Long time, no see!

It's been a really long time since I last posted but now I'm back! I have a Twitter page that you can follow me on https://twitter.com/fashionbeauty86 although the theme of my latest tweets and the theme of my latest blog won't necessarily be the same. Hope you enjoy reading!

We can't pray for sunny weather...

So it's looking like rain for the next few days, but living in Bristol I should probably have learned to accept it... The big question is, "What do we wear?!"

UGG fans will be disappointed that they can't wear their fave over-priced slippers for fear of soggy feet, ALLSTAR fans have holes in their shoes so that won't work either. Trusty old muddy old boots it is then. I love my crappy old boots SO much that despite them having a rather large crack in the sole, I paid as much to have them repaired as they cost in the first place... No more soggy feet for me.

Outerwear-wise, it's too warm for your winter coat so you need a mac! The trench coat is a staple and a classic and its been updated with bright colours in the past few S/S seasons, but personally I prefer the ducky mac. Yup, you heard me. My rainy day choice of mac is made out of plastic, reversible and has ducks all over it. All hail the ducky mac!

What goes underneath doesn't matter too much, but a cosy hood is always nice - the bigger the better. And trousers that don't drag on the floor... I knew there was a reason they invented skinnies, and it wasn't just to torment those ladies on the larger side of life.

Media, dirty, dirty, rich, rich

Fashion and music have always gone hand-in-hand, thanks to the creativity intrinsic in both. Now is as exciting a time as ever, with the likes of Lady Gaga, V.V.Brown, and LadyHawke showing us how to work it in rubber, doo-wop, and plain old men's clothing (LadyHawke only ever wears mens' or unisex clothes). Whether you're a glamourpuss or a tomboy it's hard not to notice these new girls on the block, and maybe even wish you had the guts to pull off some of Gaga's insane outfits! Personally I'm glad that the music world is ever so slightly veering away from glamming up every female artist and putting them all in the same fashion genre. LONG LIVE THE LOONYS!!

Luckily, the high street has taken the hint and thanks to brands like American Apparel you can now experiment with your personal style without making your budget nosedive too badly. Topshop is an age-old favourite for stealing catwalk or wacky looks and making them affordable, but try not to go for the obvious - its not individual if everyone's wearing it! If you're into hair-pieces like Gaga, try out Chapeau Claudette (http://www.visorette.com/page2.htm). ASOS.com sometimes stock CC but you can find stockists on this site too.

So girls, be as wild or as different as you dare. Stand out from the crowd. Wear your lipstick as cream eyeshadow, and your knickers on your head!

Futuristic and everything else prints

So. Prints. How do you feel about them? Weirded out? Put off? Totally turned on?!

I for one have fallen hook, line and sinker for them. But even as an average size 10, how the hell do I wear them? Accessories are always a good way to try out a style without going too OTT, and tights and leggings are great but seriously, you won't catch me wearing the printed ones! No kidding, they look great on those stick thin girls that are so prevalent here in Bristol, but bigger than a size 8 and you need balls of steel to go out in them as far as I'm concerned. Nonetheless, for those of you who are a size 8 and/or have metal testes, here are the best of the leggings and tights ...

http://store.americanapparel.co.uk/rsa8349p.html
http://www.republic.co.uk/Jeans/Vila-Animal-Leggings/invt/82991
http://www.mytights.com/mytights/4242.html
http://www.mytights.com/mytights/zoomimage/4337.html


Something a little easier to contend with is a printed dress. Ditsy prints are big this summer but you can be a bit more creative than that, right girls? To see this great bird and heart print dress by Reko at Topshop go to topshop.com, click BRANDS and then REKO. It's bright blue so it's pretty hard to miss!

