Autumn/Winter Staples

It's that time of year again when we pack away our bikinis and get out our tights, never mind the wellies and bobble hats. The weather's getting cooler and soon the rain and darkness will greet us through the curtains, in the morning, making it all the harder to get up for the day. However, it's not quite all doom and gloom! The presence of Autumn, and soon Winter, means not only the change in seasons but also the transitioning fashions. There's nothing i love more than wrapping up in layer upon layer and sitting in front of a roaring fire on a wet, cold day. So, here are my favourite things about the new season and my top five Autumn/Winter staples, never mind the trends.

Dorothy Perkins Teal Metallic Yarn Cardigan: £32 | New Look Cameo Rose Wine and Cream Aztec Cardigan: £19.99 | Topshop Knitted Stud Rib Cardigan: £48 | Miss Selfridge Neon Twist Cardi: £39 | Glamorous Winter Oversized Chunky Knit: £44.99

My favourite, and ultimate, A/W staple is a chunky knit. Whether it be a scarf, a jumper or most commonly a cardigan i'm all for keeping warm and snuggly on a crisp Autumn day. It's a great way to layer up, especially in the early Autumn where if you walk for more than five minutes you begin to work up a sweat because of the thousands of layers you added before you left. It's easy to add on or take off as and when you need, but really great for layering. Frankly, there's nothing more i love than being warm and snuggly, and wearing one of these is like wearing a permanent blanket - what more could you want?

Essie Raspberry | Models Own Bronze Rage | OPI Yoga-Ta Get This Blue | China Glaze Exotic Encounter | ORLY Plum Noir

I love nail polish, and equally the transition of colours from season to season. After the bright, bold neons of Summer, i'm quite looking forward to the calmer Autumnal colours greeting us in the new season. Although i do like a dark, deep shade every now and then there's nothing i love more than the cranberry, teal and bronzey shades. I often find that these kinds of tones go with a lot more, this time of year, as the trends change and as we transition from brights to muted, more subtle colours.

Ugg Classic Short Boot in Deep Periwinkle: £165 | Miss Selfridge Africa Tapestry Boot: £65 | New Look Leopard Print Flat Chelsea Boots: £19.99 | Topshop ALEXY Platform Chelsea Boots: £75 | River Island Black Studded Western Boots: £75

I hate being cold, especially my feet as most of our warmth is stored in our hands and feet. So boots are pretty much a staple in the colder season; whether it be fuzzy uggs or chelsea boots layering on top of socks, jeans or tights they're perfect for the season. A heeled boot can be perfect to transition from day to night, and can equally jazz up a regular daytime number. Uggs aren't everyone's cup of tea but they are the cosiest boots i've ever owned and i'll never look back! If you want something a little more rain friendly, a leather cowboy boot can be a great way to go and really give something to an outfit.

River Island Black Peplum Pencil Skirt: £22 | New Look Dark Red Stretch Skirt: £9.99 | ASOS Pencil Skirt in Leather Look: £30 | Topshop Crazy Ikat Tube Skirt: £18

I've more recently found that the pencil skirt is a great way to move into Autumn/Winter. Moving away from the ity bity mini skirts and into the skater style and, even better, the pencil. It's that bit longer adding warmth and modesty on those windy days plus they're super comfortable and go with a multitude of styles. There's nothing i love more than a plain pencil skirt with a tartan shirt, or a plain white tee and a statement necklace. Add a blazer, a leather jacket or a chunky knit and you're good to go. They're so versatile and there's a plenty on the high street.

No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Plum Beautiful | Clinique Chubby Stick in Mega Melon | Revlon Colourburst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie | Kate Moss x Rimmel Matte Lipstick in 107

I love a good lippy in the Autumn, it's a great way to add a splash of colour to an otherwise muted outfit. When it comes to the Autumn there's nothing nicer than a berry toned pink, no matter how deep. I love Revlon's Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie because it's the perfect berry tone; not too dark, and everyday wearable, but it's not totally like a lipstick as it has a somewhat sheer outcome which is great if you want to dip your toe in to the world of Autumn berries!

