fashion

The writing’s on the wall.

I think a space doesn’t feel yours or feel homely until you have stuff on the walls. This could be anything from photos to a painting or a piece of art it can really bring a room together. If you don’t own much furniture hanging a piece on the wall can help fill a space which would other wise be bare and impersonal. Adding something with colour can bring a theme together or lift a space will lots of dark furniture.  In my eyes a space isn’t mine until I’ve hung something on the wall. But if like me your renting and banging nails into a pristine wall isn’t an option don’t you worry I will show you some great ideas.

4185caWkOWL._SX522_ (2)Command Brand Damage-free Hanging are an amazing damage free hanging system perfect for renters or anyone. Its an inexpensive sticky back velcro system. You stick them to the frame of a picture and stick them to the wall. You can then remove the picture easy and as many times as you like and put it back in exactly the same place by lining up the velcro and then to remove the strip completely from the wall you simply pull the sticky tab downwards and it comes straight off. It leaves no mark or residue on the wall and it’s the ideal system for hanging anything.

Another alternative is to rest frames against the wall either on the floor or on furniture or shelves. This creates a really minimal modern finish and it’s non damaging and a great way to display art.

display idea 1.jpg

Framed Quotes At the moment I am really loving framed quotes. I think they look super minimal, super classy and they are a great way to fill you mind with positivity and really make a space yours. I am in love with this piece I saw on Pintrest. It’s such a gorgeous print that would look so lovely in a hallway near the front door. 15250e2d6669d2d115c20f5a58182fcd

A framed quote is also a super easy DIY project you can do yourself. In word simply type out a quote, phase or anything you like. Chose a font and increase the font size until you are happy with the composition. Print and put in a frame. Homebase, B&Q, Matalan, Asda and more all sell cheap minimal frames that look great.

word x 36d2734eeafa9a02f162a07324b00142.jpg

Minimal Abstract Art When it comes to Art abstract is where I am drawn to. It’s the style I like to paint in myself and the types of pieces I like to have around me. Something that plays with texture and shape in a limited often muted palette. At the moment I absolutely adore dusty muted pinks and neutrals mixed in with blacks and whites.

abstract art.jpg

For more inspiration check out my Pintrest board.

What’s new to my makeup bag.

IMG_5283I wanted to share with you some new drug store products that have made it into my makeup bag. numbered

  1. Rimmel London Lasting Finish Primmer. £6.99. This primmer is nice and moisturising, it is a little on the thick side but it does provide a nice smooth base for your foundation and it also has a slight shimmer to it making it illuminating too.
  2. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in shade Light. £5.99. This concealer is really creamy goings on really well and blends out nicely with out drying out your under eyes.
  3. Revolution Baked Highlighter in Peach. £3.00. This is so gorgeous, I also have the Golden Lights shade but picked up Peach for a more rosy highlight. It is very pigmented and finely milled. It applies really well with a large fluffy brush and is pink without being too much perfect for my fair olive skin tone.
  4. La Cross Premier crease shadow blending brush. £2.49. I got this brush on Ebay, it is such high quality, super soft and fluffy while dense enough to make blending your crease shadows so easy.
  5. Max Factor Excess Shimmer in copper. £7.99. This is a creme high pigment shadow, its called copper although I would describe it as a rosey champagne, it has such a nice shimmer looks gorgeous swept across the whole lid or as a highlight on the inner corner.
  6. Sleep Makeup Divine Eye Palette in Au Naturel. £7.99. This is my absolute palette at the moment. I wear them during the day or night there’s such a good range and I have used every colour. The champagne shimmer in the top right is my favourite as well as the mauve matte brown, shimmer khaki and the shimmer deep plum. So pigmented and creamy they blend really well, stay put through out the day and when the shimmers are used with a damp brush they literally make your look.
  7. Revolution Ultra Bronzer. £3.00. This is a huge pan for the price, and a great build able cool matte bronzer which works for subtly warming up the complexion through to a full on contour. Great bronzer for fair skin.
  8. Maybelline Push Up Drama Mascara. £7.99. Oh My God! this is literally the best mascara ever. If you like slightly clumpy full lashes then this is amazing. It goes on so quick and instantly wow! and it lasts all day, doesn’t crumble and is flexible and comfortable on your lashes.
  9. Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in shade Vanilla. £9.99. I have tried other foundations but I just keep coming back to this one. I love hydrated dewy makeup at the moment and this is exactly that, it has a medium to high coverage and applies so nicely. I have the shade Vanilla 52 mixed in with Light Beige 53 depending how much colour I want. I also find these foundations to have yellow undertones, perfect for my olive skin. Other light foundations I have tried have been too rosey.
  10. Olay BB cream in fair. £9.99. I picked this one up the other day from Superdrug where Olay was buy one get one free. I got their complete lightweight day fluid and also picked up this bb cream as it was free. It is so hydrating and moisturising with a subtle hint of coverage. I like to use it on its own or under my foundation when I want a little extra coverage and hydration.

