Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2019 i ELLE Australia

IT’S DECEMBER AND WE MADE IT! This year we hustled, hardened up, turned up, spoke out, plugged in, unplugged, voted, vetoed, cried, conquered, came together and generally kicked ass. 2019 has been brilliant and it has been devastating, and now that it’s coming to a close, it’s well and truly time to celebrate. This month we’ve got party dressing nailed (p45), our guide to having people over (p69), out-of-office email etiquette tips (p68), advice on your holiday finances (p66), a fragrance special (p140), the ultimate gift edit (p161), your chance to win $10,000 (p28) and a terrific travel piece on the rise of astro trekking so you can make the most of your time off (p156). “2019 HAS BEEN BRILLIANT AND it HAS BEEN DEVASTATING... AND NOW it’s WELL AND…

Stepping into the new season on the right foot is a whole lot easier when you have the right shoes. A pair of embellished slingbacks will do the trick – delectably showy in a look-at-me hue of metallic magenta, finished with crystal-littered straps. More is more is more.…

“THE LOOK is EXTRAVAGANT but COOL, RUNWAY BUT WEARABLE” AMONG THE floor-grazing gowns and abundance of tulle at the 2019 Venice International Film Festival was a more understated outfit that caught our attention: model Candice Swanepoel in an Etro embroidered, corset-detailed top with puff sleeves – paired with high-waisted blue jeans (and bare feet!). In many ways, the look encapsulates the ELLE philosophy: extravagant but cool, runway but wearable. And it’s not just Swanepoel who’s been spotted in a corset-style top – Pernille Teisbaek and Bella Hadid are also fans. While the corset is reminiscent of the less-liberated Victorian era, it also hints at the resurgence of that noughties favourite, the “going out top”. Mugler and Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini both heroed the look during the resort season, as did…

NEWSFLASH: we have officially entered party season. Odds are you’re once again lurching into December with a vast array of exciting invitations and the pit-in-your-stomach feeling that you have nothing to wear to any of them (and contemplating staying on the couch). Being the sustainably focused types that we are, we would highly advise against buying something you’ll only wear once for each individual event. Instead, invest in love-for-life pieces that will transition into your post-party wardrobe and inject a fair amount of joy into your January slump. WHAT TO WEAR? FLORALS, SEQUINS, SILVER AND DENIM –THIS SEASON CATERS FOR EVERY PARTYGOER’S SARTORIAL WHIM LA BOHÉME Partner a long and voluminous printed dress with chic sandals and bold jewellery. SUITS YOU A perfectly tailored suit goes from desk to dinner…

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, the key to spending wisely this silly season is to talk more about the ultimate taboo: money. Various studies suggest women are more open about their relationships, politics and religious beliefs than they are about their earnings, investments, debt and savings. But not talking about our dollars can leave us financially disadvantaged, and it can affect our confidence when we need to make decisions. In the lead-up to Christmas, when many of us are prone to spending money faster than we earn it, it’s more important than ever to confront financial conversations head-on. Here are three ways to do it: DARE TO TALK ABOUT THE COST OF GIVING If Christmas means presents, you’ll need to talk with friends and family about what you intend to spend.…

If you loved Ottessa Moshfegh’s My Year Of Rest And Relaxation, you’ll devour this witty read about forty-something Cilla, who ditches her mundane life for an Italian summer. She’s there to keep an eye on her wayward niece, but instead starts to adopt her ways (and vices), throwing herself into a  heady existence of drinking, partying and a  dubious flirtation with a  teenage boy. What ensues is a dark and compelling read about youth, age and the potency of female desire. ($39.99, Farrar Straus Giroux)…

“THANKS to SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES, YOU DON’T EVEN NEED to LEAVE THE HOUSE” THE UNANNOUNCED DROP-IN is nearly extinct, but its replacement can be just as stress-inducing: the “Are you home?” text (worse still, the out-of-nowhere phone call). Sure, there’s an art to playing dinner-party host, but being able to entertain at the drop of a hat is an even more crucial life skill. These guests aren’t counting on a glass of champagne on arrival, but making them feel like you were expecting – nay, excitedly anticipating – them is more impressive than even the most Instagram-worthy place setting. The good news is that effortless entertaining is possible, especially with help from The New York Times food columnist Alison Roman’s new book, Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food For Having People Over ($45,…

