Spring 2015

The new Spring 2015 Chanel vernis collection is out and has provided a choice of three colours - with at least one of these bound to suit your style.

The colours include:
Paradiso (645) - My personal fave of the collection; this shade is a light metallic silver.

Desiro (643) - Very similar to every other nail polish I own; this shade is is a berry/fuchsia.


Tenderly (649) - If you are into violet hues, then this shade is for you.

What do you think - rate or hate the new season Chanel beauty?

How to survive the festive season

Christmas may be the happiest time of the year, but it can also be the most stressful - especially for those of you that need/want to shop.

I know you're brave, you're simply taking one for the team every time you courageously head out to the shopping centres.

I have put together a guide to help you keep on track this silly season.


Pre-Christmas

-Know what you want. Research a gift for each of your friends and family online, prior to hitting the stores. This will not only save you time when you hit the centre, it will also help you stick to a budget.

-Know how much you want to spend. An extra $10 here, an extra $20 there can all add up. Know your limit for each person and stick to it.

-If for whatever reason (and I truly mean, whatever reason you crazy people!), you choose to go to the 24-hour trading nights, the quietest time is between 3-4.00am.

-No matter how late you have left a present, gifts from a service station are never a good idea. You can almost buy vouchers for any retail department (except for Victoria Secrets - what's with that?!).

-Don't buy a present for the sake of it. Yes, you may not love your mother-in-law, but that doesn't mean you should get her something you wouldn't like yourself. Unless you would use/wear the gift - leave it at the store.

-If you are absolutely in love with a certain item, and you cannot live without it you should buy it right then and there. If you used the L-word on that item, there's a good chance someone the same size as you has also used it it. Sometimes waiting for the sale can lead to disappointment.

-If you like an item (key word 'like'), I can almost guarantee you that it will be at least 20% cheaper on December 26 (unless of course we are talking high-end brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada - 'sale' is not a part of their vocab). So if you don't need it, wait. I have already started a list of things that I need to purchase on Boxing Day (watch out Chadstone!).

-And the best invention of all time for Christmas shoppers - GIFT RECEIPTS! This way the person doesn't know how much you've spent, and it still gives them the opportunity to swap if for another colour, size etc. You're welcome!


Post-Christmas

-Go early! You will have plenty of other times to sleep in, didn't you have a food-induced nap yesterday after lunch? Avoid queues, and guarantee yourself a carspot by waking up with the birds.

-If you can get dropped off to the shops, even better. Only if you know you won't be buying big and heavy items that you need to drop back off to the car.

-Wear comfy shoes. A lot of walking, a lot of waiting in lines - the last thing you want to worry about is your feet.

-Wear clothes that are easy to take on and off. If you are going to be trying things on, you won't want to be fiddling with tricky zippers. Save yourself the time and energy by wearing something loose fitting.

-If you see something you like it - pick it up. Even if you are still not 100% sold on it - because as soon as you let that item gone, someone else will snap it up. You know what they say, those who hesitate...


Remember, a lot of people will be spending their Christmas money and vouchers, as well as exchanging items during this period - patience is they key to pre/post holiday shopping.

PS If you are really a savvy shopper, after New Years, the 20% off sale will usually turn into a "take a further 20% off the 20% off sale".

Good luck!

Last minute Christmas ideas

For all those needing a little inspiration this Christmas, see our JSP Styling gift tree - with prezzies at different price points, you can't go wrong..

1) Ray Ban - Aviator Sunglasses (RRP $199.95)
2) Louis Vuitton - Agenda (RRP $670)
3) Mimco - Dietrick Timepiece (RRP $249)
4) Witchery - Zig Zag Beach Towel (RRP $59.95)
5) Grace + Scarper - 'Skip a Beat' ring (RRP $55)
6) Samantha Wills - Photo Frame (RRP $49.95)
7) Roxy Jacenko - 'The Spotlight' novel (RRP $24.99)
8) GHD Curve - Classic Wave Wand set (RRP $200)
9) Peter Alexander - Large Cosmetic Bag (RRP $39.95)
10) Curtis Collection - Radiant Glow Illuminator (RRP $49.95)

Order today to guarantee arrival by Christmas Eve.

Love Santa's Little (BIG) helper x

Look for Less

It's #ShoesdayTuesday, and it's only fitting to celebrate with a massive LFL, just in time for Summer.

Senso continues to be on top with their shoe designs, however with their high price-point, it was my mission to find you a cheaper alternative.

So let's kick off the holiday season with this latest installment.

Left: Senso Vallieri I - Ebony Brocade Kid
          $295
Right: Lipstik Shoes - Nano
         $79.95
SAVING: $215.05

I shoe-shoe-shoes you!

Look for Less

This beauty edition features the 3 key elements to a flawless face - the bronzer, the blush and of course - the highlighter.

