iFabbo London Launch Event

As you may know from my last post, I attended the fabulous iFabbo event on Thursday evening and have just made 2 videos about it, which you can watch below.

I went along with my blogging partner in crime Lucy, and we met some lovely blogging ladies at the event including Fleur, Zoe, Lily and Louise to name only a few. (All of their blogs are brilliant, so make sure you check them out if you haven't already.)

If you're wondering what the whole iFabbo thing is about, in a nutshell, the organisation aims to unite and build relationships between bloggers and brands (new and established) and also enable bloggers to learn about 'the art' of blogging - almost like a blogging education without making it sound too formal! iFabbo wants to collate a directory of credible brands and bloggers and in the future, is planning to hold seminars and workshops, so it's definitely a great company to get involved with - especially if you're new to the blogging arena.

The videos below describe what we got in our iFabbo goody bags and are in 2 parts as it was impossible to condense the whole thing into 10 mins!

Once again, a huge thanks to the iFabbo team and a hello to all the lovely bloggers I met on Thursday - I hope to see you all again soon!

Review: Collection 2000 Cream Puff Moisturising Lip Cream

Last night I attended the fabulous iFabbo launch event, but I'll post more about that over the weekend. Right now I want to quickly mention a product that I have discovered because of the event - and more specifically something that was within the goody bag!

Our goody bags were quite literally, brimming with some incredible products. (On a side note, I can't believe how generous iFabbo and the brands they are working with were, and there will definitely be a range of reviews coming up on some of the amazing stuff we were treated to.)

So, Collection 2000. It's cheap, cheerful and takes me back to my 14-year-old self when I first started delving into the world of make-up (more specifically, working the Rimmel Coffee Shimmer lip - not a pretty look on a pale teen). I remember the first few essentials I ever purchased were by Collection 2000, and in recent years, what with the brand's cult products such as the concealer, tinted moisturiser and Apple Blossom lipstick, it does prove that you don't always have to spend loads to get nice results.

Anyway, I digress. After quite literally diving into my goody bag last night when I arrived home, at the bottom I found one of Collection 2000's new Cream Puff Moisturising Lip Creams. I received shade Fairy Cake 3 - a beautiful coral pink tone. Having tried this out today, I have to say, I am already a big fan of this product. Aside from the gorgeous and summer appropriate colour, the formulation is ultra moisturising, creamy, velvety and the product dries to a matte but non-dry finish and has stayed put!

There are 4 shades in total to try out and at £2.99 a pop, well, you can't go wrong. You can read more about the Cream Puff Moisturising Lip Creams here.

A big thanks to the iFabbo team for a super night!

Mango and Stylist Show us how to Work It!

Many apologies for the lack of posts over the last couple of months – let’s just say 2011 has been full of ups and downs including my dad being very ill, a break-up and consequently, me having to move house. However, I think it’s important to look on the positives – my dad is getting much stronger and that alone I am so thankful for because at the end of the day, family really are everything.

Anyway, back to the purpose of the post – fashion! Earlier this week I was invited to the Mango flagship store on Oxford Street for the Mango and Stylist magazine event. The evening marked the launch of the collaboration between the High Street retailer and magazine that aims to provide career women with workwear inspiration and how to be stylish in any work environment.

Stylist Laura Puddy talked us through an array of different Mango work inspired looks that were geared towards a different purpose such as going to an interview, working within a corporate environment, working in a relaxed/creative one and how to dress to score that promotion. Of course, you won’t be awarded a job or a promotion solely based on how you dress, but the right outfit definitely makes a first and lasting impression – as emphasised by Glenda Marchant, the publisher of Stylist magazine.

The outfits included a pretty floral jumpsuit, a fresh take on the classic trouser suit and midi skirts that prove you can still look conservative without being dull and constantly dressed in black. Accessories were also a prominent feature and used to really make the looks ‘pop’. Though I preferred some outfits more than others, they would all make a welcome addition to my closet!

