Glasses- are they the new Ray Bans?

Recently everywhere I look people are getting glasses but the thing is that people aren't necessarily getting them because they need them; instead everyone's getting them because suddenly they are cooler than your favourite pair of Ray-Bans! To combat the whole, lack of need for the stronger lenses, people are either getting a pair with glass lenses or just going without any lens at all, so you can just go and poke your finger through. If thats what you like doing? But I can't lie I too have fallen into this trap of glasses lovin' only to find that I actually do need them.
Can anyone say, Doh! After I was told the exciting-is it ok to feel excited about getting glasses?- news I happily went to choose my new buddies only to find the horror of not having any thick framed old school glasses*. So a little disheartened I chose a pretty smart looking blue pair and another with the thickest black rim I could find, not as cool as I'd liked, but they'll do for now.

So if you too have fallen victim to this craze, chances are it's probably because your brains actually telling you that you need them too. Thankfully I only need them for when I've been posting and researching all day long and am feeling a lil tired, so don't go expecting to see Ms.Four Eyes all that often!!!

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

"I was a little punk rocker with red dreadlocks"

Oh I forgot to add one last model who is a new Fav.;

Iekeliene Stange

Props to this girls original yet esoteric sense of Style Whooo!!!

Love Always xoxo

S.A.A.

The Hotlist of Models 2008!

Today I just thought I'd share with you my top 12 favourite models who are all extremely talented and respected in their field. Each girl has that certain je ne sais quoi that no other model -or human- has which is why they are my favourites. So without further adieu here are the lucky girls;Abbey Lee Kershaw-BestNewcomer

Catherine McNeil- The Supermodel from Logan

Zippora Sevens- Up and comer

Miranda Kerr-The Aussie Bombshell/Aussie VS Angel/Dimple sweetheart

Behati Prinsloo and Coco Rocha-The BFF Larikans

Ali Michael-The spokesmodel for models-and eyebrow queen

Hilary Rhoda-The classic all American Beauty

Lara "who's stare could turn you to" Stone

Karlie Kloss and pal Ali Stephens- the baby supermodels

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

Anna says Jump!

Caroline Trentini in American Vogue's November 2006 Photographed by David Sims

With all the hype around Caroline Trentini's Jumping I just wanted to clear up S.A.A.'s view on the whole issue. First of all Caroline Trentini is a fantastic model and for all of those people out there who think that she should stop jumping in Vogue editorials, YOU ARE BORING!!! Each shot that Ms. Trentini is jumping in is always different from the last, she mixes it up and no two shots are ever the same which is more than I can say for a lot of the girls out there posing up a storm. Caroline does not do overkill which is why we should be fanatical about her jumping. Not only are her poses in mid air always different but they are never BORING like many stills can be. Trentini always has a changing expression or emotion on her face which adds to the clothes and the vibe of the shoot; which invariably always makes the pictures that much more enjoyable to look at (not that the clothes aren't good enough reasons).

So if you are one of those people who doesn't like jumpers, GO HOME!! Because as far as I'm concerned Trentini is one of the most creative girls with her poses that never ever go un-noticed which really in the end is what the fashion ed's are looking for. Derrr!!

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

Skinny models, What's your view?

Ali Michael, at a time of dire health and extreme skinniness before her wake up!
A more radiant image of the model on the road to recovery Left to right fellow models; Karlie Kloss, Chanel Iman and Ali

Just thought I'd let you all in on my view about the skinny model debate with the latest stand taken by Ali Michael, the highly talked about beautiful model who recently revealed her story about why she wasn't at Paris Fashion week and who has also decided to speak up about the distorted view on the model size and what she has seen and what it's done to her. So here's an email I sent to Wall Street Journal, Journalist Christina Binkley a couple of months ago in response to her truly spoken article on the issue, 'Wasn't Skinny supposed to be out of fashion?', included is her reply. (Click on this posts title to read the article)

----- Original Message -----

From: name removed <email removed>

To: Binkley, Christina

Sent: Tue Mar 04 03:50:36 2008

Subject: RE: Thank you



Dear Christina Binkley,



My name is name removed and am 17 years old.

