A polished day look

In my last blog I included a pic from the April issue of Glamour. Initially it was the bed hair and hair colour which attracted me, but the make up is also super sexy in a very relaxed way so I thought I'd give it a whirl myself.

This is more make up than I would typically wear during the average day (especially if I'm working from home), but since I was heading to a new biz meeting I figured that the effort wouldn't go to waste.

Although the eye make up doesn't look overly heavy, I tend not to define eyebrows, wear eye make up, full base, blush, bronzer, lip liner and lipstick all at once during the day. It just feels a bit too 'done'. However, it does appear to come out good in the photos..... It turns out that I would also have to get up another 30mins earlier too! No time to show off my meeting ensemble - was too busy sprinting out the door.

Hair history

So, I've been thinking about changing my hair for sometime and a few months ago I dipped my toe (the little one!) in going a bit darker. This also made me think about what I've actually done to my hair over the years and following a bit if research it turns out I've not been very adventurous....... I present exhibit A. My hair from 2005 to now.......

 

Over the years I've clearly gone through different shades of blonde and experimented with a side fringe from time to time (I'm a real risk taker!). However, ironically, I'm now trying to get back to the same colour hair that I had back in 2005.

What does your hair history say about you?

Today's inspo

This week I will mostly be using these pics to keep me motivated to get my ass to the gym. How gorgeous is she?!?! Kate Upton looks incredible in these photos for Dylan George. Also loving the outfit - a chunky knit, skinny jeans and colour pop heels topped off with killer tan and beachy hair. Totally up my street.

Dylan George

Dylan George

Dylan George

startraksphoto.com

Cotton and Gold

Despite not feeling terribly summery today, these two bracelets are two of my favourite summer accessories this year. Bought from a little shop in Clifton Village, Bristol, they're really simple and if I could be bothered I'm pretty sure I could have made them myself. I might give it a go with some different colour cotton and some actual gold bracelets as these ones are getting a bit tarnished already. Cute though, no?

Good advice

Let's catch up

Four months in pics.

Left to right from top:

1. February: Amazing 80's hair and dress (original 80's from my mum’s wardrobe) for my fabby sister in-law's 30th birthday 80's cocktail party in London town
2.  February: My birthday cake and tea after a rather relaxing break to Bath Spa with Mr M. Dreamy getaway
3. March: The new baby. In March we decided to donate all our wages to Apple and walked away with an iPad, new iPhone and Apple TV
4.  March: Meribel snowboarding for a week. This pic was taken at La Folie Douce in Val Thoren. AMAZING day in the VIP section with endless champagne and fantastic apri music
5. March: the new slightly darker doo
6. April: Leaving lunch. Champagne in tepees of course (!) and a farewell to my lovely colleagues following an exciting social media contract with a luxury car brand. Also had to give keys back for said luxury car. Sad times
7.  April: First wedding anniversary. The memories
8. April: Minibreak to The Pig and The Limewood in celebration of first anniversary
9. May: A visit to the Olympic stadium opening ceremony
10. May: A very cold me at the end of the Olympic stadium opening ceremony
11. May: Trip to the boat with M&C in celebration of their engagement (not my boat I hasten to add)
12. June: The start of my epic exercise regime

Sheltering from the rain



My wedding bouquet.
Photo: McKinley-Rodgers Photography. Flowers: Edward Allen Flowers

I'm sitting safe and sound indoors today, sheltering from the stormy weather which is brewing outside. Ick! I'm pleased I don't have any major plans this weekend - thinking they would be a washout. I plan to chill out at home, cook up some delicious food and catch up on movies. I may also do a bit of blogging since it's been a bit of a while........

There's loads to catch up on and I'm spending today trawling through my snaps and compiling a few updates. In the meantime, here are some beautiful flowers to brighten up a gloomy day. This is actually pic of my wedding bouquet, but isn't it one of the nicest things to receive a bunch of flowers just for the hell of it (eh um. hint hint Mr. M!)? Perhaps I'll brave the weather and go and buy myself some today.

Happy Friday!

