NetStyleShopper

Style Starts Here - Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle website: www.netstyleshopper.com

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A Fashionable Farewell

After three years of sharing my fashion inspiration with you all, I have decided to put Net Style Shopper into an early and stylish retirement.  

With a move to Hong Kong on the horizon, my role as blogger for GYPSEA Swimwear and having rekindled my love for singing, my life is a little on the crazy / time poor side right now. I will always be passionate about fashion, beauty, the arts and interior design and perhaps a post might pop up on here every now and again - if I find the time!

So, thank you for joining me on my fashion journey; reading my interviews and reviews and admiring my pictures and montages. Thank you for being one of my loyal readers!

Signing out… Michelle xx

[netstyleshopper]

Abstraction

"Abstract" - adj. "relating to or denoting art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but rather seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, colours, and textures."

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She believed she could... so she did

I am grateful to know an abundance of women who are fierce, loyal, creative, thoughtful, intelligent and downright wonderful. Women who have conquered what would have - at a previous point in the history of our world - been considered the unthinkable for our gender to accomplish. Women who raise their voice to stand up for what they believe in. Women who aren't afraid to give the finger to social conventions and follow their true north. Women who embrace their vulnerability and, in doing so, willingly share their story to help others.

One of these women is my friend Imogen Bailey. Imogen is a beautiful, kind human being. She is also courageous. She puts herself out there - into the 'den of lions' that is our society today - to talk about and raise awareness of the difficult issues, such as the rights of refugees, the welfare of animals and the increasing sexualisation of our younger generations. She speaks her truth, but sadly, in doing so, has had to draw on her inner strength to deal with the inane and disparaging comments of a few 'haters'. But those 'haters' will never succeed in silencing her - not when there is a force of women standing right beside her.

Imogen reached out to me when I was going through a difficult time. She was a comfort - showing compassion, warmth and empathy. She didn’t judge me in the slightest. She simply listened and made me realise that my demons are shared ones.

What many people don't know about Imogen is that she is a very talented poet. Through her poetry, she gives a bit of herself to the world, and she has agreed to let me post one of her poems which resonated deeply with me. Perhaps it will resonate with you too… X

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A Letter to my Younger Self

Dear my younger self

Life. It’s an enigma. Never in your wildest dreams is it what you could imagine it to be. It’s not a fairytale - far from. Adulthood is the time when you realise that there is no such thing as being a “grown up”. That, in fact,” grown ups” have nothing figured out. They tell you lies. They are overgrown children. As a child, you think everything will work out the way it is meant to be. But that is the grand fallacy.

There is no prince charming. Walt Disney lied to you. In fact, there is no man out there incapable of breaking your heart. Your first love will be painful. It will be a lesson you wished you never had to learn. But that’s how growth happens. Unfortunately, you can’t develop into a strong, resilient woman without a little pain. The men you happen upon thereafter won’t be any better. But having built that resilience, the duration of time in which you experience heartache and disappointment will significantly lessen. You will also start to look at other women – who have been physically beaten by their partners, cheated on throughout their marriage, and are emotionally destroyed and recognize that, perhaps, you may have have dodged a bullet in failing to find someone to “love”.  Especially since the person you once loved had rarely anything positive to say about your appearance and personality.

You see, you will live in the generation of “FOMO” (“Fear Of Missing Out”). Many men (there are, however, rare exceptions) think there is a better woman just waiting around the corner for them. They are deluded, but it will be too late for them by the time they wake up to their willful ignorance and see that the person they had standing in front of them was actually a keeper.

You will live in a time when there is perceived gender equality. But this is bullshit. You will live in a reality where the gender gap is as big as ever. You will earn 25% less than your male colleagues and yet work just as hard. You will be called “bossy” when you are assertive and a “bitch” if you dare share a divergent opinion. Eventually, you will wash your hands of those negative comments and ignore the stigma that comes with labelling yourself a “feminist”. You will be a feminist. You won’t care if you’re called a “psycho” – and you will be called that more than once – by men (and some women) for not lying to yourself and sharing your world view with others. However, you will learn that the reason they call you this is that they are threatened by your power – and your “f**k it” attitude.

