12 days of Christmas: Day 9

This can't be the '12 days of Christmas' without including a post for my shoe-obsessed readers.

This Summer, shoes are getting lighter in colour (although I did add some black options for those of you who can't go past black), styles are changing, and more intricate designs are in.

Firstly, a tan wedge which is perfect because tan goes with most outfits, there is an element of practicality as this is a wedge, and the shoe has a zip-entry which gives the piece another interesting detail.

Next, is something for the colour lovers. For those of you who are choosing to wear block-colours over summer, this shoe is perfect to spruce up your outfit (please don't wear florals, prints or any patterns with these shoes!). The heel is nice and thick, an appropriate for those hot nights that you are catching up with your friends at the bar.

I have dubbed this shoe the 'Khloe Kardashian' shoe as not only did she 'design' it, but she wore it to her most recent trip to Melbourne. One thing I like to see when people put their names behind a product, is that they actually wear it - it shows that they do take some sort of interest in their label. Well Khloe rocked this shoe, and since, they have become the most talked about KK product on Instagram. For those of you who love stilettos, these higher-than-life shoes are most definitely for you. The front detailing on this shoe "is like literally to die" (translation from the Kardashian dictionary - amazing).

Kookai who are normally known for their 'Sky High' heels throughout the year, have brought out a leather shoe for Summer. I love this look (and it is even cuter in person). This can be worn with dresses, shorts, jumpsuits - you name it. This shoe brings an edgier, rock-chick look to your outfit.

Peeptoe have taken the traditional Summer shoe, the Gladiator and turned this into a heel - genius. These Gladdy's will have people's heads turning. Be sure to wear an appropriate length skirt/short with these heels (3/4 shorts with this shoe are out, and so are the butt-cheek hugging shorts).

Lastly, my summer sandles from Tony Bianco. Whatever size you are normally in shoes, go down a size as these shoes are made too big. Say bye-bye to basic flats this Summer, with these hardware-embellished babies. I had lots of Instragram comments, reposts and likes last time I wore these sandles.

So now you have 6 new shoe options to choose from when writing your Christmas list. My personal faves are the Kookai and the Khloe shoes - Santa, if you're reading, take note!

I'm in LOVE

Oh I hope that wasn't misleading...not with a man, but with some Louboutins.

Louboutins will never leave you, Louboutins will never talk back...it's the perfect love affair.

You know when you see a shoe online and love it, and then you see it on your favourite celebrity and love it some more, but then you see it in person and you are obsessed, and then you try it on and you are so in love you could cry? Kind've like that..

Although not the comfiest shoe (but hey, who needs comfort when you have Louboutins), the beautiful patent shoe, with the signature red sole is everything I thought it would be and much much more.

Surprisingly, these shoes come in half-sizes (bonus!). I found that I needed to go half a size down from what I normally am. Also, the prices are not as exxy as I thought ($745 for the most "sensible" height).

So here are the Christian Louboutin Pigalle 100 (referring to the size of the heel).

Now for the big decision - nude or black? 

I think I'll take them both!

Copy Cat

For some time, we have had a love affair with the Isabel Marant Bekket high-top suede sneakers.

We've seen our fave celebs rock this look time and time again.

Well rather than paying around $510 (USD) for these babies, I have found a cheaper alternative from Sketchers (I know - can you believe it?!) on sale at Myer..for wait for it...$30!!

Spot the difference?

Bottom row are the real deal

5 minutes with: Cecilia Doan from Shit Bloggers Wear

You know the name 'Shit Bloggers Wear', but who is the face, or should I say hands, behind these sketches?

That would be 24 year old Cecilia Doan, a digital strategist from Portland, USA.

With only a handful of drawing classes behind her, Cecilia got to sketching the images that constantly popped up on her Instagram feeds from fashion bloggers around the world, that were marked as 'must-have' items.

Only starting in May 2013, SBW (the name was inspired from the Youtube videos "Shit Girls Say") sketches these noticeable trends three times a week, using only her black pen.

We were lucky enough to spend 5 minutes with Cecilia herself...

How would you describe your fashion style?

Bohemian and French chic, with a touch of tomboy. 

