#hairbyJackie

On Saturday evening it was one of my best friend's brother's 18th birthday and he was determined for us all to have a cheesy big night out. Being 21 (so old right?) and it also being winter, I didn't think it was appoprate to wear a mini dress and heels. I didn't think the people I was with could have handled my moaning about how cold I was and how old I felt compared to the 18 year old's that were like 10 years below me at School. So, for the first time in probably my entire life I dressed sensibly considering the bitter weather conditions. 

Saturday daytime I went to Oxford with my Mum and Dad, a beautiful town (with great shops) that is definitely worth a visit. It was in Oxford I unexpectedly stumbled across my outfit for our night out. I wore maroon leather like trousers from h&m with a classic black blouse also from h&m along with a blinged up choker that was given to me by the Closer girls, but is available in stores at Freedom by Topshop now. My trusty chunky boot heels pretty much always make an appearance on nights out, they're a classic and are super comfy. 

Once fully dressed, with a full face of 'slap' and half a bottle of perfume on, I was almost ready to go.... But something wasn't right. My hair wasn't ready. I had washed my hair in a hurry and left it to dry naturally, but being super clean it lacked any volume and looked so dull and boring!! This is where Jackie saved the day! Jackie is the birthday boy and my lovely friends Mummy, she also is my life saver, hero and hair dresser. She transformed me and even though I was full of cold and tired after my busy week, my hair looked like insane! 

Nice mango sours shots in the back ground. 

The night consisted of lots of shuffling (not by me as I have two left feet) and also lots of disgusting shots for the birthday boy! It was a brill night and I wasn't freezing cold, however the trousers were slightly hard to get off at 4am and I did feel like Ross from friends. 

I'm Back!

Sorry I haven’t blogged in a while, I have had a crazy busy couple of weeks. Last week I worked for Closer magazine’s fashion desk, where I was fortunate enough to assist their Christmas photo shoot with the stunning Georgia-May Foote. The shoot took place at Luton Hoo, a simply outstanding venue right on my doorstep (with an amazing spa so I hear). I assisted the Daniela, the fashion stylist for the whole day, ensuring I constantly had a healthy supply of safety pins and kirby grips to hand!

For the rest of my time at Closer, I ensured the fashion cupboard was kept in pristine condition and called in various samples for upcoming photo shoots or write ups. I was kept super busy and was well looked after. 

The driveway to the Mannor House. 

The Bedroom of the suite... Taken over by clothes and make up.

Hair and makeup heaven! 

Our afternoon tea delights!

I had THE best time and worked alongside some lovely girls who were so good to me. Completing fashion journalism placements at magazines like Closer always make me realise how desperate I am to start my career as a fashion intern, fashion journalism is something I am so passionate about and can not wait to get my foot in the door! As much as I enjoy all of my various placements, they are hard work and extremely tiring. I often find myself falling asleep on the train in the moorings and coming home and going straight to bed when I get in!! I am sure I will get used to the commute one day.........  

Happy Halloween

I can't believe it is the time of year where it is necessary to dedicate a blog post entirely to Halloween.  

Back when we were at School and had Halloween parties I never was a fan of the traditional  devil outfits which consisted of a pathetic skimpy black dress with some raunchy devil horns for girls and then the extremely unattractive morph suits for boys that ended up with half their pint spilt down them and a nice beer belly on show by the end of the night. As much as I broke tradition, I did however fail to look remotely scary on what's meant to be the scariest night of the year. Before I wrote this post I had a look back through old photographs of ridiculous outfits I once created for halloween...  And I literally laughed out loud. What was I thinking??

So, one year I was a tiger. 

Then the next year I was a bat, bit better but hardly scary.
But how cool were my eye lashes??

I think it is safe to say I will not be attempting to dress up this year and instead I have found a few on-trend fashion and beauty products suitable for the spooky occasion. Have a good look around, there are hundreds of beauty bits out at the moment that would be suitable. Don't forget your statement necklaces  or ripped black skinny jeans similar to the ones included in my previous blog post. 

River Island - Dark Grey Striped Blanket Cape

New Look - Black Faux Fur Gilet

Urban Decay - Naked Palette Eyeshadow Compact

Barry M - LP37 Lip Paint Black

Misguided - Marietta Black Faux Leather Pencil Skirt

River Island - Red Velvet Lace Cami

Jessica - Orange You Glad To See Me Polish

Topshop - SCALA Chunky Platform Sandals

Wish List: Keratin Products CocoChoco Keratin

"Why is her hair so big?"  

