SO FAR, SO CHIC

Rouge Bunny Rouge - Dissolved in Dreams Lipstick

2012-02-21T21:12:00.001Z

I was looking through my iPhoto (which I just cleared out and dumped onto an external hard drive because it was crashing my whole computer every time it opened) and I came across these old pictures I took for Zuneta.com. Rouge Bunny Rouge Succulence of Dew Lipstick in Dissolved in Dreams is an amazing colour! Love the pretty shimmer. Methinks I need to resurrect this lipstick from my 'lip products' drawer.

Quick Review: Three Recent Mascara Releases

2012-02-19T14:26:00.001Z

I'll cut right to the chase: one of these mascaras is good. No7 Lash Adapt has been my mascara of choice since I picked it up with a handy £5 off Boots voucher towards the end of last year.

The medium-sized bristle brush allows you to coat all of your lashes, creating lots of volume while keeping a soft, fluttery look. The 'lash adapt' element means you can add as many layers as you like for a lighter or heavier effect. It's quite simply a fab mascara and one I can see myself sticking with until something else throws itself at my eyes.

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast came free with a magazine and my Lash Adapt had dried up so I put it into makeup bag circulation. The wand is massive and I find it nearly impossible not to blob mascara around my eyes as I apply. The bristles are in a spiral shape with gaps between each layer; not conducive to catching all of your lashes or creating a soft, voluminous look. The formula applies unevenly. Do. Not. Want.

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic was given to me and, still without a new Lash Adapt and with the above failing to impress, I faithfully gave it a go. The rubber wand is long and skinny and allows for precise application. I already have long lashes so am not the target customer for this mascara, however I don't see the point in having twelve spindly, stabby lashes when you could have a normal amount of shorter, thicker lashes that actually make your eyes look pretty. When I apply this my lashes stick together in spears and I have to use the end of the wand to try and prise them apart. They're also crispy. The only thing 'false lash' is how unnatural it looks to have twelve spider legs stuck to your eye. One plus point: the skinny wand is good for bottom lashes.

My recommendation if you're looking for a reasonably priced, reliable mascara is Boots No7 Lash Adapt, which costs £12.50. If you have any suggestions for me please leave them in the comments!

Stay Little Valentine, Stay

2012-02-14T21:31:00.002Z

Pink sparkly pedicure courtesy of Illamasqua and Filthy Gorgeous.

'Slutty Brownies' for the boy thanks to Rose at The Londoner.

Oozingly good but my heart was soon broken... and eaten.

Homemade chocolates for me from my love. Delicious!

French toast with berries and maple syrup - how lucky am I?!

New Cath Kidston tablecloth we bought in the sale.

Beautiful roses and candles with breakfast.

... Onto dinner and time for some champagne.

And chocolates. Dreamy day. Thank you J. xxx

Trilogy Launch Helping Hand Wash for Charity

2012-02-07T13:35:00.001Z

To celebrate their tenth anniversary, Trilogy are introducing Helping Hand Wash, with 100 per cent of the profits going to the Child's i Foundation. The charity was founded by former television producer Lucy Buck to help end the tragedy of baby abandonment in Uganda.

Helping Hand Wash combines the natural antibacterial properties of elderberry and burdock with natural vegetable oils in an effective, low-foaming liquid soap. It's scented with lavender, rose geranium and frankincense, so is sure to smell delicious too. Why not keep your hands and your conscience clean by supporting this fab product!

Trilogy Helping Hand Wash is available from Boots, £13.50 (300ml).

Wintery Weekend in Cornwall

2012-02-05T17:43:00.000Z

A few weeks ago we headed down to Cornwall for J's brother's 30th birthday. It was absolutely freezing but the cloud-dotted skies made for some pretty hipstamatic pictures. On our last day we drove from Falmouth to Porthleven to meet up with my nan, aunty and aunty's fiance who live nearby. Porthleven is a pretty harbour town with some great pubs and a very precarious breakwater you can walk out onto if you like risking getting at best soaked, at worst swept out to sea! Obviously I was stood right on the end twatting around posing for photos. I love Porthleven – it reminds me of my childhood and family.

