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Save the Whales: Beauty against animal testing

I’ve always been strongly opposed to animal testing, but after witnessing a viral video featuring beagles being released from an animal testing laboratory (you know the one) I have taken it upon myself to research where our favourite brands stand on the animal testing debacle!

When it comes to shopping ethically, it can be difficult. So many brands throw out organic sounding buzz words in hopes of attracting customers, while distracting us from what’s happening behind the scenes with bright colours, fun words and DISCOUNTS! These can be so hard to ignore… why oh why?

While I’m not one to talk smack about brands on my blog, even those that use harmful chemicals and -gulp- animal testing… what I will do is praise a few of the brands who set the ethical standard in the beauty and cosmetics industry!

1. LUSH
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Lush have been proudly fighting against animal testing for the last 30 years!
Not only are they against animal testing, but they buy their products from small-scale businesses across the globe, driving positive change in small communities! Read their testimonials here and here

2. Mirenesse Cosmetics
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It’s no secret I love Mirenesse, but what’s even better than their cosmetic and beauty products, is the fact that they are proudly cruelty free, they use organic and safe ingredients AND they support a range of causes including Diabetes Foundations, and breast and ovarian cancer. Investigate for yourself here

3. Antipodes
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This organic, New Zealand-based skin care line never tests on animals,
plus, all products have international vegetarian approval!

4. Australis
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I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered Australian brand Australis was 100% cruelty free!
I have used their liquid eyeliner for years and will continue to do so after seeing this.

Curious to see how your favourite brands stack up?
Have a snoop at this online cosmetics guide for ethical shopping and maybe you’ll think twice about the baby beagles before you make your next purchase.
xx


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4 Ways to Wear: High-Knee Socks

I must admit I have an extensive sock collection, with almost 1/3 of them being high-knee socks! I’ve found them to be an essential winter item for my wardrobe, as they keep me oh-so warm while looking oh-so cute! Win win.
I’ve had a few friends ask my opinion on how to wear high-knee socks, so I’ve made a visual list of my favourite ways to wear them during the Winter season. Enjoy x

1. Socks and boots – add some colour by wearing coloured socks with leather boots
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2. Socks and short-shorts – work your summer shorts during Winter and stay toasty!
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3. Socks over tights with boots - my ultimate favourite as it’s extra warm!
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4. Scrunched down socks - looks good with both flats or heels!
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How do you wear your high-knee socks?
Give some of these looks a try! xx


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Match your mood with Mirenesse Lip Bomb

I love how doing something as small as wearing a new lip colour can instantly give you a confidence boost! I don’t know about you, but wearing a bold lip colour can really influence my mood! A deep purple will bring out my dark side! A bold red can make me feel flirty and sultry, while a bright pink feels sweet and playful.

glossykissWhat colour do you feel best wearing? Make up your own mind with Mirenesse Cosmetics Lip Bomb range – a deliciously vibrant glossy lacquer that really does stay in place!
I love Lip Bomb 1 and 7

What’s even better is it contains botanical oils and vitamin E – making lips feel oh-so plump. Plus it smells like PEPPERMINT!! It’s so good I could eat it…
This put me in a rather generous mood, SO I’m giving all slightly oddley followers something to smile about…

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Get a massive 20% off everything from Mirenesse.com with my slightly oddley coupon!
Lip Bomb is a feature of bloggers sale and has an added 15% off! (That’s 35% off Lip Bomb!!)
Shop the sale here

It’s crazy madness! Simply enter my unique code ODLEY at the checkout to redeem.
 ** Coupon code valid from midnight tonight until midnight Tuesday ** – so what are you waiting for??

Who knew slightly oddley could be so rewarding?? xx


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Graduation dress guide

I have friends going through graduation at the moment, and with my own coming up in August I thought this would be a good opportunity to share my wisdom/opinions on how to dress for graduation! Obviously you can wear whatever you want – after all it is YOUR day to celebrate! Dye your hair blue for all I care, (sarcastic font needed – I am actually planning on doing this) BUT if you are struggling and in need of guidance, here are some tips to get you started!

Get your grad on

1. Don’t experiment with the latest trends, keep it minimal and classic. These pictures will most likely end up on your parents mantelpiece and the subject of email forwarding for the next 20 years, you don’t want to look back and think “how did I think that was cool?” Keep it timeless!

