Byrne to Shine

Some people are just born to shine and are destined for greatness in whatever they set their mind to. My current muse of choice is none other than our very own Aussie starlet who is taking over Hollywood one blockbuster at a time. Always looking devilishly chic and perfectly fitting in with the glitz and glam of the red carpet life, Rose Byrne, has come a long way from her humble beginnings in Sydney.

Landing her first movie role in Dallas Dole as a young and energetic 15-year-old, Byrne quickly warmed to the screen and a string of roles followed suit. A regular on TV drama Damage she has also starred alongside Russell Brand in Get him to the Greek, in the new romantic comedy hit Bridesmaids and blockbuster X-Men First Class. She excites us both on screen and off screen with her impeccable hair whether its sleek or tousled has the ability to make anyone green with envy. Her personal style transcends from the red carpet to her personal life with each piece edited to perfection.

Byrne is the epitome of sophisticated glamour and favours Aussie swimwear designers Zimmerman saying she stocks up whenever she gets the chance to return to our shores. It is no wonder why Byrne was chosen to be a guest judge on Project Runway, her romantic look comes with ease. Her Aussie heritage is evident in her confident and laid-back ensembles. Blazers, jumpsuits, shift dresses and beaded detailing all finish off Byrne's look and I'm so proud to call this beauty one of our own. And it's her 32nd birthday on July 24, so happy birthday Byrne!

Fashionable Royalty...

The 'sisters' currently taking the world by storm and the names spoken on everyone's lips from your Great- Grandmother to your younger sister is Pippa and Kate Middleton (now know as the Duchess of Cambridge). If you haven't heard of either of these names you may as well be living in a different universe. As you already know, Kate is now married to Prince William, however, it is evident these two fashionable siblings have always lived in a world surrounded by style as every stylistic choice they make is polished to perfection.

Catherine (Kate) is not only royalty but also fashion royalty with the world eagerly awaiting and following every outfit decision the 29-year-old makes. Continuously on the best-dressed lists, Kate's classic, yet effortless fashion sense makes her admired by many. While she usually favours a navy and neutral dominated colour palette, her counterpart, Pippa, embraces colour, ruffles and sheer fabrics. Both sisters possess a natural flair for the fashion industry showcasing their relaxed and polished sense of style. What makes the sisters most intriguing to the public is their ability to combine designer brands with high street chain store favourites including Topshop and Reiss.

Kate's wedding dress of choice was one of the most anticipated fashion moments of the year. Millions watched her walk down the isle in her intricately detailed McQueen gown. However, it was her maid of honour sister that really stole the show in a body hugging white dress also designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. The moment she stepped into public display Pippa stole the hearts and attention of the world becoming an instant hit and attracting as many followers as her already well-known sister.

Kate Middleton never fails to work her flauntlessly neat and minimal look to the utmost perfection. She has impressed in an Issa purple silk dress, dazzled in navy lace Erdem, looked stunning in yellow by British designer Jenny Packham and recently amazed her Canadian fans on Canada Day sporting a white Reiss dress and bright red Lock & Co hat. Whether she's attending a BBQ in her J Brand jeans and blazer or undertaking her royal duties, the Duchess of Cambridge has cemented herself as a universal style icon with the ability to influence millions with her impeccable taste. These are two siblings who define the world 'elegance' as they live in a woman's perfect world of style.

A stylish life in the fast lane...

You can now drive in the most stylish way possible with the Fiat 500. The Gucci inspired Fiat Cinquecento 500 is titled the "calling card" for all models. Sleek, modern and sophisticated this is the car certain to get heads turning. With none other than Russian beauty Natasha Poly staring in the advertising campaign wearing a Gucci one-of-a-kind black leather garment it's no wonder this is the car for the fashionista at heart. The advertising creators said "Poly embodies the essence of travelling in style and living life at full speed."

Featuring a two-tone black and white interior or white exterior with satin chrome and black interior, it is evident the car has been heavily customised by Gucci's creative director Frida Giannini. The Fiat 500 was presented at an exclusive previewing in cities including Paris, London and Tokyo before it's release in June throughout Europe, however unfortunately the rest of the world will have to wait impatiently until the end of 2011 for access to the beauty. This car is the definition of stylish travelling whether you're roaming the ancient streets of Paris or the coastline of Australia, it really is the only way to travel.

Shades my name...

