Nawww, how cute are these Seed animal rompers? My favourite would have to be the pink and grey, leopard print tiger suit!

1. Tiger here

2. Bunny here

3. Fox here

I love a metal framed, floor resting mirror. My favourite is the Psiche Tall mirror by Maxalto from Space furniture in the top pic. These mirrors, to my delight, are dotted throughout the accommodation we sometimes stay at when we head to Noosa at RACV Resort Noosa- stunning! For those who like this look but don’t have the designer budget, West Elm have a similar one in the second pic. How fantastic that West Elm have just opened in Australia (Bondi Junction) and ship anywhere in the country! (Ps. a potential Melbourne store coming soon, shhhhhhh…..)

Space Furniture, $2495 here

West Elm, $434 here

Question from Ellen Keeffe: Hey Bec, I’m 6 months pregnant and I’m going to Hawaii for my sister’s wedding in two weeks and I’m stressing about appropriate swim wear. Is it ok to still wear a bikini or should I be finding a maternity appropriate one piece? Any suggestions? Thanks Ellen

Answer: Hi Ellen, totally wear a bikini! Baby bumps are just gorgeous and definitely aren’t for covering on the beach. I think it might be tough finding a one piece that would fit anyway as it would need extra give in the tummy region and as a result, you don’t want it giving you a wedgie the entire day (bottoms ARE for covering). I wore bikinis on the beach when I was 7 months pregnant- totally comfy and I look back at the photos and love seeing my big swollen, Oscar belly.

Question from Jade Searle: Hi I recently saw a pic of you wearing a stunning platinum watch – could you perhaps pass on to me what brand / model it is – I’d love to put it on my Mother’s Day present list, Cheers.

Answer: Whoopsie, mother’s day has passed but perhaps you could put this one on your Christmas list. I am super lucky to be sponsored by Christian Dior so all of my watches are this brand. I have been wearing Dior watches for 9 years now and they are stunning! They are both a piece of jewellery and a watch in one. Dior watches are pretty expensive and a high end, luxury item so they are not in everyone’s budget but if they are for you, then head to Watches of Switzerland as they have a great range (there are lots of high-end jewellers that stock Dior too).

For those who don’t have the Dior budget then there are some cheaper watches out there which have a similar look without the price tag. Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors are a couple I can think of straight off the top of my head. Head here to search for yours.

(please note I had accidentally flipped the bottom pic of the watch straps so they don’t match the watch faces above. If you imagine them flipped back the right way you can see which strap matches which face).

Question from Lisa Elezovic : Hi Bec, we are currently building as well. I really like your staircase and cabling in your current house. Can you advise who did them? Thanks Lisa

Firstly, please excuse these dodgy pictures of my living area. They were taken on an old iPhone a couple of years ago before my house became a baby zone. I can’t take any new photos as this staircase currently has baby proof gates all around it and looks terrible. While I love the look of this staircase, I must warn you that they are really dangerous if you have young children or are pregnant. There is no balustrade to hang on to and the cabling moves if you touch it (i.e. not supportive). I’m not sure who designed our staircases as we bought the house already built, however I’m sure if you show your builder he will be able to figure it out as I have seen this look around quite a bit of late. My advice if you choose to go with this look and have children, is to get stronger cabling (more like metal poles) that is fixed and perhaps a balustrade mounted on the wall.

Question from anonymous: Hi Bec I am looking into laser eye surgery and I’m just wondering if you have any tips about what to look for when selecting where to have it done. Thanks

Answer: Hi. I went to www.medownicklasereyesurgery.com.au They were fantastic and Doctor Medownick is one of the most experienced in the business. Everything went smoothly and my vision is better than 20/20 now. It is amazing being able to see EVERYTHING. While the recovery is pretty awful (you’re kind of off your head on pain meds for a few days and your eyes are very sore), the end result is totally worth it. My eyes took about 3 to 4 weeks to achieve my perfect vision end result and fluctuated a lot up until this time (some days it was great then the next day was blurry, then the next day great etc) and this is very normal. Some people achieve their end result after a few days, others take a bit longer. Good luck with it!

Question from anonymous: Hi Bec, love your page. With the Klorane Dry Shampoo do you use the one with the white lid or green lid?

Answer: I use whatever I can get my hands on- they are both brilliant.