I am a strong supporter for a more natural sized model but nevertheless still adore

the gorgeous girls that strut our runways. Your article "Wasn't Skinny Supposed to

Be Out of Fashion?" on the 28th of February was simply fantastic and hit just the

right note in regards to the skinny model debate and for this I thank you very much.

I believe that the models on the current runways are extraordinarily beautiful but

the casting directors, designers and other industry insiders who demand that these

girls be as small and as flat as a 12yr olds for an adult market and industry are

the one's to be put to shame. I would also like to give my full support and

 gratitude to Ali Michael just as the likes of Anna Wintour have for saying

'no' and taking a proactive approach to stopping this uncouth trend. So once

again thank you for reporting on such a strong social issue of today's culture

and society.


Yours truly,

name removed

Christina's Reply:

Name removed,
Thank you for such a nice note. I hope that things will soon change to allow more realistic shapes on models!
Best regards,
Christina Binkley

So as you can see this is my view on the issue and I hope with more media like Christina out there reporting on these disturbing issues hopefully will help the industry reach a more realistic view on body image.

Until then..

Love Always xoxo 
S.A.A.

A Woman's Persiut of thy coveted Shoe!

Jimmy Choo Ad Campaign with Heather Marks



Sex and the City Urban Shoe Myth

Whilst admiring the hundreds of designer shoes at the new and improved shoe department at David Jones in the city, my friend L and I were discussing how wonderful it would be to be rich. A little on the obvious side I know but more specifically what it will be like when we get our first real big pay check and more importantly what we'll spend it on. L, like many girls will be spending hers on herself because after all she deserves it. But whilst we were admiring the beautiful shoes at the Miu Miu and Jimmy Choo sections L told me that she had already decided what to spend hers on (now that's forward planning for you).

L, when she gets her first big one is heading straight to the counter for an amazingly high, killer pair of the luxurious and world famous, Jimmy Choos. Jimmy's shoes are the shoe choice of Hollywood glamazons like, Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johanssen, Lindsay Lohan, Beyonce and Katherine Heigl. You name the celebrity and you can bet they have a couple of pairs in the closet(walk in of course).

So what is it that allures so many girls to flash their credit cards (or first big pay checks) for one of these big name shoes? Are they any more comfortable than the back breaking ones by other lesser brands? According to Carrie Bradshaw, Manolo Blahnik's no.1 fan, yes they are. And not only are you paying for a little more comfort, in the product that is made to be uncomfortable, but these bigger name brands also promise hand made quality, exclusivity (due to the larger prices) and of course exceptional design ahead of the trends.

As L and I were forced to leave the mecca of all shoe departments, we said our goodbyes and promised that we'd visit soon, except that next time we vowed to unleash them from their dreary boxes to let them do what they were made for, walkin. (Jessica Simpson reference here in case you missed it)

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

The adventures of a friday afternoon in the city!

The Freebies- SK II Aqua Physics trial and Clinique Long last Glosswear SPF 15+

Clinique Long last Glosswear SPF 15+

SK II Aqua Physics trial

Ok ok this isn't directly fashion related, more beauty but nevertheless an interesting story.

This afternoon my friend L and I decided to treat ourselves after a long and perilous week (not that it'll be letting up anytime soon). We went into David Jones armed and dangerous with our freebies coupons, torn from our favourite magazines. The first, a SK II trial offer for their latest ingenious product created for 'younger skin' called 'Aqua Physics' -I wonder if physics students get to study this stuff?- which was as expected -since it is SK II- so luxurious and silky smooth on our skin; designed to lock in and retain moist supple skin via its active ingredient, Pitera (that could be some African disease for all I know, but who cares, it works). Mind you, if you happen to have about $180 for the two products, sure, go right ahead and buy it, I on the other hand am trying to save my pennies for the next rainy day.

