Outstanding In Every Field

In five weeks time I'll be in New York City and I'm determined to conquer the rain, snow and cold in style.  Today I invested in a pair of Hunter Original Wellington Boots.  Designed over 150 years ago, Hunter Wellington Boots are now firmly established as a British style classic;  its durability and comfort legendary.  

I tried on several styles and colours before deciding on the iconic 'Original Tall' in Aubergine, an engaging dark purple-navy colour.  Launched in 1956,  the Original has become the iconic wellington boot and is now recognised the world over. 

Hunter Original Tall in Aubergine (front)

Hunter Original Tall in Aubergine (side)

 Stylish and weather-ready, these boots will keep my feet warm, dry and fabulous in the rain, snow or shine.  Thick soles and wide grips mean I will remain sure-footed while stomping through wet puddles and icy fields.  
It is now completely acceptable to wear wellingtons with ANY outfit so I'm going to accessorise mine with my Burberry Baker's Boy Hat and Yves Saint Laurent Patent Leather 'Belle Du Jour Clutch' in dark magenta.  

Hunter Original Tall in Aubergine,  Burberry Baker's Boy Hat,  YSL Patent Leather Belle Du Jour Clutch in Dark Magenta

Can't wait to pound the pavement of Fifth and Madison Avenues in these beauties!

My Top 5 Mascaras

One question I am often asked is which mascara I use.  I refuse to leave the house without mascara because I have small eyes and the moment mascara is applied, my eyes appear larger and defined.  With a few short strokes I can frame my face  and pull together an entire look.

My Top 5 Mascaras are staples in my cosmetic bag.  They have been carefully

chosen after trying dozens of mascaras.

By Terry Mascara Terrybly,  Kevyn Aucoin Beauty 'The Mascara Volume' Mascara,  Giorgio Armani 'Eyes to Kill' Mascara,  NARS 'Larger Than Life' Volumising Mascara,  Dior 'Diorshow' Mascara

1)   By Terry Mascara Terrybly (black parti-pris):  Part of a new generation of growth booster mascaras, this mascara goes on like a serum and lashes are instantly volumised, lengthened and thickened.  With continued use, growth booster technology transforms your lashes.  After one month, my lashes were fuller, thicker and better defined.  Impressive.

2)  Kevyn Aucoin Beauty 'The Mascara Volume' Mascara (rich pitch black):  Excellent mascara for those with sensitive eyes.  Lengthens and volumises lashes.  Lasts all day and won't smear or clump.  Easy to remove with warm water. A cult favourite.

3)  Giorgio Armani 'Eyes to Kill' Mascara (steel black):  Brush ensures uniform application from root to tip for plush, separated and voluminous lashes. With its easy application, no clumping or smearing, this is one of the best.

4)  NARS 'Larger Than Life' Volumising Mascara (black):  The rich black pigment in this mascara creates a curled, lush and voluminous fringe that dramatically defines your eyes.  Easy to apply, goes on smoothly, no smudging or flaking.  Love the signature honeycomb brush.

5)  Dior 'Diorshow' Mascara (black 090):   A favourite of Hollywood makeup artists, Diorshow allows you to build length and fullness with every stroke.  With its super-black colour and extra-thick consistency, lashes are instantly lengthened, thickened and curved. A must have for glamourous eyes.

                                                               Mascara Tips

1. Remove clumping by removing excess mascara from the mascara wand.  Wipe the wand with a tissue then sweep the wand through lashes when they're still wet.
2. To make your lashes really stand out don't be afraid to mix mascaras.
3. Experiment with coloured mascaras to make your eyes pop. Purple and green mascaras look good on brown eyes.  For blue eyes, use plum and blue mascaras.
4. To make your eyes appear wider use an eyelash curler before applying mascara. The best-selling Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is award-winning.
5. Don't pump your mascara wand in and out of the tube. This introduces air into the tube which will cause your mascara to dry out sooner.
6. After applying mascara, wait at least five seconds before blinking to allow mascara to dry.
7. Check your eyelids before stepping out to make sure there are no dots or smears.
8. Consider using a mascara primer if you have short and/or sparse lashes. Primers can plump and lengthen lashes and maximise the effect of any mascara.  I like Lancome Cils Booster XL or Dior Diorshow Maximiser.