2. While you’re keeping your dress classic, play it up (if you want) by matching your accessories with your regalia. I’m pretty sure (40% sure) that my hood will be dark blue, therefore I might wear something subtle like blue nail polish, or blue shoes (which wont be in photos) but will make add some fun.

3. Pockets will be your best friends. Carrying a bag or purse around all day will be annoying, and look weird wrapped around your regalia. Making sure you chose a dress with pockets with room for the essentials (phone, lipstick)

4. Don’t wear stilettos -  unless you’re an absolute pro. They look cute, but can you handle parading up and down all day in them? Opt for flats, or for wide heeled shoes. These will be MUCH more comfortable.

5. Don’t wear exciting shoulders or sleeves. These A) wont be seen under your regalia and B) will bulk you up to resemble the hulk… cuuuute. If you want to have a fun party dress, chose one where the party is on the hem, not the sleeves.

6. Again with the bulk, stick to slim and soft fits. Poofy dresses will make you look 10x bigger under all that regalia fabric – especially from behind! And there ain’t no hiding while walking across that stage!

Do you have graduation coming up? What are you planning on wearing? Or if yours has been, what did you wear? Any tips and tricks? Let me know below xx


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Naturally Nude

Nude tones scream class! They’re subtle yet sophisticated. They say, ‘Hey I put in effort today’, without yelling from the rooftops “LOOK AT ME!”. Especially at uni, when I want to feel good and ‘done’, but blatantly rocking lipstick at 9am on a Monday will scare off the nerdy kids – And I love nerdy kids!!

I’ve been looking everywhere for the perfect ‘life colour’ as I like to call it. A colour you can chuck on and wear everywhere (including to uni) and I found it!! Supreme Style from Mac’s Supreme Sheen range. Love love love.

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[ I love this colour, if you can even call it a colour - it's so simple and makes my lips feel soft and plump while providing a hint of pink and coral undertones to the nude base ]

Now let’s talk nails! Surprisingly I picked up this $4 (yes FOUR dollar) nail polish from a pharmacy and awkwardly enough it kind of works better than my more expensive brands… what is happening to the world? It glides on so well and hardens in minutes! I haven’t had such an easy nail experience since my boyfriend did my nails while I watched Mad Men! (jealous much?)

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[ Plain colours not your thing? Try jazzing it up with a nail art pen! I used another bargain brand in gold and ran the pen along my nail bed.]

Ribbet collage


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Say what?! Know your fashion lingo

Never feel like a fashion-noob again with my short hand list of fashion lingo!
From fabrics to fashions and all in-between - I’ve got your back ladies
Alrighty, let’s start from the top…

Acrylic
Acrylic fabric is a synthetic man-made polymer fabric. Acrylic Fabrics are lightweight, soft and tend not to crease. Acrylic is often used as a substitute to wool in jackets, jumpers, tops and scarves etc. However it is not as warm.

A-Line 
A dress or skirt silhouette that is narrower at the top, flaring gently out to make an ‘A’ shape silhouette. Flattering on most figures in particular pear shapes.

Asymmetric 
An asymmetric design is a garment in which one side is long than the other. Asymmetric cuts are common in necklines, collars and hems.
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Bias 
A diagonal cut made against the grain of a fabric. Garments cut on the bias have a fluid movement and drape; following the curves of the body.

Bishop Sleeve 
A long sleeve that fullness in the sleeve and is held by cuff at wrist.
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Brocade 
Originating in the 17th Century Brocade is italian for embossed cloth. A rich, ornate fabric with elaborate design – often reversible and featuring motifs such as flowers, foliage and scrollwork. Made with a jacquard loom.

Brogue
A flat heeled, leather, laced-up shoe with a perforated pattern design.

Cap Sleeve 
A small sleeve (shorter than a normal sleeve) that sits on the shoulder.
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Chemise 
Loose fitting dress that hangs straight from the shoulders with out a defined waist.

Empire Line
Low cut dress with high waistline and short bodice.

Fit and Flair 
Refers to a dress style characterized by a form-fitting Bodice with a skirt which flairs out towards the hemline, often with pleats or folds.

Harris tweed
A soft thick tweed woven from hand dyed woolen yarns. Popular fabric for coats and suits for both men and women.
Taransay-Harris-Tweed-Jacket

Haute Couture 
Exclusive custom-fitted fashions that are the pinnacle of the fashion industry. French for high sewing or dressmaking!

