Wedding Day Blues

On June 2nd 2012, it was the day of one of my best friend's wedding.  To say I was emotional would be a grand understatement, because as I sat there watching the ceremony, and saw her stunning lacy, 50s style dress as she walked down the isle, all I cold think was, 'Wow! How did we grow up so fast?  Surely it was only yesterday that we were a couple of punk rocker school girls listening to Blink 182, wearing chains on our jeans and dying our hair black.  And here we are - 10 years later and the story has changed so drastically.

When I got the invitation, I knew my dress had to be simple but colourful.  So I decided to go for this Karen Millen number

This dress caught my attention with its multitude of blue tones.  Floaty and summery, for me, it made the perfect dress for a wedding.

Dress: Karen Millen
Clutch: Fiorelli
Shall: Osprey
Shoes: Karen Millen
Necklace: Topshop

I completely forgot to pack a lipstick, so had to rush to Sainbury's before heading to the wedding to purchase something.


I got this stunning pink shade in Pink Blush from Rimmel.  The colour is gorgeous and the texture is so soft.

Who likes short shorts?

Shorts are a funny thing.  As versatile as skirts, they can be worn for casual events, nights out, or even the office.  And yet we're scared of them more so than skirts.  Why is that?

For many of us, it can be a love-hate relationship.  We'd love to wear them but there's no occasion, no matching clothes, or sometimes even no confidence. 

From this day onwards, I have sworn to wear more shorts.  Because, let's face it, they are indeed very fabulous.  Take this lovely pair from Miss Selfridge.  High-waisted, they're perfect for a dressed up look. 

Green vest: H&M

Light green shirt: H&M

Shorts with belt: Miss Selfridge

Tights: Topshop

Shoes: Rebel @ Bentalls

Ring: Topshop

Necklace: Accessorize



Indulge with N Dulge

According to a recent letter I got from Space NK, there are only a few people out there who love beauty more than I do.  I can't say I disagree considering I buy at least one beauty product every day.  I mean, right now I'm dying my hair for the second time this week.

So Space NK upgraded my loyalty card to De Luxe, which means I get double the points, plus better rewards.

 

I was a huge fan of the card originally, and if you haven't already signed up for one.  Do it.  Right now.  It gives you amazing rewards and let's face it, the products at Space NK are pretty damn good anyway.

So to christen my new loyalty card, I decided to obviously purchase some things.  The Nars trio eyeshadow in Ramatuelle is stunningly amazing.  Warm, shimmer tones can be used to build up colour, or to simply highlight.

I'm also a big fan of Rococo Nail apparel and today I got Lady Lavender, Psychedelic Roc and Eccentric.  All amazing colours which last for ages.



Pick of the Week - Warehouse

I have a thing for dresses, and at times, it probably exceeds my thing for lipsticks.  Dresses are wonderful because they're so versatile.  Depending on how you wear it and what you wear it with, you can transform a simple dress into an evening masterpiece. 

Take this stunning navy dress from Warehouse.  On it's own, this is effortlessly elegant, but add a light Spring scarf and a satchel, and it's the perfect daytime look.   Alternatively, dress with a smart jacket and high heels, and it's a glamorous night on the tiles.

My pick of the week had to be Warehouse.  When it comes to smart, wearable work clothes, this has always been my one stop shop.  It has great variety and you will always find what you're looking for.  The yellow satchel is a must-have, so go on, treat yourselves.

Splendid Summer

If you want a foundation that gives you great protection from the sun, go for Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser.  This must-have bottle is packed with SPF 30, so it's perfect for a suble cover-up.

Maybelline's new Illegal Length masacara is also something you need to try.  With it's long wand, it seperates and lengthens the lashes for a super extended result.

Nars shimmer eyeshadow in Strada is one of my favourites.  This purple with gold undertones glides on amazingly.  Build it up for a evening do, or leave it soft for a casual, day to the beach look.

