What makes Kylie feel at home

1. Jewellery. The bigger, the bolder, the better. I always lose expensive jewellery so this using more affordable ‘on trend’ accessories really helps my wallet! I love that I can change a whole outfit or look simply by adding some beautiful vibrant touches by way of jewellery. And while I may not have the ‘body shape’ for designer fashion, I can so easily add my unique touch with some big leopard earrings!
2. Shoes. High heels always make me feel great, and fit! The right shoes can make or break an outfit for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for comfortable flats as much as the next gal, but a pair of power heels can give you an instant shot of confidence.
3. Eyebrows and hair. You just can’t have a good day with one and not the other. I was born in the 80s with a mop of curly strawberry blonde hair, and had I been in my prime partying years I would have been living the dream. Instead I’m happy if I can just get a brush through my locks most days – that is a good hair day for me!
4. Furnishings. I absolutely love natural raw textures like linen, leather and timber. They are home to me. Growing up in New Zealand I really do appreciate the natural textures that are reminiscent of the beautiful scenery I was surrounded by growing up. It’s nostalgic for me, and creating a sense of nostalgia is such a powerful design tool.
5. TV and movies. Laughing out loud is my style. My husband and I formed our relationship on the basis of our love for TV and films from the often cringe-worthy era of the 80s. Anyone reading this who knows us well will be having a laugh-out-loud moment. We are a couple of dags who were made for each other!
6. Music. My go to is anything that has a story and makes me feel something. I’m pretty eclectic with my music taste pre-2000, but something about the stories told through music from the earlier generations – where people had to write letters and express their love in different ways – just gets me. I’m a hopeless romantic at heart and mostly end up crying to songs in the car.
7. Holiday destinations. I’m more of a “do it less often, but do it right” kind of girl. Boutique locations with lots of character and unique things to look at. It’s nice to dream! The memories made on holidays with loved ones – you just can’t buy that feeling.
8. Having a tidy desk. I’m really not sure if this is a style thing, but organisation is key to getting sh*t done for me. If I feel surrounded by mess and chaos, that’s how my day will end up.
9. Showing up on time. This is definitely a work in progress, but being on time is super stylish in my eyes. I am renowned for being late, which I’m working on – my tardiness goes against every other personality trait I have, so people are always surprised!
10. Friends and family. Authentic, true to themselves and down-to-earth… that’s my style and why I adore my friends and family. It does sound a bit cliché, but it’s so important to surround yourself with people you love to spend time with and who make you feel empowered and positive. We’re all so time poor that we need to be super conscious about who we spend our spare time with, and I choose to spend mine with positive and loving people.

How Kerena adds some personality and pizazz to her everyday

1. Photographs. I have them absolutely everywhere because they remind me of all the special moments and priceless people in my life.
2. Handbags and shoes. These are a huge weakness of mine. They are those finishing touches that just ooze personal style. My absolute favourite bag is the glorious Valentino I splurged on during a trip to New York to celebrate a dear friend’s 40th birthday. Every time I pick it up I’m reminded of the amazing time we had together – some possessions just have a way of bringing back precious memories. Similarly, but at the other end of the spectrum, is the $5 vintage leather bag I uncovered at Vinnies about 15 years ago. I cost me next-to-nothing but has accompanied me on so many adventures. My favourite shoes for comfort are my Superga platform joggers; for a bit of style punch I always reach for my suede orange tassel heels; and for an in-between occasion it’s always the Valentino rockstudded flats. I could go on….
3. Vaporisors. I have two in the house and I always have essential oils steaming away. My favourite scents at the moment are from Anjali – “Lady Indira” & “Lemon Myrtle”. Familiar and beautiful aromas are such an underrated element of design – they inspire memories, emotions and in my case create a sense of calm in the home.
4. Fashion. I have a very eclectic fashion sense – forever torn between my inner Cairns hippie heart; my unrequited rockstar dreams; the Northern Beaches casual surf chick; and a bit of a show-pony glitter fetish! Some of my favourite brands are Chasing Unicorns, Stevie May, Ministry of Style, Sass & Bide, Deus Ex Machina, Bali Trader (I love their custom design boots), Bec and Bridge… again, I could go on!
5. Flowers and plants. I always need one or both of these elements in and around my space; home, office, even my car (I place a fresh lavender sprig from the garden every morning in the air vents to help calm us all during the whirlwind of school drop offs). I have many plants in our family home and succulents at the office, as they’re hardy enough to survive when we’re out on shoots and working with clients.
6. Artwork. Studying art originally, I have a real appreciation for people who delve into such raw self-expression. I’ve collected art for as long as I can remember; street art as I backpacked around the world, and slowly building a collection of artists that I have admired for years. I call them my ‘Retirement Fund’… Let’s be honest, it’s never really going to fund my latter years, but it helps ease my conscience! I’m especially partial to photographic art.
7. Music. From the moment my head leaves the pillow to the moment it hits it again, I have music around me. I stopped TV with the children when they were young so it has filled a very big gap. It can turn any of our moods around in second and we all have a favourite tune, style and song that pulls us out of a funk and has us giggling in seconds. I couldn’t possibly make a top list of my favourite tunes, because again, my choices are eclectic – from Dolly Parton (Jolene), to Morcheeba (World Looking In), to Kings of Leon (Sex on Fire).
8. Food and drink. I just LOVE eating, drinking and entertaining! I’m a total foodie and am also partial to a marrying vino. I’m as white, freckled and stereotypically Aussie as they come, but my taste buds are very European.
9. Friends and family. I have lived away from my family since I was 16. And although they have often been far away, they hold such a precious piece of my heart. Having this distance from my relatives has in many ways meant my friends have become my family, and boy do I have a fabulous bunch around me! I have been so blessed to meet and build such gorgeous and inspiring friendships over my life, and I am forever grateful and will do anything to show love and support to those around me.
10. Babies. Mine and everyone else’s! I always wanted to be a mum – I was a total baby snatcher from as early as I can remember, and still am. By 10 years of age I was the local babysitter and could have four or more children in my care on any one night. I was in heaven! I am now a mum to two gorgeous little humans, and despite all the confronting moments it brings it is truly the most rewarding part of my life and every day. Amelia is eight and Hugo is five. There isn’t a day goes by when we don’t laugh, sing, banter and try each others’ patience. But mostly we just love each other with such depth that becoming a mum has been a soul-changing chapter of my life.

