Monday 30 May 2016

Office Bleak to Happy Hour Chic with T.M Lewin

How many of us find ourselves sitting in the office on a Friday afternoon thinking of winding down with a trip to the pub or a few cocktails with colleagues. Then again how many of us can raise a hand and say they can transition from workwear to casual dress without going home for a complete outfit change? A simpler solution, changing a few key elements of our daily wardrobe to take them  from office sharp to happy hour chic.

Nude Court shoes by Kurt Keiger
Navy Jacket by Linea
Bag by Vivienne Westwood
Lipstick by Charlotte Tilbury



Black Shoes by Miss KG
Black Bag by Vivienne Westwood
Necklace by oasis
Leather Jacket by River Island
Lipstick by YSL


An easy transition for women would be to keep our day dress and change up the accessories and I believe the look above is a perfect example. I have chosen to keep the dress and replace the shoes, makeup and add new accessories and a jacket to change up the look. The addition of the leather jacket takes this very formal dress to a casual going out look. The lipstick is a bright bold colour that really makes you stand out and makes you feel relaxed and removes your thinking from the more reserved workplace. The addition of a statement necklace and detailed shoes allow you to completely transform the look.

While this seems quite easy to do, the transition from day to night can be a lot tougher for a male, but I think this next example is an excellent way to achieve this. These suits, part of T.M Lewin’s collection are smart and sophisticated but are very stylish making it perfect for both, the working environment and and a less formal occasion. T.M Lewin really do have a fabulous collection of suits perfect for work, formal occasions and more casual events, you really will be spoiled for choice! 
Satchel by The Cambridge Satchel Company
Silver watch by Gucci

Silver Watch by Gucci
Aviators by Rayban 
Pea Coat by Topman

For the perfect transition, I have chosen again to keep the suit as it works really well in both environments. Instead of shoes which are very formal, I have chose to swap in a pair of chelsea boots from the range at T.M Lewin, they still work really well with the suit but allow for a more casual feel. I would also remove the suit jacket in favour of a peacoat as this is definitely the more informal choice. 
Although the transition from everyday bleak to happy hour chic can be hard, T.M Lewin definitely hold the key to creating the perfect look. How would you change up your look to make it pub ready? Please do let me know.

Luisa
xo

Sunday 29 May 2016

It's Smoothie Time

With the sun in the sky and the weather hitting the 20’s, i’m all about that smoothie vibe. They're not only refreshing and tasty, quick and easy to make but they're also pretty healthy! So I’ve compiled a few of my favourite summer smoothie recipes that are perfect for sipping while sitting in the sun.

Recipe 1 # Mango Tango Smoothie



What’s in it?

  • 1 Frozen Banana
  • 1/2 Cups Frozen Mango
  • 3/4 Cup Orange Juice
  • 1/2 Cup Natural Yoghurt
  • 1 Cup Frozen Pineapple Chunks
  • 1Cup Ice Cubes

How it’s made…

Combine everything in the blender of your choice, I use my trusty BlendActive, and whizz everything until it’s smooth. Easy Peasy! 

Recipe 2 # Berry Buzz


What’s in it?

  • 1 Small Frozen Banana
  • 1 Handful each of Raspberries, Strawberries and Blueberries
  • 1/2 Cup of Natural Yoghurt


How it’s made…

Throw everything in the blender and watch it whizz up into the perfect berry smoothie.


Recipe 3 # Raspberry Lemonade




What’s in it?

  • 2 Cups of Lemonade (I make a healthy version using fizzy water and fresh lemons)
  • 2 Cups of Ice
  • 1/2 Pint of Fresh Raspberries


How it’s made…

Combine ice and lemonade in the blender until ice is crushed. Add raspberries and whizz until smooth. I also like to swap out the lemonade with fresh lemon juice and greek yogurt for a creamier drink or to turn into the perfect frozen treat.



Recipe 4 # Mango and Passionfruit Twist



How it’s made…

  • 1 Large Frozen mango
  • 1 Cup of Passionfruit yoghurt (frozen)
  • 1/2 Cup Milk

How it’s made…

Add everything to the blender and whizz until perfect. 




Tweet me some of your favourite smoothies or comment on the post :) I'd love to try some new recipes.

Luisa 
xo

Tuesday 24 May 2016

Review: Percy & Reed Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Overnight Recovery

I have always said that magazines are an excellent places to find free samples a new product soon to be released. They give you just enough product to test before you then to decide to go on and buy the full sized product. That’s why I was thrilled to find the Wonder Overnight Recovery in this months copy of Elle magazine. 
Before even looking at what the product was I was instantly in love with the packaging. The packaging is a little peachy nude coloured bottle with a figure of a girl all ready for bed quoting what she wears to bed (Percy and Reed of course). The product, as the name suggests, is an overnight hair repair cream that makes a bold claim to condition hair, retain moisture, combat frizz and resist humidity. Basically, it promises to right every wrong with my hair. Naturally I was excited and intrigued, if not a little sceptical of something that promises to tame a mane like mine.

