Friday, March 29, 2013

Body Language

The Courier Mail recently wrote about using body language in business to get what you want. I couldn't agree more. I use subtle body language every day to get what I want. Are you ready to get what you want? I am prepared to share my body language tips with you!

Icecream. I find an ice cream van and lick my lips, generously. Use direct eye contact. Eventually the ice cream man asks if I would like an ice cream. Yup, that is exactly what I wanted.

Toilet. I wriggle from side to side, sometimes bending my knees a little and put a look of desperation on my face. I guarantee someone will ask if you need a toilet.

Hungry. I hold my stomach, groaning and look longingly at people eating. Sometimes I even mirror their mouth movements while they are eating.

Angry. Don't be subtle. Clench your fists, stamp your feet and huff as loud as you can. Someone will ask if you are angry about something.

Bored. Fall asleep while someone is talking to you. They will understand really quickly that they are boring.

Flat iPhone. On my knees, wailing, tears and holding my iPhone with 2 hands above my head moaning 'Whyyyyyy'. People get the message pretty quickly.

What subtle body language do you use everyday?

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Ready to Alter – turning fashion frustration into a fashion label!


I am thrilled to have Eula Graham, the Designer and Director of Natasha Rais, guest posting today. Eula is giving some great tips on dressing a curvy body. Next week, we will also have a Natasha Rais giveaway. You won't want to miss it?

The story has always been the same – if a garment fit OK at my waist it was too tight at the hip, or vice versa, or a little bit of both.

I’d already unwittingly adopted the mantra of many stylists and bloggers – ‘don’t buy it unless you love it’ – which is great advice, but for me it reached a point where I didn’t purchase anything for more than 12 months!

I even tried dieting, but ended up with the same problem in a smaller size, and realised I couldn’t change where my bones sat – I was stuck with wider hips than “standard size”.  A relief – I really missed cheese, wine and chocolate during that spell.

Sick of sacrificing fit, style and quality because I couldn’t find clothes with the right fit, and finding shopping always resulted in “Why the #@%# doesn’t anything fit me?!”, I decided I had to do something about it.

First, I took my measurements, and started comparing them to size guides on all the brands I liked, but didn’t fit into properly.  This information wasn’t available in the pre-digital age, and was enlightening.  I extended the research to any brand that published a size guide, both in Australia and internationally, from high-end to low-end and everything in between, until I’d reviewed over 100.

What did I learn? Well, the majority of the brands catered to less curvy body shapes like a column or slightly curvy column. Those of us with more shape – pears, hourglasses, skittles and vases – didn’t get much of a look in, and that means that most of the time we have to sacrifice proper fit at either the waist or the hip – or both.  For us, ‘ready to wear’ is more like ‘ready to alter’.

I then discovered a study by North Carolina State University on body shape that found almost 50 per cent of women are Column shaped… *light bulb moment*.  I realised that most brands are catering to the Column shape because it’s the majority.  The rest of us are left with 1) accepting poor fit, 2) spending time and money on alterations, or 3) being limited to styles that might fit, but might not flatter, and don’t always match our tastes.

So, I created my new label Natasha Rais, to solve the problem for me and others like me.

For now, we are focused on tailoring because I always had the most trouble finding quality pieces, at the right price and with the right fit, that are appropriate for the office.

My tips for dressing a curvy frame in an office-appropriate way are:
  • Clothes should skim your silhouette, not cling; don’t rely on stretch in a fabric for fit.
  • Spend a little more for a quality investment piece - you’ll wear it all the time (cost / times worn = cost per wear; the lower the cost per wear, the higher the value for money).
  • Emphasise your waist – the moment you lose your waist, you may look and feel larger than you are, because of your wider hipline.
  • Balance your top half / bottom half proportions; there are a few ways to do this, but why not try metallic/shiny fabrics (one of this season’s trends) on your top half.  The shine reflects light, causing an optical illusion of appearing larger.  USE WITH CAUTION: shiny + skin tight = not so flattering; look for styles with a little volume, and show off that waist – tuck the top in or wear a belt.
  • On your lower half, don’t add volume - find styles that skim from the waist to the hip line, and if you like A-line, flare from that point.  Boot cut pants do a similar job to A-line skirts in balancing the hip line.

Above all, make sure you feel comfortable – whether your preference is for straight, tapered or A-line silhouettes, wear what you feel good in regardless of “the rules” and the confidence will shine through. 

Having spent years struggling to find ready-to-wear items that fit properly off the rack, Eula Graham set out to understand why she couldn’t find the clothes that best suited her body. With her corporate IT career now well behind her, Eula is the Director and Designer of niche fashion label, Natasha Rais. Visit www.natasharais.com.au for more information.

