New Website: The Gracious Life

Hi everyone, as I mentioned in the previous post that something new and exciting was coming, well it is here...The Gracious Life.

The Gracious Life will still feature blog posts about fashion, beauty and lifestyle, but also has a few extra bits!

Check it out: 
http://www.thegraciouslife.com.au/

Something New and Exciting is Coming!

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to say sorry for the lack of posts! I am currently working on the launch of a new and improved blog/website.....which should be launching very soon...I will keep you all updated...so watch this space!

For now, here's a little sneak peak:

The Life of an Award Winning Hair Stylist: Lizzie Liros

Lizzie Liros, Multi-Award Winning Bridal Hairstylist and International Educator, lets us in on what a typical week in her super busy schedule looks like.

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF LIZZIE LIROS

Saturday: 3am to 2pm

Saturday mornings are usually very early starts and this one is no exception, up at 3am to prepare for the first of three weddings for the day. My first stop for the day is a high-end wedding in ritzy Double Bay to prepare six bridesmaids and the bride for an early morning church ceremony. The style is highly polished and sophisticated which suites this group of women perfectly as the bride is an ex-mode, as are her four of her bridesmaids, a very glamorous and beautiful wedding.

Once my first wedding is complete, I race off to the other side of town for a smaller, more intimate vintage style wedding. This 1pm ceremony has three bridesmaids and the bride is a lot more relaxed with a garden setting. Nothing like finishing the day with a beach sunset and that is exactly where my next wedding takes me, up to the iconic Palm Beach for a gorgeous simple boho styled beach wedding with three bridesmaids, the bride and two darling flower girls. This relaxed barefoot bride wanted a sun kissed complexion and natural tussled curls so befitting for the surrounds.

Sunday: 4am

Today I am flying to Melbourne for one of my regular client’s very special days. A traditional Indian wedding is one of the most exciting occasions you could be involved with. I just adore the theatre and colour and tradition. Today I will stay with my bride all day and night as she changes between 2 different looks for the ceremony and reception.  Really fun day.

Monday: 6am

I high tail it back to Sydney for three days of education at my Sydney studio. Over three full days I will guide 30 hairdressers in varied levels of education; hairstyling basics on day one, a master class on day two and my favourite, vintage styles on day three.  I absolutely adore the change of pace my career affords me, education is my way of giving back and nurturing the next generation of stylists.

Tuesday: 6pm

After a full day of education I am helping my daughter with her study for HSC.  Is school getting harder or is it just me?

Wednesday: 6pm

Education is wrapped for the day and I squeeze in a quick meeting with my management team to discuss my upcoming USA tour. I’m beyond excited as this is my first educational tour to America and I can’t wait to meet all my students. The tour takes me to LA, Miami and NYC, oh and a little stopover in Vegas for some well-earned me time.

Thursday: 7am to 6pm

Today I am in my salon with back to back appointments, but today I am with a film crew who will be following my every move for a documentary on my career and life. I feel a bit like a reality star to be honest and wouldn’t mind some of that Kim Kardashian cashola or her shoe collection if it was on offer. Today is the last day of a seven week shoot, I will miss the crew when they go.

Work over for the day and it is off to soccer practice with my son.

Friday: 5am

Today I am shooting my new book and DVD, "Celebrity Hair by Lizzie Liros". I absolutely love shoot days as we all have so much fun and it is such a creative energy that I need to thrive.

I am so fortunate to have surrounded myself with a brilliant team of models, photographers and makeup artists and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. My sponsors also make my job so much easier as the professional hair styling product range I work with from Whitesands Australia makes styling hair an absolute breeze. Likewise I am blessed to be working with the most beautiful hair extensions from Amazing Hair Australia that allow me the opportunity to be really creative. They are all my support system in so many ways and I love them to bits.

Tomorrow is Saturday and I do it all again and wouldn’t change a thing. People often ask how I maintain such a busy schedule day in and day out, and I tell them if you love what you do then it isn’t work, it is a blessing.

