Transform Your Wardrobe

Original Image: New York Times 2013

It's that time of the year where resolutions are made, gym memberships are signed and you probably have a little extra motivation to just get things done. The first step for me was cleaning out my wardrobe - clear space, clear mind. Here are my tips for completely transforming your wardrobe and what better time to do it than at the start of a new year?

The transformation consists of three stages. Firstly though, start by making your bed. Take off your sheets and put a clean pair on. Not only are clean sheets the best thing in the world, a freshly made bed is a great blank canvas to organise your clothes on.

Stage 1// The Purge

This is the difficult, emotional stage - but also the most rewarding. Grab some heavy duty garbage bags and an open mind. The easiest place to start is the pull out everything from your wardrobe and organised into two piles of 'Definitely keep' and 'Not sure'. Now the real fun begins. Here's a checklist for sorting your 'Not sure' pile.

• Does it fit? If no, then it's time to purge. If the item is still in good condition you can either donate it, give it to a friend or sell it.
• Does it have sentimental value? For example, I'm never going to wear my school blazer again, but I'm not going to get rid of it. Whilst other items of school uniform might also be sentimental, old tracksuits, worn out school shirts and green school socks you're never going to wear again probably don't need to be kept. Sentimental items can be stored, but make sure they are clean and are protected. 
• Have you worn it in the last 6 months? If yes, then you are probably getting good use of it and you should keep it. If no, consider if realistically you'll ever wear it again and pass it on. Other 'once-in-a-while' items, like ski jackets or that one 'cleaning' shirt obviously have a place.
• Is it worn out? Lots of clothing these days, especially from budget friendly stores aren't of the highest quality and as such don't often last more than a season. If a t-shirt looks worse for wear or all the colour has faded from your favourite dress then don't bother passing it on and bin it!

Oh! And don't forget to sort shoes and accessories.

Stage 2// Organise

The find the simplest way to organise your wardrobe is 2 groups - hanging and folded and then into subcategories - shirts, shorts, jumpers, dresses etc.

I usually then organise within those categories. For example, I hang my dresses by occasion from casual to formal. My draws are less organised but when folding t-shirts I'll place the one's I wear most at the top, or shuffle around the order according to the season.


Organising your wardrobe can sometimes be a little restricted in terms of space and layout. However, IKEA has a whole heap of amazing storage solutions that are super affordable. I always use a hanging shoe organiser to save space and draw dividers to separate underwear and socks. I also have a belt loop which is very convenient. I also suggest switching out old, bent coat hangers (or ugly frilly ones) for new ones which can be purchased inexpensively and you can also make it so everything matches!

Stage 3// Plan Ahead

After purging and then organising your wardrobe, it will be easy to see what is missing in your collection. If you got rid of all your old bras, you don't want to be stuck without any! Write a list of wardrobe essentials that are missing e.g. underwear, jeans, coat, basically anything you would be stuck without. Planning ahead for a shopping trip will make it easier to resist impulse purchases that are just going to clog up your closet again. You may have cleared out a whole heap of dresses you never wore but it doesn't mean you need to buy a new one.

Another good idea is to do some online research. Say you always wear Levi jeans and your old pair just didn't fit anymore - don't go straight into the Levi store at the mall, search online for a better price or if there are any outlets in your area that are having sales. Shopping online for staples is a great idea especially if you already know your size. Being a savvy consumer is so important! You can only benefit from researching choices and giving yourself a budget.

I hope this gave you a little motivation to start your own wardrobe transformation!

xx Catherine

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Winter Beauty Edit: Winter Fashion

When I have events to go to in winter I always dread figuring out what to wear because I can't possibly bear the thought of wearing a pretty dress and strappy heels when the temperature is probably going to be in the single digits.

I usually opt for pants because I know they will be the warmest. If the event is more casual, I'll wear my high-rise black skinny jeans from Levi's which are super flattering and comfy or if the event calls for something more formal, my pair of black trousers from Sportsgirl are perfect.

If I'm going dancing I like to wear a skirt and I found this fantastic black asymmetrical skirt with leather detail from Target for only $15! And of course paired with some black stockings - or even some patterned ones if I'm feeling adventurous.

To be honest, finding a nice, dressy long sleeve shirt or blouse is not that easy and a lot of them seem to be for a more mature market. I did however find this really nice purple shirt, again from Target that crosses over and drapes across the front giving a relatively low neckline thats a little bit cheeky and perfect to pair with a long necklace. I also love long, button up shirts with peter pan collars and have seen so many lately with some cute designs on them which would be a nice way to dress up a pair of black trousers.

