How To Create Celebrity Style Sexy Beach Waves - DIY Salt Spray

It's getting HOT down here in Melbourne and we are just two sleeps away from it being Summer officially! As the temperatures soar today I won't be making it to the beach *sigh* but that doesn't mean I can't create that super sexy, fresh from the beach wavy look at home. And no ladies, in this heat we do not want to use tongs, curlers or wands. All we want is texture and a slightly matte finish to create that authentic beach babe look and that means we need SALT!!

DIY SALT SPRAY MIX 

Here's what you'll need

1.) Grab yourself a plastic spray / mist bottle. Check out your laundry or bathroom cabinet before you head out to the shops you may just have one floating around (be sure to clean it thoroughly first!)

2.) Fill the bottle with warm water adding 1 and a half tablespoons of sea salt per cup of water. Stir until dissolved. If you're having trouble dissolving the salt heat it in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring until all the salt disappears.

3.) Add a tablespoon of your favorite hair gel (if you don't have any the mix will still work without it)

4.) To add some moisture and lessen frizz add a few drops of smoothing serum or a teaspoon of coconut oil and give the bottle a shake.

STYLING YOUR HAIR

DRY HAIR
Spray salt mix on dry hair scrunching as you go. Tuck hair behind ears and allow to dry naturally. When hair is dry bring hair out from behind your ears and give it a shake. This creates a soft tousled look with a defined wave framing the face.

DAMP HAIR
Shampoo and condition your hair the night before. Dry hair to about 80% with a towel and hair dryer (just run your fingers through your hair do not brush out your natural waves). Spray salt mix all over running your fingers through it. Tuck hair behind your ears and make a low braid in the back and allow to dry overnight. This method is great if you don't have naturally wavy hair as the braid will create defined waves.

It doesn't matter what length your hair is or what color this style is perfect for everyone, it's super simple and super cheap. For those days you want to be effortlessly sexy go ahead and try our salt spray recipe, I'm sure you'll look a million bucks!

Enjoy!
Ronelle @ GoS

 xox

Ugliest fashion trends 2012

Let's face it, all fashion is not good fashion folks. I pulled together a few hideous finds for your.. amusement. Enjoy!

These tapestry, leather ankle boots might be D&G and retail at over 900 GBP but they remind me of grandma's old couch, you know the one where 3 litters of critters were born AND raised with the juice stains? Yeah that's the one!

Err.. This Maison Martin Margiel shirt dress reminds me of a bio hazard suit. Ugly like that really is a hazard.

This Moschino Appliqued wool turtleneck sweater

                                                   

And this Meadham Kirchhoff embroidered knit sweater = ugly Christmas sweaters. I have to wonder if they were really trying or really trying to be cute?!

Mel @ GoS

Bang for your Christmas buck: stocking fillers!!

It's almost Christmas and before we jump back into our gifts under series we thought it would be fun to cover our best stocking filler finds for only a buck!!

Sally girl Mini quad eye shadow pallet, $1 available from SallyBeauty.com 

Wet n wild: wild shine nail polish $1 available at Walgreens.com 

NYC color ultra moist lip wear: retro red $1 at Walmart.com 

Elf essential shimmer eyeliner pencil in various colors $1 from eyeslipsface.com

Forever 21 nail set file $1 from forever21.com

Like, comment, share, what are your favorite $1 beauty finds?

Mel @ GoS

"Dare To Be A Better Me" - Breaking The Cycle

The past few months have been quite stressful and busy. It seems more busy with things I really didn't want to do than those I actually wanted to. My usual routine was thrown into a mess and it feels like I haven't done anything of consequence or anything I'd been hoping to do.... I felt a bit stunted, overwhelmed and flat. I stopped exercising and sought solace in chocolate and cake :( 

Things have slowed down in the past week and I'm trying to get back into my old routine and good habits again. It took several days to shake off that stressed feeling and to get back to being me. Last night I put on my walking shoes and with deliberate steps took to the pavement. As the air filled my lungs and the blood rushed to my face I felt an overpowering need to run... as I ran in my tortoise - like way... getting nowhere fast... I felt strong again. I felt inspired, alive and as if I'd shaken off all the months of burden.

It's a reminder that it's up to me and up to all of us as individuals to push past those times that feel like they'll swallow us up. It sounds cliche but there really is nothing we can't do if we put our mind to it. The biggest struggle we face in anything is the games we let our minds play on us. If we make a decision to fight the tide that sometimes seems so overwhelming we'll find the freedom we've been looking for. It's been there all along,  sometimes it takes something so small to break the cycle and get back to a good place!

“Dare to Be"

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.

When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.

When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.

When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.

When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.

When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.

When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.

When times are tough, dare to be tougher.

When love hurts you, dare to love again.

When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.

When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.

When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.

When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.

When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.

When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.

Dare to be the best you can – At all times, Dare to be!” 

― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Enjoy!