Fashion Icons at The Art Gallery of South Australia

The Art Gallery of South Australia will be hosting an exhibition this summer called; Fashion Icons. This exhibition will be showcasing 100 haute couture masterpieces, by designers such as Balenciga, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. These pieces will be coming to Adelaide from the collection of the Musée des Arts Décorratifs, all the way from Paris. 

Fashion Icons is a celebreation of fashion over the past 60 years and we will be able to view (in person) pieces made solely for the catwalk and pieces made to order by celebrities.

Mannequins will be specially made to fit each masterpiece!

This exhibition has only been shown in Paris, and now will be coming to Adelaide (it will be the only state in Australia to host this exhibition!). Fashion Icons will be at the Art Gallery of South Australia from the 25th of October 2014 till the 15th of February 2015. Tickets go on sale from the 1st of September. 

For more info check out http://www.fashionicons.com.au/

Beauty Spot: Current Favourite Products

I have recently purchased and been sent some products that I have been really enjoying, so I thought I would share them with you...

1. Beauty by Calvin Klein

I received this perfume as a birthday present and I don't wear it all the time, but when I do someone always asks me what perfume I'm wearing. It has quite a strong scent, I would say it has a floral scent but it's also slightly masculine like. I also like the simple packaging, its just cool! 

2. Nutrimetics Lip Apeel

So this lip product is something I always recommend to my friends (please don't mind that it looks a little dirty, I just get a lot of use out of it!). I'm not a huge fan of most of the nutrimetics skin care products, but this lip product has really worked for me. It has a gommage substance on the bottom and a lip balm on top. Firstly, you rub the white gommage over your lips, leave it on for a few minutes until it has dried, then wipe it off, it is basically a lip peel taking away dry skin, once the white stuff is off, I wash my lips and apply the balm. If I don't feel like doing the scrub first I also just apply this balm before putting on lipstick and it makes my lips feel nice and smooth.

3. Body Shop Coconut Beautifying Oil

I'm sure you've all heard about how good coconut oil is good for the hair and skin, but when I first tried pure coconut oil on my skin I feel like it did'nt really make any difference, so I just gave up on it. I was recently sent this body shop coconut oil to try, and I am actually really loving it! I put it on just before I go to bed (most nights) and as I am putting it on my skin just feels so soft....it's like magic!

4. Australis Neon's and Neutral's Palette

I found this palette in the discount box at Priceline, it was reduced to AU$2.50 (I was so EXCITED). I'm not one to use daring eyeshadow colours but I thought, it's only $2.50, it has the neutral colours, and I can just play around with the neon colours....so why not! I've found this to be so handy, I have been using the neutral colours for highlighting and contouring, and I am so happy with them. I keep it in my bag, it's the perfect size to carry around, plus it has a huge mirror!

5. Eles Deckchair Blue Nail Polish and Jordana Clear Coat

I was recently sent this Eles nail polish (which I will be using in an upcoming nail art tutorial!) and I am very impressed. First of all is a has a wide, thick brush which means you only need like 2 strokes to cover the whole nail and secondly the quality is so good that only one coat is needed for full coverage! 

As for the Jordana Clear Coat, I actually borrowed this from my mum, and I have to say it is the best top coat I have ever used! It glides on so easily over the nail polish and it doesn't smudge any nail art!

6. Lush Gorgeous Facial Moisturiser

In celebration of the new look Lush store in Rundle Mall, Lush offered some Adelaide Beauty Bloggers, a few products to try out. One of the products I was sent was their Gorgeous Facial Moisturiser. I have been really enjoying this moisturiser, is has an amazing floral scent and considering it's in a tub, it's actually easy to use. I just tilt it slightly and dab my finger in. It has a light consistency but when you rub it into the skin it feels extremely moisturing!

I would love to hear what your current favourite products are or if you have tried any of these products? :)

Vera Wang and Boutique for Harris Scarfe Media Preview

I was recently invited to attend a media preview for the new Vera Wang and Boutique Collections for Harris Scarfe. 

As we entered, we were welcomed by racks of beautiful new season pieces by Vera Wang and Boutique. The collections are full of colour and pattern. I really like how these pieces can be worn by women of any age from 18 years old to 100 years old.....and you'll still look stylish! 