We stayed at a superb B&B in Falmouth called 'Sixteen'. It was absolutely immaculate with lovely sheets and towels, a living room with open fire for us to lounge in (I wish we'd had time) and a wonderful host called Sharon who baked homemade cakes every day and left them out for us to enjoy whatever hour we returned! She also made delicious breakfasts. The B&B is well-situated, fairly priced, has its own parking and I highly recommend you stay there if planning a trip to Falmouth!

Review: Stella by Stella McCartney Perfume

2012-02-05T17:18:00.000Z

I feel like this perfume came to me by osmosis. Years of occasionally smelling it on other people allowed it to filter into my brain via my nose and take root there as a scent I began to love. A couple of friends either wear or have worn Stella but somehow it hasn't become too 'them' to be 'me' as well. Perhaps because I don't see either of them frequently. Its smell is distinct and original in a perfume market full of bland clones.

The top notes are rose essence, peony flower and mandarin essence. Rose absolute is the heart note and the base notes are 'woody notes' and amber. If you dislike rose scents and therefore have avoided this perfume, I suggest giving it a try. I find some rose-based products too 'granny floral' but I absolutely adore Stella. It's intoxicating!

The concept behind the fragrance is the contrast between the freshness and softness of rose, and the dark sensuality of amber. On application it's quite strong but you don't keep smelling it on yourself all day. I think other people may catch a whiff though as I remember from past experience of smelling it on my friends. I rarely like perfumes that are so pervasive you cannot forget about them for a moment.

The bottle is pretty, like a faceted amethyst gem. The limited edition floral print bottles in three different designs are also beautiful if you can still find them. While it may have taken a few years for this gorgeous perfume to find its way to me, I think it's definitely here to stay.

Stella by Stella McCartney is available from Escentual.com, from £38.

Competition Update: Guess What?

2012-01-27T15:45:00.001Z

I won the Friday Night Fashion Frock-off! Pompoms for everyone!

My friend Bryony made me into a 'pomeranian' on Fotoshop. Sexy.

I wore very elongated Eylure 'party perfect' falsies that were not subtle!

Friday Night Fashion Frock-off

2012-01-20T12:00:00.002Z

All women know the power of the Little Black Dress. The magic LBD can be worn any number of ways and lends itself to many occasions. This was the idea behind ellos.co.uk's Friday Night Fashion Frock-off. Four bloggers were sent the same dress and asked to style it however they wished. A panel of judges will choose a favourite and the winning blogger gets £150 towards a meal out for them and their friends. Wish me luck! Here's my entry...

Marc Jacobs heels, homemade pom poms, a slick of Sleek 'cherry' lipstick and not forgetting a lot, lot, lot of backcombing. Thank you to my lovely friend Bryony who could have laughed a lot more than she did while taking the photos. What do you guys think of the look?

January So Far...

2012-01-12T23:11:00.000Z

_
I don't know about you but it takes me ages to get into the swing of January. We're supposed to be refreshed and raring to go but I'm more like a dormouse emerging from a nest of chocolates and Home Alone.

I am very much enjoying my new Chanel compact mirror – well the look of it anyway, it has yet to come out of the present pile and 'into circulation'. My Jigsaw wallet is huge and beautiful. Thanks Mummy Wheat for these lovely gifts.

Other happenings have included a little one-year anniversary for J and I for which I was treated to a lovely meal at the same restaurant we went to for our first real date. He also bought me flowers both days of the weekend which equalled one huge, heavenly bunch.

The last of the Christmas chocolates have nearly gone – I was down to the disgusting orange and strawberry Roses but don't worry I still ate all of them. The tape measure is an old cracker gift. I've decided to keep it in my bag as I'm always in need of one and trying to wrap J's metal tape measure around my waist just isn't practical.

I found the necklace in the Accessorize sale. It had a disgusting white backing and some dangly chain things, both of which I removed. I've already had to glue two stones back in but I do love it.

How's your January going?

New Favourite Thing: Michael Kors MK5076

2012-01-02T15:37:00.000Z

sofarsochic

Meet my new watch. J got it for me for Christmas and I love it. I'm still getting used to it clunking around on my wrist but I think it's fabulous.