Thank you Eula.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

The Perks of being a Wallflower and a DVD Giveaway RRP $200

Don't get misled by the cover and the title. These guys aren't like any wallflowers I don't remember from school. They are perfectly gorgeous, fashionable and memorable.

This is a traditional coming of age movie with everything you want. It has a gorgeous, talented cast, a well written script full of highs and lows and a fantastic soundtrack. The basic story is a loner starts a new school and becomes friends with a group of misfits.
It is lovely so see Hermione (aka Emma Watson) all grown up and without a wizard's wand. She is mesmerising on screen. The male leads Logan Lerman (the main wallflower) and Ezra Miller (the gay wallflower) were perfectly cast.

The highlight for me was the Rocky Horror Picture show scenes. I love anything to do with Rocky Horror. Ezra was an excellent and too pretty Frank-N-Furter.

Giveaway!! Giveaway!! Giveaway!!
Thanks to Roadshow Entertainment I have 5 copies of the DVD to giveaway to celebrate the release. Please tell me below why you would like to win a copy of The Perks of being a Wallflower DVD. The five most entertaining answers will win. Please enter prior to 6am on 9th April 2013.


The Perks of being a wallflower is available to rent and own on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital download from 10 April 2013.

On Tuesdays I link up with Essentially Jess

Monday, March 25, 2013

Don't you love that moment....

When you are talking to someone and they are completely engaged in what you are saying. You are switched on, you have it going on and you have moved your wit into high gear. In fact they are so interested, that you take it to the next level.

Your story gets bigger, embellished, exaggerated and improved upon. Your expressions are bigger and your gestures are more dramatic. This person is not going anywhere. You take a breath and then fill the next 5 minutes with more humour, laughter and maybe even a little physical humour.

Your magical moment must come to an end, it's time to move on and leave them on a high note.

Slipping into the ladies room, smiling, rosy cheeks, maybe still giggling. Time to refresh the lipstick for your encore..... What!!! A poppy seed!!! Yes, it makes that whole interaction take on different meaning.

Maybe they were just waiting for you to stop talking for a moment so they could kindly point it out.

Yep, that moment.

Have you ever had one of those moments?

Sunday, March 24, 2013

What I wore: 1940s Glamour Party

My brother-in-law turned 40 and celebrated in style last night. He booked the amazing Emporium for a huge party for all his family and friends. My husband and I decided to go all out and book a room for the night. Why not turn it into a weekend away too! The party was themed '40s Glamour'. So, this was another excellent reason to hit my favourite store Kitten D'Amour for a new outfit.

The lighting was beautiful but terrible for photos. You'll just have to image the cutest skirt ever teamed with a cream top, both from Kitten D'Amour. The skirt was $159 and the top on special for $69. The skirt was over my set budget but it will have a home in my wardrobe for ever. I am determined to get great cost-per-wear out of it. I matched it with a pearl necklace (a Christmas present from my husband 1997), Target cream flower clips $10, old clutch from years ago from who knows where and my Pinkinc heels (again!!).

Friday, March 22, 2013

The Myth of my Glamorous Life

I am quite good at only showing you the nicest and most photogenic moments in my life. I have no problem with this. We all have enough boring, mundane, unattractive moments so why on earth would we want to see others doing exactly what we do.

But I have decided to share 5 unglamorous moments this week (sorry no photos):

1. I was too cheap to go the the salon for a bikini wax and used some wax strips I discovered in the bottom of my drawer. I didn't control the strips very well and now it looks like I have hickeys on my thighs (or maybe they are hickeys).

2. I went for a spontaneous pedicure. I run a bit and always have a few missing toe nails. The nail technician had to paint the polish directly onto the nail bed. Then I had to buy cheap $2 thongs to wear for the rest of the morning until the polish was dry.

3. A blind pimple grew under my left eyebrow. It made my brows even more uneven.

4. I haven't managed to get out of my workout clothes all week. This is good, because I am working out but bad because it means I stink.

5. I spent a day with a streak of dried toothpaste down my front. At least it was evidence of my great oral hygiene.

How glamorous has your week been?

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Bitch face

My normal, caught unaware face is a bitch face. It's true.

This is expression my face falls into whenever I'm busy, focused or thinking. It can be quite alienating. During the course of my life, I have come across people that think I dislike them because I have had a bitch face on when they see me. I might never have seen or met these people before but my face can appear a tiny bit unfriendly.

If could be worse, I know someone who's natural expression looks a little brain dead, another person has a crazy half-smile and my husband's face falls into a frown.

What is your natural face and has it ever been misinterpreted?


What I Wore: "End of the Rainbow" date night

Last night, we watched End of the Rainbow at the Playhouse in QPAC. I was really looking forward to this musical and had been practising the songs all day. I'm fairly certain I sound exactly like Judy Garland.