New Look (newlook.co.uk) also has some great prints, like this vibrant flowered dress - not for the wallflowers though!
http://www.newlook.co.uk/1646942/164694209/ProductDetails.aspx

For pricier options check out warehouse.co.uk for this designer-looking Crystal Aztec dress,
http://www.warehouse.co.uk/fcp/product/fashion/Dresses/CRYSTAL-AZTEC-DRESS/11711

or oasis-stores.com for this great Arthouse Print shift -
http://www.oasis-stores.com/fcp/product/Oasis/Dresses/Arthouse-Print-Shift-Dress/4470047561

Finally.... FASHION!

I've been focusing on make-up a lot recently, but today and yesterday's sunny weather in Bristol got me thinking about my fashion plans for the summer. Like most people, I can't afford to go on a spending spree every season, but none the less I do make a wish-list (or 5!) and then head to the nearest Primark looking for the great catwalk knock-offs!

1. This summer I've finally embraced the fringing trend. It's been around for a few seasons, on and off, but this spring/summer it's had an injection of colour, and the bright reds, blues and purples have finally endeared fringing to me. New Look (www.newlook.co.uk) have some great pieces, from sandals, to mega-high heels and fringed bags.

2. Ditsy prints, from flowers to hearts, are another trend that I love. Despite being addicted to fashion, I find that the clothes I wear day-to-day can be kind of dark and masculine, so I'm trying to show my feminine side a bit more this summer. Primark usually have lots to choose from in terms of prints but you'll have to get your shopping shoes on because unfortunately Primark don't yet have an online shop...

3. Customise! If you haven't ever customised an item before don't just grab the scissors and start hacking away at your favourite dress, because believe me, it will turn out more Jodie Marsh than Vivienne Westwood. Start simply by customising a few simple vest tops. Topshop do the best ones in a range of colours, and they're cheap too. Sew on some flowers, bows, hearts - whatever you fancy! If your sewing skills leave much to be desired, just safety-pin them on instead. That way you can change the look later!

4. As much as I hate to say it, it's too hot for wet-look leggings in the summer so I'll be ditching mine for some black skinny jeans, ripped at the knees - grunge style. Go all out grunge with long straight hair, and plaited strands, or mix it up with a pretty t-shirt or girly blouse!

5. Last but not least on my summer wish list is a great, bright clutch, like this one from Dorothy Perkins. (Copy and paste the link into a new window).

http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=20552&storeId=12552&categoryId=51590&parent_category_rn=51593&productId=1079154&langId=-1

Make-up brushes

Ok, it's been a busy 2 weeks and I've been neglecting you - sorry! But now I'm back with a boring little blog about make-up brushes: which brushes you need, the best ones to use and the alternatives.

Which brushes?
1. Foundation brush
I tend not to use one of these because I prefer to blend my foundation and concealer with my fingers. Nonetheless, a few foundations do come with brushes attached (see below - YSL Perfect Touch, and Bourjois Brush Foundation) and they tend to be pretty good. I apply the foundation all over my face with the brush, and then use my fingers to blend it into hard-to-reach areas like my hairline and around my nose. If you do want to use a foundation brush, go for thickish, flat brush with a rounded tip. The flat side of the brush will ensure good coverage, and the rounded tip means you shouldn't get any hard lines if you haven't blended very well.

2. Blusher brush
A blusher brush should generally be quite big i.e. it covers a large area in one sweep. This ensures that you get a natural looking blush on your cheeks, and not just a big blob of colour on your cheeks! Although it's quite an 80s shape for blusher, I still sweep from the apple of my cheek up towards my brow bone. The difference is that my blush tends not to be so strong a colour that I get a neon stripe up my face! I find that applying the blush (or bronzer) this way really lifts my face and makes my cheekbones really stand out.
NOTE: Estelle at the Brits is an example of how not to rock this look!

