Winter Colours: the Fashion Trends

Winter is possibly my favourite season for fashion and beauty trends making a debut on the cold streets of snow. Like I did in my Autumn Colours posts, I will have two: Fashion trends and Beauty Trends. This week; fashion.

5~ Furs, Feathers and Fluff

Furs and feathers have been keeping us warm on the catwalks this winter, from classy red and black streaks to strictly black and white feathers taking off from a 3/4 length coat. Left to right: just Cavalli, Alexander McQueen and Fendi

4~ The Monochrome

This season we've seen the greatest optical monochrome that really just makes your eyes go swirly, but still, make us drool at the stylish perfection at which Balmain, Bottega Veneta and Dries Van Noten.(left to right) These cool, edgy patterns make take a bold gal to pull of, but a subtle dash of monochrome here and there could go a long way in the way of throwing together an outfit.

3~Velvet

Whether it's part of a sultry laced midi-dress or an elegant full-length gown, velvet almost always makes an appearance at this time of year. This is perfect for the colder seasons where holiday parties are the places to be seen. Great for a formal attire or a sexy night out, anyone could pull off a velvet outfit. Here we see (from left to right) Nina Ricci, Tom Ford, Chanel

2~3/4 length coats

A 3/4 length coat is the way to go this season, we've seen an array of different styles from (left to right) Céline, Lannin and Dior have all wowed with the timeless yet on trend coats. I love how they add mystery to a woman's style without losing that feminism that we all endeavour to show in our daily outfits.

1~ Gold

My favourite trend this time is the gold that we've been seeing here, there and everywhere. It's really quite something to see that Chloé dress (left) flying down the catwalk. A gold coat is also a very nice touch for that showy sparkle lover that wants to add a little KAPOW to her style. This Prada coat (middle) is a lovely length to slip on a little something for the skirt underneath and a figure hugging coat from Saint Laurent is great for the simple but effective achievement.

Which of these do you like best? And which would you wear?

Lots of Love,

Sophie

xxx

Happy Holidays

Ahh so here we are, amidst the festive holiday season, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the whole world shares celebration for the coming of 2015.

I did have a couple of Christmas posts planned but, I was unexpectedly on holiday *not that I'm complaining* and I just didn't have time to write the posts. So I guess this is me wishing you a very late 

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

I thought that you'd all be spending time with family and friends so blog-reading can be put on hold until the Christmas lights come down.

I am in fact, right now in snow Switzerland and will be staying here till the new year, so in case I don't get to say this later:

HAPPY NEW YEAR! HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT START TO 2015.

Would any of you want to see my trip to Switzerland in pictures? I will already be doing some "What I got for Christmas" type thingies too... maybe some travel makeup or packing tips, we'll see, we'll see.

*Be expecting some cringe worthy new years posts in the near future!*

Lots of Love,

Sophie

xxx

A Festive Violet

As Christmas approaches, we all sit apprehensively by the windows, all waiting for some sign of a white christmas. But while hoping for snow is all very festive and puts everyone in high spirits: snow means ice and ice means it's too cold to even think about going outside.

Fortunately for us, this rather festive shade of purple defrosts our hands and adds a little Christmas-sy warmth to our grip around the eggnog. 

 Ladies and Gentlemen: Nails Inc. in Kensington High street £14 (I couldn't find the non-gel formula online)

This is a lovely deep pink/purple colour which is perfect for the winter holiday. I have and olive toned medium skin colour and the deep pinkish side really compliments a darker, warmer colour. I also think that this would look great on fair skin but probably towards the neutral-yellowy side of the spectrum.

As all Nail Inc. Nail polishes are, this is a great formula and hasn't chipped for me after  almost a week of wearing it. (This is using a Barry M top/base coat). Because the colour is so dark, I had to use two coats to even it out, but I think you could easily just do the one.

Oh, and mine has these purple rhinestones on-I don't really know why, I thought it might've been for better grip, in which case is a smart idea because the lid is quite wide, or maybe it's just to look nice. Hm well- what do you guys think?

Lots of Love,

Sophie

x

Perfect Winter Lip

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the up and coming season of WINTER. And what better way to welcome it with the perfect soft lip to warm up your smile.

This is the L'Oreal Colour Riche in 302 Bois de Rose £6.99 and the Rimmel Exaggerate lipliner in Eastend Snob £3.99

I love that these products are both so affordable on the high street. I actually bought these two separately, but one day, while rummaging through my drawers to decide what lip colour to indulge in that morning, my fingers fumbled across this heavenly duo. I have been wearing this everyday since last week.  

The lipstick from L'Oreal is a deep, rosy nude-y pink, which goes great with a warm or darker skin tone. The lipliner from Rimmel is really great because it's got a tiny tip that can give you the precision you need when lining your lips. I mainly just enhance my cupid's bow and then the corners of my lips to create an illusion of fuller lips.

I like to use lipliner because, I dunno, my lips don't end, they kinda just bleed out- anyone else with me here? no, okay, well even if lipliner's not really your thing, try this and you'll completely be converted.

