Monthly Archives: August 2012

Bobbi Brown Studio Make Over

This week I got the chance to check out the brand new Bobbi Brown cosmetic studio located in Manchester’s Harvey Nichols. As you all know I am the worst person when it comes to make-up, I’m so impatient a bit of powder, mascara and tons of lippie and that’s about it. Don’t get me wrong I love a new product as much as the next girl, I have a stack of nail polish and fancy eye shadows I play around with for a night out but for everyday, I tend not to bother. My biggest nemesis is foundation, I really never got to grips with it, hating anything heavy on my skin. My other pet hate are product that don’t stay put, who has time to reapply their entire face after a few hours from crumbly eye-liners to clogged creases. With all this in mind I decided to take a look at Bobbi Brown, learning all about the brand from their easy to use, interactive website.

The tools used to create my look

The first thing I found intriguing was that Bobbi still works as a make-artist, many of the looks on the catwalks at New York fashion week at her hands. Bobbi first set out to create her make-up range after being left disappointed that there was nothing on the market that gave natural results. Her philosophy is still the same, make-up should enhance your natural beauty and it should be easy to do! At the studio you can pick from a wide variety of make-up lessons all tailored to suit your needs be it eyebrow styling, teenage beauty, evening drama or make-up facelift. I opted for the 10 step lesson which is designed to let you be your own make-up artist, a natural fresh everyday look which is easy to do, yes please! Bobbi is still the driving force behind her brand, she loves to interact with customers and is passionate about social media she tweets constantly @justbobbibrown and writes her own blog ‘Everything Bobbi‘. As part of the new studio there is an interactive blog wall where you can read Bobbi’s latest updates and learn all about the brand (or sit your boyfriend in front of it out of the way whilst you get your make-up done, it will keep any gadget geek entertained for hours).

My face map

Through out the lesson my make-up artist Kelly explained all the products being used and how to use them. Armed with a hand mirror I was able to see how she was applying the products so I could easily do it myself at home. My face was primed with the most divinely scented cleanser ‘Hydrating face tonic’ and moisturiser/ primer ‘Vitamin enriched face base’, each of these packed with essential oils which made it feel like having a facial, I could get used to this on a daily basis. The ‘eye repair cream’ was used on my eyes to sooth and hydrate the area and prep it for eye make-up. The first part of the make-up was concealer, hiding any discoloration under the eye by counteracting the colour. I have to say this made the biggest difference to me, my eyes always give away how tired I am and I had previously only used YSL Touche Eclat which brightens the eye area but doesn’t cover or conceal. I had always thought concealer would be too heavy under the eye but the Bobbi Brown formula was ever so light. The concealer was set with a tiny dab of powder, again something I had previously thought a beauty no-no but I was proved wrong, my eyes looked so bright and perked up my whole face. I tried out the new ‘Long wear even finish’ foundation which really feels very light and fresh whilst brightening the face for a dewy glow. The foundation itself comes in a fantastic range of colours, I have trouble finding a good match being so pale but here I was only the second lightest, not an orange tint in sight, all set with a light dusting of face powder. My eyes were further enhanced with the new ‘Uber basic’s collection’ eye-shadows Stone as the paler sand colour and Dark Chocolate as the deep, shimmering brown. My brows were swept with ‘Mahogany’ shadow and defined to perfection. A pop  of rosy pink blush and a deep pink lipstick in Mod Pink with Sailor gloss topped off my look.

You will have to excuse the harsh lighting I took the reveal photo’s under, I did these when I got home and there was no natural light left. I did get my photo taken by Manchester based photographer Sven Eselgroth who was there to shoot the evenings events however so will share that one when I get the press release. The light is striping the warmth out of the pink lipstick and disguising the blush. But I do think you can see how perfect the finish is on my skin, it looks airbrushed. My favourite part of the look is how dramatic my eyes looked from the under eye concealer to the defined brows.

Am I am Bobbi Brown convert? Yes I am! Will I put my money where my mouth is? I certainly will, products I will be buying are the foundation, concealer and eye-brow taming shadow and brush. With winter coming too my skin will need all the help it can get so I would also like the cleanser and moisturiser. The price points? Most products are around the £20-30 mark, whilst not cheap I have never been one to scrimp on beauty. Whilst you can pick up cheaper brands for nail colours, eye shadow and lipstick I personally think it is worth going for higher quality where the essentials are concerned. I really liked the pigment rich eye shadows from the ‘Uber basics’ range too, I usually run a mile from glitter but this was more subtle yet still enough to make an impact. There are also some other Bobbi Brown products I would like to try out too such as the BB cream, Long wear gel eye liner and a wonderful turquoise blue eye shadow that caught my eye.

