Help from the Hair Gods!

I recently heard about this hair treatment system called Nioxin which is a treatment designed to improve the appearance of thinning hair.  It comes with a shampoo (cleanser), conditioner (scalp therapy) and a spray in treatment (scalp treatment).

I’m only 28 years old and my hair is starting to get thinner!  I have my old job to thank for that – constantly stressed and doing 5 people’s jobs with no help or support from management!  Thank god I left.  I have been in my current workplace for 7 months now and am really enjoying not having any stress!

I’m one of those people that don’t believe the hype and when a product says it will thicken your hair, or it will make you look 10 years younger, etc I just don’t believe it.  I need to SEE results!

However, it got to the stage where I thought “I’ll try anything at this point to stop my hair from thinning even more than it already has” – I mean who wants to look like a balding 80 year old at 28 years of age?  Not me!  So I bought the Nioxin System #3 for $85 and have been using it religiously for 2 months now. 

I can actually feel and see a difference in my hair!  Before using Nioxin I would lose so many strands of hair after washing it or when I was combing or brushing it – I was constantly sweeping the floors!  Now I hardly lose any!  It has definitely made my hair healthier – even my hairdresser could see the difference.

There are 8 different Nioxin scalp and hair care systems (#1 - #8) and the Nioxin website (http://www.nioxin.com/) is great for finding out which system is best for your hair type.  After looking on this site, I realised that I should actually be using system #4 for my hair type.  Imagine what the right system will do for my hair if system #3 is already giving me good results?!

Shopaholics Anonymous anyone??

Today was a great day.  I was the Gilles Street Markets day!

I love the Gilles Street markets.  It gets me through my week of work anticipating what great vintage bargains and one off pieces I’ll find!

First stop was Flutterby Jewellery Stall for some handmade one of a kind and limited edition pieces.  I saw a gorgeous vintage style pendant necklace the first time I came to the markets and when I went back to get it, it was gone! (Lesson learned….don’t shop around – JUST BUY IT WHEN YOU SEE IT)!  No luck this time - I couldn't find anything remotely similar to what I fell in love with the first time.

Next stop was a private stallholder who sold vintage and designer pieces.  Trawling through the racks my friend pulled out a cute navy and white polkadot playsuit then said she didn’t really like it and put it back.  “I love that” I said and picked it up.  I almost choked when I saw the price….$5!!  I could not believe it!  SOLD I thought and gave the stallholder my $5.

The rest of the day was a huge success.....

Pari sun dress - $15

Luby Buttons one of a kind skirt - $25

Limited edition coral silk skirt and embellished sleeved t-shirt - $25 each

Designer inspired off the shoulder dress - $10

Hands full with heavy bags (and $0 left in my bank account), I was done!  Another successful markets trip.

And the best part about the day?  Finding $40 cash in the pocket of the $5 jumpsuit!!!  (Note to self: check the pockets of all vintage purchases from now on)!!

Have mentioned how much I love the Gilles Street Markets?

These are a few of my favourite things....

Sportsgirl Festival Wrist Pouch

What a fantastic idea – just in time for the festival season!  No need to carry around a big bag, or line up for ages in the bag search line.  With this wrist pouch you can walk straight in!

And the best thing?  It’s too small to hold all of your boyfriends stuff!

Alex Perry for DIVA Jewellery Range

Launched in September, the Alex Perry for DIVA range just keeps getting better and better.

I constantly find myself drawn to this collection.  From feminine and pretty lace and pearls to glamorous diamantes, beading and feathers, there is something for everyone.  

Bring out the DIVA in you!

IKEA Makeup Drawer Organiser

If you are anything like me, your makeup drawer is a mess.  You take ages to find what you’re looking for and get frustrated when your blush has “leaked” all over the drawer or your brushes are out of shape!

Fear not!  IKEA have come up with a fantastic storage solution so you never have to rummage around through your make up drawer again.

It has so many compartments you won’t know where to put everything.  

Get in quick while stocks last.  This is the best thing I have invested in all year!

Headbands and Head Scarves

I am obsessed with headbands, headscarves and fascinators at the moment.  From a hippy style crochet headband or brightly coloured head scarf to a glamorous diamante headband or oversized flower - they funk up an outfit and give it a totally different look every time.

They are so handy – if you don’t have time to wash your hair wear a headscarf (no-one will notice your hair because they are too busy gushing over your gorgeous headscarf to notice).  If you are having a bad hair day put on a headband to instantly fix your bad hair day woes.

With so many stores stocking them such as Diva, Sportsgirl and even Target, you’ll have no trouble finding a headband, fascinator or oversized flower to suit your style.

Oversized Rings

I love accessorising my outfits with oversized rings – they just give the outfit something a little extra.

I’m really into the turquoise vintage style rings at the moment.  On a recent shopping trip to the Central Markets I came across so many jewellery stalls showcasing different styles of these rings – it was so hard to choose.  My favourite at the moment is the LA Turquoise Ring from Sportsgirl.

Another one to add to my growing collection.

CHRISTMAS!

Who doesn’t love this time of year?

Christmas shopping, driving around looking at the Christmas lights, singing Christmas carols (ok – I’m a Christmas freak).  But not only that, Christmas time means holidays (for most of us), hot weather, stuffing yourself silly and not to mention – the post Christmas sales! 

BRING IT ON!

Adelaide Fashion Hot Spots

Forget the mainstream shopping centres, malls and department stores, there are so many unique places to shop in Adelaide that don’t require you having to drive around for hours to find a park, or pay for parking, or having to weave your way in and out of other shoppers who walk so slowly and sometimes just stop dead in the middle of the aisle for no reason!  (I’m a fast walker and sometimes I think they do this on purpose just to annoy me)!

Some of these places are quite well known to locals, while others are hidden treasures.  A few of my favourite places to shop include:

GILLES STREET MARKETS which are held on the third Sunday of every month at Gilles Street Primary School.  The markets offer an array of designer samples, one off fashion pieces from young up and coming local designers, pre loved vintage fashion, shoes, jewellery and accessories.  There are also the amazing homemade food and beverage stalls and live performances from DJ’s which add to the great atmosphere.

The next markets are on this Sunday – miss them and you’ll be sorry!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/GILLES-STREET-MARKET-ADELAIDES-PREMIER-FASHION-DESIGN-MARKET/131757809245

REWIND RECYCLED FASHION is probably THE best vintage op shop in Adelaide.  I stumbled across this little gem in Glenelg while out lunching with my sister and a friend.  They have an amazing collection of one off pieces, designer threads and vintage bags with new stock arriving daily.  Check out their Facebook page for daily looks and updates.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/shelley.rewind

CHASING NEL is another great shop in Glenelg – right next to Rewind which is handy!  One great thing about this store is that they sell Peep Toe shoes which a lot of the time are on sale! Bonus!

Here are my most recent purchases from Chasing Nel (they are my pride and joy)

http://www.facebook.com/#!/chasingnel

QUEEN STREET CROYDON is a little known place in the Western suburbs of Adelaide that is gaining a reputation for its cute retro shops and cafes that line the street.

From vintage clothing and home wares to cafes, hairdressers and even a Pilates Studio, Queen Street Croydon is an up and coming shopping precinct that should be added to your must visit list.

Now who said you have to go interstate for great shopping??

Stay tuned for more on these little hidden treasures plus new fashion hot spots!

XOXO