Summer, Summer Time Nails

Well hello there stranger!

It's been way too long and I've been avoiding the blogging scene that's for sure. You could say that for a few months my mojo went missing. After many sleepless nights searching for it in the lost and found section all over web, my commute to work and many spinning classes I'm BACK!

Over my next few posts I'll be updating you with everything you've missed and I can't wait to get back to following some of my favourite blogs!

For now, I thought I'd share with you my favourite nails for Summer. Yes, the Summer that just arrived last week and might not be around for much longer!

VOILA...Ombre Summer Nails...

What do you think? I've been seeing sponge art nails all over pinterest and Thought I would give it a go.

I used 3 Barry M nail polishes in: Blueberry ice cream, coral and Sky Blue.

It's as easy as this:

1. Paint your nails white. Wait for them to dry, overnight preferably 
2. Paint 3 contrasting colour strips onto an (unused obvs) makeup sponge.
3. Going from one side of the nail to the other gently sponge on the nail varnish
4. Once dry, paint on a top coat to lock in the colour of your beautiful ombre nails!

I followed this fab tutorial here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OAvvtPEsng

Have you tried this technique? If you did what colours did you use!?

I'll speak to you all soon!

Limited Edition Marc Jacobs Mirror and Lipstick Pen

1. Lauren Conrad donned his classic Dr Q Remy handbag turning it into every 'it' girls accessory

2. She declared her love for him and may have even mentioned him to be one of her favourite designers

3. He creates the coolest jewellery lines

4. 2012 marked is 15th Anniversary as the creative director of Louis Vuitton

5. I have his limited edition mirror and pen set (which is only available in selected stores) in my bag - *BIG SMILE!*

I have recently gained an unhealthy obsession with Marc Jacobs jewellery. I just love how every season the same iconic, sophisticated peices come back with a slight twist on colour and style. So, when I was gifted the limited edition mirror and lipstick pen I was OVER the moon!!

They are so cute and vintage-esque that I no longer feel ashamed with my black broken flip mirror that I have pulled out on the train many a time to check on my twinging contact lenses. Now, I'm the  first to come up with an excuse to produce this bad boy out of my make up bag.

Who wouldn't want one of these timeless, classic Marc J bangles hanging off their wrists?

What's on your Marc Jacobs lust list? 

Monday Manicure - Marble Nail Art

I have literally re-written this post around five times as every time I have gone to publish it something has always come up and I have never got round to doing it. I've offically broken one of my new years resolutions this week by keeping blogging to a minimal. Tut tut Simderella!!

I have been swept off my feet and spent the last seven days ticking off long lists of things to do both at work, at home (and in the gym...damn you easter eggs why were you so irresistible!). However, this has meant I have lots to share with you blogwise! Hooray.

I have been planning on trying out marble art nails for over a year now! This Sunday A few Sunday's ago I finally made an attempt and to my dissapointment I found it extremely difficult! There are sooo many good tutorials to follow I just can't seem to get the nack of it. My favourite being over on Polish and Pearls a.k.a @MissJenFABULOUS http://polishandpearls.com/howto-perfect-water-marble-nail-art/

None the less I managed to produce some marble-esque nails for my week ahead!

I used the following colours.....

L to R
Nails Inc - Belgrave Square
No7 - Grey Skies
Barry M - Blueberry Ice Cream

For my base I used two coats of Miss Guided in Misscellanious which you can see in my previous post here

On my sparkly accent nails I used Spark De Triomphe by O.P.I

An old pot, some toothpicks and followed a tutorial @MissJenFABULOUS to help me...

Toothpicks and an old GU Jar

The outcome had to be taken in true beauty blogger style...Outside Oxford Circus!....TADA

Not so shabby for my first attempt...I now can't wait to get experimenting with different colours and patterns but next on my list is ombre sponge nail art!

Have you/will you be trying Marble Art Nails? 

Obsessed with nude nails this Spring

If like me your obsessed with the nude nail trend, you have to try Nails Inc Jermyn Street.

It's the perfect shade if your also a chanel rouge lover but in nude colour form - if that could ever make sense :S

It is dark enough to look sophisticated yet on trend with the catwalk this Spring!

I've added some sparkle to my nails this week to take my mind away from all the horrible weather! I've used Barry M Pink Iridescent on my accent nails.

What is your favourite nude polish?

She Sells Sea Shells On The Sea Shore

Let's be honest it's not hard to be daydreaming about Summer, sandals and sunshine when you look out the window and all you can see are grey overcast clouds followed by random showers of hailstone. I've been making a good lists of items I want need for when our Summer does come (please note the positive thinking, Summer will come).

The first item on my list is always a cute pair of sandals. They're the one accessory that can add some instant va va voom  to last years wardrobe if you can't afford to replace it (joys of being an intern). Whilst online window shopping I came across these bad boys!

