4th of July 2015 Outfit Ideas | FASHION

Hello!

"if you're not celebrating, you could totally recreate the outfit for whatever you're doing this summer!"

If you didn't know, I'm a Londoner. That means, no 4th of July for me! "Why do the outfit ideas, then?" you ask. Well, I quite like the idea behind the American festival, and think it's quite fun to create some easily recreate-able red, white and blue outfits! Oh, and these outfits are of course inspiration for any day in the summer, so I hope you enjoy.

Summer Holiday Haul | FASHION

Hello!

"Definitely something I'll be making the most of this summer!"

As mentioned in the last post, I'll be taking a trip to Egypt this summer. With a holiday just around the corner, it is more than the excuse needed to buy a few extra things! 

I took it upon myself to order from DressLink. I wrote a post about their dresses, which were all under $10, so while taking a look around their site, I came across these things that I wanted to try. Oh, and one of those things was $0.01. That's right, less than a dollar! 

"Believe you me, it did arrive and it was only $0.01!"

The striped top shown on the left is a chiffon material. It is light weight and super versatile for the hot, summer days. It's simple and can be worn in many different ways. This was the item that was $0.01. I kind of didn't believe the price and just put in it the basket, almost thinking it wouldn't arrive as it's too good to be true. Believe you me, it did arrive and it was only $0.01! That's, like, 1 penny for us UK lot! 

LINK here.

I also ordered a bag and some sunnies. The bag is a cream/off-white shade which I think is perfect for the summer. I have a thing for gold hardware, and the hardware detail on this was exactly what caught my eye. However, I did notice there were a few scratches on the hardware, even though the product came in a dust-bag. I have no idea how that came about, but for the price, I'm not complaining! 

LINK here.

"there is also little slots for your phone and possibly some keys or something on the inside."

The good thing about the bag is the optional shoulder straps. I, for one, am pretty sure I'd forget the bag somewhere if it didn't have the shoulder straps, only to realise, 2 hours later, that I left it in the middle of nowhere and will have no way of getting it back. So, to avoid that kind of situation, a shoulder strap is vital for me! 

It's great that it's got a zip too, so you feel safer about putting some valuables in there, and there is also little slots for your phone and possibly some keys or something on the inside. 

It's a pretty simple, but stylish bag that would go with almost anything. Definitely something I'll be making the most of this summer! It was $4.83 (about £3.20). I still can't get over how affordable the prices are! 

"With a holiday just around the corner, it is more than the excuse needed to buy a few extra things!"

Finally, a holiday would not be complete without a pair of sunglasses. Aviators are hands down my go-to style of sunnies, and when I saw they had these gold-rimmed (see a trend?) orange/red tinted ones, I just couldn't say no. 

LINK here.

What are your essentials to get/pack for a holiday? Oh, and tell me, are you planning on going trips this year? 

The BEST Pant Trend this Summer | FASHION

Hello!

"I can wear the comfiest form of pants out in public and still look pretty pulled together"

As mentioned a million and one times on this blog, Summer is coming. Summer is not what it is without some floral print, am I right? Basically my summer wardrobe has a lot of florals. Though, it had lots of floral tops and floral dresses, yet no floral... pants.
Before we go on, let's clarify: I mean pants standing for bottoms/trousers not underwear :)

LEFT TO RIGHT: TopShop, Asda by George

I love the way these look. They're almost chinos but not quite in that category. The pants pictured on the right are from TopShop who name them 'cigarette' trousers. Well, I don't really want to call them that but you get the point - they're different. You can choose to dress them up with some heels or dress them down with a casual/plain top and some flats (possibly toms).

LEFT TO RIGHT: Forever21, TopShop

As well as these beauties in the trouser, more structured, form, you can totally opt for the, well, less-structured form: the joggers! Who doesn't like joggers?! If you tell me I can wear the comfiest form of pants out in public and still look pretty pulled together - I'm sold. Let me tell you, I might just have about a million pairs by the end of the summer and I won't judge you if you do too! ;)

So, what do you think of the 'trend'? 

Blue With Sparkles: Manicure Monday

Hello!

"this shade is super forgiving, and works all year round, despite the name on the bottle."

When comes a day off, comes a day to paint your nails. In the mist of February, with rain sometimes pouring like nobody's business, and other times you feeling so close to summer you can (literally) feel the sun on your skin, it's hard to decide what colour to wear on your nails. Fear not, this shade is super forgiving, and works all year round, despite the name on the bottle.

 I think naming the gel polish collection after a fruit is a trend, seeing as they also did it for the other blue shade I have from this line, see this post here. The formulation of the line is lovely, and 2 coats gives the ideal opaque finish.

