Showing posts with label Summer. Show all posts

From Essex to Australia: 5 Minutes With Amber Zakrzewski

From Miss Essex to Aussie Babe, Chingford lass Amber Zakrzewski is one to watch.

After being crowned Miss Essex back in 2012, Amber kicked off her career with modelling and hasn't looked back since. I have worked with Amber a number of times styling her on numerous photo shoots and style campaigns back in Essex and have had some fun creating some amazing looks and photos with her!

From Essex to Bondi Beach...

Amber has so many talents, whether she's modelling a new clothing line or jewelry, to spending her time becoming a horse trainer, she is truly someone to look up to if you are looking for a motivation boost! Amber has spent the last couple of months traveling to some beautiful destinations and the Beauty Queen has now swapped the catwalk for the Australian Jungle to film a new wildlife programme which has now aired on Channel Dave called 'Deadliest Pests Down Under'

Today I thought I'd get in touch with Amber and give her some quick fire questions for you, so you can get more of an insight into her life right now. Amber got back to me super fast and gave me these amazing answers, so thank-you Amber!

1) What has been the scariest moment so far whilst filming Deadliest Pests Down Under?
Has to be the moment I stepped foot into a Cassowary enclosure! (I didn't know what they were either) but you don't want to be messing around with these birds! Also, having my leg sat on and squashed by a Crocodile was probably just as scary. I genuinely believed I was going to be crushed to death!

2) When you're not filming, what are you most likely to be doing?
I love exploring the different parts of Australia I got to travel to. If I wasn't filming I would just get up and go and explore the local beaches and always managed to find an amazing spot.

3) Describe how you're style has changed after swapping Essex life to the Aussie lifestyle?

Leaving the English winter and heading face first into the Aussie summer - I literally wore a lot less clothes! Lived in bikinis and found myself bare foot most of the time. The mood in Australia is so relaxed and laid back and I think that reflects in how I decided to dress out there. When I was out catching snakes I was fully covered which was unbearable sometimes in the Aussie heat, but you can't risk your ankles being attacked by a poisonous snake!

For me, the denim shirt was my go to item, I wore it as a cover up over my bikinis. I wore a denim shirt to help protect my skin against the sun too when I was out filming all day and surprisingly it helped to keep me cool. I even wore a denim shirt when catching a crocodile to add to the Dundee outback look!

4) What has been an unforgettable moment for you whilst traveling around Australia?
I had many unforgettable moments, I never thought Australia would be as beautiful, picturesque and as full as wildlife as it was. The moment I jumped off a boat at montague island with my snorkel on and swam in the crystal clear ocean with hundreds of Australian seals all around me was the most incredible thing I've ever seen! They were everywhere, (and a few Sharks and Ray's too!)

5) Talk us through you're daily beauty regime?
I don't have much of a beauty regime at all! I wear little make up if any most days, so for me being in Australia it is all about protecting my skin from the sun as they have no ozone layer there so the sun can be really harsh on your skin. After being out in the sun it's all about Aloe Vera, I literally smother myself in it! After showering I use a body butter all over and then for a really golden, healthy glow I use honey oil shimmering dry oil and it smells incredible!

6) What's one thing you're missing about England right now?
Other than my family and horse, there's not much that I'm missing at all! I would say that we do take for granted how close by everything is. Shops, hospitals, people etc. Australia is huge and everything is far away! Even neighbouring countries! We have Europe on our doorstep and can get to most of those countries in less than a few hours.. In Australia it can take that long just to get to the nearest hospital!

7) Do you have any tips or reccomendations for anyone planning to visit Australia?
My top tip is to make friends with locals, there's no better way to see the best places in Australia! Everyone is so lovely and so proud of where they're from, that they will want to show you all the hidden gems and you get a real feel for the Aussie life.

A lot of people are put off by the deadly animals in Australia, it's nonsense! Don't be scared of anything, go for a walk in the 'bush' and see what wildlife you can find!

8) Describe you're fave Australian dish?
The food in Australia is so good and so fresh. I ate like a queen and had Wagyu Steak pretty much every night! I loved that they use beetroot in burgers. There's a juice bar on every corner in Australia. I drank fresh fruit smoothies every morning. You'd also see a fruit girl alongside the road selling fresh Strawberries and Mangoes so we had to stop every time!

Amber gets up close and personal with one of Australia's deadliest animals..

Watch Amber in action as she faces her fears with a venomous snake by clicking the link here: http://youtu.be/8rzue8iYCo0

Click the image below to follow Amber on Instagram and keep up to date with her jungle adventures!
Deadliest Pests Down Under is one every Thursday, 8pm on Dave.

Matte Me...

Okay, so as you already know, Sleek Make Up is becoming ever more popular in the UK and are busier than ever when it comes to bringing us the latest and greatest. With a wide variety of different products being available online and in stores, Sleek is taking the make up world by storm.

