E: vanja@vanjastace.com | P: +61 (0) 425 433 335
Digital Marketing Consultant
I will be away from Thursday 25 April (ANZAC Day) until Monday 29 April 2013 as I am attending and performing at the Sydney International Bachata Festival. If you need me during this time please email me but allow a few days for me to get back to you.
This season Forever New designed a collection with me in mind. I am enamored with so many pieces it’s like they took a look at my wardrobe and said “‘guuurrl – you need THESE!”. I do, thank you very much.
Today I learned about the fashion magazine business from the lovely ladies at Madison magazine.
My day started extremely early as I had to get my hair and makeup just perfect – I was meeting the editor of Madison magazine after all! I was very excited to get to 54 Park Ave on time, and I eventually arrived about an hour early. Whoops! I prefer that to having them wait for me, I would die of shame if I was late.
I was sooooo excited to receive an email from Smooze Fruit Ice headquarters asking me to review their tasty product. I’m very selective in the products I accept because I believe in writing only about the things I love.
These are the things I wish I knew before I started the Michelle Bridges 12WBT program. I learned these eventually, but I thought I’d publish them for others who are just starting.
If you’ve read my 12WBT story you will know I’ve had a few ups and many downs. I totally understand the constant battle with your mind and these 10 things below have made my journey much easier.
Read more…
Last month my husband Danny and I launched United by Bird jewellery. We both have a background in art and we love designing and making jewellery.
We started with earrings and are about to expand into necklaces, bracelets and rings – I’m sure you can appreciate that these things take time when you’re self funded.
Michelle Bridges helped me get from flab to fab but now I am learning about clean eating with the help of Amanda Weekes from Daily Dose Fitness here in Sydney.
First of all, I won’t be posting the actual clean eating plan that Amanda sent me because it’s her copyright and I respect her work. I’ll be writing about my progress on the plan; observations, thoughts, and progress.
Michelle Bridges 12WBT (12 week body transformation) changed my life because it taught me valuable lessons about nutrition and fitness. For the first time in my life I have a healthy view of food, exercise and my own body.
Having been brought up as a vegetarian (my mum was really into the yogic way of life) I was taught to respect animals. I can’t fathom eating meat because I am very much aware of where it comes from – and the amount of suffering which the animal experiences during the process.
Everyone seems to have an opinion on vegetarian VS carnivorous diets but I hardly ever hear animal testing being discussed. I don’t support ANY company that tests on animals, whether it’s a component or the finished product. Many beauty companies won’t share their supplier information so they don’t get the cruelty free seal of approval so it’s hard to figure out who does what.
Luckily though PETA comprised a list of companies that DO test on animals so at least the majors are named and shamed.
I ask you to BOYCOTT all companies that cause pain and suffering to animals.
Please don’t buy products which are born out of pain and murder. Beauty should be about compassion.
I admit, being wooed by PR companies – getting free products, going to events – feels fantastic. I have made a rule that I don’t write about anyone who tortures and kills for profit. That’s my bottom line and I hope that you draw yours there as well.
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The following beauty and household product companies either test on animals or pay a laboratory to conduct tests on animals.
Are there any that you’re surprised by? Will you be boycotting these companies from now on?
Let me know your thoughts.
Vanja xx
Shoes – I love ‘em! The quirkier the better. Since discovering Jeffrey Campbell shoes at Solestruck my shoe-drobe has developed a rather interesting personality.
I own a few pairs of JCs and I ALWAYS get compliments. I mean, I love the shoes but compliments make it so much better. I get them shipped to the office and then my colleagues insist on a mini fashion show. It would be rude of me to say no, wouldn’t it!?
I love being a global citizen and I love living in Sydney. When pink and lilac hair craze caught the states and Europe, we soon followed. It’s taken me this long to have the guts to go for it.
I’ve gone blonde over the last year – first balayage, then the rest – after playing around on DailyMakeover and seeing that blonde actually suits me. I then a grey tint which was fab but it did wash me out a bit. Now I’m thinking lilac or pink because I can.
