Amy Antoinette - Beauty Blog

Summer Essentials

2012-05-31T16:07:00.000+01:00

When summer rolls around, there are a few items which I'm always sure to turn to when the sun starts shining...

1. It's nice to have a special summer bag on holidays, which is big enough to carry around my little essentials and take to the beach. This patent and straw bag from Ted Baker is so pretty and would look fabulous with a cute summer outfit!

2. I love pastel and nude shades for my nails during the summer. Paired with a tan, it looks effortlessly chic and pretty. I'm keen to get my hands on Essie Fiji for the perfect neutral nails, and now the brand is being stocked in Boots, I'm sure I'll be tempted by some other shades too!

3. My sunglasses collection is steadily growing. As well as my much loved Oscar de la Renta sunglasses (which were a bargain from TK Maxx), and a whole host of cheap sunnies from Primark and Dorothy Perkins, I'm now the proud owner of some chic RayBans which were a lovely Christmas present.

4. Shorts can be dressed up or down, so you can never have too many pairs! This pair from Topshop caught my eye with its cute print in ice cream colours.

5. A soft, summery scent is a handbag essential. I love Marc Jacobs perfume from House of Fraser, with Lola and Daisy Eau so Fresh being two of my favourites.

6. I'm a big fan of flat sandals (so much so I wrote a summer sandals post last year!) Not only are they comfortable and trendy, they can be worn anywhere: shopping, to the beach or out on the town. I love these nude studded gladiator sandals from Topshop, I think a purchase may be in order!

Glossybox - The Birthday Box

2012-05-30T17:29:00.000+01:00

In celebration of their first birthday, Glossybox has released their birthday box, including all the usual goodies plus a little compact mirror and balloon! I love the tissue paper in this addition, I've saved it and shall try and think of a nice way to use it again as its too lovely to throw away!

Included in the box:

Noble Isle Summer Rising Bath & Shower Gel

From Noble Isle, a new British bath and body brand, this shower gel is suitably decadent and luxurious to use. The smell makes me think of tanned skin, sun and holidays!

Weleda Face Cream/Body Milk

Weleda products only contain natural ingredients, which is always a good thing. However, I'm unsure as to whether it's the face cream or body milk I received as the print on the box appears to be German, and despite my grade A at GCSE, I can't translate it! Nevertheless, it has a fresh rose scent and promises to restore health and maintain wellbeing so I'll be giving it a try.

Lolita Lempicka L'Eau en Blanc & Si Lolita

Perfume samples can be a bit hit or miss in beauty boxes, but I love both of these. Described as a feminine world where Parisian chic meets fantasy fairy tale, these scents are soft and powdery, and I'm tempted to take a look at the full size bottles.

Uniqone All-in-One Hair Treatment

This leave-in spray mask claims to do a multitude of wonderful things for hair - including act as a heat protectant, control frizz, detangle knots, prevent split ends and add body. I'm keen to put this to the test; if it works, this will be something of a do-it-all wonder product!

Let's Go Lashes

False lashes in a beauty box always get a warm reception from me. This particular pair are fluttery and dramatic - perfect for a night out!

Glossybox costs £10 per month plus £2.95 P&P

*PR Sample

Fifi Lapin iPhone Case

2012-05-29T15:00:00.000+01:00

One of the many perks of owning an iPhone is how easy it is to change the look, simply by alternating the case. Yet I've found finding a design I like is harder than I thought. The internet is full of blingtastic cases and cutesy teddy bear designs, and although eye catching, they're not to my personal taste. So when I was contacted by Iconemesis, who collaborate with artists to create beautiful iPhone cases, I was delighted to find they offer a range of attractive and subtle designs - no bling to be found! I picked out the gorgeous iPhone case above which features the fashionable Fifi Lapin. I love the duck egg background with the soft pastel polka dots, and what's not to I've about a rabbit dressed as a teacup?! Priced at £24, it is on the steep side, but the quality testifies to the cost, as the case is constructed from a sturdy, resilient plastic, unlike the malleable silicone of my other iPhone cases. The effect is sleek and sophisticated and I absolutely love it!

