Holiday Blues.

We got back from Egypt earlier this week and have now finally sorted all the washing and got unpacked and we are now feeling the holiday blues setting in. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt is honestly one of the most amazing places to go on holiday. Its just Sun. Sand and Sea. The temperatures were up in the high 30s every day with the sea breeze giving a refreshing relief. The beaches where we were, in Sharks Bay were clean with sand stretching across the whole coast line. And then there is the sea- The Red Sea with the most amazing corral reefs and marine life. We went snorkeling and scuba diving at Ras Mohammed National Park, it is the second best rated coral reef in the whole world after the Great Barbour Reef in Australia and is the most amazing place I have ever been. We also were so lucky to get to see wild dolphins, about 20 in total, we took a speed boat out at sunset and came across them, they played with the boats wake, swimming along side us and one guy even did a flip for us, twice!

ras mohammed

When we weren’t at the beach or out at sea we chilled at the hotel, lapping up the sun, getting our tan on and taking full advantage of all inclusive. Cobra Libre was our drink of choice- Rum, Coke and lime juice -Delicious! we would spend the day basking in the sun and then cooling off with a splash in the pool. Sharm is honestly the best balance of chilling doing nothing and being adventurous and exploring the gorgeous Red Sea.

Solymar-Sharks-Bay

Now we are back in the UK and typically it starting to rain as we landed. It’s now back to reality, I start my new job on Tuesday and I am just enjoying the last few days of nothing before the 6am alarm has to be set.

We have been to Sharm for the past two years so we have said next year we have to go somewhere different. Any suggestions?? next year is a long way off so we have plenty of time to think and plan. 🙂

I’l leave you with our holiday video and I’l cry a little as I watch and wish I was back there.

Hope everyone is having a great summer. For those of you heading off on holiday soon have an amazing time. And for those of you here stay tuned for more posts coming soon.

What’s in my handbag.

I try not to carry too much around with me, but like every girl after a busy week I always seam to end up collecting a bundler of useless clutter: screwed up memos, pens, lipsticks and old tickets. Its always good to keep on top of it and have a good clear out when ever you can.
I think the best thing to remember is to pack light -Keep your hand bag organised and tidy. Its always better to have room for the odd extra thing than carry around a full heavy bag every day. In my bag I have my purse, phone, headphones and sunglasses and then purfume, lipstick and nail polish to keep my touched up and fresh. I hardly ever carry around makeup with me- its heavy for one and I don’t feel the urge to keep touching it up, I think I look worse by the end of the day when I’ve piled layer on to layer so I just leave my makeup when I’m out and about.

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Handbag Asos.  £30
Purse new look.   £12.99
Lipstick Revlon in nude.  £7.99
Perfume Miss Dior.   £40
Sunglasses h&m.   £4.99
Nail polish Barry m in matte mocha.   £3.99
Headphones Betron noise cancelling in gold.  £19.99
Phone case Amazon matte burgundy case.   £2.99

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If I had to pick only one item to be in my bag forever it would have to be my headphones, life is always better with some tunes to keep you going.
I hoped this has been helpful and I’d love to hear what your couldn’t live without, handbag essential is? Feel free to leave it in the comments below 🙂
Lots of love x

The Beauty Blogger Award

I have something a little bit different for today’s post. I was very kindly nominated by the lovely Maymaysparkle for the Beauty Blogger Award. The award is open to any beauty blogger with less than 200 followers and I really appropriate the nomination.

My questions to answer:

  1. Why did you start blogging? I started my blog so I could keep a diary of everything that  catches my eye, it gives me a space to write my thoughts on everything current right now.
  2. If you could only use one makeup product for the rest of your life, what would it be? It would have to be by Maybeline Eye Brow Pencil -strong brows are everything. They frame your face and keep you looking neat and structured.
  3. Concealer or Foundation? Defiantly Foundation. I don’t really wear concealer, I always feel its a little bit too heavy.
  4. Blush or Bronzer? Always bronzer- For brunettes I always believe warm golden tones look better on the face so always bronzer for me to define the cheek bones and contour the face.
  5. Lip gloss or Lipstick? Lipstick 100%- I am really not a fan of the sticky feel of gloss. I love a nude lip stick or a matte plum lipstick for a bolder look. 
  6. Natural or color eye shadow? I would have to say dark neutrals. I love a rich brown smokey eye. 
  7. What is your favorite clothing brand? I like to shop around to keep my wardrobe varied, but I do love Zara, Mango, Topshop and H&M
  8. What is your favorite shoe brand? Again I love so many. Nike for trainers but anyone for all my other shoes.
  9. What is your favorite perfume? I love my Calvin Klein CK into U, but also love Dior. Light, fresh and sweet for me.
  10. What is our favorite beauty quote? “A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear” -Marilyn Monroe
  11. If you had a million dollars, what would you buy? A gorgeous London apartment and a frenchie and then I would give the rest to my family. 
  12. What are your hobbies? I absolutely love photography and design.
  13. What is your favorite nail polish brand? Essie
  14. Are you good at doing makeup? I’m getting there -I am always learning new tricks and trying things out.
  15. Who are your favorite Youtubers? I don’t watch that much youtube but I do love Lisa Eldridge -she has such a timeless look that’s so inspiring. 

