ADELAIDE READERS WIN A VIP DOUBLE PASS

Entry is very simple – just leave your name and email by typing it in the comments box of this blog post and on Monday the 27th July the lucky winner will be drawn.

VIP entry to the fair entails:

- Jump the queue access
- Front row seats at the 2pm fashion parade
- Two complimentary glasses of champagne. One at the bar and one served at the fashion parade 
- Backstage access after the parade to view all the gowns
- An exclusive One Fine Day goodie bag especially reserved for VIP's only
- Entry to the VIP lounge sponsored by White Marquee

I love the Spanish decadent donuts, which we all know as Churros.

They are golden and sweet but the best thing is dipping them into a thick layer of rich dark chocolate!

So when this lace dress first arrived at La Moda Stylist HQ it was love at first sight. I just had to have it and luckily enough I had an event coming up so I could take this baby for a spin.

Lace enhances your shape. There is no fabric that will flaunt curves quite like lace. It’s not just for your grandmother’s coffee table, the curtains or the living room.  When wearing lace, you want it to accentuate your hottest assets. You should be confident that it will make you feel fabulous. My top tip is to make sure the lace is strategically placed on your favorite feature to flaunt it.

My favourite pieces to pair with a little black lace dress are a pair of perfect heels, classic pearls, a red lip and a white coat.

Just pick one or two accessories to keep your look simple and elegant.

Always With Style,

xoxo

A.
La Moda Stylist

SHOP THE LOOK
Lolita Lace Midi Dress $90

Metallics are so trendy right now! First we've introduced copper and brass to the scene, and now we get to meet their friend, Rose Gold. Nothing says glamorous like a few rose gold home décor accessories to brighten a room. Pair this classy colour with tones of grey, soft pastels or bright white.  Whether you go all out with an accent wall or just add a few decor items, you cannot go wrong when it comes to bringing bling to your rooms. 

A touch of rose gold in a room instantly adds a touch of class.

I am determined to bring in some rose gold pieces at La Moda Stylist HQ and below are some of my ideas.

I will let you know how I go!

Always With Style,

xoxo

A.
La Moda Stylist

The time has come to mourn the end of summer and start thinking about our winter wardrobe. One of my favourite things about winter is slouchy, chunky knitwear that we can just wrap ourselves up in!   It’s so easy to pull off chunky knits and stay chic at the same time.

I have found myself falling in love with turtlenecks, especially this high-necked silhouette. Slouchy, chunky and loose fitted—when it comes to turtlenecks, I love them all.

Turtlenecks have an interesting history. The style dates back to the 15th century, and in the 20th century they began to become associated with academics, philosophers, intellectuals and artists (talk about chic). When the 1950s rolled around, women started to put a feminine spin on the turtleneck making it a preppy and classic staple for hip housewives and fashionable coeds alike. 

Today, the turtleneck has become an essential ingredient in the wardrobe with a traditional look that will always be in Vogue.

I love our newest arrival - the Anarchy Roll Neck Knit Dress and I can see myself living in this all winter long!

Style with high heeled boots and Miss Mia FOXY HIBISCUS lipstick.


Always With Style,

xoxo

A.
La Moda Stylist

Who doesn't love a Ladies night in?
After what's sure to be the longest week in history, a Friday night movie marathon—complete with a pile of blankets, an overflowing bowl of popcorn, and all your friends—is the only answer. Just one problem? Choosing what to watch. When there are literally thousands of ready-to-stream films and a seemingly endless supply of so-bad-they're-good made-for-TV movies available at any given moment, deciding on a title can feel like an impossible task. Who needs the stress? Not you. This is where we come in.

We've rounded up 5 flicks that practically require you to watch 'em in the presence of your pals. From girl-powered comedies to sweet love stories, these chick flicks will help you ease into the weekend—with your friends by your side.


Always With Style,

xoxo

A.
La Moda Stylist

I love being a woman.  Everyday I am grateful for the opportunities I’m given and for the freedom I have thanks to those who have fought for our rights and equal opportunity. 

There are times when we as women, are often put in a corner and expected to act, look and talk a certain way.

Unfortunately today we are still fighting for equality and instead of being supportive of one another, we often get compared to others and feel the need to compete against one another. We judge one another, instead of celebrating our accomplishments. 

I have been lucky enough to grow up with strong, inspirational and amazing women, including my grandmothers, mother and sister. Even as a little girl I knew other girls weren't my "competition" and I am proud to stand amongst them today as a woman. I also love to be around other strong women who are not afraid to speak up for what they believe in.

