FASHION I 'HEART'

Skinny Leg Jeans; It is still Winter in AUS - So I am allowed to buy a pair of skinny leg jeans a month...Ok?? No seriously though - they are so versatile, can be worn comfortably in boots, with heels or with flats, can be dressed up or down and come in a range of colors!! The next pair I shall buy will be these from Bettina Liano;

Deep V neck tops; I always have and always will love V neck tops!!! I have not and could not wear a turtle neck since I was about 10 - thanks to boobs!! So I just adore tops that show cleavage (don't worry - I make sure I am never too flashy - e.g I always wear my low cut tops with jeans - rather than a mini or shorts!). I love this top from Rachel Pally;

Hoop Earrings; Remember that par in Mean Girls where Gretchen is telling Cady that she couldn't wear hoop earrings anymore because Regina said they were 'her thing' well yeh - hoop earrings are my thing!! Though, don't worry - I don't tell my friends that they can not wear them!!!

Of course there is plenty more - but I won't bore you with that!!!

Those of you in the US who are coming into Fall (which I call Autumn!!!) should check out Fashion Kitty'spost on upcoming fall trends!!! And I hope you are all prepared for many questions because I will soon be starting on my summer wardrobe - and because ya'll have had your summer - you can tell me what I should/shouldn't buy!!!

GREENCARD!!!

I have just applied for a greencard - to live/work in the USA... How exciting would that be!!! I don't think I will know until mid next year though!!! :o)

GOTTA GIVE IT TO HER...

Nicole Ritchie has style!! I do not at all think she looks nice how skinny she is...And I think she is dire need of a Big Mac or two...But damn, this girl looks good even when she is just casually lunching (don't know how much eating was going on with these two) with on-again-off-again boyfriend DJ AM. Who else could pull of denim shorts, black singlet and leopard print wedge heels with such ease & style?

VICTORIA'S SECRET VERY SEXY LAUNCH IN LA

For all you lovely ladies in or around LA you might be interested to know about the Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Launch on July 31 (earlier than the rest of the US - and a hell of alot earlier than AUS).
Apparently the exclusive launch will include free makeovers until midnight & a meet-and-greet with some of the VS Models.
According to Beauty Addict, Heidi Klum, Alessandra Ambrosio, Karolina Kurkova, Izabel Goulart, and Selita Ebanks will be around to launch the range at The Grove. Check out Beauty Addicts VS Laucnh Post for details.
The BareBronze range looks incredible and I think will be a definate addition to my upcoming Summer beauty products - so I'd love to hear any comments about the Very Sexy range from anyone who get in on the action!!

BAGS FROM BROOKLYN

I remember hearing about Brooklyn Bags (http://www.brooklynbags.com.au) on a fashion blog - though I can't remember which one (If you were the blogger please let me know!!). If you are anything like me and see a bag and think 'Ohh that is just what I need if only it had a longer handle/different color/more pockets' then Brooklyn Bags is just what you need. Not only can you choose from many of their designs you also choose from a huge range of fabrics - you can even send them your own fabric and have the bag made in case you want to match your fav pair of pants/skirt (I do not recommend making a bag to match outfit part though).
Here is one I love...

Sandy bag in Fall Colors - $50.00US

The great things about the purses/cluthes/bags etc made at Brooklyn Bags is the price...Most are under $50US - which is a bargain for a custom made bag!! They also have a range of accoutrements such as matching coin purse and international shipping - hooray..

www.brooklynbags.com

NB: For those aussie readers I know I spelt Colour wrong - but I thought I'd spell if like that for the gals in USA :o)

LORELEI BAGGAGE

At the moment I am totally in love with clutches - especially those that are not the norm!!! These clutches from Lorelei (available at http://www.shoptrunkt.com/) are so so elegant and classy - yet they still have a unique style and a little bit of attitude... They are pretty pricey for a clutch - but bare in mind they are made from the finest of materials, such as; Satin, Eel skin, Snake skin, Lamb skin leather (apologies to any PETA fans). If you can afford a Lorelei clutch it'd be a timeless addition to your collection...



Lorelei 'Coco' - $195.00US








Lorelei 'Jacqueline' - $230.00US








Lorelei 'Rocio' - $195.00US







Lorelei 'Lucia' - $195.00US





P.S - I originally saw a few of these clutches on the ever stylin' Kristopher Dukes blog (www.kristopherdukes.com)!!