Compared to the Rimmel Pro Polish's, the brush on this polish is a lot more narrow, and I'm a huge fan of the wide brushes. None-the-less, as you continue to paint your nails, the brush becomes wider and moves more freely, allowing better application.

Now it had been a while since I put on an accent nail, but having not had used this glitter topcoat in a while, I feel like it needed to go for a run. Having said that, the polish is beginning to get gloopy, yet, I'm sticking with it for now, and hopefully it still works for me next time! Who says that accent nail trend is going out of style?

As for the base and top coat, the No 7 ones, mentioned in this post, are the ones I used. My favourite thing about them is that they dry very quickly. I've always had that issue where I get prints, out of nowhere, on my nails before the polish dries - yet the No 7 top coat prevents this as they're dry before I have time to destroy them! Did I mention it's super quick drying? Well, it deserved to be said twice!

What's your in-between-seasons go to shade?

POTW: The Perfect Little Clutch

Hello! 

"Pop in a little bit of cash, possibly your Oyster card and a lippie and you're good to go."

With the Christmas parties just around the corner, we all need a go-to clutch - and I think I've found it.

Being obsessed with monochrome, this bag is definitely in my good books. The chain is long so would be safe as either a cross body or low on one shoulder. The little wristlet would be less hassle so would be the preferred way. Oh, and of course, there's the option of having neither.

"Oh, and good news: it's super inexpensive too!"

The size is pretty small, yet my phone will fit just right in. Pop in a little bit of cash, possibly your Oyster card and a lippie, and you're good to go. Another good thing about this particular clutch is the hidden pockets. There's one on the back and one on the inside bearing the opening of the middle compartment. This is good for any extra cash you may have, and the back one particular good for the Oyster*!

"parties just around the corner, we all need a go-to clutch - and I think I've found it."

Overall, it's a complete necessity in every girls wardrobe. Oh, and good news: it's super inexpensive too! Retailing at $15 (£9.40), you can't really go wrong. Link here to buy. 

Tell me, do you have a go-to clutch for the holiday season?

*Oyster = travel card used in London

The Labels 2014 Fashion Show - from the FRONT ROW

Hello! 

"reserved seats in the front row for BerryBloomXO (with) HUGO BOSS"

Weekends are always times to look forward to, but last weekend was one packed full of fun events. On Saturday I got to spend the night in a fancy building London, on the highest floor, attending a fashion show. You can assume how happy I was surrounded by models left, right and centre (male ones in particular = eye candy!).

"definitely a night to remember"

Having never attended an event like this before, I had no idea what to expect - but in no way did I expect it to be as fancy as it was. When entering there were these BIG gold rimmed glass revolving doors, you can imagine what it's like for a short person like me (a mere 5'2)... pretty intimidating. 

After ticking our names off the guest list, we went on an elevator that goes to only floors 20-32, which was surprisingly quick - don't ask me what happened to the other 20 floors.

When entering we were given VIP wristbands, little did I know there'd be reserved seats in the front row for BerryBloomXO - did I mention HUGO BOSS were in the SAME ROW as us?! 

"I did question the practicality of the dress where hands stay in a pouch"

About an hour after entering and being served refreshments and champagne, the show had started. The first collection made by a fashion student whom had used the same print for every dress but had different cuttings and styles. All looks had white heels on and the cuts and styles were lovely - though I did question the practicality of the dress where hands stay in a pouch (look at image 3 in the collage above) - all in the name of fashion?

"featured in Vogue, Hello! and other magazines"

Ingrid Bratt, featured in Vogue, Hello! and other magazines, presented this collection. It was beautiful with various designs and plaits that kept things interesting. You could definitely spot the influence by her spanish heritage (see image 4 above).

Harry Potter music played in the background as the models strut their stuff in Preline Martha. Although gorgeous, some pieces were not finished, which was a bit of a let down. Fav = the red/gold dress pictured 6th in the collage.

"think-Oliver-Twist style"

The only Menswear collection of the show was one by Katrina Wagster. It was very 'old-militay', think-Oliver-Twist style. Sort of a metal, cold and hard look about the clothing.

"if you're looking for a wedding reception gown - this lady has a great collection"

My favourite of them all, icon Sylvia Fumudoh created the most glamorous looks on the runway. With grey tones to metallics to stunning gowns with precious stones, the looks were both elegant and classy. My favourite was a navy blue dress with black stone detailing - unfortunately couldn't grab a picture of  it. All the items were complete and the entire collection worked well together. So, if you're looking for a wedding reception gown - this lady has a great collection.

