A-list for December

Hello ladies!! It's December - and that means summer, sun, lazy days at the beach, and loads of free time to spend with your BFF!

I really hope everyone's exams went well - did you do as well as you hoped?

Without wasting any time, let me jump right in to this month's MUST HAVES!!

Must Have #1: A ticket to my Summer Goddess Party! It's happening on the 12th of December in Cape Town, and I promise you will not be disappointed! Just SOME of the amazing things happening:

• Be treated like a diva with welcome drinks and canapes, plus yummy treats in between the days events!
• David Gillsen (who BTW is only Jozi's most sought after celeb hairstylist) is flying down for Cape Town just for us! He'll be telling us what's hot and what's not for hair this summer.
• 10 of Carlton's top stylist are going to be on hand to show you exactly how to get the salon look at home. I always look great after I step out from the salon, but the very next day I'll try and recreate the look at home, with a humongous FAIL! No more! Now you'll know exactly how to get those Kardsahian curls, how to get the ultimate fab ponytail, and loads more.
• Smashbox is showing us how to do fool-proof make-up in 10 minutes - FLAT! I'm always late for a get together with friends (the right outfit takes time, doesn't it, LOL!) so this will go along way to make sure I look fab this summer!
• Summer months are pretty harsh on skin and hair. Carlton is going to show us how to take special care of skin and hair this time of the year - I don't know about you, but I certainly can't afford a break out when all I want to do is head to the beach! There's no time to cover up embarrassing zits, so best to take care of it BEFORE it happens!
• Each girl receives a goody bag - packed to the brim with goodies from Ava, Cartlon, Smashbox and Sass Diva
• Loads of prizes up for grabs on the day - including a full make-over from Carlton!
• Reduced prices on Carlton goodies - including my fave Glamour Wand!!

And that, my friends, is just a TASTE of what's happening on the 12th! (I have to keep some things a surprise!)

See you there!!

Tickets are R150 each, and available from Carlton salons in Cavendish and Claremont. Girls aged 13-19 only.

 

Must Have #2: Stripes! It seems that every year the Nautical theme comes back into fashion, and I love it! It's perfect for the beach, and you can rock the trend in any way, shape or form! Shirts and tops, dresses or just an accessory like a fun beach bag will do. 

A sure fire way to look the part? Pair the stripes with loads of WHITE! You'll look refreshed and totally fashion forward!

Bikini R310 @ Foschini

Beach bag R190 @ Foschini

Wedge sandals R 325 @ Woolworths

Must Have #3: Fun Dresses! Like these super chick ones from Amber Jones - part of Mr. Price's Project Limited Editions range. 

I love local fashion - and I especially love companies that give young designers a platform to showcase their talent! The Amber Jones collection is so cool - you'll have to get yourself at least one piece from this fun collection!

Amber Jones is available at selected Mr Price stores

Dresses R130 each

Must Have #4: Wayfarer sunglasses: They were big in the 50's and 60's, made a come back in the 80's, and now in 2011 we are totally gaga over Wayfarers again!

Everyone's wearing them: Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba, Sienna Miller....in fact, it's hard to find a celeb that doesn't own a pair!

Oh, almost forgot! Every girl that attends the Ava Summer Goddess Party receives a pair of funky black and pink Ava Wayfarers! What's not to love about that?

Must Have #5: Plaited hair: Again, a big trend with the Hollywood celebs! Yip, there's Jessica Alba again (love her to bits!) and Kate Hudson rocking the loose plait. But this summer, try some different ways of braiding your hair. 

Check out this great 'how to' for some pointers: How to do the Waterfall Braid.

It's a great way to look good when you  maybe don't feel like washing your hair today, or just to try something different!

So that's my list of MUST HAVES for the holidays!