There’s a fine line between a great pink and a tragic-wish-you-didn’t-go-there pink. Basically stay away from STREAKS and focus on all over colour or just the ends. Think ombre but with pink.
NO NO NO NO
If you get pink streaks we can't be friends...
My fave pics are below; let me know if you would ever go PINK or PURPLE!
Awesome purple hair
Beautiful pink hair colour - love the regrowth
Gorgeous lilac hair
Pink hair balayage
Quite possibly my favourite pink hair colour
This last image is really the best of the pink and lilac hair trend. Subtle variances between the colours, light and shade and plenty of volume. I think I’ll be taking this photo to the salon!!
Vanja xx
I shop in a variety of stores and lately (due to my hectic schedule) I mostly shop online. ASOS is the shop that continually delivers (pardon the pun) and ASOS dresses are a bit of a staple in my wardrobe.
Any shop that DOESN’T ship free to Australia (or within Australia) very quickly gets a miss from most consumers. ASOS also has the easiest returns system I have ever experienced and that’s saying a lot since I work in e-commerce.
Anyway, back to dresses. I’ve recently done a shop at ASOS but here are the pieces I am still coveting. And how about you? Do you shop at ASOS? Do you shop online at all?
Vanja xx
ASOS Dress With Embroidered T-Shirt $144.50
ASOS SALON Floral Midi Prom Dress $204.00
Hybrid Dress with Button and Belt Details $144.50
Mara Hoffman Printed Column Dress with Open Back $518.50
Oasis Cutaway Colour Block Dress $102.00
Whistles ’60s Flower Print Silk Dress $255.00
Images courtesy of ASOS
I haven’t been ignoring you on purpose – I moved to Sydney in December and have started a new job at Napoleon Perdis which has kept me busy. I have less time on my hands because I am trying to settle in (and unpack – yikes) but that doesn’t mean I don’t think about blogging every single day.
2012 will be an exciting year. I promise to deliver every bit of excitement that Sydney has to offer. For my Brisbane fans – do not despair. I will write about things in your neck of the woods too.
Thanks for sticking with me during my major life change. I value your patience and support and I look forward to a great year ahead!
Vanja xx
The Chiropractors’ Association of Australia (Vic) conducted a survey of 100+ women and found that the average weight of their handbags was 3.6kg. Over 75% of the women admitted they always carry their handbag on the same shoulder.
A heavy handbag can pull the spine out of line, straining the muscles of the back and making you lean in the opposite direction to compensate for the weight.
Oscar Oscar have opened their eleventh salon in Australia, back on their original home turf in Brisbane, twenty-two years after the first Oscar Oscar Salon opened its doors in the Queen St Mall.
Oscar Cullinan Oscar Oscar Salons is now one of a number of high-end brands located in Fortitude Valley with other prestige brands found in the precinct such as, Easton Pearson, Scanlan & Theodore, Akira and Subfusco.
The new Fortitude Valley Oscar Oscar Salon is another Aveda concept salon for the group and will stock the entire range of Aveda hair-care and skin-care, as well as the natural Aveda Full Spectrum Colour Range and luxury Aveda treatments.
The styling of the new Valley salon will have a darker, edgier aesthetic than other Oscar Oscar Salons, such as concrete floors, a graphic feature lightbox and a darker colour scheme.
Last Sunday I had the pleasure of attending the KRANK Photography studio lighting workshop at Dragon Image in Mansfield. I was invited to be a ‘fly on the wall’, to document the day and show you what KRANK Photography workshops consist of.
I’ve always wanted to attend one of these workshops but I was afraid that I’d have to know EVERYTHING and that I’d feel overwhelmed. I was so relieved to find that at KRANK all the hassle is taken out of the equation and you just show up and shoot.
Glen Krohn and Deborah Boots (who run the workshops) set everything up with the help of stylists and assistants. As you arrive Glen takes you through the setup, letting you know how each of the scenes works (there were 5 different scenes/studios at this particular workshop). To make things even easier all your camera settings are given to you for each scene, so you can go ahead and shoot.