Worn together, this mighty trio will give you the perfect Summer look.

The 'Simplicity' Look

When out buying make-up, we're often buying things because the colour stands out rather than what it looks against our skin tone, whether we're brave enough to wear it, or weather we even truly like it.  I'm a huge victim of this.  I walk into Space NK and head straight for the brightest colour.

But sometimes beauty lies in the most demure of tones.

Penny Lane Blush, Fathom Eyeshadow

Looking past the glitter and the shimmers, my eyed focussed on Penny Lane cream blush from Nars - a brown neutral tone that would suit any skin colour.  It's a colour you can wear with anything and won't sit in your draw untouched.

I also spotted Fathom eyeshadow.  This soft pink has a dazzle to it, so it's perfect as a base to build up your eye make-up, or worn on it's own for a touch of sophisticated glamour.

These two are definitely worth the money as you'll never be able to part from them.

Pick of the Week - H&M

If you you're planning on going shopping this weekend, your first stop needs to be H&M.  I very much doubt that anyone would miss this from their list of shopping places, but I really want to reinforce just how amazing their current selections are. 

The above are based on soft pastels perfect for Summer, mixed with statement shoes and bag.  I'd say this outfit is perfect for the office - gentle an feminine, but with an edge.

Blitz Party

When I agreed to go to a 1940s themed party, it was said half hearted.  April is ages away, I thought.  I have plenty of time to figure out an outfit.  If all fails, I can always turn up as a time traveller from today gone to experince life during the Second World War.

But with one week to go I started to panic.  Finding clothes from the 1940s is fine.  But how do you find clothes that are befitting to this theme that you can wear again?

Six hours before the party I started my search.  I was anticipating a morning of frantic shopping filled with panic attacks, as well as the occasional anger issue with other equally frantic London shoppers.  However, my first attempt turned out to be the winner. 

It was lucky that my first stop was Topshop, Oxford Street.  It had some amazing clothes, but one look at this white polka dot dress and I knew I was on to something.  Perfect for the Summer, this dress isn't a one trick pony.

Dress: Topshop

Jacket: Topshop

Necklace: Topshop

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Lipstick: Frenched by Benefit

Viva Glam Nicki

If you haven't already got this, get it.  Right now please.  The colour is sensationally amazing and you possibly won't ever find a bright pink quite like this one.  Viva Glam Nicki is your lipstick for April.

It glides on so smoothy and the intensity of the colour makes it last all day. 

And keeping to the theme of bright pink, I just had to mention these trousers from H&M.  I'd say they're best worn with neutral colours.

Black & White top: H&M

Pink Trousers: H&M

Tan shoes: Kurt Geiger

Necklace: Stolen from my mother



Good Friday Eve

I have to say that I actually love shopping under pressure.  The main reason for this is that I know I NEED the clothes and therefore have no reason to feel guilty for the purchases.  Occasions like these happen far too often in my life, mainly because I seem to love to make life harder for myself. 

Yesterday afternoon I decided very abruptly that I'd be staying at my boyfriend's house and go there straight after work.  Great, right?  In my head I envisaged a night in watching a movie with some take-away, then waking up early and strolling into central London. 

But there's a slight problem, and that's lack of clothes for the next day. 

Right, so here's the plan - leave work at five thirty on the dot and park in Guildford town centre.  Luckily it's Thursday so it's late night shopping.  Go to Debenhams and pick out anything.  Seriously, anything!  Oh, and don't forget the underwear.

And that's exactly what I do, expect instead of picking out anything I like no matter what the price tag (because I NEED the clothes, don't I?), I decide to hit the sales and see what I can find. I manage this:

Red mix cardigan: Warehouse

Silk Shirt: Warehouse

Leggings: Topshop

Boots: Clarks

It does however take an hour to park, have to walk to get some change for the ticket machine, then almost get smacked in the face by a woman running, but other than that the whole opertion went smoothly.

