I adore this wine coloured tea dress, it's cape detailing is understatedly pretty. Very versatile for the unsual September sunshine, and hopefully with thick knitted tights when winter really sets in! I've done an horrendous amount of overtime recently, so it was lovely just spend the day in the garden sprawled out on a blanket reading and i'm now off out to a mexican dinner with the boy, yum!
In my last post i mentioned i had won tickets to London Fashion Weekend, not going to lie i was completely clueless to what the whole shebang entailed. From what i gather its a lead on even from LFW at Somerset House which is open to the public, apart from that i'm still oblivious to it's purpose to be frank - a big shopping event? It has a series of the same catwalk shows running throughout the day, and basically hundreds of stalls selling 'designer items.' Although i am thankful for winning the tickets, i'm also glad i didn't waste £16.50 to be hard-sold a number of brands i had never heard of. You also have to pay extra for a goody bag (which completely baffles me?) and repetitive catwalk show. Sarah and i literally spent less than an hour at the event, where we were mostly bombarded and harassed (especially by Burts Bee's - which saddens me quite a bit). The only designers we checked out were Olivia Rubin (great reductions but the awkward never sell pieces) and lots of overpriced jewellery stands that i would never look twice at the discount price. However, we did hotfoot it over to Alex Monroe which happened to be the highlight of the day!
Alex Monroe is one my favourite British jeweerlly designers, his designs are inspired by where he grew up in Sulfolk, the fields, nature and rivers surrounding him. Alex's designs are whimsical, dainty, awfully pretty and feminine. I was lucky enough to recieve a key pendant last year for my birthday, and ever since i have always enjoyed gazing over his latest collections. The stand at LFWeekend not only presented his latest collections, of which have completely fallen head of heels in love with this ring, but a reduced range.
Snow Drop Ring - Alex Monrow (£60.00)
This particular ring caught my eye, its very dainty with a twisted rope like gold plated band with a series of silver flower buds and a glittering stone. Its delicate, intricate design is what makes it so entirely unique. It also wears well on my left hand, as on my right i wear my cocktail ring, which is pretty much right up in your face, nice to meet you. I was more than happy to pay the reduced price, simply because his items are rather expensive and i imagine the initial selling price was almost double what i paid. An early birthday present to one's self, i really have to stop buying myself presents..
Have you been caught up with Alex Monroes jewellery before?
Also quick mention, i did a guest review on my lovely friend Charlottes blog Lipglossiping all about my eyebrows, yes thats right, you heard, my brows! How did i go from nada to Brooke Shields? If i were you i'd go for the awful up close, scrutinising mug shots.
Another final note, Sarah and i after leaving the rather naff London Fashion Week head off to the National Portrait Gallery where we checked out the Glamour of the Gods exhibition, a collection of photos of the old Hollywood stars and starlettes - think Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. A definite must to visit
I'm the first to admit it and i know its seriously horrendous, but i'm a nail biter. Dear lord, i've tried all sorts to combat it - but nada. Fowl tasting lotions & potions, i'm still a nibbler. But, when Models Own recently had their 50% off sale online (off which i completely missed as i tried to place it ten whole minutes after the deadline - pah), i felt sorry for myself and ordered Pink Fizz anyway. Three weeks later after repeatedly applying over Ciate's Guestlist, i have a full set of nicely grown, but neatly short nails - hurrah! Clearly long nails triumphed over having a right gob full of pink glitter, gross but true.
Birthday
As much as the thought of turning twenty two horrifies me (i swear i've only bee 21 ten minutes and really, what a boring age to be) i'm utterly excited at the prospect of a drawn out week of birthday celebrations. It's sad to think that this time last year i was off to Paris, but i've eagerly booked a mini-break (a night) in Brighton with the boy, basically so i can scoff those hot yummy doughnuts on the pier and scour the lanes for hidden shopping gems. Not forgetting a night of bad dancing, strong cocktails and 80's tunes with my close friends.
At the Jardon du Luxembourg last year - would love to get married here.
