Festive Dupes

Nail sets are a gift much appreciated by any digit decorator when it comes to Christmas time and this Mariah Carey for O.P.I 'The Look' trio is no exception. With a deep, blackberry shade, shimmery gold and full on, sparkling all over the shop, holographic glitter, it covers all the bases for the festive season. Now we all know that December is Mariah's month and once you hear the opening bars of All I Want For Christmas, it's impossible not to become a wailing banshee, suddenly possessed by the woman herself. Normally, I would be a bit disturbed by old Mazza smiling back at me from a box of nail varnish, but not at Christmas.

It retails at £23 full price, but currently has 13% off at ASOS...winner. However, if you're wanting to give (or receive!) something similar for fewer pennies, I've scoped out some alternatives which are readily available on the high street and could be packaged together to create a unique, hand-picked present - Revlon Top Speed Nail Polish in Forbidden, Revlon Nail Enamel in Rich and Barry M Hologram Hexograms. Not exact copies, but they're pretty close and coming in at a grand total just short of £16, it saves a few quid to spend on other gifts (or in January when they're selling off the selection boxes...)

The Final Cut #1: Leonardo DiCaprio

Today is the first of a series in which I plan on doing a bit of a 'spotlight on...' thang, giving my rundown of my top film picks starring a certain actor/tress. Up first: Mr DiCaprio.

My love of Leo has not always been what it's blossomed into today and that all stems from a certain film set on a certain ship. I'm in the relatively small minority of people who never has and never will shed a tear at Titanic, because to be honest, I find it all a bit...wet. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for the odd soppy romance story (*cough* The Notebook), but there was something about this that just did not sit well with my pre-teen self. It tainted my view of Leo for a while - all I could see was the floppy-haired wet lettuce that wasn't supposed to let go, but did. Slightly harsh I know, but I just was not keen. Fast forward a few years and I'm a fully-fledged fan thanks to the following:

5. Romeo + Juliet (1996) - Now I know what you're thinking - he's still a bit soft and definitely still rocking the floppy hair BUT there are so many things I love about this film that I can excuse it. It's the ultimate tragic love story retold in Baz Luhrmann's unique style, featuring a pre-Homeland Clare Danes and Michael from Lost in drag. Not to mention the soundtrack is great - I still wack on Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) when I fancy a bit of a pep talk from a disembodied voice, and anyone who claims they haven't had a Des'ree-related lump in their throat at least once is only lying to themselves.

4. Django Unchained (2012) - Having an older brother means that I've been immune to gore from the age of about six, something which comes in pretty handy when watching Django. This time, Leo's about as far from Jack Dawson as you could possibly get, playing a psychopathic plantation owner with some very dodgy teeth. DiCaprio's performance is top notch and anything Tarantino touches is always a winner in my book, so this is a well-deserved number four. Just be prepared for buckets full of blood and guts.

3. Catch Me If You Can (2002) - Probably not on a lot of people's list but Catch Me If You Can is genuinely one of my favourite films. Set in the swinging '60s and based on a true story so fantastic it's almost impossible to believe, this was the real turning point in my Leo lovin'. With an impressive set of co-stars including Christopher Walken and Tom Hanks, it has a bit of everything - drama, suspense, comedy and a real-life cat and mouse chase. I'm a big fan.

2. Inception (2010) -  I don't think I really need to say much here - chances are you've seen it and know why deserves to be a close second. The buzz surrounding the release was insane and for a lot of people, it was one of the best pictures of the year. It's one of those rare films which actually gets better the more times you see it - maybe I'm just a bit slow, but I needed to give it a couple of viewings to get my head around the whole dream/reality thing. I think this was the point when I really began to appreciate DiCaprio's skill as an actor, as well as his face. I don't know why the 'slightly unstable tortured soul with slick-backed hair' look would be more attractive to me than his classic hearthrob younger days, but to me he just gets better with age (case in point - see below).