What are the leading ladies of the world all sporting right now? Customised shades. Everyone from Reese Witherspoon to supermodel Gisele Bundchen and our own socialite and IT girl Roxy Jacenko are seen out and about in their very own personalised sunglasses. Of course none other than the next big thing to take the jewellery industry by storm, Nicholas Haywood, designed Roxy's monogrammed shades. He is one seriously talented man and the diamond extraordinaire customised Roxy's diamond encrusted 1 carat rose gold Supra's using 1 carat of diamonds.

Roxy Jacenko is the founder/director and head chief of PR company Sweaty Betty and Sydney's hottest girl of the moment. Starting the fashion, beauty and lifestyle company at the ripe age of 24 her determination, strong attitude, and love for the industry saw Sweaty Betty grow into one of the most prominent names in the public relations sector. She combines creativity, initiative and a new approach to PR that has yet to be seen in any other company. This is the reason behind the companies success and ever growing clientele list that makes everyone want to be apart of the "Betties." If there is one thing that's surely going to be on my birthday list this year it's definitely some diamond encrusted sunglasses. After all, all the most successful and inspiring women in the world are wearing them and we deserve to shine that little bit extra too!

Shoot across the sky...

With the new technologies of social media, now more than ever are we able to see the successes of the people around us. I see this as sometimes a wonderful tool which enables us to look at other people's lives and to ask ourselves whether what we are doing is enough or do we too want those successes but have let our goals and dreams fade into the background because the voice of fear is louder than the one of taking a chance on ourselves.

It's not about keeping up with the Jones's but instead looking deeply into our own lives with our eyes wide open and asking ourselves what do we truly want. Sometimes we may have given up on our dreams and many of us do. Other times we believe that 'those dreams' are only for those 'special' people but not for us. We believe that they are chosen and lucky and that we are helpless to re-design and re-create our lives to reflect the dream and the music playing in our hearts.

I have always believed in greatness but the road is not without challenge, a few bumps and scratches along the way but what it really takes is for us to recognise the spark of divinity within us and to make it grow into a fire. This fire is our will, our ability to create the life we want. All it takes is a little belief, mixed in with a lot of love, a drop of tenacity and persistence with a capital "P".

Sometimes we'll find all the doors are closed but as Katy Perry sings in Firework, 'Maybe all the doors are closed so you could find the one that leads you to the perfect road'. Sometimes we need to let go of our old life for the new one to make its way to us.

I have learned that holding on hurts more than letting go and that trusting the universe and God in our process will always bring us to that which leads us to the best life which we begin to co-create with the master of this world.

With 2012 fast approaching I know that now is the time for us all to recognise our greatness , realise that we all have a unique purpose in this world and that you're original and cannot be replaced and as Katy's song reminds us so beautifully that it's time to let it shine.......

"You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh, oh, oh
As you shoot across the sky"

~ ~

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe
~ ~
You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
~ ~
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
~ ~
Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed

So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time, you'll know

I'll make 'em go, oh, oh, oh
As I shoot across the sky


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Winter Warmers

With the nights shorter and days colder, the chilly winter weather is definitely upon us which only means one thing.. it's time to dust off all our winter favourites. There comes a time throughout each season when we all open our wardrobes and amid the over flowing collection of clothing we still think "i've got nothing to wear." We are all too familiar with that conundrum, however, I have realised that it's not a matter of "nothing to wear" we just need to find new ways to mix up our existing wardrobe. Buying a few key pieces each season instantly injects some new life into our uninspiring collection. This winter I suggest you take a cue from the ladies below and invest in fur jackets, ankle boots, sheer maxis, wide brimmed hats, leopard print and lots of leather. The old is now the new, and with a few key winter woolies your wardrobe has taken on a whole new life!

Beverley Hills Style...

It's easy to see why so many of our Aussie's are making their way to LAX. With it's effortless style, a lot of glam and a little bit of rock star, the City of Angels is easy to fall in love with.

I have come to realise why America is a place many of us aspire to move to. For one the shopping is half price but more importantly it somehow inspires something great within us to shine brighter than before. I have always found that in America everything is possible, even the impossible! Over the past few years some of my friends, my yoga teacher and one of very own Private Access Woman mentors, Kathryn Eisman moved to La La Land, launched her second book, secured herself a spot on Oprah's new network called OWN, just announced her engagement to marketing legend Siimon Reynolds and is basking in the Californian sunshine and living her happily ever after.