My shoe of choice is always a black, heeled boot - not only super chic, but will dress up jeans and are a comfortable option. And of course, this amazing black coat I purchased from Myer with the leather detail on the sleeves just goes with everything!

As you can see be winter wardrobe is fairly monochrome - I prefer to wear black or dark colours and add a pop of colour with a bright matte lip. I'm absolutely loving pink and orange at the moment.

I hope this inspired some winter outfit ideas and you have enjoyed my winter beauty edit this week!

xx Catherine

Weekly Beauty Edit: Catch Up Edition

I haven't posted anything in nearly a week which is really bad but at the moment I'm stuck in the middle of my exam period. With two weeks left, 2 essays and 2 exams until semester one is officially over I've been really busy and naturally, stressing out. I have still been able to try out some new beauty products and I thought I would give you a sneak peek of the products that I have been loving and which I will be doing full reviews of in the near future.

1// Custom made cleanser from Pristine Oils

I recently jumped at the opportunity to try a customised cleanser from Pristine Oils when they contacted me. After talking to them about my skin type and different problems I've been having with my skin, they suggested a blend of organic oils in my cleanser. I've been using the oil cleanser for about a week now and have been so impressed. My skin feels brighter, smoother and I love that using an oil cleanser is really moisturising as well. Not to mention that it is fantastic at removing makeup. A few review will be coming soon after I give my skin a bit more time to adjust. 

And it comes with a customised label too! 

2// Bright Lips

Yes, more new lip products have made it into my collection with absolutely no regrets. Even as the weather cools down significantly my choice of lip products have been getting brighter and brighter. I've absolutely fallen in love with Lady Danger by MAC and have also picked up a few of the new Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks and WOW. My first impressions of these lipsticks are fantastic - if you're looking for a bright, matte, long lasting lip colour I would recommend giving these a try - and on sale for only $10 at Priceline right now!

3// Nomadic Store Jewellery 

Chokers have really made a comeback in the accessories arena as the 90s seem to be the decade that everyone is nostalgic about at the moment. This Blue Mountains based online shop has a variety of really pretty and unique neck pieces at a super affordable price. They are also all handmade and the chokers are vegan as well! Check out their online store here. 

Here I am layering the Tiny Moon choker and Amethyst Point Sterling silver necklace

4// EmerginC Skincare

I was lucky enough to attend an event for EmerginC and hear the founder of the company Ian Lirenman talk about the importance of organic skincare as well as the amazing sustainability vision behind his business. I was also very excited to receive a few products from the EmerginC Scientific Organics range to try so I will definitely be reviewing those. Learn more about EmerginC here. In Australia, the brand can be purchased through Inskin Cosmedics.

5// Burts Bees

I recently picked up a little travel sized kit of Burts Bees products so I was able to try a few of their different products. I didn't have huge expectations but I've really been loving the Lemon Butter Cuticle cream as well as the lip balm. Again I will have a full review of all the products I tried coming very soon! You can get the 'Tips and Toes' Kit from anywhere that stocks Burts Bees (unfortunately I couldn't find it on the Priceline website).

I hope you enjoyed this little catch up and are excited to see the products I will be featuring reviews on very soon when I get back to my usual post schedule  - wish me luck for exams!

xx Catherine

Mini Weekend Haul

This weekend just gone was a little 'holiday' for me. I took the weekend off work and stayed with my girlfriend and we had the loveliest time going out, heading to different markets, brunching and most importantly getting through a lot of TV shows! On Saturday we went to Glebe markets and then headed into the city to get our eyebrows done at Benefit. We both got a little spend-y and here are a few of the things I picked up.

Vintage Jacket

I picked this up at Glebe markets and it took me all of five seconds to realise I had to have it! Markets are definitely hit & miss and sometimes I just can't justify spending money on people's old clothes. However, this jacket was so cute and so me and for $15 I knew it was a good deal.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

I had a pretty generous sized sample of this primer and after testing a few different primers I found this one to be the best for my skin. It is fantastic for smoothing out your skin before applying foundation and really makes a huge difference to the wearing time of your foundation. With this underneath my foundation and the NYX Matte Finish spray on top my foundation doesn't budge! I picked this up from David Jones for $45.

Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream

I have been trying to reduce the money I've been spending on makeup and in the last month I have been quite successful! However, this means I am itching to get my hands on new skin care. While I was getting my brows done the brow technician did a little mask with this product under my eyes and I was so impressed! I picked it up and will let you know how I go with it :)

So just a mini haul for you today and a catch up on my weekend! I hope you enjoyed this post and I wish you all a fantastic week <3

xx Catherine

Style Stories

Oooh a fashion post how exciting!! I thought I would give you guys a little look inside my wardrobe and share some of my fashion and style preferences. I'm not a huge fashion person and buying expensive designer items is definitely not one of priorities. However, I am obsessed with beauty and makeup and of course have a natural tendency towards fashion and enjoying putting together fun, interesting outfits.

I can't leave the house without?

Some sort of handbag that is of a reasonable size! I absolutely love big handbags and going out to clubs is the worst because I hate clutches and tiny little bags like I want to be able to fit a water bottle, jacket, makeup bag, diary etc...

I would never wear...

Short shorts...I have learned the hard way that my legs just aint built for that.

Most recent purchase?

I bought a pair of black trouser/leggings from the Cole's 'Mix' clothing range. They were only $14 and omg they are so comfy and are surprisingly good quality. Never thought I'd be buying pants from the supermarket! I also bought 2 necklaces from Lovisa - a funky, multicoloured one with beads and tassels as well as a very chic one thats long and has a knot at the end. I absolutely love Lovisa for costume jewellery and they always have sales.

Favourite fashion basics?

Definitely my Levi's - I wear them most days and they are just so comfy and fit my body shape so well. My other favourite basics are sandals for summer and boots for winter. Both style of shoe are so versatile with almost any outfit, pants, skirts, dresses.. everyone definitely needs a good pair of sandals and a good pair of boots.

I can't live without?

Again, my Levi Curve ID jeans. I had so much trouble with jeans until I found these ones. They are an amazing fit for curvy girls 100% my no.1 fashion love.

Friends would describe my style as...

A lot of people say my style is that of a typical law student - I usually get quite dressed up for any everyday occasion, particularly uni! Friends definitely would describe my everyday style as smart casual and my girlfriend once described my fashion choices as 'young corporate'.

My most embarrassing fashion purchase was...

Oh god sooo many... I think the worst was when I went through a stage of really being into second hand clothes and thrifting but I just really wasn't that great at finding good items, I remember picking up this corduroy jacket which was beige and had a floral print oh it was so awful and it was handmade too and just had the ugliest zipper. I really don't know what I was thinking.

I am inspired by...

I am inspired by my favourite female role models, mostly Stevie Nicks and Debbie Harry. Both amazing musicians and front women their styles are both very different but also so interesting and unique. I love Stevie's hippie, boho style which inspires my love for all things floral and patterned. And Debbie Harry's distinctive mod style has definitely inspired most of the silhouettes in my wardrobe - short tailored skirts and dresses with monochrome prints and cropped shirts.

Check out this great article about Stevie Nicks' style.

What did I wear to my high school formal?

For my year 10 formal I wore a beautiful vintage, 50s style dress which I absolutely love and to this day is my favourite item in my wardrobe. For my year 12 formal I wore a gorgeous floor length coral coloured dress with these incredible multi-coloured satin wedges! I was definitely a bit more daring but with the extra weight I gained in year 12 it was probably the wrong choice.

Year 10 formal with my lovely friend Charlotte 

Year 12 Formal

Hope you enjoyed this fashion post and learned a little bit about my style :)

xx Catherine

Weekly Beauty Edit

I've put together five beauty and fashion favourites from the week so you can get your quick fix before the working week begins again!

1// Benefit Lollitint

I purchases this at the pre-launch and was so excited to use it as it is an absolutely gorgeous colour. So with high hopes painted it on my cheeks and well...there's nothing to really describe what I had done to my face - my cheeks were so purple I thought I may have started turning into a blueberry, Willy Wonka style. Luckily I read a couple of reviews and watched a few tutorials (as you should when you spend $55 for a product) and found that you could create a really natural, flushed look with this stain by first painting the product on a stippling brush and then dabbing it onto your cheeks. TA DA! It worked and I was so happy because it created a look which was everything I had hoped for in the product. As a stain it really lasts all day, so I wore it everyday to uni this week.

2// Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

I've really enjoyed using the Real Techniques Brushes but the Expert Face Brush has impressed me the most so far. I have used it with both my Kate Somerville CC Cream which is a very moisturising product as well as my MAC Matchmaster Foundation which is thicker and creates a very matte look. The brush worked so well with both these different products, blending them into the skin seamlessly and I was able to cover my entire face quickly.