So these were my latest additions to my makeup bag and this below, is my makeup bag. I got it for Christmas its from RiverIsland and is quite large but its a perfect size for my everyday makeup and its just so pretty in Nude and rose gold leather.

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I am loving a super highlighted, dewy completion with a mauve and dark dusty pink smoky eye at the moment. I think I am trying to get into the spring session even if the weather isn’t ready to yet.

All of the products are available in Superdrug online or in store.

I also got my nails done today and for the first time in ages I have gone for a deep dusty pink. It’s OPI You Sustain me. When your fair and have dark eyes its hard to wear pinky pinks as they just don’t go with your skin tone but I would defiantly recommend trying a cooler pink such as a mauve shade or one with a brown tone to it.

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Heels in the Perfect Colour

asos black heels

I got these shoes back in December and they are my all time favourite. They are the classic barely there, strappy heels in black -they go with everything and they are surprisingly comfortable. They are from Newlook and the reason I like these so much is most Barely There Heels have the single ankle strap which on me doesn’t give my foot enough support and my feet are always sliding around making it impossible to walk. These on the other hand are strappy and elegant but with the sling back design it holds my foot comfortably in place. Also as a side note -because the strap in just below the ankle it elongates the leg giving the appearance of longer legs which is a must for me. h10-(2)

So I love these heels and have been looking for something similar in a muted nude but I couldn’t find what I was after. Then when I was looking through the Newlook sale I found the same shoe in silver. I tried them on and they were just as comfortable as my black ones but I really wasn’t a fan of the metallic silver finish but they were reduced down to £8 for I brought them.

I decided to get all creative and paint over the silver with a nude nail polish. This technique would be great to up cycle an old pair of shoes you don’t like the colour of or to revamp some faded or scuffed shoes.  I know it sounds bananas to paint a pair of shoes with nail polish but it worked for me. I used Rimmel London Salon pro in shade 128 Mistify Me.

close up assortiment
Using the brush applicator I applied to a thin layer over all of the silver of the shoe. I let it dry and then applied another layer. I then went back in to any areas where the colour wasn’t even. It used up the whole of the bottle but I am so pleased with the end result. They have a gloss finish and the snake skin texture shows through which I really like and for £8 plus the cost of the polish which I already had I can’t complain.

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I’m not saying this is the best thing to do to a new pair of shoes but these were reduced down so I didn’t mind and they have turned out exactly how I wanted.
This technique won’t work on suede or other matte fabrics and it is always a good idea to test to see if the polish holds in a hidden part of the shoe before to go in and possibly destroy them, also I would suggest only applying a light colour on to a light shoe, if you paint a black pair of shoes with a cream nail polish the colour may come out looking different to how it does in the bottle.

This can be a great way to breathe some new life into some old heels or help you match a pair of shoes with your favourite bag or outfit but like I said it is always a good idea to test it out first.
Has anyone ever painted a pair of shoes you didn’t like the colour of? Leave me a comment bellow 🙂

 

 

The best of ASOS Lingerie.

