Mums are pretty special women. They are our mentors, Councillors and life coaches. Over the years a mum will play a myriad of roles including chauffeur, chef, cleaner, stylist, nurse, pharmacist, cheerleader, relationship guru, referee, teacher, seamstress and photographer. She’s the trusty sidekick to every one of your superhero life moments and on May 12 it’s time to turn the tables and make mum the centre of attention.

Show Mum the luxury of leather this year with a range of hand-crafted pieces from Elk, made from the softest sheep or buffalo leather. Fashionista Mum’s are always searching for a solution to traveling with their accessories and the Elk Jewellery Roll (RRP $99.00) will solve the problem in style. Take Mum’s travel essentials even further with a Hanover Travel Wallet (RRP $125.00) complete with passport, credit card and document sections.

This Mother’s Day, spoil your mum and treat her to the gift of beautifully hydrated and nourished skin with Thalgo’s range of specialist Anti-Ageing Skincare products. Whether your mum requires daily essentials or has specific skincare needs, each set is a celebration of self-pampering.

All of the Thalgo Mother’s Day gift sets are beautifully packaged in an elegant Thalgo Tote, making them an ideal gift for loved ones or even great value when buying for yourself. Choose from three options: Collagen for those aged 25 and over, Hyaluronic for those aged 35 and over and Silicium for those aged 40 years and over.

Continue pampering Mum and give her hair the care it craves with P&G’s new Pantene Beautiful Lengths Strengthening Collection. Split ends often lead to breakage which makes hair difficult to grow long and strong. The Pro-V Keratin formula in the Pantene Beautiful Lengths Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner helps weak, brittle, damage-prone hair gain strength against breakages.

What’s more is the Pantene Beautiful Lengths Strengthening Collection is in support of the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program launched in Australia in September 2012 in partnership with the charity Look Good…Feel Better.

For an absolute treat for mum this Mother’s Day try the new Acca Kappa Virginia Rose Eau de Cologne. With rose holding court as the flower Queen of the garden, the scent slowly unfolds with lily of the valley and geranium, and gently joins with the freshness of citrus, lemon and grapefruit. It then evolves and fades into the sensual notes of amber and precious rose woods (RRP $89.95, 100ml).

Mother’s Day is also the perfect time to indulge mum’s love of entertaining. The Savour Entertaining Range is crafted from beautiful sleek white porcelain with trendy topography and includes a Hummus Bowl, Antipasto Plate, Olive Bowl, Salt and Pepper Cellars and Oil Dipping Dishes all exclusive for EziBuy (RRP from $19.95- $59.95).

Whatever you decide to gift Mum this year make sure it comes with a great big thank you, we’d be lost without our Mums.

There’s no denying rose gold has had an influence over the recent fashion and beauty world, taking a modern more feminine spin on its classic older sister, yellow gold. But here’s the question, is the shade going to sustain its must-have status over the coming seasons? I’d put money on yes as the answer.

I, for one, love it because when I wear it there’s no thought in the back of my head comparing me to my Nonna, dressed in all her chunky gold jewellery glory. It’s feminine, chic, very wearable and complimentary to most skin tones. A great way to work it into your everyday beauty routine is with a simple make-up look – a favourite of mine is subtle wash of rosy eye shadow, sweep of blush, touch of gloss and matching mani to exude elegance with a polished and pretty finish. Here are a few current products boasting that oh-so-modish pink hue to carry your glow into the cooler months:

From Top Middle Clockwise – Nesti Dante Chic Animalier, SKII LXP, theBalm Overshadow in You Buy, I’ll Fly, Max Factor Glossfinity Nail Polish in Midnight Bronze, Covergirl Wetslicks Lipgloss in Candy Bon Bon, theBalm Shady Lady in Mischeivious Marissa.

Yellow gold will forever remain classic and there’s no doubting its ability make a statement. Miss Frou Frou’s Gold Digger for example is definitely a must-have for bright and bold tips. Here are a few other all important products to keep you glowing and warm throughout the harsh winter.

From Top Middle Clockwise – theBalm Hot Ticket Nailpolish in You’re So Hot and Gold, Max Factor Mini Nails in Ivory, Smiths Strawberry Lip Balm, Linari Eleganza Luminosa EDP, Kerstin Florian Rejuvenating Firming Eye Gel, evo Fabuloso Caramel, Miss Frou Frou Polish in Gold Digger.