The rails were also showcasing the current collections and I was particularly drawn to the items that completely capture the colour-blocking trend – lots of reds and yellows, some incredibly cute nautical inspired blazers and of course, the oh-so-this-season 70’s wide leg trousers and floral patterned shirts.

The collaboration will include a series of 11 advertorials and also incorporates a competition where you could win the chance to hold your own office party, with £50 to spend at Mango for you and 40% off for your friends/work colleagues. There are 20 parties to be won and you can enter via the Mango Facebook page.

I think Stylist magazine and Mango are a perfect collaboration for this campaign, and the idea innovatively solves a problem that many of us women (and even the most style savvy!) find to be the most challenging part of our day – dressing for work. I definitely think Mango has covered all bases so I would definitely check out the range if you’re in need of a workwear detox or overhaul!

Key Wardrobe Basics - The Breton Tee

One of my goals this year is to try and be a more savvy shopper. I want to only have things I know I will wear and feel fab in, and for my poor bursting wardrobe to comprise of key pieces that can be mix and matched as opposed to stuff that seems to just clutter up space and never sees the light of day.

The first item which I consider a must-have item is the 'Breton Tee'. Stripy tops have been a long-term obsession of mine, which I think goes to show just how timeless in style they are. They can literally be worn with anything - jeans, cigarette pants, shorts, blazers, flirty skirts and will always add interest to your look. I always think they look great paired with simple pieces such as a great pair of skinnies and a blazer and then jazzed up with statement accessories. If you're going for Parisian chic, of course, a navy blue or black and white option and strong red lips are a must!

Here are a few versions which I think will make a welcome addition to every wardrobe. And the excuse is, it's an investment, right!

1) Sienna Stripe Shirt from French Connection £20

2) Emma Watson for People Tree from John Lewis £12.50

3) Stripy tee by Velvet at Matches £98

4) Boatneck Long Sleeve Multi Brown Stripe T-Shirt from Oasis

5) LNA Long Sleeve Tee Dress from Glassworks Studios

What do you think about the Breton Tee?

I was thinking of doing a little series on key basics that every girl should own. I'd love to hear your thoughts and what you think makes the perfect capsule wardrobe!

x

Happy 2011!

Well, I know I say this every year but I can't believe it's 2011! Happy New Year to everyone! I enjoyed a lovely Christmas with my parents and boyfriend and it was my first year playing hostess! Luckily, no cooking disasters occurred which was a relief given that fact that I'm a hopeless case in the kitchen. In fact, one of my New Year's resolutions (or 'goals' as I'd like to think of them as resolutions are usually broken by mid-January), is to get a bit more familiar with my kitchen and it's yet-to-be discovered utensils as to be honest, my cooking skills need some serious work!

I'd really like to develop my blog this year too. I'm thinking of touching more on lifestyle content, experiment with more outfit photos, get better with my photography and of course, try and post more regularly. There are some amazing blogs out there that have really inspired me to try and develop mine more and make it a bit more substantial than what it is at the moment!

As for any other resolutions or goals, I think simply to be happy, healthy, work hard at my virtual assistant business, generally live life to the fullest and achieve a good work/life balance - that can be a tough one!

I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year and let's make 2011 a good one!

She's Only Gone and Done an Outfit Photo!

An outfit post is somewhat of a rarity on This Is Miss Laura. This is partly due to my severe lack of camera skills (and lack of a tripod) but more honestly, because I'm completely camera shy! Well, yesterday I met up with a good friend who I haven't seen in a while and he's taken up photography so alas, I (begrudgingly) allowed him to take some pics.

And here are the results.

Isn't the YSL ring just a beaut??

It would be great to know what you think of the pics and look :)

Faux Fur Coat-: Dorothy Perkins

Leggings-: Topshop

Snood-: Topshop

Ring-: YSL from Net-a-porter

YSL Arty Ring - It's Mine!

When the YSL Arty rings came back in stock at Net-a-porter this week, though I know its a little extravagant before Christmas.......I couldn't resist.

No words are needed to describe the beauty.

Xx