taryn k.

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My name is Taryn. I'm in my twenties. I come from the land down under. I'm married. I work full time. I like pretty things. My favourite food is watermelon. I hate dancing. I like to talk. I tend to contradict myself. I hate snails. I like you for reading my blog.

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9:12 PM

Best Of: Rachel Bilson

I know it's predictable, since she's everyone's favourite, but today I'm going to do a Best Of: Rachel Bilson post, showcasing my favourite looks over the years. I have so much love for Rachel's style - she always looks so effortless, so natural, understated and gorgeous, never gaudy or tacky or like she's tried too hard. From what I understand, she doesn't hire a stylist for many, if any, events. If doesn't hurt that she is absolutely adorable, always with a smile on her face, or that she played Summer Roberts on The O.C. - I swear, she was the best part about that show.

How cute is she? Everything about this look screams sexy-with-class. The height of the heels is perfect, the hemline on the dress, the fit of the dress (not to tight, but snugly draped to accentuate her curves), the natural hair and make-up and minimal accessories. Everything is tonal, keeping the look from being too 'dressed up'. Perfect understated elegance. *hearts*

I remember seeing this look for the first time - "Goodbye Summer Roberts!". Leaving her teen-queen-bee character's persona behind, Rachel looks stunning. Classic and modern at the same time. Who would've thought to pair that red belt with that dress? Didn't care much for the movie mind you, left me feeling a little deflated.

I think I have an obsession with layered scarves and leather jackets. Sooo effortless, but still so glamourous. Aviators are perfect for this casual look too - great way to hide a tired face. The booties are also a favourite (not my absolute favourite of Rachel's shoes, but we'll get to that in a minute), a nice change from the regular motorcycle boot look.

While I do not endorse silver wedges (hate hate hate), I love, love, love this dress. The colour is so eye-catching, the studded detail is young, the shape is classic and the pocket modern. I'm not sure what kind of shoes I'd prefer for this look, but I know it is not these.

Now, these are the shoes of my dreams. Three completely different looks, three amazing shoe-clothes pairing. Look at that colour! Look at that heel! *swoon* The first picture with the LBD is probably my favourite Rachel moment. She looks so cute. The boyfriend jeans and shirt, with hobo bag is a oft turned to shopping ensemble, that I don't seem to carry of quite so well (then again, I don't have the amazing booties).

I could go on and on forever on just about every look Rachel has ever done, but I'll stop myself there. I'll probably update this weekend with Pt 2 of my November hauling - I received all my goodies a couple of weeks ago, but I got a bit ill and didn't want to take any photos. I hope everyone is having a lovely December so far, I can't believe January is just 'round the corner! Holidays soon!

Labels: Best Of:, Fashion

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11 December 2010, 6:20 PM

Interiors: Whitney Port, LA

Just so you know, I have quite the girl-crush on Whitney Port.

I love her style, her show, her clothing line, her hair, her ability to seem like the only normal girl on The Hills, and I love the pics of her new LA house. This is the way I've always wanted my house to look (since we moved in, you know, a year and a half ago).

The blue couch - I loved it in New York on The City and I love it in LA. So gorgeous with the orchids and pin-tucked coffee table/ottoman.

That is the kitchen of my dreams - so much storage space! The perspex chairs are quite unexpected, but with the cushions, I think they tie in nicely with the rest of the house.

The bed is actually quite similar to mine at home, but the lamp is exactly what I have been searching for (and am yet to find).

The colours, airiness, the girliness and general whimsy of these rooms makes me happy. I love how it's stylish, but not in an intimidating way, where you wouldn't want to mess anything up or be afraid to put your feet on the couch. This is a perfect example of how you can keep your walls and floors neutral, using your furniture and accents to add personality and atmosphere to a home. I'm feeling very inspired.

I'll have to do a Best Of: post on Whitney soon. Just warning you: It'll probably be a big one - there's not much wrong the girl can do, in my humble opinion.

Labels: Interiors

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30 November 2010, 7:10 PM

November Hauling Pt 1

Ah, November 2010 - how eventful you were.

Everything started off lovely. The first weekend was a girls weekend, I went down south with my friends from high school. We rented a house, had lunch out, strolled along the foreshore, got tipsy at night, had general catch up chit-chats, played SingStar, cooked yummy dinners - all that good stuff.

Second weekend, there was a surprise baby shower for one of my friends from work, which was lovely (I love all things baby, and there are a hell of a lot of babies cooking at the moment, so this is also fun times). There was also a nice catch up with my group of friends, an engagement party and a birthday party.

