Autumn | Looking forward to...

As I'm already preparing to embrace the next season, which happens to be my favourite, when Autumn comes I'm looking forward to:

 

. Finally moving to LONDON and meeting new people (yadda yadda yadda);

. Attending an awesome HALLOWEEN party;

. Seeing THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS at the O2 Arena;

. Wearing boots and my favourite LEATHER JACKET again;

. Having BURGUNDY shades in my make-up.

Tweet

Summer faves | Beauty, fashion and random

This post is long overdue. I had started a draft for about a month or two, but somehow forgot to finish it! Okay, here we go, my absolute favourites for summer 2013 — the crème de la crème of beauty, fashion and some random bits:



BEAUTY

Base  | Estée Lauder Daywear B.B Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Cream in Medium
Lipstick  |  Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in 43 La Favorite
Nail varnish  |  Bourjois So Laque Ultra Shine in Bleu Model
Perfume  |  Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne Eau de Parfum, which is getting really close to its last spritz




FASHION

Shoes  |  Zara Spiked Ballerina (These are from last season. Alternatives here and here.)
Bag  |  Miss Sixty (Alternative from Guess, here.)
Sunglasses  |  Diesel wayferer style
Clothing  |  Ted Baker Playsuit With Bow Detail



RANDOM

Food  |  Besides watermelon or the occasional Calippo, spinach and mushroom quiche, with a wholemeal crust
Drink  |  Chilled green tea with lemon
TV show  |  True Blood, of course
Books  |  George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, on my tablet

Activities  |  Going to music festivals!

Tweet

Styling | Alice + Olivia Shannon Maxi skirt

Whilst going through my current fashion wishlist and trying to justify the need to purchase one item in particular — I'd let you know that my talents include professional list maker and unnecessary purchase "justify-er" — I thought about the different ways I could style the aforementioned item.

Maxi skirts: so elegant, yet so comfortable. I'm currently swooning over this little number by Alice + Olivia. The Shannon pleated chiffon maxi skirt is partially lined and has the perfect cut to allow some movement while you walk. It sits in the waist and creates a figure flattering A-line shape. The weightless feel and the bright coral shade make the ideal statement piece for summer.
I'll make the effort to try to find a more budget friendly option. Meanwhile, here are the various combinations it allows would allow.

DAYTIME OUTFIT
Combined with a casual top that has an embroidered neckline (Diane von Furstenberg Acedia embellished crepe top), neutral and/or metallic flat sandals (Saint Laurent leather and metal sandals), a nude "everyday" bag (Zara shopper with braided handles) and a pop of colour on the lips (Rouge Dior lipstick).

IN THE EVENING
For a dressy dinner or a special event, stylize the waist with a clean, neutral belt (Jil Sander wide leather waist belt), a flattering crop top (Zara Studio cropped sleeveless top), a special pair of heels (Jimmy Choo Viper patent-leather pumps) and a statement clutch (Alexander McQueen Long Knuckle patent-leather box clutch). With a matte lipstick, of course — Guerlain Rouge G L'Extrait is fab.

FUN PARTY ATTIRE
An edgy leather top with a clean and structured cut (Jason Wu leather and lace peplum top), that balances the feminine quality of the skirt, paired with metallic features in the jewelry (Lanvin Dedale silver-tone crystal necklace), bag (Christian Louboutin Marquise spiked leather clutch) and shoes (Alexander McQueen woven leather and chain sandals). Complete with a long lasting lip colour, like Hourglass Opaque Rouge liquid lipstick.

Tweet

What's in my bag?

A sneak peek inside my bag today. This is a large mint bowling bag that I got from Topshop, last Summer.

Starting of, the basics: keys, purse, train pass, phone and tablet — mostly to read on the train. Currently addicted to some Sherlock Holmes.
I usually have some random rings from ASOS to pop on, after moisturizing my hands. Speaking of, my hand cream is the Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream, which has a gorgeous scent. And I also carry around a mini Beauty Elixir.