Sometimes we compare ourselves against one another, make judgments and bully one other for the expectation of men. In order to grow, we must unite and and take a stance for equality and respect in the workplace, home and life in general.  

Just remember, women can do anything.

Here are some of my favourite empowering quotes for all of you!

I hope these quotes inspire you to be the strong woman you are destined to be and the best version of yourself as well as not be afraid to go after what you want! 

Don't follow your dreams..................... chase them!!

Always With Style,

xoxo

A.
La Moda Stylist

Hello My Fellow Fashionistas,

Who said printed pants are just for summer?  Well not anymore!

I'm embracing this trend for Autumn and have invested in a pair of the Indigo Midnight Printed Pants.

This autumn there is nothing like a good quality pair of printed pants, more fun and fabulous than ever. before. Playful yet colourful, these eye catching bottoms will have you starting the season with a bang. 

Sure, the loud prints and bold patterns may seem a little bit risky, but like most good trends it's all about learning the basic styling rules while adapting to your fashion personality. 

When styling your printed pants opt for a solid coloured top letting the printed pants do all the work for you.

Sometimes all you need is a little bit of attitude. So slide on your sunnies, put on your best heels and strut your stuff!!

Always With Style,

xoxo

A.
La Moda Stylist

Shop The Look

Pants: Indigo Midnight Printed Pants
Sunglasses: Audrey Black Sunglasses

Hello My Fellow Fashionistas,

"Ageing gracefully" can be a frightening figure of speech for many and the cosmetic counter is covered with "anti-ageing" creams, serums and with Botox freely available like getting milk from the supermarket, their must be a more natural way to "age gracefully." 

Well, their is!! Its called facial yoga. Yes facial yoga! We have all heard of yoga...but not facial yoga. Right? Well their are an array of books, You Tube videos (quite amusing) and even a App for this topic. This form of exercise for the face claims to maintain your beauty naturally. We obviously have muscles in our face (duh) but 99.9% chance we don't use half of them and facial yoga is good for toning the muscles in our face and neck.

I have been doing facial yoga for a few weeks now and can feel the difference, It releases tension, tones the facial muscles and I also get a laugh or two when mimicking the poses. 

For me anything natural is good. As natural-living aficionados, Botox is at the top of our toxic no-no list. It is literally like a venom. Additionally, most anti-aging creams contain paraffins, mineral oil, heavy fragrances and other undesirable ingredients. Facial yoga is 100% natural and without harmful chemicals. No needles, no second guessing whether a “youthful glow” is worth the toxins or not. 

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Just a heads up...its probably best to do this within the 4 walls of your home....let's just say facial yoga while driving is a no-no as you will get a few interesting looks from other motorists. 

Always With Style,


xoxo


A.
La Moda Stylist

DAILY FACIAL YOGA EXERCISE

#1 – Smiling Fish Face
The Smiling Fish assists in toning and lifting the cheeks. Form a traditional fish face with your lips. Then, smile. Both actions should occur simultaneously. Repeat 5 times.

#2 – Marilyn
Named for the infamous Marilyn Monroe, this pose is geared towards creating firmer, fuller lips. Simply pucker your lips, press them into your hand, and blow a kiss. Repeat.

#3 – Baby Bird 
This pose is meant to tone neck muscles and prevent sagging, double chins. First, turn your head to the right. Tip your chin upward and press the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth. Next, smile, then swallow. Repeat for center and left side.

#4 – Satchmo
This pose was named after horn players who store a lot of air in their cheeks! Grab a big breath and puff the breath from cheek to cheek. Repeat until you run out of air, 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat the sequence 10 times.

#5 -Temple Dancer 
Temple Dancer focuses on warding off crow’s feet and sagging. While keeping the rest of your face motionless, open your eyes wider than usual. Look slowly left, then back to center. Look slowly right, then back to center. Repeat 10 times.

#6 – Buddha
This pose is meant to reset the face into a state of smooth calm. Simply close your eyes and smile very slightly. Be sure to relax the rest of the face completely to achieve maximum calm.

#7 – Lion Face, Part I
Inhale through your nose, make fists and squeeze all your facial muscles…

#8 – Lion Face, Part II
Now exhale through your mouth, stick out your tongue, roll your eyes up and open your hands. Repeat three times.

Hello My Fellow Fashionistas,

With the days getting colder and the leaves falling to the ground, it’s time to turn our attention to trans-seasonal pieces to get us through the “4 seasons in one day” period (or as everyone calls it autumn).

That’s why I love our latest arrival, the Céline Tank top. It’s important to have your basics sorted in your wardrobe as you will find it easier to mix and match. The Céline top is versatile which can be worn with jeans, pants, skirts or layered with cardigans and jumpers.

