skinnies and pinnies

in and out

2011-06-05T21:37:00.009+01:00

Inspired by 5andra's brilliant "in and out" posts, these tags seem like an easy and concise way of letting people know my current obsessions and dislikes, without having to make long, rambling posts about each one, and followers not having to read long, ramblings posts about each one.

IN

Hair scarves: I find it hard to get along with hats and hair decorations, but I'm going to try my best to make it work with one of these. Effortless beach glam! Topshop are currently selling some lovely ones.

Crop tops: Again, another thing I like the idea of, but may not work so well realistically speaking. I just love the idea of wandering around on holiday with a cut-off tee and a pair of denim short-shorts. Better make that return to the gym!

Covent Garden, London: The past couple of weeks I was working as an intern right next-door to the Covent Garden area. It's an amazing place for vintage shopping and eating out, and has made me fall back in love with London town.

Fake tan: Until recently, I had lived my 21 years with the tango fear. But then the other week I decided to take the plunge, and was very pleased with the results. I'm not one to dismiss my fair skin, and come winter, I know I'll be back to embracing my outer Snow White - it's just nice to have a glow when summer's on our doorstep. For now, the future's bright - the future's (hopefully not too) orange!

OUT

Bikini shopping: Inevitable mood-killer. Putting it off for as long as possible.

Naughty food cravings: With under a month 'til holiday time, the countdown has begun. Out go the Domino's urges, and in go crippling days following Legs, Bums & Tums classes.

my top beauty buys

2011-05-29T15:41:00.008+01:00

1. Estée Lauder Double Wear This is what I call "good skin in a bottle". Whether my complexion is misbehaving akin to that of a 15 year old boy, or I need a long-wearing base that can survive the wildest of nights out, this foundation promises a flawless face without fail. Screw-top annoyances aside, it has been a faithful servant to me for nearly four years now, and I always find myself going back to it following my attempts at "branching out". What’s more, it’s great no matter your skin concern - my best friend and I both swear by this, despite having skin types at either end of the spectrum.

2. Benefit High Beam I've had this for a while now, but have only been reaching for it as of late to bring a bit of luminosity to my base. As I have combination-oily skin, I have to stay clear of dewy foundations. By using this as an illuminator by mixing it with my foundation, I can achieve a grease-proof healthy glow just in time for summer's arrival.

3. MAC Vanilla pigment Now it must be said, I have a love/hate relationship with these pigments. A frosted white hue, it proves absolutely divine as a highlighter, but beware - this stuff can make some serious mess! On many ocassions I've found myself having to clear up my desk/floor/self after spilling it, and it will insist on going everywhere. Saying that, I can live with these kerfuffles as not many products could live up to how beautiful and multi-purpose this is when it decides to play nice.

4. Benefit Hoola At first glance, its muddy colour may strike fear in pale pandoras like me (not to mention the price tag). But when used with a light touch, Hoola is great matte bronzer to take the edge off of any creamy complexions.

5. Rimmel Sun Shimmer Instant Tan If you're looking for a quick bronze fix, this wash-off tan is a must-have standby product for the nights when you want to put your legs on show. The tan is available in four shades, depending on whether you want to go light or medium, matte or shimmer. I've not used this on other parts of my body, but my friends have and report a similar success rate.

6. MAC Patisserie Being fair-skinned, I find it very difficult to find the right natural lipstick for daywear that doesn't completely wash me out. Patisserie has a lovely pinky-nude tone to it, which flatters my naturally pigmented lips. Not only this, its Lustre finish gives a nice sheerness, so you can expect to avoid that buttery, greasy coating you tend to find with some of the Cremesheen/Amplified Creme lippies.

7. MAC Patina If I had to choose one eyeshadow to wear for the rest of eternity, this would be it. Patina is a taupe brown with golden shimmer (it's actually much cooler than the image above suggests). As I find that warm-toned browns tend to look too harsh on my skintone, this is perfect - not just for me, but for most people. It's definitely one of MAC's universal shades, similarly to Satin Taupe (another favourite of mine), which will look good on pretty much anyone. It certainly won't be leaving my palette anytime soon!

