Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain

Warning: Taking a marker pen to your face usually has disastrous consequences ...
Take note. However, this needn't be the case with Cover Girl's outlast lipstain.

My beautiful friend Gia brought me this lipstain from Australia on a fleeting visit to the UK earlier this month.

I am not usually one to wear a lipstain, it took me long enough to start wearing lipstick having previously been a lipgloss addict but this really is very nice. Gia chose for me shade 440 Wild Berry Wink.

It has a marker pen tip for precision application which felt smooth and hydrating on the lips. There is a lovely juicy taste to this product which I can't quite put my finger on but I have to restrain myself from licking it off as soon as it's on my lips. On first impression the shade 440 looks to be quite a dark dusky pink but once on the lips it's a vibrant but wearable berry red. Gia really made a good choice for me as with my colouring it can be hard to pick a red that works well with my skintone and hair. Thumbs up, Girl!
I have heard that this product was originally designed for Cover Girl by make up artist Pat McGrath but I am not sure if there is any truth in this. I wore this on Friday night and got a good few hours out of it before it faded. Other reviews I have read have mentioned how different shades vary in longevity and pigmentation and a few have mentioned dryness to the lips and the product itself drying out quickly. Personally my lips were fine with this lipstain however if dryness became a problem it would be easy enough to apply a balm beforehand.
Only issue I have with this is I have nowhere to repurchase in the UK as far as I know. Our shelves were cleared of Cover Girl products a long time ago. I may have to talk sweetly to Gia to send me some more supplies as the shade of red seems to be a perfect match for me!
And just for kicks, here is a picture of my girl Gia (and her claw) ... wearing the lipstain. Ain't she purdy?

Anyone else a fan of lipstains? What can you recommend?

x

'The Show' @ The Lansdowne

Last week I was invited along as part of the West End Festival, to a charity fashion show at the Lansdowne Bar & Kitchen in the West End of Glasgow.

(For any Weegies reading, the Lansdowne is a great bar with good food, chat and atmosphere so check it out if you get the chance)

The Fashion show was simply titled 'The Show' and was raising money for Cancer Research by inviting some of the city's top designers to showcase their work. The catwalk shows presented an eclectic mix of fashion and textiles ranging from sophisticated to wacky to downright awesome!

From memory there was 11 designers showcasing their talent on the runway but I thought I would share with you some that really caught my attention.

Hilary LaingSo I managed to cut the head off the model but you really only want to see the clothes so stop giving me a hard time already ;)

Hilary is a printed fashion designer whose inspiration comes from children:
'My work is very much a personal response to children and their outlook on life through their use of colour and mark making techniques. I want people to enjoy wearing my colourful quirky pieces and the main aim is to make people smile inside.'

I love her scribble print dresses, socks & tights which I find so sweet, slightly kitsch and most definitely make me smile. I need this print in my life. As well as clothing there is also a selection of jewellery and undergarments in her collection ... I especially love her bow panties. You can find out more about Hilary Laing on her website, http://www.hilarylaing.com/newSite/

Alan Moore - Ten30

Ten30 are a womenswear brand who use bold, graphic and colorful designs to create unique and eyecatching garments.
I fell in love with one dress in particular - one, because it was modelled by Paolo Nutini's girlfriend who I had 'celeb' spotted from last weeks awards and two, it reminded me a little of a Victoria Beckham dress .... only edgier and ten times better. Now being the terrible photographer I am I didn't catch a good enough shot of it so here it is straight from the Ten30 website.

I adore this dress it's just so sexy but very very wearable. I also loved this printed jacket below, the vibrancy of the colours is gorgeous.

Find out more about Ten30 at http://www.ten30.co.uk/

haraS - Sarah Milne

I loved the almost bondage like dresses on display from haraS but even more so the thought provoking images on the catwalk and message behind the concept:

'Traditional notions of "beauty" are challenged, provoking questions over what is and can be beautiful. Resisting the ideal, "beauty" is presented as a truth that allows us to see reality.'

All the models wore eerie mouth masks befitting of the truth of "beauty" concept. They were quite creepy to look at but I couldn't keep my eyes off them.
I have been unable to trace a website for Sarah but I do believe she has a facebook page with her designs.