Now, the make-up bag. It's mostly full of lip products, because I like to change during the day and I need options. To touch up the face, I have a Japonesque Blotting Paper Pouch, a Chanel Poudre Universelle Compact (in 30 Naturel), the ever so practical Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil in DOD and a Guerlain Terracota Touch highlighter in 02 Brunettes.
In the lippy category, I have a shameful amount of Clinique Chubby Sticks, 2 regular ones (in Two Ton Tomato and Mega Melon) and 2 Intense versions (in Heftiest Hibiscus and Roomiest Rose), and if you think that's a lot, let me tell you, I've carried more. To prime the lips, especially for some matte versions ahead, I use the Guerlain KissKiss Liplift. From Chanel, I usually pack a lip balm (Rouge Coco Baume), a nude option (Rouge Coco in 05 Mademoiselle) and a matte burgundy or a bright shade, depending on the season (currently opting for the Rouge Allure Velvet in 43 La Favorite). Some other favourites that usually hang around in my make-up bag are Burberry Lip Velvet in Pink Azalea No.308 and Dior Addict Lipstick in 437 Charmante, from the Cherie Bow Spring Look. *Breathes*
For the eyes, I always have this Yves Saint Laurent Long-Lasting Eye Pencil (in 01 Velvet Black) and my favourite mascara of the moment, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara in 090 Over Black. In my black Travalo I have some Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne right now. Oh, and my precious Model Mirror, a lighted compact double-sided mirror, with eight battery-powered LEDs, that has a regular side and a magnifying one. That's about it!

Tweet

TV | Four reasons to love "The Carrie Diaries"

Today's post is a bit more random, but hear (read?) me out. Since The Carrie Diaries is a prequel to Sex and the City, of course it has to do with fashion — the show's costume designer is Eric Daman. Need I say more? So, here we go:

Generation
Being born in the late 1980s, means I haven't really experienced living in that decade, so I always wondered what it would be like — and if it is anything like the show, I want to transport myself through time, right now!
I know a lot of people aren't fans of the '80s and it's aesthetic, but I actually adore it all. So this is like candy to my eyes.

Styling
This point is obvious. The bold graphic prints, colourful mixes, the use of velvet... I mean, it's just fearless, really. You couldn't pull off Larissa's outfits now-a-days — at least not without a sideways glance, but who cares, really? The good thing is you see a lot of pieces that you can get in high street shops, like Topshop.
It seems like every item is special, with a nice detail or a cute print. Even the jewellery — it's all about statement pieces! And everything feels so authentic and not stereotypical at all.
The same bold colours and textures are used in their make-up looks, with strong eyes and strong lips. Blue shadow and pink lips never looked so good together. Not to mention, the graphic eyeliner, my personal fave.
Of course, with those brows, AnnaSophia Robb could pull off any look. They're just perfect.
Oh, and I need to state this: the Carrie bag is awesome.

Music
Remember that Gossip Girl episode, when Lily ran off to find her older sister, back in the '80s? That episode was awesome. And the MUSIC! I love 1980s music, so I get excited and can't stop myself from dancing everytime I watch a preview... This show has the absolute best OST ever.

Opportunities
Today it seems almost impossible to find an awesome job in a magazine — especially when you're still in high school. And especially when we're talking about Interview magazine. In Manhattan.
This is pretty much what I imagined my life would be like, when I was younger and full of hope. A cool job in the fashion industry (in Manhattan) and, later on, a closet full of Manolos. A girl can dream...
Not to mention that on the first day of school, the new Kydd (see what I did there?...) who is the cutest guy ever, in the history of high schools, likes you.
Of course, there are a lot of downsides to Carrie's life, but unfortunately, those are more realistic.

So go on and start watching the show, if you haven't already. It will replace the GG-shaped hole in your TV heart. Not convinced yet? It's about a blonde girl who's the center of the attention, with a cute brunette friend that looks like Blair. Only they switched heights. And the sense of responsibility.

THE CARRIE DIARIES  |  Pictured: AnnaSophia Robb as Carrie Bradshaw  |  Photo Credit: Nino Munoz/The CW  |  © 2012 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

Tweet

Make-up | Popular products #1

Today's post features the most reached for products of the moment. This is almost a monochrome look, with a bordeaux theme going on. An ideal look for most skin tones and eye colours, making them pop. In my case, intensifies the brown.

To start off, I prepped my skin with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, before applying a layer of Estée Lauder Daywear B.B Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Cream in Medium, with a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. To cover any imperfections, a bit of Chanel Long Lasting Concealer in 40 - Beige Santal does the job.
Then, I fill in my brows and shape them a bit with a Dior Powder Eyebrow Pencil in Black. As a base for the eyes, a layer of Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Ebloui does the job, blended with a MAC 217 – on the lid and below the lash line.
On top of that, I apply the second lightest shade from the Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Dark Spice – a warm medium brown with a slight shimmer running through it.
On some days, I feel like defining the lash line with the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Rockstar. After curling my lashes, they get a coat (or two) of Benefit BADgal Plum Mascara. Best shade ever!
After my concealer has done it's thing, I set the center of my face with Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder in Doré, using a Japonesque Pro Eye Shadow Fluff Brush. This is a brilliant multitasker. To contour my face I use MAC Powder Blush in Harmony and highlight with Guerlain Precious Light pen in 2, which is nearly over. *Scared*
To finish off, a layer of Burberry Lip Velvet in 308 - Pink Azalea blended on the inside of the lips, to give a stain effect.

