From make-up to jewellery, here is one stylish woman’s voyage of discovery
AAAH, it’s funny what life throws at you sometimes. How paths cross in life’s little journeys; how our lives run parallel with some, and cross with others; how we have short interactions and go on our merry way, only to cross paths again in a different location and under different circumstances.
It’s that six degrees of separation thing. Sometimes, I have to wonder if it’s even less than that. Anyway, I digress.
My story of Charlotte Blakeney is one of those.
I first met Charlotte in late 1999. Me, the fashion editor on a national magazine and she, a make-up artist who had just arrived in Sydney from Perth. I booked her for a job, we made a connection and consequently we worked together several times over the next two years. Her easy attitude and pleasant personality always made her a treat to work with.
But then circumstances changed and we both went on our different journeys. Me on to other titles and more senior editorial positions before heading overseas for a period. She continued with make-up, tending the faces of some of the world’s most beautiful women for the pages of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, InStyle and UK Glamour.
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| Charlotte Blakeney - make-up artist and jeweller |
The years have passed, but it’s funny how life work. Now, nearly 15 years on, we’ve cross paths again. Me, working on Australia’s biggest-selling newspaper, and Charlotte as a very successful make-up artist but also, as I’ve discovered, a jewellery designer with her own brand, By Charlotte.
As a make-up artist in demand, Charlotte has worked in tropical locations such as the Maldives, Vietnam, Fiji, Bali and Thailand. But it was the people and cultures of these exotic destinations that inspired the creation of her exquisite collection of fine jewellery.
The By Charlotte collection embodies a feeling of elegance, grace and beauty. Central to the collection are the lotus flower and the buddha, symbols of purity and new beginnings, balance and healing. Available in silver, gold plate or rose gold plate, some pieces also include gems such as ruby garnet, peridot, amethyst and turquoise.
Enough of the jewellery, this is all about her very stylish life.
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| Little Buddha & ruby bracelet in 18K gold plate, $119 |
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| You Are Loved bracelet 18K gold plate with red silk cord, $89 |
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| The Flower Of Life long necklace with ruby garnet, $139-$159 |
“Style is all about wearing a
great fabric and a cut that suits you”
What’s
the best advice you’ve ever been given?
I was told by my agent in Perth that I
would be back in six months with my tail between my legs. Nineteen years later and my tail
is still wagging! Sometimes discouragement is the best motivation.
You
are most proud of?
My Mum and Dad for giving me so much unconditional love
and support.
People
are surprised that …?
I have moved on to jewellery after a career as a make-up artist for 19 years.
What
makes you laugh?
Love watching animals doing funny things ... they gets me every time.
Which
six people would you invite to dinner?
My partner and five
closest friends. We always know how to have fun!
Your
guilty pleasure?
Original flavour Twisted yoghurt.
Your
style icon?
Helena Christensen. I’ve always loved her style.
What
is your go-to outfit/your signature style?
I love wearing comfortable cashmere
knits and my leather pants from Scanlan Theodore.
You
would never wear …?
Crocs.
Anything
in your wardrobe you’ve never worn?
A colourful jumpsuit.. I try but it never
feels right.
Most
treasured item in your wardrobe?
My new Lanvin handbag.
The
biggest mistake women make when it comes to fashion?
Wearing fashionable items that don’t suit them and not dressing for their own shape.
Your
favourite fashion designers?
Isabel Marant is all my all time fave and Jac + Jack
Favourite
style advice?
Style is all about wearing a great fabric and a cut that suits you.
Where
do you shop?
Jac + Jack, Scanlan Theodore and Farfetch.com
What
does every woman need?
Big hugs and lots and lots of love.
What
was the last thing you bought?
Jimmy Choo neutral kitten heel.
What
is your greatest extravagance?
I think that I’m my most extravagant when I
travel, which is what I’m doing right now. I always loved a luxurious
resort.
If
money was no object …?
I would have holiday houses on exotic islands around the
world.
What’s
in your handbag?
Far too much.
Three
things you can’t live without?
My man, my family and my friends.
Heels
or flats?
As much as I love heels, I have to say flats.
Skinny
jeans or boyfriend jeans?
Skinny jeans.
Success
is …?
Happiness.
Beauty
is …?
Confidence.
Style
is …?
Elegance.
The By Charlotte shop is at 3/686 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay
Labels: A Stylish Life, By Charlotte, Charlotte Blakeney, jewellery collection, make-up artist turned jewellery designer