Jen Groundwater - Charmes Jolie

Finally, accessory designer Jen Groundwater presented a gorgeous display of headpieces and jewellery. Inspired by folklore, souvenirs and the tradition of lace making, each piece is unique, quirky and utterly divine.
I love these headpieces that really remind me of spanish mantilla combs. I love the delicacy and detail of mantilla combs which this headwear emulates perfectly.A particular pair of lace cut out earrings (i think they may have been made from acrylic) really caught my eye at the show. They were for sale afterwards but regrettably I didn't buy them so will be on the hunt for them again as soon as payday rocks around.

Again, I can't seem to find a website for Jen but sure she has a facebook page with her portfolio of work.

This was a great show which most importantly did a lot to raise a substantial sum of money for Cancer Research.

x

How to: Leopard Print Nails

I can't stop looking at my nails!

I have always been of the opinion that nail art is a little bit tacky and always thought my nails were too small to try anything exciting anyway, but this morning I gave it a go. I am delighted with the results and long gone is any judgement of tacky. Or at least, it's the kind of tacky that I like!

Last night I painted my nails blue then today, on a whim, decided to add some leopard print to them. Here is how I did it:

I used the following:
From L-R; Sally Hansen Diamond Strength base coat; M&S nail colour in azure blue; Illamasqua Boosh; Barry M nail paint in bright pink; Nail bar top coat; a kebab stick (yes, you heard me right!)

1) I started by applying my base coat and painting my nails blue with M&S Azure Blue (this was from my Scottish Fashion Awards goody bag)
2) Once the blue had dried fully, I added blobs/spots of Barry M's bright pink. I wasn't too neat about this at all just 'blobbing' the nail paint randomly on my nail.
3) Again, I waited until the blobs were fully dry then I got my kebab stick to add the definition around the blobs. Now, a kebab stick probably isn't the easiest or best tool to use but it worked for me as it had a pointed end that I could dip in and out of the nail polish. I could have used a brush but I don't think it would have achieved the same precision.

I used Illamasqua Boosh which was a gift from the lovely Mizzworthy. It is my favourite black!

I applied the black around the pink blobs. I did this in a broken, disjointed manner. If it looks too neat you don't achieve the leopard print appearance. I also added a couple of random black blobs for affect.
4) Finally, once dried I added a topcoat then repeated on my right hand - which is waaaay harder if you are right handed like me.

And here is the finished result! What d'ya think?
The whole process really wasn't as time consuming as I thought it would be, maybe about 30-40 minutes. It really depends on your polish and how quickly it dries.
Now I know how easy it can be, I can't wait to try out some other patterns and colours on my nails.

What do you think of nail art?

x

Real Women: My sisters story ...

Last week you may remember I brought to your attention the Essentials campaign who are looking out for real women to appear in their magazine ...

I wrote about my sister who was my inspirational real women who in times of devastation and uncertainty was able to find inner strength to carry on and move onwards and upwards. Well, i thought you might like to hear what my sister had to say about how and why she had to tackle her difficulties to get to where she is today ...

In Margarets words:

Firstly, I would like to thank my young sister for nominating me as her woman of inspiration. I am very flattered. After I read the lovely sentiments, I at first thought I must be dead then I realised it wasn't a eulogy.

By way of giving you my point of view on my life I would like to say it certainly did not turn out the way I expected. The happy family with 2.4 children did not materialize. Well the children did but it was not a pleasant experience having a bad marriage, an acrimonious divorce and a very absent father to my beautiful boys. But I had to be mum and dad and therefore had to be strong and positive for the kids. I have a strong faith that has helped me throughout my life and given me a happy and positive outlook on mine and my childrens future.

There have been many obstacles on the way but there was no point in getting down as it affects others adversely especially my sons, whom I am delighted to say have grown into strong, well-balanced adults that I am so proud of. It was lovely too for my kids to share their childhood with my young sister who with her princess tantrums and diva dramas drove them crazy. Some things never change.

My life has turned around completely, that from misfortune to having a wonderful life with my new husband of 14 years (still feels new) and we now have two amazing grandchildren. One of the funniest things is watching my young sister morph into me. Maybe she will inspire on her journey through life, which I am sure she will have already with her creativity, and be as happy as me when she gets to my age. Oh, and maybe as good looking! ;)

Calling all real women - whatever your size, shape, height, or age essentials magazine needs you! If you would like to appear in a glossy womens lifestyle magazine this is your chance to shine! Simply visit www.goodtoknow.co.uk/essentials for further details on how to enter, and follow the campaign on our Facebook and Twitter pages…we can't wait to hear from you.

Scottish Fashion Awards: What I wore & FOTN

So when I was initially invited to the Scottish Fashion Awards asides from jumping up and down yelping like an excitable oompa loompa ... I made a conscious desicion not to panic over what to wear.