The Fifi Lapin iPhone Case is priced at £24 and is available to buy from Iconemesis

Life in Instagram - Summer Loving

2012-05-28T13:06:00.000+01:00

The glorious weather we've all been enjoying lately has meant I've finally cast my coat and scarf aside in favour of all the summery clothes which have been hiding in my wardrobe. I bought this peachy nude maxi skirt a while ago, back when we were still in the depths of winter but spring stock had already been launched. Five months later, I finally got to wear it! I chose it from the tall section and the length is floor-skimmingly perfect for my long legs. Although sheer, it's not transparent so luckily no worries there! This sunny weather has also meant I've been able to wear my white jeans again. I bought this pair around five years ago from Topshop and they're still good as new. I paired them with a beautiful lilac-blue vest top from Topshop and felt super summery!

Now the weather has perked up, Matt and I have been going out in the evenings more often. Dinner in a lovely restaurant followed by cocktails can't be beaten! I wore this black wrap dress from ASOS which I bought recently. I love the rose gold sequinned cuffs! I paired it with a patent black belt from Primark and studded suede platforms from New Look. As my legs hadn't seen the light of day for the best part of a year, I reached for Sally Hanson Airbursh Legs, a product I can't praise enough. Whenever the weather is unexpectedly lovely and I need a quick and easy solution for my pasty pins, I always reach for this, and it delivers sunkissed skin in an instant. I've heard amazing things about the Laura Mercier blushes so I can't wait to try it!

Matt spent last week in America on a business trip so I asked him to do a spot of shopping and he brought back some goodies I was coveting - some Bath & Body Works candles and hand sanitizers, a Hollister hoody and a Laura Mercier blush in Peach Whisper. The Frosted Cupcake candle smells good enough to eat!

Earlier this week I enjoyed a cinnamon pretzel from Auntie Anne's - it may be the best thing I have ever tasted. Then, whilst browsing the various stalls which had been set up in Nottingham this weekend, we came across this huge paella grill, doesn't it look delicious?! Matt and I then spent Sunday having a picnic in the park, putting our new picnic basket from Home Sense to good use! Followed by a Fab, it was the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon.

After enjoying lots of fabulous food this weekend, we are going to make a concerted effort to eat more healthily. We've planned to eat only salads this week in a bid to shed some weight in preparation for our holiday this year (which we still have not booked!) I'm also saying goodbye to my ombre hair this week and returning to brunette. I've enjoyed the blonde but I do miss my old hair colour. I've also got plans to get a fringe cut in - Cheryl Cole style!

Nails Inc Peach Sorbet

2012-05-22T17:30:00.000+01:00

Peach Sorbet is one of three gorgeous pastel shades being offered in this months InStyle magazine. Worth a whopping £11, but on sale with the magazine for just £3.80, I'm tempted to buy two more copies of InStyle magazine just to secure the other limited edition shades. This is such a pretty shade for summer, and although I own quite a few peachy ice cream shades already, this is by far my favourite. Perfect for pairing with pretty dresses and tanned toes!

Have you bought a copy of InStyle for a free Nails Inc polish? Which shade did you go for?

White Rabbit Teahouse

2012-05-21T17:00:00.000+01:00

Matt and I recently spent the afternoon in the White Rabbit Teahouse - a little haven located down a quiet side street, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of central Nottingham. If I owned a teashop, this is what it would look like - a pretty little place filled with bunting, vintage china and shabby chic decor. I love the little bench that sits at the front of the window The teahouse is small which creates a friendly, intimate ambiance, and it's the perfect retreat for resting tired feet and recuperating after a day filled with shopping.

There are all sorts of quaint delights on offer - a range of cakes and scones adorn the cake stands inside, whilst there's a selection of sandwiches and paninis to choose from if you fancy something savoury. I opted for a pot of chamomile, honey and vanilla tea to accompany my scone with clotted cream and jam, and it was just as delicious as it looks! The White Rabbit is such a charming teahouse, we'll certainly be returning here for more afternoon tea.

For my outfit, I thought I'd embrace the pastel trend, pairing my pink Primark blazer with a super soft mint green t-shirt from ASOS and accessorising with my Michael Kors watch and Cinderela B Luxe Neon Bracelet. My iPhone tells me there's sun on it's way this week (at last!) so I'll be making the most of it and wearing all the pretty, summery clothes I've acquired and not yet had chance to wear!

