Saturday, November 15, 2008

Slip onto Silk

Consistently featured in the likes of Vogue, Madison and Gourmet Traveller magazines, Slip 100% silk pillow slips and sleep masks are a real treat.

If you who are concerned about unruely beadhead and the dreaded acumulation of, dare we say it, wrinkles... then this is the solution for you. These pillow slips and sleep masks help to prevent damage as your face gently slides over the silk causing far less friction to your skin and hair as the more frequently used cotton pillow cases.

Combining the Slip mask and slip will give you the ultimate night rest. Pure luxury!

The Investment Bag - Not Just a Baby Bag

Most of Cedar Leaf's loyal customers would know how often the message of the value of an investment bag is plugged, and now we are going to tell you in a bit more detail why.

Picture a day where you just don't have the impetus to make an effort... after all you have just given birth, have had endless sleepless nights and spend all of your time doting on your most amazing achievement. These are the days where a great bag can mean the difference between "I'm not leaving the house today" and feeling like you are a little more together when you finally brave the day.

A great bag finishes an outfit and with the added bonus of real functionality from bags by Not Rational and Rachael Ruddick, you can't go wrong.

When we say 'investment bag' what we are saying is, don't be afraid to spend a bit more than usual. Purchase a bag which not only looks amazing but is practical and is something that you will use every day. Take time with your purchase and ask questions. Make sure it has all of the functionality you require and most of all is excellent quality so it will last the test of time.

At Cedar Leaf we highly recommend the Not Rational Hansel Diaper Bag and the Bronte Baby Bag by Rachael Ruddick and here's why...

Not Rational - Hansel Diaper Bag

With its huge celebrity following and consistent rave reviews in US magazines we thought we should check this bag out. We weren't disappointed and can absolutely see why the likes of Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston (who uses it as an everyday bag) and Salma Hayek love it too.

These bags are made with ethical leather which is extraordinarily light and come in so many different colours that you really can buy a bag to suit your wardrobe. The Hansel features a fabric lining inside and many pockets on the outside of the bag for easy access to everything.

The Black Patent and Cognac leather colour ways are the most popular however the canvas and leather combination bags have also been a huge hit in Australia.

Cedar Leaf can place a special order for its customers if you would like to select your own colour combination, i.e.: pink, blue, silver, olive, the list goes on. It will take up to 8 weeks for your customized bag to arrive and you won't be disappointed!

Rachael Ruddick - Bronte Baby Bag

The whole Rachael Ruddick 'Supernatural' leather ware collection is one of the most stylish on the market right now, without the enormous price tag.

As seen in Madison Magazine, Cosmopolitan Pregnancy, Mother & Baby, My Child, Pregnancy & Birth and SHOP TIL YOU DROP Kids, the Bronte Baby bag (which is being renamed 'The Convertible' in 2009) is beaming, featuring the most amazing coloured leathers including the signature gunmetal colourway, gold, tan and onyx, this bag is just the tip of the iceberg.

Rachael has designed her whole collection so you can mix and match the Bronte Baby bag with one of the Kirribilli Clutches so mum can have her own piece of luxury on hand, quickly. Even the 'so hot right now' cuffs are designed to match so you can have the total RR look.

We also love the Opera Clutch for it sleek look and simplicity. It's also not a traditional tiny clutch, it's big enough to fit all of our necessities.

Cedar Leaf also offers you the opportunity to place a private order for the Bronte Baby Bag, Kirribilli or Opera Clutch, to be made in the most amazing Water Snake or Crocodile leather by special request. A beautiful bag can go a long way to making your day and if you follow the basic rules as listed below, then you will have invested wisely.

The Basic Rules:
  • Find a label with a great reputation
  • Choose a bag which oozes quality and style
  • Select a colour which will match most of your wardrobe
  • Reflect your own style in your bag (classic or relaxed)
  • Make sure it is practical and functional for your needs
  • Coordinate your accesories
  • Wear with confidence!
Contact us at info@cedarleaf.com.au if you would like to place a special order.

Black: Stylish, Elegant and Timeless

Black never seems to be out of style and not only because of its association with some of the most stylish women in history including Audrey Hepburn, think the LBD off Breakfast at Tiffany's, but also because it is one of the best ways to show your own classic style or the gothic glam chic inside of you - think the runway collections from Christian Dior, Balmain or Givenchy.

The principals on how to wear Black, which is technically a 'non-colour', always stay the same and here are a few ways to ensure you get it right every time:

Black on Black is very slimming

Black is best worn together with black. Combine tailored pants and a fitted black top or shirt as a main outfit and it looks great with a baby bump. Add accessories which are a contrast for interest for example one of Rachael Ruddick's Gunmetal or Gold metallic Kirribilli Clutches or a uniquely coloured clutch would work perfectly for a lunch or dinner type event.

Black Jeans or Pants should be a wardrobe staple

If you are more of a 'jeans girl' then you should have a black pair of jeans in your wardrobe. It doesn't matter if you prefer skinny leg jeans over boot leg, or wide styles as these are purely used as a great base to the rest of your outfit. An example of how this works with skinny leg jeans is where you would introduce a loose printed T-shirt, a brightly coloured scarf and French Sole ballet flats for a young and edgy look, or, for a more grown up look, you would introduce a feature tunic (which has black within it), like the BY Malene Birger Desert Rose Dress with black heels and simple black clutch.

Texture is key to success

Try combining black on black using matt black with black lace and other luxurious textures like velvet and silk. Team pearls and chains with these textures for an extra luxe look. For a more fun and flirty feel combine some brightly coloured accessories in strategic places - a hot pink belt under your bust area will cinch you in at the smallest part of a woman's torso (pregnant or not), or try a super long necklace with a plunging neckline to point the focus to your decolletage.

Black was such a popular theme through the entire Spring Summer 2008/2009 season at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, so follow these simple rules and introduce your own unique style to your outfits and you will be on trend right into 2009.