FASHION CONNECT VAMFF 2014

FASHION CONNECT VAMFF 2014

Spice Market, Melbourne - March 26th

AN INVITATION TO BE FEARLESS

Celebrating all things Fashion and the fight against HIV/AIDS

Twitter: @OCCOMEVENTS | Facebook Event: RSVP

If you're looking into attending a huge fashion week show, Fashion Connect 2024 is definitely the one you can't miss. Fashion Connect are celebrating all things Fashion and to fight against HIV/ AIDS. What better way to dress up and help raise money for charity!

An extravagant cocktail soiree that combines fashion and art whilst promoting and celebrating a new generation of talented Melbourne fashion designers, photographers, stylists, writers and of course bloggers like myself :) also little extra treats through out the night.

OC Communications and Events are proud to present Fashion Connect 2014, held at the lavish Spice Market, and part of the Virgin Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF). Their Celebrity guest and MC is the beautiful Amber Renae (below) dressed by Aurelio Costarella.

The highlight of the night will be an intimate runway show featuring Australia’s top designers including: Craig Braybrook, Divya R, Et Al, Matcho Suba, Oscar Calvo, TSEN and top Melbourne retailer Hawkeye Vintage.

CRAIG BRAYBROOK

Craig has established himself as one of the most accomplished couture designers in Australia. A career spanning almost 30 years, has spent most of his working life perfecting his skills as a talented designer of bridal, racewear and evening gowns. Through the years Craig has won numerous design awards, including: Fashions on the Field Design Award at the 2009 and 2012 Melbourne Cup and bridal gown of the year, making him a sought after designer for Australia’s elite.  In recent times, Mr Braybrook has extended his design know-how to the television set where he was a finalist on Foxtel’s Project Runway Australian Season 3 series.

DIVVA R

Inspired by her home country, Indian born designer Divya Rao’s contemporary pieces deliver effortless cool-girl appeal. Establishing her sartorial roots at India’s National Institute of Fashion Design, Rao gained invaluable experience as a dressmaker before furthering her formal training at RMIT. Her label Divya R was launched in 2012. The label focuses on quality and attention to detail embracing the journey of an individual encompassing ethnic style and contemporary glamour. Within two years, the collection is now expanding into seasonal ready to wear, from Australia to Singapore gaining international recognition.

ET AL

Founded in 1987 by Christine and Les Doughty, Et Al has since cultivated a reputation for their unique signature aesthetic of relaxed tailoring worked back with the fluidity of soft drapery. Et Al manages to find the balance of cutting-edge designs with extremely wearable garments with a focus on refined workmanship and quality fabrication. In 2008, Et Al introduced designer Anthony Capon to the label. Capon was the Winner of television phenomenon Project Runway Australia Season 2 and the prestigious Emirates Melbourne Cup Design Award in 2010. His innovative androgynous designs and bespoke creations have built a cult following by enthusiasts globally. The success of Doughty and Capon’s collaboration is evident as Et Al continues to push their creativity by producing statement pieces with construction challenges, subtle yet well-considered detailing and garment wash treatments.

MATCHO SUBA

Matcho Suba, who was a Project Runway Australia Season 3 contestant, will fascinate and thrill you with his edgy designs. Creativity and all things beautiful are, and always have been, Matcho Suba’s passion. Matcho Suba spent years living in the UK and studying Art and Design, where he discovered a passion for fabric design and manipulation, and specialised in surface textiles and embroidery. Now based in Melbourne, Australia, Matcho Suba creates beauty from items that are unconventionally seen as beautiful. Mixing controversial materials to create unexpected garments and adding a little shock value to each collection along the way.

OSCAR CALVO

Oscar Calvo is a Melbourne based contemporary lifestyle fashion label founded in 2004. The design philosophy emphasizes customized, comfortable and precise fit combining luxurious premium fabrics and detailed construction across all offerings. Calvo’s designs allow the fashion-savvy man to distinguish himself from the pack as a trendsetter. The label offers pieces that allow the OC man to imprint his style and signature in any type of setting always looking his best. Oscar Calvo has become a frontrunner in the fashion industry in the last decade, receiving multiple prestigious awards including: Winner of the Myer Fashions on the Field Design Award at the 2013 Melbourne Cup, the top prize in the fashion category at the Melbourne Design Awards 2010, Victorian finalist at the Mercedes-Benz Start Up Program 2005, and Designer of the year at the Fed Square End of Year Designer Showcase 2005.