Vintage Love Eau De Toilette

2012-05-17T16:30:00.000+01:00

As you may know if you've read about my perfume collection or browsed my fragrance posts, I'm partial to ultra feminine scents, which are beautifully packaged and a delight to behold. I was recently browsing the online beauty section at Marks & Spencer when I came across Vintage Love Eau de Toilette. As soon as I saw it, I knew I would buy it for the bottle alone, as it reminded me a little of me of the beautiful limited edition Viktor & Rolf Tutu. After spotting the price (just £12 for 100ml) and reading the glowing reviews, I didn't need anymore convincing, and popped it in my virtual shopping basket without even having smelled it myself. I wasn't disappointed when it arrived. The bottle is the epitome of retro glamour and romance with the delicate pink ribbed glass bottle and chiffon flower. The scent is a heady blend of osmanthus and orange blossom, settling into a lovely wood and musk fragrance which lingers on the skin. I think you can guess where the latest edition to my perfume collection will be homed. That's right - on my dressing table!

Vintage Love EDT is priced at £12 for 100ml and is available to buy from Marks & Spencer

Weekday Wish List

2012-05-16T16:39:00.000+01:00

1. Glamorous have all sorts of gorgeous, girly items but this lovely rose gold sequin dress would be the perfect party dress!

2. This nude and gold envelope clutch from ASOS is just what I've been looking for. Stylish and pretty, but big enough to fit all my essentials in it!

3. I can't get enough of chunky chain jewellery at the moment. I may have to invest in this necklace from Topshop to compliment my Cinderela B Luxe Neon bracelet.

4. I love the retro inspired peplum trend. This black peplum top from Lavish Alice would look amazing paired with American Apparel disco pants and super high heels.

5. Although I already own a pretty makeup bag, I spotted this nude and cream bag online at Zara and I'm tempted to use it as my summer makeup bag!

6. Besides my engagement and wedding ring, I'm not much of a ring wearer, but I love this double link ring from Topshop.

7. These cute pastel pumps from Topshop are perfect for pairing with pretty dresses this summer!

Cinderela B Luxe Neon Bracelet

2012-05-14T16:48:00.000+01:00

I recently received a lovely email from the girls at Cinderela B, a luxury jewellery label where each piece is lovingly handmade in their Spitalfields showroom. I was offered the chance to select an item, and after I'd had a browse of their beautiful collection, I picked out the Mother of Pearl Luxe Neon Bracelet. I've been looking for chain detail jewellery for some time now, so I was over the moon to find this bracelet. Half gold chain, half mother of pearl beads, this bracelet is the perfect balance between delicate and chunky. I've been wearing it daily since it arrived, paired with my Michael Kors watch. If only it was available as a necklace too! There are so many other gorgeous items on the website, I currently have my eye on the Glitterati Snake Chain Necklace - I just can't seem to get enough of chain jewellery at the moment!

The Mother of Pearl Luxe Neon Bracelet is priced at £22 and is available to buy from Cinderela B

American Style Fluffy Pancakes

2012-05-13T10:39:00.000+01:00

After experiencing American Style Pancakes for the first time when Matt and I ate at The Diner, we were keen to try making them ourselves. They are so incredibly easy to make, and they're so scrumptious, I can't see myself going back to traditional pancakes anytime soon! The recipe below serves 2, making about four pancakes. Although it doesn't sound like much, these pancakes are very filling and as much as I'd like to, I don't think I could eat more than two in one sitting! Alternatively, double the quantities and store the excess batter in the fridge so we you enjoy them again later in the week without all the mess!

Ingredients
135g plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp caster sugar

130ml milk

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 tbsp melted butter (slightly cooled)

Method

1. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and caster sugar into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the milk and egg together, then add the melted butter.

2. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and beat with a fork until you have a smooth batter, then let it stand for a few minutes.

3. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and add a little bit of butter. Once melted, add a ladle of batter and wait until the top of the pancake begins to bubble, then turn it over and cook until both sides are golden brown. The pancake should rise to about 1cm in thickness.

4. Keep going until all the batter is used up, and pop the pancakes in a low oven to keep them warm.

5. Serve with lashings of maple syrup and extra butter if you like. American style pancakes are also tasty topped with blueberries, icing sugar, and ice cream - whatever tickles your fancy!

