8.29.2010

Seche Vite™ Dry Fast Top Coat

Time after time, I've rushed to my local Boots in order to buy the latest wonder product that claims either to transform my skin, revitalise my hair, or shake up my make-up; only to be woefully disappointed with the actual result when I get home. This was the case with so many nail varnish top coats I've tried, desperate to extend the life expectancy of my manicures (a new found love). My first attempt was a Rimmel one, followed by a Loreal version, both of which refused to fully set and scuffed up at the first sign of contact. I was disheartened to say the least. But when I saw Seche Vite's Dry Fast Top Coat whilst browsing ASOS on one of their fab discount days, I was more than a little intrigued. Surely it couldn't live up to its claim to be 'the world's finest top coat. Absolutely will not chip and creates the highest gloss of any product on the market today'? A bit of www. research taught me that InStyle endorsed it as one of their Best Beauty Buys, and seeing as I could purchase it with a discount I decided to take the risk (with very low expectations I might add). I was however VERY nicely surprised. Simple to apply to either fully dry or only just painted nails, it melted on perfectly, and dried almost immediately no matter how thick the coat. Woah. For £8.95 (without discount) I was seriously satisfied. I now use it on top of every manicure, and it keeps my varnish chip free for at least 3 days. The only downside is the amount of nail varnish remover you need to use to get it all off, but I suppose that's a small price to pay for pristine talons. So give it a go, I promise it does what it says on the tin (or bottle!)

Lou xxx

8.24.2010

Coveted Cover Ups

Hi fashionistas! Sorry for the short absence, I've been stressing about an exam I've got this thursday (argh!!!) I thought a bit of frivolous fashion fun might distract me for a minute though, so I decided to tell you about the two fabulous jackets I've recently bought in preparation for an arctic autumn (please excuse the shameless alliteration, I'm a bit over-hyper from all that revision!) Knowing the typical english weather conditions, I've invested in two gorgeous yet totally different jackets, both of which are bang on trend and fit to fight that chill. So, here goes...

  1. My first purchase of the day was this trend-nailing Topshop Fleece Collar PU Biker Jacket, £58 (thank NUS for Student Discount!). Always my first go-to destination for comfy yet stylish outer wear, this aviator puts a massive tick in the flying trend box, yet will fit me as snuggly as my much loved current biker. I chose the Tall version of this jacket for a bit of extra length (I'm a reasonably leggy 5'8"), and fell in love straight away with the cream fleecy collar and asymetric zip. Cool yet comfy, classic yet of the moment - what more could a girl ask for? It took about 10 mins from first spotting it to hearing the till ring. I'll be rocking this with my FCUK dark skinny jeans and my patent shoe boots for a feminine twist. Go grab!
  2. Secondly (Hey, who needs savings?!? ), I was desperate for a classic trench to complement my parisian chic, fit for the office look, which I'll be infusing with this season's beloved red shades. As soon as I spotted this M&S Limited Collection Pure Cotton Double Breasted Mac with Belt, £65, I knew it would fit perfectly into the 'masculine with a feminine twist' tailoring trend, going with anything and everything thanks to its stone colour and offering a more polished alternative to my new aviator. Don't discount this high street fave for label conscious reasons - their Limited Collection range oozes catwalk trendiness, and you'll be snapping up stylish buys your friends won't even have thought to look at. Instant stand out ability!


So there you go. I've strained my bank balance to the max and will be living on rice and beans 'I'm a Celeb' style until I can make some more £££, but I've acquired two gorgeous yet very different jackets that together will match all of my autumn cover up needs. Yay! That's just the tonic for exam stress. Wish me luck!

Over & Out (pilot style!)
Lou xxx


8.06.2010

Fashion Meets Art

Just a quick one to ask if you like my new 'Jewellery Word Plaque', £12 from Next. I wanted something to hang all of my long necklaces on so they wouldn't get knotted up, but that would also make a beautiful piece of wall art for my newly decorated bedroom. I think I found it! This gorgeous plaque has a rustic, handmade look, adds quirky chic to my wall, AND keeps my chains safe - whilst looking super stylish! Let me know what you think...



Also, take a look at the necklace on the right - it's my most recent purchase, from Topshop, a 'Beads off fabric multi row' necklace which is made up of small pearl and gold beads hanging from strands of navy blue fabric. At £14, it's a reasonable way to liven up my breton striped tee to create a casually cool nautical look. 


Lou x

8.03.2010

The Early Bird Catches the Best Buys!

I'm a month and a half into the endlessly long Uni summer break, and already I'm getting restless. Despite gym classes, volunteering work and catching up on all the reading I don't have time for in term time (enforced reading doesn't count! I mean Meg Cabot not Charles Dickens!), despite all this, I'm ALREADY starting to think about next year and even, SHOCK HORROR, coursework! With this forward thinking mindset, it was inevitable I would rekindle my love of all things fashion by poring over the mags and store websites in search of early bird intelligence and pre season super buys. I'm always keen to start the new Uni year with a fresh wardrobe, packed full of early trends and autumn orientated design. Sort of swapping sarongs for sheepskin. In hot anticipation, even though extremely lacking in funds, here are my top picks of the High Street's first A/W '10 collections:

  • Everyone with even the slightest interest in fashion must surely know by now that A/W '10's key jacket style is the aviator, and I'm desperate to get in there first (as soon as I find some £££!) They are notably expensive, but if bought early and treasured all season, they're surely worth the splurge. The best I've seen so far are from ASOS.com. With soft black leather, gold hardwear and a creamy sheepskin collar, their £120 wonder buy (click the link above for a pic) is a stunning piece of style, and will be coming to the site soon. Can't wait!

  • Red is a major colour palette for A/W '10, and one I'll be heavily investing in. Chanelling Parisienne chic, hollywood glamour, or punky cool, this trend will be flooding the highstreet and can be worn in a way to suit your personality. H&M is fantastic for early red hot picks (excuse the pun), and I've already snapped up a polka dot dress with a black bow (another key trend), perfect for the teacher traning interviews I'll have coming up. Sophisticated yet on trend - often a rare marriage.
  •  The maxi dress is here to stay. No longer just a summer staple, this dress miracle has been transported to A/W '10 by altering the fabrics and shades, and no one has done this better than Miss Selfridge. Their Purple Lace Placket Maxi Dress, £25 is a soft jersey style in a delicious berry shade, perfect for the summer - autumn trandition.
  • Faux fur is not only animal friendly and snug, but also very on trend for A/W '10. Yay! We all know that Uggs have made the transition in recent years from casual comfort to mainstream fashion, mostly due to their ability to feel like slippers whilst still looking cool. Faux fur has that same crossover ability, so grab this stole, £25 from Topshop, in order to rock the trend before anyone else and keep those autumn chills at bay. Like a hug on a hanger.
  •  Animal print is going to be huge this A/W '10 and can be styled in a varity of ways. If you have a punky streak, try leggings or jeans, if you're a glamour puss, a volumous fur coat would be perfect, or for a more casual take on this sexy print, try Warehouse's Animal Cardi, £35. Worn with dark skinny jeans and patent black heels, it screams sexy yet sophisticated. Let loose your wild side!

So don't be shy about buying A/W '10 key pieces in August. Dive in there early, team with your summer pieces, and earn maximum style points for getting there first! More hot buys to come so stay tuned...

Lou xxx
 
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