Pre-Fall Collections

Pre-Fall for 2013 collections are just in, and obviously I had to share them with you. There are definite themes running through all of these pre-fall collections. The collections mainly feature nautral colour palettes, and leather. Oversized coats and just-over-the-knee styles made multiple appearances. Also, I love the embroidered patterns and satin-y finishes on some of the garments. I am very excited to read my favourite street-style blogs in the 'pre-fall', to see some of these looks in real life.  

BARBARA BUI

CARVEN

CÉLINE

CHLOÉ

ERDEM

STELLA MCCARTNEY

What  collections are you looking forward to for the fall?

Jennifer xx

Beauty Forecasting for 2013

To follow trends is something of a debate in the fashion and beauty world. Shouldn't one be setting the trends, not following them? But ultimately designers set the bar for what will be on trend in forthcoming seasons, and everyone else mimics this, but tries to put their unique spin on it.

I love seeing what to expect trend-wise, and I can tell that twenty thirteen will be bringing some crazy exciting fashion and beauty movements.

Beauty
Why do I get so much joy from looking at the forecasted beauty trends for the upcoming seasons? 

Braids;

Braids were all over the runway in NY fashion week, and I can tell that this look is going to be a big hit for twenty thirteen. My favourite ways to braid my hair is a fishtail braid or a princess crown braid.

Pink Eyeliner;

Again, straight from the catwalk, but isn't the pink eyeliner look fabulous? Sure, you do look a bit ill, but it's quite edgy. I like wearing pink eyeliner with a gold shimmer shadow, and just as a thick line on the lid(not under eye).

Matte Lips;

Already a big trend at the end of 2012, what with the Kate Moss matte collection(among other) launching, but in 2013, I can see matte lips getting even bigger.

Emerald;

The Pantone colour of the year for 2013 is Emerald(more on this in a later post), and I suspect this will inspire many beauty looks and runway styles.

Metallic Eyes;

A big hit in 2012, especially with the release of super metallic-y cream eyeshadows(Maybelline colour tattoo, anyone?), and I think that this trend will continue to grow in 2013. Keep your eye out for gun metal metallics as this was the colour that was all over the S/S13 catwalks.

CC Creams;

With the promise of a less oily texture, better coverage, more moisturising consistency and brightening powers, CC creams will be making their debut in beauty for 2013. After having heard about these in September of 2012, I was already intrigued by their benefits overriding BB creams, and have been waiting for their release for 2013(Olay are to be releasing one very soon).

Bare Faced;

A contrast to a lot of the other trends mentioned, the bare faced, natural look was favoured on the catwalks for 2013, and I think it is one that will make a great appearence in advertising campaigns and magazine editorials. Also, it means less effort for us!

What beauty trends are you looking forward to in 2013?

Jennifer xx

2013 To-Do-List

I know that the thought of writing new years resolutions is one that scares some people. And, to be honest, it kinda scares me too! There is always so much pressure to achieve the certain goals that you set out, which I think is one of the reasons that so many people give up. However, I have come up with a solution; a new year's to-do-list. A to do list is such a great way to keep organized, and I just love writing them so that I get to experience that proud feeling when you can tick something off!

This fun little DIY project I made can 

be pinned up somewhere to inspire you all year round, and is totally personalized and custom to you. Here is how I made it;

Step 1; I wrote my list. This isn't my proper resolutions, but this list is just some fun things that I really want to do in 2013,e.g go to the zoo and (finally) buy a MAC lipstick!

Step 2; I wrote up my list on the computer. I used the programme Paint because I thought that it would be the easiest way to make the image. I used lots of bright colours and creative fonts, but you can really personalize your list here.

Step 3; Print out your list, and gather some coloured paper.

Step 4; You will need: picture frame, scissors, coloured backing paper, your list, a hock nailed into the wall.

Step 5; Assemble! Layer your coloured paper behing you cut-out list in the picture frame. Then hang the frame on the wall. Here is my finished project, and I'm sure that it will inspire me all year!

What would you like to do this year?

Jennifer xx

New Years Resolutions

The hype of setting New Years' Resolutions can be overwhelming around this time of year, but people have actually been setting them for thousands of years. Did you know that the ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts; that the Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named; that in the Medieval era, the knights took the "peacock vow" at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.

I have only three resolutions this year. They are much more simple than my past resolutions, and  I have also included one blog-o-lution, just as a little extra challenge.

I took this from the top deck of the Eiffel Tower in 2011, but I would love to go back.

To go to Paris. I have visited Paris 7 or 8 times before, but the last time I went was February 2011, and I miss it. Before when I've been to Paris I've always wanted to go to Disneyland or do touristy things, but this coming year I would love to really explore Paris. I would love to be dropped off somewhere in the city and wander around with some money and a camera and see what I discover. Also, I really feel that my beginner French could blossom with a long weekend?!