So, there you have it! Let me know what your A/W essential is,

K|xo

Ecover x Ada Zanditon Shoreditch Swishing Event

Today i bring you an entirely different post to a lot that you see, here on Legs. You may know Ecover as a natural cleaning products brand but i'm here to tell you about some great, and exciting things they're doing for charity, and for you.

On Monday 15th October Ecover, along with ethical fashion designer Ada Zanditon, are hosting a feel good fashion event entitled the 'Ecover Shoreditch Swish'. All in aid of the support of human trafficking charity project, Fashioned for Freedom, it's your chance to pick up some fabulous pre-loved wardrobe essentials and donate some of yours. Held at Shoreditch House in East London, the event is hosted by Ada and TV stylist Mark Heyes, often found on ITV's Lorraine sofa as part of Ecover's Wear & Care campaign. Everyone loves new clothes and to help combat the rise of 'throwaway fashion' it's about time we learnt how to upcycle our wardrobes, and Wear & Care for our clothes. What better way to do this than with a fun-filled, fashion-forward swish with special guests from the world of fashion? The fashion elite will be there with Hello magazine attending, Mulberry and House of Beth donating clothes and a whole host of bloggers being invited it's sure to be an exciting night!

The swishing principle is simple - bring clothes that are hanging unwanted and loved at the back of the wardrobe – maybe they don’t fit any more, or you just have too many to choose from. Just make sure they are:

x     Lovely

x     Clean

x     Presentable

And the rest is simple! Just swap them for a token when you arrive and whilst others fall in love with your clothes, you can pick a shiny new outfit for free.

This exclusive, ticket only event starts at 5.30pm and as well as having the opportunity to swish away your pre-loved fashion gems, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable style advice from the experts in an interactive style surgery with Mark and Ada.

The most exciting part is that you can enter to be in with a chance of winning tickets to this fantastic event! All you have to do is head over to The Splash and fill out the form available. Simple!

As part of the evening Catalytic Clothing, will be showcasing its innovative concept exploring how textiles can be used as a catalytic surface to purify air. It is the brainchild of artist / designer Helen Storey MBE and chemist Tony Ryan OBE – people from very different worlds whose minds have come together over recent years to create highly successful art/science collaborations. A truly spectacular concept forging its way into the fashion world.

In keeping with the it’s ethical values, all surplus clothes from Ecover’s Shoreditch Swish will be donated to House of Beth to raise money for the Fashioned For Freedom project. Fashioned For Freedom is a pioneering fashion event created to raise funds to empower those directly involved in the prevention, rescue and reintegration of victims of trafficking, with funding going directly to the International Organisation of Migration’s victim’s support fund and Red Light Campaign.

It's as simple as that and i, for one, cannot wait to attend and support the event!

K|xo

I was not paid to write this post and all views are my own.

Motel's Street Team

Motel Pearl Strapless Skater Dress in Oil Painting | Motel Gabby Sequin Plunge Back Dress in Charcoal | Motel Star Wet Look Slim Line Pant in Royal Crush | Motel Dana Off Shoulder Crop Top in Melting Violet | Motel Caroline Geometric Strap Dress in Techno

Another Motel post coming your way today and some gushing about how great it is to be apart of the Motel Street Team! We've now hit over 1000 teamers, so we've got some celebrating to do!

Motel is one heck of a brand and have really helped me step up my game, and my career aspirations. When i was lucky enough to work their Christmas blogging event last year i got to know the lovely ladies behind the website and as well as being a hard working bunch, they're also the nicest most helpful people.

More so, being apart of the Motel Street Team is ace! It's like being a member of a giant, friendly, fashion loving community - and what's greater than that!? Together we share thoughts and opinions, as well as tips and advice on the brand we all love - Motel! We help each other out in the blogasphere, helping and promoting, and most of all it's a great team of support.

And the best part of all is i get to give all of you 20% off your orders with Motel! All you have to do is enter the code 'legseleven' at the checkout, and you're away!

