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

Neon Heartache

 Neon Heartache designer Amelia Duncombe

I saw my first Neon Heartache garment a few months ago at Fashion Tv's Full Moon Party. I spoke to a gorgeous model, Samantha Ashton, who was wearing a stunning white dress and I just had to ask her who it was by. I had never heard of the label before but now I see the label everywhere and I am so looking forward to seeing her pieces in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival in Brisbane! Amelia's pieces are gorgeous and unique. I love her SS 10/11 collection 'Retrospection'. When you look at it you can just taste summer! 

Here is Amelia's story from her website neonheartache.com.au

"Born from the incurable heartache of a life-long love affair with fashion, Neon Heartache is the brainchild of Brisbane born young creative, Amelia Duncombe. The label is more than just an ode to fashion trends and seasons, it is a statement in itself, a brand breaking all the rules and setting all the trends. With an ever-supportive family, Amelia began sewing and sketching as a young teenager, always hungry to add her own twist to what was in vogue." 

"After completing her studies at the Academy of Design (Gold coast) in 2007, Amelia packed her bags in search of inspiration and excitement. By immersing herself in the grunge- high fashion world that is the streets of London, Amelia’s creative talent could be suppressed no longer, finally combusting in 2008 to bring the world 'Neon Heartache'. "

"An entrepreneur at heart, Amelia’s dreams of setting alight the international fashion stage are well in motion, already having showcased at both the 2008 and 2009 Mercedes Benz Fashion Festivals.

Fashionistas in awe of Amelia Duncombe’s eclectic creations can expect a creative mix of luxurious depths, textures and fabrics in seasons to come, including; suede, velvet, silk, and feathers. Her new Spring/Summer collection “retrospection” showcases an exciting juxtaposition of feminine and grunge, bold and sheer."

Neon Heartache will be at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival on Tuesday the 10th of August at 9pm in the Schwarzkopf Professional Hair and Fashion Show under YoungDesignersOnline.com.au. Tickets are $33 www.qtix.com.au

avandia recall

Glamorous Life Swimwear By Joanne Rohn

Joanne Rahn (right) at the Business GC Swimwear Runway Showcase

Swimwear designer, Joanne Rahn is making a splash in the fashion industry. Joanne's designs took a leap into fashion five years ago starting MOJOZ Swimwear, a label designed for fashion conscious females who like to stand out in the crowd. She was named as a finalist in the inaugural FashionTV Online Design Awards this month in the Swim/Resortwear category for her second luxury swimwear label, Glamorous Life by Joanne Rahn. The Gold Coast born and bred fashionista is debuting her third swimwear label, Lovebirds Australia at the Brisbane Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival.

 Joanne's label, Glamorous Life by Joanne Rahn is aimed at sophisticated women of all ages who demand high-quality and high-fashion in equal measures. Made from deluxe Italian lycras and stretch lace, the inaugural collection is luxurious, elegant, and the very definition of resort-chic. 

Glamorous Life by Joanne Rahn will be released in Summer 2011, and available to purchase from select boutiques worldwide. Her new collection, Lovebirds Australia features gorgeous, functional and fun high-fashion swimwear for women of all ages, and body shapes.

The collection hits a fabulous note that is sexy, and also flattering and comfortable. Joanne says: "Lovebirds Australia not only features stunning contemporary design, the range also offers subtle support and control which gives our clients the body confidence to enjoy their new swimwear on all occasions - from pool to beach."

The piece pictured above is my absolute favourite! I love Joanne's designs. They are fresh, fun, classy and unique. The colours she uses are just gorgeous and would flatter anyone by drawing the eye away from the bits women don't usually like on show! Needless to say I am a huge fan and cannot wait to see her new label Lovebirds!

Joanne's swimwear will be at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane in the Queensland Government Design Innovation Group Show on Tuesday the 10th of August at 7.30pm Tickets are only $33 www.qtix.com.au

Lisa Ho

 Lisa Ho

Lisa Ho has been Australia's golden girl of fashion for 24 years, is from Albury NSW and began sewing at the age of four. Her Grandmother, a tailor, was her inspiration and by age 10 Lisa was making patterns out of newspaper and had a sewing machine which she used to make every day pieces for herself and her sisters!

In 1981 Lisa graduated from East Sydney Technical College, trained in fashion design she spent a year working for another company before going out on her own.

