Lesson 1: Love hard and keep it reckless | January

2018 is nearly over my darlings and what a ride it has been. The drag of every day life is enough to blind your own perception of how well your year has went, my advice? ... don't let it. Whilst this year has see me hit some of my lowest and hardest times, after a little reflection I soon realised it has been one of my favourites. There have been times where I have been absent, stressed and not quite myself. I fell out of love with blogging, gave myself very little headspace, and found my myself constantly seeking an answer ... but you know what? I also cut out the negativity, detached myself from reality and cared a little less.

Here is the low down of some of my favourite moments this year my darlings, and a sweet reminder you are still killing it.

January began in my favourite way, partying through to the New Year in excess, we don't do things by halves. New Year will always be my favourite time of year and I always spend it with my nearest and dearest. 

The birth of two of my absolute favourites baby was the best start to the year. Leo Christopher Atkinson was born on 9th January 2018 and he remains he most precious little boy in the world. The constant snaps of him keep me SANE. 

If you don't have a BFF in your life go find one. This girl dropped everything when I felt reckless one day and booked a trip to Amsterdam. 

This city is everything to us and is our escape whenever we need it.

 

Lesson 1: Love hard, and keep it reckless.

 

17 things to get you going in 2017

Today is the day that many people face the dreaded return to work after the festive period. Why so dreaded? It's the start of a brand New Year and a whole new list of things to get excited about. Here's a just a few things to get you through the start of those dreary January blues.

2017
1.We have some serious movie releases heading our way this year. From Jackie O, to Beauty and the Beast, Wonderwoman and Star Wars (!!). This is one killer year for the film industry and they come so frequently that there is always something to spice up your month.

2.Awards season starts this Sunday! Yes... this Sunday. All eyes will be peeled on the red carpets of the Golden Globes, BAFTA's, Peoples Choice, SAG and of course the Oscars. Will it be Emma and Ryan who take the lead or Natalie who strikes again? Were still not quite over Leo's win.

3.It is exactly 5 months until it becomes perfectly acceptable to start jetting away on your Summer holiday. That's 149 days, and this is one.

4.Lin Manuel Miranda creates dreams. Can you believe that Hamilton has finally made it across the pond debuting in the Victoria Palace theatre? Whilst we have to wait until November, we all know that wait will be worth it.

5.I'm not sure I could even consider Pretty Little Liars a thing to look forward to. With only half a season left, resuming in April, i'm not ready to give up the outrageous and scandalous adventures of four of our favourite liars, but who is A? That's a question we would all like the answer to... again.

6.Can you believe it's less than a month again until the Superbowl? It forever comes around so quickly. Whether your thinking of the football, the food or Lady Gaga's half time performance, this is one night you won't be able to resist.

7. After a turbulent 2016 we are entering a new era. The era of Trump and Brexit. Whilst this was never many of our desired path we are making history. It's time to play your part and make sure we obtain the best outcome possible. We always flourish when the going gets tough.

8. I may have mentioned movie releases but 50 Shades Darker is in a league of it's own. This is all the scandal we need to get us through the February freeze.

9. Will she or won't she, everyone is waiting to see if the rumours are true. Will Queen B headline Coachella? We can't wait for festival fringe, space buns and outrageous glitter make up.

10. Apple celebrate it's ten year anniversary of the iPhone. Will we see one of the greatest releases in mobile technology to date?

11. Rei Kawakubo will become the first designer, since Yves Saint Laurent in 1983, to become the sole subject of this years Met Gala with the theme Commes Des Garcons.

12. With new music in the line up we can only expect to see tour announcements. The likes of Ed Sheeran, Adele and Taylor Swift are all in our radar. Will we expect to see One direction added to that list?

13. It was in January last year that we first saw the emergence of spray on nail polishes, primarily Nails Inc. One year later they are bigger and better than ever. In a rush, no problem? Having a flawless manicure at all costs has just become one of the most accessible things on the market.

14. The rise of the Instagram story was one of the central talking points when it came to social media discussion last year. With shared similarities to snapchat will we to see show and shop fresh off the runway this coming season? We hope.

15. Companies such as Google and Amazon are believed to be trialling 'food by drones'. Yes this does mean grocery shopping straight to your door by drone. Talk about coming a long way.

16. Greenery is Pantone's colour of the year and I couldn't love it anymore. It's time things got a little brighter and more down to earth. Bring on S/S.

