Melbourne is a bastard. It can never make its mind up. Is it going to rain? Maybe it will tease you with a sliver of sun as you groggily peep out through the curtains in the morning. Mixed messages and broken promises are the bread and butter of our city’s weather regime, but that’s no excuse to lock yourself away at home, crying into the covers with a tub of Ben and Jerry’s.

As June dwells along, crunchy golden leaves begin to fill our cold, barren streets and our warm flannelette pyjamas become something of a fashion pin-up. Instead, let this season be an opportunity to show up winter, like you would an old ex at a high school reunion by dressing to the nines and embracing the spectacular style of winter. And what better way to own your outfit than with feature tights and stockings?

Want to channel your inner Daisy and lash out with a smouldering 1920’s Great Gatsby look? The glam and glimmer from the film has made its way onto Melbourne streets, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t shimmy on in as well. The opulent look was characterised by decadent lace and embroidered prints teamed with all the sparkle and shine a woman could dream of.

Local boutique, Wolford have a fabulous range of luxury leg wear that are classical with a pinch of sass to help channel the twenties look with a contemporary feel. Sheer design, Dolly Dots Tights, is a perfect pair that will dress up any outfit for the office or your next Moët fuelled night out with the girls.

But when it comes to feminine yet sassy legwear, few outweigh the mastery of Alannah Hill. For that sensual, twenties-inspired style, look no further than her Throw Me Around! tights with a unique, erratic pattern that will have the green-eyed monsters at your door. Simply fab!

Want to be really bold? Let your stockings be the feature of your outfit. Teamed with plain, block-coloured staple items, bright or patterned stockings and socks have a real wow factor about them which undeniably pulls me from my gloomy, pre-empt winter blues. My love for Alannah Hill, a poorly concealed fact, has led me to scouting out an amazing pair of rose print stockings, Roses are Red, which are an absolute must against a cream or black woollen dress suit, or whatever wonderful creation you can imagine.

Melbourne’s gloomy winter weather is your perfect opportunity to sparkle and shine. Stockings and tights are not just the solution to our seasonal blues (and prickly, pale legs), but a way to glamourise your look while keeping warm and wonderful at the same time. So slide on a pair of sexy, sheer stockings or eccentric opaque tights and show winter that nothing can get you down.

// CONTRIBUTOR

Aneeka Simonis :: Fashion Columnist

Hopping from state to state in her adolescence, Aneeka and her unique personality refuse to be put in the corner. As if everyday is her wedding day, Aneeka vows to incorporate something old, something new, something borrowed and sometimes something blue into her daily fashion before she catches lunch with a girlfriend or trundles through city streets. Aneeka can often be found curled up in Starbucks with a tall caramel java chip frappuccino, messy hair and furiously typing fingers that barely keep with billowing ideas for her latest article or memoir. Currently studying journalism at Swinburne, Aneeka is interested in all things media and enjoy her role as a broadcast journalist at an inner city Melbourne radio station. You can follow her on Twitter or on her blog aneekasimonis92.wordpress.com

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Life Coach Hayley Carr

:: You’re a karate champion and also studied interior design; how and why did you become a life coach?

The decision to become a life coach in a lot of ways doesn’t seem connected – it didn’t to me at the time, however it was the lessons I got from each of these parts of my life that led me to what I do today. Doing interior design was not my passion, however I did love creating clarity within a space, and designing homes so that there was a nice flow of energy. I have studied martial arts since I was 15, and have always had really great results in competition over a very long period of time.

Then I got really sick with Chronic Fatigue, and I couldn’t do either. It was in the process of healing myself that I discovered a passion for showing others how to design their lives and get clarity on what was holding them back from achieving great results over a long period of time. Random, I know! But I guess that’s the way life works sometimes – the answer is not in the actual activity, but what’s behind it.

:: What does a life coach actually do?

A life coach is like having your very own personal cheerleader, and sounding board. Someone who you can talk to about any area of your life, and they will help you see things you cannot see, from an unbiased, supportive, outside perspective. When you can fully understand the picture of where you are, you can easily see which is the next logical step for you to take. It speeds up the process of getting what you want, and enjoying your time while you achieve your goals.

:: What are some easy, everyday things people can do on a daily basis to gain the most out of life?

It’s so much easier than you think, however putting in the small amount of effort every day to actually do this work is where we slip. It’s “too easy” to do, and too easy not to do. So, if you can make a deal with yourself to do these things, then read on – I’ll give you some really simple steps that change everything.

1. Set Goals – big or small, it doesn’t matter.

Don’t worry if they are realistic or not. You can have anything you want as long as you give yourself the time to do it, take useful action every day, and you use step number 2.

2. Visualise what you want.

This is the most underrated peak performance tool ever. Your body goes towards what it knows. If you want something that your body does not currently “know” as an experience you are already having, you won’t get there unless you show it what that looks and feels like. When you do your visualisations, imagine yourself having already completed the task perfectly.

Stress is relieved every moment by visualising things to go right, not wrong. You can do this every single day. Just take 30 seconds to imagine your day, and everything you are about to do, going perfectly. Then, do the same for your goals.

If you took 30 seconds each hour to do this, imagine how differently you would feel going about your goals and your day.

3. Nourish your body, and respect it.

Make an effort every day to put the most nourishing foods into your body and on your skin, and within your environment. This will help you to cultivate a respect and deep understanding of your body, and when you are fuelled on the best, you perform at another level.

:: What are some of the most common reasons people come to you for help?

People come to me for so many different reasons. It could be that they have something immediate that they want to remove from their subconscious, like a fear, phobia, or allergy, or it could be that they want to lose weight or quit smoking.

Mostly, however, my clients come and see me because they know there is more to life, and they want to know how to feel it, and experience it. They want it all… and then some. So we work together on getting them to being the biggest expression of themselves, in whatever way that means to them, and achieving their biggest life goals in a way that is repeatable for the next chapter, and sustainable over a long period of time.

:: You’ve said you like to push the boundaries – is this something more people should be embracing?

Heck yeah! The biggest challenge for my work is that most people only want help to get over a problem, so they can go back to living a mediocre life. We can’t know what else is out there for us when we do the same thing every day. Our biggest goals can only ever be as good as everything we have currently ever experienced or understood.

Although I don’t adore the word “should” any more (I like people to do things via their own choice), putting yourself out of your comfort zone as often as possible is, as far as I can see, the best way to grow quickly, and have another experience and perspective of what is possible for you as an individual. It’s fear-busting 101.

:: You’ve personally had some tough times, including being bedridden for two years. Do you ever find it a struggle yourself to deal with unexpected blows? What are your tips for handling these blows in a positive way?

Yes indeed! I have learned a lot from these experiences, and the biggest lesson I have taken away is that we never know what’s around the corner… Ever… Even if you live within your comfort zone every day. What the future of the day or your life holds, could be great, or it could be … ahem…. A sh*t storm.

When I was bedridden for a few years, I didn’t know it was going to be for a few years. I had no idea. I thought in the beginning it was only going to be for a week. So after a few years, and quite a few doctors, I was told it was never going to be over (of course, I didn’t like that answer so I went searching elsewhere) – however, there was never a certain answer. No light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. I just had to keep telling myself “This is temporary, and everything is going to be fantastic when this is over. My life will be better because of this…”

So in answer to the question, nowadays, no. After coming out the other end of being that sick for years, I think this is one of the most important lessons I have ever learned in my life; to always trust that everything is going to be okay. Especially when it looks like it’s not. I use this all the time now. If there’s a 50/50 chance of it going right or wrong, or even if there’s a 90% chance of it going wrong I choose to focus on the 10%. That’s where the solution lies.