3. Eyeshadow brushes
If you only buy one eyeshadow brush, make sure it's a great blending one. The best kind of eyeshadow on any age of face is a well-blended shadow, so go for a brush with a large, rounded end made up of bristles that aren't very close together. For a stronger colour, just keep layering the eyeshadow until the get the desired effect. As well as my blending brush, I also have a 'strong colour' brush which is the shape of those free applicators you get with most eyeshadows, but made of bristles instead of foam . With this I can apply a lot of colour in one go which is perfect for when I'm applying the base of a smoky eye. I even have a flat-ended brush that I use for applying eyelash glue to false lashes!


These are the basic brushes that you need. But which brand should you choose?
Shu Uemura without a doubt make the best brushes in the business, not to mention their famous eyelash curlers! Find them at www.spacenk.co.uk. Although these brushes are great, they are pricey. For a cheaper option try MAC, www.maccosmetics.co.uk and for a really great budget buy head to the Body Shop - www.thebodyshop.co.uk. All these brands make really good quality brushes, but remember to keep them in good shape by cleaning them every so often. Just add a little make-up remover to a bowl of warm water and work the excess make-up out of the bristles with your fingers.

Product Reviews - the basics!

Everyday products for a make-up mad girl like me....

Concealer, foundation, bronzer/blusher, eye make-up (inc. mascara), lipgloss - PHEW!

1. Concealer
Ok, so Touche Eclat (YSL) is the concealer/highlighter for hiding bags and blemishes, but it also retails for around £22! I say save that for when you really need it, and in the meantime buy the far more reasonably priced L'Oreal Touche Magique. It really does do the trick just as well and comes in various shades to suit your skintone. And at £6.99 it's far more purse-friendly.

2. Foundation
Although mineral foundations are very popular at the moment, I find that they often don't offer enough coverage so I tend to go for a liquid foundation. Very handily, many of them come with a brush attached to help with application. I've tried the more expensive option, YSL Perfect Touch (£29) which really does give you a great glow, but again, it's a bit steep (I am a student after all!). So instead I tried Bourjois Brush Foundation (£11.70). It gives great coverage, it's very easy to apply thanks to the brush, and because of the 'clicky' action to release the liquid, you shouldn't waste any either!

3. Bronzer/blusher
A firm favourite of mine is Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush (around £6). It comes in a range of fresh shades and isn't very expensive at all. There's a little mirror in the lid of the pot, and a brush inside too - handy or what! I like Rose de Jaspe (95).

4. Eye make-up
My favourite! I wear eye make-up every day without fail so I have a lot of favourites, but I've picked a few of the best. For eyeshadow, I love Sleek Cosmetics (available at Superdrug) Divine Eyeshadow palettes. It comes in 3 varieties and at £4.50 for 12 shades you can afford all 3! Despite being so inexpensive, the shadow lasts all day, and because it's mineral-based it gives a great, deep colour. With a mirror and a brush included, what more could you ask for! I also always fill in my eyebrows to give them some definition, and the absolute best product for this is No7 Amazing Eyes Pencil (around £7). Mine lasts me ages, despite the fact that I use it everyday. Eyeliner next, and I'm a fan of Maxfactor Colour Perfection (around £5) because it's very black, and lasts all day. There's also a brown shade for those who prefer a more natural look. Finally, mascara - every woman's best friend. Diorshow Blackout Waterproof (£19.50) made my boyfriend ask if I was wearing false lashes, so it's definitely a showstopper, but trying to remove the stuff truly is a mission! For a more remover-friendly option, try Maxfactor Masterpiece Waterproof (around £9.99) which still gives you sexy lashes, without the hard work at the end of the day!

5. Lipgloss
I'm addicted to buying lipglosses but the one I always go back to is L'Oreal GlamShine 6hr (£6.99). It really does last that long and it's not too sticky unlike some other brands. A great neutral colour is Amber Fidelity (104), and once you've tried this you'll definitely be faithful!

Fashion tips from a 4 year old

Finding fashion inspiration from unusual sources is always fun. Checking out someone else's personal style is a good way of giving you new ideas, and it's not always the obvious style gurus who lead the fashion pack.