At work, I relieved my supervisor while she was on annual leave, meaning I got to take on a different role than I usually play at work. This was excellent - I was feeling so organised and in control, getting things done and feeling confident. Halfway through the two week stint, and it all went to shit. I had a car accident - this is now mid-month - with my car gettting written off. Physically, I am absolutely fine, which I am so grateful for. But it did throw me into a state of mind that I hate - just feeling cluttered, disorganised, frustrated and generally tired. I feel like I didn't end up completing the relief period to the best of my ability, so I'm a bit disappointed with myself.

I got a call from the insurance company yesterday letting me know how much they were going to be paying out, an amount that I actually found quite fair, surprise surprise. So now I have to start looking for a new car. Meh. Car shopping - the one kind of shopping that I hate. I had a little Honda Jazz (named Audrey) before, I miss her already. Maybe I'll just try find another Jazz.

So, this resulted in some retail therapy :) I'll have to break this haul into two (maybe three) parts, because there is a fair bit of stuff and because some of my online purchases haven't arrived yet.

Let's get into it shall we?

Probably my favourite purchase of the month was my Harrods teacup, which, funnily enough, I did not purchase from actual Harrods. Before our trip down south, my friend Stacey (who was actually one of my bridesmaids) and I met in the city for lunch and to do some wallpaper sample shopping for her TAFE course. The wallpaper shop was also a bit of a retro furniture and decor store, these teacups were only $12 for the set. I loved, I bought, I got the hell out of there before I tried to buy anything else.

Mooloolah sandals - I love, love, love the colour. They also came in black, but I thought the blue was far more unique and summery (since we're heading in to Summer here). I love the brogue feel that they have. I think they were around $35. They are also really comfy, I've been wearing them to death and so far, not even a hint of a blister.

Studs from Sportsgirl, danglies from Forever New. I may have already shown you the mint studs if my OOTD post, but I LOVE THESE EARRINGS SO MUCH. I love how they are larger than you're average studs, but are not too oversized as I have very small ears. Same applies for the purple. I bought some eighties looking studs a little while ago and upon wearing them, realised they we actually bigger than my ears. That was awkward. The coral dangly earrings I actually bought for my Christmas party - I have a mint green dress and love the colours together.

MinkPink cropped sleeveless shirt. Completely in love with this. I've been wearing it with high waisted skirts out to casual dinners and with shorts everywhere else. The fabric is lovely, sheer enough to look casual but still structured, so it keeps the boxy shape so you still look put together. I love the cropped look for summer, so I figure this will be a bit of a staple for the next few months.

Who doesn't love a comfy, chunky knit? This one is Miss Shop, and ended up costing my $2 - yay! I was marked down from $80 to $30, then I got a further discount for being a MyerOne member; then I had a $20 gift voucher, so I only had to part with a couple of coins! Being Summer I probably won't get much use of it until next year - but I work in a air conditioned office, so it's always cold at work - which means I'll probably get to wear it on casual days.

So that's it for now - I've got a nail polish and a make-up from allwholesalecosmetics.com coming up as soon as my packages arrive. Hopefully the nail polish will be this week. I can't even remember what colours I got, it's been a couple of weeks since my order! Pretty sure it's all Essie and a China Glaze, so that's exciting.

Hope your Christmas shopping is going well - I'm almost done myself, I've started wrapping and placing under the tree. I love Christmas time. Have a great last day of November!

Labels: Fashion, Hauls

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21 November 2010, 11:13 PM

Hellooo Polyvore!

Oh, the amount of time I'm going to waste.

Today I discovered Polyvore - the most exciting website I have ever met. Remember Clueless (the film, not so much the T.V. show)? Remember Cher's amazing computerised wardrobe? I'd say this is fairly equivelent to that. You basically play around and come up with different looks, or sets, composed of gorgeous clothing and accessories. And if you decide you love something enough, the site tells you the price and exactly how and where to buy it. Love love love.

Since I'm having a bit of a watch obsession at the moment, I thought I'd share with you my favourite eight watches from the selection I viewed.

Hell, I'll put another set in - this is my office Christmas party outfit want.

I freakin' love the Alexander McQueen cuff. Love it, y'all!

Click on the images to be taken to my Polyvore page, which will tell you brands, prices and stockists for all the items.

And expect a lot more of these from me. I have a feeling this is going to be my latest obsession.

