Let's dance a fashion waltz.

The beginning.

2010-01-19T05:08:00.000-08:00

Image by Hayworth1981 via Flickr

In my journey towards a better-looking me, I've started looking at beauty and makeup.

Growing up, mum didn't teach me anything about makeup. In fact, I do believe that mum uses the bare minimum which is hardly any at all. She doesn't need makeup, she's beautiful as she is.

But not everybody is naturally attractive like my mum was. So here I am with the challenge of learning how to use makeup.

I used to not believe in makeup. I felt that it was a waste of time, money and effort. I felt that many of my girlfriends were spending too much time and money on the concept of beauty and too little time on actually using their wits and brains. That was how immature my thinking was a few years ago! Plus who am I to say how others should be better using their time and money? At any rate, I digress.

So right now, this is where I stand.

I finally understand how makeup doesn't hide but actually accentuates a person's features, bringing out the beauty that is often hidden to the unskilled eye. I finally understand how important putting in that time and effort at the beginning of the day to pretty up your face and appearance is. It affects your entire mood, your day and gives you that little bit extra boost and confidence to get through each day, allowing you to put your best foot forward.

And while I am aware on the very basics of using makeup and am able to do up a fairly basic look within minutes, there are many techniques and skills yet that I lack. For example, I do not know how to shape my brows nor line them with an eyebrow liner properly. Therefore I've been doing my research and have found a number of really good makeup tutorials on Youtube.

Here are some of my favourites:

ManWomanFilm

Petrilude

EnKore Makeup

Makeup Geek

Do you have a youtube Makeup Guru that you follow?

Shabby Apple : Not so shabby dresses!

2010-01-05T17:34:00.000-08:00

Doing my usual rounds of the internet, I came across Shabby Apple.
Not a brand I've heard before, but the pictures and web design drew me in. And what I found made me gasp with delight.

The dresses at Shabby Apple are absolutely pure love! The designs were chic and modern and everything a young 20 year old would wear to make their first break into the working world.

Take a look for yourself.

Nancy Drew

Cleopatra

Nine to Five

Carnival

G. Cooper

I shouldn't link more. You get the idea don't you?

And if that's not enough to tempt you, ShabbyApple is having a 20% sale right now.
Just put in the coupon code: winter20off. But hurry, this expires on the 28th of January. Not much time, so get in there now!

Still not convinced? Then let me quote you a little something off their website:

Shabby Apple love to help women dress but are also committed to helping women live as well. Thus we are supporting the fight against global poverty by partnering with Unitus - a non-profit organization that accelerates access to life-changing financial services for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid. Shabby Apple donates 5% of its net dress sales to support work in India (where Shabby Apple sources many of its dresses the textiles used to manufacture its dresses). In addition, each Shabby Apple customer has the opportunity to donate an extra five dollars to Unitus every time she buys a dress. Shabby Apple and Unitus are involved with 10 of India's most promising microfinance organizations that provide financial services to more than 1.6 million hard-working women and their families.

Every $100 donation from Shabby Apple provides at least 20 women with access to financial services - and the chance to live a life without poverty.

You get to wear beautiful dresses and do your bit for charity too. So why not?

Of thinking too much.

2010-01-05T03:52:00.001-08:00

Image by Habit of Art via Flickr

So as I took a walk out to the Post Office today, I caught a glimpse of myself in the glass windows of the shops. And while I have no photo (it didn't occur me to take one, how silly is that?) , here's a little description to go by:

I was wearing: pink with black designs maxi dress that billowed like a sail behind me, with a big red floppy hat. Quite the beach / summer attire. I promise I will get photos next time!

But here's the thing. When I first caught sight of myself, I thought: Hey, that doesn't look half bad. Then I started looking properly, and that's when my negative side started to kick in. Thoughts like : Argh, my face is ugly. Argh, I look fat. Argh, stand straight dangit! started to crowd in. Did I mention my low self-esteem?

So I thought it'd be a good exercise to pinpoint what exactly I didn't like about myself, and it'd be an exercise in confidence and self-esteem if I worked towards overcoming those points that I hate about myself and turn the negative into something positive.

Therefore:

The top 8 things I hate about my body (and face.. )

8. My posture - stand straight, stop slouching!
7. My glasses - I am incredibly paranoid about contacts now, so I don't see how I can avoid them..
6. My eyes - so small! Need to learn how to use make up efficiently here.
5. My features - unfortunately I was born with these.. so I need to work on making them work.
4. My thighs - I'm pretty sure they could squash you dead.
3. My tummy - how many months pregnant now?
2. My arms - I need to lose these flabby arms!
1. My weight - I need to lose 12 kgs by June.

I assure you, I do actually have things I like about myself. Unfortunately they are more to do with my inner strength, determination and confidence to succeed in non-beauty/fashion areas. But no matter. 2010 is to be a year of self-discovery and a journey towards a better me. I have 8 goals to work towards and hopefully in a year's time when I look back, I'll have progressed in some of those areas.

So let's share a story, if you are comfortable. What part of you do you not like, and what measures have you taken to overcome that?

No longer.

