Sunday, May 25, 2014

Stylish and Successful: Kara Fantasia

What is your current position/job description? 
I am a freelance stylist and a stylist and presenter for Westfield South Australia
How did you get to the position you are in now?
I have been in the fashion industry for over 20 years working in many different areas. I started out working for a fashion agency in Adelaide when I left school which gave me a taste for the industry and I then moved to Melbourne to study fashion marketing and merchandising at the Melbourne College  of Textiles which is now a part of RMIT. I was then in the right place at the right time and got to meet the head of the wardrobe department at Channel 7 Melbourne who offered me a job as a wardrobe stylist at the station. I ended up working there for 7 years and was so lucky to work with many amazing actors and celebrities .
I also learnt makeup artistry while working there. It was a fantastic time but Melbourne was never home so I decided to move back to Adelaide. I went via London (just a little of track) where I studied Fashion Styling for the Media at The London College of Fashion and then did a 6 month stint in the press office of international shoe designer L.K.Bennett London. When I got back to Adelaide I focused on my makeup for a few years and was lucky to be voted SA makeup artist of the year 5 times at the National ABIA awards. I have also been freelancing as a stylist working on many commercials and editorial shoots. The Westfield styling position came up in September last year and I am thrilled to be a part if such a fantastic team.


What are the opportunities that have opened up for you within this position?
Working with celebrities ofcourse! But I really love hosting events and workshops which is quite new to me, the highlight so far was hosting The City of Tea Tree Gully Christmas Carols event in front if 18,000 people. The thing that is fun and exciting about my job is that every week I am meeting someone new or hosting a completely different event.

Where do you see yourself or what do you want to be doing in 5 years?

I hope that I am still working in such a creative, fun industry. I love what I am doing now and can see myself continuing on for many years. I would also love to either write a book or produce an online site for woman who need to gain more confidence about the way we look, especially mums.
What advice do you have or can you give to people who want to get into a position similar to yours?
Don't expect the Fashion industry to be all events and glamour, yes that is some of the time, but a lot  is also very hard slog. On your feet for hours on end, lugging mannequins and clothes racks around, and sitting on the floor taping the bottom of shoes so they don't get dirty in fashion parades- no glamour there! It is also very much about networking, often who you know or just being in the right place. So I highly recommend putting yourself out there for work experience or intern work. We are always looking for helpers during major events or campaigns but remember it can be hard work. Obviously having some experience in retail is very handy, and there are some great fashion courses around which give you a great background but hands on experience is looked upon very highly.
Your best tip or trick to keep a job like yours?
Sometimes you have to step out of your role and help when it's needed, for example, I am employed as a stylist at Westfield but I will also help out with promo work or assist the marketing department when they are busy. By being flexible you will be highly regarded in any industry. 
What an inspirational woman! Thanks so much for sharing you story with us Kara :)

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Westfield Marion Style Lounge

In celebration of their new Style Lounge, Westfield Marion invited some of Adelaide's top fashion bloggers to check out this beautiful new space as well as introduce us to all of the Westfield Stylists 


What a lovely space it was.....decorated beautifully, it is definitely a space that I would want to go to, and I would recommend you check out, if your looking to get some one-on-one styling with a Westfield stylist.
 It is truly like a dream wardrobe....and it's a private, quiet space where you can go to think, discuss and dream all things style.

The evening was hosted by Westfield's fashion ambassador and founder of sheshopped.com; Lucy Cornes. Lucy introduced all of us fashion bloggers to the space and to each of the Westfield stylists and Marketing Manager. I really love how each stylist is different in their own way, and can suit anyone's needs when it comes to style




Steve the Bartender was on hand putting together delicious cocktails....I don't really like the taste of alcohol so I usually take the non-alcoholic option, but I asked if he could make the cocktail with the least amount of alcohol possible, which he did...and it tasted delicious!





Westfield's stylists and Marketing Manager
 I had such a great time catching up with my blogger friends....and we all agree that this style lounge provides and amazing opportunity for anyone and everyone to give themselves a new look or just get some tips about how to add pieces to their existing wardrobe

Emily from Style File Australia, Myself, Jody from Silky Bow and Susan from Fashion Adventurer


We had a lovely evening and we were each given an amazing gift to take home! Thankyou Westfield...we look forward to seeing how the style lounge helps us all when we're in need of some styling updates :)

Saturday, May 10, 2014

TEO Magazine Launch

Last Sunday evening I attended the launch of Australia's newest online magazine; TEO


TEO Magazine was founded by my friend Susannah (seen below). She started with a dream of starting her own magazine, and that is exactly what she has done. It is amazing how much she has accomplished and she is truly an inspiration for all young creatives....


The fashionable launch party was held at Rocket Rooftop bar, it was an amazing event and the place was packed with Adelaide's fashion elite


The evening also featured a cool runway show, which gave us all a taste of the kinds of designs we will be seeing in TEO


 To top of the night, guests were treated to fairy floss, cupcakes and photobooth fun!


Me and my fellow blogger friends enjoying the photobooth
 At the end of the evening guests were treated to a unique little gift box which was so sweet!
It was such an amazing evening overall.....TEO is a definite must read! 



For more on TEO Magazine, check out: https://www.facebook.com/teomagazine

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Benefit Brow Bar Launch in Adelaide

If you have'nt allready seen, Myer (Rundle Mall) have renovated their beauty section, and made it into a very beautiful and sparkling new beauty hall. The Benefit counter is front and centre, with a new addition...their much loved Brow Bar! I was invited to attend the launch, as well as given a complimentary brow tint and wax service....which showed me that they really do take Brows from now to WOW...
 
 
 
During the launch we were given a live demonstration by one of Benefits brow experts.....
 
 
They really do provide a full service which involves mapping out the brow, to ensure the arch and length are proportionate to the face, then comes the tint (additional) and makes a huge difference to the final brow look, this is followed by the waxing, Benefit stand for the strong brow and ensure you will not leave with thin brows (unless that is what you want), then comes a little tidy up with the tweezers (if needed) and finally we were shown how the Benefit brow products enhace the look...including gimme brow (which fills in the brow...it's like magic!).
 
 
The event was amazing overall.....with lots of products to play with and delicious sweet treats
 
I had such a great time with my friends and fellow bloggers, as seen below, on the left is my friend Susan (http://www.fashionadventurer.com/) and on the right is Miss Kitty (Benefit Extraordinaire)
 

So now comes the outcome of my Brow make over....look at the difference! The picture says it all....
 




 Benefit are such lovely hosts, and so generous, they gave us all a gift bag filled with some amazing products for us to try.
I truly suggest checking out the new Benefit counter and booking in for their brow service!!!