Labels: Fashion, Polyvore

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14 November 2010, 7:43 PM

What I'm Using Right Now Tag

Good morning! Just a lazy Sunday morning tag while I'm eating my yum-yum breakfast and drinking my tea.

My go-to products of late.

Shampoo - Tresemme Salon Silk Shampoo
Conditioner - Tresemme Thermal Replenishing Conditioner
Hair Mask - None at the moment, but have used Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Intensive Treatment in the past.
Styling Products - John Frieda Luminous Colour Glaze Shine Booster in Clear, John Frieda Root Awakening Leave In Conditioner, Tresemme Heat Protecting Spray, John Frieda Straight Fixation Smoothing Creme if I'm going straight that day, John Freida Take Charge Curl Booting Mousse for curls. If I need a dry shampoo, I use Batise in Boho - I can't stand the other scents.
Body Wash - LYNX Shower Gel in Fever (it's a product for men, but it smells sooooo good).
Body Moisturiser - Hardly ever use one, but when I do, it's a body butter from The Body Shop, probably a vanilla or coconut one.
Anti Perspirant - Lady Speed Stick in Orchard Blossom
Fake Tan - Nothing this year yet, but last year I was into Garnier Ambre Solaire
Makeup Remover - Johnson's Facial Cleansing Wipes for Sensitive Skin
Cleanser - ProActiv Solution 3 Step Program
Exfoliator - The Proactiv seems exfoliating enough!
Primer - Don't really use a primer, I find they make me break out - I've used a Nutrimetics in the past, but have nothing good to say about it.
Foundation - Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions in Fresh Neutral
Concealer - Not an everyday product, but the NP Set quad
Powder - Loreal Translucide Loose Powder in Medium - I'm just trying to use this up, I don't find it to be a great product.
Blush - I go between Max Factor Flawless Perfection in 235 Chestnut and Red Earth Tender Love
Bronzer - Physicians Formula Refined Face Powder Bordeaux Bronze
Highlighter - NP Set Liquid Veil in Houston
Eyebase - Don't really use an actual eyebase - usually just conceal then powder
Eyeshadow - Day to day is all Red Earth - Forever and Ever on the lid, Midsummer Dream in the crease and Tropical Punch as a browbone/inner corner highlight.
Eyeliner - I've just started using Revlon Colourstay Liquid Eyeliner in Blackest Black (but am not very impressed) and Bourjois Kohl and Contour Eye Pencil in Noir Expert (which is great for blending)

Eyelash Curler - Manicare
Mascara - Helena Rubenstein Lash Queen in Feline Black for top lashes, Loreal Telescopic Clean for bottom lashes (I find this one doesn't smudge)
Lipstick - I rotate between NP Set in Denver, Athens and Minneapolis for day to day wear.
Gloss - Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker plumping lipgloss in Perfct Peach and Plum Juice
Nail Varnish - Changes every second day, but at the moment I'm love OPI Tickle My France-y for my nude/neutral, Essie Merino Cool and Lapis Of Luxury, Chi Chi High Heeled Housewife and Blood Drops.

I tag anyone reading this! Leave me a comment with a link to your blog so I can check it out. Have fun!

Labels: Tags

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2:20 AM

My First Ever OOTD

Oh, this is so exciting!

My favourite kind of posts/blogs to read are of the Outfit-Of-The-Day category, but I have yet to post one myself. I enlisted my lovely husband to act as photographer while I got all kinds of posey. This was an outfit worn out to dinner with Joe's uni friends to celebrate their end of semester and pending graduation - Sebastian's Italian Resturant in Vic Park, food was delicious by the way (chicken and broccoli crepes, anyone?).

Top and turban - Sportsgirl
Skirt - Mink Pink
Shoes - Steve Madden

So comfy and I am loving khaki green this season. A couple of the boys were a little dumbfounded by my choice of head wear, but after they had sussed out what exactly it was, they seemed to go with it. The leopard print shoes are what I wore on my wedding day, much to most people's surprise - they're the comfiest heels I own, and I tend to wear them to death. Definitely my fallback shoe.

I hope everyone is having a lovely start to their November. I'm frantically trying to get my Christmas shopping done early so I can relax and enjoy the festive season in December. So far, I've bought for all my girlfriends, my work Secret Santa, and my immediate family Secret Santa. Still got to get my in-laws, grandparents and husband sorted, and I've got no idea.

