Styl-E-Letter February 2007
Melanie Moss Styling Styl-E-Letter February 2007
Welcome to the February issue of the Melanie Moss Styl-E-Letter, your monthly guide to all things fashion and fun, filled with hints and tips to help you create the perfect wardrobe.
Make sure you enter our fabulous February competition for the chance to win one of two sets of gorgeous lingerie from Pleasure State Couture, valued at $175.
If you would like to receive the monthly Melanie Moss Styl-E-Letter, e-mail subscribe@melaniemoss.com.au.
If you're anything like me, you are normally in such a rush to get out of the door each morning its enough just to get dressed in something half decent, let alone worry about what you look like underneath.
That was until I did a spring clean of my underwear draw. I decided it wasn't enough to make sure I was wearing clean undies each morning just in case I was hit by a car. It was time to put some real effort into my lingerie wardrobe.
As a stylist I'm always telling clients how important the fit of a bra and the line of underwear is to your clothing, however I had never put much time into sexy lingerie and how it can become an outfit in itself.
I don't often shop for myself these days so it was high time to thaw out the credit card and take him for a spin. I wanted to find lingerie that was fashionable and sexy whilst being innovative and the perfect fit.
I started at Myer. As always, I started to feel flustered at the sight of so many bras that all looked and felt the same. Tired, beige, seamless t-shirt bras sitting alongside polyester lace numbers that were sure to give me a rash. The problem with bra shopping is that I am a different size in every style. This means taking 3 sizes of each bra into the change room. I end up with armloads of them, hot bothered and in a foul mood.
Suddenly there in front of me was an oasis, a boudoir right in the middle of the Myer underwear section! No embarrassed men skulking around behind their wives, no matronly fitting ladies ready to hoist me into a brazier and absolutely no polyester! I had just arrived at the Pleasure State concept space which has opened in all 60 Myer stores across the country.
The team at Pleasure State are heavily trained in customer care which is perfect for me. When you spend all your time focusing on a client's wardrobe needs, you expect a lot when it comes to service. I never felt pushed or pulled, actually the process was quite fun and they constantly ask your permission before trying anything.
Now my idea of the perfect corporate look is a sexy lace camisole worn under a razor sharp black suit. The perfect combination of female sex and strength. Pleasure State is the perfect label to create this style. The range is designed to be worn as both under and outwear. It takes direction from current catwalk couture trends and infuses them into its exquisite creations. Its inspiration comes from contemporary luxury, a blend of new generation woven fabrics that are all exclusive to Pleasure State and designed to create a more tailored look.
The collection is really quite divine. It is comfortable not only because its well designed but also as you have your own personal fitter to fetch the right size and shape for you.
There are two distinct labels under the Pleasure State umbrella. Pleasure State Couture, which is made up of fine imported fabric exclusive to the brand, Swarovski crystal embellishments, pure silk, delicate lace and intricate detailing. The second strand, Pleasure State White offers a more affordable luxury item that carries the same values as the Couture collection but at a more conscious price. It benefits from everything learned developing the Couture collection but is destined for everyday wear.
Needless to say I stocked up. I have also started taking clients to Pleasure State as part of the Melanie Moss Style Tour. It is great to be able to give clients the opportunity to create a wardrobe from the inside out. It is a myth that to be comfortable at home we need to be wearing our oldest, baggiest tracksuit pants. I believe that they should be banned from our closet and replaced with gorgeous intimate apparel that makes us feel sexy all day, everyday, not just as a "special occasion" piece or in my house – a good bargaining chip to get hubby to do the ironing!
The lead brand Pleasure State Couture and the diffusion collection Pleasure State White are now available in 22 countries, at more than 850 specialty boutiques worldwide. In Australia you can find them in all Myer concept stores as well as selected David Jones stores and boutiques.
For stockist details contact: 02 9004 8077 or check the gorgeous website www.pleasurestate.com
Pleasure State in conjunction with Melanie Moss Styling is delighted to be offering two lucky readers the opportunity to win one of two sets of Pleasure State Couture Collection lingerie valued at $175.
For your chance to win one of these divine sets simply email this newsletter to your friends. For every two of friends that also subscribe to receive this newsletter, you will receive one entry into the draw to win.
Its time to make a confession… I have fuzzy hair. Not frizzy hair that can be scrunched into gorgeous curls, no it's fuzzy hair – the place in between straight and curly hair. My hairdresser always tells me how lucky I am as I can have the best of both worlds however; the problem is it takes so much effort! I can never leave the house without some sort of styling, whether it's hot rollers or a straightener, I need something.
A few years ago I purchased a no-name straightener from a hairdressing friend. I got it wholesale so I thought I had a bargain. It seemed to work well until one day I used my sister inlaw's ghd Professional. It was all over then and there for my bargain straightener. Since then I have begged, borrowed and stolen hers. Lucky for me she has been in Thailand for the last year and I have had unlimited access to her ghd. However, she comes home in February and I just don't know what I'm going to do without the godsend of all hair straighteners!
