E: vanja@vanjastace.com | P: +61 (0) 425 433 335
Digital Marketing Consultant
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
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
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
The new Chanel Nail 531 Peridot is a green-gold high shine colour, very dramatic and rich. When I first got it I thought it’d be perfect to pair up with a funky print for contrast. I used the Sally Hansen Salon Effects – Real Nail Polish Strips in Wild Child (SKU #4408-33) which is a fun zebra print. Sally Hansen Salon Effects – Real Nail Polish Strips are easy to use – I go into detail below.
Apply a double coat of Chanel Nail Vernis in 531 Peridot.
Have all your tools ready. Sally Hansen Salon Effects – Real Nail Polish Strips in Wild Child (SKU #4408-33), wooden cuticle tool, Manicare French manicure tip tapes and nail scissors.
Remove 2 Manicare French manicure tip tapes – make sure they don’t split apart, you want double the size of 1 tape. This isn’t a dainty French tip look, you want them to be a noticeable feature on the nail.
Stick the 2 tapes on the back of a Sally Hansen Salon Effects – Real Nail Polish Strip – this is your guide for the size of the zebra strip. Use your nail scissors to cut the strip.
Remove the sticker backing from your piece of Sally Hansen Salon Effects – Real Nail Polish Strip and stick it on your nail. Make sure you match the centre of the strip to the centre of your nail. Using the wooden cuticle tool push down the strip, smoothing all edges.
Cut off the excess of the Sally Hansen Salon Effects – Real Nail Polish Strip from the top and sides.
Repeat all above steps until you finish all nails, then apply top coat.
If you prefer a video, here’s one I made today.
The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane 2011 wrap party started immediately after the highlights parade. We were ushered into the QPAC pavillion where staff greeted us with champagne and a suite of Sanpellegrino beverages.
The vast blue stage was soon filled with energetic and nimble dancers who performed tirelessly the entire evening. Canapes resembled art with their shapes and colours and I’m told they were all very delicious.
Funky mobiles decorated the space above the guests, and on closer inspection I realised they were constructed of wooden hangers and swing tags from designers who took part in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane this year.
Stylish Brisbanites gathered for a night of all nights to celebrate an end to yet another successful run of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival in Brisbane.
Even festival staff dressed well
On arrival at QPAC we’re greeted with champagne and Sanpellegrino
Models enjoying a well deserved champagne
Tags and hangers were used to create these brilliant mobiles
More models – kidding! Me and Kati
Lady Danger appreciation society – Kati and Anni
Stacey and Mason
Daniel Alexander and I
I love the pant legs tucked into these wedges. Tres chic!
Luckiest kids in Brisbane – up late and beautifully dressed
Anni, Kati and I
The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane highlights parade was held on Friday 26th August and marked the end of a week long fashion festival. Designers featured included Akira, Easton Pearson, Paul Hunt, Foxton Danger, Daniel Alexander Couture, Gina Kim, Francis Leon, Sacha Drake, Aurelio Costarella, Roopa Pemmaraju and many more.
There were bursts of vibrant colour and lively pattern in-between soothing tones and flowing fabrics. Styling was well executed, the focus remaining on garments at all times. Shoes were the hero in this story, often adding a subtle edge to simpler outfits and bringing a modern twist to elegant pieces.
Catwalk and lighting designs were kept simple, which was probably the best option for a group show like this one. It was the garment, hair, make up and the models’ walk that created the mood for each designer. Music was upbeat, modern and fresh and complemented the event from start to finish.
All in all it was a fabulous end to a successful week for Brisbane fashion. Below are some shots I took of my favourite pieces.
Enjoy!
Vanja x
Akira
Akira
Akira
Akira
Rebecca Manning Swim
Rebecca Manning Swim
Roopa Pemmaraju
Roopa Pemmaraju
Sacha Drake
Sacha Drake
Sacha Drake
Sacha Drake
Francis Leon
Francis Leon
Easton Pearson
Easton Pearson
Easton Pearson
Foxton Danger
Foxton Danger
Foxton Danger
Pia du Pradal
Pia du Pradal
The Hat Box
The Hat Box
The Hat Box
The Hat Box
The Hat Box
Daniel Alexander Couture
Daniel Alexander Couture
Daniel Alexander Couture
Daniel Alexander Couture
Gina Kim
Gina Kim
Aurelio Costarella
Aurelio Costarella
Aurelio Costarella
Darb Couture
Darb Couture
Darb Couture
Jordanna Regan
Fiorenza
Fiorenza
Fiorenza
Fiorenza
Fiorenza
Paul Hunt
Paul Hunt
Paul Hunt
And the finale…..
Brisbane fashion powerhouse Easton Pearson just opened their ‘EP by Easton Pearson‘ pop up store in Winn Lane. Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson celebrated this milestone only days after their diffusion line ’EP by Easton Pearson‘ made its debut at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival (Brisbane) with the 2011 Cruise collection.