My nominees are…

Lush Looks Make up Artist                  Sense                                   Fashion and Cars

Beauty                                                Angelwonder                         Kelly Erika

and Northern Nancy                           Blog Beautuoso                     Mane Interest

Questions for my Nominees:

  1. Mac or Nars?Christina Drejenstam nail polish
  2. Mac or windows?
  3. Whats the first thing you do in your makeup routine?
  4. What’s your favorite makeup remover and technique?
  5. 3 things you could never live without?
  6. Which product is always in your handbag?
  7. Who do you take inspiration from?
  8. Why did you start your blog?
  9. What event are you most looking forward to later on this year?
  10. Heels or Trainers?
  11. Nike or Adidas?
  12. Nudes or colours?
  13. Whats your favorite treat?
  14. What is your favorite food?
  15. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Good luck to everyone and I look forward to reading your answers! Lots of love x

my top two foundations.

Finding the right foundation for your skin tone and type can be an absolute palaver. There are so many out there you have to consider whether you want a liquid or a mouse, light or full coverage, matte or dew finish and then you need to find the right colour- this is the part I struggled with for years.
foundation colour chart

Here are a couple of tips for finding the correct shade for your skin. Firstly decide what coverage you need, if you have dry or sensitive skin go for something light with natural ingredients also consider a dewy finish as this will be more moisturizing than a matte finish that could dry your skin out further. If you have “normal” skin then you have roam of what ever you like but I would recommend a light to medium coverage, anything too heavy with leave you looking caked and blotchy when it wears off.

foundationPicking the correct shade is the tricky part. When you go shopping for a new foundation I would say wear minimal to no make up so you can a clean base to work from. If you can I would recommend going somewhere like Selfridges or Debenhams or any department store where the staff are on hand and able to advise and test the products on your skin for you. If you are testing the foundation yourself then apply a small amount to the jaw line, this is the palest area of your face and if the foundation matches this area it will blend easily into your neck for a flawless finish.

I have fairly normal skin and prefer to wear a medium coverage matte foundation, my skin has a sandy beige under tone so I have found lots of foundations look too pink against my skin but now I have found my two favorites. Mac Studio Fix Fluid in shade NC15 and Revlon Colourstay in 180 sand beige. Both foundations have a similar consistency and apply really well to the skin with a foundation brush. Revlon Colourstay is a slightly deeper shade which is perfect for night or in the summer when I have a little more colour while Mac Studio Fix is the perfect shade for every day.

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These foundations may not be the right ones for you but they are defiantly worth a look. Let me know what your favorite foundation is by leaving a comment bellow.

Mac Studio Fix Fluid £21.50 http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/158/1231/Studio-Fix-Fluid-SPF-15/index.tmpl?77tadunit=fcb8c5d7&77tadvert=7634424279&77tkeyword=mac%20studio%20fix&77tentrytype=s&cm_mmc=google-_-search-_-brand-_-mac%20studio%20fix&gclid=Cj0KEQjwkIurBRDwoZfi1bGCxocBEiQAmcs-epnSWgx8bwa1z2Lt1-xExAw5Ln0IWG5LKOYe99B144QaAsy_8P8HAQ

Revlon Colourstay http://www.revlon.co.uk/Revlon-Home/Products/Face/Foundation/ColorStay-Makeup-with-SoftFlex-for-Combination-Oily-Skin.aspx

Tropical.

palm trees

With summer heating up nicely and our holiday coming ever closer. It’s time to talk bikinis. This summer its all about tropical prints- the bolder the better. They are garish but fun and are screaming out to be taken on a tropical beach holiday and I just can’t get enough.