Recently another one of our Aussie's and fashion interns travelled to the land not so far away and discovered one of the most fashionable and chic hotel groups and definately one that is yet to be discovered by our Aussie travellers and soon can be, with loyalty privileges through the relaunch of Private Access Privilege. Some of the best things in life are free and others you just have to experience in style, luxury and exclusivity.

Merging the cool aesthetic of late 1960’s design with the manicured elegance of Beverly Hills, Thompson Beverly Hills is an outpost of decadence in the heart of Los Angeles. Designer Dodd Mitchell has outf itted the sleek 107 room hotel with authentic exotic materials and custom made furniture, highlighting guestrooms with unexpected glass and leather accents. The property features uniforms by Jenni Kayne in collaboration with style guru Rachel Zoe, and artwork throughout the rooms and hallways by world-renowned fashion photographer Steven Klein. ABH, the stunning rooftop bar and pool lounge, serves as an exclusive escape to guests and members, and offers breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills.

All rooms and suites feature custom made 400 thread count SFERRA linens, individual temperature control units, two phone lines with speaker and conference capabilities, and in-room safes. The bathrooms are stocked with oversized Frette terry cloth bathrobes as well as bath and spa products by Kiehl ’s. Entertainment options include a f lat screen TV, on-demand movie library, and an iPod docking station which also serves as an alarm clock. In-room pantries offer Dean & Deluca gourmet snacks.

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Style Envy.. Kate Waterhouse

If there was one lady on the Australian fashion scene that seems to get it so right every time it's Kate Waterhouse. Socialite and daughter of successful horse trainer Gai Waterhouse, it is evident Kate has grown up in the media spotlight. Now the style and fashion editor for the Sun Herald in Sydney, face of and presenter for Foxtel's Lifestyle You channel, media celebrity and with regular appearances on Sunrise, The Morning Show and Kerri Ann as the fashion girl, Kate's world is colliding head on with the fashion world. 

Kate always appears so polished and on trend whether it's in leather pants and a fur jacket, gold statement accessories or a nude belt she knows exactly how to finish off an outfit to perfection. She has already worked with some of the countries leading newspapers and magazines and is part of the socialite inner circle of Sydney's most intriguing and elite people. It is no wonder why we just can't get enough of this it-girl and why we follow her stylistic choices like it's a religion!

Crisp, Clean Style

We all know that fashion and trends come and go. We follow them religiously each season, copying and transforming them into our own wardrobes. But one piece that will forever be in style is the masculine, yet feminine, crisp white shirt. The white shirt is sleek, sophisticated and modern for the women that is confident in herself and is ready to take on any challenges that face her. Team your menswear inspired ensemble with ankle-lengthed cropped pants and brogues, leather pants and a tailored blazer or go a matching suit. Opt for a slim tailored white shirt to add a feminine edge and stick to minimal accessories for a sleek, clean look. Indulge in your masculine side and take a cue from our male counterparts to keep your ensembles looking polished and in a style that is never outdated!

Prada and Power.....

Some of us love Prada and some of us love Power.

To some of us Power comes from the things we have like a designer bag, to some it may come from the things they think they can take away from others. Ultimately we must realise that real power only comes from the heart.

There are those that strive for years to be seen by everyone, to be recognised publicly for their achievements or they fool the world and themselves that they are doing it with for some higher purpose, thus creating a false sense of self through which others can see right through.

No matter how many designer bags we may acquire or the medals that sit in our archive boxes ultimately true and real fulfillment can only come from a different kind of power which leaves us smiling from ear to ear. It is that moment where despite the lack of things we can still see the goodness in our lives and the greatness that comes from just being ourselves and just giving life a go surrounded by those friends and people who really love us.

We can be with who we are, we can look in the mirror and be proud of the way we have dealt with what life has thrown us and we know that we didn't need to steal, cheat and lie our way to where we are. I also believe that in the end everyone gets what they deserve. The law of Karma or the part that God plays in our life will ultimately give us exactly what we need as long as the path to get there is filled with love, light and goodness.

So here is to taking the right steps, with the right intention, loving and laughing along the way. And just like Christina Aguillera sings, Through the hard times we become a little bit stronger, a little bit wiser and a whole lot smarter.

I love the words of this song.....

Cause if it wasn't for all that you tried to do, I wouldn't know
Just how capable I am to pull through
Cause it...Makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter

So here's to being stronger!!

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