My wishlist? I really want a couple new perfumes - I must admit I'm getting more and more addicted to them. I want Britney's new scent, Radiance, mostly for the delightfully tacky bottle. Will look lovely with my collection :) Also wouldn't mind a gift voucher for Atlas Divine in Leederville - love that store.

Oh, and I found out yesterday that Maroon 5 are coming back to Perth! Yaaaaaaaaaay! I love, I love! I went last time, 2008 I think, and loved every second. Tickets go on sale Tuesday I believe with Tickettek.

Labels: Fashion, OOTD

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24 October 2010, 11:35 PM

October Hauling

So, what did I spend my hard earned dollars on this month? Surprisingly, not a lot, nothing in the way of clothing - not sure what's going on there, but my bank account balance sure is happy.

I had my first online shopping experience with Urban Outfitters this month - and I loved it. I'm going to do a series of posts dedicated to online shopping, but for now, I'll just say my experience was positive. I know we're headed into summer here in Australia, but these boots were only US$29.99. Come on, that's a steal! I've never really been a fan of any type of wedges before, let alone wedge booties, but I've recently been inspired by Dajana at leflassh.com. Girlie has some great shoes and a fun style. I especially love her leopard print booties.

I also purchased some photo frames for my home office and a tortoise-shell watch. The watch hasn't arrived yet (backordered, but should be here mid-November) and I haven't finished mounting the frames yet, so I won't include them in this post.

I got these Mooloola ballet flats as work shoes from City Beach. When I first started my job, I was incredibly enthusiastic and wore sky-scraper heels everyday. That was four years ago (to the day actually) and I have since realised that flats are definitely the way to go. What was I thinking? (actually , pretty sure it was something along the lines of "Yeah, check out my amazing 19 year old legs.")

My polishes of the month. L-R: Angora Cardi, Merino Cool, Sew Psyched, Lapis of Luxury and Pink Ribbon. Obviously all Essie and a Butter London. The BL was a freebie with the Harper's Bazaar that I got at the beginning of the month, but I haven't gotten around to wearing it yet. I love all four of the others, though. I've finally had good Essie experiences. I'll do some swatching in the coming month - I think my favourite must be Merino Cool.

So yeah, like I said, not a lot of purchases this month. I do have my eye on a few different pieces and products that I plan on getting in the coming weeks, so maybe next months haul will be slightly more interesting.

Labels: Essie, Hauls, Nail Polish

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13 October 2010, 2:55 AM

Lauren Conrad PSA for ryanseacrest.com

Oh Lauren, how I heart thee.

...especially your amazing hair.

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10 October 2010, 5:35 PM

Best Of: Vanessa Hudgens

Most people know Vanessa Hudgens from either High School Musical or because of those scandalous naked pictures. I like to disregard both these horrors of current pop culture and focus on her wardrobe. I don't know of any girls who rock both red-carpet glam and edgy boho casual quite like Vanessa.

Off Duty

Off duty, Vanessa seems to favour denim, rock'n'roll t-shirts, grandpa-cardis, over-sized handbags, scarves, gladiator sandals and boots of all description, usually sticking to a fairly neutral colour palette of black, white, grey and tan.

Love the cuffing on these three-quarter length cargo-style pants. Worn with heeled clogs, they elongate the leg, but the neutral colours keep the look casual.

Gorgeous autumn look, the Mui Mui bag and flesh-tone ballet flats are paired together to keep the look for being too grungy. The chunky knit cardi is just the right length to look unassumingly thrown on.

Love the purple scarf, gladiators and Balenciaga.

Probably my favourite casual look - love the belted Wildfox jeans and sheer singlet. The black cardi keeps the look demure.

On Duty

On the red carpet, Vanessa likes to show off her best assets: her amazing legs and stunning hair. Usually opting for a short dress and heels, she chooses bright colours that flatter her skin tone.

Love the shape of this gorgeous aqua dress. Just short enough to show off those fab legs, but not so short that her modesty is at risk of being splashed across the internet...oh wait...

Stunning colour, different from most dresses you'd see on the red carpet. Age appropriate and elegant, that's what we like. Also, proof that us shorties can wear maxi-dresses.

Another stunner! Love the scalloped detail on the bust. Minimal accessories let the dress speak for itself.

A glam, grown up choice for Vanessa. Love the sheer overlay and Grecian-style draping.

What do you think of Vanessa on and off duty style? Can you get past the HSM bubblegum, child-star status and take her seriously as someone trying to develop their adult style chops?

Labels: Best Of:

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