Looking Stylish at Work

2012-05-10T05:30:00.000+01:00

When the latest trends include sheer, flesh-revealing fabrics and bright block colours, it can be hard to look professional and stylish at the same time. If you’re looking to revamp your office wardrobe then here’s how to get it right...

Keep it simple: You don’t want to have to refresh your work wardrobe every season as the fashions change, so instead of following the latest designer whims, go for a classic look. A simple dress with a good cut is the ideal blank canvas which you can then spice up with on-trend accessories - there's a gorgeous choice of work appropriate dresses at Dorothy Perkins.

It’s all in the accessories: When you’re required to look smart for work in a sober-coloured suit and blouse there’s not much room for the latest trends – but your accessories are one area where you can add a touch of style. Go for subtle but on trend – a rose gold watch; a set of gold bangles; a necklace that channels the spring/summer gaucho look. Small touches can transform an outfit from run-of-the-mill to super stylish.

Hair and makeup: No look is complete without these finishing touches. For work, a well-groomed style such as this season’s sleek ponytail will give you gorgeous hair, which will look perfect finished off with a nude lipstick such as MAC Hue and a long lasting, matte base.

How do you stay looking stylish at work?

Glossybox - The Natural Box

2012-05-08T17:30:00.000+01:00

This month Glossy Box have released 'The Natural' Box' in celebration of Earth month. To support the brands who help the environment, the box contains a range of goodies with natural packaging and ingredients - even the box is 100% biodegradable! I love the rustic look of this month's box, and the products inside certainly didn't disappoint.

Included in the box:

Caudalie Thirst-Quenching Serum

I was intrigued to try something from the much raved about Caudalie brand. This serum instantly hydrates skin, leaving it soft and smooth. A great base for makeup too.

Inika Cosmetics Organic Eyeliner

My box included the shade Sapphire, a beautiful midnight blue. This is one of the best eyeliners I've ever tried - soft, creamy and it glides on to eyes effortlessly. I love it!

Monu Enriched Body Cream

This is rich, indulgent cream, This beautifully fragranced Body Cream is luxuriously rich and indulgent. It has a refreshingly zesty lemon scent and leaves my skin ultra smooth.

Figs & Rouge Lip Balm

I love Figs & Rouge balms, not only is the retro tin lovely, the balms are the perfect size for popping in your makeup bag and applying on the go.

Philip B Drop Dead Straightening Balm

I'm currently trying to give my hair a rest from heat, but I've noticed that left to dry naturally, it's quite wavy, so this Straightening Balm has arrived at the perfect time!

What do you think of this special edition box?

Glossybox costs £10 per month plus £2.95 P&P

*PR Sample

La Maison de Senteurs Gardenia Rose Scented Candle

2012-05-07T17:30:00.000+01:00

As much as I love the likes of more expensive scented candles such as Lily Flame, Neom and Yankee Candle, collecting candles can become an expensive hobby so I was on the hunt for cheaper alternatives. I came across the prettily packaged Marks & Spencer's La Maison de Senteurs Scented Candles, with a variety of scents on offer and priced at just £5.00. I chose Gardenia Rose, and I'm happy to report that despite the affordable price, our bedroom was filled with the soft scent of roses - prefect for unwinding with a good book at the end of the day! They're currently on offer - buy one get one half price, so I'll be using this as an excuse to buy some more!

La Maison de Senteurs Scented Candles are priced at £5.00 and are available to buy from Marks & Spencer

Weekend Wish List

2012-05-06T16:00:00.000+01:00

1. I'm loving soft, slouchy t-shirts at the moment, so this Dorothy Perkins tee in soft shades of pink and grey instantly caught my eye. I think it'd look lovely paired with white jeans or denim shorts when the weather cheers up.

2. My gold Michael Kors Watch has received much love and adoration over the last few years, so I'm thinking of adding to my collection with this white and rose gold version. I'm a fan of anything rose gold, and paired with the white I think it would be the perfect accessory for summer. My only concern is that the white rubber would get grubby. Can you clean a rubber watch?!

3. Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector is my absolute favourite lipgloss - not only does it have a delicious scent, it gives lips a beautiful sheen. I've almost come to the end of my Apricot Shimmer, so I'll be re-purchasing soon. What shade should I go for next? Rose or Nude Shimmer?