Because it's number one on my list, I'm giving away 1 ticket to my Summer Goddes Party! All you have to do, is post a picture of your Ava tins on my Facebook page, and show me how you have recycled them / re-used them? Do you store your spare change in them? Or are you like me and arrange all your rings, earrings and other bits in the different tins? Show me, and you could be our winner!!

Let the photo posting begin!

Have a super summer weekend girls! xoxo Ava

T&C's

All photos posted on Ava's Facebook Fan page by Friday, 9 December 2011 by 12pm will be entered into the draw

One winner will be chosen randomly and be notified via Facebook. 

Winner must be able to attend the Ava Summer Goddess Party on 12 December 2011

Winner must be between the ages of 13-19 years

Eyebrows are important!

In my November A-list, one critical thing I mentioned was eyes - an more importantly eyebrows. Can you see why eyebrows are important? LOL!

So, in order to make sure we are all groomed for summer, here is an easy 'how to' video for shaping your brows:

Good luck darlings! xoxo Ava

November A-list

Good morning girls! I was going to say "Summer is finally here" but when I woke up this morning it's raining in the Mother City? What's up with that?

Summer is on it's way and after winter it's super important to take care of the basics in order to look, and feel, great! Winter is great for a movie night under the duvet, warm soups and lots of hot chocolate BUT not so great for dry skin, damaged hair and pale skin!

We all want to have fun this summer, and look great for all those party pics, so here is my list of 'must haves' for summer:

[comfort zone] Active Pureness Corrector for spot treatment on the go.

Must Have #1: Great Skin Summer is synonymous with pool parties and long lazy days at the beach. You don't have time to constantly cover up that zit - especially after swimming. So it's really important to treat your skin very well during this time, so that even if you don't have make-up or concealer, you're still looking great.

For a spot treatment on the go, try [comfort zone] 's Active Pureness range - designed for problematic, acne-prone and oily skin. The handy Active Pureness Corrector is perfect for your handbag - zap those spots as soon as they make their appearance! The full range includes a cleanser, toner, scrub, mask and fluid. It really is worth investing in a good skin care range that works for you - top quality products last longer and work their magic, as they should! 

[comfort zone] is available from Carltonspace Salons - for full list of salons see bottom of post

Active Pureness Corrector retails @ R330 - a little goes a long way with this product!

No one feels good when they're having a bad hair day!

Must Have #2: Great Hair Summer days are long, the sun is hot and your hair is probably the one area that you are neglecting over the holidays. A good hair cut is critical, and the right treatments for your hair can make all the difference.

I know the feeling, when you're sitting in the salon chair and get asked if you want to do a treatment. One of 2 things probably goes through your head: "I don't have the time" or "I don't have the money". Now ladies, let me give you one piece of valuable advice here: spend less on your snacks at the movie and do the treatment! Conditioning is just not enough, sorry! You will feel the difference in your hair immediately, and styling will be so much easier to handle. Your hair will thank you, I promise!

For a FREE Keratin nourishing treatment from Carlton Hair International, simply "Like" their Facebook page and voila! You'll see exactly what I mean about treatments and how good it is for your hair!

Sass Diva have an array of hair bands and clips for any occasion
or mood!

Must Have #3: Funky hair accessories You can't ghd or curl your hair everyday, for 2 very important reasons: You probably don't have an hour every day and it's not good for your hair!Have you ever burnt your finger with your curling iron? Eina! Now imagine all that heat on your strands of hair, every. single. day. 

Now here lies the problem: day old hair just isn't that glamorous, right? Wrong! It can be! DO like Taylor Swift and Emma Watson and grab a fun hair band or Alice band. Pretty clips are also fun to take some hair back. Just DON'T do what one of the Olsen twins did (I can never tell them apart!) and wear a head band to make it look like you've got a mushroom on your head. Not flattering....

2 ways to wear a hair band, and 1 way not to!