Not sure what these are but they made me smile so I thought I would share. I'm gearing up for a big girls weekend - super excited. Need to get to the end of today first though...... It's been pretty crappy so far too. Darn students that live on my road didn't shut up until 6.45am (conveniently 15 mins before my alarm goes off) and then found my rubbish literally strewn across the street from our friendly neighbourhood fox tearing the bin bag open. He must be a seriously skilled yoga type fox too - how he got into the wheelie bin is anyones guess!!

 Periodically have ventured outside to quickly try and pick up any bits still lying around. Deep joy! Things can only get better though - right?! Hope everyone else is have a super duper Friday (unlike me).

Birdsong

The last two weeks I have been glued to The Birdsong, not least because of the boyish charm of Eddie Redmayne (dreamy).  Then, when flicking through Glamour magazine I saw this gorgeous shoot with the equally gorgeous Clemency Poesy, also in Birdsong, and had to share it.

I think the last one is my favourite of all.

Kate Middleton's Coat - Fit for a Princess

Before Christmas I was lucky enough to receive a lovely knitted beanie from Ruby+Ed. At that time I completely fell in love with their Luxury Toscana Sheepskin Coat in Chocolate, but it was slightly out of my budget :(

Anyway, over the Christmas period when perusing the newspapers I saw the lovely Kate Middleton wearing a coat very similar...... and now I want it even more!!!

Her coat is from LK Bennett, I think, but it appears to have sold out. However, luckily for all you 'copykates' out there, Ruby+Ed's coat is still in stock and has gone in the sale here. Granted, it is still out of my budget - but it is fit for a princess afterall!

Days of Summer

Completely out of season but I HAD to share this with you. How gorgeous is this shoot from Australian Vogue, January 2012 issue? I can't wait for the summer months, I only wish I looked this chic when sporting nautical wear. I'm totally in love with the sunglasses paired with the 'bow dress' too. Love love LOVE.

January Outfit Inspo

I'm not sure about everyone else but I'm feeling bored and uninspired by my wardrobe now the party season is over (it could also have something to do with being back to work too - booooo!).At these times I turn to my favourite magazines, blogs, websites and celebs for inspiration and I thought I would share some of my findings with you too - you lucky things!!

Casual chic. I love Rachel Bilson's combo of rolled up jeans, blazer and slouchy clutch. And Ali Larter's cute knitwear, wayfarers, pearls and fitted combats have a real modern glamour feel.

Hats!! I LOVE them and teamed with beachy blonde hair is totally down my street

Miranda Kerr is literally one of my favourite sources of fashion inspo. I adore her style. I especially love the combination of leather trousers, pumps and cardi - it's just a shame my pair ripped across the knee last week :( At least it wasn't the butt though!! 

A splash of colour is a must to brighten up these miserable days and Olivia Palermo's style is anything but dull. Beyonce's red blazer combined with leopard print scarf is actually one that I recreate  frequently either with jeans or black cigarette pants.

Ruby+Ed Chunky Knit Beanie

A few Saturday's ago I received an exciting delivery from Ruby+Ed. I opened my front door and there was a box waiting for me. Inside it was a  beautifully wrapped knitted beanie - just in time for the cold weather setting in.

I'm a big fan of hats and although I have a load of them I don't actually have a nice beanie so it was extra specially great!

I've been aware of Ruby + Ed for quite a few years now but if you haven't heard of them before check out their website. They make luxury loungewear - perfect for gifting your family and friends, or perhaps treating yourself. There is sooooooo much that I want from them at the moment. Their hats have also recently been spotted on the likes of Caggie Dunlop (Made in Chelsea) and Lydia Bright (TOWIE) so I'm in good company.

This particular hat is super soft and I've been wearing it loads since receiving it, including today when Mr M and I ventured out into the cold for a Christmassy day of fun. I've worn it turned up a bit but you could also wear it more slouchy as seen on their website.

Teamed with my big cream shearling coat from Oasis last year, a pair of grey Zara skinnies and the ASOS 'popcorn' jumper I felt very cosy.

One last thing - If like me you love all things Christmas, check out their Christmas competition too (here). They're giving away a pair of their novelty Mr Reindeer Slippers........ I LOVE them!! Perfect for Christmas morning with some Christmas pyjamas and a Christmas jumper...... or is it just me who is planning on wearing that?!? I'm hoping to get Mr M in matching attire too!