Three words - Under The Sea...(Darling it's better down where it's wetter take it from me)

HOW CUTE!?!?

These are defo the shoes I want for Summer, something a bit different and will leave me with a smaller hole in my pocket than the Mulberry jelly shoes I have my eye on. They're £35 and also come in gold! 

Whilst we are on the sea note I also came across this beautiful necklace which is exclusive to Stylist in last weeks issue. How adorable is this Guess 'Maritime Starfish Necklace'. If you hadn't caught anyone's attention with your seahorse sandals you will be guaranteed to turn heads with this beauty. The perfect way to bring the holiday spirit to the most simplistic outfit you own! Plus it's only £175 *sighs*.

The only seaside accessory I'll be adding to my wardrobe for now is this pretty shell necklace again from Miss Selfridge I brought a few years back! 

What do you think, will you be walking around with herald the seahorse on your feet? 

There's Something About Berry Ice Cream....

For those of you who read my blog regularly you will notice a pastel theme here.

I am addicted to pastel shades this spring and I don't know what to do!!

This week I went out in Barry M - Berry Ice Cream. Barry M polishes never dissapoint, long lasting WITHOUT  a top coat and dry before you can blink.

The weather is way to cold to have any sort of iced dessert so I'll stick to this shade on my paws for now.

What do you think? Another pastel shade win?

Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson

A few Sundays ago I went to The Sanderson for their Mad Hatters Afternoon. First things first no you don't have to dress!

For those of you that have never heard of the Afternoon tea at The Sanderson. It is amazing!

You just have to let the food, atmosphere and location do the talking....

The Sanderson is a five star hotel located behind Oxford Street with a killer interior! The designs are amazing with sofas in the shape of lips and all things sophisticated everywhere.

When you enter the Tea Party it is almost like your walking into a 5 star Alice in Wonderland.

Your first greeted with a cocktail or glass or champers (non alcoholic or alcoholic)! They then bring out your cake stand and everything has a link to Alice in Wonderland and makes you feel like you have just stumbled across a Mad Hatters Tea Party! 

The menu includes: 

• Traditionally pots of tea
• Ice cream lollipops
• Lollies that make your mouth go from hot to cold
• Scones, clotted cream and jam. Literally the best scones I've ever had still dreaming about them 2 weeks later.
• A Drink me potion - It doesn't make you a giant or shrink but it does taste like passion fruit, coconut and froth.  
• A coffee cake in the shape of a clock
• Eat me strawberry mousse
• Last but not least rainbow coloured sandwiches!!

We all left feeling stuffed to the hilters and it is most definitely something I would love to treat myself to again!If you ever consider going to an afternoon tea I strongly suggest you checkout The Sanderson! 

Has anyone else ever been to The Sandersons Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea?

TOPSHOP - Candy Floss Girl

For those of you managed to get your paws on the latest TOPSHOP magazine will know it was worth a squiz  through. Shiny metallics, bright hot pants and five minutes with Julia Sarr-Jamois (photography blogger) all on recycled paper of course! 

There was one page that caught my eye though.... Candy Floss Girl.

I seriously can't seem to get enough of pastel shades this Spring whether it be in the form of Cadburys mini eggs or in jewellery form thanks to TOPSHOP.

A few of my favourite pieces:

Bows + Pearls = The perfect pair for adding sophistication to any outfit.

Bow and Pearl Pendant Necklace - £8.50 

 How quirky and cute is this brooch! The best way to add pastels to a plain black blazer.

Lipstick Brooch £12.50

 The fail safe pastel option with these cute rings!

Plastic Top Ring £7.50
Heart Ring - £6.50

Did you get a copy of the TOPSHOP magazine? What is your favourite trend for Spring? 

Tinted Moisturisers - The Lo Down

First and foremost Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates it! I can certainly say I've celebrated in style devouring any chocolate that came in to sight. Did I mention I had to sit next to this bad boy at work (one more mini egg won't hurt). I can officially say I've gone off chocolate.

Back to tinted moisturisers......

What are they, why do we need them, are they better for us????

I'm sure some of you out there must be thinking the same thing about tinted moisturisers so, I thought I would help enlighten you all and give you the tinted moisturiser lo down.

I recently purchased Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturiser in Medium as I wanted to know what was so good about tinted moisturisers in general starting with the What?

What: Tinted moisturisers are a multi tasking as the name suggests it tints and it moisturises and protects your skin. It's not as thick as foundation and gives a sheer coverage. It's easy to put on in hot weather and the Bobbi Brown one I've purchased includes SPF15. With Spring just around the corner it's vital to keep thick foundation coverage to a minimum and let as much Vitamin D into your skin whilst protecting it.