If you could raid anyone's wardrobe who would it be?

Taylor Tomasi Hill.

Do you own any of the items that you have sketched?

I have the Isabel Marant Dicker boots, Laduree macarons, and a newer version of the Balenciaga cutout boots. 

Is there a trend that you’ve seen bloggers wear that you would NEVER wear?

The Birkenstocks. I have clogs, but I would never wear the version that most of the bloggers are seen wearing. 

What is your biggest fashion paux?

I used to rubber band the opening of my pant legs, so that the indigo didn't bleed on my white sneakers. Usually Adidas Shell Toes or Nike Air Force 1's. 

What is one item that you can’t leave home without?

I love to take my Tarte cheek stain with me so that I can give my skin a refresher. I put it on my lips sometimes too. 

What do you think the next trend we will be seeing on ‘Shit Bloggers Wear’?

I think something in the cosmetics realm. Such as the RiRi for MAC lipstick. 

What is in store for Cecilia Doan in 2014?

I'll continue to focus on my career as a digital strategist, but will also continue to think of new ways to share interesting ideas and concepts. Especially through Tumblr.

Do you recognise, or own any of these items? (Guilty!). Here are our favourite sketches from the ever-so talented Cecilia:

Seen a must-have item over an over again on your social media feeds? Instagram the product to Cecilia to sketch @ccdoan , and for your chance to be featured on her site.

12 days of Christmas: Day 8

Nail polishes are all the same - right? Wrong, very wrong!

Below I have featured my top 6 brands of nail polishes, and a guide to how to choose what shades you should purchase in each brand.

Chanel - I have chosen 'Black Satin' as my go-to Chanel shade. This is because black is definitely a staple colour in my nail collection. It matches with EVERY outfit, and as it is neutral is will never date. All reasons why I would purchase a high quality brand in this shade. RRP $38.

Dior - This is another high quality brand that I love. The brush in this bottle is like no other brand I have seen - it is angled, which makes for a much easier application. The shade I have featured is in between a light and a dark grey ('Gris Montaigne'); a colour that I have not seen commonly used by other fashion houses and hence why I would be more willing to pay the price for this nail polish. RRP $36.

OPI - Renowned for their pink hues, my go-to product in this range is 'Mod About You'. I have tried hundreds (quite literally) of pink nail polishes to get to the perfect shade, and this product is what I would call perfection. This colour has also been given WAG Rebecca Judd's seal of approval. RRP $20

Essie - This brand is not as well known as OPI, just as yet - but watch this space, I am predicting that their popularity is on the rise. With more colours than the rainbow, there is bound to be a shade that you like in this collection. However, what I have opted to feature is a product that again not a lot of companies are producing - and that is a matte top coat. Now, matte colours have come back again in fashion, but mainly in the form of a coloured polish that has a matte effect, and not a top coat. This top coat can be used on ANY coloured nail polish that you have at home, to make its appearance completely matte. RRP $16.95.

Sportsgirl - Despite what you may think, Sportsgirl make one of the best nail polishes I have tried (often having better staying power than some of the more expensive brands). For those who want to try a seasonal colour, one that you don't know if you will wear more than once, and don't want to spend big bucks on, this is the brand! I would definitely recommend picking up a bottle of these underrated nail polishes if you haven't already (and for those on a search of a KK present/stocking filler - this is the product for you). RRP $7.95.
Revlon - This brand is midway between a good quality brand, and a low quality brand. The reason I recommend buying your top coats from Revlon, is that if you are anything like me you will go through bottles quite often, meaning that it is not the most savviest shopping to be buying high-end top coats. If you are not using a top coat every time you are applying nailpolish, you should be. Not only does it give the colour a glossy finish, it helps to dry the nails quicker, and is said to protect from premature chipping. RRP $15.95.

Do you match the colour of your nails with your toes? What is your go-to polish colour? Would love to hear what you think jspstyling@gmail.com

2014 Trend Prediction

Why did the leather jacket and the tailored blazer cross the road?
To create a 2014 trend - that's why.

My prediction for the new year, is that one of these babies will be in fashionistas wardrobes all over the world.