fruit saladThese are my favorites on the high street: First up we have Tropical Fruit bikini- Tesco Clothing. Top: £8 Briefs: £6. You may be surprised but Tesco Clothing has really pulled out the sizzlers for their swimwear this year . This bikini is so much fun and not gonna break the bank, the bright warm colours really complement each other and the print is the perfect scale, another nice touch is the briefs come high waisted or regular so you can really get the fit you are after. This is such an amazing bikini and will look so good against your golden tan.
http://www.clothingattesco.com/swimwear/f+f-tropical-fruit-print-bandeau-bikini-top/invt/jo511348&bklist=icat,4,shop,catgwomens,womens-swimwear

See what I'm loving on Topshop for iOS

There we have moved to Topshop with this pastel floral bikini: £34 for the set it is a lot more pricey but the print is a little more subtle in mint green with pink flowers. The bikini is a classic shape with padded under wired cups and high waisted briefs. This bikini will look perfect on any skin tone but will work particularly on the first couple of days of holiday before your tan has set in.
http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/swimwear-beachwear-3163078/tropical-print-bikini-set-4326138?bi=1&ps=200

Next has also brought us some amazing swimwear this year. This swimsuit really stood out to me. Navy Floral swimsuit with frill: £25 I really like the low back paired with this neck line and the colour combination is stunning. http://www.next.co.uk/g2d64s4#976991g52

And finally -if only I had the money. This large palm print plunge swimsuit is £123 by Revolve Clothing but it is absolutely gorgeous and I am going to keep my eyes peeled for a similar high street copy. http://www.revolveclothing.com/beach-riot-stone_cold_fox-gally-cook-one-piece-in-palm-print/dp/BRIO-WX5/?aliasURL=beach-riot-stone_cold_fox-gally-cook-one-piece-in-palm-print/dp/BRIO-WX5&product=BRIO-WX5&hasCTL=false

You may be a little hesitant to brave such bold patterns but the bolder the better- as long as the print is busy it distracts the eye and can be more forgiving than a block colour piece and they are simply so much fun. For me the fruit salad bikini set from Tesco Clothing is an absolute must have and I will be ordering my set very soon.

If you want to keep an eye on my favorite summer essentials why not follow my summer Pintrest board.

Bream on the Barbie.

It’s been an absolutely glorious weekend here in London. When the weather is this nice what can you do but buy three crates of beer and whip out the BBQ. We invited some friends round yesterday and had the classic barbie: sausages, burgers, chicken and everything meaty and macho washed down with plenty of bottles of Bud. The food and company was perfect, that and the sun made it such a lovely Saturday in the garden.

bbqWe brought the cutest little BBQ from ASDA the other day- just in time for the lovely weather. It was only £10! and I 100% recommend it to anyone after a small and easy portable BBQ. It comes in a few different colours, we chose this little red number.It’s the classic round style with a lid on a small stand its perfect for anyone with a small outdoor space, for us it works particularly well in our split level garden.

Today with bellies still full after one too many burgers we decided to do a lighter, fresher BBQ. We whipped ourselves up some chili king prawns to start followed by Sea Bream stuffed with lemon and garlic butter rubbed in chili oil, served with grilled pak choi and tomatoes -Oh my god it was the most delicious thing I have every tasted and so proud we cooked it ourselves. I know some people are funny about fish especially if it still has a head but there is nothing to be scared of when it comes to cooking a whole fish. It’s moist and so so simply to cook.

Bream

Sea Bream is a delicious choice, at approximately £1.80 per fish its pretty cheap and a perfect substitute for the usual chicken and beef on the BBQ. Simply season and stuff with lemon butter and garlic and then grill over hot coals for 5-7 mins on each side until the skin is crispy and the flesh cooked through, rubbing butter on the inside will ensure for perfectly succulent flesh and a melt in the mouth butteriness. You can serve fish with so many things but here we went for a Thai feel and grilled sliced Pak Choi with cherry tomatoes- but you could easily have rice, salad or Mediterranean vegetables.

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It was absolutely delicious. We sat outside with a glass of wine by the warmth from the bbq enjoying the perfect end to our lovely weekend in the sun. I hope you too have had a great weekend. And lets hope the weather stays nice for more weekend BBQs to come.

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Small Red BBQ: ASDA http://m.direct.asda.com/george/george-home/portable-kettle-bbq-in-red-34cm/001679167,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M09G09C02S01

Greenwich Park.