I’ll finish with there being no right or wrong choice when it comes to either option. A timeless tip is to always work with a style and colour that suits your complexion. For a pop of colour mixing and matching is certainly acceptable too.

Amy x 

The Look: Contemporary Crusader

The inspiration for the hair look at
the Vivienne Westwood AW13 show in Paris came from two key sources, the medieval
hairstyles and the fabrics brought home from the Crusades.

“Vivienne had a reference of the long
braids of Medieval times and we built on this by incorporating silk georgette
fabrics from the collection but it didn’t seem like enough and then Vivienne had
the inspiration of also using the polythene of her garment bags in to the
braids and the look really came to Life” said Sam McKnight, Global Stylist
Ambassador for Pantene Pro-V.

Get the
look: 

1.  Start with freshly washed
   and conditioned hair, using Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light shampoo and conditioner to
   create the perfect base.
2. Use Pantene Pro-V Body
   Builder Mousse and blow dry in to hair – this will help add texture and ‘bite’
   to the braids
3. For the show, Sam created
   either  one middle plait or two side
   plaits, either with a centre parting or with a central panel of hair that was
   smoothed down towards the back of the head
4. Weave a piece of fabric
   (or polythene) in to the braid
5. Finally, apply Pantene
   Pro-V Intensive Damage Repair Oil to the ends of the hair to rehydrate

Products:

Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner – RRP $7.99
each

• Pantene Pro-V Body Builder Mousse – RRP $6.99

• Pantene Pro-V Deep Intensive Damage Repair Oil – RRP $9.99

Follow Pantene Pro-V at Fashion Week @PanteneFashWeek

Stockist and availability:

1800 028 280 or www.rougemag.com.au

Available at Rouge online and all leading pharmacies and supermarkets.

For more
information, please visit:

Pantene Facebook: www.facebook.com/PanteneANZ

Pantne website: www.pantene.com.au

The Look: Masculine / Feminine

The hair look at the DSquared2 AW13 show at Milan Fashion Week was both masculine and feminine. Inspired by the glamorous nightclub scene of the 1940s, the hair perfectly complemented the sharp tailored suits and the embellished dresses seen on the catwalk. The collection was a wild concoction of gorgeous marabou collars, iridescent fabrics and embellished accessories reminiscent of the gangster era.

“We wanted to create a hairstyle that bridged together both the masculine and feminine theme showcased throughout the clothing collection. We whipped the hair into a gorgeous ponytail at a slick low side parting keeping it boyish at the back.” Says Sam McKnight, Global Ambassador, Pantene Pro-V.

Get the look:

1. Always start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner provides the perfect base for this look

2. Before blow drying apply Pantene Pro-V Intensive Damage Repair Oil to the ends of the hair and lightly through the top to help control fly-aways. Add a little extra if your hair is susceptible to moisture loss

3. Blow dry hair back off the face using a round brush to smooth the hair

4. Create a masculine low side parting and use Pantene Pro -Volume & Body Hairspray to define the look

5. Gather the hair back and tie with a hooked elastic. Next, use a large pair of curling irons in random sections of the hair to create a soft bend in the ponytail

6. Set the final look once more with Pantene Pro-V Stay Smooth Hairspray

Products:

• Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner – $7.99 each

• Pantene Pro-V Intensive Damage Repair Oil – $9.99

• Pantene Pro-V Stay Smooth Hairspray – $6.99

Stockist and
availability:

1800 028 280 or www.rougemag.com.au

Available at Rouge online and all leading pharmacies and supermarkets.

For more information, please
visit:

Pantene Facebook: www.facebook.com/PanteneANZ

Pantne website: www.pantene.com.au

Sooo the Fall ’13 ready-to-wear shows have already moved from NYC to London in a whirlwind, and fahsionistas from all over the globe have braved the winter to check out the latest trends.  Although there are a million outfits and collections to talk about,  I am going to focus on the last week in New York, and in particular a single item of clothing – Jackets.

Those who know me,  know how I feel about this single garment.  I believe obsession would be an appropriate word. There is no question in my mind that jackets are my favourite item of clothing…For sure, definitely, YES. Although I already have so many, it is the first thing my eyes are drawn to in a store, and I rarely seem to be able to say no. Come to think of it, maybe that’s why summer is not my favourite season – too hot for jackets!

Knowing this, you can imagine my joy when amazing coat after blazer come waltzing down the runway. There are actually so many good ones it has been really difficult to choose – but here are my top 10 jackets of fashion week (in no particular order).