I had a great time browsing the racks, hanging out with these girls and talking fashion...

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 Keep an eye out for these new collections coming to Harris Scarfe soon!

Beauty Spot: Nails Nails Nails

Hi my name is Mayanthi and I am a nail polish addict!

 I am one of those people who always has their nails painted....I have been painting my nails since I was about 12 years old. I love painting my nails in all different colours and I really enjoy coming up with interesting patterns and designs to paint on everytime. A friend of mine suggested that I post nail art tutorials, which I thought, "yea, why not!".

I thought I'd start with a simple design. I was sent the Bourjois Ultra Shine Polish in purple fiction and the Ulta3 nail colour in earl grey to try out. I was quite intrigued because I had never tried a Bourjois nail polish but I have heard good things about the brand overall.

 All though the two nail polishes were different brands, the colours work together perfectly...

Step 1: Paint 2 thin coats of the Ulta3 colour. Let it dry for a minute or two, I found that once I was finished the other hand, the first hand was already dry.

Step 2: Take the Bourjois colour and hold the brush diagonally across the nail, once in position brush the polish on keeping in the diagonal direction. Then do the same on the opposite side, creating a triangle shape on the bottom of the nail.

Finally add a top coat to create more shine, and also to help the nail polish dry faster and evenly.

And this is the finished look!

I would love to hear what you think....and let me know if you want to see more of these! :)

Stylish and Successful: Miss Margie

I recently interviewed a very talented women, and I'm so glad I get to share her story with you all. 

Her name is Margie Andrewartha and she is the talent behind Adelaide handbag and jewellery brand

 Miss Margie.

Margie's story is truly inspirational.....she has formal training in Physical Education. However her career in fashion is what has made her a successful woman in business . One of Margie's first jobs was in door to door sales, she really didn't enjoy doing this, but when she had to start approaching clubs and getting to know club promoters as a part of this job, her career took a different path. At the time the whole social media scene did not exist, and there weren't really any entertainment based magazines around, so clubs didn't have a place to advertise. It was suggested to Margie that she should start a magazine so clubs can advertise in it. At this point Margie thought why not and started Network Magazine. Her publishing career then grew as she started Onion Magazine, Rip it Up Magazine and Attitude Magazine. The magazine life took Margie all around Australia and Overseas, attending record launches, concerts and hanging out with rock stars! 

Her life then came to a point where she could'nt really be living the 'rockstar lifestyle' anymore as she had children and needed more family time. In 2008 Margie sold Rip it Up and Attitude Magazine and decided to take a break to spend time with her family. 

Fast forward a few years to 2012, and Margie gives birth to her new baby 'Miss Margie' 

Miss Margie is a handbag and jewellery brand designed by Margie. It all started from her own wants and needs when it came to purses and handbags. She couldn't seem to find a stylish wallet that she could use day to day as well as for travel. This frustration turned into the creation of the Darling wallet (as seen below). After her friends saw Margie using the Darling wallet, they wanted one too! The range has now grown to include bags of different shapes and sizes, and are named after Margie's friends.

Darling Wallet

The bags and purses are made from cowhide, however no cows are harmed for the purpose of making these bags. The cowhide used is a bi-product! :) and the prints are stamped on.

The cool and unique thing about this brand is that you can choose the style of bag you want and then choose the colour and print you prefer, so you can basically get a one-of-a-kind bag! 

 Margie showed me the sample fabrics that she will be using in her upcoming summer collection. It is definitely something to look forward to, with pretty pastels and cool textures.

 Margie visits Bali about 3 or 4 times a year and works closely with the Balinese artisans who help create her vision.

Currently Miss Margie bags and jewellery can be purchased online and are stocked in stores around Australia. In Adelaide, Margie has her bags showcased in her husbands cafe and bottle shop; The Tasting Room and East End Cellars on Vardon Avenue in the city. They have created a shopping and dining experience, with Coffee, Handbags and Alcohol...all in one beautiful place! 

It was such a pleasure chatting with Margie and hearing all about her adventures, for all aspiring entrepreneurs, Margie says "Do something you love because you will be good at it and don't give up!"