One of my favorite products from the Sleek range is the Sleek 'Matte Me Lip Cream'

All I can say is.... I have four shades already! The high quality lip brush glides the product on smoothly over the lips like silk and it then dries to a gorgeous matte effect that lasts for hours.

My all time favorite shade is Birthday Suit. A gorgeous nude colour with a hint of pink. One thing I love about these lip creams is the fact they are so pigmented. Many lip creams these days fade so quickly, but these babies stay on for hours, even if you're eating and drinking.

Birthday Suit:

A beautiful nude with a hint of pink.

Click here to shop

Petal:

A gorgeous, feminine pastel pink.

Click here to shop

Fandango Purple:

A bright, showstopping bright purple.

Click here to shop

Riojo Red:

A popping shade of red.

Click here to shop


Two of my fave shades, Fandango Purple & Birthday Suit

Follow Sleek on Instagram by clicking the image below!

Latest E-Commerce Clothing Styling Work

With the latest SS16 clothing piling up in the photographic studio, I managed to steam my way through some amazing pieces for our most recent E-Commerce shoot at Zee&Co.

From floaty silk playsuits and high wedge sandals, to 60's inspired shift dresses and stappy stilettos, I managed to put together some beautiful outfits to kick off the new season.

Below are just a few of the amazing outfits I put together and include product descriptions and a few styling tips!

Keepsake The Label Shift Dress & Overcoat

A new brand on the block. We now have the wonderful 'Keepsake' brand available both online and in-store. The colour scheme here is gorgeous for a transitional look, including a 60's inspired floral shift dress with bell sleeves teamed with a smart yet feminine burgundy overcoat with a tie-up waist. Team with nude heels for a summery look in seconds.

Visit Keepsake The Label at: http://keepsakethelabel.com.au/

Mara Hoffman Floral Cut-Out Playsuit

This playful number is perfect paired with a femine pair of peep-toe sandals by Sam Edelman. The playsuit features cut-out designs around the waist for a cool and sophisticated look. This playsuit works for both nights out or just a day out shopping as it can be dressed both up or down with ease.

Visit Mara Hoffman at: www.marahoffman.com

Mara Hoffman Patterned Halter Neck Jumpsuit

Another piece from Mara Hoffman, includes the perfect summer jumpsuit. Both comfy and stylish in one, this jumosuit features a peacock print across the chest, a halterneck fastening for the perfect fit and a cool, backless design to finish it off. I have teamed this piece with a pair of gold platform sandals by See by Chloe.
Visit See By Chloe at: See By Chloe Range

Diane Von Furstenberg Black & White Print Silk Dress

This beautiful silk dress from Diane Von Furstenberg is a great option if your looking for a spring summer dress for a night out or just a wander around the beach on holiday. Here I havee styled the dress with a paif of Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos and a Vivienne Westwood Anglomania leather handbag. To style the dress for your next holiday, wear a pair of your favourite sandals and a black straw beach bag.

Visit Diane Von Furstenberg at: http://uk.dvf.com/

Patrizia Pepe Red Bodycon Dress

This showstopping outfit is perfect for making a striking statement on your next evening out. This bond girl style dress from Patrizia Pepe is the ultimate bodycon dress of the season. The dress is hemless which sits perfectly against the skin and slims your figure in an instant. I have styled the dress with black accessories for a classic look. This includes a Vivienne Westwood envelope clutch and a pair of strappy Guiseppe Zanotti stilettos.

Visit Patrizia Pepe at: http://www.patriziapepe.com/gb/en

Joseph Cream Fur Belted Gilet

For the more chilly summer evenings, opt for the cream fur gilet from Joseph. The belted bodywarmer gives you shape and works well with most colours. I have put together the gilet with a pair of black ripped jeans from Nudie Jeans to contrast with the black belt. The shirt created by Velvet & Spencer gives off a boho feel which works beautifully against the fur. To keep the summer look I completed the look with a paif of black Sam Edelman wedges.

Visit Joseph at: http://www.joseph-fashion.com/

Daisy Print Anyone?

A little look into what's hot this upcoming summer season. Below are just a few of the upcoming looks, prints, colours and styles I have picked out for you! All of which I have been totally loving lately. Keep a look out for space age galactic looks to dainty daisy prints, you'll find something perfect to add to your wardrobe this season. Happy scrolling!

Want more? Be sure to check out my personal Polyore account which is forever being updated with the latest looks and must have items. http://ashleighharris.polyvore.com/

Daisy Prints

We just can't help ourselves. Smothering ourselves in floral prints has been a popular thing through every summer season, but this summer the floral print gets a little more dainty. Daisy prints are getting more and more popular by the day and many high street retailers are stocking their shelves with this flirty and feminine flower. From monochrome designs to flawless pastel shades, there's bound to be a daisy print for you! Dressing yourself in daisies couldn't be easier. Why not try a neat and tidy black and white daisy print shift dress for a warm day at work, or even be a little bit more daring with a matching daisy print co ord for a day out at the weekend. Here are a few of my top picks for this look!