Special Valentine's A-list

Happy Valentine's Day ladies! I hope all of you have a day filled with lots of love, hugs and happy memories! And remember, Valentine's Day is there to show our love and appreciation to ALL our loved ones: your parents, friends, family, boyfriend and even your pets!

Now, I know my A-list is a little later this month than usual, but with very good cause! I've had an amazing shopping spree at Sass Diva last week - and just see what I found...

Look Number 1: Black is back! But no somber or gothic ensembles this time around - think retro! I love this polka dot head scarf from Sass Diva - so cute with a LBD.

Look Number 2: Birds of a feather! The birdie trend has been with us for a while now - but now it's gone all out! No more images or cut outs of birds or twigs - wear a feather in your hair, on a hairband or as a brooch. The look is a little more bohemian, so try pairing it with long skirts and feminine layers. Loose,  tousled hair is a must for this!

Look Number 3: Floral Fantasy! There are so many different ways to wear this trend. If you're afraid of looking like your grandma's cupboard - best to wear something a little bit more mod, then wear a cute hairband with flowers on it, or a floral brooch.  A simple flower in your hair is always cute!

Look Number 4: Plum perfect! aah....Plum! That colour that just never seems to really make it into the fashion spreads! Plum, or different shades of purple, is a great colour for almost any event. In the evening - going deep and accent with black. During the day, try using lighter shades with white and grey - a beautiful combo! Again, if you're afraid that the look with wear you instead of the other way around - just use it as an accent. A little splash of colour is all you need!

Look Number 5: Green Envy! OMW - this is by far my fave look right now! But girls, be sure to look out for jade greens rather than grass greens! Perfect for day or night, this colour packs a punch when it comes to making a statement. You simply can not go wrong with a white summer dress and this beautiful butterfly pendant from Sass Diva. And how about a LBD with that green Grecian head band? To die for!!



All of these amazing looks are from Sass Diva. Those ladies know just how to get a girl's heart racing with all their accessories!

I'm dying to share something HUGE with you right now, but you'll have to wait just a little while longer girls.... I promise - you're going to love it! And yes, it most definitely has something to do with Sass Diva!

I'll give you a hint: you know I love to give things away, and you know I love spoiling all my fans! ;)

What's your fave look right now?

xoxo Ava

Fashion hits and misses at the PCA

You girls know I'm a sucker for awards show, and more so the red carpet! I love seeing what the celebs are wearing, because chances are they'll be setting some trends for the season ahead!

Last night was the kick-off at awards season with the People's Choice Awards, but sadly we in Mzansi are not afforded the privilege of watching this spectacle. So, I am left trawling the Internet looking at all the red carpet looks!

I have to say, I was left a teeny bit disappointed... A lot of the stars and starlets tried to be daring and innovative, but in the end just looked awkward... Judge for yourself:

Demi Lovato

 Demi Lovato - Not a bad dress, but more suited to the Golden Gloves or Oscars I would say. It is a tricky things with Awards shows, to get the dress code just right. The People's Choice Awards a little bit more casual, more like a cocktail affair than evening gowns. Also, there is such a thing as too much (and awkward) bead work...

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence - We've seen some sexy cut outs on the red carpet, but this is just...well, strange. Love the colour though ;)

Ashley Greene

 Ashley Greene - Lace and leather? One trend at a time girl!

Emma Stone

 Emma Stone - "Tea anyone?" I feel like Emma is going to come up to me and serve me. She looks like a little Irish butler. A sexy butler, but a butler none the less!

Lucy Hale

 Lucy Hale - Too much! creative cut out + puffy shoulder on one side + glitter + draping = mess. And can you see how the long flowing bits of fabric are causing a problem already? I'm surprised she didn't trip going down the red carpet!

Sharon and  Kelly Osbourne

Sharon Osbourne - I'm not totally offended, but too much glitter can be a bad thing!
Kelly Osbourne - I actually like the outfit, but can someone tell me WHY she has grey hair? Kelly - people normally try and HIDE it, not purposefully do it to themselves! Is it just me? I don't get it.....

It was not ALL bad! Here are some of my fashion highlights from the evening...

Ashley Benson

 Ashley Benson - Classic black and white, but super cute details! Perfect!

Chloe Moretz

 Chloe Moretz - This teenage starlet has just the right amount of glam mixed with young edge. Perfect hem line, cute shoes and a gorgeous green colour that suits her well.

Ellen Degeneres and Portia Da Rossi

Ellen and Portia - OK, so it;s not such a great outfit (on either of them). But I just love Ellen, so had to show her off!

Kalley Cuoco

Kaley Cuoco - This lovely lady hosted the evening, so it's good that she was a bit more glam than the rest. I am in love with the detail on her pale pink gown, so romantic!

Miley Cyrus

 Miley Cyrus - She is my best dressed for the night. Gorgeous dress, detail on the side, perfect hair, accessories spot on = definite 10/10 girl!

Tia and Tamera

Tia and Tamera - these twins got it just right! Their outfits compliment one another ('cause they know they'll be snapped together!) Just beautiful!!

Now I can't wait for the Golden Globes to come around!

It's almost weekend girls, enjoy!

Love Ava xx

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

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

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

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

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

Celeb spotting: Prom

Prom, Matric Dance - it's all the same thing. And everyone goes to their Prom, right? Yip, even world famous celebrities like these!

The ever cute Dakota Fanning.
LOVE the little pink dress !

Fergilicious? Almost didn't recognize her!

Not quite the meat dress or the egg -
 but even at a young age Lady Gagga pushed
the norm!The sunnies are so celeb!
(BTW - she looks beautiful here.
Makes me think she needs to cover
 less of herself and show as the true lady!)

Miss Spears! Not sure of this was before
 "Hit me Baby one more time",
 but she looks like a really sweet Southern
girl here!

It's difficult to make out the dress
in this pic, but I love Miley's unfussy hair.

Can this girl do anything from in the
style department? Not sure about wearing
white to the Prom, but Taylor Swift's
ple yet elegant look is a winner!

How can I do a post about celebrity
 prom photo's and not share this one?
Don't know who this lucky lady is,
but I can imagine her still going around
 telling people "I went to the Prom with Brad Pitt."
Jealous. 

Have you had your Matric Dance yet? I'd love to see some of your favourite photo's! Send to talktoava (at) foxypink.co.za and I could be sharing your pics here on the blog.

Hope everyone has had a super weekend!

love Ava