Off the radar- Retrograde is over

Mercury Retrograde is finally over and let me tell you,

this time it was a killer ...

Retrograde comes and go. Is it a myth or is it an excuse? With cynical tweets in full swing and all anyone talks about for an entire month (this time around), what does it really mean? Whether it is psychological or the planets really do have an impact on how we are feeling (which I believe they do) there was no escaping this one. What a roller coaster of emotions and feeling it brought along with it. 

November is always a weird one for me, it never sits quite right. This month I decided to go off the radar. My schedule was filled, work life was crazy and strangest thing about it? There was not a single part of me that felt the desire to share it. 

I went Christmas shopping in London, another trip to Edinburgh, I spent a minute taking time out, I went out with my nearest and dearest, I fell ill, I worked like crazy and quite simply I had the best time. 

  

I dined in my favourite restaurants, cafes and bars, spent Saturday in Selfridges and my Sunday in Harrods. I visited my sister and stayed solo, waking up at 5am and going to bed by 9. I took some time out for myself and I also spent it with my closest. After working like crazy all year round it was needed more than ever. 

The thing is social media and its influence makes you feel a certain way and keeping your head above  water when you are juggling so many things at once proves a challenge to anyone. It's hard to keep on top of your motivation, energy and engagement. 

   

The things that keep you going are the things that can make you not break you. I find myself fully invested in Christmas this year ... a completely new thing for me. I look back at my past month and despite a few hiccups know I have placed myself in the best position and situations and feel proud of my work even though I felt tested. 

Just remember darlings, you should never feel guilty about taking time for you regardless of where that is, who that is with or when that is. I have found myself in some tough situations this past year and its true what they say what makes you bad makes you better. 

This way you are ready for anything. 

  

You made it this far, who is ready to have a little fun? 

  

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

Go bold or go home | Blogmas

    

Outfit of the day

Dress: River Island

Shoes: Office

Face of the day:

Make up look, 'Glamour Muse' by Charlotte Tilbury

Face: Magic cream, magic foundation, the retoucher, airbrush flawless finish, love glow cheek to chic, Bronze and glow light to medium 

Eyes: Full fat lashes mascara, Rock n Kohl: Barbella brown eye liner, the luxury palette, Brooke S brow lift SHOP HERE

Lips: Pillow talk lip liner, Velvet Underground lipstick, Candy darling lipgloss SHOP HERE

 

Festive makeovers | Blogmas

It's the festive season my darlings which can only mean one thing ... all things glam of course. 

This is the one time in the year where it is completely acceptable to go outrageously bold with your beauty look and not one person will give you anything other than a compliment.

So why do it yourself? If you are going to spend all this money on your favourite beauty products it's time that you learn how to use them. Whether you are in a rush or just need a dash of gorgeousness, with minimal effort, here are five different make up specialists that will give you the Christmas look of your dreams. 

When I think of Chanel I instantly think of a bold red lip as worn by many of their campaign faces. Chanel focuses on a perfect combination of sultry and intense looks yet their application remains understated and flawless. Focused greatly on skin, this brand provides great coverage with little product. Chanel would be my go to for high society and everything just that little bit more formal knowing it would provide me with ever inch of glamour and sophistication I need. 

If you would like your make up done at MAC you have to act fast, there is not one time where I have been and not to had have booked my appointment weeks before. MAC focus on intensity and go places that you are perhaps to afraid to do so. We are talking strong eyebrows, darkened lids and of course classic colour pop lips. Their products are at the upper end of high street yet remain long lasting and affordable.

From start to finish Tom Ford will make you feel like a goddess and why is that? These products are in their own category of luxury. From divine packaging to sacred scent, Tom Ford make up specialists  contain every inch of knowledge needed to promote each and every product. If you choose a Tom Ford beauty counter you know you are going to walk out with a bold, brilliant beauty look that will last all night long. 

If you are lucky enough to have a Charlotte Tilbury counter in your home city I would suggest you take a trip because this is one make over you will not want to miss out on. Charlottes iconic ten looks, which  I have discussed many times before, are perfect for any and every occasion. Whether you are brave and daring as a Vintage Vamp or imagine yourself living it up in a casino on the French Riviera as a sophisticate, Charlotte will ensure you fall nothing short of drop dead gorgeous. 

Anyone who knows of Urban Decay knows that they are strong believers in heavy coverage and pigmented products. If you want to show everyone you are the life and soul of the party don't just start with your outfit but also your beauty look. We are talking lengthly lashes, smokey seduction and a vibrant lip. This brand is also perfect for the festive season as it's glitter eyes shadows, courtesy of new Moondust palette, are something you just cannot miss out on.

Dior, like Chanel, is classic. Whilst Dior is a little more understated it is the epitome of sophistication, creating flawless skin and make up adapted to any occasion and skin type. It's holiday collection, whilst costly, is a well worth investment, but provides all the more reason as to why you should visit one of their counters. If you want striking here is your guide to achieving it. 

Which beauty counter will be your go to this festive season?

Whether your fun and feisty with a little Charlotte touch or sleek and sexy with an Urban Decay smokey eye, these brands will never fail to impress.  

Save yourself the work and invest in one of the best make overs you will ever have.

 

Go get them girl | Blogmas

So by no means can I call myself the best blogger this year. My posts have been few and timely so what happened? Life happened. It has been a crazy, unpredictable year that to say has kept me on my toes is an understatement. 

The festive season is here. Usually I can’t quite believe how quickly it has come around but this year it’s taken it’s time. Quite simply this year has been a drag, but it doesn’t mean we are going to finish it that way.

Welcome to blogmas my darlings! 

Over the next month I plan to show you an array of festive favourites, sacred style secrets, hot topics and all things quite simply fabulous. We always talk about just how care free those Summer frolics are but when, ‘love is quite literally all around us’, why can’t we make this festive season as equally sassy and show stopping?

Whether you work the festive season or are lucky enough to spend it with your loved ones, there is  a way to celebrate for everyone. Maybe it’s that office party that you have your eyes set on or you enjoy buying and wrapping gifts, as long as you remember to give as well as receive you will find peace with yourself. 

It’s time to get overrated, outrageous and outstandingly gorgeous as we count down the days to 2017. There is still time to change this year, lets place every effort into making it our best whether thats decorating ourselves head to toe in sequins, going that extra shade brighter with the bold red lip or staying out hours longer than you should.

Between the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show and the strike of midnight on the 31st, 

darlings it’s time to slay.

 

Geek Chic | Blogmas

So darlings,  I have been MIA for a day or so and with good right. I spent yesterday lusting after The Force Awakens, Star Wars Episode VII, geek chic's finest. 

Take a look at my outfit of the day

Coat- Warehouse SHOP

Pinafore- Dorothy Perkins

Jumper- Topshop

Boots- River Island SHOP

Bag- Michael Kors