Chill the f**k out- 2019 goals

Happy New Year my darlings! 

Can you believe it's 2019? Does this make us millennials old?

It maybe a new year but we are less of the 'new me' and more of the 'new and improved'. 2018 was one of the best years of my life and has left me well and truly satisfied but it's that time to pick your life apart and just remind yourself exactly what it is you need to do to get your where you want to be.

2019 goals

1. Chill the f**k out.

2. Free yourself of negative space.

3. Have your say, just a little louder.

4. The unimaginable, the thing you want the most.

5. Escape. Create a new happy place.

6. Share. Your privacy can be overwhelming.

7. Log out, those emails can wait.

8. Ask for help.

9. Health first, don't leave it to late.

10. Choose personal life over pressure.

11. Go to bed on time ...

12. Read.

13. ... Nap less 

14. Headspace, free your mind baby its a little heavy.

15. Give it up, no strings.

16. Eat healthier, just like every other person in the world.

17. Don't walk away, call it.

18. Stay reckless, forget less is more.

19. Let your favourites know you are obsessed with them.

Which are your favourites? How will you ensure 2019 is your year? 

As I always I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have your endless support over the past 6 years, especially when I have needed it most. I remain forever grateful.

Love 

 

Call it a classic

  

We all know I adore all things bold, bright and experimental when it comes to fashion stakes but this wedding season I sidelined and reached for the complete opposite. Unintentionally channelling Audrey Hepburn, Givenchy vibes in Breakfast at Tiffanys, I opted for a black peplum embellished dress. 

Yes, black- one colour palette I never appear to reach for. 

The added embellishment kept this ensemble far from boring and settled at the perfect length, just above my knee. Accessorising was minimal as very little assistance was needed to compliment this outfit that I paired with a pink clutch and stilettos during the day and black in the evening. This classic look is one of my favourites.

Remember making a statement created the icons.

SHOP MY LOOK//

Dress: River Island SHOP

Shoes: Carvela SHOP SIMILAR

Check out my Spring fling glam HERE

Spring fling glam

Hello my darlings! 

It has been a busy month but Spring is finally in full swing even if the minus temperatures are continuing to creep up on us. Spring, is the ultimate wedding season- typically florals, pastels and barely there stilettos but if you know me i've never believed in cliche!

One thing that remains for times to come is wedding glam. Where are the boundaries? Can I wear a red lip and get away with it? Should I keep it minimal?

The trick to this darlings is keep it basic, basic but not boring. Yesterday I attended the wedding of a close friend, wearing a black piece (did I mention it's my new favourite colour? groundbreaking).

I kept my glam pretty and glowing opting for a bronze shimmer eye paired with a smoky lash line and pink lips, subtle but not underrated. This is my go to glam for daytime events and it is quite simply fail proof. Paired with a Californian spray tan I ensured my face of the day, paired with my relatively simplistic ensemble, complimented my look without neglect.

Here are the products I used but just a reminder a nuder than nude lip did not go down in glam history.

Primer: Optical Illusion by Urban Decay Shop

Foundation: Dior Star 21 Shop

Powder: Stay matte transparent by Rimmel Shop

Eyebrows: Brunette Sketch and Intensify by Laura Mercier Shop

Eyeshadow: Huda Rose Gold Shop

Eyeliner: Noir exaggerate waterproof crayon by Rimmel Shop

Mascara: Legendary lashes by Charlotte Tilbury Shop

Blusher: Rose shimmer brick by Bobbi Brown Shop

Bronzer: Bronze shimmer brick bY Bobbi Brown Shop

Highlighter: Afterglow by Urban Decay Shop

Lipstick: Snob by Mac Shop

Which are your favourites? Be sure to let me know.

Keep it simple but desirable. 