Hounds-tooth 
A duotone textile pattern of checks and four-pointed shapes, used particularly for outerwear, jackets, and skirts.
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Lapel
the two triangular pieces of cloth that extend from the collar of a suit jacket.

Mary Jane 
A flat female shoe with rounded, closed toes and a buckled strap across the instep.
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Mohair
A silk-like fibre made from the hair of the angora goat.

Opaque
Non transparent or sheer.

Plaid 
A patterned, woollen cloth with repeat horizontal and vertical blocks of colour such as tartan.

Scuba
A style of dress which resembles the shape of a scuba-diving costume. Usually has a high neck and comes in around the arm holes.
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Tea length 
A dress or gown that extends to the end of the shin.

Tapered Leg
Pant legs that become progressively narrower toward the ankle. Tapered Leg has a relaxed fit through the thigh and knee and tapered from the knee to the ankle.
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Tulle 
A very fine mesh like net fabric, used in eveningwear and bridal gowns – think tu tu’s

Velour 
Similar to velvet, Soft material of short pile. Used for tracksuits and other sports wear items, made popular in the 1970s.

Vogue 
Not just the magazine, but a word describing the current fashion trend.

Feel slightly more educated? We’re learning everyday at slightly oddley! 


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Off to the Races

A little bit of rain didn’t stop us from getting dolled up and spending our Sunday enjoying the races! My outfit subconsciously embraced Lana Del Ray (ultimate girl crush) and my betting was influenced partially by alcohol, and partially by the horses names – my favourites were Gossip Girl, and Elle Bee Dee (LBD??). I ended up breaking even and making some great memories! Check out our get-ups and headpieces from the day! xx

headpeice[ I made my own headpiece from a headband and $2 shop faux flowers literally minutes before leaving
- skills much?? ]

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24/7 indie inspiration

The photography series 24/7 Party People is a style of fashion photography that I love; creating a story and bringing characters to life, rather than the focus being solely about a piece of clothing. These images spark something inside me, making me want to party with these kids, share a hotdog with stickers on my face, and  just be all-round be BFFs – despite it currently being first thing on a Monday morning.

The 3-part Series shot by Ryan Kenny, featuring Teresa Oman, Amelia Zadro and Mateja Buila.
A snippit of my personal faves:

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Keep your face on: 5 makeup staying tips

My tips on how to keep your makeup in place aaaall night (or day) long.
Lets start from the top:

1. Brows
To keep stray hairs in place, try spraying some hairspray onto the bristly end of a brow brush and giving them a good comb.

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2. Complexion
Although foundation is called ‘foundation’ as in, it goes at the bottom, there is a vital first step: PRIME. Primers really do help your makeup last soo much longer and they prevent build up by leaving your skin soft and smooth to work with. Currently I’m using the Invisible Fill Airbrush primer by Mirenesse cosmetics. Cheaper alternative? Moisturise!! It wont particularly help with your makeups staying power, but it will give an easy and smooth application.
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3.Lipstick
Want to help your colour last all night? First, moisturise your lips with a small amount of lip balm. Too much will cause your lipstick to smudge and come off on every glass/person that you come in contact with. Next, apply your lipstick using a lip brush. This will ensure you don’t apply too much as;
A) it will come off on everything
B) it will help to stain your lips rather than the product sitting on top
C) you wont use up your lipstick as quickly!
Next, apply a lip liner to the outer edges of your lips. This will help define them and act as a barrier between your lipstick and the rest of your face!

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4. Smile
The ultimate beauty bag essential! Vaseline.
Not only can it be used for anything and everything, applying a small amount to your front teeth will keep your smile bright and stop lipstick sticking to your teeth. Amazeballs.

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5. Eyeliner crease
We’ve all experienced the trauma of the awkward eyeliner crease… This is where your top liner somehow finds its way onto the crease of your upper lid. I didn’t want to fork out for a fancy eye-primer so I went back to basics…
To get rid of any oil on your lid which may cause eyeliner to run, dab a skin coloured eyeshadow or face power across your lid before applying your liner! Lately I’ve been using the Studio Magic BB Pore powder by Mirenesse.

BB

 
How do you make your makeup last? Let me know! x

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