There have been lots of new visitors to my blog in the past few months so I thought I'd kick off the new year (even though it's now February!) with a post introducing myself.
So, welcome and thanks for stopping by. I hope you've had a chance to have a quick squizz around as there are lots of things to read from bucket list ideas and travel stories on places like LA, and Santorini to shopping guides and opinion pieces on everything from why you shouldn't believe everything you see online to Samantha Armytage's so-called granny undies and even that time I got dumped by text.
But enough about that, here's this year's first Five on Friday featuring yours truly!
Describe your style in 4 words?
Feminine, flirty, preppy and striped
Why did you initially want to start a blog?
I started Blonde Ambition the year I turned 30 because, as a former journalist who was working in PR, I really wanted to get back into writing on a regular basis. And when I lived in London a few years earlier, I really made the most of almost every day but once I returned to Australia, I didn't really do anything apart from work and longingly gaze at my holiday photos. Focusing my blog on my bucket list gave me the push I needed to get back out there and enjoy life.
How tall are you?
I'm 163cm. I wear a lot of nude heels to lengthen my leg and apparently it makes me appear taller in photos!
How do you style your hair?
I have pretty fluffy hair so I usually straighten it and then add the waves using a Conical Curling Wand from Stefan. I focus on big pieces of hair and once done, run my fingers through it to make loose waves rather than curls. (I will make a tutorial!)
What's your skincare routine?
I've always been pretty low maintenance (aka lazy) with my skin. I cleanse with an Ella Bache product and moisturise with either Nivea or Garnier. And I wear a tinted moisturiser with SPF each day.
When not singing/lip syncing in your car, what do you do professionally?
I work in Marketing and Communications for Mater Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation raising funds for health, education and research at Mater. Previously, I've worked as a print journalist, in HR at Harrods in London and as a freelance writer and dating advice columnist for eHarmony.
I've seen that you're involved with the Smiling for Smiddy charity. How did you get involved with them?
Smiling for Smiddy is a program of Mater Foundation, and they're one of the programs I work on as part of my role. I joined them on the road (as road crew) last year for the Alice to Darwin Challenge and for part of the Townsville to Brisbane Challenge and now they're stuck with me because I love them.
What are your thoughts on the 2018 Pantone Colour of the Year, Ultraviolet?
I'm not a fan. I really don't like anything in any shade of purple.
What are your pet peeves?
Drivers who don't indicate and people who dawdle in shopping centres-especially in the lead up to Christmas.
Do you prefer a man in a suit, or more casual wear?
It's hard to go past a man in a well-tailored suit for a special occasion, but I'm just as happy with one in a pair of boardshorts and a t-shirt.
Favourite destination so far and why?
New York is my favourite city; there's something intoxicating about the concrete jungle; it always seems to hold such promise and adventure for me.
What's on the top of your bucket list?
I really want to go to Sardinia; I dream of warm sunny days spent with the sun warming my shoulders, my bronzed skin shimmering with salt water and plates of freshly caught seafood for lunch and dinner.
Do you still have your passion for fashion or is it more of a job/task now?
I definitely still love it; although there are certainly times when I get a little overwhelmed by all the clothes I own and the space they take up, and it can get tricky getting my photo every morning-especially if I'm staying at someone else's house or just running late.
I love many of the outfits you posted in 2017. Did you have a favourite?
Ooh, that's such a tough one (goes to do some Insta stalking) ...
What camera/tripod set up do you use?
Most of my photos are taken using a Canon 550D on a tripod.
What's your favourite swimwear brand?
My favourite bikinis are Saint Helena, but I also have a few pairs of Seafolly swimmers and a great Lululemon one piece.
Are the clothes in your posts your own that you've bought or are they gifted from the stores? If so, do you get to pick the pieces yourself? And lastly, what do you do with them all? Do you gift them to friends and family when you do a closet clean out?
I would say that I've purchased 99 per cent of what I wear. A few brands send me pieces (I'll always add 'gifted' so you know). If I'm working with a brand, I prefer to choose my own pieces so they're things I like and in keeping with my style. I also will send things back if they don't suit me/fit etc. I have been selling things in my recent clothing sales, but for items that were gifted to me, I donate the money to my favourite charity, Smiling for Smiddy.
Do you prefer stilettos or flat shoes?
I never used to be a heels girl, but I'm now wearing them most days-although I tend to favour block heels over stilettos.
