S Chapman!

So I'll delve straight in! These brushes probably don't even need a further review/ rave but I feel I need to join the league of lovers and throw in my two cents worth! I bought these recently at Boots and am very impressed. I don't know why it took manufacturers so long to come up with a range of affordable brushes that were designed to be used with various forms of makeup (i.e. cream/liquids etc). At just £21.99 for each set, I thought the price point to be extremely affordable. I have now used every brush and washed them several times (clearly not in time to take the photographs though!) and I have yet to experience any shedding or other issues. I would highly recommend the contour brush in particular- this has worked like a dream with my Kevyn Aucoin sculpting powder and buffs out product very well to give a beautiful natural look with a lovely soft touch on the skin. The reason I think these brushes work so well is that they are taklon bristle brushes which hold up very well and work brilliantly without losing shape. If you have yet to purchase these- what are you waiting for?

Ta ta!

Hello Hennes!

So yesterday I popped in to H&M and was actually quite impressed with some of the womenswear pieces. Normally, I do not shop at H&M purely just for quality reasons but there were some real gems!

I only picked up four basic pieces, but they are so versatile and well cut that I feel I will be wearing them for years-

White t-shirt

£14.99

(Not online)

Hello basic white t! I love this because of the cut- the sleeves fall at a flattering angle and the hem is not quite peplum, not quite curved- but it is however, very flattering! I was searching all over for this in black, but I was informed they did not have it in black. I'm quite happy with this as a basic t under blazers. Let's see how it holds up after being washed!

Black structured sateen blazer

£34.99

(Not online)

One word- wow. When I saw this hanging, I knew I had to have it. It looks just as good off of the hanger as it does on it! The cut is very flattering- unlike anything I've seen at H&M before. The detailing in this jacket is beautiful- it features small striping and pockets. It is of a sateen finish which I normally hate, but on this jacket, I couldn't help but be lured by it! It  looks effortless and classy and one can look put together in seconds- I love!

Black 'honeycomb' cardigan

£19.99

(Not online)

So the photograph does this cardigan no justice- it looks lovely on. Another basic, just hope it wears well though. I bought this because of the 'honeycomb' effect which makes it a little more interesting than a normal mundane black cardigan.

Black boucle-esque bomber jacket

£29.99

(Not online)

This is my favourite piece! I love, love, love this! This reminds me of part Chanel, part vintage- it looks gorgeous on and the sleeves are cuffed 3/4 length sleeves, which look very flattering. This is normally not a piece that I'd even consider but the fabric caught my attention and I had to try it. Now if only I had a jumbo flap bag to wear with it (hey, a girl can dream right?!)

Ta ta!

OOTD!

So London is a tad miserable today. However, that doesn't stop me from running my errands and making a very important delivery :)

It isn't actually too cold, it's just that this rain just won't stop flicking it's switch at us, so here's what I've chose for today-

PPQ for Oli cardigan

Topshop Kristen high waisted Jeans

Louis Vuitton Leopard Stole

Autograph Leather Almond Toe pumps

Now of course I am going to pair a black coat with this, but I can't decide which one right now!

What are you choosing to wear today?

Ta ta! 

Back to basics!

Howdy all!

Excuse the absence from the blogging world- I have been working amazingly long days with little time to sleep let alone blogging. All the Starbucks in the world has even failed to help!

Anyway, now that things have simmered down a bit, I wanted to discuss basics. Some of you might describe them as boring, mundane and others as holy grail status. I go with the latter. For me, nothing builds up your wardrobe quite like a well built collection of good, staple, well fitting basics.

Now why am I talking of basics? Well because during my absence, I had to clean the entire house of my rubbish. This included three weeks of work, clearing out and editing my wardrobe. What came to light was that I used a very, very tiny proportion of my wardrobe (about 10%) the rest consisted mostly of impulse purchases, or items that didn't fit or just weren't really my style.

