Western Australian Designer Boutique.

I just got home from the launch night of Perth's WA Designer Boutique, a cute pop up store in the heart of Perth city. The store is only here for three weeks so move fast to purchase items from LittleGracie, Bhalo, On tour and Generics Accessories, just to name a few. Also I FINALLY have my business cards sorted. Thanks so much for everyone that helped with the creation of the cards, I appreciate it! 

April Rose. 

xx

Perth Fashion Festival 2011

If you are a regular reader of Perth blogs such as The Velvet Bow, Peanut Moonbeam Knickers and Heart and Bleeker you would have realised by now that we are in the midst of the Perth Fashion Festival. PFF runs for two weeks and not only showcases some of Western Australia's premier labels but also supports many up and coming designers. 

I was lucky enough to be invited to the VIP opening night featuring Aurelio Costarella, which was held at a rotating restaurant high up in Perth's sky. I was asked to do the makeup for a few women heading to the VIP night so unfortunately in the rush I was unable to capture any shots, but lucky for me my friend and photographer extraordinaire, Tessa, took these beautiful images of the night. We were treated to a stunning view of the city, while models dressed in Costarella sauntered through the crowd. Unfortunately due to work commitments I wont be able to attend many shows this year, so for full coverage be sure to pay one of the blogs above a visit.

Oh and too the event I wore my black silk Opening Ceremony dress with my Make Believe necklace.

April Rose

xx

Neuw Dress.

This week S surprised me with a pretty dress from Australian label NEUW. The scalloped hem, the off grey wash, and the shiny buttons all up the back, add up to a perfect summer staple. This is my second dress from NEUW's Spring Summer line, the collection consists of greys burgundies and mustard tones, all favourites of mine. 

Today I took my new frock for a stroll around East Perth and then out to brunch. Oh and I also teamed the dress with some new OPI nail varnish (road house blues) and my very old school back pack.

April Rose

xx

A nice cheery photo.

A nice cheery Iphone picture to show you all that contrary to popular believe, I do still get dressed in the morning and YES, I do still leave the house. I don’t think you can see very well in this hasty Iphone shot but S bought me some new shoes the other day. They are from Wittner and I feel like a cowgirl when I wear them. They are leather and oh so comfortable, a winter staple I do think. They are called the 'Fernando' if you would like to buy them too.

I have had some exciting things happen recently that have been keeping me from here, in time i will be able to talk more about it but for now lets just say im not making burgers any more!

April Rose
xx

Bright Eyes.

Life has been hectic lately. Last time i wrote something of substance I was unemployed and desperate for a job to help pay the bills. Well I now have a job and I’m paying the bills. I have a position at a local restaurant, the hours are hectic and I’m sore at the end of the day, but I’m also happy that I’m doing something and earning some dough. Its weird, ive gone from earning the highest salary in my working life to the lowest and im still happy. It makes me think I should have taken this step years ago when my excuse was, “I don’t mind that I hate my job, I’m just happy making money.” S found this shirt in a pile of crap in our spare room. Its one of the souvenir pieces we got during our trip to New York and Ive pretty much lived in it this week. My birthday is coming up super fast and in the whirlwind that is life I actually forgot! I need to start planning an outfit…

April Rose.

xx

Just act evil.

A few behind the scenes pictures from a portfolio shoot i worked on yesterday. My darling model was only 14 (14!) and when she asked what to do in front of the camera i had to tell her to think and act evil. The second she stepped in front of the lens she morphed into the perfect nasty character, I was so proud of her! I can’t wait to see the final shots from the shoot, David Woolley knew exactly what i wanted and im sure he has produced some great pictures. 

April Rose

xx

Lalaland Vintage Clothing

 

When  Dylana from Nana in Wonderland wore a  gold sequin jacket she purchased from Lalaland Vintage i drooled, commented about said drooling and drooled some more. Imagine my surprise when the lovely ladies from the boutique contacted me with a very generous offer for my readers. Just enter the word "Smooch" at the checkout to receive 20% off your first order  with Lalaland Vintage! 

The girls also have a blog and would love for you to stop by and  follow them, just as a small thanks for the generous discount code on offer. Winter is on its way guys, now is the time to purchase some oversized vintage cardigans! 

April Rose
xx

The line was as long as my arm.

This is what i wore the other night to get burgers in Leederville. Well that was the plan until we saw the line for the burger shop was around the corner and my car broke down. So in the end we ate pizza on the boot of the car until road side assistance came (thanks RAC!) The shorts im wearing were were purchased from American Apparel when i was in New York and they are a life saver in this heat. They feel light as a feather and can withstand hours of walking without being uncomfortable. My shirt warped in the wash and now has an asymmetrical hem, something that was unintentional but makes me like it even more.  Oh, and I finally got a hair appointment with Peggy Sues. I can’t wait to release my hair from its top knot prison!

April Rose.

xx

Carnations, Roses and Chrysanthemum’s. Oh My!

I have spoken about Little Gracie on here before, many times in fact. The designer, Ebony, is a friend of mine and she ever so nicely asked me do the makeup for her label, an opportunity that I am ever so grateful for!

This Thursday we shot her Spring/Summer Look book in front of a huge shrine of flowers, painstakingly created by Ebony and her little team of helpers (Hannah and Cam from All Of The Above Creative and us.) The overall look was very Seventies, with pastel shades on the eyes to match the pastel hues in garments.

