Fashion Tips, Tricks and All Things Girly- The BIKINI!

My mother always would say be comfortable in your own skin, however weekend after weekend I find myself watching Fashion TV and watching these girls strut down run ways perfectly dressed with amazing bodies. Going to the beach just seems like a big fat NO NO! So with the help of my girlfriends and a little positive thinking I have gathered a list of the best bikini shapes for all different sizes! No more feeling awful just get out there and enjoy the beautiful sunny weather in Oz.

Athletic

Bright colours and busy textures add extra oomph to a straight frame.

Choose ruffled layers to boost a small bust.

Wide, hipster briefs play up your lean bod and keep the look from being too matchy-matchy.

Pear-shaped

Flaunt your décolletage , and even proportions using retro shapes and dark colours.

A sweetheart neckline will visually enhance the bust.

High-waisted bottoms offer coverage that suits pin-up curves.

Curvy

Look for vintage styles, clever details and hard-working, super-supportive fabrics.

A halter neckline will draw the eye to your décolletage and frame your neck and collarbones.

Low-cut one-pieces sculpt a smooth, hourglass silhouette.

Skinny

Amp up the sex appeal with feminine embellishments that give curves an extra boost.

Try a twisted bandeau to exaggerate your curves.

Skinny, hipster briefs will flatter your lean silhouette.

Busty

Hi-tech fabrics and underwire support your bust without sacrificing style.

Try a fixed triangle top with in-built cups to hold you in.

Boy-leg briefs sculpt a sexy bottom half and balance your silhouette.

Enjoy Ladies!!!! Xx CC



Penny Pincher: Budget Girl Guide to Smart Shopping

The golden rule of smart shoppers is to maximize each purchase.

That doesn't always mean getting the best price, but getting the best price for what you really want.

Find out more secrets of highly successful sale shoppers below.

1.Off-Season Reaps Best Deals

The best shoppers know to scour sale racks for short sleeves in November, wool sweaters in April, bathing suits in September. What you give up in selection, you make up for in spectacular savings (75-90% off isn't uncommon). Occasionally, you can save by also buying ahead of a season (Nordstrom's runs sales well before each season starts.www.nordstroms.com)

2.Learn Sale Lingo

An experienced shopper can distinguish a promotion from a clearance, a two-for-one from a buy-one-get-one-half-off. She knows that sometimes something as simple as free shipping may add up to big savings, while 50% off on something she doesn't need is a waste of money.

3.Make Friends With Sales Staff

A great salesperson is a serious shopper's best friend. Not only will sales people tell you about upcoming sales, some -- especially at boutiques -- may even hold merchandise a day or two to give you time to take advantage of the sale.

4.End-of-Season Gives Best Selection

You'll save big -- 40% and up is common -- and get to shop from choice pieces if you shop immediately after the season. The day after Christmas is famous for yielding great sales on decorations, but did you know that retailers slash prices on clothing for that day, too? Don't wait too long, though, because many stores are carrying leaner inventories so if you wait until mid-January to shop for winter clothing -- thinking the stores will be packed with bargains -- you will most likely miss the sales and the store will be stocked with summer merchandise.

5.Invest in Classics

The most fashiony items will always be enticing when they are on sale, but remember that even the cutest trends have a short life cycle. If you want to get more than a few months' wear out of your purchase, stick with the classics. End-of-season sales yield great buys on pieces you'll wear for years, from cashmere sweaters to wool blazers to leather pumps.

6.Don't be Tempted by Odds and Ends

An embroidered skirt in teal from a big ticket designer at 70% off. Sounds impressive, but successful sale shoppers know that picking around in the odds and ends can be a disaster. If you don't have something in your closet to go with the item or if you really don't need it (or worse, if you don't love it and are just buying the brand) it's a waste of money.

7.Beware Coupons and Buy-One-Get-One-Half-Price

Retailers often put stipulations on coupons, such as requiring you to buy a certain amount before they take a discount (e.g. $10 off $50 or more). It sounds like a deal, but that example only amounts to a measly 20% discount. Select shoppers know they only save about 25% when they buy-one-get-one-half-price (ex: you pay $50 for one item, $25 for the next: Total of $75 on what would have been $100 purchase, thereby only saving 25%). Internet coupons -- which you can easily find by Googling the retailer you want to buy from -- can, however, save you big on items that you really want to buy.

