Work It Out: Heritage

Now I am no country bumpkin, but a few days ago I decided to switch it up and try the new heritage check trend on for size. This blazer has been in my wardrobe for a few years and rarely makes an appearance, as it's not my usual style. However, coupled with a fishtail skirt, I tried to give the essentially 'school mistress' look a girlie twist ;).

 Jacket: Mango, Forest green sweater: Mango, Skirt: M&S.

The black faux leather elbow patches can be a retro step too far for some, but I feel that the fitted shape and feminine cut of the blazer make it more modern and wearable.

Will you be dipping a toe into the heritage/ country side trend this autumn? Barbour jackets, leather riding boots and cable knits at the ready!

Twilight

Ciate's latest nail colours are dark, glossy and undeniably sexy! I love rich colours for the Winter, and this collection does not disappoint with some exciting, unique shades, as well as a few great staples.

Ghetto Fabulous (black creme)

 Burlesque (rich plum creme)

Dangerous Affair (rouge noir creme)

 Twilight (black with gold flakes)

 Paparazzi (vampy red black creme)

3am Girl (deep inky blue creme)

 Guest List (deep brown with a hint of purple creme)

 

 Strictly Legal (shimmery plum)

I have to confess that I love them all, especially for the Winter season. However, given the choice of one I decided on Twilight (Strictly legal is a close runner up). Now, before scrolling to the swtaches I have to prepare you for my nails. I am weeks overdue for gel infills, but haven't had the time to get to my regular salon (in Woking) so they are awfully long! Apologies, they are hideous, I am ashamed :(.

Twilight is a unique colour as the richness of the black is lifted and brought to life by the dense gold micro glitter. Some glitter polishes can look a little flat, but this seems to somehow have more dimension. In certain lights it can appear a simple black, but when it catches the light the gold flecks really glow and sparkle!

Like all Ciate polishes I have tried the pigmentation is excellent, and even this deep black is opaque in just one coat. I always go for two, but if you are in a rush you can easily settle for one generous layer. Although the consistency is quite thick the stiff, flat brush helps to apply it smoothly, without dragging across the nail (though you couldn't tell by my 2am shaky application). It dries in a decent amount of time and wears well, but you do have to be careful not to apply it too thick as it can chip. The photos above were taken after 3 days of wear, and though I have a few minor chips I would say it has held up well, especially for a black as any tip wear is instantly noticeable.

Ciate polishes are £9 each and can be purchased from ciate.co.uk.

Have you tried any Ciate polishes? What did you think of their formulation? Do you have any favourites and do any of the above take your fancy? xxx

Saturday's OOTD

I am so sorry my lovelies that I have been slacking on the blogging front lately!! I have just been so busy sorting out prizes and watching all your fabulous contest entries for my 10,000 sub competition on YouTube. You have all amazed me and I am so happy so many of you have entered, but there is still plenty of time to make your entries if you are interested :) it ends on Wednesday 22nd July at 12 midnight GMT.

Now back to our regular broadcasting ;). On Saturday night my darling boyfriend took me out for a fantastic dinner at one of my favourite London restaurants- L'etranger. Normally this would be saved for a very very special occasion as it is pricey, but luckily Toptable have an offer at the moment for 50% off food, so we were able to indulge without breaking the piggy bank :).

As you all know I take any chance I am given to dress up!! So I put my hair up in rollers to give it volume and bounce (the bigger the hair, the smaller the waist) and wore a standard silver and black smokey eye.

Products used:

Face: MUFE HD, MAC MSF natural, NARS laguna bronzer, elf mineral blush, auburn brow powder.

Eyes: UDPP, silver from chanel quad, MAC carbon e/s, blacktrack fluidline, covergirl lashblast, Ardell demi lashes.

Lips: GOSH darling l/s.

I then let my bf chose my dress, and like a little magpie he decided on my most sparkly number from Karen Millen. I paired it with my new Carvella shoes, which I absolutely adore.
I would never normally wear such a short and sparkly dress as I feel it looks somewhat 'overdone', even for me. However, I love the long sweeping sleeves, the drape in the back (just seen) and the fact that my decolletage is not exposed, so I don't feel too uncomfortable showing some leg as the rest of me is covered up.


Do you guys ever let the magpie in you out?
xxx