The first blog I ever read was Nikki Parkinson’s Styling You – so she holds a special place in my bloggy heart. It blew my mind that a Queensland girl just like me (but with a MUCH better wardrobe) was sharing her knowledge on all things fashion and styling and doing so incredibly well.
Cut to two years ago, just after Little Red was born – and I was feeling fat and frumpy after spending a good percentage of the past ten years pregnant or breastfeeding. I was ready to start prioritising myself, so I bought Nikki’s wonderful e-book, which changed the way I thought about how I dress and present myself to the world. I stopped waiting to lose those last 5kg and decided to work it the best I could with what I had. It gave me a nice wave of confidence that I was really missing at the time.
And now Nikki has been busily launching the very exciting, glossy and beautiful print version of her book all over the country. If you don’t have it, and you want to feel like the best, most put-together, version of yourself, you should get it.
Now, let’s hear from Nikki and how she takes time out for herself in her super-busy crazy working mum life.
What do you wish you had more of in your life?
It’s a cliché but time. I know you can’t make more time but magically freeing up some time would be wonderful.
What do you wish you had less of?
Emails in my inbox!
What’s your favourite ‘me time’ activity?
I’m a yin and yang kind of girl – so it’s either yoga or Champagne on the verandah. That’s balance, isn’t it?
What’s the best gift you’ve given yourself recently?
I gifted myself a few things last year when I received my book contract (a new watch) and finished writing the book (Camilla kaftan). I’m yet to gift myself something for the book coming out. I think I need to rectify that IMMEDIATELY.
What’s your favourite song to belt out in the shower?
I’m a boring, silent shower person … I find it’s a time that I tend to think and work things through for the day. Maybe I need to change that up a bit.
You have a night off from the kids and unlimited funds: what do you do?
Fancy hotel, fancy dinner, fancy champagne … and Mr SY …
Do you have a favourite memory involving champagne?
Champagne is my favourite celebration drink … so many memories have been made over a bottle of French bubbles. A recent favourite one would be receiving a printed copy of my book and holding it for the first time.
Nikki Parkinson is a former fashion and beauty journalist who never got over the fact that Barbie dolls were banned from her childhood. Six years ago she left journalism to start a personal styling business. Now her blog, Styling You, is her business with thousands of women from around Australia each day seeking out her advice on what to wear and where to shop. She believes every style rut has an escape route and that a new pair of shoes and a fresh pop of lippy (preferably both) can solve most First World problems.
Thanks for sharing this Carolyn. I’m a big fan of Nikki’s and I’ve just bought her book (desperately hoping that some of her style advice might rub off on me). Yoga and champagne. She’s a woman after my own heart. Cheers 🙂
Two of my favourite things too, Denise!
I think I must be the only person in the country who hasn’t bought this book yet. I really must rectify that!
You must be, and you should! It’s really great – very practical and loads of gorgeous pics.
I really love the idea of dressing for now – not waiting until you get to that magic number.
Me too, Annaleis. If we sit around waiting for perfection, we’ll be wearing trackies and crocs for a long time!
LOVE this book and Nikki, so far I have half of the essentials every smart dresser needs, working on the rest! 🙂
At least that means you can leave the house three days a week. 😉
What an awesome interview with an amazing woman! Styling You was the first blog I truly fell in love with and I feel so lucky to be able to call Nikki a friend and mentor. Can’t wait to share a champers with you all on the GC next week!
Ooh, bring it on, gorgeous lady! Looking forward to seeing you again. xx
Nikkis book was the first I fell in love with too. Bring on next week at Problogger!
Book meant to be BLOG!
I love Nikki’s down to earth approach because its not about being perfect or being a particular size, shape or anything. Its about finding the things that make you feel good and working them to your advantage. She makes every woman feel like they deserve to feel great about themselves, and while I know we shouldn’t need permission many of us do!!
Nikki’s was one of the first blogs I ever read too!
Nikki is the most giving blogger in Australia. She deserves ever minute of her success. x
What a beautiful thing to say, Bron. She is lovely – and yes, she does.
Great interview! We’re massive fans of Nikki and all that she does.
Isn’t she fabulous. Went to her book launch on Wednesday. So many valuable tips. Today I brought a new pair of skinny maternity jeans based in her advice that skinny jeans are flattering on everyone.
I got to go to the Brisbane launch – lots of fun. And I’m with you – I started buying skinnies a couple of years ago thanks to Nikki, and haven’t looked back!
Love the balance of yoga and champagne! It is so perfect!
Nikki is seriously awesome and I hope her book goes nuts worldwide as she deserves the success. Every bit of it xx
I so agree, love! xxx