ALMOST 60 YEARS AGO, Jane Goodall, an animal lover with no formal academic training, travelled to Tanzania to observe chimpanzees for the famed anthropologist Louis Leakey. Within months, the then-26-year-old witnessed a chimp extracting termites from a mound using long blades of grass, upending mankind’s very understanding of itself: humans were no longer the only species to make tools, no longer unequivocally superior. She went on to find that chimps, like humans, have complex social and familial hierarchies, sharp intelligence and deep-seated wells of emotion. Subsequently, Goodall has spent the rest of her life devoted to conserving the world that chimps live in, one that’s disappearing due to climate change and the interests of big business. “What we’re doing to the planet is shocking and irresponsible, and it’s all done…

WHEN I REALISED I HAD POSTPARTUM ANXIETY — that lying on the floor crying was not an intrinsic or necessary part of motherhood — I did what I was supposed to do: I talked to my doctor, I got a prescription for an antidepressant, I sat in a comfy chair for therapy sessions, I set up a mental health plan and I researched practices such as mindful meditation. All of this helped, but I still needed to find a way back to myself. Then, one day, I tied up my runners, put my newborn son in his pram and cued up a cuttingly hilarious celebrity gossip podcast. I hoped my anxious thoughts would drift away in the breeze, but the idle chatter actually helped more than the fresh air. When…

WITH THE EXCEPTION of the Hadid sisters and their flawless flight wardrobes, in 2019 it’s hard to believe there was ever a glamorous, golden age of travel. Nowadays, it’s all sweatpants, security checks and salty crowds. But back in the ’60s, the Jet Age, fuelled by new jet airliners that were able to fly much higher, faster and farther than their predecessors, saw transcontinental and intercontinental travel become considerably easier and more affordable. And infinitely more chic. Think gloved stewardesses in custom-made micro uniforms and movie-star pilots in the style of Catch Me If You Can. The shining beacon of mid-century travel: New York’s TWA Flight Center, designed by Eero Saarinen in 1962 and heralded as “a modern marvel that will impress generations to come”. They weren’t wrong. Fast-forward to…

Q. I’M SO OVER GETTING MY LEGS SUMMER-READY, ONLY TO REMOVE THE GLOW WHEN I SHAVE. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? A. Shaving away your self-tanner is a weekly hassle we can all do without. Unfortunately, any kind of manual hair removal will result in the same frustration. If you opt for waxing, the results last weeks rather than days, so you won’t be starting from scratch as often. But for a long-term solution, consider laser hair removal. It’s a great option if you’re ready to invest time and cash. There was a time when not all skin or hair types could be treated, but “thanks to technology in the Alexandrite and Candela devices, which target pigment and hair follicles, laser hair removal now suits women with fair, medium and dark…

COMMON GROUND “The best way to layer fragrance is to find matching scents that have souls in common. Are they both warm fragrances? Or are they both gourmands, but one is smoky while the other is light and airy? Or perhaps both have a super-cool, almost metallic feeling? This can help to limit blends that clash.” FIRST BASE “Always spritz on the heavier, stronger fragrance first to prevent the more delicate scent from being overtaken.” SUPPORTING CHARACTERS “Look for scents that sustain their character from start to finish. For example, Ellis Brooklyn Myth, which is a warm ambrette musk, is a cinch to layer with [because] it only gets better with wear throughout the day.” Scent combinations to try... Wood + citrus Rose + musk Vanilla + sandalwood…

APPS TEZZA This has great photo and video filters. I also like Snapseed for editing light in photographs. OVIA PREGNANCY TRACKER I use this to track my pregnancy by week and learn about the baby’s growth and development. UNFOLD – CREATE STORIES I like this for collating photos and videos for Instagram Stories. BITMOJI Who doesn’t love to communicate via a caricature of themselves?! SHOPIFY This connects to Mode Sportif, so every time we get a sale it makes a fabulous “cha-ching” sound. I can access our orders, back and front end so easily.…

YOUR STRAND SAVIOUR Everyone deserves to have a good hair day every day, but it should never come at the cost of your locks. After years in development and extensive research, the Dyson Supersonic™ is a revolution for the hairdryer – a tool that delivers your fastest blow-dry without compromising the condition of your hair. Intelligent heat control protects against extreme heat damage, while the powerful digital motor speeds up drying time. Embrace your strongest, shiniest strands with the ultimate investment for healthy hair, the Dyson Supersonic™ .…