  

Ooohlalaa its fashion takes 5

Can you believe it’s been 5 years since we started here? Five years of killer sunglasses, endless city nights, dreamy beaches and all things runway. A lot has changed in five years and it has been one insane journey. Five years ago Anne Hathaway was winning an Academy and colourful tights were all the rage. We’ve flown the world, seen some of the most show stopping runways and kept it real in a world that just won’t stop evolving for the better and the worse. We’ve learned to have a voice, to count our blessings and to be ambitious. It doesn’t stop here. Thank you for your continued support particularly over the past few years it has kept me determined, driven and of course a little sassy. Ooohlalaa it’s fashion my darlings x 

 

Down to earth

February is alway the strangest month. Congratulations, you made it through the January blues however know that your Summer vacay is still five months away. The key to keeping yourself motivated over these next few months is keeping it real. Throw yourself into what you are passionate about, work hard and surround yourself by encouragement- trust me you will be thanking yourself before you know it. 

Keep it real: Set yourself realistic goals

Keep your head out the clouds and set the bar but make sure you can get there. Deadlines are everything, if you could do it you should do it.

Keep it real: Plan, but don't overplan

You can't do everything but you can do most things. Keep yourself busy, reconnect and throw yourself into all things that matter. A girl on the go is a girl who is motivated and ready to kill it.

Keep it real: Surround yourself by ambition

Focus on yourself. Be a little selfish. Don't let others put you down. Not everyone will strive for what you desire and thats ok, but don't let it demotivate you. It's easy to be blinded but keep your head down and priorities in check, no one strives to be a people pleaser.

Keep it real: Have a little fun

It's not all work and no play. PLAN your Summer, set yourself something to look forward to. Do not turn boring. Take a break, get scandalous, make a mistake and learn a lesson. Buy those shoes you can't afford, leave that party later than you should, say the things you shouldn't, experiment with your style, be outrageous but keep it real.

Stay down to earth darling, because once you've left no one likes a fall. 

18 things to get you going in 2018

Go get them.

2018

1. As with every year we start number one by just reminding you it is perfectly acceptable to book a Summer vacay right now and not feel guilty about it.

2. The Golden Globes made history, the Critics Choice Awards changed the game and the rest of Awards Season is in anticipation. With so many stand out performances and powerful films it is almost impossible to identify our winners, paving the way for another unpredictable awards season.

3. The power of social media has dramatically risen over recent years but 2018 has already proven to be momentous with the #TimesUp campaign. We can only expect this to expand as it provides voices to the globe. This is something we are incredibly grateful for and cannot wait to see the progress it has on the horizon.

4. 2018 marks the Suffragette Century and we can't wait to participate in events celebrating 100 years since the Representation of the People Act. This was the benchmark for change in UK Politics and is the milestone that led to our passionate stance on voter participation today.

5. This years Met Gala theme is, 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination': to be held on April 30th. OH, and did I mention Rhianna is hosting?! 

6. Can you believe it has already been four years? This years sees the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea and the Fifa World Cup in Russia.

7. With a royal baby due in April and a royal wedding in May it is another big year for the monarchy we cannot wait! We love all things quintessentially British.

8. Hamilton has finally made it to the West End, a date that has been in our diaries for days, months, years. No exaggeration. 

9. This is our last year to mention Fifty Shades, with the final movie premiering in February. This is one guilty pleasure we can't help but miss already.

10. It is a big year for films with Mary Queen of Scots, Mary Poppins Returns and Oceans 8 paving their way to the big screens. These are just some of the films that have been in the works for quite some time sending our anticipation into overload.

11. Did we ever think we would see the return of 90's mini sunglasses? They are outrageous, and we are already rating them. 

12. After skipping last year due to her show stopping pregnancy Queen B is headlining Coachella. 

13. Visiting the edge of the Earth is now possible. VS angels Josephine Skriver and Jasmine Tookes spent the start of the year hopping around Antartica. This has just made it to the top of every bucket list ever created. 

14. Many of our favourite artists are hitting the road this year with Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar and Ed Sheeran all on tour ... just to name a few.

15. JT takes on the Superbowl (again)

16. Pantones colour of the year; ULTRA VIOLET. 'A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future' ... and it is completely perfect.

17. It is the year of switching off. Spend your evenings with a book in your hand and your phone locked away. We always talk about doing it but it's now time to place it into practice and stick with it.

