Men's Fashion Magazine- My first article!

I am so excited to give you all a link to my very first published article!
http://www.mensfashionmagazine.co.uk/mens-style-in-the-1920s

It's about how the 1920's are influencing men's fashion at the moment and, as I go on about a lot, one of the style icon's is Jay Gatsby!

I hope you all like it and I can't wait to submit my second article. I love researching the topics and, suprisingly, men's fashion is really interesting.
Now I just have to get my boyfriend to take my styling advice!



Because I know that it's L.O.V.E.

I usually have a flick through the fashion magazine's that come with the weekend newspapers, and this weekend was no different. You Magazine that comes with the Daily Mail had Sarah Hadland on the cover in a beautiful Dolce & Gabbana red dress from Net-a-Porter. Of course it is far out of my
budget, but I have fallen in love with it! The black netting underneath is so lovely and the shape is my favourite style for a dress.

I now aspire to(one day!) get married in this dress or one very similar! I've never wanted a white dress as I am so pale and I much prefer red, so this is my ideal dress.

On another note, I am starting a 'Mulberry' Fund in the new year. I worked out that if I save £10 a week for just under 2 years I can get either of the Mulberry bags that I want, which makes we want to cry a little bit. But maybe one day I'll treat myself to one.

I was chosen to be 'Blog of the Day' by 'The Upcoming' this week which was really exciting as now my blog is being recognized and saw a huge influx of page views. If you are new to my blog, or look at it already, please follow me :) 

Go to Hollywood and pay the price

I had my work Christmas party last week and this is what I wore. I forgot to get a proper full length picture of myself in it (perhaps due to the copious amounts of cocktails) so here's the next best thing. I wore this dress only once before, on my prom. It's such a pretty dress, but it's just a bit too dressy for most events (can anything ever be 'too dressy'?) So I thought I would take advantage of the occaison and get another wear out of it.
I wore a fabulous red peticoat underneath to give it a fuller, vintage feel and managed to keep my cute peeptoes for at least 3 hours! (again, possibly with help from the cocktails)
I felt so fun in it, and swirled around like a child far too many times.
As it's quite eye catching, I probably couldn't wear it that often as I like to not wear the exact thing twice but I'm thinking of ways to change it up a bit as its such a flattering fit.

Decemeber Wish List

Leather Disco Pants - Daisy Street / Coat - MissSelfridge / Socks- MissSelfridge / Skirts- Miso@Republic / Studded Slippers - MissGuided / Velvet Boots-  Dr. Martens / Sweater - Republic / Turban - Alice Hannah for Topshop

Can't believe it is Decemeber already! This time last year I had a broken foot and was studying for January exams. It's mad how quickly time can pass, and how different your circumstances can change. Not in my wildest dreams last year did I think  I'd be where I am now.

As mentioned in my last post, I have changed my 'weekly wish list' to a monthly feature, as really, I'm not a very wanting person and found it hard to keep finding things I really wanted on a weekly basis. So here is my first monthly post! I love Autumn/Winter fashion so doing this Wish List was easy. The coat and socks was featured in my last post about Alexa Chung. I have some left over Topshop vouchers from my birthday, so I am going to put them towards the coat as I think it's a very classic style and I could get years of wear out if it.

I visited Westfields Stratford a few weeks ago (which is amazing!) and rediscovered Republic. It houses some great brands and has some really nice things in at the moment. Although I really like the Guns N' Roses sweater, it annoys me when people buy and wear tops with band logo's, and they don't know a single song by them!

My trusty Missguided studded slippers have fallen apart :( it was inevitable though as I wore them almost daily, so I need to replace them. Also, love the velvet DM! They don't have the trademark yellow stitching so look slightly sleeker in my opinion.

Finally, the headband / turban is a trend I havent yet tried, but am contemplating this winter. If I get my full fringe back, I'd say its a no-no, but if not, I might dabble with the trend!

 

British Fashion Awards: British Style Award- Alexa Chung

Last night at the British Fashion Awards, Alexa Chung won the much coveted British Style Award for the third year in a row. She collected her prize in a Simone Rocha black embroidered dress and her usual tousled locks.

Although she now lives in the States, and a she incorporates more desinger peices into her wardrobe, her style is still  effortlessly chic. Her love of classic tailoring and ability to always be ahead of trend leads her to have a wardrobe and style that any girl (including me!) would absolutely adore!