Life is full of unexpected blows. It’s part of the ride. How you respond is the key to living a great life.

:: You’ve recently started running workshops; what do they entail?

I have! They are so much fun. I teach people exactly what they need, to experience the next level of life for themselves. It’s everything in one package. Removing unconscious blocks, making space for the new elements you want to cultivate in your life, how to properly nourish your body in every way, not just through food, while you make massive changes (so you can keep going and achieving more!). All the little rituals to implement in your day to see massive changes over time, and of course, how to completely dominate your time and your calendar so you can fit it all in, while you feel great.

It’s an amazingly supportive environment, where big changes happen for people in a very small amount of time. So exciting. You walk away with everything you need, and a community of people who will support you along the way. Including me!

:: You’ve lived such a jam-packed life and already accomplished so much. Where do you get your drive from?

I have always believed that you can have anything you want, as long as you want it badly enough and you’re willing to do what it takes, and never give up on it. Once I started having success in my martial arts, I just kept asking myself, “What’s next?”

I feel driven every day to be the biggest expression of myself. I ask myself all the time, “Am I being my best?” and really, when you ask yourself that question, you know if you’re not. I believe mediocrity is a modern day sin. Every time I see someone I get the pleasure of working with take off and have that experience of being the full expression of themselves, the drive becomes deeper inside me.

Throughout my years of competing in martial arts, my instructors have been really supportive, beautiful people who encouraged me to be my best. Same with the people I trained with, and my family. I think the supportive environment is just as important as the drive. People who are supportive of your choices (hint: it’s not going to be family for everyone, sometimes you’ve got to search the world for your tribe) give you the permission you think you need to just go ahead and give it a go.

Believe me though, the success of accomplishing something out of your comfort zone tastes so good, you’ll be asking yourself what’s next, and wish you started earlier.

:: What’s up next for you?

Great question! I want to see the world, and bring everyone closer together, to support one another to be at their very own elite level, so, here I am, currently writing this from Havana in Cuba!

One of my biggest dreams has always been to be able to work from anywhere, in my own time, and still help people make massive shifts. Right now I’m testing the theory – I leave for Mexico tomorrow!

I want to take my live workshops to an online video-based training format, so people can get this information at their fingertips easily. I am currently working on a new website, and an e-book too.

Today I feel like I am a living experiment on being an example of what’s possible, learning along the way and teaching as I go. I am having a lot of fun travelling solo and working from different places around the world, so learning more about this way of life is very very exciting for me!

I’ll be back in Australia in early July to teach my next 3-day workshop, and after that, who knows!

Find out more about Hayley and catch up on her fabulous weekly videos here

Sign up to Hayley’s free “Hump Day” videos for weekly advice and inspiration to live your best life.

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// CONTRIBUTOR

Kylie Triggell :: Features Intern

Kylie is a Brisbane-based writer and journalist who could very possibly one day build a house out of the books she owns.  A lover of travel, while studying at university she dreamed of finding a career which would lead her around the world. In the years since then she has lived in Paris and let her curiosity lead her across most of Europe and into South-East Asia. But Kylie still hasn’t shaken the travel bug and regularly finds herself mentally re-editing her ‘must see’ travel list.

Since re-settling back in beautiful Brisbane you will most likely see Kylie enjoying a cup of tea, nose deep in a good book after a long run, or else enjoying a hearty laugh with her friends, wine glass in hand. She loves to ramble too, and you can read more of these at www.redrobinblue.blogspot.com.

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It would be a sin not to covet these beauty and lifestyle lust-haves.

“More is more” is the chosen mantra of the darling who revels in decadence. Of course, she could find contentment in the smaller things in life. But that just isn’t in her nature. She yearns to stain her pout with a vampy matte lippie, call her boudoir home to the most luxurious of labels, and be doused in only the finest scents that designers have to offer. It’s not over-indulgence, darling – it’s a way of life.

Scroll through the gallery to find the lust-haves of the darling who lives for decadence …

// WIN

Want to win one of these decadent darlings? Just leave a comment and let us know which one you’re coveting, and what the most decadent thing you’ve ever done or purchased is?

Entries close June 30th at midnight E.S.T.

Entries are open to residents of Australia only.

// CONTRIBUTOR

Melissa Koutoukidis :: PR Manager

Although Melissa may occasionally believe her life is a sitcom, a contemporary Lucille Ball without the Arnaz but certainly with the attitude, her feet are planted solidly on the ground. Perhaps her slight aversion for reality stems from her passion for the performing arts. A passion Melissa no longer fulfills by treading the boards, but rather as an audience member and Theatre Writer. These days her starring roles range from Arts student at the University of Melbourne, to aspiring journalist and, of course, intern at MWSG. Melissa has a fetish for fine stationery, road-side antique stores, reality television so bad it’s good, and ‘doing lunch’ as if it was a verb. You can follow her on Twitter @_Youve_Got_Mel

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:: Sponsored Post

I will always heart style. Real style. Not the kind that comes from buying a handbag just because of its label, or because a celebrity was papped wearing it; but the kind that comes from worshipping quality and paying homage to your individuality.

As such, I’ve always sworn allegiance to Oroton. Quality leather. Classic designs. Handbags that go the distance, long after I first fell head over heels in love with them. A long-term relationship filled with unwavering affection and dedication.

Other handbags have done their best to try and lure me with their flashy bling, “it bag” status, and their fake and cheap overseas imposters emblazoned with logos striding down what seems every city street.

But, no, I couldn’t be swayed.

Until now.

Be still my beating heart, for I have a serious competitor for my handbag affections. The Bag Department has me swooning in ardent desire, with their fine quality leather, stylish designs, and their customisable Chloe, Madison and Coachella bags.

I like my everyday handbags to be big, but with organised compartments, so when I go to swipe and sign my plastic, I don’t have to balance my handbag on bended knee and rummage through it, and then come up for air sans wallet, but with a handful of Mintie wrappers, lipstick, and ahem, items I would prefer not to share with the general public.

The Madison can fit all of your daily essentials and has secret compartments to ensure you can keep an über-organised handbag. It’s also perfect to effortlessly take you from day to night, especially if you need to stash a pair of heels or a decent sized cosmetics bag.

Customisable colour options include black, navy, red, tan and giraffe for the body; light gold and gun metal hardware; and black, navy, red or cream for the handle.

The chic Chloe Tote is the perfect handbag for work with its shorter strap and magnetic clasp, and the additional longer strap is great for a more relaxed feel when lunching with the girls or browsing the shops on the weekend.

Customisable colour options include black, tan, beige, chocolate, cream, navy, red and giraffe for the body; light gold and gunmetal hardware; and the same available body colours for the handle, but with a toffee accent instead of giraffe.

:: Chloe Tote in beige, cream and light gold

As a travel writer, I’m often heading away to different destinations (sometimes at short notice). Whilst my Samsonite is great for overseas trips that require a myriad of different shoe-to-outfit combinations (read packing every shoe I own, for fear said combinations may not be just-quite-right right upon arrival in destination), this is just the ticket for trips to Sydney and weekends in countryside destinations.