Lisa started her career at the Paddington markets in Sydney and her designs quickly brought her retail and media attention and the Lisa Ho brand was born. Lisa Ho has continued to build into one of the most recognised brands in Australia and has a strong celebrity following with the signature pieces being worn by Delta Goodrem, Nicole Scherzinger, Sarah Wynter, Tyra Banks, Carmen Electra, Elle Macpherson, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Olivia Newton-John and Jennifer Lopez. 

Her international reputation was first recognized during the Sydney 2000 opening ceremony, which featured a special Lisa Ho designed segment celebrating her role in Australian fashion.  Lisa was also asked to design the gown worn by Olivia Newton-John for her performance to welcome the Olympic athletes.

 The pictures are from Lisa's SS 10/11 collection which was showcased at Rosemount Australian Fashion week. I loved every piece in her collection. Lisa Ho really is going from strength to strength with her designs and there is only one way for Lisa and that is up!

When asked who a Lisa Ho customer is and what makes her distinctive Lisa answered-

"She is stylish, sophisticated and always glamorous. She has an appreciation for detail and knows the importance of building on her wardrobe staples - she looks for investment pieces."

 That really is how we all should be when it comes to fashion! 

Lisa will be showcasing her gorgeous designs at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane in Group Show 1 on Saturday the 7th of August at 6pm.

Much to my dismay and disappointment the tickets to Group Show 1 have sold out!

Roberto Cavalli FW 2010

Cavalli is celebrating his 40th anniversary of his fashion house! He chose the gorgeous Gisele Bundchen as the face although I did think it was going to be Kate Moss and am a little disappointed it wasn't as Gisele is the face of some many campaigns at the moment... nothing is stopping this new Mum! But I love the pictures! Very hot, sexy and dreamlike with the orange blaze of the fire and the irrationally beautiful colours of the sky! The king of animal print in high fashion has not disappointed! The detail and originality of every garment is striking and certainly will not fail to attract attention.

Temple's Launch of Fashion Fridays!

On a freezing cold and rainy Friday I managed to talk my little brother, Alex, into coming along as my photographer to the launch of Fashion Fridays at Temple's Sass Lounge. I had heard a little bit about Temple but not since the launch of their Sass lounge and I had never actually been to Temple. Alex had been there before and after he had vaguely pointed in the direction of where it was as I drove by then made me park down a side street I started to wonder whether or not I should have stayed at home! We jumped out of the car and it was raining, I had a hell of alot of eye make-up on that I needed to protect and no umbrella.... great. I followed Alex hoping he knew where this place was while trying to sheild my eyes and started to doubt where we were going when he started leading me along a boardwalk. "Here it is!" he said as we got to the entrance.



I couldnt look up as the rain was blistering down by this time so I ran up those stairs and into the beautiful warmth and radiance Temple has to offer! I was astounded. Such a beautiful, welcoming and clean place with an amazing view of the water.... why had I not been here before!? Wooden floors, leather lounges and projections of fashion images surrounded a gorgeous SASS runway highlighted by pink lighting. The bar was gorgeous and the staff were very friendly! If you cannot tell by now.... I loved Temple! It reminded me of Brisbane... I love Brisbane and it's beautiful lounge bars that adorn the river. Now I have somewhere on the GC that I love just as much!

The night was covered by the online TV show SASS & BENTLEY TV! Sass & Bentley TV began late last year and has covered events including - Ralph Model of the Year, Playboy Golf Party, Slam Summer Volleyball Festival, Good Vibrations Festival 2010, and Sanctuary Cove's Spring Carnivale. Sass & Bentley teamed up with Temple to create the Sass Lounge that had it's official launch party on the 18th of July. With Fashion Fridays they are hoping to create a unique opportunity for local designers and boutiques to take the next step in the industry by having their collections seen by the people that matter the most!

They are also the official organiser and promoters for GOLD COAST FASHION WEEK 2010! Make sure you check it out! www.goldcoastfashionweek.com.au


The night was hosted by beautiful Tenielle Stoltenkamp (wearing Ashlee Hart) who did an amazing job with her gorgeous voice that you could listen to all night!
Now to the extra important bits.... THE FASHION!



The gorgeous girls, Tal Fitzpatrick (left) and Erin Davis (right), from Pavo Tails were the first up for the night and again they put on a lovely showcase. This was their 3rd showcase for their label Pavo Tails yet the debut for their new range!