Question from Ashleigh Bee: Hi Bec, I am travelling to New York in May. I wanted to ask you how to keep your skin healthy looking during long flights? I tend to break out and always walk off the plane looking so tired and yuk. my pores seems to become clogged and it is something the plane does to my skin to make me feel so dull. Do you have any tips to combat a long flight- health, fitness, food? I am travelling from Perth-Syd-LA-New York all in one hit. Beauty Salon treatments before and after…i dont know?! Help. Many thanks in advance. xx

Answer: My best advice is- don’t wear make up on the flight and drink HEAPS of water. I read some stat somewhere that your skin can lose up to 90% of it’s hydration while you’re up in the air. Because of this rapid drying out of your skin, it goes into overdrive to rehydrate it by secreting extra oil. This is why your skin feels dry and yukky but has an oil slick over it at the same time when you fly. For this reason, you must keep hydrated by drinking lots of water so you are putting the moisture back into your skin without having to rely on the oil glands so much. If you wear make up you are stressing your skin out even more in this hyper-vulnerable state as the make up will block the pores.

When I fly I will go through litres of water (and yes I am the annoying person who needs to go to the loo about 20 times/flight because of this) and I never wear any make up (except for my eyebrow pencil haha), only moisturiser (basic moisturiser, no fragrance, colour, glittery crap etc). I also find my eyes dry out heaps when I fly and go bright red. If I drink enough water, they stay hydrated and white.

Taking a selfie while enjoying the hot chocolate on my Qantas flight to Canada last November, sans make-up.

Question: I can’t find the original email somebody sent me asking me to recommend them some new fragrances (they usually wear my fave Narciso Rodriguez ‘here‘) so if it was you, then thank you!

Answer: To tell you the truth, I don’t actually wear a lot of fragrance anymore. I used to work on the fragrance counters in MYER and David Jones throughout my Uni years and worked very closely with the Thierry Mugler, D & G and Gucci brands. I think due to my days of constantly standing in air, thick with the scent of perfume, I am actually a bit over it. I only ever wear fragrance now on a big occasion (ie. my wedding). I also think I have a bit of an aversion to any extra, unneeded chemicals on my skin at at the moment because I wear so much make up as part of my TV job that I don’t want any additional ‘stuff’ on my skin.

If I was attending a big event I would definitely wear one of the 4 gorgeous fragrances I have selected above. There is nothing new about any of these but they are some of my personal favourites.

1. YSL Baby Doll. So sweet and fruity. When I wear this it brings back memories of the places I used to visit when I was 18. Buy it here

2. Angel Innocent. So yummy but fresh at the same time. It is Angel’s little sister and I cannot tell you how many bottles of this I have gone through in my life. Buy it here

3. D&G L’Imperatrice 3. A unisex fragrance which is so unique it always leaves you asking the wearer “What is THAT fragrance?” This scent is favoured by the gorgeous Nadia Coppolino (visit her blog here) and the J’Aton Couture boys. Whenever they give Oscar a cuddle he smells like them for ages after and my husband can always tell as soon as he walks in the door from training, who we have been visiting on that day. Buy it here

4. Gucci Rush. I wore this to death when I lived In Bangkok all those years ago. It is spicy and sensuous at the same time. Buy it here

I bought a selection of these HK Living Industrial style lights from House of Orange for our new build. They were recommended to me by Heather Nette King and I couldn’t believe how affordable they were given they are top quality products made in Holland.

I bought three of the more rounded white ones (pic 4) for above our kitchen island bench (which will be a calacatta marble slab). They were only $189 each.

I bought an XL black one in the shape of the top 2 photos for above my husband’s pool table. The size we’ve chosen is bigger than the ones in the 2nd pic so as you could imagine, it is HUGE! I like the idea of it hanging low above the pool table, creating a moody vibe in hubby’s man cave.

I will post a picture of them insitu once the house is finished. I cannot speak highly enough of how great the quality of these HK Living products are, especially when you take into consideration the price. Remember my post on affordable wooden stools for the bathroom here? They are also from HK Living. Contact Ursula at House of Orange to get yours and tell her I sent you.

www.houseoforange.com.au

Top image from houseoforange.com.au, second image from cottesloebeachhotel.com.au

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Crown Mother’s Day lunch last Friday. This event, hosted by the gorgeous Ann Peacock, is legendary in Melbourne and once I arrived I could understand what all the fuss was about. Set at Hive within the contemporary confines of Crown Metropol, beautiful “Great Gatsby” event styling by Christian Wagstaff and a menu to boot greeted guests.

I went for one of my standard make up looks and as it was a lunch time event I didn’t use pencil eyeliner (I used liquid on the top lid instead) and I didn’t line my lower or inner rims either. That way you can still get a smokey, contoured effect if you use your shadows the right way without being so OTT glam on the make-up front.

I didn’t have time to shoot a step-by-step but here are the products I used as detailed in the picture above.