Go to Sass Diva and browse their collection of hair accessories - I just know there is something for you there!  I think every girl needs at least 3 types of hair accessories:

1. An Alice band and in a neutral colour - will go with any outfit and be your trusty 'go to' when you're heading out
2. Floral clip - great to wear behind your ear (so romantic!) or clip in the side of your ponytail or messy bun for a care-free look
3. Bling - for an evening party add some subtle (or not so subtle!) sparkle to your outfit. Hair bands, clips - they all look great!

Sass Diva stores nationwide - please note all products displayed are while stocks last only.

Must Have #4: "Look at me" eyes If eyes are the window to the soul, surely we need to make sure that they look picture perfect, all the time? Starting point: Eyebrows! And I'm not just talking about tweezing those stray hairs every now and then. A perfectly shaped brow makes all the difference! 

Maintenance is also key. That's why I use Smashbox Brow Tech On the Go - a nifty little tool that you'll first wonder "What is that?" and then wonder "How did I get by without one?" Really! It's double-ended, with an angled waterproof pencil on one side, and a soft hold gel on the other side. The pencil is perfect for filling and defining, while the brow gel (with a brush applicator) grooms brows perfectly into place.

For summer parties you can't go wrong with Smashbox Metallic Eye Liner Palette - with 10 of the best selling cream eye liner shades plus a mini liner brush. These cream liners have a bit of a cult following - and I can totally understand why. When I want a great smoky look, or a seriously defined line - this works like a bomb. I love the size - it's so slim, it even fits into my evening clutch - great for touch ups during the night.

Smashbox is available at Woolworths Cosmetics counters

Brow Tech on the Go @ R 235

Metallic Eye liner Pallette @ R310

Last month I told you about the importance of safe tanning and using tanning products. (Skin cancer is just not sexy!) But sometimes we need a little extra, right?

So try the Smashbox Baked Starburst Bronzer (BTW it just won Fairlady Best of Beauty Awards). I've used this magical little wheel of colour for some time now, and I love the golden glow it gives me! Use a large powder brush (I think the bigger the better) and swirl the shimmery powder over cheeks, temples, nose, decollete - think of where the sun would naturally hit you, you know? Build the colour up gradually - you don't want to make it too obvious!

Last month I shared O-Glow and O-Gloss with you -the very clever intuitive blush and lip gloss that adapts to suit your own skin. Did you know Smashbox also have an O-Bronze? Too cool! The O-Bronze works just the same - a bronzer that works with your skin tone to give you the most natural bronze glow around. Love it!

Smashbox is available at Woolworths Cosmetics Counters
O-Bronze @ R240
Bakes Starburst Bronzer @ R 270

Must Have #6: Perfect Pout When I do my make-up, the last thing I apply is lipstick or gloss. Only then do I feel happy! It finishes off the look, whether it's a soft pink or daring red!

But lips are also not easy during winter - dry, chapped lips are so common, and sometimes it's tricky getting them back to great condition. I've started using another great [comfort zone] product - Lip Blooming Scrub. You apply it once or twice a week, massage a bit and then remove. It smells like roses! It's early days for me, but I already feel (and see) the difference. It treats chapped lips, plus reduces wrinkles and lines around your mouth. Sweet!

[comfort zone] is available from Carltonspace Salons - for full list of salons see bottom of post
Lip Blooming Scrub @ R 240

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There you have it, another jam packed A-list from me! Follow these tips and grab these must-haves, and you are set for summer!

Now, because Carlton Hair International knows how we love our hair, and the a bad hair day can spoil everything, they are giving away the most amazing shampoo and conditioner to one lucky lady!

Their Momo range is sure to fix any hair hassles you might have. Momo is for moisture - this range moisturises, hydrates, protects and *very important* increases volume in this hair.

To win the Davines Momo shampoo (R159) and Davines Momo conditioner (R175), tell us who is your celeb hairstyle crush? Do you want Emma Watson's pixie cut or Blake Lively's curls? 

How to enter:

Post a pic of your celeb hairstyle crush on my Facebook page, and tell us why you need the Momo shampoo and conditioner? Easy as click, post a pic and share!

