Thursday 29 July 2010

Craving Autumn

In typical UK style, the weather seems to have turned somewhat dreary which only leaves me craving autumn even more. I love summer, but autumn is definitely my favourite season, especially when it comes to fashion - have you seen the InStyle A/W 2010 looks?? Thick tights, over the knee socks, faux fur, capes, red lips and loads of layers - I can't wait!

I'm also loving the 60's vibe that looks set to be big this autumn/winter. This Ponti Shift Dress from Topshop is perfect and with thick black tights and sky high shoe boots, would look incredible. The mustard colour is also a gorgeous shade to be rocking for autumn.



Alas though, autumn is not yet here and this cream Double Ruffle Tunic Dress (again from Topshop) is definitely more summer appropriate but also has a hint of 60's inspiration and I think could successfully transition through to autumn paired with dark tights?



What's your favourite fashion season and your must-have for autumn?

Saturday 24 July 2010

Tried and Tested: FitFlops - Do they Live up to the Hype?



Shoes that tone your bum and thighs......I’m in! I am aware of course, that there are a number of footwear products on the market which claim to do this, and although I’m a sucker for anything that promises a quick fix at minimum effort, you do have to take a somewhat objective approach.

However, I’m always game to at least give things a go and was recently sent a pair of FitFlops to try out. If you haven’t come across these shoes before, the theory behind how FitFlops work is as follows-:

FitFlop footwear is biomechanically engineered to help tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk in them”.

According to the spiel, wearing a pair of FitFlops can increase the leg and calf muscle activity, improve muscle tone, improve posture and basically feel like you are walking bare foot but with more muscle load – which is why when walking in these, they feel super comfy, but your legs, buttocks and thighs are working harder.

After a few times of wearing the FitFlops, I have to admit that my legs definitely feel more ‘worked out’ and the shoes are indeed comfortable and don't tear my feet to shreds. I’m not the sort of person to take actual measurements to see if my legs have firmed up, but one thing I found very appealing was that they do force you to stand straighter and encourage you to 'walk properly'.

The other bonus is that FitFlops are available in a nice array of designs and trend inspired colours. I opted for a pair of the gold Walkstar 3’s and have received many compliments about the aesthetic appearance. They are not as flimsy or light weight as normal flip flops but because of the extra bulk, they also give you a nice lift and are super comfy with your feet feeling cushioned and well supported against the microfiber lining.

At around £44.99 for a pair, I wouldn’t say FitFlops are necessarily cheap, and don’t be fooled in thinking that they are a substitute for your normal workout - though they will certainly help to maximise it outside of the gym. The best advantage I have found is that I walk properly in them and definitely feel like my legs are working harder than normal. They are also durable and I'm positive will last longer than a pair of cheapo flip flops, so I think you’ll get your money’s worth.

You can check out the whole range of FitFlops here which also includes some styles for winter.

Have any of you tried FitFlops? Let me know what you think!

Friday 23 July 2010

Outfit of the Day

Here is a little outfit of the day post. Well, not today, but Wednesday - after the TK Maxx event and taken by the lovely Amy of Wolf Whistle.



Jacket - New Look
Trousers - Zara
Shoes - New Look
Bag - Primark
Accessories - Disney Couture, Topshop and Primark
Slightly solemn expression - Who knows

Have a fabulous weekend!

x

Thursday 22 July 2010

TK Maxx Opens in Central London



Hell, if there’s one thing I love, it’s a bargain. Therefore I often enjoy a good snoop around TK Maxx because let's face it, if there is any shop with a bargain to be had, it's TK Maxx! Last night I was invited with some fellow bloggers to take a peek at the brand new TK Maxx store which has opened today on 120 Charing Cross Road which I imagine will get super busy due to it being the only one in central London - just take a look at this picture to see the queue first thing this morning!

Champagne bubbles were in full flow and we also enjoyed DJs and dancers all kitted out in the latest TK Maxx threads and giving it large on podiums in the main windows for all of Charing Cross Road to see and enjoy. One of the new brands that TK Maxx are launching in conjunction with the store opening is ModBox which is highly trend focused; representing fast paced fashion, and aims to bring out key looks on a month by month basis with themes including Varsity geek chic, upper East side glamour, Military looks and grungy Neo Rocker. Embellished tees, mini kilts and logos were very much a current focal point and although some of these weren’t quite to my taste and would more appeal to the teen market, many of the future ModBox pieces due for launch later in the year are right up my street, including faux fur leopard coats and bomber jackets and Nordic style jumper dresses.

The Gold label is also one that had many of us swooning and includes sought after designer labels such as Stella McCartney, Valentino and even Pucci (with a dress reduced down to £200 from £2000!). The shoe department had some fantastic bargains but I already have my eye on a pair of faux fur ankle boots due for launch soon and are like, totally essential for autumn.



I am also characteristically late on picking up on the satchel trend so looking forward to snapping up one these beauts.

The evening wouldn’t have being complete without catching up with Emily of My Fashion Life, Fi of Save our Shoes and new friends in the gorgeous forms of Amy from Wolf Whistle and Ellie from Pretty Much Penniless.