I have pulled together some of my favourite looks of hers, plus made one of my own inspired by Alexa Chung, but with a twist to make it to my taste. Enjoy!

Coat- MissSelfridge / Dress - Dahlia / Ombre Kit- L'oreal Preference / 'Alexa' Bag- Mulberry / Brpgues - TopShop / Socks- TopShop

I really loved putting this outfit together and now all of these are on my monthly wishlist! (NB I have decided to do 'Monthly Wish Lists' rather than weekly as I tend to not want much every week!) Although I don't usually like brown / tan items, these really appeal to me as classic pieces. And, of course, the Ombre kit is a must for Alexa, whose had this trademark style long before it became a major trend.

Congratulations Alexa Chung!



New Look SS13 Preview

 

I was invited to the New Look Spring / Summer 13 Preview event which was located at the New Look HQ, conveniently a few streets away from my work. I went with my Mum and it was a lovely little girlie bonding evening. We were given scanners to scan all the products we loved and comment cards to review pieces we either love, hated, or just wanted to write about. There were 2 floors to review. Downstairs constisted of a largely Pastle selection, underwear, jewellery, shoes and bags, while the Upstairs was split between 2 trends and swimwear.
It was really nice having a sneak peak at the possible products that may be in stores early next year, before even the Press (the press day was the next day).
Although at first I didn't scan that much as I'm not usually a pastle fan, I can see the upcoming 'The Great Gatsby' film is going to heavily influence fashion next year, with lots of embellishments and drop-waists. Peplum dresses and skirts were ever present, so hold on to your peplum pieces as their time is definitely not over yet. Similarly, skater skirts were still dominating. Studs also look to be big still, but unfortunately the majority was gold, as were the jewellery and bag clasps etc, and I really don't like gold!

As we were told, not all the pieces we saw would actually make it into the store next year, but I really hope that these beauties will be:

I've always been quite 'anti-creepers' but these could be the pair to change my mind! They look so dainty and pretty because of the colour and because I have fairly small feet for my height, I think they may look less clumpy.
We also received a goodie bag (woo!) which included a cosy onsie, perfect for the upcoming cold winter nights and lots of other cute little bits. It was a really fun evening and I loved talking to the Buyers who genuinely seemed to want to hear our opinions about what they should stock.

I hope to attend more of these in future!

say it isn't true, don't tell me romance is dead

I finally dyed my hair! Although it took me absolutely ages in Boots to choose the shade I wanted (I was standing in the hair colourants section for about 40 minutes with colours that, looking back, were pretty much identical) I settled on 'Dark Cherry' or 2.6  by Garnier. Although I have been dying my hair for a very long time, I'd previously only had it done at the hair dressers or used Crazy Colour/Directions to top up. So I was a bit apprehensive when it came to choosing a perminent at home dye. 

The application was really easy (with the help of my lovely Mum) and it smelt really nice, rather than really chemically. It did take a while to wash out but I am really pleased with the result. I used 2 packets as I have quite thick hair, but that meant that I got 2 of the conditioners so it will last me longer (hopefully).

Also, this is what I look like! This is my first full face picture on my blog, so hello everyone! I have increased the contrast on the photo slighty to show the red of the colour as the picture didn't pick it up as much as you can see it in person. It came out a lovely deep red without being purple and super shiney, exactly what I wanted. If the colour doesn't fade too much, I will definitely keep to it.

Also, I used my new Mark Hill Rock Chick Wave Wand, which I'll do a seperate post on soon as it is amazing! (This photo doesn't do it justice)

Tumblr

I made a Tumblr about 2 years ago, but stopped using it early this year as I was more focused on this blog. But I have totally rekindled my love for it!

Check it out, and I'll check yours out too :)

http://lipstick-and-lace-x.tumblr.com/

Smiles from Strangers

I have been the worst blogger in the world! I have been super busy at work and with various celebrations that I haven't even had a chance to paint my nails over the past few weeks (which for me is a major thing! I haven't had bare nails in about 4 years!)

I have loads to write about! It was my birthday recently (woo!), I've been shopping quite a few times and sorting out re-applying for University. Expect to see me posting multiple things over the next few days in order to catch up.

Even though I've been a bit rubbish up till now, I really am serious about my little space on the internet. I've been getting loads of inspiration recently for both hobbies and career and things like that so I'm in such a positive mood.

