What my Mom taught me about style...

1. put your 'face on' before leaving the house

2. heels are a must, especially for the vertically challenged

3. dresses and skirts are good for hiding big hips and flattering small waists

4. accessories really make an outfit...but don't OVER accessorise (that's just tacky)

5. signature perfumes are lovely but sometimes it's nice to try new ones

6. painted nails are feminine and sexy

7. children shouldn't wear black

8. poise and grace can come in small packages

9. you must have a few classic pieces in your wardrobe

10. style is about being an individual, not following a fad

11. take pride in yourself.


Thank you Mom, you are a beautiful lady.

Kiki

Hauntingly Beautiful

Sometimes I see a photo that makes me smile and shed an irrational tear both at the same time.

This image conjures up so many wonderful memories of my childhood with white winters as a very strong feature in my life. But also throws in a mystical figure adorned in exotic fabrics and the most amazing umbrella of flowers that captures every little girl's imagination.

Kiki

Lipstick Effect

The lipstick effect is the theory that when facing an economic crisis consumers will be more willing to buy less costly luxury goods. Instead of buying expensive fur coats, for example, people will buy expensive lipstick.

It has been rumored that lipstick sales doubled after the 9/11 attacks on the USA. In a New York Times article published May 1, 2008, Leonard Lauder is quoted as saying that he noted his company's sales of lipstick rose after the terrorist attacks. He did not claim they doubled.

The underlying assumption is that consumers will buy luxury goods even if there is a crisis. When consumer trust in the economy is dwindling, consumers will buy goods that have less impact on their available funds. Outside the cosmetics market, consumers could be tempted by expensive beer or smaller, less costly gadgets.

I have actually bought a few new lippies lately...yikes!

Kiki

It's Official

There are certain times in a lady's life that she really couldn't give a 'rats' about style, and sadly today is one of them. I tried really hard to find a funny picture or some light-hearted amusing anecdote to try to pick myself up and feel a little cheer...clearly I failed.

It's official, I am sick. I have a cold.

Of course no one has ever had a cold this bad before, and I can't do anything for myself, and it's even worse than the dreaded man-flu. There is a new strain going around for sure...the rare and very dangerous 'Kiki Cold'.

aaaahhh-choooo

Not Boring Brown

Brown is tough to wear, but this dress is so lovely I just had to share it.

Kiki

Power Panties

I admit I don't actually own Spanx but I am seriously thinking about getting me some. What a great product to give you a little lift (pun intended) or tighten up those wobbly bits to make you look and feel awesome!

I see they make them for men too.

Kiki

Bicycle Wine Rack

This brilliant little idea has me thinking about getting back into cycling!

Kiki

Very Mini

How does a girl actually sit down when wearing a skirt this short?

I went out last weekend with the girls and I was totally amazed by the length of skirts. I admit some of these girls are great looking, have awesome legs, tight little tushies and can totally work it...but yikes!

Kiki

Pet Style

Does your pampered pooch or coddled cat have style? Do they love dressing up and prancing around, showing off their duds? I think it's pretty cute and often quite amusing, especially when they look really pissed off.

My little dog Bella loves her knitted jumper when it's cool in the mornings but I've never been brave enough to go wild. Have you? Send me a photo...

Kiki

To Ink...Or Not To Ink?

So, am I getting old or are there way more tattoos out there than ever before?

I am not sure how I feel about it...it's not the stereotypical bikie bloke with 'Mum' on his arm anymore either it's everyone! Young (really really young), old, men, women, all designs and any body part.

Is this more noticeable because summer is just ending and people don't wear much here when it's hot or is it the same the world over?

Am I the last 'clean-skin'?

Kiki

It has to go!

For a woman that usually oozes style (and grace - in spite of her husband) what the hell is she thinking with that scrunchie? Maybe she wears it as a kind of 'middle finger gesture' to....hmmm?...Bill?

Do you have one lurking in the back of your makeup drawer too? If so, resist the temptation to wear it, it's for your own good!

Kiki

Australia's Most Stylish Woman

I am so proud to live in a country that chooses Quentin Bryce, our Governor General who is 70 years old this year as the winner of the Herald Sun 50 Most Stylish Women over models, WAGs, actresses and other young beauties!

Kiki

HOT HOT HOT

This is not only an absolutely smokin shot of a pair of lovely legs, but the dress is such a vibrant colour and the heels...yummo!

Kiki

Classic Dots

I love polka dots but have not had much luck with them. The leather jacket and ultra cool hair and expression are awesome with the flowing dot skirt and chunky heels.

Kiki

What to wear...

What runs through your mind when you get dressed in the morning?

Do you simply choose the thing that's clean and ironed, what's on top or within easy reach? Or do you plan your outfit and choose clothes that make you feel good, or what is trendy, or what is expected of you?

Who buys your clothes? Do you prefer one particular style and always seem to wear the same thing, maybe just different colours or fabrics? Or do you experiment with different styles and take notice of what other people wear? Maybe try a new colour or fabric, or even a piece of jewellery, or style of shoe? Or, do you know exactly what you like, what looks good on you and what your preferred style is?

Do you like people to notice you, compliment your look or an article of clothing? Or do you prefer that no one notices you, do you dress so that you don't stand out?

After answering these questions, or at least considering them and taking notice of your gut reaction...are you happy with your style? Did any of these questions stump you or anger you or make you laugh?

Tomorrow morning, when you pick out what you are going to wear...make a real choice...don't do it on auto-pilot.

Kiki

This is not acceptable travel attire!

These pants may be comfortable, they may not crush on those nasty long-haul flights, they may not show dirt easily, and they may be easy to hand wash and dry overnight...but seriously, the only place to wear these is hiking up a mountainside.

Kiki

Gorgeous and Feminine

This is a lovely example of a very feminine style that I just love.

The photo was taken in Paris recently after the Chloe show (sadly I was not the photographer) although I will be 'keeping my eyes peeled' for style and glamour when I go there in summer. Watch this space. Back to this ensemble...focus Kiki!

The pink collar just peeks out from around her neck and wrists, breaking up the navy jumper and hat that she has perfectly matched. The beautiful flowing skirt has a real summer flow to it so it's a bit of a surprise that she's paired it with a dark jumper and felt hat, but it works.

Then I move to the shoes....oh those shoes. They are divine and bring the whole look together perfectly. And that lovely little clutch, I really must get me one of those.

Kiki