Life & Style Blog - Witchery
16 December 2011, by Rachael Ciccarelli
I'm the proud owner of both a brother and a sister (younger, more genetically blessed, you know how it is) and I must admit: they're my favourite to buy christmas presents for. I think it's the low pressure - these are people you can spend your childhood lying to and punching just to pass the time, and they have no choice but to continue to love you (or at the very least, tolerate your existence). It's like buying for friends, but lower stakes, which in turn is quite freeing – no stress? you'll probably hit the nail on the head. So, what's the worst that could happen if you buy them a bit of a dud present and both of you are acutely aware as they open it on christmas morning? They say thanks, try and use it once; you say no worries, and leave, guilt-free. Bless us, every one.
Brother
Image source:
Chambray shirt, $119.95, from Levis,
Vinturi aerator, $109.95, from Myer,
Skyrim, $78, from Game
Your too-cool hipster brother will love this denim shirt for the upcoming festival season – just add jeans and some underground artist nobody but he and his best friend have heard of. Cheap-wine-drinking brothers will love this miracle of an aerator, which turns even the most $4 dollar bottle of red into something palatable. While I know nothing about games beyond Tetris, I've been ensured by a school of reliable nerd friends that your computer/ console addicted sibling will love Skyrim.
Sister
Image source:
Alice quilt box sling bag, $29.95, from Sportsgirl,
Touche Eclat, $55, from Myer,
Low back beach dress, $99.95, from Witchery
Shiny pretties, please - and don't hold the acidy colour. Every lady will use and love the following over summer: small handbags (events, festivals); YSL touche eclat (amazing highlighting concealer perfect for her exhausted eye bags); baggy chuck on maxi dress (also available in white).
What do you think? Comment here
Category: Best Buys
Tags: Fashion, Myer, Sportsgirl, Witchery
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02 December 2011, by Rachael Ciccarelli
Can you believe December is already upon us again? The year has once again run with abandon toward the finishing line, which is a sparkling Christmas tree piled high with gifts… right? Right?! Oh, sweet religious deity of your choice. OK. Don't worry people, there's still time - and I'm here to help. Over the next three weeks, I'll be supplying you with gift ideas so ingenious the pain of Christmas shopping will be forever eliminated. Or at the very least, it'll be a starting point. First up? Those people who brought you into the world. Yeah, they're responsible for you being alive. Better make it good.
Your mum

Image source:Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP, $234, from Myer,Amalie tote, $269.95, from Witchery,Fast, Fresh, Simple recipes by Donna Hay, $39.99, from Myer
It's hard to go wrong with Chanel. Unless, of course, it's Chanel No. 5… Hot tip: unless that classic fragrance is already something your mum wears, don't go there. Every woman has worn No. 5 at some point in her life, and most are left with the Red Door syndrome - it's a very strong fragrance, easily overdosed on and therefore responsible for a bunch of headaches. Coco Mademoiselle is still musky and mature, but it doesn't smell like the 80s. Alternately there's always handbags, which every woman wears, every day (if you're having trouble selecting think about what they usually carry, choose a slight variation); or a new cook book. Donna Hay always goes down well at our house.
Your dad

Image source:Vue BBQ tool set in aluminium, $69.95 from Myer,Bose iPod sounddock, $549, from Myer,Sony Bloggie HD pocket video camera, $249, from Myer
Dads act like they don't care, but they do. My dad, for example, is a giant wuss who secretly/ not secretly loves attention and special gifts - which he will then leave in the box for 6 months until he's ready to integrate his new comb or whatever into his life. Anyway, buy your dad a toy in line with his interests, because all men, including dads, are really just kids at heart.
What do you think? Comment here
Category: Featured
Tags: Dad, Mum, Myer, Witchery
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19 August 2011, by Rachael Ciccarelli
Like the decades before it, successful styling in your 40s comes down to knowing your body and what looks best on it. From experience, 40s tends to be the decade when women turn to me, holding anything without sleeves in a bright colour and say "I'm too old for this" without even trying it on. I know looking like mutton dressed as lamb is a very real and frightening concept, but remember: buy well cut garments in quality fabrics. If it doesn't look cheap, nor will you.
Work