8.Look for Flash Sales

Fashion flash sales are limited-time and limited-quantity sales. One of the most popular designer flash sales sites is shopbop.com. What you give up in selection and sizes, you gain by getting mostly in-season (or pre-season) goods of the highest quality at enormous discounts.



Been there, Done that! Whats Next?!

Every weekend rolls around like clock work and every weekend there seems to be a routine that half of Brisbane follows, Friday night, after work drinks, most likely only a few hot spots to be seen, Fridays where all the suits go, Stock Exchange known for where all the tradies go, and then theres the Port Office where there is a mix of suits and tradies. Most of the time it seems that Friday nights are spent in the city galavanting around these three clubs.

6:30 AM ticks around and I awake to Boot Camp! Saturday mornings are spent in Hawthorn Park and Kangaroo Point its all about being fit and working off last nights glasses of champagne! Brunch with the girls at James st, followed by a relaxing afternoon filled with a little shopping or fashion TV.

Saturday night is all about dancing the night away with my friends! This usually happens in the valley! However, if you are wanting to try something new and maybe even a little relaxed and mix it up with some of the top sports people in Brisbane Uber is the place to go. With an open plan and plenty of seating along with a great dj and dance floor set up, Uber is the place to be! Try it this coming Saturday night and have an Uber night with your friends!

Sunday is relaxed, time spent with family and friends if you arnt too devastated from the night prior! So as another weekend rolls by, and the next is approaching try something new and always wear your Camelia Carlton!!

Fantistically Fabulous and Famous

So who wouldn’t want to look famous, right? I mean, all of the glamour/prestige with out any of the drama? With the new famous range from Camelia Carlton its almost too easy. You can keep organised and keep on being famous with the Colt Bag, with a key carabina so you never lose your keys at the bottom of the bag. The magazine sized internal pocket is good for anything from shoes to magazines to other tricky items that seem to just disappear in your bag, not anymore!


If that isn’t enough then you can show people what they are missing out on, with Famous written across your chest, no one will miss you. Still not satisfied? Then watch out for the Famous hoodie with sequined hood, they chances that you slip by unnoticed are virtually impossible. This hoodie is like no other, with frame fitting fabric this is definitely the Hoodie to be seen in, get one now and really be famous

Sun Lily- Safe, affordable and fast!

Summer is defiantly upon us, holidays, festivals and the party season, life seems all so great! Until you realize how your pale white skin will look with that amazing burnt Orange frock you picked up! Wow! A thought rushes through your mind, "if i spend the whole day at the beach minus the sunscreen maybe ill work up enough tan to pull the dress off.." The next thought is a vision of you looking just as burnt as your new beautiful burnt orange dress. Not going to work, next, " I could run down to the chemist and grab a bottle of tan.." Yes all seems like a great idea at the time but them you get tan all over your bathroom (next thing you know your boyfriend or room mates are complaining about the stained brown tiles you now have in your bathroom, which might I add take a heck of a lot of scrubbing) No that just wont do, then you remember Sun Lily, ah where would Brisbane be without Sun Lily! It is the most efficient sunless spray tan you will ever have, Owner, Grace Davis offers both studio and mobile spray tanning! Yes this is perfect just what you need and just in time, this girl is on the ball contactable both by email and phone, she will be your spray tan savior!

What are you waiting for it is the middle of festival and party season call Sun Lily today! And you will never feel white and pasty again only thing to look forward to is being that bronze goddess of the party! Camelia Carlton swear by it!!!!! Xx

Shoes make the world go round!

Cheers to Shoes that make us feel like princesses

Cheers to shoes that make you feel  like every step in this world is glamorous and special.  

High heels shoes are like the best friend you always wanted, they are always there to make you feel better, always look great and compliment you, will never make you look fat or weird and will always instantly make you feel amazing and glamorous when you pop them onto your feet! Instead of crystals and china I would like to think that one day I will pass on my shoes collection to my daughter and shoe will have amazing diamond and crystal shoes for all to see. However in an effort to make sure my growing shoe collection stays in impeccable condition for years, dance floors and many social outings to come Camelia Carlton have organized some very cute shoe bags for all you other shoe-o-holics out there. Check them out and save your pretty little best friends from dust, dirt and dare I say the donation bin. Xx

Tip Top Shape?? 2012 Resolutions

Sitting around a table of friends asking what is your New Years Resultions, with the odd they are crap people never stick to them remarks, came about much conversation about being fit and in shape for 2012. Alike mine I am forever wanting to be fit healthy and happy, so in serch of ticking these off my list I have gathered some information for all you other people who are searching to be fit, healthy and happy this 2012.

