FASHION: And the bells were ringing out for christmas day

Hello all

Festivities are well underway, as is the month of December! Even though it's only the 9th of the festive month, I have already been to 3 Christmas parties. These were all work related parties, so it was a nice excuse to dress up & have fun with my colleagues. Two of the three parties were in hired out clubs, thus my outfits reflected that, & the third party was much more formal, however as I work in events I was in charge of running the party, hence why my outfit wasn't as fabulous as last years outfit, which you can read about here.

That being said, my colour scheme has not changed at all since last year as you will see below! Having three parties was really enjoyable, as although I'm not into going 'all out' when getting ready (by this I mean fake tan, false nails, getting my hair done professionally), I did enjoy spending time getting ready!

Here are the 3 outfits I wore:

Topman party

Dress  - H&M | Boots - Lavish Alice | Bag - Vivienne Westwood

 Vivienne Westwood Party

Shirt (under dress) - Primark | Tartan Dress - TKMAXX (old) | Bowler Hat - Topshop | Shoes - Dr. Marten 

Topshop / Arcadia Party

Top - MissSelfridge | Peplum Pencil Skirt - River Island | Bag - Vivienne Westwood | Shoes - Vivienne Westwood

As I mentioned previously, my colour scheme has stayed with black, white & red!

The first outfit was very sixties inspired with the monochrome & the platforms, so I did a mini bouffant, half up half down hair style.

For the VW party, as I was working practicality had to come before glamour, but I threw in some tartan as afterall, it was Vivienne Westwood!

Finally, the Topshop party outfit. Although I really liked all the outfits, but I think I felt most confident in the last outfit, as I had the longest to get ready! I also managed to stay in the heels for a good 2 hours, which is pretty good for me! I also liked the illusion of an LBD, with a top & skirt combo.

Here are some more pictures of the 3 nights, included my makeup, nails & my fabulous friend.

 Me & Damien before the Topman party

 Prepping before the Topshop party. Hair in hot rollers, Kiss eyelashes in 'Flirt' & 'Russian Red' lipstick by M.A.C

Nails for the Topshop party. 'Matte White' & Black nail art pen, both from Barry M

Finished hair & make up. Disclaimer: I am wearing a strapless dress, I am not naked!

Because everyone looks better in Black & White!

So I'm all done with work Christmas parties now, but I do have some festive plans with my friends as many of them are back from uni so I can't wait to be all festive with them. I'm using my events planning skills, & have lots planned for us for the rest of December plus into January!

FASHION: New Look SS'14 Press Day

Hello All!

Last week, my beautiful blogging buddy Millie, from She Hearts The High Street, & I went to the New Look SS'14 Press Day. Around this time last year, I went to the SS'13 New Look Press Day, which you can read about here, so it was lovely to go back this year! 

Generally, myself & Millie are more Autumn / Winter girls, however it was very interesting to see what was to be in vogue next year.

The Press Day was divided into 7 sections. The main attraction was, of course, the four clothing sections divided in the following collections; California Dreaming, Tomorrow’s Yesterday, Seattle Grunge & Neon Bloom. Then there was an underwear section, jewellery wall, a swimwear area & there were several sets of shelves with shoes (a.k.a my weakness) & bags. As you may know, as it is pretty obvious, I am a fan of monochrome. So naturally, I was drawn immediately to 'Tomorrow's Yesterday', which was a monochromatic, sixties inspired collection, incorporating underwear as outerwear, with lace trimmed slips.

 

 Unfortunately, I didn't pay as much attention to the other collections as they were really not my style. For 'California Dreaming', the best way I can describe it is as a Bo-Ho, Nicole Richie-esque collection. It's very folky, a definite Coachella vibe running through the looks!
'Seattle Grunge' I would consider to be the collection that I liked the most of the remaining three. Millie really liked this collection, with its acid wash denim & t-shirts & strappy 90s baby doll style dresses. I can see this really working for her with her amazing blonde hair!
Finally, 'Neon Bloom' was the typical 'Florals? For Spring? How original' Miranda Preistly from The Devil Wears Prada comment. As usual, there was a floral presence at the Spring Summer Press Day, a print that I am really not interested in, sorry!

Moving on to the underwear, New Look have always had a lovely selection of underwear. Although I am not big busted (or perhaps it'd be fairer to say busted at all!), I think the Kelly Brook bra & knickers sets are so lovely! The SS'14 collection was set in a perfect boudoir, with a heart shaped mirror that had 'movie star style mirror lights', something that I fell instantly in love with!

 

Finally, there was a jewelery wall. Honestly, in terms of shiney things, I am a bit of a magpie. If something glitters, or shimmers, it will definitely catch my eye. But that is wear the fascination ends. I do not have much, if any, sparkley items in my clothing or beauty iteams. I would love to be a girl who has so many rings, or signature bracelet or scarf a la Miranda Priestly & her Hermes scarf (sorry for the heavy Devil Wears Prada references today!), but alas, I am not!

