13 December 2011

Christmas is Here: Christmas in Cambridge

I'm Home!

& Have been for a few days now, it's lovely finally being back in Cambridge after three months! Thought i'd just do a nice and festive post about the things that make Christmas back at home so special, apart from my family of course. Christmas deserves picture heavy posts, so i won't apologise!

My Sleeping Kitten | New Fave Duvet Cover | New Nautical Cushion Cover | Lucy in a Sleepy Trance | My Stocking | Christmas Tree | Angel on top of the Tree | Cute little girl Candle Holder | Colony Hollyberry Candle with a Yankee Candle Christmas Tree Lamp Topper | Christmas Fairies Tealight Holder & Hollyberry Tealight | Little Terracotta Nativity | Santa guarding the Sweets | Hello little Snowman! | Fairy Lights | Tinsel Everywhere | Sitting by the Fire | Christmas Nuts (Hohoho) | Christmas Films!

Being at home is reason, in itself, to celebrate! It's the little things, like spending time having cuddles with my kitten and decorating my room in tinsel and fairy lights. The opportunity to sit down, spend time with my family, without having to worry, and watch Christmas films, and snack. Honestly, i couldn't be more grateful for this time to chill out, get better and spend time with my brilliant family.

K|xo

REVIEW: Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara

I've had this little baby hiding away in my make up box for a good month now, but brought it home with me as i now have time to sit down and try out products i've been just not had time to do.

I bought this mascara on a total whim, because it was on offer and because on the Rimmel stand it showed you the amazing wand this has. My favourite ever mascara is Benefit's Bad Gal Lash, which also has a really thick brush so i was totally drawn to this. I've been looking for a good dupe for the Benefit Lash for ages, and settled on Rimmel's Volume Flash The Max Mascara, which is doing the trick but it isn't perfect.

This brush really is massive, maybe even a tad too big but i do have small, thin lashes. With a few layers of this beauty, my lashes look thickened, lengthened and deep black so i would say that this is a brilliant alternative to the very expensive Benefit mascara. The brush helps to separate the lashes, so you don't end up with that horrible result of only having four thick lashes - i'm a personal fan of lots of thick lashes, rather than the 'spider eyes' effect. For the price, this is a brilliant mascara and does exactly what it says on the tin, well, bottle. I'd definitely recommend this, especially for the party season!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara in 001 Black, £6.99: Boots

K|xo

12 December 2011

Christmas is Here: Party Wear

So, the Christmas Season has sneaked upon us without any warning, and it seems that we've all been thrown into disarray, alright, well i have! Despite me being mrs organised there are so many parts to the festive season, there's always something to do. The Christmas is Here season will be full of festive hints and tips, and festive cheer to keep panic from setting in.

I'm sure we all have the infamous Christmas party to attend this season, whether it be the work do, drinks with friends or simply Christmas Day but i've put together some looks that can be worn for an array of Christmas get together, for a variety of budgets, so there's something for everyone. I've chosen four high street stores to feature, which all have websites and can be found on most British high streets.

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I always think that Topshop is full to the brim with timeless and easy to style dresses, for all occasions. I have found that Topshop's full of easy to work dresses, this season, in all styles and shapes so women of all figures can give these ultra classic frocks a go. I chose two simple dresses for the Topshop looks, as i think they can be transformed from daytime to nighttime with the flick of some lashes and a change of shoes. They're also not too christmassy, so will outlive the Christmas season and be perfect for birthdays, receptions or for the office. I think you need a pop of colour for this season, and jewel tones are the easiest way to create a party mood. When you've got such a statement dress, like the Red Leopard number keeping everything simple is the best way to go (but a glittery heel during the festive season doesn't go a miss!) With red being your base colour, having accessories classic and black keeps the outfit from going over the top, but with just enough pizazz (is that a word?) I personally love the structured skater dress, and own it in a gorgeous turquoise. It comes in an array of colours, so you can choose something to your exact specifications. I just love the deep, juicy tone of this plum number and think it gives your the perfect background to add chunky and quirky accessories, like the cobweb necklace. Adding a little leopard print into the outfit keeps it from being too simple, but doesn't take it too out there; perfect for the party season, and beyond!