Good Tidings We Bring...

2011-12-25T15:45:00.000Z

... to you and your kin! Have a lovely, relaxing Christmas everyone.

Time to Tousle

2011-12-21T17:51:00.000Z

Style by Kling

Reading Style by Kling and absolutely sickened to see a post where Elin is doing a photoshoot and the hairstylist plaits a section of her hair underneath at the back because it's 'too thick'! What a nightmare! Anyway, totally loving the finished wavy style. Wondering if a Babyliss Waving Wand might create a similar affect. Anyone have one?

Eye Shadow for Blue Eyes

2011-12-19T08:00:00.002Z

sofarsochic

Most women know that brown and burnished colours are meant to make blue eyes stand out, but finding the right shade can be tricky. Some brown colours leave you looking tired or ill. This eye shadow from Lancome is perfect for adding subtle definition and is especially great on blue eyes. It's called 'Cuban Brown' and is from Lancome's Ombre Absolue Radiant Smoothing Eye Shadow range.

What's in my Handbag?

2011-12-18T08:00:00.000Z

I don't know about you but I love having a nose through other women's favourite products and what could be better than a peak in their handbag? That's the premise of new website What's in My Handbag? They have an advent calendar – the 25 handbags of Christmas – and I'm today, the 18th. Click through to see some of my beauty essentials. I'm in great company so make sure you check the other days too!

whatsinmyhandbag.com

Christmas Gifts from Jo Malone

2011-12-17T16:09:00.001Z

Who wouldn't want to open a beautiful gift-wrapped Jo Malone treat on Christmas day? This cracker with mini Grapefruit Cologne, Pomegranate Noir Body Creme and Lime, Basil and Mandarin Body and Hand Wash offers a little bit of luxury (and I do mean little – the cologne is 9ml) for £28.

Unfortunately someone at Jo Malone missed a trick and it's sold out online. However, I think it's still available in store. I've had mine since the press event in July and haven't run out – the quality is so good that you only need a tiny bit. You can still smell the fragrance of the body products hours after application and they smell incredible!

If this set is sold out, there are lots of other goodies on the Jo Malone website to choose from – last day for Christmas delivery is 12.00 pm Wednesday 20th December. I highly recommend the products as gifts.

jomalone.co.uk

Liberty Christmas Shop

2011-12-17T15:42:00.000Z

Sofarsochic

Every year I decorate the (fake) Christmas tree at my mum's house and it's really not much fun at all. I miss my dad; Christmas feels pretend; the tree is always red and gold... Anyway, enough of my fractured family – this is about baubles.

Since I met someone in January, this Christmas promises to be different, and therefore, better. For reasons I won't go into involving his ex girlfriend, J doesn't have any Christmas decorations. This suits me fine as I get to buy all new ones!

It's been harder than I anticipated to get hold of some decent baubles. B&Q had the biggest selection but all had to be threaded. Sainsbury's and Tesco had a few as well. However, when in London for work I popped to the Liberty Christmas Shop and entered bauble heaven. So many beautiful glass decorations. I spent ages choosing the best ones. While some were quite expensive, most cost no more than the individual plastic baubles you see everywhere. Still, I only bought six!

Gorgeous Gifts for Girls: Clothes & Accessories

2011-12-16T15:55:00.002Z

Clockwise from top left:

Hobbs NW3 Malton Sweater, £65. Navy jumper with a hint of sparkle.

Michael Kors MK5076 chronograph watch, £179. If you can't afford a Rolex... Who can? Smart watch, more low-key than the gold versions.

Anya Hindmarch Girlie Stuff Wash Bag, £85. Maybe some lucky ducks can collect the whole range. I'd be happy with anything Anya!

Hobbs Liberty Necklace, £55. Love.

Warehouse Jumper, £45. If you're a size 12 get an 8. It's loose.

Archie Grand Notebook – Doctors I Met And Liked, £9.95. There's only one but I like him a lot! *smug face* These gorgeous notebooks come in multiple colours and phrases.

French Sole Harriet in Black Patent, £113. Toe cleavagey, patent, quilted pump perfection.