I also like that I can use it as my in-flight bag on long haul, and is unisex in style, which means my partner will obligingly hold it for me, whilst I rush into the airport newsagent to top up on my latest fix of mags and confectionary.

Such requests are usually met with abject horror… I guess after all, what man wants to be left standing solo sporting a woman’s handbag? But that’s always furthest from my mind when I only have five minutes to make said purchases before Qantas start paging me over the loudspeaker for my flight.

:: I can’t go past the ever-classic black and gunmetal combination

The Bag Department also feature exclusive one off designs that will be never be re-created. Their current exclusives include a fuchsia Savannah clutch and a Madison tote in black ostrich.

With their luxury handbags being made by artisans from premium leather, quality that promises to last for years, and their stylish design aesthetic, I think I’m about to form a serious new ‘LTR’.

:: www.thebagdepartment.com.au

:: Subscribe to The Bag Department newsletter to stay up-to-date with their latest designs, and receive their new monthly magazine starting on the 1st of August, which incorporates styling, fashion trends, and featured posts from industry insiders.

:: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest

:: Stockists

// DISCLOSURE :: This post was sponsored by The Bag Department. The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide magazine has high standards of integrity and quality, and we only promote brands or service we believe meets those standards. Essentially, if we don’t love it, and think you’ll love it, then it won’t be featured in MWSG magazine. You can read more about our ethics policy here.

// CONTRIBUTOR

Gaynor Alder :: Editor-in-Chief

Gaynor Alder is a Melbourne based writer with a penchant for vintage glamour and all things Parisian. She is the Editor-in-Chief of MWSG and the Teenage Girl’s Survival Guide, gallivants around the world as a Travel Writer testing the thread count of sheets and the fluffiness of hotel pillows and freelances in public relations.

She started writing The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide, after the umpteenth person told her, you know you should really write a book. Her fingers struggled daily to keep up with the thoughts that desperately wanted to become words on pages, to take centre stage in a book that she knew was going to become the new voice of womankind. Her calling, her destiny, her whatever you want to call it, Gaynor writes because she can’t not write.

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Poor carbs. They really have been dealt a rough deal over the past few years with all the reports that they are fattening, that you can’t eat them after 5pm and some even suggesting we shouldn’t be eating them at all.

While it might be the trend de jour to dis carbs, reality is we actually need to eat them. Just like cars need petrol to run; our body also needs a fuel source to function properly. Carbohydrates provide that fuel.

The brain, nerves and muscles will choose carbs over and above protein and fat as an energy source any day and you will notice quite quickly that without providing your body with a constant supply of carbohydrate, you will soon turn into a slow and tired cranky pants.

Now it is true that we can survive on a low- or no-carb diet, but it will eventually be to the detriment of our protein stores. I know I would much rather be eating some carbs every day rather than have my body eating away at its own muscles and organs just so that it can keep on keeping on.

Need more reasons to embrace the carb? Well, dietary fibre is a classification of carbohydrates that includes whole grains, vegetables, legumes and fruit. Dietary fibre has a number of added health benefits. These include:

• Keeping us fuller for longer because they take longer to be digested. It is for this reason that carbs can actually help with weight maintenance or even weight loss

• Helping make it easier to ‘stay regular’. As well as avoiding the cramps and pain of constipation, regular bowel movements help get rid of nasties hanging around the bowel. It is for this reason that dietary fibre is thought to play a role in reducing colorectal cancer risk

• Lowering cholesterol to help protect against coronary heart disease

• Promoting the growth of healthy micro-organisms in our gut and bowel

Carbohydrate containing foods can also provide you with more bang for your nutritional buck because they often contain other essential nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants.

Right, so now that we all know carbs are good for us, it’s just a matter of picking the ones that are going to deliver us all of these lovely health benefits! Indulge in:

• Vegetables

• Fruit

• Cereals that contain whole grains, bran or are high fibre

• Bread that is mixed grain, wholemeal, dark rye or soy and linseed

• Legumes like beans, chick peas and lentils

• Unprocessed grains like quinoa, barley and rye

• Basmati or Doongara rice

• Wholemeal pasta

• Noodles

Just in case you missed it, let me emphasise for you that BREAD AND PASTA ARE ON THE LIST!

:: The Carbs that Give All Carbs a Bad Name

The bad rep that carbohydrates have been lumped with didn’t just appear out of nowhere. There are carbohydrate containing foods that really don’t do us any of the favours I have talked about and are best left on the ‘sometimes’ food list. They are almost always those foods that have been highly processed and include:

• White bread

• White pasta

• Quick oats

• Cakes, biscuits, slices and pasties processed with white flour

• Soft drink

So eat carbs and enjoy the warm, satisfying feeling you get knowing that you are providing your body with the nourishment it needs.

:: Image credit (1)

// CONTRIBUTOR

Nina Mills :: Features Intern

Nina is a Melbourne girl, born and bred, who suppressed her love for art, music and drama with the misguided idea that she needed to pursue a ‘sensible’ career. After years of neglecting her creative side, she has been itching to get out and has started freelance writing and blogging, and hopes to combine nutrition and writing to make a living out of doing something she loves. When she’s not working the nine to five, you can find her catching some live music, in the kitchen creating healthy dishes or trying to make a dent in her ever growing pile of books. She writes at What’s for eats? and tweets at @whatsforeats.

Don’t judge this month’s Lady Dresswell column by its title. I’m not talking about a gay man who hasn’t come out of the proverbial closet. I’m talking about the clothes in your actual closet and how you, as queen, reign over them. The easiest – and cheapest – way to make like a monarch is to Wear. Your. Clothes. To. Death. You can offset your ‘clothes miles’ by getting some serious mileage out of them.

It’s easy once you know how to ‘shop your wardrobe’. Put on your favourite music, give yourself a bit of time, and get reacquainted with some long lost fabric friends – particularly those that have been languishing right down the back of your closet. If you’re anything like me you’ll discover items you forgot you even owned (the saying ‘out of sight, out of mind’ doesn’t exist for nothing, you know)!

Next, get those creative juices flowing and come up with some new ensembles. The best closet queens are those that can mix and match their separates into completely new outfits. With a bit of ingenuity you can create a whole new look without having to leave the comfort of your bedroom!

Lacking inspiration? Grab some magazines and cut or tear out the images you like. Take your cue from the colours, prints, styles, shapes and looks that take your fancy. Stylists are paid lots of money to create new and imaginative outfits. There’s no point in reinventing the wheel. If you like what you see, copy it! Why not invite a friend over and make a day of it? They’ll see new combinations you hadn’t even dreamed of (and if they’re a true friend they’ll give you their honest opinion and stop you committing any sartorial sins)!

Trying out different combinations helps you see your old clothes in a new light. Suddenly that plain white blouse looks all shiny and new again when you team it with that skirt you forgot you owned. And wow, now that I think about it, that skirt would work really well with that other shirt I’ve neglected. And look how the outfit soars when I add this necklace, that scarf …. and so on.

Embracing your closet queen is fun and you get a warm inner glow from bringing an abandoned piece back into circulation. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get regal.