18. 2018 is the year of you. There is nothing wrong with evaluating, goal setting and concentrating on your desires. It's time to look after yourself and think about what YOU want to achieve this year. Sarah Knight, author of 'You Do You' and 'The life-changing magic of not giving a f**k', uses her sassy personality to help you out in these two books (that I could not recommend enough!). 

Be selfish, but considerate.

Be bold, but kind.

Strive, but always be grateful.  

Have a wonderful week darlings, we don't do January blues around here. 

  

This post is not sponsored

Let's Chat

As many of you may have noticed last year my content was minimal and often timely, but why?

It was time for a change.

I can no longer define Ooohlalaa it's fashion as solely a fashion blog because it isn't. Whilst I have always been vocal about my beliefs something changed early last year that meant I was no longer willing to relegate my posts to only fashion and beauty.

It goes without saying that the fashion industry plays a big part in my life and will always be central to my passion. It's what started Ooohlalaa it's fashion and it will certainly remain for it's entire existence, I mean just look at the title.

... but what has changed is our purpose. 

'Inspire, influence and succeed', applies to all areas of life, now more than ever. After a tough year last year the world needed a lot of love, belief and hope. The discussions we have in our everyday lives are powerful, thought provoking and revolutionary. I built this platform as a way to place my inspirations and ideas down on paper, but it just so happens that these haven't changed, instead have expanded and matured along with their audience.

Our priorities have changed and it is important that we change with them. 

I maybe a fashion blogger, a beauty blogger, a travel blogger and every topic in between but I am also a life blogger. Whilst my interests and passion remain primarily the same I find that this platform, as with many others, in need of progression. We can no longer be blinded, or ignorant as to what is going on around us, and we won't. A change in pace is needed.

Here you will find all things style, beauty, travel but you will also find cause, drive and hope. 

The world is changing, and so are we. 

Ooohlalaa it's fashion is a website that 

inspires, influences and succeeds with a touch of sassy city frolicking and the latest style fix,

it just now means something greater.

 

Mani magic X Nails Inc. | Blogmas

The festive season paves the way for outrageous glam. If there was ever a time to get a little dramatic with your beauty routine you will now find yourself in the midst of it. A manicure can change an ensemble or a look. Whilst seeking my favourite shades that I have picked up over the years I was drawn to an array of Nails Inc. When it comes to your dream manicure there are no boundaries and these colours have not only accompanied me to weddings, vacays and nights out but they quite simply add a little personality into my everyday look. 

Quite simply put, they never fail me.

Priced around £12- £15, with the inclusion of both the Sparkle Like a Unicorn and Holographic duos, these polishes will not only last you for the year ahead but remain chip proof when paired with a top coat. Nails Inc. also offer a £5 a year VIP service in which 10% discount is applied to purchases made online.

Both It's all Elementary and Kings Road, a chrome and foil are subtle yet far from boring. In contrast Dream dust, Rocket fuel and Ghetto Galatic do more than what their name would suggest flourishing whilst under an array of lights. However it is Nail Kale that I find myself lusting after day after day, to say I have used this plenty during the AW17 season is something of an understatement. 

Shop these shades (left to right): Dream dust, (SHOP) It's all elementary (SHOP), Regent Mews (SHOP), Rocket Fuel (SHOP),  Kings Road (SHOP SIMILAR), Ghetto Galatic (SHOP)

Which is your favourite colour this coming party season?

If you are like me I rarely find time to go for a manicure but why do I need to when these awesome shades are literally at hand?

Be sure to let me know.

