Make Up Store

I am an absolute fan of the MAKE UP STORE.  The Swedish makeup brand is right up there with MAC, NARS and such like. I believe that it’s definitely on trend with modern day aesthetics. It doesn’t ooze with old glamour as Christian Dior or YSL might do, and rather than intimidate it welcomes you over. I don’t know why but I have always felt a little intimidated going over to the Chanel counter. On those few times that I have plucked up the courage to browse I always feel a little disappointed by the lack of youth in their cosmetics range. I love colour and I love the unusual which is why I believe MAKE UP STORE draws me in. For the creative types, it’s heaven. And perhaps, for the conservative type, it’s hell.  I’d put Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Guerlain and Lancôme in the same category. If you want the classics they are the best places to go to but if it’s colour and a breath of fresh air then I’d look elsewhere. However YSL as I have noticed, have in recent years, taken a walk on the wild side and occasionally bring out ‘cool’ products which consist of unusual colourings for such a stately brand. So perhaps it is evident enough to say that even the grandmother brands are learning from the new.

NARS-Sex Machine and Orgasm

I've been feeling a little down recently, partly because there had been a death in the family, but I am not one to dwell. I took a little stroll in Selfridges in London and I did what I always do, which is to go and circulate the NARS counter. I LOVE the makeup. And, admittedly, I've bought things that I don't need  but simply because they're pretty. It's a habit my bank account hates me for. But, it made me happy for twenty minutes- and what's wrong with being happy a little bit? Two of my favourit NARS products is the blusher Orgasm and the velvet lip pencil Sex Machine. And yes, I know the names are slightly risque but honestly, the colours and products are divine!

I Love Stars- The Twinkling Kind

     

Rose gold and cognac diamonds

Those who know me, know that I have a ridiculous obsession with Zoe & Morgan. When I first discovered them I heard ‘hallelujah’s’ in my head because I thought I had finally found jewellery designers who were absolutely in tune with the style of trinkets that I love. It's rock’n’roll meet magic. It’s 100% me. I also aught to tell you that the team at Zoe & Morgan are fabulous- I say so through my own personal experience with them. Once upon a time I wrote about them in my student newspaper and I thought I aught to let them know and sent a copy of my article. They were then later kind enough to have it up on their website- a gesture which was totally  unnecessary but one that I love and appreciate. For that reason, Zoe & Morgan, alongside their sister Ruth will always have my vote and recommendation. The rings featured here are on my personal wish list. Rose gold and cognac diamonds - one day they will be mine!!!

See more of their collection on zoeandmorgan.com

Victoria's Secret

Lily Aldridge for Victoria's Secret

So, its been a while since I last wrote. To be honest with you I haven't had a a lot to say...the world has been rather boring! Thankfully Christmas is all over and the new year has brought new interests. I'll be talking about makeup today and what might be nice for spring. A while back I was researching makeup and new looks when I came across Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Bride photographs. The face of the project is Lily Aldridge, who only recently married Kings of Leon singer, Caleb Followill. So, it is only fitting that a bride should star in the campaign. What I noticed however, in terms of the makeup they used on her, was that pastel shades were the in thing. Indeed, pastel colours, I think are refreshing and especially in tune with the fact that spring is on its way.  Pastels are happier colours, they are gentle, they also lead up to the brighter colours one might see later on in the year in the summer. there is also something angelic about pastel shades yet one must be careful and only use shades that work with the skin tone.

Some Girls..

Alicia Silverstone

Liv Tyler

There are two women whose faces I can never get enough of and sadly, I don't think they get enough screen time. At least not to keep me satisfied. They are both incredibly talented women...but as Hollywood goes, just as you get used to them they're out of the limelight. It is hardly debatable that one of the two has had a better career than the other and thank god for that (there is some justice in the world). The first time I really ever paid any attention and noticed them was when I saw them in the Aerosmith video Crazy. I was hooked. And I think they became two of the most recognisable faces in the 90s. Perhaps Alicia Silverstone outshone Liv Tyler back then but only a little bit. Things have obviously turned around because  if you think of Alicia you think Cluless and if you think Liv you think Lord of the Rings, Givenchy, Steven Tyler...  I don't know what it is that makes Alicia Silverstone and Liv Tyler so attractive. Is it the sweetness seen in their faces? or their charming and fun personalities? Whatever it is, I think the newcomers of Hollywood can learn a thing or two from them. There is a warmth in them and in their acting and I can only hope to achieve something of the same. x

Lace 'n' Things

Katherine Middleton

Ok, let’s talk wedding dresses! So in the past couple of years we’ve seen a lot of royal weddings and perhaps the most famously known is that of Prince William and Katherine Middleton. For months people were speculating on the dress and wondering what it would look like. I always, and I mean always, thought that whatever the dress there must be lace on it somewhere. I just couldn’t picture her in anything else.

I am a big fan of lace myself and have always thought that lace sleeves would be a beautiful on a wedding dress. My own hopes for my own wedding dress have always been to have some lace, and in particular lace sleeves.

And then voila, Kate walked out with a dress that had lace sleeves and I was in love. If it’s done right, and by right I mean not too much of it, lace can look absolutely stunning.  

 

Another wedding which caught my attention was that of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. Here, they had decided on a simple and elegant dress that did not overpower the occasion. She was not lost behind the dress but remained the focus on the day. She wore off the shoulder short sleeves which complimented the shoulders and collarbone area helping to elongate the neck.  The dress was cut to fit and complimented her physique and, yes, she wore a small hint of lace too! Her veil was bordered with lace which complimented the plain elegant material used for the dress.

If the materials used for the dress are used in equal measures the likelihood of it looking awful is close to zero. It’s a case of balance.  And of course, above all it’s how you wear it. Wear it proudly and don’t hide it, show that you are in love!  It makes all the difference. x



Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden with her father King Carl XVI Gustaf



It's October...it's Halloween!

So, it's October which can only really mean one thing. Yes, that's right. The time has come when we can dress up as our alter egos and have fun in ways we wouldn't be able to otherwise. Yes it's nearing Halloween, which in my opinion, is one of the best times of the year. I was thinking about the sorts of films I like to watch during Halloween and films like Hocus Pocus and The Addams Family figured in my mind.

Beetlejuice was another. It was on Beetlejuice that I remembered what a fabulous actress Winona Ryder was. She also, even to this day, carries that certain kind of cool only a few other actors and actresses can (Helena Bonham-Carter...etc.) It's a shame we don't get to see her that often anymore save for the re-runs of Little Women or her brief appearance as Spock's mother in the recent Star Trek. I feel like Ryder and Tim Burton need to reunite to make more crazy and out-of-this-world films like Beetlejuice again. She has that sort of face that offers that freedom to do anything and be anything. Or better yet, a film with Ryder, Depp and Bonham-Carter directed by Burton. Now I know that's an awful lot of names, but they are good names nontheless and no bad come from them. x