At the end of the day, no one would know who I was or be interested in taking my photo. There was no need to worry. Honest.

Well fast forward to Sunday 20th June, sitting in a hair salon having my hair lacquered into oblivion as I gulped back tears of regret. The thing is I wanted to turn up on the evening looking effortlessly chic ... not high from the fumes of hairspray with a contrived but bedraggled barnet. To be fair I did ask for a messy up do so I had only myself to blame for the stiff birds nest I left with.

With an hour left to spare I had to get home, tweak the barnet and apply my face. With 60 short minutes everything seemed to take so much longer than usual. An eyeshadow disaster (thanks to a dirty make up brush) and some botched false lashes later, I turned out this...FACE:
Mac Strobe Cream as a base
Estee Lauder Double Wear in fresco
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in warm ivory
CHEEKS:
Nars Laguna Bronzer
Bobbi Brown Apricot blush (my hg)
Topshop highlighter in sunbeam
EYES:
Urban Decay Shroom and Madhatter from the Alice in Wonderland Palette
Mac Vanilla to highlight
Clarins Mascara
Mac false lashes No.43
Bobbi Brown gel liner in caviar
Benefit Eyebright on waterline
LIPS:
Mac Angel
Dolce & Gabbana lipgloss in Candy

Also after some twitter debate, it was decided that Mac Vintage Vamp would be the nail colour of choice for the evening. It took about 4 coats but it looked lovely in the end.

As for my outfit - I made a decision to wear this French Connection dress right from the start. FC can always be trusted to turn out a stylish dress or two ... and this is no exception. It is quite new but I believe it is now on sale for half price, sods law eh? It's basically a classic LBD with a little twist of lace inserts on the chest, back and sleeves. The shape of the dress reminds me a little of Roland Mouret and is very flattering. Insert photo of very awkward posing:
I teamed the dress with Christian Louboutin Titi's which absolutely crippled my feet! Sob Sob. After long deliberation and twitter advice, I opted for a plain black leather bag. Nothing else seemed to look right. The only accessory was a large russian cocktail ring as the dress does most of the work itself.

When it was time to go, I forgot about the dodgily coiffed hair and mucky eye make up - I was just too damn excited! Can you tell?
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Scottish Fashion Awards: What They Wore

One of the most exciting things about being invited to the Scottish Fashion Awards was the 'sleb' spotting!

Most of the guest list would only be known to a Scottish audience but with the likes of David Gandy, Paolo Nutini, Jonathan Saunders and Amanda Wakely joining the party, it was enough to get little old me all twitchy and giggly for most of the evening.

Of course, it was at times flabbergasting to see the adornements of certain guests. This is Scotland with Style naturally, however some of the outfits left a lot to be desired. There's just no accounting for good taste.

However, this lot got my vote of approval.
Laura Whitmore of MTV fame presented the nights awards and I have to say she really did a great job. She is absolutely gorgeous and throughout the evening she made 3 wardrobe changes no less. This is Laura wearing a Graeme Black dress (fabulous Scottish Designer) but for the award ceremony itself she donned a stunning green floorlength dress which was reminiscent of the art deco fashions of The Great Gatsby.
The distinguised and drop dead gorgeous, David Gandy turned up looking immaculate. I could have wept at his feet he is just-so-beautiful. I presume he was wearing Dolce & Gabbana but who knows? He'd have been as well wearing nothing as I spent the evening undressing him with my eyes ;) ;)
Diana Vickers... I just can't take to this girl at all. Loved her on X Factor but she just doesn't capture my attention the way she did back then when she was young, naive and charming. Despite this, I loved her style choice and thought she looked fresh and chic. Now I know my mum had a pair of curtain tassels that could make me a skirt and shoe combo just like this but quite frankly it would never be as gorgeous as LCF's Flett Bertrams creation. I have to admit, burlesque and nipple tassels do it for me, except this is far less rude.Model Jade Parfitt and designer Graeme Black. Jade wore Stella McCartney ... my favourite!Finally Mr Style Icon of the Year, Paolo Nutini was apparantly wearing Giorgio Armani while his model girlfriend wore a belted maxi dress which I *think* was Amanda Wakely. If anyone can confirm or correct this let me know.

Stay tuned for what I wore!!

x

Doll Boutique

For years now, I have contemplated getting a tattoo but there is always the dilemma of what part of my body to ink, what design to choose and where to get it done.