Shop the entire Nails Inc. collection over on nailsinc.com

*this post is not sponsered 

What's in my bag? Christmas '17 | Blogmas

The mini edition
           I have recently changed my go to handbag to something that is simple, structured and will go with any ensemble. This is a handbag that I pick up as I leave the house for any occasion and it is very rare that I change it's contents. I have had this Zara over the shoulder bag (SHOP SIMILAR) since last fall and I know I will have it for months to come. Costing around £39.99 it is the perfect mini for any trip and it's size eliminates the temptation to overfill it with unnecessary belongings.
      As many of you know I am a sunglasses enthusiast and wear them all year around. My Fendi Iridia's (SHOP), in classic black and gold, always leave the house with me. I consider these an essential to keeping my eye make up in place especially in the midst of a never ending polar vortex. 
     I have recently switched to an iPhone X (yes I am still figuring out how to use it). Like many I rarely leave the house without my phone but I also consider accessories such as a power bank a necessity when you are a far away from home, working long days or on the go. These keep you in loop with the world and great in an emergency. 
     Having a card holder is revolutionary. Instead of carrying around a purse, which is unlikely to fit, a card holder contains everything you need and is perfect for nights out in the city! I bought mine from River Island (SHOP SIMILAR) however the variations are endless. 

    You may think are three lip pieces really that essential? to which I argue yes they are. I always carry around two lipsticks, one day time and another evening. My current favourites are Bitch Perfect by Charlotte Tilbury (SHOP) and Marthe by Chanel (SHOP). I also carry my Unleash Me lipgloss by Charlotte Tilbury as an added extra to wear over Marthe (SHOP). These are for days when you don't have time for a dramatic outfit change but your still need a little help in creating a flawless look. Another quick trick is carrying a perfume sample or handbag bottle with your favourite scent (my current favourite is CT, Scent of a Dream), you never know when it will be needed.

Which are your favourite handbag accessories this festive season?

What do you consider an essential?

 

It's the season ... | blogmas

December has finally arrived and we find ourselves once more in confusion as to how the year has passed by so suddenly, but the festive season is here and it's about to be our best yet. It's time to take a step back, revaluate and have a little fun.

It's the season ...

... of city trips and new year getaways

There is nothing more dreamy than finding the time to travel over Christmas. So whether you are city hopping to Christmas shop or jetsetting to warmer climates, if you have the chance to do this - take it. 

I recently visited Edinburgh not only to explore those iconic Christmas markets but to purchase from some of my favourite places, oh and you know I have a thing for department stores. It's times like these that you forget about the minus degrees and your everyday schedule to take time out and have a little 'me' time. Christmas is my busiest period and i'm an avid shopper so I couldn't resist. 

... champagne, sequins, lovers

There is nothing I adore more than a Christmas party, I take any chance of an opportunity to dress head to toe dramatic. The shops are filled with the most ridiculous over the top, vibrant colours and sparkle and they are quite simply out of this world. It's time to bring Paris' 21st mini number into a new era and pair bold and brilliant cuts with faux fur and extravagant accessorising- and no one will question it.

... movies, songs and home decor

Christmas appears to have started early this year with Christmas trees appearing before November has ended. I treasure the time between Christmas and New Year due to a hectic schedule however that does not mean I refrain from surrounding myself with all things festive. Try something a little different this year when it comes to decorating your home. My favourite holiday theme of all time is rose gold and bronze, one trend I just wish would hurry and return. Christmas is about treasuring your home and creating tradition, a rule book you don't have to abide to.

... sales!

The second it hits midnight on Boxing Day my sale shopping begins. Find yourself snapping up some of the hottest seasonal pieces. This is the time of year I always invest in items I know that will last me for years to come the trick is knowing where to look. Everyone has the same idea when it comes to hitting the high streets and shopping centres in the days following Christmas but stores such as net-a-porter, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols are my go to, just be wary as you often have to await for Christmas delivery catch up.

... gift giving

Whilst many despise Christmas shopping for others I can't help but adore. Although you may find it difficult to buy for others there are plenty of hints and tips around that can help you on your way, whether you're picking up gift guides from your favourite stores or getting inspiration off your favourite YouTubers. Both scent and personalisation are things that have mesmerised this year.

... giving back and showing a little love

We have talked about all our festive favourites but Christmas is your time to make a statement. Think about what is important to you, how you can change someones day, and what you can do to make a difference. We always talk about having a voice, particularly in todays society, but do you consider how you can use it? Motivate yourself and others around you. 

Don't be a bystander when it comes to discussion or cause.

It's the season where everything happens. Where no matter what you have entailed this year your priorities refocus and you engage in a little self love. Join me this December as we explore all things festive and all things 2017. 

