Lauren's Way Gets a New Look

Last Wednesday evening saw me head to the uber chic Jewel bar in Piccadilly where TOWIE star Lauren Goodger unveiled her new Lauren’s Way collection.

I don’t think there is anyone out there who doesn’t love a bit of TOWIE, and so I was somewhat excited about this event and interested to see the new collection, and of course the lovely Lauren herself!

The Lauren’s Way range, which launched earlier this year has solely comprised of tanning products. It’s been so successful that the collection is now expanding; featuring eyelashes, hair extensions and a new repackaged tanning range. Perfect for every Essex girl wannabe!

The evening was definitely a glitzy affair and I had a great time checking out the products and getting involved in a bit of TOWIE star spotting! I think it would have perhaps been nice for Lauren to speak a little about the products, but she was definitely in demand for chats and photos! So much so that she didn’t have time to properly cut the cake (which was aptly designed in the shape of her new Glam Tan bottle!). I was feeling a bit peckish so my guest and I took it upon ourselves to finish the job and indulge. I can definitely confirm that it was one tasty cake!

We were all very kindly given goody bags containing the new Lauren’s Way Instant Wash Off Glow, Lauren’s Way Bronzing Mousse, a set of Lauren’s Way false eyelashes and a piece of jewellery from the Butterfly collection. I’m really looking forward to trying the new products and attempting to rock the Essex glam style! I also have to say that I think the new packaging is definitely an improvement – it’s a touch more sleek but still conveys the fun and girly essence of the collection.

It was a fab evening – full of Essex goodness, so thanks so much to the ladies at Lauren’s Way for the invite.

Event images courtesy of Lauren's Way

How to Get Into Fashion with Rachel Zoe

There’s no doubt that Rachel Zoe knows her stuff about style. So when I heard that the big-haired glamour Queen not only will be strutting her stuff on the Selfridges floors but also sharing some tips in a 'How To Get into Fashion' talk, I thought this is something that may appeal.

As part of Marie Claire’s InSpire & Mentor campaign, this Sunday 18th September, Marie Claire’s Charlotte Moore will be quizzing Rachel Zoe on how she got to the top in the styling world. Rachel will be answering questions on how she used her skills to create her own clothing line, which is available exclusively at Selfridges. She’ll also be dishing out styling advice and will teach us how to create the perfect outfit for any occasion.

So, cancel your plans on Sunday afternoon as the event begins at 1.30pm at Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, London W1.

You’ll firstly need to book your place though, which you can do by clicking on this link. The ticket price is £20 and includes a glass of bubbly and goody bag worth over £40. Super.

You can also find out more info on the Marie Claire’s InSpire & Mentor campaign here.

I Wanna be a Geek!

I am fully aware that I'm a bit late to the party on this trend, but I can't get enough of geeky specs at the moment. Well, admiring them on other people, at least. I'm just not sure that I could pull the whole preppy chic look off, but assuming I don't look like a complete idiot, here are some styles that I'm leaning towards trying...

1) Chanel Glasses £215

2) Ray-Ban Glasses £84

3) Tom Ford Glasses £135.10

4) Gok Wan for Specsavers (don't judge me) £99

I'm thinking that if I had glasses I enjoyed wearing (as opposed to my dated super cheapo frames that were the first pair I tried on), I would probably remember to wear the damn things! As I have a round-ish face, maybe a pair of glasses with a slight cat-eye frame would be best to avoid looking 12 years old and put a bit of a sophisticated spin on the geeky look?

What do you think? Do you have any recommendations?

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

Product Rave: Eyeko 3 in 1 Cream

Last weekend I attended the Eyeko event and I have to say that I've been enjoying testing out the various products that we were very kindly given. For me personally, I think that the star of the goody bag show has to be the new Limited Edition Eyeko Cream Extra Glow.

I'll get the superficial stuff out the way - first and foremost the packaging is just gorgeous; very girly, pretty and kitsch. Perhaps not to everyone's taste, but I like it.