Foundation- Shu Umuera face architect in 734

Concealer- MAC Select Moisture Cover in NW25

Powder- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium

Bronzer- MAC Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden

Blush- MAC Peachykeen

Eyebrow Pencil- MAC in Lingering

Main lid Eyeshadow- MAC in Honestly (third rectangular shadow on right in top palette. Sweep this over entire lid and along lower rim)

Eyeshadow for contour- MAC in Twinks (Dark browny/maroon shadow in single container down the bottom of pic. Use this with blending brush in the outer socket area but blend well and out. Also use it on the outer 2/3 of lower rim but blend, blend, blend)

Eyeshadow for outer contour- MAC in Smut (lower right corner shadow in bottom palette. Use this in an arrow shape in the very outer contour and blend well. It gives you that extra bit of smoulder and opens your eye up. Then take your small, angled brush and line your lower rim on the outer 2/3 however very close to the lash line. Blend it through the lashes as you are using this as your eyeliner substitute)

Eyeshadow for inner corner- MAC in Cognac

Liquid Eyeliner- MAC in Boot Black (see how I did mine in the close up shot?)

Mascara- Haute and Naughty Too Black Lash (top and bottom lashes. Make sure you curl first)

I used my fat GHD tongs to do my hair- post coming soon.

I wore a Rodeo Show dress, Sass and Bide belt and Terry Biviano shoes.

To buy make up, head here or here

Well, well, well, things have definitely changed since my school ball. I have had about 50 ‘Ask Bec’ questions from lovely girls wanting me to find them a school formal/ball dress and have been astounded at the budgets some of you lucky, young ladies have to play with. I’ve been given budgets of between $400 and $1500- Whoah!

I remember my Yr 11 school ball dress was a Ruth Tarvydas number from MYER and cost me $189- that broke the bank! My year 12 ball dress was about the same. It was a hideous puffy, red, ball skirt with a black, satin, midriff boob tubey thing. Oh and don’t forget my elbow length, black, dress gloves- EEK. I’ll try and dig out a photo somewhere to show you all.

So I’ve put together some options for all price points, I hope you like.

1. Nicholas from Green with Envy, $650 here

2. Forever Unique from Asos, $438.49 here

3. Jayson Brunsdon from MYER, $799 here

4. Forever Unique from Asos $398.63 here

1. Toni Maticevski from MYER, $1050 here

2. Needle and Thread from Asos, $310.93 here

3. Aqua Kubrick from Asos, $294.98 here

4. Lipsy from Asos, $119.59 here

Oh Lordy- I have been truly overwhelmed at the number of responses I received for this competition (I’m talking hundreds and hundreds!). But even more than that, I am thrilled and super impressed at how much thought and effort everyone put into the names they created for the necklaces. I had everything from exotic places, mythical creatures, gods and goddesses, foreign languages, you name it- I received it. Totally awesome! A couple of popular favourites which were sent in on heaps of occasions were “Snow White” for 1, “Fire and Ice” for 2, “Midnight (insert noun)” for 3, and “Green with Envy” for 4 (I had this about 30 times!). But there can only be one winner for each necklace so here we go:

1. Isis named after the Egyptian White Goddess. Named by Karen Chisnall.

2. Pink Champagne inspired by the 1884 artwork by Edgar Degas, The Pink Dancers Before the Ballet. Named by Liz Farrell.

3. De la Nuit which means “of the night” in French. Named by Maansi Gupta Khotkar.

4. Ios inspired by the green waters of the Greek Islands. Named by Georgia King.

Congratulations to the winners and you will receive an email from us today.

Please stay tuned as there are many more wonderful RJL giveaways just around the corner.

You know I’m a sucker for anything in slick monochrome hues, so I was a tad excited when these beautifully styled images came across my desk. They are of black and white, typographic prints that are strikingly bold. My faves are the EAT and DINER ones but they’re all ace. Best of all though, they start at $35 (frames not included). I love affordable art!

Head to huntingforgeorge.com to get yours.

I came across these colourful designer Botkier bags on Shopbop and thought the colours were so beautiful and the price was pretty reasonable too (ie. compared to a Mimco or Oroton). I am also mad keen on anything with a chain… ahh leather and chains- heaven! I think my fave is the mini size in either the Sea Glass or Sky. Use it as a clutch if you wish- talk about versatile.

Valentina Shoulder bag, $299.47 here

Valentina Mini size, $197.95 here

Ahhhh one of my fave Aussie label’s Winter Collection is hitting stores this week- STEELE.