8. Colorsport 30 Day Mascara If you have a pathetic excuse for eyebrows like me, you'll be devastated you hadn't tried this product sooner. I always thought eyebrow tinting wouldn't do much for my fine and sparse hairs, and while I'll never be Brooke Shields, the difference is obvious after I use this kit. At £8.99, you certainly get your money's worth as you're sure to get a lot more out of it than the 16 applications the packet promises. The result? Noticeably improved arches. Voila!

9. MAC 266 To give my brows a further helping hand, I rely on the 266 to fill them in. I only recently purchased this brush after watching the Pixiwoo ladies use it in video after video. The angled edge is perfect for brow work, and its bristles are just the right texture - stiffer than the disappointing Sigma E65 copy (formerly the SS266), but not too dense and rigid as I've found with the Bobbi Brown Eye Brow Brush.

A word of warning Having learnt from my own mistakes, I would advise you to exercise caution when looking at images of products online (including those above, incidentally) as they can be incredibly deceptive of the true shade. Your best bet is to take a look at swatches on sites like Temptalia, Specktra or Makeupalley. Better yet, get yourself to a beauty counter and see for yourself.

What are your top beauty buys? There are still a lot of HG products I've yet to find, so I'd love to hear your recommendations!

on candid camera

2011-04-20T23:54:00.014+01:00

images via everyday i show

interview: gwyneth moore of cardiff fashion

2011-04-11T23:12:00.005+01:00

With Cardiff having pushed its way into the top three busiest city shopping centres in the UK, fashion blogger and editor Gwyneth Moore tells Carys Cross why the spotlight is rightly on the city as an up-and-coming style capital.

In a world where British fashion has become synonymous with London, a blind eye is often turned to the style stakes of its neighbours. Eager to give Cardiff a voice, digital and social media PR director Gwyneth Moore founded her blog, Cardiff Fashion, at the beginning of last year as a platform to showcase emerging Welsh talent.

“I hadn't really seen any local blogs covering fashion, even though there are loads of UK wide and international ones,” she says. “Cardiff is a brilliant city and the recent developments have given the capital a great boost in confidence.”

After studying fashion in Sydney, Gwyneth later moved back to her hometown of Porthcawl, where she now works from home. Since the blog was set-up just over a year ago, she says she’s been overwhelmed by the positive response the blog has received.

“I get loads of emails from people who love the blog and we have followers from all over the world. Cardiff has a growing fashion scene and due to the web, it’s becoming easier for smaller designers to get exposure on a global scale.”

Alongside this, Gwyneth, 43, balances two jobs with two children, and so encourages contributions from her students at the University of Glamorgan, where she lectures in Fashion Design. Speaking about the talent she has witnessed as a lecturer, she hopes that graduates will play a part in producing a scene that can attract more attention and give rise to the first ever Cardiff Fashion Week.

This may be a not-so-distant reality, with the capital’s growing interest owing itself to its warm and friendly nature and advancing facilities, she claims. Bigger-name high street stores like All Saints and Urban Outfitters have opened branches in the past year, resulting in edgier brands and more variety available within arm’s reach, placing Cardiff higher on the list of shopping destinations.

In spite of this, Gwyneth raises her concerns that the increase in commercial competition has left the future of smaller boutiques in doubt, with Lunacy Boutique, previously located in the High Street Arcade, being forced to close earlier this year.

“The development around John Lewis and St David’s 2 has had a positive impact on the city overall, but some of the old arcades are suffering as a result. It would be good to see both sides supported by the public.”

To ensure Cardiff retains the diverse and charming character it’s celebrated for, Gwyneth urges the community to buy from local boutiques when they can.