SKY HIGH...

We all remember seeing this pic plastered in glossy magazines a few months back;

Sooo, whilst spending my boring work day in a very productive way (reading fashion blogs) I realized that in fact high waisted designs were back in fashion!!! I don't know whether I am delighted or discussed, rejoicing or revolting, lovin' it or loathin' it.

Most of us mere mortals have a few 'bits' here and there that we'd luv to have tucked away in the safety of our jeans from time to time. And of course - the ungodly sight of a G-Banger (charming aussie slang for a thong) peeping out the back of jeans would be no more. But come on... High waisted jeans??? Even Scarlett has trouble pulling them off. And will this bring back the return of the 'camel toe'???

These pieces from Grey Ant (available at www.shoprobertson.com - $121US & $330US) do help curb my doubts of the return of high waisted pants;

When it comes to high waisted fashion I think, for now, I'll stick to the high waisted pencil skirts...Classy, elegant, shapely....*sigh*. Go to www.asos.com for some nice one (blogspot isn't uploading the photos...grrr)

Will you embrace the return of the high waist design???

"YEAH YEAH... YA YA"

I adore this Ya Ya Aquarius Dolman Sleeve top/dress ($231 from Shopbop)...Although I'm wondering if anyone has seen it on someone, or better still, owns it (I'm thinking maybe Fitz (http://fitzgerald.squarespace.com) or Fashion Kitty (http://www.ask-fashion-kitty.blogspot.com)???

Of course I think it would like great over tights, or even skinny leg jeans, but could it really be pulled off as a dress?? How long will it go??
Here are some other pieces from the Ya Ya range - which I'm really loving for my Summer (which is slowly, but surely, approaching)

Ya Ya Sara Tube Dress - $286

Ya Ya Earth Bubble Skirt - $229

All from Shopbop (www.shopbop.com)

GAL PALS V SIGNIFICANT OTHER

We all know all rules and the many lines to go along with it- Mates before Dates, Friends over Fellas, Chicks before... (well I'm sure you all know rhyme).
But what are the rules when it comes to a new friend you've met after your man came onto the scene?
Of course, when it comes to our girlfriends we've known what feels like forever - we make sure they come before any guy, or at least, our time is shared with both parties - but what is the correct thing to do when you met a new friend?? Who gets priority?? Is it ok for New Friend#1 to be a bit annoying that you won't go out partying with them this weekend because you've got commitments with the boy??
I am a firm believer that you should never neglect your friends once you are in a relationship. I've seen it happen too many times, only for the neglecter to have to feel like a fool when they are single again. I've been with my man for 2 and a half years and I still see my girls at least once a weekend - but when does the group of friends who we pledge ourselves to end?? Surely every fun chick we meet can't be put before our 'other halves' (I just realized I've been very politically incorrect)??

HEY BIG SPENDER

I told you guys that I would keep a money diary for a week - so here it is (This is spending after I've paid the weekly bills, car, loan, c/card etc)...

Monday
$45 weekly travel pass (yes Sydney public transport is not only shit - it's also really expensive)
$0 Hot Chocolate - Free - thanks to the cute barista
$2 loaf of bread (for the week)
$7 lunch -sushi & diet coke
$15 groceries - inc cup of soups, Cosmo mag, Make up remover wipes, Handbag size hairspray

Tuesday
$2.50 Hot Chocolate
$4 - NW Mag
$2 Chocolate

Wednesday
$2.50 Hot Choc
$25 Groceries - Mascara, Tampons, Juice, Vouge Mag

Thursday
$2.50 Hot Choc
$2.60 Chocolate bar
$50 - Shopping - Chains, earrings, bangles and belt

Friday
$3.70 Large Hot Choc
$7 Sushi & Diet coke - lunch
$90 - night out with girls (...eek)

Saturday
$17 - Lunch
$30 - Present for friends bday

Sunday
$0 - too hung over to do anythithat's)

Thats not too bad right?!?! Any suggestions/comments...
NB: The fact that I did this on a non pay week was for a reason - Sat & Sunday on a pay week would've been filled with shopping - regardless of how hungover I was. haha

PHOTOS

I have put a link in my sidebar - to my Flickr homepage - to which I've uploaded some pic's.
If anyone knows another good site that allows you to share pics on your blog let me know!!
Karina xoxo

GAUCHOS...