TSEN

Designer Adam Tsen’s expressive style and passion for unique design shone through in his first collection of ready to wear. “In designing my first collection of garments I wanted to bring unique, well fitted shapes that capture the female and male form and make them accessible to the public”. Smooth, flattering, form fitting lines and sumptuous materials are the signatures of Adam’s collections of ready to wear fashion. He has also developed a new range of limited edition garments which are released periodically, they also have an ever growing cult following. This design philosophy has been acknowledged by many others and has resulted in both national and international awards. This combined with the numerous international awards he has won for his unique designs has resulted in a real buzz amongst Melbourne’s fashion set.

HAWKEYE VINTAGE 

A new vintage fashion destination has arrived in Melbourne. Hawkeye Vintage and its curator Danielle Goodwin have set up a boutique in Greville St. Prahran. This well-heeled boutique reels in inner-city aesthetes and fashion purists with a blend of avant-garde styling and timeless vintage appeal. It plays host to some of the most renowned European designers in modern history, such as Gianni Versace, Tai Missoni and André Courrèges. It is comprised of clothing, hats, bags, sunglasses, jewellery and more with garments ranging from classic casual wear, including swimwear to corporate attire, cocktail dresses and elegant evening gowns. A must see for anyone with an appreciation for vintage designer clothing.

All designers will showcase their latest designs on the runway, but that's not everything. Fashion Connect will also feature a Burlesque Bombshell Miss Skopalova and Eccentric Dance Performances By Patrick Studios Australia! Now that's going to be a night to remember! 

On the night the dress code is EXTRAVAGANT! So pull out your feathers, prints, colours, glitz, glitters and sequins and everything else that will make you stand outta the crowd and help raise a great cause and also get extra spoilt with over $5000 of giveaways on the night! But get in early as the first 200 guests will be taking home a luxury VIP gift bag stacked full of high end goodies valued at over $250 - Can you say extremely spoilt! 

All Details:

WHERE

Spice Market

Beaney Lane off Russell St.

(Adjacent Grand Hyatt Melbourne)

Melbourne VIC 3000

WHEN

Wednesday, 26 March, 2014

TIME

7PM till late

DRESS

Fashion Extravagant

ENTERTAINMENT

Burlesque Bombshell Miss Skopalova

Melbourne’s hottest dance troupe by PSA

Runway Show: Anthony Capon, Craig Braybrook, Matcho Suba, Oscar Calvo, TSEN and top Melbourne retailer Hawkeye Vintage.

ONLINE TICKETS (18+ Event)

http://www.occomevents.com.au

GENERAL ADMISSION $40

Includes: A selection of delicious Beverages & Canapés on arrival.

VIP Private Shanghai Lounge $60

(6 guests/$60 each) $360 Package

Includes: Premium Lounge for 6 guests, Canapés, 2 complimentary beverages & luxury VIP bag for each guest on arrival.

VIP Private Persian Room $70

(10 guests/$70 each) $700 Package

Includes: Premium Lounge for 10 guests, 1 personal attendant for the night (bar service), Canapés, 2 complimentary beverages & luxury VIP bag for each guest on arrival.

Proceeds go directly to the AIDS Trust of Australia.

FACE OF AUSTRALIA X MISS UNIVERSE AUSTRALIA 2014

MISS UNIVERSE AUSTRALIA 2014 PAGEANT! 

FACE OF AUSTRALIA, OFFICIAL MAKEUP SPONSOR 2014

Face Of Australia is proud to announce that they're the official makeup sponsor for The Miss Universe Australia 2014 Pageant!

After being the naming sponsors of The Face of Australia, Australian National Costume competition for the past 2 years, they're now excited to continue and grow our relationship with Miss Universe Australia.

The Miss Universe pageant provides a platform for Australia’s most beautiful, talented, educated and confident young women to compete for the Miss Universe Australia Crown and the opportunity to represent Australia at NBC and Donald Trump’s International Miss Universe Pageant to be held later this year.