Competition closes Friday 11 November @ 12pm.

I can't wait to see which celeb comes out tops!!

Have a super awesome weekend, whatever you do!

Love Ava xoxo

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[comfort zone] is available at Carltonspace salons:

Johannesburg

Hyde Park                                (011) 325 4995/16

Melrose Arch                          (011) 684 1251/58

The Zone@ Rosebank           (011) 788 2914/0113

Mandela Square                      (011) 784 5850/9943

Bryanston                                (011) 706 3356/3741

Bel Air                                      (011) 704 1361/13

Lonehill                                    (011) 465 2023/19

Pretoria

Parkview                                   (012) 993 3693

Centurion                                 (012) 663 3926/2297

Hazeldean                                (012) 809 2482

Irene                                         (012) 662 0709/10

Durban

Gateway                                  (031) 566 3061

Hillcrest                                   (031) 765 5054/6027

Cape Town

Constantia Skincare               (021) 794 8973/8986

Canal Walk                              (021) 555 1837/8

Halloween Custumes from Hollywood

OK, so Halloween is not as big here as it is in the States, but that does not stop me from having some fun playing dress up!

Don't you just love the team from E! Fashion Police's get up? Guiliana as Victoria / Posh Spics was a hoot - plus she had a go at the accent! Then there was "Jennifer Lopez" and "Marc Anthony" - who really should not be in the same room, shame things are not well between them. The funniest had to be the wicked Joan Rivers as Suri Cruise - too funny!

Did you get up to anything fun on Halloween? I made the horrible mistake of watching a horror flick - didn't sleep a wink!!

I hope all the Matrics are doing OK with their final exams! Now it's the final stretch, good luck!!
xoxo Ava

Fun nail art

Happy Monday ladies! It's a new week, tomorrow is a new month (can you believe it's November already?) and I have something fun to share with you all!

Have you seen this cool marble effect on nails? I love the mix of colours and the different looks you can create - one colour nails are SO last season! LOL!

Don't you think it's great for a party - and you can mix the colours to suit the theme. Like black and orange for tonight's Halloween! Or try different shades of one colour for a slightly more subtle effect.

Follow these links for the easy How To's :
Olive Coco Mag
Hey Nice Nails

Image 1: Here and Image 2: Here

Pretty in pink!

Don't you just love Katy Perry's pink do? OK, granted the pink hair might be too much for any of us to take on, but I love her cute coat!

She was out in London with her mom-in-law to watch the musical "Ghost".  Nice to see people still dress up for the theater!

xoxo Ava

News: Giuliana Rancic

We're all aware of October and Breast Cancer Awareness. We're cute doing it all in pink, and show our support by wearing the pink ribbon.

So when someone as famous as Giuliana Rancic ( E! online presenter and reality TV star) is diagnosed with breast cancer, during this month of awareness, it comes as a real shock to all of us. I mean, she's so young, right? 

At 36 years old, Giuliana didn't think it was necessary to go for a mammogram.  We're all told that from the age of 40 we need to go for yearly check-ups, but until we hit that age, we don't bother much.  Especially when you have no family history - as is the case with Giuliana.

Look - breast cancer at a young age (like in your late teens or in your twenties) is not common, but it does happen. So why would you take the risk? Know the signs, know your body and check regularly. 

In Giuliana's words: " I think a lof of us think we're invincible. We have to start putting ourselves on the to do list."

via US Weekly and E! online

Introducing: The Ava A-list

No more suspense girls! My secret is out: The Ava A-list. Every month, I'll be sharing the hottest products with you. And believe me, this is not just a clever marketing tactic - these are all products that I use, that I LOVE and that help me achieve my look every day! 

I believe that sharing is caring, so from now on I'll be sharing all my biggest secret products and fashion items. It's always good to have a heads up - don't you think?