"It's full of secrets!"

I am desperate to try the Brazilian Keratin Hair treatment, the process transforms your hair to a straight, smooth and shiny look. CocoChoco straightens your hair without changing its texture and can be applied to all types of hair (even coloured) and helps relax your natural 'fro. It is the 'good for your hair' version of the old school Brazilian blow dry. It has been suggested that once completed the treatment can last up to three months. I am so eager to try considering I have a natural frizz and curl to my hair that I would just love to tame. The product is available to purchase online, but it is strongly advised you get a hairdresser to apply the product, ensuring it is blowdried thoroughly into hair and left for 72 hours without washing (grease ball alert). After you have completed the ritual, results are visible after your first wash. Be careful and make sure you read all of the instructions if you are going to give it a go. I'm saving the pennies so I can try it out! I'll keep you updated...

Wish List: NEW Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush

I consider myself relatively 'in the know' with beauty products and fashion must haves, but I now stand corrected. My friend Carolyn received the new Clinique Sonic System for her birthday earlier this week and to say I was intrigued and amazed would be a huge understatement. I had briefly heard of the gadget, but didn't realise how truly wonderful it was until I went home and done some intense research! I really want one!!! I am obsessed with cleaning my face with potions and lotions, but have never experimented with a posh brush before. The bush has two bristle types that offer deep, yet gentle cleansing which focuses specially on contoured areas of the face where itty gritty dirt hides. Not only is the vibrating mean machine waterproof, it also helps dislodge hidden dirt and general pollution that hand washing could potentially miss. You must cleanse your face prior to use so you have minimal make up left on your face and ensure you moisturise after. I can imagine that your skin feels so super clean it almost squeaks after use, my idea of heaven. Definitely added it to my wish list.

My Beauty Routine

I was meant to go to gym class tonight, but instead I decided to write a blog post and eat a huge roast dinner. And now I am laying in a food coma with a huge cloud of guilt over my head.

When reading blogs I find it really interesting (and kinda nosy) to read about everyone's individual beauty routines... So I thought I would write my own for you all to have a peak at.

I have been spoilt with trying hundreds of different products on the market, but finally I have established a beauty routine I am satisfied with. I am not saying my skin is perfect, but it nearly always has a healthy glow and that is with thanks to the magical products I religiously use.

A.M
I'm not great in the mornings, but I hate rushing so I always ensure I have plenty of time to get ready. First things first I splash my face with freezing cold water, sounds crazy, but it wakes me up and apparently helps to leave the skin clean, smooth and clear! In the shower I then cleanse with  Dermalogica's Ultra Calming cleanser. Before my make up I put on a little bit of Dermalogica's sheet tint (medium) to add some colour to my cheeks. I always ensure my moisturisers include an SPF, it reduces signs of ageing and prevents any sun damage.

My make up routine is always the same and thats why I love it, even for a night out I apply the same products, but just add more to make my look heavier. My 'magic powder' (Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Powder) comes first, I apply neatly all over my face with a flock sponge to reduce redness and hide any blemishes. I then quickly dab some Rimmel Natural bronzer around my face (avoiding the look of a blotchy orange is always best), followed by Awake Jane Iredale blusher on my cheeks and Masterpiece Max Max Factor mascara to finish. The products work well for me, I find my make up lasts all day in all conditions and the colours I have been professionally matched to suit my skin tone perfectly (or so I am told).

I am so rubbish when it comes to eye make-up and it really irritates me, I just about can manage some eyeliner under my bottom lashes for nighttime and sometimes that ends up looking more like smokey eyes (unintentionally obviously). I always say I should follow some YouTube tutorials, but I don't know where to begin.... If anyone has any recommendations please let me know! I have so many eye shadow palettes that I would love to be able to use without looking like a clown!

P.M
Taking my make-up off is my favourite thing, ever! There is no better feeling. I spend about 20 minutes in the bathroom before bed washing my face and wouldn't dare miss a step.

I start with Dermalogica's Precleanse (previously featured in an older blog post) to remove all traces of make up, oil and dirt, I then double cleanse again with my Ultra Calming cleanser, followed by either Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant or Clarins Gentle Renfier to exfoliate, I then dab Dermalgoica's Multivitamin Power Firm gently around my eyes and then finally I apply a nice super thick nourishing moisturiser such as Turnaround Overnight Radiance by Clinique. And then I tend to fall into my bed.........