1.  Michael Kors. THIS JACKET IS PIMP! Both in the sense that it is amazing and in the sense you could picture a 70’s pimp wearing it with a matching feathered hat and bejewelled cane. Love the length, love the fuzzy texture and obviously LOVE the camo. Contrary to what the print is designed for, you would not blend into the background in this bad boy.
2. Belstaff. I feel very passionately about this jacket to the point where I really, really need it in my life. I know it’s nothing new and nothing flashy, but that’s where the beauty lies – in its simple perfection.  It would give any outfit a sophisticated edge while simultaneously being super practical.
3. Badgley Mischka. I swear I am a magpie – If it is bright, shiny and sparkly I am going to be drawn to it. This jacket is super stunning, like a luxe sequined futuristic armour. I think the diagonal lines add a point of interest creating a piece that is both classic and unique.
4. 3.1 Phillip Lim. He makes the BEST JACKETS. Season after season the king of New York street style king of cool rolls out these super wearable, super cool jackets with a worn edge. These are the kind of pieces that only get better with age. Wear it every day for 3 months, scrunch it in a ball and jump on it  and it will probably look more perfect than before. Granted I am a sucker for a good leather motorcycle jacket (which BTW were all over the place at NYFW), but this one was particularly great, with the dual colours really pushing it over the edge.
5. Michael Kors (again). This jacket screams Michael Kors, but maybe that is what is so excellent about it. The structured sleek aesthetic, THAT colour blue, the sporty black lines, Cara Delevingne – It is all perfection.
6. Altuzarra. WOW!!!! Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow! I want this in a way I know I could never own it even if I sold my car and all my possessions. It is so rich, opulent and looks SO cozy. A perfect example of a modern fur jacket, and super on trend with the black and white, but done in an unexpected way.
7. Oscar De La Renta. Oh Oscar! I don’t know if this counts as a dress but I don’t care – this coat dress is stunning! The embroidery is exquisite, and on top of the velvet it is even better. It has such a warm wintery feel without being heavy. It’s just beautiful and classic and I really don’t need to say anything else about it
8. Proenza Schouler. I’ll admit it – this does look a bit like an over sized straight jacket, BUT is so modern, sleek and  versatile- easily worn by both the power woman on Wall Street and the ‘it’ girl down on the Lower East Side. The boxy shoulders of this futuristic, minimalistic piece make it so current, while being a jacket that certainly would not go out of style any time soon. An investment piece if I’ve ever seen one!
9. Jason Wu. Loving this rocker girl look from Jason Wu. I am obsessed with the snakeskin and think it gives an awesome edge to a jacket style we have seen a lot recently.  It is even better juxtaposed against the soft white pleated skirt – such a simple idea that just looks soo good!
10. Helmut Lang. The clothes from Helmut Lang are always super wearable, quintessential New York kind of stuff and this collection was no exception (ooo that rhymes!) Hounds-tooth was all over the runways this season and this wrap jacket is a perfect example. It is a print that I think is a bit more difficult to make look ‘cool’, but this does the job and then some – it has downtown girl written all over it. ALSO look how the yellow t-shirt sleeves have been folded over the jacket sleeves! What a simple and awesome looking styling trick that I’m sure everyone can do with items already in their wardrobe.

Now can the weather PLEASE get colder so I can start getting my jackets on!

See you in 2 weeks,

Sam xxx

Valentine’s Day!

Welcome back lovers! You’re in for a treat today. If you’ve followed our advice you’re glowing already and today is the perfect day for to show it. Read ahead and take note, these are the tips that will guarantee your Valentine’s Day is the most memorable one yet.

VOLUSPA SUEDE BLANC CANDLE:

 You’ve wrapped your silky hair into a clip but before you step into the shower you need something to calm the nerves and get you in the mood. No, I’m not talking about a glass of bubbles, though that wouldn’t go astray either… I’m talking about a scent to awaken your senses and gets your blood flowing. Cue Voluspa Suede Blanc Candle! With hints of apricot, coconut and a touch of cologne, the buttery soft suede candle will have your Valentine’s Day off to the perfect start.

WELEDA ROSE BODY OIL:

There is nothing quite like a rose to make you feel loved on Valentine’s Day. But if you don’t get a bouquet of your favourite flowers, there is nothing that pampers and smoothes your skin like Weleda Wild Rose Oil. Apply the floral-scented oil to damp skin and allow it to revitalize your skin’s natural beauty, as well as calm the green eyed monster if you didn’t score some bouquet of love.