“If we all at least take a look and support them as much as we can, then hopefully we can support more original designers and keep the smaller boutiques open. Keeping the old and the new makes for an interesting city and a more vibrant fashion scene.”

image via guardian cardiff

topshop nail varnish

2011-03-27T16:36:00.013+01:00

While having a rummage in Topshop the other week, I came across their nail polish range, and was particularly struck by the shades. For those like me who like colours on the dirty side, you won't be disappointed, and it's nice to find these tones so accessibly. At £5 a pop, it isn't the cheapest range you can find on the high street (and without the 3 for 2 offers that you're used to with brands like Barry M), but they do come in sets of three and four nail polishes in selected shades, and in very cute packaging, which, let's face it, always helps.

I limited myself to a bottle of Spotted Pig, a dusty plum colour, and Airplane, a pillarbox blue

The website claims that the polishes are "fast drying, extra long wear with lasting glossy finish and perfect coverage". Surprisingly, I completely agree. Brilliant for on-the-go application, the first coat particularly dries incredibly quickly, and the formulation's staying-power easily beats that of my other nail polishes, namely Barry M and Rimmel. I've already got my eyes on World End, Moving Ends, Hunting and Play For Keeps to see me through to the Summer. Not that I needed yet another excuse to venture into Topshop...

in memory of elizabeth taylor

2011-03-24T21:42:00.006Z

In May of last year, Elizabeth Taylor posted on her Twitter in commemoration of Lena Horne, expressing her grief that "one of the most beautiful women in the world passed away today. Her dignity and grace and talent shall be remembered forever." It's now that we can all say the same about her. Not only will she be remembered for her extraordinary beauty, remarkable talent and resilient strength, her memory will continue to live on through the millions of people she's helped in her dedication to HIV and AIDS charities, raising over $100 million in her thirty years of activism for the causes. A true example of beauty, both inside and out.

"I've been through it all, baby, I'm mother courage."

images via vanity fair

mary-kate and ashley olsen: US vogue, april 2011

2011-03-19T00:32:00.006Z

Ever since the days of Two of a Kind, the Olsen twins have been an image of inspiration, and being tiny myself, I often take a lot of fashion influence from them as we have very similar petite frames. Anytime they feature exclusively in an interview, I get a tinge of excitement, as it's rare that the public get an insight into their usually low-key and concealed lifestyles. The feature on them in US Vogue's April issue is no disappointment, featuring quotes from friend and muse Lauren Hutton, and a particularly charming anecdote told by Carey Mulligan. The photographs show a softer, different side to the twins that we don't often see, and I particularly love how they agreed to rewind ten years in their matchy-matchy stilts-in-pyjamas shot.

http://htmlimg4.scribdassets.com/2esibds9tsw0aiz/images/5-ab6c4ae393.jpg"style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;"width="220">

images via dauphine at the fashion spot

sweet charity

2011-02-27T00:51:00.005Z

A couple of weeks ago, an '80s themed social prompted me to take to the streets of Cardiff in a charity shop-fuelled hunt. After finding a shirt that was both era-appropriate and wearable, I was reminded of the gems that you can discover, while also helping very worthy causes. What's more, Oxfam provide a brilliant online shopping service where I managed to snag a couple of bargains which from the comfort of my very own bed. Say goodbye to the price tags and guilt that confronts you at the paydesk at Topshop!

Sporting this with high-waisted black harem pants, massive earrings and a hair flip-over, it's safe to say I was definitely channelling more Patsy Stone than thrift-chic. Once out of my time-trapped bubble, I think the blouse would look amazing paired with a high-waisted black skirt on a night out, as the blouse falls quite short. I am in love with the zebra-inspired graphic print, and even my housemate has asked to borrow it!

Having already worn this top as daywear and nightwear, I can safely say it's becoming a staple in my wardrobe. For my friend's 21st last week, I tucked it into a black skirt along with black tights which worked well for a more casual night on the tiles. In the daytime, it works amazingly well as a loose-fitting slubby top, over either leggings or skinny jeans.