Ronelle @ GoS

xox

Clickfrenzy: The fail that crashed the server

So in the last 24 hours Aussie retailers tried to introduce their own version of America's infamous black Friday and cyber Monday sales with quite dire results. Myself and Ronelle sat waiting for 7pm to roll around only to find the countdown on our clocks not only didn't match but when 7pm hit neither of us could access clickfrenzy's homepage. Disaster!

Admittedly we were pretty skeptical about the logistics of the site. It all seemed terribly inconvenient and time consuming to have to purchase each item through individual checkouts, we also weren't expecting the discounts to be anywhere near as good as what major overseas retailers have to offer and sadly we were correct.

Much to our delight however, we were very easily able to access clickfrenzy's facebook page and were amazed to see that representatives for the site were not only unapologetic for the fault but didn't go out of their way to try and offer an explanation to the tens of thousands of people who got on board to support the event. Worse, they also had the nerve to delete hundreds of comments criticizing the failure and their lack of damage control.

We think clickfrenzy could benefit from some basic courtesy and consideration for those who anticipated the sales, saving their money and foregoing other bricks and mortar sales and events to participate in the history making evening.

At the end of the day the goal was accomplished, clickfrenzy made Australian shopping history. Unfortunately we think Grant Arnott and Co will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Australian retailers need to catch up with the rest of the world by investing in the infrastructure to support the outcome they want or they have to be satisfied with people spending their hard earned cash elsewhere.

I for one have a nice little pile of cash I didn't get to spend last night that I know I will be looking forward to spending on upcoming bargains in the lead up to Christmas.

What say you folks? who's registering for clickfrenzy 2013?



Share, comment, like.

Mel @ GoS

All That Glitters - Precious Metals Trend

The past few weeks have seen a number of beauties hit the red carpet in precious metals. Gold has had a strong showing on runways throughout the year and continues to be a favorite with silver, bronze and even copper making an appearance.

Heading into the Christmas party season I am loving the idea of wrapping myself up in precious metals! 

Elisha Cuthbert cut a fine figure in this Editions by Georges Chakra Spring 2011 gold sequin column dress. The color against her skin makes her positively glow. I love the simplicity of the hair and accessories. The beauty of precious metals is "less is more"!

Kate Moss stepped our draped in gold in this Marc Jacobs evening gown for her book launch. The dress has an old Hollywood vibe about it and I love the dark gold tone...now I just wish Kate and done something different with her hair and skipped that necklace!

Taylor Swift  looked divine in a Zuhair Murad Pre-Fall 2012 long-sleeve mini dress with gold accessories. A wonderful alternative to wearing a full gold gown, look for beading / embroidered detail in the color du jour.

Pink hit the AMA's red carpet in a beautiful Catherine Deane creation with bronze laser cut leather bodice. A wonderful alternative to gold bronze is a flattering color to many skin tones.

Karolina Kurkova recently stepped out draped in a silver Nicholas Oakwell Couture gown. She kept her look very tonal with all silver accessories adding a pop of color with her lipstick. This look may be overpowering on some but I found it very regal on Karolina.

Naomie Harris recently wore a spectacular Nicholas Oakwell Fall 2012 Couture mini dress combining black chiffon with copper embellishment...yes copper! She accessorized with a gold belt. Now this is how you mix your precious metals!

There is definitely something for everyone in the precious metal stakes. Find the color that suits you best and keep the rest of your styling simple for an elegant, eye catching look. Here are some of our top picks for getting in on the precious metal style yourself! Enjoy! Ronelle @ GoS xox

Michelle Obama's winning style: steal her style

Hot on the heels of the U.S presidential election we have to admit a few of us were glued to our news feeds for reasons other than who would be elected the 44th president of the United States of America.

That's right, many women world over paid extra close attention to the election trail to keep up with first lady Michelle Obama's impeccable sense of fashion and she did not disappoint!

We decided the first lady deserves homage for her great sense of style, so we compiled some of our top picks from her years as the woman behind the man and included some of our favorite finds to help you steal her style.

                                       

                                       

                                            

                                      

                                  

                                 
           
                        

                        

Mrs Obama is definitely not afraid to mix it up with print and bright colors and she loves an contrast with a ballet flat.                              






                                    

                                                                                                                           

                  

                       

 

     








                                     

                                 

Michelle Obama selects cuts that enhance her best features - those arms, opting for bright colors,prints and texture in both her everyday and formal wear. 

                                                                 Mel @ GoS

Kristen Stewart Zuhair Murad Black Lace Jumpsuit Vs Nude Dress Twighlight Saga Premiere

Today Kristen Stewart stole everyones attention on the red carpet yet again in another Zuhair Murad creation. This time Kristen threw aside her super sexy glam look for something a little more rock and roll meets cabaret in a heavily beaded lace jumpsuit with cut out details. She styled the jumpsuit with tousled locks that gave it a modern edge.

On first look I thought it was a dress, a busy design but I didn't dislike it but on realizing it was a jumpsuit ... can't say I'm loving it that much. Then again I've never been a fan of lace jumpsuits. This one is particularly jarring to me as the design seems to draw the eye to all the most unfortunate places... cough.... I do like her hair and make up though. Her eyes look spectacular!