The Céline Tank is simple and is for all of the trendsetter girls out there.

Now I’m not one to wear “slogan” tops typically (CONFESSION TIME) thinking back to my cringing teenage years I remember buying a purple top with a slogan saying “young, fab & broke.”  By the way did I mention the writing was in florescent green!!!  Let me tell you it was a good conversation starter. Never the less we all make fashion mistakes. YES even us Fashion Stylists have a few. (Not many would tell though!)

But the point I’m trying to make is that “Team Céline” is different.  It’s in black and white, my favourite colours and it’s comfortable, trendy and a not so “in your face” slogan tee. It can be dressed up or down.

This little gem will be my saviour this autumn.

Always With Style,

Xoxo

A.

La Moda Stylist

Busy.

Is the one word I would use if you ask me about my lifestyle. So the last thing I want to do in the morning is spend hours and hours trying to fix my hair from that so called "beauty sleep" I had the night before. 
It's every girls dream to go to bed and magically wake up the next morning with "perfect hair." The fact of the matter is that it's highly unlikely!!  But sometimes beauty sleep needs a little extra help.

Over the years I have learnt how to skip that morning blow dry, with using some small tips and tricks, while getting that much needed "beauty sleep."

So say goodbye to long hours in the bathroom and hello to a few extra margaritas by the sunset with friends at the end of the day. With a few extra minutes up your sleeve who knows what you could achieve.

Try these tricks & tips before you go to bed tonight!!

Time: 3 minutes

My all time favourite!! This trick is amazing. After you have washed your hair and dried it, add some Moroccan oil and Argon oil to your hair. I also use John Frida Frizz Ease.  Simply twirl your hair before you go to bed and wake up with beautiful beach waves.

Time: 3 minutes

Another favourite!! 

Start by grabbing a 2 inch section of your hair at the front. Lift it up and loop it back toward your face, and tuck it into the headband. Repeat this motion on the next piece of hair, grabbing overlapping sections of your hair and continue around the rest of your head until you reach the opposite of the front. Then go to bed. Wake up and remove headband. Brush through your hair with your fingers for bigger waves and finish with a mist of hairspray.

Time: 1 minute

Not sure about the rest of you girls out there, but my number 1 issue when I wake up in the morning is FRIZZ!! Yes it's a constant battle!! 

So if fighting frizz is your morning hair struggle, then this tip is for you!! Before going to bed, smooth some serum through your strands and wrap all of your hair into a silk scarf. The oil works to soften hair while the silk prevents friction to reduces frizz. Good morning perfect hair!!

Time: 1 minute

Switch To Silk!!

Like my previous tip, I would highly recommend switching to silk pillowcases because sometimes we don't want to wrap up our hair after that perfect blow dry!!

Frizzy strands is annoying and your pillowcase could be to blame—yes, your pillowcase. A silk or satin pillowcase won’t roughen up your hair cuticle as your sleep, but it will actually help your strands to dry smoother, if you tend to fall asleep with damp hair.

1.       What is your Star Sign

 I am a Sagittarius. 


2.       Any secret talents?

Nothing to exciting.......

(Laughs)

I am a pretty good cook!! I love to make homemade pasta, and of course sweets!!
I make a pretty tasty cheesecake.


3.       Do you prefer coffee or tea?

Coffee!! It's in my DNA. Being of Italian background I grew up with coffee.


4.       What Book are you reading at the moment?

I I am reading Mademoiselle Coco Chanel and The Pulse Of History by Rhonda K. Garelick. One of my friend's brought me this book for my birthday. I can’t put it down.


5.       Which celebrity would you invite to dinner and why?

Ellen Degenerous! I love to laugh and I think it would be so much fun and laughter to have her over for dinner. I probably wouldn't eat a thing though.


6.       Number 1 fashion tip?

Its important to buy ‘KEY’ pieces for your wardrobe. For example a little black dress (lbd), a pair of black pants and a cardigan. It's important to build your wardrobe around your key pieces of clothing, You will find that it makes it easier to mix and match.


7.       What beauty product can you not live without?

Palmers coco cream. Keeps my skin soft, smooth and smelling AMAZING.


8.       Who is your fashion icon

The one and only Audrey Hepburn. No one has captured the hearts of the fashion industry more than Audrey Hepburn. She bought elegance, simplicity and radiance to the industry. She was the muse for many designers and she pathed the way of fashion. She has inspired me not only with fashion but with her kindness and humanity and helping those in need. She was a good role model for many young women and still is today. 