In fact, I really want to scout some more, any suggestions?

Lots of Love,

Sophie

xxx

November Favourites

I sat down, as every other month, and began to plan my monthly favourites. I left it till late because I didn't really think that I had any new products that I'd been loving this month and none worth talking about. Ha- I was wrong... all I needed to do was open that drawer on my dresser and products were practically jumping out at me for a place in my much awaited favourites post.

Revlon Colourstay Foundation £12.49

I reviewed this foundation more in depth here but basically this is an all round great full-coverage foundation suitable for combination/oily skin.

The Body Shop Cleansing Oil £10

Any old-time reader of my blog will remember that a few months back I was obsessed with the cleansing butter from the Body Shop, this is the same kinda drill, just in oil form. I don't really notice the difference other than the fact that the oil is less milky/creamy when water is added. This removes any makeup from your face and is really great at breaking down waterproof mascara or pigment and is great for dry/ sensitive skin.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara £4.99

Now this, this is one hell of a mascara. It tops the list of my trustee mascaras: builds great volume, adds length, not clump and so waterproof you could literally go swimming in it. (oh yes- I've tried) This kind of reminds me of the Benefit They're Real because they have the same small wand and same fibres in the formula that add volume.

L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in 302 Bois de Rose £8.19

Bois de Rose- Rosewood- in french if my french classes serve me well. Don't quote me on that. I've not tried these colour riche lipsticks but honestly, the formula is great: it's matte but not drying, in fact, surprisingly creamy and smooth. This colour, this colour, it's me in a lipstick. Its so so so gorgeous, a perfect deep nude pink colour, ahhh I could rave and rave. It just makes the lips look so full and perfect, ahhh, if one could marry a lipstick, I'd be mrs Rosewood.

Nuxe Rêve De Miel £9.50

Shall we try the French again?- I believe it's something like "Dream of Honey"- or not... anywayyyyy, this lip balm is the creme de la creme of lip balms. I've heard of this before, obviously, every beauty blogger and her dog has raved about this but I could just never find it anywhere. But the other day, as I was scouring the shelves of Mark&Spencer when I found this little pot. Just sitting' there, all pretty like and I just pulled it into my basket. This is so moisturing and creamy and I literally put so much on and it still looks good under lipstick.

I'm actually really interested in the Nuxe brand. Any recommendations of products I should try first?

Lots of Love,
sophie
xxx

Monthly Thoughts #4

Wow, November already?

After my monthly favourites were online, I knew that another edition of the MONTHLY THOUGHTS were due, and woah do I have a lot to say this month.

November, eh?  Shorter days, less sun, last month of autumn. I always know that Winter's coming when I walk outside, and I breathe. And I see the condensation of my breath creating a small cloud of mist in front of me. And I know it's winter.

Anyway, I've been trying to find a "style" for my blog: mainly what backgrounds for my photos and how I edit them and all that because, I realised what I hate most about writing posts, is taking photos. But that really shouldn't be the case, photos are meant to be interesting, breaking up the otherwise endless text. Recently, I was enjoying using fashion and beauty pictures on models, but that was mainly picking up trends- and I was stuck for when it came to my own monthly favourites. I thought that is should be professionally plain, have good lighting and show the product. I haven't found a place yet so bare with the changes but honestly, I'm just trying to work things out.

Anyone else have the problems or answers to these problems?

Another thing, I thought I had been writing quality posts, getting better each time, but I can't help notice my follower count dropping. And I know that it's not all about the followers, but I still can't help but wonder why my extra effort is deterring people? hm well, I guess it's not that big a problem, but any ideas?

On a happier note, as I've said, time and time again, Autumn is my favourite season and I've been completely immersing myself in an autumnal mood. One of my favourite things this month has been listening to Spotify playlists: if you go to "Browse" -> "Genres" -> "Mood" and listen to the music that will instantly fill you with warmth and put you in a good mood. My favourite is Autumn Acoustics, so go ahead, give it a listen.

(call me sad but i love these playlists because they're organised into genres like mood, rock, focus and then sub genres and then playlists that are labelled with what they make you feel :) organisation heaven spotify )

Lots of Love
Sophie
xxx

October Favourites

The end of yet another month, and almost the end of my favourite season :(. Wow I'm going to have to do something special before the end of autumn...

For now though, lets talk about what I've been loving this October:

 

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Moisturiser £4.99

This has been my moisturiser of the month and although I got it recently, I've been saying differences in my skin. This is oil-free so doesn't clog my pores overnight but still moisturises my skin enough that I don't get dry patches. This leaves a kind of velvet/matte finish, so it's great to put makeup on top. This has grapefruit extract and salicylic acid which helps fight acne so I would recommend this to anyone with oily and acne-prone skin.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip balm £9.50

This lip balm has been much loved throughout the entire beauty community, in fact, I don't know anyone who doesn't like this, and I can see why. Since the days turned colder, my lips had been so chapped and dry but then I used this and saw results overnight. This is nice and thick and kinda tastes like lemons...