Christen O'Leary was amazing as Judy Garland. I am not sure how she could play this character over and over. Her voice was huge but it is such an emotional and troubled role. I am usually like stone but I did have tears filling my eyes when she sang Somewhere over the Rainbow at the end. Anthony Standish was excellent as Mickey Deans, Judy's last husband. The audience tutting as he passed tablets to Judy. Finally, Hayden Spencer was Anthony, the handsome, gay, best friend. Why-oh-why didn't she pick him. Oh, that's right, he is gay.
What I wore: A Desigual dress sent to me from an overseas aunt, Voodoo Maze stockings and ancient, black Zu booties. Ruby nails and lipstick in honour of the Ruby slippers.

Thank you QPAC for the tickets and an awesome night.

Monday, March 18, 2013

"Hey....you"

I might be good at nothing lots of things, but I can not for the life of me remember names. Even if you told me your name 2 minutes ago, I would have forgotten already. I'll remember other things, like the perfume you were wearing, funny things you said and even the wine you were drinking but never your name.
I know the tricks to remember but they don't seem to work for me.

Make up a rhyme
Hi John (Long shlong John, Long schlong John, Long shlong John). All I will remember is that for some reason I know that this man has a long shlong.

Repeat it often when first told
"Hello Catherine, Do you bring your children here often Catherine, I love your hair Cathleen, Sorry my phone is ringing I have to get this Katlhmumhummubble".

Write it down
That won't look weird at all. So wait until it doesn't look so weird, open your phone's notes and write a little description. I did this when the girls started school, swimming, dancing lessons, etc. all at the same time. So many names, places and faces. But if you don't record it quick enough, your notes will look a little like this

- Megan (mum of Britney in dancing). Long black hair, great smile.
- Blonde swimming mum, loves shoes, has noisy kid that can't swim.
- Frizzy brunette, loud laugh, 5 kids.
- friendly, lady near pool.

I am awesome with faces.

How are you with names?

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Teen Speak

OMG, Family bootcamp was amazeballs this morning. I recks the rando on the beach was totes jelly of rif time we were having. There were a few noobs which made it hilar. We took Lola and nek minute she was participating, totes ridonc.

Fo sho, we're frothin for nek week.

Here's a few selfies...

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Spank me!!!

Last night I watched Spank! at the Twelfth Night Theatre. Look, I'll admit to reading 50 Shades of Grey. The book was as bad as everyone said but I still needed to find out for myself. Spank, the show was a parody of the book and was hysterical. I went with my husband, sister and brother-in-law. Not one of these people admitted to reading the book but they still thought the show was fantastic. So you don't need to have read the book to enjoy the show.

There were three actors, a bunch of silly props and a red curtain and that was all they needed. I'm not sure any man in history has received as many wolf whistles before, I sure hope Stephen Mahy didn't go home feeling like a cheap, piece of meat. Rebecca De Unamuno was perfect as the narrator. I lost count of how many characters she played. I can't forget Caitlin Berry, so perfectly innocent and a natural lip biter.

To make the night even better, I found a gorgeous dress at Witchery. This was on sale for $29.95!! The God of sales must be looking down on me at the moment.
Here I am with the gorgeous, talented Stephen Mahy. I'm fairly certain he really is a mysterious, billionaire that enjoys spanking innocent women.


PS: Thank you Kath Rose for the tickets. My guests and I had a fantastic night.

Friday, March 15, 2013

My Sister

My sister feels she doesn't get enough blog time. It's true, I don't talk about her as often as I should. You see my sister is a pretty funny person. So let me tell you a few things about her:

1. For some reason, every single sales person hates her. I don't understand it. She is polite, attractive and willing to pay but sales people see her and start growling. It makes me laugh. I love shopping with her just for this reason.
2. She has always been nuts for chicken. She'll deny it but the whole family is aware of it. Even while she is reading this, she'll be staying out loud to anyone in ear shot "No, I eat a lot of beef at home" Bull!
3.  When she was pregnant she had a touch of body dysmorphia. She honestly thought she didn't look pregnant and continually asked me if I could tell. Uummm, she was all belly but it was a big belly.
4. She puts the GPS on her her car but then pays no attention to the instructions. What is the point?
5. She was the most annoying little sister in the history of little sisters.
5. She has my back 100% and I have hers.

Can you spot the bump?
She still wears this hat
Before I got botox

How to disguise a chunky butt

When I was a young teenager, I was a teeny size 8 and sometimes smaller. I wasted too much time and energy worrying about the size of my bum. I thought it was too big and I disguised it by tying a jumper around my waist. This was not the smartest decision. Not only did it bring attention to my most disliked area, it added bulk. Derr.