Chanel Les Beiges combines this trio in a convenient pack which retails for over $100.

Now whilst I can't skimp on my high-end Chanel accessories, I can skimp on the Chanel beauty.

Introducing my favourite affordable trio palette, the Ultimate Contour by Napoleon Perdis - costing only $60!

Look glam this Christmas for less.

Nailed it

When the season changes, beauty houses feed us with limited edition beauty products.

As we all know, I am partial to a Chanel lacquer, and nothing says "Holidays" quite like a shimmery vernis polish.

Introducing 'Sweet Star', a silver/metallic toned hue.

Tying in well with the 'star' themed Chanel eye-shadow quads, this baby will cost you $38.

Until next season...

Christmas ideas - Under $50

We have just hit December, which means only one thing...Christmas shopping!

To help you out, today's blog will give you gift ideas for the under $50 category.

Perfect for that KK gift, or for any of you who are stuck on ideas. So here we go...

1) Grace & Scarper - Over the Moon ring ($49)
2) Kookai - Travel Case Set ($40)
3) Curtis Collection - Baked Blush ($35)
4) Hair & Me - Rejuvenation Treatment ($19.95)

These all Aussie brands are available online, and at selected stockists. Don't leave it too long, to secure these stocking-fillers as Santa is HSo HSo HSo busy.

For more Christmas tips and tricks, follow me on Instagram @jspstyling

2014 Aria Awards

Our favourite part of an awards ceremony, is obviously the red carpet.

From sequins, to lace, to trains - the ARIA awards had it all.

Our runner-up from the red-carpet is Miss Delta Goodrem, in Steven Khalil.
Not only is Delta's body looking banging; the shape of this dress plus the lace overlay - as well as the simplistic jewellery (including the body chain) ticks all the right boxes. These innocent eyes are back!

My favourite look for the evening is by Guy Sebastian's other half, Jules. Minus the regrowth/frizzy bed-hair, Jules' dress and accessories were on point. This design is by Sydney duo Aje (Edwina Robertson and Adrian Norris) - who I absolutely love!



For a fun, music awards ceremony the sequins, as well as the Gold were not OTT, but like Goldilocks, were jusssssst right.

 

Tell me what you thought. Instagram @jspstyling

Get the Look

The Aussie-duo Jess and Lisa Origliasso, better known as The Veronicas - are back down-under for the ARIA music awards (think the US Grammy's).

The Veronicas supported 2 of our Australian fashion designers - one being couture designer J'Aton, the other being accessory designer Samantha Wills.

You too can get your hands on these SW clutches for $330 (my fave is Lisa's) online, or in-store at Mocha.

These little gems would make the perfect Christmas present - hint hint to all the boyfriends out there...

Copy Cat

One of Paris' most renowned brands (and having recently been brought further into the limelight by Kendall Jenner) Balmain, is known for their incredibly tailored blazers (pictured below).

Thanks to Sportsgirl you can save thousands of dollars, by picking up this beauty for $129.95.

Oaks Day round-up

What is the secret ingredients to a killer fashion moment?

Take 1 dash of Marie Uva

Sprinkle in a little Chantelle Baker

And fold through Jennifer Hawkins - VOILA

Dressed in custom-made Maticevski (does the bottom look familiar?), and looking pretty in pink for ladies day, Jen Hawkins once again took the Best Dressed title.

I don't think she'll be giving that one up, any time soon.

Melbourne Spring Racing Festival

We are 2 days into the Melbourne Spring Racing Festival.

Missed it? Not to fear, here is your catch-up.

Black and white, are not only my favourite colours, but the colours of Derby Day.

Jodie Anasta (nee-Gordon) stunned in a Toni Maticevski skirt. As my earlier prediction, midi skirts were all the rage - and Jodie nailed the A-line look.

The stand-out on the day, was none other that Ms. Myer (or should I say Mrs) herself, Jennifer Hawkins. Wearing a lace dress by good friend, Alex Perry - Jen landed herself on the top of everyone's best dressed list.

In today's Melbourne Cup, there was a clear winner. No one came close to this filly, and that was WAG Nadia Bartel in Johnny Schembri (finalist on Project Runway), hatinator by De Millinery. Looking like a picture of perfection in grey - with the frills in all the right places, the perfect pony, and the on-point accessories, anyone that backed this winner would have cleaned up in their sweep.

There were 2 real heroes of the races - that astonish us time, and time again. That is make-up extraordinaire Chantelle Baker, and hair whiz Marie Uva; aka 'The A Team'.

You know you can do no-wrong if your beauty and hair needs are being looked after by these 2 lovely ladies.

Here is a close-up of their work on Nadia at Melbourne Cup, and Jen at Derby Day.