Thank you to the fabulous TK Maxx team!

If you’d like to see some behind the scenes footage of the ModBox shoot and the various collections, check out this video-:






Tuesday 20 July 2010

Current Obsession: Marc by Marc Jacobs Watches

I'm having a bit of an obsession for watches lately - don't you agree that a fabulous watch can really add the perfect finishing touch to your look? The brand of watches that have recently hit my radar are Marc by Marc Jacob watches as I love the creative fusion of sophisticated but fun style that the collection has to offer.

All of these designs below can be purchased at Asos.



I adore the diamante embellished bezel on this style and think it would look amazing stacked with a couple of smaller watches. At £200, it is rather pricey but definitely a worthy investment if you are looking for a super elegant designer watch that you can wear to compliment a range of looks.



This black polycarbonate watch is perfect for a casual but statement look and I love the vibrant hot pink accents! This style is £175.



How cute is this daisy pendant watch! Plus, the added bonus is that for £150 you essentially get 2 Marc by Marc Jacobs accessories in 1 - the ideal and economical way to combine fashion and function!

What watches are you currently lusting over?

x

Wednesday 14 July 2010

John Frieda 'Go Blonder' - My Thoughts



In my never ending quest to find the perfect hair products that will make my repeatedly highlighted hair look and feel at its optimum potential (a difficult task, believe me), I was recently sent the Sheer Blonde Go Blonder shampoo and conditioner by John Frieda.

Any of you fake blondies out there will know how awful it is when you highlights or colour begins to turn a nasty shade of yellow, brass or bronze and these products are supposed to help combat that and claim to ‘gently lighten natural, colour-treated and highlighted blonde hair’ with the shampoo working to lighten the colour and the conditioner replenishing moisture and providing nourishment. They also claim to make your blonde hair ‘sparkle like sunshine’. So, without further ado, off I went to shower in hot pursuit of sparkling locks!

After using these two products together, I have to say I was very pleased with the results and one thing I noticed aside from colour was the volume it gave my hair. The colour did ‘lift’ and this is especially noticeable after a few uses. My hair is soft and manageable and the smell of the products is also rather pleasant without that harsh chemical scent that blonde enhancing shampoos sometimes have, leaving you wary about what’s actually in them. The Go Blonder products contain citrus extract and chamomile which definitely feels like a little injection of ‘health’ for your hair!

I would certainly recommend the Go Blonder range to anyone with highlighted or bleached hair as these are perfect for when your colour needs a bit of a boost and also make your hair look and feel healthy – which is what we all want, right??

The John Frieda Go Blonder shampoo and conditioner is available to buy in most supermarkets, Boots, Superdrug etc. and is priced around £5.49.

For more info, go to www.goblonder.co.uk where you can also win the chance to become a Go Blonder model for the day.

Sunday 4 July 2010

Product Rave: Shu Uemura UV Underbase Mousse




Whilst recently browsing my local Space NK, I have come across a star product that is definitely worth a good rave about. Probably something I would have normally overlooked, I actually stumbled across this product when overhearing the MUA speaking to someone about the powers it possessed and like the sucker for make-up that I am, I had to give it ago. Plus I needed a primer. Well, that's what I told myself.

The product in question is the Shu Uemura UV Underbase Mousse which acts as a primer/make-up base and very importantly includes SPF 30 which for fair skinned ladies such as myself (well, for all skin types actually), is definitely a strong selling point. It is actually an improved and re-formulated version of a previous Shu Uemura mousse base though as I didn’t try that, I can’t compare the two but I thought it would be worth mentioning....

The mousse has a light and sheer tint so that in the summer especially, it can easily be worn on its own and nicely evens out the skin tone, adding a subtle sheen and brightening up the skin. The colour is very neutral and also leaves the skin incredibly soft and not at all oily when applied. As a mousse (and boasting a very lightweight) formula, it absorbs easily and my powder or foundation clings to it all day without budging. You can easily control how much product you dispense from the nozzle and am happy to report that it doesn’t dry out my skin at all. I only tend to require a small amount for maximum effect meaning that this product will last and so makes the somewhat expensive price tag of £28 a little more justified. My makeup remains fresh looking without the need of re-application and most importantly, stays put!

I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of investing in make-up that you can’t necessarily see if that makes sense but having found this, I now understand the concept and benefits of a really great primer and this one is a delight to use!

The Shu Uemura UV Underbase Mousse is available in Space NK stores (in the UK) and can also be purchased online from Beauty Expert.

Image courtesy of Beauty Expert.

Thursday 1 July 2010

The Clothes Show London

So last weekend, I head over to Earls Court to the Clothes Show London 2010 which was every shopaholic and fashion lover's heaven (even despite the sunshine!)

You can read my full review over on Style Royalty, the blog of Shop Pulse and below is one of the bargainess items I picked up from the boutique 13 & 05...



I cannot wait to wear this trench coat and adore the feminine lace detailing. The belt can also be tied in a bow at the back which definitely adds versatility.

Check out a more detailed review of the day here.