up Awards with her debut collection Angel at my Table. Gail Sorronda is an emotive label on a non-linear path. It’s Gail’s voyeuristic alter-ego that explores the opposite and equal reaction in pursuit of actualizing an ideal version of self. Gail’s designs are an appropriation of her inspired truth."  

I know, I know... a lot of big descriptive words but from what I can gather Gail seems to command such a description!

I had a quick flick through her blog, which is amazing so you really should check it out http://gailsorronda.blogspot.com 

She has a beautiful way of writing and always has gorgeous pictures to go with her eloquent words. Very talented woman indeed and all this talent shines through in her designs... the way her pieces are photographed is quite hypnotic.

She writes about her AW 10 collection named 'Black Chalk'

"I awake to black chalk delineating my body. All I can see is shadows, the hidden and the space between the lines. This transparent skin hasn’t seen our sunlight. I feel safe in this chrysalis; innocent in its clarity but deceiving in its purity. I crave perfection like aliens in Egypt and protection in my lovers’ arms. The black chalk leaves an impression on my fingertips as I write a message to him in the dark…"

Gail Sorronda will be showcased in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane on Tuesday the 10th of August at 9pm in the Schwarzkopf Professional Hair and Fashion Show www.qtix.com

Gail has some gorgeous pieces. The collection really is stunning and the photography makes browsing her collection a visual delight! To see the whole collection go to http://gailsorronda.swappler.com 

Love it! Stay fabulous!

CLE

avandia recall

Easton Pearson

Pamela Easton & Lydia Pearson

Pamela & Lydia are the Brisbane based designers and owners of Easton Pearson! Brisbane sure has some design talent! Here is a little info and pictures from their SS 10/11 collection that I got off their website www.eastonpearson.com 

Their collection is huge so if you want to see more I suggest you go have a browse! 

The design Partnership and Business between Lydia and Pamela first commenced March 1989 and Easton Pearson was first shown in Paris in 1998. The brand is in over a 100 stores worldwide and is available in 24 countries. 

 "Our way of working is inseparable from our design ethos. We work in partnership through all passages of our process: planning, designing, finishing, traveling and selling. Personal connections are at the heart of our process and are essential to the way we work. We know our customers, our buyers and our store owners. We find ourselves often designing for people we know and admire. Equally essential to our working method is our approach to fabric. We work in Australia on the actual production of garments. In practical terms, we design three ranges a year: Spring/Summer, Cruise and Autumn/Winter."

"Our interests are specific and eclectic we design for people who are drawn to similar ways of thinking. We design for women who are quite possibly interested in art as much as fashion, who are interested in details and in visual plays. We want women to take our garments and make them their own. We don’t stand away from trends but we interpret these trends a little differently, a little idiosyncratically, a little privately based on our own interests. The sensuality of fabric against skin is important to us. We mainly use natural fibres, we are attentive to how the textures feel, how the seams are finished, how the fasteners might be touched. We believe in intimate attention to all aspects of the making process."

"Our references are drawn from varied terrain: from Indian, African and European sources, from historical predecessors, from vintage clothes, from museums, archives and films, from books and our own travels with our families. The possibilities offered by specific textile techniques clearly influence us in terms of what might be adapted into clothing. Simultaneously, our visual references continue to wander."

Love it! Easton Pearson will be showcasing their designs at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane on the 7th of August at 7.30pm in the Mercedes-Benz Group Show 2. Unfortunately the tickets are sold out for this group show.
Stay fabulous!
CLE

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