High-street Haul

Now, it may come as a shock to you, but an odd thing has been happening in Britain lately… It has been WARM! And, wait for it… SUNNY!! Amazing, I know. It probably won’t last for more than 3 days, but I thought that the majority of you would have some kind of summer break booked in now and a little post on my seasonal ‘hunting the high-street’ could be quite handy. This post is about the best items available this summer for those of us who can’t afford the Moschino tees and Gucci shades, without compromising on style…

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Okay, for a starters, anyone that knows me well enough will know that I believe the shape of clothes is just as important as their design; if a piece is the wrong shape for you, no matter how beautiful it is, you shouldn’t buy it. Many high-street brands cater for a slim, tall figure because this is what models are, but, in actual fact, this makes it very difficult for most real women to find clothes that fit well. I’m only 16, for example, and I need a size 12 in Topshop to get any trousers to fit over my hips – it’s a little ridiculous to say the least. Anyway, this summer, I’ve seen so many stripes in the shops, as well as ‘apron’ cuts and pops of citrus colours. A handful of these SS16 trends inspired my choices when it came to picking out clothes for the holiday season – take a look below to find out more! And if you’re interested in where any pieces came from, simply scroll over the photographs for more information.

Top: Next £20, Sunglasses: Primark £1, Shorts: Zara £18.99

Vest: Warehouse £25

Shirt Dress: Zara £30, Bag: Zara

Top: Zara

Bodysuit: Zara £9.99

Bomber Jacket: Zara £25.99, T-shirt: Next £16

Vest: Dorothy Perkins, Culottes: Louche £27

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What do you think? Are there any items you’ve absolutely fallen in love with this summer? What are your holiday essentials?

Emilia x

Photography: Evie Oliver – check her out here.

Summer Saviours

Well, hello strangers, long time no see! My life’s been pretty hectic recently so apologies for not keeping you updated… My GCSEs have started, I’ve got a new job and I’m back on the dating scene. It really is all change! Anyways, despite the fact that I probably should be revising or ‘getting fit for summer’ (what a joke), I’ve decided to take a break from that and do what I love most. Write a load of crap on here.

Today’s post is oh-so-suprisingly based on beauty products; focussed on the key items that will pull you through the summer. Whether you’re in the ever-unpredicatable Britain or jet-setting off, these products will ensure that you look as good as ever. Foundation slipping down your face? Mascara smudges after a dip in the pool? Nail polish that lasts a day before chipping? Those times are long gone, ladies! All hail the new life-savers of 2016…

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Liquid Lipstick

With the appearance of must-have products like Kylie Jenner Lip Kits on the cosmetics scene, many high-street brands have also begun to add these lipgloss/lipstick hybrids to their collections. This means, it’s a hell of a lot easier for normal people like you and me to trial them out. £30 for a product that may not even do what is says? I’ll pass. Brands like NYX and Gerard Cosmetics, the ‘mid-expense’ lot, are stealing the limelight at the moment. With formulas that literally do not budge at anything – drinking, eating, swimming, dancing – this is the product to get you through the long summer days and late summer nights. I’m loving NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Abu Dhabi (£5.50) for a subtle day-time lip or Gerard Cosmetics Hydra Matte Liquid Lipstick (£9.50) in Everything Nice for a bolder evening shade!

Gerard Cosmetics – Everything Nice

Absolute New York – Toasted

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream – Abu Dhabi

Natural Base

There’s nothing worse in summer than a face packed full of make-up. Summer sun is a treat to the skin and often clears up any problematic areas, so why shield yourself from it? However, I do understand that some people just don’t feel comfortable without a little coverage. For these people, it’s all about compromise – instead of foundation, concealer, contour etc. just try a sheer formula, like a BB cream along with a little bronzer. I’m a huge fan of by Terry Sheer Expert (£45) mixed with Lancome Teint Idole (£30) and Shiseido Bronzer (£34).

