fashion

Rich and Earthy.

I can’t quite describe my excitement over this seasons colour palette. Earthy tones are sweeping the streets and all the stores are stocking that rusty orange, easy khaki and soft tans to welcome in the autumn season. They are such gorgeous colours- so rich and warm they go perfectly against your summer skin.

natural

These colours are so easy to wear and look so effortless and chic on any skin tone. I am in love. Remember to also think textures, in these street snaps above we have a satin draping cami dress, suede A line dress and a ribbed bodycon racer back dress. So elegant, simple and bang on trend.

Work shoes.

You may have read in previous posts or seen on my Instagram https://instagram.com/katie_clarke94/ I have a new job; as a cover corporate receptionist, I travel around London filling in for leave and sickness at the large office buildings around London. I have to be well dressed and professional, in a black pencil skirt, jacket and blouse with a pearl necklace and earrings. The uniform is provided but I have to supply my own shoes. You don’t want to know how long I was looking and how many pairs of shoes I ordered and sent back until I found the right ones.

If you’re anything like me I wanted a comfortable pair of relatively high heels in black leather. Sounds standard but it was really hard to find what I was after. Turned out Newlook is the place to go for the widest range of shoes suitable for the office.

Here are my top three. Number one: Black Comfort Leather Platform Courts by Newlook originally £34.99 but reduced to £14 in the sale. The shoe is very comfortable with a padded sole, they fit true to size and being genuine leather they will soften and mold to your foot. The shoe has a rounded toe, small platform and an 11cm heel giving them a classic and sophisticated look.

Comfort courts

http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/black-comfort-leather-platform-court-shoes-_330611401

For the wider foot Newlook has come out on top again with their Wide Fit Black Court Shoes now £10 in the sale!! These shoes are perfect if you have a broader foot they again come with a rounded toe and discrete platform with a 10cm heel and have a elegant finish.

wide fit courts

http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-wide-fit/wide-fit-black-court-shoes-_342919401

Finally if you are tall or you really struggle in heels and are looking for a lower pair, why not consider these Black Comfort Leather Pointed court shoes again currently in the sale at £12 these have a lower 8cm heel in a soft leather again with a padded sole.

pointed courts

http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/black-comfort-leather-pointed-court-shoes-_330585701

So there we go Newlook has turned out on top when it comes to formal shoes for work. Obviously there are other places that sell black courts but I didn’t like the styles or shapes and they were no where near the price of these ones from Newlook especially as they are currently all in the sale. Happy shopping everyone.

Men in Sandals.

Men’s summer footwear can be slightly limiting. Most guys stick to their trainers and I am defiantly not saying there is nothing wrong with a good pair of chino shorts, white T, sunnies and a crisp pair of white converse or relaxed boat shoes. But when you are away on holiday and the weather is just too hot for shoes you have to turn to something lighter. So what are your options?

Fip flops- the classic beach shoe, really comfy and relaxed perfect for a warm day of doing nothing.

But what if you need something a little more sturdy but still light and airy. My solution; Birkenstocks. They are such a classic summer essential and round any outfit off. No blisters between your toes from flip flops, and a more supported sole an they are so durable being leather and cork. I know they ain’t every guys cup of tea but I think they’re great. You should defiantly give them a chance especially if flip flops are sore on your toes.

birks

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.

image

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

image

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

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.

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

ck in2u.

It’s hard to find a new fragrance. There are so many out there and when you go to try them out you end up with a thousand smells sprayed up each arm in a cloud clashing fragrance that make you dizzy. I’ve decided I am not much of a fan of floral smells, I find them almost bitter and some put my teeth on edge. I also don’t like musky based smells as I find them too strong and lingering. How ever I did really like Lady Million for a while, it has a sweet but not to sickly smell that you can wear day or night. My Lady Million was running out, I wanted to find a new fragrance but didn’t know where to start.

My boyfriend Zac started wearing Calvin Klein in2u soon as I smelt it- I loved it. It has a sweet manly fresh smell, when Zac wears it, it makes me melt at the knees. Mmmm it’s good. I think I also like it so much because to me it’s Zac’s smell, the smell he wears when he’s all dressed up.

A popular fragrance for young men, Calvin Klein In2U Him Eau de Toilette is a masculine and fresh fragrance which is perfect for evening use. On trend and distinctive, Calvin Klein In2U Him is a combination of Lemon and Tomato Leaf top notes, heart notes of Cacao Pod and base notes of Vetiver, Cedar and White Musk. Calvin Klein In2U Him features a stylish glass bottle which makes it an essential fragrance for any young man looking to make a fashion statement.

I then thought I should try the ck in2u for her- then we could have the matching couples fragrance. I tried it and fell in love with it, its sweet but clean and fresh. I like the vanilla under tones mixed with the pink grapefruit, it’s such an easy sent to wear.

Described as a fresh and floral scent which opens with fresh pink grapefruit and sugar orchid, Calvin Klein In2u expresses the freedom of the new age and the possibilities available to the youth of today. The base notes feature amber, red cedar and vanilla, making it a perfect concoction for the modern day woman. Housed in an urban style bottle with an attractive and minimalist design, Clavin Klein In2U is deliciously floral and is a signature scent not to be missed.

Ck in2u pair

The ck in2u range has been around for quite a few years now, Calvin Klein have brought out ck in2u Heat for Him and Her as well as a Pop range- I haven’t tried them out but I will. I have been using their original line for about 2 years and I can see myself continuing to use it for the foreseeable future. The fact it’s been around for a little while also means its often on offer or reduced in price, I picked up a 150ml bottle of for Her for £19.99 I think it is RRP is £50. It is available at most fragrance retailers and department stores.