The next on our list of counters to hit was the one with the pretty ladies in little white lab coats (so chic) that goes by the name of Clinique. At first we were supplied with the devastating news that they'd run out of our promised lip glosses, but never losing the faith we found the ladies at the MYER counter were mighty helpful as they on the other hand had not. So L and I received our cute little samples that surprisingly weren't that little. Although they were in a less desirable shade of brown the straight forward packages provided quite a punch of sparkles on the lips which was actually subtlety effective!!!!

Excited by our experience we vowed to do this again as soon as the next round of magazines arrived at our doorsteps and on the news stands. Proud of our purchases provided at no expense and with a little initiative, we both went home all smiley and with a hint of sparkle in our eye and on the lip!

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

Moulin Rouge net stocking stilletos

There's always something sexy about net stocking and stilletos;
who could ever imagine this onto nails ? Nothing is impossible in the wonderful world of nail art...

Sweet temptations

Spring is in full bloom and summer inspires bright and sweet colors. Try out gel art designs by mixing your primary colors with white and set your imaginations wild.

Battle of the Covergirls!

Latest issue of Russh Australia Magazine

UK Harper's Bazaar sporting an unblemished Miranda Kerr

Yesterday on my way home I called in to pick up the latest issue of Russh because after the whole nude 16yr old issue* I was afraid that they might take it off the stands. Thankfully when I walked inside the newsagent after a momentary panic I found my beloved down the bottom of the long list of fashion magazines. But before I arrived at my fashion destination my eyes flashed upon an angelic image of the stunner, Miss Kerr. Her shinning exterior temporarilly blinded me but I soon came to my senses-or sense considering sight is only one of the 5, sense- and quickly grabbed at the April issue of UK Harper's Bazaar-which I thought I'd missed- and made a beeline for the counter so that I could quickly devour both of my coveted magazines from cover to cover. Once again I hoped on the bus and made my way home with a smile on my dile and a Miranda in my bag-a!

Love Always xoxo

S.A.A.

* For those of you not in the Know ACA a couple of nights ago flashed a story-pun intended- about a 16yr old model in the magazine whose breasts were exposed in a shot. Many organizations are planning on suing the magazine for this bad publicity that they are recieving and etc etc because of the 'indecent' nature of the photograph displaying the organizations in a bad light. Oh and FYI it's apparently against the law?

S.A.A.'s Secrets to Successful Disguise Accessorizing

Muse: Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf

Headbands by: Colette Malouff

Jennifer Behr simple leather hair band

Chic Gossip Girl inspired Luella Headbands

Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf with doppelganger girlfriends Katie and Isabel sporting chic blending headbands!

It's half way through second term and all of the meaningless holidays-minus ANZAC- have passed and its starting to dawn on you that, well I'd better buckle down and begin the boring slunder of assingement drafts, homework and study. The days get shorter and the nights, longer, with study and as each new morning dawns the dark rings under the eyes get larger. And the question remains, How do I get rid of them? The answer to that is simple; either you can stop the study and deal with the imminent wrath of the teachers and parents etc etc; hire a personal assignment doerer or you could take the simple non-invasive step of investing in a few key hair accessories to distract from those tired peepers!! Personally I'd like to take the first choice, but that's just not an option for a woman in my position so I think I'll be opting for the last one. If like myself you went for the latter here are a few things to help you along the way;

Now you may be wondering, 'How in the world can I accessorize whilst sticking to strict uniform regulations?' Well that's what I'm going to show you today!!!

The three non-fuss straight forward winners in hair attire are:
1. The Headband
2. The Ribbon and;
3. The Hair clips/bobby pins.
These three combined are the backbone of any chic hairstyle.

Now in order to get away with these tools we must, Camouflage, Cover and Combine! THE THREE C'S of a successful low key, high impact and easily achieved hairstyle!!!

Step 1: Camouflage plays a large roll in what you can get away with at work or school. If you have brown hair go with brown accessories, blonde hair=beige/caramel accessories and red hair.....definately not red accessories unless they match perfectly. Also try sticking the colour codes of your organization or school and if possible go with the colour closer to your hair colour.