So, without any further delay....here you go! My must have list for October! 

Must Have #1: ModelCo TAN Airbrush In A Can This product has been a life saver! No orange hands, NO yucky smells, and an instant tan! The tan develops over 8 hours, but also gives you that instant boost of colour. I love the spray application - I tend to get streaks and miss spots with lotions.

Girls, we all know October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but there is another cancer that is taking over Mzansi. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in SA - only second in the world after Australia. So really, you have no reason to lie in the sun for hours to get that gorgeous tan. It's not worth it! But - no one wants to be as white as a ghost during summer. So, grab yourself a TAN Airbrush In A Can and look beach gorgeous all year round!

Available at selected Dis-Chem stores nationwide

ModelCo TAN Airbrush in a Can: 200g @ R320 / 90g @ R170

Must Have # 2: ModelCo Fat Lash Do not be fooled that all mascaras are made equal! I know it's a little overwhelming picking a mascara out of all the hundreds that are available (it is for me!), but there are mascaras...and then there is Fat Lash from ModelCo.  Fat Lash is great for adding volume, plus lengthening your lashes (which I really need!). Best of all - no smudges! By the end of a long day I always look extra tired when my mascara rubs off and gives me big black circles. With Fat Lash I really don't have that problem anymore! Bonus!

Available at selected Edgars and Red Square stores

ModelCo Fat Lash @ R225

Must Have #3: Undacova Underwear and Sleepwear I love this local brand! Not just a funky look, but super comfy. Their undies are made to fit you perfectly - and remember girls: good underwear are critical to make your clothes look good! My fave is the Young Love top - too cute! 

Don't forget to get your hands on the latest Salwater GIRL mag - exclusive competition with Undacova. The winner wins a whole heap of prizes, including the latest range of Undacova underwear and sleepwear - made up especially for you. You'll be the first lucky lady in the country to wear this amazing range.

Available at selected Woolworths stores nationwide

Tank tops @ R 180 / Lace body shorts @ R150 / Fleece shorts @ R 200

* Summer range available in stores end November

Must Have #4: Smashbox O-Glow and O-Gloss Seriously, I didn't know there was such a cool product on the market! The O-Glow and is the first intuitive blush, a clear silky gel that reacts to your personal skin chemistry to turn the shade that you blush naturally, in just seconds! And with O-Gloss, you get your own shade of pink - no other like it! 

Both products are full of Goji Berry-C Complex™ and all manner of other goodies that are good for your skin, but bottom line ladies: this is awesome! The gel is so soft, I love the feeling. This is a definite must for summer!

Available at all Woolworths Cosmetic sections

Smashbox O-Gloss @ R200 / Smashbox O-Glow @ R240

Must Have # 5: Neon Pink Jersey Stole from Accessorize Although Spring has sprung all across our beautiful country, there are still some less than balmy days around! I also find myself feeling the cold in the evenings. So what better than a beautiful neon pink wrap to ward off the cold? The jersey fabric is super soft and feels amazing on your skin!After winter I always find myself attracted to super bright colours - I'm so eager to forget about winter! This bright pink wrap is perfect for adding a punch of colour to any colour. 

Available at Accessorize stores

Neon Pink Jersey Stole @ R269

Must Have # 6 Floral Handbag from Accessorize Big bold prints are all the rage - and I love florals even more! Forget Boho-Chic, this bag will go with any spring/summer outfit! What I love most is the size: big enough for a girl to carry all her most important goodies! If you are a little nervous to rock the floral craze with your clothing, tone it down and wear this bag to add to the look. I'm already planning jeans, beautiful glitzy sandals, a white top and this amazing bag!

Available at Accessorize stores nationwide

Floral handbag @ R499

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Phew - there you have it girls! All the goodies you need for the month ahead.