Now to the product itself. Well, it claims to be a 3 in 1 cream - a highlighter, a moisturiser and an eye cream. I have to admit I wouldn't use it solely as a moisturiser or an eye cream though the jojoba and vitamin E contained within the product does mean that it is gentle on the skin and it does have a 'moisturising' quality texture-wise. The main reason I would only use it for highlighting effect is that it is super duper glowy and to slather it on in the way I would my moisturiser would mean that I'd look like something from another galaxy. However, I regard that as a positive point as in terms of its effect as a highlighter, this is probably the best product I've used, and trust me, a little goes a long way.

The formula is incredibly iridescent and leaves a beautiful, radiant sheen to the skin. The way in which I've been using the cream is either mixed in with my foundation to create a more natural dewy look, or on top of make-up to highlight the cheekbones, the brow bones and cupids bow. If you don't need/want to use a foundation, when used on its own, it's also a nice way of providing the skin with a bit of natural looking 'pzazz' - though I recommend you go light on the application.

The Eyeko cream is priced at £8 which I think is fantastic for such a useable product that definitely provides you with that 'lit from within' look that we all so desire.

P.S If you use my Ambassador code E11297 at the checkout, you will receive a free Eyeko gift.

Liz Earle Skincare and Coconut Water

I recently decided that my skincare regime required a bit of an overhaul. My skin hasn’t been bad - I just feel it needs a bit of tlc, and as I’m now in my ‘late twenties’ (sad face), I should probably invest a bit more time taking care of my skin as opposed to my usual slap dash approach which currently consists of a very bland routine of Simple cleanser and moisturiser. I actually really do rate Simple skincare; it’s great for sensitive skin, is cheap as chips and keeps your skin looking nice. I just feel that a little more effort is now required.

So who do you turn to when you’re faced with a gazillion skincare brands tempting you with promises of amazingly glowy, hydrated and youthful looking skin? Whose whopping price tag does your bank balance suffer for? Well, in my case I have opted for the brand who everyone raves about (no, this isn’t an original blog post by any means), isn’t too damaging to the credit card and promises great results. Yes, Liz Earle strikes again.

Yesterday I caved and purchased the Liz Earle Mini 'Try Me' Kit for dry/sensitive skin which includes the legendary Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (30 ml), the Instant Boost Skin Tonic (50ml), the Skin Repair Moisturiser (15ml), the Gentle Face Exfoliator (15ml) and 1 muslin cloth. After two uses my first impression is definitely positive – my skin feels slightly plumper, very refreshed and smooth. However, before I can give an honest review, I’ll give the set a try for a month or so and see how I go but so far so good! The kit cost a very reasonable £21 from John Lewis.

Whilst I was there, I thought it would be a travesty not to try out the Liz Earle shampoo and conditioner too (I went for the dry and damaged conditioner option) and I’m definitely expecting great things from these.

Another random bandwagon I’ve jumped on is drinking coconut water.



After hearing missglamorazzi rave about it on a recent video and reading about it on t’interweb, the benefits seem to be incredible (hugely improves your skin, is super hydrating, gives you energy, great for digestion etc...). If that isn’t enough to entice you, check out the blurb on the website-:

“Vita Coco’s all natural-super-hydrating, fat-free, cholesterol-free, nutrient-packed, potassium-stacked, mega-electrolyte coconut super water!”

Wow!

I picked up three cartons of the plain Vita Cocos to try out from Holland & Barrett at £1.69 each though of course, I’m aware I’ll need a few more to probably notice any tangible results, but I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t too grim tasting! It’s actually fine – not amazing but definitely drinkable and with promises of those benefits, hell, who cares!

I’ll keep you posted on the progress :)
xx

Eyeko Celebrates its 10th Birthday

Last night I was one of the lucky bloggers invited to the Eyeko 10th birthday bash which was held in a super snazzy function room at the Wenlock & Essex in Angel. First and foremost, I have to say that this was probably one of the most enjoyable events I have ever been to – we were looked after so well and each member of the Eyeko team took the time to talk to everyone which I think is a lovely touch and makes you feel involved; like the brand genuinely respects and values your opinion on the products.

We were treated to an array of gorgeous canapés, Lola’s Cupcakes, some fab tunes and a selection of cocktails which I have to admit, went down very well! We also got to take a look at some of the new Eyeko products and there was a manicurist on site to snazz up our nails (I took advantage and opted for the Chi Chi Polish), and even a tarot card reader - though I chickened out on this!