DAZZLING JEWELS Shine bright with a little help from Pandora’s Celestial Stars Bracelet. Featuring asymmetrical stars linked together with delicate pavé bars, it’s the perfect way to add a little bit of sparkle to your New Year (and beyond). $119; pandora.net A ZIPPY CAR Combining fun and function, the all-new Hyundai Veloster holds a hidden secret: a unique third door. The sneaky addition means the driver’s side maintains the aesthetic of a sporty coupé with a single door, while two doors on the kerbside make it easier for passengers to get in and out (plus it looks pretty cool). hyundai.com/au A CHIC SCARF The Hermès Brides De Gala scarf – a design first created in 1957 – has been reinvented again. The latest incarnation glows with a luminous multicolour halo,…

DAGA JEZ @dagajez The Polish model was only discovered two years ago, but is already proving to be one to watch. She shows us how to wear Louis Vuitton’s futuristic new collection in “Come Fly With Me” on p122. On my playlist: I like Polish podcasts. My favourite is Karolina Sobanska. It’s about conscious living, health and celebrating the every day. On my reading list: I just finished Behind Closed Doors by BA Paris – I read it in one night! Now I’m reading The Minds Of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes. On my to-do list: Bennelong restaurant in Sydney. On my wish list: I really want to buy something special for my family. I’m in Sydney right now so perhaps something related to this beautiful city. On my bucket…

IF WE COULD boil our ideal summer aesthetic down to a single word, it would be “fresh”. In fact, why limit it to our wardrobe? From now until March we want our entire lives to feel fresh – the first glass of chilled champagne on December 1, the promise of back-to-back parties for three months straight, the all-new perspective offered by the start of a new year (and a new decade). “AN ETERNAL QUEST for FRESHNESS WAS ON the MINDS of OUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS” Thankfully, it seems an eternal quest for freshness was also on the minds of our favourite designers while they were crafting their latest collections. The pre-eminent colour palette? An abundance of turmeric yellow and pop-of-colour pink. The most visceral incarnation was at Jacquemus’ 10th-anniversary show in…

WHEN EDWINA FOREST started brainstorming ideas for her brand Aje’s first jewellery collection, it was a box of clip-on earrings that sparked her imagination. The creative director was well-acquainted with clip-ons, thanks to her first foray into the world of ear-lobe decor. She was 20 and it did not end well: “Impatience, and a pair of heavy drop earrings, got the better of me,” she says. “One of my ear lobes ended up splitting right down the middle!” The pain passed, but her desire to decorate her lobes did not. And so for the next decade, Forest and her Aje co-founder Adrian Norris took to collecting clip-on sets from vintage stores and flea markets around the world. “Many of those pieces happened to be Art Deco,” she says. “It’s a…

FORGET THE MAGNIFYING GLASS and deerstalker hat — the Sherlock Holmes of the fashion scene comes with far better style. Bettina Looney answers the door to her London apartment wearing an Alessandra Rich blazer with crystal buttons, black balloon trousers, Salvatore Ferragamo vintage pumps and a  velvet scrunchie. “If a client wants something, we’ll find it,” she says, beckoning me inside. Looney’s job rests on her success at finding the things no-one else can. She is one of a number of elite wardrobe hunters — a  self-styled, newfangled career that sees her scouring the world for fashion’s most coveted and exclusive items. Her customer: the sort of woman who has everything, except for a  piece from Marc Jacobs’ famed original grunge collection for Perry Ellis from SS93, that is. She…

I GREW UP LISTENING TO jazz and soul, thanks to my mum. Prince, Stevie [Wonder], Quincy Jones, Erykah Badu, Marcus Miller… the list goes on. I COULD LISTEN OVER AND OVER TO Stevie Wonder’s album Innervisions. MY MOST RECENT MUSICAL DISCOVERY WAS Khruangbin, a trio from Texas. I love their musicianship and simplicity. The guitarist [Mark Speer] approaches his playing in a very lyrical way, as if he’s the singer of the band, which I love. IF I’M OUT WITH MY GIRLS, I LISTEN TO early-2000s R’n’B like “Case Of The Ex” by Mya or “1, 2 Step” by Ciara – they’re sure to get me on the dance floor. IF I WERE THE DJ, I’D PLAY “Party All The Time” by Eddie Murphy. It’s such a jam! THE LAST…