17. Pyjamas in the daytime are all the rage. Well almost. Whether you are going sleek and sophisticated with a slip dress, or wearing a silk playsuit with all the frills, being on trend never looked so good, or felt so comfy. Think of it as a wear your pyjamas to work/party day, year.

 

Don't work yourself

The New Year marks a new beginning. Your the same old you but you have a fresh opportunity. Use it my darlings, it's time to make it your best yet. 

Pay less attention to the meaningless and more attention to the cause. It goes without saying that last year was dramatic on an unprecedented scale. When the going gets tough or your pet peeves get in the way of your day it's time to look at the bigger picture, how does this really affect you in the grand scheme of things? Pay attention to the important. Watch the news, keep up to date with events happening around the globe and voice your opinion.

Sit it out. Going out is one thing but squeezing it into a schedule that is already full to the brim is another thing. Take some time for yourself, the relaxation is way more valuable than your drained body. I know for myself something as simple as finding the time to paint my nails is a pleasure.

Embrace the social media detox. Everywhere you look social media is around you and it is quite often irresistible. I for one prefer networks other than Facebook as it provides distance and ensures your not too caught up in your everyday life ... but even then you need a break.

Read more. Whether it's chick lit, a thriller, an autobiography or a newspaper. Believe it or not reading is education so whether your indulging in the latest reality stars book release or the next Fifty Shades of Grey, give your mind a little pleasure from something that isn't your phone.

If you love something, let the world know. Maybe it's the newly anticipated Ed Sheeran release, a pair of sky high heels you've lusted after in Selfridges or perhaps a new exciting location. Sharing is caring, and you feed off other people.

Stick to what you know. Use your instinct. Are you really going to stick to your New Year, New Me when all it involves is an extreme diet and excessively saving money? If you believe you can, fabulous but if not set yourself some realistic goals. Everyone loves a trier. Try till you succeed.

Be that showstopper. Be bold, be beautiful, be daring. Be a trendsetter, not always a follower.

Never be bitter, be your best. Work of yourself

Happy New Year my darlings! 

January Favourites

Darlings, can you believe January is over? 

I think we can all agree that despite it being the beginning of a new and exciting year, January can be a drag. Having said that here I have picked out a few of my favourite things that made this month a whole lot better.  

Charlotte Tilbury blotting sheets

After acquiring a collection of Charlotte Tilbury make up products over the past few months I was delighted when I found that the lipsticks were accompanied by the chicest blotting paper you have ever seen. Each little enveloped pouch matches a shade of lipstick. You simply have to kiss the lips, where they are outlined, and wah-la you have the perfect pout. Whilst this creation is a quick fix and ideal to carry around with you, these are samples and are not guaranteed to come with your purchase so be sure to ask for them at the time of buying. 

SHOP Charlotte Tilbury

How to be Parisian 

By Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret & Sophie Mas

Everything about this book is chic and sophisticated. Whether used as a reference book, or the perfect office shelve accessory, it is important that we do not neglect the mastery that lies inside. This is your guide to living like a Parisian. From what to wear, how to be a lover, how to cook and how to look good naked, this book is empowering, flirtatious and a must read. 

SHOP How to be Parisian

Conde Nast Traveller instagram

Over the past month I found myself falling in love with travel instagrams. Just the other day I saw that Poppy Delevingne was talking over the Conde Nast Traveller instagram so thought I would start following. I love everything about this instagram as it combines fashion, lifestyle and all the elements a wanderlust desires. 

FOLLOW Conde Nast Traveller (UK) on Instagram

Turtle neck knits

Whilst I have been wearing turtle neck knits since Autumn, over the past month I have found myself reaching for them almost everyday. When we are suffering from January chills we embrace the finest Winter coats however find ourselves leaving little attention to what we wear underneath. This trend comes in so many variations so much so that it is almost impossible to overuse it. Whilst these knits are often worn with jeans we can also wear them underneath our favourite dresses and pinafores to add a little formality. 

Anti-stress puzzles

By Dr. Gareth Moore

So one night, half a sleep, I started browsing online and came across this book of Anti-stress puzzles. Now I cannot speak for everyone and say that this works but I find doing such activities therapeutic. Whilst they don't 'cure' stress they refocus your mind, making you concentrate on something else. They make you think about what you are doing and make your thoughts clear and concise to focus on the task in hand. Personally I enjoy doing these before I sleep at night and would definitely recommend them.