It's all about the smokey eyes, the highlighted cheek bones/bridge of the nose, the nude lips - and the blonde slight waves (no beach waves in sight).

Until Oaks Day...

Look for Less

It's that time of the week, the time to save money.

Take these Zimmermann Silk tanks for $230:

Save yourself, $110 and buy these look alike tops from Kookai (RRP $120).

I have both of these Kookai tops and absolutely love them! Tucked in with a skirt, or untucked with jeans - the perfect top to dress up or down.

Look for Less

What better way to end the working week with a bargain?!

As you would all be aware by now - crops, crops and more crops are in this season.

Kookai have taken a feminine touch to their staple crop selection by adding a frill.

This crop will set you back $80.

However, I came across this copy-cat version from Seed for only $49.95.

With a saving of $30.05, the choice is yours.

It's all about the Stripes

Summer is here, and the Fashion Gods and presenting us with striped pieces.

Here are a few pieces, at different price-points to get you through these warmer months.

1) Striped Skirt
Kookai (left) $160
Portmans (right) $79.95
Price difference $80.05

2) Striped Casual Dress
Kookai (left) $220
Bardot (right) $119.95
Price difference $100.05

3) Striped Top
Kookai (left) $140
Bardot (right) $49.95
Price difference $90.05

Pick up a piece for your Summer wardrobe today.

Get the Look

E-News reporter Giuliana Rancic touched down in Aus this week for Westfield shopping centre.

As any good fashionista, G was spotted in a red number created by one of our very own Aussie designers.

Click here to purchase the Willow dress ($995).

Who wore it better?

Last night WAG Jessie Habermann, and socialite Rozalia Russian stepped out in the same outift (eek). 

Both ladies donned a two-piece Mossman Clothing ensemble, but I have to ask; who wore it better?

 

The crop will set you back $139.95, and the midi skirt will cost you $109.95.
 

Spring Racing Trend alert

Now I don't have a crystal ball, I can't read cards, and I cannot forsee the future (although, at times I wish I could) - however I can predict a trend.

The Spring Racing Carnival is just a round a corner, and a part from print and colour - this year it is all about the TWO PIECE, with an emphasis on the bottom half.

The midi and long skirts will make an appearance on Fashion On the Field (FOF).

Paired with either a long crop, or beautiful silk tops, this 70's look is back.

Shop these skirts at Kookai today.

For all those who have emailed me to ask about hat vs. fascinator, I present to you the idea of the hatinator. The hatinator is a hybrid between the two, queue @demillinery
These pieces are all about texture and shapes. A move away from the traditional floral pieces, and more into the acetate sculptural designs.

Get the Look

There was so much hype not only about Bec Judd's bangin' bod (let's not forget that she has had TWO kids), and these monochrome bathers.

Look no longer ladies, this is the latest edition to the Seafolly Summer 2015 collection.
The Cost Maya high neck tank will cost you back $99.95, and $69.95 for the bottoms.

The high neck tanks are on-trend this summer, but more suitable to smaller chest women.
If you are looking for cheaper alternatives to this look, head to Cotton On.

Brownlow 2014 run-down

There is only one day a year that I take any notice of sporting events...and no that is not for the grand final. Tonight is the night of night for AFL players, or more so for their WAG's.

From lace, to embellishments, to frills, and splits - the red carpet had it all.

My 2 favourite looks goes to Abbie Noonan in Georgia Young couture (left), and the Jerri gown from One Day Bridal (one of my go-to Melbourne designers).

What did you think?

Look for Less

And now for everyone's favourite section - where you can buy the same designer item for a fraction of the cost.

Today's Look for Less features Manning Cartell's Blue-Steel mini skirt (pictured right).

This beauty will set you back $349.

If you are like me and you love a bargain, you will love Kookai's Kade skirt (pictured left) costing only $130. That's a saving of $219!

Who wore it better

In other Maticevski news, 2 of our Aussie socialites were snapped wearing the Nemesis Cocktail Dress (RRP $870).

Who do you think rocked it better? Renne Bargh (left) or Roxy Jacenko (right).

Shop the look: Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian landed in Aus to support beau Kanye West on his 'Yeezus' tour - and what better way to celebrate their touchdown by supporting our local talent.

KK was seen sporting Toni Maticavski's Tate Wrap Skirt in pink.

If you want to take a leaf out of Kim's book, to have guys seeing "oh my Yeezus" this little number will set you back $910.

Look for Less

Love this Kookai Pippa jumpsuit? Don't want to fork over the $160 price tag? Problem-solved!

For only $79.95, you can purchase this Sportsgirl wrap-front jumpsuit!

That's a quick $80.05 saving. Did somebody say bargain?

Red Carpet wrap-up

With yesterday's VMA awards disappointing outfit choices, I was hoping that the Emmy red carpet would provide us with some oohing and ahhing of gowns.