Warehouse had some amazing things on sale, and to be honest, it was a really tough choice to make.  But I absolutely love this silk shirt as it's also perfect for work wear, and the cardigan is simply divine.  I must spontaneously decide to stay over at other peoples' house more often!



A Soft Caresse from L'Oreal

As much as it pains me to admit this, I am a complete snob when it comes to lipsticks.  I stick my nose up at anything below £10 and brand it as a complete write-off if there's no MAC branding in site.  But as much as I tried, I couldnt steer my attention away from the new L'Oreal Rouge Caresse lipsticks.  You could have dangled three MAC lipsticks right in front of me and I still would have chosen this.

With the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine range, as well as the multitude of other glossy lipsticks out there, it was about time this fad reached the High Street, and L'Oreal could not have followed the trend any better.

My attention was instantly grabbed by 202 Impulsive Fuchsia.

With a slight hint of a purple, this strong shade is perfect if you want statement lips. 

With a variety of 10 irresistable shades, Rouge Caresse is the ultimate Spring lipstick.



A Farmer's Daughter?

It's not the most fashionable of times when you walk down the stairs and your boyfriend tells you that you look like a farmer's daughter, but I took it as a compliment nonetheless. 

Under the sweltering London sun, I chose to wear this denim dress from Miss Selfridge.  It might not be to everyone's taste, but for me it's amazing.  Casual and comfortable, this dress made my London day rather enjoyable.  What's great is that it works perfectly over a t-shirt or on it's own, but if the weather hasn't evolved into Summer yet, just wear with a long-sleeved top and leggings, and you're ready to go.

Topshop

I wore it with this gorgeous bow detail bag from Topshop.  Available in both pink and blue, this is the ultimate handbag for the Summer. 

T-Shirt: River Island

Dress: Miss Selfridge

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Bag: Topshop



Pretty Pastels in Winter

One of the biggest trends you'll see this season are Summery pastels.  The catwalk was absolutely filled with floaty lights, and now, so is the High Street.  The only thing is that it can be difficult to wear these perfectly pretty shades in the Winter. Here's how I've done it.

Jacket: Uniqlo 

Pastel Pink Sparkly Top: Topshop

Light Grey Skinny Trousers: Uniqlo

Boots: Miss Selfridge

Necklace: Topshop

Cardigan: Karen Millen

I absolutely adore this Topshop necklace!

Candy Kisses

SHOP MAC

Eye-popping colour that's sweet and sour at the same time?  Well, that's the latest from MAC.  Bright,beautiful bold colours that leave eyes lingering on your luscious lips, quirky eyeshadows that awaken the eyes, and delicious creme blushers for a colour pop look.

Pure Spring shades, packed in perfectly colourful packets that leave you wanting more.

Being the lipstick obsessed girl that I am, I decided to buy Quick Sizzle and Watch Me Simmer.  These were the two shades that stood out the most, and they certainly don't leave you disappointed.  Quick Sizzle has insane staying power and a sultry candy pink that makes all eyes go on you.  Watch Me Simmer has a creamier edge to it and a more pinky, orange tone.

Quick Sizzle

Watch Me Simmer

Creme Blusher in Florida is also an essential.  Matching Quick Sizzle, make sure you keep your eye make-up light and simple.

I heart H&M

I've often found that as soon as the new fashion season turns and brand new styles pop up everywhere, I'm unleashed and go out seeking for the perfect Spring look even though it's mid February and snow still hasn't melted.  H&M has been my one-stop-shop for a while because amongst their casual tops and essentials, you can find some amazing catwalk copycats and for a mere steal. 

Gently Does It

 

Jacket: H&M £29.99

Stripy Top: H&M £9.99

Blue and Pink Clutch: H&M £12.99

Light Blue Trousers: H&M £7.99

Ballet Pumps: H&M £7.99

Colour Pop

Green Scarf: H&M £6.99

Orange Jacket: ASOS £15

Green Top: H&M £9.99

Green Satchel: H&M £12.99

Skinny Jeans: Next £29.99

Ballet Pumps: H&M £7.99

 The new range of H&M ballet pumps come in five gorgeous colours and at only £7.99 you can afford to buy the entire set.  I was desperate for the emerald green ones but unfortunately they had no size 4 left. 