The pop up store opening was a Mexican fiesta themed event; lively and thoroughly enjoyable. Sangria, floating corn chip bowls and breaking of the piñata were a great touch. A few well aimed hangers and that piñata exploded with abundance, glittery feather necklaces poured out. No sooner than they were gathered in baskets, Pamela and Lydia offered them to their guests. That was most kind – they participated so joyously and then shared the love and made sure everyone left with a little token of their appreciation.
Thank you once again to Easton Pearson for having me at the fiesta, I had a fantastic time and I’m glad I got to share this moment with you all.
Vanja x
Piñata time! Lydia Pearson and Pamela Easton give it their best shot
Pamela Easton sharing treats
Salita Matthews, her mum Renu Matthews and myself
Danny Stace
Monday 22nd August 2011 was a big day for Brisbane store Izabel & Sebastian. They showcased their labels in a show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival (Brisbane) and hosted a secret garden soiree at their store after the show.
Patrick, Izabel & Sebastian owner, told me that the show was fantastic and their labels made an impact on the catwalk (see photos on the Izabel & Sebastian blog). They showed their Brisbane labels Bianca Batson, Emma Rea and House of Ezis. Unfortunately there was a mishap on the runway, a model stumbled and grazed her leg, but these things happen sometimes. I hear that she carried on despite the accident and finished her walk like a pro.
Danny and myself attended the secret garden soiree themed after party at the Izabel & Sebastian store in Southbank. It gave me a chance to browse through the racks and shelves and drool over a few new Melissa styles. I couldn’t not make a purchase, I mean I was already there and it just had to be done.
The party had a great turnout and a fabulous time was had by all.
Izabel & Sebastian information
Wesley – Izabel & Sebastian security guard
Anni & Thiago
Wesley and Patrick
Melissa wedges
The security guard had a thing for me…
Frockshop, the legendary Brisbane based online store, has launched its own capsule collection called ‘fs by Frockshop’.
Heralded as a collection of ‘the missing pieces from your wardrobe’ it celebrates colour in soft, feminine fabrics and cuts devoid of frivolity.
Priced between $90 and $250 it is guiltless shopping at its best. For a 10% discount on your next ‘fs by Frockshop’ purchase enter FSBYFROCKSHOP at the checkout. Hurry, code expires on 31st of August.
>> Shop fs by Frockshop at Frockshop.com
Lily Frock $250
Miann Playsuit $150
Torah Frock $150
Davina Tank $90, Ella Maxi Skirt $140
Maison Michel is a Paris based accessories label started by Auguste Michel in 1936. Currently it is owned by Chanel. Laetitia Crahay, Chanel‘s accessories and jewellery designer, is the artistic director of Maison Michel.
The Autumn / Winter 2011 lookbook features Clemence Poesy and Sasha Pivovarova.
In Brisbane you can find Maison Michel at Jean Brown and in Melbourne go to Christine.
We spent the first part of July this year in New York, after spending June in Europe. I had carefully planned my wardrobe to take into account summer temperatures, garment weight, maximum style at maximum comfort. Europe worked well with what I packed so I just couldn’t wait for New York.
Due to those unforeseen circumstances that always seem to happen to us, we had no luggage the majority of our stay in New York. That meant no carefully selected wardrobe, accessories, hair straightener, hairbrushes, make up (other than my necessities that were in my handbag), no perfume and none of the amazing shopping I did in Paris. Oh, and no underwear… The airline gave us a grooming bag and a $100 voucher each to go and buy some undies and clothes. My first thought was ‘Dear lord, what can I buy for $100 in New York?!”. I had this awful image of us walking around in cheap shorts and ‘I HEART NY’ t-shirts for the rest of the trip. Gulp.
We arrived to our hotel very late at 9pm, we stayed at the Paramount Hotel in Times Square. Staff there were lovely and helpful – they recommended we go to Forever21 as they were open till midnight. At this stage I was in love with America! Retail shops open till midnight, that’s even better than shops in Europe being open till 8pm (note to Australia – catch up!). At Forever21 I bought enough clothing and underwear for a few days and somehow I managed to get all that for $98.
We made the most of the time we had there and loved every minute despite the circumstances. I am certain there will be another trip to New York soon, this was just an interesting start to a life long affair…
37 degrees Celsius and no hair straighteners...
Danny
My favourite photo
Macy's
Flat Iron building
Flat Iron building detail
The start of my obsession with the American flag...
Manhattan Post Office on the right - it's open 24 hours!
Empire State building in the back
Chewing gum marks on the sidewalk
We tried really hard not to look like these folks
Manhattan cemetery
The last of the colonial houses in Manhattan
The Waldorf Astoria
Don Draper's office
Image copyright © Vanja Stace
This Saturday I met up with my lovely friend Kati. I met her at marketing school and I can safely say she was the best dressed person there. Not one to be intimidated by stylish women, I had a chat to her and we became instant friends.
Kati writes a blog here in Brisbane called Loopistyle. We often talk about fashion, love and life.
This particular Saturday we went to a fashion market which was so awful I won’t even mention it. To compensate, we had a fresh lemonade at West End markets and sat in a live music area where Kati shared her latest issue of Marie Claire with me. What a darling!
