The Can't Do Girl's Guide

This week I've been going a bit mad for nail art. I've been approaching new tricks of the trade with a complete 'can do' attitude, but I can honestly say that water marbled nails are a pain in the neck and took me a good hour to try and perfect. I'm currently scouring the web for those 'oh-so easy' nail art tutorials to see how easy they really are. Can you really prefect a salon quality nail in your own bathroom? We'll see! 

I've also been trying out the whole 'I made this' trend that seems to be bobbing around at the moment. So far I've managed to put some fairy lights in a jam jar and called it a lamp *pulls confused face*. But again I'm gonna be testing the waters to see if this stuff is do-able. So watch this space for the 'Can't Do Girl's Guide' to making yourself look pretty and making pretty things. I'm nervous...

Review: The Body Shop BB Cream

When the new BB cream phenomenon hit the beauty market I was, naturally, suspicious of this apparent miracle balm. Just another unnecessary product to add to my already brimming cosmetics bag, another tiresome step to add to the daily beauty regime.

If I hadn't got my hands on a free sample of The Body Shop's All-In-One BB Cream at London Fashion Week I probably wouldn't have parted with my cash. But that was before, this is now. I have been pleasantly surprised by this product - and here's why...

It smells like talcum powder not like chemicals

The cream feels light on the skin

Provides even coverage

Adapts quite fittingly to the tone of your skin

A little goes a long way

The price won't break the bank

The cream goes on white and gradually darkens to suit the skin tone. Available in three shades I've been using shade No.2 for medium skin. While fine for the end of summer I am planning to switch to the light shades for those paler winter months. 

The one downside I would bring to light is that the product can feel a little greasy (especially when applied on top of a moisturising primer or face base). However, the shine gives my face a healthy dewy glow and any unwanted greasy zones (THE NOSE!) can be sorted with a touch of powder. 

Not one to usually venture into The Body Shop for makeup I will definitely be paying a visit to stock up on this BB Cream when my sample runs out. At just £12 this product is worth a try. 

My top top: this product is great when combined with Benefit's POREfessional pore minimiser - gives the face a flawless finish without the need to cake on foundation. 

What's in the bag?

Ever wondered what's in those goody bags which line the front row of fashion shows? Well I was desperate to find out. Luckily I was bumped up from second to front row at the Ji Cheng Spring / Summer 2013 runway show at London Fashion Week on Saturday and got my hands on one of those much coveted bags!

Here's a sneak peek of what treats there were on offer:

A packet of salty ham treats

A carton of coconut water (fashion is thirsty work)

A tube of Berocca (fashion, but on a really good day)

A Compeed blister patch (already used mine - fashion is painful)

A nifty note book made from tyres (well, feels like tyres and smells like tyres. Cheers Vauxhall)

Body Shop BB Cream (have yet to crack it open and watch out for a review soon)

Body Shop blusher

Body Shop lippy

Label.M shampoo, conditioner and protein spray (smells devine)

A voucher for Nelly.com

Annnnd a packet of popcorn (I already chowed mine)

I spy London Fashion Week

This week I've been busy tottering around in impractical heels at London Fashion Week. Apart from discovering a new fondness of sweet and salted popcorn and frozen yoghurt (courtesy of the media lounge) I've seen some truly stunning Spring / Summer 2013 collections. From the beautiful simplicity of those Antoni & Alison dresses to the sheer madness of Carlotta Actis Barone, I've been thoroughly blown away by what S/S13 has to offer. 

Opening London Fashion Week for the second season running, this year marked designers Antoni Burakowski and Alison Roberts’ 25th year as Antoni & Alison. There super-girly, super-floaty and super-gorgeous collection was bursting with colour, floaty fabrics and hemlines in every length possible.

I spied Jameela Jamil,  Poppy Delevingne and Kelly Brook in the FROW (front row, ya know!) at the Zoe Jordan runway show. The designer's signature crop-tops made an appearance in hot red teamed up with harem pants and oversized jackets. 

In between shows I was cooped up in the press room with my laptop and endless supplies of frozen yoghurt and coconut water (which I would avoid if I were you, yuk!). I also found time to have a nosy round the exhibition rooms at Somerset House, and was lucky enough to get a close up look (and feel) of some of the presenting designers' work. Charlotte Simpson's LFW debut collection caught my eye both on the runway and in the exhibition hall. Their was an air of Jil Sander about her S/S 13 line which saw an array of stunning lemon yellows and smooth creams - a collection definitely made for grown ups!  

'Teaism' by Ji Cheng has been one of my favourite shows so far, and not only because the invite was a decorative tea bag (amazing!), but her Asia-centric collection was so simple, so well structured and can only be described as calming - I could almost take the green tea as I left the show room! Kate Nash sat opposite me on the FROW and I have to say I'm really loving her new look. I'd never really looked to her as a beacon of style before but with time she is certainly coming into her own. 

Autumn Winter 2012 - the night's are drawing in!

Jean Paul Gaultier

Autumn Winter 2012 is a season brimming with vibrant optical fashion prints, fluorescent furs, head-to-toe leather, boyish and boxy shapes and layers upon layers… upon layers! Here's my pick for Push It magazine's A/W trend report. 

