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!

OOTD: Hey Shortie

Not much of a preamble to go with this outfit... I bought these little shorts in H&M in the hope that summer would stick around. Since the weather hasn't been co-operating lately I paired them with a cozy cashmere jumper. In this period of seasonal transition (though let's face it we never really had a summer) it's fun to mix things up - jumpers with wedges, summer dresses with thick, black tights... I'm crazy like that ;).

Cashmere Jumper - Milan boutique, Shorts: H&M £14.99 here, Ballet flats: Primark.

These come with a cute little black faux leather belt, but I chose not to wear it to accentuate the bow detail and cut of the sweater.

I am guessing from the above these are meant to fall lower on the leg, but as my Beyonce-esque thighs fill them out they look very mini on me... the trials of being tall hehe ;).

Are you braving short shorts? Despite all the magazines trying to convince me that shorts are an appropriate attire for the office (tights optional) I am staying well away from that trend! xxx

It's all about the lips...

I will put my hand up and admit I am not a fan of Fearne Cotton. She annoys me.. there I said it ;). However, when I was shown a selection of makeup for her line exclusive to Boots I was very much excited by the lip sets. It's All About the Lips in Natural is a gorgeous, wearable trio of lip liner, lipstick and gloss.

What I particularly like about this set is the difference in textures between the products, which lets you create different looks and play with different shades of nude. The lipliner is a deeper, more rosy nude that can create a matte look, the lipstick is a light, creamy pink that looks great paired with a smokey eye and the gloss is shimmery, without being overly glittery, to add some vibrancy to the nude palette.

Top - lipliner, Middle - lipstick, Bottom - gloss, Left - all three.

The above was created using all three (sparingly) to create a beautifully irridescent, natural nude lip.

I am really impressed with this set and look forward to sampling more of the range in the future. This line is exclusive to Boots and retails at £10 (here), not bad for 3 products!

Have you tried any of Fearne's range at Boots? xxx

OOTD: Tangerine

I'm not sure if it's just me, but from my brief jaunt 'up north' I have discovered 3 things.. The tans are deeper, the hair is bigger and the shoes are definitely higher! Saturday nights in Liverpool are a very glam affair so when in Rome...

 Dress: H&M, Shoes: Dorothy Perkins, Watch: Michael Kors, Clutch: Mulberry.

I need to invest in some bigger platforms for my next trip.. giraffe style ;)!

I hope everyone had a good bank holiday weekend! xxx

Real Techniques Blush Brush

I'm sure many of you watch the amazing tutorials by Pixiwoo - the Chapman sisters are incredibly beautiful, talented and are a real inspiration to all us makeup lovers ;). I was really excited when I heard that Sam was bringing out her own line of brushes as I truly value her judgment and expertise. I have been trialing a few of the brushes from the Real Techniques line and have to say that I am extremely impressed with them!

First up for review is the Blush Brush.

The blush brush is made of synthetic taklon bristles, which are hand-cut for the perfect shape and 100% cruelty-free. The pink handle is sturdy, yet light and allows the brush to stand up on its own. The bristles are extremely soft and feel amazing, yet they are robust enough not to fan out and work perfectly to blend both powder and cream products. I love using this brush for blushers, highlighters and even contour powders or bronzers as the tapered tip makes shading accurate and smooth. What I love most about this brush though is the fact that it doesn't shed! I have found that many other brushes of a similar shape/ style (particularly the MAC duo fibre stippling brushes) shed horrendously, especially after washing, but this brush remains in tact and fluffy as ever.


These brushes are impeccably designed and competitively priced. I highly recommend you check them out if you are looking to invest in some great quality, professional brushes. The blush brush retails at £9.99 ($8.99) and can be purchased in the UK from Victoria Halth here or in the US from Ulta here.

Have you tried any Real Techniques brushes? What are your thoughts? xxx