4. As much as I love these chunky Zara Wedges, (and they'd look perfect with the t-shirt above) I think they will remain something I'll admire from afar as they're super high and I expect they'd make my legs look like twigs!

5. A few months I began saving for a new bag - I was thinking of something along the lines of a Miu Miu Bow Bag or a Balenciaga Giant City. I've long since surpassed the amount needed to buy one, yet for some reason I haven't made the purchase. Whilst battling with the should I/shouldn't I debate, another spanner was thrown in the works when I spotted this beautiful blush pink Prada Tote whilst browsing in Selfridges. What to do?!

What are you currently lusting over?

YSL La Laque Couture Rose Futuriste

2012-05-03T17:30:00.000+01:00

YSL La Lacque Couture Nail Lacquer in Rose Futuriste is the ultimate Barbie pink nail polish, giving nails a playful and fun finish which is the perfect pick-me-up in this dull weather. I've been so impressed with the YSL La Lacque Couture Nail Lacquer. They are pricey, but I can see how the cost is justified. Rose Futuriste is an intense and vivid shade, so much so I only needed one coat for an opaque finish. My nails dried in under a minute, and despite not using a top coat, my nails remained ultra glossy and with no chipping until I decided to change the shade around five days after application. A welcome change from the usual polishes I use where chips appear within a day no matter how much top coat I use!

YSL La Laque Couture Nail Lacquer is priced at £18 and is available to buy from Boots, Debenhams and House of Fraser

Accessorising your Swimwear

2012-04-27T16:04:00.000+01:00

It isn’t enough anymore simply to choose a chic swimsuit and leave it at that. You only have to take a glance at the pages of the spring/summer fashion magazines to realise that designers, models and celebrities are all going the extra fashion mile by adding accessories to their swimwear. Here’s how you can work the trend at home and abroad...

Helene Berman Fedora £45 - New Look Kelly Brook Floral Swimsuit £28 - Miss Selfridge Grey Ruched Maxi £35 - MaxMara Studio Skinny Belt £85 - Wallis Stripe Beach Shopper £28

Choose a good base: Don’t try to glam up an old swimsuit by adding accessories – a fashionable look relies on swimwear that channels the current trends. Swimsuits with cutaway sections and block colour panels are a good choice for this season, as are bright tribal patterns or feminine florals. Next does a great selection of swimwear, including a range by Geri halliwell, that follows where the runway leads and won’t leave you out of pocket.

Cinch in that waist: One of the biggest swimwear looks for this season is belted swimsuits. You don’t have to be a perfect hourglass to pull it off either – wider belts will cover any unsightly bumps and bulges and even help to disguise a not-quite-perfect stomach. Make sure the colour and style of your belt matches your swimwear, though – you don’t want to end up looking like you’re wearing a lifebelt! You’ll find inspiration at Swimweartrends.com.

Wear a hat: Not only will a wide-brimmed hat help protect you from the sun, it will also make sure that you look up-to-the-minute. A feminine fedora in felt is a perfect choice – team it with big sunglasses or a pair of this season’s vintage sunnies to complete the look.

Add a maxi dress: This season’s maxi dresses come in floaty, summery materials that look great by the pool and can be thrown on over a swimsuit for an instant cover-up. Choose a sheer, neutrally-coloured material that shows off the swimwear you’re wearing underneath. Chiffon and organza are both great choices, but synthetic equivalents will work just as well. On-trend additions to look out for when choosing a maxi dress include subtle floral prints and lace details.

Take a beach bag: A regular handbag simply won’t work at the beach or by the pool, so it's best to invest in a holiday bag to carry your sunscreen and other summer essentials. Marine patterns and motifs are hot this season, and you’ll find a number of styles on the high street which mirror this trend.

The Body Shop 40% Off Discount Code!

2012-04-27T11:02:00.000+01:00

The Body Shop is back with another amazing offer! They're offering 40% off online purchases with the discount code 4040VC. Back in January I took full advantage of the amazing discount on Body Butters, and stocked up on enough to last me for the next year, but 40% off is just too tempting to resist! The code expires on Monday 30th April so I may have a browse over the weekend and select some goodies! Will you be taking advantage of this offer? Any recommendations on which products to buy?