Merry Christmas my darlings!

Shop my look//

Coat: River Island SHOP 

Top: Zara SHOP

Jeans: Levi SHOP

Boots: River Island SHOP

Handbag: Michael Kors SHOP SIMILAR

Scarf: Burberry SHOP

Delectable | September favourites

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September is undoubtedly my favourite month. It marks the start of a new season, fashion week and the launch of a whole array of new products ready for the festive season. This month I have invested a lot of time and experimentation with some fresh launches. AW17 is in full swing and Autumn just so happens to be my favourite season, I mean who else agrees this seasons colour palette is too die for?

Nails Inc. nail kale, Regent Mews SHOP

Nail Kale is my new Nails Inc favourite. As a loyal customer I am rarely wearing a manicure other than Nails Inc. Regent Mews is not only a rich, deep purple which is ultimately seasonal, and a known weakness of mine, but it leaves you with the manicure of yours dreams. Made with extracts of kale this polish strengthens your nails and from personal experience is a league ahead when it comes to being chip proof.

Full bodied foundation brush 110, FENTY Beauty SHOP

I happened to be in Harvey Nichols the day of the Fenty beauty launch and I just couldn't drag myself away. I have actively been seeking a new foundation brush all year and I just could not find the one, until I laid my eyes on this. Not only is the colour of this brush super cute and chic but it's softness is out of this world. This is one celebrity beauty range I would highly recommend testing. 

Liberation, Balmain X L'Oreal SHOP

I had been signed up to Balmain X L'Oreal list for a while and yes on September 1st I was sat there awaiting it's introduction. Balmain is one of my favourite brands, with Olivier Rousteing being one of my idols- his fierce attitude brings it all. The hard part when purchasing this lipstick was choosing a colour ... bold, bright, subtle or daring? Or all the above? Liberation is a divine purple that is perfect for your AW17 wardrobe. Beware this is one very dark lipstick however it is filled with rich tones that compliment any glam look.

  

Tootsie Tamer, Nails Inc SHOP

This was gifted to me as a birthday present and I only wish I had this all Summer. Essentially a foot buff this tootsie tamer works miracles ... find me wearing sling backs all year long.

  

Sweet Peach palette, Too Faced SHOP

What I adore about this palette is it's transitional array of colours. Whilst peaches and bronzes are perfect for the Summer months it also includes some of my very favourite Autumnal tones. Talk Derby to me, Delectable and Peach pit are what dreams are made of this fall.

  

Hollergraphic, Nails Inc. SHOP

I couldn't resist. You all know how much I adored my Unicorn mani, well it just got all the more outrageous. These nails inc duos are literally magic in a bottle. All you need is a dark room and a camera flash to see why. Hello showstopper. 

 

Rose Gold Apple Watch S2 SHOPS3

I was incredibly lucky to receive an Apple Watch for my birthday. As someone who is always on the go, and someone who must keep up to date with the latest news at all costs, this watch literally delivers everything I need in a heartbeat. I have never been a watch wearer but this rose gold design is stunning whatever your ensemble. If you are a tech lover like me I couldn't recommend it enough.

MOSCHINO

MFW has just passed and Jeremy Scott's SS18 ready to wear runway was something I will forever remember. His play with shapes and colours, paired with his fun and feisty attitude, never fail to deliver excellence. He encourages us to experiment, break boundaries and embrace our powerful persona's. View the collection HERE. 

Guess playsuit, SHOP GUESS

I picked up this gorgeous Guess playsuit ready for my birthday. It's phenomenal colour caught my eye in an instance and you all know how much I adore the 'almost lingerie' trend. This playsuit has not yet made it onto the website but I can only hope it's reappearance exists in multiple shades. It is laid back, effortless and of course a little sassy.

Sweet nothings journal, Kate Spade SHOP Kate Spade

Everyone knows I adore Kate Spade and her attention to detail. Everything feels so simplistic and effortless but her way with words add a little attitude to all her products. 

They also happen to be my desk favourites. 

Which products have been your favourite this September?

The festive gift guides are just around the corner, and we are on countdown.