As winter is finally creeping away from us, I am eagerly awaiting the warmer weather to unleash this cute blouse. Teamed with skinny jeans, I think this would make an adorable springtime look for the day.

What are you waiting for? Ditch the high street and get thrift shopping. Your new spring wardrobe will be that extra special knowing the money spent has helped someone somewhere.

Kirsten Dunst for Band of Outsiders

2011-02-10T17:25:00.011Z

The lookbook Band of Outsiders' Spring collection, Boy, featuring the charming Kirsten Dunst, tugs at my heartstrings. I love the nostalgic aesthetic, and I'm a sucker for anything within a polaroid frame. Spring is coming!

images via band of outsiders

2011-02-08T22:36:00.009Z

"By placing a title on my head...which is plus-size, and then the picture that these people have created in their mind about what plus-size actually is... at this point in my life, I would actually have to have another eating disorder to live up to that expectation."

mulberry pre-fall 2011

2011-02-02T16:33:00.030Z

With florals and pastels permeating stores at the moment, I have come to realise how much more exciting A/W trends are for me. Combine that with the fact that I am still well and truly hibernating in last season's wardrobe due to Britain still being well-and-truly stuck in ice-age mode, I welcome Mulberry's first-ever Pre-Fall 2011 collection with open arms. Creative director Emma Hill took inspiration by none other than the good old English countryside, staying true to Mulberry's rural roots by incorporating earthy, Autumnal tones into chunky knits and A-line skirts, while still managing to retain a sense of British cool with classic blacks and navys juxtaposed against fresh metallics. Some of my favourite looks...

images via style.com and vogue

golden globes given the green light

2011-01-17T17:56:00.011Z

Imagine my glee (excuse the unintended reference) when it seemed half the red carpet were drenched in my favourite colour last night at the Golden Globes. Emerald fever!

Angelina Jolie rocked shoulder-pads in Atelier Versace, while Catherine Zeta-Jones had the comeback moment we've all been waiting for, dressed in Monique Lhuillier extravagance. Mila Kunis looked gorgeously Grecian in Vera Wang, and Elizabeth Moss accentuated her porcelain skin in a dark emerald Donna Karan gown.

Honourable mentions go to...

Leighton Meester mixed traditional with modern in a romantic long-sleeved Burberry Prorsum gown, while Amy Adams gets the award for the token princess moment a in teal Marchesa number.

So close, yet so far...

Newcomer Emma Stone in Calvin Klein Collection. Loved everything, sans the Fake Bake.

images via getty images

to zoe or not to zoe

2010-01-08T18:49:00.005Z

so, being a student, i still have a couple of weeks of the holiday left. whilst others are using their first taste of 2010 through productive means...pumping iron at the gym, dedicating themselves to soups and salads, i... have given into the temptation of the rachel zoe project. love her or hate her, you have to hand it to the woman, she has made a name for herself through doing what she loves. i am still undecided whether i find her tv personality annoying or entertaining (see: "i die", "bananas"), however i do think the show provides a fantastic lens into the styling field, and it has undoubtedly given me more insight into the industry as a whole. plus, who wouldn't want to see the process of choosing anne hathaway's oscar dress?

has anyone else bore witness to "team zoe"? what are your thoughts? anyone else constantly playing the guessing game on zoe's age?
hope everyone has had a lovely christmas and new year!

image via bravo tv

playing "if i were rich..." on net-a-porter

2009-08-01T21:55:00.004+01:00

one of my ultimate favourite yet at the same time hated games is "if i were rich...". net-a-porter is usually my most favoured realm to play. whilst i can pretend to live in a fantasy where these beautiful items are affordable and accessible, the harsh reality always sets in that whilst my bank balance will not suffer due to not falling victim to these lovelies, i will never actually have them arriving at my door. sad.
i became a wonderfully rich fashionista for a moment earlier and here is what i "purchased"...