Setting sprays

Whether you’re sunbathing in the afternoon heat or dancing the night away, this is the produce that will ensure that all those summer products are worthwhile. Admittedly, this was a beauty trend that I was very dubious about; being someone with shiny skin, the idea that make-up could last for more than half a day was incomprehensible. But, upon purchasing the Make-up Revolution Oil Control Fixing Spray (£5), I was utterly amazed and I have many friends who adore others like NYX’s Dewy Finish Setting Spray (£7). Other highly recommended sprays are Urban Decay’s (from £9.00) and MAC Prep n Prime Fix + (£17.00)…

‘Cream’ cosmetics

This kind of coincides with the idea of a ‘natural base’ – cream products are a lot easier to blend than powders, they don’t ‘suffocate’ your pores and they’re much more longlasting, making them perfect for summer weather. Some of my favourites at the moment are: Rosie HW for Autograph Creme Blush (£14.00), Maybelline Colour Tattoos (£4.99) and Collection Speedy Highlight (£3.99).

Clay-based haircare and skincare

I’ve always been a fan of clay-based skincare – it does wonders for problem skin, as it draws out any impurities without being too harsh. However, it wasn’t until recently, when I tried L’Oreal’s new clay haircare range (from £1.98 at Superdrug) that I noticed how well clay works on hair too! Nourished ends without oily roots? Seems impossible. This shampoo seriously works just as well as some of the most expensive high-street haircare brands and it even works for sensitive scalps – bonus.

Nail sprays

Right, first of all, I’d like to thank Glossybox for introducing me to this absolute wonder product that I didn’t even know existed. In short, this spray by Leighton Denny (£11.00) totally dries your nail polish (whatever it be) in a matter of seconds. Gone are the days when you have to paint your nails hours before you go out – this makes it a 2 minute job and, oh my, you will love it.

All-over heat protection

Heat protection? It’s just slapping a bit of factor 20 on your nose and shoulders right? Noooo, as we’ve realised in modern times quite how much damage UV rays can do, more and more products have been developed. I’m talking hair protection, complexion protection and improved formulas… No more unpleasant ‘suncream’ smells – Hawaiian Tropic have got you covered with their tropical scents, and Benefit’s Dream Screen (£25) will prevent the classic ‘oil slicked’ face. For your hair, Toni&Guy’s Heat Protection Mist (£6.99) keeps it in tip top condition or maybe even try a sea salt spray.

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What are your summer beauty must haves? Do you have any recommendations for me to try?

Emilia x

 

Spring ’16: The High-street Edit

Although it still feels a little nippy at times here in Britain, we are beginning to see the very first glimpses of warmer weather. By that I mean: the other day I was actually able to go out WITHOUT a scarf on… (If you live in the UK you’ll understand it’s a very rare occasion.) Being British, sun and warmth is a treat to us; we jump at the opportunity to wear some shorts or even a t-shirt. And, oh boy, do the shops know that… All it took was a sunshine-filled weekend and BAM every high-street store has their spring pieces in the window! Just like you guys, I’m super excited to shop the collections – but, instead of throwing yourself at the nearest tea-dress you see – I’m here to give you a little bit of guidance… Take a look at my picks below!

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Occasion

Focussed 0n the romanticised vintage trends of SS16 catwalks, these pieces will ensure that you are truly the best-dressed guest.

Spring Days

For the lighter nights and outdoorsy days; release your inner bohemia with the following…

City Sun

Comfort crosses with style this spring for busy days – give your outfit a fashionable twist with these must-have items…

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What are your favourite spring pieces? Any collections you are particularly loving at the minute? Let me know in the comments!

Love Emilia x

London Fashion Weekend

IT’S BEEN SO LONG! a) I’m so sorry for being away for this long and b) I’ve hated it as much as you have. Thank you lord (and by that I mean nice BT man) for installing my Wifi once again. Of course, blogging is the first thing on the to-do list… Recently my life has been hella busy; I’ve moved house, I’ve done an interview with Confetti and Curves and I’ve even been to London Fashion Weekend! Today, I’ll be talking a lot about the latter.