A little more dressed up than it's cousin the leather jacket, a little more dressed down than it's second-cousin the tailored blazer; gives us the perfect combo to top our 2014 must have list.

Remember, you saw it here first!

3 stops to shop

I am often asked where my key stores to shop are. Here are my top 3, categorised based on price-points.

Higher-end

Aje
What they have: Clothing only.
Prices: $390 and above.
Stylists comments: This brand caters for more formal attire. The clothing is heavily embellished, making each piece very delicate (meaning that garments will need to be dry-cleaned), and that ladies will need to take care when wearing each piece. The sizes of the clothing are quite small. A very limited number of garments are made in each style, keeping the brand exclusive (bottom line, if you see it in your size - BUY, BUY, BUY). Aje currently have 2 boutiques (Sydney and Brisbane), however they have an online store.
Current must-haves from this season: Catara Mini and the Precious Opal Dress
JSP Styling does Aje:

Mid-end

Kookai
What they have: Clothing, jewellery, limited swimwear, shoes, and hair accessories.
Prices: $150 and above.
Stylists comments: This brand loves all things colour. Clothing normally starts with a colour palette, and then later on in the season a monochrome palette is released. Kookai use a lot of tight fabrics in their clothing - most of their garments are meant to be worn fitted. This brings me to my next point on sizing; the sizing of this brand is quite small. The leathers used, although expensive, are of a high quality (all having a butter-like feel). Kookai can be found throughout Australia and New Zealand, however they do not have an online store. The brand occasionally have a very small (emphasis on the very) number of old-stock items on Asos.
Current must-haves from this season: Cutey Pie playsuit and the Vagner dress
JSP Styling does Kookai:

Lower-end

Sportsgirl
What they have: Clothing, shoes, beauty (make-up and tanning), sunglasses, hair, and jewellery.
Prices: $4.95 and above (maximum $199).
Stylists comments: This brand is always on trend. Sportsgirl are a prime example of where to shop 'Copy Cat' items from more expensive brands. Although lower in price, their quality is quite high. Styles come in an array of colours and sizes (which is a plus). Sportsgirl can be found all across Australia, and have their very own online store. When Sportsgirl do a sale, they do it well...bring on Boxing Day!
Current must-haves from this season: Austin cut-out boot and Clementine V-Back Tank (another one..)
JSP Styling does Sportsgirl:

So now that you know my favourite shops, I guess I'll be seeing you in-store.

Early Christmas presents

Want to know what I have in common with Lara Bingle? The fact that we both LOVE Grace + Scarper.

I was lucky enough to be spoilt with 4 new Grace + Scarper products to add to my growing collection.

You too can shop these pieces by clicking on the links below:
Constellation Neck (in silver) $69.95
Note: my starsign pictured above is 'Cancer'. As this piece has been worn by celebs such as Lara, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Danni Minogue, this is one of the most popular G+S pieces - so order now if you are wanting this in time for Christmas.
Delicate Star Neck (in silver) $89
Have you guessed that I like stars yet?
Delicate Star Ring (in silver) $45
Can be worn as a midi-ring or normally, depending on the size you choose.

Neon sterling silver bracelet (in orange) $69

All items come beautifully gift wrapped with a box and ribbon, so these can easily be sent straight to the recipient for Christmas. Luckily for all you shoppers, you can find a piece for all the ladies in your life, regardless of age from their online store.

Happy shopping!

12 days of Christmas: Day 7

Day 7 is all about our fashionable sistas around the globe.

Starting close to home with Australia.

Model Lara Bingle may change boyfriends more regularly than people change their underwear, but something that remains the same is her fashion sense. 

When Bings was engaged to Cricket captain, Michael Clarke, she enlisted Vogue's Senior Fashion Director Christine Centenera (girlfriend of designer Josh Goot) to refine her image.

Moving across the globe to America, we nominate Nicole Richie for the most improved award. Nicole has come along (LONG) way from her Simple Life days, and this is with credit to my styling icon Rachel Zoe. RZ helped to relaunch the Nicole Richie we know today, and that is just another reason why we love her.