As one of Australia’s leading colour cosmetic brands, Face of Australia is synonymous with exceptional quality, innovative products and first-class ingredients at an affordable price.

This new venture with Miss Universe Australia hopes to embody the core values of the

Face of Australia brand, celebrating beauty on the inside and out in all women.

The National Final Crowning Ceremony will be held in July 2014 at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur Review

Introducing L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur, the first-of-its-kind instant skin smoothing Finishing Cream. Magic Blur was specially formulated with a distinctive cushiony texture that instantly blurs lines, wrinkles, pores and uneven texture. I saw my favourite Youtuber and beauty guru  Nicole Guerriero raving about this in her videos, and I knew I had to get my hands on it!

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur

RRP: $24.99

On Sale: $18.74

30ML

www.priceline.com.au

www.lorealparis.com.au

Magic Blur technology optically smoothes the skins surface, reduces shine and evens out complexion using a combination of light reflecting silicon elastomers, light diffusing agents, silica, and skin smoothing polymers. This unique Finishing Cream blends seamlessly into the skin so it instantly looks and feels smooth, leaving a velvet-soft matter finish. Magic Blur is recommend to be the final step in every woman's skin care routine, can apply after moisturiser, worn on its own or used as a primer under your foundation, for smoother, even application and wear.

Gently smooth the product onto the skin using small motions and then by lightly tapping with fingertips. Focus on particularly lined areas such as around the nose, frown lines or above the lips. It creates a smooth and even surface on the skin, it does reduce the appearance of pores and blurs out the lines around my eyes, but most of all it gives my skin an airbrushed look after I apply my makeup, while leaving my skin soft and translucent without clogging any pores. It has a very thick consistency, one of the thickest primers I’ve tried however the texture is lightweight, soft and velvet smooth when rubbed in.

I have tested this for a couple of weeks now, and I have noticed that my skin appears smoother and softer. My foundation applies easily over it without any problems. It hasn't clogged any pores, its actually helped, with less break outs and faded some lines around my eyes. Those with dry, normal and combination skin will find that this works well for you. Those with oily skin should consider using a mattifying moisturizer then applying the Magic Blur. It's definitely a product I'd recommend to anyone that wants a cheaper, affordable primer has the same results as Benefit POREfessional. I wouldn't same an exact dupe, but it's some what. 

Photo of my Palm. Magic Blur has removed small lines.

Her Fashion Box February 2014

My very first box from Her Fashion Box! I'm super excited to share it with you all. The February box did arrive late, I received mine on 28th Feb, I do believe the boxes are meant to be sent out mid month - however there was a delay due to some issue they had with product delivery. Which was totally understandable :) Heres my first review on their February 2014 box.

Her Fashion Magazine:

A little booklet with all the details and information about what products are included in the monthly box.

Shop Till You Drop Magazine:

Lets just take a moment to embrace Phoebe Tonkins beauty! Perfect cover girl, and I'm a huge fan of her. I'm already a subscriber to STYD and already have this mag - but there is nothing wrong with having two copies! However ill probably give my mother a copy to read while in hospital.

Bondi Sands Summer Bronze Instant Tan Ultra Fine Mist ($16.95)

If you're obsessed with looking bronzed all year around or just into tanning, then you know about Bondi Sands. I've never personally tried Bondi Sands, but through out Summer it was one of the many tanning products that everyone was raving about. Ill definitely be giving this a shot, and hopefully it doesn't rub off onto my clothes. It comes in two colours - Light/Medium and Dark. I received the Light/Medium colour which will be perfect for my skin tone.

Urban Rituelle In Vanilla Petit Parfum ($14.95)

This product comes in a travel size fragrance bottle. The packaging of the actual bottle is gorgeous. It comes in a clear glass with a floral print. Then comes in a white matte box with floral embossing. Cute or what? The scent is very flirty, it's sweet but not over kill. It's a perfect warm vanilla smell for winter. I definitely see myself wearing this in the colder months! also wouldn't mind getting the full collection of 5. It's also very handy to pop into your handbag and go!