Today me and my boyfriend started planning our holiday for next year and I really feel that the world is my oyster as cliche as that sounds. I've started learning French and reading loads more again and getting back into art. When I started my internship I think I was really overwhelmed with everything and the responsibility of being a 'grown up' so now I've learnt to handle things and manage my time I am so positive and excited for, well, everything!

Weekly Wish List #7

Shoes- Daisy Street  / Bag- Chanel (I wish) / Top- Miss Selfridge / Socks & Tights- Miss Selfridge / Skirt- Miss Selfridge / Trousers- lavish Alice / Skirt- GlamorousUK

It's my birthday soon! (Don't know if I mentioned haha) I can't wait to spend my birthday money on all the items that have accumulated on my many Wish Lists.
I love these nude versions of the Leela boots, they're so cute and pretty, but I know I would get them dirty really quickly.
Of course, the Chanel bag is a total wish purchase, that I definitely won't be getting any time soon (unless I win the lottery or someone rich and generous feels like being nice to me) but a girl can dream.
Absolutely fell in love with the sequined trousers on Lavish Alice. I think they'd look great with a shirt and cropped tuxedo jacket to Christmas parties. Although I do love dresses for any occasson, I think a tuxedo/ trouser combo is soo cool and would make you stand out among the jewel colour cocktail dresses over the Xmas period. Also I love Carrie Bradshaw's tuxedo in Sex and The City Movie 2!

WIN a Dahlia Feline Outfit!

I have only recently discovered Dahlia but already they feature on every weeks wishlist and as soon as I get my long awaited birthday money I can finally get everything on my list!
This skirt is absolutely fabulous! I always said I'm going to be the Crazy Cat Lady one day, so I fell in love with this skirt straight away. From further away it looks like a really interesting floral pattern, but then you start making out the feline pattern and its sooo cute! It's so good for Halloween, and so close to my birthday I really hope to win it!

Their blog and 'girlfriends' are really cool too, check it out here.

You can vote to win the skirt and cat ears on their Facebook page, plus if you blog about it, you get 10 extra entries!

Good Luck

Weekly Wish List #6

Dress- Dahlia / Clutch- Lavish Alice / Skater Skirt- Dahlia / Jumpers - Lavish Alice / Skirt - MissGuided / Dress- MissGuided / Studded Slippers- GlamorousUk / Ring- Rock n Rose

I went shopping this weekend with my Dad for my birthday (very soon!) and it occured to me that I haven't been in an actual shop in ages! These day's I browse a lot more on etailers, so this week I have only used online shops for my wishlist (although Dahlia does have a shop too). 

Etailers are definitely becoming more prominent in the fashion world. They tend to be cheaper and have much more variety I find than High Street shops.

I recently descovered Dalhia, and I love the vintage inspired look of the wesite and clothes. I am yet to visit the boutique, but that is on my To Do List. 

I really like the Midi Bodycon dress from Miss Guided, although I think I could only pull it off if I wear it with heels as I'm an awkward height. Not petite and not lovely and tall. 

I can't wait until I show all my presents next week (mostly clothes from previous Wish Lists) and I plan to try some 'What I'm Wearing' style posts soon as I'm getting paid and have money to buy stuff with at last!

drinking cherry schnapps in the velvet night

 My beauty crush of the moment is most definitely the beautiful Miss Lana Del Rey. 

I love her timeless look thats so glamorous and reminiscient of old school Hollywood, without it being too cliche or dated. I have been basing my make up on this look quite a bit lately, toning it up or down depending on the occaison. That's what's so great about her beauty look, its totally wearable for day and night. Slightly darkening the sixties inspired eyes and cat like flick creates a bolder look for night, while a lighter taupe based eye looks great in the day too. I love nude lips and neautral blush and I think Lana's make up is perfection. It's really easy to recreate too.

Lana's make up inspired recent beauty looks at Milan Fashion week, in particular Dsquared2 AW 12. The Face Chart above shows how to do the look.

Key items for this look are definitely the jetblack eyeliner and the perfect nude lipstick. I have found that M.A.C Fleshpot lipstick is a really good nude colour and the creamy formula looks amazing. I have used both liquid and gel eyeliners to achieve this look and have found that gel gives a stronger black which makes your eyes really stand out, which I like. 

