Give a girl a break

wearing Pretty Little Thing

Happy Bank Holiday darlings! 

I find myself adjusting back to the colder climate and struggling ... the Autumn knits are already appearing and I am far from wishing Summer away. I've recently returned from my favourite of destinations, Mexico. I spent nine days laying poolside, sipping Margarita's and dancing the nights away without a worry in mind. The struggle of the ten hour flight is always fleeting after you land in paradise. To say this vacay was well and truly needed is an understatement. The heat, the beach and the carefree lifestyle remains my happy place. I love the city but this girl needed a break.

The seasonal blues are already simmering so I am doing everything possible to retain the killer Summer wardrobes, the sassiest trends and my not so real sun kissed glow. 

This is a not so gentle reminder that it's time to take time out and make it count. Sometime's you just can't do it all- Queen Bees or not.

 

TREND TALK SS18

With SS18 in full swing and Spring fling almost over it's time we get our transitional wardrobe perfected before our Summer frolicking begins. This season combines the re-emergence of the past with the extravagance and daring nature of our current day trend setters.

Now it is your turn to join in.

PRAGMATIC PASTEL- We think of classic Spring and what do we think of? Pastels. For years we have reiterated this colour palette cliche but SS18 has turned in the opposite direction. Pastels are back and they are here to stay meaning the spectrum of shades this season are unparalleled. I am in love with this baby pink military style blazer from River Island (SHOP HERE). This Balmain inspired piece is effortless and a wardrobe staple in the midst of the Spring/Summer overlap.

WHEN BOLD GETS BOLDER- There is always one colour trend each season that provokes experimentation and appeals to the most elaborate of fashionistas. Well this season just went bigger and better. Many have termed this as the 'Crayola era', taking basic shades and injecting them into our everyday wardrobes. Whilst this initially appears daunting it widens our array of choice meaning whichever colour you find yourself reaching for it without a doubt dominated the SS18 ready to wear runway. 

CHECKING IT OUT- Just this morning I found myself lusting over Chiara Ferrgani's Clueless inspired lemon co-ord. Hours later I browse all my favourite high street stores and find numerous Cher inspired pieces, in every variation possible. Checks are underrated and we were subjected to a playful take on the SS18 runway. Victoria kept it classic, Burberry breathed iconic. This is one trend that will flee in an instant, embrace it while you can.

SHEER- I adore sheer and season by season it gets all the more daring and all the more liberating. Elegance and the most intricate level of detail compliments the many statement making pieces that are creeping off the runway and onto the high street. This is one trend that will turn heads and provoke curiosity whether it's at the Met Gala or on the beach.

TRENCH TALK - Trench coats. The coats that you love and the coats you don't need. Whether you are layering it up or outing minimal a trench is that accessory everyone desires whether its two or twenty degrees. Trenches do the talking so when you are in need of a little ensemble love this is not only your quick fix but your go to fix every time. The Celine SS18 runway justified this.

PRETTY ME PENCIL- Perhaps one of my favourite trends this season is the return of the pencil skirt but why? Whether you are spending your days in the office, heating it up on date night or partying in the city the pencil skirt is fail proof. If you are seeking the perfect day to night look alternate you pristine pussy bow blouse with an overly embellished sequin top and darling you will kill it.

Which SS18 trend do you desire?

This season is about breaking boundaries and taking the b out of bold.

Gone are the days where experimenting is non existent, these days experimentation is the inevitable.

 

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. 

  

I-Island breeze and lights down low | SHOP THE LOOK

Ditsy prints

Deep plunges

Darker than darker lips 

Dreamiest destinations

Shop my look 

Playsuit: Pretty Little Thing SHOP

Bracelet: Michael Kors SHOP

Sunglasses: River Island SHOP SIMILAR  

Taste me tropical | Wanderlust

When in the Caribbean it's only right you spend your days sipping rum and coke, singing Bob Marley and taking every opportunity to frolic. From a Summer based purely on all things Despacito it's only right you look head to toe flawless doing it. 

One of my favourite Dominican ensembles was this two piece co-ordinate set from Zara, paired with Topshop sliders. From the frills to the tie everything about this outfit is flirtatious, fun and fabulous. This gorgeous turquoise with statement orange florals look amazing on anyone making it all the more appealing. Being in the Dominican is carefree and effortless, so your outfit should be too. Switch your stilettos for flats, your sleek pony for beach waves and your nude lip for the hottest coral. 

If you are going to live the part, dress the part.

Taste me tropical darling.

 

Caribbean dream | Wanderlust

SHOP my look below

Whilst there is no denying that Autumn is my favourite season I find myself, like everyone else, lusting after Summer each year. The thrill of the city in the Winter months is motivating however as the heat approaches island hopping falls top of my agenda. 

This Summer I spent my time in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. This Caribbean island fell nothing short of an escape. It's picture perfect landscape, vibrant culture and laid back attitude left me longing to stay for eternity- any wanderlusts dream.