I am totally loving these Gaucho shorts/pants that seem to be a part of Summer fashion in the USA... They look so comfy and matched with the right top I think they would look awesome...

Jones New York Collection Gauchos $65.00US

Michael Kors Pinwale Corduroy Gauchos $89.50US

from http://www.nordstrom.com/

I keep hearing that shorst are very much in for Summer - are these Gauchos too??

HI...MY NAME IS KARINA AND I'M AN ALCOHOLIC

Ok, perhaps I'm not really and alcho - but I did drink wayyy too much this weekend... (like I'm talking passing out both Friday & Sat night) And while I did have a fantastically fun weekend...My skin is punishing me now!! It is sooooo dry!
I've tried everything...Day Cream/Eye Cream/moisturizer for dry skin. Intense moisturizing Cream. Night Cream/moisturizer for dry skin. Heck, I've even slapped my body lotion on my face...And nothing is working.
Any tips??? I'm sure ya'll be in this position once or twice yourself :o)

OOH LA-LA OSCAR

Because I am slightly hung over - my post today is not going to contain much thinking from me... I'll let the pictures do the talkin'...

Here are a few pics from Oscar de le Rentas Spring 2006 collection...






































If I won the lotto - I think I'd buy one of these babies... Oscar de la Renta is a gawd!!!

GOTTA LUV HALF YEARLY SALES

I was soooo sooo proud of myself yesterday - I got the biggest bargain ever!! I went to Sportsgirl www.sportgirl.com.au which is like a chain store to get some necklaces, earrings etc
Here is what I got...

"How much??" I hear you ask... Well you see all those little red tags - they indicate a 50% off price. PLUS there was another 50% of already reduced stock (which when I write it like that means it should've been free) but all up it was $30!!! I know what you are thinking "You shop at a $2 don't you??" Nope - this store usually sells these pieces for at least $20 each... What a fantastic way to spend my lunch break...Shopping!! :o)

WORK OUT OR FOREPLAY???

We've all heard of new work out crazes around... From Birkham Yoga to Cardio striptease. So it shouldn't have really been too much of a surprise when, over drinks, a gal pal announced she was part of a Hens Night, at a pole dancing studio. When met with confused looks from us all - she confirmed that in fact, she was the one swinging around on the pole! After a few jokes that referred back to a New Years Eve at the coast, when we were all 18 and a street light pole - she actually explained what happened. You meet with the instructor and get a quick intro. Then you get changed into your outfits (consisting of not much at all) and bust some moves, or should I say swing some moves - haha! She said not one person in her party left without having sore muscles!!! What a work out!!
After researching some more (I was surprised when I googled Pole Dancing that I saw more schools/lesson sites than I did porn sites) I have found this is a huge thing...Not only do you have pole dancing studios all over the country - but also poles which can be put up in your house, free standing rental poles, even at home pole dancing lessons!!! Heck, they even offer Male pole dancing classes - which is a little scary!!
Personally, I think it would be a great way to celebrate with some girlfriends, but to go as far as putting a pole in your apartment, is a bit too much like Sam from Sex & the City... Although I could see Carrie hiring a free standing pole as a birthday surprise for Big??
With celebs like Teri Hatcher & Carmen Electra having confirmed that it is a fantastic workout - do you think this is a Hollywood craze that will catch on, with us mere mortals trading our weekly Yoga classes for a Pole session, or exotic dance class, or lap dance lessons (or whatever tickles your fancy really)??
For those of you in Aus check out www.polestars.com.au and for those in the US, well, I'm sure there is a pole dancing studio on every street corner...just kidding... www.time2dance.com has a directory of lessons all over the country.