Flying the flag for her hometown of UK, is Mrs. Victoria Beckham. Posh can definitely be seen as an ambassador of a club that I am most definitely a part of, and that is "we only wear monochrome" club. However, credit must be given to the world's least talked about part of the Beckham entourage, and that is Posh's stylist Sally Lyndley (the reason that Posh having a stylist is kept hush hush is because the ex-Spice Girl penns her image on being a "stylist").

However, there can only be only be one fashion muse fave, and that goes to the one and only Kim Kardashian.

Now let's fast forward and pretend that her amateur fashion "expert" and now fiancee Kanye, never styled his baby mamma in those infamous pregnancy looks.

Kim's everyday (and qualified) stylist is Monica Rose. One of my favourite things about Kim's look is how Monica finishes off an outfit with a tailored blazer (L-O-V-E!)

Note: I did not use any pictures from photoshoots, or red carpet events as we all know these fashion divas would have had no choice in picking out those outfits - these are their offscreen looks.

An honourable mention goes to Jennifer Hawkins. Her stylists at Myer nail it on most public appearances - red carpets, Australia's Next Top Model etc. Unfortunately, Jen didnt make the cut as her off-screen fashion was not up to par with her on-screen (but yes, Jennifer is so hot that she can make a a paper bag look good). Sorry jen, better luck for the next 12 days of Christmas.

12 days of Christmas: Day 6

Summer is all about beaches (unless you are currently living in Melbourne...). And to think that your hardest choice in swimwear was choosing between a one-piece or a two-piece; oh no, swimwear designers have given us too much choice with their clever designs this year. Take a look at these 2013/14 designs:

Now we have to choose between halter neck one-pieces with side cut-outs, bustier one pieces that look like lingerie, boob tube one pieces with rouching, one-shouldered bikinis with a cut out, a laced floral two piece bikini, or a monchochrome two piece.

Swimwear will never be boring again, however it will make shopping for indecisive ladies out there a lot more time consuming.

12 days of Christmas: Day 5

Day 5 covers a question that I get asked all the time "What do you keep in that Chanel Maxi of yours?".

So I've emptied the contents of my bag to show you the necessities that I don't leave home without...

 

I also always ensure that I have a bottle of water with me to keep hydrated.

Do these match what you have in your bag?

Look for Less: Shoe edition

For some ladies, shoes are their thing. And for others, well they just can't justify spending money on their feet. Today, I am going to save you hundreds (even thousands!) on current shoe trends just in time for the holidays.

So let's start with the Senso boots...seen on almost all of our favourite Australian celebs.
It's Summer I hear you say - fear not my fashionistas, boots are not just for Winter. Pair these babies up with some denim shorts, and you have one cute outfit.

The pair on the left from Senso are $295, whereas the pair on the right are from Sportsgirl for only $79.95. That is a saving of $215.05.
Tip: Whatever your shoe size is, go down a size as the Sportsgirl boots are a big fit.


These boots are also certainly made for walking. Most recently seen on Jennifer Lopez, and soon to be in a very special edition of Who Magazine (details to come..), these stud embellished Giuseppe Zanotti's, are a great edition to any shoedrobe.

What is the big difference between the GZ's on the left, and the Tony Bianco's on the right you ask? Oh, just $1,822.26..
That's right ladies the pair on the left retail for $2,022.26 (AUD), and the pair on the right $200.

Which ones will you sho-se?

Bargain alert!

At first when I saw this Model Co. 'Glow Baby Glow' pack advertised - I thought great, a perfect Christmas present.

The pack included:
-Glow Summer Bronze (tried and tested by yours truly)
-2 x Shine Ultra Lip Glosses (in Striptease and Sugarplum)

RRP from Model Co.'s online store $49.

BUT, on my adventures to find you all a bargain, I bumped into this pack at My Chemist for only $14.95!!

That's a saving of $34.05 for the SAME product. Merry Christmas to us!

12 days of Christmas: Day 4

Day 4 is definitely not a bore - as we are covering one of my favourite categories... JEWELLERY.

Statement pieces:
These pieces are designed to spruce up any 'plain' outfits. These statement pieces speak for themselves.

Neck - Dylanlex - Bowie (Santa please don't forget to add this to my stocking!)
Ear - Mimco - Simple Glamour ear
Wrist - Hermes - Collier de Chien
Ring - Samantha Wills - Like the Wild ones

Often pieces:
These pieces don't speak louder than words, but are a little more detailed than an everday piece.
 