A few basics:

1. Cardio to burn calories and help your heart and lungs work more efficiently,
2. Strength training to build lean muscle tissue while strengthening your bones, muscles and joints, flexibility exercises to improve your range of motion, and rest so your body can recover and grow stronger.


I love love love to run and take the dog for a stroll around the city! A goal is to run the Gold Coast Half Marathon join in if you wish!!!

To get in Shape With Cardio Exercise

Cardio exercise includes any rhythmic activity that gets you into your target heart rate zone. The options are endless, including walking, running, aerobics, cycling, swimming and dancing. You can even use daily chores like raking leaves or shoveling snow, if you can keep the movement consistent enough to raise your heart rate.

How to get started:

1.Choose any cardio activity that's accessible and enjoyable.
2.Schedule your cardio workouts for at least 3 days a week.
3.Begin your workout with a comfortable 5-10 minute warm up to gradually increase your heart rate.
4.Increase your intensity by going faster, adding hills, resistance or incline (or a combination) until you're just out of your comfort zone (Level 5 or 6 on the Perceived Exertion Scale).
5.Maintain that pace for 15-30 minutes or for as long as you can, adjusting your intensity as needed to stay at Level 5 or 6.
6.End your workout with a cool down and stretch.
7.Each week, increase your workout time by a few minutes until you can work continuously for 30 minutes a session.
8.Progress by adding more workout days, trying new activities and/or adding more intensity.

MAKE IT FUN! Go do things with girl friends Boot camps are great for this type of thing!

Get in Shape with Strength Training

The other part of your workout program is strength training with a focus on working all the major muscle groups. And just to be frank you will never bulk up if is physically impossible for women! Now we have that out of the way; How to get started:
1.Choose about 8-10 exercises, targeting the major muscle groups, including the lower body, chest, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps and abs.
2.If you're a beginner, do 1 set of 15 reps for each exercise. Choose weights that allow you to complete 15 reps - the last rep should be hard, but not impossible.
3.Do your strength workout 2-3 times a week with at least one day of rest in between.
4.Progress each week by adding a set (until you're up to a total of 3 sets per exercise), using heavier weights or trying new exercises.

Look Great while working out not too hard when you have Camelia Carlton! Blingy and colourful just what you need when hitting the gym in style in 2012! Xx



Fashion Designer? How to be one?

The fashion world is ruthless, and one that can take many years of hard work sweat and tears to get any where in it! Like a secret club that has one of those unbelievable entrance rules once your in you are in and on the way to great things.

In an effort to start 2012 off with a bang I have decided to share a little story of where some of the worlds best designers started and what types of jobs and studies they pursued. It is always great to see how other people got the being so great, think about it then take a leap and jump on into making your own story that someone will read one day and be inspired! Lets get to it!

If your like me and weren't born into royalty (as much as we tell ourselves we are a princess), money, fashionistas or lords and ladies, many of our innovative and leading fashion designers were not either. Take for instance probably the most iconic woman within the fashion world, Gabrielle Bonheur otherwise known as Coco Chanel, she started her career within the fashion industry as a clerk in a hosiery store. Manolo Blahnik was a jeans buyer for a local jean factory. Our jobs don't look so bad now do they! Christian Dior wasn't even in the fashion industry being an art dealer. Miuccia Prada was on the path of a science career with a PhD.

Getting back to Coco Chanel, she became a seamstress at age 18 she then met a man whom was quite wealthy and she became his mistress. Enjoy a life filled with diamonds, pearls and all things lavish at the age of 23. While enjoy a comfortable life style Coco began to make hats, all while her relationship was on the rocks she met a man who was willing to buy an apartment and shop for Coco to start her own business making hats. Coco became a licensed hat maker in 1910. Within the few years of opening this little hat shop business was booming with film stars and the who's who of France wanting hats. Coco then made a line of leisure wear that would turn so much into Chanel.