After seeing wonderful collections, trying macarons for the first time and sitting on the same row as Hugo Boss, it was definitely a night to remember. Thank you to The Labels team for giving me the opportunity to come. 

So, tell me, if you were to create a collection, what would it be inspired by?

Autumn Nail Picks - 2014

Hello!

"a REAL reason for you to buy more nail polish ...we're always looking for a justification!"

The colder weather means snuggling up in knit scarves, gloves and putting on your favourite booties. It also means autumn nail shades - you know the ones I mean. It may even be a REAL reason for you to buy more nail polish (lets be honest, we're always looking for a justification!).

"range from nudes, to greys to jewel-toned red's and greens are all of which I love!"

Autumn is my favourite season, and this seasons nail colours are no different. The range from nudes, to greys to jewel-toned red's and greens are all of which I love! Never-the-less, you could of course wear whatever shade you would like to - no one is going to stop you ;)

"A staple in every girls collection!"

My Picks (from Left to Right):
FCUK grey tone (part of a previous fall collection): It's a one tone plain grey. Minimal, clean yet fit for fall.

Barry M - Cappuccino: a warmer grey shade, more of a creamy finish and by far one of my fav Barry M shades I've tried!

Barry M Magnetic - Blue: A metallic navy blue shade which has cool designs when you put a magnet over it. Not sure if I'm still into the magnet thing but the shade on it's own is awesome!

FCUK blue (part of previous fall collection): A one tone blue. Not too dark to be a navy - just the perfect mid-blue!

Ciaté - Pocket Money: The nude of my collection. You may have read about it in this post. It is a gorgeous flat nude shade and I don't know what I'd do without it!

FCUK deep purple (part of previous fall collection): The vampy, almost black shades also come out during this time of year. This is a one-tone (notice a trend?) deep purple which is a go-to if you want black, but not black!

Barry M - Red Wine: A deep red, burgundy shade which is definitely the go-to for a glam, Marilyn Monroe look. A staple in every girls collection!

That's it! Whats your favourite nail shade for Autumn 2014?

5 Fall (Autumn) 2014 Fragrance Picks

Hello! 

"the question on everyone's lips: what do I want to smell like?!"

Fall is just around the corner and the question on everyone's lips: what do I want to smell like?!
Well, smells tend to depend on the season, with the summer having more floral scents and winter more vanilla, earthy scents... here are the picks for fall.

"known for the minimal packaging and their amazing candles and colognes."

Jo Malone, known for the minimal packaging and their amazing candles and colognes. This one is the one for the fall season due to the woody notes. It seems very warm and earthy. Available here.

"one with the incredible packaging... known for their signature Daisy Scent"

 Marc Jacobs. The one with the incredible packaging, different to Jo Malone, yet have been known for their signature Daisy Scent. Mentioned previously on BBXO, they had released their limited edition Daisy Delight which smells amazing, with more of a lighter, summery floral feel. Daisy Dream has top notes of blackberry, grapefruit and pear - perfect for the fall scents! Available here.

"not something you're likely to reach for in the summer but perfect for fall"

 Beyoncé, Queen B, the one who dances amazingly, and sings just as good - she's released this fragrance and I was fortunate enough to receive it for a christmas gift last year. The fragrance is definitely warm, meaning it's better for the colder months. It's not something you're likely to reach for in the summer but perfect for fall. Available Here.

"deeper fragrance is just right for Autumn/Fall"

 Viva La Juicy is iconic for Juicy Couture. The bow being it's signature touch has been changed colour into Viva La Juicy Noir. The deeper fragrance is just right for Autumn/Fall and the sandalwood and honeysuckle making the scent seem just as sweet as the original. Available Here.

" super girly, yet elegant, which is exactly what Vera Wang goes for. "

Finally, Forever Vera by Vera Wang. How can I begin to type about this without mentioning the bottle. It literally looks priceless and would look amazing with your perfume collection. The baby pink coloured fragrance is super girly, yet elegant, which is exactly what Vera Wang goes for. Another fragrance to try, even if it's just for the bottle! Available Here.

Well, there you have it - 5 picks for the season! What do you look for in a fall fragrance?! 

Manicure Monday: Mint Sparkles

Hello!

"you've basically seen everything before - yet this time, it's completely different."

If you were ANYWHERE in the last few weeks, you would have read this. If you read that, you would recognise something on here today. You may recognise another something if you saw this post and hence meaning you've basically seen everything before - yet this time, it's completely different.

"can we agree that the overall finish is pretty?"

Well, after all that, can we agree that the overall finish is pretty? At first, the mint shade, called Kiwi, was thought to be uber lovely by itself as a perfect summer shade but when choosing a colour to go with my outfit I wore to a wedding last week (can you tell with the henna tattoo?!?!), this one was a perfect match and to make it more wedding-y, I added some sparkle! 