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It’s the time of year when the woman who suffered agony to bring you into this world becomes a selfless martyr and begs you not to spoil her on Mothers Day. She doesn’t want you to fork out loads of cash or go to too much trouble. She’ll be happy with a card and a call. We’ve been around long enough to see how this will play out, and let’s face it; unless she made you wear Crocs beyond the age of twelve or still tries to remove dirt from your face with tissues and saliva, she deserves the best!

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 When she begs us not to spend too much money, what she’s trying to say is she wants a Mothers Day Hamper from Bockers & Pony. You can safely put the violin away and get to the arduous task of choosing which hamper will pay for those hours of child labour. We all know it’s a debt that can’t be repaid but makeup, chocolates, luggage and Moet will definitely be a step in the right direction.

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Let’s not forget how many sleepless nights she spent while she was worried sick about you, especially during your troubling teenage years. Perhaps you’re still depriving the poor woman of winks. If so, at least let her burn the midnight oil in style. Masini & Chern have a beautiful range of robes and PJs that will make sure Mum is fashionably concerned.

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Flowers are always welcome but getting a single arrangement delivered is so five years ago. Besides, as the flowers wilt they become a reminder that you haven’t called her. Bloombox Co. offers nifty subscriptions that ensure your mother sees your relationship as loving, colourful and perennial.

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This is a particularly effective option for the problem child in the family. Amazingly, Designbx has gift vouchers that could buy your mum a complete online interior design solution for less than a subscription for flowers. She might express her personality by creating a bedroom boudoir, or next time you see her she could be wearing an exotic scarf and sipping Moroccan coffee in her Boho Chic living room. It’s probably the most fun present you’ll ever give her although you may find yourself sitting in her beautiful new kitchen wondering why you didn’t just buy a voucher for yourself. A Designbx voucher definitely wins the prize for the most unique Mothers Day gift.

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Do you have one of those modern mums who’s always on the go? You know the type: they know more about art, politics and technology than you. Don’t worry; you don’t have to slow her down by dropping a sedative in her Chardonnay while she’s focussed on her salad nicoise. A subscription to Collective Hub magazine via the MagShop may be a more ethical distraction, but of course there is the likelihood she’ll end up being even more knowledgeable.

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If you want mum to fawn over you, jewellery is a pretty safe option. In the mum world it wins status points. She’ll be at lunch with one of her mates and lean back so the necklace catches the sunlight, and then be forced to explain how you bought it for her as a Mothers Day gift. Her unfortunate friend, who only got a card due to overuse of tissues and saliva, will be green with envy. Dogeared has a great range of stunning and elegant necklaces hand-picked for mums. You can always think laterally thanks to Kikki-k’s happiness journal. It’s perfect for mums who like to keep track of events. It’s not just a blank journal. It features inspirational and organisational notes to help your mum live a more enriched life. Chances are, the first entry will be an account of receiving the journal from you as a gift. Great brownie points!

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For a mother with class, there’s The Daily Edited’s selection of Mothers Day gift packs. Personally monogrammed purses, wallets and cases come in a range of subtle colours, and packs come with make-up, flowers or sweets. If you’re waging war against your siblings to win Mum’s favour, you’ll be hard to beat. We don’t want to know too much about Mum’s love life, but if she’s going to strut her stuff, she may as well make us proud (oh wow, that already sounds wrong). It’ll be tough for her to escape the keen eyes of all those foxes out there (silver or otherwise) when she’s wearing something tantalising from the Shoes of Prey collection.

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Regardless of which choice you make, get online to make sure you order early enough, and chase up the gift with a call or visit on Sunday.Forgetting Mothers Day can result in the silent treatment, detailed stories of pregnancy and childbirth, or becoming the runt of the litter. But above all, make an effort on her special day because you love her.

Designbx  |  “Becoming the favourite child: Mothers Day gifts that will win mum’s heart”  | designbx.com

The post Becoming the favourite child: Mothers Day gifts that will win Mum’s heart appeared first on Designbx.