Now a days Chanel is one of the leading fashion icons of all time and with as much hard work and persistence it was due to pay off. So as I finish this blog I am off to design and keep persisting within the fashion world to one day be alike the very best Coco Chanel.

Coco Chanel 1883-1971. An inspiration and icon one to never be forgotten  

Fashionistas: Hot Holiday Trends

From laying on the beach until 2 to partying all night with family and friends, it is officially the holiday season! Festivals, public holidays and of course my favorite all of the holiday season sales!

To save you the stress of having to work out how to survive the holiday trends I have gathered some tips and tricks from my personal experience! ( Yes, I have the entire last week off with of course a touch of work here and there) Lets get down to business- How to be the hottest holiday'er where ever your holiday should take you!

Step 1. Keep Shopping Fun

Meet a friend for lunch or break shopping trips it into small, manageable chunks of time to keep it from being a chore, especially when the baby strollers are out in force in all major shopping centres. I nearly lost a leg due to a stroller in the City Myer store! If holiday shopping is one of the few times during the year that you can dedicate to looking for clothes for yourself, don't feel guilty about gifting yourself with a few outfits, go through your wardrobe and make a list of things you need and if you find something to die for on special 'Uh' how can you resist spoil your self! Even if you're short on time, there are still strategies to shop in a hurry (this is where my list, black jeans, flats, several bright and colorful skirts and a blazer come into play!).

Step 2. Plan Ahead

Schedule your beauty maintenance well in advance over the holiday period it is a MUST. It is a good idea to make an appointment when you are in your hair salon, nail and eyebrow bar, spray tan salon etc.. Its the best way to keep track of when you need to go back and easy because you already have your appointment no need to beg and plead over the phone just to get in! Hair color and cut, manicure and pedicures, even getting your outfits cleaned or tailored needs to go in your appointment book ahead of time it is the best way to be stress free and looking your best through the holidays! I am excited to get my locks colored and cut those Beach curls just kill my hair!

Step 3. Buy a Few Multi-Purpose Fashion Pieces

If you have more than one party to attend, you can stretch looks to cover them. Take, for example, a long-sleeve romantic blouse with lace trim. You can pair it with jeans for a casual party, with black velvet pants for a cocktail party or a long black skirt and heels for a more formal affair of course keep your Chanel hand bag in toe for all of these events. Stay well-prepared by stocking your closet with party 'musts' that will be classics you'll reach for every holiday season. Just remember that most separate tops can go from formal to casual just by switching out the bottoms, shoes and accessories. It is also a good idea to keep dresses that can go from day to night, best when at the beach! Laze around the beach in some sandals and large hat sunglasses a must, then swap them for heels some bronzer and diamonds you will be looking like a goddess the whole night while not making much effort!

Step 4. Save Where You Can

It's easy to blow a bundle at the holidays, especially when you have parties, Christmas, New Years Parties, festivals and holidays. Luckily, retailers start running big sales early in November for all sorts of holiday fashion look online some stores are onto sales early Nov saving you a lot of money over the Holiday period. Look for classic items like cashmere sweaters and coats at bargain prices especially on American websites as they are in the middle of their Winter. You probably won't find the hottest designer bags or accessories on sale, but there are ways to shop like highly successful sale shoppers. I once heard Tori Burch found a pair of Christian Louboutins for $149. Now that is what I aspire to! ( As does my Bank account!)

Step 5. Remember That Shape wear is Your Friend

I have a confession to make as does some of my girlfriends who we do 'Bootie Camp' with yes I ate way too much Christmas Day the trifle was a delight and all that champagne over New Years was perfect to bring in the New Year however now my body is making me pay and jiggley bits are appearing! UGH! Stress less about it its the holidays your allowed to enjoy yourself and over iindulge! This is where shape wear is your best friend! When products like Sassybax (a bra that eliminates back fat) and Spanx will keep you looking slim on the sly. Time to pull out the Spanx and shaping camis to keep you looking sleek.

Step 6. When in Doubt, Wear a Little Black Dress

The beauty of a little black dress is that it will take you to just about any party -- except the most casual or most formal -- and look perfect. Just freshen up your look by switching out accessories (for example, add a bright heals to set off your amazing summer glow or cute accessories!)

While I sit in the office once holiday and party gal to regular crazy PA duties I wish all you holiday'ers a great summer holiday and if you are working keep your chin up there is always the weekend! Xx