L'Oreal Telescopic Clean Definition Mascara £10.99

This mascara is AMAZING. It builds volume and length without leaving any clumps at all , and stays on all day. Trust me, I've worn this for the whole day, not even remembering that I had mascara on and it didn't judge one bit. Definitely definitely try this out!

Tarte Amazonian Clay Mineral Foundation £22.52

I used to love this back in Spring but since I've been using liquid foundation for ever, I thought I'd try this out again, and I have to say that this does not disappoint. I still love this, it gives a natural finish but makes the skin look that bit healthier and has brilliant coverage that lasts the day. The only sad part is that I think I'm running out, I need to get some more, and fast.

Bath & Body Works French lavender candle £13

This half-term, I've been hiding out in my bedroom, watching netflix or reading my book, and this candle tops it all off. The lavender scent is so relaxing and basically makes you want to sleep but it's really strong, so don't go for it if you don't love Lavender...

...that is, if you can find it, i can't seem to find it anywhere. the link is to the website but I think that it might have been limited edition because I've had it a while. Bath and Body works candles are all amazing so definitely go try one of the other scents, especially the Christmas ones :o

Lots of Love,
Sophie
xxx

Autumn Colours: the Beauty Trends

A couple of days ago I wrote the Fashion Trends of Autumn so one could only guess that today's post is going the be another Autumn Colours but this time the Beauty Trends:

 the Metallic Touches

A flashback to the seventies brings you this over-the-top eyeshadow for this season: full on colour from the lash line to the brow, a clean sweep of a winged look plus a hint of metallic in the inner corner. And Rodarte, Libertine and Emporio Armani have all flourished a metallic lip to match this bold eye statement.
Keeping a flawless, natural base will help you pull this off.

the Bottom Lash Line

Autumn means the emphasis returns to smoky eyes. Whether its the heavy smoky eyes from Nicole Miller (left) and Tom Ford, or the softer variations from Marc by Marc Jacobs (right), the bottom line is key. Take any dark eyeshadow and smudge all over the eye or take a wash of colour over the eyelids and an eyeliner to define the shape.

the Colouring Books

 This fall we are pushing all the limits when it comes to colour. Just think of the blue flashes of line are Kenzo (left) and the neon pink brought to you by Altuzarra (right). A strong contour is all that’s needed to compliment these colours, no blush, no lipstick, just take that bronzer and get those model high cheekbones.

The Autumn Face

Here in England, we are diving straight into Autumn with a succession of frosty mornings and stormy nights. The leaves are piling up, the cars are freezing over, and my makeup is changing for a new season . These is what I've been wearing till now this Autumn. I've discovered a few gems in the Natural Collection which is a simple, affordable line at Boots. 

 Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation £6.99
-dewey finish but stays on all day
-buildable coverage

MaxFactor Clump Defy waterproof Mascara £10.99
-100% waterprood
-holds curl
Natural Collection eyeshadow in Milk Chocolate £1.99
-really nice colour to warm up eyelid
-decent colour payoff
Natural Collection loose powder £1.99
-keeps skin matte
-absorbs more shine than pressed powders
Natural Collection cream blush in Naked Glow £1.99
-gorgeous autumnal terracotta red colour
-a little goes a long way!
Mac Amplified Lipstick in Cosmo £15.50
-perfect pink nude colour
-smooth and creamy
Rimmel Exaggerate Moisture Renew Lip Liner in Eastend Snob £3.99
-nude lipliner for those full Kylie Jenner-esque lips

I know I promised more posts this Autumn, and I can tell you that I've got exciting things planned...

What would you guys like to see anyway?

Lots of Love,
Sophie
xxx

Monthly Thoughts #2

It's a cold, Thursday afternoon as I introduce October with a new MONTHLY THOUGHTS post.

If you haven't read the first one, these posts are basically a chance for me to talk about things other than beauty, I get to share my thoughts and ideas with you...

This morning, as every morning, I woke up late, got ready in a rush and then forced down some breakfast; I was stumbling around frantically and just not in the right mood to go to school- and then I stepped outside- and it was quiet, still,  but I could see the leaves on the floor and the frost on the car and then I realised: it's autumn,

And I love love love autumn, i'm not sure why, but i'm pretty sure it's my favourite season...I think its because I've had the best memories in autumn and something about stepping outside  and seeing the grass shining with dew, well, it's just something else.

In autumn, I remember all the first days of school, buying gloves to warm my hands, drinking the Pumpkin Spice Lattes and the fresh autumn breeze in my face, reddening my nose and that's why I love Autumn.

So be prepared, with my favourite season coming up, be sure to expect a few more posts than usual, all packed with hats, scarves, plum lipsticks and the occasional seasonal favourites...

Oh yeah- another thing- what do you guys think of me doing more fashion-related posts, I realise i mainly do beauty but I think I might do some ootd's or something- what do you think?

Lots of Love,
Sophie
xxx