9.       What is your style?

Simple, elegant and on trend. I like my style to look effortless and chic. I believe less is more.


10.       Favourite holiday destination?

I don’t really have a favourite holiday destination ..... but I was lucky enough to travel around Italy a few years ago. Some of the places which took my breath away were Rome, Milan, Lake Maggoire and Sorrento. I would love to go back to Italy one day. 


        11. Any places you would like to see in the furure?

I would love to travel around Europe and Paris would be the first city which I would go to!! I would love to spend a month or so roaming around Paris and soaking up everything from fashion, food, the sites to the people. I feel France is my ‘spiritual’ homeland.

Paris, is always a good idea…


12.   Who are you listening to at the moment?

Your going to laugh……….

‘The best of the 80s’

(giggles)


14.What is your favourite TV Series?

Golly!! That’s a hard one… I have a few favourites…

(laughs)

Ok, ok the tv show which makes me laugh more than everything and always puts me in a good mood is “Are you being served” the British sit com.


16. What piece of advice would you give to young girls?


Believe in yourself and to bream big. 
Don't listen to others that put you down, keep your head up high, stay focused and surround yourself with people that will lift you higher.  

Throughout your life you will have people looking down on you saying your not "pretty" "clever" "talented" enough but it's important NOT to listen to the negative voices. Believe in yourself and in your dream.

It will be worth it in the end.

17. Any final words?

Be yourself because an original is worth far more than a copy.




Always With Style,

xoxo

A.
La Moda Stylist

For all of the chocolate lovers out there, this one is for you. A La Moda Stylist's signature recipe. This decedent chocolate cheesecake didn't last very long at La Moda Stylist HQ. We went choco-crazy. 

4.  Fold through cream, cookie pieces and Nutella. 

5. Spoon over base. Smooth surface. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours or until set. to serve, sprinkle with cocoa. 

6. ENJOY!!

Have a fab day.

Always With Style,

xoxo

A.
La Moda Stylist

Have you ever come across jewellery with eyes on it?   If you have, then you probably thought what the crocodiles!! 

Well, there is a meaning behind it and it's called the “Evil Eye”. 

As much as I find the evil eye concept interesting,  I also find the high street manifestations really ugly. Wearing a life size eye ball around my neck or wrist  didn't really appeal to me at first, until I sourced a more "pretty" version of the evil eye bracelet in the marketplace. So I jumped on the opportunity! 

We are now stocking this pretty evil eye bracelet. 

They say that the colour blue opens the flow of communication, keeps you calm and relaxed to counteract chaos or agitation and offers Karma and fate protection.

This piece of jewellery goes with absolutely everything and protects you on your life's journey. 

Always With Style,

Xoxo

A.

La Moda Stylist

SHOP>> Evil Eye Bracelet

The silly season is around the corner and sweets are a must!! At La Moda Stylist HQ we love anything sweet and this easy no bake recipe is super delicious and fun! Perfect for your next Christmas Party or high tea.

Enjoy xx

Always With Style

xoxo

A.
La Moda Stylist

Hello out there to all Fashionistas and La Moda lovers. My name is Kia and I’ll be here at the La Moda stylist HQ as a guest blogger with a series of fun and easy 'how to' summer face masks.

But before we get started here’s a little about myself. I have a passion for all things fashion and beauty. I often find myself experimenting with new makeup trends and skincare regimes. Whilst I love all things fashion and beauty I also have a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and Linguistics which makes it apparent why I love to immerse myself in the world of literature with books and film.

Enough about me..lets get to the fun stuff.

Today I am going to share with you a very special face mask recipe that was taught to me by my grandmother when I was a young. She was an important influence in my life teaching me the importance of looking after your skin and treating it with respect. That's why I am passionate about all natural face masks. Let’s face it, do we really know what’s in cosmetics and skincare products that we buy at the beauty counter...

With summer fast approaching here in the land down under it’s important we look after our beautiful faces and with the transition from cool to hot weather our skin can often behave badly with dry or oily complexions, blemishes, clogged pores… and the list could go on and on. So I’m here to provide you with some all natural and easy face masks to help some of the problems that summer brings to our skin.

This Avocado Mango Face Mask is so simple to make and has so many benefits to the skin. The Avocado Mango Mask is perfect for hot and dry climates in summer as the olive oil naturally keeps the skin hydrated and soft (olive oil is even great to use on it's). The honey helps with blemishes and healing any scars that you might have. The avocado helps to keep the skin persistently hydrated and is great for sensitive skin because it rapidly calms inflammation. The mango clears clogged pores and helps eliminates those nasty blemishes.