You will, sadly, buy into the beauty myth. You will have botox, lip injections and maybe do something more drastic. But, at the end of the day, you will realise that it doesn’t add to your self-worth. It is damaging. You cannot beat mother nature. You will age no matter how many cosmetic treatments you undergo. And you will question why you put yourself through such physical torture. To be liked? To find a husband? F**k finding a husband.

You need to stop measuring your self-worth through the opinions of others. You are a smart, beautiful and capable individual with a deep sense of compassion and empathy. Your heart breaks for the world and the people suffering in it. But you will feel helpless, because getting out of bed in the morning is a triumph for you. You will suffer your demons. But you will conquer. You will find your place in this world - the problems is, I can’t tell you when because, at almost 32, we haven’t figured that out yet.

So the best advice I can give you at this stage in our life is to love others. Be there for them. Show them compassion. Live your life without expectations. And be prepared to live your life alone. We come into this world alone and we die alone. We can form human connections for a certain period of time, but those connections are transient. They a transient not just because people are fickle, but people die. Life is not forever. It’s about relishing in the experience of the now, enjoying the present moment and being true to yourself and the person you choose to be. Don’t be what others want you to be. That’s the biggest mistake you will ever make. Stop trying to be someone you’re not and if that displeases another then so be it. Your life has nothing to do with them.

Love wholly. Be honest. Seek out connections. Learn. Grow. Experience. Appreciate. And don’t give up. Don’t let the darkness consume you. Because wherever there is darkness there is light. Your light is within. I love you my younger self. You are such a good person. You will make many mistakes as an adult, and you will be ashamed of your actions at times, but there is no point in beating yourself up over it. Stop and question how you can make a contribution. You have the power to turn things around.

Every decision that you make is your choice. Embrace your choices, even the bad ones.  Experiences = growth.

Loving yourself is more important than being loved by another. Yes, you are an only child. But you will choose your tribe and end up with friends who aren’t blood, but who are wholly devoted to you. You may not get married and conceive a child you always wanted, but that’s another lesson of life. You can’t always have what you want.

You can have what you want academically and career-wise (you will go on to fulfil all of those desires), but matters of the heart are a different story. You cannot force another person to fall in love with you. And that is the hardest lesson you will have to learn, but once you do, you will find true contentment with your life and a sense of freedom you never thought possible.

At 32, you still won’t know what our life’s purpose is, but that’s because we are meant to find out when we’re a bit older. Whatever you do, don’t lose hope. We will never give up on our dreams.

Love always, your older self

xx

[netstyleshopper]

25 Fashion Items Every Woman NEEDS in Her Wardrobe!

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GREEN ROOM

"Green is the prime colour of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises."  -- Pedro Calderon de la Barca

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STYLE MUSE

MUSE: KATE MOSS

THE LOOK: NAUTICAL

WHERE TO GET IT: ASOS. Click here.

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Model Profile #7: A Model Life - Sarah Jehan

In an industry where height is prime, it seems particularly ironic (and almost unbelievable) that Sydney modelling agencies would shun a model for being 'too tall'. But that's exactly what they did.

Standing at a height slightly taller than supermodel Karlie Kloss (that is, six-foot something) and with an impressive mane of strawberry blonde hair, Sarah Jehan responded to her Sydney-based critics with an insatiable determination to be a model.

In 2011, the charismatic beauty signed with an agency in Melbourne. Soon after, she was boarding a plane to Paris for fashion week. Her modelling career is now thriving.

We talk with Jehan about her life as a model and other things fashion-related!

Q: Sarah, why modelling?

A: Modelling is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a young girl. I was a very shy child, so when I was 12 my parents encouraged me to attend the June Dally Watkins Junior Model Course. At the end of the course we were required to strut up a little catwalk.

Meeting Ms Dally Watkins and learning about modelling and etiquette at such a young age was a real confidence boost for me. It's how my passion for modelling and fashion developed.

Although it took a while for me to realise my dream (as some agencies considered me 'too tall'), through persistence and a lot of networking, I made it happen. I've been modelling professionally for about six years now.

Q: What do you love most about modelling?

A: I love that I get to meet a whole range of interesting people through my work and travel. I also love being able to experience new fashion trends first-hand.