GET BUZZED What if you need to stay sober but the occasion calls for a slight buzz, like a work event or meeting your new partner’s friends? Adaptogen drinks, like those from US-based Kin (kineuphorics.com), offer that tipsy feeling without you risking making a fool of yourself by balancing the calming effects of adaptogens (herbs) with delicious botanics. Kin’s products also contain nootropics, which are said to improve mood and cognitive function. GO NATURAL If you’re not willing to sacrifice that glass of wine, go for an organic or natural option. Certified-organic wines contain less sulphur dioxide (known as preservative 220), which is often blamed for that pounding headache among people who are sensitive to it, while natural (aka minimal intervention) wines have less additives. Look to Minimum Wines (minimumwines.com),…

THE GADGET Polaroid Lab Nostalgia is everywhere, and along with it comes the resurgence of Polaroids. But it’s hard to get them to turn out just how you hoped when you’re using the old-school camera, which is where this handy gadget comes in. It prints straight from the camera roll on your phone, meaning you can make the perfect edit before you commit to printing. polaroid.com.au THE APP 4xCamera Maker If video is more your thing, this app will turn that long lunch into a professional-quality film. We’re talking multiple angles of the one scene, using up to four phones. All you need to do is download, set your friends’ phones up around the room and hit record. You control the whole scene from your phone, and when you’re done,…

FOR SOMEONE WHOSE SONGS have been streamed more than 23 billion times globally, who has two platinum albums to her name (her debut Badlands and follow-up Hopeless Fountain Kingdom) and the achievement of having the longest-running Billboard top 10 hit by a female artist this century, you could forgive Halsey for being smug about her success. But talking about her local fan base, she says self-deprecatingly, “I think it’s because you guys love Pink so much. You’re like, ‘Well, we love Pink, so we have to like Halsey because they’re the same.’” Sure, she’s deflecting, but she’s also humble as hell. “I don’t know what to make of everything, because I’m really, really, really far past the point I ever thought I was going to get to as a musician.…

FULL METAL December delivers your seasonal permission slip to break out all the glimmers. Swipe your lips, eyes or cheeks (or coordinate all three) with metallic shades of copper, bronze and rose gold for a flattering, festive glow. Whether you opt for a gilded pout or statement eyes, the trick is to build colour with gleaming formulas that catch the light and give your features that lit-from-within glow. COLOUR CODE For a party-bound look that appears effortless, opt for bold colours with a matte finish on your eyelids or mouth, but keep the rest of your complexion bare. Start with a radiance-boosting foundation, rounding out the natural contours of your face with a touch of bronzer and blush. Then go big with primary colour, such as bright blues and traffic-cone…

“I don’t like putting too much foundation on my clients. It’s not about transformation; it’s about elevating your skin.” 1. Luminous Silk Foundation, $99, GIORGIO ARMANI BEAUTY, giorgioarmanibeauty.com.au “I’m obsessed with sparkling water on shoots – it’s my one diva thing!” 2. Sparkling water, $3.10 for 375ml, VOSS, woolworths.com.au “I love a lash. I use Ardell Demi Wispies lashes as they look natural on everyone, then add a layer of mascara.” 3. Hypnôse Mascara, $55, LANCÔME, lancome.com.au 8. Natural Demi Wispies, $10.99, ARDELL, priceline.com.au “I opt for versatile products. I often use lipsticks as blush – Lip Maestro in 202 works on both lips and cheeks – and Urban Decay eyeshadow palettes as highlighters.” 4. Naked Cherry Palette, $83, URBAN DECAY, mecca.com.au 11. Lip Maestro in 202, $56, GIORGIO ARMANI…

“I just got back from Paris where I found this comb, and it has completely changed my hair routine. It almost feels like you’re dry-brushing your scalp while detangling and styling your hair.” 1. The Aspirant Rake Comb, $68, L’OFFICINE UNIVERSELLE BULY, mecca.com.au “I’ve always kept my makeup and skincare super-simple, which was the inspiration behind Playa. I  wanted to create a  haircare line that was centred around effortless beauty and air-dried, wash-and-go waves. The products are all-natural and are inspired by Venice, California, where I live.” 2. Supernatural Conditioner, $43, PLAYA, mecca.com.au 4. Every Day Shampoo, $43, PLAYA, mecca.com.au “I’m pretty laidback when it comes to my skincare routine, but each night, at the very minimum, I make sure to remove my makeup and apply an overnight oil.” 3.…