You can see more photo’s from the evening on in my Face Book album

Have you tried Bobbi Brown? What are your favourite products from the brand?

Spur of the Moment Shoes Purchase!

Y3 shoes from TK Maxx

You know when you are just out browsing, just having a look, killing some time and all of a sudden you decide to buy something totally not your usual style just for the hell of it? Well that! I saw these super cool Y3 shoes, that’s the label by Adidas and Yoji Yamamoto and I had visions of myself all spots-luxe a bit Alexander Wang street sports cool! Obviously I get them home and realise I have absolutely nothing to go with these shoes – or are they trainers? But hey I do like a challenge, I’m thinking maybe the Wang blazer, slouchy t-shirt, tailored trouser possibly even a baseball cap…? I also have to mention how comfy they are, seriously the are actually like trainers, so soft and padded, why more heel’s don’t come with that I’ve no idea. They are almost bouncy!

What do you think, are they keepers?

Must Have Accessories for the Autumn

Must have accessories for the autumn

The devil is in the details – no? Accessories this autumn are full of intricate features, exquisite patterns and textures, and rich embellishments. No outfit is complete without accessories, and this season’s are making a bold statement. In spite of the down economy, women are presenting a positive image of strength and empowerment – just take a look at some of the jewel toned bags, elegant neck adornments, knee-high boots, animal prints, and fur trimmings.

Make a statement of your own with some of the baroque-inspired bags, shoes, and jewelry that graced the autumn 2012 runways. You can pick up some of the season’s hottest accessories at Avenue 32 clothing.

Oversized Handbags

The bigger, the better! Large portfolios, clutches and weekenders come in a variety of broody hues, animal prints and a mixture of fabrics and hardwares.

A must-have is the weekender bag. This large carryall – it literally carries everything – is the perfect glamorous accessory for your trip to the gym or a get-away with the girls.

Take control at work with the power portfolio. This classic structure lends a more refined look, while still being fashionable.

Commanding Shoes

There’s nothing like welcoming the new season with a killer pair of shoes. Over-the-knee boots, booties, and authoritative heels are adorned in fur trimmings, colored snakeskin, and vintage-inspired designs.

When it comes to boots, you can’t go wrong. There is everything from equestrian and wedges to lace-up and biker- inspired.

Statement Collars and Ties

The statement collars are still going strong this season. Made of delicate lace, ornate details, and shimmering fabrics, these attachments transform a look from plain to polished. Pair it with a plain T-shirt, sweater, or a chiffon vest. Stick to tops that are simple and let the collar do the talking.

Chunky Jewelry

Thick bracelets, big necklaces and elegant earrings are taking over. Metal accents and baroque inspired pieces are a must. One piece that’s making its way onto the fashion scene is the Goth-inspired cross necklaces and earrings.

Classic Gloves

Leave the cozy mittens in the closet and slip on a pair of luxurious, ladylike gloves. Adding sleek gloves made of cashmere and leather will make any outfit feel sophisticated and refined. Try embellishments like fur and studs for updated look.

Sophisticated Shades

Don’t say goodbye to the sun just yet. The eclectic prints and retro styles from the summer continue into fall, with even more exciting patterns and bold colors.

Escapism – Inbar Spector

Escapism

The name of the collection truly says it all. For A/W12 Inbar created a fantasy dream world. Intricate tulle with laser cut metalic faux-leather in candy colours of the rain bow. Some of the looks were paired with soft, grey wool coats which reminded me of childhoods, being wrapped up warm in a duffel coat with party dress underneath. The bejewelled masks, with huge gobstopper crystals created an air of mystery, who were these beautiful visions before us?