Just enter the code 4040VC at checkout for 40% off The Body Shop products!

Biscuiteers Cupcake Mini Collection Tin

2012-04-25T17:30:00.000+01:00

Aren't these biscuits just the loveliest creations? Not only is the tin exquisite with the pastel pink design and hand draw illustrations, the dainty little biscuits tucked away inside are delectable and almost look too pretty to eat! These sweet treats are from Biscuiteers, a site which offers a range of baked goods - ranging from biscuits to sweets and chocolates. The Cupcake Mini Collection caught my eye as I can't resist anything which is pretty and pink! Containing 9 perfectly baked and decorated handmade biscuits, these tins are the perfect gift, either for a loved one or as a treat for yourself. And they taste just as lovely as they look!

The Biscuiteers Cupcake Mini Tin is available to buy from www.biscuiteers.com

Neom Inspiration Organic Reed Diffuser

2012-04-24T17:45:00.000+01:00

I've recently been enjoying experimenting with the world of home fragrance, finally utilising all the scented candles I'd collected over the years but for some reason had never used (truth be told I think I bought them simply because they looked pretty). Although scented candles are lovely, they only release their fabulous fragrance when lit, which means they're something of an evening only indulgence. But wanting our home to smell fresh and fragrant all day long, I was looking for alternatives, and Reed Diffusers were the perfect solution. Once popped into the oil, the natural reed sticks absorb and gradually diffuse the scent into your home. Neom Inspiration Organic Reed Diffuser combines Violet, Chamomile and Cedarwood in a beautiful glass bottle to create a luxurious and indulgent home fragrance. There's nothing like getting home after a long day and being greeted with a soft scent to help you relax! Which are your favourite home fragrances?

Neom Inspiration Organic Reed Diffuser has an RRP of £32 and is available to buy from John Lewis and Selfridges

Life in Instagram - Shabby Chic Interiors Edition

2012-04-23T13:37:00.000+01:00

1) Shabby chic shed door 2) Shabby chic loveliness 3) Spring blooms 4) A sweet little bird box 5) Shabby chic coffee table book 6) Laura Ashley clock 7) Lily Flame Blush Scented Candle 8) Shabby chic gardening set 9) Fresh flowers 10) Shabby Chic Kitchen 11) Vintage Love EDT 12) Orly Prelude to a Kiss Nail Polish

Follow me on Instagram - amyantoinette

Beauty Blog Link Love

2012-04-22T17:49:00.002+01:00

Check out these "Lust, Caution" inspired custom OCC Lip Tar mixes on My Funny Valentine, packaged with a lip brush applicator!

Phyrra does a wearable bright pink video tutorial with BftE Cosmetics.

A product that applies like a gloss, wears like a stain, and pH-adjusts like a grade school chemistry experiment is too good to be true - right? Find out if it is (or isn't) on theNotice.

Is OPI Just Spotted the Lizard really a dupe fore Chanel Peridot? Read polish insomniac's post to find out!

Prime Beauty tests out Laura Mercier's Limited Edition Belle Nouveau, a "new beautiful" diversion from the neons so popular this spring.

How do the Sleek Eau La La Eyeliners hold up against other famous brands, like Urban Decay and MUFE? Musicalhouses puts them to the test, and pits them against each other!

Ever undertaken a seemingly hopeless hunt for that elusive limited edition product that you just had to have? Lydia proves that good things come to those who wait after finding Guerlain's Cruel Gardenia Meteorites Illuminator.

Tracy at Beauty Reflections finally has Mediterranean light every day thanks to Guerlain Meteorites Perles d'Azur by Emilio Pucci!

Take a look at BUXOM's new Color Choreography Eye Shadow in Tango over at Makeup, Beauty and More.

If there's anything better than new Dior lipstick, it would be new Dior lipstick and nail polish! Join Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed in admiring the beauty of the new Dior Addict Extreme Lipsticks and Colour Blocked polishes!

---

Want to update your hair colour this spring? Miss Beauty Nerd is giving away two Nutrisse Mousse Nourishing Colour Foams for wannabe redheads and blondes!