Neck - Mimco - Nebula chain
Ear - Mimco - Crystal Dome
Wrist - Mimco - Wide Hinged cuff
Ring -  Tiffany's - Paloma Picasso Love

Everyday pieces:

Neck - Kimberley Evil eye
Ear -  Trewarne - Diamond
Wrist - Grace & Scarper - Initial
Ring - Grace & Scarper - Romy Midi

Have any of these pieces made your wishlist for this Christmas? Let me know your thoughts on Instagram @jspstyling

Getting Summer ready - with Toby Morrison

If you haven't already heard the name Toby Morrison, start getting familiar with it.
Toby is a 25 year-old former Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CSF) sufferer, and now Health and Fitness Coach. With much hard work and dedication to helping others, Toby created a CFS Health Centre in Melbourne, to assist other sufferers with the use of a 12 week tailor made program (covering progressive exercise, nutrition, mind-set, and sleep).
As if that wasn't enough, Toby has published a book (with another on its way), has a motivational iPhone app (available now on iTunes), and has recently launched the world's first online recovery program to reach CSF sufferers internationally.
I was lucky enough to catch-up with Toby (and yes ladies, before you ask - he is single..) to find out his Top 10 tips for you this Summer:

1) Say no unless it’s a 'HELL YEAH'. We fill up our days with things just because we can. Most of the time it is unfulfilling, and leaves our energy depleted. Unless it’s a HELL YEAH, say no. This way you will have more time to do what you truly want, and feel good about it.

2) Have a routine. Just because it is Christmas doesn’t mean you should just do nothing. Have a purpose to get you out of bed every day, and stick to a regular sleeping pattern so that you can get into a good routine. Your body will thank you.

3) YOU time. Before you go about your day you should set aside 2 hours where you can do your daily exercise, have a nice breakfast and meditate. You deserve it, and you will feel great for it.

4) Surround yourself with positive people. You’re not being rude or mean, in fact you are doing yourself a favour by letting-go of the negative people in your life. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not down.

5) Exercise daily. This doesn’t need to be in a gym. Go for a nice walk along the beach, find some stairs, take your dog for a run, do a core workout from home, dance in your bedroom. GET SWEATY!

6) STOP dieting. Unrealistic yoyo diets don’t work. They mess with your metabolism and long term, will make you fatter and unhealthier than before. Eat smaller sized meals, consistently throughout the day.

7) Consistency over intensity wins every time. Health is a forever thing, not an overnight thing. Be consistent on a daily basis and you will see long-lasting change for the better.

8) Positive mindset. Once you convince yourself, you will convince others. Be conscious of your 'stinking-thinking' and change it for the better. A positive mindset is as sexy as a fit body.

9) Get uncomfortable - same produces same, different produces change. Get out of your comfort zone, and do something different. Go rock climbing, learn to surf, sign-up for a fun run. Put yourself out there and live; that’s what life is all about.

10) Find happiness within. Stop trying to find someone to make you happy. Figure out what you don’t want in your life right now. This will open up doors to what you do want. WRITE them down, and make an action plan to make your true dream become a reality. Comprise a list of 5 things you are grateful for in your life right now. Each week build on your list and read it everyday to appreciate your life.
 
To find our more about Toby follow him on Instagram and 'Like' him on Facebook.

12 days of Christmas: Day 3

Some people study the evolution of animals or space, whereas I have undertaken a study, a thesis perhaps, on the evolution of designer clutches.

Exhibits A-F:

From my research it is evident that designers are moving away from the classical envelope clutches (Exhibit A from Prada), and rectangular clutches (Exhibit B from Louis Vuitton), into new innovative designs.

OK, enough of the post-doctorate talk already..

Let's take Alexander Mcqueen's clutch as an example. McQueen has taken the standard 3D clutch, and added a fourth dimension with use of different textures. These intricate designs are not only beautiful to look at, but they can transform an outfit. A clutch like the cream one featured above, is a perfect accompaniment to a block-coloured outfit. Watch the amount of compliments you will receive when you've got this baby in your hand.