1. The Great Gatsby (2013) - I'll try not to get carried away and bang on about this too much, but seriously, this is my favourite film of this year and I love everything about it. Luhrmann is back in business - the film oozes 20s glamour and treats us to phenomenal wardrobes all topped off with a soundtrack boasting a bit of Kanye & Jay-Z. And not to forget that smile...oh my. Based on one of my favourite books, it could have been a major let down, but I'm happy to say it lived up to my expectations and more. I'm at the peak of my adoration of the man in question and it's all thanks to this little gem.

Leonardo DiCaprio has an ability to turn his hand to pretty much any role and has starred in loads of acclaimed films - next on my list to watch are The Departed and Gangs of New York which I've somehow managed to miss. I know, I call myself a fan hey! Maybe my list will change after I've seen them, but for now, these are my top 5 Leo flicks. Give me Jay Gatsby over Jack Dawson any day of the week.

The Trend #1: Sheer Stripes

Zara black sweater / Topshop black t shirt / Whistles Leather jacket / Topshop skinny jeans / Matalan skirt/ ASOS grey boots / Office black boots / Zara handbag / Whistles clutchbag / Zara scarf / H&M patterned jacket

A classic striped top is one of my favourite items of clothing - it's synonymous with Parisian chic and effortless cool. Let's face it, wearing stripes is just about as close as I'll ever get to being a French style icon, and anything which makes me feel slightly more like Clemence Poesy is a winner in my book.  Just give me some Ladurée macaroons and I'm one bite away from the Champs-Élysées...

Having said that, if wearing Breton makes you feel more Hamburgler than Audrey Tatou, there are so many pieces around at the moment which incorporate sheer stripes - a trend I'm definitely on board with! This Topshop number is the starting point for a flawless smart-casual outfit: a simple t-shirt silhouette with an added detail which gives it a bit of an edge, teamed with some coated jeans or leather-look trousers. Whistles really do bring it when it comes to hand-held perfection and this stylish leather clutch is definitely on my wish list! I'm a big fan of these light grey ASOS boots to add some (slight) variation in tone to what is a black on black look, and whilst this H&M jacket doesn't stray from the monochrome theme, its geometric pattern adds a bit of something different.  Top it all off with a bold red lip and you're good to go!

Moving on to a day look, this Zara knitted jumper is a perfect piece for this time of year when layered with a timeless leather jacket and accessorised with a simple shoulder bag.  It would look equally good with jeans but for me, teaming it with another item which is trending at the moment, the skort (yes, that's a 'skirt' and 'shorts' hybrid) creates a unique daytime outfit.  I also love the gold details on these ankle boots from Office - I live in boots at the time of year and something a little lower on the heel front is brilliant for times when you want that extra lift but without the aching feet! Mixing stripes and checks might be a big no for some people, but this huge, cosy, tartan-style scarf from Zara isn't too in your face and is in keeping with the muted colour palette. What can I say? I just love me some monochrome.

So, here's the question, would you stick with the traditional or up your game and go translucent?

Winter Warmers

(L-R: Revlon CustomEyes in Naturally Glamorous, Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow in Metallic Pomegranate & On and On Bronze, MAC All That Glitters & Soba)

I'm all for a bold lip colour but when it comes to eyes, I don't tend to stray far from the neutral spectrum.  Most of the shades pictured above are well-loved all year round, however I do think that they're especially apt at the moment.  As the weather gets colder and the nights close in, I find myself going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark - suffice to say my vitamin D intake is not currently at its best!  So, I use any opportunity to add a bit of colour to my paler than pale complexion.  I find that a tinge of warmth on the eye can really help and these are my top tones for doing just that. 

1. Revlon CustomEyes in Naturally Glamorous - This little palette is really affordable and brilliant for travelling as it holds everything a neutral eye lover needs - a few different brown options, a black and a champagne colour.  The only thing it's lacking is a matte shade, but then again who's going to say no to a bit of shimmer as the countdown to Christmas approaches?  My most-used shades are the pearlescent highlight and the deep reddish-brown.  I find that the latter is ideal when paired with...

2. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Metallic Pomegranate - You might remember a few posts ago I mentioned how I was having a bit of a love-from-afar thing going on with MAC Cranberry eyeshadow. The problem was, I just couldn't justify the price tag as a) I would only use it in the colder months and b) I was concerned that, due to my cack-handed application, I might end up looking like I was harbouring some sort of unfortunate eye infection.  Instead, I decided to save my pennies and plumped for this little beauty at a fraction of the price - the perfect wine-coloured cream shadow to create a dark, more dramatic autumnal eye.  I knew I was a fan of the formula already as I previously purchased...   

3. Maybelline Color Tattoo and On Bronze - A beautiful, burnished bronze shade which is as wearable in the day as it is at night - use it as a light wash across the lid or build it up into a strong smoky eye for an evening look.  These Color Tattoos stay put for ages, especially if you're using them as a base for powder.  Their buttery texture means that they're extremely blendable and simple to pop on with your finger if you feel like giving the brushes a rest.  I really don't see myself buying other cream shadows any time soon, which says something because I like shopping.  A lot.

4. MAC All That Glitters - A great every day option, this lies somewhere between a beige, a pink and a gold.  It does wonders to wake up tired eyes and creates a natural, pretty look without any effort whatsoever.  My kinda (lazy) make up.

5. MAC Soba - On Anna's recommendation, I picked this up due to its wonderful quality of adding definition where you need it and somehow giving the illusion that you've spent ages perfectly blending different shades to create a subtle, smoldering eye when in fact, you've slapped it on in about 5 seconds with one peeper still clinging on to the land of nod.   

You may have noticed a running theme here in that when I'm up early and contemplating the day ahead, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in front of the mirror looking at my fatigued face and piling it on with a trowel to try and convince the world that I didn't spend hours watching Breaking Bad when I should have been catching up on sleep.  I find that all of these shadows are a great option for a fool-proof eye look if you want to feel a bit more Kardashian than Worzel Gummidge, but stick to a 5 minute application window and also add a bit of warmth for winter.

The Coffee Table Stack #2: Food

I'd estimate I spend around 75% of my time thinking about food.  A girl's gotta eat and all that, but I'm definitely not one of those people who sees it solely as fuel or a source of energy.  I reckon you always eat with your eyes first and love pouring over recipe books crammed with pictures (see the multiple post-its marking my favourite pages to drool over...just call me pig of the year 2K13), scouring Jamie Oliver's Instagram for his latest tasty snapshots as well as tuning in to a good cookery programme.  Part of me definitely maintains a pipe dream that Michel Roux Jr. will adopt me as his protégé and teach me the ways of a cordon bleu chef, but it's time to face the music - it just ain't gonna happen sunshine.

For this reason, the Leon series of books features highly in my coffee table edit.  They're colourful and eye-catching, full of drawn illustrations as well as photographs of their offerings.  My top pick is their baking and puddings book - I have an inexcusably sweet tooth and every turn of the page is accompanied by Homer Simpson style 'mmm...' It's a heavy-set bible of baked goods brimming with technical tips and more tantalising treats than you can shake a stick at.  Just make sure anything snack-based is safely locked away at the time of reading, otherwise you might find yourself awakening from a hunger-induced stupor, surrounded by empty packets of HobNobs.

Changing Textures

Whistles cocktail dress / ASOS heeled sandals / Accessorize necklace / Clinique lip care / Nars nail varnish / Boohoo Perspex Box Clutch

I think we can officially say winter is coming here in the UK (no Games of Thrones reference intended...)  By my book, when it starts getting dark before five and temperatures begin to drop, it means I pull out my warmest pieces of clothing.  At the weekend, my outfit of choice was the fluffiest, cosiest jumper I own, paired with a leather skirt (see this post), and this got me thinking about textures.

This Whistles dress is a beautiful, iridescent jacquard fabric which would be perfect for the upcoming Christmas party season.  The peekaboo detail of the wrap around skirt is right up my street and under normal circumstances, if I were to wear this I'd probably go with a standard leather clutch and monochrome heels - the safe option.  However,  I love these velvet-look sandals when you're trying to play around with textures.  The deep fuscia colour is really festive and cuts a bold statement against the pearl-toned dress.  I'm not often one for going matchy matchy with lips and nails, but here I think it really works to make the colour pop even more.  