TIME BALM FACE PRIMER BASE VISAGE:

So we’ve prepped your skin, your hair is shining and you’re feeling relaxed. Now we need to prepare your face and there is no better product than Time Balm Face Primer Base Visage. This primer not only makes your skin look amazing but ensures it stays that way with health benefits galore due to the Vitamins A, C & E that are packed inside! Your make up will stay put and you end the night looking as flawless as when you started. So get going girls, there is no excuse for sloppy make up now that you have discovered this gem!

EVO LOVE TOUCH SHINE SPRAY:

It is just as important to prepare your hair as it is your face. Add some shine to your do with Evo Love Touch Shine Spray. It guarantees incredible surface shine and maximum protection for any style! Before leaving the house pop this first class performer into your handbag in case of rough weather and stubborn fly aways.

THE CLOUD NINE WIDE IRON:

The Cloud Nine Wide Iron is ideal for the most difficult hair, with the unique width of the iron letting you iron more hair, faster and at lower temperatures, allowing protection and increasing shine. Whether you decide to curl, straighten, smooth or make waves, by using the Cloud Nine Wide Iron you will leave the house looking like a goddess and your date will think you have just stepped out of the salon.

HERBAL ESSENCES SET ME UP HAIRSPRAY:

Set your style with Herbal Essences Set Me Up Hairspray perfect for securing your look, whilst leaving your hair smelling good enough to eat with its cactus and bamboo extracts. Promising to hold your hair even in a tornado, it will awaken your senses and is the perfect product for any kind of Valentine’s date you have planned.

MISS FROU FROU NAIL POLISH in “RED HOT”:

There is no other option than a deep, sexy red for your nails. Not only does this shade exude passion and confidence, it gives a nod to Hollywood glamour and is perfect no matter what your style. Leave enough time for your manicure to dry. Apply a basecoat and do not paint your nails whilst running out the door! Who knows there may be a special ring on one of them by the end of the night!

SIMPATICO NO.35 SOLID PERFUME:

Another product you must have in your handbag on any day is a solid perfume. Simpatico No 35 is the perfect size and scent for your date. What could be better than smelling of Magnolia petals, juniper, clove and cardamom? Give that man you’re with something to remember. Take Coco Chanel’s advice: “Where should a woman wear perfume?” a young woman once asked “Wherever one wants to be kissed”!

Remember that to receive love you must exude love, so start with yourselves ladies, invest in some luxury for the number one commodity, YOU! I hope these words of wisdom are helpful. It is very easy to get into a slump over this particular holiday so remember ladies, cherish yourselves and always make time for pampering. In the wise words of The Beatles “All you need is love, love, love is all you need”.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Your Secret Admirer

Stumped with what to wear for Valentine’s Day girls? Well, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re going for a sexy look for a night out with him, or the perfect casual outfit for dinner with the girls – we have got the situation sorted.

Let’s talk dinner with your husband/ boyfriend/girlfriend/ whatever you want to call them. Nothing is more classic and sexy than the little black dress (LBD). Done right it is an ideal combination of sultry and sophisticated, with a style out there perfect for everyone, at any age. Play with different lengths, textures and shapes to flatter your body type while simultaneously looking effortless. Whether you are dressing it up with jewellery, sky high heels and a hairdresser’s visit, or dressing it down with a pair of sandals – you will be looking chic regardless.  Here are a few suggestions perfect for Thursday the 14^th!

Dresses: Elk and Ezibuy

Dresses: Both Ezibuy

If you haven’t got plans, this is not an invitation to sit at home and mope. Grab some single girlfriends and celebrate singles awareness day with a bottle of vino (or 3). Granted if this is happening at home an old pair of trackies and singlet will definitely suffice, but out in public this may not cut it. Coloured or printed jeans are still bigger than ever this season, with GREAT ones available everywhere!  Teemed with a classic plain T-shirt, blazer and some killer shoes – this is a stylish look that will get you noticed, while also being super comfortable. 

Tshirts: both Elk

Pants: Ezibuy, Ezibuy, Madame Hall

Ezibuy Heels

So ladies, have fun on your best dressed Valentine’s Day ever!

Shop all items above at www.ezibuy.com; www.elkaccessories.com.au; www.madamehall.com