So there we sat, peaceful, in a fashion induced daydream, sipping on chilled lemonade.
We quickly arranged a shopping trip on Monday to get her the wedges she wanted, before rushing off on a mad fruit and veg shop because y’know you can’t eat fashion magazines….
I am a lucky girl. I moved to Brisbane three years ago in 2008 and I didn’t know a soul. Now, after writing this blog for the past few years I’ve gotten to know so many lovely people. One of those people is Skye Anderton, the designer for Ruby Olive, a beautiful, colourful jewellery label.
Last week I attended Ruby Olive‘s new jewellery collection launch at Lock and Load bistro in West End (Brisbane). Just before the launch I ducked out to Flowers by Jane in Brisbane City and created the most colourful, vibrant and fragrant bouquet for Skye. I’m a lover of colour and spring so (with the help of Natasha at Flowers by Jane) I picked out some gorgeous gerberas, orchids and early cheer which Natasha crafted into a beautiful bouquet. I knew that Skye, after designing two new collections this season, would be in need of some recharging and flowers have always done that for me. Luckily, she loved them! Phew…
Flowers for Skye
Accompanied by my husband Danny (who also agreed to take photos for me this evening) I went to West End with great anticipation.
I wore my brand new sequin jacket from Sweet As Candy Vintage, a mustard flare skirt from Forever21, Badgley Mischka handbag, Ruby Olive polka dot cuff and Giorgio Armani heels. My greatest accessory though – after my lovely husband – was the Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense #40 Satin Bright Orange lipstick. LOVE!
Lovely earrings, they came home with me
These grey satin and crystal earrings were soft, fluttery and gorgeous. I had to have them.
Skye Anderton – Ruby Olive designer and our hostess
Skye, looking so fresh for a lady who runs such a successful business. On a side note – that red necklace she is wearing, well I had to have that as well.
I think it looks good on me…
Funny photo, I look guilty… No Spend August is truly over.
The middle necklace went home with me as well
I met Jamie Louise late last year when she styled me into a Gucci and a DKNY dress. She’s a Melbourne girl living in Brisbane and she’s tireless in her work. Here’s what she had to say about her career so far.
I grew up in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne, my other true love. I now live in Brisbane with my fiancee and our 4 year old labradoodle, Roxy. I love travel and adventure and discovering new things. I am a really strong advocate for the causes I believe in and am always ready to petition and get my placard out for what I believe in.
I have an amazing support network of family and friends and love sharing food and wine and good times…
I was introduced to the world of fashion at a very young age, my mother made belts in the 80′s for large Australian retailers. I can recall dancing around in my mothers shoes (7 sizes too big for me) whilst she would be doing an all-nighter to get her order finished on time!
My uncle Colin is the person who actually gave me my start in the fashion business. Colin has been in the fashion industry for the past 35 years. He has done everything from design to retail and I was so lucky to have him as my mentor in the crazy land of fashion!
I have a fairly corporate background so when Colin and I joined forces in 2009 we started Jamie Collins, a fashion agency that focused on representing local and international labels within the Australian market.
After relocating to Brisbane in 2010 I decided to turn my hand to fashion styling as a way of still being connected to the fashion world whilst I develop an online e-commerce site. My site should be ready to launch in early 2012. So stay tuned!
copyright Glen Krohn
I’m an artist and I feel that I am really lucky to work in a creative industry that allows me the freedom to express that creativity. The beauty of my job is that its always different, always new and forever changing! Isn’t that great?
After coming from a corporate and regimented background where consistency is key it feels really nice to just be and do what feels good! Oh and the people! I meet the most amazing and talented people! From other artists such as designers to models and all sorts in between.
No. It’s not all champagne and catwalks, it’s hard work and long hours and sometimes very little reward. When I started my agency I thought it would be really glamorous, but the shine wore off fast and the challenges began! Now that I understand the industry a little better I can accept its flaws…
I work in many different fields of styling; any given day can be different which is something I totally love!
I can be doing a personal styling job, a music video, an event, a photo shoot or a workshop. It’s really a ‘create-your-own-adventure’.
JnS Photography
It’s always changing! I am freelance so it’s all about being self motivated and interacting with people who will pass on my information. At the moment I am working with a close friend of mine to develop a series of workshops so it’s keeping us very busy!
Depending on what I have on! It really is so different week to week. But I try to spend at least 3 hours a day working on creating contacts and studying latest fashions.
The people, hands down. There is just this synergy you feel when you are constantly surrounded by other creatives that I just cant explain – it’s like the feeling that anything is possible.
copyright Glen Krohn
Knowing when to say “no”. Its my biggest obstacle. I love the creative process so much that its really difficult to turn down projects, but I find I am learning.
I love Bikram Yoga, Jazz, food and wine and spending time in good company.
Every new experience is a highlight! I really can’t say enough about the people I work with, their talents and experience is a wonder to be around. I don’t believe you ever stop learning so I just want to continue being included in creative process.
You never know it all… No job is too small and leave your ego at the door.
The truest form of self expression… An art that everyone practices.
This could be your project :)