Q: What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

A: I have a few highlights! The most recent was representing Australia in 'Top Model Worldwide' in London in March of this year and taking out 2nd place!

Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to work for the UK F.A.M.E. Team at the Sydney Hair Expo. We got along like a house on fire.

All of my international work is a highlight too (Paris fashion week in particular)!

Q: You do quite a bit of commercial modelling work; not just catwalk. Tell us about some of your recent shoots.

A: Of course; I love all of the creative projects I get to do!

I featured as the ‘tall girlfriend’ in the new ‘Gravox Singles’ TV commercial. That was a great shoot!  

A couple of weeks ago I dressed-up as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty for a Disney-themed photo shoot with amazing couture and eveningwear designer Lena Kasparian.

I also recently starred in emerging designer Anya Hurwood’s 'Zip Me Clothing Collection' campaign.

Another fav is when I shot with three beautiful Dobermans on the Cronulla Sand Dunes. It was a long day, and the dogs became my heat source shooting in the middle of winter, butI consider it one of my best shoots! It was also one of my most difficult - having to contend with three large puppies whilst wearing high heels on the sand! Luckily the owners were on hand to assist!

Q: What really goes on behind the scenes as a model?

A: I don’t want to ruin the glamorous image for you, but it’s a lot of waiting around and the atmosphere can be tense with 'bitchiness' and unhealthy competitive attitudes among some models.

Q: Which photographers in the industry do you most enjoy working with?

A: There are so many photographers I enjoy shooting with!

I love working with Von Trapp Photography! Our recent photo shoot  featured a fox called Nimbus from the Sydney Fox Rescue. I have a great working relationship with NAT Photography as well.

Q: Define your personal style.

A: I would describe my style as 'citified country'; although I sometimes like to rock a complete country-style outfit with a checked shirt, belt with a large metal buckle, vest, jeans, cowboy boots and my Akubra!

I also love winter fashion, as well as dressing up and combining new and old trends together to create a unique look. 

Q: Who would you say is your 'style muse'?

A: I have two: Kate Waterhouse and Karlie Kloss. Their sense of style wholly reflects their personalities. They don't try to be anyone but themselves.

Q: Your favourite designer is… ?

A: I don’t really have one particular favourite. I love the fashion houses of John Galliano, Balmain and Roberto Cavalli. They are insanely creative and think outside the box with all of their designs.

I also love the stunning cocktail and evening gowns of Australian designers Lena Kasparian and Alex Perry.

My favourite and 'go-to' Milliner is Embellish Atelier.

Q: Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar?

A: They are both amazing magazines, but I’d have to choose Vogue. The trends are easy to emulate and the style advice and articles are well-written and inspiring.

Q: Is there any particular designer piece you are crushing on right now?

A: I’m loving the new khaki Hannaville Jacket from R.M. Williams. As I said, I'm a citified country kinda girl!

Q: What do you hope to be doing in the next 5 years?

A: I’d love to be living and working overseas somewhere, both modelling and working in events management.

Q: If you could be anywhere else but here, where would you go?

Oooh, this is a hard one! There are so many places I want to see, but the top three on my bucket list are Calgary Stampede, Belgium and New York!

[netstyleshopper]

SIREN CALL

This spring/summer season, tap into your inner mermaid with two vibrant and distinct collections from cult Australian label, GYPSEA SWIMWEAR.

‘SIRENS BY THE SEA’ and ‘MICROSCOPIA ELECTRONICA’ debuted at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia in Sydney earlier this year, resurrecting the essence of the GYPSEA label.

SIRENS BY THE SEA represents the label's passion for the ocean and the eclectic beach lifestyle of the modern day mermaid.

MICROSCOPIA ELECTRONICA offers a glimpse into the unique world of colour and texture; visible only to the naked eye under a microscope using polarised light. It’s abstract, experimental and progressive.

Available Now

http://gypsea.com.au/

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DRESS CRUSH #20: ICE QUEEN

ABYSS BY ABBY

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Circa Home

Arriving home to my compact city apartment after a five-week sojourn abroad, I walked through the door to inhale the divine, sweet scent of vanilla bean with hints of decadent spice.

A couple of weeks before I left on my travels, I was gifted with a Circa Home reed diffuser in Vanilla Bean and Allspice. The scent is powerful without being overpowering; it wholly tantalizes one’s sense of smell.