I found the task of clearing out my cr*p pretty eye-opening. The amount of money thrown away was insane. What transpired was that I was seriously lacking in my basics. Although I'm good with things like jeans and t shirts (only because I live in them) there were other items I wear frequently (boots, blazers, blouses) that I had no real basic staple versions of. My personal style is very, frankly, boring. Let's say simple- I'm not a big trend follower, I go with what fits well and looks simple but well made. So for me, basics is what it's all about. My way of 'jazzing up' an outfit is by adding a bright lip, or a beautiful bracelet. With other people, I go crazy, but in my own personal sense of dress, I am often told I am an older woman in a young girl's body. Get the picture?

So now, the quest is on. I've just shed 1.5 stone in one month (this was completely unintended, I only started running to ease my mind of frustration and cleared up my diet big time! for more info, leave a comment below and I will do another post dedicated to losing weight/ diet) so I will probably wait about another month or two to actually purchase things, but I've already been scouring the 'net like a a mad woman!

My list of basics to buy goes a little like this-

• Black ballet flats
• Nude ballet flats
• Black blazer/ jacket (I'm thinking tweed/ boucle)
• Black skinny jeans
• Indigo skinny jeans 
• Black t- shirt (round neck and v neck)
• White t- shirt (round neck and v neck)
• Brown riding boots
• Black ankle boots 
• Well made, supple black leather handbag (with a detachable strap)

Now the ballet flats are easy, for those I will go to French Sole for their Henriettas-

I have many of their flats and find them of great quality and fit. 

The black blazer/ jacket I still have not found- I'm having serious trouble finding a decent well fitting tweed/ boucle version. I did stumble upon the Michael Kors Chiffon trimmed boucle jacket and I like it but don't love it (it's a little too boxy for me)-

Also, the Zara Fantasy Fabric Blazer is another boucle-esque blazer I happened to see and I absolutely love everything about it, but it doesn't come in black (*sobs hysterically*)

Skinny jeans! I wear skinny jeans daily, so need help with this one. I want to head for premium denim now but am very very confused about the array of brands. Which brand offers the best fitting mid- rise (no builder's crack to be seen here, thank you!), 'suck me in' version? Guess this will include a marathon fitting room session!

For t- shirts, I was thinking James Perse but feel like maybe this is overrated. No clue with this!

For riding boots, I will head to Russell and Bromley- I never manage to leave empty handed when I go there!

The only black ankle boots I really have my mind set on? Why the Ash Jalouse boot of course-

I feel like this would be a wear with anything and everything kind of boot, and can't wait to purchase these. 

Ta ta!

The lure of the Tote!

I already own a wonderful tote that I am absolutely obsessed with, my Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM. But the humble tote has been beautifully designed and updated by many designers as of late, and Miu Miu are no strangers to this. Check out this beauty-

Miu Miu Leather Tote

£695

The sumptuous leather is practically calling to me through my iMac. I normally would never go for a nude toned bag as I'm too terrified of getting it stained, but this one is too gorgeous to pass up. I think it is the perfect mix of casual yet structured and I like the subtle handle detailing. 

Now I was looking through my wardrobes this morning and realised the amount of bags that I still have vs the usage I get out of them. Last week a large amount were donated to charity, some high street ones were sold on eBay, but one particular bag called out to me as I have not used it in ages. My Louis Vuitton Montorgueil GM. It has accompanied my to New York and Dubai on numerous occasions but I have not touched it for two years now, although it is in excellent shape :( To sell or not to sell, this is the question. 

Any takers? 

Email me for details. 

Ta ta! 

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?

I'll delve right in to it. I love Rachel Zoe, I really do. However, I do not like when designers/chains imitate each other, it gets to me as it makes me think there is a lack of inspiration somewhere. Sure, some consumers may like this, but personally, I prefer walking in to a store and seeing something I have not seen before. A particular style of Rachel Zoe's bags, the Zoe tote is available on Shopbop.com in the following versions-

The Zoe Tote

Camel

$495

The Zoe Tote

Black

$495

The Zoe Tote

Natural/ Black

$475

Now compare against River Island's Oversized Padlock Bags which were available until January 2012 on their website and in stores (some black ones have still been spotted in stores as of yesterday!)

Sure, the designs are very slightly different (in that the Zoe Tote fans out slightly and is slightly less structured, but come on, they've even been photographed very similarly.

So, do you agree with imitation being the sincerest form of flattery? Or is is something that irks you as much as it does me?

Ta ta!

Music to my ears!