Upon leaving, we were given a goody bag featuring the SS'14 lookbook, which was incredibly nicely presented & I really appreciated the artwork & layout. It also featured an Elemis face product (that would make an excellent stocking filler, so thanks New Look!) a clutch bag & a gift card.
As the press day was very close to Oxford Circus, Millie & I decided to see if the card had any value. At most we were expecting £10, which we considered extremely generous! However, the wonderful press team at New Look shocked us! I won't disclose the exact amount, but I was so grateful & so thankful. Here is what I bought with lovely gift card:

I've been looking for a black coat for a while now. I had the idea of the Zara-esque biker style jacket from last year. However, I came across this beauty with the leather look sections & it's perfect fit (& a little help from the gift card!) this baby is now mine. I have practically lived in it, it is so cosy!

The talented Millie also vlogged about our trip, which you can watch here! It features our outfits of the day & our dinner date to The Diner in Soho!

I hope you enjoyed seeing a peak into the New Look SS'14 press day if you didn't get a chance to go. All the collections featured here will be available from New Look in Spring & Summer of 2014!

OOTD: Tartan Tales

Hello All

Having only done one ‘OOTD’ post before that I didn’t even show my face in, which you can read here , I thought another ‘proper’ OOTD post was much needed!

As you all know, tartan is huge this A/W. From High end, to High Street, tartan is taking over many shops, editorials & my earlier wishlist this month, which you can readhere.

I’ve been a fan of tartan for a long time. For my thirteenth birthday I wore a tartan strapless dress with a tutu underneath (may I point out I was going through my gothic phase, that hasn’t quite finished yet, but is a lot less extreme! My fashion role model was Avril Lavgine). For my last day at high school, I wore a tartan kilt, Dr. Martens and fishnets, resulting in a telling off & being told, & I quote ‘Punk Rock died in the 80s’ by my head of year.

This however didn’t deter me! Featured in my aforementioned birthday/ October wishlist, & seen across the bloggersphere, I have been coveting that Primark tartan dress for a long time now. Having looked in my local store, plus in both the Marble Arc & Tottenham Court Road ones, I had little success. That was however, until this Sunday. This ‘quick trip, just to browse’ in Primark resulted in a small haul &the dress, at last!

The below outfit I wore to a wedding, not your typical wedding attire I’d say, however I felt totally comfortable, danced the night away as my feet didn’t hurt & hats are appropriate for weddings!

 Hat - Topshop | Tartan Dress - Primark | Striped Satchel - Primark | Matte White Shoes - Dr. Martens

 Lipstick - Russian Red by M.A.C

Silver Rings - various from H&M & The Great Frog | Nails - Matte White Barry M & Black Nail Art Pen Barry M

This dress, (which is only £15!) is a perfectly flattering shape. With the slightly puffed shoulders, nipped in waist & loose skirt, I found it to be a really great fit. This is not the original dress I set out for. I initially liked the darker red & green tartan version. However seeing it i n person changed my mind. I love this dress, so expect to see more of it in the coming months!

The satchel caught my eye in the queue (clever marketing Primark team!). It;s really striking, & since using it a few times, it's uber practical too!

My shoe collection is getting out of hand, with this being my third pair in a month. But Dr. Marten's are really well made shoes, & are good for the feet too. So far, I haven't even scuffed these matte white ones, & they look perfect still! Let's see how long that lasts, eh?

Having wanted a bowler style hat for a very long time, I finally got one. I love it. I've hardly taken it off since I got it.

The nails were a bit of a pain. They aren't the neatest, hence the slightly far away, unfocused shot! But you can see that I painted them matte white, & used the Barry M black nail art pen to do half moons & tips. Not bad for a first attempt!

I hope you enjoyed my first 'proper' OOTD. Lately I feel I've found my 'signature style' so hope to do more OOTD posts on here!

Halloween Series #3: High Street Halloween Must-Haves!

Hello All.

Another day closer to Halloween festivities!

I honestly have been so enthusiastic about these posts, I wish it was Halloween permanently as I'd definitely begun feeling less inclined or excited to blog lately. However, starting my Halloween series has really awoken my love of blogging!

Although AW13 trends are largely focused on vampy looks (dark lipsticks, leather, lace, velvet etc a.k.a my style exactly), I've noticed that a lot of high street shops have dedicated sections, both online & in-store, to Halloween inspired pieces. Now some of this is just to re-promote the Autumn / Winter items, such as the aforementioned leather, velvet & lace. But most have specially themed Halloween items featuring 'typical' scary motifs, like bats, black cats or ghosts. 