Image source: Look from Cue, Portmans, Witchery.
For work, quality is the key. You're wearing this stuff the most, so don't be afraid to splash out. Buy well cut, well made trousers and skirts in better fabric so they'll wash well and you'll get the mileage while looking the part. Grab a trenchcoat - everybody needs one, and lightweight or woolen, you will wear it to death. And as always, don't be afraid to make it fun - it's work, not beige-prison. Add printed scarves, shoes or statement jewellery to pack a punch.
Women of Perth, you are not too old for this. If you've worked hard for your body or are one of those genetically blessed jerks, you should definitely make the most of it. If you're not a genetically blessed jerk and prefer to spend your evenings in the company of starchy carbohydrates and wine, your wardrobe should still be fun. It should still be on trend, colourful and have sparkling accessories in it. Do you think THESE WOMEN are too old for fun?
Play

Image source:Access Hollywood
Yes, I know Eva Longoria is in her 30s. Shhhhhhh. She looks the worst here anyway – what exactly is going on with her hair and makeup? Yikes. Her eyebrows look like they've been lying out in the sun with lemon juice squeezed on them.
Regardless of whether you have the totally unachievable lifestyle of a Hollywood starlet or not, you should not be afraid of bright colour, pattern, any/everything fitted. Sometimes it's actually more flattering to wear a fitted garment even if it doesn't feel that way- if you wear an entire outfit that floats away from your body, you'll get lost in it and look bigger. You'd be surprised the difference a nipped in waist, exposed forearms or calves will make.
What do you think? Comment here
Category: Featured
Tags: Fashion, Portmans, Witchery
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10 August 2011, by Rachael Ciccarelli
Having dealt with the fears, insecurities and general profanities of many friends and clients in their 30s lately, my main piece of advice would be that you are 30, not one million. You're not as old as you think you are. Your upper arms are probably better than mine. No, you're probably not going to go out dancing to terrible music until idiotic hours twice-weekly anymore, or eat fast food every other day, or drink so much cheap champagne that when you wake up the next morning you can only remember just how much by counting the bottles on the sink, but is that really such a loss? You're dressing for your body shape, not your age, remember?
Women in their 30s will have a more stable income, better class of lifestyle and know what suits them - all factors that can lead you to purge the now washed-out cheap fixes you've accumulated during your 20s, and revitalize with classic investment pieces mixed with fast fashion updates to keep it fun.
Work
Image source: Susie Marino Jacket, $199.95 from Portmans, Paula Wedge, $139.95 from Witchery, JAYSO Jayson Brunsdon Black Label Seam Contour Skirt in Stretch Wool Suiting, $179, from Myer,
For work, quality is the key. You're wearing this stuff the most, so don't be afraid to splash out. Buy well cut, well made trousers and skirts in better fabric so they'll wash well and you'll get the mileage while looking the part. Grab a trenchcoat - everybody needs one, and lightweight or woolen, you will wear it to death. And as always, don't be afraid to make it fun - it's work, not beige-prison. Add printed scarves, shoes or statement jewellery to pack a punch.
Play
Image source:
Mollini Goldeneye pump in orange, $139.95, from Myer, Bold stripe dress, $99.95, from Portmans, Metal button ring, $19.95 from Witchery
You can still be youthful and fun, you're not the remains of Miss Havisham. If you're wearing black for most of the week, make your weekend outfits pop with colour, pattern or embellishment. For a fancy night out, go sparkling vintage style with super high heels, chunky earrings and a tux jacket you can wear to work as well.
What do you think? Comment here
Category: Featured
Tags: Fashion, Myer, Portmans, Witchery
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