Holiday Style

If you're anything like me, then you love to dress up on holiday, in those cute little shorts and your summer dresses.  In honour of my Jamaican holiday I have put together for you my favourite holiday looks of the last 5 years, just as I didn't take as many vain pictures on this holiday.  And this is our goodbye to Summer and hello to Autumn.

Cuba 2011

 Mexico 2012

Ibiza 2012

Egypt 2013

Fuerteventura 2013

Miami 2014

New York 2014

Jamaica 2015

Jamaica 2015

MIA

Sorry I've been missing in action recently, I have a lot going on.  I had to find a new job as I'm being made redundant and now im in Jamaica for 2 weeks!  So definitely watch this space for when I return.

Weddings and What to Wear

Weddings are my favorite, this year I got to be a bridesmaid!  This was for my cousin's wedding two weeks ago now but it really was a great day that completely knackered me for the following day.

I think I'm a little bit obsessed with weddings, I once did a whole projects on them in AS Fine Art.  I also used to work in a florist during my business administration apprenticeship so I got to meet several brides and learn about the flowers for a wedding.  This will all be very beneficial when I plan my own wedding in the future.

But for now I would like to share a few wedding looks with you as I seem to have a fare few suitable dresses in my wardrobe.

Please note these clothes are not current collections in shops but I will note where they came from in case they have something similar.  Please excuse my chubbiness.

Look 1; 70s Chic - Tried and Tested

Hat:  Essential

Jacket; H&M

Dress; Forever 21

Necklace; Superdrug

Watch; Michael Kors

Clutch Bag; Primark

Wedges; Top Moda (Las Vegas market)

Look 2; Floral Flip

 Flower Hairclip; Primark

Blazer; Matalan

Dress; Raw

Handbag; Primark

Heels; New Look

Look 3; Floral Nude

Flower Headband; Home Bargains (Still have them)

Dress; Oasis

Clutch Bag; New Look

Heels; New Look

Look 4; Posh Pink

Fascinator; BHS

Dress; Mela Loves London

Handbag; Primark

Heels; New Look

Look 5; Slinky Mermaid

Fascinator; Debenhams

Blazer; Matalan

Dress; Lipsy

Heels; New Look

Look 6; Smart Rouge

Fascinator; Home Bargains (Still have them)

Necklace; Primark

Blouse; New Look

Belt; Boohoo

Skirt; Red Herring

Clutch Bag; Primark

Heels; New Look

I think the key to these looks is the accessories that pull it all together into wedding worthy attire.  So a fascinator, hat or even just flowers in your hair really amp up the glamour.  The jacket or cardigan and bag can really liven up any dress.  And of course a pair of heels or wedges finish the look but remember to bring flats if you want to dance the night away.

My top tip would be to pick a colour that complements you or the wedding theme and stick to a maximum of 4 colours for everything else.  And if you are wearing a print such as florals just stick to one or two items such as a dress or just heels and matching bag.

Mad on this Month

Yes I know it is only just into August but I am just addicted to...

Pinterest!  And yes I am very late to the party on this one but I kept coming across it on Facebook and just signed up last Saturday.  Firstly I looked at all the hair and beauty inspiration and naturally made a board for that.  Then came the wedding ideas!  No, I am not engaged or planning a wedding but this is fun.  I can see why so many brides just need Pinterest, it's very neat.

Now I'm at a point in my life where im starting to think about moving out, so of course I am now matulously planning each room with the help of Pinterest.  And it's so great how you can clearly see a person's tastes in one snapshot and share things with them that you may not know they like as well.  My personal decor taste is modern with a twist or touch of French feminism.

Also I couldn't leave fashion and shoes out so there is of course a board for each.  I'd love to see some your pin boards!

So please follow away and don't forget pin...

https://www.pinterest.com/elsybaby/

Let's Talk About Shoes!

I love shoes. Many people can tell when I say I have about 80 pairs! It has got a little bit out of hand and I am due a shoe cull. You must be wondering where on earth I keep all these shoes? 

Well they are spread in a number of places so I don't realise I have that many. Everyday shoes are in the hall cupboard with my family's shoes; my dad put a big shelf unit at the back which is perfect shoe height. Then I have some in the bottom of my wardrobe in shoe boxes and my special heels are under my lift up bed, neatly displayed in rows.

I once tried to keep them in this DVD display cabinet but the was a bit big in my room.

Heels and wedges are my favourite because they look so pretty but aren't always comfortable so I invest in plasters and gel cushions or strips to protect my feet from blisters.

My dream shoes are Christian Louboutin of course; but I may get some for my future wedding as they are so expensive and special.  I'm not sure exactly what style as I defo need a strap to keep my foot but a nude colour to go with everything.

I have recently started pinterest and have a pin board called Shoe Porn https://uk.pinterest.com/elsybaby/shore-porn/

Mad on This Month

I got these two new products at the airport on the way back from Amsterdam.

See I told you I would grow my collection!

First up I saw a little section with Anistasia Beverley Hills eyebrow products but not the eyebrow pomade but they did have the brow wiz so I got it!  I have heard so many good things about this product I had to have it at €24.50.  The medium brown shade is perfect for my eyebrows, not too dark and the product stays on well throughout the day.

Then I wanted a liquid lipstick or Matt lipstick so I saw the YSL Baby Doll Lips & Cheek and tried a few colours on my hand.  I went for a nice nudey pink and it looks lush with my skin tone.  I think it's shade 9 but I will double check that.  It was pricey at €32 but I had some money left that I wanted to use up so I didn't feel bad about it.

"You look like a tomboy"

Sorry that I've been MIA recently; I've been really busy with life.  I have just come back from a trip to Amsterdam so I thought I would go through travel essentials.

Firstly it is very hard to take only essentials in a small cabin sized bag.  But I didn't forget anything!

My top tips for packing are;

• Roll your clothes
• Weight your bag on 2 different scales to make sure it's in the limit
• Take out anything you might need and replace it with something you will need and definitely use
• Pack interchangeable outfits so you can switch from day to night easily
• Take a smaller secure bag for the day
• Always make a check list so you don't forget anything

Minimising my make up for the trip was hard but I thought that I didn't want to spend ages doing my make up I wanted to explore the city.  So I needed quick fixes and all under 100ml as I only took cabin baggage.

And going back to why my boyfriend called me a tomboy; it's because I was dressed practically not fashionably or overly girly.  Literally just top, hoody and skinny jeans.  I did have a few girly touches such as a pretty top and bright Turquoise Vans.  These are new and I got them in the Office sale for £25 (£28 but they had a mark).