Let lingerie be your date this Valentine's Day!

The taboo topic of lingerie and how it reflects your personality has us all in a fluster here at Fashion Weekly. It's often forgotten how your choice of lingerie can emulate the type of person you are, both in and out of the bedroom. Our guide will help you figure out which styles best suit your personality this Valentine's Day!

Classic Cuts

Some of us wouldn't read much into it when it comes to underwear, you just wear what's practical and comfortable, right?

But hey, that leads us to our first personality; 'the classic'. You are the type of woman that doesn't care much about 'trends' and fitting into a feminine stereotype. You don't need lace or frills to show off your natural beauty. You work with what you have and you love it! You can feel sexy without having to step out of your comfort zone.

Fitted and Fabulous

The “fetishist” plays on “the tomboy” personality by still incorporating the practical mindset whilst adding more of a controlling frame of mind while indulging in life's finest pleasures. Without getting all 50 Shades of Grey up in here, the “fetishist” personality plays on your provocative and dominant side. This kind of 'gal dares to push the boundaries a little while still being extremely sexy, therefore lace bodysuits are for you!

Sweet and Sultry

Or maybe I'm losing you a little...? Doesn't quite sound like you? Let's take an elegant spin on things? Keeping that sexy yet innocent mindset in check, you're a lover of all things elegant and beautiful. Garters, delicate lace, pretty patterns and sugary sweet pastel tones are for you. It leaves the illusion to your fellow..eh..audience.. that there is certainly more to come. Thus, resulting in you being the “sweet & sultry” kind.

Flirt Fantasy

Another personality much like “the sweet & sultry” is the good old fashioned “flirt”. The woman with an outgoing personality, an indulger of games both in and out of the bedroom. She encapsulates every essence of a good mystery. You're never shy and afraid to show off exactly what you've got. For you, it's a corset, g-string, sky-high stilettos and a whip so you can show off your fantasy side.

So, whether you're alone or not this Valentines Day, feel empowered by the sexy undergarments you choose to wear ... that's if it even stays on for long.

Words: Isla Perrett

The trials and tribulations of dating in 2016

With the holidays and New Year celebrations far behind us and the pace of daily life back to full speed, there’s a good chance this fresh start has bought with it the strong desire for change and the opening of a new chapter of your life. For many of us, that’s going to include joining or re-joining the dating game in an effort to finding the safe secure love each and every one of us desires and, importantly, deserves.

Spend enough years as a relationship coach like me and you will see the patterns of human behaviour. Our drives and motivations are shared ones which means this is a busy and exciting time for me as I work with singles who are keen to hit the romance accelerator.

But a word of caution. Years of good quality research have developed our understanding of falling in love-experiences are both psychological and biological. As a result, our bodies influence our decisions and this has both benefits and risks. You have probably heard of the love and attachment hormones like oxytocin and neurotransmitters and dopamine and serotonin that are released when we are potential partners - primed and poised to fall in love. These powerful chemicals have potent effects on the body, sometimes dramatically affecting our thoughts, feelings and our behaviours so it’s important to be aware of this and to be mindful not to get too caught up with what you are feeling. Using good sense and the “thinking” part of the brain to focus that little bit harder on your current love interest or date is always recommended. Simply put, its always useful to take a couple of steps back from your feelings and think as well as feel.

Reflecting on my coaching work with people from all walks of life over the last year I have distilled three key considerations for those who want to fine tune their dating plan for 2016.

1. Centre yourself – It’s normal to be carrying a high level of anxiety when dating There are all sorts of reasons but one is the worry about what the other person thinks of you. Try to arrive for a new meeting with someone in a state of calm centeredness. Use meditation (mindfulness phone apps are useful for this), use positive self-talk or even better, have an appointment with your therapist just before a date. Anxiety and our efforts to manage it in stressful situations distracts us from really seeing the person in front of us and it also limits our capacity to read the positive (or negative) cues and signals that tell you if he or she is the right fit for you.