Oh, and there is also the small factor of me being insanely squeamish and fainting at the mere sight of blood from a paper cut never mind a needle pinching my skin up to 3000 times per minute. True story.

I may have found a temporary solution though in this quirky tattoo ring by Disaya. In the style of a traditional flying heart it is embellished with Swarovski crystal adding a bit of sparkle. I think it would look great as part of a collection of rings on one hand.


You can purchase the Disaya ‘free’ tattoo ring for £65 at Doll Boutique.

Doll Boutique was one of the nominees at this years Scottish Fashion Awards for Scottish Retailer of the Year but were just pipped at the post by Designer haven, Cruise. Doll Boutique is a fantastic online shopping experience – they stock labels like Whitney Eve, American Retro and J Brand ... my wishlist is getting bigger by the minute! Oh and they even have their own blog too … check it out here.

Scottish Fashion Awards 2010

Last night, I attended the prestigious Scottish Fashion Awards at the futuristic setting of the Glasgow Science Centre. I went along to the awards with the gorgeous Ann from Girl in the City who I strutted the tartan carpet with.
Now in it's fifth year, the fashion awards are Scotland's most influential celebration of style and new talent in the world of Fashion. The best thing about it, all the nominees are Scottish, giving recognition to our fabulous homegrown talent.

With 12 awards honouring the likes of Scottish Designer of the Year, Scottish Communicator, Scottish Textile Brand, Scottish Fashion Icon and a Hall of Fame award, it called for an honourable and respected judging panel. We were not disappointed.

The Panel: Dolly Jones - Editor of Vogue.com, Hilary Alexander - Fashion Direcor for Daily Telegraph, Amanda Wakely - Designer, Brian Duffy - President of Ralph Lauren Europe (and a fellow 'weegie'), Brigitte Stepputis - Head of Couture Vivienne Westwood, Nathalie Colin - Creative Director Swarovski, Lucy Yeomans - Editor of Harpers Bazaar, Paula Reed - Grazia Style Director, Professor Wendy Dagworthy - Head of Fashion & Textiles at Royal College of Art and Richard Walker - Editor of Sunday Herald.

What a line up!

(Ann and I with Kingdom of Style's Queen Michelle & Queen Marie who were nominated
in the Scottish Communicator category)

Noteworthy winners included Jonathan Saunders for Designer of the Year, Holly Fulton for Young Designer of the Year, William Chambers for Accessory Designer, Cruise for Scottish Retailer, Session hairstylist Malcolm Edwards for Hall of Fame, Paolo Nutini for Style Icon and Jett Sweeney for Graduate of the year Award who wins an internship at Marks & Spencers and will see her winning dress design go on sale in store.

(Saskia, Ann and our mate Paolo ...schhwiiingg!)

The evening was hosted by MTV presenter Laura Whitmore along with an impressive array of celebrities and fashionista's who attended the glamorous gala such as Paolo Nutini, Gabriella Cilmi and David Gandy. The evening started with a champagne reception before heading to the IMAX Cinema for the awards presentation. We were then treated to a yummy dinner with quirky and elaborate table decorations featuring Barbie dolls dressed in couture saltire dresses.

The pièce de résistance was a fabulous Swarovski Couture catwalk show, designed by Swarovski's creative director and fashion award judge, Nathalie Colin. I also believe this was the first time the collection has been shown outside of Paris so I am delighted to have been present at such a stunning show.

The night was topped with an aftershow party and entertainment from Diana Vickers.

It was a fabulous evening with a wonderful time had by all. It really is fantastic to see Scotland's talent and creative genius nurtured and celebrated in such a way ensuring that Scotland are well and truly on the fashion map.

Thats all for now but don't worry there are more photos to come ... along with tales of hair disasters, make up woe and mangled feet thanks to the most expensive shoes I own!!

x

GLAM in the City!

Yesterday I went along to GLAM in the City ... A fashion/beauty event at George Square in Glasgow.

We were greeted at the door by this unusual display ...I spent the whole event believing it was a real person underneath all those flowers, half expecting her to jump out and grab me! Durgh!

The event was a fun filled weekend of Gok Wan, Lorraine Kelly, Joe McElderry, make up, ice cream, dancing, fashion and more. In true Sex in the City style, there was even a Manhattan Lounge serving up our favourite cocktails.

We even managed to spot Gok doing a runner onto George Square to mingle with the locals but unfortunately this blogger forgot her camera and was too slow to grab her phone in time to pap him :( He does look as polished in real life as he does on TV though ... wish we could have had some bangers chat!

