January Freebie

January *FREEBIE TIME* - I'm giving away 4 pairs of pretty Salvatos Folding Flip Flops to the value of R 220 per pair! Enter until FRIDAY 25 January 2013.

Here's how to win:

Step 1 - Post this link to the InBloom Fashion and Style Studio facebook page on your wall & suggest that your friends (ESPECIALLY the ones living in Gauteng, South Africa) like our page.

http://www.facebook.com/InBloomStyleStudio

Step 2 - Send an email with your full contact details, including postal/ street address and shoe size to info@inbloom.co.za with the subject "FREEBIE". We'll do the rest!

Gold

Silver

recharge your head

So the new year is starting to feel "not-so-happy". Your holiday mood has faded ( as did your tan ), you're snowed under at work and you're kinda broke after all the spending over December.

We've got a great pick-me-up and it costs next to nothing! Head to your nearest hair salon (whenever, as there's no appointment needed) and just have them wash your hair. It costs no more than R 45 - you get shampoo'd twice and a 5-10 min head massage - all with professional products!

Quick-quick. When you're done, make sure your hair is towel dry, tie it in a bun and head back to the office or whatever you were busy doing... Recharged!

Bath Gloves

Best advice I have ever received from a beauty therapist was to use bath gloves on a daily basis.

Not only a great way to prevent ingrown leg, underarm and bikini hairs, your skin will be more healthy and glowing as all surface build-up (sweat and oil causing pores to block up) is gently scoured away every night in the shower. R 45 per pair at the Body Shop in SA - also available from Clicks and Dischem stores. LOVE.

Keeping it simple: UGG boots

Keeping it simple: UGG boots by madelinenortje featuring mulberry handbags

Soaked in Luxury cotton sweat shirt
$78 - zalando.co.uk

Skinny fit jeans
$35 - internacionale.com

Ugg australia
mytheresa.com

Mulberry handbag
mulberry.com

Lace jewelry
boticca.com

Burberry scarve
my-wardrobe.com

Keeping it simple: Cropped Pants

Keeping it simple: Cropped Pants by madelinenortje featuring a slim shirt

Mulberry slim shirt
mulberry.com

Oasis cable sweater
$61 - oasis-stores.com

Dsquared slim fit pants
$370 - farfetch.com

The Cambridge Satchel Company satchel handbag
modcloth.com

Karen Millen stud earrings
karenmillen.com

emerald smemerald

shortly after celebrating the new year, Pantone named their colour of the year for 2013: Emerald.

now I've always been an emerald fan. why? because the colour looks good on most: fair skin/ dark skin. blonde, brunette & red heads. and in accessories, it adds luxe and glamour to almost any outfit.

Pantone made the following statement when announcing the 2013 colour:
"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony." And I couldn't agree more.

outfit idea

We're heading back to the Cape for a family wedding this weekend at Kleinevalleij Estate. I'll be wearing a silver Forever New, sequin dress, Zara clutch, Hout Couture cat eye sunnies and Nine West champagne heels (or maybe delicate silver jellies). And then next weekend, another wedding! Will make a post of that outfit as soon as I've put it together.

pro-long your holiday mood (& look)

Trusting that everyone had very happy holidays; I had an unreal three weeks in the Cape with my gorgeous family.

Besides the amazing times on the beach, we cooked the best, fresh sea food, we tried new dishes (and wines) at new restaurants, deli's, wine farms & food boutiques. I discovered fabulous little stores and new local ranges from VERY talented people. I've got a new favorite bookstore AND bought the most amazing once off wardrobe pieces! And now that 2013 is already 6 days old, I really cannot wait to get back into life, home, work and blogging!

But, from experience, I know that there's nothing that can bring you down from your holiday-high as quickly as a problem at work, unforeseen expenses and the fact that your once golden tan...is now fading.

Here's a few tips on pro-longing your holiday look:

1. Lighten your hair slightly to enhance the contrast and make your skin tone look warmer.
2. Blow dry your hair in sections using a medium sized, round, bristle brush. Apply a smoothing cream before you start and finish with a spritz of shine enhancing hairspray (not glitter!). Tie up in a high pony tail for a sleek office look.
3. Use a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation to get a glowing effect.
4. Use a creamy blush in a soft copper over the apple of your cheek.
5. Sport a hot, white smile. Get your teeth cleaned and whitened.
6. Wear a gypsy red lipstick, applying it to the outer corners of the lips. Blend with a gold shimmer lip gloss on the cupid's bow and bottom lip.

happy 2013!

I hope that everyone who comes across this blog in 2013 will be inspired as much as I am by life, friendships, fashion, style, beauty, decor, shopping and cooking! That you will be inspired to be the very best person YOU can be. To fulfill your destiny and to be able to do what you love. I want to inspire you to create a beautiful home, to try new foods and drinks, to look great and to shop like a pro! Here's to a fabulous new year! Yay!