H&M is that perfect place where you can keep up to date with the latest trends without breaking the bank.  Perfectly on trend and affordable, it's the one store that will never lose style.

It's KIKO time

It sometimes dawns on you when you notice something new that you must have it.  Right that second in fact.  So when I walked past KIKO in Westfield, I had to go in.  And I had to try out a little bit of everything. 

I'm no stranger to their coloured eyeliners as gifts from friends, by the extended make-up range has always been somewhat of a mystery to me.

I bought:

1. BB Cream Coloured Beauty Balm in 01 Light
2. Natural Concealer in 01
3. Hydrating Mask
4. Creamy Touch Eyeshadow Due in 06
5. Skin Evolution Foundation in 01 Porcelain
6. Automatic Precision Eyeliner and Kohl in 716
7. False Lashes Concentrate Volume Top Coat Mascara
8. Unforgettable Mascara
9. Nail Lacquer in 341
10. Nail Lacquer in 343

BB cream seems to be a beaty trend at the moment with more and more make-up brands releasing this as the new must-have.  I've tried a couple in the past, but this KIKO one is certainly my favourite of them all.  It's the perfect all-in-one for all those busy girls as it primes, moisturises and gives light coverage for an all over glow.  

I was surprised this concealer works so well considering that on first impressions it looks like a highlighter.  It's different to the rest in that it has a pink colour to it, but once blended around the eye area, I understand why.  The creamy formula smoothes on instantly and hides away any signs of sleeplessness and stays put all day.

I tried KIKO's Hydrating Mask very briefly and have to say that this product does exactly what it says on the tin.  After leaving it on the skin for 10 minutes, the results were great.  My skin felt incredibly soft.

This black eyeliner goes on great and gives a selection of great looks - from rock chick kohl to evening look smokyness.

KIKO have a range of top coat mascaras that will simply blow you away.  The idea behind these is that they act as an 'enhancer' when applied over your regular mascara.  Coming in a selection of volumising, curling or lengthening, these cute and colourful make-up essential leave you with definite results.  I bought the volumising one and don't think I will ever part with it.

The Unforgettable Mascara curls eyelashes to perfection.  It's bristles separate and minimise clumps, whilst the spoon-like brush lengthens to give a cat-eye effect.

KIKO's nail lacquers come in a rainbow of colours and you're bound to find your perfect one.


What's even more amazing is that it's all at affordable prices!

StylistPick is my pick

There are three things you need to know about me.

1) I'm obsessed with lipsticks

.

2) I'm terrified of pigeons

3) I remember everything you tell me

I used to always think that these three were the fundamental three things about me - the foundation of getting to know me.  And yet recently I've noticed another pattern - another topic I seem to mentioned more than enough.  StylistPick.  

Wednesday morning was pretty much spent comparing StylistPick showrooms over emails and discussing (in great detail) what our next purchase would be.  That whole website astounds me at how it has all us girls going gaga over it's complete simplicity.  But I guess that's what makes it so desirable.  With all the choice out there, sometimes you want to be told exactly what to buy in the best way possible, and what better way than a perfectly laid out showroom where you know that whatever you choose you'll love, because after all, it was picked especially for you.

The last thing I bought from there was this gorgeous tote bag:

Keira - www.StylistPick.com

 I adore this bag because it's perfect for day to day, carrying everything you'll need.  But it also doubles up as an overnight bag if required.

Next on the list for me is this Ali bag:

Ali - www.StylistPick.com

With all the pastels and prints we're being shown on the catwalks for S/S12, this gorgeous white bag will be a wardrobe staple, complimenting any look.