You know me - it's not good enough to tell you about these great goodies, I love sharing them too! So, to WIN one of three Smashbox O-Gloss's (that's number 4 on the list!), all you have to do is get three of your friends to 'like' my page on Facebook, then email me the names of your 3 friends that joined, and voila! Entries close 12pm next Friday the 14th of October. Email to talktoava(at)foxypink.co.za

OK, so what are you waiting for? Share the love with your friends!

Have a fab weekend ladies!!

Love Ava xoxo

Getting organised!

Do you also rush from one thing to the next? School, sport, work, chores.... sometimes the day is so hectic, I forget what day it is!

That's why I though all you girls can really use this cute desktop calender for your PC or laptop! Number one, it's pink, so what's not to love? Keeping with the spirit of October and Breast Cancer Awareness - I'm doing everything pink this month! Number 2 - it'll help you keep track of the month and count down to the weekend!


Just click on the resolution you need, save it to your computer and voila!

1280 x 900

1280 x 1024

1600 x 1200

xoxo Ava

Style never goes out of fashion!

I have to share this with you ...

40 years on and ever so stylish! Don't you just love Meryl Streep?

Images via HERE

Hope everyone is having a Happy Monday!!

BTW - something exciting launching this week.... can't contain my excitement!

xx Ava

Friday Hairday

Good morning ladies!

It's Friday, the week is over and I think we are ALL looking forward to the weekend!
Do you have any plans for Heritage Day, I mean National Braai Day?

Check out *this* super cool tutorial on how to turn your hair into this super sexy, relaxed summer do! I love that it looks just a little messy - that means you don't have to get it perfect!

I've been invited to a Braai tomorrow afternoon - am definitely going to try this do for the party.

Have a super weekend girls! I know lots of you are probably studying for exams - good luck!

Love Ava xoxo

Emmy Awards: Hottest hair

Sure, the first thing we look at is the outfit. But never forgot the importance of accessories, and above all: a good hairstyle! Case in point: Katie Holmes. I think if she did something dramatic with her hair the look would have worked!

Here is a roundup of my fave's from the Emmy's:

Aubrey Plaza: Shows that a bob does NOT need
to be boring! I love this funky take on the classic cut.
She looks so feminine, don't you think?

Evan Rachel Wood: Very Classic! The side swept,
wavy look is not for everyone, but it's great for
playing up short hair and having some fun.

Although Heidi Klum's dress was not my fave for the
evening, her hair looked super cute! A little more
intricate than any of the other ladies, this style will
work really well if your dress is simple. Remember girls:
try and play up 1 item only. So if you have a show stopper
dress, then do something less dramatic with the hair, and
vice verse. :)

OK. SERIOUSLY. I think this is my ultimate look
of the night - and something all of us can pull off!
Jennifer Carpenter looks super sexy with loose
locks - just the right amount of curls. I think
highlights is key to this look. This is a GREAT
summer look!

Lea Michelle from Glee shows that brunettes
can also have fun! Her dark hair works
brilliantly with her dark hazel eyes -
and she pulls off the blunt fringe like no one
else I've seen! Stunning!

Maria Bello - again just goes to show: elaborate dress
plus slightly casual hair: WORKS! Very similar to
Aubrey's do, just a little longer and blond of course.

What I'd like to point out with Aubrey, Jennifer and Maria though: examples that curls can work with any length of hair! You just need to play around and see what works for you.

I'll be giving some great tips on hair styling soon, so keep checking back here so you do not miss out!

Love Ava xx

Emmy Awards: Fashion roundup!

I love awards season! Red carpet, great outfits, beautiful accessories - everything a girl could dream of!

Not quite the LBD - but still a classic! Black will always look good,
although it might sometimes be seen as a 'safe' option. That's why I like
Carrie's red hot clutch for a pop of colour.

 

The colour of the night was definitely red! I think I counted about 14 ladies
in red. My fave had to be the cute Giuliana (I've never seen her make a
fashion mistake!) and Sarah Hylland - love that she was the only one with
some bling detail. Sadly, Kathy Griffin just showed that yes, you can
have too much plastic surgery!