Ready? Set? Let's get beautified!! 

Ingredients: 


                      2 tablespoons honey

                       2 tablespoons avocado

                       2 tablespoons of olive oil

                       1 mango

Step 1: Cut mango into small cubes and mash in a bowl

Step 2: Add the the avocado, honey and olive oil in the bowl with the mango and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Mix together using a fork until a smooth consistency. 

Step 4: Apply to face with either your hands or a brush. Leave the mask on face for 15-20 minutes and let it work its magic. Rinse your face with cool water and a face cloth.

See and feel the results. You will be shining from inside and out.








Stay tuned for my next blog which will bring you another how to: all natural summer face mask.

Until we meet again,

xx

Kia

Who doesn't love the chance to dress up, have some French champagne with friends and maybe win a bet? 

Here is your style guide for the 3 day event.. Giddy up! 

Always remember individuality and style is key. Be creative, be inventive, be authentic and exude elegance.


Always With Style,


xoxo

A.
La Moda Stylist


Still don't have your race day outfit? Check out our lovely range of dresses.

Some things never go out of style and the trend of the cat eye sunglasses have definitely not!

The illustrious style of the cat eye sunglasses is still very much alive and trending. The lady who started it all was the one and only Audrey Hepburn. Wherever she went she wore her famous black cat eye frames.

Even celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Olivia Palermo, Nicole Richie and Mary-Kate Olsen have been spotted wearing the unquestionably fabulous shape.

The one trend that we all have embraced is the shade of choice. White!! It brings a modern, fresh and contemporary take of the 'do not disturb signs. '

Cat eye sunglasses are a superb pair to purchase because they provide you with a instant sense of style and project a highly confident stature.

This season wear our style weapon >> white cat eye sunglasses

Always With Style

xoxo

A x
La Moda Stylist
www.lamodastylist.com

When the clock strikes 3 in the afternoon the kitchen gets raided! It's a serious issue here at La Moda Stylist HQ. We try to go for the 'celery and carrot' option (often ignored) because sometimes we just need a sweet treat, that extra dose of sugar to get us through those final hours.

Today we made our ever so famous Rock the Rocky Road filled with gooey marshmallows hazelnuts and coconut. This is a simple and delicious recipe that will make you eat, regret and eat more. So next time when you need a sugar hit try our recipe.

Enjoy!! 

Always With Style,

xoxo

A. x
La Moda Stylist

P.S don't tell my PT

2 x 220g dark chocolate, chopped

1/4 cup dry roasted hazelnuts

1 packet marshmallows 250g, halved

1 cup fine desiccated coconut

1. Grease pan.

Line basses and sides with baking paper, extending paper 2cm from edge of pan

2. Place dark chocolate in a bowl over hot water (or melt in the microwave) until melted and smooth

4. Once chocolate is melted pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients and combine with a spatula.

5. Once combined place in the prepared tin and place in fridge for 2 hours.

Spring Racing fever is about to hit Melbourne. Let's face it, it's not all about the gambling and horse racing! This event is all about Fashions On The Fields!! 

This is the time of year we can get dressed up, wear our best Fascinator and look glamorous. 

If you are lucky enough to go to this year's event you would know that blisters and sinking heels (in the grass) are mandatory. But here at La Moda Stylist we can hear your cries for help, so we have put together a 'Race Day Survival Kit' to ensure you will be reaching for the French Champagne (oh la la) instead of the the nearest chair. Don't worry it will all fit in your clutch bag.

Race Day Survival Kit

1. Band Aids- for blisters / throbbing footsies
2. Bobby Pins- to keep your headpiece in place
3. Eye Drops- for itchy or sore eyes 
4. Make Up Wipes- not just for taking off your makeup these little beauties are good for stain removal (just in case you get champagne spilled on you)
5. Roll Up Flats- your new best friend
6. Little bottle of perfume- to keep you fresh
7. Lipstick- for touch ups during the day

With your Race Day Survival Kit in toe, you will be prepared for anything!! So, put your best foot forward and strut your stuff.

Always With Style,

xoxo

A x
La Moda Stylist

Need help working out your race day outfit?
Check out our range of stunning dresses

With the fashion world falling for lace, here at La Moda Stylist we have hand picked lace pieces which will make an impression and last the time of time in the fashion world. For high octane drama, go for a floor sweeping gown like the Lace Lover Set and the Lace Lover Maxi or if you want to add a touch of lace to your wardrobe then the lace me up blazer is for you! Shop our latest lace pieces now. Add a touch of elegance to your 2014 wardrobe. You will not regret it!

Always With Style,

xoxo