I followed the instructions on the bottle, applying a liberal amount of product, massaging from root to tip and brushing through with a comb. The bottle claims that the product is mess free and will absorb instantly but I found it took a fair while. All said, I didn’t feel like I had anything in my hair when I went to bed and the only reminder was the lovely scent from the product. When I got up the next morning, i washed my hair as advised and added just a little conditioner as my hair still felt slightly coarse. Once dry, I didn’t notice too much difference in terms of condition and shine but my hair definitely was easier to straighten and style.  

Getting to the point of whether the product does as it claims, well yes to an extent. For meat didn’t yield miraculous results but it did definitely leave my hair more manageable and is an excellent quick fix for hair problems. I did also get a friend to test out the product, who has much straighter, finer hair and the results were amazing. So yes I will be repurchasing so that i can test this product over time to see how my hair reacts.

Percy & Reed’s Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Overnight Recovery will be hitting shelves in the UK on June the first, make sure you sign up on their website so you’ll be the first to know when it does arrive and let me know your thoughts on the product if you do try it.

Luisa 

xo


Friday 20 May 2016

The only exercise I've done this month is run out of money...

While admiring the drizzly, Scottish weather this morning I started thinking about the fast approaching summer and the chance of better days. What comes to mind when you think of summer? For me it’s days in the garden with a good book, trips to somewhere sunny and taking advantage of that summer wardrobe that you’ve gloriously stockpiled over recent weeks and that’s when the panic started. I have no summer wardrobe as of yet.  With this in mind it was time for a shopping haul which i plan to share with you all today.

The first summer purchase i made was definitely an essential, my holiday wardrobe would be sparse without it. It is of course the trusty suitcase. My suitcase, like everything else in life needs to be colourful and just a little bit funky. It is a hard shelled suitcase from the Abby range at Revelation! By Antler featuring a bright, floral print and a quirky red zip. It is the perfect travel companion, destined to make you  stand out in the fashion stakes. It is four wheeled, meaning its easy to wheel about and it’s fairly lightweight as well considering its size. It is without a doubt the best place to house my summer clothing.


Having a pair of glasses permanently perched on the end of my nose meant that my next purchase is one that wasn’t really high on my list of things I had to have for summer but when i seen the green blue haze I was sold. They are of course the beautiful Rayban aviators that were posted to my Instagram a few days ago. They have a shiny gold frame and typical Rayban branding, but what got me was the lenses. To look at the lenses is like looking into a deep lagoon. They have a gorgeous green and blue sheen with a gold hue that is visible only when the sun hits them. They are spectacular. They are so lightweight that they sit on my face like a dream and scream summer at anyone who takes a look. A purchase that I definitely will be making good use of (weather permitting).



The next couple of things i picked up were shoes, oh how practical. Instead of stressing about what shoes will go with which outfit i like to pick up just a few pairs of shoes that i can match to anything. First up was a pair of Miss KG trainers that I got from House of Frasers. They are a lovely nude shoe with white lining and accents and a silvery, metallic toe. They are so comfy to wear and will be the perfect choice of shoe for travelling. I also got a beautiful pair of gold sandals by Head Over Heels. These shoes just scream cute with their floral detail and golden colour. They are the perfect shoe to accent a tan and will go with practically anything.



The last few things i wanted to share were a few makeup products i picked up from Superdrug. Working next door to a Superdrug means I often find myself wandering in the door on my lunch break to ‘browse’. Being a fan of the Bourjois healthy mix foundation, i was excited to see a new foundation on offer. The foundation I picked up is the City Radiance foundation in shade 02, vanilla. It promises to be a skin protecting foundation for a brightened, anti-dull complexion.  The formula has radiance boosting pigments that even out complexion for a natural, fresh looking, radiant complexion. It also has an anti-pollution screen that allows the skin to breathe. As it is such a light formula it is perfect for days where going au natural isn’t an option. The last thing I picked up was a Bourjois blusher in the shade Rose Frisson (54). This is a beautiful rose colour that is so shimmery and subtle that it leaves you looking so glowy and fresh. It gives your cheeks just a little bit of colour and sparkle, perfect for that summer look.






So my haul may not have been huge but it’s a start and there will definitely be more hauls over June and July so look out for sneak peaks on my Instagram.

Luisa
xo

Sunday 15 May 2016

Zoeva Rose Golden Volume II Review



 
    How beautiful do these brushes look <3


For several months I have been checking Beauty Bay in anticipation of the Zoeva Rose Golden volume II brushes coming back into stock after having ogled them longingly. One glance at these beautiful brushes would leave me in a frenzy. With their pale peachy pink handles and rose gold ferrules I thought I had found the perfect brush. When a few came back into stock recently I just had to have them .