Next, one of the most recent trends, and also the most unusual, the 'lunchbag' trend. Celine, have introduced a clutch that essentially looks like a brown paper lunchbag that you used to take to school (pre-Glad bag days), but made out of leather. Love or hate this trend, it has people talking.

Chanel I believe are the trendsetters of the changing clutches. Two examples of this is the lego clutch - yes that's right, Karl Lagerfeld modelled a clutch (that costs thousands of dollars) off of the childhood lego toys (which costs tens of dollars). The lego clutch has seen to have had many celebrity ticks of approvals, including the Kardashian's...all 77 of them.
The second Chanel clutch featured, takes originality to a whole nother level - a clutch in the shape of a sphere.
Who came up with this idea? Although I think not practical in fitting your possessions in there, it most certainly will grab a lot of peoples attention.

What are your thought on the evolution of clutches? Should designers stick to what they know, or take risks? Would you spend thousands of dollars on an unusual clutch or would you stick to a classic? Drop me an email jspstyling@gmail.com

12 days of Christmas: Day 2

I am from JSP Styling, and I'm a jumpsuitaholic.

As you may have noticed from my previous blogs, one of my favourite items of clothing is the humble jumpsuit.

We see these one-piece, 'I-make-going-to-the-bathroom-difficult' playsuits coming in and out of fashion quite often - however in my eyes, the jumpsuit is here to stay.

As time goes on, so do the styles of jumpsuits, and this Summer, designers have created a jumpsuit to suit almost every individuals personal style.

From short boob-tubed jumpsuits, t-shirt styled jumpsuits, and spaghetti-strapped jumpsuits; to long bustier jumpsuits, one-shouldered jumpsuits, and capped sleeved jumpsuit - the choices are really endless.



Which cut is your favourite? Tag me in a pic of you in your jumpsuit on Instagram @jspstyling

12 days of Christmas: Day 1

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Well nothing really, but during my 12 days of Christmas I will be showing you top products in a variety of categories.

To kick off the festive season we are going to start with the hair.

My favourite hair looks are down-do's. I used to be on Team Straight hair (because my natural hair is very curly), but now I am Team Wave all the way!

Riding the wave:

Until recently I was using my VS Sassoon curler, when my fabulous hairdresser suggested a better lasting curl by using a GHD. Now I would say that I prefer the look of the curl (when I DIY at home) using my hair curler, rather than my straightener; however the curls do not tend to have the same hold. A big pro of using the hair curler is that it saves a lot more time, than using the GHD to curl.

On the straight and narrow:


When in doubt, straighten it out. This is a quick, easy, never-fail look, that is appropriate for any occasion.

My little pony:

If you love a pony, you can't go past Marie Uva's (from Uva Salon). This pony includes a bump at the top, a wave in the tail, and in lieu of a hair tie; hair is wrapped around the base. I also love how Marie has left some hair out at the front, adding that feminine touch to frame the face.

Let me see that bun, ba-ba-ba bun:

Goodbye traditional ballerina buns. Our favourite bun is a little messier on top. This is a much more relaxed looked, and does give that girlier feel.

Note: An extra strong hold hairspray will become your BFFL with this up-style.

Hair products:
K-PAC reconstructor by Joico
I use this product particularly when I have lighter hair. This conditioning treatment keeps the roots, ends, and everything in between strong and healthy. Use after shampooing, by combing through your hair in the shower, clip it back whilst you finish off in the shower and wash out. The longer you leave this conditioning treatment in your hair, the better. I use this product at least once a week. RRP $26.95.
This product can be purchased at good quality hair suppliers (for those of you in Australia, head to Hairhouse Warehouse), hairdressers or on Joico's online store.
Miracle Hair treatment by Eleven Australia
This bottle of coconut smelling goodness, is said to have 11 uses some of which include a leave-in hair treatment, a hair protectant, smoothing out a straight-do, and saying bye-bye to those frizzy fly-aways. This product, developed by Joey Scandizzo (hairdressing extraordinaire), has had a lot of hype surrounding it from the likes of Rozalia Russian and Kate Twigley. Squirt a few pumps into your hand after you have straightened your hair, to smooth the hair (adding attention to those fly-aways with extra product), or when curling your hair, section your hair and massage a few pumps into your hair prior to using your styler to create a barrier between your hair and the heat. RRP $24.95.
This product can be purchases at hair salons, as well as Eleven Australia's website.