For those of you that have never used a ghd, you don't know what you are missing. It takes a fraction of the time to straighten and the smallest amount of effort. You don't need to style your hair layer by layer, you just run the ghd through your hair and it's silky, shiny and smooth straight away (no pun intended!). It really is the most versatile hair styling tool, not only does it straighten hair but the design allows you to create movement and curls.
I tried to explain my problem to my husband but he just couldn't understand why I needed to spend more money on another hair straightening machine, especially one that costs three times as much as the old one that I desperately wanted a year ago. It wasn't until I was at lunch with three girlfriends who were all sporting perfect, glossy hair in the middle of summer no less, that I found the solution.
They told me about the ghd Styling Iron Exchange, a one-off swap program, where anyone can bring in any competitor straighteners, tongs or curlers and receive $75 off an original ghd styling iron. I thought this was information too important not to share with the Styl-E-Letter readers, so I phoned ghd to get the low-down.
Their research showed that I wasn't the only girl who wished she had payed the extra and bought a ghd. And in their effort to take over the world of hair styling, they decided to give every girl the opportunity to become a "ghd urban angel".
The ghd Styling Exchange will run until the 31 March 2007 at ghd approved salons, which gives you plenty of time to race in and purchase the one styling tool that will change your life.
For stockist details visit www.ghdhair.com or call 1300 880 209.
We get a lot of clients asking how to stay cool in corporate wear during the summer months and the answer is the humble dress. We see so many women melting around the city wearing full suits made up of polyester and I hate to think how badly they are sweating underneath!
You do have to look smart at work of course, but you have to think about fabric quality before spending money on a summer wardrobe. There is no point purchasing a wrap dress that does not breathe. One of our favourite retailers Baubridge & Kay have helped solve that problem with their divine cotton shirt dresses. Made from the finest quality fabrics and with a cut so sharp it can slice bread they are perfect for summer.
The shirt-dresses were designed as another option to the boring old business shirt. They are also something only us girls can wear in the office! They are cool and crisp with a multitude of colours and patterns. Definitely worth trying out as a work wear option that can be worn to lunch on the weekends and as a great spring racing option.
You can find Baubridge & Kay in the Skygarden centre between Castlereagh and Pitt Street or shop online at www.bkay.com.au
I don't know about you but I'm finding it hard to let go of the party season and what I want to know is where did 4pm cocktail hour go? After some extensive research on the subject I have found some great options in the Sydney CBD.
Bar Europa at 82 Elizabeth Street, Sydney was my first port of call. Hidden beneath the busy city streets this bar is one of the most sophisticated Sydney bar options. It's warm and inviting, with the feel of an exclusive club. The eye candy is spectacular, as is its wine and cocktail list.
The staff at Bar Europa have designed a cocktail making course which gives participants the opportunity to learn how to make some of their most popular bevies. Perfect as a group night out, this course offers more than your standard drinking experience. Not only do you learn about the alcohol you are consuming from your personal bartender, you are also treated to a selection of canapés designed to match the cocktails you create. The list includes my favourite, the Apple Martini, the ever stylish peach Bellini and four other delicious concoctions.
The course costs $50 which includes six cocktails and a selection of canapés. Now when you've been hanging around Sydney bars as long as I have you will realise what a great deal that is.
For bookings contact Gerard at Bar Europa on 02 9232 3377 or check their website www.bareuropa.com.au
The perfect Sydney summer watering hole has just reopened its doors at 2a Bligh Street, Sydney. Well known as Sydney's finest rum bar, The Bligh stocks over 50 rums from about the globe. Their cocktail list is heavily influenced by original rum cocktails from the Caribbean and includes the Mai Tai, Zombie, Hurricane & Yellowbird.
What attracted us to the bar were their amazing cocktail offers throughout the month. This month they are serving a Woodford Reserve Special, with three divine cocktails – the Manhattan, Mint Julep and Bourbon Sour, each for $7.50. Where in Sydney can you get a cocktail that cheap!!
Not only are they featuring their special blend cocktails, but every Wednesday from 5pm they serve all cocktails for only $7.50, and if you are fussy like me and want a cocktail that's not on the list its no problem! T he night is called "Mojito Madness" with only the freshest ingredients used in all cocktails. The part we loved the most was that unlike every other average Sydney bar, once you have ordered your cocktails you can rest your weary soles and one of the gorgeous wait staff will bring your drinks over!
Oh and before I forget, the best thing about this place are the cocktails served in jugs everyday for only $22! The perfect spot for Friday night drinks.
For a list of all the Bligh cocktails check their website www.thebligh.com.au and click on the drinking page.
There are many fantastic summer drinking options available and we are making it our mission to test them all for our dear readers. Our best advice is to find out about weekly events by checking the websites of bars you like, as well as entertainment and "whats on" guides such as www.my247.com.au. They often have details on bars and restaurants offering specials that you don't normally hear about.
We hope you enjoyed the February Styl-E-Letter.
Please feel free to forward this to anybody you think would love to receive the latest hints and tips for city style!
To unsubscribe to this Styl-E-Letter please reply to this e-mail, or e-mail unsubscribe@melaniemoss.com.au.