I haven't stopped listening to the following this week-

Marina and The Diamonds- 'Primadonna'

Gotye- 'Somebody That I Used To Know'

Lana Del Rey- 'This Is What Makes Us Girls'

Music is my love! What's been tickling your ears this week?

Ta ta!

Oh, Hell No!

The world of fashion is a whimsical one where anything and everything goes but how you do something is what actually counts. Now bearing this in mind, I tend to appreciate small things in pieces of clothing/ shoes that some people consider 'ugly'.

Having said that, some things should never actually have been designed let alone be allowed to make a come back! Enter the jelly shoe. I actually remember wearing these as a kid (*blushes*) and vowed after a few months of doing so, to never ever wear them again. When I see photographs of me in them, I want to positively burn them!

Topshop, you have made my day a sad one! So hey, if you by any chance actually want to appear in public in jelly shoes, the following are available from Topshop-

Nina Heeled Jelly Shoe 

£24.00

Available from Topshop

Nina Heeled Jelly Shoe 

£24.00

Available from Topshop

Huey Jelly Gladiator Sandal

£16.00

Available from Topshop

*Runs to puke!*

Ta ta!

GCB!

I confess, I do not watch much television, but every so often there comes along a show/ drama/ serial (whatever you'd like to call it) that becomes your guilty pleasure! As the world knows, women are the best at gossiping and Good Christian Bitches/ Belles (the name was changed a few times for obvious reasons) or just plain GCB, explores this theme. I watched the pilot last night and know I'm going to enjoy this! Kristin Chenoweth is brilliant!

Ta ta!

What Is Love?

A dear Friend is visiting me this week and we have been talking about everything!

One of yesterday evenings topics was the meaning of love. As much as I'd like it to be, it isn't being bought a new pair of Louboutins or a selection of sparkle from Cartier.

This is how I sum up love-

Love is feeling comfortable and open with someone as well as without them. Love is being able to put somebody else before yourself. Love is looking in to someones eyes and never wanting to shift your gaze. Love is holding someones hand and wanting to keep it held forever. Love is sleeping with a smile on your face because of who is next to you. Love is adapting to a relationship and understanding the other person. Love is putting your trust in someone else. Love is feeling warm and content. Love is arguing and then laughing about it. Love is saying sorry just to put someone else at ease. Love is calling in the middle of the day, just because. Love is fearing nothing but accepting and overcoming everything- together.

I particularly liked the last point.

What's your definition of love?

Ta ta!

Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow!

Kudos to Benefit for coming up with a pretty long foundation title!

So, Benefit are launching a liquid foundation in March 2012 under the name of, yep, Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow. Offering a natural finish, oil free formulation complete with SPF, I cannot wait to head over to a Benefit counter near me to try this foundation out. Having said that, as I have combination skin I'd be interested to see how this works with me.

Whilst I have yet to hear anything about this in the UK, presumably because it has not even been released here yet, I have heard a few good things so far about this from some friends across the pond in America. I am told it provides a lovely, smooth 'almost skin like but better' finish and comes in a good variety of shades. One particular friend told me the reason she liked it more than her former foundation (which was Make Up For Ever HD Foundation) was because it made her look like she had good skin with perhaps a tinted moisturiser on as opposed to a full face of foundation. Good things indeed!

Whilst I'm quite content with my current Mac Studio Fix powder foundation in that the coverage is amazing, I do have to say that it does look a little heavy at times and as I'm relatively young (I'm in my early 20s) this is not a look I want. This is why I would like to try a foundation that offers a medium coverage at least with an SPF if possible but does not look oh so obvious. I'm pretty fussy when it comes to foundation but do believe that you should be as the base of your makeup is where everyone will notice you- not the accents (i.e. eyeshadow, lip colour etc).

I can't wait to see what the shade selection will be like over here, but if it's anything like the image above (taken from the Benefit US website) then there will be a good selection of shades. I just really really hope though that this foundation does not oxidise as this is something that I have been plagued with, with virtually every foundation I have tried.

So, do you have any current liquid foundation loves? Have you tried Benefit's H.F.O.W?

Ta ta!

Major Wedge Moment!