Chap Stick Day and Night ($6.99)

Another product I've never tried. It's a new release by Chap Stick, that quite surprising, I haven't heard much about them. The pack contains two tubs - one for day and the other for night. With added Vitamin E and SPF 15+, Chapstick EveryDay Lip Care is great for slicking on when you're on the go to help repair and protect your lips everyday. With soothing Aloe Vera, Chapstick Night Repair is your perfect bedtime companion for ensuring lasting protection as you sleep, perfect for keeping your lips looking happy and healthy.

Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain No. 27 ($39)

Combining 3 products in one, a gloss, a stain and a lacquer creating the perfect pout has never been easier. Mirenesse is quite a popular Australian brand, that's grown a huge beauty base over the last couple of months. I've personally brought from them and their products are amazing! So there's no problem with me liking this lip bomb. The texture is creamy, stains the lips well and does last all day! The Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain is free from a number of harsh chemicals including parabens, sulfates, alcohol, mineral oil and mercury.

Lipstick Republic Shadow Shields (Sample)

As a sample gift, two shadow shields were included in this months box. If you're obsessed with trying out new shadows like myself, but always get fall out. These shields will come in handy for you! Can also use the shields to create thee effect lipstick application.

Her Fashion Box Different Darkness Necklace ($19.95)

Jewellery theme for February is Dainty Delicacy. The necklace is super cute, it's layered with black and gold along with tiny star charms. It's quite simple but would still very girly. They'd definitely look great when pairing with other necklaces. 

Her Fashion Box Solar Bracelets ($24.95)

These bracelets are inspired by the solar system, thrilled with zesty neon yellow and more subdued shades of pink and black to bring balance and ensure you're planets align. It does come in a 3 pack, would look great to wear all three or even give one each to your two best friends - as BFF charms. 

That's all the goodies into this months Her Fashion Box, I'm very happy with it! Some of these products I've never really been sure of purchasing or never heard of - so I'd be exciting to try them out, and hopefully get a full review on them. If you're interested in purchasing a monthly box. Check out Her Fashion Box for more details :) x

LUSH Easter Collection 2014 + Giveaway

You'll find below the LUSH Easter 2014 Collection featuring soaps, massages bars, bath bombs and more, these products are limited edition and will only be available for a short period of time, so if youre planning on replacing those nasty chocolate eggs this Easter, make sure you get your hands on something more healthy and enjoyable... like these Easter products before they're sold out.

LUSH have estimated that the Easter bunny will drop all the handmade goodies to the stores as of April 3rd!

Also can't forget about the awesome giveaway that LUSH & myself ( yes.. We've teamed up! OH MY GOSH) that one lucky reader / follower could win. So keep reading to find out how you can win :)

                                                   Carrot soap ($6.95 for 100g)

A spectacular carrot-shaped soap with a bunny hiding in every slice! The orange part is made with carrot oil to moisturise; while the white bunny inside is made with cocoa butter to soften. The fragrance smells nothing like carrots however, as we’ve used fruity essential oils such as buchu, lemon and bergamot to really make your mouth water.

Bunch of Carrots Re-Usable Bubble Bars ($9.95) 

Back from last year, this time as a bunch of three smaller carrots, so each one can be used quicker when it’s at its freshest. As a re-usable bubble bar, place under the running taps to create lots of bubbles, then pop it on the side for another time. Fragranced with the same fruity oils as the Carrot soap, there’s also a little bit of nutritious carrot oil in each one, which is rich in vitamins and an extraordinary skin soother and rejuvenator.

Bunny Bubble Bar ($5.95) 

A cute little bubble bar shaped like a white rabbit, made with a brand new formula. This one has a similar mix to a bubbleroon, with shea butter and coconut oil. This means you get a more condensed bar that can be broken in half and used over two baths. Or you can use the whole things for masses of softening Creamy Candy scented bubbles. Inspired by the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, this sweet little fellow has a pink tummy containing little cornstarch flowers to float in your bath water. Scented with the best selling Honey I Washed the Kids fragrance, it’s coated with with in Palestine.
PET free golden lustre.Inspired by chocolate cream eggs, we reverse it and coated the hard bath bomb centre with a creamy bath melt shell.

