Lilian Harlow

Rose gold manicure...

2013-05-05T21:53:00.001+10:00

Rose gold is gorgeous. I've always loved it, but until recent times the only rose gold options were generally of the 9 or 18ct variety. Imagine my happiness when every second brand started producing rose gold costume jewellery and various other accessories!

Recently I decided to extend the look to my nails...

I have so many polishes though that I can't justify buying new ones, so it was time to improvise. I was actually really happy with the results!

The first two coats were Sally Hansen "Pennies for Heaven - 679", which is a nice high shimmer copper/bronze. By itself this isn't a bad polish and wears well for a metallic (which usually chip on me terribly).

Next, a coat of Revlon's "Sparkling - 261" which is a mid pink glitter.

The best part is that it wore perfectly for a full week without chipping or wearing away. As with any kind of glitter mani though, the "fun" part is getting the damned stuff off ;)

Unite in White...

2013-05-01T21:09:00.001+10:00

May 1st is the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation's ("OCRF") White Shirt Day. We are encouraged to wear a white shirt to raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer. They have also partnered with Australian fashion brand Witchery and since 2011 they have released a range of white shirts for this campaign. From the sale of these shirts, 100% of gross proceeds are donated to the OCRF to fund research.

From the OCRF website:

Ultimately the Foundation's goal is to ensure that an early detection test becomes as readily available and habitual as a pap smear or breast mammography in every woman's regular medical.

As there is currently no early detection test, women are usually diagnosed in the late stages of the disease - when the cancer has spread to other organs in the body.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are generally vague and may not be obvious, but the following may occur:

• Vague abdominal pain or pressure

• Feeling of abdominal fullness, gas, nausea, indigestion different to your normal sensations

• Sudden abdominal swelling, weight gain or bloating

• Persistent changes in bowel or bladder patterns

• Low backache or cramps

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Pain during intercourse

• Unexplained weight loss

The majority of women who experience these early symptoms do not have cancer. However, it is important that you seek medical advice if the symptoms persist.

Although there are risk factors, 95% of all ovarian cancer occurs in women without these risk factors and many women who have risk factors do not develop ovarian cancer. So there really is no way of predicting who may be at risk.

If you have ovaries... you are at risk.

If you have ovaries and/or have loved ones who do, this is an issue that needs your attention and support.

This year, I chose a gorgeous off white lace shirt with a collar and cuffs from the Witchery collection...

Lace and pearls just always seems right to me, and my old Chanel pearls always seem right with everything.

If you would like to purchase a shirt from the collection, they can be viewed here http://www.witchery.com.au/her/OCRF-white-shirts

Our office also held a little fundraiser of sorts to raise some much needed cash for the OCRF. You don't need to buy a Witchery shirt to contribute to this Foundation. You can donate cold, hard cash and wear whatever tickles your fancy. Just visit this link:

https://secure4.everydayhero.com.au/event/ocrfdonate/donate

I write this hoping that in the next few years the research has achieved its aim and this day is used purely to remind women to go and have their early detection test!

Instant Karma...

2013-04-25T17:23:00.000+10:00

I used to be an early adopter. Then I reached "a certain age". So I've only just discovered Instagram! I'm not very imaginative, so my username is lilianharlow.

I now have about 1,000 photos of interior design ideas (and plain old inspiration and admiration) saved and will probably never buy a home decorating magazine again. It's a veritable treasure trove.

It's also wonderful to see regular updates and photos from some of my favourite bloggers.

Unfortunately I fear it's just another avenue for me to prove what a poor photographer I am, but it's still fun! Below are a few of my recent Instagram photos (trying out various filters too, sorry).

One of my favourite necklaces (a cheapie from Sussan from many moons ago) and matching green nails. The colour is more emerald in real life and less Kermit. This photo makes my hand looks frighteningly large (and pudgy).

I love breaking out my scarves as the weather cools down. Worn with my fav Samantha Wills earrings (a special wedding gift from my niece).

Loving the autumn prints such as this one from Sportscraft. Another bargain Sussan necklace.

I've had these Nine West heels for years, and they are the perfect colour combo for most of my autumn wardrobe (and comfy to boot!).

I love a little colour for the office.

I don't own a lot of rose gold, but this necklace is a favourite.

Melbourne's Royal Arcade.

Cold weather = comfort food. Yum.

This was an improvised dinner. Ricotta, smoked salmon, capers, dill, leek, white wine and gnocci. Absolutely delicious, but incredibly ugly!

A token shot from a recent AFL (football) game. My MIL and husband are avid supporters of the Richmond Football Team (whose flag is featured).

I'd never watched a game until I met my husband, now I sit there with the masses in my little striped scarf and try to clap at the appropriate moments. It's actually quite a lot of fun. My family find it endlessly amusing to think of me going to the football and wearing the regalia.

True story: I went to my first football game 7 years ago when I met my husband. I joined him and his parents at the game after work. I was wearing head to toe Alannah Hill (think sequined lacy cardigan, plaid skirt with bows, pink frou-frou and silk trimmed coat, dark pink high heels, patterned tights) and carrying a large pink ruffled umbrella and toting a pale pink lambskin Chanel. I garnered a lot of strange looks as I walked into the stadium, but none so strange as those that greeted me when I reached my future husband and in-laws.

I further embarrassed myself when I asked how long the game would go for. When I was told we'd be there for almost 3 hours I asked if there would be an intermission. I think the three of them laughed for about 5 minutes solid. Apparently to call it intermission and not "quarter time" or "half time" was hilarious. I am still teased about this and to this day when we go to the theatre my husband insists on calling the break "half time".

I bet they never imagined I would become a part of their family *laughs*. I have since adapted to the dress code (somewhat) and the nomenclature.