You partner up with other attendees to form a trio and then each trio has a studio for 15 minutes, which gives you all plenty of time to shoot. Models are experienced and ready to take your direction. Glen shares plenty of his knowledge about photography, post production and the business of photography in general.
Some prior photography knowledge is required, as is your own camera. Apart from that you just need to show up and enjoy the day.
Donna Sullivan make up artist and Tony from Mirror Mirror Agencies
Surafina accessories and Dragonberry Stride shoes
Mirror Mirror Agencies models and stylist Natasha Darling
Glen Krohn explaining the setup
Natasha Darling
Dragon Image guys said that misspelling makes people read the sign – too funny!
Surafina shoot setup and settings
Surafina outfit
Tony and Natasha Darling
On Thursday evening Mei + Picchi hosted the Assiere.com launch and lingerie show. Styled by Tanja Mrnjaus and her team at ID Couture, the event featured glorious lingerie and fine jewellery combinations that delighted and inspired.
The guest list included Brisbane fashion industry’s who’s who – MBFF legend Liz Golding, IG’ZIST Fashion Marketing‘s Kavita Singh, Subfusco‘s Josh Scacheri, Elisha Casagrande Stylist as well as many fashion bloggers including:
The Assiere.com range is sensual and beautiful. I’m looking forward to their upcoming pop up store where I get to try these pieces on.
Letitia Power (founder of Assiere.com) and I
Anni and Thiago
Hugo and his daddy Josh Scacheri
Dana K from Blushfully and Alice from Food, Fashion & Beauty Wonderland
Katie from Be Inspired blog and Elisha Casagrande Stylist
Hazel & Hannah Suarez
Tanja Mrnjaus, me and Brent Derepas from ID Couture
Elsa Picone from Brisbane Fashion blog and Lucy Hastings
Jo Silcock, Josh Scacheri, Hugo, Tanja Mrnjaus, Caroline Kelly
Kavita Singh, Emma Gaffy, Candace Kidd, Jared Pottier
Know who you are then adorn yourself accordingly
Lotus Mendes is a seriously sexy jewellery label. Designed to empower and release your inner goddess, Lotus Mendes offers stunning rings, cuffs, necklaces and bracelets in chunky silver and gold finishes.
Designer Victoria Cheatham creates with five notions in mind - RESPECT, TRUST, LOYALTY, LOVE, and HONOR. These are evident in every piece in the collection; symbolic messages are printed on arm bands,and 5 point star rings.
Priced from $59 Lotus Mendes is attainable luxury. Get yours today at the Lotus Mendes online store or call 0414 664 655 for stockists.
Sydney fashion designer Brooke Daniels gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of her Summer 11/12 collection, shot at a lavish location.
The collection has a strong resort feel and illustrates Brooke’s love of sleek styling. Kaftans, playsuits, maxi dresses, tulip skirts and bodycon dresses dominate the collection. Colour blocking makes an entrance but never steals the show.
I love the fluidity of the Angelina maxi dress, the crop structured Bomber jacket, the chic Louise mini dress and the fierce shouldered Lucy Splice tall dress – all are available on the Brooke Daniels online store.
Brisbane boho luxe fashion label Surafina celebrated the opening of their Paddington store on Friday 21st October. The launch was a who’s-who of the Brisbane fashion scene, packed with media and the glitterati. Surafina designers Laura Hart and Rechelle Vidakovic looked stunning in their own designs as they welcomed guests.
The entire collection was available for purchase which kept the store girls quite busy. I couldn’t resist the temptation and I bought a gorgeous red one shoulder top. Surafina prices are unbelievable; I fell in love with a tailored linen jacket and it was only $199.
Check out the full Surafina Summer 2012 collection online and if you’re near Paddington go and visit their store. You won’t regret it!
Willow & Lotus Phoenix, Sandra Darling and Vanja Stace
Rechelle Vidakovic (Surafina) and Vanja Stace
This could be your project :)