I was also very lucky to meet some lovely bloggers and YouTubers including Lucy from .lucy duckett. (who I stealthily stalked before the event in Starbucks), Guilia, Gemma from Gem's Maquillage, Nicola from Nicola VC86 and Eyeko's Ling whose goes under the name of moonbeamstarlight on YouTube. Everyone was so friendly and it’s great to meet everyone ‘in person’ after spending so much time reading their blogs and/or watching their YouTube channels online.





The goodie bag was also full of some great products to try out. I’m so excited to give the new Military Polish and Punk Polish a whirl as well as the Graffiti eyeliners pens. I’ve heard fab reviews on the mascara (the packaging is so pretty!) and the new lip glosses also come in a selection of gorgeous and wearble shades and are named after places in London such as Soho, Portobello and Shoreditch. Lots of testing will be carried out this week methinks so look out for some reviews......



Thank you Eyeko for a wonderful evening!

You can check out all the Eyeko products here.

P.S. Use my Eyeko Ambassador Code E11297 to receive a free Eyeko gift with all purchases over £10!

Shiny Nails with Sally Hansen Mega Shine

I’m a big fan of nail polishes with a shiny finish – particularly if the tone of the polish is creamy, pink, lilac or mauve as I feel if gives a lovely groomed and well..'polished' finish! However, some nail polishes do somewhat lack the shine factor but I have now found a product that when applied onto any nail polish, gives a nice shiny finish and also prevents chipping.



The product in question is Sally Hansen Mega Shine and is available in Boots in the UK for around £6.45. The nail polish that I am wearing is Maybelline’s Express Finish Pearl in shade Violet Doux and with the Sally Hansen Mega Shine used as a topcoat. I love the effect and the pop of shine isn’t too OTT but enhances the colour of the Maybelline polish.

I’m also on the hunt for the perfect metallic gold and silver nail polish. Any suggestions of some good ones to try?

xx

A Love Affair with Next

I have to say, I’ve been hugely impressed with Next over recent months. Sounds harsh but I always seem to remember it as a bit 'drab' and as my dad can never forget, the sales racks filled with stock that was kept out the back and wheeled out especially for sales time. I digress but that always makes me smile :)

So anyway, times have changed and the past few occasions I have perused the Next rails, I’ve struggled to come out empty handed – the Mulberry Alexa-a-like was a purchase I made a few weeks ago and last week I ventured in only to leave with a bag full of cosy winter goodies.

So let’s have a look at my recent Next indulgences. We all know that leather is big news this autumn winter and whilst I love the thought of slinking about in an oh-so-chic mini, I just don’t think I could pull that look off, so I opted for a more demure brown faux leather button down pencil skirt which I picked up for a very reasonable £30.



Everything seems to be adorned in fur and fluff this season and hell, I am embracing that as I love a bit of cosyness and it helps when you find these types of pieces that don’t make you look like either a 5 year old or a granny! I spied a gorgeous cropped jumper which is a cool toned blue/mauve and is so soft that it feels luxuriously indulgent against your skin and not at all rough or itchy.



This blue fur lined cardigan was also a must-have and I love the 'ice princess' colour tone of this piece.



I am very tempted to head back as there is so much choice and some amazing key items for autumn/winter.

You can take a look at the latest Next collections online here.

Marie Claire & Maybelline Bring the Beauty of New York to London

This is definitely a must see/do for all beauty lovers and I for one am very excited!

In conjunction with Fashion Week, Marie Claire has teamed up with beauty brand Maybelline whereby make-up addicts can indulge at a unique pop-up store which will be open for 10 days during London Fashion Week from 16th – 26th September.

The space will be dedicated to backstage beauty, a chance to feast your eyes on the exclusive Maybelline shades and products, and demos on how to achieve this season’s must-have catwalk looks direct from New York Fashion Week. Marie Claire will also be presenting a number of events across the 10 day period from model scouting sessions to a day with a Marie Claire stylist.

Friday 17th September is the date for your diary ladies as marks New York Day! Get yourselves involved as you will be immersed in a luxurious day of complimentary treatments and refreshments including yummy cakes and cocktails and an in-store DJ – all of course, replicating the cool, stylish and laid-back essence of New York.

