22 December 2012

it's a girl thing

On a recent family holiday Little Fashionista and I stumbled across a girly wonderland in San Remo, Victoria.  In It's a Girl Thing Lysa Kiely has created a pink paradise for girls of all ages - a treasurer trove of girly gifts and bits and bobs.

Locally produced crochet coin purses and hair clips lie next to glam mirror finished jewellery boxes (couldn't resist picking one up for myself!).  Unusual but elegant homewares as well as indulgent bath and body products make leaving this adorable little cottage without pulling out the Visa a difficult task indeed. 

It's a Girl Thing houses a number of different rooms, each with an individual theme of sorts.  Some areas are for the young and young at heart with an array of  fairy and ballerina costumes as well as furry little friends to keep the younger princesses happy.  There are also rooms dedicated to the more adult woman, complete with colourful silky summer mini dresses and a range of fun costume jewellery.

For those looking for more than a bit of a shop, It's a Girl Thing offers personalised tailored weekends away - with Lysa and her crew taking care of as much or as little of the organising as your heart desires.  They can organise bus collection and travel to San Remo, accommodation for up to 18, a personal chef, pamper sessions and even Burlesque classes for the slightly more adventurous.

For further info, check out https://www.facebook.com/itsagirlthingSanRemo

And men, don't be frightened to head into this sherbet hued land to purchase your favourite lady a gift or two, Lysa assures me that It's a Girl Thing is "boy-friendly" too!   

5 December 2012

tie me up


I vaguely remember the first time I watched Annie Hall.  I loved everything about Diane Keaton's character.  I loved her distinct way of speaking, her neurosis and of course, her style. 

Ties have long since been part of my wardrobe.  Nothing is cooler or sexier than a woman looking confident in a touch of androgynous wear.

Hollywood's history is littered with style icons who finished their outfits off with a necktie.  There are even those who were brave enough to go the full tuxedo, daring this patriarchal world to try and stop them.


audrey hepburn


marlene dietrich


Some of today's hottest Hollywood women have also displayed a penchant for the necktie.  Not surprisingly, we still see these classic accessories swung around the necks of those women known for their tendency to challenge traditional assumptions of female beauty.


gwen stefani

kristen stewart


leighton meester

I love the srength communicated by a woman in a necktie.  Wear with a crisp white shirt and team with jeans and a pair of brogues for a casual look, or team with a pencil skirt and a killer pair of heels for work.

My pick for the season?


rhodes and beckett navy with magenta pelican

So, while you're out shopping for the boy this Christma-kah, pick yourself up a little something Annie Hall would have worn.