Castaway- Vogue Australia Jan 2013

It may be the first edition of Vogue Australia to hit the stands in 2013, and its certainly a great start!  Once again an amazing magazine filled with fashion round ups from the previous year, new beautiful trends, gossip and happenings and the wonderful 11 page long photo-story featuring none other than Doutzen Kroes.

I am reviewing this photo-story as it is one of my favourite.   Douzten perches on granite rocks and wanders through forests, like a perfect mermaid.  Sporting lovely beach blonde tousled hair and her toned body, showcasing beautiful clothing, this shoot has no faults! (in my eyes anyway!)

 TIP: Simple nude makeup and an even healthy tan is the perfect style for summer. Like above with a matte, low sheen lipstick and a tan foundation. 

*Notice sandals throughout photgraphs* A wonderful summer/spring accessory, worth investing in.

The body every girl would envy!

So I hope you've all touched base with your inner island goddess while scrolling through these flawless images and inspire you to experiment with the boho chic style this summer.

Stay Happy.

Some inspiration for you all :)

“I know today is Monday and you assume it’s going to suck, but according to statistics, there will be over 5,000 weddings, 10,000 childbirths, and 42 million hugs occurring today throughout the United States. Also today, there will be at least 4 people that will win the multimillion dollar lotteries, 600 people will get promotions at work, and 3,000 people will lose their virginity. There will also be 600 dogs adopted, 35,000 balloons sold, and 800,000 skittles eaten. Plus, the words “I love you” will be said over 9 million times. So again, I know today is Monday and you assume it’s going to suck, but just smile, because according to statistics, it should actually be a really nice day.”

Favourite Outfit!

Below is my favourite outfit  at the moment! I'm in love with my new Tigerlilly vintage inspired dress with its three-quarter flared arms, maroon swirl pattern and silk material.  After hours trying on garments in one of my favourite shops, I came out with this piece as I've decided it can be very versatile.  Worn over long sleeved tees, woolen scarves and brown boots (as below) for winter or a casual sandal and broad rimmed hat for summer!

Styled with loosely laced brown boots from Witchery, my hand-knitted black woolen scarf and a gorgeous felt hat from a market stall in Hobart, it's a winning outfit!

Josh Goot!

Josh Goot is an amazing Australian designer.  The Resort collection has interesting cuts and shapes while keeping them clean and fun with many beautiful prints making it a little more conservative than, say, the Spring collection below.  I love the skirts and dresses that have a high cut front with a lower back and the exaggerated hip shape on most of the dresses.  Below are my favourite ( only because I couldn't choose them all!) garments from the Resort 2012 range that I would love to wear one day.

The Spring 2012 collection has some amazing bomber jackets, simple T-Shirt dresses and most importantly more incredible prints to make it one if my very favourite ranges to date.  The floral orange and pink design that features on most garments almost brings in a bohemian feel to the clothing.  I felt as though the garments incorporated simplistic cuts, shapes and materials, and a cheerful bohemian feel with the prints, which to me is a winning mix!

Natalie's top favourite (super healthy) smoothies!

Smoothies are a quick and easy meal or snack and can be made for a treat or a healthy alternative.  So below are my favourite smoothies all taste tested by me!

DAIRY FREE SMOOTHIE
Serves 2
400ml rice or oat milk
200g frozen or fresh blueberries
3/4 avocado
150g porridge oats
juice of half a lemon

BANANA BREAKFAST SHAKE
Serves 2
2 ripe bananas
200ml low fat natural Greek yoghurt
125ml light or skin milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

PAPAYA AND BANANA SMOOTHIE
Serves 2
1 papaya
juice of 1 lime
1 large ripe banana
350ml freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

SUNSHINE SMOOTHIE
Serves 2
2 nectarines
100g green seedless grapes
100g soy yoghurt
1/2 teaspoon Manuka honey
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds

RAPID RECHARGE (for the brave!)
Serves 2
1 small courgette
1 celery stick
40g baby leaf spinach
40g alfalfa sprouts
2 apples, peeled and cored

Try them at home, enjoy!

Bargain Hunting!

Never underestimate garage sales... Deciding to visit a 'vintage' driveway sale on my way home was a great decision!  Turns out I was talking to a New York stylist trying to flog all her old clothing and magazines before she left for NY again.  So, I left with valuable advice, some lovely vintage pieces and a 12 book pile of mags at only $2 each!  You never know what you'll find!

Model Profile: Karlie Kloss

Karlie Kloss, despite being one of the most well known models and faces in fashion these day, has remained my favourite model since I first laid my eyes on her. (and she has the same nickname as me, mouse!)  With her energetic personality and undeniably great looks you must love her.  Karlie has featured in many advertisements for the best brands around the world including Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Hermes and also becoming the face of Marc Jacob's fragrance Lola.

Her versatile features allow Karlie to go from a sophisticated evening look to beachy relaxed look as contrasted above.

Kloss has timeless, elegant, almost angular features that will never go out of fashion, which will enable her to have a long lasting career.

Karlie has even been named "The New Body" after Elle Macpherson took the title during the peak of her career.  With her elongated limbs, small bone frame and toned features this title is totally fitting!  This has lead to many, many runway shows including the famous Victoria's Secret Show and other top brands.  

One truly inspiration model!

Abbey Lee Style Muse

Abbey Lee Kershaw is my all-time favourite style muse!  With her distinct style and effortless bohemian look, she manages to look amazing on all occasions.  Her ‘thrown together’ easy outfits scream relaxed and natural.  Although I have nowhere near the same budget as Abbey, I can always look to her dressing to give me some inspiration and tips on how to assist my own look.  Being one of the biggest names in the modelling and fashion industry in the 21^st century, you can imagine how busy and in demand Lee would be.  Yet every time she steps outside, her look is fashionable and always has some extra funky addition.  Here are a few of my favourite attires worn by Abbey, that I would love to be able to wear!

Notice the same pair of black heel boots worn in three of the photos.  TIP: it’s worth buying a pair of good quality lasting shoes that could be paired with any outfit.

Hope you love her style too!