SHOP Anti-stress puzzles

Piree Larger than Life Lipgloss by Nars

I adore this lipgloss and find it as my go to for everyday wear. Piree is a nude with pink tints therefore making it the perfect match for every ensemble.  Whilst long lasting and full of colour please note that this is a thick lipgloss so therefore should only be worn when you know your make up look will remain flawless all day (not suitable for when its windy outside!).

SHOP Piree Larger than life

Instyle Twitter & Chriselle Lim 

So as you know I am an avid user of social media and these two accounts have made my life so much easier over the past month. When it comes to awards season Instyle is in the know, live tweeting like myself, and bringing you the hottest style from every red carpet. When it comes to instagram and snapchat I have been living Chriselle Lims Parisian adventure with her. As she travelled to Paris for couture fashion week she gave us an insiders view of fittings, shows and everything behind the scenes. 

FOLLOW @InStyle (global edition) on Twitter & Instagram 

FOLLOW @chriselletweets Twitter, @ChriselleLim on Instagram and snapchat

Pretty Little Liars Season 6b

If there is one thing that gets me through every January it is the return of Pretty Little Liars. There is always such a long period of time between the first and second part of the series so its return is always more than welcomed (especially with the cliffhangers we are left on).

 *SPOILER*  However one thing that I didn't like about its return is Spaleb. Marlene King crushed all our hearts, as we viewed five years later, which saw Spencer and Caleb hook up. One week I found myself hating this and the next week I found myself adoring this hot new couple- oh please, these liars sure know how to excite us. 

WATCH Pretty Little Liars on Netflix

Karlie's Elle cover

So I wasn't sure if it was a little too late in the month to include Karlie Kloss' March Elle cover in this months favourites. First of all can I just say how obsessed I am with this phenomenal Louis Vuitton she is wearing on the subscriber front- the colours are out of this world. Moreover Karlie's interview is everything. From model, IT girl, coding student to every girls idol, Karlie empowers women as her two worlds collide and she takes us on her journey. 

SUBSCRIBE to Elle

Chinchilla by Ciate

As i'm sure you have seen on my instagram January was the month of grey when it came to my go to manicure. I found myself addicted to this shade by Ciate. These polishes rarely chip and last up to two weeks (from personal experience). Whilst grey has never been present on my staple colour palette when it comes to my mani it currently sits at the top of the list.

SHOP Chinchilla

What are your favourite products, shows, songs at the moment darlings?

February is here and now its time to talk fashion month and Oscars- our favourite.

 

VVB X Nails Inc. Review

As I previously wrote Santa seemed to know me a little too well. 

A few months ago when I heard about the Victoria by Victoria Beckham and Nails Inc. collaboration I was mesmerised and just knew I had to get my hands on a bottle. 

My favourite designer and go to nail brand merged into one? 

Victoria released two colours for this capsule, Judo red (as pictured) and Bamboo white.

The packaging was so chic and simplistic, very much like the VB brand itself, fresh and sophisticated. The bottle, it's texture and everything it came in immediately made me excited to try it.

I use Nails Inc. on a regular basis however VVB X Nails Inc. is something in a completely different category.

This bottle of Judo red felt a lot more luxurious than Nails Inc.'s usual. Of course I adore the nail brand anyway, they just happened to completely kill it with this collaboration and by kill I mean create something phenomenal. This bottle was heavier, looked better and the quality was beyond all expectations. 

      

I opted for Judo red (or should I say Santa did) as I planned to have a VVB manicure as I entered the New Year, red is both festive and statement making. 

The colour is bright, vivid and has a splash of orange in to make it just that little bit unique and special. The colour glided on and the brush was perfect, the only problem was trying to keep that bottle crisp white!

One week on and my nails are just beginning to chip, and by chip I mean the tiniest possible amount.

I was a little naughty and did not use a top coat so for this mani to stay like this without any touch ups is a dream.

I know I will find myself buying Bamboo white darlings, it's on trend and if this is anything to go by you will not want to miss out.

Purchase here:

Judo Red, £25

Bamboo White, £25

(These are also available in a duo, here £45)   

Happy New Year darlings!

Happy 2015 darlings! 

This year is going to be major for many reasons but one thing is for sure, here at Ooohlalaa it's fashion we are ready to kill it once more!

I worked endlessly in 2014 and it most certainly paid off, we have awards season, fashion week and so much more to look forward to and I cannot wait to share it with you.

As I partied my way into 2015 I opted for a red Miss Selfridge playsuit and Carvela heels.

My glitter glam was courtesy of Mac and Belissimo lips. 

We'll talk more about that soon. 

Here's to 2015 darlings!