Vanilla Bean and Allspice is a warm and comforting scent to return home to after a period of absence - and the perfect parting gift idea for those about to embark on an adventure!

http://www.circahome.com.au/

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MEXICANA

A unique blend of exotic colour, flavour + detail

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Shoes, Fabulous Shoes

Snapshots of some recent naughty purchases made during my overseas travels… #noregrets

Spain – MaryPaz

London – Kurt Geiger

Spain – Lodi

USA – Guess

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Bespoke Handbag Creations

There’s something quite satisfying about being able to show-off and wear something you have personally designed; in particular, when you have struggled to find a similar item in store. I had been desperately searching for a pony hair, leopard print clutch to no avail… that is, until I stumbled across Mon Purse.

With Mon Purse, you can design your own unique, luxury handbag from the inside out, made in Europe from quality leathers and fabrics.

Founder, Lana Hopkins, established Mon Purse squarely with fashionable and creative women in mind.

“If it was possible for kids to build their own teddy bears, people to create their own custom Nike shoes, and fashionable women around the world to design their own premium women's shoes, there simply had to be a way to create high quality, luxury and bespoke handbags.  We had a vision... to create an elegant, state of the art bag builder, and then follow this up with high quality, customisable creations, delivered to your door. “

The lead-time on receiving your Mon Purse creation is about 4-8 weeks, so if you need it for an event you MUST get in and start designing early!

You can read more about how a Mon Purse bag is made HERE.

And what about my personal handbag creation? I love it! P.S. You get to monogram the inside (or outside) of your bag with your initials too. See my pics below!

Visit: http://monpurse.com/

[netstyleshopper]

Cactus Skincare – Gentle Exfoliant and Intense Eye creme

An invigorating facial scrub and nourishing eye cream are two must-have products in every woman’s beauty routine.

Cactus Skincare makes a luxe version of both from natural and organic ingredients to nurture, protect and enhance your skin. As most of my regular readers already know, I am a massive fan of Cactus Skincare products. You can read past write-ups here:

http://www.netstyleshopper.com/beauty/2013/9/26/natures-glory-cactus-skincare

http://www.netstyleshopper.com/beauty/2014/12/22/my-recommended-post-christmas-indulgence-cactus-skincare

http://www.netstyleshopper.com/style-diary/2013/12/27/a-conversation-with-ryan-clark-of-cactus-skincare

So it will surely come as no surprise to any of you that I recently bought and trialed their Gentle Exfoliant and Intense Eye Crème.

The Gentle Exfoliant is made for all skin types from Aloe Vera Gel, Coconut Oil, White Clay, Pink Clay, Nettle Extract, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Rosehip Oil, Rose Geranium Oil, Jojoba Beads and Beeswax. I use it once per week after cleansing with my Cactus Skincare Lemon Myrtle Cleanser and find it helps keep my skin looking polished and vibrant.

Although I have quite sensitive skin, this scrub is non-irritating, but still gritty enough to clean away dead skin particles leaving my skin supple and smooth. The smell is mild and pleasant too!

The sumptuous Intense Eye Crème is infused with protective oils to nourish and seal the skin, preventing moisture loss (which, in particular, occurs in dry weather). The cream contains a blend of Rose Oil, Chamomile Extract, Evening Primrose Oil, Avocado Oil and Vitamin E, which are credited with plumping and hydrating the eye area to prevent the development of unsightly wrinkles!

I love the texture of this cream and how it is easily absorbed by the skin under my eye area. As for its anti-aging properties, I guess only time will tell!

As always, my Cactus Skincare products arrived wrapped in the most beautiful packaging. I felt very spoilt indeed!

http://cactusskincare.com

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To One In Paradise

"And all my days are trances, And all my nightly dreams Are where thy grey eye glances, And where thy footstep gleams— In what ethereal dances, By what eternal streams."  -- Edgar Allan Poe

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Interlude

Net Style Shopper is taking some time out to holiday in Thailand, Vietnam, France, Spain, Mexico and the USA!

But DON'T FORGET about us, as we'll be back at the end of May 2015 with more fashionable content than ever!

Until then, BON VOYAGE! xx