This week, I was thrilled to be part of a world-first event hosted by Be Young PR and Little Lion Communications at the heart of the Adelaide Fashion Festival, Mercedes-Benz Adelaide.

Bloggers were invited to play dress-ups with the SS15/16 ranges of a frankly amazing array of local designers and participate in a style challenge showcasing their unique flair and looks with the chance to win some pretty awesome prizes. To be eligible, bloggers had to shoot a minimum of three looks, using at least two different designers' pieces in each look, have one look showcasing the couture labels and finally, incorporate the Mercedes-Benz vehicles made available for shooting. FUN.

Now, I know this may come as a shock to most of you, given my fierce work on Instagram, but I am not actually a professional, part-time or even vaguely amateurish model.

Sorry for any confusion.

Happily, there were items available in sizes that I could squeeze into (I'm usually hovering around a 12 when I'm not hovering around all-you-can-eat buffets) and it was great to see some of the designers catering to a range of non-traditional-modelly sizes. 

Stacie came along as my personal Grace Coddington and was tasked with styling and shooting me with my high-tech photography equipment. iPhone 5s, square frame, this is how we DO.

Here we are working the posing wall with a bottle of the delightful Wicks Estate bubbly that was on offer.

Look 1 - Now Sissy That Walk

Top - Finders Keepers The Label
Pants - Paige Rowe
Leather Neckpiece - Paige Rowe
Vehicle - The Red One

Look 2 - Loot In The Boot

Gown - Calèche Bridal
Lace Overlay - Greta Kate Bridal
Vehicle - The White One

Look 3 - They See Me Rollin'

Dress - Liza Emanuele
Sleeveless jacket - SIG The Label
Vehicle - The Black One

Look 4 - Watch Me Whip

Jeans - Paige Rowe
Tank Top - Paige Rowe
Cape - Greta Kate Bridal
Necklace - Azure
Vehicle - The Silver One







I know. It was as fun as it looks.

Of course, it wouldn't be Almost Posh without a bit of realness, so here is what I'd look like actually driving one of the coveted vehicles on display, crazy eyes and all:

Excuse me, sir, you appear to have cut me off

The Adelaide Fashion Festival is taking place between 22 and 25 October and I can tell you, the runway shows are selling out fast. If this kind of thing is your bag, may I strongly recommend getting your tickets without delay. This is going to be HUGE. Like this balloon.

Although I have a daughter who occasionally gets a mention here at AlmostPosh.com, I don't consider myself a mummy blogger. As I've said before, other people have made my salient points already and the phrase "sensory play" doesn't get much of a run in my household.

However, my friend Kelly, who runs the business Elemental Beginnings here in Adelaide asked if I would contribute a guest post to her blog about the first three months of parenthood (also known as the "fourth trimester") and I have duly done so:

Just Plain Lucky: My Fourth Trimester

Kelly is a qualified post-natal doula and placenta encapsulator, providing her support services to mums of Adelaide and selected regional areas of South Australia.




This is probably all a bit woo woo to a lot of people - and admittedly, I did not have my placenta encapsulated - but Kelly's satisfied clients give some great testimonies on her website regarding her post-natal support and the benefits they have enjoyed from her services.

Kelly has undertaken a huge amount of study, training and research, including a degree in microbiology, and is eminently qualified to provide services and advice relating to care of newborns; including family adjustment, breastfeeding, settling and soothing, coping skills and bonding.

Research has indicated that having the support of a post-natal doula can increase the success of breastfeeding, lessen the chance of post-natal depression and improve the bonding process.

To find out more, have a look at her website and if you're in the upcoming market for some newborn-style support or to learn more about the possible benefits of placenta encapsulation and what is actually involved in the process (spoiler alert: Thermomix!), then get in contact to see what she can do for you.

If you're not in Adelaide, Kelly has a far-reaching network and may be able to recommend services in your area.
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** Not sponsored **

Gone are the days of the "good room" - a front parlour full of non-touchable knick-knacks, dust-catchers and doilies, reserved only for visitors and out-of-bounds for sticky-fingered children.

[image credit : creative commons]

These days, the lounge room tends to be a lot more warm, welcoming and family-friendly. However, it's often overlooked when it comes to redecorating. While it may not date a property in the same way a mission brown bathroom or burnt orange kitchen does, it is one of the most utilised and visible areas of your home and deserves a bit of love. Here are some quick ways to give it a refresh that won't require a refinance on the mortgage.

Add New Carpeting or Rugs

If you're like me, you moved into your new home and quickly noticed all the things you missed during the open inspection, including the less-than-immaculate carpet. Removing this ratty specimen and replacing it with plush new flooring can change the whole feel of the room, from general appearance to next level underfoot comfort. Gone is that poor colour choice and the stains their five children left behind (craftily concealed by strategically-placed rugs) and hello new stain-free comfort, personally selected to suit your taste and lifestyle. Obviously, as parents of a toddler, we will definitely be selecting a stain-resistant option from a professional outfit like Stainmaster Australia. They even have a nifty calculator that helps you estimate costs and keep your redecorating budget on track.

Even your pets will appreciate it!

[image credit : creative commons]

Bring in New Lighting

Who wants to spend time huddled in a dark and gloomy room? Not me. I like to read in the lounge room (especially in winter in front/on top of the fire) so decent lighting is a must - without the stark bright white feel of an operating theatre. It’s super easy and affordable to improve the appearance of your lounge room with new lighting. Choose from a funky lamp or track lighting to enhance your reading space or add some floor lamps for mood lighting. Change up your existing fixtures by sourcing new shades and trims. Look for polished chrome or stainless steel for minimalist styles, or bring in surveyors lamps for an on-trend nautical look. Perhaps, like me, you are living for rose gold/copper accents right now. There are so many affordable options to choose from that suit all rooms, tastes and budgets.