Overall, that's my mani Monday - what's yours? 

Yes/No: Harem Pants Trend

Hello! 

"I guess they're just a version of jogging bottoms"

Harem Pants - slightly reminiscent of the pants worn in the MC Hammer, Can't Touch This music video - link here - yet seeming to be the trend of Summer 2014. The question is: Yes or No?

1 // 2 // 3

 "reminiscent of the pants worn in the MC Hammer, Can't Touch This music video"

Harem pants can be dressed up or down, but are mostly for the relaxing days, weekends and days when you chill. They are loose and baggy with no real structure to them, I guess they're just a version of jogging bottoms made from a softer, lighter material. They're available in a range of different colours and patterns yet the tribal theme seems to be quite common.

1 // 2 // 3

"recreate many different styles, whether it be 'gangster', 'hipster' or even 'girly'"

Overall, the harem pant's can be paired with a range of different outfits to recreate many different styles, whether it be 'gangster', 'hipster' or even 'girly'. 

I am not a HUGE fan of the style, but wouldn't mind wearing it at home as they're super comfy - don't expect to see me in the streets wearing them anytime soon, I'd rather go with the cropped pants! 

Back to the Question: Yes or No for the MC Hammer style Harem Pants? 

POTW: Bourjois Velvet Rouge Edition Lip Gloss - Nude-ist

Hello!

"knew it was a must-try"

Where have you been if you haven't heard of this product or the Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain, currently only available in the US, which are coincidently both very similar in packaging?! I must say I was VERY excited when they were sitting there in the store and knew it was a must-try, especially with all the hype in the online beauty world! 

"Anything that is hair-sticking free, count me in!"

The shade Nude-ist was the one that found its way in my basket - the matte finish lip stain/gloss was another aspect of the product that caught my eye. Anything that is hair-sticking free, count me in! 

"looks as though it will last all day"

Having tried it on today, the colour is really pigmented - much more than I had thought, it also seemed to dry matte very quickly and looks as though it will last all day. The overall effect of the stain looks lovely, although I would recommend you to exfoliate your lips to avoid the flake thing that can be nasty.

"you'll understand the hype about them in the beauty world!"

The colour is gorgeous - even the swatch shows the pigment of the product when a tiny bit was used. 

Overall, definitely check these products out, they are totally worth their RRP of £8.99 and I'm sure you'll understand the hype about them in the beauty world! 

But tell me, are you more of a glossy or matte lip kind of person? 

Mani Monday... purchase - Barry M Gelly Kiwi

Hello! 

"Many brands are releasing the gel manicure"

A slightly different type of Mani Monday for you... This time a haul/purchase! Nevertheless, I'm sure it'll soon be featured as a proper Mani Monday sometime soon! 

"a mint colour was needed in my collection"

Many brands are releasing the gel manicure type of polished and I reel that Barry M were one of the first. The 'Gelly' line has been out for at least a year now as I had owned the 'Watermelon' and 'Blood. Orange' last summer and they are lovely, but not very bright, hence a mint colour was needed in my collection! 

"kiwis are meant to be green whereas this is more of a mint shade"

The one thing that can be confusing is the names to the colours, for example, the shade 'watermelon' does not look like the colour of a watermelon! And kiwis are meant to be green whereas this is more of a mint shade! It's a bit confusing but I guess it's all fun anyway! Let's be honest, the name doesn't REALLY matter yet the OPI names are very funny and make me want to buy them even more - but it doesn't really matter!

Have you tried Gel finish nail polishes yet?

Yes/No: Cropped Pants... for casual wear?

Hello!

The last time you may have come across the Yes/No series is for the Short Hair Trend. Having not even thought about it being a series, I figured 'why not?' as you seemed to love it! If you haven't read it yet, let me know whether it's Yes or No for you on that post!

"classy yet fashionable"

Well, this time it's the cropped pants. Having gone shopping last week, it was on the 'Must Buy' list. To my amusement, I found them (which is good) and they were in the office wear section. Maybe its the fact that I love sophisticated style but I would easily wear this as casual attire!

source: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4
"Definitely a versatile product and a staple in ones wardrobe"

I love the way it looks: classy yet fashionable and easy to pair with many outfits. Definitely a versatile product and a staple in ones wardrobe, I'd say!

" if you want a bargain, it's for £9 in Primark! "

You can buy a pair from ASOS for £20 online, yet if you want a bargain, it's for £9 in Primark!

So tell me, Yes or No from You on Cropped Pants?