So, on Saturday, I was lucky enough to go to LFW at the Saatchi Gallery; for any of you that are familiar with the fashion ‘weekend’, basically, it’s a taste of the fashion ‘week’ for those of us who aren’t minted or a celebrity. You can book seats for trend and designer shows, you can shop clothes straight off of the past week’s catwalks, you can even meet some of the biggest names in the business! If you’re into that kind of thing, just like me, then it’s just about the best fashion experience you can get your hands on. Myself and my mum booked to see one trend and one designer catwalk, each lasting about 20-30 minutes – trends included the SS16 trends that are predicted to become huge and designer was a gorgeous display of Alice Temperley dresses. Camera-men buzzed around the place and the excitement was tangible as the models showcased each item of clothing.

In our spare time, Mum and I decided to take a look around the rest of The Duke Of York Square, where some of my favourite shops are; Liz Earle, Space NK, COS and an adorable little restaurant named Comptoir Libanais. I couldn’t resist picking up the raved-about Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish set from Liz Earle and a lady in Space NK introduced me to a wonderful foundation from By Terry, which I wore for the rest of the day. Who said fashion can’t include cosmetics and skincare, hey? LFW know this fact only too well; their shopping zone included a Maybelline pop-up store where you could get your makeup done for free and a Toni and Guy ‘hair-bar’. Also, one of the meet-and-greet talks I went to see was with TONI&GUY’s artistic director Philipp Haug who showed us how to achieve the latest hairstyles at home.

Anyway, here’s my round-up…

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Clothing

Maximalism: We’re talking in-your-face floral prints, all-over sequins and block colouring.

Bohemia: Perfect for summer and clearly a favourite of Alice Temperley’s, this was all over the catwalk – it looks great paired with ruffles too.

Ruffles: Similar to the popular tassel trend of AW15, but 10 times more glam; I can see big things coming for ruffles.

Graphic Stripes: In my opinion, one of the most wearable SS16 trends; thank you to Louche at Joy The Store for my own pair of gorgeous graphic stripe culottes!

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Accessories

Pom poms: Fun fashion is back in business; wear these any where from your ears to your hems to your toes. Try: Moyna Embroidered Jute Clutch with Pom Pom Trim

Snake skin: Can be a tricky one to pull off, but start with little accessories such as belts and you’ll soon be slithering away with this trend. Try: La Redoute Snake Effect Clutch Bag

Showstopper Earrings: Possibly my favourite accessories trend of SS16; shoulder-grazers are what should be dangling from your ears! Try: Pearlescent Gem Jacket Earrings

Ankle-tie shoes: This trend has been growing and growing since Autumn 2015, but now that spring is around the corner, we can actually wear them. Try: Lace-up Tassle Block Heel Sandals

Ribbons: The new ‘scarf’ – put them in your hair, around your wrist, on your bag.

Brooches: A nod to the popular 60s trend of AW15, these are fast coming back into high street stores. Try: Fabric Flower Brooches

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Hair and Beauty

Blue Everything: I’ve definitely mentioned this one here on IC before; painting your nails? Doing your eyeshadow? Even lipstick? Go blue this season – you’ll be bang on trend. Try: Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy

English Rose: Similar to ‘no-make-up makeup’ – but just add a little lip/cheek tint to an airbrush base and you’re sorted. Try: Daniel Sandler Watercolour Fluid Blusher

Block Red Lip: Reworked versions of the classic red lip were seen all over SS16 catwalks – orange-red shades were particularly popular. Try: Ardency Inn  Long Play Supercharged Lip Colour in Ladder

Doll-lashes: For the fearless among you; prepare to go full-on anime like Louis Vuitton’s new campaign and create yourself some amazing graphic lashes. Try: Ardell Lashes 134 

Choppy bobs: Another non-mover from AW15 – all of the most fashion-focussed have braved a chop – will you? 

Big textured waves: Relaxed is key, natural and fluffy waves compliment the ’60s and Bohemian looks of SS16 perfectly. Try: Cloud Nine Waving Wand and Label M Texturising Volume Spray

Modern sleek pigtails: Don’t worry, they’re nothing like the terrifying primary school pigtails you’re used to – nooo, these are smooth and loose. Try: Orelia Metal Bar Hairband

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If that sounded like your kind of event, why not get tickets to the AW16 show later on this year? Need something sooner? Why not try the Glamour Beauty Festival on March 12th and 13th or visit the V&A’s new underwear exhibition from the 16th of April onwards?

Emilia x