As per usual I can’t show you the clothing until the line is released, but I can give you a little peek into the day’s activities. I would like to send out a big fat thankyou to my college friend for doing our model Phillipa’s hair, it turned out amazing!

April Rose 

xx

Beauty School Drop Out.

Nope I have left my course, I just love Grease. I started yesterday and gosh I was nervous! I felt like I was starting boarding school all over again. Weird uniforms, new people, a new suburb… it was all very daunting!

For those who are new to this blog, I recently quit my full time job as a Personal Assistant and enrolled in a Makeup Diploma course. Yesterday I had a glimpse into how detailed the course will be and im a little scared but also very excited. The Diploma runs for 5 months and I will be creating all sorts of looks as well as learning Special Effects and Camouflage (blood and gore). 

Amongst getting ready for school and trying to find work, I have been going to the beach (my beach bag cost me 7.50!), catching up with friends and family and cleaning the house until S gets home. Im turning into a house wife!

April Rose

xx

New Years Eve

S and I made a choice to avoid the Boxing Day sales this year as we are still trying to save. 

But on the way home from the city today I couldn’t resist a quick look in Wittner. Lucky for me, these heels were on sale for a measly 45 dollars. Can you believe it? So now I have the next piece for my New Years outfit. Hopefully I can get my bottoms sorted before Friday, It’s not like I can go pant less! These last few days have been so nice; we spent Boxing Day at a friend’s barbeque and today at the beach. I love holidays!

April Rose

xx

Herdsman Lake.

Frolicking by the lake on a Saturday afternoon is one of my favourite things to do. Im so happy we have moved to a location that allows us to ride to our friends house (Hai Jess & Corey!), and then down to this beautiful spot. Im wearing a second hand Ralph Lauren sweater that i think some poor person accidently shrunk as it's an XL! Good for me though. Unfortunatly i lost the Wayfarers i was holding in the previous post. I left them on the shelves when i was food shopping and now they are long gone. Goodbye my old friends, i loved you so! These Ray Bans are ones i picked up in the states, and they will do me fine until i can replace my lost loves. I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! 

April Rose

xx

Bits and Bobs

Yes, this is another work outfit. Kind of boring I know but that’s my life at the moment! It’s been very hot after work so I have either been scurrying into the house and not leaving or riding my bike in shorts and an oversized shirt. It’s hard to arrange an office outfit in this heat as it’s cold in the office yet hot in the afternoon so I tend to have about three cardigans hanging off my office chair just in case!

Do you like my shoes? They are from Urban Outfitters and I think they are super cute. If you would like a pair you can get them here, although they don’t have any in this colour any more. I recommend going up a half size as they pinch a little.

 Australian ladies please pop over to About a Girl and use the code XMAS at the checkout for 20% off everything. Sale ends Sunday at midnight.

My shirt is from Minty meets Munt, skirt is target and hair is craaaazy.

 

April Rose

xx

It's vintage darling.

Sometimes I wish that I could throw on a pair of docs, wear lots of layers and have a tan, but since starting this blog I have developed a sense of self awareness and I have finally realised that I am not Abbey Lee or Jessica Hart. It was kind of a sad moment for me as I really do like a lot of items that are in trend at the moment. But to be frank, I don’t tan well, im short, and wearing boots in summer looks ridiculous on me. Since making these earth shattering observations I realised that I still haven’t found a personal style of my very own and because of this I tend to gravitate towards a new look every few weeks.

But enough is enough. I’ve decided that I need to try and stick to one look for a little longer than a month. So after doing some research I have been inspired by an old school friend of mine who is now a successful burlesque dancer with the Perth Troupe, Sugar Blue Burlesque. I spent all weekend watching clips of the troupe dance together and also on their own, displaying their individual flair and skill. The vintage style that these girls adapt vary from the 20’s right up to the 60’s, a very glamorous period!

After watching these confident women, I realised that this style was perfect for me this summer. Its classy, requires dressing up and the outfits also suit my figure. Now when I shop, I wont trawl through racks of tight floral dresses that will accentuate all the parts of my body I despise, I will instead visit Modcloth, Awoke on a whale heart and The Ginger Fox to find a classic frock that will last me years.

April Rose
xx

Happy Birthday.

Last weekend S and I drove down to visit my family who live in a small country town called York, which is about an hour and a half drive from Perth. It’s a nice break from the city, and even though Perth isn’t exactly bustling it feels good to not have any phone service, not use the internet and wear old farm clothes for a while!

While I was in York I was given a bag stuffed full of clothing that previously belonged to my mums, friends, mother. As you could imagine half the pieces dated back to the 50’s and some were even hand made. Picture my excitement when I dug into the bag and found not one, but four pairs of shorts! They are all high waisted, with intricate detailing and they fit like a treat. These green ones were my pick for the day and I can’t wait to show you the others.

After watching me cavort around in my shorts the family decided to trek into town for breakfast at the JAH- ROC Mill Gallery. JAH- ROC is an old flour mill which has been turned into an art gallery showcasing jewellery, wood furniture and art. It’s a beautiful building and when I lived in York I would often wander around the levels admiring the work; and now that my dad stocks his wood furniture at JAH-ROC I like the building even more! (The chair above is his)

My lovely weekend was complete when S surprised me with this darling rose ring he had purchased from the gallery. Hope you all had a good one!

April Rose
xx