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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TREND REPORT: COLOUR BLOCKING

I'll let you in on a little secret. I like black. Actually, I LOVE black. Which is not a secret to anyone that  knows me as most of my wardrobe, or the basis of it at least, is centred around the popular dark hue. But this season it's all about to change as colour blocking is making it's way into my life quicker than my new leather jacket. Colour blocking is the major trend of mixing one bold vibrant hue with another using contrasting or opposing blocks of colour.

Vibrant hues took centre stage at many international runways and recently at Rosemount Fashion Week, showing us countless ways to liven up our usually dull winter wardrobe. Mix and match vibrant separates for an intense look that is anything but boring and be sure to stand out (in a good way!). However, pastels like lilac, aqua and peach provide the perfect splash of colour that isn't too OTT or try pairing bright accessories like a clutch, shoes or belt for a more understated take on the trend. Although, if you really want to embrace the unashamedly bright hues like the runways of Milan and London Fashion Week try mixing vibrant orange and pinks, canary yellow, electric blue and turquoise. Jil Sander, Gucci, MaxMara and Prada all sported colour blocking by contrasting and clashing different hues transforming the runway into a human kaleidoscope.

If your still a little unsure about pulling off this trend, pair back super brights with dark or white colours for a more wearable and subtle glamour. Loud and proud colour combinations make for a fun, confident and sexy look that has no rules but the brighter the better! So this winter instead of going to your usual black and grey dominated winter wardrobe staples try mixing your favourite brights for a fun look that is sure to damped those winter blues.

Brand Love: Mimco

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Mimco is an iconic Australian accessories label most admired for it's unique collections. Mimco creates for desire, it creates for the strong individual and it creates for the woman that just has to have a certain accessory in her life. A piece that is made to stand out on it's own and can change the simplest of outfits into something extraordinary. 

Their latest A/W collection titled Whispers and Anarchy is featured around pretty, prim and ladylike pieces contrasted against the grunge and sexy. It is inspired by the inter planetary muse who walks the streets of the late 1950s and 60s. Very parisian chic the collection encapsulates lunar inspired hardware shapes, sequins and sparkles and of course their signature double front pockets with large silver circles. Over-the-knee boots, statement hosiery, chunky wrist wear and cuffs, gloves and sunglasses form the basis of their collection. As part of the Whispers and Anarchy debut Mimco gathered several online bloggers to reinterpret some of  their favourite pieces out of the collection to be featured on each one's blog in their own unique way. 

Without a target demographic, age, or market, Mimco remains one label that any woman could wear and look stunning in. With a soul that "dreams, explores and plays with whatever gives us delight in the moment,"  Mimco is all about looking and feeling your best. Be inspired by the wonderful world around you whether it the streets, at your home, natures surroundings or the simple moments that you experience everyday. 

Love her style.. Whitney Port.

You may know her best from her rise in the reality TV series The Hills alongside Lauren Conrad or from her own spin off series, The City. But Whitney Port is forever going to be at the forefront of celebrity fashion for her stylistic choices on and off camera. Alexander Wang once said that "anyone can get dressed up and glamorous but it is how people dress in their days off that are most intriguing." I think Whitney Port is a true example of this statement as she isn't afraid to experiment with different styles and trends. Whether it's a floral dress contrasted with a leather jacket, clashing spots and prints or a classic Brenton style top and blue jeans, she always looks polished and oozes self confidence. 

Her extensive list of work in the fashion industry includes interning at Teen Vogue when she appeared on The Hills, PR firm People's Revolution and working for acclaimed fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg. Port now has her own fashion label titled Whitney Eve which boasts a collection of cocktail dresses and party-wear and has recently released her own book, True Whit: Designing a Life of Style, Beauty and Fun. Port continues to provide a smorgasbord of inspiration whether you're going to a red carpet event or running errands around the town, her easy, thrown together and simple ensembles are to be congratulated and admired.

RAFW Street Style

The biggest week on the Australian fashion calendar is Rosemount Australian Fashion Week that took place at Sydney's Circular Quay from 2-6 May. Ellery, Zimmerman, Dion Lee, Bec and Bridge, Manning Cartell, Sara Phillips and Karla Spetic were some of my favourites showcasing throughout the week. Some major trends emerging for the upcoming SS 11/12 season were bright colour, leather, long silhouettes and lace. Lover also celebrated 10 years in the industry with their  breathtaking collection proving why they've been a staple in the industry for a decade. These industry insiders including bloggers, fashion editors, models and photographers provide as much a fashion show as the designers collections inside. Each encapsulating the seasons hottest trends and interpreting them in their own unique and interesting ways, there is no doubt why these stylish women are at the forefront of the fashion industry.

The 2011 Met Gala

One of my most anticipated nights of the year is the Met Gala. This year the 63rd Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was an Alexander McQueen honouring theme. It is the fashion industry's biggest event and I adore the daring, interesting and unique ensembles that were sported on the red-carpet by our favourite celebrities and fashionistas alike. There were a mixture of this season's most coveted trends including Gisele Bundchen and Mary Kate Olsen both opting for bright red, Lily Donaldson in lace and lots of neutral and nude shades. These lovely ladies continue to look so impeccably stylish and beautiful and have once again delivered a night of fashion heaven.

Ashley Olsen in Vintage Christian Dior Haute Couture

Gisele Bundchen in Alexander McQueen

Emma Roberts in Michael Kors

Michelle William in Miu Miu

Diane Kruger in nude Chantilly lace top and silk chiffon draped skirt

Lily Donaldson in Erdem

Blake Lively in a Chanel beige tulle and embroidered dress

Mary Kate Olsen in a vintage Givenchy dress

Natasha Poly and Alexander Wang in Alexander Wang (of course!)