When it comes to shopping online ASOS is always the first stop for me. They stock so many brands from big names to more affordable fashion but I have noticed recently their own brand lingerie and night wear has really picked up this season. Here are my top picks for right now. Affordable glamour and luxury.

asos lingerie

Lingerie needs to be delicate -lace and satin is always a winning combination. Multi straps create new lines and shapes which are so on trend right now. These are my top 5, from left to right we have:

ASOS Eyelash Lace Marylin Caged Underwire Bra £20 with ASOS Eyelash Lace Marylin CagedBrazilian Pant £10 this is a girly classic, the black set is an absolute staple and this eyelash lace half cup is such a pretty shape.

ASOS Rebecca Cross Front Longline Bra £18 paired with ASOS Rebecca strappy thong £8 is a stunning addition to your lingerie it’s a more unusual golden khaki colour which would compliment glowing skin.

ASOS Brandy Lace High Leg Body £20 this little lace piece is gorgeously delicate and easy to wear.

ASOS Lace Risky Business Strappy Triangle Bra £20 with ASOS Lacey Risky Business Strappy Thong £10 this set is so elegant, burgundy is a sophisticated red, it’s soft cup and strap detailing would add a little effortless beauty to a casual look.

ASOS Plunge Wrap Bow Side Teddy £25 is literally to die for, on the website it is paired with an over sided mottled grey cardigan for complete effortlessness. This is my absolutely favourite must have right now. Delicate burgundy satin trimmed with black lace in a wrap around tidied in a bow.The cut of the piece is so right showing enough but still comfortable. The fine straps continue the elegance to a T. I would love to wake up on a saturday morning feeling all elegant in this Teddy.

Image 4 of ASOS Plunge Wrap Bow Side TeddyImage 2 of ASOS Plunge Wrap Bow Side Teddy

Asos also have 20% student discount right now so go treat yourself.

http://www.asos.com/Women/Lingerie-Nightwear/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=6046

Be a Savvy Shopper.

Making your money go further appeals to everyone, but sometimes a new pair of shoes here and a new dress there all adds up to more than you were expecting. Here are my top tips for saving you money…

Shopping online isn’t for everyone but I really think it has its perks. Online you can short the products low to high, compare similar items from different stores in browser tabs and view sale items refined to your size without the rummaging through a disorganised and messy clothes rail.

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An absolute must for me is to google a discount code for the site. There are lots of different websites and forums where people post discount codes for online stores and it is crazy how much you can save by simply finding a code.

http://www.vouchercodes.co.uk & https://www.vouchercloud.com   are a couple of sites that often have a valid code running. The other day I saved 25% with a code I found for Newlook just my simply googling “newlook discount code”.

If you are a student then I’m sure you already have UniDays, if not then why not… download it now! -It gives you discounts and deal at hundreds on high street retailers online and in store. If you are thinking of buying something online don’t forget to check for student discounts.

If you have found something you are considering ordering I think it is always a good idea to wait a couple of days; sites such as boohoo.com or missguided.com often have flash sales such as 20% of dress and so on. Keep checking a website for a few days as you could get lucky and get it cheaper. Same with free delivery. Delivery costs are often what put people off shopping online but free click & collect from store and free delivery codes make it hassle free and literally free to deliver products to your door or local store.

Check whether the store offer free returns. Asos, Boohoo, Newlook, riverisland, topshop, ect offer free returns with collect plus (you drop your return off at your local corner shops and they collect it from there, making it easier than ever to return unwanted packages) or free returns to store when you keep the invoice. This means you can order two sizes to ensure a good fit and simply and easily return the unwanted pieces.

Sign up for the newsletter. Sites often offer an introductory discount to people who sign up with their email. Sign up with a different email each time to get the code over and over.

Keep the tags on!! You often have 30 days to return something so keep the tags on until you wish to wear it just encase something better/ cheaper comes up somewhere else.

Be critical. Try something on at home. If it’s not right for you -return it, its silly to keep something and not wear it when you can simply return it for a full refund.