Check the sidebar for my Motel code banner!

K|xo

September Again: Back to University

I honestly cannot get my head around the fact were back at September. The older you get the quicker it seems to flip up on your calendar. I used to dread it; i mean, why would anyone voluntarily want to go back to school? Unless, you know, you were queen bee, studied only your favourite classes or you were just plain good at it. However, now we seem to have become quite good friends.

To me, it will forever be the season of going back to school, college, university. Maybe starting a new job, moving house or perhaps just the beginning of a new adventure.

There's almost something quite magical and mysterious about September; there's that feeling in the air that anything can happen, of something new just around the corner and of fresh starts. The new season rolls in and brings a sense of calm to September's chaos.

I always see January as just about getting back to normality after the hibernation of Christmas, the festivities and the time off but September is all about giving things a go.

Up until this September, right now, it used to daunt and scare me. I was never confident in myself, although i could do a pretty good job of fronting it, and sometimes i felt that little bit alone - but i think everyone feels like that sometimes. This year, however, things have changed and i'm ready to accept the month we're in.

So, moving back to university like me? Nothing thrills me more than having my own place (almost). Last year, i was a in Halls of Residence in a flat of nine other people. Now as my friend Ella says: it's totally pot luck. You've got to be really lucky to be placed with people entirely of your personality, unfortunately i just wasn't put with any. As you'll soon find out, i'm not much of a drinker. A cider here and there or a Malibu & coke if i fancy it but nothing serious. My flatmates however drunk Southampton dry, kept me up until the early hours and vandalised our flat. Probably the one of the hardest years of my life but i made it. Now, i'm lucky enough to be sharing an almost new flat with one of my best friends with our other friends just down the road. We've spent time, effort and money making the flat our own and as homely as possible, so moving back to Southampton isn't met with fear of what'll happen next - at least where living is concerned.

This year, university doesn't scare me, living away from home doesn't scare me and life certainly doesn't scare me. I kind of feel like this September is bringing on a new life, now that i know what i'm getting myself in for.

As you all know, i'm in a long term relationship with my wonderful Mr, Jonny. He's just moved to London, full time, to start a great new job - which i could not be more thrilled about. Although it's a bit of a pain in the butt that we're apart again (we were long distance for the first two years, together in Southampton for the third and now we're apart again) but it's also a great new adventure. When i think about Southampton not only do i think about the wonderful course i'm studying on - that, maybe, sometimes i struggle with but i still love every minute - but also the amazing opportunities i gain when i'm there. I can visit Jonny, and London, as often as i please. As well as visiting the Capital for the opportunities my blog gives me; events, work experience, etc. Basically, i can't wait for this adventure to begin - and all the more, i can't wait to have somewhere to stay in London! Cheeky, but true.

This year, September means excitement, adventures and new beginnings - and i can't wait for any of it. I intend to enjoy the life i have and make the most of every minute - Independence, my wonderful Mr in the great capital city, my beautiful friends, writing and events plus a brilliant course and home in Southampton. I cannot wait.

So, i know what it's like starting university and going back. I know the hardship and heartache that you go through, even though i'm sure there are hundreds of situations far worse than the one you're, we're, in. No matter how much i talk about how excited i am, and how much i'm going to enjoy every minute - it's still natural to be a little nervous. However, trust me when i say you should try enjoy it anyway! Honestly, it seems like the end of the world but it's not and there's always a light at the end of the tunnel - i see that now.

Maybe this was for me more than it was for my blog, or for you, but i hope that maybe it was understood by someone, at least. Good Luck on your adventure and due to my great adventure, Legs might be a little quiet for a few days - i just need a chance to settle back into, well, life.

K|xo

American Beauty #10: MAC, NARS & Maybelline

My name is Kathryn and i'm an eyeshadow addict. I seriously cannot help myself! There are so many brands and types out there that i cannot wait to get my hands on, so while i was away i decided to treat myself to some of my most wanted.

 MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow in Mix & Switch

Although i've never really been one for the MAC Mineralize lines, i decided to get my moneys worth and try out one of these duo mineralize eyeshadows. I was assured they're just as good, if not better, than the original MAC eyeshadows so i went for the little more than neutral Mix & Switch. The consistency is a little more powdery than i expected, but that comes a little more from the lighter of the two shades - once you add in the bronzey tone and you can't even tell. It also helps if you blend well, but this isn't really something to put against the product. They're beautifully pigmented, nothing too heavy but enough so that they create a beautiful contrast on the eye. This definitely makes me want to try out some of the other MAC shades, but frankly they're a little pricey.

 NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Silk Road

These shadows are buttery smooth, maybe even more than the MAC ones. The duo is just gorgeous, very indulgent and luxurious - it'd be a great gift or something to treat yourself with. I love these colours, as they're so expensive i wanted something that i know i could use a lot, even every day, so i wanted something neutral-ish. I went for Silk Road because it's a little more than neutral but is still soft enough to wear day to night. The shadows go on a little lighter than they look in the pan but i actually really like that because i sometimes find pink/red tones hard to wear. They're a little more shimmery than super colourful, but i actually love that. I also found that these shades worked beautifully with my naked two palette to make things a little more girly than smokey.

 Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze

I've never been one for cream shadows, and usually use the MUA eyeshadow primer as a base to my eye looks but of course this is another of those seriously hyped products. It's a beautiful, creamy consistency and is a beautiful colour, alone or as a base. It's the perfect colour for my favourite brown smokey eyes and actually isn't as scary as it looks in the jar - blend it out and it turns into the most beautiful shimmery shade. I'm still not always a cream shadow lover so use my primer more often but perfect for when you want something a little deeper.

K|xo

American Beauty #9: Origin Spot Remover

 Origins Spot Remover Anti-Blemish Treatment

Now this i have been dying to try for so, so long. It's done the rounds on Youtube and in the blogasphere, but frankly it was a little out of my price range. However, when i saw it really cheap while away i couldn't leave it behind.

This is another of those products that was seriously hypes up, so much so i thought it was going to be a miracle product! For starters, i don't like how you the product is distributed - the bottle has a flat top with a tiny hole in the middle so the only way to get to the product is to squeeze a little out onto your finger or onto a cotton bud. I'd much rather the top be open as it's be easier to get to the product, however i can understand that this is a good way to limit the amount of product that comes out at once as you only need a little - a little goes a long way. 

I decided to test this out when my skin was seriously suffering, i added a little product onto each affected area and left over night. What i thought immediately was the awful smell it produced, it was very strong and medical smelling - not particularly pleasant to have on the skin but it didn't last forever. I also found that it was very uncomfortable for the first minute of putting it on the skin, it stung and was kind of sore but i always feel that if it stings the product must be doing something.

In the morning the areas i had put the product were completely dried out - not in a bad way - and the spots had began to heal. I was pretty impressed with this product but don't know if i would pay all that money for it in the UK. It helped to heal the areas quicker, however i warn you it does seriously dry out your skin so maybe it's not for you if you already suffer from very dry skin.

K|xo

American Beauty: #8 Make Up For Ever Concealer

Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer in 1

I finally plucked up the courage to test this concealer out at the weekend, i have no idea why i was so worried about giving it a go. I've heard so, so much about it that i think i'd got it completely hyped up in my head that i was worried it wouldn't live up to everything i wanted it to be - do you ever find yourself doing that?

So, when i finally tried it out i started off with using a Real Techniques brush with not much product, which i have to admit i wasn't overly thrilled with. This could have been for many reasons, for example i'm quite new to using make up brushes anywhere other than my eyes as i don't particularly use foundation just concealer and i tend to use my fingers. I didn't find that it blended particularly well and it didn't distribute evenly. So, naturally, i tried to blend better using my ring fingers - as all us beauty addicts know is the softest finger to use when blending - which i found to work a lot better. I then added a little more product and i found the result to be brilliant, of which i was a lot happier.