The sun is shining. The sky’s are blue and we needed to get out the house so we raided the wardrobe for something summery, whipped out the shades and walked into Greenwich.

We grabbed some strawberries and juice from Sainsberies and picnic blanket in hand we went in search of the perfect picnic spot. It was such a nice afternoon sat just chilling in the March sun. It’s still a bit cold in the breeze but it gave us a taste of the summer sun to come. We sat eating our strawberries watching the world go by. There were so many doggies out on a walk, I saw two frenchies- I nearly melted. I had to run up for a cuddle. I want a frenchie so bad! Too cute.

Anyway back home now and going to chill before a few friends come round for some drinks.

Kim Kardashian Goes Blonde.

Kim blonde

So, what do we think?

It’s a bit Barbie and she couldn’t really get much more fake but you’ve got to give it to her, she still looks good.
She arrived at Paris Fashion Week in a beanie and has now revealed her new look. A long feathered bob in a striking platinum blonde, she appeared in a black velvet origami mini dress and her hair swept back off her face looking very “modern power women”.

Kim

It’s striking for Fashion Week but I can’t see it lasting, the maintenance is going to be extreme and how damaged must her hair be. I’m sure she will be back to her dark brunette soon.

Kim and K

Kim and Kanye are both dressed to impress in front row seats at the Balmain. They do like to coordinate their outfits and today they both opted for black velvet. Black on black is so dramatic that and Kim’s new hair makes for a striking entrance.
Check out my posts on Black Bags and Clutches- links below and feel free to leave a comment below, what’s your opinion on Kim’s new do?

https://katielouisaclarke.wordpress.com/2015/03/05/in-your-clutches/

https://katielouisaclarke.wordpress.com/2015/03/05/the-big-black-bag/

In Your Clutches.

To take you through into night, everyone needs a clutch for those few key essentials. You can’t go wrong with black. These are my favorites.

clutches

religion clutchOn the left we have a stunning angular clutch by Religion- this is from their Angular Range it is RRP £40 but it is currently £28 on ASOS. This bag is large and its striking shape makes it modern but the black keeps it minimal. I adore this bag, it looks stunning here paired with a wet look pencil skirt but equally it would amazing with a pair of suit trousers and stilettos.

The middle bag is a Matt & Nat Grab Clutch Bag with Zip Compartments, this eco friendly company has mastered ethically bag making. No animals are hurt or
mat and natharmed in the making of these products and their collection of bags make from up cycling and sustainable sources are at the forefront of the currents trends while echoing the hues and textures of nature. I love the grab design, it looks so clean cut. This bag is priced at £65 a little pricey but you are paying for piece of mind and modern design.

asos clutchThe final clutch on the right is so minimal and stunning- a simple fold over, all soft leather bag made by ASOS is priced at £28. I am a real fan of the simplicity of this bag, its more relaxed feel makes it perfect for a lunch date or drinks after work, dress it up or down.
Black leather is every girls staple. All these bags are available from ASOS. Happy shopping!

http://www.asos.com/women/bags-purses/cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=8730&via=top

The Big Black Bag.

The black bag is every girls staple. Its more wearable than the little black dress- the black bag can accompany anything from jeans and a T shirt on weekends to work to a night out. I just wanted to talk you through my favorites right now. With the black bag you need to consider what makes it different from other bags- think different textures something that breaks up the shape.

For everyday- Go Big. Think Tote, Shoppers, Box bags. Keep it black but consider contrasting leather with suede, gold or silver finishes and consider croc- a popular texture for the season.

best of big

From left to right. First we have River Island Suede and Leather Shopper bag £45. I love the croc suede, you don’t often see it, also the luggage tag adds a relaxed feel perfect for the weekend. Next along is Zip Top City Bag by ASOS £32- the all over crock makes it stylish and sophisticated, the gold finishes and boxy style make it perfect from the office. Next along is Pieces Tote bag in Contrast Black with Strap Detail £40, the perfect bag to wear on your shoulder suitable for any occasion and a good size for all your must haves. And finally Mango Hobo Bag £34.99- the most relaxed bag of them all but the slouchy nature is dressed up with the contrast black nylon with leather front pocket, perfect for Monday all the way through to Sunday.

black bags

For anyone living a busy life these bags are perfect. Keep everything you could ever need to get you through the day close at hand.

All these bags are available from ASOS.

http://www.asos.com/women/bags-purses/cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=8730&via=top