Although this is her usual statement look, Lana has been embracing autumnal lip shades in wine, berry and classic red shades (another look that I love). In this case, you just need to tone the eyeline down slightly and the key to perfect autumns lips is a good base and lipliner is essential. I used to think it was over rated, but since using it, I am a total convert. It really does provent the colour bleeding.

I'm thinking of posting tutorial style makeup guides, but I need to buy some more brushes and perfect my techniques first. But watch this space!

Win a pair of Jeffery Campbell's!

As you may have seen from my Wish List posts, I am a hugeeee fan of Jeffery Campbell Studded Lita's and of GlamorousUK too. So this competition was ideal for me! Enter on the Glamorous Facebook page or blog about to gain an extra 10 entires!

GlamorousUK is a great website, and its super affordable too. So you can look fab and not break the bank! The 'Be Inspired' section is really good too and my Glamorous Wish List is ever growing! (Hurry up birthday!)

Good Luck everyone!

Percy & Reed 'Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing Polish'

Percy & Reed is a luxury hair salon near where I am interning. As well as hairdressing, the salon provide beauty treatments and have their own product range. You may have heard of them, when they were featured as the gift of April 2012 Glamour magazine, and if you haven't heard of them, you definitely should! Although the salon is quite expensive, the products are very reasonably priced. The manager was kind enough to give me this Finishing Polish. Perhaps he was trying to hint that my hair was an awful, frizzy mess, but nevertheless it was very kind and it is an amazing product!

It really takes away the frizz of my naturally curly hair, leaving it in lovely loose, yet defined curls. It smells devine and isn't greasy or runny. For only £4, I am definitely considering replacing it after this bottle runs out. I may treat myself a cut and blowdry there, either for my birthday (which is fast approaching!) or around the festive period! The atmosphere is really professional but still chilled and relaxing, and although it is quite expensive from the customers I have seen leave there, they really do work magic!

Another thing I love about Percy & Reed is the cute illustrations, both on their products and on the website. It is also used on their leaflets and as window cladding at the actual salon. T5he illustrations of women with long, flowing, glossy locks are super cute and make the high end salon have a creative and more persoal edge, one I feel that salons lack.

Weekly Wish List #5

Jeans- Missguided / Jumper- Missguided / Disco Pants- Missguided / Velvet Shorts- TopShop / Bracelet/Ring - TopShop / Boots - both Daisy Street / Tights- all MissSelfridge

Another week, another wish list! I am still too poor to have a splurge (sob) but I have been promised a shopping trip for my upcoming birthday, so I am really excited to finally get a AW wardrobe!

Although this is a wish list, the first item is more of a need, as my current 'good' jeans have got a hole in :( Although they are my favourite jeans and they fit perfectly, I have decided not to replace them with an identical pair. I came across these lovelies and fell in love. Not only are they a lovely deep navy (super flattering) they have tiny skull studds on the pockets! They are absolutely perfect and so me.

I know I've said all along I'm a flats girl and I hate heels, but I am really contemplating buying a pair of these JC lookalikes. I've seen them lots on peoples blogs and they seem to be saying they're pretty comfortable, so i might give them a go! I like the classic suede/studs combination but the skull stud ones caught my eye. I can never resist skulls!

Hurry up Birthday! I have lots on my list!

Richard Nicoll Showcase

 

Last instalment of London Fashion Week SS13! Again, I won these tickets from Vodafone, and it involved seat for the showcase, a Richard Nicoll tote bag, Vitamin water and a Champagne reception afterwards. I took my boyfriend, Jason, with me as there was a mens wear section and we had a really good time

The showcase was around 30 minutes long, and we viewed 3 different collections. The lighting was quite bright so the individual photographs I took on the run way didn't come out very well, so I have included broader pictures (plus a cutesy one of me and my beau and a very touristy one of me with the London Eye and Houses of Parliament!)

I wasn't greatly impressed with the collection, but that is only because it wasn't my particular style (i.e skulls, black, studs, fur etc...) but I could appreciate his skills and the collection ran smoothly together.

My first Fashion Week was very interesting. I mingled with lots of influential and 'cool' people, saw some pieces that have given me great inspiration and really just experienced a side of the fashion world I hadn't before. I'm super excited for Feb 13 LFW and hope to get lucky again with some tickets!