It's official. After lusting after wedges for a while but not having enough courage to wear them (for fear of stumbling whilst strutting my stuff), I declare I want as many pairs as I can get my hands on. I love wedges as they are generally easier to walk in than heels, look amazing and add inches in height without looking over bearing!

My personal favourites?

Office 'Wedgie' Wedge Shoe

£60

Available from www.office.co.uk and at Office stores

I love this pair! Firstly it's black meaning it'll go well with everything, secondly, it has a generous platform and thirdly it has espadrille detailing- gorgeous!

Kurt Geiger 'George' Wedge Shoe

£270

Available from www.kurtgeiger.com and at Kurt Geiger stores

Officially besotted! What's not to love about this sky high but still stable, intricately detailed nude pair? I love the fact that they are of a nude colour way- as it's quite hard to find wedges in this colour and the detailing just makes them stand out that much more.

Diavolina 'Karis' Wedge Shoe

£68

Available from www.asos.com

I'm in love with the detailing on this pair. These are a pair that can easily go from day to night without looking over the top. Wear with bare legs or even with tights, I need to make these mine asap!

Messeca 'Charmene' Wedge Boot

£135

Available from www.asos.com

As I type this, these are sitting in my basket at Asos- happy days! I've been after a pair of wedge boots for a while and whilst I have a few pairs, there's nothing too special about them but this pair I love because they are fleece lined which means comfort and warmth and feature a wooden wedge with strip detail at the back meaning you'll get admiring glances no matter which angle these are eyed up from! Fabulous and can't wait to actually have them- I predict these being a big staple in my wardrobe :)

LK Bennett 'Maddox' Shoe

£175

Available from www.lkbennett.com and at LK Bennett Stores

These and I lounging about on the French Riviera. Enough said. Never underestimate the power of a well made pair of snakeskin print shoes. I love that the snakeskin print on this pair is in a rose colour, not as stern as your typical ivory and black colour way. 

River Island Multi Coloured Print Wedge Shoe

£50

Available from www.riverisland.com

Paired with a silk black wrap dress and minimal jewellery, let these darlings do the talking! 

So, what are you wedge wonders this season?

Ta ta! 

High Top, You're No Flop!

I'll get straight to the point. I do not believe in wearing trainers (or sneakers, whatever you choose to call them) anywhere outside of a gym or a park (and even then, only if you're actually exercising in a park). So, it came as a bit of a shock to me that I have been lusting over a pair of of black Isabel Marant high tops for the past month. The last time I wore high tops was when I went through a 'I can wear high tops with anything because I'm cool like that' phase and it ended badly with pair upon pair of my collection being donated to my local charity shop. They must have thought I had issues.

The beautiful pair that I have been drooling over have a concealed wedge, a tongue that's a little higher and more padded than you're average high top and contrasting fabrics/ colours on each pair. Could these have been made more perfect! (That was not a question!)

Anyway, these are the gems-

Now I know they look a bit, how do I put it, strange (?) at first but to give you an idea of what they look like on, look at the famous in them-

Petra Ecclestone

Beyonce

Alicia Keys

Miranda Kerr

Alicia Keys

The down side? They are sold out pretty much everywhere! Aaaargh! Every store, every website and no thank you I shall not resort to ebay to score a pair (as tempting as this may be). So what's a Materialistic girl to do? Why dream and pray that somehow a pair is available somewhere, of course. Seriously though, I'm tres annoyed as I am desperate for a pair and can't find them anywhere. I don't even know the price tag but have reserved aside £1000 for them as I presume they will be upwards of £500 for sure. So if someone somewhere knows of any store in London or any website with these in stock, please please help a girl out and let me know! Merci!

Got any high top cravings?

Ta ta! 

T.G.I.F

Ah how I love that Friday feeling! I had a rather eventful night out and was greatful for the lovely company. There's nothing better than knowing that the next two days are entirely yours! Have a great weekend, be happy and enjoy life!

Ta ta!

Purchases of the day!

So what's a girl to do but shop, right? Whilst out today I was supposed to be attending a few meetings. But in between my downtime, I managed to pick up just a few small things as you'll see in this post.

