New photoshoots

I wanted to share some pics with you of a couple of photoshoots I have done this week. I'll upload them soon to my photography website.

Have a wonderful weekend.

The last time I saw Paris

It's days like this that I want to escape to Paris.

I'd wake up and get myself ready for the day. I'd wear a cherry dress and espadrilles, my hair would have a wave to it. It would be effortless. I'd take my journal and have breakfast at Deux Magots. I'd write poems, I'd draw, I'd absorb the energy of all the great minds that had sat there before me. I'd then walk down Boulevard Saint Germain and up to Rue Du Bac, make my way to Rue Bonaparte and eventually find Laduree. There, in my best rehearsed French, I'd order 20 macaroons. They would be handed to me in a beautiful box that I'd be too afraid to open.

I would then walk along the back streets of the Latin Quarter taking photos. I'd see beautiful produce, well placed shop displays, interesting smiles. I'd stop for late lunch somewhere along the Seine and have tuna nicoise salad. I'd read Anais Nin, hilight my favourite phrases, think about writing.

I'd make my way back to my apartment, baguette in arm, for an afternoon nap. As I'd fall asleep, there'd be the lull of French I barely understand on the streets, and the faint sound of a gypsy band making their way to the metro.

I'd awake as it turned dark find myself at Vanguarde for dinner. I'd be ushered to my table by cheeky waiters who'd make small talk as they offered me a drink. I'd have an onion soup starter, pear and duck for main and chestnut puree for dessert. I'd be content.

After a slow stroll back to my home, I'd make myself a cup of tea and take delight in openning the Laduree box. I'd open the french doors onto my balcony and perch with guitar, tea and macaroons in hand. I'd sing to Paris, to anyone who'd want to hear. I'd sing everything I knew and I'd end with the slow songs. I'd say goodnight to my city, and fall into bed, cuddled by crisp white sheets and a fluffy doona.

I can only dream of Paris.

Photography by me

Snap Snap

I'm doing a photography class at the moment and was given an assignment 2 weeks ago. We have to take a series of pics based on themes like shadows, reflections, patterns, repetition, colour, etc.

Here are some of the pics I've taken playing around for this project.

Bake it Pretty

I've just discovered Bake It Pretty, an online baking supplies store. Ooohhh... I love it all!

I'm doing a pin-up photoshoot soon and was looking for some retro popcorn boxes and stumbled across these guys. All their products are retro and cute and fairly cheap. I bought a whole lot of cupcake liners and boxes and tags and cost me much less than it would in a store in Sydney.

They also have a blog with beautiful inspirational pictures of their work.

I'm so happy I've found these guys!

How to apply bronzer

I've uploaded, again, these two pages from a previous Frou Frou magazine on how to apply bronzer.

I've been mentioning around the place to go lightly with bronzer and being asked how to apply it, so here are my tips.

The important thing to remember about bronzer is when used as a blush, it can make the cheeks look dirty and muddy, especially if it doesn't have a sheen to it.

Just click on the images above and you'll see the larger readable file.

Pinup Costumes... Ooh La La

It's no secret that I love vintage pinup art! Love love love.

I am planning on doing some new pinup photoshoots with my Ask Me Makeup models soon and spent most of last night scouting around for costumes.

So... here are some great ideas for all you pinups out there, including my Vintage Pinup Girl Makeup tutorial.

My video! at Askmemakeup.com
Brilliant pinup photography at 666 Photography
Sailor and cupcake costumes from Pinup Girl Clothing
Bell hop/cigarette girl hat from Etsy store Topsy Turvy Designs

In this issue of Frou Frou Magazine:

• Meet Summer's baby girl, Madison Rose, in a Mother and Baby special
• Teen beauty masterclass
  
• How to cheaply organise and store your makeup
  
• How to turn your bedroom into a boudoir
• Inspirational interview with young successful business woman, Catherine Smibert
  
• And more pages of fashion, beauty, lifestyle online finds
  

Hope you enjoy this issue as much as I have had preparing it for you.

Click here to go straight to Frou Frou Magazine

Man's Space

The only room left to decorate in my house is my partner's space.

I wanted to do an English men's club style room for him. I am looking to buy an old armchair in auction to cover in a vintage flag. And I think I'll paint his room in navy blue.

Here are some pictures I've been collecting.

Images from top:
Chair from David Met Nicole
Photo via Girl Meets Glamour
Ben Sherman store photos via Ben Sherman
Marquee Light from Urban Outfitters

You don't need the Wheels to make me your Dollbaby

One of my top 5 Australian labels has to be Wheels and Dollbaby.

For my birthday a couple of years ago, Mum took me in for a little splurge. I was having a fancy dress party and was told by the fancy dress hire people that someone of "my size" could only wear a caftan or mu-mu (spelling?). I had been sick with 2 bouts of tonsilitis and gastro for a few weeks so was feeling terrible about myself. Then God shone a light on Wheels and Dollbaby...

A Wheels and Dollbaby dress instantly makes you feel sexy (it also helps that in the change rooms are a beautiful pair of Louboutin shoes to try with your dress). You stand tall in their dresses. You love your curves where other clothes have made you wish for liposuction. You feel like a WOMAN in the clothes.

These dresses are keepers.

Images via Wheels And Dollbaby

Etsy... Etsy... Etsy

Here are some of the latest things I have purchased from Etsy.

Etsy Stores:
Apron from The Domestic Dame
Petticoats from Pure Vintage Clothing
Hair pieces from Baroque And Roll

Donna Hay General Store

I went to the Donna Hay General Store on the way home to buy some cupcake making things, and much to my surprise Donna Hay was in the store!!!

I am a huge fan of Donna Hay. I particularly like her styling work. She has a beautiful eye for detail.

I was too excited and too shy to bring myself to say hello to her. Next time I will!

I have bought some beautiful things from the store over the last couple of months. I have bought a whole lot of the egg cups you see above with the beanies, bamboo cocktail food sticks, wooden plates and cutlery, pop-up placemats, cupcake papers..... *continues to list things*

Images via Bondville

Let Them Eat Cake

There really is nothing like homemade cakes and sweets.

Being gluten-free (can't have most grains like wheat, barley, etc), making my own sweets came out of necessity more than a hobby. Slowly over the last 10 years, I've gone from not being able to make a packet cake to ONLY baking my own from scratch.

I collect sweets recipe books like shoes. Above are some pics of my fave books.

Books:
Top- Cupcakes: A Fine Selection of Sweet Treats - Murdoch Books
Middle- The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook
Bottom- Frankie Magazine Afternoon Tea