Ombre Nails

This is my favourite look for my nails recently. I tried it with pinks as seen here and now I've experimented with my collection of blues.

The new fashion manicure has been getting a lot of admiring glance, will you be trying this trend?

Take a look at some other Ombre manicure’s i love and keen to try…

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Look out for my next nail post featuring Shellac.

School Days

I’ve been rooting around my bedroom and re-discovering old shoes including these great platform T-bars from Office…

The cherry-red colour reminds me of school shoes, not to mention shoes worn by me and my sister not so long ago….

Oh yes, i was still stylish as a nipper!

My sister’s red shoes doing her best impression of Dorothy from Wizard of Oz (FYI I've not asked her permission for photo, hence the cropping!)

And here’s the outfit built around the shoes…

 

Details: Shoes – Office, Dress – Topshop, Jacket – Warehouse, Belt - Primark

And to think i was planning on throwing this dress out at Christmas. Note to self: Don’t throw anything out – ever!

Multi-coloured Mani

Some of you eagle-eyed readers may have already spotted my bright nails in my last post, so here’s a close-up.

L-R: Bourjois Bleu model 44, Revlon Pretty in Papaya 315, Nails Inc Candy Orange 121, Bourjois Lime catwalk 38, Revlon Passion Fruit 375.

After i saw Fee from MakeupSavvy post on the new Bourjois nail colours, i couldn’t wait to pick up some the neon shades. Currently on 3 for 2 in Superdrug (remember to use your Beautycard) i selected Lime Catwalk 38, Bleu model 44 and Jaune trendy 39 (not shown).

These are my first Bourjois polishes and i am impressed, all you need is two coats for full even coverage. They boast an ultra shine and hold finish which lasts for 7 days. I’m currently on day 4 and there are no signs of chipping or wear, unlike the Nails Inc and Revlon colours. So a big thumbs up from me!

Colour Blocking & Pleats

I couldn’t really decide what to wear at the weekend so here’s a few of the looks i was debating over embracing two of my favourite trends this season.

First up, colour clashing with pink and orange. Pink pleated skirt from eBay, orange crop top from Miss Selfridge and brown belt from Dorothy Perkins…

 

 

Pink pleated skirt from eBay, blue frayed detail vest from Topshop and yellow Primark belt…

Green Zara skirt, Office gladiator sandals, all other items as above…

And then with my brown leather jacket from Topshop…

Last but not least my beautiful Rare maxi pleated skirt in Peach, blue top as before, brown skinny belt from Primark, bag (just seen) Warehouse and jacket and shoes as before…

I wish i could wear this skirt every day and just twirl!

Jumpsuit

I styled my H&M lepoard print jumpsuit with a black jacket from Warehouse, nude Topshop wooden heels, Accessorize black and gold belt and vintage bag…

 

And an action shot close up…

What I'm looking for now is a  tailored black jumpsuit which i can wear to work and for nights out, any suggestions?

Glamour & Benefit Freebie

Glamour have joined forces with Benefit again to bring you a free product with July’s issue. You can choose from cult favourites; BeneTint, High Beam or PosieTint, these aren’t full size but a 4ml sample size. The magazine went on sale on Thursday so be quick because i missed out last time and these are always popular. I’ve not used any of these products before and would’ve bought all three if they were full size but the 4ml does seem a little cheeky so i only chose BeneTint.

There seems to be some good magazine freebies out at the moment, I’ve spotted a free £5 BodyShop voucher with Instyle (i think), Leighton Denny polish with Harper’s Bazaar and Jemma Kidd lip gloss with Red.

Jump for my love

A few weeks ago the lovely llymlrs tweeted two H&M codes which gave you £15 off your order so i hotfooted over to their website (which they really need to improve) and picked up a pair of printed trousers which you will see later and this leopard print jumpsuit. I paid about £6 for both and £3 of that was postage – bargain.

This is my first jumpsuit and i was a bit dubious over whether to keep it just because it has that harem style going on which can look a bit dodgy,  but I’ve decided i can get away with it by pulling the trouser part higher so they’re more high-waisted. The jumpsuit is quite casual but to dress it up a little i would add some high heels and a black blazer. The obvious problem with jumpsuits is the toilet issue, i won’t say anymore than that but you know what i mean! I can overlook that though because they’re so comfy and when i get bored with wearing it for day it can double up as my winter pyjamas – toastie!

In other news, my friend has just trained in Minx nails  and work are introducing Shellac nails so I'm very excited to try them soon, but for now I’ve been experimenting with polka dots and matte nails. 

Top tip – Use a kirby grip/bobby pin to make the polka dots.

Top tip – Don’t fork out for matte nail polishes, buy No.7’s matte top coat and it’ll transform all your favourite colours.

Anyone got any good and inexpensive nail art tips?

Changing Rooms

Whenever I'm unsure of an item i want to buy i take a sneaky pic in the changing rooms to see what it looks like on camera and i know I'm not the only one to do this! So i thought i would share with you what I've been trying on lately and please comment on whether i should buy or not buy.

Green Dress - Zara

I do regret not buying this dress now as it would be perfect for work during the summer. It was between this dress or the green skirt seen here and obviously the skirt won out. I did go back a few days ago to try it on again but all the stock had gone, but hopefully it might come back in.



Black Dress - Zara

 This is like the red dress Frankie from The Saturday's wore but without the sleeves. It has a bit of a Victoria Beckham about it with the cut and shape of the dress but the one thing that lets itself down is the fabric. It's like a polyester stretch which makes it look very cheap and reminds me of school sweatshirts. I did go intentionally to find the Frankie dress but no joy and this caught my eye. It was a little short for me but for winter with tights and killer heels it would look really demure.

Maxi Dress - Topshop

This was from Rare at Topshop which has been having an amazing season if you ask me. I really like the print as it could work easily for day or night. I can't remember the price exactly but it was very reasonable about £30. My reason for not buying this was the length, i like a maxi to be floor skimming so you can wear with heels or flats. This was a little short for my 5'5" frame but i really liked the cut, it's more of a column dress so it doesn't swamp you and the ruffle detail at the top is good for small-busts. I surprised myself even picking this up to be honest as i never wear/buy strapless and ultimately this along with the length is why it's not hanging up in my wardrobe.



Dress - Warehouse, Shoes - Primark, Pendant - Topshop

OK this is a quick OOTD pic taken in River Island's changing rooms, which i love btw - i need that rose print wallpaper. I now know where to go to take sneaky outfit pics, the lighting's good, they're very spacious and the mirrors are long and wide - brilliant. I also love the outside doors which are decorated in bright colours to look like a front door. I couldn't really take a pic to show you and I'm not sure if all the stores are decorated like this but i reckon they would be a favourite with Mary Portas. Onto the outfit, this was my fail safe smart business work outfit, black fitted dress, high neutral heels and a little gold accessorising. Not too out-there but very smart.

Here's a better pic of the lovely wallpaper...and a peek of the top i bought!

So then what's your verdict? Should i go back and buy any of the items? Have you already bought them yourself? Let me know your thoughts.