London Fashion Weekend
Some-how, some-where, theres an almightily fairy god mother dishing me out some serious luck. Just after winning a Kindle, i managed to nab some London Fashion Weekend tickets and a few goodies from Debenams from one of their beauty twitter comps! They do say, you can't win a competition if you don't enter, and i'm a serial competition enterer. But i'm pretty clueless to London Fashion Weekend, some one care to enlighten me? Any tips?
Being a Graduate
Currently i'm practically working full-time at my part-time retail job, i've found a few vacancies in PR and Publishing, but really, there's not much out there in the magazine world. I'm a firm believer in waiting for the right job to crop up rather that taking anything that swings your way. I'm perfectly happy plodding along serving my grannies till i see the right position.
Birthday
Did i mention i'm turning 22? Twenty Two? Before you know it you turn 23, then twenty-five when every one expects you to flounce up the alise, then flirty thirty when people eye up your womb expecting babies left right and centre, don't get me start on the middle-age hot flushes, then your retired and the only thing your life revolves around is WI and baking. Well if that isn't depressing, who knows what is.
I'll leave you with something sweeter to leave you with, My Girl by The Temptations.
Any recommendations for glittery varnishes will be much appreciated?
Before i begin, let me just note that these snaps were taken in such haste due to the large quantity of builders sitting in the Tesco cafe having a good ponder at me as i whipped out my iPhone. Full English's aside, i LOVE this coat! Evoking my inner Kate Middleton, i've always, always lusted over a clean cut classic cream winter coat. The no-collar just screams 50's prim and proper, something a bit special. And where did i find one? Oh just ya know, stocking up groceries (sweets and magazines) in my local Tesco for a barginous £40, as a lovely sales assistant thrust a five pound off voucher in my face. Perfect.
I have a rather alarming stash of coats already, but really lets think rationally here. Let me put on my glasses. Lets coin the term Coat-Cost-Per-Wear. We live in bloody England, its always sodding raining and pouring. What keeps us going the winter months, apart from copious cups of tea and leaving our beloved pyjamas on the radiator, its a good winter coat. You practically wear it solidly right from October to February, so technically they become cheap as chips. God good, was that a long enough excuse? Just nod, and feel free to pass it off as your own.
Tesco currently have a promo running online, by entering AW-LFW to save £10 off £40 purchases. Which is i dare say rather tempting, especially with these TS look-a-like shift dress and black boots, which are in my eyes a steal at that price.
Have you decided what coat trend you'll be wearing this year? I'm still partial to my previous buys, including a pillar box red duffle and my endless faux fur fitted navy coats. This coral 60's coat by Warehouse is another sneaky purchase i'm planning, what a way to jazz up the morning commute.
Lily Mini Bow Cross Body - Chloe @ Harvey Nichols (£285.00)
Seriously swooning right now.
And not going to lie thats a good price, for Chloe.
My birthday is the 10th October, take note friends.
I'm off to watch Spooks, dead exciting - if i wasn't so blind i would completely sign up for MI5, magazine graduate who? Then off to finish the novel adaption of Luther which i picked up from the library, amazingly gory but i can picture Idris Elba perfectly.
That moment you ponder in your wardrobe, convince yourself of however much you buy, you really - and i mean really - have nothing to wear and wish you could have something a little bit like this.. aka an entire H&M store.
Emerald Coat (£39.99) / Dress (£14.99) / Nail Varnish in Red (99p) / Boots (£29.99) / Mittens (£6.99)
Strikingly strong yet simple bold colours.
Gossip Girl.
Jacket (£29.99) / Shoes (£7.99) / Blouse (£9.99) / Shorts (£9.99) / Nail Varnish in Deep Purple (99p) / Hat (£12.99) / Bag (£14.99) / 10 Pack of Rings (£2.99)
You couldn't get any more Serena if you tried.
Winter Warm Amber Orange Hues.
Dress in Orange (£14.99) / Ring (£3.99) / Suade Boots (£39.99) / Bag (£14.99) / Faux Fur Jacket (£39.99)
A great tailored bright dress with banging accessorises that give a certain edge.
Check, Chunky Knits.
Scarf (£7.99) / Long Jumper (£19.99) / Nail Varnish in Red (99p) / Two Pack of Knitted Tights (£12.99) / Necklace (£3.99) / Boots (£14.99) / Necklace (£3.99)
I adore these boots! And whats not to love with a chunky knitted dress and tights.