Fluffy Egg Bath Ballistic ($5.50) 

A best seller every year, this sweetie scented pink egg is adorned with a candy flower. It’s like bathing in a bubbling mass of marshmallow, candy floss and jelly bean scented water ... you’ll get your sugar fix without anything passing your lips! Available in spots or zig- zag patterns. 

Golden Egg Bath Melt Ballistic ($6.50) 

A brand new invention, this egg is a bath bomb coated in bath melt mixture. It will unexpectedly sink to the bottom of the bathtub while the outer layer dissolves, popping to the surface as the fizzing centre is revealed. The outer bath melt mix is made using our beautiful fair trade, organic, Colombian Peace Village cocoa butter and olive oil from a brand new permaculture project we’re working.

Brightside Bubble Bar ($10.50)

Back this year and this time to stay, as it joins our all year round range after Easter! A bright and cheerful swirl of a bubble bar to give you a fresh and cheerful perspective. Scented with a trio of uplifting and invigorating oils, there’s: Sicilian mandarin, tangerine and bergamot oil and just a squeeze of lemon. All are energising and also incredibly toning oils that will lift the spirits and clear the mind. Crumble under the running taps and watch as the water turns into a hazy red and orange sunset with frothy white clouds of bubbles.

The Immaculate Eggception Bath Bomb ($11.95) 

One of Lush’s innovative double-layered bath ballistics, these are hollow eggs with a surprise inside. crack the outer layer bubble bar and ballistic mix to reveal either a mini chick or bunny ballistic inside! You can then throw the outer eggshell and its inhabitant into the bathtub and enjoy a vanilla absolute, lemon and grapefruit scented soak. There are two colours to choose from, the yellow egg with green decoration contains the bunny; while the pink egg with yellow or blue decoration contains the chick. They both make for a cracking great bath!

*all information and photos have been provided by LUSH.

Giveaway Time:

LUSH and CHANELKXO have teamed up to give one lucky reader a chance to win a 'Bunty Gift Box' valued at $23.95 AUD! How awesome is that? 

Bunty gift (RRP $23.95) … Bunty is our best-selling gift for the young and young-at-heart. It includes one of our long-time favourites, Think Pink Bath Bomb. Topped with candy flowers and filled with confetti hearts, Think Pink turns the bath water a lovely pink colour (could you have guessed?) with the scent of scrumptious vanilla candy. Also in Bunty is our ever-popular Comforter bubble bar for mounds of yummy blackcurrant bubbles, Space Girl bath ballistic for sweetly scented blackcurrant bathing and Creamy Candy for a cotton-candy bubble bath extravaganza. Vegan.

Content: Think Pink and Space Girl bath ballistics, Mini Comforter bubble bar and Creamy Candy bubble bar.

So if this pack is appealing to you, that you must have it in your life. Heres how to enter:

Repost this image below onto Instagram.

- Tag @chanelkxo & @lush_ausnz 

- Hashtag: #CHANELKXOLUSH 

You must be following both accounts and must have your account on public.

Competition starts 5/03/2014 and will close on 31/03/2014. 

Winner will be drawn 1/04/2014

Winner has 48hrs to reply - otherwise prize will be redrawn

Giveaway is only open to Australia residents ONLY

Enter as many times as you like

March Latest Make-Up Products

As if - its already March, where has the time gone? 2014 is definitely going to be a quick year, soon we'll be blogging about Christmas and New Years.
Through out the month of March, new make up products have been released, from CC Creams to Blush / Bronze Duos. Helping you get a natural, but flawless look through out the colder months. 

NP Bronze / Blush & Go Duo

RRP: $28

Available: Mar 03, 2014

www.npsetcosmetics.com

NP Set Bronze Blush & Go Duo is a powder duo that allows the user to sculpt and define facial contours with a bronzing and blushing shade. Each powder contains matte and shimmer textures to enhance a natural glow and are ultra wearable. The powder has been formulated with antioxidants vitamin A, C and E, and works to fight free radicals while delivering a soft texture to assist in smooth application.