2. Don’t stay “virtual” for too long – When we start with digital dating our feelings for someone develop before we have even met but we haven’t been able to fully ‘read’ them face-to-face. You need to meet and see your potential love interest in person fairly soon to be able to read them to see if you are both a good fit, and of course if it feels right. Don’t let online chat or back and forward text exchanges go on for weeks before you meet.

3. Check in with what you are feeling - ask yourself often, does this feel safe and secure? Does this love interest or date ask questions about me? Do they look at me in a way that is pleasing? Are they curious about who I am? Do I feel trust? Does how they look or smell appeal to me? Do they look comfortable in their own skin? Does this person speak about their past positively and if it’s not positive have they made sense of it and how it has shaped them in relationship today?

All these questions need to be considered as they provide the kind information you need to form a mature choice about the person you may want to spend your life with.

Enjoy it, dating can be so much fun. Put on your seat belt, strap yourself in tight and keep your wits about you but above all...take in the ride!

Melissa Ferrari is a Relational Psychotherapist, Relationship Therapist and Dating Coach in Sydney. She has been a specialist in the field for over 18 years and has worked with many people to help them live more fulfilling, passionate and happy lives. She helps transform people by working with them individually in a private practice and in her one or two day workshops. Melissa works with both individuals and couples. She has a great passion in working with people who are looking for love with authenticity and mindfulness. Melissa’s curiosity, while asking way too many questions is often part of the mix that helps create change in the people she works with!

Follow her: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | GOOGLE+

Witchery A/W 16 runway recap & key styles for the season

While the warm weather is still very much upon us, the fashion industry is making its transition into the autumn and winter styles.

Australian label Witchery, debuted its Autumn Winter '16 collection on January 28 at Sydney’s Carriageworks.

The runway showcased 80 looks from Witchery Woman, Witchery Balance, Witchery First Edition and Witchery Man.

Trends which were evident on the catwalk include the minimalistic look with a contemporary nod to ‘70s details, romantic styles created through texture and shape contrasted with dark colours, retro and geometric patterns.

This season, camel and tan shades will be replaced as winter’s go-to neutral by a smoky pink, reminiscent of Pantone’s Rose Quartz.

With an A-list guest attendance of media and style influencers like Margaret Zhang, Samantha Harris, Nikki Phillips and Samantha Frost to name a few, the Witchery Autumn Winter '16 runway show was a spectacular start to the fashion season ahead.

Scroll down to see the exclusive snaps from the Witchery runway show.

11 Sexpectations only SATC's Samantha Jones can teach you

This is why no one should make you feel bad about sex on the first or tenth date according to Samantha Jones.

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Ladies, let's be honest, there are a few taboo questions on whether having sex on the first date is entirely acceptable.

Society tends to pass on a judgmental stigma that leaves women questioning if moving and removing on the first date is the wrong decision.

There are many suggestive articles stating that the longer you wait to have sex the higher the chances are of you staying in a relationship.

But what if the sex is bad? What if you found his size disappointing? What if there was no chemistry? No fireworks? Or worse ... no orgasm?

If there’s anything we’ve learnt from the one and only Samantha Jones from Sex and the City, it’s that we ‘will not be judged by society.’

Whether you choose to have sex on the first date or whether you choose to wait, the matter is entirely up to you. No one can dictate when or where you do it yet alone, to whom you do it to.

So on that note, here are the best sexually empowering quotes from Samantha Jones on why no one should dictate your sex life.

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1. There's nothing wrong with being experimental.

2. Don't let other people's judgemental opinions get the better of you.

3. Always remember that you are fabulous!

4. Be honest no matter what.

5. Know when to move on.

6. Don't be easily fooled.

7. Keep your friendships in check.

8. Don't settle for anything less than what you want.

9. It can be hardwork.

10. No what you want and go for it.

11. Never forget the most important relationship of all.

Barbie finally says goodbye to unrealistic standards

Growing up, we all had to adhere to social standards and the perceptions of others. Always wanting something you didn't have, wishing you looked a certain way...