Beauty Spot: Arbonne Mineral Powder Foundation

I was recently sent the Arbonne Mineral Powder to try out. I was so excited to try it because I have never actually tried a powder foundation before. I usually use foundations which have a moose of liquid consistency. 

The Arbonne Mineral Powder Foundation packaging looks like this....

 

I really like the sleek design, it's just cool to look at and it's the perfect size that could fit in a handbag nicely.  

 After trying it I realised that a little goes a long way! The way I applied it was with a large buffing brush. I tapped the brush into the powder and buffed it into my skin. Once I did this I went outside to take a photo of my skin in natural light, which made me realise I should have primed first or placed this mineral powder over a more wet foundation. I have large pores and my skin has been getting extremely dry for some reason, so the powder seemed to be showing of my large pores and dry skin patches (as you can see from the photo below....

I then decided to clean my face and do what I should have done in the first place, I primed my face and then applied the powder. This time it worked so much better, as you can see below. My skin looked smoother and felt so much better!

 I have to admit, I definitely need more practice with applying powder but I think it will be one of my new good friends!

Let me know if you use a mineral powder foundation, have you tried the Arbonne one?

The Life of an Actress: Gretel Scarlett

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Australian actress; Gretel Scarlett

Here's what she shared with me.....

What is your current role?

I play Sandy in the Australian Tour of Grease the Musical.

It has been really fun. We get to perform to a different audience every time. The current musical is great because it is a mix between the movie and original stage show, and all the songs from the movie are included.

What made you get into acting?

I was really into performing as a young girl and my parents saw this in me and decided to nurture it by providing me with opportunities where I could do what I enjoyed.

 I remember when I was 12 years old someone asked me what I wanted to do with my life, and I answered "I want to go to WAAPA", they were like, "what is that, a burger from hungry jacks?". It is the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. I was a research queen when I was young, so I had looked this place up and I knew that, that was where I wanted to go.

I ended up going on to attend WAAPA and completing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Musical Theater. I was one of only 18 people that they take in each year. The course went for 3 years, it was intense, we are basically locked away for 3 years and are trained in all areas of performance from acting, to dancing and singing. 

What are the opportunities that have opened up for you so far? 

I feel that my career is not based on luck, rather it is accountable to a lot of hard work. After graduating I got a role in Breast wishes, Mama Mia, and Wicked. These were great experiences. I was then asked if I wanted to renew my contract with Wicked, which I decided not to, I thought I would take a risk and see what else was out there. The risk really paid of because I then landed the role of Sandy in Grease the Musical. Before this role, I had mainly only had small supporting or ensemble parts, so this was my time to step out into a lead role.

Throughout my career I have traveled all around Australia and parts of Asia, including Singapore and South Korea. It's so nice getting to perform to so many different audiences.

I've met a few famous faces along the way including Hugh Jackman (he was so grounded!), Burt Newton, and Todd McKenney. It's been so great to meet industry professionals and talk about their lives as performers and hear about all of their experiences. I was having a chat with Burt Newton (who is also performing in Grease) and he was telling me about when he was on TV before colour TV was introduced!

Gretel performing in Grease the Musical

Who and/or what inspires you?

Professional life wise; Burt Newton, he is a theatrical legend, he has so much history, he's such a lovely man, he loves his work and he is always on his A game, this is the 3^rd year I have worked with him and he is so inspiring.

Personal life wise; I am really into sharing the message of living a healthy lifestyle and supporting women's rights, so I am inspired by people on Instagram who also share this message, an example would be Jessica Smith (she is a Para-Olympian who is behind 'join the revolution' promoting positive body image) also Jennifer Hawkins who works hard sticking up for women's rights

I am an avid user of Instagram and twitter, and it is inspiring to me to be able to share my life with my audience, as well as get inspired by others doing great things.

What beauty products can you not live without? 

One product I love is the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Foundation Pen. It can be used as a foundation, concealer and/or highlighter. It's great for getting rid of puffy eyes, because Sandy can not look like she had a late night! I also can't live without the they’re real mascara by Benefit, it's great for day and night!

