D.I.Y

Only a quick-ish post today as i am going back to uni on Friday and still have yet to pack my life away into many boxes, in just two days! Eek!

So i discovered this amazing new beauty trick whilst out shopping for some nail varnish, something i like to do when money is low, as i still satisfy my need to purchase something without breaking the bank (genius). I wanted the perfect glittery nail varnish to compliment my new autumn wardrobe, however on this particular day i was rather unsuccessful.

Instead, when i got home, i decided to raid my own nail polish box and see what i could come up with, i found an old blue Rimmel nail varnish which i had not used since, well, probably this time last year, so i thought why not give it a go? It looked good but there was a bit of sparkle missing...

I then found some old glitter at the bottom of one of my drawers and thought... HEY PRESTO!!! There was a perfect blue glitter that matched my nail polish to a T. Sprinkling some over the top of my wet nail polish a satisfied smile started to appear on my face. I LOVED IT!! 

To finish off i applied a thick layer of Sally Hansen top coat  to give it an extra shine and to ensure that it didn't chip. To my delight my nails lasted chip and flake free for about a week until they started to peel, but i loved them that much i decided to re-do them... best thing is whatever colour you want is achievable, glitter can be bought from your local craft store or from specialist beauty shops. If you don't have a matching nail polish to the colour of glitter you want to use, just use clear it works a treat. Here's a few pictures i took of my most recent D.I.Y manicure...

Try it out yourself!

Enjoy x x x

Ben Howard

I don't usually post about music and i may be late on the bandwagon here; but i've only recently been introduced to the delights of Ben Howard by my wonderful friend Lizzie.

And i've got to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM.

Strumming on to the scene in 2008 in Devon, his first studio album Every Kingdom is released on 3rd October this year (I will certainly be buying it). He has such a calming tone to his voice and a lovely demeanour that you cant help fall in love with almost instantly.

I have had a lot of trouble choosing a song to share with you all, really really recommend you YouTube him if you like what you hear as he's quite the lyrical genius! My favourite has to be Under The Same Sun, but I thought i would give you a sample of some of his newer stuff too.

When i checked out his European tour dates, i was truly disappointed to discover that they are almost all sold out. (Check if your one of the lucky ones still with a chance to see him here). Unfortunately both my hometown venue, The Ruby Lounge in Manchester and The Bodega in Nottingham where i go to uni are both sold out! It would have been great to see him at either venue as i bet the atmosphere is electric when he plays live. Hopefully he wont leave it too long before he graces us with his presence again. Until then i will have to make do with my iPod...

Ben Howard - Under The Same Sun

Ben Howard - Every Kingdom (Album Teaser 2011)

Enjoy x x x

Ben Howard | Facebook

Ben Howard | Twitter

Growing Pains

Growing your hair is a pain. FACT. 

I've been growing mine for what feels like forever but is actually about 8 or 9 months! Problem is, i used to have an asymmetric cut that although looked good at the time, it is turning into a living nightmare to grow out! To ease the process i am going to buy some hair jewels, in hope that my hairs will love me and decide to grow overnight....fingers crossed (you never know)!! 

Here are a few items on my wish list... Enjoy x x x

Love this gem encrusted Alice Band from Accessorize, 

great idea to spruce up an LBD this winter.

£16

Turban stretch bands from ASOS, look much better on than off! 

(Hence the model head shots!)

Both £8

Love these two winter warmers from River Island

Red chelsea girl  heart print headband £8

Cream sunglasses print knitted band £8

Photos taken from Accessorize, ASOS, New Look, River Island 

Forever 21 and Not On The High Street

Big love for Karla Deras

I first discovered Karla Deras' blog Karlas Closet whilst browsing through Bloglovin'

I find her style such a refreshing change from all of the mundane fashion blogs out there and got really excited about fashion again once i started reading her blog which is full of colour, inspiration boards and style. She mixes high and low fashion items in a way that makes every piece seem even more exquisite. A lover of vintage and in particular Shareen Vintage in LA (a place which i now HAVE to visit) she is not afraid to wear the same item more than once. 