Hair tools:
GHD
This styling product doubles as a straightener and a curler. This is definitely a necessity in every single bathroom around the country. RRP $269. I use the medium size.

VS Sassoon Curler
This wand is all the same size, is clampless, and has an extra thick barrel (38 mm) to create a wave rather than a tight curl. RRP $42.95

And my number 1 product for the first day of my 12 days of Christmas is....(drum roll).

Frizz-Ease by John Frieda.

I have been using this product for years, and I swear by it! Pump a few squirts into your hand (I use it on my hair once I have blow-dryed it after the shower), rub your hands together to activate the product, and rub through your hair.

Without this product I would not have silky, smooth hair when attempting to straighten it. Instead my hair would be frizzy, and my natural curls would take longer to straighten out (which also damages your hair from all the pulling with the straightener).

If I can recommend only 1 hair product to you, this is definitely the one. This product retails for $13.59, and can be bought in most hair stores, as well as online.

I hope you have enjoyed Day 1 of my 12 Days of Christmas, check back tomorrow to see what category we cover.

Which Watch Will We Wear

What you might not realise is that there is much more to a watch than a function that tells the time.

I have broken the humble watch down into 4 easy categories, to help make your next watch purchase timely (see what I did there?)

Today's example is with the brand Chanel, as I use one of their timepieces for day-to-day wear.

 

1) Ceramic
My current watch has a ceramic band. I find this to be completely durable (touch wood that there are no dints or marks on my band after all the times I have dropped it). Some ladies might find this type of watch to be too masculine, or to be too casual. Another comment that I have heard from fellow-ceramic-watch-wearers is that after a while wearing it, they find the watch to be too heavy. I personally do not have this issue, however working at Mimco for all those years gave me a very high tolerance to the most heaviest of pieces.

2) Jewellery
These types of watches are the most appropriate for evening events. They are very dainty, and can help pull together an outfit, acting as an accessory rather than a timepiece. The downfall's to this type of band is that depending on how often you go out - will you get your moneys worth of this watch? As these pieces are often delicate, care must be taken when wearing these bands - any knocks on a table can set a diamante loose, which can be costly to replace.

3) Leather
These bands are the most traditional. When our mum's and dad's got their first watches, I can almost guarantee that they would have had a leather band. Leather is a durable material, and depending on the type of leather; is said to get better with age. One con of a leather band is that it can date easily. The thickness, colour, and leather type are all contributing factors to why these bands have become a less popular option over the past years.

4) Rubber
There are a few reasons why people will opt for a rubber option:
a) They are more comfortable on the wrist
b) They are often quite cheaper than the other 3 options above
For me a big disadvantage of a rubber watch (especially the white one pictured above) is that it marks easily. Pen marks, dirty fingers, bronzer - you name it, we can see it. Another thing to watch out for with rubber watches is that the natural oils in your skin, and perspiration, can create an odour that contains within the rubber; whereas compared to an acryclic band this issue will not arise.

What type of watch band do you use? Have you decided to switch over after reading this post? Keen to hear your thoughts on Instagram @jspstyling

The present that keeps on giving..

Some people are too hard to buy for because their style differs from yours, because you know they'll never use what you buy them, or because they are just too fussy.

I have made it easy this Christmas with a gift voucher from JSP Styling.

The voucher entitles the recipient to:
-A personal shopping session (for those in Melbourne); or
-A virtual styling session; or
-A wardrobe consultation

This is a great idea for Mum's that have just given birth, people entering the workforce, those who have a special event coming up, or anyone who just wants a revamp.

Christmas special
For a limited time only, if you purchase one JSP Styling voucher, you are entitled to a second voucher for 50% off. Perfect to pass onto a friend, or even keep it for yourself!

*Offer ends 24th December 2013. Limited to 1 Christmas special per customer

To find out more about the voucher, or to purchase a voucher please contact me directly on jspstyling@gmail.com