When i was researching this product i found that a lot of people described as a 'heavy duty' concealer which really scared me off for a long time, but being somewhere it was readily available i couldn't pass up the chance to give it a go. When i think of heavy duty i think of thick, cakey and hard to blend which i didn't find this to be at all. Yes, it has great coverage and helped to seriously tame my under eye circles - which i usually have a hard time concealing - but i wouldn't say it's heavy duty, just some damn good coverage! Like i said, i found this much easier to work with using my fingers to warm up the product a little and that's how i'll be applying it from now on. It's maybe not entirely what i expected, however i wasn't entirely sure what to expect. If, like me, you suffer from dark under eyes i'd recommend giving this a go as i've found it a great way to combat them.

Have you ever given this a go, i'd love a second opinion!

K|xo

Transitioning

So, is it just me or can anyone else not believe we're in September, let alone nearly half way through? Since coming back from America, i've enjoyed doing my American Beauty series and there are only a couple products left for review, purely because i was super excited to get my grubby mitts on the products. However, as much as i really enjoy the beauty twist that seems to have naturally come with Legs Eleven things are going to be a changing around these parts as, with the coming seasons and the change of going back to University i'd like to take her back to her roots and bring in more fashion and lifestyle posts.

I've got a list as long as my arm of posts i'm very excited to debut on the blog with an exciting new tag series in the pipeline. However, of course, if there is ever anything you'd like to see on this here blog i'll be more than happy to do as much as i can to post what you'd like to see! So, this is just a little post to say that Legs is going to be transitioning with the seasons so keep your eyes peeled. I'm not sure if i'm going to do the last American Beauty posts straight after this or integrate them into the other posts, we'll see when i get the chance to test them out.

So, i hope you're all looking forward to the new season and if, like me, you're heading back to University or even if you're starting that you have a great term, and thank you for sticking with me!

K|xo

All images sourced from WeHeartIt

American Beauty #7: Milani Neon Nail Lacquer

Milani Neon Nail Lacquer in Rad Purple & Totally 80's

I'd never heard of the brand Milani before and, to be honest, i was drawn by the packaging. After a little research i learned that Milani is a family run business, only debuted 10 years ago in 2002. However, it's grown to be one of the leading brands of colour cosmetics.

Now, back to that packaging. I don't know why but i much prefer this bottle than a lot of the styles on the market. They're smoother, tidier and much more chic than your average round bottles. I love the coloured bottle with the black writing paired with the black lid & gold lettering. It just looks stylish, and would look lovely sat on a dresser.

After testing out the polish i don't think i'd categorise either of these shades in the 'neon' area, they're gorgeous bright shades, especially the purple as it's a strange bright dark purple, but not my idea of neon. I quite like the formulation, however it is a little gloopy - i prefer formulas like Essie as it's smoother which helps application. It took a little longer than i'd like for it to dry, there are quicker drying brands out there but what i didn't like the most was the colour Totally 80's. It isn't anything like how it looks on or in the bottle. It's really light which causes it to go streaky, even after two coats i could still see my nail underneath. My nails have quite a lot of ridges and dents which caused the polish to be even worse, however i don't have any problems with my usual nail polish brands. The consistency is really thin, which you would think would help it dry faster, however it doesn't.

The purple polish is a little better, as it's darker, but it's still a thin consistency and takes a little longer than i'd like to dry. I will overlook that because i really like the shade, however the green i don't think i'll ever use again - it just doesn't suit me.

K|xo

American Beauty #6: Clinique Chubby Stick

 Clinique Chubby Stick in Mega Melon

While in Sephora, i finally got my mitts on the infamous Clinique Chubby Stick. I've been after a Chubby Stick for such a long time, after seeing reviews everywhere, the newest Clinique adverts and the counters all over the place, so it's great to finally test drive them for myself.

I knew quite a lot about this product before i tried it out, so i was well aware of what it claimed to do so i already had high hopes. Luckily, my hopes weren't dashed and the Chubby Stick lived up to everything and more.