// CONTRIBUTOR

Peta Stephenson :: Columnist & Sub Editor

Peta is a self-confessed word nerd. Her penchant for punctuation began in childhood and she’s nurtured it ever since with the completion of Honours, MA and PhD theses and the writing of two books. Her other great love is clothes – oh, and shoes. And jewellery, accessories, scarves and hats (you get the picture). When she’s not feeding her fetish for words working as MWSG sub-editor, she’s running her own business (called ‘Dresscode’) as a sustainable stylist. Her aim is to help her clients to look and feel great while reducing their fashion footprint. Peta also writes ‘Lady Dresswell’, a monthly sustainable fashion column for MWSG. You can visit her website here:  www.dresscode.com.au

What if I told you that you could be on your way to crystal clear skin? Well thanks to SK-II it’s possible.

In a breakthrough study, the clever scientists behind SK-II revealed the five dimensions linked to beautiful, crystal clear skin which include maintaining smoothness, firmness, texture, wrinkles and skin tone. The study revealed that 20% of aging is a result of DNA, however 80% is due to environmental factors which you can take control of.

Last month I had the chance to learn more about SK-II and have my skin assessed and treated. I was greeted by Abby, an SK-II representative who first asked me questions about my daily skin care routine. I informed her that I cleansed day and night, only occasionally used a toner, applied a serum, wore a BB cream daily and almost always applied moisturiser before bed.

I was then introduced to the magic ring – the magic ring is a device that allows women to see where their skin sits in relation to the five dimensions model, targeting specific areas to determine the skin’s overall appearance as it is basically “graded”.

The magic ring takes an incredibly focused photograph and then uses advanced technology to assess your firmness, texture refinement, radiance enhancement, wrinkle resilience and skin tone. After my photograph was taken, Abby talked me through each of the dimensions and we discussed where I sat compared to other women.

Of all the dimensions my best score was in radiance enhancement and my worst in texture refinement where I was explained a lot of women struggle throughout their lives as our skin changes through puberty, adulthood and menopause.

Each of the five dimensions determine beautiful skin at any age although each has its own specific challenges which alone may sound insignificant but are warning signs to issues that may surface later on:

:: Firmness – Skin that looks or feels tired, pillow crease marks

:: Texture Refinement – Dry or tight after cleansing, open pores, acne, blackheads, breakouts, rough or oily skin, foundation doesn’t apply smoothly

:: Radiance Enhancement – Dull skin, dark circles, suntan or freckles don’t fade quickly

:: Wrinkle Resilience – Tightness after cleansing, foundation lines around eyes, fine lines around eyes and mouth

:: Skin tone - Uneven skin tone, acne scars fade slowly

After going through each of the slides we got to the scary part – seeing a photograph of what your skin is expected to look like in years to come if you don’t engage in a thorough cleansing regime. I was faced with a much older looking version of myself with harsh pigmentation and sunken lines beneath my eyes. Abby then pointed out the importance of daily SPF to ensure that the underlying pigmentation beneath my skin doesn’t come to surface. Overall, it was shown that I have the skin age of 18 – 3 years below my actual age!

Abby then prescribed me my own personal regimen and products that would best suit my skin and target my personal skin concerns and I was then treated to a facial with celebrity facialist Funi Yamamoto from Zen facial, who used her skills as well as her army of SK-II products to literally transform my face – I was left glowing, and everything was smoother, firmer and appeared lifted.

The story of SK-II began at a sake brewery in Japan. It was noticed that the elderly workers had wrinkled faces but extraordinarily youthful, soft beautiful hands. Scientists discovered that their hands were in constant contact with the sake fermentation process and eventually after years of research, they isolated the miracle ingredient Pitera – a naturally derived liquid from the yeast fermentation process and the key to what makes SK-II so special.

The holy grail of SK-II which you may be familiar with is the Facial Essence Treatment. It contains 90% Pitera and the always radiant Cate Blanchett swears by it. It is a super moisture booster and helps your skin to look renewed.

// WIN

Now you have the chance to experience SK-II for yourself. We have 5 packs to give away at a RRP of $80 that include:

• 1 x 30ml bottle of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

• 1 x SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

• 1 x complimentary Facial Treatment Mask when you visit any SK-II counter to get a free skin consultation with the Magic Ring

To enter, leave a comment below and let us know what’s the worst skincare felony you’ve committed?

Competition closes on 30th June at 12pm E.S.T, and is open to residents of Australia only.

// CONTRIBUTOR

Lauren Wallace :: Beauty Intern

Lauren is a Sydney-based aspiring writer who just graduated university with a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism. She is passionate about the world of magazines and has completed a number of internships at various publications. Lauren loves all things pretty and tends to spend most of her pay check on beauty products, resulting in a very impressive collection of nail polish. She has big dreams of seeing the world and is about to head off on her first European adventure with her best friends. Follow her on twitter @_laurenwallace or instagram (@laurennwallace)

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Now that winter is here, is there any better way to spend the weekend than curled up on the couch with a great book, or having a mini Mad Men marathon? Maybe it’s the Melbournian in me, but for me winter is also about being cosy, comfy and warm. I’ve put together three looks to help make your living spaces more appealing for the cold months ahead.

:: Feeling Blue

Pinterest has a lot to answer for! Lately I’ve been dreaming of a wall feature made of dinner plates – wouldn’t it be a fabulous statement piece! A beautiful, eclectic mix of plates with this stunning couch, and a simple rug and throw would make a beautiful, elegant space for entertaining (can’t you just see yourself reclined on that couch, reading something lovely on a cold day).

1. Bluebird melamine plate, Mozi, Assorted plates David Jones

2. Replica Eero Saarinen Tulip side coffee table, Matt Blatt

3. Chester 2 Seater sofa in Otis Blue, Plush

4. Andy throw, Home Republic in stone, Adairs

5. Faded Ikat wool rug, West Elm

:: Monochromatic

I have a confession to make – I built this look completely around the Frank Sinatra mugshot poster (which is another of my current obsessions). As much as I love colour, I’m slowly being drawn to the striking look and black and white, especially by mixing it up with monochromatic patterns. You could also throw in a pop of colour, like an orange lamp or some fresh flowers to mix it up.

1. Allia mirror, Freedom
2. Replica Isamu Noguchi coffee table, Matt Blatt
3. Frenchie sofa in carbon, Freedom , Khadi cushion, Target, Cobi cushion, Country Road
4. Inside 1 Light 1/2Dome Pendant in black and white, Beacon Lighting
5. Mugshot poster, ebay, Ribba frame, Ikea

:: Light and Bright

Just because its dark and dreary outside, doesn’t mean you can’t bring sunshine and colour inside! I’m all about yellow at the moment, and love incorporating pops of the colour into spaces. By using trend colours in cushions, throws and accessories, you can easily switch them over as seasons or tastes change (without spending too much).

1.Studio floor lamp, Freedom

2. Berlin and Tokyo printers, Laura Amiss, Etsy, Ribba frame, Ikea

3. Hilton 3 seat sofa in pewter, Freedom, Sorbet cushion, dan300 , Arbus cushion, Country Road

4. Home Republic Santona throw in super lemon, Adairs

5. Coffee table, Ikea

Currently saving for her first house, Steph is an aspiring domestic goddess who worships at the altar of Martha Stewart. Her favourite things are freshly baked cupcakes, list-writing and hunting for beautiful homewares. When she’s not baking, organizing or shopping on Etsy, Steph works in educational publishing. With a Creative Arts degree under her belt, Steph is now completing a Graduate Diploma in Editing and Publishing. You can find Steph on twitter here (@my_girlfriday) or on her current obsession, instagram (@my_girlfriday).