There were various exhibitors at the event including Benefit, Fake Bake, Rainbow Rooms International and Mackies ice cream :D ... the honeycomb ice cream is to-die-for.

My favourite exhibitor was the Famous by Sue Moxley stand.
They were offering a massive 70% off their products. I picked up a few coloured eyeliners and some brushes which look pretty good quality. I think I got them for around £2 - what a bargain!

There were makeovers and psychic readings going on at the main stage and at one interval we were treated to a dance display by the all female line up, Blok - who I have been told appeared on the BBC show 'Move like Michael Jackson'. They were fantastic and I was digging their routine so much I nearly had to be held back from joining in!
Events like GLAM are such a great idea for exhibitors and consumers. Consumers get the chance to try out new products or find out more about the faces and what goes on behind their favourite brands at a discounted rate (sometimes) and exhibitors get to showcase to a wider audience who may not otherwise be aware of their existence.

It was a lovely day out full of lovely people, informative exhibitions and great entertainment!

x

NOTD - N.Y.C Little Italy

Fancy tippex nails?

Well, I did this weekend and have been sporting NYC's Little Italy. My husband brought me this nail polish back from the USA last year thinking he was bringing me an exclusive ... little did he realise the UK were already stocking this colour. Still, he gets an 'A' for effort!

It has taken me a year to try this one out. Lady Gaga did the white nails quite a while ago but it still wasn't enough to motivate me to 'tippex' my nails. Then this weekend I got a spray tan and thought.... hmmm white might actually look quite good with my new golden sheen.

The results are about 4 coats worth (at least) to ensure opaqueness but a relatively streak free and smooth finish. There is no shimmer in this shade which I love and no chipping. At. All. :)

It is not as bright or in your face as I expected it to be and overall just looks pretty damn cool. So, if you can be bothered with the application time .... it's a thumbs up from me.

x

Batiste Shimmer

Just in time for festival season, Batiste have come up with a glitzy new concept in dry shampoo.

Last year they gave us scented and coloured dry shampoo, this year they have added shimmer to the collection.

I noticed this in Superdrug last week and dutifully tested it out there and then. There are 2 shades of shimmer available to my knowledge - Gold and Silver. I tried out the gold and it added a little bit of glamour and sparkle when the light hit my hair. I was able to get away with it during the day without looking like a Christmas Tree and even my husband liked it (on me, not him, that would be far too camp even for him!)

The gold looks great on Redheads and Brunettes, while Blondes can share in the delights of both gold and silver in equal measure.

We are not talking about big chunks of glitter here, it is literally a subtle but glamourous layering of shimmer over the hair. Perfect for disco's, festivals or just plain old blingin it up!

I'm going back to Superdrug tonight to pick up the Gold :)

x

The most important real woman in my life ...My sister

Essentials magazine are looking to make real women a large focus of their editorial because real women need celebrating! They are looking to have more real women star in their magazine whether they be models, contributing to editorial or telling their own inspirational stories. This got me thinking who in my life has inspired me ...

A 'late' baby. That's what they called me. The youngest of 3 siblings (2 sisters and a brother) and the accidental product of a couple who were old enough to know better!

Margaret, my oldest sister was 24 when I was born and was already a Mother herself. I remember learning of her jealousy when I arrived into this world ... her solution was to have another baby of her own. A nephew for me who would become my childhood buddy along with his older brother.

My first memory of Margaret is sitting in the back seat of her car with my 2 nephews singing Bros' 'When Will I be Famous?' at the top of our voices. Margaret, of course joined in with us at the chorus. You see the thing about my sister is that she has a huge personality. Everywhere she goes, people are drawn to her. She has an infectious character and a witty sense of humour, always happy and full of energy.

(Margaret with her 2 golden boys, Adam & Simon)

As a child I was banned from watching Dirty Dancing but the dance scenes were just too exciting to miss out on so my sister would put it on video and fast forward to those scenes to let me watch as long as I didn't tell Mum and Dad ... what a rebel!

I used to get Margaret's hand-me-down make up as a child which I loved to play with and create different looks on myself. She was oh so glamorous and always had a wardrobe full of beautiful garments, according to some people I have morphed into a mini-Margaret. I guess there is no denying her influence on me - I wouldn't be writing a beauty/style blog otherwise. We share a lot in common, we both love a bit of glamour and dressing up, we are both creative and love writing and reading, we both have a habit of changing our names (currently she is known as Marnie) ... and lately I have inherited her same cackle of a laugh! You've got to take the rough with the smooth I guess!!

