Hello August 2024
The month that was all wrapped up in one place
{If you’re new here, this is the monthly round-up email I send out to my OG blog subscribers. I send out this format every month - with some bonus Substack posts in between. I include some offers and ideas from my sponsors. Your support of the work I do with my sponsors helps to keep my newsletters free to you, so thank you!}
Hello! I woke up this morning and realised I can now say we’re travelling to Europe THIS MONTH. Well, technically it’s at the very end of the month but, hey, give the girl a chance to get excited. If you follow along on Instagram or Facebook, I’ll sharing more of the ins and outs of my packing jigsaw in the lead up to our departure. I’m already tracking the weather app and will continue to do but the reality will be because of the destinations we’re going to, I’ll be packing for all weather possibilities.
In other BIG news this month, my baby turned 19 and … my daughter and her partner got engaged! In Lake Como. Could that be more romantic? Bring on Mother of the Bride outfit planning in 2026! Her proposal wins over my husband’s, in his undies, down on one knee in the bedroom of our rental but we’re still together and next month celebrate 20 years of marriage in Paris. Who said the romance fades? HAH.
Nikki
x
Well, this was fun!
Have you checked out The Gold Series, FRANKIE4’s first Limited Edition collection? I’m often privy to what’s coming months ahead at FRANKIE4 and seeing all the work of the incredible design team come to fruition on set was an absolute privilege. What a campaign to be a part of! I styled The Limited Edition Liberty Boot two ways (three if you include my look) - it’s such a timeless shoe. Its day-to-night versatility is definitely its super power. As is its luxe leather and gold detailing which will elevate any look.
(I’m a proud ambassador for FRANKIE4 Footwear)
dissh try-on
While I’m not dissh’s target customer I don’t let that stop me from shopping at DISSH or other stores that stock pieces that work with style. I don’t believe that as we age that we need to dress a certain way or conform to outdated notions of what’s so-called appropriate. Remember those ridiculous magazine articles that would tell you what to wear in your 20s, 30s and 40s?
I always come back to one rule when it comes to fashion - WEAR WHAT YOU LOVE. With the emphasis on YOU. What I might love is not necessarily something you’d wear. And that’s very ok. There’s a reason the word “personal” sits alongside “style”. It is PERSONAL.
(affiliate parter - if you buy using my discount link, I may receive a commission)
What’s my Go-To routine?
Above is is my uncomplicated but effective and gentle Go-To skincare routine. I’m sharing because it’s the question I get asked the most, particularly when it comes to using what serums and when. Click HERE to see my full post, including my thoughts on Go-To’s Very Amazing Retinal, 2.5 months in. Have you tried it? How is your skin loving it?
(I’m a proud ambassador for Go-To)
Is it worth investing in the new Dyson Airstrait?
For me, it has been worth every cent. Even with a short bob, it saves me SO much styling time. I timed the process when creating this video and it took just 17 minutes from wet to dry. Even though my hair is short, it’s very thick with a strong wave at the back, so it usually takes a lot of wrangling (or outsourcing to the pros!) to achieve my desired look.
Apart from time saving, these are the things I also love:
✔️ The end result. It looks like I’ve used styling irons - it’s that smooth and frizz free and remains that way until the next wash
✔️ My hair will thank me for looking after it long term because the wet to dry styling is achieved through airflow, not heated plates.
✔️ I’ll save space in my suitcase for our upcoming Europe* trip with just one appliance to pack. So more room for clothes. HAH.
What the Airstrait won’t do is create wavy or curled looks. If that’s more your everyday hair look, then this device is not for you.
*Please note, I checked with Dyson customer care before buying the Airstrait to find out if it would work in the countries I’m travelling to. It will on this occasion but it definitely won’t work in every country I visit in the future because of voltage differences between countries.
(affiliate parter - if you buy using my link, I may receive a commission)
Nala nails it again!
If you’ve been here for a while, you would have seen me share my love of Nala bras, from the most comfortable and supportive strapless bra EVER through to their underwire and wirefree bralette. Also comfortable and supportive.
Nala is not only a value-for-money, Australian, female-founded brand, it’s a brand that continues to lead the way in showcasing its product on a diverse range of women’s bodies, all the while offering an inclusive size range for C cups and up.
Comfort and fabric feel are two other key reasons I keep coming back to Nala and now they’ve just launched their Better Than Cotton collection, featuring a 92% modal, 8% elastane fabric derived from beech trees. It’s a durable, biodegradable and compostable fabric and its production uses significantly less water when compared with cotton. It’s even more breathable than cotton.
Use my site wide discount code with shopping to save 15%. CODE: StylingYou15
(paid partnership)
Alemais sets try-on
Who doesn’t love a set. They’re more versatile than a dress because you can wear the separates back with block-coloured basics. I’m sharing three sets from the latest Alemais collection at La.Sirena Boutique (use code stylingyou to save 10% site-wide at La.Sirena Boutique)
For reference, I’m an Australian size 12-14. The sizes I’m wearing in each set are listed in the caption on this video.
(affiliate parter - if you buy using my discount link, I may receive a commission)
These are the pants I’m wearing on my flight to Europe
When Styling You The Label released this new style - the Lana - in April in our signature quality ponte fabric, I was blown away by the response. I mean, I LOVED them but it’s always an unknown if they will be loved by more than me. I designed them with our planned long-haul flight in mind. They tick the comfort boxes I require in a travel pant but I know I’ll also be able to easily put on my compression socks once on board. They will then double down as dress-up/down pants in my UK travel capsule if the weather is on the cooler side.
(they’re restocking next week - you can sign up to be automatically notified)
Click the image below or HERE to follow me on LTK and find links to many of the beauty and fashion recommendations I feature.
I think the go-to retinol is best I’ve tried. I’ve been using it for a month, maybe a bit longer & my skin looks better than it has in AGES!!!
Congratulations to your daughter Nikki, lovely news! Hope you have a wonderful trip with something extra special to celebrate xx