// DON’T MISS A THING WITH OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

I used to be one of those girls. One of those girls who used to regularly have an oh-my-god-I’m-fat-I-need-to-go-to-the-gym-and-commence-the-latest-celebrity-crash-diet crisis (especially when it was b-b-bi-bi-bikini weather, meaning that when I went to the beach, I scanned it for the least populated area and perched my towel and my belongings as close to the shore as possible, then slowly undressed and walked backwards into the water.)

One of those girls who used to fight with her skinny jeans, begging them to just-go-up-over-my-thighs. “Pretty please? Please let’s just pretend I am a size ten. I won’t tell anyone. It’ll be our little secret. Promise. Pinky swear.”

One of those girls who used to open a packet of Tim Tams, promising myself I would just have one, and then spend the next hour in an exhausting neurotic internal monologue.

“Mmmm that was good.  Two would be okay wouldn’t it?  Yes two would be okay.”

“Hmmm, now I really feel like another one, would three be okay? Okay just one more and that’s it.” Then wrap up the packet, put it back in the fridge and delude myself it was going to deter me from eating anymore.

“Gaayyynor, we’re still here in the fridge. Gaaaaynooooooor……”

“I want another, but I can’t have four, four is definitely too many.” I would then have an out of body experience where in my mind I was still virtuously sitting on the couch, but my body had found itself walking back to the fridge, and before I even knew what my hands have done, they’d opened the packet and dispensed another parcel of chocolate pleasure to my mouth. Then guiltily dust the crumbs from down the front of my shirt, and berate myself for lacking self control.

As I wrapped the packet up again, I would think well now that I’ve had four, five won’t make any difference. I would quickly shove another in my mouth, as though the faster I ate it and destroyed the evidence, I could trick my brain into thinking I may not have even eaten it.  Then I would have to have another to placate the remorse that was eating away at me.

“It’s okay though, I won’t eat any more chocolate for the rest of the week, start a diet on Monday (as Monday is the only day to start a diet), which means I can now eat the rest of the packet.”

The kind of girl who knew slow and steady won the weight loss race, but inevitably planned a drastic diet, because the thought of it abated how bad I was feeling about myself in that moment (even though a far off voice in the back of my mind, knew I wasn’t going to stick to it. Just like the hundred other hair brained diets I had cooked up in the past).

No alcohol for a week. Quit smoking. Eat healthy. Definitely start exercising. Cross everything off my to do list. Only think happy thoughts.

I would then fall off the wagon after a heavy night on the liquor, and wake the next morning feeling remorseful and parched post the over consumption of liquor, like I’d just spent a week in the Sahara Desert following mirages in search of water.

After going a hundred times around the dieting block, hopping on the scales every morning hoping they’d noticed how hard I’ve worked, hanging on their every word so they could dictate to me whether I was going to feel good about myself or not for the day ahead, I decided enough was enough. It was time to say no to years of dieting and waiting for my life to begin until I could fit into my skinny jeans.

Because diets are as futile as an aging supermodel trying to say no to Botox. And when I started to focus on being satiated by life, chips and chocolate stopped masquerading as fulfillment. I liberated myself from each and every day’s thoughts being dominated by what I was eating. I ditched dieting in favour of listening to my body, and food became my friend. I started eating healthy food because it made me feel good, and the more I did, the more I wanted healthy food. And I found myself easily able to enjoy everything else in moderation without even thinking about it.

Once I stopped depriving myself, I naturally didn’t feel the need to eat a Sara Lee Sticky Date Pudding straight from the foil tin in one sitting. Somehow I found the perfect weight for me sans dieting and head damage, and because I was happy within myself, skinny was no longer dictating to me how I should feel every day.

Sure, I’ve had ups and downs in my weight over the years. But it doesn’t seem to bother me anymore, and it’s always because something else has been out of balance. And when I address that, my weight seems to effortlessly fall back into place. I prefer to lean into health and happiness, instead of restriction, deprivation and obsession over what I’m eating. And the freedom is exhilarating.

 // CONTRIBUTOR

Gaynor Alder :: Editor-in-Chief

Gaynor Alder is a Melbourne based writer with a penchant for vintage glamour and all things Parisian. She is also the Editor-at-Large for the Teenage Girl’s Survival Guide, gallivants around the world as a Travel Writer testing the thread count of sheets and the fluffiness of hotel pillows, and freelances in public relations.

She started writing The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide, after the umpteenth person told her, you know you should really write a book. Her fingers struggled daily to keep up with the thoughts that desperately wanted to become words on pages, to take centre stage in a book that she knew was going to become the new voice of womankind. Her calling, her destiny, her whatever you want to call it, Gaynor writes because she can’t not write.

// DON’T MISS A THING WITH OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

You don’t wear the same clothes in winter as you do in summer, so the same goes for the products you use. Our skin’s needs change as the seasons do, and the routine that we follow in summer often isn’t ideal come cooler times. The combination of the dramatic temperature drop, our exposure to the harsh wind and cosying up in front of the heater, leave your skin practically begging for hydration as the weather sucks the life out of it. We show you how to up the ante on hydration and transform your beauty routine for winter.

:: Face

In winter our skin becomes drier, and therefore more sensitive and easily irritated, so be sure to steer clear of harsh products that will strip the skin of its natural oils. Look for a creamy cleanser to help add moisture back into the skin and stop it from losing its lustre – and remember, just because the sun’s stopped shining doesn’t mean you should skip SPF. BB creams are great come winter, as they target all your skin woes while also adding UV protection.

If you haven’t already, invest in a serum. They penetrate into the skin and as well as aiding with hydration levels, they can improve your overall complexion. Apply your serum right after cleansing (when the face is dry) and after you’ve given it a few minutes to sink in, apply your moisturiser. Even though you should always use a night cream, it is even more important come winter as they are generally more rich and hydrating that the one you use throughout the day. Look for products that include hyaluronic acid which works to pull water into the skin.

Lancome Galatee Confort Cleanser :: $69.00 Available at Myers and David Jones

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief :: $60.00

SKII Hydrating UV Cream :: $110.00

:: Body

As you probably already know, the skin is your body’s largest organ so it’s important that you look after it well, particularly in winter when it needs that extra attention. With the cooler months hitting, the fruity shower gels that we favour in the summer time just won’t cut it. Try dry body brushing, which helps to circulate blood flow, shed dead skin cells and improve texture. Use a body scrub a few times a week to keep scaly winter skin at bay and opt for body oils and rich moisturisers to restore hydration and stand against winter elements. Don’t forget about your hands and feet – apply a hand cream throughout the day to prevent dry, cracked hands, eczema and contact dermatitis.

MOR Cosmetics Little Luxuries Lychee Flower Hand Cream :: $12.95

MOR Cosmetics Marshmallow Sugar Body Scrub :: $39.95

MOR Cosmetics Emporium White Collection Feijoa Lime Hand Cream :: On sale for $14.97

:: Hair

After you’ve packed away your sea salt spray and said goodbye to messy beachwaves, chances are your hair’s exposure to heat tools such as straightening irons and blow dryers will increase dramatically. Prevent dry and damaged winter hair by ensuring that you use a heat protection spray before styling.