CLINIQUE Shades Of Beige: All About Shadow Neutral Territory 2 Eight Shade Palette

RRP: $65

Available: Mar 02, 2014

www.clinique.com.au

CLINIQUE All About Shadow Neutral Territory 2 Eight Shade Palette is a limited-edition eyeshadow palette that features a rich creamy formula. The eyeshadow delivers high-density pigment in a single stroke with long-wearing benefits. The palette contains a range of neutral hues from the lightest beige to deep chocolate. It is ophthalmologically tested and appropriate for sensitive skin and eyes.

Face Of Australia

- Glamazon Leopardess Contour and Highlight

- Glamazon Minx Blush and Highlight Kit

RRP:$9.95

Available: Mar 01, 2014

www.faceofaustralia.com.au

Face Of Australia Glamazon Leopardess Contour and Highlight Kit is a contour and highlighting kit that contains a matte pressed powder to contour and sculpt the features. An illuminating powder adds to the cheekbones. The compact contains a large mirror and travel- and handbag-friendly design.

Face Of Australia Glamazon Minx Blush & Highlight Kit is a blush and highlighting kit that contains a smooth blush powder and pearl powder to highlight the tops of the cheekbones. The compact contains a large mirror and travel- and handbag-friendly design.

Mary Kay CC Cream Sunscreen SPF 15

RRP: $38

29ML

Available: Mar 01, 2014

www.marykay.com.au

Mary Kay® CC Cream Sunscreen SPF 15 is a lightweight complexion correcting cream that has been formulated to correct skin imperfections. The cream protects, hydrates, minimises redness and reduces visible signs of ageing. It has been formulated with mineral-based pigments that help correct the look of imperfections and improve the overall complexion, while antioxidant ingredients defend the skin against damaging free radicals. Features SPF15 sun protection.
Available in: Very Light, Light to Medium, and Medium to Deep.

* FULL CREDIT: all photos and information has been provided by beautydirectory.com 

Killer Queen Oh So Sheer - Katy Perry Review

I was super excited when this Katy Perry fragrance arrived on my doorstep. I couldn't want to rip through the postal bag and get a whiff of it. 

Killer Queen 'Oh So Sheer' Collection is Spring / Summer Time's playful version of Katy Perry's new fragrance for the fanatics looking for a lighter, more translucent fragrance.The fragrance offers all of the Killer Queen royalty with a little bit of playful attitude in colorful packaging perfect for the spring.

KATY PERRY

KILLER QUEEN 'Oh So Sheer'

RRP: $59

www.priceline.com.au

Perfumer Laurent Le Guernec, who also developed the original, is responsible for this creation. The fragrance opens with juicy wild berries (which include mulberry and elderberry), black current and dark plum. The heart is made of velvet red flower, jasmine, freesia and plumeria. Kashmir wood, liquid praline, caramel and patchouli give the intensity and sweetness to the composition.

Let's get into the review: I LOVE this bottle, it's very unusual and completely different to any fragrance I own or actually anything else on the market. I adore the conical shape, its almost like half diamond and half hand granade, it's a very girly touch. I really like that it lays down onto my draws (not everyone will like that) however I do wish they'd sell a stand or something, just to give some people peace of mind - knowing that it won't roll off the draws. (Which it hasn't yet.)

Oh So Sheer, has some of the most amazing fruity scents.. When first smelling, you're able to notice the blackberry which I personally love. Then you'll get a small scent of Caramel, then some jasmine and freesia in the background. which is AMAZING, it's almost to yummy to wear. However It starts off very strong but it does fade off through out the day. So always do a little touch up, I did wear this fragrance to work and I was quite surprised it lasted 4-5hours before it started to fade.

Top Notes: Purple Plum, Muberry, Blackberry, Elderberries
Middle Notes: Purple Freesia, Rainbow Plumeria, Red Velvet Flower, Purple Lilac
Base Notes: Cashmeran, Natural Patchouli Heart and Liquid Praline.

Even though this fragrance is more Summer/Spring, I'd be wearing all year around. I just adore fruity scents, it just lights your mood up. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a sweet,  light, fresh and a real summery scent. 

* Review Is 100% my honest thoughts.
* This product was sent out for consideration.
* I was not paid to review.