taryn k.

taryn k.

Profile

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.

Layout: vehemency
Email: here
Twitter: here
Bloglovin: here
SHOP TARYN K: here

Leave A Comment

03 January 2011, 5:06 PM

Marit Larsen - Fuel

I mentioned Marit Larsen a few posts ago, in my Conical Iron post. This a performance of her song Fuel from 2009 on a Norwegian talk show. Enjoy.

Labels: Marit Larsen, Music

Leave A Comment

02 January 2011, 10:17 PM

Coveting: Elizabeth and James

I have a strange obsession with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen that probably stems back to watching their straight-to-video movies as a child. I remember watching Holiday In The Sun and When In Rome and loving all their clothes. Licence To Drive was a terrible, TERRIBLE movie, but seeing all the casual outfits they were wearing made it tolerable - for me anyways. Ashley has always been my favourite - I think she is stunningly beautiful, with a fantastic eye for style and has always conducted herself in a classy and professional manner in the media.

I love that the twins have made their way from child stars to the fashion darlings they are today, without all the dramatics of young Hollywood and with their dignity still in tact. I believe they have built a brand integral to todays market, collections of luxury staple pieces made with beautiful fabrics and cuts. To be taken seriously in the industry is no mean feat, and I admire them for that.

I have long admired The Row and Elizabeth and James clothing lines - from afar. It's all a little bit pricey for me at this stage, but I can see myself wanting to save for a couple of their basic pieces - I just need a little discipline ;)

Lately I've been loving the collaboration with Robert Lee Morris on the shoe and jewellery range for Elizabeth and James, especially the shoes. I find that these are piece that are timeless, that will be an excellent addition to a classic, on trend wardrobe - something that I am trying to build now that I'm well and truely out of my teens.

These are my favourite picks from Elizabeth and James, available on Shopbop.com at the moment:

All images courtesy of Shopbop.com

Labels: Ashley Olsen, Coveting, Fashion, Mary-Kate Olsen

Leave A Comment

12:24 PM

Twenty Questions

1. Things you cannot leave the house without: Car keys, phone, wallet, my agenda. The rest I can survive without. Actually, I lie. I could probably live without the phone, but it seems safer to have some form of communication.

2. Favourite brand of Make Up: To be honest, I still have a baby beauty collection, most of which is drugstore brand makeup. From what I own at the moment, it'd probably have to be Red Earth. Just from research I've been doing of the net, I think I like Nars shadow and blush colours best, once I get my hands on them, we'll get a confirmation.

3. Favourite flower: Peonies and tulips. I wanted a white tulip and green hydrangea bouquet for my wedding, but it was the wrong time of year for the tulips. In the end, we went for a faux flower bouquet, which I now have in vases around the house. SO practical.

4. Favourite clothing store: I have a couple - Myer and Sportsgirl are the regular "highstreet" stores I love. There are a few boutiques in Leederville I love going to, although I don't tend to make the trip that often (maybe that's why they feel so special) - Varga Girl, Atlas Divine and Urban Records (I think that's what it's called, I tend to get it wrong every time).

5. Favourite perfume: All time is Christina Aguilera's original scent, I'm loving Sarah Jessica Parker NYC at the moment and am coveting Hugo Boss Orange like nobodies business.

6. Heels or Flats: Tends to be flats during the day, heels at night (always) and most of my boots are heeled.

7. Do you make good grades: I haven't done any further study since high school, but back then I did always test well.

8. Favourite colours: Lemon to look at; white, greys, black and navy blue for clothes; plums, neutral browns and whites for home decor; muddy greiges and deep reds for nail lacquer.

9. Do you drink energy drinks: No I think they are awful, makes me feel sick just thinking about them.

10. Do you drink juice: I love orange juice, I could drink it forever. But it has to be full strength, no added sugar.

11. Do you like swimming: I hate swimming. As soon as I'm immersed in water I get freezing cold, no matter how hot I am before I get in. And I hate to be cold. I also hate getting my hair wet. And the ocean scares me because of the sharks!

12. Do you eat fries with a fork: Sometimes, depends on the serving situation I suppose. I like to douse my chips in tomato sauce, so sometimes it's less messy to use a fork.

13. Favourite moisturiser: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel probably. I don't really love moisturiser, as I already have oily skin.

14. Do you want to get married later on in life: Haha, I'm already married, so I suppose the answer would be, I'd like to STAY married for the rest of my life.

15. Do you get mad easily: Depends on the situation. At work, not really. At home I can get a bit testy.

16. Are you into ghost hunting: No. I stayed in some old houses when I travelled Europe and I was scared to death that there might be ghosts around. My husbands auntie took us to the most haunted pub in the district where they live and I did not enjoy that experience.

17. Any phobias: Terrified of snails. I know, it's ridiculous. Also not really a fan of anything in the ocean. Spiders don't bother me though.

18. Do you bite your nails: I'm getting out of the habit. I still chew on my cuticles, which I hate (no, I love to do it, but I hate the look of it). One day I'll overcome it.

19. Have you ever had a near death experience: No, not really. My car crash was really quite tame, only got a bruise on my left knee. Apparently as a baby I choked on an orange, but I don't remember that, so it doesn't count.

20. Do you drink coffee: Yep, but certainly not everyday, or even every week. I drink it more as a luxury, never as a pick me up. When I do, I tend to opt for a vanilla latte. I'm far more into green tea than anything else.