Your tresses are more prone to breakage in the cooler months as hair becomes a lot drier. Fight off the elements of winter with a repairing shampoo and conditioner duo and treat your stressed out strands to a nourishing treatment once a week to mend weather damage to ensure sleek, winter-proof locks.

Wella SP Hydrate Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask

:: DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide is committed to integrity and high standards of ethics. We only feature and recommend products that we ourselves would purchase; quite simply, if we don’t love it, and think you’ll love it, then it won’t be featured in MWSG Magazine. This article also includes some affiliate links, which means that if you purchase the product, you are supporting MWSG magazine with a commission from the sale. You can read more about our disclosure policy here.

// CONTRIBUTOR

Lauren Wallace :: Beauty Intern

Lauren is a Sydney-based aspiring writer who just graduated university with a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism. She is passionate about the world of magazines and has completed a number of internships at various publications. Lauren loves all things pretty and tends to spend most of her pay check on beauty products, resulting in a very impressive collection of nail polish. She has big dreams of seeing the world and is about to head off on her first European adventure with her best friends. Follow her on twitter @_laurenwallace or instagram (@laurennwallace)

// DON’T MISS A THING WITH OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun” – Katherine Hepburn

The Quarter Life Crisis (the silent epidemic) had me questioning my life in a midst of discontent and confusion. The QLC had placed an emergency call to my soul, and it undid me piece by piece as it broke down all I had been taught in order to fulfill the place inside that spoke to me when I was a little girl and said, ‘But I want to be a ballerina’.

Give me a sign universe, what am I meant to do now? (I refer to the universe not in a flaky, tree hugging, patchouli wearing kind of way, but in reference to a greater power outside of myself. I don’t really know what it is, but nonetheless it’s something that I hope does exist, because I often pray to it for Oroton handbags and new coats from Saba.)

I’ve ticked off societies check list for happiness, yet why do I feel so empty inside?

Can I break free of the 9 to 5 prison that has me a slave to security wishing the week away until Friday?

Surely there is more to life than dragging myself to a job that makes me want to run screaming through the office topless and call a taxi to the airport to board the next plane overseas?

Do I have to sacrifice the authenticity of my soul in order to make a living, and is this a price I could afford to pay?

What if I could liberate myself from the shoulds in order to become who I really am?

I realised if I didn’t put a full stop on that life, I was going to wake up one day harbouring a serious mid life crisis. I decided a fancy title wasn’t as important to me as being happy. But embracing uncertainty as an opportunity for change, requires trusting that part in the middle, when you’re neither here nor there. That part where most capitulate into something they don’t really want to do out of fear. It requires courage to trust in what you really want, rather than letting security frighten you into submission. It requires riding through the all  “what the fuck am I doing?” moments that will temporarily hijack your confidence.

However, if there is one thing I know, it is this. That when you take a leap of faith, not only do you feel more alive than ever before, but life seems to reward those who have the courage to stand by their convictions. Because, sometimes in life we are tested. Really tested. Life’s natural ups and downs, and ebbs and flows, shape us with their wisdom and call on us to develop our strength, courage, endurance and patience.

Then something breaks. We meet someone with knowledge, a new perspective or an opportunity. We get a new job. Something falls in our lap. Suddenly, that difficult passage becomes something from our past. Something we look back on. Something we draw strength from. Something we use to become the best we can be.

But what If I fail? Won’t people tell me I told you so? But rest assured, they’ll have plenty more to say.

You’re a dreamer.

You’re a drifter.

You need to be responsible.

When are you going to settle down?

You better think about getting a mortgage soon.

I wouldn’t leave your job if I was you, better the devil you know and all that.

Fear after fear, holding us back from all that we deserve in life. Fears driven by what other people think. But we need to start living more by our own standards of success. Because, god damn it, who makes all these rules? And I wonder, is all the Prozac really just numbing the emptiness people feel inside for not being able to measure up to unrealistic societal expectations of success?

Working long hours and making money seems to be the passport to acceptance and the measure of your success as a person. Sure money is fabulous, but it’s not where you determine your self worth from, or measure your success against. Because success as a person runs much deeper than that. So much deeper. Doing what you love for a living. Long and lasting friendship. Great love. Happiness. What you’ve overcome within yourself to be where you are now.

And there comes a time in every woman’s life when she needs to stand up tall and say this is who I am. Some people might not ever understand you, but they can respect your choices in life. It isn’t about one way of life being right over another. It’s about being free to live your life the way you want. It is your life after all.

And what of this failure business? Failure isn’t failure, it’s just a stepping stone that propels you further towards what you really want. Forget about what everyone around you is saying and stop treating life like a report card you have to get straight A’s on. Give yourself the freedom to explore life and make mistakes, because finding out who you are often means you have to find out who you are not.

And who said you had to do the same thing forever anyway? Do what you want to do for as long as you want and when it’s not making you happy anymore, do something different. Break free of these limiting beliefs and stop letting people make you feel like you’re unstable because you want to try different things with your life.

Now, I’d be lying if I said this flinging yourself in the direction of your dreams thingy was always easy. That’d be plain false advertising. There’s been times I’ve wanted to give up and go back to being a corporate whore, selling my soul to the highest bidder just so I didn’t have to scratch around the freezer for something to eat only to discover a packet of frozen peas covered in frostbite.

So why on earth do we do it then? It’s because of how it feels inside when we live an authentic life. Being paid to do what we love. Bounding out of bed every single day with a sense of unbridled joy. Experiencing the sheer love of life. And I am here to tell you that it’s possible. So very possible. I freed myself from the 9 to 5 of the corporate world, to freelance from home as a writer. And I couldn’t be fucking happier.

Never give up on doing what you really want to do.

// CONTRIBUTOR

Gaynor Alder :: Editor-in-Chief

Gaynor is a Melbourne based writer with a penchant for vintage glamour and all things Parisian. She is the editor-at-large for the Teenage Girl’s Survival Guide; gallivants around the world as a travel writer, testing the thread count of sheets and the fluffiness of hotel pillows; freelances in public relations for lifestyle brands; and manages PR and relationships for Blogger Connect.

She started writing The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide, after the umpteenth person told her, you know you should really write a book. Her fingers struggled daily to keep up with the thoughts that desperately wanted to become words on pages, to take centre stage in a book that she knew was going to become the new voice of womankind. Her calling, her destiny, her whatever you want to call it, Gaynor writes because she can’t not write.

// DON’T MISS A THING WITH OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

The weather is getting cooler which makes it perfect for snuggling up with a good book. This month MWSG magazine’s Book Club is featuring ‘The Rules of Conception’, by Angela Lawrence and ‘Flame Tree Hill’, by Mandy Magro.

If you’d like to receive one of these books to read and review, leave a comment below and tell us which book you’d like to review and why.

:: May Books Available for Review

:: The Rules of Conception, by Angela Lawrence

“Rachel Richards is ready to be a mother.

She’s got a great job, a good income, a beautiful inner-city apartment, and a great group of supportive friends. All she needs is a father to have the child with…

But go-getter Rachel won’t let a little thing like that get in the way of her dreams. After researching different options to become pregnant, from co-parenting, adoption and anonymous sperm donors, Rachel finally settles on a method of conception – using a known donor. Making the decision to choose the biological father for her child, Rachel picks Digby. The single, softly-spoken Canadian – with a complicated family background – who wants to have children but not have a child.