Eat Healthier. I know that this has probably made everyones list, but I really do want to eat healthier food in 2013. I eat rubbish and I know that it isn't benefiting my body or my already breakout prone skin. Some of my favourite foods are already fruits(um, watermelon, anyone?) and vegetables(see brussel sprouts and broccoli). I don't have a goal to lose weight or a plan to diet, but by eating healthier in the coming year, I hope to get my body to somewhere better than it currently is, like a fruit salad paradise.

Get moister! I know that this one sounds really weird, but my whole body has been feeling really dry lately, especially my face and hair. I don't know whether this is due to the fact that we are in Winter, or if my skin/hair has been dry for a while and I just haven't noticed. Anyhow, it has to stop. In 2013 I have made it a resolution to moisturise as often as possible and try and do a hair mask or a hot oil treatment at least once a week. However, as much work as this resolution sounds  I will have an excuse to try out as many hand and body creams as I like.

My Blog Resolution:
To take better swatch pictures. I really need to improve the quality of my swatches. Whenever I swatch on my hand and take a picture, it always ends up looking like a dodgy crippled hand, and the swatch is usually blurred or not visible, and not true to the product. I will be avidly googling and testing out different ways to take better swatch pictures for you guys, thus making it my Bog Resolution for 2013.

Have you made any resolutions for 2012?
Jennifer xx

New Year Glitter Nail

I cannot fathom the fact that we are in a different year to the one that we were in a coupe of hours ago. It's a crazy thought. I want to wish all of you, my gorgeous readers, a very happy new year. I truly hope that 2013 is great for you, and everything turns out amazingly in your life in this coming year.

I actually welcomed the new year with the crowds in London. It really was incredible to party with 200,000 people to ring in the new year! What did you guys do to celebrate the new year?

On a more jovial note, as it is New Years Day, I thought that I would show you guys what I wore on my nails on New Years Eve. I painted my nails with a bright but dark(if you know what I mean) fuchsia with a glitter ombre effect. The pink polish is a Maybelline one in Pink Orchid, and the glitter polish is Barry M's amethyst glitter. The glitter ombre effect is SO easy to do, but if you need a little help, this blog is very useful. Here it is, my New Years Eve/Day ombre glitter nail;

 Did you have a nice New Year? What have you got planned to make this year special!
I wish you all a happy and healthy new year!

Jennifer xx

New Years' Eve; Walking In Heels

The daunting task of donning a pair of sky high heels to 'pull your outfit together' for New Years' is something that awaits most women at this time of the year. However, it's the actual steps that are more worrying than slipping your feet into the shoes.  But most women can agree that knowing they look great in a pair of heels would be all the more satisfying if they didn't have to fret about falling over, or breaking the stiletto off (eek!). As we all know, although it's embarrassing to ask for help, a few intelligent tips can go a long way, maybe long enough to ensure that you dance the New Year away, still wearing your heels.

Choosing the right heels is step one. Obviously stilettos are harder to walk in than platforms, and shoes with no strap could fall off more easily. I would suggest this; if you have never walked in heels before, go for a wedge. They are the most stable type of heel, and you are less likely to fall over in them.  For the semi-experienced heel wearer, i.e. the girl who buys heels and only wears them occasionally, go for a chunky heel. By wearing a chunky heel, you reduce the risk of falling as the shoes stable, but unlike the wedge, chunky heels normally have more height, or are platforms. An über experienced heel wearer obviously wouldn't need me to tell them what type of heels to wear; however, I hold the view that: if you've got it, flaunt it. If you find that you can walk in skyscraper heels, why not wear them? My favourite style of the moment is a dark, velvet platform, in burgundy or emerald, for example.

A wedge, a chunky heel and platforms.

It doesn't matter whether it's Compeed or Sainsbury's basics, layer up those blister plasters like there's no tomorrow. While it may not be the most scientific tip, it certainly works. By cushioning your feet, especially where you're prone to blisters, with an effective layer of 'fake skin' made of plasters, you are protecting your actual skin from getting rubbed and hurt. This is my go-to plan every time I wear heels, and it actually works. I feel that I can keep my heels on for a least a couple more hours if I put plasters on before I go out. Cushioning gel pads for your shoes also work well if you don't want to waste plasters (the Compeed ones can get quite expensive!), and you can re-use them.

Walking with confidence sounds like such a simple task, but in reality? Not so much. Walking with confidence will actually lower your chances of falling over (you know where you're going, and with purpose), and the impact of your gorgeous heels will be enhanced by your gorgeous body language. My tip for confident walking? Think about something else. If you spend the whole time while you're walking worrying about falling over or embarrassing yourself, then you probably will embarrass yourself, and you certainly won't be having a good time. Think about how great you feel in your heels, think about what cocktail you are planning to order when you reach the bar, even think about how fantastic your crush(yes, we have been momentarily transported back to primary school) will think you'll look.

But probably my most important tip is this; only wear heels if you want to! If, five minutes after you're supposed to have left for that party, you are sitting on your bed, sick to the stomach nervous about wearing heels, don't wear them. There are thousands gorgeous pairs of flats on the market,  and you can still look just as gorgeous in a pair of comfy flats than an ominous pair of heels.

Enjoy your New Years' ladies!

Jennifer xx