2010-01-02T23:26:00.001-08:00

Image by Nikilynn via Flickr

And another year goes by.

In 2010, I promise myself that I will be different. No longer will I stand and view life from behind a mask, no longer will I be contented to be on the sidelines and dream from afar.

Too long have I stood and said : I'm ugly and It makes no difference.

But what truly made no difference was my lack of confidence and belief in myself to try. It was easier to sit and whine.

No longer.

Social Event: Nuffnang Xmas Party (Melbourne Edition)

2009-12-17T15:09:00.001-08:00

This adorable art was done by my dear friend, Violet!

Blogging can sometimes be a rather lonely path. You are sitting in front of your computer, typing out your thoughts and pouring out your soul, and you are never guranteed readers. At least I know I'm not as my blogs are still relatively new.

But Nuffnang put a stop to that. Together with fellow bloggers, they have been building (and still building!) a supportive community for bloggers and holding events to bring bloggers together. And with christmas round the corner, what better excuse than a christmas party?

To be honest I was reluctant to go. My partner in crime was stuck in work meetings all night long and I dreaded having to go alone to an event where I knew nobody. Forget that there'd be other people in the same boat, forget that I really should be making new friends. The fact remained that I was too shy. Too fresh in my mind, the days when I was snubbed at parties, too fresh in my mind, the days of me feeling absolutely lost and left out. So to be honest, I didn't want to go.

But with the encouragement of Celina and the desire to meet other bloggers, especially the ones whom I've been reading for ever so long! I decided I'd go. And looking back, I am so thankful that Celina pushed me to go. I'd have missed out the wonderful night otherwise. Here are some photos of the night, taken by Candice from Super Kawaii Mama if i'm not mistaken.

I'd tell you who all the bloggers were but unfortunately my short term memory is kinda that. Short.
I will try to ferret out who's who over the next few days, but for now let me end this social report with a:

When I wandered in, feeling terribly out of place, contemplating making a dash back to my car which was round the corner: Candice was the first person to welcome me in with a warm smile. It calmed my nerves and made me feel a thousand times better. So thank you Candice. And thank you to Nuffnang for being such a wonderful host. It was a really enjoyable night!

Nuffnang's Xmas party for Bloggers (Melbourne edition)

2009-12-17T04:31:00.000-08:00

Oh. Oh my poor feet.

I'm back from the freaking amazing Christmas party that Nuffnang (AU Branch) hosted for all bloggers.
And boy was it a blast.

Above, are the two memoirs from the night. Already it feels so distant, as though it were merely a dream. But the little sticker that sports Violet's adorable art, and my terrible handwriting is proof that I did it. I conquered my fears and I went to the party. Alone. Oh and the heels are there because... well because my feet hurt so much right now from standing all night in them but I will suffer, I must suffer for they are such gorgeous heels.

Even while driving to the city, I was constantly thinking to myself: "oh dear oh dear, maybe I shouldn't go."
You see, I do have quite the problem when it comes to meeting new people. People I don't know.

But boy was I glad I went. I'd tell you more but I'm awfully tired and awfully sleepy but so awfully happy too. So rest assured that I will tell you more. Just let me get some winks in first. See, Joyce? I do sleep.

Have a very ecofashionista Christmas!

2009-12-08T22:41:00.000-08:00

I'm rather late in my report giving, but better late than never?

With the world going the way it is, it really makes me wonder how soon are we going to find ourselves in a barren world with all our natural resources used up? Everyday you look around you and more trees are cut down, more natural resources burnt up and more waste is produced. Do you really want to leave your grandchildren and generations to come a rather empty world to live in?

I love nature, greens, forests and such and the thought of potentially not having them on this planet anymore makes me die a little inside. That's why I support recycling and eco-friendly products, and frown upon the mad dash and crazy manner of consumerism that Christmas seem to inspire every year.

So when < Insert Name Here > boutique in Georges on Collins held an event to help educate shoppers on how to make ethical and environmentally friendly choices for their christmas shopping this season, I jumped at the chance to be there and show my support.

The resident designers of < Insert Name Here > were all present and along with my partner-in-crime, we ooh'd and ahh'd over the beautiful creations of EvaQ, drool'd (not literally!) over the shining jewels from the Joolz collections and the funky T-shirts from T-shirt Garage brought a smile to our face.

Not to mention the fantastic door gifts (organic chocolate, who can say no?) and organic vodka (now this was really yummy!) really made the night a night to remember. Pauline from PK Walker gave a lovely talk about the importance of being environmentally friendly, organic and urge shoppers to be aware of what goes into the items that we purchase. It was really an enjoyable evening not to mention a rather educational one as well!

From left: Alex Hume from Ecofashionista and Pauline from PK Walker

So shop wisely this Christmas, and think about the environment before you purchase anything. There are many ways you can help save the environment, and if everybody did just a little bit to help lessen the impact, this world will stay green for a much longer time.

Posh clothes.

2009-12-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

Remember the days when Spice Girls first took us by storm with 'Wannabe' in 1996?

