E: vanja@vanjastace.com | P: +61 (0) 425 433 335
Digital Marketing Consultant
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
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.
Paris was lovely this summer, apart from the fact it was 35 degrees Celsius. We ducked into cafes at every chance we had, to cool off and to replenish energy levels.
Once such accidental find was the delicious Angelina cafe. The menu read like something from a fairytale and prices were ridiculously affordable. We settled on salmon and veal, with four deserts afterwards. Yum! Two we had in the cafe and two we took out for a nice walk by the Seine where we sat and watched the lovers go by.
Angelina cafe was established in 1903 and was a favourite with Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. Located in the arcades of the Rue de Rivoli in the 1st Arrondissement of Paris, next to the Louvre (and our hotel) it is always full, with queues outside the door. They were more than happy for me to take photos, after all why wouldn’t they be proud of marble and gilded iron work?
If you ever go to Paris make sure you go to Angelina and remember that you don’t have to stop at just one dessert.
I wore a Juli Grbac dress and a YSL belt
The EP Cruise 11 collection by ‘EP by Easton Pearson‘ is so cute! Graphic prints, bold stripes, scalloped details and pretty colours make this an extremely desirable story.
Although I loved every piece in the lookbook, I have picked my favourites and am sharing them with you below.
On the very top of my list is the purple twist front jumpsuit which I can see myself wearing to death this summer. Scalloped trim shorts are a close second, with their floaty fit and gorgeous ‘waterski ladies’ pattern.
EP Cruise 11 by ‘EP by Easton Pearson‘ is available now, check out the Easton Pearson website for a list of stores.
On Thursday night, in the middle of a torrential downpour, Danny and myself went to MODA Creative lingerie edition at Zuri. It was the first event I attended since my braces came off so I was excited to go out for many reasons.
The main reason I wanted to see the show however was to see the new range from online lingerie store Assiere. I have heard many fabulous things about this store and I wasn’t disappointed when I finally saw the range. Beautiful high end pieces sashayed the runway in true Victoria Secret style. Coquettish, sultry and completely wearable, Assiere delivered a range that exceeded expectations.
Assiere‘s labels shown included:
Also shown were lingerie labels Thousand Dancers and Pleasure State.
If you are interested in finding out about the next MODA Creative event make sure you connect with them on Facebook.
You can tell I’m so happy my braces are finally off
I adore the stunning Spring Summer 2011 collection by Bianca Spender. Vulnerable, minimal and totally seductive, Bianca’s vision was assisted by the talented photographer Adrian Mesko.
While the pieces themselves are delicate and dainty, they create a strong, fierce silhouette. Orange, blue and white dominate the collection; faint pattern and a touch of yellow add depth.
If I had to sum it up in one word I would call this collection – irresistible.
Bianca Spender SS2011 – photo by Adrian Mesko
Bianca Spender SS2011 – photo by Adrian Mesko
Bianca Spender SS2011 – photo by Adrian Mesko
Bianca Spender SS2011 – photo by Adrian Mesko
Bianca Spender SS2011 – photo by Adrian Mesko
Bianca Spender at RAFW – image by Stefan Gosatti Getty Images AsiaPac
Haider Ackermann is a Belgium based designer who moved the fashion world to tears last season. The new Spring 2012 ready to wear collection didn’t receive the same response at Paris Fashion week yesterday but the collection was a standout nonetheless.
He is often compared to Rick Owens due to his masterful use of draping which adds a touch of avant garde to every collection. This season he applies that to sturdy leather and delicate chiffon resulting in a story that celebrates strength through masculine tailoring, and builds depth via the occasional flash of femininity.
Flat colours are juxtaposed with high shine metallics and the occasional pattern. Blue, bronze, silver, copper, pink, nude and black all make an appearance.
Proportions are extended for the sake of the piece, not to flatter a woman’s shape. An androgynous form is required as many garments disregard the curves of an adult female. Some critics question the wearability of this collection although I believe the hardcore fashion-as-art followers (like his loyal fan Tilda Swinton) will embrace this controversy.
Images by Style.com
Daniel Alexander Couture recently moved to a bigger space in Fortitude Valley and Daniel invited me to visit the new showroom.
His new space at 39 Berwick Street in Fortitude Valley is actually a funky warehouse which now houses his workroom and showroom. There are no hangers in the showroom – instead, fully dressed mannequins decorate the space. Daniel says that now that his clients see dresses in a three dimensional form, they rarely try them on.
The showroom feels more like an exhibition space than a store. The emphasis is on displaying pieces with as much drama as possible. He achieves this with subtle lighting and negative space – the more dramatic a piece, the more space it receives.
If you visited Daniel Alexander Couture in his former Ann Street store you would have met his gorgeous pooch Vivian (she was named after Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman – how cute!). Vivian was more than happy to pose for my photos and at the end I was tempted to sneak her into my bag and take her home.
Daniel has ambitions plans for the showroom and an opening party the town will never forget. I will do my best to keep you posted but for now here are some photos I took of his new space.
Daniel Alexander in his Fortitude Valley showroom
Vivian
Daniel Alexander
Images © Vanja Stace 2011
As I was getting ready for the Networx Inbound Marketing event last week (I was a panelist), I realised that I have exhausted the wow factor of my necklaces. I desired something that would transform a simple outfit in one quick step. Basically, I needed spectacular bold statement necklaces.
Details I’m currently lusting over include brass, gold and silver, faceted gemstones and cabochon shapes, crystals, enamels & flat colours juxtaposed with high shine and textured metals. After a quick look on Net a Porter I have found my new all time favourites from Aurelie Bidermann, Erickson Beamon, Lanvin, Lulu Frost, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Missoni, Oscar De La Renta, Roberto Cavalli, Tom Binns and YSL.
Which one’s your favourite?
Vanja x
Marc by Marc Jacobs - Claude resin and glass collar necklace
Missoni - Geometric acetate bib necklace
Lulu Frost – 100 year necklace
Tom Binns - Fauve Swarovski crystal necklace
Roberto Cavalli - Gold-plated bib necklace
Erickson Beamon - Cowboy 22-karat gold-plated necklace
Lanvin – Brass and Swarovski crystal necklace
Lulu Frost - Embellished turquoise multi-strand necklace
Oscar De La Renta - 24-karat gold-plated cabochon necklace
YSL - Mamba enameled snake-effect bib necklace
Aurelie Bidermann - Athens 18-karat gold-plated collar
YSL - Gold-plated jade serpent necklace
Tom Binns - Slap Dash Swarovski crystal bib necklace
Roberto Cavalli - Swarovski crystal and quartz necklace
Images courtesy of Net a Porter
This could be your project :)
