sorry that the photographs didn't show on my last post, I have edited it now so that they're visible! (:

xoxoxo

Day to Night hair and makeup

same day - two different looks

The other day, I had university and an event to attend in the evening. For the day time I washed my hair the night before and simply applied TIGI bedhead curl serum before leaving it to dry naturally over night. I then tamed the hair by brushing it with a large tangle brush to create a sleek look in the morning. For my foundation i mixed 1 part MAC Studio Fix with 2 parts of moisturiser to create a natural finish. (I love this technique for day-time as it sits so much nicer on the skin rather than using MAC on its own) for the lips I used the shade Hazard by Topshop makeup applied with a brush for precision. I love this lipstick, its so matte and lasts a long time, the colour is perfect for day time and it compliments my skin tone in comparison to most red lipsticks that seem to make me look drained. For the eyebrows I used the GOSH eyebrow pencil in the shade light brown and for the eyes I simply applied a nude Rimmel shade all over the lids that matched my skin tone, black gel liner by Topshop makeup in the shade jet black along the eyelid with a flick at the end and then lashings of various mascaras for a full eyed look. For my cheeks I did my usual blusher technique by applying a small amount of Topshop Hazard lipstick to the apples of my cheeks and then blend it in with your fingers. (all I carried with me during the day was my Hazard lipstick to top up my cheeks and lips when needed)

I went for a 90's look today, I wore my vintage CK cropped T-shirt with a simple high waisted black A Line skirt and black biker boots. I accessorised with gold jewellery in the form of a selection of gold rings and a vintage gold chain necklace. I love this shirt, it belonged to my mum and i can wear it with anything, they're so cheap to buy in vintage stores as well so i'd definitely recommend investing in some for summer to wear with high waisted denim shorts or skirts. 

For my evening look I focused more on drawing attention to my eyes, as appose to my lips. I used to be the biggest fan of false lashes and would wear them religiously, but recently I've preferred the natural shape of my eyes with only mascara on the lashes. when I returned home I removed my full day makeup and instead of combining moisturiser with the MAC foundation like I did for the day look, I used the MAC studio fix foundation on its own for a flawless, night time finish that would last throughout the evening. I then used NARS Laguna bronzer to contour around the sides of the eyes, the cheek bones and under the jaw line (I swear by contouring!). I then used Rimmel finishing powder on the nose, forehead and chin before applying Topshop Hazard lipstick to the apples of the cheeks. For the eyes I used Maybelline duo smokey eye stick in brown and applied the lighter colour all over the eye before I applied the dark colour along the crease and in the outer corner to elongate and draw attention to the cat-effect eye makeup, I then blended the darker shadow in with a simple blending brush and applied lashings of Rimmel mascara (I will do an eye make-up tutorial soon!) I then used Lancomes kohl pencil in Black along the top and bottom waterlines before applying a thin line of Topshop black gel liner in jet black with an extended flick at the end (the thinner the line along the lid, the more open the eyes appear) For the brows I used the same GOSH pencil in Light brown that I used for the day but created a more sharp, defined brow that framed the face and complimented the look. like I have done here, I usually keep my lips neutral and simple by just apply a chapstick or nude colour to them. Considering there is so much detail gone in to the eye makeup, I tend to prefer keeping my lips minimal as to avoid looking tacky or over done. For my hair I simply worked with the volume I had created before and just increased it using a hand comb to back comb the hair at the roots and then applied a fair amount of hairspray scruching the hair whilst I sprayed it to create a natural, beach waved hair style that complimented the short V-neck casual dress from Matalan I chose to wear. 

xoxoxox

I know this trend is definitely not my usual choice, but I wish I had beautiful outdoor weddings to attend this summer so that I could sit perfectly happy with the smell of roses and fresh cut grass in the air wearing items from Zara's summer collection, absolute bliss.