Know the market. Even if I am going shopping I like to look online first to get an idea of what they will have in store. This way I will be prepared and I can create aims to ensure I don’t buy unnecessary pieces.

I hope this will help everyone to find a good deal and save you money.

Check out my post on how to create the perfect wardrobe and put your money saving skills to the test. https://katielouisaclarke.wordpress.com/2015/09/07/the-perfect-wardrobe/

The Perfect Wearable Wardrobe.

The key to the perfect wardrobe is creating a succinct collection of versatile pieces you can mix and match to build any look for any occasion.

It all comes down to making considered purchases instead of buying everything you see or like -too much clutter only makes it harder to find something to wear.

It’s important to really know and understand your style and the look you are going for, so you can really know what to look out for when your shopping. This should help keep a theme running through your wardrobe allowing you to mix and match in so many more combination.

Next, have a sort out. The season has just changed so now is a perfect time to go through your clothes. If you haven’t worn it in ages, or you don’t think you’l wear it again then loose it -why do you need to keep something you never wear.

On the bottom: I think you need a classic pair of blue skinnys for the casual days a pair of black jeans to dress it up slightly and a pair of smart trousers. Also consider a couple of skirts, a simple mini skirt, a midi pencil and a button through A line skirt.

bottoms

On your feet I would say a pair of Nike Roshe runs, then a pair of Loafers, heeled boots and then the strappy heels/ stilettos will work with any outfit and take you from popping to the shops, to a lunch date, to night on the town.

shoes

On top the choices are more open but my advise is go for a selection of versatile pieces. Get a couple of camis, a sweater, a couple of long sleeve tops in different styles and a selection of vests and jumpers. Try to get a mix of different, lengths, sleeves, fabrics and colours. Try to avoid getting similar tops in the same colour.

tops

Dresses wise go for a fitted midi little black dress, this will work perfectly for any evening look then go for a couple of shift/ t shirt dresses that you can dress up or down with heels and a clutch or flats and a tote/shopper.

dresses

Accessories: Find a warm scarf that goes colour wise with everything a neutral colours works well such as grey, black or khaki works well for me, then find a large clutch for the nights and a tote/ shopper for the day. Then finally coats and jackets are really important, I would say invest is a smart coat shorter coat and a long warm wrap up coat,

acsessories and coat

Ta dah! that’s it.

Phew I know that seems like a lot and a bit complicated but I hope it helps. As you can see from my wardrobe I like simple shapes and minimal pieces. Tan, Khaki, denim and black are my autumn go to colours. I tend to stay away from patterns for some reason but create interest by mixing fabrics and textures so leather, croc, suede and patent which feature heavily throughout. All the pieces are very interchangeable and work from everyday casual to a night out.

Clothes featured can be found at Asos, Newlook, Pretty Little Thing, Missguided, H&M, Riverisland and Forever21.

For more details please leave me a question in the comments below.

Easily Suede.

The 70’s is back this autumn with a modern twist; new colours, new shapes, new textures but for me its the suede that needs to be the key piece in your wardrobe this season. Suede is such a luxorious fabric when to get it right, there are so many great pieces out there is it hard not to. My favourites are a draping suede jacket, the suede A line skirt and the suede shift dress.

For me it has to be the shift dress that steals the show, its so easy to wear day or night and so effortless. This little khaki suede number is from missguided £25 but the the clean shape, seam detail and side zips make it looks much more expensive. Pair it with some loafers and a camel coat or heels and a clutch for the perfect autumn look.

Newlook are killing the suede skirts. Go super 70’s with the button through mini skirt, add a modern twist with this leather and suede trim skirt or dress it up with this suede midi skirt starting at £12.99.

new look suede skirts

Or the suede jacket adds a touch of texture to your look with this tan suede waterfall jacket by Zara £49.99 or this sleeveless khaki waterfall duster for £25 from Boohoo.