Why: Bobbi say's

" A great foundation alternative that's perfect for summer or when you want a more casual look. This 3-in-1 moisturiser hydrates and protects skin while offering sheer, natural-looking coverage that blends smoothly. Thanks to emollients and skin-conditioning Jojoba Oil, this lightweight formula glides on easily and leaves skin feeling soft and supple. Ideal for normal and dry skin types." 

Now we know what it is let's take a closer look......

I've used this on the weekends and can't fault it. It's most definitely moisturising and takes little effort to apply and would be perfect on a hot sunny day (if we ever get on). Feels extremely light on the skin and has a fresh scent about it!

Do you use Tinted Moisturiser? Which one is your favourite?

NEWSFLASH: Mulberry Goes Safari

Whilst walking to work this morning I had a sneek peak of Mulbs VM's changing their window!

That's right they've swapped their beautiful british seaside for a full on safari! Pretty pastel pink ice creams and rock sticks no more. It's been replaced with a wild and ferocious scene including tigers, giraffes, zebras whilst showcasing their Grass Green Lizard Print Travel Bag!

I actually like what they have done it definitely one of the more interesting windows down Bond Street right now! Actually looking forward to see what they do next. Have you seen any other great display around at the moment?

You can take a look at what Mulberry's very british seaside window had to offer here

Which is your fav? The Pretty Pastel Seaside or Wild and Exoctic Safari - Awnsers on a postcard (a.k.a votes below!).

Spring Wardrobe Must Haves

Yesterday was the perfect Spring day I managed to have breakfast on the decking whilst reading One Day, find a field that was not packed with little cherubs screaming and shouting and have a picnic!

 I also found myself scouring the net for clothes I MUST HAVE for Spring. Zara, Mango, Forever 21 and Miss Selfridge have quite a selection and I have managed to find the staples I will quite happily save my pennies until Summer for (that is a realistic time-scale of an intern and yes I know waiting till Summer is not the point of Spring clothes. shh). Until Summer comes and my bank allowance will let me purchase just half of one of these beauties below at least I have this blog post to ogle or I could just dig to the back of my cupboard and revamp my slightly outdated but by no means out of date S/S clothing... Hmmm

As you can see it's only a small wishlist of random items I'm lusting including: maxi skirts, lace, pleats,pastels, print and MULBERRY!

This week I also realised that I spend so much time dreaming about all the destinations that I would like to visit abroad that I haven't seen all the key tourist hot spots that millions come to the U.K for! (Although, I have probably chosen the wrong year as the Olympics seems to be ruining everything this summer). This Summer I plan to spend quite a few weekends visiting the following:

• Stonehenge
• Brighton
• Virginia Waters
• Blackpool
• Epping Forest
• Free Art Galleries
• Bourmouth
• Newquay

Hot weather and my perfect Spring/Summer wardrobe is definitely not guaranteed but good memories with people that matter are! What more could an Intern on a budget want?!

What are you lusting for Spring?


Have you been to any of the hot spots on my list? 

Wear Teal for Ovarian Cancer Month

I love it when a beauty brand supports a good cause. It shows that it's not all about painted paws or long lashes and that big companies do actually care (we hope).


I found out about this special cause through The Beauty Geeek who can keep you updated with everything talon related. 


O.P.I is raising awareness of Ovarian Cancer and has declared March as official Ovarian Cancer Month. How are they going to do this you ask? Let me tell you, they are donating £1 from every sale of their teal shade 'Teal The Cows Come Home' to the charity Ovacome. Detecting early signs of any cancer is extremely important especially Ovarian Cancer as the signs are not easy to spot. 


 


Making a purchase of this beautiful Teal shade will be helping others and you can even take a look at how it will look on your hands and skin tone by using the 'TRY ON THIS COLOR' app over on http://www.opi.com/

To find out more about this great cause:


Take a peek at The Beauty Geeek's post 


Read more on the Ovacome site 


Even see what your hands would like with a shade of 'Teal The Cows Come Home' here


Will you be wearing Teal this month to support this great cause?

Shop Window Ogling....

Interning behind Oxford St definitly has its pro's..

Those being getting to have a good wonder at lunch time, seeing all the latest trends first and let's face it Oxford Street usually has the best window displays. Being on a strict spending budget has left me eyeing up London's most creative windows.

This week I've picked out my favourite....

A cute 3D effect at Radley..

Creative way of showcasing ballet pumps....

Perfect way to get you in the mood for Spring outside Browns

 And last but no means least the one and only MULBERRY! Love the sea side feel in their shop windows! Can't wait to make some summer road trips!

I also have been seeing these little pieces of art work pop up everywhere! I can't wait to see what their stores look like! 

Which shop window snippet is your favourite!?


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE YUMMY MUMMY'S OUT THERE!