On entering the Zara store you instantly feel excited for summer as a beautifully put together palette of pastels is splashed along the rails. from exotic prints to perfectly constructed lace, the delicate range of fabrics ooze summer festivities. If you ever have the privilege of attending an outdoor summer event this year, Zara should be your go to store for sure. here are some of my favourite pieces and fabrics from the collection...

click here to visit the Zara website to browse and purchase these delicious candy coloured delights. 

xoxox

DIY denim shorts.

Recently, whilst shopping in Urban Outfitters in London, I came across this beautiful pair of vintage levi shorts with customised heavy spikes down the side seams. Considering my love for all things studded and spiked, I fell in love with them instantly and new I HAD to have them. seconds later my heart dropped when i realised they were nearly £80. heartbreaking.

After leaving the store without them I decided to make my own for a 10th of the price. I bought a pack of 50 cone spikes from ebay for around £8 (I'll put the link at the bottom of the blog) and attach them to my own vintage levi shorts that I purchased at a vintage store in Camden Town a couple of months ago.

When the spikes arrived, I was surprised at how quick and easy it was to attach them to my shorts. All you have to do was equally position the spikes along the shorts and then, using a pair of scissors or another sharp object, insert a hole into the seam from the inside coming out. once you have the hole which only need to be about 3mm thick, put the screw through the hole and screw on the cone spike.

All in all, I think the whole process took about 20 minutes and involved hardly any skill or attention at all. It was simple and easy and I would definitely recommend this technique to anyone that shares the same love that I have for studs and spikes.

the cones were 15mm in size.

The outcome of the shorts. 

A couple of days later I decided I wanted to add more spikes, so I simply continued the line along the seam to give it a more full effect.

I will do posts in the near future of my wearing the shorts and how I style them as part of a day or night outfit.

studs off Ebay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170792769380?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_4501wt_1019

hope you enjoyed this DIY post and happy studding!!!

xoxoxo

me and one of my girlfriends went to Chelsea last weekend for a day out in the fabulous sloane square and the famous kings road. it was such a beautiful day, we shopped and dined and even met Mark-Francis from Made in Chelsea. There was such a holiday atmosphere and so much wealth, if you're a people watching lover like myself then I would definitely recommend a day or night out in Chelsea. Also, I've never been to a more clean and peaceful part of London, I would give anything to live there! if you're planning a trip to London from overseas or from the UK, definitely include Chelsea in your list of places to visit!

What I wore...

I decided to go for a classy look as we attempted to 'blend in' with the residents of Chelsea. I love my new floral kimono, the fabric is a beautiful silk and i think it adds vibrancy to a simple black outfit. 

Kimono - Ebay

Silk vest - H&M

Trousers - Matalan 

Chain necklace (worn as bracelet) - Topshop

Leather clutch - Ebay

Boots - Office

xoxoxo

CHINA GLAZE - TWINKLE LIGHTS.

I bought an emerald green dress to wear for an event recently and, considering it was quite neutral, I wanted my nails to add a bit (a lot) of sparkle to the outfit. I'm well aware of how fortunate I am to have a family that owns a beauty salon, I have access to everything I need for free. And trust me when I say, I definitely take advantage of it.

The polish I chose to use was China Glaze - Twinkle Lights as it has been proven popular within the salon. I had never used the product before as like most people, I tend to go for the same colours every time I have my nails done as a habit.

The Polish itself is very thick and quite difficult to apply. The pieces of glitter are a mix of red and gold colours, which I found were considerably larger than other polishes I have used. The beauty of the product though, has to be the consistency. Where as most glitter polishes are simply used as a topcoat to add sparkle to a manicure, this polish allows you create a full coverage effect similar to that of Minx and Shellac nail technology that can be quite pricey.

xox

Planning on re-doing my hairs today/tomorrow as I've broken up for spring break and its in desperate need of lightening. It's such an effort though and I tend to change the colour of my bathroom every time! I'll either video or take pictures on how I ombre my hair as many friends have asked me and I never realised how hard it is to explain, without demonstrating.

Also, Massively in love with summer prints and textures at the moment. Pieces from Isabel Marant's collection available at net-a-porter are beautiful. The tie-dye effect is amazing, so grunge-esc for the classic women. take a look at the collection by clicking here!

xoxox