HAIR EXTENSIONS

I am thinking of getting hair extensions - not a full head... Just a few on the lower layers... My hair takes forever to grow, so I just want to add a bit of length. Sort of like this;
<------------ Has anyone had extensions before?? I have heard both good & bad stories!! Is this sort of long hair really trashy now?? Another Hair issue I have is Pigtails! I was on the train yesterday afternoon and there was a twenty-something girl sitting infront of my touching up her make up etc, with her hair in pigtails. 'Maybe she puts them in pigtails just while she is applying makeup' I thought. Nope, she actually left her hair in pigtails...and I don't mean the low pigtails - these ones were on the side of her head and she even procedded to fluff them up!! She looked ridiculous wearing a suit, coat, scarf and pigtails!!! Are pigtails OK on anyone over the age of 10???

NICKY HILTON OVERKILL...

I have no doubt everyone is sick of seeing these heels, which Nicky Hiltons big foot is always squished into, as much as I am...



Are they Manolo's?? I thought I read once that they were... Not that I want a pair - I just want to know so I make sure I NEVER end up with a pair!!! They are hideous... Or maybe I am just sooooo over seeing them.

"I WANNA BE A SUUUUPERMODELLLL"

In an effort to get over my fear of gross photos of myself (seriously...I usually throw out all the terrible ones of me) I thought I would share with you a few photos in particular which were taken at my gorgeous friend Corinne's bday bash on Saturday night. After looking at my photos, plus others that the girls had taken and emailed to me...I have come to the conclusion that I am a massive poser. See below...

I promise I am not a total lovo... Ok, maybe after a few too many vodka's I do fancy myself as a bit of a Brunette Paris Hilton (Sex Tapes, Boob Flashing and Table dancing not included - well not unless I am really drunk... Totally joking of course!!!) Next time someone whips their camera out, I am definitely going to make a conscious effort to have some happy snaps taken a-la natural!!!!

SINGING IN THE RAIN...

In recognition of the miserable weather we have been having lately in Sydney - I thought I'd show you some cheery umbrella's I found at www.umbrellastand.com (prices are in US$)


Polka Dot Umbrella - $32







Ruffle Umbrella - $50






Shower Flowers Umbrella $40







Striped bubble Umbrella $32






And the kookiest one;




Umbrella for 2 $45



Because I forgot my umbrella today I am confined to the office!!! If only I'd had one of these beauties.

TO SELL OR NOT TO SELL...

My formal dress (aka Prom dress)...
Do I sell the dress on EBay or keep it for sentimental reasons?? I really don't expect that it will fetch much on Ebay... it really is not that nice...although I'm sure some creative person could alter in and work it into their wardrobe...just not me!!!
Here is a pic...and do not laugh...I was 16 and a fatty...and yes I went to my formal is a hotted up ute... and wore green nail polish...and purple lipstain...(did somebody say classy??)













Surely a green and purple shimmer dress will never come back into fashion...will it???

I HATE MONDAY'S

I hate Monday's for the usual reasons...Weekend is over, back to work, sleep deprived etc. But I have another reason to dislike Monday's... My blogging friends from the USA are still enjoying their Sunday's and not blogging... Which means I have no other option but to resort to online shopping to curb my boredom!!

Also - I got an absolute bargain during my lunch break... Revlon Glossy Licious lipgloss (in Mad About Mango). This is one of the best lip glosses I have tried in ages (and like most gals - I do carry about 4 in my handbag at the same time) It's thick and glossy - but not overly sticky - so you don't get stray hairs stuck to your lips whenever the wind picks up. AND it contains Vitamin E (whatever you need that for!! hehe) And it was only $14.95 (AUD)

Check out Diva Diets blog http://divadiet.blogspot.com The lovely TTQ lists, daily, links to free samples, contests etc!!! So you can score free stuff - everyone loves free stuff :o) Speaking of free stuff I got a free Hot chocolate this morning...

And lastly - I am going to attempt to keep a Money Diary this week - and document it all to you next week - so all you $$ conscious people can offer me advice (or offer understanding!!!)

I will have a more interesting post for you tomorrow :o)

FOUNDATION ADVICE...

I have been noticing lately that whenever I get photos taken, my face shows up in photos about 1000 times lighter than my body. I've heard this is because of the foundation I am wearing... Here is a perfect example;
So...I put this question to The Beauty Brains (www.thebeautybrains.blogspot.com) Apparently it has to do with an ingredient called Titanium Dioxide - you can find Beauty Brains full answer on their blog!!!
But can anyone recommend a brand of foundation that doesn't contain any or much Titanium Dioxide, but still offers full coverage?? I don't mind paying a bit more than usual for it as I don't wear the same foundation when I'm going out as I do just to work/everyday!! Does anyone else have this prob?? If not, please tell me what brand of foundation you use!!!