If one thing is for sure this season it’s that there’s something for everyone for A/W 12. Whether you’re a confident tomboy, or a real girly girl you’re sure to find a trend to suit. BUT if you only buy one thing this season it has to be A/W12 best-dressed boot. Half goth, half equestrian the Gaiter-style knee-high is a key piece amongst the collections. Look to Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci for the prime example of what can only be described as a leather hoof boot.

Tales of the orient
Fashion designers looked to the East for inspiration this season and the runways were awash with opalescent fabrics, oriental motifs, kimono jackets and obi belts. From Marni’s geisha-style flatform sandal and Proenza Schouler’s cheongsam-style mini-dress, to Zac Posen’s Chinoiserie print belts and Issa’s dragon embroidered blouses, A/W told tales of ancient empires where the lines between the truth and the myth blur.

Gothic opulence
With the likes of Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy and Valentino adopting a gothic-inspired look this season, a fixation with the sinister and the macabre fell over A/W. Versace led the way with a crucifix-encrusted collection; think head-to-toe black and luxurious velvets and the finest lace. A/W lent itself to a moody and romantic air, full of a dark, deep-seated passion. Jean Paul Gaultier introduced an oxblood red strapless dress paired with a luxurious concrete-grey coat complete with tough leather sleeves.

Lots of leather
Along with minimalistic lines and traditional tailoring leather forced its way to the forefront of A/W. Whether cobalt blue, mustard yellow or emerald green, leather certainly came out on top this season. Christopher Kane’s leather-edged dresses made their mark on the runway, while Acne made sure that the much-loved biker jacket is here to stay.

Fantastic florals
From the single stem lily printed across an A-line Yves Saint Laurent skirt to vibrant bouquet, which came into bloom with Comme Des Garcons, flowers sprung up throughout the A/W fashion collections. Far from prissy poseys these fantastical florals had a more striking and powerful feel about them.

Inside the box
Masculine, oversized boxy shapes were all the rage this season. Big was definitely beautiful, with plenty of cocoon coats and billowing trousers enveloping almost every collection. Even where accessories where concerned – with super-sized handbags and tiny square clutches – it was all about the box. Balenciaga by Nicholas Ghesquiere embodied this A/W trend with his utlra-masculine square-lapelled jacket and loose-fitting trousers. Look to Simone Rocha, JW Anderson, Jil Sander and Chloe to truly swat up on the boxy look.

Read more at www.pushitmagazine.com...

Best beauty buy of 2012 - Benefit's POREfessional

It isn't often that I come across a beauty product that I really want to shout about. I have regularly found myself disappointed with blemish balms, make-up primers and face bases that just don't live up to all their miracle-working claims. I'm never satisfied with a foundation and tend to jump around from brand to brand, liquid to foam, loose to pressed powder without a single one making it as a staple in my make-up bag.

POREfessional by Benefit - £23

But then! Oh but then, I discovered Benefit's POREfessional balm. I happened upon this product after buying the July issue of Glamour magazine - they were giving it away with the mag. I was a bit sceptical (as per) and tried it out one morning instead of my usual primer. Not wanting to waste too much of the sample I squeezed a pea sized amount on to my fingertips and - to my surprise - discovered that this stuff really goes a long way!

If, like me, you have a bit of an oily T-zone POREfessional really helps get ride of that SHINE. It's great for perfecting fine lines, combatting the appearance of pores and even works for dark circles under tired eyes. This stuff is oil free and feels silky smooth on the skin. Once applied it lasts all day and it's so lightweight I forget I even had it on.

You can use POREfessional both under and on top of your usual make-up - and on sunny days, when lots of foundation can feel as if it's weighing you down, I've just used it on its own to achieve that fresh-faced look.

I can't recommend this stuff highly enough. As soon as I'd used it a couple of times I ran out to my nearest Benefit stockists, Debenhams, and bought it. Loads of Benefit products are duty free at the moment in Debenhams so get down there quickly if you want to get this while it's on offer!

Two other reasons I love this product:
Pretty packaging
POREfessional is a brilliant name (definitely one for a good play-on-words)

Green sleeveless

£20 from Lavish Alice

Whether it be pistachio, chartreuse, mint, or even British Racing I'm a big fan of green. I've only recently discovered this lust for all things emerald after taking the time to colour coordinate (yes, I know!) my wardrobe. I was previously unaware that I owned so many tops, dresses, shorts and trousers in almost every shade of green - and this passion doesn't seem to be waining. After a spot of online window shopping I clapped eyes on this stunner of a top from Lavish Alice. 


Not only is the poppy forest green floating my colour boat but the sophisticated peplum shape is ticking all my style boxes. I have yet to get my hands on, arguably, AW12's statement top, but trust me, I'm working on it. 


With the likes of Gwen Stefani, Dakota Fanning and our fave royal (no not Harry!) Kate Middleton sporting this gorgeous look, the peplum is most certainly a wardrobe staple! The peplum is a bold statement piece adding drama and style to the most simplistic looks. I'll be wearing mine with skinny black jeans.