THE LATEST DESIGNER SCENTS are proving to be just as covetable as the labels’ offerings on the runway. Hedi Slimane has bottled his “new” Celine aesthetic into 11 fragrances designed for day and evening. The androgynous collection adheres to Slimane’s codes of gender fluidity and bourgeois-chic sophistication, and with names like Nightclubbing and Reptile, expect the unexpected. Meanwhile, Gucci’s Alessandro Michele continues to elevate the fabled fashion house with its most luxe collection of scents yet. Dubbed The Alchemist’s Garden, each eau de parfum, perfumed water and precious oil in the range magnifies one ingredient against a cushion of natural plant extracts. You can spritz or massage in a scent on its own, or combine a few for a custom savour. Then there’s Chanel’s Gabrielle Chanel Essence. Swapping the house’s…

“IT’S NEVER BEEN MY GOAL to HAVE EVERYTHING REMAIN the SAME FOREVER” THERE ARE NO PERMANENT FIXTURES in the light-filled home of graphic designer Sille Koppel. Located in Frederiksberg, Denmark, the apartment’s decor is continually in flux, changing to fit in with the busy lives of Koppel, her husband Nikolaj and their daughter Emilie. The only constant throughout the abode is the distinct use of colour, which ties all the elements together to form a harmonious interior style. But even the statement shades on the walls aren’t exempt from a regular revamp. The study – once the bedroom of son Simon, who has now moved out – has recently been repainted in a delicate, dusty pink hue. Meanwhile, the living room is a deep and dramatic blue, the hallway is…

“EXCUSE ME, AM I NEAR A FARM?” I’m cycling up a hill in Byron Bay, on a  35-degree day, asking passers-by for directions. While most people come to the beach to ride the waves, I’ve come all the way from London to search for fields — because my astrologer told me to. Eventually, the stars align and I alight at a sign that simply reads: The Farm. As I  turn off the main road, I come across a  field of bright sunflowers. It’s an unexpected haven of joy, especially when I find out the rustic barn is a  restaurant where all the food, from the slow-roasted beetroot to the harissa cauliflower, is mindfully created. I realise my astrologer has led me to a true Taurean paradise. Growing up, I didn’t…

CUTTING SHAPES Maison Balzac’s SCULPTURAL VASES MAKE OUR HEART SING. THE HARDEST PART IS CHOOSING JUST ONE. HANG TEN Haydenshapes’ SURFBOARDS MIX DESIGN CHOPS WITH A SERIOUS STYLE SENSIBILITY – ESPECIALLY IN AN OH-SO-PRETTY HUE OF PASTEL PINK. SURF LESSONS ANYONE? NO SHADE THESE ON-TREND RECTANGULAR FRAMES FROM Lucy Folk WILL MAKE SUMMER HOLIDAYS INFINITELY MORE CHIC. WE LOVE THE BEACH-FRIENDLY SHADE OF TANGERINE. LUST-HAVE A Chanel HANDBAG IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA. DITTO FOR THE LABEL’S NEW 19 SHAPE – PUFFY QUILTED NUMBERS WITH STATEMENT DOUBLE-C CLASPS AND A REFRESHING PALETTE OF PLAYFUL COLOURS. DOLLARS AND SCENTS WITH NAMES LIKE TIE NIGHTCLUBBING AND PARADE, , Celine BLACK ’s HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW FRAGRANCE COLLECTION WAS MADE FOR PLAY. GRAB ONE FOR A FRIEND WHO LOVES GOOD TIMES (AND ANOTHER ONE…

AUSTRALIA REPRESENT All eyes are on Australian model (and ELLE alumnus) Aylah Peterson after the Sydney-based 21-year-old nabbed an exclusive contract with Saint Laurent for the SS20 season. The last Aussie to do that? Oh, just a little-known supermodel called Adut Akech. Watch this space. HOMESPUN HEROES Swedish label Rave Review creates cool, innovative pieces from upcycled textiles sourced from second-hand shops. Beloved by style stars such as Blanca Miró Scrimieri, it’s no wonder Browns and MatchesFashion.com were quick to place orders. SHOW YOUR STRIPES These colourful totes from Melbourne-based Pan After are our frontrunner for MVBP (Most Valuable Beach Player). That each one is handmade – and therefore unique – is just the icing on the cake. BIG DISCO ENERGY In need of a fail-safe soundtrack for that last-minute…