I've rounded up my 'High Street Halloween Must-Haves' from Topshop, New Look, ASOS & Miss Guided. All have a mix of vampy style pieces, spooky beauty bits & seriously cool jewelry!

 ASOS - 'HELLS YEAH HALLOWEEN' 

 MissGuided - Creep It Real

 New Look - Halloween

Topshop - Ghoul Girls

The first thing I love about these Halloween collections are their names! Ghoul Girls & Creep It Real  are brilliant names for the Halloween collections. The second thing I love, of course, is the beauty products on offer. This time last year, I was working with a big make up brand / company, & was exposed to some amazing makeup artistry especially around Halloween. I've been watching an unhealthy amount of YouTube tutorials so hope to look amazing this Halloween. But I am loving the creepy make up on offer this year. From intricate spooky scenes created on eyelashes to creepy nail transfers, you can literally take your Halloween look from face to, erm foot?

Although I really like everything in my Must Have list, a few pieces really stand out.

My ASOS highlights are the Wednesday Adams inspired monochrome dress & the 'Trick or Treat' top that definitely evokes the much loved 'Celine' tees. Highly commended are the tights with glow in the dark knee skulls!

From Miss Guided I really the skeleton-hands-on-the-boobs crop top, cheeky yet creepy & the skeleton body is great too.

New Look for me triumphed with Halloween accessories for me. J'adore the Halloween cupcake kit (how cute?!) Plus the nail transfers and eyeliner stick ons are fun too!

From Topshop I love the stick on eyeliner, which I would pair with matte black lips and deathly pale skin (so my natural skin shade really...), & also the bat print. I included the asymmetric skirt, but this print is repeated through the collection on jeans, leggings etc. 

It seems this year Halloween is so much more exciting for me, which is saying something as I've always been excited for Halloween. I'm not sure what's different, but I am so excited this year

WANDERLUST - Weekend in Paris

Hello All, 

I'm trying to section & define parts of my blog now, & want to expand from just a fashion/ beauty blog to share more of my interests. Recently, I posted about art, which I will continue to do. But this time, it's about a weekend trip I took. Hopefully the first of many 'Wanderlust' post! Let me know if you enjoy it...

As you may have gathered, I recently went to Paris for the first time as an adult. I’d been when I was 11, seen the Eiffel Tower & gone to Disneyland. But few week ago I got to go there again for work at Paris Fashion Week. I felt very ‘Devil Wears Prada’, determined not to end the trip like Andy Sachs does in the book; by screaming ‘Fuck you’ at a colleague. I knew it’d be mostly work & maybe not that much enjoying Paris, but I knew how big this experience was for me personally & professionally. I’d been wanting to go to Paris for a really, really long time but never managed to before.

Although I was only going for 3 days, working for 2 of them & was only taking a very small suitcase, I managed to take a lot of clothes (most of which, admittedly, I didn’t wear) so packing was a bit of an issue!

Work went amazingly well, & it was so lovely to see your hard work resulting in such greatness (I’m usually modest but I was incredibly proud to be part of this) so I had all day Sunday to enjoy the sights of Paris, albeit while lugging my suitcase, laptop & basically life around with me!

I’d first seen the Eiffel Tower on Saturday night, all light up and appearing, seemingly, out of no where. I honestly was in a stunned silence as it was so beautiful. So the first thing I wanted to do was see it in day light. I found the Metro system really easy to navigate, and wandering around le gay Paris was just lovely. Only having a day meant I didn’t have time to queue & go up the Eiffel Tower but seeing it was enough for me!

Next stop was , which was so weird seeing in person as I’d studied the relief sculptures on the front in History of Art. Being on  my own meant I had no one to take pictures of me with the Eiffel Tower, but I just asked someone to take on of me and the L'arc de Triomphe because it’s silly being so shy & missing out.

I had planned to do Louvre & Notre Dame in quick succession, envisioning not going into the Louvre just seeing the outside. That didn’t happen, as the arty goodness drew me in. I’ll do Notre Dame next time (I started planning my next visit on the Eurostar home!). The Louvre was great, seeing paintings & sculptures I’d learnt about in books in person. I did go into history of art mode quite a bit, which must have been quite annoying for me museum buddy, but I was giddy with happiness so I didn’t really care!

Too distracted by art, I then had to rush to Gard D’ Nord for my train back to boring London. I had beautiful weather whilst in Paris, as you can see from the picture, it was nice enough to not wear tights with my play suit (I kept it monochrome, as usual, but where more fitting than Paris, eh?). On the train home, it started to rain though, pathetic fallacy much?

I genuinely felt like I’d found my spiritual home in Paris, I had the most fantastic weekend in my life thus far. I definitely plan to go back for longer, & not to work!   