I remember the day I received my first Barbie doll, handed down to me by my cousin. It was a dream come true, well for a 5 year old me at least.

The Barbie I remember had never ending long legs, a petite cinched in waist, long luscious blonde locks and blue eyes. Not to mention that she wore very little.

Barbie set the norm when it came to looks and body shapes, what girl didn't at some point in her childhood wish to be as 'beautiful' as her new best friend, Barbie?

Are you nodding your head with me on this one? What an unrealistic standards we grew up with by aspiring to look like Barbie.

Not to mention the controversial stir caused by Mattel, Barbie's brand, last year when they cast a male in a Moschino Barbie campaign.

Without placing a complete sour note on things, Mattel has certainly found a positive way to kick off 2016! The company have announced the release of a whole new Barbie range featuring varying body shapes, skin tones, eye colours and hairstyles.

Ultimately giving not only Barbie herself one hell of a makeover, but the brand too!

Evelyn Mazzocco Global General Manager for Mattel stated, “We are excited to literally be changing the face of the brand - these new dolls represent a line that is more reflective of the world girls see around them”.

While the release of the new Barbie's will cause a stir in society, it's definitely a healthier promotion of body image for our youth!

The Evolution of Barbie

#TheDollEvolves

Posted by Barbie on Thursday, January 28, 2016

Words: Isla Perrett

New Metre Markets switch up Brisbane's fashion culture

The hunt to find a market in Brisbane that has a clothing focus has sent us down Struggle Street quite a number of times. If you're anything like us than you'd know that shopping for unique and vintage fashion pieces can be an ordeal and a half.

But fear not! The hunt for pre-loved designer and vintage clothing is now within reach for all Brisbane gals.

Metre Market, a new boutique market, is the answer to all of our prayers! Finally, there is a collective, affordable and fuss free platform for fashionistas to clear out their wardrobes and make some extra cash along with providing an opportunity for up-and-coming designers to showcase and sell their 'never before seen' work.

Embodying the essence of positive vibes, Metre Markets will also have on offer gourmet food trucks, coffee vans, live local music, art installations, henna tents, fresh market blooms and much more.

Ladies, make sure you clear your diaries and grab your girlfriends for a fab day of cardio, well shopping cardio! Head along and support some great local talent and creatives at Morningside School of Arts (Cnr Wynnum Rd & Ison St) on Sunday 7th February 9am-2pm.

For more information please visit www.metremarket.com.au

Words: Isla Perrett

When you’re getting too hooked on your hook-up

We ladies tend to overthink everything and have a need to define every situation. It’s just what we do.

We don’t NEED a man to define us and we LIKE intoxicated casual hook-up’s, as long as we know exactly what we are getting into.

But what happens when you hook-up more than once and you have to pretend, that even though you have late night chats and meet up whenever one of you are lonely, feelings aren’t involved... and defining this situation doesn’t matter. When the truth is, even if you aren’t looking for a long-term relationship, it can be tough not knowing what exactly that continuous hook-up means.

If there’s one thing we learnt from Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake in ‘Friends With Benefits’, it is that although a casual relationship where you hang out as friends and have wild sex is super appealing, keeping your feelings separated is probably not going to work.

Here’s how to know what your sex-capade means and what your emotions are getting you into:

Intimate hook-up: You pretend not to care about whether he is seeing someone else.

Casual hook-up: You don’t give a cr*p what he does with his time.

Intimate hook-up: You consider him a friend, someone you enjoy spending time and sharing random thoughts with.

Casual hook-up: You don’t care to spend any time with him before or after your hook-up and never think about texting him ‘just to talk’.

Intimate hook-up: You find yourself frustrated-ly trying to explain the situation to your friends... and they just don’t get it.

Casual hook-up: You don’t care whether your friends judge you for hooking up with him.