A teeny-tiny tote will add a playfulness to your look – just don’t expect to fit much more than your AirPods! Not a fan of sequins or sparkles? A dose of highlighter pink is all you need to amp up earthy neutrals. A throwback “going out top” will get the party started – especially when teamed with a swingy skirt. A midriff-baring look takes the seriousness out of suiting.…

“My morning routine is to wake up and stumble towards the coffee machine. Then I put La Mer products that smell like the ocean under my eyes to perk them up. And I always use Laura Mercier’s oil-free tinted moisturiser before leaving the house.” “There’s a difference in attitude between Parisians and people in London [where de La Villardière has lived] or Toronto [where she grew up]. Don’t get me wrong, there are lots of Parisians I  love dearly — I’m married to one! — but you definitely need an adjustment period. That said, on some level I do admire Parisians for their honesty. There’s no BS here.” “My go-to outfit is a crisp white cotton shirt, relaxed-fit jeans from Acne Studios or ELV Denim, a slightly heeled boot by…

IF YOU TELL Naomi Ackie a secret, she’ll take it to her grave. The 27-year-old British actor is slated to appear in two of the most fan-crazed franchises – Star Wars and the Game Of Thrones prequel – and she hasn’t let one detail slip, not even to her dad. “It’s crazy, I’m keeping secrets from everyone,” she says down the line from London. “It’s challenging at times, but it’s not too hard when I think about the fan base. I also don’t want my dad’s experience ruined by me blabbing about it in the kitchen. Star Wars is a bit more of an epic story than that!” Epic is right. The new Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker not only rounds out the “sequel” trilogy that started with The…

TEISCHA With a haunting sound beyond her years, the Fremantle native has already toured extensively, playing Splendour In The Grass and Barcelona’s Primavera Sound, among many others. EGOISM The shoegaze-y sounds of this Sydney indie-pop duo are earning them plenty of traction, like a place on the Bigsound line-up and a feature artist slot on Triple J. YERGURL The moniker of Melbourne-based Fae Winter Scott, whose teen-dream pop beats have garnered her representation from Future Classic (also repping Flume and G Flip, it’s a sure sign of a Next Big Thing). STEVAN Fans of Frank Ocean and Tyler The Creator will love this recent high-school grad, who’s already been signed to the same US record label as Fetty Wap and Young Thug. Catch Stevan at Fairgrounds Festival, December 6-7; fairgrounds.com.au…

COVER THE BASICS Opting for an open-ended “I’m on holiday!!!!!!” isn’t all that useful unless you include a return date. And be realistic – will you be keeping an eye on emails, or not at all? Don’t promise to monitor your inbox if you plan on deleting the Outlook app the moment you walk out the door. If you will be checking emails, consider skipping the OOO altogether – it could create more panic and confusion than it’s worth. DON’T GO OVERBOARD Holidays are a little like breakups and babies: other people aren’t as invested in yours as you are. Spare everyone the detailed spiel (“I’ll be sipping mojitos somewhere tropical while working on my holiday glow and tearing through my Goodreads list!”) and stick to the essentials. “I’ll be…

BEST WESTERN PREPARE TO TAKE YOUR STYLE TO THE OLD TOWN ROAD PRESS PLAID A check frock gives a subtle nod to the trend (without looking like you’re in fancy dress). YOUR BEST SIDE Urban cowgirls know it’s all in the details. KICK OFF YOUR HEELS These boots are made for strutting. FRINGE BENEFITS Forget regular fringing – this season, it’s all about the glitz. IT’S A CINCH Decorative buckles (or entire belts) are the ultimate finishing touch. NIGHT FEVER PARTY SEASON CALLS FOR A WARDROBE THAT’S AS PLAYFUL AS YOUR MOOD SOFT TOUCH Pretty pastels transition easily from day to night. BLOCK PARTY Shades of lime and mandarin offer a zesty take on festive dressing. LET SLIP Is there any event the humble slip dress wouldn’t work for? We…