THANK YOU!!!!

A MASSIVE thank you to Leigh Ann (http://saveleighann.blogspot.com) who donated $5 ($6.47 Aussie dollars...) to the save Karina fund!!!! :o)
She is such a nice person... she's even offered me a place to stay when I eventually come to the US! Whatda awesome gal!!
I promise it will go straight to paying off my debt!!
Thanks again - I'll be sure to send lots more stuff over to you, Leigh Ann!!!

VICTORIA'S SECRET SALE

If you are anything like me and have a slight obession with wearing matching underwear...(which for me stems from my fear of splitting my pants in public) you will love the Victoria's Secret sale on at the moment. *25 - 50% off Bra & Panties (haha I hate the word Panties, I'd much rather Undies) *Bras from $14.99US *'Panties' from $3.99US - plus for all orders over $100US going to US is free shipping!!! www.victoriasecret.com
For all of us in AUS... They do ship here - and I've ordered from online before and got my goods within a week!!!
Here are some bargains;
(all prices in US dollars... www.xe.com does quick conversions)



Pretty Cotton lightly lined demi bra $17.99 & matching panties $6.99








Glamour by Victoria's Secret
Lightly lined embroidered contour demi bra from $25.99 & matching thong $10.99





Glamour by Victoria's Secret
Flora embroidered demi bra from $24.99 & matching thong $10.99








Victoria's Secret Pink
Convertible T-Shirt Bra $13.99






Boxer Pajama set $16.99







On a dollar saving note... I scored lots of free stuff last night at a Product Launch 'function' for work... Free dinner, free wine, free cab ride home!!!! FREE FREE FREE (I luv it!) And I didn't have to be at work until 10am this morning!!
Have a great weekend to everyone (Yes it's Friday in AUS) - I can't wait for 5pm to arrive... My outfit (classic cut jeans, black V neck puff sleeve top, white crochet vest/bolero) is making me feel like a tool, I am soooo tired, It's pay day so I want to go shopping, and I'm having Thai for dinner tonight!!! :o)

SUMMER FASHION IN USA/UK...

I'm reading Shop Til You Drop at the moment (not sure if there is a USA edition or not) but as the name would suggest - it's pretty much just a mag with latest fashion, both chain stores and designer labels. STYD mainly features worldwide fashion, which of course is summer clothes (because USA and UK are in summer) and they are totally pushing the whole overall thing... everything from Overall dresses, Pinafores, Playsuits...the lot!!!! Are they actually in fashion?? Or is it just one of those crazy designer things that no one would really ever wear?!?!

NEW YORK CITY RESIDENT REQUIREMENTS

Is being beautiful a requirement to be able to live in New York City?!?! Every morning when I wake up, about 5.15am, I watch the Good Morning America program (which obviously is shown here a day later) and sometimes I'll watch the Today program instead.
So on GMA this morning, they did a segment on sunglasses for summer... And they had 'interns and office staff' modeling the sunglasses... And seriously - these girls were gorgeous!!! Here are a few pics

They aren't the greatest pictures but it's all I could get... Is everyone in NYC so attractive (apart from the homeless folk of course...) or are they pulling my leg?!?!
Talking about sunglasses - these are the Dior ones I want.... They are 'uber' stylish (hehe!)

UBER???

What exactly is the street meaning of the word; Uber?? I've seen it in magazines/blogs lately although I've never actually heard it in conversation.
Is it pronounced 'eww-bah' or 'ooh-ber' or something totally different????

MINISOCK...ADORABLE

I am trying to steer away from any posts' that have to do with feet - but these are the most amazing socks I have ever seen... They are called Minisock (how original!!!) and are by French designed Delphine Murat. You can buy them online at www.minisock.com they are between 20 - 35 EURO (And I just realized my keyboard doesn't have a EURO symbol!!!)
The come in all different colors and designs and instantly allow you to change a simple pair of stiletto's (or even ballet flats) into your own unique pair of sophisticated yet sexy heels .


Aren't they just the cutest??? These were probably out in USA/UK 6 months ago...am I right???

I NEED SHOE ADVICE...