Work It

As a busy working woman, my work bag must look and feel professional.   It must also be spacious, functional, practical and timelessly elegant.

In no particular order, here are my favourite work bags.   They sit proudly in my wardrobe and are investment pieces as prices continue to rise.   I love these bags because they are roomy enough to carry my essentials (iPhone, purse, makeup, notebook, camera,  water-bottle, muesli bars) plus an iPad and/or a 13-inch laptop;  can be dressed up or down and look smart any time of the day, any season of the year.   I always buy black work bags because black looks chic and expensive.

YSL Oversized Muse,  YSL Medium Cabas Chyc Tote,  Prada Tote BN1786, Celine Triptyque Satchel,  Celine Mini Luggage Tote

1)   YSL Oversized Muse:    The Muse is probably the most classic and iconic YSL bag.   It comes in three sizes (medium, large and oversized).   I prefer the oversized style in buffalo leather for its durability and versatility:  it doubles as an overnight bag.  With its gold tone hardware and decorative top stitching, the Muse has a certain 'je ne sais quois' nonchalance that is so appealing.

2)   YSL Cabas Chyc Tote:   With its structured body, striking black saffiano leather finish and distinctive "Y" design, the Cabas Chyc Tote is a sophisticated everyday bag.   Features include magnetic tab top closure, zip top with extended fold-down sides and cotton lining with two pockets.   Celebrities spotted with the coloured versions include Angelina Jolie, Claudi Schiffer, Hilary Duff, Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga, Miranda Kerr, Nicole Kidman and Sienna Miller.

3)   Prada Tote BN1786:   This saffiano calf leather tote with  gold plated hardware has a classic shape and timeless elegance.   Features include two outside pockets with zipper closure and four inside pockets with zipper closure.    The BN1786 is a Prada classic and always a popular choice.

4)   Celine Triptyque Satchel (Fall 2011):   With three zippered compartments, optional shoulder strap for added versatility and lambskin finish, the Triptyque looks professional and elegant.   Features include ample storage space and internal pockets.   I receive compliments every time I carry my Triptyque.

5)   Celine Mini Luggage Tote:   Since its release, the spacious "Luggage" tote is the most sought-after bag in the fashion world - at one stage they were practically impossible to get.    The jet-black tote has been spotted on the arm of celebrities such as Ashley Tisdale, Emma Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Kim Kardashian, Leighton Meester, Mary-Kate Olsen and Nicky Hilton. Constructed from durable calf leather, features include one internal zippered pocket and two smaller internal pockets.   Wait lists around the world are still long.

Do you have a favourite work bag/s?  Don't hesitate to share! 

Simply ChYc

Since its debut the Yves Saint Laurent Chyc Clutch has reached IT bag status:  highly coveted but not always readily available.

After searching worldwide for several months I finally welcomed two of these timeless pieces into my wardrobe today.

YSL Chyc Clutch in fuchsia textured leather

YSL Chyc Clutch in jet-black textured leather

The eye-catching fuchsia clutch will inject polish to my Melbourne Cup luncheon outfit (below).   I simply adore my Philip Treacy bright pink sinamay petal with organza flower headpiece - so stunning and divinely decadent.

Philip Treacy headpiece, YSL white belted dress, YSL Tribute leather pumps, YSL Chyc Clutch

With its iconic brushed-gold "Y" adornment, the jet-black clutch would be the perfect way to accessorise a simple LBD in the evening:

YSL LBD, YSL Tribute Patent Sandals, Le Deux Saint Laurent Asymmetric Bracelet in Gold,  YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Mats in shade 202, Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara, YSL Chyc Clutch