Take, for example, my 4 year old niece. She looks cute in anything she's dressed in, and she finds her own ways to wear it too. I have this cream, knitted bobble-hat that I've always worn in the usual cutesy way, (like I'm on my way to a hiking convention...) but seeing my niece just sling it on her head all loose and floppy made me realise that it'd be a great take on the slouchy beanie. So now I always unroll the extra material and wear it with the bobble hanging down instead of perched on my head!

And the whole city shorts thing was never really me. It was too confused between smart and casual so I thought I'd never go for it. But I have a photo of my niece tottering around in my high heels (she's a natural) with her knee-length denim shorts on, and I realised that that's how I can work the trend, in denim instead of too-stiff cotton.

And when it comes to this season, she even knows her trendy sportswear. She rocked up at my house one morning ready for nursery, complete with 80s headband yanked down round her forehead because the staff had told her they were going to be doing exercises that day. Ever the fashion forward 4 year old, she wouldn't have her headband any other way.

So when you need some inspiration, you may not have to grab Vogue after all - just keep your eyes peeled for the unlikely stylist...

Top 5 products for 'natural' beauty

A good starting point for beauty is to master your natural beauty. Everyone has something that makes them special, but these products work for every woman, (or man!) to enhance their every day looks...

1. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream
Ok, so I'm cheating here by putting two products under one title... Both the original skin protectant and the intensive hand cream. The hand cream will give you beautifully supple hands, and I use it on my feet too, to undo the damage high heels have done to the soft skin there. For my feet I usually slather it on and then put on a pair of thick socks and keep them on overnight to really let the product sink in. And then I use the skin protectant for everything else! I use it as a lip balm if I don't have any with me, I rub it into my eyebrows to make sure the hairs stay in place, and to give them a nice sheen, and if something has been rubbing on my skin I pop it on there too to soothe the irritation. I love the classic white tubes.

2. Eyebrow pencil/shadow
Shaping your eyebrows is a great way of defining your face, and an eyebrow pencil/shadow can highlight that. Use a pencil to fill in your brows for a more dramatic yet natural look, and the shadow when you want a soft look. No7 at Boots (www.boots.com) do a great pencil called Amazing Eyes Pencil (around £7), or if you'd prefer to use a softer shadow to fill in your brows, try Benefit BrowZings (£21.50 - www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk). It's pricey but worth it as it comes with a shadow (available in 3 shades) to fill in your brows, a wax to keep them in shape, tiny tweezers and a little mirror so you can pluck on the go!

3. Pink blusher
Find a pink blusher to suit your skin tone, and apply it to the apples of your cheeks to give you a fresh-faced natural glow. I recommend Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush (available at Superdrug and Boots) which comes in no less than 12 shades. They retail at around £6 so you could try out a few different shades.

4. Blistex/Carmex
I love both Blistex and Carmex as lipbalms. They come in little pots or a tube, but I prefer the pots because it makes it feel like a really old-school beauty product. Balm is a great way of accentuating your natural lips by giving them a subtle sheen and keeping them looking kissable! And the extra tingle is divine. Available at most Boots stores.

5. A great blow-dry
And finally... You don't have to go to a salon for this kind of blow-dry, because it's about volume and softness, not styling. Just add some volumising mousse (try Pantene Sheer Volume Mousse) to wet hair (at the roots) and then tip your head forward and blow-dry upside down. The volume that this creates gives you a really soft, feminine look, and then you can either leave your hair natural or straighten the ends. Either way, the volume really adds to your natural beauty.

Before I start...

Before I start blogging I want to make something clear. If you don't like my blog, don't give me any web-abuse, just don't read it. This blog is for people who enjoy reading fashion and beauty magazines like Elle and Vogue, who like reading reviews about products and hearing other people's opinions about new trends. No, it isn't the most intellectual blog but it isn't meant to be. So if you want to read it, I hope you enjoy it and give me your comments. If you don't want to read it then go and search for something about politics.