I still waste too much time thinking about my bum size, but here are some of my new techniques for disguising it:

1. Start with a good base. Get some good undies. You need to find ones that don't ride up or cut your butt cheeks in half. With a smooth line, the job is half done.
2. Baggy clothes don't hide bulk. It's important to wear clothes that are the right size.
3. A-line skirts. The A stands for Awesome.
4. Bring attention to your favourite body bits. Wear a belt to show off your hour glass, a lower neck line to flaunt your awesome bust or sleeveless tops to show off your guns.
5. Heels. Throwing on a pair of heels make your bottom look smaller and higher.
6. Accept that bums are hawt. Thanks to Beyonce we can now embrace and flaunt. I love seeing a proud bum. I have to resist spanking it.
7. I love longer line cardigans or jackets. They can skim and hide many flaws.
8. Run your arse off - literally. Get moving.

And at all costs.....avoid these shorts.
Image source
What's your problem area and how do you disguise it?

Thursday, March 14, 2013

What I wore: Legally Blonde

Last night I was invited to attend Legally Blonde The Musical to tweet. I sometimes think I have the best job ever. The show was fantastic! My favourite moment was Irish jig with Paulette and her hot delivery guy and the 'Gay or European' number. These were hysterical. Afterwards, we went back stage to meet the cast, they were all so charming and friendly. My 80s crush on Cameron Daddo is back, and it's stronger than ever.

What did I wear?
I picked up a Wayne Cooper dress in Myer. This was originally $220. It was reduced, then reduced again and I used a voucher I received from my sister-in-law (Thanks Castle). I ended up paying only $15. What a bargain! It was a little large, so I whipped out my sewing machine and did some altering.  Then I threw on my Pinkinc heels from my birthday. I also stopped by Beautiful You for some blonde highlights. I had no choice but to go blonder for Legally Blonde.
Afterwards...

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Playing dress ups

I have another 40th party coming up soon. This one is themed 'Forties Glamour'. I'm not sure if themed and costume are the same, so I have decided to dress 40ish. Normal, dressy clothes and a nod to 40s with glamorous hair and makeup.

I have a dress picked, but the host has told everyone about my special shop. I'm now assuming everyone will be wearing the same dress as me. Unless, I come up with a backup plan, I'll just have to make my outfit look different with accessories.

Playing with frames.
What would you wear to a party themed 'Forties Glamour'?


I am joining up for Wordless Wednesday with My Little Drummer Boys

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

10 things to do with old scarves

It might be just me, but I continually discover ugly scarves in the bottom of my wardrobe. Admittedly, I buy a lot of scarves but I am sure some of them must have travelled through a time machine and found a new, dusty home between some abandoned, equally ugly shoes.

But don't despair, I have some suggestions to turn this unappealing item into something useful:

1. Make a windsock. Yup, you have probably always wanted to look out the window and be told by an old scarf which way the wind is blowing
2. Cut into squares and create a quilt for someone with less taste than you.
3. Use as wrapping or a bow for a gift. Ah, the gift of giving (...something ugly away)
4. Cut into strips and use to tie tomatoes to stakes in your vegetable garden.
5. Use as a table runner. The ugly will be muted by all the plates and bowls covering it.
6. Take it when walking the dog. It can be used when you run out of doggie bags.
7. To make a tourniquet when you're injured when fighting off zombies.
8. Donate to your children's dress up box or craft kit.
9. Use them to tie your partner to the bed. Silk ones are best for this. Also, you can't see the ugly scarf in the dark and you'll be too distracted to worry about it anyway.
10. Donate to charity. Someone will love it.

What do you do with your old scarves?


Thursday, March 7, 2013

What I wore: Cavalia opening night

We met up with Melissa from Suger Coat it, Lisa from Mrs BC's House of Chaos and Bronwyn from Maid in Australia for a yummy Indian feast beforehand. I think the lady sitting beside me in the show was thrilled about that. I was starting to obsess on finding a mint or gum, it turned out that champagne was nearly as good.

Messy hair. It was windy and rainy (again!!). I decided not to fight it. A white T-shirt, patterned JAG jeans, a thick tan belt worn on the hips and some sky high tan Nine West booties. 
Merlin, the biggest horse I have ever seen. I think he really appreciated my ensemble.
 Thanks to Kath Rose, we received an invitation to the after party and got to mingle with the performers and red carpet guests. 
 With one of the handsome riders.
What a fantastic night!!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Cavalia opens tonight!!!

Yesterday I went to a preview of Cavalia in Brisbane. I am not a 'horse' person and I wasn't sure how much that would effect my enjoyment of the show. Umm, it was friggin' awesome!!!! It exceeded all my expectations. The horses are magnificent, the stunts are breathtaking and the live band was the perfect accompaniment.

If you have the opportunity, I'd certainly recommend seeing it.
Seriously, I need a pony now.


Cavalia opens in Brisbane tonight and will also be travelling to Sydney and Melbourne.


I am joining up for Wordless Wednesday with My Little Drummer Boys