13 years later, the group is no longer together and the members of the group have gone on to achieve different things in their lives. Looking back on the music videos of those glamour filled, beat pumping and music filled years, would you have thought that Victoria Beckham, formerly known as Posh Spice would now be a fashion designer designing her own clothes under her own label: 'Victoria Beckham' ?

I certainly didn't see it coming and certainly had my doubts about her label. But I think she's won me over. Take a look and see what you think.

Source: Victoria Beckham.com

The most awesome pair of shoes ever.

2009-12-08T04:26:00.001-08:00

I'm usually one for elegance and flowing lines.
Not much for the big, chunky and in-your-face side of things.
The reason to this is that I'm rather small sized, and if I wore overly chunky things, I just look like I'm dressing up in my mummy's shoes.

But I have to say that this pair of shoes have won me over.

It's a collab between Doc Martens and Subversive Jewelry but that's not the weird (or funky bit).

The really jaw-dropping part is the fact that it's available from a vending machine in the Mondrian Hotel in Miami.

And I thought Japan's vending machine were cool.

Source: Nylonguysmag.com

Let us go Linky-link..

2009-12-07T19:25:00.001-08:00

I love to read blogs as I find them much easier and way more interesting to read than new's sites. So I learn of my news 2nd hand, but in a much more interesting way!

So below you will find a list of blogs that I read and devour greedily as soon as they pop up on my google reader. (God bless Google Reader!)

Australian Fashionistas

Lady Melbourne
Voted best fashion blog in the Nuffnang regional blog awards 2009. She shares lots of fantastic tips on vintage and op shop shopping, as well as quick tutorials on how to upcycle clothes into new wearable fashion.

Super Kawaii Mama
If you are a retro or vintage lover, you cannot let this one go. She's absolutely sweet and shares my love of all things sparklies! Beautiful tutorials and her ever dazzling smile always brightens the day.

Violet Le Beaux
A fellow lolita and himegyaru lover, Violet shares heaps of tutorials on all things girly! Lots of clothing how-to and hair-do tutorials, arts and crafts and even make up how-to! So if you are up for something tooth-achingly sweet, Violet's the place to go.

Fables in Fashion
Written by a dear friend of mine, newly paired partners in crime. Beautifully done up and incredibly clean, join her in a ride through the current seasons of high fashions as well as her own ideas.

Fashion by Hayley
Melbournite girl who dares to be different! She is one of the reason I am starting to fall head over heels in love with the fashion industry.

Always Chasing
Beautiful lady, beautiful photography, beautiful clothes. Need I say more?

Sea of Ghosts
The designer behind the beautiful label Drink Me, Alice, beautiful illustrations from beautiful designers, here's a blog you can read and relax with a glass of white every night!

International Fashionistas

Monoxious.com
Written by two of the most gorgeous and sexy girls. They dig black and white and anything monochromatic. Wonderful sense of humour and even more fantastic photography. As an added bonus, they do heaps of tutorials too!

Macaron Hearts
Alanna is adorable. Alanna is sweet. And nothing makes me squee more than Alanna in pigtails. Alanna writes about the lolita subculture fashion and offers us tutorial as well as handy little weekly roundups of all the major Japanese lolita blogs.

Need Moar Lace
Another lolita blog written by the sweetest girl I know. Rounding up beautiful images from around the net and making beautiful images herself! Fantastic photographer too, this blog is definitely worth the trip to the dentist!

International Makeup Blogs

Tokyolife by Yumeko
Yumeko is a dear friend of mine who currently resides in Japan, the land of everything cute, sparkly and adorable. Yumeko is rather adorable herself too! Read her blog for make up tips, tutorials, comparisons and drool over the incredibly yummy food you can find in Japan.

Please note that this list is still being populated. Should you wish to add your link to the list, kindly contact Celeste at petite.valse (at) gmail.com

Burberry Prorsum Pre-fall 2010

2009-12-07T04:25:00.000-08:00

It's Summer here down in Aussieland but I still can't help but go starry-eyed at Burberry Prorsum's pre-fall line for 2010.

Trench coats have always been my secret love, but alas! for me, I never grew much taller than ... well... .. let's just say I wish I was 165 cm tall. Trench coats would look so much better on me then!

Have a look at these yummy offerings!

And seriously, every guy needs a trench coat like this:

It is seriously to die for.

The ugly duckling.

2009-12-04T01:24:00.000-08:00

Image by Olof Grind

Welcome to Let's dance a fashion waltz, my personal fashion journal that will document my growth, my musing and my discoveries in a journey from being an ugly duckling, to a swan.

Growing up, we are bombarded with notions of what beauty is. Television, magazines, media and the internet along side with society creates a picture of what beauty and perfection is. But is this true? Is this really what it should be like?

Growing up, I've always been of the opinion that I am one of those who was born to be plain because I did not fall into the cookie cutter template of what society's version of beauty is. But as I grew older, I realised that this wasn't true: beauty is what you make of it; beauty is in the eye of the beholder and beauty isn't just skip deep.

And now, I'm still growing up. I'm growing up to find out where and what my beauty truly is. For we are all beautiful. The key is finding it.