Neom Christmas Wish Candle, £40. The best wintery candle, or so I'm told. For each candle sold £1 is donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Tissot Ladies PR100 Bracelet Watch, £134. For those with smaller wrists. I like this but prefer an oversized look so might opt for the men's version. (I haven't seen any of these watches in real life.)

See By Chloe Black Poya Flap Wallet, £135. Also comes in bright yellow! Classic shape but also fun.

Jigsaw Fair Isle Patterned Scarf, £59. She's a beauty! *

Jigsaw Large Leather Zip Wallet, £55. Reasonable price for a simple, stylish wallet. Also comes in black and gold. Love them all!

Jigsaw Knitted Beanie Hat, £29. Slouchy without being grunge. *

Hobbs Lafayette Necklace, £41. I've been on the hunt for the perfect jewelled necklace forever and ever. This comes pretty close.

**cough* These items go with my Zara coat, as do these cashmere gloves. My wallet is worn out and I don't even have a watch... *cough*

Practical and Pretty Christmas Gift Guide: Beauty

2011-12-07T16:23:00.000Z

Sofarsochic

Clockwise from top left:
Life NK Ultimate Unwind and Drift Away Bath & Shower Gels, £12.50 each. Big bottles, free from synthetic nasties and smell lovely.

Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm, £36. Caroline Hirons says this is the shit. Works to decongest and normalise skin whether dry or spot-prone.

Elemis Tranquil Touch Exotic Stars, £25. Patchouli, cedarwood and vetivert scents, plus a mini candle to make your bathroom a bit spa-ish.

Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Red Lizard, £17.50. Hoping for warm skintone-suiting, wear-anywhere, perfect red.*

Laura Mercier Cream Cheek Colour in Blaze, £18.50. I've had this in another shade, Oleander, for years and love it. Repurchased it and got this one as well. Good for a wintery flushed cheek look.*

Alpha-H Liquid Gold Supersize, £36.76. Finished my sample bottle ages ago and definitely want more of this glycolic, skin-clearing stuff. Not a luxury to use but a necessity if your skin is lazy like mine. This size is good value and will last an age.

Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment, £21.50. If your hair's as knackered as mine you might need this. All Aveda products are glorious and this has stellar reviews.

Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser, £12. Amanda McLennan recommended this to me. I was sold.*

Origins Ginger Treats, £29. Ginger treats! Perfect for my inner redhead. Love the smell of this stuff.

Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia Cologne, £72. Trying out a little tester of this at the moment and it's probably more of a spring fragrance but anything Jo Malone wins in my book.

Chanel Miroir Double facettes Miroir Duo, between £23-£32. This seems to be a bit tricky to get hold of and I can't find a definite price. One side is a regular mirror, the other is magnifying. And it's Chanel.

Bobbi Brown Eye Definer Brush, £23. Supposedly makes eye-shadow-as-eyeliner and gel liner a synch to apply. Ideal to use with...*

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, £16.50. Everyone says it's a classic. Time I found out what all the fuss is about. Hoping it's amazing for winged liner looks.*

* Stuff I already bought myself when House of Fraser had a sale on but might give mum to give to me for Christmas, aka, I haven't used it yet!

What beauty products are on your Christmas list? Or what beauty gifts have you received in the past and loved? Spill the beans...

Sarah Jessica Parker's Time to Shine

2011-12-06T15:21:00.000Z

I think SJP looked stunning in this Theyskens' Theory dress at last night’s Kennedy Center Honors event. Not many people could pull it off but Sarah Jessica Parker's doll-like proportions lend themselves to the babydoll shape. Unusual and magnificent! What do you think?

Cos it's Cold Outside

2011-12-02T17:00:00.001Z

sofarsochic
I popped into Cos while in London this week for work and couldn't resist this gorgeous navy striped scarf. It's made of 65 per cent wool and is super long, wide and snuggly. I also love the pretty Christmassy coloured bag with gift tag; it makes my present (to myself) even better!

The Cos scarf costs £35. It reminds me of this All Saints scarf that I was obsessed with last winter. Still love it.