3.1 phillip lim leather flight jacket:
despite being in the midst of summer, this bleak weather britain is experiencing cannot fail to remind me that colder times are ahead. this 3.1 phillip lim jacket would be absolutely perfect for the autumn and winter seasons ahead, and it seems the flight jacket look is a popular one, with acne's take. however, i do not wear animal fur, so i shall continue to search for a faux (and affordable) version! (if anyone spots one, please let me know!)

miu miu glitter peep-toe pumps:
now i am not one to wear glitter, but noone can deny the beauty of these pumps. my friend and i saw these in harrods and actually fell in love. dorothy should have definitely clicked her heels in these.

i now invite you lovelies to play "if i were rich..." and let me know what you "bought"!

a literary summer

2009-07-21T22:29:00.001+01:00

what i have been reading:

my booky wook - having never really been a fan of russell brand before, this book ultimately converted me. his wit and humour won me over, having me in giggles by a few pages in.
the bell jar - an absorbing story but definitely unsettling. i even had a nightmare after finishing the book - the story and sylvia plath evidently has a great impact, particularly due to it's autobiographical
influence - i haven't finished reading it all yet, but from what i have read, it's obvious that mary-kate and ashley are both deeply immersed in fashion. i've already learnt a lot from what i've read, from two girls whose style i absolutely adore.
scar tissue - noone know's the meaning of sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll until they read this autobiography. even as a red hot chili peppers' fan, i had no idea of the destructive paths kiedis's life took, both leading up and during the band's success. absolutely fascinating - the ultimate rock'n' roll memoir.

what i plan on reading next:

extreme - i figured this would be a good read to follow on from scar tissue and i'm sure it will be equally fascinating.
outliers - i've yet to read a theoretical book based on a person's ideas and suppositions and i'm keen to hear gladwell's thoughts on the outliers of success.

i'm really interested to know what you lovelies are reading, what books you recommend, and also if any of you have read those that i have posted, what you thought about them?

images via amazon

freckles

2009-07-19T13:40:00.003+01:00

freck·le (frkl) n. A small brownish spot on the skin, often turning darker or increasing in number upon exposure to the sun.

thought i'd start with a lovely dictionary definition. the freckle season has arrived, and i am one of the many subjected to this - however, this year i have chosen to embrace it. luckily for me and other frecklers, the stigmatisation of freckles has begun to lift, with people branding it "cute", "cool" or even "in fashion".

what do you think of freckles? and more importantly, if you have them, are you embracing them or forever trying to conceal them?

images via the national portrait gallery (twiggy & lily cole), sienna miller facebook fan page, emma watson pictures

zakynthos.

2009-07-02T19:03:00.004+01:00

zante town.

smugglers cove. i have never seen sea so blue.

leaving on a jet plane, don't know when i'll be back again...

2009-06-21T22:52:00.006+01:00

jet-setting beckons! i had to overcome my hatred for packing today but we got there in the end, and it'll all be worth it.

image via foto decadent

unfortunately i won't look half as glamorous boarding the plane; i've decided to go for the comfort factor, allowing for any inevitable delays, with my favourite big grey cardigan and leggings. yiá sas! (brushing up on my greek - saying that, it's probably wrong).

the disappearing act that is childhood?

2009-06-19T18:19:00.005+01:00

not long ago now, i clicked onto the daily mail website to find myself delighted with new emma watson pictures at a rodarte private dinner, sporting a lovely dress from the label (very reminiscent of the rodarte dress natalie portman wore at the german premiere of "the other boleyn girl"). within seconds, i scrolled down to meet myself with readers' comments such as ‘she looks about 12’ and ‘she looks like she’s playing dress-up with her mum’s clothes’. people complain of youngsters who pile on the make-up, wearing skirts as short as a matter of inches, branding them as slutty or whatnot, yet when presented with a nineteen year old with class and dignity, who wears make-up minimally, she is branded a kid, looking far too young.