Around twice a week I like to apply a face masque, I often leave it to dry whilst checking my emails or reading a few pages of my book. My skin always feels so soft after, I love them. My favourite at the moment is Lush's Cosmetic Warrior paste. It smells so good!

Sad Hair

I tend to be quite strict on myself when it comes to getting my hair cut, it does it the world of good and then enhances its growth for the following few months. Plus there is no better feeling than walking out the hairdressers with freshly blowdried bouncy hair! 

However, recently I have noticed that my hair is looking a bit sad and in desperate need of intense T.L.C! I finally have a free day today and as I am writing this slightly exaggerated/ ridiculous post about my sad hair I am sat with my locks smothered in a conditioning treatment looking very slick rick. If your hair is feeling dry or damaged and you long for the nourished shiny manageable condition to return, I strongly recommend a weekly hair treatment. If you choose the right brand, your results will be instant. For me, my favourite is John Frieda's Sheer Blonde Hair Repair Intensive Conditioning Treatment (what a long name), it doesn't break the bank at merely just over £5 and smells delightful. I washed my hair this morning and have been patiently sitting with the masque on since, once washed out thoroughly I know my hair will certainly be a million times better. 

Small things please small minds ey.

A Mad Hatters Tea Party

When I first decided to write a blog, I wanted to ensure I didn't just upload standard posts about where I had been and bore you all with my adventures (not that I go on many), but today I have just had the most wonderful day and would love to share it with you all...

It was my gorgeous little cousin's birthday on Friday and as part of her present my Mum, Dad and I brought her Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea for Two at the Sanderson Hotel, London. After serious fashion dilemmas and a swollen lip (I won't go into detail) this morning, we finally arrived in the heart of the city absolutely starving and super excited for endless tea and cake! I have been fortunate enough to attend numerous afternoon tea parties, but this was by far the best. The staff at the boutique hotel were extremely attentive and made such a fuss of us. I would strongly recommend you all trying the experience, the variety of tastes are far too exquisite to be described. I am still ridiculously full up and don't want to see a cup of tea for a while until at least tomorrow morning. 

And It Was All Yellow

I am never shy when it comes to wearing bold and bright colours. Over the years I have been heavily influenced by my Mum's style, she always embraces bold and beautiful colour combinations which work so well for her. However, looking back over my jam-packed, super fun and busy summer it has come to my attention that I went a bit overboard with the colour yellow. I just love it! I was always cautious that I may look like a lemon (literally) so I ensured I planned my outfits carefully and wasn't a headache or made anyone feel physically sick with my obsene colour combos.

My mustard yellow h&m quilted top paired with black Topshop shorts. 

My favourite people and my favourite faithful Zara top!

My Kurt Geiger summer treat!!
I have previously worn them with a simple black and white striped dress or black skinny jeans. 

Me and my lovely friends.
Skirt from River Island last Summer (2013) paired with a trusty plain black River Island Cami Top and my amazing ASOS clutch.

My graduation day!
Reduced dress from Ted Baker (LOVE a bargin), which I wore with plain back heels.

My 21st birthday night out.
Warehouse fitted yellow dress and Next black sandles.. Which broke, oops :-( 

As much as I love the colour yellow there would be no chance I would go out dressed head to toe in it. Some people however... 

Yep, that would be my Dad.

Twiggy

"The most important thing about dreams is having one"

Victoria Beckham

"I believe you can achieve anything if you work hard enough"

Mine and My Nan's Favourite Shop

Marks and Spencer's really have turnt corners in the past year. 

I used to associate M&S clothing with my Nan's lovely, but not so on-trend wardrobe - it never used to quite be the place that was acceptable for a young, fashion conscious girl to shop in. But, oh how things change, their television advert now includes my future boyfriend the gorgeous David Gandy and the clothes in stores are now current, high quality and super pretty! I am loving M&S at the moment, here are a few of my favourite pieces. I think it could possibly be my new favourite shop, my Nan is so pleased.

£25

£25

£25

£129

£39.50

£99

£69

£25

£35

£35

£39.50

£39.50

£39.50

My beautiful Nanny on her 80th Birthday in her M&S top!