Image 1 of FAUX SUEDE OVERSHIRT from Zara

https://www.missguided.co.uk/dresses/suede-dresses/suede-t-shirt-mini-dress-green

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/_/N-cm2?No=0&Nrpp=120&Ntt=suede+skirt&filtered=1

http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/jackets/faux-suede-overshirt-c269184p2773874.html

http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/new-in/emma-suedette-belted-blazer/invt/dzz97396

Do you love a bit of suede? What are your newest Suede purchases? leave it in the comments below.

suede lap shot

Wrap up Warm.

The weather has taken a turn for the worst and I feel this wet and windiness might be here for a little while.The good thing to remember about this change in the weather is it gives you a chance to change your wardrobe. You can bring out the coats and knits from last year and start considering some new pieces.

Here is my low down on the best coats this season.

For me it has to be Khaki or Camel. These two colours are so on trend this season, very autumnal and both go so well with any outfit. There are four main styles to look out for; the waterfall coat, the trench coat, the duster and the boyfriend jacket.

Here are my affordable favouites.

The khaki trench coat £39.99 Newlook

Newlook trent

This coat is so gorgeous, its a midium to light weight coat perfect to dress up or down.

Waterfall Camel Coat Missguided £30missguided waterful coat

This shape is very flattering and feminine and looks so nice undone and relaxed.

Suede Duster £50 in Chestnut Boohoo.com

boohoo suede duster

Suede is a key fabric for this autumn so why not really get your 70’s on with this maxi duster.

Khaki Boufriend Jacket Newlook £29

newlook boyfriend jacket

This coat is perfect for adding a more formal feel to you look day or night. It looks so good here over a leather skirt a ribbed high neck knit.

This season is all about textures; suedes, ribbed knits, cords, leather. pair a leather A line skirt with a ribbed sweater under a suede jacket and you are away.

All the links are below. Let me know what you think in the comments section.

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/khaki-drape-belted-trench-coat-_333499434

http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/new-in/boutique-bonded-suedette-duster/invt/azz01713

https://www.missguided.co.uk/clothing/category/coats-jackets/belted-waterfall-coat-camel-camel

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/khaki-textured-boyfriend-coat-_347282034

Marble details.

Take a look at my gorgeous new marble phone case. It’s so simple and minimal it works so well. I love marble accents -they work so well to break up a natural decor in the house and now my phone adds that perfect accent to my outfits too.

 It’s monochrome simplicity will go with anything so for me it makes the perfect case for my phone.

This case is by Gmyle and was a reasonable price at £5.99. I like how it looks against my iPhone 6 gold, it doesn’t cover the entire border of the phone so the gold shows through along the top, bottom and buttons on the sides. Really pretty and cute.  I love this so much I think I might need to add a few more marble pieces to my collection.

Outfit bargains.

I can always find a bargain in Outfit. Outfit is a department store that stocks Topshop, Miss Selfridges, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Topman and Burton and conveniently there is one just round the corner from me. I often find that the piece pieces that are often out of stock from the independent websites are still in stock in Outfit stores. Topshop in particular -I find dresses that are out of stock on their website but there in my size in Outfit. 

This makes sales even better, there are always loads of hidden gems that would be out of stock long before they make it to the sale. The other day I popped in for a browse and I came across this gorgeous ace bralet. it was the only one on the shelf in a mix match of random things -it was marked down to £10 from £20 and being the only one and in my size I thought it must have been fate and I couldn’t help but buy it. 

When it came to paying for it, it rang through the till at £3!! That’s £3 marked down from £20. It was my lucky day, I couldn’t believe it, a gorgeous Topshop black eyelash lace, soft, underwire bra just £3. I felt so pleased with myself. 

Outfit is the best store for the most amazing sale stuff. And if a piece from Topshop, Miss Selfridges or Dorothy Perkins is out of stock on their websites, Outfit might just save your day and still have it in your size.

Unpadded bras might not be for everyone but they are so on trend right now, they work perfectly peering through a baggy tshirt or vest and are so cute and super feminine.

Check out my Pintrest board of my favourites.