As Rachel tries to fall pregnant, the well-established foundation for her dream begins to develop cracks. Lyndall, her nightmare boss, is becoming even more obsessed with ruining Rachel’s career, a desirable — but undeniably married — colleague is beginning to show inappropriate interest and the stress of her impending new life is starting to take its toll on her health. Now Rachel is beginning to question if she should have followed the rules of conception after all…”

:: Flame Tree Hill, by Mandy Magro

“Kirsty Mitchell is ready to come home. After a tragic accident that left her scarred, she fled overseas. Now, three years later, she’s finally returning to Flame Tree Hill, her beloved family farm.

But at twenty-five Kirsty isn’t prepared for the terrifying new challenge ahead: breast cancer.

Kirsty’s never been a quitter and that’s not about to change. But can her budding romance with local vet Aden bear the strain?

As she battles with chemotherapy and as her past threatens to overwhelm her, Kirsty realises you can never take anything – or anyone – for granted. Drawing strength from her family and the beauty of Far North Queensland, Kirsty finally understands what she must do.

A lyrical and heart-warming testament to the power of love – and forgiveness.”

:: WANT TO REVIEW ONE OF THESE BOOKS FOR MWSG MAGAZINE BOOK CLUB?

For your chance to receive a copy of one of this month’s Book Club books, leave a comment and let us know which book you would like to review and why. The selected reader reviewers will be sent the book of their choice to read and review. Reviews for the May Book Club will be shared with MWSG readers in the July Book Club.

// Terms and Conditions

:: The MWSG Magazine Book Club is open to residents of Australia only.

:: Four readers will be chosen on June 25th and notified by email.

:: Being selected as a MWSG Magazine reviewer for the month, you agree to send us a minimum 250 word review of the book.

// CONTRIBUTOR

Nina Mills :: Features Intern

Nina is a Melbourne girl, born and bred, who suppressed her love for art, music and drama with the misguided idea that she needed to pursue a ‘sensible’ career. After years of neglecting her creative side, she has been itching to get out and has started freelance writing and blogging, and hopes to combine nutrition and writing to make a living out of doing something she loves. When she’s not working the nine to five, you can find her catching some live music, in the kitchen creating healthy dishes or trying to make a dent in her ever growing pile of books. She writes at What’s for eats? and tweets at @whatsforeats.

We’re all busy people. On any given day you might have loads of meetings, a coffee date with friends and then a game of netball in the evening. You come home exhausted and cuddle up on the sofa with a hot water bottle and some chicken soup to warm your soul. You go to bed and the next morning you feel refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take the world (or the workplace) by storm.

The above scenario seems pretty typical, doesn’t it? And people are always complaining about how tired they are, how hard it is to get out of bed in the morning, and how sluggish and horrible they feel when they haven’t had enough rest. But what if no matter how much you slept you continuously woke up tired, each and every morning?

This is the reality for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). ME/CFS is a severe neurological disorder that affects about 0.7% or 180,000 of Australians. The disease holds no personal grudges and subsequently, does not discriminate.

ME/CFS suffers can be from any socio-economic or ethnic group, gender, and can be of any age. Children with ME/CFS commonly miss extended periods of schooling, adults have to take leave from work, and simple tasks such as getting dressed or cooking a meal can feel like physical and mental impossibility.

People diagnosed with ME/CFS can be ill for years, and yet receiving a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment is challenging in itself. According to ME/CFS Australia, less than 20% of sufferers are diagnosed. To add to this, there are no universally recognised treatment protocols.

Those with ME/CFS face episodes of intolerable pain and mental torment. Despite the Royal Australian College of Physicians estimating the disease as costing the Australian economy some $525 million in 2000, the figures are now likely to be closer to $4 billion. And yet still, the condition is one of the most under-funded chronic illnesses in Australia.

What causes ME/CFS is highly debated and people often present with individual risk or associated factors. It can follow bouts of acute infection, physical trauma, or present with other medical conditions such as Fibromyalgia; a group of symptoms marked by intense muscle stiffness.

Importantly, no matter the cause, individuals with ME/CFS often experience a significant deterioration in their quality of life, and due to widespread misunderstanding of the disease, face challenges when explaining their feelings to others, or barriers to receiving appropriate support. Furthermore, 25% of those with the disease will remain highly housebound or bedbound for the rest of their lives.

May is ME awareness month, and a campaign called ‘Go Blue for ME’ is well and truly underway. ME/CFS Australia offers a list of ways you can support the cause including downloading a Facebook Awareness Banner, colouring your hair, or simply painting your nails blue for the month. They’re also open to any suggestions or initiatives you might have. To find out more about ME/CFS and the ‘Go Blue for Me’ campaign, visit ME/CFS Australia.

// CONTRIBUTOR

Esther Levy-Fenner :: Mental Health Writer

Esther has a fetish for frangipanis, reading and all things artsy. Amidst the jaywalkers and bike-peddlers of Melbourne, Esther studies Professional Communication at RMIT. Esther’s other passions lie in the field of mental health and helping to extinguish the stigma associated with mental health conditions that features so predominantly in today’s world. Apart from smelling book pages and trawling over blogs, Esther also is pursuing her acting career as an extra on Neighbours. You can follow her on Twitter @estherlf or via her blog at www.countingletters.wordpress.com.

// DON’T MISS A THING WITH OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Gaynor Alder, editor-in-chief

“I think the most important thing a woman can have next to talent, of course is her hair dresser” – Joan Crawford

Whenever I hit snooze on my alarm and sacrifice the time I need to spend on my hair, I always regret it. I lack something. A certain finesse, my moxy, my mojo. If my hair isn’t right, then I’m not right, because doesn’t the quality of your hair dictate the quality of your life? The good hair day continually mocks me with its elusiveness, and my uncooperative curly do-whatever-it-bloody-well-likes hair, means I have to fight with it everyday, trying to force it to do things it clearly has no interest in doing.

I’d love to stop all the tarting about and make a monogamous commitment to one hair care brand, but hair products are rather a fickle lot. After finally finding the holy grail of shampoo, conditioner and treatment (a rare synergy I believe will magically infiltrate into other areas of my life, as though once my hair finds harmony and inner peace the rest of my life will magically fall into place) it suddenly stops working. It’s like thinking you’ve finally met the one, and then without warning you get unceremoniously dumped. No explanation – just some lame excuse it wasn’t working out between the two of you anymore.

I’ve always loved long hair. But why do hairdressers possess such an insatiable urge to cut it short? And why do I struggle to speak up when I see more hair than there should be cascading to the floor? Is it because they’re hovering behind me wielding sharp implements?

And no, I’m not going anywhere special tonight, and I don’t care what you’re doing on the weekend. Now, shut-the-fuck-up and let me read the latest issue of Marie Claire.

After all, the mind numbing small talk is really just to prime me with a false sense of camaraderie, before leading me to the wash basin to knead me into submission with a head massage and start the hard sell on products.

“Your hair is a little dry. What have you been washing it with?”

Of course, whatever brand I’m using is complete shite compared to the brand they stock. Next comes the barrage of guilt-inducing-telling-off-type-comments, whilst running their hands through my hair and making disapproving noises.