Wednesday Wish List

Hello All,

Long time no posting I know. I have been so busy with work at London & Paris fashion week (I'll be posting my Paris Fashion Week/ trip post soon so watch this space!)

This month things should calm down more so I'm hoping to post more regularly and launch my new monthly feature, which I'm very excited for!

October also sees two of my favoutire things; my Birthday & Halloween! I'll be 20 soon, which is kind of scary as it feel like I have to actually grow up & be an adult! As my birthday falls so close to Halloween, it's always been my favourite holiday, so expect to see some Halloween inspired make-up, outfit & event ideas.

But for today's post, I thought I would do a 'Wednesday Wish List' as it's my birthday coming up!

  Clockwise from top left: Black Skort- Amazon | Tartan Dress - Primark | Feline top - eBay | 'Nouveau Grunge' - Zara | Monochrome 'Smile' tote bag - eBay | White Dr. Marten's - Dr. Martens | White Skort - Amazon

 So, as usual, it's very monochrome heavy! I tried on a skort in Zara in Paris (I'm not going to stop talking about Paris for at least a month so sorry in advance!) & they are so flattering, so black & white made it onto my wish list. 

This tartan dress I first saw on Millie of She Hearts The High Street in this post. I love red tartan, and this peter pan collar and black bow combined with the flattering shape really appealed to me. Funnily enough, it also appealed to my Nan, who dresses really well! Watch out for a cute Nan & Granddaughter matching dress shot soon ;)

Next, two slogan tops. I really like white tops, with black & white imagery/ slogans on them as they can be easily dressed up or down. The 'Feline' one is perfect for a cat lover & a nice play on the very popular on the bloggersphere 'Celine' top. Similarly, the 'Nouveau Grunge' tee is really nice. I don't usually wear white t-shirts, I don't know why. I think they make me look somewhat un-feminine. However having tried this on (again in le gay paris) it is actually a really nice cut and fabric, meaning it hangs nicely. 

Another 'Celine' inspired item here. Although I do love my Mulberry bag, this monochrome tote bag caught my eye on eBay. They also do a monochrome skull embossed one, but perhaps I should leave my goth girl at home sometimes!

Last, but by no means least, my number one item on my birthday wish list is a pair of matte white Dr. Marten shoes. I have really disproportionate-to-my-height small feet, a size 4 and I'm 5 foot 6, which is equally good & bad in ways. Bad, because I believe it's the reason I am so clumsy. But good, because it means I can get away with big clumpy shoes yet my dainty little feet don't look monstrously big! I already have a few pairs of Doc's, but these white pair look so cool, I hope I can pull them off!

These are all my realistic birthday wish list items, of course on my 'dream' birthday wish list there is a lot of McQueen. A girl can dream eh? I've been really lusting after a McQueen skull scarf for a while now, maybe one day I'll save up and treat myself. I also really like the enamel skull bangle from McQueen too, but both items are very expensive for a scarf & a bracelet, I can't justify it at the moment.

As promised, I really will try and post more regularly! Hope you all have a fabulous week...

ART: Coco Chanel: A New Portrait by Marion Pike, Paris 1967-7

Hello all, 

Yesterday, my friend Rose & I went to The Fashion Space Gallery, that forms part of London College of Fashion. Presently they are showing `Coco Chanel: A New Portrait by Marion Pike, Paris 1967-7`, which being a fashion & Chanel fans caught our attention.

I have to say, it was a rather small space. I want expecting anything on a V&A type scale, however it only took about five to ten minutes to complete the whole collection. Nevertheless, the idea & concept is lovely.  It is a celebration of the legendary Gabrielle `coco` Chanel and Californian artist Marion Pikes friendship, formed in 1967.  

According to The Telegraph The designer had refused Pablo Piccasso's request to paint her portrait, but allowed Pike, whose 1966 portrait of former US president Ronald Reagan covered Timemagazine, to do so.

They went on to become great friends and Pike was known for wearing Chanel suits when she wasn't working.

Honestly, I hadn't heard of Marion Pike prior to this, but I liked her free, sketchy style.

Sorry I was very rubbish & didn't note down the names of the art works. But I think the use of colour & the aforementioned free style to me scream Paris & the pace of life. My only gripe is the earthy, muddy colours. Chanel, for me, is all about the monochrome. 

Along with the chanel paintings & some other landscape, still lives & a self portrait, some Chanel garments, letters & photographs accompanied & completed the exhibition.

The small space was very intimate & it was interesting reading about her private life. If you're into fashion, art or a Chanel fan, I'd definitely pop in, as its free & just of Oxford street.

 I've never really done any art type posts, but I am about to start a part time degree so hope/expect to be visiting more galleries.

Would you be interested in more art based posts?