frustrated and angry with the ignorance of these comments, it immediately made me think a lot about modern society and the issue of growing up too quickly. unfortunately, the minds of these readers have been riddled with images of tween stars such as miley cyrus, who for the mostpart, could pass for at least a few years older than their true age. consequently, girls in idolisation of stars such as cyrus follow suit and before we know it, we have a world full of children and teenagers looking beyond their years.

of course, we cannot blame the stars nor the young girls themselves - i have certainly lost count of the times i have fawned over ashley olsen's latest ensemble and as a result, taken a vow to become a british olsen - we all do it. but has it gone too far? watching "this morning" a while ago, i remember a number of parents ringing in fearful due to their daughters and sons, as young as eight years old, complaining that they were far and consequently, refusing to eat. i hate to bring up the monotonous body image issue, but i believe when regarding a topic like this, it must be considered.
furthermore from this, it must be remembered that this is all relevant to boys too, what with the worth of the male beauty industry increasing year by year.

are we dangerously edging close to a society where the young will no longer experience the childhoods that we cherish?

le fabuleux destin d'amélie poulain

2009-06-16T17:02:00.007+01:00

if anyone hasn't seen this film yet, i highly recommend you to do so. after meaning to watch it for years, i finally bought it last year and within the first few minutes, it had stolen my heart. the cinematography is simply amazing in creating a parisian fantasy and consequently, fuelling my desire to go to paris even more. audrey tatou is charming and captivating as amélie poulain, not to mention her wonderfully quirky haircut and wardrobe, and the soundtrack, composed by yann tiersen, is exquisite (my favourite being "comptine d'un autre été: l'après-midi"). ooh la la!

images via hotflick and movie screenshots

luggage envy

2009-06-13T12:26:00.007+01:00

i'm off on holiday in eight days and it's not just the destination i've fallen in love with. as featured in this month's marie claire, prada's travel accessories collection is simply to die for. they have created a collection that is functional, classic and caters to every need in a vision of various colours. baggage claim just got interesting.

images via marcus troy

born to be a fashionista

2009-06-13T10:42:00.001+01:00

okay, if i wasn't convinced before that fashion was my calling, i am now. a couple of days ago, i was in borders and came across the vogue covers book. inevitably interested, i flicked through and discovered that the month i was born - january 1990 - was the birth of one of the most iconic vogue covers ever. fantastic. before i gabble on forever about how this must mean i am destined for fashion, i'll let you admire and envy the fabulosity of naomi, linda, tatjana, christy and cindy, captured by the talent of peter lindbergh.

images via the fashion spot

fashionable shading

2009-06-12T21:15:00.004+01:00

it's june; summer has approached, and ideally i would have all the sunglasses i need prepared for the next glimpse of sun. i have purchased one pair recently, but one pair doesn't seem to be enough. there's just too much talent to choose from, as it seems with every other wardrobe decision i make. aviators, oversized, flat tops, novelty...i want them all! surely protecting yourself from the sun shouldn't be so painstakingly-beautiful? oh but it is. here's just a few i'm considering reacquainting myself with the plastic for:

topshop "puerto rico" sunglasses: i bought these about a month ago after spying them on multiple visits to the cardiff branch. i love the over-sized flat top look, complete with the tortoiseshell design.

wunderkind cat's eye sunglasses: immediately fell in love with these sunnies when seeing olivia palermo sporting them - though i fear she may look far better in them than i would.

image via stella pictures

2009-06-12T18:59:00.001+01:00

image via corbis

everyone has to start somewhere...

2009-06-08T02:23:00.001+01:00

for a couple of days now, i have had many productive urges, and i figured that before these urges converted back into the standard art of procrastination and laziness, i would finally set up a blog. i hope this blog to be an outlet for constant fashion dependency. and i hope this one won't get away; i have three months off for summer, and hope to get this going! happy reading.