“Who cut your hair last time?” asked in an attempt to make me feel, that any other hairdresser besides them is completely incompetent.

But of course when I do find a good hairdresser, one where I can confidently swan into their salon, take my seat, and with a casual wave of my hand, say, “Oh yes darling, just do whatever you like” and not look up from the pile of trashy magazines I’ve been looking forward to getting my fix of all month; and then stride out with fabulous big bouncy hair, feeling like I have super powers and can take on the world; she inevitably up and moves salons. (Surely hairdressers should be be bound by some sort of duty of care for our psychological well being, that requires them to place an oath with a governing body to never move more than a one hour radius from their former salon?)

Then it’s all back out in the wilderness, work-shopping in step-by-step minute detail with new hairdressers, exactly what I do and don’t want, which involves flow charts, pivot tables and using my hand to indicate on various parts of my body, which layers can go no shorter than what until I feel they’ve finally got the memo.

Which is more of a quiet stand-off between the two of us, with a silent understanding- I can still detect an eager glint in your eye to hack off my hair, but I’m exhausted now, so I’m going to trepidously let you move towards me with your cutting implements, but spend the next excruciating hour unable to become fully engrossed in the high quality investigative journalism in my lap, because I’ll have one eye on a celebrity in a tracksuit with no makeup, and the other watching every-single-move you make with your scissors.

The only crime worse than using Pantene or letting someone else near my hair, is confessing I have coloured it with supermarket hair dye. I distinctly recall getting into a spot of bother with an auburn rinse circa ‘91. (Note to self age 14 – thou shall not leave hair colour on longer than recommended time in attempt to enhance vibrancy and longevity of cheap dye, nor consider accompanying gloves an optional item.)  

I was left with not only red hair, but also a red forehead. I also teased my fringe as high as it would go, and then moulded it around the side of my face with half a can of hairspray. Even though this was the time when Hypercolour t-shirts were the height of fashion, and the likes of Vanilla Ice were topping the charts, this was still a major crime against style.

I decided it was time for a change and my inspiration came from none other than Dolly Magazine. Anyone who was anyone read it, mainly for Dolly Doctor as it was the only real sex education a Catholic School girl got (and God knows we needed something more than the rhythm method to protect us, if we were to ever engage in the mortal sin that was sex).

Besides it saving us from the perils of measuring our temperature in lieu of contraception, its star cover girl was our muse. Not only did the boys have Alison Brahe’s posters plastered on their walls, every girl idolised her, and longed for her blonde locks.

This commenced a long term love affair with “One Shade Lighter.” A primitive form of hair bleach that I sprayed into my hair to let the sun activate. Usually on a twice-daily basis. With my continual cologne of ‘eau de hair bleach’ wafting down the school halls, it’s no wonder the boys never warmed to my teen advances.

Despite years of punishment from my hairdresser, I’ve never quite-been-able to give up the odd packet of supermarket hair dye (especially post a surprise confrontation with the mirror alerting me to an alarming number of new greys). But I always end up rendered housebound, until I can two time my hairdresser with one in another suburb to fix it. And when I go back to my regular one, I can’t quite look her in the eye for fear she knows I’ve gone behind her back and cheated on her with someone else.

:: Question Time

Does your hair affect your mood?

Have you, like me, found your holy grail of hairdressers? (Oh Sara, I love thee so.)

What’s your relationship with your hairdresser like? Do you feel guilty if you go to another hairdresser instead of your regular one?

What’s the worst hairdressing experience you’ve ever had?

Click here if you want to get your manicured hands on your very own MWSG magazine ‘Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Hair Day’ coffee mug.

// CONTRIBUTOR

Gaynor Alder :: Editor-in-Chief

Gaynor is a Melbourne based writer with a penchant for vintage glamour and all things Parisian. She is the editor-in-chief of MWSG magazine and the Teenage Girl’s Survival Guide; gallivants around the world as a travel writer, testing the thread count of sheets and the fluffiness of hotel pillows; freelances in public relations for lifestyle brands; and manages PR and relationships for Blogger Connect.

She started writing The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide, after the umpteenth person told her, you know you should really write a book. Her fingers struggled daily to keep up with the thoughts that desperately wanted to become words on pages, to take centre stage in a book that she knew was going to become the new voice of womankind. Her calling, her destiny, her whatever you want to call it, Gaynor writes because she can’t not write.

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The sun has set its curfew and for most of us, it’s well before the business day is through. Most of us have taken to rugging up to the point that one can no longer tell if they are speaking with a Phillip or a Phillippa, yet amongst all that is dull and drab in winter lies a silver lining.

Winter is the perfect opportunity to shine, or at least let your creative flag fly. My advice? Say it with a scarf. Whether it’s a beautiful silk necktie, a woollen cable knit or a decadent fur collar, scarves are a must-have accessory for winter.

Country Road is always a classic go-to designer for scarves, with their newest collection ticking all the boxes with a range of styles to suit everyone’s needs.

:: Country Road Pattern Block Scarf

Bringing the bathmat to the bar for Friday night drinks, Country Road’s shaggy Twisted Wool Scarf refurnishes the shaggy-yarn look, turning drab into fab for an everyday look. With strong, block colours for the cold winter ahead, Country Road’s woollen scarf styles such as the Pattern Block Scarf make bold statements that would enhance any outfit. And from a purely practical perspective, the woollen winter-warmer is an all-rounder must-have.

:: Country Road Twisted Wool Scarf

Drawing on the style of old world glamour, Alannah Hill’s Calm Before the Storm scarf adds a touch of class, while maintaining a modesty that allows you to jazz up other features of your outfit without being deemed OTT. With a lush accessory such as this, ladies, you are bound to be DC Comics’ next super-stylish super heroine. 

You don’t need to be a superhero to wear a cape! Draped across your shoulders or hugging your neck as you traipse the streets of Melbourne, faux fur is a pleasure that requires no guilt. A MWSG magazine favourite, Alannah Hill has released a winter collection with a classic range of fur capes, stoles and collars that had my heart racing before the webpage had fully loaded.

:: Alannah Hill Calm Before the Storm Faux Fur Scarf

Despite its lack of seasonal purpose, a bright silk scarf never goes astray on a cold winter day. I like the range by local Melbourne store, Coco and Chloe. Their scarf collection includes a variety of different prints with unique, unconventional prints with real wow factor. Made especially for Melbournian, the range also includes a lot of delicate wool designs to help mix warm with wonderful for your winter wardrobe.

A girl can never have too many scarves! Each new piece holds the infinite possibility to diversify and distinguish you from the pack, so why not shine bright this winter?

// CONTRIBUTOR

Aneeka Simonis :: Fashion Columnist

Hopping from state to state in her adolescence, Aneeka and her unique personality refuse to be put in the corner. As if everyday is her wedding day, Aneeka vows to incorporate something old, something new, something borrowed and sometimes something blue into her daily fashion before she catches lunch with a girlfriend or trundles through city streets. Aneeka can often be found curled up in Starbucks with a tall caramel java chip frappuccino, messy hair and furiously typing fingers that barely keep with billowing ideas for her latest article or memoir. Currently studying journalism at Swinburne, Aneeka is interested in all things media and is enjoying her role as a broadcast journalist at an inner city Melbourne radio station. You can follow her on Twitter or on her blog.

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