I also really love the look of these clear perspex clutches, even though I do think they're horrifically impractical...advertising the contents of my bag to the world is not something I particularly want to do, but then again maybe I'm the only one who carries a specific purse I like to call the 'fugly purse' on an evening out because it's smaller, less precious than my day offering.  It is however really, really garish...not something I'm mega bothered about showing off.  And what about when you need to carry a bit of loo roll in case of poorly-stocked club toilet emergencies?  That would not look ideal.  But hey, for the purposes of this outfit anyway, having a hard cased bag would add yet another layer of texture and I have to admit, they look really stylish provided you have the right items on display.

To top it off, predictably, I'd choose a huge bejewelled necklace, but can we just take a moment to appreciate this Accessorize offering?!  The teal stones are eye-catching without being too bright and I can't help but be drawn to any jewellery with a '20s style to it.  You might not be attending a decadent, Gatsby level soiree, but injecting a bit of art deco glamour to your look never goes amiss.

So for me it seems that chucking on a load of textures can look more sophisticated than bag lady as long as there's some thought gone into it and a bit of a theme with the colours.  Why not challenge yourself to step outside of your (perspex, fugly purse-filled) box and mix it up a bit? 

        

'80s Throwback

I grew up at a time when life revolved around caring for your Tamagotchi, Sabrina the Teenage Witch was queen and it was every girl's dream to be the sixth Spice Girl - enter: the '90s.  However, I've got a thing for a certain genre of '80s films - those teen coming-of-age, comedy with a bit of drama, American high school schticks.  Four films written by John Hughes, three starring Molly Ringwald, two featuring Anthony Michael Hall ( hereinafter 'AMH') and one with a young Matthew Broderick cracking out some serious moves.  Here's my top four '80s edit.

4. Sixteen Candles (1984) - Your classic teen romantic comedy about a girl, her birthday and her painfully attractive crush.  Featuring AMH and John Cusack as part of a geeky crew and a Chinese exchange student called 'Long Duck Dong'...what's not to love?

3. Pretty in Pink (1986) - The title comes from the dress old Mols customises after her dad buys it at a thrift shop (cue Macklemore...)  Again, she has a love interest from a different social group but this time, your comedic foil comes in the shape of Duckie, her best friend.  My favourite scene is his rendition of Otis Redding's Try a Little Tenderness - even if you don't want to watch the whole thing, watch that.

2. The Breakfast Club (1985) - This follows five high school students who are forced to spend time together at a weekend detention session and does actually have some serious undertones - stereotypes are questioned, cliques are dispelled and you get a real insight into the characters' struggles.  Reasons why I love this film: the endless quotes ('does Barry Manilow know that you raid his wardrobe?'), Charlie Sheen's brother in general, AMH sticking a pencil up his nose and the use of Simple Minds' Don't You Forget About Me.

1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) - In at number one we have the best film about bunking off school ever made.  It's got it all - laughs, a fancy car and miming to The Beatles at a parade.  Bueller is every teenager's icon - he was actually 24 when it was released but hey, older people playing youngsters is nothing new!  You spend the whole film rooting for him and just hoping he can continue to outsmart everyone else.  If you only watch one of these, watch this one!

So if you fancy dipping your toe into some '80s classics, I highly recommend any of these.  Note: best enjoyed whilst wearing lycra and leg warmers.

The Coffee Table Stack #1: Art

I love going into bookshops and flicking through those over-sized, heavy and in some ways cumbersome reads studded with photographs - art books, cookery books, anything which can provide a snapshot of something different to peruse.

These visual books are my kind of coffee table read.  I don't drink coffee (unless it's laced with a calorific flavoured syrup...or alcohol) but there's something about the image of thumbing through the pages of a hefty tome whilst sipping on a hot cuppa Joe which I love.  I doubt real coffee drinkers ever call it 'Joe' but a mug of hot Ribena doesn't have quite the same effect...

I'm hoping to make this into a series of posts and talk about a few different books which fall into this category of picture-filled volumes.  First up is my art pick - Art: The Whole Story by Stephen Farthing.