Tweet

Wishlist #1 | Recently added products

I've recently added some more products on my never ending, mile long wishlist.

First up is Mac Eye Shadow in Soba. I know this isn't the most exciting colour ever, but after seeing Anna wearing it, I realised that it was the daytime colour I was looking for! It's perfect for a wash of colour across your lid and lower lashline, for a more undone-chic look. Need it. Now.

The second item is the Brow Sculptor in Taupe by Tom Ford. I've actually tried this product and it was really, really good. On one side it has a spooly brush, as most eyebrow pencils do, and on the other it has the tip to colour or fill the brows with. Now this tip has the perfect shape for the job – it is slanted and goes from fine to wide, so can you either define precisely or just fill in softly. And a perfect texture as well. Love it. Only downside: the price tag. *Sighs*.

Lastly, is a liquid lipstick, of course. There seems to be a whole trend of these now. But this one really catched my eye: Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick by Hourglass, especially in the shade Empress, a beautiful berry shade. It has a matte velvet finish – which I tend to prefer – and apparently lasts for about 14 hours. Right, I don't know about that, but it should be very long lasting nonetheless.

Now, on my way to obsess about something else...

Tweet

Favourite red lipsticks

For my first post, I want to start by introducing my favourite red lipsticks, including different shades and textures. I always loved the look and feel of a red lipstick, but I don't really know the reason. It might be because it reminds me of old times, very vintage and modern at the same time... It just completes the look and makes you look put together! I remember when I was little, I used to take a peek in my aunt's heavenly make-up drawer, and when I opened it, the smell of lipstick was just so divine!

I'll start with a true red. This liquid lipstick from Sephora's own brand is called Rouge Velouté Sans Transfert and this is shade 01 Always Red. It has a truly matte finish, but it's so, so comfortable to wear. I love it! It's very velvety and has an amazing lasting power. Leaves a bit of a stain as well, so bare that in mind. It comes with a doe foot applicator, which makes it easy to apply. Reminds me of Giorgio Armani's Lip Maestro in the shade 400 The Red, in case you can't get this one.

Next, I have here the most amazing gold packaging. This is DIORIFIC Grand Bal High Fashion Lipstick, from Christian Dior's Christmas 2012 Collection, in the shade 040 Marilyn. I absolutely love this! It was the most amazing pressie I got this christmas, from a very good friend – thank you, dear! This shade of red is slightly blue toned, which suits pretty much everyone and has the bonus of making your teeth look brighter. Just brilliant! Again, this has a matte finish and is very long lasting. It's not as drying as some matte lipsticks, but I would still advise you to put some hydrating balm first and let it sink in, then apply it. You'll feel very luxurious with this on, pretty much the queen of the ball – yes, I said it.

Now, onto a more summery and casual version of red, I present you MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick, in the shade Full Speed. This is a coral-red toned, very glossy, hydrating and truly comfortable lipstick. Just gorgeous! Ideal for those casual days, when you don't feel like making a big effort, but want to look nice. Plus, the application is so easy, because you don't need to be too precise with it. Oh, and smells really good!

Onto something different, this is Boots 17 Berry Crush Lipstain, in the shade Cherry Berry. I have some other shades of this product, but I find this shade to be more pigmented than the others – or maybe the more light/neutral shades don't show up as much in my lips. It's more sheer than other lipstains I've tried, like Benefit's Benetint, but I like the deeper, berry shade on this. And, also contains a lipbalm on the other end. The applicator is like a marker, so you can define your lips really well with it, like you would with a pencil, and then fill them in. But it's like you have nothing on! Doesn't rub off, once it's dried.

Last, but certainly not least, it's Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm, in the shade Two Ton Tomato. I'm addicted to the Chubby Sticks ever since they came out. I love their formula and it's truly great to put on when you don't have a mirror nearby. Yes, you do have to apply it quite often – about every two hours or so – but, its really hydrating. It has mango and shea butters, which actually healed and nurtured my lips last winter. Can't leave the house without them in my make-up bag. I'm curious to try the new intense version of it (has more colour pay-off), but I wasn't able to find it yet. Still on the look... I'll keep you posted!

Tweet