Paris, oh la la!
Coat in Navy (£34.99) / Nail Varnish in Cream (99p) / Bag (£14.99) / Gold Bracelet (£6.99) / Boots (£39.99) / Dress in Cream (£14.99) / Beret (£3.99)
I need this coat in my life, and you really need the boots in yours. I actually already own them! They are perfect, affordable riding boot around.
Oversized Skinny.
Dress (£39.99) / Tube Scarf (£7.99) / Two Pack of Knitted Tights (£12.99) / Bag (£14.99) / Ring (£3.99) / Boots (£14.99)
A more oversized knit dress with a simple satchel, yet an eye-catching red gem.
Emerald Green Bra (£9.99) / Floral Bra (£9.99) / Dressing Gown (£29.99) / Plum Bra (£9.99) / Light Pink Bra (£9.99)
Because whats underneath really does count!
H&M is truly coming up trumps this season, so affordable but great everyday pieces. If only i could mix and match my own wardrobe so well, sigh.
Which look do you prefer? Honestly, i may have to slowly buy 'em all!
After my last post about the obsessive nature of buying all things beautiful, i had many comments asking for more information on products and the way i store it all. It's really quite hard posting such things on the internet, knowing that there are trolls out there (mostly people i will never know or meet, and a few drifters from my real life) who will be quick to judge and harvester negative thoughts. If you fall in to that option, please kindly leave. As this blog serves as one purpose alone, to personally share what ever i fancy, i drift from posting between fashion, style and beauty - not being a regular beauty blogger. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to show my most loved products of which i use on a regular day-to-day basis and how i store it. Well enough ramble, lets get started.
The clear plastic storage i use is from a brand called Muji, they are moderately priced, not cheap as chips but neither breaking the bank. I strongly suggest ordering online, as lugging draws around the London Undergroud aint a bundle of fun i tell you. I chose the Two Draw Acrylic Set, which neatly stacks in place if you need to add more. They are ever so easy to clean and the main appeal for me, is that i can actually see my make-up. If i can't see it, i won't use it.
On top stands my brushes and a few random products. The small floral cup is actually a Cath Kidtson Sugar Pot and is currently home to my Mac small brushes that i was given to at Christmas. The white cut-out holder is from Paper Chase and holds a variety of brushes that i use on a daily basis, where as the politely borrowed Starbucks mug holds the rest of my brushes. The range of brushes i use are mainly ELF (amazing), Stigma (competition prize but rather good i dare say), No7 (with £5 voucher!s), Eco Tools (so soft!) and a few random strays. I stand by the mantra - the more brushes, the less often you had to wash.
The first drawer is one of my base drawers, it holds my bronzers and face powders. I swear by Nars Laguna and Chanel Bronze Universal bronzers - switching between the two; then mostly setting my foundation with L'Oreal Touch. The Mac MSF is far too heavy at the moment and the Mac Prep and Prime is for extra-long days.
The second drawer houses my main face drawer, i'm currently using Chanel Mat Lumier mixed with a spot of EL Double Wear Light as i'm still in-between shades from holiday. They mix amazingly well, but how pricey! I swear by my Mac Pro Long Wear for concealing in general and use the Mac Studio Fix for blemishes. My Laura Mercier eye brow pencil is bloody amazing, when i have the time and patience. The ELF eyeshadow primer beats Urban Decay eye primer right out of the water too in terms of price and quality.
For an eyeshadow virgin i have quite er a few. I have a few pallets by Benefit, Inglot, Urban Decay and Mac which i rotate often. But on a day to day basis i always rely on Nars duo Tzarine, it's champagne shadow for day wear is perfect and i strangely cannot find Mac dupe. With an added touch of Mac All that Glitters or Nars Nepal in the crease for when i really push the boat out. I always line with ELF's Coffee Gel liner and on nights out i religiously use Clinique True Black Gel Liner on my tight liner for its long-lasting powder and its true blackest black colour.