For her Autumn / Winter 2012 collection Israeli-born Inbar Spector takes inspiration from the theme of escapism.  This collection deals with the question “where does skin end and body start”? By not accepting nature, we are trying to force it to look like what we see as ideal. Inbar Spector has created her AW12 collection using visions of fairytale, manga, dreams and circus clowns. The collection incorporates lace, silks and perforated faux leather in a palette that includes: smoked pink, light green, nude colour and gold. Inbar Spector also uses ruffles for detailing to represent the utopia nature of her collection. Inbar Spector’s eccentric patterns are capturing the imaginations of London’s most cutting edge scenesters with her “outrageous” constructivism, crinolines and corsetry. Inbar Spector comments, ‘dissatisfaction from our body drives us to change it, I see this as a way of escapism. I was always fascinated by plastic surgeries and I wanted to make a collection that will mix the body and the garment and to deal with this way of escapism.’ The headpieces are designed specifically for this collection by Lara Jensen to complete the desired fairytale look.

You can see the full collection in my Facebook Album

Girl Crush – Emanuelle Alt

(Michael Perry patent boots, Rupert Sanderson ‘Bessie’ heels, Kat Maconie ‘Camilla’ boots)

I have a confession to make, sometimes when I’m out shopping I shop for a tiny Emanuelle Alt who lives in my head. She is the version of me and how I would dress had I been born with an extra 9″ and thin as a rake. Don’t get me wrong I have no problem with my body but sometimes there are some trends I love but alas cannot pull off! How I would love to be able to rock a pair of skinny jeans and a baggy t-shirt like Emanuelle, she has the perfect figure and attitude for dressing simply. She always dresses it up with either a statement jacket, think leather or shoulder padded blazer or a killer pair of heels favoring designers Isabel Marant and Balmain. I was just checking out the new season shoes on offer and spotted some gorgeous pairs, for some reason blue is appealing to me. Here are three of my favourite and whilse I’m not sure if they are my own style I think they would be perfect for Emanuelle. I can just imagine her in the Michael Perry patent ankle boots with their rows of tiny buckles. The kitten heel Rupert Sanderson’s are typical of her style, she often favours a black court shoe but the navy detailing adds a nice splash of contrast. I have a pair of Prada kitten heels which are similar to this which I can’t wait to get out again this season although it will be with skirts not skinny’s for me! Finally I chose these midnight blue velvet Kat Maconie boots, they are just so beautiful and the velvet seems so luxurious for winter. They are a little different to what Emanuelle would wear but hey every girl needs to try something new every now and again. As for me I really think shades of blue and navy will be my think for autumn / winter.

Do you ever ‘Shop’ for other people?

(Image of Emanuelle Alt via Stockholm Street Style)

Faster and Faster – Mark Fast

What better way to spend a wet, windy and chilly Bank Holiday than getting into A/W mode. The Mark Fast AW12 collection really appealed to me, lots of shaggy knitted layers mixed with sleeker body-con silhouettes, paired with slouchy hats and sky high heels for a chic take on grunge. I particularly like the cropped, cut-out layers worn over tight dresses, layering with out the bulk. For evening azure blue dresses were draped with delicate jet beads and crochet work. Summer I’m so over you, bring on the woolies!

View my full album on Facebook for all the looks and the celebrity studded crowd

Outfit: The Rain and Other Problems

(Wearing: Vintage Burberry trench, vintage leather boots)

Apparently it’s summer, I’m not at all convinced! What exactly are you supposed to wear when it’s chucking it down but really muggy hot? One minute it’s boiling the next you are covered in goose-pimples! Ah yes I know so British moaning about the weather but as a Northerner I do feel cheated that the only nice day of summer I’ve had was when I was in London. Just one day I got to wear a summer dress and sandals, sigh. So I’ve given up, I give up on you selfish Summer!!

Ok, ok I’m really still hoping we will be blessed with an Indian Summer, at least when I am in London for Fashion Week because there are beautiful things hanging in my wardrobe which desperately need an outing. First and foremost this Elie Tahari beige suede jacket, oh yes BEIGE SUEDE, I know what kind of crazy buys such a high maintenance jacket, but look at it!! It’s got more tassels than an 80′s table lamp how could I resist? Who care’s if I an only wear it one a mildly warm and extra dry day, I freaking LOVE IT! It was one of those things where I saw it, touched it, tried it on, pretended not to see the price tag and ran to the check out, hugging the carrier bag all the way home, where I promptly spent the evening dancing around in front of my mirror it it! I’m thinking since it’s short sleeves now might be the time to admit weather defeat and try wearing it underneath anther coat like my trench. What I think will be perfect with this jacket are the Missoni shoes I got ages ago, oh yeah equally as impractical in multicolored crochet but oh so pretty!