For starters i adore this colour, it's the perfect 'my lips but better' colour. Although it doesn't really show in the bullet, it has a subtle gold shimmer to it that just seems to brighten your lips, illuminating the face. Next, i'm after Two Ton Tomato or Curvy Candy. I also really love the packaging and the stick like form; it makes it so easy to apply, you can be very precise.

I wouldn't say it's as moisturising as i expected it to be, but it wasn't altogether bad either and even better with some lip balm underneath. I still love this product and am firmly on the Chubby Stick team!

K|xo

American Beauty #5: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Nail Colour

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Extreme Wear Nail Colour is Sun Kissed

I've heard no end of things about this product on Youtube and as a huge fan of the Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle Salon Strengthener i had high hopes.

For starters, i adore the colour. I'm on the hunt for the perfect orange, nothing too neon but nothing too plain either, and this seemed like a great option. It's the perfect tangerine shade and looks lovely on the nails. However, this is really where my love for this polish finishes.

The real bone i have to pick with this product is, as always, it's drying time. I used to put up with nail polish taking a long time to dry but now that i've found brands i know i can rely on to dry fast, such as Models Own, OPI and China Glaze. It also has a really wet look about it, i love glossy polish but it just never seems to look dry. I found the formulation to be fairly gloopy which is probably the reason for this.

Overall, i'm disappointed with this product after having such high hopes for it. I think i'll probably give up with this polish and keep on the look out for that perfect orange!

K|xo

American Beauty #4: Basin Solid Perfume

Basin Solid Perfume in Therapy

I've never owned a solid perfume, i've always been a little dubious as it seems a  bit of a strange concept to me. However, i saw this while shopping in Downtown Disney on holiday and liked the scent so thought i'd give it a go.

Basin is an american bath and beauty store, home to many different products from soap to body mist. They're a great source for natural bath and beauty products and claim they're completely chemical free! They have great stations where you can mix and match your own bath salts or make your own scented soy candle! Great for gifts as well as treating yourself. Everything is very well priced and i've found products in there i've never seen anywhere else.

I got the scent therapy which, in the store smelt really clean and simple however now i've got it home and tried it from the newly opened pot it's a little more powdery than i would have hoped for. Something that i'm not such a fan of is the fact i have to put my finger into the pot to rub it on my wrists, and so on. Not only does that mean my fingers smell very strongly but also because of the germs and bacteria that will more easily be susceptible inside the pot - the same reason i prefer lip balms in stick form. It's also actually a fairly strong scent, now i'm not altogether complaining but it's not that it lasts a long time it's just a very strong smell. I also feel like the scent gives me a headache which really isn't what you want! I'm not entirely sure how i feel about this one, so leave it with me!

K|xo

American Beauty #3: Maybelline Baby Lips

 Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturising Lip Balm in Pink Punch

I was desperate to get my hands on the infamous Maybelline Baby Lips that we hear all the American Beauty Gurus praising. I'm not entirely sure why we haven't gotten these in the UK and i'm also a little disappointed that i didn't pick up any of the other pigmented balms.

I'm seriously glad that i picked this one; Pink Punch is the one i'd heard most good things about from the likes of Tanya Burr, Fleur De Force and Ingrid Missglamorazzi. I heard it was a great product, and the best of the lot, as it still had all the great balm qualities but it also gave you a little colour. I have fairly pigmented lips already but it transferred to my lips giving me that 'my lips but better' kind of colour.

It's actually really moisturising, as i'd be worried it'd be like those cheap, gimmicky lip balms that smell funny, claim to be pigmented but actually are horrible feeling on the lips. Well, i was wrong. They're not quite as thick feeling as my favourite Burt's Bees as it goes on fairly thinly. I like to layer it up a little, which also provides a better colour, however it still feels very moisturising on the lips. It also has a delicious fruity, mango type smell that i adore in lip products. Overall, i really love this product - it's one of those lip products that you can just carry anywhere and everywhere, and it suits every occasion; perfect for your handbag and your make up case!

K|xo