My favourite drawer! And my weakness. I clearly cannot have enough blusher and clearly Nars is amongst my favourite brand ever, especially so for their amazing shades and lasting power in their blushes. I have so many due to ASOS who kept sending me the wrong shades and told me to keep the wrong ones, oh snap! Sleek Rose Gold is the best high-street blusher i've come across and Jemma Kidd's 5th Avenue is a major favourite of mine.
Of course it didn't end there.. i have a few Mac blushes with the most notable mention being Pink Swoon, almost nearly finished (sob!) with a few strangers from other brands such as Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, Bojouris and MUF.
This looks horrendous but really isn't. My Mac masacra's have long hit the dust but i'm keeping them safe and tight for Back to Mac. I would say i alternate between the rest but currently i'm using a beaten up L'Oreal Telescopic as my beloved others are really on their last legs. Notable mentions include 17's Wild Curls, Dior Show and MUF Smokey Lash.
My lip drawer has slightly increased since my Duty Free spree, but i have acquired mostly Mac basic play-it-safe shades such as Hue and Ever Hip, and my most prized Chanel Coco Rogue Shines. My most daring and playful shades being a bright pink Mac's Chatter Box and Revlon's Cherries in the Snow, a recent love of mine. Notable mentions being Revlon's Peach Petal lipgloss, 17's Beehive and Clarin's Pink Natural Lip Perfector, the tastiest toffee lip balm.
And finally my eye liner drawer, go which i've acquired from magazine freebies and from random pallets and sets. My ultimate liner being the L'Oreal Super Liner, hands down the easiest liquid liner to use. With ELFs Shimmer Eyeliner Pencils worth a quick mention too for their amazing quality for as little as £1.50 a pop. Theres also some random titbits mostly Clinique lip glosses i have received for free with sets and what nots, plus a few Lancome eyeshadow pallets that need more love and attention.
So there you have it, long winded but worth it?
Link me to your posts if you have done one please.
And Sarah, my probably horrified best friend, i really do use it all - before you impose a strict ban on me never to set foot in any beauty hall ever again!
And if you haven't stolen a Starbucks mug, then you haven't lived!
As i'm sure most of you were all well aware of my relentless excitement to the build up for Vogues Fashion's Night Out held on Thursday, and whilst it didn't fare up to the two previous years - it never does - i still had a brilliant time! The best things in life are the best things kept secret, and FNO was the perfect example. With Bond Street on utter lock down, the entire street was paraded by London's most fashionable. I could have simply people-gazed all evening, every single woman (and lots of very handsome men) were dolled up in their utter finest. The atmosphere was pure excitement, with ladies in a hurried frenzy marching to the next store on their planned route. Sadly, along with the masses of all fashionable came the long queues that built up mostly up Bond St. However, twas to be expected and although i did not quite fancy the twenty minute queue for Hermes, i did however sought out the other must-be spots...
Outfit of the night consisted of:
Navy Blazer - Zara
Tee -Topshop
Floral Skirt - Topshop
Pumps - Office
Alexa - Mulberry
Brave Cherry Smile - Model's own with a little help of Revlon's Cherry in the Snow.
My date for the evening, Sarah:
Embellished Dress - French Connection
Pumps - Debenhams
After much rushing with plenty of time to spare, Sarah and i hit up Selfridges beauty hall naturally. Whereby we made a pitstop to the Chanel stand to gaze lovingly at the new blue denim inspired collection and kick our selves for wearing glitter nail varnish and not bagging a free mani.
Manis at Chanel in Selfridges.
Not trusting one's self for a moment longer amongst the beautiful lipsticks, we walked along to Mount Street, past the rather scary mary American Embassy, to Marc by Marc Jacobs. This is my hidden gem of London, holding Marc's Special Line of amazingly priced bits and bobs, i do like to have a ganders of the newest accessories. After swooning over the new A/W collections, i happened to prize my eyes on a rather charming pair of denim shorts, scruffed up, soft and well fitting. The price you ask? Ten pounds. Yup, reduced from a horrendous amount i shan't say. Whilst i tried not to squeal/scream/heartattack in utter excitement, i swiftly walked to the counter and paid. As the clock struck 6 o'clock, i was also handed a good bag!
Marc by Marc Jacobs window.
Sarah purchased 'Is it Marc Jacobs? tee.
Amazing £10 Marc Jacobs shorts!