Brush Cleaning Secrets

2011-12-01T12:16:00.000Z

I don't have any. Do you? I could never be a makeup artist (aside from the total lack of skill) because I find brush cleaning one of the most boring activities in existence. My current method involves shampoo, my hand and a lot of swirling and rinsing. Any useful tips or shortcuts gratefully received. I get to a point where I just stop using brushes rather than wash them. Lazy little me. Ps I promise to blog more in December.

Review: A Scent by Issey Miyake

2011-11-10T22:28:00.000Z

Sometimes you don't want to smell of spices or berries or dew collected from the backs of rare Himalayan mountaintop beetles; you just want to smell 'clean'. Enter... A Scent by Issey Miyake.

This fragrance is very green, very clean and borderline soapy. Those people who are obsessed with the smell of fresh linen and washing powder – this one's for you.

Here's the description: 'floral, feminine and warm: a bouquet of flowers made of hyacinth, jasmine and rose petals fused with the warmth of woody notes.' I smell hyacinth – delicate yet pervasive – but I don't smell jasmine or rose. This perfume doesn't strike me as warm or woody, either. It's as cool and crisp as a cologne but with enough white floral to stop it from being masculine. One you'll either love or hate.

It's too green for me, or maybe just too grown-up.

A Scent by Issey Miyake is available at Escentual.com.

Magazine Fatigue

2011-11-07T16:33:00.002Z

So far so chic

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I adore magazines. The shiny covers, the photos, the content... Even the ads have aesthetic appeal to me. Sitting down with an immaculate new glossy is a treat and an occasion that warrants peace and quiet and a freshly brewed cup of tea.

However, I don't like them as much as I used to. My experiences in journalism and blogging have taught me how advertising- and money-motivated the content is – when the beauty editor says she loves something, she has to say she loves it because the advertisers pay her wages. Magazines give me ideas: blogs provide the reality behind beauty editors' suggestions.

I always loved ELLE but it's really lost its shine through ever more annoying attempts to be 'cool'. The fashion pages are unwearable and abstract and the modular, formulaic layout of the articles bores me before I've read a word. As a subscriber I felt increasingly disappointed and irritated with the crap 'subscriber covers'. Black and white close-ups where half of the person's face is obscured by hair? What an exclusive treat! As an editor of careers magazines I'd help to choose the cover images for my publications: a bad cover really bothers me. I want glamour, not Kirsten Dunst with one eye. Subscription not renewed.

Yawn. ELLE's subscriber covers.

My favourite for the past few years has been Red. Apart from a few irrelevant articles about having kids, how kids make mess, how busy women are after they have kids... it's all good. Hugely readable, gorgeous fashions (thanks to SFSC girl crush Laura Fantacci at Wearing It Today) and aspirational home and cooking pages too. I loved this Cat Deeley cover from July 2011. Glam, fun and summery.

Which brings me to Vogue's delightful December 2011 cover. I saw this in the supermarket and wanted to buy it. I don't particularly relate to Vogue but I love this cover. Doesn't it make you happy? Who wouldn't want a Vogue Christmas? Maybe I am still a magazine girl after all...

Noë Shoes? Welcome to the Candy Shop

2011-11-01T13:42:00.000Z

Last Friday I attended the BINTM Live event for work. While checking out the stalls at the exhibition I stumbled across Noë shoes. Any arrangement of multiple different colours of one thing appeals to me; when that 'thing' is shoes, I get overexcited.

Noë is a Belgian company founded in 2008 by Luca Dereu. The brand offer 87 colours, 7 different heel heights, 7 different materials and 7 different styles. They also make a wide range of sizes. The chap on the stall told me they have a website but I can't find it. However, the shoes are currently available on Sarenza. Noë are due to open a store on London's King's Road soon as well. Who's tempted?

Recent Happenings + Charlie Becomes a Real Dog

2011-10-22T13:31:00.000+01:00

So far so chic

Pretty new hair thanks to Marie at Impression Hair Design, Stroud.

Charlie got a ball he can actually fit in his mouth and is keen on it.

J took me for a surprise spa weekend at Wyck Hill House Hotel!