The thing is, I remember Margaret ... or should that be Marnie, as a jovial, outgoing character, full of life and energy. What I didn't quite realise at the time was my sister was going through a tough divorce and as a young woman she was now left to bring up her 2 sons on her own. I had no inkling back then of how hard times must have been for her or what devastation she must be feeling. I was only a child.

Only as an adult can I appreciate what my sister must have went through at such a young age to deal with a traumatic separation with 2 young children involved. The strength she had to hold it all together must have been immense. She was so driven and motivated, she kept her head up and enrolled at college and gained an art qualification which led to her starting up her own line in greetings cards. Giving up was never an option.

It took real strength and determination for Margaret to get through tough times yet stay smiling and upbeat for the sake of her family. Margaret has been an inspiration to me not only through our shared interest in all things bling but she has taught me life lessons like strength, perseverance and determination are vital in our individual journey's as well as kindness and generosity.

What my sister has taught me is something that I can't find in a celebrity or on the front cover of a magazine. It's the importance of who we are on the inside, how we treat others and how we cope in the face of adversity. She is a real woman who has touched my life. She is my real life Star!

Who is the most important real woman in your life?


Calling all real women - whatever your size, shape, height, or age essentials magazine needs you! If you would like to appear in a glossy womens lifestyle magazine this is your chance to shine! Simply visit www.goodtoknow.co.uk/essentials for further details on how to enter, and follow the campaign on our Facebook and Twitter pages…we can't wait to hear from you.


x

Copycat: Zoe Saldana

I have jumped on the bow trend bandwagon recently despite my best efforts to avoid it (I never feel quite girly enough for them) and I tell you something, it is becoming quite an obsession!

When I spotted this pic of the gorgeous Zoe Saldana at the Women in Film Crystal & Lucy Awards, it wasn't her pretty ruffled dress nor the nonchalantly placed black bow belt that got my pulse racing ...
it was the pièce de résistance - Christian Louboutin 'Madame Butterfly' heels.

Utterly lush aren't they?

Well, if you don't fancy forking out a few hundred quid for them, you can find some look-a-likes on the High Street.

Next have this lovely Ivory copy which are so similar in style and shape ... at a modest £25 you can afford to get them dyed to whatever colour you fancy!

Even cheaper is Matalan at £18. These beauties come in grey or a gorgeous coral pink which is lovely for Summer.

Loubou copy by saskiathesalsafairy on Polyvore.com

I think Matalan wins it for me this time. I just need to find a floral summer playsuit to go with them and I will be sorted for Summer nights sipping cocktails and chilling by the barbeque.

What designer dupes have you spotted on the High Street recently?

x

Florence Broadhurst

I first came across the delights of Florence Broadhurst about 5 years ago in a bar in Barcelona. Ever since I have been obsessed by her work and life.

In the said bar was a feature wall covered in this gorgeous wallpaper ...

(Egrets)

I was so in awe of it I had to ask the bar owner who the design was by and where it was purchased. This print is called 'Egrets' and I assumed it was designed in the 1940's along with a whole host of other breathtaking prints by Florence.

(Stampede of Horses)

Florence Broadhurst was quite an inspirational lady. She was born in Australia who travelled the world showing off her many talents. Initially she started off as an entertainer/singer before establishing her own Academy of arts teaching violin, dancing, musical culture and journalism.

(Birds of Paradise)

Eventually, Florence returned to Australia where she was a foundation member of the Art Gallery Society of New South Wales and a member of the Society of Interior Designers of Australia. She produced 114 landscape paintings and was a teacher of printmaking and sculpture at the National Art School.

(Japanese Bamboo - we actually had this in our old flat)

Florence's life ended when she was murdered in a mystery that has never been solved. I have still to get round to buying the Florence Broadhurst biography, I am dying to find out all about her interesting and widely travelled life.

(Peacock Feathers)

Somewhere along the way she produced these amazing prints which are absolutely gorgeous and timeless. When you look at the works of today's interior designers, you can see she has clearly inspired a whole new generation who are closely trying to follow in her footsteps. Her work has been used on wallpaper, bags, rugs and bed linen.

(Japanese Floral)

These prints, designed so many years ago are still so fresh and still popular to this day.

You can find out more and purchase Florence Broadhurst prints and textiles at Signature Prints.

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