3// Essence XXXL Shine Lipgloss 

This lipgloss claims to be ultra shiny, moisturising and non-sticky. It meets all these claims and for less than $3 exceeds all my expectations. So far I've picked up the shades Bright Side of Life - a beautiful coral with gold glitter and True Love - a berry shade with silver glitter. The glitter isn't chunky or gritty at all and these have amazing pigmentation. Although they don't have the staying power of the NYX Butter glosses I am so impressed with these especially for the price. If you don't have these, you need them!

4// Denim Jacket

I've done a bit of shopping lately picking up fashion staples going into autumn and winter. I got this Lee Cooper denim jacket from Big W for only $35 and I am in love with it! Its such good quality, especially for the price, feels comfortable on the skin, fits well and is nice and sturdy. I practically haven't taken it off this week wearing it with black skirts or colourful dresses and boots and I think these looks will be my staples throughout the colder months.

5// Oscars 2014

As the awards season comes to an end I was super excited to watch the red carpet of the Oscars. Although in my opinion there weren't any incredible fashion moments, a few of my favourite looks were, of course Lupita Nyong'o looking as stunning as ever, Angelina Jolie with an beautiful beauty look and finally Cate Blanchett who I am absolutely obsessed with - she is the epitome of class.
The popular beauty looks on the red carpet definitely reveal some of the hottest trends going in the spring/summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Peachy nude, matte lips and classic black liquid liner were very popular and lucky the weather in Australia is still warm enough for peach lips!

Hopefully the Weekly Beauty Edit will be a regular post every Sunday so please let me know if you liked this post. I've also added a Google Friend Connect button to my side bar so you can follow me on Google + if you don't have a Bloglovin' account.

See you soon,
xx Cat ^.^

OOTD: Uni

I really love wearing something different to uni everyday - from pretty dresses, classic jeans and tshirt combo or just throwing together some of my favourite pieces. I've had this skirt for so long! I love the pattern, length and its so easy to wear with heaps of different tops and shoes.

outfit

• Top and skirt by Cotton On
• Sandals and bag from Sportsgirl
• DKNY watch

I've been loving wearing mineral makeup lately because I find it so much more comfortable to wear in hot weather than liquid foundation and I don't get nearly as much oil coming through when I wear it. I also like that its a bit lighter in coverage which is perfect for wearing at uni - also much quicker to apply in the morning!

face

Red Carpet Glamour: Inspired Makup Look

My red carpet inspired makeup look was inspired by choices for best dressed at the 2014 Golden Globes - Taylor Swift and Zooey Deschanel. 

I chose a natural eye look with a bit of shimmer, a thin winged liner and flirty lashes (if I new how to apply false eyelashes I would have!), a full coverage foundation - I skipped powder because all the celebrities on the red carpet had dewy, glowing skin - and added a little bit of cream blush to add further dewiness and a subtle pink the the cheeks. Finally, a classic, glossy red lip.

Also thanks to my lovely brother who agreed to take some photos of me without too much resistance!

Coming up in the next couple of posts I have a few reviews so stayed tuned :)

xx Cat ^.^

Red Carpet Galmour

My favourite time of the year has to be awards season in Hollywood! I'm not a big movie buff or anything but I can sit in front of the TV and watch E! Live from the Red carpet for hours - followed by the fashion analysis that follows on Fashion Police. In this post I will be showing some of my favourite looks from the Golden Globes and I was so excited with the start of the awards season that I have put together a classic Hollywood look inspired by the makeup of the red carpet.

My favourite look from the Golden Globes was a tie between Taylor Swift and Zooey Deschanel.

I can't believe how absolutely stunning TSwift is in this beautiful Carolina Herrera gown. But I was mostly struck by her stunning hair and makeup - so classic, glamorous and perfect for the red carpet.

There are absolutely no words to describe how perfect this whole look is on Zooey Deschanel. Classic red lips, long, flirty lashes and absolutely gorgeous hair - she has such a perfect fringe its like my dream to have such a bouncy fringe - not to mention she always wears the most adorable nail art! And this is definitely my favourite fashion look of the night in Oscar de la Renta.


Other memorable mentions are: Cate Blanchett - always stunning and incredibly classy, Tatiana Maslany - amazing hair and makeup and finally Lupita Nyong'o - possibly the most stunning woman I have ever seen, she is so beautiful there are no words.

Who were your best dressed at the globes?Tomorrow's post will be my Golden Globes inspired makeup look so make sure you come back to check it out!xx Cat ^.^ *Disclaimer: All photos were sourced from http://au.eonline.com/ and do not belong to me.