Schwarzkopf got2b play it straight

2012-04-20T16:00:00.051+01:00

If you struggle with frizzy, wild or out of control hair, Play It Straight - the first straightening blow dry kit from got2b - could be the perfect solution. The semi-permanent solution tames tresses in two simple smoothing and sealing steps, leaving you with sleek, straight hair that will last up to 10 washes. The formula contains a special protein which helps loosen the bonds that make hair unmanageable, with added keratin, silk and wheat proteins to care for and condition your hair. Sounds to me like the cheaper alternative to the Brazilian Blow Dry!

Schwarzkopf got2b play it straight is priced at £6.00 RRP and is available now from Boots, Superdrug, Amazon, Asda and Savers

*Sponsored post

La Maison de Senteurs Orange Hand Wash & Lotion

2012-04-18T17:02:00.000+01:00

Having pretty soaps, hand washes and lotions is one of life's little pleasures, so as soon as I spotted this lovely glass bottle hand wash and lotion set from Marks & Spencer, I knew it would be perfect for our shabby chic style bathroom. From the La Maison De Senteurs range which offers a range of soft scents, I chose Fleur d'Orangia - a delectable combination of sweet orange and petitgrain which leaves hands smelling fresh and feeling super soft. The packaging gives the products a luxurious touch, and the yet the price is a very reasonable £5.00 per bottle. I also couldn't resist treating myself to some other lovely products from the range which I shall be reviewing soon! Which are your favourite hand washes?

La Maison De Senteurs Orange Hand Wash and Lotion are priced at £5.00 each and are available to buy from Marks & Spencer

Top Looks for Spring/Summer

2012-04-17T17:45:00.004+01:00

The catwalk this season saw a return to the floaty, feminine looks that were in evidence for much of last summer – but with a few seasonal twists. If you’re looking to update your wardrobe for 2012 then here are the key trends to channel.

LOVE Angel Print Asymmetrical Maxi Dress £48 - Dorothy Perkins Pink Floral Print Dress £30 - Topshop Lace Strappy Dress £36 - Dorothy Perkins Coral Maxi Dress £60

Maxi dresses: They were everywhere last year, and the maxi is showing no sign of decline. Instead, the style has been fine-honed, with fabric now as much of a consideration as shape. Look for sheer, floaty materials such as chiffon, organza and, if you’re working on a budget, synthetic replicas. When it comes to colour, opt either for bold prints inspired by this season’s tribal theme, block colours or sorbets – for a high street buy, you can’t beat a maxi dress from Next, which follow the runway trends for summer clothes.

Midi dresses: Maxi dresses are glam and summery, but if you’re petite they can swamp your figure. Midi dresses are the alternative – shorter and equally as glamorous, they look great in bodycon fabric with cutaway sections. Take inspiration from the catwalk at Giorgio Armani – or from Victoria Beckham, whose new range of summer clothes contains some fantastic midis.

Florals: As a contrast to the tribal prints which are also a key look on the catwalk this season, florals are subtle and infinitely feminine. They’re perfect for summer, and look great at everything from a garden party to a wedding; and because the high street loves this trend, you won’t find it hard to create a budget look. If you’re wondering how to wear floral, check out the catwalk at Valentino or get inspiration from Vogue.

Asymmetrical hemlines: This isn’t a new one for spring/summer – designers have taken inspiration from the mullet dress, which has been a popular winter trend. This summer, though, you won’t just see asymmetrical hemlines appearing on dresses. Everything from tops to skirts and even jackets boast the look.

Lace: Touchy-feely styles were everywhere on the catwalk for spring/summer 2012, with sensuous fabrics such as chiffon and lace leading the trend. Look for delicate lace, and keep it subtle by wearing it on cuffs and accessories rather than opting for a lace top or dress.

Check out Next's info graphic to see if it is possible to place a value on some of the world’s most iconic dresses.

Zara Leopard Shirt with Studded Collar

2012-04-16T17:45:00.000+01:00

This Zara Leopard Shirt caught my eye as soon as I stepped into the store recently. I've got quite a collection of shirts - they're the ultimate piece of clothing for a smart/casual look and they're so versatile I believe you can never have too many! I love how this one is simple in design, with the leopard print and gold studded collar and cuffs making it a little different. I'm planning on wearing it with my American Apparel Disco Pants or a black tube skirt, although it would also look great paired with shorts and jeans. What do you think?