Help - I need some advice on casual/closed in/flat day shoes!!! I normally do not wear flat shoes at all, only thongs (which I think are called Flip Flops in everywhere other than AUS) but it's winter and getting wayyyyy too cold and apparently there are some occasions where 'normal' shoes are needed (example: going along with a friend to watch her new boy play football - I had to choose between thongs and black pointy top stiletto boots. I went with thongs.)
If I am going to buy these shoes - they are at least going to be pink & cute!! But I don't know which style of 'sneaker' to go with - the traditional Converse all stars or the slip-on newer style trainers??? (I found these shoes on www.asos.com)
I would really only wear them with jeans/long pants - but I still don't want to look like a total loser!!! I'd luv to know what you think - especially those of you in the USA because you are like 6 months ahead of AUS in everything - so you can tell me what all the cool kids are wearing in you town (and I can be a total trendsetter in mine!! haha)
Also I promise I won't always blog about shoes either...Even though I do love shoes...lots!!!

OH-MY-GOD HEELS...

Considering I had to borrow $20 off my dad over the weekend (which means I am now subjet to lectures, prying and constant reminder for the next 2 months or more) I shouldn't even be thinking about this...but I am. I found these incredible shoes on Ask Fashion Kitty's blog - http://www.ask-fashion-kitty.blogspot.com - they are Davis by Ruth Davis heels - $425US (which is about $565 my money)... And I am in love...

they are from Girlshop.com - and I think it's very lucky that they don't ship to AUS!!!!

Moving onto a shoe bargain - I had to share with you these amazing boots I bought from Target - for $23AUS ($approx 17US). I have absolutely worn these to death in the last week or two!!! Here they are;

Now, someone please remind me why I shouldn't add the gorgeous Davis by Ruth Davie pumps to my collection of heels?!?!

DONATING = A NICE FEELING

Today I did my part in the whole Karma thing!!!
I 'net-met' Leigh Ann - http://saveleighann.blogspot.com last week & thought her blog was very creative & entertaining. So I emailed her to let her know I can't off her $$$ but can offer her some cosmetics I bought when I was involved in Direct Selling & hadn't (and probably won't) resell. Leigh Ann seems like such a nice chicky and was very friendly to me (a stranger!!!)... So I sent her some lovely lippy and a few other samples!!!
I feel like such a saint that I think I'll nominate myself for Young Australian of the Year (haha!!) and I know Leigh Ann will be ecstatic just to find some mail in her PO Box!!!
So Leigh Ann, enjoy!!! And anyone who doesn't want to donate to me for whatever reason - you should donate to Leigh Ann, or anyone else who could do with some free stuff!!!!
On another note - could anyone recommend and fake tan???? Winter is depriving me of my tan!!!

MANHATTAN

Is Manhattan really this crazy?!?! Sydney Morning Herald website has a story where in the past 2 weeks, there have been two 'attacking sprees' in the subway - one with a powersaw and the other with a knife. View the article above!
I would love to hear from anyone familiar with Manhattan in general and know if they think this sort of thing is the 'norm'

WELCOME

Hello - Thanks for looking @ my blog!!!
OK, so this is my first blog here... Yes I am very clueless about this sort of stuff - so this may take a while!!!
My original inspriation for this site is SaveKaryn -www.savekaryn.com (I don't get in trouble for putting someone else's site on here do I?) Karyn created a website asking people for money to help her pay off debt - and she eventually wrote a fantastic book about it, Save Karyn and now has another book out 20 Times a Lady. I figure Karyn seemed like a normal person - so I would try the same thing!!
My debt isn't huge - only about $4000 - so, like Karyn pointed out in her first post, I only need $1 from 4000 people, or $2 from 2000 people etc!!
BUT, after looking at other peoples blog's - I've changed my mind (although feel free to donate to me if you feel that way inclinded!) I've seen a few blogs dedicated to finding cheap cosmetics, fashion etc, and well as great Chick Lit books... so I thought I'd do an Australian version.
I love New York (although I have never been there!) and I would love to have enough money (before I am too old) to rent an appartment in Manhattan for 3 months and live the NYC lifestyle... so any New Yorkers who want to offer advice or tips, share stories or suggest any must see/do things - feel free to contact me!!!