OK. So I might have a slight obsession with Glee. Like rewinding over and over
again and singing along to every tune, even though I'm horribly OUT of tune!
Chris Colfer looked dashing in Dior with a skinny tie - on trend! I love Dianna's
dress, but would have dropped the neckline just a little bit. Love the electric
blue!

The cast members tweeted some of these pics before and during the show - do
you think Lea was tempted t grab one of those statuettes? I'm sure she wished
she had brought a bigger bag along! LOL!

Not quote sure what's going on with Kelly's
hair (is it just me, or is it grey?). But her dress,
and her body, is simply stunning! How did she
get such a teeny tiny waist ?!
I also really love that she choose a colour that
was not expected, or overdone, this year.

Fashion Police! Here they are ready to attack
(or admire) the outfits on the red carpet.

Neutrals were another big trend on the night.
Here Heidi Klum supports Project Runway
winner Christian Siriano. Can a dress be
too poofy? I think so....

Whoa!!! I didn't even recognise Jennifer
Cerpenter! The Dexter star looked SUPER glam
- top to toe! Love her longer locks BTW.

Mmmmm.... what's wrong here? Katie Holmes
is looking just a little drab for an awards
ceremony. The dress is Calvin Klein, and I like
the colour, but she looks a bit like she
couldn't be bothered to make an effort,
you know? Word of advice: brush your hair!

Eek! Can't wait for the show tonight (starts 21:30 on Mnet) to see all the winners, the drama and the fanfare!
Who do you think wore it best?

Have a super fun Monday night girls!
xoxo Ava

NY Fashion Week

Really? THIS is what you choose to wear to a
runway show?

New York Fashion Week has me checking the pics online everyday - can't wait to see what's hitting the runways in New York. But Nicki Minaj made me do a double take! Never mind the huge fake hair, never mind the bright colours all clashing, or the neon green fishnets - my worst is: are those felt pom-poms??

Aaaaah....Nicky! And that sitting next to Anna Wintour nogal - no wonder the lady is wearing shades with all those bright colours next to her!

It's pretty much a new season now - and I've been clearing out my closet for summer! Can't wait for the sun to shine so that I can wear dresses again :)

Hope you have a lovely week girls!

Love Ava xoxo

Miss Universe crown comes to Africa!

Leila Lopes, the beauty from Angola, has won the Miss Universe title last night in Sau Paulo, Brazil. and I for one, could not be happier for her!

In response to the final question, which asked the top 5 what physical trait they would change if they could, Leila answered "Thank God I'm very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn't change a thing," Lopes said. "I consider myself a women endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life." Words to live by, don't you think?

The beautiful Miss Angola's winning moment.
In love with her sparkly dress!

Is this why we love beauty pageants? It's a normal girl's Princess moment!

Swoon!! National costumes can bo so OTT -
but this one is just dreamy! And she looks
just beautiful!

Our own Miss SA, Bokang Monjana, was there too. Sadly she didn't make it into the later rounds, but I still think she did us proud! 

What do you think of the national dress? I'm less than blown away..... Look, I'm a big lover of tulle, but just adding it to a dress to add some pizazz - nope. I don't think it works. Is it just me, or does it look like there's a black bird around her knees about to take off?

National costumes need to showcase the country's heritage
and customs, but still needs to be flattering!

Ah! But then she totally redeemed herself in this *to die for* green and gold evening gown from Gert-Johan Coetzee. Simple, elegant - and the green and gold is super patriotic (especially with our boys working hard down under to bring back the Rugby World Cup!). Lovely!

And just to show not everything needs to be super serious.... This tongue in cheek Chile national costume. CUTE!

Miss Chile in her national costume with
reference to the mine workers who were
rescued last year after being trapped
for weeks.  I wonder if she's digging for
gold?

Have a fab Tuesday girls!
Love Ava xx