Which look do you prefer? Or do you think two sheer looks in a row is too much?

Enjoy
Ronelle @ GoS
xox

Kristen Stewart Zuhair Murad Nude Dress Twilight Saga Premiere

I'm not a Twilight fan but having seen the red carpet for the UK premiere yesterday I was astounded by how pretty Kristen Stewart looked. For me her hair and makeup was perfection and I was madly in love with the nude / champagne color of her Zuhair Murad strapless evening gown. 

HOWEVER I do wish she had gone with the original design that appears to have more fabric and panels. There is quite alot of bending, reaching and stretching that goes on on the red carpet of a premiere and you can be sure that all those awkward moments will be snapped. Having said that it did strike me that the dress was a very strategic move as the rest of the cast opted for pretty and safe looks. Do you think there is just a little too much "nude" in this look or are you loving it?

Enjoy!
Ronelle @ GoS
xox

MTV Europe - Taylor Swift Stuns In A Knockout J. Mendel Gown

It may seem like I've taken a hard line with some of the fashionistas on the red carpet at the MTV Europe awards but it's only because I know they can do so much better!

One of my favorite looks of the night was Taylor Swift. I generally like her style although it's very safe and predictable. She was a standout on this occasion in a slinky J. Mendel gown with light silver beading and sheer panels. It's a great look for Taylor and a little unexpected.

Although a safe color it's those sexy sheer details and the figure hugging lines that makes this look sizzle! I love that she opted for a muted lip (she later added her signature red lip) because it draws your attention to her smokey eyes. Me gets the feeling Taylor knows she is looking super hot! She sure does. Well done!

Enjoy!
Ronelle @ GoS
xox

MTV Europe 2012 Fashion Fails

It's been a while since I've done a Fashion Fail Friday but yesterdays MTV Europe Awards red carpet left me so disturbed I simply could not wait for Friday.

I always expect a little OTT at MTV awards, even more so when it's in Europe but there is quirky and OTT then there is just plain wrong.....

One of my least favorite looks of the night was Heidi Klum. I've seen this dress and those shoes on the runway and even then it was a questionable design choice. It saddens me that Versace is pulling out yea olde designs :( Why Heidi...why???

Coming in a very close second was Rita Ora in Marchesa. In a case of good dresses going bad the problem was not the dress, it was the wearer. Rita gets away with her overly yellow hair with dark roots on most days but it ruins and cheapens an otherwise regal dress.

Kim Kardashian, although not the worst dressed did look like she had tacked on a tail of black plastic bags in a Stephanie Rolland creation reminiscent of Ursula the sea witch. Perhaps we should give her a thumbs up for recycling?

Finally Lana Del Ray has left me somewhat confused. I quite like her midnight blue satin crossover dress but it seems out of place on an MTV red carpet. The bouffant beehive channeling Priscilla Presley back in the days of her marriage to Elvis makes me think Lana has not quite got over Halloween.

Enjoy!
R&M @ GoS
xox

Things we love: Houndstooth, vegan leather & a little black dress

Mel @ GoS

Baroque Trend - Translating Runway Style To Everyday

My favorite bloggers have already explored the beauty and decadence of the Baroque trend in the past few weeks. As most of the world heads into the cooler months it is quite fitting that this should be a Fall 2013 trend but I'm in love and can't wait to swaddle myself in some of the trends luxurious elements even though we're heading into the Australian Summer. So here are some ideas on how we can capitalize on the look and get an extra season out of the trend ;)

Dolce & Gabbana gave us an army of beauties lavishly decorated in black and gold. Look for details such as embroidery, lace, sheer panels, applique and anything ornate. For jewelry stick to gold and regal gemstones.

This Golden Garden Dress available at Modcloth embodies the trend perfectly with it's gold embroidered overlay. Coming in at a teeny tiny $74.99 it's perfect for a wedding or that office cocktail party over the holiday season. Come Fall 2013 layer it up with a luxurious velvet blazer and opaque stockings. A few dollars well spent!

If black and gold is too strong a statement for you or you feel the color scheme is too heavy for Spring / Summer D&G gave us the option of luxurious fabrics such as heavy laces and pretty and rose prints that can be worn through Fall and into the warmer months.

Every lady simply MUST have a lace dress in her wardrobe! There is something about a cream or white lace piece that screams luxury and I personally find the color allows the detail of the lace itself to take center stage. This Anna Sui lace dress is an investment piece in it's classic color and styling. Even with it's long sleeves it's still a great pick for the cooler Spring evenings here in Melbourne and will easily see you through into Winter. Pair it with striking gold accessories for an opulent look.

Take a light and fresh approach to Baroque with this little strapless rose pattern dress from Asos. Another example of how this trend can be cross seasonal. This piece would be perfect on date night or pair with a light cardi and pointed toe pumps for a special Christmas lunch. But wait...throw on some sky high strappys and a striking red lip and you're ready to party into the New Year. At $114 it's a great alternative to the little black dress ;)

I can't wait to get my Baroque on! Will you be wearing this trend through the warmer months as well?

Enjoy!
Ronelle @ GoS
xox