As if that wasn’t enough to entice you, you can also be in with the chance of winning some amazing NY-inspired fashion goodies from brands such as Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Banana Republic, BCBG Maxazria, Gap, Ray Ban and Guess with a number of Maybelline Get the Look kits also up for grabs. You'll have the chance to win a fabulous overnight stay for two at the loft style Shoreditch hotel The Boundary and enjoy an evening of fun New York inspired cocktails and if your other half has failed to keep you whisk you away this year, there is also a chance to unleash your inner Carrie Bradshaw and win a weekend for two at the Plaza Athénée in New York.

To be in with a chance of winning these goodies throughout the week, make sure you’re following Marie Claire on Twitter at http://twitter.com/marieclaireuk and look out for the clues which will guide you to the New York inspired hampers which will be located all around the Covent Garden area in London. If you find a ‘Marie Claire fashionista’ or a ‘Maybelline Make-up Maven’ you stand a chance of bagging yourself a Marie Claire and Maybelline dollar which you will be able to use to redeem one of the New York inspired prizes.



Now, this is uber important bit - followers MUST come along with a copy of the new October issue of Marie Claire with Blake Lively on the cover (see picture below) in order to win.



Even if you don’t win any of the prizes, fear not as if you head down to the pop-up store throughout the week, you can still enjoy pampering nail treatments and manicures from the in-store manicurist and complimentary threading, plus to get your fashion fix, the opportunity to buy a Limited Edition copy of Marie Claire.

The pop-up store is located at 18 Shorts Gardens Seven Dials, Covent Garden. Open from the 16th-26th September.

See you there girlies!
xx

Current Make-up and Beauty Loves

Apologies for the serious lack of blog posts of late. Work has been pretty manic and well, you know the drill!

In other news, it was my birthday on Saturday and I was incredibly excited to receive an amazing gift in the form of a new camera. It's is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-F2 so I'm really looking forward to finally getting some half decent shots on the blog!

I thought I would do a post about some of my favourite cosmetic products that I'm enjoying using at the moment. As we're moving into autumn, I'm shifting away from the golden bronzed look (well, I'm never really bronzed but I try and fake it at least) and am going for more autumnal inspired plum and berry toned colours. The first thing that has worked its way into my daily makeup routine is the NARS Multiple Tint in shade Cadaques. Despite it's shocking pink appearance, when swept over the cheeks, it gives a gorgeous fresh-faced and youthful glow and is also lovely when applied to the lips, creating a subtle stain effect. This gives you a translucent pop of colour that you can easily build up to create a more dramatic effect and is perfect to compliment my pale skin.



There was nothing more exciting as a little girl than when our Avon lady delivered all kinds of goodies to the door and my mum would have always ordered a few cute things for me such as bath products and nail polishes. Now we have this little thing called the internet, sadly I don't get the lady personally delivering my purchases to my door, but I still love the products. My current favourite lipstick in my collection (and I have a fair few!) is from the Ultra Colour Rich 24K range in shade Golden Rose which is a beautiful plummy pink, is incredibly moisturising and with a hint of sparkle. This lipstick is wonderfully versatile as you can build it up for a super dramatic finish or go a bit more neutral with just a slick of colour. This is one of the highest quality lipsticks I have ever used and at just £8 a pop (I think they are now on sale for £4) these are a brilliant investment.



Barry M has wooed me again and this time it is with the limited edition 030 nail polish which doesn't seem to have a name but can be described as a dark lilac with a strong hint of pink. In typical Barry M style, the product applies evenly and 2 coats leaves you with a perfect colour finish that will stay chip-free for a good few days. The 030 is priced at a regular £2.95 separately or is free when you spend £6 or more on any other Barry M products. I also love the gold lid as it makes the product look far more expensive! Maybe Barry M should incorporate this into all their nail polishes?



Finally, my new favourite scent of the season has to be Ghost the Fragrance. Yes, it's an oldie but it's definitely a goodie. I love the sweet floral and jasmine scent that isn't too overpowering and I think I'm particularly drawn to this because it reminds me of my childhood holidays when my mum probably wore it. I recently acquired this product again as a birthday gift and I am hooked. At around £23 for 30ml, it's also easier to justify a re-purchase!



So they are my favourite products of the season - so far. I do like to try and keep a good combination of budget products alongside some more luxurious and higher end ones to keep a reasonable balance!

What are your favourite products of the season?

x