GO LIGHTLY When it comes to the colour of your brows, it’s about matching the tone to the rest of your face. “Women tend to go too dark with their products, which can look a bit severe,” says Carisa Janes, founder of Hourglass. “It can work when you’re young, but as you get older, it looks more youthful to have a lighter brow. [Brow specialists] never want to lighten your brows, but some women look better when their brows are softer, so the aesthetic is starting to change.” If you’re hesitant, there are options that require less commitment than a bleach. “We call it brow-lights,” says brow guru and owner of the eponymous salon Amy Jean. “We play down the brow with powders or pencils a shade lighter than your…

1. Weekend Skin Hydra Skin Tint, $40, MECCA COSMETICA, mecca.com.au Best for: Running errands This barely there tint works harder than a tinted moisturiser, but it’s not quite a foundation, making it ideal for that no-makeup makeup look. 2. Phyto-Teint Ultra Éclat Foundation, $115, SISLEY PARIS, sisley.com.au Best for: Combining skincare with makeup A multi-action wonder, Sisley’s oil-free foundation is enriched with skin-loving ingredients for luminous coverage. 3. Ultra Le Teint Velvet, $91, CHANEL, 1300 242 635 Best for: Everyday wear Formulated to resist water, sebum and humidity, all the while being comfortable to wear, this all-rounder is the perfect base to last all day. 4. Foundation Balm, $80, KEVYN AUCOIN, mecca.com.au Best for: Urban living Packed full of antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, this skin-smoothing balm formula is perfect for…

TRENDING NOW THESE NEW FRAGRANCE STYLES WILL HAVE YOU WANTING TO UPDATE YOUR SIGNATURE SPRITZ GARDEN VARIETY Fruity scents don’t start and end with citrus. Today’s perfumers are offering olfactory delights in the form of some truly unexpected essences. A mint- or banana-based perfume might sound strange in theory but, somehow, a waft of artfully blended produce just works. Still unsure? Floral Street’s rhubarb concoction is an easy entry-level point for those with traditional tastes. FOCAL POINT Not all perfumes need to be overwhelmingly heady concoctions. Clean, uncomplicated fragrances that hero a single note are gaining popularity thanks to recent advances in extraction and isolation techniques, allowing perfumers to drill down on one particular component. Go back to basics with scents that focus on the classics, or add depth to…

1. THE DAILY EDITED Phone Charger (from $79.95, thedailyedited.com) I’m always running out of battery, so I keep this charger in my handbag. 2. BOSE QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones II ($500, bose.com.au) I find in-ear headphones uncomfortable, so when I  need some privacy or want to listen to a podcast while I’m working, I use these. They’re also noise cancelling, which really gets me in the zone. 3. KOGAN Ultrasonic Cleaner ($45, kogan.com/au) I use this cleaner for my wedding rings and other jewellery. It leaves them sparkling. 4. HAY X SONOS One Limited Edition ($349, sonos.com) We have two Sonos speakers at Mode Sportif HQ: one in my office, one in the main office. We can isolate and play different tunes in each room if I’m vibing something different to…

ARIES Restless and adventurous, top your hit list with a  visit to Bhutan. The luxe Six Senses (sixsenses.com) has just opened — get there before the rest of your Instagram feed does. TAURUS “Relax” is your mantra, so opt for hideaways like NSW’s Mona Farm (monafarm.com.au), or the bolthole that is Laguna Beach’s Hotel Joaquin (hoteljoaquin.com). GEMINI You thrive on variety, so mix it up with cities near the beach or countryside. Try Florence (and stay at the new Hotel Calimala; hotelcalimala.com), or Hotel B in Lima (hotelb.pe). CANCER The perfect escape for homebody Cancerians is a  big house near exceptional food. Try a luxe villa in Italy, like the new Villa Arnica (designhotels.com/villa-arnica). LEO You love glamour and places that resonate with your energetic soul. Try high-octane Mumbai (and…

SEPARATE LIVES My husband of three years is getting harder and harder to live with. We now split the bill at restaurants, and when we shop for groceries, he only pays for his items. We also sleep in separate bedrooms. Whenever I try to speak with him, he gets verbally abusive. What should I do? – Asunder Asunder, my azalea: Many partners live in a state of delight because they split everything, but by Gawd! No woman needs to hear torrents of abuse. If he can’t make an effort to be more engaging, tell him you’d like separate divorce lawyers. (And I don’t need to mention that you should secure your personal bank accounts, investments and insurance before you initiate this little conversation, do I?) OH, BABY I’m 37 and…