What is you current beauty regime?

I have very sensitive skin so less is more for me. In the morning I wash my face with the Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser and mosturise with an organic baby moisturiser, which has manuca honey in it (I found it in a little organic shop). In the night, I remove my make-up with the Derma Blend make-up remover, cleanse with the Cetaphil cleanser and mosturise with the same baby moisturiser.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

At the moment I want to build my profile in Australia or go to the West End in London. I would love to get another lead role. And it would be great to get in film and TV.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors and actresses?

Work hard, keep practicing don’t be critical of others make sure your critical of yourself, people criticize others but don’t look at their own self, be open to taking on criticism about yourself, because it can really help.

It is also important to understand that judgments will be made purely based on physical looks when it comes to whether or not a person is chosen for a role. Even though the talents is there, the look may not be right. Do not take it personally, just always understand that this is how the industry works!

Gretel mentioned that audiences have been enjoying Grease so much and that the show opens in Adelaide on the 3rd of August and ends on the 31st of August with 8 shows a week from Wednesday to Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at BASS. Gretel also has an album coming out soon….so follow 'Gretel Scarlett' on Instagram to find out more details!

I finished the interview of by asking Gretel what she was looking forward to getting up to when she gets to Adelaide. Apart from doing the show, she said that she Love's coming to Adelaide, and can't wait to visit goodies and grains at the Central Market, Haigh’s, and Glenelg. 

The Strand Experience: A hair lounge in Hyde Park

Adelaide's hottest new salon launched in style last Friday and Saturday. Invited guests were pampered with hair treatments, celebrity style blow outs, delicious bites from King William Road cafes and French champagne. The red carpet was rolled out and as we walked in we felt like true celebrities....

The interior has such a beautiful calming yet cool personality with exposed brick walls, fresh flowers, leather chairs and candles alight 

I attended the launch along with my sister, Susan (from Fashion Adventurer) and Emily (from Adelaide Style File). We each had a hair stylist and were given the option of choosing from a range of celebrity hair styles. I went for the 'Bingle Beach Waves' (inspired by Lara Bingle).

My hair was washed (including a hair treatment and an amazing head massage), blow dried, and then styled using a hair straightner. My stylist for the day was the owner of The Strand; Heidi Jehle. 

I was so happy with how Heidi went through each of the steps with me and even went the extra mile of showing me how to get the perfect relaxed waves!

Once my hair was done, I went and had a look at how the other girls were going. How beautiful do the curls look in their hair (as seen below)!

So, here is my before and after look. I have always loved the look of relaxed waves on short hair but I could never get it right myself, and therefore just thought it didn't look good, but now I am inspired to try this look again!

We had such a fun, girly day out. The Strand really went above and beyond to make sure we were looked after, it was such a nice feeling that we could relax while being pampered. We all agreed that we would definitely go back for the Strand experience. 

Below is a photo of myself with Heidi. As I was getting my hair done I asked her about her life as a hair dresser and this new venture, here's what she shared with me:

"I have a passion for hair dressing! I started my first salon, La Tease in Blakes Crossing 2 years ago and I managed a salon for 5 years previously. It is stressful but exciting to buy my own salon, since I was little I wanted to own a shop and I wanted to be a hairdresser.

I don't have any hairdressers in my family but my mum is a make up artist, and both mum and grandma have natural talent for doing hair but did not pursue it as a career.

I wanted to open a salon that has a different concept, which provides a service where every customer who comes in will feel like they are getting the celebrity treatment.

At the moment at the Strand we have 2 hair stylists and a concierge, the concierge is in place to provide customers with whatever they require as they are getting their hair done.

My hopes with the Strand are to create a movement in Adelaide with hairdressing, as well as set up more Strands around Adelaide.

Career highlights so far include opening 2 salons, styling Lisa Emmanuel's hair and styling for the advertiser. 

For those wanting to get into the Hairdressing industry, I will say that it is not easy, there are more downs than ups, but if it's your passion, follow it!"

Thankyou so much to The Strand for pampering us, if you want to be pampered by The Strand, check them out!

http://www.thestrandexperience.com.au/