It's an understatement to say this one is a bit of a beast, but that's completely justified once you realise just how much stuff it covers.  It really is the whole shebang - from prehistoric art to the present day and every movement in between.  It's bursting with photographs, paintings, sculpture and diagrams, but also has a good bit of text to get your teeth into.  It highlights key works, those 'I've definitely seen that somewhere before' pieces, and puts them into context which is really good if you are trying to broaden your knowledge a bit.  When I bought it, I was convinced I was going to read it cover to cover (no. 25 on the list of unrealistic tasks I set myself...) Obviously that didn't happen, but hey, the nature of a good coffee table book is that you can dip in and out as you please!

So, for those lazy afternoons when you want to escape the glare of the laptop screen, look at some pictures which aren't followed by six thousand hashtags and persuade yourself you'd be right at home hanging out with cultural artistic giants like Neil Buchannan and Mark Francis from MIC, I recommend checking this out.

Rose Tinted

Rosy-toned pinks are lovely to wear all year round, but I find myself reaching for them even more once Spring is over.  I usually tend to reserve orange peaches and coral hues for the warmer months as I find them more flattering when the sunshine has given me a (very limited!) bit of colour, but a good blushed rose shade works wonders to brighten up even the palest complexion.

I wear a couple of these products most days - the MAC blusher in Mocha is described as a 'plum-pink' but on my fair skin tone it transfers an incredibly natural rosy glow which is a perfect everyday colour. The Seventeen Mirror Shine Lipstick in Belle (which I must have repurchased at least 3 times) is also my go-to when I'm looking to add a subtle hint of colour to the lips.  The formula of the lipstick is very sheer and glossy meaning that it feels extremely light and moisturising - perfect when the change in temperature can cause mine to resemble a shrivelled prune if I don't look after them.  It's very close to my own lip colour so it's ideal to just throw on without having to worry about being neat or patchiness as it wears off - a foolproof option on days when you just can't be bothered.

The other blush pictured above is one that I've spoken about before, the Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Pink.  It's perfect for adding a natural flush to your cheeks and giving you the whole 'I've been on a brisk country walk' look minus the sweat and without having to move off the sofa.  Nice.

The top shade of the eyeshadow trio is another long time favourite of mine - a pinky tone with a hint of gold shimmer.  It's part of a palette called Pretty Posey which I think must be one of the old versions of the No7 Stay Perfect eyeshadow trios - I've had it for ages and it doesn't look to be in production anymore, which is a shame because it's really lovely!  It reminds me of MAC All that Glitters, but with a bit more colour to it -  a really easy shade to wear in the daytime when you just want a wash of something simple to brighten up your eyes. 

Finally, in keeping with the whole floral theme, I wanted to mention the Bourjois Java Rice Loose Powder which has that old-fashioned, slightly Grandma-ish rose scent to it.  Don't get me wrong, it's not like you'll smell as though you've been doused in Eau de Ethel or anything, it just has a really comforting fragrance.  The product is a revival of the historical best seller and the packaging has heaps of vintage charm.  The powder itself is a delicate, illuminating highlight which I've really been enjoying to add a bit of radiance to the skin in just a few sweeps of the brush.

Now, the 'super rouged-up lady of the night, throw everything pink you've ever owned all over your face at once' look is never attractive, but it's pretty impossible to go overboard with any of these products.  A natural rose pink is as classic as it gets and never fails to provide a fresh-faced finish.

The Staples #2: Patterned Trousers

Zara floral trousers / Monki top / Topshop cami / Mango leather ankle boots / Mango ankle strap sandals / ASOS black earrings / Next flower statement necklace

I'm a big fan of wearing one statement piece and keeping everything else nice and simple.  Patterned trousers can look great in the summer, but I've had my eye out for some that I could wear in Autumn and Winter for a while - something not too garish and minus those pockets which stick out and give me a Nicki Minaj hip/thigh area (in a really bad way).  I finally found this pair of Zara floral print trousers at the weekend and I'm so happy with them.  The muted colours mean that they won't be too over the top for the colder months and I love the tapestry feel of the print.  They're a heavyweight cotton material so should keep me fairly toasty too.