Now, can we firstly just take a few minutes to appreciate how pretty the packaging of these brushes are. The packaging is this beautiful powdery pink box, the same shade as the handle with the product and branding information embossed in rose gold on them, with the brush name and number clearly labelled. Total eye candy. When you open the box the inside shimmers with a rose gold foil that again perfectly mirrors the product within.
Check out the beautiful Rose Gold embossing on that packaging!

So if your not totally intrigued with these from the packaging you will be after seeing the product itself. I have opted to get a few singular brushes to try rather than the full set and can honestly say i will be back for more.

So the first brush I purchased was the 109 Luxe face Paint brush. This is a contour brush, perfect for powder and cream products. I have tried and tested with both and cannot fault. This brush features a flat square head and is made up of a blend of white natural and synthetic bristles making it powder soft when brushed against your face. The Luxe Face Paint brush is seamless for applying contour in the hollows of your cheek, blending seamlessly and leaving you with a subtle contour.

The second purchase I made was the 104 Buffer Brush, now this brush i was a little sceptical about as nothing compares to the seamless application my beauty blender gives but i was pleasantly surprised. This brush is flat headed and extremely dense. Not as soft as the Face Paint brush as the bristles are vegan friendly Taklon bristles, designed to pick up both powder and cream products. In terms of use, the brush blends very well and leaves my foundation looking seamless but the brush is very heavy to hold. The thick handle makes the brush quite hefty and difficult to use but the end result is definitely worth it.

The last item that really drew my attention is the 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek brush. I have never really used a proper blusher brush in favour of my Real Technique’s Contour brush, It was about time I invested in the proper tool for the job. In comparison to my contour brush this brush has a fairly large head, but oh my the bristles are feather like, and have the same combination bristles as the Luxe Face brush. When using this brush to apply blush you get just enough product to give your face a flush of colour and don’t need to be too wary of looking like a clown.The angled shape of the brush ensures an even application to the contours of your cheeks and leaves you looking flushed. The purchase was definitely a successful one.

Overall, I am over the moon with the selection of Zoeva brushes I have tried and will definitely be back for more, they apply product beautifully and look fantastic too. If you have any recommendations of brushes I should try please do let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts on these brushes and your preferred tools. If you want to check out the brushes I have reviewed, click on the green text throughout the post.

Luisa

xo



Friday 13 May 2016

Confessions of a Self Confessed Lipstick Hoarder

So if you’ve been keeping up with my social media posts this week then you’ll know of my love of lipsticks, more like a full blown obsession. It’s the last product that goes on your face before you feel done, its that bold burst of colour or shy sweep of gloss that make your lips go wow. There’s such a variety of shades and textures and finishes that it can become overwhelming. With this in mind i thought I’d share a few of my favourites with you every month, reviewing lipsticks I've recently purchased and sharing my thoughts.

Where to start, rifling through my lipstick collection trying to find the perfect collection of lipsticks to share with you all, i found myself pulling out some recent and long loved drugstore lipsticks. I am so impressed with some of these lipsticks and one of the best things about them is the price. These little lippies range from £5.49-£6.99 at Boots which is an absolute bargain when they have the same if not better quality than some of the high end brands which can be £15 and upwards. All of the lipsticks i have chosen glide over my lips and have the creamiest formula that leaves my lips feeling really smooth and nourished.

#45-A slightly rosy colour from the Nude Collection by Kate for Rimmel London. It is a subtle wash of colour that is perfect for everyday wear. As it has a slightly pink undertone it wears well on someone with a cool undertone to their skin. I would, however, like if it had more staying power as I tend to find myself re-applying this often throughout the day.

#42- A peachy pink nude that is again from the Nude collection by Kate Moss. This is another pinky nude that’s a little paler than 45 and more pink. The colour is not intense but is buildable and has a warmer tone. It’s a lipstick that i find myself reaching for time and time again as it just works with everything.

#264- My perfect shade of brown. This ‘Coffee Shimmer’ is part of the lasting finish collection by Rimmel London and has a shimmery finish that leaves your lips looking fuller and with more dimension and is a perfect dupe for MAC’s creme cup.  It has a high colour impact and is long lasting making it the perfect lipstick for an evening with a cocktail or two. It is also incredibly creamy and feels more like a balm than a lipstick as it makes my lips feeling fuller and nourished.

#08- This shade is a dusty rose pink with a mauve tinge that looks fabulous on both warm and cool skin tones. Its such a flattering shade that I can swipe on for any occasion and don’t have to worry about how it wears with the rest of my look as its such a natural flush f colour. This is definitely one of my favourites and is again from Rimmel.