Intimate hook-up: You get excited when his name flashes on your phone... especially if it is before 10pm.

Casual hook-up: "What, why the hell is he texting me in the daylight hours!?"

Intimate hook-up: You grab some food, see a movie or cuddle after hooking up.

Casual hook-up: Hello and bye is the extent of your conversation.

Intimate hook-up: He is a priority in your life.

Casual hook-up: He’s rarely on your mind.

Intimate hook-up: You feel like you can be your silly-self with him.

A simple & cheap guide to cleaning makeup brushes

Honestly, how often do you wash your makeup brushes?

Our brushes and sponges come into contact with our skin and beauty products daily, and although you might not be aware of it, there are bacteria growing on them.

You probably know by now that makeup brushes should be an investment. There is no point spending hundreds of dollars on expensive beauty products but not having the proper tools to apply it.

It is equally as important to frequently sanitise and wash your brushes. This will not only prolong the life of your brushes but also help avoid breakouts on your skin.

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Washing your makeup brushes does not have to be a time-consuming and expensive task. It can be really simple and inexpensive.

What you need:

- Dirty makeup brushes

- Access to a sink

- Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

- Towel

Step 1:

Fill the sink halfway with luke warm water. Dip the bristles of your brushes into the water to remove the first layer of product.

Step 2:

Line your brushes on the edge of the sink. Dispense some Johnson’s Baby Shampoo into the palm of your hand and swirl the bristles of your brush in the shampoo using circular motions.

Step 3:

Rinse the bristles under a running tap until the water comes out clear (if the water is still coloured go ahead and repeat step 2). Keep your brushes facing down and ensure only the bristles are getting wet. This will prevent any liquid from coming into contact the the glue and keep your brushes from shedding.

Step 4:

Gently squeeze the excess water out of the bristles. Roll a towel and place your brushes balancing at a downward facing angle to dry.

How often should I wash my brushes?

Ideally, your brushes should be washed weekly however, as long as you don't have an infection or severe breakout on your face, you can get away with washing your brushes once or twice a month. To keep your tools sanitised in between washes you can use a brush cleansing spray and a tissue to spot clean.

7 Ways to make getting dressed in the morning easier

So you spend your mornings hitting snooze more times than you can count only to jump out of bed and into the shower merely minutes before you have to leave for work? It is likely then that as stylish as you might consider yourself, you cringe at the thought of putting an outfit together when your brain is still pre-coffee foggy and you literally only have seconds!

These wardrobe hacks will guide you to a more streamlined closet that will make getting dressed and looking great easier than ever before.

1. Ensure you have quality basics

There should be a balance between trendy items and quality basics in your wardrobe. No matter what your personal style, there are staple items that every woman needs.

- A sleek black blazer that can pass as casual or dressy.
- Quality cotton tees in white, black and grey.
- The perfect fitting black skinny jeans.
- Classic pumps that you can walk in.
- A leather jacket.
- A well-fitting and comfortable LBD.

2. Organise your wardrobe

Living with a messy and cluttered wardrobe will make getting dressed hard! Organise your closet into categories to ensure you know exactly what you have to work with.

3. Refresh your wardrobe once a week

Spend your Sunday afternoon going through your wardrobe and, thinking about the week ahead, pull some pieces that you would like to wear and place it on a separate clothing rail. Every Sunday, place all the items back into your closet and re-fresh your weekly picks.

Ensure all the items in your wardrobe are clean, free of stains and creasing and aren’t damaged.

4. Look stylish through layering

The simplest of outfits - like jeans and a tee - can be dressed up by adding layering pieces like a sleeveless vest or accessories. The key to layering without looking frumpy is to work with pieces that are varied in length.

5. Preparation is key

We are all constantly glued to our smartphones so why not make the most of fashion and style apps?

Keep track of what’s in your closet and which items would look good styled together with these apps:

Closet+ FREE (In-app purchases)
Closet+ allows you to snap images of your clothes and add items together to create an outfit. The app integrates with your smartphone calendar for streamlined outfit planning.