Carnival goody bag tote.
Marc Jacobs Minx Nails - i LOVE the print!
Trotting along we came across the Net-A-Porter Shopping Window, which was basically a large wall adorned with various designer pieces in which you could buy or win. You simply had to download the app, focus the camera on particular item to see if you won! After much pushing and shoving, Sarah on a borrowed iPad speedily blitzed every item though sadly not winning anything. Though the lovely ladies from Net-A-Porter who were not only kind enough for me and Sarah to man-handle their iPads but gave us goody bags for being two of the first fifty to arrive! We literally stalked off down the road and opened a little black box to reveal a £50 Net-A-Porter voucher! After mentally summing up all the lovely bits i had lusted over recently and lots of deep breathing, we scooted off to Lanvin for apple macaroons and very expensive champers.
Sarah going iPad crazy at the Net-A-Poter window.
What on EARTH to buy?
Lanvin macaroons!
Whilst waiting for Christian Louboutin to open, we hopped over to Jenny Packham to swoon over her amazing dresses, truly breathtaking. I have long admired her wedding dresses, and after see the delicate beautiful creations in real life i had to pinch oneself and remind myself that i'm not actually getting married, let along pegging it off down the street with a pink glittery cup cake in one hand and wedding dress in the other. In-fact i think they suspected something, as they actually erm, locked us n the actual shop. I'll be back, in a few more years time when i'm actually engaged and willing to pay for it.
Waiting patiently outside Christian Louboutin.
Back to Christian Louboutin to see some very, very plastic ladies being let in on the guest list. Whilst i applaud two ladies for the sheer determination to walk in such astounding CL high-heels, i couldn't quite look past her plastic-looking legs and pumped up face, blimely. She was only in her late twenties - i think! Clearly my bitterness surrounding the guest list is still present, but why not put that on the FNO webby? Lots of us normal ladies, non-VIPs, shared looks of disappointment and slaughtered off to Bond St.
Dashing up Bond Street
Quick pitstop in Juicy Couture to sample my very first Pink Berry and see that Jonny Borrel has washed since his Razorlight days, and clearly failed from going to headline at Reading to mooching around in Juicy Couture. Lots of smouldering preppy girls eyeing his attention, awkward.
DKNY taxi.
Next up to Matthew Williamson, where i saw the man himself. Lucky for him i did not pester him this year for a photo, but sashayed past making a bee-line for the free Hargan Dazz.
LV window.
We then headed to Diane Von Furtensberg, where things were much more livelier and much more buzz excitement. After a few spritz's of her new perfume titled Diane, we snuck over to this photo booth area. Which actually turned out to be a 7 second camera flash capturing movement which was then printed into a flip book. Such a simple idea, but so much fun! The DVF ladies were so friendly and fun, after relieving our flip book i said thank you to the lady stapling the books together, and she replied, rather startled, 'thank you for saying thank you..' I was rather taken aback - food for thought there.
DVF flip book (see video below!) and her fresh new scent.
We then hit up main Bond St, which was rife with queues heading mostly down the streets. I spotted various models and unkempt band members. We decided to bite the bullet and queue for Mulberry. After much shoving and pushing we were in, it was such a good vibe! There were fortune tellers, face painters, beer (win win) and as many competitions you could enter as long as you could fill in your details quick enough. I also spotted model Cara Delevigne who i practically couldn't stop staring at, she's really striking in real life, serious eyebrow envy. Before nose diving in for a goody bag we also stopped to don A/W animal masks for a quick pose in front of the wintery wonderland scenery.
Sarah modelling the Mulberry goody bag!
Clarins Moisturiser and Nail Wraps.
Mulberry stickers and fox mask!
Wonderland creatures! With a drunken Edward and random, but very sweet girl from the queue!
After popping into various other shops along Bond St, the night started to dwindle very early on. Only visiting a handful of shops that what i did last year, i still managed to whip up some almighty goodies, even though i'm slightly, completely gutted and hateful that one of my best friends met the man of my dreams David Gandy, i will not post the photographic evidence as in my mind it never happened. BITTER! I did alas hunt up and down Bond St for the man in question, swoon, but he had clearly moved on to the Coach party. Sad times.