[image credit : creative commons]

Move Your Furniture Around

Sounds obvs but one of the quickest and cheapest ways to revamp your lounge room is simply by rearranging your furniture. Changing the position of a feature piece in the lounge can completely alter the dynamics of the room. Enhance the symmetry by arranging your furnishings or decorations in pairs. Symmetry makes a room comfortable and can help it feel more relaxed, so guests will be encouraged to stay longer. Of course, you might not want certain guests making themselves too comfortable. Keep them in another part of the house! 

[image credit : creative commons]

Play with Textures and Patterns

A lot of people feel their lounge room should be neutral as it's timeless and classic but it doesn't take much to add a personal touch that can easily change with trends or even seasons. Your lounge room can play host to a range of patterns, whether it be added subtly, through cushions, throws or small rugs, or by making a feature out of a large piece of furniture like your sofa, with changeable covers or upholstery. Embracing bold prints and patterns in the lounge room can bring a range of new colours to your home as well. 

[image credit : creative commons]

Hang or Display Prints

If you're still looking at that same block-mounted print of a UFO with "I Want To Believe" on it, you might be due for a wall art update. Personalise your lounge room with photos of your family and friends. Hang a canvas print of your favourite holiday photograph or a print by your favourite artist. Bright and colourful canvas prints are readily and cheaply available everywhere; from IKEA to the Reject Shop. Bringing pieces of art into the home also adds a hint of colour, which can be complemented by cushions, vases and other small decorations. Scour op shops and markets for some classic coloured decorations, hit up Pinterest for inspo or check out your local homewares store for the latest trends. 

[image credit : creative commons]

So, if your lounge room is feeling a bit ho-hum, there are plenty of ways to change it up. These are just a few of the affordable options to make over your lounge room and are easy to get started on. No power tools or paint brushes required.

What are your favourite tips for a quick room makeover?

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This post is sponsored by Stainmaster Australia. Please see my disclosure policy for further information.

As the cooler weather sets in (at least, in this part of Australia), it’s time to start enjoying all the good bits about winter; boots, snuggly socks, warm baths and did I mention curling up in front of the heater, binge-watching Real Housewives?

Unfortunately, all this lovely warm dry air and hot water does wonders for sucking the moisture out of your skin, leaving bits of your body looking like Lake Eyre during a drought year.

Remember kids: crack is wack

Yes, we know we should be exfoliating. I give my heels a going-over with a file and some foot scrub in the shower whenever I a) remember and b) have the time. So about once every two months. 

"It's okay, nobody will see my feet for months! I'll just start an intensive care program before summer!" But what's this? An invitation to a formal event, when only the strappiest of heels will do? Girl, you in trouble.

Luckily, Scholl have been all over foot care since 1899 and can get that nasty dry skin on feet looking sweet in just three days with Eulactol Heel Balm Gold.

To illustrate, this was the state of my heels last Thursday:

Don't say I didn't warn you

After three days of using the heel balm as directed, these are the results.



You can see the improvement in the skin texture already and there is no horrible dry scraping sound when I pull my tights on over my feet. Result!

Winter also means new footwear (yay!) Some jazzy cut-out ankle boots or a stiff pair of patent brogues, perhaps? The last thing you want is a painful blister from new-shoe rub. I have pretty poor circulation in my feet, which are essentially freezer blocks from 4.30pm on 16 April to 2.30pm on 21 November. I can stick my feet in an eski to chill the beer and any kind of blister or irritation take an absolute age to heal, relegating me to daggy well-worn shoes in the meantime. That, my friends, is not cute. So a Scholl Blister Shield plaster is where it's at; to cushion that angry skin with HydraGuard technology and keep you comfortable while still rocking your super cute kicks.



Don't neglect your toenails either! Make sure they're clipped and filed right down so you don't bust holes in your snazzy tights. Your feet will also fit more comfortably into those closed toe shoes.

You can find Eulactol Heel Balm Gold and Blister Shields at your local chemist, Priceline or supermarket. Winter is coming! Hurrah!

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These products were kindly provided to me for review. All opinions are my own. See my PR and Media policy for more information.

• Boots over jeans
• Leggings
• Jeggings
• Leggings as pants (under a long or tunic top obvs, I haven’t lost my whole mind)
• Chambray v2.0
• Printed pants
• Cropped tops (as in shorter length tees, not midriff-baring crop tops)
• Maxi dresses
• Maxi skirts
• Midi skirts
• Anything from Millers
• White shoes
• Ankle grazers
• Lightwash jeans
• Oversized sunglasses

Often, I’m happy to be proved wrong and add another dimension, option or look into the rotation to keep it fresh because, in the immortal words of Fergie Ferg, “Keepin’ it fresh is my main interest” . . . even if it does mean having to defend the occasional "you said you'd never wear . . . !" accusation.

• Jumpsuits
• Playsuits
• Pantsuits
• Flares/excessive bootcuts
• Boob tubes
• Midriff-baring crop tops
• Bum-baring short shorts
• Excessive fringing. Actually, make that any fringing.
• White pants
• Cut-outs
• Big loose armholes
• Batwing sleeves
• Moccasins
• Boat shoes

Is there anything you will straight up never wear again or ever? What trend are you dreading the return of?