Five

Women with style express themselves and their personality through their clothing choices and have these 5 things in common.

1. They are in tune with their body shape and know what to enhance and what to disguise.

2. There is a thread of consistency running through their choices in terms of shape, texture and colour palette.

3. They buy well and keep their clothes in good condition.

4. The look is comfortable and relaxed (no swollen feet stuffed into too-high, too-tight stilletos).

5. They never look as though they are trying too hard.

Kiki

Canadian Tuxedo

I think this is the first Canadian Tuxedo (aka denin on denim) that actually looks good!

Kiki

Just a little bit nervous.

I have come to the realisation that I am just a little bit nervous about my upcoming maiden voyage to Italy. At first, when I started analysing my apprehension I thought it was because it's my first time there and I don't know my way around...and then there's the language! I took Italian language lessons for a few months last year but I have completely forgotten everything I learned.

Then I started thinking about what I will pack, how much do I want to lug around the country, and how much space do I want to allow for purchases? Baggage allowance is limited on the flights I've booked so I've decided to take only one smallish suitcase. If I need...I can always mail stuff home.

So, with that decision made the next one is much harder...what to take?

I've been reading a lot of blogs lately and looking at photos of what people are wearing OS and I'm really getting worried. So many people look awesome ALL THE TIME. How on earth am I going to look great all the time on a very limited wardrobe, even while sightseeing? And the very important rule...how not to look like a tacky tourist?

The pressure is on!

Kiki

I had a hankering today...

I had a hankering for creme brule today. I've never actually eaten it before so I wasn't sure what I was in for. I've had a little taste now and again, but not a whole one myself so who knew if I even liked it? Strange I know, I'm not sure what came over me. Sometimes you just have to go with it!

So, I went out and bought myslf a blow torch and the rest of the ingredients and gave it a go. It was surprisingly simple actually, and I'm pretty proud of the outcome if I do say so myself. The only problem was the lack of butane, and I don't recommend trying to make do with the oven grill!

Kiki

Winter Style

Sometimes it is so cold outside that all you care about is keeping warm....from memory that is approximately -28.5 degrees celcius!

In sunny Queensland that kind of cold just doesn't happen (thank goodness) but there are days like today (Canadians don't laugh) where it's pretty darn cold. I think it dipped to 7 this morning, and it didn't reach 20 until atleast 10am!

If I am completely honest, I am a teensy bit emberrassed about how soft I've become. I love to rug up in snuggly jumpers, jackets, scarves and gloves but sadly I don't get much opportunity any more. If I did need to wear lots of winter clothes, they'd look like these.

Kiki

Black and White

I am a huge fan of black and white. It is clean and crisp and always flattering.

There really is nothing tricky about putting together a black and white ensemble, and so easy to add a tiny bit of fun colour (if the occasion permits). You really must consider your complexion though as white near the face can wash some people out a little. If you're at risk of this, add a necklace or lower neckline to move the white away or break it up a bit.

I've never worn white stockings as I worry about it thickening my less than gazelle-like legs, but this lady has lovely lean legs and it looks great. I wonder if darker stockings wouldn't look as good and therefore ruin this look? And I adore the gloves, they add a bit of glamour to a really lovely outfit.

Kiki

Glasgow Style

How awesome are these two fellows?

Nothin' better than an old guy in a skirt;)

Kiki

Smokey Cat Eye

The smokey cat eye is my favourite look lately, and surprisingly simple to create.

If you need a little help like I did, there are some great youtube tutorials to walk you through it.

Kiki

White brogues anyone?

You know I love shoes, often the quirkier the better...so you know I don't shy away from a bit of foot focus, but white brogues are pretty full on!

These are growing on me, certainly only a summer shoe, but with these tailored shorts or a sun dress I think they're pretty cute. Maybe next year...

Kiki

Amouage Honour

I have recently discovered, and totally fallen in love with Amouage Honour Woman Eau de Parfum. This beautiful scent is not your 'run of the mill' perfume, it's made with the most wonderful flowers and oils. It's Olfactive Family is Woody Oriental so not for everyone, but you may love one of the many others created by the House of Amouage.

Amouage was founded 25 years ago by His Highness Sayyid Hamad bin Hamoud al bu Said on the request of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the ruler of the Sultanate of Oman.  Amouage was created with the intention of giving the fine perfumes as gifts to the Sultan's honoured guests, purported to reflect the cultural heritage and traditions present in Oman. Restoring artistry to perfumery by creating the most beautiful and evocatively fragrant scents possible. Amouage sources the highest quality ingredients from Oman - the rarest frankincense from Dhofar in the south of the country and the rarest rose of all, the rock rose harvested high up in the mountains of the Jebel Akhdar range towering over the Sultanate's beautiful capital, Muscat.

Honour Woman is a white floral fragrance inspired by the tragic Madame Butterfly. In honour of truth and beauty, her poetic love and sorrow echo eternally.

Head Notes - Coriander, Pepper, Rhubarb Heart Notes - Carnation, Gardenia, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Tuberose Base Notes - Leather, Vetiver, Amber, Frankincense, Opopanax

Ask for a sample at DJ's (for my Aussie friends).

Kiki

I really really want one!

I am not a rev-head but I just can't seem to shake a little crush I have formed on the Fiat 500.

How cute is this little car? I am yet to take one for a test drive because I'm scared that I will fall even deeper in love if I sit in it...smell that new car scent...feel the firm new seats under me...zip through the traffic like a crazy Italian...

Kiki