Wednesday 15 October 2014

Autumn / Winter Nails with Topshop






At the risk of being unpopular here, I'll just say it: I'm enjoying this weather. I'm loving wrapping up warm and getting all cosy on the sofa with the boyfriend and watching movies.
I'm also really into this season's colour palette. When it comes to nail varnishes, I really prefer A/W colours, They have a depth to them that I love, and considering I'm a monochrome addict, they go with the majority of  my wardrobe. Some of my favourite additions to my nail varnish collection have been from Topshops latest A/W collection. I received these for my birthday, and have worn them non-stop. 
These three shades in particular work so well together, and individually. 

Glitter
(left)
I can never own enough black varnishes, and if there's glitter in it I want it even more. I love that there's an iridescence to the glitter in this which gives it another dimension. The only issue I have is that it requires multiple coats before you get a good, opaque coverage. However when you do, it's worth it.
 A good top-coat is needed for any glitter varnish, just to stop it being so rough to the touch (I use Models Own 5 in 1 Top & Base Coat). Once that's applied, you have a really sleek black nail with a feminine twist. 

Miss Dazzle 
(middle)
This is surprisingly my favourite of the bunch. It's so easy to use because it's so thick. One coat is enough to get a full coverage, and the colour is really striking. This is quite a chameleon colour in the sense that it changes depending what light you're in. It can range from a burn orange to a browny-red all of which have a cosy, warm glow. I wore this varnish for an entire week, doing baking and decorating my boyfriend's bedroom, and it barely chipped. This is the only varnish I've found that's lasted that wrong, so I'm going to cherish it with all my heart.

Magpie 
(right)
A varnish like this is a staple for any nail varnish collection I think. Personally, I'd use varnishes like this as a detailed coat on top of another varnish, but I took a picture of it on its own so you could see the size of the glitter. I actually didn't think it looked too bad on it's own. It's very subtle and dainty. However I like something with a bit more oomph. In fact, I actually used Magpie on top of Glitter for my nails at London Fashion Weekend. My nails looked like a Gothic disco ball. 
How many coats you need all depends on how much glitter coverage you want, but it dries so quickly that you wont be waiting around long.


*Nail Painting Tips*
- Ever been frustrated that the colour on your nails differs from that in the pot? Paint your nails white before using the colour you want. The pink of your nails adjusts the shade of the varnish, whereas white brings out it's true tone. 


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Thursday 9 October 2014

Jewellery Lust : Lost at Sea




 


Bags, shoes, hats, scarves etc etc. Everyone has a vice when it comes to fashion. That one thing that they're addicted to and will never stop buying no matter how much they have. Well I have two: shoes and jewellery. 

I've already done two Jewellery Lust posts featuring Black Tied and The Rogue and the Wolf , and with my addiction ever growing, it looks like it's going to become a regular feature, so I thought I'd explain what it's all about. 


I think it's really important to support new, growing brands, and they're a great place to shop if you're looking for something a little bit different. I'm noting with the high street that you won't have to go far before you bump into someone wearing the same thing as you, and some of the products are a bit over-priced. Online brands are a great way of developing your individual style and spotting new, emerging trends whilst potentially grabbing a bargain, so each of these posts are going to focus on one particular brand.  


This week, that brand is Lost at Sea Jewellery. I discovered them through Instagram (which, by the way, is a brilliant place for finding new brands), and adored their style. Selling not only jewellery, but homewares too, this is one of those brands which makes me want to fill my house with they're entire stockroom. 


I mentioned in my first Jewellery Lust post that I was noticing an emerging trend in ethereal and spiritually themed jewellery. Now that was back in March and the trend is still going strong. Think hamsas, buddhas, pentagrams, semi-precious stones, cuffs, chokers and amulets. 

What I really love about Lost at Sea jewellery is that their products work well with any style. I'm a bit of a grunge fiend, but at the same time I like to look feminine, and Lost at Sea jewellery helps to pull it all together. 

I recently ordered their Albirio Coin Collar Necklace in both silver and gold, and I haven't stopped wearing them. They're so dramatic and are timeless statement pieces. At only £12 each I thought it was a steel, especially compared to high street prices. 


I'm currently in the throws of redecorating my room, so next on the agenda is some Lost at Sea homewares. It'll be dream catcher galore! 




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