I myself had never travelled to the Caribbean I had only been subjected to it through films and and Instagram. Through hearsay I never doubted that this tropical paradise would be everything I desire.

I took the nine hour Dreamliner trip across the Atlantic and down onto the island. Whilst many visit Punta Cana, we stayed North of the island which very much like my trip to Mexico gave a new outlook on everything that I had heard, we really were immersed within this culture. 

Immediately the golden sand, shades of blue, mountainous view and the kindest people you could have ever met made this vacation one of the best that I had ever been on. The Dominican Republic thrives off tourism and that becomes clear to see as you travel around the island, seeing just exactly how many live and realising just how lucky you really are.

One of my favourite things about travelling to any sunshine destination is that I love being surrounded by nature, particularly forest which was clear to see in my trip to the Sorgun forest a few years back. It's places into perspective that everything around you is living, and to harm it would be a tragedy. Vacations are about leaving your troubles behind and escaping. 

My first day in the Caribbean made this a reality.  

 

SHOP my airport look

Jumpsuit: Superdry SHOP

Sliders: TOPSHOP SHOP similar

Bank holiday botanical | SHOP THE LOOK

What better to spend the last Bank Holiday of the year than at the dreamiest wedding around? 

Shop my botanical look here // 

Top: Coast SHOP

Skirt: Coast SHOP

Shoes: Office SHOP

Handbag: Nine West at Kurt Geiger SHOP

Manicure: It's all Elementary by Nails Inc SHOP 

 

What's in my travel bag?

Travelling is by far one of my favourite things to do. Whether it's long haul or short haul, by air, sea, road or train, there are some key essentials that will always help you along the way to make sure you stay comfortable, fulfilled and ultimately glam.

My go to vacay handbag this Summer was by Zara. Whilst I often opt for a tote bag I am guilty of overfilling it with unnecessary things, many which I do not use. This two toned striped cross shoulder bag, with a chocolate brown trim, was perfect for complimenting any outfit regardless of the colour. Whilst smaller than I would normally opt for this left me to really think what I actually consider an, 'essential'. Here is what I carry in my travel bag ...

Coin purse & card holder- There are two reasons as to why I avoid taking my Lulu Guinness purse away with me and that is one, it simply doesn't fit in this handbag and two, you do not want to carry your life around with you in case it goes walkabouts. It is important to only ever carry your essentials such as your ID, bank cards and insurance cards. A coin purse is a cute way to compliment a card and note holder particularly when you are using a different currency.

Headphones & a phone charger-  Whether your are a music lover or not these will always come in useful especially on long haul flights. I always carry a power bank with me in case I need to use my phone in an emergency and I am out of battery. Remember if you are in a foreign country to carry the essential adaptor with you, this has saved me one too many times in the airport.

Cosmetics- This time around I kept my cosmetics to a minimum. My Emma Lomax make up bag was the perfect fit into this handbag. I chose my Bourjois healthy mix concealer, Rimmel stay matte powder (with a Real Techniques powder brush) and Chanel Elise lipstick. Whilst these are what I would consider the bare minimum they are all you need for a quick top up as you are travelling from A to B. If you are wishing to wear bright lipstick start your journey wearing a gloss and apply your lipstick towards the end of your journey to ensure it looks every inch of flawless. I am currently using my Kate Spade compact mirror which I couldn't be without (no one likes to do their make up in their iPhone camera). I also carry wipes, tissues and a moisturiser. I try to stay away from squeezing all my high end products into my handbag in case it gets damaged or leaks.

The important stuff- I always carry a small pouch to place any essential travel documents in whether this is tickets or my passport. Whilst I adore passport holders they can often become more of a nuisance during your journey as many airports refuse to accept documents until their holders have been removed. As long as your passport is protected you are good to go. I also always carry my driving license in my card holder in case I am desperate for ID and I ever find myself without my passport for whichever reason. 

Liquids- As I am sure you are all aware there is a 100ml limit on any liquids carried in your hand luggage if you are flying. If there is one thing I would recommend it is carrying an anti-bacterial hand sanitiser. Try to stay away from scented or creamy ones as you will always find yourself seeking the smell of cleanliness to know that it has actually been effective. I also carry a small bottle of body spray, this years go to was a mini Victoria's Secret in Sunkissed. 

Something worth mentioning is carrying medication as this will also need to go in the same clear bag when flying. Take an extra packet of any pills you need, alongside your normal medication, even if you are prepared in your hold luggage. You never know when your suitcase will go missing and you never want to be without your absolute essentials. 

Valuables- Never keep your valuables in your suitcase, for exactly the same reason as above. Any costly jewellery or accessories (mine are my Fendi's) are better off by your side so you know exactly where they are at all times. 

What are your go to travel essentials? 

Do you overpack or under pack? Be sure to let me know!