The general rule is either bold colour or bold design not both together otherwise you can count on your boss/teacher confiscating it before it has its time to shine. i.e. a sparkly clip in brown or a matte ribbon in emerald green.

Step 2: Cover. If you do happen to have a favourite headband that has a little bit of bling on the side don't neglect it totally just cover that bit with a strategically placed fringe or a stray bit of hair. Works the trick every time!

Step 3: Combine. Don't be cautious when it comes to your tools try both the ribbon and the clips just make sure the two compliment each other with either colour or shape. Which means it you have a large thick ribbon, go with a slimline matching bobby pin or mix it up by combining a couple of mix n match clips and a small monotone hair tie.

Basically if you're ever stuck for ideas, think of that really chic girl in the office that always pulls off the cute side ponytail or the girl at school with those cute quirky cartoon clips strategically covered by her chic messy ponytail. And don't be afraid to copy because they do say that copying is the best form of flattery. Oh and if you don't have any girls like that in the office or school just turn to the ultimate accessory queen, Blair Waldorf from Foxtel's Gossip Girl.

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

Goddess of Fashion is coming to Brisbane- Patricia Field!

Patricia Field-World's best Stylist

Cast of Sex and the City Movie-styled by Patricia Field

Cast of Cashmere Mafia-styled by Patricia Field

Isla Fisher staring in Confessions of a Shopoholic-styled by Patricia Field

OMFG PATRICIA FIELD IS COMING TO BRISBANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any fashionista worth her Manalo's would know that Patricia Field is the goddess and personification of Style! Her outrageously red hair and uncanny fashion style can be seen from a mile away but if you are in brisbane on the 24th of May (Saturday week) you better get your true religion clad ass down to Myer (in the city) to get a glimpse of the New York stylist in action in the stores display window. Patricia is the genius behind the up and coming Sex and the City Movie which will be in cinemas on the 5th of May and was also behind the hugely popular television series. She is also styling the book-come-movie, Confessions of a Shopoholic and was the stylist behind the wardrobe in the American TV series, Cashmere Mafia. Notice a trend yet? All of these movies and shows are largely based around the clothes.....der. I mean if I was making a movie about fashion, Patricia is basically the only girl I'd trust because after all she is the woman that's made New York fashion the way it is today because that's her territory!!!

Hope to see you all there, but just make sure its not my toe that your stepping on to catch a glimpse of this fashion God!!!

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

70's Fling with Little Leather Accessories

Friday afternoon whilst picking up a couple of tickets from ticketek, I was making my way backto my bus stop, through the city when I came across this fantasitc little stall thingy run by a little lady and the whole thing was just full of colourful leather embossed bracelets and bags and all other sorts of things. Normally I would have walked straight past some crappy looking store like this, but when I spotted the bracelets, I had to stop(and that's saying something cause I'm not much of a jewelery girl!). These funky little leather straps with buckle detailing I thought were just perfect with the whole hippie 70's thing happening this season.

So, with only about $4 in my wallet I raced downstairs to the eftpos machine and got out the $15 dollars for the two -because I wanted both one with and without a flower- mini cuffs and then raced back up to my new favourite bracelets and purchased the two you can see above. v v pleased with my unique purchase, I rode all the way home on the bus with a smile on my face-despite having to stand the whole trip- even laughing at a couple of teens throwing M&M's at my shoes!

Tell me what you think and stay tuned for my critic on all of the sartorial splendor at the recent Costume Institute Gala hosted by the lady herself, Anna Wintour!

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

Burberry has taken over!!!

Burberry Behind the Scenes for S/S 08

S.A.A. has fallen in love. S.A.A. has fallen in love with-as Agyness would pronounce it- BURR-BREH!!! Also known to the rest of the world as Burberry! Well not Burberry as such but more or less the newest ad campaign starring, over hyped, Agyness Deyn; the beautiful, Alex Pettyfer and the best that there is, Lily Donaldson along with a large number of other models both the lesser known and the obvious. The fantastic clothes, beautiful and large crop of models, amazing vibe on set and the fun looking photos and even better behind the scenes video all combined make for one of THE best ad campaign I have seen ever considering all of the greats of our time like Calvin Klein & Hermes, this definitely is a campaign that will go down in history!!!!

love always xoxo
S.A.A.