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New Look can be seen as a low class high street store, but when you delve into it's depths it holds some real hidden gems that'll keep you going throughout the busy, party season. Whether you're into embellishment or simple, chic numbers there really is something for everyone's taste. They retail a multitude of brands, as well as their own, so if New Look's own isn't to your taste, why don't you try one of their featured brands? However, the own brand has an array of price points, for all budgets, so you're sure to find something that you just can't put down. Every girl is itching to recreate that flapper era with feather headbands and beaded skirts, so this little number is perfect for those glitzy affairs. The unusual grey colour is a chic alternative to your usual LBD, and is easy to put with black accessories so you're not creating an all black ensemble. Who doesn't love a chunky platform heel, and in such a bright, and bold, colour you won't fail to be noticed at your office Christmas party. By keeping the rest simple, it allows your feet to do the talking in your statement heels, but that doesn't mean that simple has to be boring. Wearing a black dress, with a patterned mesh top, keeps your usual LBD from being too muted, and keeping your bag in the same colour palette but letting it speak for itself, with a subtle pattern or different tone of colour helps to keep you professional, but still fun.

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River Island excel in party wear, and have everything you could need from heels to headbands. If frocks aren't your style, then they have a fab selection on Jump & Playsuits to keep you entertained. I chose this gorgeous sapphire jumpsuit, with an embellished neckline as it can be worn for any occasion, especially if you're not one for flashing too much skin; an easy way to be sexy, and stylish, but a little more sophisticated. With something so statement, all you need are some delicious shoes, and why not go all out in something a little different, like these fab gold wedges? All that's left is a bag, and something simple will be perfect to let your outfit speak for itself. Black will be classic, whatever the season, and this outfit, despite being mainly black, is stylish and elegant, but is still young and trendy. A glitter wedge will never fail to make you feel festive, and are perfect for future fancy affairs. Why not add a statement, pop of colour in your bag if you're going for an all black outfit? It'll keep it on trend, and will stop you from feeling too frumpy.

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Miss Selfridge have every occasion wear you could want, from sexy to girly and beyond. Whether your want something with a little sex appeal, or some glitter and frills, you'll be sure to find what you want here. They have an array of LBDs, which showcase low necks, high necks, cut outs and maxi lengths but also jewel tones, and nudes, showcasing embellishment, statement necklines and all sorts of straps and arms. I've always been a fan of these sexy cut out LBDs, that cover everything that needs to be covered, and the mesh inserts keep it from being too cut out (not a fan of the bare skin cuts) Bodycon is just my style, and i think that it really means business during the party season, as the ultimate party dress. For those of us who aren't real girly girls, bodycon is the next step for the ultimate party dress. Pair it with some sparkle and a pop of colour, and you're good to go. I adore these bright orange mary-janes, as they're the perfect pop and i mean, what girl wouldn't die for a heavily embellished clutch like this one? To die for! Now, if you're a little more girly then your biker babe, then something nude, ruched and sparkly like this frock is sure to be up your street. I love the one shoulder, as i think they're something a little different to the norm and the colour is beautifully simply, helping the embellishment to really stand out. I think red really works with nudes, so pop on a pair of burgundy heels and a killer ring, and you're good to go to whichever occasion you're heading too!

Talking of occasions, all of these looks can translate to a multitude of affairs including New Year; have you found that perfect dress yet? Frankly, i'm all over Christmas parties but when it comes to New Year, i find it pricey and overrated, so spend mine playing games and in my pyjamas with the Mr's family! What about your Christmas outfit, have you found yours yet? The countdown is ticking! Merry Christmas!

K|xo

6 December 2011

To Fur or Not To Fur

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New Look Faux Fur Cape | Dorothy Perkins Faux Fur Gilet | River Island Faux Fur Coat | ASOS Faux Fur Long Coat | Next Faux Fur Jacket | Miss Selfridge Faux Fur Jacket

It's that time of year again, when we're all thinking about being warm as possible. The Winter coats are being wrestled out from the back of the wardrobe and the mittens are being slipped back on to keep our fingers from getting frost bite, but there's that timeless debate that always comes back to bite us in the bum: to fur or not to fur?

