OOTD: Peplum Tropics

Printed trousers is a trend that I have admired over the last few months, but have not been brave enough to attempt. Even though I am tall my thighs are definitely an area I struggle with and usually try to conceal by wearing darker colours and skirts or dresses rather than trousers. However, after seeing these trousers on a host of celebs and fashionistas I decided that I would put my insecurities aside and see if I could work the trend for my shape. I chose a large, colourful print and purchased a size up to ensure that the fit would be looser giving the appearance of a 'straight' rather than 'slim' cut.
I also paired the trousers with a plain flared peplum top to balance out the narrow fit.

 Top: Zara (£29.99 here), Trousers: Zara (£39.99 here), Belt: Reiss, Shoes: LA Boutique, Sunglasses: Prada.

Other printed trousers I have had my eye on are:

ASOS Crop Trousers In Floral Print

£40.00

 

Warehouse Eastern Tropic Trouser

£38.00

 

ASOS Skinny Trousers in Floral Print

£35.00

 

Sportmax floral print cigarette trouser

£287

 Are you a fan of printed trousers? What do you think of this tropical version? xxx

Sexy Victoria's Secret Waves w/ the InStyler

I am a huge fan of Victoria's Secret! The underwear, the girls, the show, the hair, the makeup and those amazing wings. As ever this year's show was spectacular and my favourite angel Adriana Lima looked as beautiful as ever. Though I would not often want to put my picture next to hers needs must

for the greater good... good hair!

This week I have been experimenting with a new hair tool - the InStyler. I first spotted this styling tool in a commercial and was intrigued by it's innovative design, which features a rotating curling iron and a brush.

The InStyler is a multi functional tool that can both curl and straighten the hair, as well as adding volume and shine. The bristles separate individual strands while the rotating cylinder straightens and polishes. As the heat is spread evenly along the hair with the rotating motion the InStyler uses less heat than traditional tools, which is encouraging as I always worry about using too much heat on my hair! The three heat settings available are 196 °C (for thick, coarse hair),  157 °C (for thin to medium-textured hair) and 140 °C (for fine, thin hair).

To see how I used the InStyler to create sexy, soft curls and sleek, straight hair just watch the video below!


I really like the idea of the InStyler as it creates beautiful, soft curls/waves in an innovative way. However, I did find it a little tricky to use at first, especially as you have to be quite careful with the hot cylinder not to burn your fingers. This tool does come with a heat guard for this purpose, but I found it easier to remove it when curling the hair.

Being accustomed to my Babyliss Big Hair I did find it a little annoying that I could not control the direction of the spin, meaning that you always have to hold it in a certain direction to get the best results, which can be a little awkward if you are not ambidextrous. Though this is a tool that takes a little practice for me it is worth the effort as I absolutely love the shape of the curls created by the InStyler - the perfect big, bouncy, shiny Victoria's Secret waves!

The InStyler retails at £99 on their website here and is also available from Boots here... with 396 clubcard points too ;). For more information, as well as tips and tricks for creating a range of styles you can also visit InStyler's Twitter, Facebook and YouTube channel, which also has a great range of tutorial videos!

Have you seen the InStyler? Are you a fan of multipurpose hair styling tools? Are you tempted to try it? What hair style would you create with it? xxx

**This is a sponsored post.**

Behind the scenes at LFW

The whole of London has been feasting on the buzz of London fashion week so I was really excited to be kindly invited to a couple of shows this season!

Check out my little behind the scenes video at the beautiful Izmaylova show below :).


I was so inspired by the beautiful makeup created by Lan and the breathtakingly glamorous dresses!

Absolutely beautiful!

Did you catch any of the shows this week (in person or online)? What inspired you the most? What trends are you most excited about? xxx

Paradise Lost

Last month some of you may have seen the photo I posted on TwitPic looking like a smurf/ troll with crazy backcombed hair courtesy of Seanhanna salons and not my usual style of makeup. Since I have got a few messages asking to see the photos from that shoot, perhaps the craziest I have ever done, I thought I would share some of these images for a giggle.
This dress is from the ANON Autumn/Winter 2009 collection by the fabulous Andrew Martin. Andrew's collection is based on insects and includes dark, heavily structured pieces which accentuate the female form, linking to the identity of Eve within Paradise Lost.
This was definitely a lot of fun, but also quite hard work since I had to climb a tree in a dress that didn't quite cover my bottom and unsteady stilettos (pictured above), all the while 'acting like an insect', though I have pretty much no clue how an insect would act ;p.
Now to the part you are all interested in- the makeup. I have one word.. eeeek!! This monstrosity was done by Benefit, who I have never been a great fan of. They had a lovely team, with so much fun banter, but nevertheless when catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror I did just want to jump off the chair and run to wash it all off! The designer wanted us to look pale and stark, but I think the caked on foundation and dry concealer lips were going too far into the realm of the undead.

Straight after this shoot I had my hair re-styled by Seanhanna into a bigger quiff (yes it is possible) and my makeup re-done into something even more scary (and once again, please be prepared).The brief for this was basically the devil and yup.. I think I pretty much look like I am crawling out of hell with that snarl.. hehe.

Here is the dress on the catwalk. The first two shows were in the formal venue and had the makeup done by MAC (unfortunately I can't show you any photos even though the makeup, venue and presentation were beautiful). The second set of shows were more informal as they were set up for charity so my bf was able to sneak in to take some snaps.
For a close up of the makeup I am including a pic (which I know I will get into trouble for.. hehe) of us messing around at the after party. Someone hasn't quite got their pout down yet have they darling ;)?


Hope you guys enjoyed this post :).
xxx