The secrets to a Fashionable Winter 2008.

An excellent example of Fobo carried by Sienna Miller who of course was previously the queen of its predecessor, Boho.

A weak example of Hardware but my limited time today has forced me to use this limp example of the style.

Mischa Barton demonstrating the combination of both hardware and Foho. Beautifully carried.
Photo: Style.com

Two Predominant looks of winter 08:

1. Foho/hippie chic
2. Hardware/rock and roll

The new staples for winter 08:
1. Black tights/stockings
2. Black cropped leather jacket
3. Gloves-chunky knit, brown/black leather or suede - either in elbow or wrist length
4. Oversived, Everything-knited jumpers, gloves, shawl thingies etc.
5. Felt hat-I'm not going to say fedora cause personally I think there are some REALLY ugly ones out there but stick to a cute 1920's/30's style and you can't go wrong. Especially paired with the gloves.

Foho, is the combination of the long dead Boho trend but with a new inspiring folk cultural influence. Sportsgirl this season has decided to hone in on the trend with a hippie-like palette of browns, beige, greens and yellow, check it out at www.sportsgirl.com. Hardware is a mix of everything rock'n'roll with a little bit of a punkish vibe. Think black leather jackets, nail polish and leggings with 'hard' metal embellishments on the wrists, waist, neckline and shoes. The two specific looks can be mixed but only if you have the confidence and conviction to carry it through. Both looks are easy to achieve but can also be worked on and added to to achieve a sophisticated and captivating look.

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

Miss X.......ABBEY LEE!

At Valentino fall 08

Ralph Lauren fall 08

Photos: Style.com and COACD.com

Here she is.......ABBY LEE KERSHAW!!!!

Just wanted to remind you all about this fantastic lil' model making it big in the modelling and fashion industry at the moment just cause I haven't spoken about her in a while! So yeah can't wait to see her in a few more campaigns in the coming months but until then check her out in the current Dolce & Gabbana ad campaign looking her absolute radiant self!

Until next time,

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

WHO IS THIS KICK ASS MODEL?

Photo: Will reveal location tomorrow

WHO IS THIS KICK ASS MODEL YOU ASK?

All will be revealed tomorrow but until then I'll give you a clue:

She has been mentioned in this blog a couple of times before.

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

TIC TAC TOTALLY....

Inspired by checkerboard and motifs, this design is specially created for Beauty Cosmedica. Check out the step by step in May/Jun issue.

5 Words: Get on your bike Fatty!!!!

Photo: Source unknown

Just one of the many reasons why I'd like to jump off a cliff -joking- !!!!

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

I can't find my gem! Can you?

Photo: Patrick McMullan...text added by S.A.A.

I just wanted to ask, where is Gemma? I think she fell down a well or something because she is no where to be found! Yes, we saw her in the Black Balloon, but where has all her modeling gone? I feel like her absence is taking a toll on fashion at the moment or at least it's depressing-as much as I hate the overuse of this word it does seem fitting- me!!! As much as I love Gemma-which I very much do- I have to admit that she seems to be slipping from the grips of fashion with S.A.A. favourite and fellow Aussie model Miranda Kerr raking in slightly more dosh according to the recent stats published by Forbes in its article 'The World's Top-Earning Models'; Miranda came in at a surprising yet slightly expected 10th place at $3.5million just above Gemma tied with mother of two, Isabeli Fontana at 11th on an enviable $3million. I don't know whether it was the death of close friend-maybe boyfriend-Heath Ledger or her new movie; but either way this past year we've seen Ms Ward begin to follow new paths and discover new talents. However, as much as I love watching her act I still enjoy admiring the beautiful images she creates, so fingers crossed for the return of our favourite baby faced alien to the catwalks and pages of our glossies soon!

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.