Labels: Tags

Leave A Comment

11:05 AM

Right Now

I'm reading: Influence by Ashley Olsen & Mary-Kate Olsen, Frostbite (Vampire Academy Series) by Rochelle Mead

I'm listening to: The Pretty Reckless, Lisa Mitchell, Marit Larsen, everything by the Glee cast

I'm watching: About to start on Season 6 of LOST, have been watching old DVDs of The Hills and The City during my holidays

I'm dreading: Nothing really. I'd say going back to work, but I'm only back for a couple of weeks, then I have another two weeks of annual leave planned. So not so bad!
I'm excited about: My sister's baby arriving in February (not long now!), planning her baby shower, all the new blogs I've discovered, spending the gift vouchers we got for Christmas on decor for our home.

I'm craving: Not much really. I really want to finish painting our house and putting the finishing touches on (hence the excitement about the gift vouchers). Oh, and for the weather to cool down just a smidgen - it's been 10 days of pretty much 40 degrees celcius. I love the heat, but this is just getting ridiculous.

I'm wanting: A whole bunch of new MAC shadows - I've made a list and am checking it twice before I do any ordering to make sure I get exactly what I want. Also wanting to get back into the fitness routine I was starting before I had my car accident.

I'm hoping: For this year to be as fantastic as the last!

Labels: Tags

Leave A Comment

01 January 2011, 5:29 PM

Happy New Year!

Hello 2011, how do you do?

Just a quick post, as I'm feeling quite lazy today - still recovering from last night's festivities. I just wanted to share my make-up look from the party. I found this tutorial from the gorgeous Lisa Eldridge on youtube and have been dying to try it myself. This is what I came up with:

The lashes are not quite the same that Lisa wears - I found the exact same Eylure Girls Aloud ones but they did not suit the shape of my eye - they looked quite terrible really. I ended up using some from 1000 Hour in Wild Damsel that I've had for a little while. They seem to fit my eye shape better.

Clockwise from top left. You can click the picture to get an up close look.

Red Earth Eyeshadow in Burnt Caramel (the brown one, bottom right - I made the quad myself by depotting the Red Earth shadows into a Beauty Style palette)

Physicians Formula Bronzer in Bordeaux Bronze

Red Earth Absolute Brows Brow Perfecting Kit in Blonde (I use the middle shade)

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Foundation in 03 Fresh Neutral

Face Of Australia Liquid Eyeliner in Black

Loreal Telescopic Clean in Black

Loreal Studio Secrets Lipliner in 022 Pink

Bourjois Kohl & Contour Pencil in 72 Noir Expert

MAC Dazzleglass in Smile

Rimmel London Lipstick in 110 Pink Gossip

MAC Mineralised Blush in Cheek & Cheerful

So that's it today - first blogpost of the year, what excitement. Here's to a successful and busy 2011!

Labels: FOTD

Leave A Comment

28 December 2010, 9:19 AM

Conical Wand Win

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend, enjoyed lots of time with family and friends. I'm still on holidays til the 4th of January (yay!), so I actually have time to blog mid-week. I got lots of goodies for Christmas - I got the SJP Covet perfume I wanted from my last post (I'm going shopping today to take advantage of the end of year sales - am hoping to pick up Burberry Brit EDP at a cut price, I'll let you know), I got Sportsgirl gift vouchers (yay!), a gorgeous vase (which I'll show you once I get a bunch of flowers to fill it), a Danny Bhoy DVD (sooo funny, I spent last night in stitches watching it), Influence by MK & A Olsen (halfway through and LOVING it), and amongst other things, a conical wand.

Since 2002 I have had a hair idol in Marion Raven, Norwegian pop (thinks she's rock) singer. She used to be in a group, M2M, with Marit Larsen. You might remember their "Don't Say You Love Me" track from the Pokemon soundtrack. They went their separate ways in 2002, both releasing solo music - Marit's I love, Marion's ... meh. But, besides a brief kinda gothic stint in 2006, Marion's hair has remained my ultimate.

This shoot in particular from the release of their 2002 album The Big Room is my most lusted for:

Marion is the brunette, Marit the blonde. I've struggled forever trying to acheive this type of curl. Actually no, first I had to grow my hair to a decent length (I haven't quite accomplished the thickness) then I struggled to create this type of curl. I've tried thick clamping tongs, smaller clamping tongs, three prong tongs, hair straighteners, hot rollers, everything! But I think I've found the answer in my brand spankin' new Remington Tribal Tong. Just to be classy, I asked for the pink crocodile skin model.

So delightfully tacky!

I used it last night for the first time. First thing I noticed is that it is SO quick - it only took me about ten minutes to curl my entire head and I was struggling at first trying to work out which way my hands and arms were meant to go so I wouldn't get burned. I imagine I'll get even quicker with some practise.

This is what I managed last night:

It's not quite the Marion curl yet, but I'm pretty damn sure this baby will be the one.

I will say that I think the tong is quite damaging, so if you do try it, make sure you use a heat protectant spray. I don't think this is one for every day use. But I must say, today being the morning after and the curl is pretty much still holding. Excellent!

Bonus OOTD:

Top from Mink Pink, skirt from Sportsgirl (circa 2006), shoes by Mongfish (circa 2007), watch from Urban Outfitters.

And I'm out - thanks for reading!

Labels: Fashion, Hair, Marion Raven, Marit Larsen, OOTD

Leave A Comment

17 December 2010, 9:40 PM

Smells Like T Spirit

Smells Like T Spirit by tarynk featuring burberry tops

Burberry - Brit

Sarah Jessica Parker - NYC

Hugo Boss - Orange

Christina Aguilera - Christina Aguilera

Sarah Jessica Parker - Covet

DKNY - Be Delicious Green

Chanel - Chance

Britney Spears - Midnight Fantasy

I actually already have CA, SJP - NYC & BS, but I want more, more, more so I never run out!

Labels: Perfume

Leave A Comment

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

Leave A Comment

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

Leave A Comment

Newer Posts Older Posts