So here were some of the trending styles on the red carpet:

Dark hues

White hues and splits

The Bump

What was your favourite look? Tag me in your faves on Instagram @jspstyling

Look for Less

Kookai have created the perfect copy cat version of Nicole Richie's House of Harlow ISIS Engraved Collar - for only $40.

Shop the look now, for almost half the price.

New GHD products

When we think hair stylers, we think GHD (clever, Good Hair Day).

For the straightest of straight hair, the to the beachiest of beachy hair - the GHD does it all.

From the maker of the worlds best styler, comes their newest products - the GHD curling range (YAY!)

From curling irons, to clampless wands - you will need to add these tools to your collection.

Cannot wait to try these babies out!

Look for Less

One of our favourite footy WAG's recently posted about her new Gucci heels (costing in the thousands).

For all you savvy shoppers out there, I have found you a cheaper alternative from Kookai - which will only set you back $180.

Bargain!

Teen Choice Awards 2014

The Teen Choice Awards were yesterday, and here were our 2 favourite looks.

The feminine white lace, and the polar opposite with a more masculine black outfit.

What did you think?

Curtis Collection: Product Review

Good friend to the JSP Styling blog, and makeup extraordinaire, Victoria Curtis recently sent me some of the new products in her Curtis Collection range.

As you all know, I am obsessed with anything make-up related, so I was so excited to try out these babies!

Everything from the packaging - simple monochromatic, through to the shade names, textures, and even the scents; were carefully formulated from scratch by Victoria.

Glam Lipstick
RRP $30

I was lucky enough to try Curtis Collection's newest lip colours in this range.
The hydrating formula of these lipsticks, not only nourished the lips, but allowed for the lipstick to just glide on. The lipsticks each have a long-lasting colour, so you don't need to constantly reapply which is a big plus for me when I am constantly talking to clients.

The colours that I tried out included:

Serena

A fresh Summery, coral colour. Perfect for a subtle every day look.

Modern Icon
 

A bold orange colour. A slight twist to the popular red statement lip, but differentiated with the orange hues.

Lover

A mix between a baby pink and dolly pink. Perfect to dress up a casual tee and jeans kind've day.

Fearless

A light red shade. For those who are not used to wearing a red statement lip, this colour will ease you into this bold look.

Social Status

This lipstick is me to a tee! Not only do I love the name, but the shade is a perfect blend between a deep pink and a red. This is something that you could use during the day or for an evening look. Everyone knows I love a good red ;)

Red hot

A dark red shade. A sexy colour, perfect for a date night.

Mineral Shimmer Dust
RRP $27.50

These powerful pigments pack a punch to any eye look. Pop them in the corner of ur eyes, to highlight or with a damp brush cover the eyelid. These versatile shimmer pots are suitable for even the most sensitive eyes (trust me, I would know!).

                                        (Pigments featured here are used with a dry brush)

Mykonos Goddess
A perfect way to lift your eye makeup, by using a small brush to place the product in the inner-corner of your eye. This olive-green colour will intensify your eyes, especially for those of you who are like me and have green eyes.

Golden Girl
This bronzed look would complement a brown smokey eye evening look, or can be used as a highlighter on the cheekbone. The lasting power of the pressed pigments will ensure that the shimmer dust stays in place for the duration of the wear.

Luxe Liner
RRP $35.00

This felt tip pen is absolutely amazing for those who are beginners all the way to the make-up pros. The fine felt tip, glides easily along the eye lid enabling the user to create a precise thin line, to a bold cat eye. I was able to use this eyeliner all day without any smudging, creasing or cracking.

Baked Blush - Goddess Collection
Show Stopper
RRP $35.00

Blush is an every day essential, to keep you looking healthy and glowing. When blended, this colour is a perfect pink - that would suit most complexions (which is very rare in a blush!). In the light, the blush radiates a highlighting glow (unlike most blushes that have chunky pieces of glitter throughout it). This blush is beautiful and pigmented, which is important in a product, as you don't need to use a lot, to accentuate your cheekbones. This blush is also enriched with both Vitamin D & E, to moisturise and protect.

                                                                        (Unblended)

I highly recommend that everyone update their makeup collection, to include these little beauties. The price-point for this range is extremely affordable for the quality, and quantity of each product - two traits that are important when make-up shopping.

Victoria also prides herself on using ingredients that are good for your skin - from a variety of vitamins and minerals, with no nasty chemicals.

Congratulations to the Curtis Collection team for creating such amazing products!

You too can try these goodies from going online, or checking your local stockists.

Keep updated with all things Curtis Collection by following Victoria on Instagram @curtiscollection


(Jewellery worn: Grace & Scarper. Nailpolish: Chanel)