Take a peek at my purchases-

Philosophy The Microdelivery Purifying Peel

Available from QVC

£32.00

This I actually ordered last week from QVC as my current one was running dangerously low- therefore I did not pick it up today of course, but it was waiting in all it's glory for me when I got home :) I use this weekly as part of my facial (I have yet to find someone who will deliver a facial without terrifying my skin). I love the texture of this, although for sensitive skins it may not be ideal as you do feel a bit of a sting on the skin when this is applied. The results though far outweigh the initial tingle though and my skin is left clear and very bright. Another reason I continue to use this is because over the course of two months, my pores have decreased in size considerably! I have no cons for this product and would highly recommend it to those who want a fresh, livened complexion weekly (i.e. everyone!). 

Also, I'd like to recommend QVC for those of you who may be a bit apprehensive about a purchase as their returns policy is amazing and helps me put my confidence in them should anything go wrong.

L'Occitane Soap

Available from L'Occitane stores

£4.50

I love luxury soaps. They look great, smell wonderful and put a little piece of luxury in your everyday life. This was my first time in a stand alone L'Occitane store and I loved it, the sales staff were attentive but not pushy and were happy to give advice and let me browse in peace. I bought these two soaps for the guest bathroom and opted for the Cinnamon and Verbena scents- at £4.50 each it was rude not to.

Maybelline The Falsies Black Drama Mascara

Available from Boots

£7.99 (Currently £5.99)

The darker the better I say, which is why I was curious to try out The Falsies mascara in the blackest black they can offer. I have heard great things about this mascara but then I say that about most products I end up being disappointed with. I will use this for a month and then report back with a review. 

Sally Hansen Miracle Nail Growth

Available from Boots

£9.65

This is a no-brainer. Want long, strong healthy nails in days? Make this your new best friend without fail! I love this and have been doing so for about two years now. It truly works and leaves nails strong and glossy. I can't be without it.

Care to share your purchases?

Ta ta!

'Juicy' summer shoes!

When the Spring/ Summer season approaches, year after year, we are spoilt with shoes in what I call 'Juicy' colours. What I mean is the juiciest, most gorgeous tones bold enough to have you drooling but wearable enough for you to throw on with the plainest of outfits. In layman's terms, bold colours.

Since most of us come out of hibernation (i.e. are more willing to venture out just about anywhere and everywhere and generally enjoy ourselves a whole lot more) in Spring/ Summer, I prefer flat shoes and I have found some wonderful affordable options whilst trawling the 'net today-

New Look have designed some real gems in their footwear selection this year. Although it is difficult to find smaller sizes in stores, I have to say, generally you can get what you want online. The first loafer I love because of the colour and the print- both unexpected but both done quite decently-

Patent Snake Slip On Loafer 

£15.99 

(http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/shoes/patent-snake-slip-on-loafer_239309177)

This second loafer I love because of the suedette finish and the tone. Everyone knows that a bold blue hue is a must have for any woman this season. Whether it be a bag, a shoe or a scarf it just has to be done. My shot of blue this season will likely come from this loafer or perhaps a scarf- not quite sure but at £15.99 these shoes are inexpensive enough to trash and not feel bad about when throwing away! I can see these working well with a yellow taffeta skirt and gold jewellery.

Slip On Suedette Loafer

£15.99

(http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/shoes/slip-on-suedette-loafer_236420040)

I can imagine telling anyone who will care to listen how they simply must have these slingbacks this season. They are a lovely bright yellow and feature a beautiful bow slingback- what is there to think about?

Carven Flat Suede Slingbacks

£285

(http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/181968)

These had me at watermelon scented! (No joke!)

Thuja Bow Ballerina Pump

£45

(http://www.tedbaker.com/women%27s/women%27s_accessories/shoes/list.aspx#-&styCode=95986&colRef=85-ORANGE&path=/women's/women's%20accessories/shoes/)

Good enough to eat! A demure pointed toe flat, these would look amazing teamed with indigo skinny jeans, a crisp white oxford and a pink patterned scarf! I love!

Ellos Patent Ballet Pump

£29

(http://www.laredoute.co.uk/ellos-patent-ballet-pumps-with-flat-heel-6-colours.htm?ProductId=324296189&CMPID=COM0057LARGOOGBLNK)

Make yours a juicy Summer!

Ta ta!