The girls from Pavo Tails love their fantasy pieces and I tell you what this Red Riding Hood would become alot of men's fantasy! Pavo Tails are known for their signature capes and I just love the sexy spin on this entire look! The skirt was gorgeous with huge splits up each side (for more pictures of all the garments see my facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Casey-Evans/122857967749771?ref=ts ).

The new Pavo Tails range had their signature hoods and capes as well as their references to peacock feathers! It was an extremely diverse range, showing their wonderful talent for creativity, yet every piece had in common its feminine beauty with attention to detail and lovely fabrics. Tal also informed me that they like to use a diverse range of models which is great to see a designer respecting the Code of Conduct for the fashion industy!


The gorgeous and quirky, pocket rocket designer Stephanie Kim was the second designer up that night! Stephanie started fashion school at 16 yet has only just launched her label this year. Stephanies garments are light weight cotton gypsywear that is inspired by our beautiful Gold Coast beaches! Stephanie wants to make affordable beachwear for the GC so her pieces are no more than $30! It was Stephanie's debut and although there were a few minor mistakes (that I wouldn't have noticed if she hadn't have pointed them out to me!) she did very well! Stephanies pieces are exactly what she wants them to be.... vibrant and affordable beachwear.



Stephanie informed me that she had been working tirelessly as every single piece she showcased had been made in the past 5 days! Any designers first runway show is nerve-wracking and can have a few mistakes but the important thing is that you learn from these mistakes and keep going! I take my hat off to Stephanie as the fashion industry can be difficult and she is doing what most others are too afraid to do.... get out there, make a name for yourself and make things happen! Well done Stephanie and I look forward to seeing more of your designs!

Next up is Ashlee Hart. As you all know I love Ashlee's designs and I tell you now she certainly did not dissapoint! I love Ashlee's business savvy and professional approach. Her pieces are devine in their tailoring of gorgeous fabrics and colours. Her models strolled and strutted down the runway in time to an amazing remix of 'Why don't you do it right' (reminding me of Jessica Rabbit's sultry version!) showing off the attitude of these classy garments!



I love her attention to detail with hats, sequins (which I usually hate but love on her pieces!), feathers, gold gilding and the low and loose backs which seems quite popular with designers at the moment yet Ashlee does them like she has been doing it for years!
Ashlee's eveningwear is gorgeous, classy and luxurious its like the Palazzo Versace in a dress.


Last but not least the oh so talented Melina Hollway! This showcase was possibly my favourite of the night! I was privilaged enough to get a glimpse of one of Melina's designs during the Elsewhere Fashion Finale yet I didn't manage to get a close look... but this time I did and I must say I am beyond impressed! Not only was she showcasing her amazing handmade eveningwear but some gooooorgeous couture lingerie. Melina's models put on an amazing performance to Nancy Sinatra's mesmerizing song 'Bang Bang' with their weapons, wings and gowns inspired by the movie 'Kill Bill'.




The four models originally came out wearing their evening gowns and then undressed on stage to make it that much more fun and memorable! Melina's eye for detail and choice of fabric colour and texture when it comes to her garments is so incredibly impressive. Her pieces were sexy, charming and luxurious rolled into one resulting in a visual delight. Each garment had so many dimensions it was amazing and wonderful to see so much creativity go into a single piece! Melina informed me that she was aiming for 'seductive glamour' and I tell you now she certainly hit her target! Well done Melina I loved every piece!

Needless to say I had a great night and met some wonderful people! Alex also had a great night to his surprise (I'm not sure what he thought I did at these events! :D ) and after falling in love with all of the models and a number of phone calls to friends bragging that he was hanging with models back stage he took some great pictures and footage for me! Thank you to everyone, especially Ryan & Melissa from Sass & Bentley TV, for allowing me access to this wonderful launch of what I am sure will continue to be a fun filled and visual delight of an event! Anyone who supports our local talent certainly gets my tick of approval!
Make sure you check out the gallery on my facebook to view all the garments and behind the scenes pictures!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Casey-Evans/122857967749771?ref=ts
I'm not sure when Sass & Bentley TV are putting up the footage from the night but here is their website as it's worth a look and I will let you know when they post the episode!
http://www.sassandbentleytv.com/

Stay fabulous! x
CLE