Again, the reason why I think patterned trousers are a bit of a wardrobe staple is that you can wear them however you want.  For the daytime I'd go for a plain jumper and necklace in keeping with the colour scheme - I actually bought this one from Next in bright blue around 6 months ago and I wear it loads!  I find that it's so useful for adding a bit of something extra to an outfit and at £10 it's not a bad price at all.  I also live in ankle boots at this time of year and a classic black pair would finish off the look nicely.

For the evening, cami tops are everywhere at the moment and I can understand why.  They're flattering and so simple to throw on when you're having a 'I hate everything in my wardrobe and have NOTHING TO WEAR!' stress before an evening out.  You could opt for a slight tuck-in at the front just to keep a bit of shape to the silhouette, but again, keep it simple with some strappy black heels.  Anyone who knows me knows I love a statement necklace but big, costume jewellery-style earrings are another great option for dressing up a basic outfit.

So, if you're looking for an alternative to your average pair of jeans or plain tailored trouser but don't want to risk looking like you're rocking a bermuda print in November, a more subtle pattern provides a world of opportunities!

  

Ideal for Autumn

If it isn't obvious enough from the products pictured above, I'll confess I'm addicted to beauty blogs. It's difficult not to get caught up in the hype surrounding those products everyone seems to talk about, especially when they're opinions I trust - people like Anna, Lily, Estée and Kate. If something really takes my eye, I jot it down in my phone - a never-ending list of things I could never justify buying, let alone afford, but like to keep there just in case, y'know, I win the lottery or something.

In an ideal world where I do my weekly shop at Selfridges beauty hall and Space NK, here's what I'd pick for Autumn:

1. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation - Starting off with a foot slightly in reality, this is one thing I do actually own.  After researching, sampling and trial testing this foundation over the space of 6 or more months, I bit the bullet and bought it.  I'd ummed and arred about parting with my cash as I wouldn't usually spend that much on a foundation, but it was by no means an impulse purchase and I'm so glad I did buy it.  It sounds stupid, but it's an investment! I tend to reserve it for evenings out and special occasions, favouring a cheaper alternative for my everyday foundation, but if I could justify slathering it all over my face 7 days a week, I would.  Number 5 is my perfect colour match, it's great coverage without being cakey and, as the name suggests, luminous but without being too shiny.  Light enough for Summer and hydrating enough to carry you into the colder months, this foundation will continue to be a firm favourite.

2. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light - Now this is where my user knowledge ends!  All I can say is that the reviews of this powder are amazing, the idea being that the different shades have different effects.  I'd go for Diffused Light as it supposedly blurs pores, imperfections and all the other nasties you want to hide whilst reducing redness and imparting a natural glow.  Don't mind if I do.

3. Kevin Aucoin Sculpting Powder - because in my head, if I used this, I'd give myself cheekbones to rival Keira Knightley.  Not physically possible, but maybe the best chance I'd have would be to team it with...

4. Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush - Charlotte launched her own make up range a few months ago and since then, the praise has been unanimous - unsurprising considering she is one of the world's most sought-after make up artists.  Here's hoping this brush could impart some serious Tilbury skill upon its user.

5. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer - Dark circles are notoriously troublesome and I'm always on the lookout for a product which does the job of covering them up without breaking the bank.  At the moment, I'm using the L'Oréal Paris True Match Touche Magique, but were money no object, I'd be snapping up that Nars Concealer everyone seems to love in a flash.  My expectations are almost certainly unrealistic but, with its hydrating and brightening properties, I'm imagining one sweep of this would leave me looking like I'd slept for a week.

6. Bobbi Brown Blush in Berry - For the last base product, I've been seriously drawn to this deep berry-pink blush.  In the same way that the Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush gives you a lovely, healthy flush, this tone would be a beautiful matte choice for the colder seasons.

7. MAC Cranberry & 8. By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Velvet Orchid - Normally, I'm all about neutrals on the eyes.  I usually go for something with minimal effort, a cream or powder which can be swept all across the lid or built up to create a smokey effect.  For Autumn though, I'd love to be a bit more adventurous and try one of these red or purple-toned shades for a smudgy, effortless eye look...but chances are I'd actually end up looking like I'd faced 3 rounds with Mike Tyson.

9. Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir & 10. Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Dare - A dark burgundy nail or lip colour is perfect for this time of year.  I don't think you need to be extravagant when buying nail varnishes as brands like Rimmel and Revlon really bring it on the high street, but I couldn't talk nails without mentioning the cult Chanel Rouge Noir - it really is the perfect Autumn shade!  Finally, I wanted to end on something which is budget-friendly but still great quality - this vampy lip colour by Sleek screams sophistication and I can definitely vouch for the formula.  Sleek lipsticks are incredibly long lasting and pigmented and, at the fraction of the price of all the other products mentioned, what's not to love?  This, I may just have to purchase!

So, that's it, my unbridled spree into Autumn beauty.  Looks like I'm gonna have to get picking those lottery numbers...

The Staples #1: The Leather Skirt

Topshop sweater / Zara pink sweater / Topshop fitted black skirt / Warehouse leather skirt / Zara grey boots / Topshop black shoes / Leather purse / Casio watch / ASOS necklace / The Cambridge Satchel Company bag

For me, staple pieces are all about versatility.  You can take a simple leather look skirt and wear it so many different ways - dress it up with some chunky heels, a cropped top and a statement necklace or keep it casual with a slouchy knit and some ankle boots. It's a stylish update to your average black mini or pencil skirt and works perfectly teamed with another texture, whether it's a floaty silk cami, soft cashmere jumper or plain cotton tee.  And if like me, you often find yourself in all-black everything, a leather skirt can add another dimension to your outfit whilst making sure you stay on the right side of 'hairy bikers chic'...

The Trend: Autumn/Winter Pink

Topshop grey shirt / Zara white shirt / Whistles black jacket/ Topshop black skinny ankle jeans / Witchery white mini skirt / Maison Martin Margiela pink skirt / Zara mocassin shoes / Dorothy Perkins black leather ankle booties / Michael Kors watch / Tom Ford lipstick / Primark Pink coat / Céline Black bag

After rediscovering Polyvore and unleashing my inner primary school child, I've spent the last couple of hours exploring the website, playing dress up and using their endless catalogue of images to create mood boards, or 'sets' as they call them, of outfits. As a self-confessed Pinterest addict, I'm sure this can only mean terrible things for my productivity...and probably my bank balance. Woops. 

Normally, I'm all about the monochrome and neutrals for Autumn/Winter and the most adventurous I get is a good burgundy or berry tone, but since pastels seem to be a big trend this year, I decided to play around and see if I could find a way to make it work for me. I struggle to think of a single item of pink clothing in my wardrobe, but this blush pink oversized Primark coat really caught my eye and I went from there - unsurprisingly, everything else bar the skirt is black, white or grey...baby steps...

I think pastels run the risk or becoming slightly Emily Bishop-esque if you don't toughen them up a bit, so some leather-studded moccasins or heeled ankle boots and a vampy lip would be my choice. You could even layer a leather jacket with the coat (if it's Primark, chances are it won't be the warmest...) and have the lapels peeking out at the front. It might sound a bit odd but I actually have quite a similar shaped 'coatingan' (in grey, shock horror!) which is unlined so popping a jacket under it not only adds some warmth but also changes the style a bit to give you a completely new look. Mixed material coats are all over the shops, but why splash out on a new one when you can work with what you already have?! I'd also layer up the Zara shirt with the Topshop jumper if it was very cold, and add a chunky knit scarf to really wrap up warm.

Now the true title of this post should be something like 'Autumn/Winter Pinks if I had an unlimited amount of money' because we all know those Céline bags in particular are mighty expensive! But sue me, a girl can dream. A similar lip colour that I do actually own and would be much more affordable is the Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in number 107, but the Tom Ford packaging is just so sleek I had to use it for aesthetic value if nothing else (shallow much)! 

So I can't promise I'll be returning to my 8-year-old self and donning a hot pink snakeskin jacket any time soon (yep that happened), but it's fun to try out some new ideas in the comfort of a virtual world and consider some new ways to inject some colour into my wardrobe.