Karla Deras is officially my new style crush.

Mixing up mens and womenswear, changing daily from smart casual to prom dress girly i love that she isn't afraid to wear and say whatever she wants, a confidence i admire.

And thats not all, her cute pixie crop gives me serious hair envy and makes me want to stop growing my hair, especially now that it is at THAT length, urgh! ...Decisions, decisions. 

At only 21 she has accomplished a lot already, getting recognised for her blogging skills all over the world isn't easy but after 3 years of outfit posts she's done it.

I wish i had the confidence she possesses to wear sky high platforms and a floral floaty number to pick up my weekly shop, unfortunately i don't have the budget or the LA sunshine that she has. So for now i will just have to dream...

LOVE LOVE LOVE this Kate Spade straw bag

"I love girls who dress up like they're going somewhere fancy!"

One of Karla's 'inspiration boards'

ph. all from Karlas Closet

P.s. follow her on twitter @karla_deras and apologies for the very picture heavy post.

xxx

Katie Hillier

My Grandmother has aways bought the Telegraph on a Saturday, after reading the magazine inside she then hands it on to us. I always find it a very interesting read for all sorts; culture, lifestyle, fashion and other different art forms. This week as i flicked to the 'Women's Hotlist - The names to watch for the new season' my attention was drawn to Katie Hillier.

After being named as one of the 50 most influential names in British fashion by ELLE magazine in its annual Fashion Power List in 2009, as well as winning Accessory Designer of the Year award at the British Fashion Awards in the same year, its clear she really knows her stuff.

I fell in love with her adorable animal charms that feature on her most recent work for luxury spanish house Loewe seen below. The bags come in two designs with a choice of three colours. With each different colours comes a different animal charm. Red: Snail, Pink: Mouse and blue is her infamous rabbit design.

Learning of Hillier's talents provoked me to research the brand further. The Hillier brand prides itself on its humble paper-clip designs and cute animal doodles. Currently designing jewellery under the brand name Hillier (click here to view their website) i fell even more in love with her bunny designs and cute heart shaped rings. Here are my faves...

18ct gold Bunny earrings with pave diamonds £495 

18ct yellow gold Glowing Heart ring with diamond and fluorescent ceramic £700

18ct yellow gold Bunny ring with pave diamonds £1,500

Sterling Silver Tortoise pendant £295

Sterling Silver Bumblebee pendant £295

18ct yellow gold Hedgehog pendant around £695

The Hillier website also features short animations of their collections, here is my favourite 'City Critters Carnival'


City Critters Carnival from Hillier London on Vimeo.

Enjoy x

A glorious Carlow wedding!

Although i promised to blog more my lack of absence has been due to a recent family trip to Dublin. Being half Irish means that we go to the emerald isle about twice a year, and its lovely every time. 

The reason for our visit this year was the same as the reason for our visit last year funnily enough. My cousin, Aedín was getting married to Tim, last year another cousin of mine Cara married Sheldon from London. I haven't seen Aedín for about 6 or 7 years maybe longer; i cant remember the last time i saw her as she now lives in America where Tim is from.

The ceremony was beautiful in Abbeyliex about an hour and a half from Dublin, we stayed in the beautiful Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort in Carlow the surroundings were simply beautiful as was the bride. 

I wasn't able to take many pictures as my camera decided to have a nap just as the proceedings started so i have stolen these pictures from my Aunty Oonagh so that i could share with you the glorious 5 day break we had.

Enjoy x

What I wore: 

Dress: Zara £15.99 (last minute sale bargain!)

Shoes: Asos wedges a couple of years old

Flower fascinator: H&M

Bag: New Look

Beads: Accessorize

The happy couple of last year Sheldon and Cara

The happy couple of this year Tim and Aedín

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

I promise to...

blog more.