I’m digging the floral print (winter schminter) but also loving the navy top in luxe lace with the sheer peplum. It’s all about sheers contrasting with heavier fabrics this season and these guys have nailed it. And doesn’t the patent, glossy waistlines and hem on the last skirt just give the tailoring that extra level of ‘crisp’? Wooyeah!

For stockists, head here www.steelemelbourne.com.au/stockists

If you read about my wedding dress story (here) you’d know that I was 10 weeks pregnant at my wedding. I also happened to be 6 weeks pregnant at my Hen’s day which my bridesmaids had been planning for months, so my would-be debaucherous weekend turned in to quite the classy little getaway to beautiful Daylesford.

Now for those RJL readers who aren’t from Victoria, you may not have heard of Daylesford as I know I hadn’t when I first moved over from Perth. Well imagine my delight when I discovered that only 1.5 hours by car from Melbourne, was a quaint little town, high in the hills which was deemed “Spa Territory of Australia.” Yep that’s right, Daylesford lays claim to the highest concentration of mineral springs in the country and in turn has given it the reputation as a region of healing. Combine that with superb regional cuisine, cellar doors, country resorts, amazing natural sights to see and romantic hideaways, and Daylesford is the perfect getaway for a girls’ weekend (or a couples anniversary).

So what did my Hen’s weekend itinerary entail exactly?

STAY: Comma (this property has recently been sold and is now called Sonoma House. www.dayget.com.au will remain the booking agent so if you would like to book this place contact them). We loved this property. My sister and I shared the stable together (the 4 poster bed with the free standing bath in the room) and the other girls and my mum stayed in the main house. The interiors were a delight, we didn’t want to leave!

(All images from www.martinogroup.com.au who designed this property. Check out their other work- seriously good!)

SPA: Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa Possibly the best traditional Spa I have ever visited and always on the top of my must-visit list when I head to Daylesford. Enjoy one of the many private treatments or hang out in The Sanctuary all day and make the most of the salt therapy pool, spa couches and aroma steam room as I did with all of my girlfriends- pure bliss.

(All images from www.hepburnbathhouse.com)

EAT: Frangos and Frangos. An iconic Daylesford establishment featuring the best coffee in town at Cafe Koukla, or head out the back to Jimmy’s Bar (named after the charismatic owner Jim Frangos) for award winning cuisine and a vino or two.

(All images from www.frangosandfrangos.com)

VISIT: The Convent Gallery. A stunning 19th century mansion set on 6 acres of beautiful gardens. This property features a 3 level art gallery, mediterranean restaurant, Altar bar, a nun’s museum and a penthouse. It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy day.

(Images from Robert Hock Photography and Visions of Victoria)

Loyal RJL readers would know I have a penchant for anything neon and acrylic (see here). So you could imagine my delight when I came across these vases in both Inside Out magazine (May-June 2013 issue) and House and Garden magazine (May 2013) this month.

You can hang them on the wall (quirky!) or style them on their side. I think they would look sh%t hot with some big, fat, hydrangea heads bursting out of the wall.

While my husband would never go for these in any of our living areas or our bedroom, they would look so gorgeous in the kids’ rumpus room or imagine the pink one in your daughter’s nursery. Sweet!

Head to www.lovestar.com.au

I first posted this on Feb 16th and the coat sold out pretty fast. Well now it’s back so get it while you can!

My initial post on feb 16th, 2013:

I love this ‘coatigan’ from www.asos.com  It’s got a very minimal feel to it (perhaps a bit Wang’ish?) and will look great with leather pants. Oh and it’s only $127.56. Now we just need the weather to cool down…

Get it here

Hi everyone! My gorgeous friends at Owl of Eden are giving away FOUR of their stunning necklaces to RJL members. All you need to do is contact me through the “Ask Bec a Question” tab and nominate which necklace you would like to win (1, 2, 3 or 4 or ALL) by giving the necklace/s a name. That’s right- naming rights are yours! I will decide which names are the most creative and suitable for these pieces. Name one or name them all! I look forward to reading your responses.

Necklace 1:

Necklace 2:

Necklace 3:

Necklace 4:

To view the entire Owl of Eden range, head to www.owlofeden.com.au

Terms and Conditions:

1. Entries must be received by 5pm May 9th, 2013.

2. Competition is only available to Rebecca Judd Loves members and must be entered via the “Ask Bec a Question” tab.

3. An entrant can enter up to 4 necklace names (1 name for each colour way), but can only win 1 time. Therefore there will be 4 individual entrants who win a necklace.

4. Necklaces are supplied by Owl and Eden and are valued at $129 each.

5. Necklaces will be mailed by COB on Monday May 13th, 2013.