Fur, faux and otherwise, is a timeless trend and keeps coming back, for another round, year upon year but whether it's real or fake, do we agree? If you're a vintage vixen, the likelihood is you'll have come across something baring fur, and real fur at that, as faux fur, once, was never an option. Women used fur as a sign of wealth and of status; the bigger the coat, the further up the hierarchy you were and this seems to have translated into the 21st Century. I often believe people wear fur to show they're taking a risk, they're someone who is big and bold enough to give such a controversial statement a go and not for sheer warmth (which is what i look for in a coat!) The high street are doing a brilliant job for those of us who don't feel comfortable wearing the real thing, but are perfectly happy to wear a damn good doppelgänger. For me, it's not wearing the product, it's supporting the deliberate harm and killing of animals for fashion. I don't know if i even feel comfortable with wearing something that has once been living, whether it's been killed for the garment or died naturally, there's just something about wearing something that once had a heartbeat that doesn't sit well with me.
There's always the argument: how would you feel if humans were killed for the purposes of fashion? It's inhumane. So why is killing an equally living thing for fashion acceptable? You're still wearing skin. As i've said, and exampled above, the high street do plenty of brilliant lookalikes if fur is something you love, but don't want the guilt on your shoulders (literally) In all high street stores, fur is featured in everything from collars to entire coats to gilets, they've picked up on a trend that without being faux, is controversial and unwearable to a lot of the public; but by creating fake versions, they open up the trend to so many more people, therefore create a better profit.

It's safe to say that the style of fur is loved by many, but not the once living, breathing leopard, or rabbit, or mink. The high street make it more accessible to the public; personally i own two! But vintage stores are determined to keep the real fur trade alive. There's something about fur that i feel is timeless, and something that we maybe shouldn't loose forever. Those beautiful vintage role models wore fur without a care in the world, because they didn't know any different. In this educated world, if we didn't know what we do, fur would still be all over the high street. Lets hope that this trend is around for many years to come, but real or faux?

K|xo

Clothes Show Live 2011

On Friday 2nd December, some of the girls on my course and i attended Clothes Show Live 2011 at the Birmingham NEC. Described at the largest fashion and beauty event in the UK, The Clothes Show is a large shopping event holding hundreds of stalls with hundreds of brands. There are also fashion and beauty events going on throughout the day, and celeb Q&As if you're interested. A few of us had been before, but some hadn't, and maybe it was best to not expect anything.

The Clothes Show has always sold a fair bit of low quality goods, but this year that seemed to have taken over a lot of the shopping zones. There was little in between low end and high end at the show this year, meaning there wasn't much choice of shopping. However, this year saw a large take over from the Vintage retailers, more so than before. This may be clinging on to their idea of trying to do things for yourself, as for the first time they've included a "Sknitch" section promoting the idea of shopping second hand and making things for yourself. However, this zone was a little half hearted; i was expecting demonstrations and money saving ideas, but it just seemed to be people trying to sell their wears.


The feel of the show this year felt very young, as though it's a lot more aimed at younger girls, or mum's and daughters, which isn't exactly what 20-something fashion students are after. The strongest point of the show was the pink, beauty zone. It had a great selection from high end to low end make up, and cosmetics, making there something for everyone. My personal favourite was the Models Own stand and their brilliant offer of 3 items for £10 and a make up bag of goodies. I bought myself some nail varnish and got the goody bag too, which was full of Models Own make up; something i've never tried before, but will give me the opportunity to try and i'll consider reviewing some products on here, if you're interested. You can see my thoughts on the polishes i bought here and here.


The Diet Coke Catwalk held fashion shows throughout the day, of which i caught the New Look show. They showcased a range of looks from office wear to Christmas party looks. There was also a beauty stage, a dance area and the OK Catwalk where i caught the tail end of a Q&A with Jeff Brazier and George Lamb. Talking of celebs, we happen to catch sight of TOWIE's Lauren Goodger walking away from her Lauren's Way stand, practically teetering in her whacking great Louboutin stilletos. What topped her off was the fact she wasn't even acknowledging her fans, but getting her 'people' to tell them she wasn't doing pictures; how incredibly rude! I found it ridiculous that someone so half famous was being so rude to poor influenced girls, without those girls she would be nowhere so i found it a little hard to take.


Where the Clothes Show excelled this year was the fashion show on the main stage, entitled A Night in A Department Store. They had clearly worked hard on the performance, and it really shone threw. They presented everything from Bridal to Hip Hop, with stars BB from E4's Dirty Sexy Things, America and Ireland's Next Top Model Winner Jade Thompson and Kimberly Wyatt from Her Majesty and the Wolves in the show. To kick off there was a little introduction from George Lamb and B&INTM judge Grace Woodward, followed by a performance from X Factor winner Alexandra Burke; what a star studded affair!

I decided to wear something comfortable and pretty, as we had a long way to go and it's always very hot in the NEC.

Playsuit: Topshop | Cardigan: H&M | Necklace: H&M | Tights: Primark | Boots: Missguided (Past Season) | Bag: Primark

It was the right decision as i was comfortable all day!

K|xo
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