#975- This is the perfect red wine coloured lippie from Maybelline. It is a matte finish but doesn’t leave my lips feeling dry and chapped. For a matte lipstick it feels so juicy and rejuvenating. It is perfect for a night out and will definitely make your lips stand out.



What do you think of these lipsticks? What are your favourite drugstore lipsticks?

Luisa
xo 


 

              
 


So if you’ve been keeping up with my social media posts this week then you’ll know of my love of lipsticks, more like a full blown obsession. It’s the last product that goes on your face before you feel done, its that bold burst of colour or shy sweep of gloss that make your lips go wow. There’s such a variety of shades and textures and finishes that it can become overwhelming. With this in mind i thought I’d share a few of my favourites with you every month, reviewing lipsticks I've recently purchased and sharing my thoughts.

Where to start, rifling through my lipstick collection trying to find the perfect collection of lipsticks to share with you all, i found myself pulling out some recent and long loved drugstore lipsticks. I am so impressed with some of these lipsticks and one of the best things about them is the price. These little lippies range from £5.49-£6.99 at Boots which is an absolute bargain when they have the same if not better quality than some of the high end brands which can be £15 and upwards. All of the lipsticks i have chosen glide over my lips and have the creamiest formula that leaves my lips feeling really smooth and nourished.

#45-A slightly rosy colour from the Nude Collection by Kate for Rimmel London. It is a subtle wash of colour that is perfect for everyday wear. As it has a slightly pink undertone it wears well on someone with a cool undertone to their skin. I would, however, like if it had more staying power as I tend to find myself re-applying this often throughout the day.

#42- A peachy pink nude that is again from the Nude collection by Kate Moss. This is another pinky nude that’s a little paler than 45 and more pink. The colour is not intense but is buildable and has a warmer tone. It’s a lipstick that i find myself reaching for time and time again as it just works with everything.

#264- My perfect shade of brown. This ‘Coffee Shimmer’ is part of the lasting finish collection by Rimmel London and has a shimmery finish that leaves your lips looking fuller and with more dimension and is a perfect dupe for MAC’s creme cup.  It has a high colour impact and is long lasting making it the perfect lipstick for an evening with a cocktail or two. It is also incredibly creamy and feels more like a balm than a lipstick as it makes my lips feeling fuller and nourished.

#08- This shade is a dusty rose pink with a mauve tinge that looks fabulous on both warm and cool skin tones. Its such a flattering shade that I can swipe on for any occasion and don’t have to worry about how it wears with the rest of my look as its such a natural flush f colour. This is definitely one of my favourites and is again from Rimmel.

#975- This is the perfect red wine coloured lippie from Maybelline. It is a matte finish but doesn’t leave my lips feeling dry and chapped. For a matte lipstick it feels so juicy and rejuvenating. It is perfect for a night out and will definitely make your lips stand out.



What do you think of these lipsticks? What are your favourite drugstore lipsticks?

Luisa 
xo

Monday 9 May 2016

When Life Gives you Lemonade, Make Cupcakes!

So after a long day in work admiring the rare Scottish sun from the fifth floor window in work, I came home and decided I needed a little bit of summer inspiration. An ice lolly or a glass of lemonade, no, I needed a perfectly summer cupcake. These can be enjoyed anytime day or night and in any weather but with a lemony tang and a burst of sweet raspberry, these cupcakes are the perfect May treat. 

I started off with a basic lemon cupcake recipe to which i included the zest of a lemon for that extra zing. After these were perfect fluffy with a golden top, i added a perfectly pink swirl of buttercream piled high topped with a fresh raspberry, a slice of lemon and a summer straw to give it a taste of a summer drink.



Ingredients

For the sponge:

125g Soft Unsalted Butter
125g Self-raising Flour
125g Caster Sugar
2tbsp Milk (if needed to thin mixture)
2 Large Eggs
Finely Grated Zest of 1 Small Lemon

For the icing:

125g Soft Unsalted Butter
250g Icing sugar
Juice of 1 Small Lemon
250g Raspberries

Method

Preheat oven to gas mark 4/180°C. Line a 12 hole muffin tin with your choice of summer inspired cupcake cases.

Start by sifting sugar into a mixing bowl and combine with sugar until light in colour and fluffy. Next, add in your eggs, milk, flour and lemon zest and combine until batter is smooth. Divide mixture evenly and pop them in the oven to bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and springy to the touch.

Meanwhile, make the icing. Sieve icing sugar into a bowl and gradually add in butter and beat with a whisk until light and fluffy. In your sieve strain raspberries to get rid of the seeds and then mix in with your icing mixture. If necessary, sieve in some more icing sugar until you have a perfectly pipeable buttercream.

Now for the fun part, swirl your buttercream onto your cakes any way you like and decorate in your best summer inspired decorations.

Enjoy :)

Luisa

xo
 

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