Stylebook $3.99
Stylebook allows you to take photos of the items in your closet, edit the background and put together potential outfits. Other features include packing and shopping lists, wardrobe planning and outfit inspiration.

6. Use texture and patterns to add interest to an outfit

Add a stylish edge to your outfit while ensuring your clothing pieces can be worn in many ways by choosing items with unique textures and prints.

On-trend textures: Faux fur, leather, fringing, metallic and lace details.
On-trend prints: Safari chic, romantic and abstract florals, stripes in all sizes and thickness and bold gingham prints.

7. Have one go-to handbag

As tempting as it is to match your purse to your outfit, keep things simple and avoid having to transfer your daily essentials by sticking with one bag during the week. Look for styles that are big enough to carry your essentials but not too big that you will gather unnecessary items and monochrome colours to match your daily style.

Sex takes centre stage on the runway once again

The 'sex sells' motto has clearly taken to the high fashion runway.

While we believe fashion is a form of art and expression, we are so over seeing sex and genitals on the runway instead of well crafted fashion pieces.

Vivienne Westwood is the latest designer to combine sex and fashion on the runway as she debuted penis shaped pendants within her menswear collection in Milan last week.

Designers are no longer keeping their ‘nod’ to sex and genitals on the runway subtle. The large metal pendants being the clear point of focus on these looks.

Last year, Rick Owens had male models walking down the runway with exposed genitals on display for his Fall/Winter 15/16 collection and draped women on women as accessories for his Spring/Summer ’16 runway.

We all know that fashion can be a pretty out there, especially when it comes to high fashion but are these designers taking it too far? Should there be a more definite line between art and consumer fashion?

Image: Source

14 Relatable Quotes from GIRLS that are #life in your 20s

We are hooked on HBO's show GIRLS. It's like a non-glamorous, totally relatable and down-to-earth take on Sex and The City (don't be confused we are still very loyal to SATC too!). There is something so 'real' about the show and the trials and fails of its characters.

If, like us, you find yourself going 'RIIIIIGHT' or 'I totally get this' throughout the episodes, you will love these GIRLS quotes that are #liferightnow for any twenty-something.

1. “I don’t even want a boyfriend. I just want someone who wants to hang out all the time and thinks I’m the best person in the world and wants to have sex with only me.” – Hannah

2. “I think I’m definitely a Carrie at heart, but sometimes...sometimes Samantha kind of comes out. And then, when I’m at school, I definitely try to put on my Miranda hat.” – Shoshanna

3. “I am okay. I may not seem okay, and I may not be okay now, but I am, like, OKAY.” – Marnie.

4. “I’m attracted to everyone when I first meet them. And then it wears off. It always wears off.” – Jessa

5. “I really care about you and I don’t want to anymore because it feels too shitty for me.” – Hannah

6. “I can’t be surrounded by your negativity while I’m trying to grow into a fully formed woman.” – Shoshanna

7. “You know what the weirdest part about having a job is? You have to be there every day, even on days you don’t feel like it.” – Jessa

8. “Guys, we’re so disconnected now. I thought that this would be a good opportunity to have fun together and prove to everyone via Instagram that we can still have fun as a group.” – Marnie

9. “When we are together, he’s so there, and he’s so present, and then... he disappears for 2 weeks, and doesn’t answer any of my text messages, and I feel as though I invented him.” – Hannah

10. “It’s really liberating to say no to sh*t you hate.” – Hannah

11. “Sometimes being stuck in my own head is so exhausting that it makes me want to cry.” – Marnie

12. “I don’t hate your friends. I’m just not interested in anything they have to say.” – Adam

13. “I just wish someone would tell me, like, ‘This is how the rest of your life should look.’” – Marnie

14. [To her parents] “I could be a drug addict. Do you know how lucky you are?” – Hannah