Saturday, 29 June 2013

Magdalene May Ball 2013

With a full time job and a wedding to save up for it's not often these days that I get to have a really extravagant night out. However, the fiance and I decided that this year we would once again return to the Magdalene May Ball and indulge in some nostalgia.
I chose a black MaxMara Pianoforte ball gown that has been hanging in my wardrobe for the last 10 years! The last time I wore this I was 16! It was a special gift from my mama to wear for my first ever ball at school and having carefully preserved it for a decade I decided that this would be the perfect time to revive it. The dress itself is pretty simple as it is made up of layers of black material. The netting underskirt really gives it the vavavoom, however it can feel a little overwhelming so I tied the belt in a kimono style (tying it around twice with a bow at the front) to add some definition to my waist.
I paired it with simple black heels that had soft feather detailing to match my feathery ASOS bag. I also kept jewelery very minimal as such a classic dress requires very little. I finished off the outfit with a simple diamond tennis bracelet and long Swarovski crystal earrings.
For my hair I used my trusty Babyliss rollers. I decided on a half up, half down style to ensure my hair stayed in place all night and secured it at the back with a beautiful silver feather comb the fiance got me for Christmas. When it came to makeup  I reverted to form with a silver and black smokey eye topped with false lashes. 
We had such a fabulous night! Though I didn't quite make it all the way to the survivors photo at 7am, especially after being at work during the day, I am so happy we took a little time out of our busy schedules to sample all the delights that were on offer!
As much as I love having a career I do sometimes miss those carefree student days! Going back to work felt very sombre the next day. Oh well, time to look forward to 2015! xxx
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Wednesday, 26 December 2012

Hold Me (Baby)

Back in 2011 I introduced you to my absolute favourite makeup organiser/ travel bag. If you missed my initial review you can check it out here. This year the Hold Me Company have launched a new 'baby bag', the smaller scale version of the original Hold Me Bag.

The Baby Bag is the perfect fit for the makeup minimalist featuring the same easy organisation and brush protection. With an impressive capacity for its size, it holds a basic brush collection, several palettes, and cosmetics and tools of various shapes and sizes. So it's great to tuck in your handbag for touch ups or pack for an overnight trip or that special night out!

The new Baby Bag is handmade in the USA and is priced at $55, compared to $85 for the larger version, though the design below is currently on sale on the website for just $69 (Beauty Stars) .

I can honestly say that I have been using my Hold Me Bag exclusively for each and every trip I have made in the last 2 years and am still super pleased with it! It protects all my cosmetics, while organising my brushes and keeping everything neat and hygienic.

How do you organise your cosmetics for travel? Have ever tried the Hold Me bags?
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Saturday, 24 November 2012

Marrakesh

After covering 3 continents in just over 4 days (work, work and holiday) I am safely back on my sofa and can honestly declare that as much as I love traveling, nothing is as good as being home with my little Maxie! Though I must confess I made a few other feline friends on my travels...
I thought I would share a few photos of our (all too brief) trip to Marrakesh as many of you expressed your interest on twitter. It is an amazing city - full of vitality, vibrant colour and rich history (as well as small doorways).

 Please excuse the Movember moustache on the boy - everyone kept mistaking him for a local...


We stayed in a really fun Riyadh hotel, which certainly wasn't on the minimalist side. Just look at the entrance. I won't scar you with photos of our room, but it was certainly an experience!
The famous soukhs were so much fun to get lost in. However, if this trip cemented one thing it is that I am a fiend when it comes to bargaining, but the fiancee really is a soft touch. 120Dh he spent on a little pot... I know I could have got it for 30! ;p
 The YSL or Majorelle Gardens.
The gardens were stunning and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. The sun came out and though it wasn't exactly hot it was perfect for a hectic day of sightseeing!
After a lovely lunch in the gardens followed by copious mint tea the fiancee tried his hand at orienteering... which is when we got lost!
I would definitely recommend Marrakesh for a long weekend break in the sun. Perhaps it is not the most romantic of places (no hand holding), but the vibrant atmosphere alone is worth the journey!
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Wednesday, 18 July 2012

Umbria and Tuscany

Not too long ago I spent a magical week in the plush Italian countryside on the border between Umbria and Tuscany. Having returned home to find my internet was broken (fixed today yay!) I have been looking forward to sharing these pictures with you for far too long!!!

 Swimsuit and flip-flops: Ted Baker. Sunglasses: Fiorelli.

 Dress, clutch and flip-flops: Ted Baker. Sunglasses: Prada.

Lake Trasimeno
Bikini: Reiss
Passignano sul Trasimeno pier
 The view from Castiglione del Lago
 Dress: Topshop (similar here)
 Sunflowers in Tuscany
 Montepluciano - where they filmed Twilight New Moon!
Godiolo Vineyard and wine tasting!


Photography by the pool...
Swimsuit: Red or Dead (here)
Penguin
Enjoying the sunset in Castel Rigone
 Beautiful Florence
 Lucky piglet Porcellino
 Out for dinner on the last night. Dress: Amaka Showroom.

A very photo heavy post, but I love looking at everyone's holiday snaps, so I do hope you enjoyed them! xxx
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