Tart up Tartan

This season the Tartan print has come back for an ultra-cosy yet chic look that can easily be worn for that formal and casual basis.  I love tartan coats (or known also as 'checked'); they look very fashionable and can be worn easily making an instant style statement – think chunky oversized coats that can add instant colour and a class whilst keeping you snug.  The tartan print can be safely worn by all ages, a versatile and timeless print that is somewhat evergreen...

1. Checked Coat £129 from Zara | 2. Navy Coat and Red Tartan Check Boyfriend Coat £64.99 from New Look| 3. Black Checked Biker Sleeve 2 in 1 Coat £85 from River Island | 4. Per Una Checked Belted Coat with Wool £99 from Marks and Spencer | 5. Collarless Check Wool Jacket £85 from Topshop | 6. Checked Coat £149 from Zara


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Autumn/Winter 2013 Make-up Favourite Looks

"The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion" - Yves Saint-Laurent

Berry/Wine/Plum Lips

Embrace your inner Goth and go for an edgy dark berry lip colour keeping the eyes simple – an instant winter statement. I particular love the matte plum shades, you can simply blot any excess away to tweek the pigmentation to your liking and you are ready to go. The versatility of a matte lipstick means you can finish it off with a hint of gloss for a night out!

Left to Right: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Rouge Volupté Shine lipstick in shade Prune in Fire £24 from Selfridges | 

Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in Wine £5.49 from Superdrug 

Classic Smokey Eyes

My all-time favourite look, yes the classic smoky eye is a timeless look that can bring out the depths of your eye colour if worked correctly. For Autumn/Winter I like to experiment by mixing subtle plum colour for my bottom eye line – I then team this up with my trusty black kohl liner and blend to create a subtle impact. For instant drama I like to pin my hair back and letting my eyes do all the taking, this adds instant glamour without overdoing it, remember to keep the lips nude for a balanced look.

Nude Lips

Yes the au natruale nude lips are still dominating this season, an easy way to create and lustre and youthful complexion if done correctly! See my earlier blogpost on finding the perfect nude lip shade for your skin tone here.

See my earlier review about the Perfect Nude Lipstick by clicking on the above link!

Bold Brows

I am proud to embrace my natural thick eyebrows, dare I say it they have become one of my signature beauty traits (and have done so for some time)! The likes of Miss Delevingne have certainly shown that having a fuller brow not only makes you look a lot youthful but can transform the whole shape of your face. I tend to use my HD Brows kit to perfect my brows. Another trick is to use a little bit of Vaseline to add instant definition to your brows. Less of the plucking now ladies!

HD Eye & Brow Palette in Vamp £19.96 from HD Brows 

Brrr-ace yourself for Winter!

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Perfect Pinks

"I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and... I believe in miracles." - Audrey Hepburn

I have mentioned before how pink is a big shade for autumn/winter 2013, from pink coats dominating the high street and the likes of Christian Dior emphasised this oh so feminine colour on their winter/autumn catwalk. Think lady-like-pale-barely-there-pinks rather than hot neon numbers (that dominated the summer 2013 trend). This suits me fine as the homebody inside me loves dusty pastel pinks; I feel it is an easy colour for all to wear for an ultra-chic look and so girly *que girly tehehe's*. There is something about these pale pinks that just embraces the season well with it’s snuggly and vintage feel….I had a look around for my favourite pink pieces…

1. Cardigan £34.99 from H&M | 2. Fluffy Swing Boyfriend Coat £89 from Topshop | 3. Light Pink Chunky Knit Snood £15  from River Island | 4. Jersey Lined Lace Shell now £12 from Warehouse | 5. Jacquard Baggy Trousers £39.99 from Warehouse | 6. Mystery Patent Bow Slippers £24 from Topshop

Stay classy!

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2013 Autumn/Winter Wardobe Must-Haves

Now that September is well and truly (well nearly) over I thought it would be a great time to write a post of some basic essential seasonal must haves which London Fashion Week had been raving about. What I love about autumn is this transitional period you can still wear (and get away with) some great summer items such as floral shirts but instead of paring them with a skirt opt for a layered look with dark jeans and trusty ankle boots.

What I adore about autumn 2013 is the military gothic yet sharp tailored vibe; team up tartan prints with textured dusty pinks for an ultimate modern clash. Androgynous tailoring is dominating autumn/winter 2013 which is perfect for those classic timeless looks which are very effortless and simple to achieve; taking a look from office to evening chic. Just because it is getting a lot darker outside does not mean that your autumn wardrobe has to be all dark and gloom, you can still introduce some colour with clashing strong prints with textured layered jumper (for those that are daring enough animal print is still hot on trend this season)! It is all about switching and incorporating a few autumn essentials such as the ones below which are key this season…

1# Pink Coat

Pink coats were dominating the glossy fashion magazines at the moment; I love the classic long length and the very feminine pale pink colour of this Zara piece. A similar one that was very popular in M&S sold out online for a bargain price of £85 (if you were lucky enough to get your hands on one)!

Masculine Studio Overcoat £179 from Zara

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2# Tartan

The Tartan print is everywhere, a very easy way to wear tartan print trousers is by balancing it with a plain crisp shirt for that effortless chic look oozing sophistication. These red tartan trousers are ankle length which are perfect for this transitional period. Team it up with a leather jacket for an edgier affair.

Plaid Slim Fit Trousers £44.99 from Mango

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3# Long-line Jackets/Blazers

Long-line jackets and blazers are all around on the high street and come in a variety of different lengths and colours. I love this burgundy baggy number from Zara, perfect for Autumn and layering with jumpers for those windy Autumn days.

Jacket with contrasting lapel £79.99 from Zara

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 #4 Leather

Leather is running strongly all the way through to Winter 2013 and is great for toughening up a pretty outfit. Great for smart and casual wear this skirt can easily be dressed up or down whatever the weather. Think of clashing this skirt with a wholly jumper and ankle boots for a day out.

Faux Leather Pleat Midi Skirt £28 from Miss Selfridge

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Bo-ho to the darker days, but do not let it stop you from looking stylish!

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