Jacket Elie Tahari from TK Maxx, Shoes Missoni from Spartoo

You see the real problem I have is buying and wearing practical clothes. The above outfit for example, sure it follows all the ‘rules’ of classic, chic style. I am forever being told that a trench and tall leather boots are on the ‘ten items every woman should own’ list and all that but OMG I FEEL SO PLAIN!! Sorry I know, I know I should be embracing the stylist mantra but I really, really struggle to wear an outfit like that. Same goes for blue jeans and a white t-shirt, yes it is an easy base for an outfit, yes you can dress it up with shoes and jewellery but it just doesn’t feel right for me. Sometimes I flip through the pages of Vogue and see all the cool French fashion editors in their jeans and Breton tops and look at myself in the mirror and feel like a bit of an overdressed Peacock. Yet for some reason I just feel more comfortable rolling around in a vat of Vivienne Westwood. I find it quicker and easier to get dressed in some insane Westwood outfit in a rush in the morning that I do in a plain t-shirt and jeans. It doesn’t make much sense I know, in theory it should be the exact opposite. So yeah I could probably throw on the the Tahari jacket and Missoni shoes with a white tee and blue jeans, it would look great but it wouldn’t look like me. I could wear them with a little black dress and say the same but there is some tiny fashion-crazy inside my head screaming AZURE BLUE DRESS!

I think perhaps the problem I have with simple, classic, call-them-what-you-will, clothes is that you can’t really hide behind them. When you wear a plain white t-shirt you don’t really notice it, as opposed to when you wear one with a crazy print or slogan blazoned across the front. I guess I feel more ‘naked’ wearing something simple than I do wrapped up in some fantastical, OTT fashion, more vulnerable. My clothes are my armor. They also offer a form of escapism, you can be Dorothy of Oz in a red pair of heels or even the Wicked Witch in a long black gown. Life is more fun if you get dressed up. Clothes can be comforting too, I am sat writing this now in an appalling dark grey hoodie, yet it is fleecy soft inside, I can pull up the hood and snuggle into it, it is almost like wearing a hug. It is my ‘ill hoodie’, it just makes me feel that tiny bit better, comforted and secure as my body acts like a total jerk.

Thank you to everyone asking how I am doing on my new medication, it is too soon to say if it is having any positive effects and so far only minimal side-effects, however this week I have been plagued by so far unexplained muscle-cramps (like when you pull a muscle in sport but it doesn’t go away after hopping up and down for 5 minutes). So that has slowed me down a bit this week and involved the dreaded hospital but other that I’m ok.

Enjoy the Bank Holiday!

Do you have any strange fashion habits? Are you a simple or pile it all on kinda person?

What to do When Sunglasses Season is Over

Vintage YSL and Mary Quant (below) sunglasses, part of a huge bug-eye phase I went through

If you are anything like me you will have been obsessed with sunglasses for the last few months. You know what I’m like I can’t resist starting a new collection and every year I get to the end of summer with a whole new stash of sunglasses! Besides their obvious use – scowling at people behind them protecting you from the sun – I really like to wear them to add something extra to my look . You can really create a sense of character from movie star to vintage queen, funny to glamorous. But what do you do when winter sets in, with no sun in sight you need to find an alternative accessory. I mean sure with winter comes scarves, gloves, hats even ear-muffs but they don’t really transform your face the way sunglasses do.

The alternative? Well if you are a prescription glasses wearer you get to keep your frames. I even know friends who have had their sunglasses altered to hold their prescription lenses when they like a frame so much. I know there has been the recent trend for ‘geek glasses’, thick black frames, with clear glass lenses for those who don’t really need to wear glasses. Yet I admit I would feel silly wearing them as someone with 20/20 vision. Of course the grass is always greener as they say and I know lots of people who have to wear glasses who really don’t like them! It was with a recent conversation about such a thing with my friend (who looks amazing in glasses but hates to wear them) and his new found love of contact lenses. I had never given all that much thought into contacts but ever time I see my friend his eyes are a different colour due to coloured prescription lenses, which are of course available in non-prescription too – like the ones you can find at Get Lenses. Then I thought how cool it would be to get to wear coloured lenses which you could mix and match with your make up. I have brown eyes and they really pop against grey eye shadow but I would really like to see what it would look like with grey or violet eyes. I only ever tried contact lenses once, years ago, but I was too squeamish to get them in. My friend even tried sitting on me and putting them in for me, but I couldn’t do it, definitely worth another try I think.