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream, Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream and Joyous Protein Rich Night Replenish Serum

The lovely girls at Antipodes kindly gave me three of their products to test out. I've had them for a month now to give them a good trial before doing a little review.
This is the first time I've seen this brand before and it's prices are similar to brands found in Space NK. http://www.antipodesnature.com/home.html

Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream - £26.99
I find it really hard to track down a good moisturiser for during the day. My skin can be quite dry so I need something creamy, but if my moisturiser is too heavy it doesn't absorb and my make up just slides off. Knowing this I have to say I wasn't expecting too much. However, I've been very pleasantly surprised. In fact, I think this is one of the best moisturisers I've ever used. Seriously.

The texture is creamy and moisturising but light enough for my skin to absorb. I would definitely buy this again. The fact that it also contains extract from Marlborough sauvignon blanc grapeseeds also makes it quite appealing - although I usually prefer those in my wine glass!!

Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream - £24.99
I'm not sure I should admit to this, but I don't usually use eye cream........ So I was quite excited to see if it did anything. The very fact that there was a big sticker on the front stating 'scientifically shown to stimulate synthesis of collagen production by up to 82%' also got me interested.

The cream is light and basically scentless and I've been using it religiously morning and evening. Now the problem here is that I have noticed a definite difference in my, eh um, eye wrinkles. However, is this because I don't usually use an eye cream?!? I'm not sure. But I sure do like the results.

Joyous Protein Rich Night Replenish Serum - £36.99

Last but not least is the night serum. Again I haven't used a serum before, but I do use Darphin's Aromatic Purifying Balm which, when applied, is quite similar I think. From the instructions I wasn't sure if I should be using it as well as a night moisturiser so I decided to just use a few drops. It is quite oily (it is a serum) but not uncomfortably so and by the morning it is pretty much absorbed completely. One main pro that I can see is that it seems to completely zap zits..... I'm not sure if it's meant to, but I've definitely noticed zits disappearing at a dramatic rate (I'm talking 24hrs!). The only down point is that it makes my hair line greasy which means washing my hair more frequently.

All of that said, if it keeps my skin looking like this, I'll be a customer for a while to come!

Disappearing act

I know, I know. I've been missing in action again...... I promise there's been a load of stuff going on though, such as:

• Interviews - Interview outfit posts to come
• A visit to a brand new and exciting bar - It's a secret bar no less!!
• Mr M's Movember - I have a few progress images to share as well as the moment it was shaved off
• Some new purchases - Very exciting of course
• A new skincare routine - Which I love
• My first published article - Eeeeeek. The excitement!
• A trip to London for a pampering event - Lots of fun
• An exciting delivery from Ruby+Ed - Very cute and cosy
• Christmas day of fun - Dinner at Hotel Du Vin and the purchasing of the BEST Christmas tree ever.
• A spattering of girly gatherings and big nights out - no photos available. Far too incriminating!

All of these posts will come flying your way over the next few days. But in the meantime here's a picture of a cute fluffy dog. Random - for sure. But I bet he made you smile!

Sadly he does not belong to me. However I've put him on my Christmas list, but I don't hold out much hope.

Xxx

Today's outfit - In the red

This weekend was spent doing the family thing and was very laid back and relaxing. I spent most of the time wrapped up for walking around town and standing on the rugby sideline cheering Mr M on (whose moustache is coming along nicely BTW - photos will follow I promise!)

Here's today's outfit of choice - sometimes a slick of red lippy and nail varnish is all I need to feel a bit more pepped up when the weather is so dull.

It's the first outing for my trusty black over the knee boots. They are sooooo old and I desperately need to replace them. I had them shipped from Chinese Laundry about three or four years back after seeing Serena on Gossip Girl wearing them in grey - yes I am that sad! The red sweater is a French Connection piece from two years back and the blazer is my Urban Outfitters Chanel esque number.

The make up was inspired by the beautiful Scarlett Johansson in the new Dolce & Gabbana lipstick ad. Her lip is a bit more glossy than my Bourjois Rouge Dress Code lippy. Not sure if they still do it but it's been my fav red lipstick of choice for a long time now. What does everyone else do to brighten up their look on a dull day?