Bits and Bobs

Watching, wearing, listening to, following, styling....

This is the first ‘Bits and Bobs’ newsletter. These posts will mostly be tidbits related to style, or, on occasion, anything I think could be relevant and interesting to my clients and the women who follow me. Things I’ve seen, what I’m listening to, someone I’m following, watching, reading, using, buying, wearing, etc. Random little bits and bobs...

Watching...

Unless I'm listening to one while I'm walking, I tend to watch my podcasts on YouTube. My latest fave, which you need to watch for the fashion, is 'Everyone Loves My Mother'. Alice (the daughter) and Serena (her Mum) are British and live in the English countryside. (Although Serena was originally from Melbourne, and went to primary school in Toorak.) Alice has a homewares business, and they both work together in that. They talk about anything lifestyle-related. Travel, interiors, skincare, fashion, motherhood, business, etc. It's witty, fun, joyful - and chic.

Admiring…

Speaking of ‘ELMM’, in the last episode Serena was wearing a Kenneth Jay Lane brooch. (I’m not sure if it’s pinned onto her t-shirt or attached to her necklace, but either way it looks good.)

Kenneth Jay Lane was an American costume jeweller. It was said that “KJL built a career by making “fake” fashionable. His designs, usually made of plastic or glass, were worn on the wrists and necks of some of the most fashionable women in the world.”

Jackie Kennedy Onassis wearing KJL earrings.

And legendary Vogue editor, Diana Vreeland, wearing a couple of his bejewelled cuffs.

Feeling inspired after seeing Serena wearing her brooch I hopped online for a quick look to see what I could find. Jewellery like this can add individuality and uniqueness to your look, even if you’re just wearing something as simple as a white shirt and blue jeans. Check out a few pieces I discovered below…

Details here

Details here

Details here

If you consider buying a KJL piece on eBay, Etsy, or the like, make sure that you check that it’s signed. (He always signed his jewellery.) But I’d probably also Google and read up about how to identify his pieces so that you don’t end up with a replica (i.e., a fake!).)

Quick reminder…

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Listening to…

When my Dad died just before Christmas, I listened to a few episodes of my friend’s podcast, ‘Deadly Serious Conversations.’

I had no idea where to start to write a eulogy, and the advice, along with Fiona’s lovely soothing voice, was a great help and comfort.

I wanted to share this with you because, sadly, we’ll all experience the death of a loved one for the first time, and being able to go somewhere for gentle guidance makes such a difference when your head is all over the place and you’re feeling lost.

Following...

Some of you may already be familiar with Advanced Style on Instagram, but if not, take a look and discover what it's all about. These ladies will encourage you to be yourself and inspire you to develop your own style and look. FYI - You don't need to be "advanced" yourself to pick up some pearls of style (and confidence) wisdom.

Wearing…

Finding the perfect foundation (for me!) has become one of my life’s goals.

At 58, I feel like I need/want to wear foundation. I have some redness, pigmentation, dark spots and unevenness — and what I’m always searching for is something that covers without looking heavy or mask-like.

I want it to look like my skin… only better.

Something with a little luminosity, but not too dewy, glossy, or greasy. Something that doesn’t need loads of powder. (None or just a smidge would be ideal.) And, finding all of the above, as well as the right shade, has proven particularly tricky.

But I may have finally found it. Thanks to my lovely client Louise for the tip-off.

So far, so good with the Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation. I’m yet to wear it for a night out, but at this stage I’m impressed.

Out of interest, what’s your favourite foundation? (In case I need a Plan B :-) )

Styling…

Even though what Gwyneth’s wearing here might look fairly simple and effortless, I can see that it’s intentional and has been well thought out. It’s also balanced and harmonious, so I’m going to explain to you what she’s doing, why it’s working, what wouldn’t have worked, and show you what you can take from it - even if it doesn’t excite you as a look.